BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/sofia-resnick/">SOFIA RESNICK</a>

The 2024 election results created complicated new realities for reproductive rights in the U.S., with Americans even in a few red states overwhelmingly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/voters-seven-states-restore-reproductive-rights" target="_blank">voting to protect</a>&nbsp;the right to have an abortion while also overwhelmingly electing anti-abortion representatives in state houses, courts, Congress and the White House.

With a Republican trifecta coming to the nation’s capital in January, anti-abortion activist groups are planning for the first potentially friendly presidential administration since the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated a 50-year federal right to terminate a pregnancy.

They aim to end other federal and state protections while vastly expanding restrictions on reproductive health care.

Though many anti-abortion leaders are skeptical of President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to their cause, they say they are willing to compromise to maintain influence in his administration. Some groups are strategizing how to end-run Trump’s campaign pledge not to enact any federal abortion bans — by heavily restricting medication abortion or trying to ban a common abortion procedure.

“I don’t think we have a champion here for pro-life causes,” said the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, longtime anti-abortion organizer. “What we have here is someone who will not work against us and try to crush us. We will not see pro-choice federal judges.”

Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition and the chief strategy officer of Stanton Public Policy Center, told States Newsroom that he is not a supporter of Trump and disagrees with his rhetoric on immigrants.

But he is happy Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris lost. The vice president had vowed to try to restore federal abortion rights and throughout her career has advocated for reproductive rights. As California attorney general, she&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-attorney-general-seizes-planned-parenthood-videos-20160405-story.html" target="_blank">prosecuted anti-abortion activists</a>&nbsp;charged with illegally recording abortion providers about a decade ago.

“We can have an opportunity now to begin the second phase after Roe was overturned,” Mahoney said. “We knew overturning Roe was only a starting line, not a finishing line.”

Lila Rose, president of Live Action, was one of the few prominent anti-abortion leaders who called out Trump before the election, after he criticized Florida’s six-week abortion ban and vowed to veto a federal ban. In late August, Rose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/08/29/lila-rose-abortion-trump-interview-00176619" target="_blank">told Politico</a>&nbsp;she would write in a presidential candidate and would encourage her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncregister.com/interview/fighting-for-life-lila-rose-s-mission-to-save-the-unborn" target="_blank">millions of followers</a>&nbsp;to do the same if Trump did not change course.

On her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSgwXPGviUA" target="_blank">podcast</a>, the millennial activist recently revealed that she met with Trump and asked him to say he would vote against Florida’s abortion-rights amendment, which he did. Days before the election, Rose&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LilaGraceRose/status/1852731859815542991" target="_blank">endorsed Trump on X</a>.

Live Action did not respond to an interview request.

Nationally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/voters-seven-states-restore-reproductive-rights" target="_blank">three out of 10 abortion-rights measures</a>&nbsp;failed: Florida’s proposed amendment had the highest threshold to clear, but got 57% out of the required 60% of the vote. It would have reversed the ban that reproductive rights advocates say has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/reproductive-health-care-southeast-hinges-florida-abortion-rights-ballot-measure-doctors" target="_blank">decimated abortion access in the Southeast</a>.

Another anti-abortion leader willing to compromise with the incoming president and Congress is Steven Aden, general counsel at Americans United for Life, the policy shop behind many state and federal abortion restrictions. Aden said he was disappointed the Republican Party removed from its platform a&nbsp;<a href="https://prod-cdn-static.gop.com/media/documents/DRAFT_12_FINAL%5B1%5D-ben_1468872234.pdf" target="_blank">previous commitment</a>&nbsp;to a federal ban.

However, he said his group was still able to inject critical language into the&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/be/beb1a388-1d88-4389-a67d-c1e2d7f8bedf/2024-gop-platform-july-7-final.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=ncl_amplify&amp;utm_campaign=240708-2024_gop_platform_make_america_great_again&amp;utm_content=ncl-4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nlid=4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nhids=g95bUYd" target="_blank">current platform</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rnc-approves-platform-would-give-rights-fetuses-endangering-abortion-ivf" target="_blank">effectively supports states establishing fetal personhood</a>&nbsp;through the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which grants equal protection under the law. The platform also says Republicans “will oppose Late Term Abortion,” a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/political-rhetoric-about-third-trimester-abortion-misleading-experts-say" target="_blank">political term</a>&nbsp;used to refer to abortions in the second and third trimesters, the rarest but most restricted types of abortions in the U.S.

“We had direct input into the Trump campaign and framing the pro-life language in the party platform,” Aden told States Newsroom. “The platform language was much pared down, but we believe that the pro-life language preserves the essence of the party’s position on the pro-life issue, and we’re proud of that, and look forward to continuing to work with the incoming Trump administration.”

Federal reproductive rights protections in question

Early into his term, Democratic President Joe Biden began reversing blocks on federal funding domestically and globally for reproductive health organizations that also provide or refer for abortions. Leading up to and following the Dobbs decision, the Biden administration loosened restrictions to the medication abortion regimen, a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, which has become the most common way of terminating pregnancy in the U.S. during the first trimester.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed abortion medication to be obtained via telemedicine and dispensed directly at pharmacies.

Nearly half the country has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/see-data-reproductive-rights" target="_blank">partially or fully banned abortions</a>. But abortion numbers have risen since before Dobbs, researchers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/despite-bans-number-abortions-united-states-increased-2023#:~:text=New%20findings%20from%20the%20Monthly,Organization%20overturned%20Roe%20v.%20Wade." target="_blank">have reported</a>, attributing the increase in part to expanded access to telemedicine abortion and to more people using online abortion clinics that mail abortion drugs from states with so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/telehealth-abortion-still-rise-especially-states-shield-laws-report-shows" target="_blank">shield laws</a>&nbsp;to those with bans.

