KANSAS CITY —A Missouri woman was arrested Friday morning on federal charges in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Elvis Presley’s family of millions of dollars and steal the family’s ownership interest in Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, located in Memphis, Tennessee, according to the United State's Attorney.

Lisa Jeanine Findley, also known as Lisa Holden, Lisa Howell, Gregory Naussany, Kurt Naussany, Lisa Jeanine Sullins, and Carolyn Williams, 53, of Kimberling City, Missouri, was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed Friday after her arrest. Findley will make her initial appearance later Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

“As alleged in the complaint, the defendant orchestrated a scheme to conduct a fraudulent sale of Graceland, falsely claiming that Elvis Presley’s daughter had pledged the historic landmark as collateral for a loan that she failed to repay before her death,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As part of the brazen scheme, we allege that the defendant created numerous false documents and sought to extort a settlement from the Presley family. Now she is facing federal charges. The Criminal Division and its partners are committed to holding fraudsters to account.”

“As a Memphian, I know that Graceland is a national treasure,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “This defendant allegedly used a brazen scheme to try to defraud the Presley family of their interest in this singularly important landmark. Of course, all homeowners deserve to have their property protected from fraud, and the Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who commits financial crimes or identity theft.”

According to court documents, Findley allegedly posed as three different individuals affiliated with a fictitious private lender named Naussany Investments &amp; Private Lending LLC (Naussany Investments). Findley allegedly claimed falsely that Elvis Presley’s daughter had borrowed $3.8 million in 2018 from Naussany Investments, pledged Graceland as collateral for the loan, and failed to repay the debt. 

To settle the purported claim, Findley allegedly sought $2.85 million from Elvis Presley’s family. Findley allegedly fabricated loan documents on which Findley forged the signatures of Elvis Presley’s daughter and a Florida State notary public. 

Findley then allegedly filed a false creditor’s claim with the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles, and a fake deed of trust with the Shelby County Register’s Office in Memphis. Findley also allegedly published a fraudulent foreclosure notice in&nbsp;The Commercial Appeal, one of Memphis’s daily newspapers, announcing that Naussany Investments planned to auction Graceland to the highest bidder on May 23. Finally, when Naussany Investments was sued by Elvis Presley’s family in Tennessee state court as part of an effort to stop the sale of Graceland, Findley allegedly submitted false court filings.

After the scheme attracted global media attention, Findley allegedly wrote to representatives of Elvis Presley’s family, the Tennessee state court, and the media to claim falsely that the person responsible for the scheme was a Nigerian identity thief located in Nigeria.

“Fame and money are magnets for criminals who look to capitalize on another person’s celebrity status,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. 

“In this case, Ms. Findley allegedly took advantage of the very public and tragic occurrences in the Presley family as an opportunity to prey on the name and financial status of the heirs to the Graceland estate, attempting to steal what rightfully belongs to the Presley family for her personal gain. 

Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners put an end to her alleged scheme, protecting the Presley family from continued harm and stress. This is an example of our relentless investigative work and commitment to bringing criminals to justice for their illegal activity.”

“Today’s announcement of charges and law enforcement action shows our broad approach to investigating allegations of identity theft and mail fraud, which can affect people from all walks of life,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Memphis Field Office. “We will continue to vigorously pursue cases against individuals, in the United States and abroad, who would steal an identity and use fraud to benefit themselves personally.”

Findley is charged with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, she faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud.

USPIS and the FBI Memphis Field Office are investigating the case with significant assistance from the FBI Kansas City Field Office. &nbsp;

Assistant Chief Cory E. Jacobs and Trial Attorney Christopher Fenton of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. André III for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.

KANSAS CITY —A Missouri woman was arrested Friday morning on federal charges in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Elvis Presley’s family of millions of dollars and steal the family’s ownership interest in Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, located in Memphis, Tennessee, according to the United State's Attorney.Lisa Jeanine Findley, also known as Lisa Holden, Lisa Howell, Gregory Naussany, Kurt Naussany, Lisa Jeanine Sullins, and Carolyn Williams, 53, of Kimberling City, Missouri, was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed Friday after her arrest. Findley will make her initial appearance later Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.“As alleged in the complaint, the defendant orchestrated a scheme to conduct a fraudulent sale of Graceland, falsely claiming that Elvis Presley’s daughter had pledged the historic landmark as collateral for a loan that she failed to repay before her death,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As part of the brazen scheme, we allege that the defendant created numerous false documents and sought to extort a settlement from the Presley family. Now she is facing federal charges. The Criminal Division and its partners are committed to holding fraudsters to account.”“As a Memphian, I know that Graceland is a national treasure,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “This defendant allegedly used a brazen scheme to try to defraud the Presley family of their interest in this singularly important landmark. Of course, all homeowners deserve to have their property protected from fraud, and the Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who commits financial crimes or identity theft.”According to court documents, Findley allegedly posed as three different individuals affiliated with a fictitious private lender named Naussany Investments &amp; Private Lending LLC (Naussany Investments). Findley allegedly claimed falsely that Elvis Presley’s daughter had borrowed $3.8 million in 2018 from Naussany Investments, pledged Graceland as collateral for the loan, and failed to repay the debt. To settle the purported claim, Findley allegedly sought $2.85 million from Elvis Presley’s family. Findley allegedly fabricated loan documents on which Findley forged the signatures of Elvis Presley’s daughter and a Florida State notary public. Findley then allegedly filed a false creditor’s claim with the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles, and a fake deed of trust with the Shelby County Register’s Office in Memphis. Findley also allegedly published a fraudulent foreclosure notice in&nbsp;The Commercial Appeal, one of Memphis’s daily newspapers, announcing that Naussany Investments planned to auction Graceland to the highest bidder on May 23. Finally, when Naussany Investments was sued by Elvis Presley’s family in Tennessee state court as part of an effort to stop the sale of Graceland, Findley allegedly submitted false court filings.After the scheme attracted global media attention, Findley allegedly wrote to representatives of Elvis Presley’s family, the Tennessee state court, and the media to claim falsely that the person responsible for the scheme was a Nigerian identity thief located in Nigeria.“Fame and money are magnets for criminals who look to capitalize on another person’s celebrity status,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “In this case, Ms. Findley allegedly took advantage of the very public and tragic occurrences in the Presley family as an opportunity to prey on the name and financial status of the heirs to the Graceland estate, attempting to steal what rightfully belongs to the Presley family for her personal gain. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners put an end to her alleged scheme, protecting the Presley family from continued harm and stress. This is an example of our relentless investigative work and commitment to bringing criminals to justice for their illegal activity.”“Today’s announcement of charges and law enforcement action shows our broad approach to investigating allegations of identity theft and mail fraud, which can affect people from all walks of life,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Memphis Field Office. “We will continue to vigorously pursue cases against individuals, in the United States and abroad, who would steal an identity and use fraud to benefit themselves personally.”Findley is charged with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, she faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud.USPIS and the FBI Memphis Field Office are investigating the case with significant assistance from the FBI Kansas City Field Office. &nbsp;Assistant Chief Cory E. Jacobs and Trial Attorney Christopher Fenton of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. André III for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.

Missouri woman charged with trying to defraud Elvis Presley's family

(Radio Iowa) - The World Health Organization is declaring an international health emergency over m-pox, what used to be known as monkeypox, though -no- cases are reported in Iowa and generally, Iowans are just warned to be aware. 

Brian Simmons, an infection preventionist with Gundersen Health System, says m-pox is a virus that's spread either through close contact with family members or through sexual contact. It can cause sores on different parts of the body and can be fatal, especially a new strain that's appearing primarily in African nations. Simmons says this virus shouldn't be a big worry for the majority of Iowans, though people need to stay informed. 

State health officials say a limited amount of m-pox vaccines are available to eligible individuals in 13 Iowa counties.

