JERUSALEM —U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Monday and Tuesday, according to the U.S. Central Command.

The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. 

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Monday and Tuesday, according to the U.S. Central Command.The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

U.S. defeats terrorist attack on U.S. Navy and U.S.-flagged ships in Gulf of Aden

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley sent an 11-page letter to F-B-I Director Christopher Wray on Monday, expressing a vote of "no confidence" in Wray's ability to continue leading the bureau. 

While he didn't use the word "resign" in the letter, Grassley says the writing's on the wall as to what Wray should do. If Wray doesn't walk, Grassley says he'll be fired when President Trump returns to office. 

Grassley says Wray has failed in the fundamental duties as director, singling out what Grassley calls "an invasive and unwarranted FBI raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence."

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley sent an 11-page letter to F-B-I Director Christopher Wray on Monday, expressing a vote of "no confidence" in Wray's ability to continue leading the bureau. While he didn't use the word "resign" in the letter, Grassley says the writing's on the wall as to what Wray should do. If Wray doesn't walk, Grassley says he'll be fired when President Trump returns to office. Grassley says Wray has failed in the fundamental duties as director, singling out what Grassley calls "an invasive and unwarranted FBI raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence."

Senator Grassley says if FBI Director Wray doesn't quit, Trump will fire him

(Radio Iowa) - Only about one in four Iowans have gotten flu shots so far this season, the lowest turnout in the past five years. 

A report from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services shows nearly 27-percent of Iowans have been vaccinated through last week, compared to almost 39-percent the first year of the pandemic. Elizabeth Scharon, a registered nurse and vaccine clinic manager at Gundersen Health System, recommends flu shots for virtually everyone. 

It can often take up to two weeks for the flu shot to become effective, so she says Iowans who are vaccinated now should be prepared for the upcoming holiday season. While Iowans who are young and healthy likely aren’t at great risk of getting severely ill from the flu, Scharon says they should still get vaccinated to protect more vulnerable people around them.

(Radio Iowa) - Only about one in four Iowans have gotten flu shots so far this season, the lowest turnout in the past five years. A report from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services shows nearly 27-percent of Iowans have been vaccinated through last week, compared to almost 39-percent the first year of the pandemic. Elizabeth Scharon, a registered nurse and vaccine clinic manager at Gundersen Health System, recommends flu shots for virtually everyone. It can often take up to two weeks for the flu shot to become effective, so she says Iowans who are vaccinated now should be prepared for the upcoming holiday season. While Iowans who are young and healthy likely aren’t at great risk of getting severely ill from the flu, Scharon says they should still get vaccinated to protect more vulnerable people around them.

Report: Fewer Iowans are getting flu shots

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association thanked the Senate for passing the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act last week. In addition to providing much-needed relief to victims of hurricanes, this legislation provides tax relief for cattle producers who received payments due to wildfires. Those payments were counted as taxable income, meaning producers who already suffered from disasters were hurt again by having their relief payments taxed. 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association thanked the Senate for passing the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act last week. In addition to providing much-needed relief to victims of hurricanes, this legislation provides tax relief for cattle producers who received payments due to wildfires. Those payments were counted as taxable income, meaning producers who already suffered from disasters were hurt again by having their relief payments taxed.

NCBA endorsed tax relief passes Senate

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy to address H5N1 infections in U.S. dairy herds. The measure builds on steps already taken by USDA and its federal and state partners since H5N1 was first found in dairy cattle in March 2024. The Federal Order and guidance requires that unpasteurized milk samples nationwide be shared with USDA for testing. 

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy to address H5N1 infections in U.S. dairy herds. The measure builds on steps already taken by USDA and its federal and state partners since H5N1 was first found in dairy cattle in March 2024. The Federal Order and guidance requires that unpasteurized milk samples nationwide be shared with USDA for testing.

USDA begins national milk testing for H5N1 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump vowed to sign an executive order on his first day in office to end the constitutional right to U.S. citizenship for anyone born in the country, during an extensive Sunday interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.”

But Trump also admitted there would be legal hurdles to carrying out his policy goal of amending the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;<a href="https://hrp.law.harvard.edu/press-statement-constitutional-law-scholars-respond-to-trumps-threats-against-birthright-citizenship/" target="_blank">Many constitutional legal scholars have argued</a>&nbsp;that Trump could not halt what is known as birthright citizenship through an executive order.

“We have to end it,” Trump told Welker. “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous.”

On other immigration topics, he said he is willing to make a deal with Democrats on keeping so-called Dreamers in the U.S., and he supports deporting entire families in his mass deportation plans, even if the children themselves are U.S. citizens.

But some of his most extensive comments were on birthright citizenship. “We’re gonna have to get it changed,” Trump said of the 14th Amendment.

<a href="https://exchange.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/birthright-citizenship-united-states" target="_blank">The U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;was ratified in 1868 and guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country.

“All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” according to the 14th Amendment.

Trump said that he will try to end birthright citizenship through an executive order, “if we can.”

Experts take issue.&nbsp;“There is today no serious scholarly debate about whether a president can, through executive action, contradict the Supreme Court’s long-standing and consistent interpretation of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment,” Gerald Neuman, director of the human rights program at Harvard Law School, said in a statement in 2018 along with a group of constitutional law scholars.

Two-thirds of both the U.S. House and Senate would be required to vote to approve an amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/#:~:text=An%20amendment%20may%20be%20proposed,slavery%20and%20the%20slave%20trade." target="_blank">changing the Constitution</a>, and three-fourths of state legislatures would have to ratify such an amendment for it to take effect. A convention could also be called by two-thirds of state legislatures.

While Republicans are set to control both chambers by January, it’s not by a margin of two-thirds.

During the interview, Trump also inaccurately claimed that the United States is the only country in the world that has birthright citizenship.<a href="https://maint.loc.gov/law/help/birthright-citizenship/global.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;More than a dozen&nbsp;</a>countries bestow birthright citizenship, from Canada to Brazil.

Some countries have birthright citizenship, but with restrictions, such as France, which requires at least one parent be a citizen in order for the child to obtain citizenship.

Welker asked Trump what his plans are for the Dreamers, the more than 500,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that he tried to end during his first administration. The DACA program is currently waiting for a federal court to<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">&nbsp;decide its legal fate.</a>

“These are people that have been brought here at a very young age and many of these are middle-aged people now, they don’t even speak the language of their country,” he said.

Trump said that he would “work with the Democrats on a plan,” but did not elaborate on any details.

Welker asked Trump about his mass deportation plans, a campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented people, and how that would affect the more than 4 million mixed-status families, meaning families with different immigration statuses.

“I don’t want to be breaking up families,” Trump said. “So the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.”

Welker asked if that included, “even kids who are here legally?”

“Whatcha gonna do if they want to stay with the father?” Trump said. “We have to have rules and regulations.”

Trump did not answer repeated questions as to whether he would bring back one of his harshest immigration policies,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/governmental_legislative_work/priorities_policy/immigration/familyseparation/" target="_blank">known as family separation,</a>&nbsp;that separated parents from their children at the border. While most have been reunited, there are still about a quarter of children who are not with their parents.