Anti-abortion groups&nbsp;<a href="https://sbaprolife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/win-memo.pdf" target="_blank">Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.studentsforlifeaction.org/roadmap/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Time%20for%20a%20Pro-Life%20New%20Deal%20%F0%9F%A4%9D&amp;utm_campaign=PLG%3A%202024%20Primary%20Wins%3A%20KJH%20Op-Ed%20Email%20%28Nov%20%20%2024%29#form" target="_blank">Students for Life of America</a>&nbsp;recently unveiled memos asking the Trump administration to pull&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/health-experts-outline-how-trump-administration-could-affect-abortion-contraception-access" target="_blank">regulatory levers</a>&nbsp;that especially target abortion drugs.

Under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, regulations could include:

When asked about stories of alleged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/women-serious-pregnancy-complications-sue-over-state-abortion-bans-2" target="_blank">denied care</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/texas-woman-died-after-hospital-said-it-would-be-crime-intervene-her-miscarriage" target="_blank">maternal deaths</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/texas-ob-gyns-urge-lawmakers-change-abortion-laws-after-reports-pregnant-womens-deaths" target="_blank">doctor confusion</a>&nbsp;related to state abortion bans, Aden chalked up the problem to a misinterpretation of state laws, which he said should be clarified to address these problems, while noting several times, “I’m not a doctor.” Americans United for Life’s&nbsp;<a href="https://aul.org/2022/11/09/introducing-the-abortion-abolition-amendment/" target="_blank">recommended health-exception language</a>&nbsp;in part says abortion should be allowed “to preserve the life of a pregnant woman or to address a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.”

“That’s a health exception with teeth,” Aden said. “It doesn’t allow for a free-ranging, quote unquote, ‘mental health’ exception that would swallow the rule.”

Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-picks-dr-oz-run-mammoth-centers-medicare-and-medicaid-services" target="_blank">pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services</a>, which manages the country’s largest health programs, is Dr. Mehmet Oz, who&nbsp;<a href="https://19thnews.org/2024/11/trump-picks-dr-oz-celebrity-tv-doctor-medicare-medicaid/" target="_blank">opposes abortion</a>.

The U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs could:

The U.S. Agency for International Development could:

As they brace for the potential impact of Dobbs without a federal safety net, reproductive justice activists are working to expand access and fight anti-abortion laws, while also protecting new state wins. The election results did not change the fact that most people want abortion access, said Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, during a recent media press briefing organized by the progressive Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“Donald Trump won the election, but so did abortion, and people need to hold this incoming administration to its word that it would not restrict abortion,” Graves said. “We have to square the idea that millions of people in the United States voted for reproductive freedom … but they also will be experiencing a situation that will become even more dire, and that people will feel scared and hopeless in this period.”

Aden said AUL would support a federal “dismemberment” bill, referring to a proposed ban on a common second-trimester abortion procedure known as&nbsp;<a href="https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.dilation-and-evacuation-d-e.tw2462" target="_blank">dilation and evacuation</a>, or D&amp;E. This procedure involves dilating the cervix and removing the contents of the uterus, typically performed beginning around 12 weeks. It would be a way to effectively get a 12- or 15-week ban without calling it that.

Despite its safety and efficacy record, the D&amp;E procedure has been banned in several states, over the objection of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/ban-standard-de-abortion-procedure-unsafe-unwarranted" target="_blank">American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists</a>. It’s part of an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/political-rhetoric-about-third-trimester-abortion-misleading-experts-say" target="_blank">old anti-abortion playbook</a>, which under Republican President George W. Bush resulted in a federal ban on another later abortion procedure — dilation and extraction, or D&amp;X — by reframing it as “partial-birth” abortion, which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in 2007’s Gonzales v. Carhart decision.

Abortion foes describe D&amp;Es as a gruesome procedure, or as Aden puts it, “tearing 13-week-old humans apart limb from limb.” Anti-abortion doctors&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/anti-abortion-researchers-back-riskier-procedures-when-pregnancy-termination-needed-experts" target="_blank">recommend more risky and invasive</a>&nbsp;procedures like C-sections, even when the abortion is medically indicated.

If D&amp;Es are banned, there would be fewer options for later abortions, which are sometimes necessary, said reproductive-health legal expert Rachel Rebouché, dean of Temple University School of Law in Philadelphia. She noted that some of the U.S. Supreme Court justices have indicated support for abortion restrictions for reasons of preserving fetal dignity rather than preserving maternal health.

“That litigation, from the anti-abortion perspective, depends on saying the fetus is a person with rights that attach at a certain point, if not from conception,” Rebouché told States Newsroom. “Dobbs opens the door wide open for those kinds of regulations. … But the question is, is there a role for the federal government to enact a nationwide ban that would curtail the rights of states that have not gone the way of Idaho or Texas or others?”

Aden said that for now AUL will be more focused on the incremental approach to abortion restrictions, as well as calling for expanded child and prenatal tax credits and other social supports.

The attorney, who was 11 when Roe was decided in 1973, is expecting another half-century of litigation over abortion with the hopes that one day the U.S. Constitution gives personhood rights to the unborn, regardless of the stage of that pregnancy. Aden said a so-called Human Life Amendment is likely impossible in the near term, needing approval from two-thirds of both houses of Congress. He said U.S. culture is not there yet.

“It would require a cultural sea change in the way that the majority of Americans view human life in the womb,” Aden said. “That’s our second generational goal. Having won our first generational goal of overturning Roe, we’d love to see the day when every life is welcomed and protected in law. And if that’s through a constitutional amendment, then we’re here for that.”

Abortion foes strategize to get Trump to ban some abortions while keeping his pledge

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that allows surveyors for a carbon pipeline company onto the land of a Hardin County man. 

Kent Kasischke&nbsp; argued that allowing surveyors from Summit Carbon Solutions onto private property violates both the Iowa and U-S Constitution's clauses preventing the illegal taking of land. The Iowa Supreme Court ruled Kasischke was properly notified by the company, so he has no right to exclude the surveyors because it does not take away a property right. 