(Radio Iowa) - The World Health Organization is declaring an international health emergency over m-pox, what used to be known as monkeypox, though -no- cases are reported in Iowa and generally, Iowans are just warned to be aware. Brian Simmons, an infection preventionist with Gundersen Health System, says m-pox is a virus that's spread either through close contact with family members or through sexual contact. It can cause sores on different parts of the body and can be fatal, especially a new strain that's appearing primarily in African nations. Simmons says this virus shouldn't be a big worry for the majority of Iowans, though people need to stay informed. State health officials say a limited amount of m-pox vaccines are available to eligible individuals in 13 Iowa counties.

Iowans at risk of contracting mpox should consider getting vaccinated

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Reynolds is seeking a waiver to use federal funds to provide boxes of food for low income Iowa kids NEXT summer. 

Reynolds turned down 29 million dollars in federal funding for a program THIS summer that would have provided an extra 120 dollars in grocery money for each child who qualifies for a free or reduced price lunch at school. The money is distributed with Electronic Benefit Transfer or E-B-T cards that can be used at grocery stores where food stamps are accepted. 

The governor's request is for Iowa to get the 29 million next summer and use it to provide boxes of groceries to feed an estimated 300-thousand children. Reynolds says her alternative will use bulk purchasing and provide healthier food to families.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Reynolds is seeking a waiver to use federal funds to provide boxes of food for low income Iowa kids NEXT summer. Reynolds turned down 29 million dollars in federal funding for a program THIS summer that would have provided an extra 120 dollars in grocery money for each child who qualifies for a free or reduced price lunch at school. The money is distributed with Electronic Benefit Transfer or E-B-T cards that can be used at grocery stores where food stamps are accepted. The governor's request is for Iowa to get the 29 million next summer and use it to provide boxes of groceries to feed an estimated 300-thousand children. Reynolds says her alternative will use bulk purchasing and provide healthier food to families.

Governor seeks waiver for summer of 2025 low income feeding program

Democratic nominee Crystal Quade labels GOP rival as ‘extremist’

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

SEDALIA — Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Kehoe and Democrat Crystal Quade agreed Thursday to a debate next month hosted by the Missouri Press Association.

Kehoe did not participate in several Republican debates in the run up to the Aug. 6 primary. News stations have offered to moderate a Kehoe-Quade debate, but a date has not yet been set&nbsp; — though Kehoe said both parties were “interested.”

Both gubernatorial candidates spoke briefly to reporters following the annual governor’s ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair Thursday morning, an event packed with elected officials and candidates for office up and down the ballot.&nbsp;

They promised a debate on the issues, rather than name-calling and performance.

“I am excited to have a conversation about policy differences and trying to get away from the flamethrowers and ridiculousness that we saw in the primary,” Quade said.

Kehoe said Quade’s viewpoints are “100% different” than his, but he expects the race to&nbsp; remain cordial.

“We are old fashioned in that we can disagree and still have a relationship with each other,” he said.

Quade also emphasized their differences Thursday, saying that although other candidates in the Republican primary appeared “extreme,” she believes Kehoe would ultimately govern similarly.

“While folks may say that one (Republican candidate) is more moderate than the other, the reality is Lt. Gov. Kehoe would sign the same pieces of legislation that the extremists in Jefferson City would send him regardless,” she said.

Quade spoke about their differences in workers’ rights and labor law, noting that Kehoe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newstribune.com/news/2017/jan/31/perspective-case-right-work/" target="_blank">advocated for Missouri’s right-to-work law in 2017</a>, prohibiting labor union membership from being a condition of employment.

There is a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/01/group-turns-in-signatures-to-put-minimum-wage-hike-paid-sick-leave-on-missouri-ballot/">ballot initiative</a>&nbsp;that seeks to raise the minimum wage and establish a mandatory minimum for paid sick leave, potentially bringing more hourly workers to the polls in November.

When asked about the ballot initiatives, Kehoe said he preferred for businesses to set wages. But overall, his priority was rejecting a second ballot initiative seeking to amend the state constitution to legalize abortion.&nbsp;

“We need to make sure that amendment goes down,” he said. “Protecting innocent life is one of our highest, if not the highest, priority.”

When the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office released the news that legalizing abortion would be on the November ballot, Quade issued a statement that condemned Kehoe’s anti-abortion stance and labeled him an “extremist.”

“Within 15 minutes of the fall of Roe, Missouri Republicans, led by extremists like Mike Kehoe, cheered as the rights of women all across Missouri were stripped away,” she said in a statement.

Missourians will vote for their next governor Nov. 5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723815038125.png" alt="Both nominees in the Missouri governor's race spoke to reporters separately following the governor's ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Thursday morning, giving hints at what a debate may look like between the two (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Both nominees in the Missouri governor's race spoke to reporters separately following the governor's ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Thursday morning, giving hints at what a debate may look like between the two (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Democratic nominee Crystal Quade labels GOP rival as ‘extremist’</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>SEDALIA — Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Kehoe and Democrat Crystal Quade agreed Thursday to a debate next month hosted by the Missouri Press Association.Kehoe did not participate in several Republican debates in the run up to the Aug. 6 primary. News stations have offered to moderate a Kehoe-Quade debate, but a date has not yet been set&nbsp; — though Kehoe said both parties were “interested.”Both gubernatorial candidates spoke briefly to reporters following the annual governor’s ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair Thursday morning, an event packed with elected officials and candidates for office up and down the ballot.&nbsp;They promised a debate on the issues, rather than name-calling and performance.“I am excited to have a conversation about policy differences and trying to get away from the flamethrowers and ridiculousness that we saw in the primary,” Quade said.Kehoe said Quade’s viewpoints are “100% different” than his, but he expects the race to&nbsp; remain cordial.“We are old fashioned in that we can disagree and still have a relationship with each other,” he said.Quade also emphasized their differences Thursday, saying that although other candidates in the Republican primary appeared “extreme,” she believes Kehoe would ultimately govern similarly.“While folks may say that one (Republican candidate) is more moderate than the other, the reality is Lt. Gov. Kehoe would sign the same pieces of legislation that the extremists in Jefferson City would send him regardless,” she said.Quade spoke about their differences in workers’ rights and labor law, noting that Kehoe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newstribune.com/news/2017/jan/31/perspective-case-right-work/" target="_blank">advocated for Missouri’s right-to-work law in 2017</a>, prohibiting labor union membership from being a condition of employment.There is a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/01/group-turns-in-signatures-to-put-minimum-wage-hike-paid-sick-leave-on-missouri-ballot/">ballot initiative</a>&nbsp;that seeks to raise the minimum wage and establish a mandatory minimum for paid sick leave, potentially bringing more hourly workers to the polls in November.When asked about the ballot initiatives, Kehoe said he preferred for businesses to set wages. But overall, his priority was rejecting a second ballot initiative seeking to amend the state constitution to legalize abortion.&nbsp;“We need to make sure that amendment goes down,” he said. “Protecting innocent life is one of our highest, if not the highest, priority.”When the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office released the news that legalizing abortion would be on the November ballot, Quade issued a statement that condemned Kehoe’s anti-abortion stance and labeled him an “extremist.”“Within 15 minutes of the fall of Roe, Missouri Republicans, led by extremists like Mike Kehoe, cheered as the rights of women all across Missouri were stripped away,” she said in a statement.Missourians will vote for their next governor Nov. 5.

Mike Kehoe, Crystal Quade agree to Missouri gubernatorial debate on policy

LOUDON COUNTY, Virginia —Law enforcement have identified a suspect and a warrant has been issued for the burglary at Trump Campaign Headquarters, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

&nbsp;Deputies also secured a warrant for the arrest of Toby Shane Kessler, 39, on the charge of Burglary; Entering dwelling house, etc., with intent to commit larceny, assault and battery or other felony) in connection with the break in at the local office of Trump for President 2024 campaign in Ashburn, VA, Sunday.

 The office, in the 20000 block of Ashbrook Place, is being leased by the Trump campaign and also serves as the headquarters of the Virginia 10th District Republican Committee.