“We don’t have to separate families,” Trump said. “We’ll send the whole family, very humanely, back to the country where they came.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733856776956.png" alt="President-elect Donald Trump was interviewed for an edition of NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that aired on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of NBC News)" />
 <figcaption>President-elect Donald Trump was interviewed for an edition of NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that aired on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of NBC News)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump vowed to sign an executive order on his first day in office to end the constitutional right to U.S. citizenship for anyone born in the country, during an extensive Sunday interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.”But Trump also admitted there would be legal hurdles to carrying out his policy goal of amending the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;<a href="https://hrp.law.harvard.edu/press-statement-constitutional-law-scholars-respond-to-trumps-threats-against-birthright-citizenship/" target="_blank">Many constitutional legal scholars have argued</a>&nbsp;that Trump could not halt what is known as birthright citizenship through an executive order.“We have to end it,” Trump told Welker. “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous.”On other immigration topics, he said he is willing to make a deal with Democrats on keeping so-called Dreamers in the U.S., and he supports deporting entire families in his mass deportation plans, even if the children themselves are U.S. citizens.But some of his most extensive comments were on birthright citizenship. “We’re gonna have to get it changed,” Trump said of the 14th Amendment.<h2>Ratified in 1868</h2><a href="https://exchange.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/birthright-citizenship-united-states" target="_blank">The U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;was ratified in 1868 and guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country.“All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” according to the 14th Amendment.Trump said that he will try to end birthright citizenship through an executive order, “if we can.”Experts take issue.&nbsp;“There is today no serious scholarly debate about whether a president can, through executive action, contradict the Supreme Court’s long-standing and consistent interpretation of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment,” Gerald Neuman, director of the human rights program at Harvard Law School, said in a statement in 2018 along with a group of constitutional law scholars.Two-thirds of both the U.S. House and Senate would be required to vote to approve an amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/#:~:text=An%20amendment%20may%20be%20proposed,slavery%20and%20the%20slave%20trade." target="_blank">changing the Constitution</a>, and three-fourths of state legislatures would have to ratify such an amendment for it to take effect. A convention could also be called by two-thirds of state legislatures.While Republicans are set to control both chambers by January, it’s not by a margin of two-thirds.During the interview, Trump also inaccurately claimed that the United States is the only country in the world that has birthright citizenship.<a href="https://maint.loc.gov/law/help/birthright-citizenship/global.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;More than a dozen&nbsp;</a>countries bestow birthright citizenship, from Canada to Brazil.Some countries have birthright citizenship, but with restrictions, such as France, which requires at least one parent be a citizen in order for the child to obtain citizenship.<h2>A branch extended to Dreamers</h2>Welker asked Trump what his plans are for the Dreamers, the more than 500,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that he tried to end during his first administration. The DACA program is currently waiting for a federal court to<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/10/10/federal-appeals-court-weighs-fate-of-daca-program/" target="_blank">&nbsp;decide its legal fate.</a>“These are people that have been brought here at a very young age and many of these are middle-aged people now, they don’t even speak the language of their country,” he said.Trump said that he would “work with the Democrats on a plan,” but did not elaborate on any details.Welker asked Trump about his mass deportation plans, a campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented people, and how that would affect the more than 4 million mixed-status families, meaning families with different immigration statuses.“I don’t want to be breaking up families,” Trump said. “So the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.”Welker asked if that included, “even kids who are here legally?”“Whatcha gonna do if they want to stay with the father?” Trump said. “We have to have rules and regulations.”Trump did not answer repeated questions as to whether he would bring back one of his harshest immigration policies,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/governmental_legislative_work/priorities_policy/immigration/familyseparation/" target="_blank">known as family separation,</a>&nbsp;that separated parents from their children at the border. While most have been reunited, there are still about a quarter of children who are not with their parents.“We don’t have to separate families,” Trump said. “We’ll send the whole family, very humanely, back to the country where they came.”

Despite doubts on legality, Trump pledges to end birthright citizenship

(Radio Iowa) -- Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds returned to northwest Iowa Monday to check on the progress of disaster recovery after historic flooding hit early this summer. 

She first toured Correctionville in Woodbury County with Mayor Ken Bauer (BOW-er) and said things were off to a good start. Mayor Bauer is still trying to calculate the total cost to his community and says recovery is going to take time and they're moving as fast as they can. Reynolds also stopped in Rock Valley, where city leaders say more than 140 homes are beyond repair. 

Reynolds says the state asked FEMA to cover 100 percent of the cost of the flood but is only going to get 75 percent. State and local governments will have to cover the rest.

(Radio Iowa) -- Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds returned to northwest Iowa Monday to check on the progress of disaster recovery after historic flooding hit early this summer. She first toured Correctionville in Woodbury County with Mayor Ken Bauer (BOW-er) and said things were off to a good start. Mayor Bauer is still trying to calculate the total cost to his community and says recovery is going to take time and they're moving as fast as they can. Reynolds also stopped in Rock Valley, where city leaders say more than 140 homes are beyond repair. Reynolds says the state asked FEMA to cover 100 percent of the cost of the flood but is only going to get 75 percent. State and local governments will have to cover the rest.

Governor Revisits Flood Damaged Correctionville, Rock Valley

<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=22820&amp;t=638693532722993425">Click here to read </a>the court decision

TOPEKA —A federal court Monday halted a Biden rule that would have provided taxpayer-subsidized health plans to illegal aliens. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach personally argued the request for a preliminary injunction in a Bismarck courtroom in October.

On Monday, the court sided with Kobach and the 19-state coalition he led on the case and stopped to proposed rule from going into effect.“This decision is a big win for the rule of law. Congress never intended that illegal aliens should receive Obamacare benefits.

 Indeed, two laws prohibit them from receiving such benefits. The Biden administration tried to break those laws. But we fought back and defeated the Biden Justice Department.

”The regulation would have made more than 200,000 deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipients eligible for Obamacare. The number includes more than 4,350 DACA recipients in Kansas. 

Kobach argued that a 1996 law generally prohibits illegal aliens from receiving federal benefits, and the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, itself says that an alien has to be lawfully present in the United States to receive subsidized health insurance.Kobach led a coalition of state attorneys general, including AGs from Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733782750994.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=22820&amp;t=638693532722993425">Click here to read </a>the court decisionTOPEKA —A federal court Monday halted a Biden rule that would have provided taxpayer-subsidized health plans to illegal aliens. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach personally argued the request for a preliminary injunction in a Bismarck courtroom in October.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723829601184.png" alt="File photo Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>File photo Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, the court sided with Kobach and the 19-state coalition he led on the case and stopped to proposed rule from going into effect.“This decision is a big win for the rule of law. Congress never intended that illegal aliens should receive Obamacare benefits. Indeed, two laws prohibit them from receiving such benefits. The Biden administration tried to break those laws. But we fought back and defeated the Biden Justice Department.”The regulation would have made more than 200,000 deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipients eligible for Obamacare. The number includes more than 4,350 DACA recipients in Kansas. Kobach argued that a 1996 law generally prohibits illegal aliens from receiving federal benefits, and the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, itself says that an alien has to be lawfully present in the United States to receive subsidized health insurance.Kobach led a coalition of state attorneys general, including AGs from Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Court sides with Kan. AG, stops Biden from giving Obamacare to illegal aliens

Washington, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall met with President Donald Trump’s nominees to serve as U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth; U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and&nbsp;Department of Education Secretary, Linda McMahon on Monday.

"As Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth will put America's lethality and recruitment efforts front and center," Marshall wrote in a media release from his office.&nbsp; "He will advocate for our warfighters and the resources our military needs to ensure America has the world's most lethal and prepared fighting force."

"As a combat veteran, he understands the support our soldiers need before, during, and following their military service. I am looking forward to his swift confirmation."&nbsp;

“Coming from generations of American farmers, her roots in agriculture and professional career make her a champion for our farmers, ranchers, and producers. Brooke will lead the most important agency for Kansas’ economy. Today, I shared with her our agriculture industry’s most pressing issues, including preserving crop protection tools, expanding trade opportunities, lowering input costs, and supporting rural development. Brooke is passionate about working with President Trump to address the challenges facing rural America quickly and put our farmers and ranchers first. I’m excited to partner with her and will support her nomination as Secretary of Agriculture.”

“Linda McMahon will be a phenomenal Secretary of Education. She will prioritize outcomes for our students and empower parents across America. Her leadership will mark a significant step toward returning control of education to the states as President Trump has called for. We have much to do to undo the damage caused over these last few years, and McMahon is the leader for the job.”

“Linda is a steadfast advocate for parents’ rights, a proven business leader, and successfully led the Small Business Administration to new heights during President Trump’s first administration. I was honored to meet with Linda today- she has my full support.”