The unanimous ruling says Iowa has long authorized access to private property to conduct land surveys to determine routes for things such as roadways and utilities.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that allows surveyors for a carbon pipeline company onto the land of a Hardin County man. Kent Kasischke&nbsp; argued that allowing surveyors from Summit Carbon Solutions onto private property violates both the Iowa and U-S Constitution's clauses preventing the illegal taking of land. The Iowa Supreme Court ruled Kasischke was properly notified by the company, so he has no right to exclude the surveyors because it does not take away a property right. The unanimous ruling says Iowa has long authorized access to private property to conduct land surveys to determine routes for things such as roadways and utilities.

Supreme Court Allows Pipeline Surveyors On Private Land

St. Joseph comedian Elisabeth Wykert is bringing some friends and the laughs to the Missouri Theatre this weekend.  

Elisabeth Wykert’s Comedy Holiday Spectacular will take place tomorrow night.  And Wykert will not be there alone, joined by two fellow comedians.  

Wkykert says one of those will be a rising star in the comedy world, Sarah Hester Ross. 

"She is currently nominated for a Grammy for her comedy special for this year, which I'm just so excited for, so well deserved," Wykert tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "She is a musical comedian, she normally plays dueling piano down in Vegas, but her comedy special is just phenomenal." 

Also joining Wykert and Ross will be Kansas City comedian Jamie Campbell, winner of Best KC comedian this year.  

It's Wykert's second time performing at the Missouri Theatre this year, after a first show in August that she says was successful. 

"It was everything that I wanted it to be, to have this big stage and a fun audience so we could just have a great time," Wykert says.  "And everybody who came up to me after was just like, I just laughed so much my abs hurt, I had such a fun time, and that's all I want, I just want people to leave happier than when they came." 

After being on tour last year.  Wykert decided to host shows where she lives, drawing people into the city 

"Which I do have, somebody commented on my video, she's like uh screw it I'm going to come out here, I'm going to fly from California, person I do not know, and that's part of the goal is bring the tourism here, because we have something to offer in St. Joe," Wykert explains. 

Wykert says it's her goal to host three shows a year at the Missouri Theatre, bringing in different comedians to join her each time.  

The show begins at 7pm tomorrow night. Tickets can be purchased by clicking <a href="https://jomotickets.com/event/holiday-spectacular-a-comedy-variety-show">HERE</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732296872721.jpeg" alt="Elisabeth Wykert on stage at the Missouri Theatre.&nbsp; Her and some friends will perform tomorrow at the historic theatre in downtown St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Liby Waltemath" />
 <figcaption>Elisabeth Wykert on stage at the Missouri Theatre.&nbsp; Her and some friends will perform tomorrow at the historic theatre in downtown St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Liby Waltemath</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph comedian Elisabeth Wykert is bringing some friends and the laughs to the Missouri Theatre this weekend. Elisabeth Wykert’s Comedy Holiday Spectacular will take place tomorrow night. And Wykert will not be there alone, joined by two fellow comedians. Wkykert says one of those will be a rising star in the comedy world, Sarah Hester Ross. "She is currently nominated for a Grammy for her comedy special for this year, which I'm just so excited for, so well deserved," Wykert tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "She is a musical comedian, she normally plays dueling piano down in Vegas, but her comedy special is just phenomenal." Also joining Wykert and Ross will be Kansas City comedian Jamie Campbell, winner of Best KC comedian this year. It's Wykert's second time performing at the Missouri Theatre this year, after a first show in August that she says was successful. "It was everything that I wanted it to be, to have this big stage and a fun audience so we could just have a great time," Wykert says. "And everybody who came up to me after was just like, I just laughed so much my abs hurt, I had such a fun time, and that's all I want, I just want people to leave happier than when they came." After being on tour last year. Wykert decided to host shows where she lives, drawing people into the city "Which I do have, somebody commented on my video, she's like uh screw it I'm going to come out here, I'm going to fly from California, person I do not know, and that's part of the goal is bring the tourism here, because we have something to offer in St. Joe," Wykert explains. Wykert says it's her goal to host three shows a year at the Missouri Theatre, bringing in different comedians to join her each time. The show begins at 7pm tomorrow night. Tickets can be purchased by clicking <a href="https://jomotickets.com/event/holiday-spectacular-a-comedy-variety-show">HERE</a>. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Local comedian brings the laughs to St. Joseph to brighten the holidays 

Beef groups slammed recommendations for consumers to increase their protein intake via beans, peas and lentils, calling the proposal “unhinged.” A major battle is brewing over how much red meat Americans should consume — and it has the beef industry seeing red. The United States is preparing next year to update its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an influential set of recommendations that inform nutrition labels, what food is served in schools and hospitals and the advice that healthcare professionals give patients.

Beef groups slammed recommendations for consumers to increase their protein intake via beans, peas and lentils, calling the proposal “unhinged.” A major battle is brewing over how much red meat Americans should consume — and it has the beef industry seeing red. The United States is preparing next year to update its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an influential set of recommendations that inform nutrition labels, what food is served in schools and hospitals and the advice that healthcare professionals give patients.

U.S. dietary guidelines could cut meat and potatoes

The EPA is facing renewed pressure to deny applications re-registering the controversial weedkiller from three of the biggest crop protection companies. Three Senate Democrats are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to deny applications to re-register the herbicide dicamba, saying the weedkiller cannot be used without causing unreasonable adverse effects. 

The herbicide, which was pulled from the market earlier this year, can drift when sprayed and cause irreparable harm to human health, critical habitats and neighboring crops, according to a letter from senators Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch. Re-registering the herbicide with tighter usage restrictions, as the agency has done in the past, has not been enough to mitigate damage from dicamba, the letter said. The senators reiterate that that dicamba cannot be fixed.