Just after 9p.m. Sunday, the sheriff's office was contacted about the burglary and deputies responded. Investigators have video surveillance of the suspect. He is a white adult male, wearing dark clothing, a dark cap, and a backpack when he entered the location.

“It is rare to have the office of any political campaign or party broken into,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman. “We are determined to identify the suspect, investigate why it happened, and determine what may have been taken as well as what may have been left behind.”

Anyone who believes they know the suspect, witnessed the burglary, or has any other information is asked to contact Detective Franks at 571-918-1869.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723644144685.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOUDON COUNTY, Virginia —Law enforcement have identified a suspect and a warrant has been issued for the burglary at Trump Campaign Headquarters, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723718627492.png" alt="Kessler-photo Loudon Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Kessler-photo Loudon Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Deputies also secured a warrant for the arrest of Toby Shane Kessler, 39, on the charge of Burglary; Entering dwelling house, etc., with intent to commit larceny, assault and battery or other felony) in connection with the break in at the local office of Trump for President 2024 campaign in Ashburn, VA, Sunday. The office, in the 20000 block of Ashbrook Place, is being leased by the Trump campaign and also serves as the headquarters of the Virginia 10th District Republican Committee.Just after 9p.m. Sunday, the sheriff's office was contacted about the burglary and deputies responded. Investigators have video surveillance of the suspect. He is a white adult male, wearing dark clothing, a dark cap, and a backpack when he entered the location.“It is rare to have the office of any political campaign or party broken into,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman. “We are determined to identify the suspect, investigate why it happened, and determine what may have been taken as well as what may have been left behind.”Anyone who believes they know the suspect, witnessed the burglary, or has any other information is asked to contact Detective Franks at 571-918-1869.&nbsp;------

Sheriff IDs suspect in burglary at Trump campaign office 

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the FBI, KBI and Augusta Department of&nbsp; Public Safety investigating the September 2023 murder of 93-year-old Joanne Johnson in her home in Augusta have&nbsp; arrested two juveniles, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

On Thursday afternoon two 14-year-old girls from Augusta were arrested for first-degree murder connected to Johnson’s death.

 Johnson was discovered deceased in her residence on September 3, 2023.The teens are being held at separate juvenile detention centers. Formal charges are pending.

In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder. 

Under the same conditions, the family of Joanne Johnson has offered to match the reward for information, increasing the total reward to $10,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715093373488.png" alt="-In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder." />
 <figcaption>-In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the FBI, KBI and Augusta Department of&nbsp; Public Safety investigating the September 2023 murder of 93-year-old Joanne Johnson in her home in Augusta have&nbsp; arrested two juveniles, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.On Thursday afternoon two 14-year-old girls from Augusta were arrested for first-degree murder connected to Johnson’s death. Johnson was discovered deceased in her residence on September 3, 2023.The teens are being held at separate juvenile detention centers. Formal charges are pending.In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder. Under the same conditions, the family of Joanne Johnson has offered to match the reward for information, increasing the total reward to $10,000.

14-year-olds accused in the murder of  93-year-old Kansas woman

By NATE KING Salina Post

Following multiple ceremonial bill signing events held in Leavenworth and Holton, Governor Laura Kelly called Salina Post to discuss the present and long-term impacts of tax reform, the possibility of Medicaid expansion in 2025, her reflections on the state's current financial standing, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ potential move across state lines.

After three years of debate on how best to provide tax relief to the Sunflower State, Kansas lawmakers and Gov. Kelly reached a bipartisan deal during a special session of the Kansas Legislature this summer.&nbsp;

Although the process of delivering tax reform to Kansas took years to achieve, it has been something Gov. Kelly's administration has sought since she became governor in 2019. The bill, Senate Bill One, provides a $2 billion reduction in state income and property taxes over the next five years.

“I've been wanting to provide tax relief for that amount of time. It took multiple legislative sessions to come to a consensus," Gov. Kelly said. "There was a lot of push to provide much more on the income tax side, which tends to benefit people with more means. I wanted a tax bill that would really target our middle-class, working-class families across the state of Kansas."

House and Senate Republicans' attempts to pass a flat income tax were dashed by Gov. Kelly's veto, which was followed by subsequent failed veto override votes.

According to The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a flat tax structure would have cost the state $650 million annually once phased in, and from Gov. Kelly's view, its enactment would have sent the state back to the Brownback years.

“It [flat tax] would start to take us back to the Brownback days and I just could not let that happen," Gov. Kelly said. "At that point, we had a three-tier tax system. I still believe we should have maintained a three-tier tax system. It's fair, but it's also nimble. By having that, when bad economic times come — and they do come; you don't see the kind of decrease in state revenues that you do if you have fewer tax brackets, particularly a single tax bracket.”

Lawmakers passed Senate Bill One on June 18. The Senate's final vote was 34-4 and 121-2 in the Kansas House of Representatives.

Senate Bill One establishes a two-bracket income tax system for married individuals filing jointly. Income up to $46,000 will be taxed at 5.2%, and income above that will be taxed at 5.58%.&nbsp;

Gov Kelly noted one of the crucial changes brought by Senate Bill One is the increase in the personal exemption, which goes from $2,250 to $9,160 for individuals.

Taxpayers will receive an additional $2,320 exemption for each dependent listed on their return. The bill accounts for a slight increase in the standard deduction, with single filers' deductions rising from $3,500 to $3,605 and married filers' rising from $8,000 to $8,240. Heads of household will see an additional $180 in exemptions going from $6,000 to $6,180.

"It [SB 1] will impact everybody to at least some degree. I think our seniors are going to see the most obvious relief because we will be eliminating all state taxes on Social Security," Gov. Kelly said.

Additionally, with this bill, Kansas joined more than thirty other states in eliminating state social security taxes.

Income taxes and social security aren't the only ways Kansans will see savings. The bill also reduces property taxes by raising the exemption on school general fund property tax mill levies.

"Kansans who own property will see a reduction in their property tax bill from the state. We levy right now, 20 Mills on residential property that is to help fund our schools. To date, we exempt the first $42,000 or so property value from that tax, we're lifting that exemption to $75,000," Gov. Kelly said.

Gov. Kelly said Kansans looking to start or grow their family also benefit from Senate Bill One.

"Our families will enjoy a doubling of the Childcare Dependent Care Tax Credit to $6 million, which will make a huge difference, I think, particularly for families with a lot of kids," Kelly said.

From her days as a Senator representing Kansas' 18th Senate District to serving as governor, Kelly has been a strong advocate for the expansion of Medicaid, the federal government program providing care to some 80 million Americans living on low incomes.&nbsp;

"There's no good logical reason for not having expanded Medicaid," Gov. Kelly said. "Originally, when Medicaid expansion was available to states in 2014 I think there were some legitimate questions about what it would do to the state budget."

Gov. Kelly emphasized the social and economic benefits of Medicaid expansion, which would cover an estimated 50,000 more Kansans.

"There were very legitimate concerns. What would happen if the federal government, you know, pulled the plug after you've done expansion. But over time, all of the concerns have been answered," Gov. Kelly said.

Kansas' decision not to expand Medicaid has forfeited over $7 billion in taxpayer money since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2014.

"That just makes absolutely no sense and has really done some serious harm to our economy," Gov. Kelly said.

Gov. Kelly cited the ten hospitals that have closed in Kansas since the federal government made Medicaid expansion available as one reason why Medicaid should be expanded in Kansas.

"I'm not going to say that Medicaid expansion is the complete and total answer to our issues with rural health care, but it certainly is a tool that needs to be in the toolbox in order for us to resolve those issues,"&nbsp; Gov. Kelly said. "The other thing that's very subtle, and only people in those communities notice it, but because all of the other states around us have expanded Medicaid, we are bleeding healthcare workers across our borders."

Expanding Medicaid continues to be a point of contention in Topeka. Gov. Kelly said leaders in the statehouse are out of touch with their constituents in their thinking on Medicaid.