Last week, Kansas Senior Senator reported a meeting with former Georgia congressman Doug Collins, Trumps nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733783360527.png" alt="Marshall and Pete Hegseth courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Marshall and Pete Hegseth courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall met with President Donald Trump’s nominees to serve as U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth; U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and&nbsp;Department of Education Secretary, Linda McMahon on Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you for your time and support Senator <a href="https://t.co/3oSvBjSbFy">https://t.co/3oSvBjSbFy</a>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1866256238918410383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"As Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth will put America's lethality and recruitment efforts front and center," Marshall wrote in a media release from his office.&nbsp; "He will advocate for our warfighters and the resources our military needs to ensure America has the world's most lethal and prepared fighting force.""As a combat veteran, he understands the support our soldiers need before, during, and following their military service. I am looking forward to his swift confirmation."&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kansas’ largest industry is agriculture. I had the pleasure of sitting down with <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a> to discuss how we can make Kansas ag and American ag stronger than ever — and talked a little old Big 12 football... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mAGa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mAGa</a> 🌽 <a href="https://t.co/OiKF8XHU2O">pic.twitter.com/OiKF8XHU2O</a>&mdash; Brooke Rollins (@BrookeLRollins) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrookeLRollins/status/1866271688146502140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Coming from generations of American farmers, her roots in agriculture and professional career make her a champion for our farmers, ranchers, and producers. Brooke will lead the most important agency for Kansas’ economy. Today, I shared with her our agriculture industry’s most pressing issues, including preserving crop protection tools, expanding trade opportunities, lowering input costs, and supporting rural development. Brooke is passionate about working with President Trump to address the challenges facing rural America quickly and put our farmers and ranchers first. I’m excited to partner with her and will support her nomination as Secretary of Agriculture.”“Linda McMahon will be a phenomenal Secretary of Education. She will prioritize outcomes for our students and empower parents across America. Her leadership will mark a significant step toward returning control of education to the states as President Trump has called for. We have much to do to undo the damage caused over these last few years, and McMahon is the leader for the job.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wrapped up a great meeting today with Senator <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a> He understands the need to put parents, students, and teachers first, not the bureaucrats! Thank you, Senator! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/31Cyf7pSo3">pic.twitter.com/31Cyf7pSo3</a>&mdash; Linda McMahon (@Linda_McMahon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Linda_McMahon/status/1866247386877530176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Linda is a steadfast advocate for parents’ rights, a proven business leader, and successfully led the Small Business Administration to new heights during President Trump’s first administration. I was honored to meet with Linda today- she has my full support.”Last week, Kansas Senior Senator reported a meeting with former Georgia congressman Doug Collins, Trumps nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Good and productive meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDougCollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepDougCollins</a> on his nomination to be Sec. of Veterans Affairs. Rep. Collins’ time in Congress has provided him with a strong understanding of the policies that impact veterans. I look forward to hearing his testimony before the VA Committee. <a href="https://t.co/RoHRr37T57">pic.twitter.com/RoHRr37T57</a>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1864055095253520505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. U.S. Senators meet with Trump cabinet nominees

(Radio Iowa) - The leaders of food assistance groups in Iowa say they're seeing record numbers at the state's food pantries. 

A network of 14 central Iowa food pantries served 30-thousand people in November -- the highest number in the organization's 50 year history. A volunteer who coordinates feeding programs in Storm Lake says it feels they've been in crisis mode since COVID hit -- and the churches and organizations in Storm Lake that are operating feeding programs are seeing demand double and triple since 2020. 

The Food Bank of Iowa distributed two-and-a-half million pounds of food to food panties around the state in November. That's the highest level in the Food Bank of Iowa's 42 year history.

(Radio Iowa) - The leaders of food assistance groups in Iowa say they're seeing record numbers at the state's food pantries. A network of 14 central Iowa food pantries served 30-thousand people in November -- the highest number in the organization's 50 year history. A volunteer who coordinates feeding programs in Storm Lake says it feels they've been in crisis mode since COVID hit -- and the churches and organizations in Storm Lake that are operating feeding programs are seeing demand double and triple since 2020. The Food Bank of Iowa distributed two-and-a-half million pounds of food to food panties around the state in November. That's the highest level in the Food Bank of Iowa's 42 year history.

Record usage of Iowa food pantries

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>

Missouri’s new law boosting the minimum wage and providing paid sick leave for workers should be thrown out because it violated constitutional rules on ballot initiatives, a coalition of business advocacy groups argued in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Petition%20for%20Election%20Contest.PDF?courtCode=SC&amp;di=204469" target="_blank">lawsuit filed Friday</a>.

Proposition A,&nbsp;a ballot measure that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;by a wide margin, would increase the state’s minimum wage on Jan. 1 and guarantee paid sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers starting May 1.&nbsp;

The lawsuit, filed with the state Supreme Court, argues the election results should be overturned because of several constitutional violations, including alleged violations of the state constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++50&amp;bid=31808&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">single-subject requirement</a>.

The coalition of plaintiffs includes&nbsp;Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Missouri Grocers Association, the Missouri Restaurant Association, the National Federation of Independent Business, and three individuals associated with those groups.

“While Proposition A is bad policy and will have extreme and detrimental effects on Missouri’s businesses, that is not the basis of this action,” the coalition stated in the petition.&nbsp;

“Instead, the election irregularities and the constitutional violations are so significant that the election results must be overturned and Proposition A must be declared invalid.”

The defendants are Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who is responsible for the ballot summary statement, and Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, responsible for the fiscal note summary. JoDonn Chaney, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office, said the office is “in the process of reviewing” the lawsuit. Fitzpatrick’s office didn’t immediately return a request for comment Monday.&nbsp;

All contests to&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.555&amp;bid=6216&amp;hl=" target="_blank">statewide election results</a>&nbsp;are heard by the state Supreme Court.

Marilyn McLeod, president of League of Women Voters of Missouri, called the lawsuit “anti-democratic” and “reprehensible” in a press release.

“These special interest groups could have raised their legal concerns at any other point in the process before the measure appeared on the ballot,” McLeod said.&nbsp;

“…We are appalled that judges will be asked to overturn the wishes of the Missouri electorate,” she added, “but we are confident that they will see that wages and benefits are clearly part of the same subject on compensation and will reject this lawsuit.”

Terrence Wise, a leader with the Missouri Workers Center, an organization of low-income workers, said Proposition A provided a “chance for change and hope” to low-wage workers across the state.&nbsp;

“It’s sickening to me that corporations are trying to steal our victory away and quiet the will of the voters who made this win possible,” Wise said.

Proposition A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;with 58% of the vote and had the support of numerous unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, as well as over 500 business owners.&nbsp;

The state’s minimum wage will increase to $13.75 in January and then $15 on Jan. 1, 2026.&nbsp;Employees can begin accruing and using sick time on May 1, 2025, earning one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to five days per year for businesses with fewer than 15 employees and seven days per year for larger businesses.&nbsp;

Some workers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-038.pdf" target="_blank">are exempt</a>, including government employees and workers at businesses that have less than $500,000 in annual revenue.

The lawsuit alleges that the proposition’s fiscal note and summary on the ballot were “insufficient and unfair.” For instance, the lawsuit argues the summary wasn’t sufficiently nuanced about the caps on paid sick time or which employers are exempt.

Plaintiffs also argue the measure contains multiple subjects in violation of the single-subject constitutional requirement, and the clear-title rule, because benefits and wages should be considered distinct issues.&nbsp;

Advocates&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/07/missouri-business-groups-weigh-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">have previously said</a>&nbsp;wages and benefits are part of overall compensation packages, so fall under the single-subject requirement. They have also said there were several opportunities for the group to voice an opinion with concerns about the language earlier, and they didn’t.&nbsp;

And the lawsuit argues the proposition violates equal protection laws, through “similarly situated parties being treated differently,” citing the paid sick-leave exemptions for certain workers.