The EPA is facing renewed pressure to deny applications re-registering the controversial weedkiller from three of the biggest crop protection companies. Three Senate Democrats are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to deny applications to re-register the herbicide dicamba, saying the weedkiller cannot be used without causing unreasonable adverse effects. The herbicide, which was pulled from the market earlier this year, can drift when sprayed and cause irreparable harm to human health, critical habitats and neighboring crops, according to a letter from senators Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch. Re-registering the herbicide with tighter usage restrictions, as the agency has done in the past, has not been enough to mitigate damage from dicamba, the letter said. The senators reiterate that that dicamba cannot be fixed.

Senate democrats push to keep weedkiller banned

A co-founder of a fraudulent medical cost-share program that
marketed itself as a Christian health care sharing ministry has been sentenced
to 12 years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $7 million in restitution.

U.S. District Judge Greg Kays sentenced 78-year-old James McGinnis
of St. Joseph in federal court.

In addition to owing victims $7.7 million, the judge
says McGinnis owes $143,000 to the IRS and $10,000 to the Missouri
Department of Revenue. He also must give up his 2021 Ford F-250 pickup.

Earlier this year, McGinnis pleaded guilty to wire fraud and
lying on a tax return. McGinnis began Medical Cost Sharing with 62-year-old Craig
Anthony Reynolds of St. Joseph, who was sentenced earlier. Both admitted they marketed
Medical Cost Sharing as a “Health Care Sharing Ministry” and collected $8 million in member “contributions,” but paid only 3% of the health
care claims filed.

McGinnis and Reynolds pocketed at least $5 million in
member contributions from December 2015 through December 2022.

Federal prosecutors say McGinnis and Reynolds marketed Medical
Cost Sharing as a “Christian Health Care Sharing Ministry” through insurance
brokers, radio stations, social media, and its website. Medical Cost Sharing
sales materials promoted its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation, advertising that
it was different from for profit health insurance. The Medical Cost Sharing
website claimed, “while we are not an insurance company, many think of us as a
Christian Health Insurance, or Christian Medical Insurance because, like
conventional insurance plans, we help you pay your healthcare costs. We help
you protect your family. But unlike these corporate, profit based plans, we are
a healthcare sharing ministry … your healthcare costs are shared with other
Christians enrolled in our medical sharing plans.”

Federal agents served search warrants on the Medical Cost
Sharing offices as well as the residences of McGinnis and Reynolds in December
of 2022, seizing property. Medical Cost Sharing continued to try to collect
membership dues even after the search, prompting a federal court to entered a
temporary restraining order against the company.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732328173575.png" alt="Image from St. Joseph based health-sharing ministry Medical Cost Sharing Inc. website" />
 <figcaption>Image from St. Joseph based health-sharing ministry Medical Cost Sharing Inc. website</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA co-founder of a fraudulent medical cost-share program that
marketed itself as a Christian health care sharing ministry has been sentenced
to 12 years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $7 million in restitution.U.S. District Judge Greg Kays sentenced 78-year-old James McGinnis
of St. Joseph in federal court.In addition to owing victims $7.7 million, the judge
says McGinnis owes $143,000 to the IRS and $10,000 to the Missouri
Department of Revenue. He also must give up his 2021 Ford F-250 pickup.Earlier this year, McGinnis pleaded guilty to wire fraud and
lying on a tax return. McGinnis began Medical Cost Sharing with 62-year-old Craig
Anthony Reynolds of St. Joseph, who was sentenced earlier. Both admitted they marketed
Medical Cost Sharing as a “Health Care Sharing Ministry” and collected $8 million in member “contributions,” but paid only 3% of the health
care claims filed.McGinnis and Reynolds pocketed at least $5 million in
member contributions from December 2015 through December 2022.Federal prosecutors say McGinnis and Reynolds marketed Medical
Cost Sharing as a “Christian Health Care Sharing Ministry” through insurance
brokers, radio stations, social media, and its website. Medical Cost Sharing
sales materials promoted its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation, advertising that
it was different from for profit health insurance. The Medical Cost Sharing
website claimed, “while we are not an insurance company, many think of us as a
Christian Health Insurance, or Christian Medical Insurance because, like
conventional insurance plans, we help you pay your healthcare costs. We help
you protect your family. But unlike these corporate, profit based plans, we are
a healthcare sharing ministry … your healthcare costs are shared with other
Christians enrolled in our medical sharing plans.”Federal agents served search warrants on the Medical Cost
Sharing offices as well as the residences of McGinnis and Reynolds in December
of 2022, seizing property. Medical Cost Sharing continued to try to collect
membership dues even after the search, prompting a federal court to entered a
temporary restraining order against the company.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Co-founder of fraudulent "Christian" medical cost-sharing business sentenced

(Radio Iowa) - There's an Education Committee in the Iowa House, but the House Speaker says a comprehensive review of the state's colleges and universities is long overdue -- and he's establishing a Higher Education Committee to do it. 

Republican Representative Taylor Collins of Mediapolis, the chairman of the new committee, says Iowa has a workforce shortage, but some colleges and universities have been distracted by ideological agendas. Collins led the effort to force the recent closure of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices at the three state-supported universities. Collins say there's been great progress on that front, but the panel may push to eliminate some courses or majors. 

Collins, who has earned degrees from Iowa State and Drake, says the focus will not just be on the three public universities in Ames, Cedar Falls and Iowa City, but on Iowa's community colleges AND the state's private colleges and universities as well.

(Radio Iowa) - There's an Education Committee in the Iowa House, but the House Speaker says a comprehensive review of the state's colleges and universities is long overdue -- and he's establishing a Higher Education Committee to do it. Republican Representative Taylor Collins of Mediapolis, the chairman of the new committee, says Iowa has a workforce shortage, but some colleges and universities have been distracted by ideological agendas. Collins led the effort to force the recent closure of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices at the three state-supported universities. Collins say there's been great progress on that front, but the panel may push to eliminate some courses or majors. Collins, who has earned degrees from Iowa State and Drake, says the focus will not just be on the three public universities in Ames, Cedar Falls and Iowa City, but on Iowa's community colleges AND the state's private colleges and universities as well.