"It has really come down to having legislative leaders who are stuck in the past, who are still concerned about the passage of the Affordable Care Act more than 10 years ago, and they just can't give up on the idea," Gov. Kelly said. "They said, then it was a bad idea, and they sort of painted themselves into a corner, and have not figured out a way to come out of that corner and let their let their caucuses in the House and in the Senate, take a vote of Medicaid expansion.”

One of the popular arguments used by Kansans against the expansion of Medicaid is that it will raise taxes on middle and low-income Kansans. According to Gov. Kelly, states that have expanded Medicaid haven't seen a negative impact on their tax structures.

"In fact, what they have seen is that premiums for people who get their health insurance through the private sector actually have stabilized," Gov. Kelly said. "Because of Medicaid expansion, our hospitals would get reimbursed for the care that they provide to these people who are eligible for Medicaid."

Gov. Kelly explained that when hospitals provide uncompensated care in emergency rooms, the most expensive place for healthcare, they have to charge other patients more to cover those costs.

"They provided in the emergency room, the most expensive place to get health care, and so hospitals then have to charge other patients more money to cover the costs of that uncompensated care that they have to provide in the emergency rooms and when they charge other patients more money, the insurance companies raise the cost of the premium, and premium costs go up for every Kansan with private healthcare."

In 2023 a survey released by the<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">&nbsp;Sunflower Foundation</a>&nbsp;found 68% of Kansas voters supported Medicaid expansion.

"There's no good reason. We just need to continue to push and hope that the pressure on legislative leadership gets to the point that their caucus members demand the opportunity to vote on Medicaid expansion," Gov. Kelly said.

Tax reform wasn't the only item on the agenda for the special session this summer. Lawmakers also modified existing economic incentive rules to enable the state to potentially attract professional sports teams — like the Kansas City Chiefs. Gov. Kelly had little to share on the topic, but said she appreciates the legislature expanding the economic tool box.

"I think as we look to the future in Kansas, if an opportunity should should come our way, it's nice that we now have a tool in place to make that work,”she said.

Gov. Kelly said the Kansas City Chiefs have made it clear they will make a decision regarding their location no later than the end of the year.

"We're here, and we've got the tools in place," Gov. Kelly said.

Gov. Kelly comments on Minnesota Governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz

Gov. Kelly praised Vice President and Democratic candidate for president Kamala Harris' own vice president pick, citing the balance Walz brings to the ticket.

"She could not have picked a better partner. Somebody that balances the ticket," Gov. Kelly said. "She's coastal. He's Midwest."

Gov. Kelly said she has gotten to know Walz over the last few years, and according to her, Walz is "as good and kind as humble as they come."

“You could not ask for somebody with a better resume and a better personality to work side by side with,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722967941078.png" alt="Gov. Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, now a candidate for Vice President" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, now a candidate for Vice President</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostFollowing multiple ceremonial bill signing events held in Leavenworth and Holton, Governor Laura Kelly called Salina Post to discuss the present and long-term impacts of tax reform, the possibility of Medicaid expansion in 2025, her reflections on the state's current financial standing, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ potential move across state lines.After three years of debate on how best to provide tax relief to the Sunflower State, Kansas lawmakers and Gov. Kelly reached a bipartisan deal during a special session of the Kansas Legislature this summer.&nbsp;<h2>Senate Bill One</h2>Although the process of delivering tax reform to Kansas took years to achieve, it has been something Gov. Kelly's administration has sought since she became governor in 2019. The bill, Senate Bill One, provides a $2 billion reduction in state income and property taxes over the next five years.“I've been wanting to provide tax relief for that amount of time. It took multiple legislative sessions to come to a consensus," Gov. Kelly said. "There was a lot of push to provide much more on the income tax side, which tends to benefit people with more means. I wanted a tax bill that would really target our middle-class, working-class families across the state of Kansas."House and Senate Republicans' attempts to pass a flat income tax were dashed by Gov. Kelly's veto, which was followed by subsequent failed veto override votes.According to The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a flat tax structure would have cost the state $650 million annually once phased in, and from Gov. Kelly's view, its enactment would have sent the state back to the Brownback years.“It [flat tax] would start to take us back to the Brownback days and I just could not let that happen," Gov. Kelly said. "At that point, we had a three-tier tax system. I still believe we should have maintained a three-tier tax system. It's fair, but it's also nimble. By having that, when bad economic times come — and they do come; you don't see the kind of decrease in state revenues that you do if you have fewer tax brackets, particularly a single tax bracket.”Lawmakers passed Senate Bill One on June 18. The Senate's final vote was 34-4 and 121-2 in the Kansas House of Representatives.Senate Bill One establishes a two-bracket income tax system for married individuals filing jointly. Income up to $46,000 will be taxed at 5.2%, and income above that will be taxed at 5.58%.&nbsp;Gov Kelly noted one of the crucial changes brought by Senate Bill One is the increase in the personal exemption, which goes from $2,250 to $9,160 for individuals.Taxpayers will receive an additional $2,320 exemption for each dependent listed on their return. The bill accounts for a slight increase in the standard deduction, with single filers' deductions rising from $3,500 to $3,605 and married filers' rising from $8,000 to $8,240. Heads of household will see an additional $180 in exemptions going from $6,000 to $6,180."It [SB 1] will impact everybody to at least some degree. I think our seniors are going to see the most obvious relief because we will be eliminating all state taxes on Social Security," Gov. Kelly said.Additionally, with this bill, Kansas joined more than thirty other states in eliminating state social security taxes.Income taxes and social security aren't the only ways Kansans will see savings. The bill also reduces property taxes by raising the exemption on school general fund property tax mill levies."Kansans who own property will see a reduction in their property tax bill from the state. We levy right now, 20 Mills on residential property that is to help fund our schools. To date, we exempt the first $42,000 or so property value from that tax, we're lifting that exemption to $75,000," Gov. Kelly said.Gov. Kelly said Kansans looking to start or grow their family also benefit from Senate Bill One."Our families will enjoy a doubling of the Childcare Dependent Care Tax Credit to $6 million, which will make a huge difference, I think, particularly for families with a lot of kids," Kelly said.<h2>Medicaid expansion</h2>From her days as a Senator representing Kansas' 18th Senate District to serving as governor, Kelly has been a strong advocate for the expansion of Medicaid, the federal government program providing care to some 80 million Americans living on low incomes.&nbsp;"There's no good logical reason for not having expanded Medicaid," Gov. Kelly said. "Originally, when Medicaid expansion was available to states in 2014 I think there were some legitimate questions about what it would do to the state budget."Gov. Kelly emphasized the social and economic benefits of Medicaid expansion, which would cover an estimated 50,000 more Kansans."There were very legitimate concerns. What would happen if the federal government, you know, pulled the plug after you've done expansion. But over time, all of the concerns have been answered," Gov. Kelly said.Kansas' decision not to expand Medicaid has forfeited over $7 billion in taxpayer money since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2014."That just makes absolutely no sense and has really done some serious harm to our economy," Gov. Kelly said.Gov. Kelly cited the ten hospitals that have closed in Kansas since the federal government made Medicaid expansion available as one reason why Medicaid should be expanded in Kansas."I'm not going to say that Medicaid expansion is the complete and total answer to our issues with rural health care, but it certainly is a tool that needs to be in the toolbox in order for us to resolve those issues,"&nbsp; Gov. Kelly said. "The other thing that's very subtle, and only people in those communities notice it, but because all of the other states around us have expanded Medicaid, we are bleeding healthcare workers across our borders."Expanding Medicaid continues to be a point of contention in Topeka. Gov. Kelly said leaders in the statehouse are out of touch with their constituents in their thinking on Medicaid."It has really come down to having legislative leaders who are stuck in the past, who are still concerned about the passage of the Affordable Care Act more than 10 years ago, and they just can't give up on the idea," Gov. Kelly said. "They said, then it was a bad idea, and they sort of painted themselves into a corner, and have not figured out a way to come out of that corner and let their let their caucuses in the House and in the Senate, take a vote of Medicaid expansion.”One of the popular arguments used by Kansans against the expansion of Medicaid is that it will raise taxes on middle and low-income Kansans. According to Gov. Kelly, states that have expanded Medicaid haven't seen a negative impact on their tax structures."In fact, what they have seen is that premiums for people who get their health insurance through the private sector actually have stabilized," Gov. Kelly said. "Because of Medicaid expansion, our hospitals would get reimbursed for the care that they provide to these people who are eligible for Medicaid."Gov. Kelly explained that when hospitals provide uncompensated care in emergency rooms, the most expensive place for healthcare, they have to charge other patients more to cover those costs."They provided in the emergency room, the most expensive place to get health care, and so hospitals then have to charge other patients more money to cover the costs of that uncompensated care that they have to provide in the emergency rooms and when they charge other patients more money, the insurance companies raise the cost of the premium, and premium costs go up for every Kansan with private healthcare."In 2023 a survey released by the<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">&nbsp;Sunflower Foundation</a>&nbsp;found 68% of Kansas voters supported Medicaid expansion."There's no good reason. We just need to continue to push and hope that the pressure on legislative leadership gets to the point that their caucus members demand the opportunity to vote on Medicaid expansion," Gov. Kelly said.<h2>Kansas City Chiefs</h2>Tax reform wasn't the only item on the agenda for the special session this summer. Lawmakers also modified existing economic incentive rules to enable the state to potentially attract professional sports teams — like the Kansas City Chiefs. Gov. Kelly had little to share on the topic, but said she appreciates the legislature expanding the economic tool box."I think as we look to the future in Kansas, if an opportunity should should come our way, it's nice that we now have a tool in place to make that work,”she said.Gov. Kelly said the Kansas City Chiefs have made it clear they will make a decision regarding their location no later than the end of the year."We're here, and we've got the tools in place," Gov. Kelly said.<h2>Gov. Kelly comments on Minnesota Governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz</h2>Gov. Kelly praised Vice President and Democratic candidate for president Kamala Harris' own vice president pick, citing the balance Walz brings to the ticket."She could not have picked a better partner. Somebody that balances the ticket," Gov. Kelly said. "She's coastal. He's Midwest."Gov. Kelly said she has gotten to know Walz over the last few years, and according to her, Walz is "as good and kind as humble as they come."“You could not ask for somebody with a better resume and a better personality to work side by side with,” she said.