The details of the law are similar to those in states that have already adopted policies to expand access to paid sick leave. Paid sick leave measures also passed in Alaska and Nebraska last month, bringing the number of states with such laws to 18.

The plaintiffs want the Supreme Court to overturn the election results and declare the fiscal and ballot summaries wrong.

The business coalition had&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/07/missouri-business-groups-weigh-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">previously</a>&nbsp;said they were exploring “all available options, including possible legal action.”

The main focus of concern among business advocacy groups has been with the sick leave portion of the proposition, arguing it constrains business owner’s freedom to make their own decisions and opens them up to liability if they don’t follow the requirements.

Because the measure changes state law but not the constitution, the legislature could modify or overturn it without returning for a new vote of the people. Advocates from both sides have told The Independent they see that as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/07/missouri-business-groups-weigh-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">unlikely</a>, and see overturning the will of voters as unpopular.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686689481146.png" alt=" The Supreme Court of Missouri (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> The Supreme Court of Missouri (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri’s new law boosting the minimum wage and providing paid sick leave for workers should be thrown out because it violated constitutional rules on ballot initiatives, a coalition of business advocacy groups argued in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Petition%20for%20Election%20Contest.PDF?courtCode=SC&amp;di=204469" target="_blank">lawsuit filed Friday</a>.Proposition A,&nbsp;a ballot measure that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;by a wide margin, would increase the state’s minimum wage on Jan. 1 and guarantee paid sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers starting May 1.&nbsp;The lawsuit, filed with the state Supreme Court, argues the election results should be overturned because of several constitutional violations, including alleged violations of the state constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++50&amp;bid=31808&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">single-subject requirement</a>.The coalition of plaintiffs includes&nbsp;Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Missouri Grocers Association, the Missouri Restaurant Association, the National Federation of Independent Business, and three individuals associated with those groups.“While Proposition A is bad policy and will have extreme and detrimental effects on Missouri’s businesses, that is not the basis of this action,” the coalition stated in the petition.&nbsp;“Instead, the election irregularities and the constitutional violations are so significant that the election results must be overturned and Proposition A must be declared invalid.”The defendants are Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who is responsible for the ballot summary statement, and Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, responsible for the fiscal note summary. JoDonn Chaney, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office, said the office is “in the process of reviewing” the lawsuit. Fitzpatrick’s office didn’t immediately return a request for comment Monday.&nbsp;All contests to&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.555&amp;bid=6216&amp;hl=" target="_blank">statewide election results</a>&nbsp;are heard by the state Supreme Court.Marilyn McLeod, president of League of Women Voters of Missouri, called the lawsuit “anti-democratic” and “reprehensible” in a press release.“These special interest groups could have raised their legal concerns at any other point in the process before the measure appeared on the ballot,” McLeod said.&nbsp;“…We are appalled that judges will be asked to overturn the wishes of the Missouri electorate,” she added, “but we are confident that they will see that wages and benefits are clearly part of the same subject on compensation and will reject this lawsuit.”Terrence Wise, a leader with the Missouri Workers Center, an organization of low-income workers, said Proposition A provided a “chance for change and hope” to low-wage workers across the state.&nbsp;“It’s sickening to me that corporations are trying to steal our victory away and quiet the will of the voters who made this win possible,” Wise said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728643418242.png" alt="&nbsp;Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages, the campaign behind Prop A, gathered over 210,000 signatures to place it on the ballot (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages, the campaign behind Prop A, gathered over 210,000 signatures to place it on the ballot (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Proposition A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;with 58% of the vote and had the support of numerous unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, as well as over 500 business owners.&nbsp;The state’s minimum wage will increase to $13.75 in January and then $15 on Jan. 1, 2026.&nbsp;Employees can begin accruing and using sick time on May 1, 2025, earning one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to five days per year for businesses with fewer than 15 employees and seven days per year for larger businesses.&nbsp;Some workers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-038.pdf" target="_blank">are exempt</a>, including government employees and workers at businesses that have less than $500,000 in annual revenue.The lawsuit alleges that the proposition’s fiscal note and summary on the ballot were “insufficient and unfair.” For instance, the lawsuit argues the summary wasn’t sufficiently nuanced about the caps on paid sick time or which employers are exempt.Plaintiffs also argue the measure contains multiple subjects in violation of the single-subject constitutional requirement, and the clear-title rule, because benefits and wages should be considered distinct issues.&nbsp;Advocates&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/07/missouri-business-groups-weigh-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">have previously said</a>&nbsp;wages and benefits are part of overall compensation packages, so fall under the single-subject requirement. They have also said there were several opportunities for the group to voice an opinion with concerns about the language earlier, and they didn’t.&nbsp;And the lawsuit argues the proposition violates equal protection laws, through “similarly situated parties being treated differently,” citing the paid sick-leave exemptions for certain workers.The details of the law are similar to those in states that have already adopted policies to expand access to paid sick leave. Paid sick leave measures also passed in Alaska and Nebraska last month, bringing the number of states with such laws to 18.The plaintiffs want the Supreme Court to overturn the election results and declare the fiscal and ballot summaries wrong.The business coalition had&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/07/missouri-business-groups-weigh-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">previously</a>&nbsp;said they were exploring “all available options, including possible legal action.”The main focus of concern among business advocacy groups has been with the sick leave portion of the proposition, arguing it constrains business owner’s freedom to make their own decisions and opens them up to liability if they don’t follow the requirements.Because the measure changes state law but not the constitution, the legislature could modify or overturn it without returning for a new vote of the people. Advocates from both sides have told The Independent they see that as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/07/missouri-business-groups-weigh-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">unlikely</a>, and see overturning the will of voters as unpopular.

Business groups file legal challenge to voter-approved minimum wage hike, sick leave

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

Missouri Democrats will keep three of the party’s four top leaders in place for the next two years despite an election result where the party lost every statewide race and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/status-quo-election-leaves-missouri-republicans-with-legislative-supermajorities/">failed to make gains</a>&nbsp;in the General Assembly.

Former U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan of St. Louis will stay on as party chair, with Yvonne Reeves-Chong of Waynesville as vice chair and Glenda Bainbridge of Odessa as treasurer. Joshua Dunne of Jefferson City was elected committee secretary.

The selections were made Saturday at a meeting of the Democratic State Committee, completing the party reorganization that began with election of local committee members in August. The Missouri Republican State Committee will meet in January to select GOP leadership for the coming two years.&nbsp;

Statewide election results show the difficulties the party faces in future contests. The party’s best-performing candidate was U.S. Senate nominee Lucas Kunce, who received 41.8% of the vote.&nbsp;

In legislative elections, Democrats started the year hoping to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/27/open-seats-primary-challenges-mean-missouri-senate-will-see-most-turnover-in-two-decades/">break the two-thirds supermajority</a>&nbsp;Republicans have held in both chambers of the legislature since 2012. The party had gained seats in the 163-member Missouri House in each of the five most recent elections.

Instead, the party made no gains in either chamber, ending the election with 52 seats in the Missouri House and 10 of 34 seats in the state Senate.

In a statement, Carnahan downplayed the results, focusing on efforts to rebuild the party. The party held its seats despite losses elsewhere and helped pass ballot measures to restore abortion rights and increase the minimum wage, the statement noted.