House GOP to launch comprehensive review of Iowa's higher education system

RAY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two illegal immigrants from Venezuela on multiple allegations involving an ATM skimming theft ring. 

Just after 4p.m. November 15,&nbsp; Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde, 24, and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez, 44, were arrested in Kirkwood, Missouri after a large area search spanning from the Kansas City Metro area to the St. Louis Metro area for the duo, according to a media release from the Richmond Police Department.

 Both were subsequently booked into the Ray County Jail on a twenty-four (24) hour investigative hold. On November 13, the Richmond Police Department investigated an incident in which a skimming device had been placed on a local Automated Teller Machine (ATM) resulting in a large number of accounts being compromised. 

As a result of the investigative efforts of the Richmond Police Department, the use of Flock cameras and the collaborative efforts of&nbsp; Metro Area law enforcement, MOCIC, MIAC, and the Kirkwood Police Department, the suspects were identified and apprehended in less than fifty-four (54) hours after the reported commission of the crime.

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez were each charged in the 8th Judicial Circuit of Ray County, Missouri, with one felony count of 1st Degree Property Damage and one felony count of Stealing.Currently, both individuals remain in the Ray County Jail on $250,000 cash only bonds.  The investigation is on-going and further charges are expected in the near future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732241624193.png" alt="Allen-Hernandez-photo Richmond PD" />
 <figcaption>Allen-Hernandez-photo Richmond PD</figcaption>
 </figure>RAY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two illegal immigrants from Venezuela on multiple allegations involving an ATM skimming theft ring. Just after 4p.m. November 15,&nbsp; Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde, 24, and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez, 44, were arrested in Kirkwood, Missouri after a large area search spanning from the Kansas City Metro area to the St. Louis Metro area for the duo, according to a media release from the Richmond Police Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732241561839.png" alt="Conde photo Richmond PD" />
 <figcaption>Conde photo Richmond PD</figcaption>
 </figure> Both were subsequently booked into the Ray County Jail on a twenty-four (24) hour investigative hold. On November 13, the Richmond Police Department investigated an incident in which a skimming device had been placed on a local Automated Teller Machine (ATM) resulting in a large number of accounts being compromised. As a result of the investigative efforts of the Richmond Police Department, the use of Flock cameras and the collaborative efforts of&nbsp; Metro Area law enforcement, MOCIC, MIAC, and the Kirkwood Police Department, the suspects were identified and apprehended in less than fifty-four (54) hours after the reported commission of the crime.On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez were each charged in the 8th Judicial Circuit of Ray County, Missouri, with one felony count of 1st Degree Property Damage and one felony count of Stealing.Currently, both individuals remain in the Ray County Jail on $250,000 cash only bonds. The investigation is on-going and further charges are expected in the near future.

Illegal immigrants jailed for ATM skimming in Missouri, Kansas

WASHINGTON— Tons of ground beef have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/wolverine-packing-co--recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli-o157h7">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;(USDA).

Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday. The product was shipped to restaurants across the nation.

The fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Recall-031-2024-Product-List.pdf">here to view full product list</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-11/Recall-031-2024-Labels.pdf">Click here to view labels</a>.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide.&nbsp;

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness.

FSIS was notified of illnesses on November 13, 2024, and working in conjunction with Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, FSIS determined that there was a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and this illness cluster. On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as part of an outbreak investigation tested positive for&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157. To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024. FSIS continues to work with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.

Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart">https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart</a>.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Don Tanner, company representative at 248-762-1533.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732280999875.png" alt="USDA image" />
 <figcaption>USDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— Tons of ground beef have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/wolverine-packing-co--recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli-o157h7">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;(USDA).Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday. The product was shipped to restaurants across the nation.The fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Recall-031-2024-Product-List.pdf">here to view full product list</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-11/Recall-031-2024-Labels.pdf">Click here to view labels</a>.The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide.&nbsp;The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness.FSIS was notified of illnesses on November 13, 2024, and working in conjunction with Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, FSIS determined that there was a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and this illness cluster. On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as part of an outbreak investigation tested positive for&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157. To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024. FSIS continues to work with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.FSIS is concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart">https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart</a>.Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Don Tanner, company representative at 248-762-1533.

USDA: 160,000 pounds of ground beef recalled due to E. coli risk

(Radio Iowa) - The Holiday Train will be chugging into four Iowa communities for free concerts next week to get folks in the yuletide spirit. 

Terry Cunha, spokesman for the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad, says this is the 26th year for the holiday train tradition and it's a sight to behold, especially at night. Once the locomotive comes to a halt, the music begins, as the train is quickly converted into a stage where singer K-T Tunstall and the band American Authors will be putting on a show. 

The concerts are free, but folks are asked to donate a non-perishable food item that will go to a local non-profit. Stops are planned November 27th in Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine with a final Iowa stop on November 28th in Ottumwa.

(Radio Iowa) - The Holiday Train will be chugging into four Iowa communities for free concerts next week to get folks in the yuletide spirit. Terry Cunha, spokesman for the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad, says this is the 26th year for the holiday train tradition and it's a sight to behold, especially at night. Once the locomotive comes to a halt, the music begins, as the train is quickly converted into a stage where singer K-T Tunstall and the band American Authors will be putting on a show. The concerts are free, but folks are asked to donate a non-perishable food item that will go to a local non-profit. Stops are planned November 27th in Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine with a final Iowa stop on November 28th in Ottumwa.