Gov. Kelly discusses $2B tax reform bill, Medicaid expansion, national politics

The leading candidates for Missouri’s U.S. Senate seat have been debating the setting and number of debates they will have during this fall’s campaign

By RUDI KELLER&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

SEDALIA – A confrontation between U.S. Senate rivals Thursday on the Missouri State Fairgrounds may be the closest thing to a live debate in the 2024 campaign.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican seeking his second term, arrived at the Governor’s Ham Breakfast looking for Lucas Kunce, the Democrat hoping to unseat him.&nbsp;

He found him, and for about than 20 minutes – until the emcee asked them and the mass of reporters clogging the main aisle to move – they jabbed at each other with personal digs, disputes about whether campaign ads are accurate and when, or if, they would meet formally before television cameras.

“It’s great to see out of your basement, Lucas,” Hawley said at one point. “By the way, are you gonna do any campaign events around the state or just media?”

“Josh, why are you so weird?” Kunce responded. “Man, why are you so creepy?”

Over the two weeks since the primary election, Hawley and Kunce have been arguing about the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/09/josh-hawley-lucas-kunce-remain-at-an-impasse-on-missouri-u-s-senate-debates/">location and format for debates</a>. In the hours after Kunce won the nomination, Hawley called for a “Lincoln-Douglas style” debate at the fairgrounds.

Kunce, in return, said he would accept all invitations for televised debates, including one from Fox News, but declined to do so at the fair.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/missouri-state-fair-hawley-kunce-no-political-debate-on-fairgrounds/63-f3884aed-4a27-4bc8-acba-35d33ced94a4" target="_blank">State Fair Commission shot the idea down</a>&nbsp;on Aug. 9 with a statement that it did not allow political events. Commission chairman Kevin Roberts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/missouri-ag-urges-state-fair-commission-to-reconsider-stance-on-political-debates/article_e767204e-59a7-11ef-9e31-3349cb81b9b1.html" target="_blank">told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;that the commission knew nothing of Hawley’s challenge when it was issued and never received a request to use the grounds.

The Missouri Farm Bureau, which has endorsed Hawley and donated $5,000 to his campaign, volunteered to host it at a location across the street from the fairgrounds.&nbsp;

Kunce’s campaign, in a Wednesday letter to the insurance and agriculture advocacy organization, said such a debate would violate campaign finance laws that bar not-for-profit groups organized like the Farm Bureau from hosting debates. The law cited by Kunce says groups that endorse and back candidates financially cannot host debate.

“Lucas does not wish to expose the Farm Bureau or your members to unnecessary risk,” Caleb Cavaretta, Kunce campaign manager wrote.

During their back-and-forth, Hawley accused Kunce of trying to intimidate the Farm Bureau.

“Threatening the Farm Bureau with legal action is the most unbelievable thing I’ve ever heard in a farm state,” Hawley said. “It’s unreal.”

“It’s unreal because it’s a lie,” Kunce said. “We didn’t threaten the Farm Bureau.”

The letter states the law could only be enforced by the Federal Election Commission and there is no allowance for a private lawsuit over alleged violations of the campaign finance law.

Kunce is making a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/06/democrat-lucas-kunce-says-hell-challenge-josh-hawley-in-2024-missouri-senate-race/">second bid for the Senate</a>&nbsp;after losing the 2022 Democratic primary. He is the best-funded Democrat in a statewide race and the only one with television ads airing.

Hawley, who defeated incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill in 2018, used Thursday morning’s meeting in a fundraising appeal sent out about an hour after it ended.

“This run-in doesn’t change the fact that Democrat Lucas Kunce is sitting on a jackpot of cash, and so far, his campaign has outraised me 2:1 this year,” Hawley told supporters.

There are two other candidates running – Jared Young, on the ballot after petitioning to form a new political party, the Better Party, and W.C. Young of the Libertarian Party.

The back-and-forth on debates between Hawley and Kunce didn’t resolve anything.

“Let’s do it,” Kunce replied “We got all five, and I agreed to Fox News.”

“So, right over there,” Hawley said.&nbsp;

“I’ll see you on Fox News, bro, we offered you a safe space,” Kunce replied.

One of the most substantive exchanges between the two was over union rights and worker protection.

Hawley, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kttn.com/audio-hawley-says-he-no-longer-supports-right-to-work/" target="_blank">supported the anti-union right to work effort</a>&nbsp;as a candidate for attorney general in 2016, has done a complete turnaround since the overwhelming vote against right to work in the August 2018 primary.

“Missouri, No. 1, we voted not to be a right to work state,” Hawley said Thursday, explaining his position. “No. 2, I don’t think it’s fair to ask union organizers that organize for people who are not putting in union dues. When you get a union contract, it’s for all the workers in the shop, in the organization, that if a bunch of those people don’t pay dues, and yet they get the benefit of the contract, I just think that’s not fair.”&nbsp;

Hawley has won the support of the national Teamsters Union, which gave his campaign $5,000 in March from its PAC.

Hawley also promoted his proposal to increase the national minimum wage to $15 an hour at companies that have more than $1 billion in annual receipts.

“We ought to be raising the national minimum wage and protecting workers,” Hawley said.

Kunce, who has taken $80,000 in donations from16 different union PACs, said Hawley’s love of unions is an election-year conversion.

When the Senate voted in 2022 on the CHIPS Act, Kunce said, then-U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ironworkers.org/s/news/iron-workers-applaud-bipartisan-senate-support-for-prevailing-wage-in-chips-act-MCGC6YBKFT7RBETPY3U7MHGOP7XU" target="_blank">supported requiring prevailing wages</a>&nbsp;to be paid on projects initiated under the law while Hawley opposed it.