“This year, Missouri Democrats opened over 20 offices across the state, recruited more candidates than we have since 2008, reorganized at least seven county committees that had not been organized in years past, and for the first time in several cycles, every seat on the state committee has been filled,” Carnahan said. “This cycle was just the beginning, and we still have a lot to do to rebuild a strong Democratic Party infrastructure.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733775865201.png" alt=" Missouri Democratic Party Chairman Russ Carnahan (photo courtesy of Missouri Democratic Party)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Democratic Party Chairman Russ Carnahan (photo courtesy of Missouri Democratic Party).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Democrats will keep three of the party’s four top leaders in place for the next two years despite an election result where the party lost every statewide race and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/status-quo-election-leaves-missouri-republicans-with-legislative-supermajorities/">failed to make gains</a>&nbsp;in the General Assembly.Former U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan of St. Louis will stay on as party chair, with Yvonne Reeves-Chong of Waynesville as vice chair and Glenda Bainbridge of Odessa as treasurer. Joshua Dunne of Jefferson City was elected committee secretary.The selections were made Saturday at a meeting of the Democratic State Committee, completing the party reorganization that began with election of local committee members in August. The Missouri Republican State Committee will meet in January to select GOP leadership for the coming two years.&nbsp;Statewide election results show the difficulties the party faces in future contests. The party’s best-performing candidate was U.S. Senate nominee Lucas Kunce, who received 41.8% of the vote.&nbsp;In legislative elections, Democrats started the year hoping to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/27/open-seats-primary-challenges-mean-missouri-senate-will-see-most-turnover-in-two-decades/">break the two-thirds supermajority</a>&nbsp;Republicans have held in both chambers of the legislature since 2012. The party had gained seats in the 163-member Missouri House in each of the five most recent elections.Instead, the party made no gains in either chamber, ending the election with 52 seats in the Missouri House and 10 of 34 seats in the state Senate.In a statement, Carnahan downplayed the results, focusing on efforts to rebuild the party. The party held its seats despite losses elsewhere and helped pass ballot measures to restore abortion rights and increase the minimum wage, the statement noted.“This year, Missouri Democrats opened over 20 offices across the state, recruited more candidates than we have since 2008, reorganized at least seven county committees that had not been organized in years past, and for the first time in several cycles, every seat on the state committee has been filled,” Carnahan said. “This cycle was just the beginning, and we still have a lot to do to rebuild a strong Democratic Party infrastructure.”

Democrats retain party leadership in Missouri following disappointing election 

St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields once again
will try to pass a tax incentive package through the Missouri legislature to
address the child care shortage in the state.

Shields, a Republican, has succeeded in passing
the legislation through the Missouri House the past two years, but has run into
a roadblock in the Senate.

Shields has pre-filed the bill for the upcoming
session; the same bill she filed the past legislative session.

“It could look slightly different by the time we
hear it in committee or hear it on the floor,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post, noting that Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield has filed a companion bill
in the Senate. “We truly believe this is the way that we can increase capacity
and have quality, safe, affordable, reliable care for our families.”

The package contains the Child Care Contribution
Tax Credit, which would provide a 75% tax credit to those investing in child
care. The Employer Provided Child Care Assistance Tax Credit Act would allow a
business to claim a 30% tax credit to offset the cost of child care for
employees. The Child Care Providers Tax Credit Act would allow a provider to
claim a 30% for capital expenditures or employee pay raises.

Each tax credit is capped at $20 million for a
total of $60 million.

Shields carries the legislation once again with
the belief that if passed, it would ease the child care shortage in the state.

“The business community has told us that over 50%
of the time they have trouble recruiting and retaining employees,” Shields
says. “And so, what it tells us, if they invest in the crisis that we have
around child care first, the state will invest. The state can’t afford to fix
the child care crisis on its own. It needs businesses to participate and the
tax credits do that, because businesses have to participate and put the money
up front first before the state pays.”

The legislation breezed to passage in the
Missouri House the past two years but stalled in the Senate. Still, Shields
sees an opportunity for success in the Senate in the upcoming legislative
session that begins next month.

“And I remain optimistic that on the campaign
trail this year that individual candidates heard that child care is a top issue
for Missouri families.”

Shields acknowledges her frustration that
disputes among Republicans in the Senate have prevented passage the past two
years.

“If we’d passed it two years ago when it was the
priority to get done, how much farther would we be down the road now?” Shields
asks. “Would we be attracting businesses to our state, because we would have
the solution for their employees and the child care&nbsp; for their employees?”

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields once again
will try to pass a tax incentive package through the Missouri legislature to
address the child care shortage in the state.Shields, a Republican, has succeeded in passing
the legislation through the Missouri House the past two years, but has run into
a roadblock in the Senate.Shields has pre-filed the bill for the upcoming
session; the same bill she filed the past legislative session.“It could look slightly different by the time we
hear it in committee or hear it on the floor,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post, noting that Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield has filed a companion bill
in the Senate. “We truly believe this is the way that we can increase capacity
and have quality, safe, affordable, reliable care for our families.”The package contains the Child Care Contribution
Tax Credit, which would provide a 75% tax credit to those investing in child
care. The Employer Provided Child Care Assistance Tax Credit Act would allow a
business to claim a 30% tax credit to offset the cost of child care for
employees. The Child Care Providers Tax Credit Act would allow a provider to
claim a 30% for capital expenditures or employee pay raises.Each tax credit is capped at $20 million for a
total of $60 million.Shields carries the legislation once again with
the belief that if passed, it would ease the child care shortage in the state.“The business community has told us that over 50%
of the time they have trouble recruiting and retaining employees,” Shields
says. “And so, what it tells us, if they invest in the crisis that we have
around child care first, the state will invest. The state can’t afford to fix
the child care crisis on its own. It needs businesses to participate and the
tax credits do that, because businesses have to participate and put the money
up front first before the state pays.”The legislation breezed to passage in the
Missouri House the past two years but stalled in the Senate. Still, Shields
sees an opportunity for success in the Senate in the upcoming legislative
session that begins next month.“And I remain optimistic that on the campaign
trail this year that individual candidates heard that child care is a top issue
for Missouri families.”Shields acknowledges her frustration that
disputes among Republicans in the Senate have prevented passage the past two
years.“If we’d passed it two years ago when it was the
priority to get done, how much farther would we be down the road now?” Shields
asks. “Would we be attracting businesses to our state, because we would have
the solution for their employees and the child care&nbsp; for their employees?”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Rep. Shields files child care tax package in hopes 3rd time is charm

(Radio Iowa) - The southern part of the state took a little longer to finish up the harvest this year compared to the north. Iowa State Extension field agronomist, Aaron Saeugling covers the southwest corner of the state, and says a wet spring delayed planting. 

He says they have more time in southern counties to make up for a planting delay than northern Iowa in terms of harvest. He says it's not unusual to be combining corn at Thanksgiving -- while in northern Iowa they don't like to do that because Mother Nature can come. Saeugling they had some pretty good yields despite the late start.

Saeugling covers Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Fremont, Page and Ringgold counties.

(Radio Iowa) - The southern part of the state took a little longer to finish up the harvest this year compared to the north. Iowa State Extension field agronomist, Aaron Saeugling covers the southwest corner of the state, and says a wet spring delayed planting. He says they have more time in southern counties to make up for a planting delay than northern Iowa in terms of harvest. He says it's not unusual to be combining corn at Thanksgiving -- while in northern Iowa they don't like to do that because Mother Nature can come. Saeugling they had some pretty good yields despite the late start.Saeugling covers Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Fremont, Page and Ringgold counties.

Late Planting Leads To Later Harvest For Southern Iowa

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2I3Bo3qxkDeOc7Ssp_G9S1N_c5h9jhlq95sbIBI-Wvk8c_koajwtkKXio_aem_KZQVY2EZSDTGov7WxiP5Rw" target="_blank"></a>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —With the uptick in migration, officials with Operation Wildlife,&nbsp;the largest publicly funded wildlife rehabilitation facility in Kansas reported on their social media account over the weekend they been receiving calls on "geese falling out of the sky."

The majority of these have been snow geese (40) in the last 3 days. The organization reported calls over the weekend from Atchison, Overland Park, Olathe, Lawrence, Tonganoxie, Kansas City Kansas, Shawnee and Clinton Lake. 

The birds may show signs of injury when brought in but rapidly decline and exhibit symptoms of avian influenza Sudden death: Without any prior signs of illness.