Four Iowa cities are on track to host train-side holiday concerts

Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner this year for friends and family will cost less than last year but is still more expensive than before COVID-19. The 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey shows the cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for ten people is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person. That’s a five percent decrease from 2023, which was 4.5 percent lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022. 

Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner this year for friends and family will cost less than last year but is still more expensive than before COVID-19. The 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey shows the cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for ten people is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person. That’s a five percent decrease from 2023, which was 4.5 percent lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022.

Thanksgiving survey shows dinner cost declined from 2023

The Nodaway County Humane Society is hosting a 'Home for the Holidays' pet adoption event through the end of the year. 

Wendy Combs, director of the Nodaway County Humane Society says adoptable pets are usually already fixed. "All of our animals come fixed or with a voucher to be fixed. Half price is a steal for sure."

The cost for most dogs during the adoption event is $50. Cats are $30 and kittens are $40.

Combs notes that some specialty breeds may not qualify for the discount. "It depends on specialty breeds and puppies, if we have them, most of them are going to be full price. But some of them will be half price, as well."

Combs says specialty breeds can include smaller dogs and purebreds. She adds that it is on a case-by-case basis, and residents are encouraged to check ahead of time to see which animals are available.

During the adoption event, in most cases, the fee includes the cost of spay, neuter, microchips, vaccinations and more.

All adoptions must have an approved application. Combs encourages people who are traveling to adopt, to submit an application ahead of time.

For more information and to see a list of available pets, visit <a href="https://www.newnodawayhumanesociety.org/">newnodawayhumanesociety.org</a>.

By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostThe Nodaway County Humane Society is hosting a 'Home for the Holidays' pet adoption event through the end of the year. Wendy Combs, director of the Nodaway County Humane Society says adoptable pets are usually already fixed. "All of our animals come fixed or with a voucher to be fixed. Half price is a steal for sure."The cost for most dogs during the adoption event is $50. Cats are $30 and kittens are $40.Combs notes that some specialty breeds may not qualify for the discount. "It depends on specialty breeds and puppies, if we have them, most of them are going to be full price. But some of them will be half price, as well."Combs says specialty breeds can include smaller dogs and purebreds. She adds that it is on a case-by-case basis, and residents are encouraged to check ahead of time to see which animals are available.During the adoption event, in most cases, the fee includes the cost of spay, neuter, microchips, vaccinations and more.All adoptions must have an approved application. Combs encourages people who are traveling to adopt, to submit an application ahead of time.For more information and to see a list of available pets, visit <a href="https://www.newnodawayhumanesociety.org/">newnodawayhumanesociety.org</a>.

Nodaway County Humane Society hosting 'Home for the Holidays' pet adoption event

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

WASHINGTON — Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz announced Thursday he’s withdrawing as President-elect Donald Trump’s planned nominee for attorney general days after securing the appointment.

Gaetz’s path to Senate confirmation was highly unlikely following years of investigations about alleged drug usage and payments for sex, including with an underage girl. He submitted his resignation to Congress last week.

“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1859649045553402285" target="_blank">a social media post.</a>&nbsp;“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”&nbsp;

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113522181118234752" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;afterward that he “greatly” appreciated “the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General.”

“He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”

The House Ethics Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-ethics-panel-republicans-vote-against-disclosure-gaetz-report" target="_blank">voted along party lines</a>&nbsp;Wednesday not to release its report on Gaetz, following more than three years of investigation. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, including the allegations that he had sex with a minor.

Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, spent Wednesday shuffling Gaetz between meetings with Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which would have held his confirmation hearing. Republicans will control the Senate in the new session of Congress beginning in January.

Gaetz’s future is unclear, given that he resigned from the U.S. House last week and notified the chamber he didn’t plan to take the oath of office for the upcoming 119th Congress.&nbsp;

He first joined the House in January 2017 and led efforts to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from that role last year, setting off a month-long stalemate within the House Republican Conference over who should lead the party.

This is a developing report that will be updated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731531518225.png" alt="Matt Gaetz-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Matt Gaetz-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz announced Thursday he’s withdrawing as President-elect Donald Trump’s planned nominee for attorney general days after securing the appointment.Gaetz’s path to Senate confirmation was highly unlikely following years of investigations about alleged drug usage and payments for sex, including with an underage girl. He submitted his resignation to Congress last week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211535033.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1859649045553402285" target="_blank">a social media post.</a>&nbsp;“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113522181118234752" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;afterward that he “greatly” appreciated “the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General.”“He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”The House Ethics Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-ethics-panel-republicans-vote-against-disclosure-gaetz-report" target="_blank">voted along party lines</a>&nbsp;Wednesday not to release its report on Gaetz, following more than three years of investigation. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, including the allegations that he had sex with a minor.Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, spent Wednesday shuffling Gaetz between meetings with Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which would have held his confirmation hearing. Republicans will control the Senate in the new session of Congress beginning in January.Gaetz’s future is unclear, given that he resigned from the U.S. House last week and notified the chamber he didn’t plan to take the oath of office for the upcoming 119th Congress.&nbsp;He first joined the House in January 2017 and led efforts to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from that role last year, setting off a month-long stalemate within the House Republican Conference over who should lead the party.This is a developing report that will be updated.

Matt Gaetz bows out as Trump’s pick for attorney general

(Radio Iowa) - An Iowa nonprofit that offers social services to youth statewide will open an addiction treatment facility near Ames next month. 

Youth and Shelter Services, known as Y-S-S, will run a residential treatment program, as well as crisis stabilization and recovery services. Ember Recovery Campus will feature trails, retreat-style cottages and outdoor recreation areas at its countryside location. C-E-O Andrew Allen hopes the surrounding nature will provide mental health benefits for residents. 

Overlooking a prairie in Cambridge, the campus spans more than 50 acres and has 70 beds for adolescents and young adults. The center’s current residency programs in Ames operate out of old houses. Allen says he sees the new center as a trailblazing facility in the state as it will offer "age-appropriate" treatment for young adults.