Prevailing wages are required on major public construction projects to prevent unfair competition between union and non-union contractors.

“He was a right to work candidate,” Kunce said. “He doesn’t believe in labor. In fact, he’s called half of labor hostage takers…He’s tried to remake himself in an election year because he knows that taking away our rights is not something that people want, and he’s scared about it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723746159729.png" alt="Candidates for U.S. Senate Lucas Kunce and Josh Hawley, who currently holds the seat, converge in the middle of the governor’s ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Thursday morning (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Candidates for U.S. Senate Lucas Kunce and Josh Hawley, who currently holds the seat, converge in the middle of the governor’s ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Thursday morning (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The leading candidates for Missouri’s U.S. Senate seat have been debating the setting and number of debates they will have during this fall’s campaign</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>SEDALIA – A confrontation between U.S. Senate rivals Thursday on the Missouri State Fairgrounds may be the closest thing to a live debate in the 2024 campaign.U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican seeking his second term, arrived at the Governor’s Ham Breakfast looking for Lucas Kunce, the Democrat hoping to unseat him.&nbsp;He found him, and for about than 20 minutes – until the emcee asked them and the mass of reporters clogging the main aisle to move – they jabbed at each other with personal digs, disputes about whether campaign ads are accurate and when, or if, they would meet formally before television cameras.“It’s great to see out of your basement, Lucas,” Hawley said at one point. “By the way, are you gonna do any campaign events around the state or just media?”“Josh, why are you so weird?” Kunce responded. “Man, why are you so creepy?”Over the two weeks since the primary election, Hawley and Kunce have been arguing about the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/09/josh-hawley-lucas-kunce-remain-at-an-impasse-on-missouri-u-s-senate-debates/">location and format for debates</a>. In the hours after Kunce won the nomination, Hawley called for a “Lincoln-Douglas style” debate at the fairgrounds.Kunce, in return, said he would accept all invitations for televised debates, including one from Fox News, but declined to do so at the fair.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/missouri-state-fair-hawley-kunce-no-political-debate-on-fairgrounds/63-f3884aed-4a27-4bc8-acba-35d33ced94a4" target="_blank">State Fair Commission shot the idea down</a>&nbsp;on Aug. 9 with a statement that it did not allow political events. Commission chairman Kevin Roberts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/missouri-ag-urges-state-fair-commission-to-reconsider-stance-on-political-debates/article_e767204e-59a7-11ef-9e31-3349cb81b9b1.html" target="_blank">told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;that the commission knew nothing of Hawley’s challenge when it was issued and never received a request to use the grounds.The Missouri Farm Bureau, which has endorsed Hawley and donated $5,000 to his campaign, volunteered to host it at a location across the street from the fairgrounds.&nbsp;Kunce’s campaign, in a Wednesday letter to the insurance and agriculture advocacy organization, said such a debate would violate campaign finance laws that bar not-for-profit groups organized like the Farm Bureau from hosting debates. The law cited by Kunce says groups that endorse and back candidates financially cannot host debate.“Lucas does not wish to expose the Farm Bureau or your members to unnecessary risk,” Caleb Cavaretta, Kunce campaign manager wrote.During their back-and-forth, Hawley accused Kunce of trying to intimidate the Farm Bureau.“Threatening the Farm Bureau with legal action is the most unbelievable thing I’ve ever heard in a farm state,” Hawley said. “It’s unreal.”“It’s unreal because it’s a lie,” Kunce said. “We didn’t threaten the Farm Bureau.”The letter states the law could only be enforced by the Federal Election Commission and there is no allowance for a private lawsuit over alleged violations of the campaign finance law.Kunce is making a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/06/democrat-lucas-kunce-says-hell-challenge-josh-hawley-in-2024-missouri-senate-race/">second bid for the Senate</a>&nbsp;after losing the 2022 Democratic primary. He is the best-funded Democrat in a statewide race and the only one with television ads airing.Hawley, who defeated incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill in 2018, used Thursday morning’s meeting in a fundraising appeal sent out about an hour after it ended.“This run-in doesn’t change the fact that Democrat Lucas Kunce is sitting on a jackpot of cash, and so far, his campaign has outraised me 2:1 this year,” Hawley told supporters.There are two other candidates running – Jared Young, on the ballot after petitioning to form a new political party, the Better Party, and W.C. Young of the Libertarian Party.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723746120348.png" alt="Candidates for U.S. Senate Lucas Kunce and Josh Hawley, who currently holds the seat, converge in the middle of the governor’s ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Thursday morning (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Candidates for U.S. Senate Lucas Kunce and Josh Hawley, who currently holds the seat, converge in the middle of the governor’s ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Thursday morning (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>The back-and-forth on debates between Hawley and Kunce didn’t resolve anything.“Let’s debate,” Hawley said.“Let’s do it,” Kunce replied “We got all five, and I agreed to Fox News.”“So, right over there,” Hawley said.&nbsp;“I’ll see you on Fox News, bro, we offered you a safe space,” Kunce replied.One of the most substantive exchanges between the two was over union rights and worker protection.Hawley, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kttn.com/audio-hawley-says-he-no-longer-supports-right-to-work/" target="_blank">supported the anti-union right to work effort</a>&nbsp;as a candidate for attorney general in 2016, has done a complete turnaround since the overwhelming vote against right to work in the August 2018 primary.“Missouri, No. 1, we voted not to be a right to work state,” Hawley said Thursday, explaining his position. “No. 2, I don’t think it’s fair to ask union organizers that organize for people who are not putting in union dues. When you get a union contract, it’s for all the workers in the shop, in the organization, that if a bunch of those people don’t pay dues, and yet they get the benefit of the contract, I just think that’s not fair.”&nbsp;Hawley has won the support of the national Teamsters Union, which gave his campaign $5,000 in March from its PAC.Hawley also promoted his proposal to increase the national minimum wage to $15 an hour at companies that have more than $1 billion in annual receipts.“We ought to be raising the national minimum wage and protecting workers,” Hawley said.Kunce, who has taken $80,000 in donations from16 different union PACs, said Hawley’s love of unions is an election-year conversion.When the Senate voted in 2022 on the CHIPS Act, Kunce said, then-U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ironworkers.org/s/news/iron-workers-applaud-bipartisan-senate-support-for-prevailing-wage-in-chips-act-MCGC6YBKFT7RBETPY3U7MHGOP7XU" target="_blank">supported requiring prevailing wages</a>&nbsp;to be paid on projects initiated under the law while Hawley opposed it.Prevailing wages are required on major public construction projects to prevent unfair competition between union and non-union contractors.“He was a right to work candidate,” Kunce said. “He doesn’t believe in labor. In fact, he’s called half of labor hostage takers…He’s tried to remake himself in an election year because he knows that taking away our rights is not something that people want, and he’s scared about it.”

‘Why are you so weird?’: Lucas Kunce taunts Josh Hawley during squabble about debates

(Radio Iowa) - A few hundred Iowans have been recognized at the Iowa State Fair today as the owners of farms that have been in the same family for at least 100 years. 

Heritage Farms have been in the same family for 150 years and there's also a Century Farm designation. State Ag Secretary Mike Naig (NEGG, rhymes with "egg") handed out Century and Heritage Farm certificates to 439 families. 

According to the state's registry, more than two-thousand Iowa farms have been owned by the same family for at least 150 years. There are over 21-thousand Century Farms in Iowa.

(Radio Iowa) - A few hundred Iowans have been recognized at the Iowa State Fair today as the owners of farms that have been in the same family for at least 100 years. Heritage Farms have been in the same family for 150 years and there's also a Century Farm designation. State Ag Secretary Mike Naig (NEGG, rhymes with "egg") handed out Century and Heritage Farm certificates to 439 families. According to the state's registry, more than two-thousand Iowa farms have been owned by the same family for at least 150 years. There are over 21-thousand Century Farms in Iowa.