Swelling: Of the eyelids, head; Difficulty breathing: open mouth, wheezing, nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing: Birds may have blood-tinged discharge; Neurological impairment: Birds may lack coordination, have tremors, seizures, or have a twisted neck

Other symptoms: Birds may stumble or fall down, have diarrhea, have a hunched appearance, or have ruffled feathers and die within a few hours or a day of intake.

The organization reported they are not admitting geese to their facility at this time as this is a highly contagious disease that is spread by respiration, fecal matter and contact and they must protect the birds already in our care at risk. 

 There is no treatment for birds with avian flu and the kindest thing that can happen is for them to be euthanized so they don't suffer needlessly. 

Operation Wildlife has reached out to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and other animal control agencies across the Kansas City metro for help.

 If you come across one of these animals please report it as soon as possible or call Operation Wildlife and they will direct you with whom to contact. If you have chickens, ducks, parrots, etc you can use Lysol spray on your clothing and shoes to disinfect yourselves so you don't take it home to  your animals.

For more i<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawHDw35leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYjcGjerGQN45ztKyn8b1LU39zmH2OGWr3mxsgEj5a-Txz-ShqPC2QpeKg_aem_KZQVY2EZSDTGov7WxiP5Rw">nformation click here</a> for the latest bird flu statistics and answers to questions on how to respond if you come across a sick goose.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2I3Bo3qxkDeOc7Ssp_G9S1N_c5h9jhlq95sbIBI-Wvk8c_koajwtkKXio_aem_KZQVY2EZSDTGov7WxiP5Rw" target="_blank"></a>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —With the uptick in migration, officials with Operation Wildlife,&nbsp;the largest publicly funded wildlife rehabilitation facility in Kansas reported on their social media account over the weekend they been receiving calls on "geese falling out of the sky." The majority of these have been snow geese (40) in the last 3 days. The organization reported calls over the weekend from Atchison, Overland Park, Olathe, Lawrence, Tonganoxie, Kansas City Kansas, Shawnee and Clinton Lake. The birds may show signs of injury when brought in but rapidly decline and exhibit symptoms of avian influenza Sudden death: Without any prior signs of illness.Swelling: Of the eyelids, head; Difficulty breathing: open mouth, wheezing, nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing: Birds may have blood-tinged discharge; Neurological impairment: Birds may lack coordination, have tremors, seizures, or have a twisted neckOther symptoms: Birds may stumble or fall down, have diarrhea, have a hunched appearance, or have ruffled feathers and die within a few hours or a day of intake.The organization reported they are not admitting geese to their facility at this time as this is a highly contagious disease that is spread by respiration, fecal matter and contact and they must protect the birds already in our care at risk. There is no treatment for birds with avian flu and the kindest thing that can happen is for them to be euthanized so they don't suffer needlessly. Operation Wildlife has reached out to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and other animal control agencies across the Kansas City metro for help. If you come across one of these animals please report it as soon as possible or call Operation Wildlife and they will direct you with whom to contact. If you have chickens, ducks, parrots, etc you can use Lysol spray on your clothing and shoes to disinfect yourselves so you don't take it home to your animals.For more i<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawHDw35leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYjcGjerGQN45ztKyn8b1LU39zmH2OGWr3mxsgEj5a-Txz-ShqPC2QpeKg_aem_KZQVY2EZSDTGov7WxiP5Rw">nformation click here</a> for the latest bird flu statistics and answers to questions on how to respond if you come across a sick goose.

‘Geese falling from the sky’: Bird flu reported across KC metro

DAMASCUS —U.S. Central&nbsp; forces conducted dozens of precision airstrikes targeting known ISIS camps and operatives in central Syria on Sunday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade, and defeat ISIS, in order to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria.

The operation struck over 75 targets using multiple U.S. Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s. 

Battle damage assessments are underway, and there are no indications of civilian casualties.

CENTCOM, together with allies and partners in the region, will continue to carry out operations to degrade ISIS operational capabilities even during this dynamic period in Syria.

"There should be no doubt - we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria," said General Michael Erik Kurilla, "All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way."

DAMASCUS —U.S. Central&nbsp; forces conducted dozens of precision airstrikes targeting known ISIS camps and operatives in central Syria on Sunday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade, and defeat ISIS, in order to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria.The operation struck over 75 targets using multiple U.S. Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s. Battle damage assessments are underway, and there are no indications of civilian casualties.CENTCOM, together with allies and partners in the region, will continue to carry out operations to degrade ISIS operational capabilities even during this dynamic period in Syria."There should be no doubt - we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria," said General Michael Erik Kurilla, "All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way."

U.S. carried out dozens of airstrikes on ISIS camps in Syria

Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid, and Chiefs fans, don't need to schedule a stress test anytime soon, they seem to get one almost every week.&nbsp;

For the third time this season, Kansas City saw a kicker knock through a game winning field goal as time expired, this particular one sealing the ninth straight AFC West title for the Chiefs as they beat the Chargers 19-17 at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday Night Football.

And each time it's been a different kicker getting the job done as Kansas City has seen Harrison Butker, Spencer Schrader, and now Matthew Wright hit the game winning kick, which according to OptaSTATS is the first time in NFL history that a team has had&nbsp; has had more than one kicker do so in a single regular season.

The game however started off pretty smooth for Kansas City, as the Chiefs went into the halftime break with a 13-0 lead.&nbsp; Wright knocked in the only score of the first quarter, a 47 yard field goal, and after he hit a 33 yarder in the second quarter, Patrick Mahomes, with 47 seconds left, found Deandre Hopkins for the fourth time since he joined the Chiefs for a nine yard touchdown pass.&nbsp;Kansas City's halftime lead was its largest of the season and it shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time.

But, starting the second half, the Chargers found the scoreboard capping off a 13 play drive with a seven yard touchdown run by Gus Edwards, and after a three and out by Kansas City, took their first lead of the game on a seven yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Quentin Johnston.

Following the touchdown, the Chiefs put together a long drive of their own, which carried into the fourth quarter, where they took the lead back again thanks to Wright who nailed a 50 yard field goal early into the final quarter of regulation.&nbsp; And then, 14 plays later, after Chiefs defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton's sack pinned Los Angeles deep, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker again put them in the lead with a 37 yard field goal.&nbsp;

With 4:35 left in the game, trailing 17-16, the Chiefs put together another long drive, going 14 plays of their own, the biggest play being a third down conversion pass from Mahomes to Travis Kelce, setting up Wright for the game winning kick, a kick that faded to the left and doinked off the upright and through for the win from 31 yards away.&nbsp;

Kansas City's nine straight division titles are two short of the New England Patriots' NFL record of 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was the Chiefs' 15th straight win in a one-score game over the last two seasons.

Mahomes was 24 of 37 passing for 210 yards with one touchdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;Isiah Pacheco led the rushers with 14 carries for 55 yards, while Kelce (five catches, 45 yards) and Xavier Worthy (five catches, 41 yards) led the receivers.&nbsp; With his 45 receiving yards Kelce&nbsp; has 12,010 in his career, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten among tight ends. He is the fastest to reach 12,000 yards among tight ends.

In injury news, in his first game since signing with the Chiefs last week, left tackle DJ Humphries left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.