(Radio Iowa) - An Iowa nonprofit that offers social services to youth statewide will open an addiction treatment facility near Ames next month. Youth and Shelter Services, known as Y-S-S, will run a residential treatment program, as well as crisis stabilization and recovery services. Ember Recovery Campus will feature trails, retreat-style cottages and outdoor recreation areas at its countryside location. C-E-O Andrew Allen hopes the surrounding nature will provide mental health benefits for residents. Overlooking a prairie in Cambridge, the campus spans more than 50 acres and has 70 beds for adolescents and young adults. The center’s current residency programs in Ames operate out of old houses. Allen says he sees the new center as a trailblazing facility in the state as it will offer "age-appropriate" treatment for young adults.

'Trailblazing' addiction treatment center for Iowa youth to open in December

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former
Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy as his choice to be the next Secretary of
Transportation, choosing Duffy over northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves
and others on a short list.

Graves, the Republican chair of the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, says he’s ready to help Duffy if
he wins confirmation as Transportation Secretary.

“Sean’s a friend of mine and I think he will do
fine in the position,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “He’s obviously going
to need some help and I’m ready and willing to jump in if he needs any help at
all.”

Graves had been named by media outlets as one of
the names on a short list of candidates for the next Transportation Secretary.
Graves, in an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, had disclosed that he had
been in talks with the transition team for the president-elect.

“I am disappointed a little bit, but that’s fine.
That’s the way it works. And it’s the president’s decision,” Graves says. “You
serve at his will and so that’s who he chose and so I support him.”

Graves has served on the House Transportation
Committee since first winning election to Congress in 2000. He worked his way
up to ranking member of the minority, receiving the chairmanship when
Republicans won the majority in the United States House. Republican Caucus
rules would force him to relinquish the chairmanship, but he has made an appeal
to Speaker Mike Johnson to keep the seat, which would retain Graves’ role as a
leader in transportation policy on Capitol Hill.

“There is a chance and that’s something that I’m
continuing to talk to him (Speaker Johnson) and other members of the steering
committee on,” Graves says. “And it’s still a possibility.”

Graves hopes the Trump administration returns the
Department of Transportation to its traditional role.

“The department has got to get away from this
environmental justice and these woke policies and Green New Deal policies and
they need to get back to building; that is traditional infrastructure,”
according to Graves.

Graves says though disappointed he wasn’t chosen,
he was proud to be considered.

“Well, it was a tremendous opportunity and I was
very proud to be considered for the position,” Graves says. “You know, it’s
something that didn’t necessarily work out this time, but I’m willing and ready
to serve if the need arises.”

Duffy faces confirmation from the U.S. Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732204914192.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves presides over a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting/Photo courtesy of Graves' office" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves presides over a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting/Photo courtesy of Graves' office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostPresident-elect Donald Trump has chosen former
Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy as his choice to be the next Secretary of
Transportation, choosing Duffy over northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves
and others on a short list.Graves, the Republican chair of the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, says he’s ready to help Duffy if
he wins confirmation as Transportation Secretary.“Sean’s a friend of mine and I think he will do
fine in the position,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “He’s obviously going
to need some help and I’m ready and willing to jump in if he needs any help at
all.”Graves had been named by media outlets as one of
the names on a short list of candidates for the next Transportation Secretary.
Graves, in an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, had disclosed that he had
been in talks with the transition team for the president-elect.“I am disappointed a little bit, but that’s fine.
That’s the way it works. And it’s the president’s decision,” Graves says. “You
serve at his will and so that’s who he chose and so I support him.”Graves has served on the House Transportation
Committee since first winning election to Congress in 2000. He worked his way
up to ranking member of the minority, receiving the chairmanship when
Republicans won the majority in the United States House. Republican Caucus
rules would force him to relinquish the chairmanship, but he has made an appeal
to Speaker Mike Johnson to keep the seat, which would retain Graves’ role as a
leader in transportation policy on Capitol Hill.“There is a chance and that’s something that I’m
continuing to talk to him (Speaker Johnson) and other members of the steering
committee on,” Graves says. “And it’s still a possibility.”Graves hopes the Trump administration returns the
Department of Transportation to its traditional role.“The department has got to get away from this
environmental justice and these woke policies and Green New Deal policies and
they need to get back to building; that is traditional infrastructure,”
according to Graves.Graves says though disappointed he wasn’t chosen,
he was proud to be considered.“Well, it was a tremendous opportunity and I was
very proud to be considered for the position,” Graves says. “You know, it’s
something that didn’t necessarily work out this time, but I’m willing and ready
to serve if the need arises.”Duffy faces confirmation from the U.S. Senate.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves disappointed in not being chosen, but backs Trump Transportation choice

A 52-year-old St. Joseph man has been convicted of child
molestation after a two-day jury trial in Buchanan County.

Timothy Brown has been found guilty of sexually abusing a
12-year-old while volunteering at Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church in St.
Joseph. A 17-year-old girl testified during the trial, stating Brown had touched
her inappropriately and had exposed himself to her when she was 12.

The jury deliberated for about two hours. Brown will be sentenced
in early January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732204684071.jpeg" alt="Timothy Brown/Buchanan County Sheriff's Office photo" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Brown/Buchanan County Sheriff's Office photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 52-year-old St. Joseph man has been convicted of child
molestation after a two-day jury trial in Buchanan County.Timothy Brown has been found guilty of sexually abusing a
12-year-old while volunteering at Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church in St.
Joseph. A 17-year-old girl testified during the trial, stating Brown had touched
her inappropriately and had exposed himself to her when she was 12.The jury deliberated for about two hours. Brown will be sentenced
in early January.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph man found guilty of child molestation after 2-day trial

Originally created to bankroll Mike Parson’s 2021 inauguration, Moving Missouri Forward gave money to a political action committee that in recent years has funded the governor’s trips to the Super Bowl&nbsp;

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>

The not-for-profit group originally set up to pay for Gov. Mike Parson’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/01/11/missouri-gov-mike-parson-reflects-on-tumult-of-2020-at-start-of-first-full-term/">2021 inauguration</a>&nbsp;gave $150,000 this week to the political action committee that helped get him elected.