More 'Century' and 'Heritage' Farms added to the Iowa registry

(Radio Iowa) - State officials say the latest report shows the closure of Tyson's pork processing plant in Perry has had little effect on the state's overall unemployment rate. 

Iowa's unemployment rate was two-point-eight percent in July -- unchanged for the fourth consecutive month. Jesse Doughetry, a spokesman for Iowa Workforce Development, says less than half of the nearly 14-hundred workers who lost their jobs when the Tyson plant closed in June applied for jobless benefits in July. About 200 workers in Perry took jobs in Tyson facilities elsewhere. 

Tyson cited financial struggles within the pork industry as the main reason for closing its plant in Perry, which was the community's largest employer. About half the employees lived in Perry and Dougherty says that's perhaps another factor in the lower than expected number of unemployment claims as those who commuted to and from Perry may have found jobs closer to home.

(Radio Iowa) - State officials say the latest report shows the closure of Tyson's pork processing plant in Perry has had little effect on the state's overall unemployment rate. Iowa's unemployment rate was two-point-eight percent in July -- unchanged for the fourth consecutive month. Jesse Doughetry, a spokesman for Iowa Workforce Development, says less than half of the nearly 14-hundred workers who lost their jobs when the Tyson plant closed in June applied for jobless benefits in July. About 200 workers in Perry took jobs in Tyson facilities elsewhere. Tyson cited financial struggles within the pork industry as the main reason for closing its plant in Perry, which was the community's largest employer. About half the employees lived in Perry and Dougherty says that's perhaps another factor in the lower than expected number of unemployment claims as those who commuted to and from Perry may have found jobs closer to home.

Under half of those laid off from Tyson's Perry plant have filed for unemployment

Ag credit stress was limited in the second quarter of 2024 but showed signs of tightening amid lower crop prices and rising input costs. Those are the findings from a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City. Farm income in the Tenth Federal Reserve District dropped faster than in recent quarters amid lower crop prices and increased expenses. 

Ag credit stress was limited in the second quarter of 2024 but showed signs of tightening amid lower crop prices and rising input costs. Those are the findings from a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City. Farm income in the Tenth Federal Reserve District dropped faster than in recent quarters amid lower crop prices and increased expenses.

Limited ag credit stress, but signs of pressure

The Purdue University Farmland Value and Cash Rent Survey showed that Indiana farmland prices once again hit a new record in 2024. The average price of top-quality farmland is $14,392, up 4.8 percent from June 2023. Average and poor-quality farmland also hit new high prices at $11,630 and $9,071 per acre, an annual increase of 3.7 and 4.4 percent, respectively. Survey respondents suggest that the price growth mostly occurred late in 2023 and began to retreat in the first half of this year. 

Respondents generally expect farmland prices to decline modestly through the remainder of this year. At the state level, prices in December 2024 are expected to remain just above those observed in June 2023. The survey finds a number of forces putting downward pressure on farmland prices, including interest rates and crop prices. While there is general pessimism about the rest of 2024, longer-term economic expectations aren’t as gloomy.

The Purdue University Farmland Value and Cash Rent Survey showed that Indiana farmland prices once again hit a new record in 2024. The average price of top-quality farmland is $14,392, up 4.8 percent from June 2023. Average and poor-quality farmland also hit new high prices at $11,630 and $9,071 per acre, an annual increase of 3.7 and 4.4 percent, respectively. Survey respondents suggest that the price growth mostly occurred late in 2023 and began to retreat in the first half of this year. Respondents generally expect farmland prices to decline modestly through the remainder of this year. At the state level, prices in December 2024 are expected to remain just above those observed in June 2023. The survey finds a number of forces putting downward pressure on farmland prices, including interest rates and crop prices. While there is general pessimism about the rest of 2024, longer-term economic expectations aren’t as gloomy.-NAFB

Farmland prices increase despite downward pressure

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production.

Emilio Esteban, the under secretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new testing program follows three studies undertaken during the spring and summer that all found beef in the nation’s food supply is safe to eat.

“However, we want to move forward with an additional step,” Esteban said. “And what this means is that when those carcasses are tested, they are held and are not going to go into commerce until we get the results back.”

The virus, also referred to as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in wild bird and domestic poultry flocks within the United States for years. But the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle has forced animal and human health experts to establish testing for a new community of agriculture workers and livestock.

The news of additional testing for the country’s meat supply came alongside the results of a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that reinforced the safety of pasteurized dairy products.

Steve Grube, chief medical officer for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting" target="_blank">most recent round of dairy product testing</a>&nbsp;included 167 foods that were processed in 27 states in June and July.

“None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming that pasteurization is effective,” he said. “The second survey was intended to address geographic and product gaps from the initial sampling of the commercial milk and dairy product supply that the FDA conducted during April and May.”

Federal officials have also launched a voluntary program for farmers to test the milk in bulk tanks for H5N1, a step that’s intended to make it easier for them to move their cows between states without having to individually test each one.

Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said the department’s Farm Service Agency has approved 23 of the 35 applications it has received so far to help ease the financial burden on dairy farmers who take their herds out of production after testing positive.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index" target="_blank">program</a>&nbsp;— known as Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish — has approved more than $1 million in payments.

The price paid to farmers is based on a formula that includes the price of milk from the preceding month as well as the number of dairy cattle that contract H5N1.

Deeble said on the call with reporters that of the approved applications, a dozen are from Colorado, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of positive H5N1 tests within its dairy industry.

Deeble argued the uptick is due to certain factors within the state and cautioned people against assuming that if testing was increased in other areas of the country, the number of positive H5N1 tests for dairy cattle would spike.

“I don’t think that it is accurate necessarily to extrapolate from the situation in Weld County, Colorado,” Deeble said. “Weld County and Colorado dairy in particular is rather unique in the degree to which the dairies are all closely associated with one another; both spatially and the way in which there is a lot of movement between the facilities.”

“It is a tightly integrated dairy community that’s isolated from much of the rest of the state, and there is a lot of connectivity between the premises in the way in which they use vehicles, support services, milk trucks,” Deeble added.

During the last 30 days, five states have had dairy cattle test positive for H5N1, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.

Colorado holds a disproportionate number of cases with 26 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">dairy herds to test positive</a>, while the other four states combined hold a total of six herds.

Other mammals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals" target="_blank">diagnosed</a>&nbsp;with H5N1 during the last six weeks are overwhelmingly in Colorado, which has found the virus in house mice, deer mice, domestic cats, a desert cottontail and a prairie vole.

Public health officials said during the call Tuesday they are beginning to look more closely at when and why cats are being affected by the spread of H5N1.

Barn cats as well as those that hunt outside, coming into regular contact with wild birds that hold a reservoir of H5N1, have tested positive for the virus before.

But a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association earlier this month noted that two of the six cats diagnosed with H5N1 in that state this year “were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus.”

Public health officials on the call were unable to answer a question about how indoor-only cats would have come into contact with H5N1.

Experts on the call cautioned that as fall approaches, wild birds will begin migrating and dairy farmers will likely ship their cattle at higher rates, both of which could lead to an uptick in the number of positive cases of H5N1 being reported in dairy cattle as well as other animals.