Kansas City is now 12-1 on the season.&nbsp; Next up they will travel to Cleveland for a matchup with the Browns.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at noon, pregame can be heard at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and on Q Country 92.7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733736147319.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright (49) hit a 31 yard field goal as time expired to give the Chiefs a 19-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and their 9th straight AFC West victory/ Photo courtesy of OptaSTATS on X" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright (49) hit a 31 yard field goal as time expired to give the Chiefs a 19-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and their 9th straight AFC West victory/ Photo courtesy of OptaSTATS on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostKansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid, and Chiefs fans, don't need to schedule a stress test anytime soon, they seem to get one almost every week.&nbsp;For the third time this season, Kansas City saw a kicker knock through a game winning field goal as time expired, this particular one sealing the ninth straight AFC West title for the Chiefs as they beat the Chargers 19-17 at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday Night Football.And each time it's been a different kicker getting the job done as Kansas City has seen Harrison Butker, Spencer Schrader, and now Matthew Wright hit the game winning kick, which according to OptaSTATS is the first time in NFL history that a team has had&nbsp; has had more than one kicker do so in a single regular season.The game however started off pretty smooth for Kansas City, as the Chiefs went into the halftime break with a 13-0 lead.&nbsp; Wright knocked in the only score of the first quarter, a 47 yard field goal, and after he hit a 33 yarder in the second quarter, Patrick Mahomes, with 47 seconds left, found Deandre Hopkins for the fourth time since he joined the Chiefs for a nine yard touchdown pass.&nbsp;Kansas City's halftime lead was its largest of the season and it shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CAN&#39;T STOP D HOP 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/a34ytdOuXU">pic.twitter.com/a34ytdOuXU</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1865950907449381229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But, starting the second half, the Chargers found the scoreboard capping off a 13 play drive with a seven yard touchdown run by Gus Edwards, and after a three and out by Kansas City, took their first lead of the game on a seven yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Quentin Johnston.Following the touchdown, the Chiefs put together a long drive of their own, which carried into the fourth quarter, where they took the lead back again thanks to Wright who nailed a 50 yard field goal early into the final quarter of regulation.&nbsp; And then, 14 plays later, after Chiefs defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton's sack pinned Los Angeles deep, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker again put them in the lead with a 37 yard field goal.&nbsp;With 4:35 left in the game, trailing 17-16, the Chiefs put together another long drive, going 14 plays of their own, the biggest play being a third down conversion pass from Mahomes to Travis Kelce, setting up Wright for the game winning kick, a kick that faded to the left and doinked off the upright and through for the win from 31 yards away.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DOINK FOR THE DIVISION. 😱 What a finish in Kansas City! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChiefsKingdom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChiefsKingdom</a> <a href="https://t.co/R8QluyQ74a">pic.twitter.com/R8QluyQ74a</a>&mdash; Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNFonNBC/status/1865975727142642003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas City's nine straight division titles are two short of the New England Patriots' NFL record of 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was the Chiefs' 15th straight win in a one-score game over the last two seasons.Mahomes was 24 of 37 passing for 210 yards with one touchdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;Isiah Pacheco led the rushers with 14 carries for 55 yards, while Kelce (five catches, 45 yards) and Xavier Worthy (five catches, 41 yards) led the receivers.&nbsp; With his 45 receiving yards Kelce&nbsp; has 12,010 in his career, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten among tight ends. He is the fastest to reach 12,000 yards among tight ends.In injury news, in his first game since signing with the Chiefs last week, left tackle DJ Humphries left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.Kansas City is now 12-1 on the season.&nbsp; Next up they will travel to Cleveland for a matchup with the Browns.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at noon, pregame can be heard at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and on Q Country 92.7.

Chiefs clinch 9th straight AFC West title with 19-17 win over Chargers

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's busiest hunting season of the year opens Saturday as some 100-thousand shotgun-wielding deer hunters will hit the woods and fields over the next few weeks. 

Megan Anderson, a trauma injury prevention coordinator at Gundersen Health System, says if it's been a while since you've been hunting, you would likely benefit from brushing up on your safety skills. Anderson says young hunters or new hunters should take a hunter safety course. All hunters should know rules like: When firearms aren't in use, be sure they're stored safely, locked and unloaded. 

Anderson says you should always know where other members of your party are located, and to let someone not with the group know where you are and when you'll be back. She says prepare for emergencies, carry a first aid kit, and learn hands-only C-P-R.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's busiest hunting season of the year opens Saturday as some 100-thousand shotgun-wielding deer hunters will hit the woods and fields over the next few weeks. Megan Anderson, a trauma injury prevention coordinator at Gundersen Health System, says if it's been a while since you've been hunting, you would likely benefit from brushing up on your safety skills. Anderson says young hunters or new hunters should take a hunter safety course. All hunters should know rules like: When firearms aren't in use, be sure they're stored safely, locked and unloaded. Anderson says you should always know where other members of your party are located, and to let someone not with the group know where you are and when you'll be back. She says prepare for emergencies, carry a first aid kit, and learn hands-only C-P-R.

Even seasoned Iowa deer hunters could stand to take a refresher safety course

Missouri’s Amendment 3 legalizing abortion went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. But Planned Parenthood officials said they will not restart abortions until after a judge rules on their lawsuit hoping to strike down the state’s restrictive laws

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>

It’s been more than twelve hours since Amendment 3 went into effect in Missouri. No abortions have begun again at the state’s Planned Parenthood clinics.

That’s because officials with Planned Parenthood, which operates health centers across the state, said they are still&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/abortion-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-amendment-3-missouri-jackson-county/">waiting on a judge’s decision</a>&nbsp;on whether to grant an injunction that would allow abortions without decades’ worth of restrictive targeted regulations on abortion providers, or TRAP, laws.&nbsp;

The day after voters narrowly decided to overturn the state’s near-total abortion ban and protect the right to an abortion in the state constitution, the ACLU of Missouri, Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">sued the state to strike down those statutes.</a>

Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang on Wednesday heard arguments in the lawsuit. As of 2 p.m. Friday, she had not issued a decision.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood officials on Wednesday said they intended to start taking walk-in medication abortion appointments at their clinics in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis as early as Friday if the judge ruled in their favor. Surgical abortion appointments would become available later.&nbsp;

Spokespeople with the local Planned Parenthood clinics told the Missouri Independent midday Friday that the clinics had not started walk-in abortion medication appointments nor had they started scheduling surgical abortions as they await a ruling.

While the lawsuit asks for a preliminary injunction, issuing one is up to Zhang’s discretion. Court challenges can take months, if not years. In Ohio, where citizens voted to protect abortion rights last year, it wasn’t until nearly a year later that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-ban-ruling-e83ad0f1af11ded06d73d900bb240a04" target="_blank">a county judge struck down that state’s “heartbeat” law.</a>

“The court is no doubt carefully analyzing years of anti-abortion laws and multiple outright bans on abortion. We know that review takes time,” Emily Wales, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement Friday. “Complicating the process, however, is an Attorney General’s office that has made clear it will fight tooth and nail to prevent Missourians from accessing their new constitutional right to reproductive freedom.&nbsp;

Amendment 3 states&nbsp;“the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”&nbsp;

Wednesday’s hearing in-part centered around whether the state’s TRAP laws helped or harmed women seeking abortions.

These laws include a 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and an abortion; requiring doctors providing abortions to have hospital admitting privileges; and a&nbsp;requirement that the same physician who initially saw the patient also perform the abortion.&nbsp;

Attorneys with Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office maintain the regulations protect women and said the office plans to enforce the current TRAP laws until a judge rules otherwise.

“It’s sick that Planned Parenthood doesn’t acknowledge the difference between a miscarriage and an abortion, a slap in the face to the millions who have lost beloved babies prematurely,” Madeline Sieren, the spokeswoman for Bailey, said in a statement Friday, adding that the office will “continue to thwart Planned Parenthood at every opportunity.”

On Thursday, members of 40 Days For Life gathered outside five Planned Parenthood clinics across the state to pray that the judge deny the injunction “for&nbsp;the health&nbsp;and&nbsp;safety&nbsp;of&nbsp;women seeking abortions.”

“I am just happy the judge is taking time to consider this and not just rushing into a judgement,” Kathy Forck, with 40 Days for Life in Columbia, said Friday afternoon.

If Zhang rules in Planned Parenthood’s favor, the Columbia clinic would begin offering abortions again for the first time in six years.

“Now that the possibility is there that it could happen again, we are trusting in God,” Forck said. “We have continued to receive advanced training for sidewalk counseling through these six years, and we are ready to offer that same message of hope and health that we’ve always offered to the women.”

A decade ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. By 2020, when abortions were still legal, that number fell to 167, a drop that abortion providers attributed to the state’s growing list of regulations.

“As of today, Missourians have an unrealized constitutional right,” Wales said. “They are entitled to access abortion under the state’s constitution, and every day they cannot get that care here at home, their rights are being violated.”

Zhang on Wednesday denied&nbsp;the state’s request to remove Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker as a defendant and move the case to Cole County, where, earlier this year, a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/missouri-supreme-court-opinions-amendment-3-abortion/">struck Amendment 3 from the ballot</a>. That decision swas soon overridden by the Missouri Court of Appeals.

The attorney general’s office said they plan to appeal this decision, arguing that Peters Baker does not appropriately represent all statewide prosecutors because of her previous statements in support of abortion rights.

<h2>Missouri’s Amendment 3 legalizing abortion went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. But Planned Parenthood officials said they will not restart abortions until after a judge rules on their lawsuit hoping to strike down the state’s restrictive laws</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>It’s been more than twelve hours since Amendment 3 went into effect in Missouri. No abortions have begun again at the state’s Planned Parenthood clinics.That’s because officials with Planned Parenthood, which operates health centers across the state, said they are still&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/abortion-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-amendment-3-missouri-jackson-county/">waiting on a judge’s decision</a>&nbsp;on whether to grant an injunction that would allow abortions without decades’ worth of restrictive targeted regulations on abortion providers, or TRAP, laws.&nbsp;The day after voters narrowly decided to overturn the state’s near-total abortion ban and protect the right to an abortion in the state constitution, the ACLU of Missouri, Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">sued the state to strike down those statutes.</a>Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang on Wednesday heard arguments in the lawsuit. As of 2 p.m. Friday, she had not issued a decision.&nbsp;Planned Parenthood officials on Wednesday said they intended to start taking walk-in medication abortion appointments at their clinics in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis as early as Friday if the judge ruled in their favor. Surgical abortion appointments would become available later.&nbsp;Spokespeople with the local Planned Parenthood clinics told the Missouri Independent midday Friday that the clinics had not started walk-in abortion medication appointments nor had they started scheduling surgical abortions as they await a ruling.While the lawsuit asks for a preliminary injunction, issuing one is up to Zhang’s discretion. Court challenges can take months, if not years. In Ohio, where citizens voted to protect abortion rights last year, it wasn’t until nearly a year later that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-ban-ruling-e83ad0f1af11ded06d73d900bb240a04" target="_blank">a county judge struck down that state’s “heartbeat” law.</a>“The court is no doubt carefully analyzing years of anti-abortion laws and multiple outright bans on abortion. We know that review takes time,” Emily Wales, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement Friday. “Complicating the process, however, is an Attorney General’s office that has made clear it will fight tooth and nail to prevent Missourians from accessing their new constitutional right to reproductive freedom.&nbsp;Amendment 3 states&nbsp;“the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”&nbsp;Wednesday’s hearing in-part centered around whether the state’s TRAP laws helped or harmed women seeking abortions.These laws include a 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and an abortion; requiring doctors providing abortions to have hospital admitting privileges; and a&nbsp;requirement that the same physician who initially saw the patient also perform the abortion.&nbsp;Attorneys with Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office maintain the regulations protect women and said the office plans to enforce the current TRAP laws until a judge rules otherwise.“It’s sick that Planned Parenthood doesn’t acknowledge the difference between a miscarriage and an abortion, a slap in the face to the millions who have lost beloved babies prematurely,” Madeline Sieren, the spokeswoman for Bailey, said in a statement Friday, adding that the office will “continue to thwart Planned Parenthood at every opportunity.”On Thursday, members of 40 Days For Life gathered outside five Planned Parenthood clinics across the state to pray that the judge deny the injunction “for&nbsp;the health&nbsp;and&nbsp;safety&nbsp;of&nbsp;women seeking abortions.”“I am just happy the judge is taking time to consider this and not just rushing into a judgement,” Kathy Forck, with 40 Days for Life in Columbia, said Friday afternoon.If Zhang rules in Planned Parenthood’s favor, the Columbia clinic would begin offering abortions again for the first time in six years.“Now that the possibility is there that it could happen again, we are trusting in God,” Forck said. “We have continued to receive advanced training for sidewalk counseling through these six years, and we are ready to offer that same message of hope and health that we’ve always offered to the women.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733517737335.png" alt=" Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, anti-abortion activist Kathy Forck and Thomas More Society attorney Mary Catherine Martin stand Sept. 10 on the steps of the Missouri Supreme Court following oral arguments in a case involving Missouri’s abortion-rights amendment (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, anti-abortion activist Kathy Forck and Thomas More Society attorney Mary Catherine Martin stand Sept. 10 on the steps of the Missouri Supreme Court following oral arguments in a case involving Missouri’s abortion-rights amendment (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>A decade ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. By 2020, when abortions were still legal, that number fell to 167, a drop that abortion providers attributed to the state’s growing list of regulations.“As of today, Missourians have an unrealized constitutional right,” Wales said. “They are entitled to access abortion under the state’s constitution, and every day they cannot get that care here at home, their rights are being violated.”Zhang on Wednesday denied&nbsp;the state’s request to remove Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker as a defendant and move the case to Cole County, where, earlier this year, a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/missouri-supreme-court-opinions-amendment-3-abortion/">struck Amendment 3 from the ballot</a>. That decision swas soon overridden by the Missouri Court of Appeals.The attorney general’s office said they plan to appeal this decision, arguing that Peters Baker does not appropriately represent all statewide prosecutors because of her previous statements in support of abortion rights.

Mo. Planned Parenthood clinics hold off resuming abortions, await court ruling

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule to revoke tolerances for chlorpyrifos, which establishes the amount of a pesticide that’s allowed on food. This rule revokes all tolerances for chlorpyrifos (klor·peeruh·faas), except for those tolerances associated with the 11 food and feed crops that would remain registered. EPA says it’s taking this action in response to a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. 

“EPA continues to prioritize the health of children,” says Michal Freedhoff of the EPA. “This proposed rule is a critical step forward as we work to reduce chlorpyrifos in or on food and to better protect people, including infants and children, from exposure to chemicals that are harmful to human health.” Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide that was used in a large variety of ways in agriculture, including soybeans, fruit and nut trees, vegetables, and other row crops, as well as many non-food uses.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule to revoke tolerances for chlorpyrifos, which establishes the amount of a pesticide that’s allowed on food. This rule revokes all tolerances for chlorpyrifos (klor·peeruh·faas), except for those tolerances associated with the 11 food and feed crops that would remain registered. EPA says it’s taking this action in response to a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. “EPA continues to prioritize the health of children,” says Michal Freedhoff of the EPA. “This proposed rule is a critical step forward as we work to reduce chlorpyrifos in or on food and to better protect people, including infants and children, from exposure to chemicals that are harmful to human health.” Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide that was used in a large variety of ways in agriculture, including soybeans, fruit and nut trees, vegetables, and other row crops, as well as many non-food uses.- NAFB

EPA Rule Would Revoke Most Uses of Insecticide

The Food and Drug Administration and the USDA announced a joint request for information about food date labeling, which includes the use of terms like “Sell By,” “Use By,” and “Best By.” The information request asks for data on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling and any impact date labeling may have on food waste and grocery costs. 

The Food and Drug Administration and the USDA announced a joint request for information about food date labeling, which includes the use of terms like “Sell By,” “Use By,” and “Best By.” The information request asks for data on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling and any impact date labeling may have on food waste and grocery costs. “Confusion over a multitude of different date labeling terms on food products accounts for about 20 percent of food waste in the home,” says FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. “We look forward to gathering information to determine how date labeling can make it easier for consumers to know whether a food is still good to eat and avoid food waste.” Both agencies currently recommend that food industry members voluntarily apply the “Best if Used By” quality-based food date label.- NAFB

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