Lia Chien contributed to this report.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722448527185.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association)." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production.Emilio Esteban, the under secretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new testing program follows three studies undertaken during the spring and summer that all found beef in the nation’s food supply is safe to eat.“However, we want to move forward with an additional step,” Esteban said. “And what this means is that when those carcasses are tested, they are held and are not going to go into commerce until we get the results back.”The virus, also referred to as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in wild bird and domestic poultry flocks within the United States for years. But the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle has forced animal and human health experts to establish testing for a new community of agriculture workers and livestock.The news of additional testing for the country’s meat supply came alongside the results of a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that reinforced the safety of pasteurized dairy products.Steve Grube, chief medical officer for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting" target="_blank">most recent round of dairy product testing</a>&nbsp;included 167 foods that were processed in 27 states in June and July.“None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming that pasteurization is effective,” he said. “The second survey was intended to address geographic and product gaps from the initial sampling of the commercial milk and dairy product supply that the FDA conducted during April and May.”<h2>Testing milk in bulk tanks</h2>Federal officials have also launched a voluntary program for farmers to test the milk in bulk tanks for H5N1, a step that’s intended to make it easier for them to move their cows between states without having to individually test each one.Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said the department’s Farm Service Agency has approved 23 of the 35 applications it has received so far to help ease the financial burden on dairy farmers who take their herds out of production after testing positive.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index" target="_blank">program</a>&nbsp;— known as Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish — has approved more than $1 million in payments.The price paid to farmers is based on a formula that includes the price of milk from the preceding month as well as the number of dairy cattle that contract H5N1.Deeble said on the call with reporters that of the approved applications, a dozen are from Colorado, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of positive H5N1 tests within its dairy industry.Deeble argued the uptick is due to certain factors within the state and cautioned people against assuming that if testing was increased in other areas of the country, the number of positive H5N1 tests for dairy cattle would spike.“I don’t think that it is accurate necessarily to extrapolate from the situation in Weld County, Colorado,” Deeble said. “Weld County and Colorado dairy in particular is rather unique in the degree to which the dairies are all closely associated with one another; both spatially and the way in which there is a lot of movement between the facilities.”“It is a tightly integrated dairy community that’s isolated from much of the rest of the state, and there is a lot of connectivity between the premises in the way in which they use vehicles, support services, milk trucks,” Deeble added.During the last 30 days, five states have had dairy cattle test positive for H5N1, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.Colorado holds a disproportionate number of cases with 26 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">dairy herds to test positive</a>, while the other four states combined hold a total of six herds.Other mammals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals" target="_blank">diagnosed</a>&nbsp;with H5N1 during the last six weeks are overwhelmingly in Colorado, which has found the virus in house mice, deer mice, domestic cats, a desert cottontail and a prairie vole.<h2>Effect on cats</h2>Public health officials said during the call Tuesday they are beginning to look more closely at when and why cats are being affected by the spread of H5N1.Barn cats as well as those that hunt outside, coming into regular contact with wild birds that hold a reservoir of H5N1, have tested positive for the virus before.But a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association earlier this month noted that two of the six cats diagnosed with H5N1 in that state this year “were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus.”Public health officials on the call were unable to answer a question about how indoor-only cats would have come into contact with H5N1.Experts on the call cautioned that as fall approaches, wild birds will begin migrating and dairy farmers will likely ship their cattle at higher rates, both of which could lead to an uptick in the number of positive cases of H5N1 being reported in dairy cattle as well as other animals.Lia Chien contributed to this report.&nbsp;

USDA to take ‘additional step’ in testing beef from former dairy cattle for bird flu 

(Radio Iowa) - Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States is on a tour of Midwest states, to discuss the stakes in Ukraine's battle with Russia. Ambassador Oksana Markarova says many of the people she visited with during her stop at the Iowa State Fair said they were praying for Ukraine -- and the ambassador says that's what her country needs in this moment -- more prayers and more ammunition. 

Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022 and this past week thousands of Ukrainian troops have crossed into Russian territory. Markarova (mar-KAR-uh-vuh) says Ukraine can provide valuable military intelligence to its friends and allies here and in Europe because Ukraine's army has been battle-tested against Russia. 

The ambassador met with Iowa's governor, the Des Moines city council and U-S Senator Joni Ernst Tuesday.

(Radio Iowa) - Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States is on a tour of Midwest states, to discuss the stakes in Ukraine's battle with Russia. Ambassador Oksana Markarova says many of the people she visited with during her stop at the Iowa State Fair said they were praying for Ukraine -- and the ambassador says that's what her country needs in this moment -- more prayers and more ammunition. Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022 and this past week thousands of Ukrainian troops have crossed into Russian territory. Markarova (mar-KAR-uh-vuh) says Ukraine can provide valuable military intelligence to its friends and allies here and in Europe because Ukraine's army has been battle-tested against Russia. The ambassador met with Iowa's governor, the Des Moines city council and U-S Senator Joni Ernst Tuesday.

Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.S. visits Iowa

For far too long, Americans have paid more for their prescription drugs than any developed nation. Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering on its promise to lower out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors and save money for Americans.

That’s because Medicare has the power to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time in history thanks&nbsp;to the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law by President Biden with Vice President Harris casting the tie-breaking vote. Because Medicare is now able to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors and people with disabilities, American taxpayers are expected to save $6 billion on prescription drug costs, and people enrolled in Medicare are expected to save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs in 2026 alone.

 President Biden took on Big Pharma and won, and now millions of seniors and others on Medicare will soon see their drug costs go down on some of the most common and expensive prescription drugs that treat heart disease, cancer, diabetes, blood clots, and more. 

HHS Announces Negotiated Prices for Medicare Drugs HHS has reached agreements with all participating manufacturers on new negotiated, lower drug prices for the first 10 drugs selected for the Medicare drug price negotiation program. After manufacturers have&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program-comparing-drug-price">steadily increased the list prices</a>&nbsp;of all 10 of these drugs since they went on the market, these new prices will cut the list price of these drugs between 38 and 79 percent. The new prices will go into effect for people with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage in 2026.

WHITE HOUSEFor far too long, Americans have paid more for their prescription drugs than any developed nation. Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering on its promise to lower out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors and save money for Americans.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Right now, Americans pay two to three times more for prescription drugs than they would anywhere else. But the Biden-Harris Administration beat Big Pharma. And after months of negotiations, Medicare has reached agreements to lower the price for 10 of the highest-cost drugs. <a href="https://t.co/eGVtAtJsVO">pic.twitter.com/eGVtAtJsVO</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1824057502389968965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That’s because Medicare has the power to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time in history thanks&nbsp;to the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law by President Biden with Vice President Harris casting the tie-breaking vote. Because Medicare is now able to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors and people with disabilities, American taxpayers are expected to save $6 billion on prescription drug costs, and people enrolled in Medicare are expected to save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs in 2026 alone. President Biden took on Big Pharma and won, and now millions of seniors and others on Medicare will soon see their drug costs go down on some of the most common and expensive prescription drugs that treat heart disease, cancer, diabetes, blood clots, and more. HHS Announces Negotiated Prices for Medicare Drugs HHS has reached agreements with all participating manufacturers on new negotiated, lower drug prices for the first 10 drugs selected for the Medicare drug price negotiation program. After manufacturers have&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program-comparing-drug-price">steadily increased the list prices</a>&nbsp;of all 10 of these drugs since they went on the market, these new prices will cut the list price of these drugs between 38 and 79 percent. The new prices will go into effect for people with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage in 2026.

Billions saved: See what popular Medicare drugs will drop in price after Biden deal

Senator JD Vance and&nbsp; Gov. Tim Walz are considering whether or not to meet and debate on Oct. 1, according to CBS News.&nbsp; Walz issued a firm commitment on his social media account. Vance is expected to commit if CBS met a few demands.&nbsp;&nbsp;On social media Thursday morning Vance wrote,   "Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well."

Senator JD Vance and&nbsp; Gov. Tim Walz are considering whether or not to meet and debate on Oct. 1, according to CBS News.&nbsp; Walz issued a firm commitment on his social media account. Vance is expected to commit if CBS met a few demands.&nbsp;&nbsp;On social media Thursday morning Vance wrote, "Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">See you on October 1, JD. <a href="https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9">https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9</a>&mdash; Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Walz/status/1823824781873176770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The American people deserve as many debates as possible, which is why President Trump has challenged Kamala to three of them already. Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well. I look forward to seeing you at both! <a href="https://t.co/63FyI99dKU">https://t.co/63FyI99dKU</a>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1824075920216310262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

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