Parson is leaving office due to term limits and has said repeatedly that he does not intend to be a candidate for public office again.&nbsp;

The PAC, Uniting Missouri, received the donation on Monday from Moving Missouri Forward Inc., which also paid the expenses to write and publish a biography of Parson called “No Turnin’ Back” that the governor&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parsons-book-no-turnin-back-now-available" target="_blank">has promoted extensively</a>&nbsp;since its publication in February.

The origin of the $150,000 is unclear, since Moving Missouri Forward is not required to disclose its donors. But none of the money donated Monday was generated by sales of the Parson book, attorney Marc Ellinger said in an interview with The Independent. A different not-for-profit called&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/881750637_202212_990_2024010422170090.pdf" target="_blank">Moving Missouri Forward Foundation</a>&nbsp;receives all proceeds from book sales, he said, and is headed by First Lady Teresa Parson as president and Claudia Kehoe, wife Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe, as vice president.

“It paid for the book and contributed the entire cost of it and everything to the foundation as a charitable contribution, so that the foundation would have an ability to raise money through the book,” Ellinger said.

Ellinger is the registered agent for both Moving Missouri Forward Inc. and Moving Missouri Forward Foundation.

Uniting Missouri PAC had about $93,000 on hand at the end of October. Reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission show it raised about $1.3 million since the start of 2023 and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-parson-pac-seeks-to-boost-missouri-governors-favored-candidates-in-gop-primaries/">spent about $775,000</a>&nbsp;this year helping two officeholders Parson appointed, Kehoe and Attorney General Andrew Bailey, win hotly contested Republican primaries.

Uniting Missouri has also spent about $120,000 for Parson’s trips to watch the Kansas City Chiefs win the two most recent Super Bowls.

Tom Burcham — a former Republican state lawmaker from Farmington with close ties to Parson’s longtime friend and fundraiser, lobbyist Steve Tilley — is in charge of Uniting Missouri. It is unclear why the PAC needs to keep raising money to support a candidate who is no longer running for public office, and Burcham did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Burcham is also the registered agent for a not-for-profit created in September called 57 Foundation Inc., in reference to Parson’s position as the 57th governor of the state. The nonprofit held a fundraiser Nov. 14 in Kansas City where donors paid as much as $10,000 for a table and pre-event reception with the Parsons.

The purpose of 57 Foundation, according to its incorporation papers, includes “providing essential resources and support to needful and vulnerable Missourians who cannot adequately help themselves. The foundation’s activities are inspired by and aligned with the legacy of public service and contributions of Missouri’s 57th Governor, Michael L. Parson.”

The Moving Missouri Forward Inc. donation to Uniting Missouri is roughly equal to the remaining funds raised on behalf of Parson, Ellinger said.

It will now transition to become a vehicle for funding Kehoe’s inauguration, he said.&nbsp;

Soon after Parson’s 2021 inauguration, Moving Missouri Forward Inc. released a list of donors who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/22/what-companies-pacs-funded-gov-mike-parson-inauguration-missouri-donors/6660223002/" target="_blank">contributed $500 or more</a>&nbsp;to the $369,115 raised for the festivities. The list did not include the specific amounts donated.

As a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/other-non-profits/social-welfare-organizations" target="_blank">not-for-profit 501(c)(4)</a>&nbsp;entity, it is not required to reveal its donors. It is required to file a statement of revenues and expenses annually with the IRS. The&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854169242/202323199349302052/full" target="_blank">most recent report</a>, filed in November 2023 and covering 2022, shows $3,000 in contributions in 2022 and $40,563 in cash on hand at the end of the year.&nbsp;

The filing also showed a $25,000 contribution to the Moving Missouri Forward Foundation. The foundation is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations" target="_blank">501(c)(3) entity</a>&nbsp;and contributions are tax deductible.

The purpose of the Moving Missouri Forward Foundation, according to its creation filing, is to “aid, assist, or help Missouri’s children, including but not limited to Jobs for America’s Graduates-Missouri and children with autism and special needs.”

Mike and Teresa Parson have been&nbsp;<a href="https://jag-missouri.org/board-and-staff/" target="_blank">co-chairs of Jobs for America’s Graduates-Missouri</a>&nbsp;since 2016, when he was elected lieutenant governor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732196043303.png" alt="Gov. Mike Parson speaks at his last Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Parson speaks at his last Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Originally created to bankroll Mike Parson’s 2021 inauguration, Moving Missouri Forward gave money to a political action committee that in recent years has funded the governor’s trips to the Super Bowl&nbsp;</h2>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>The not-for-profit group originally set up to pay for Gov. Mike Parson’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/01/11/missouri-gov-mike-parson-reflects-on-tumult-of-2020-at-start-of-first-full-term/">2021 inauguration</a>&nbsp;gave $150,000 this week to the political action committee that helped get him elected.Parson is leaving office due to term limits and has said repeatedly that he does not intend to be a candidate for public office again.&nbsp;The PAC, Uniting Missouri, received the donation on Monday from Moving Missouri Forward Inc., which also paid the expenses to write and publish a biography of Parson called “No Turnin’ Back” that the governor&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parsons-book-no-turnin-back-now-available" target="_blank">has promoted extensively</a>&nbsp;since its publication in February.The origin of the $150,000 is unclear, since Moving Missouri Forward is not required to disclose its donors. But none of the money donated Monday was generated by sales of the Parson book, attorney Marc Ellinger said in an interview with The Independent. A different not-for-profit called&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/881750637_202212_990_2024010422170090.pdf" target="_blank">Moving Missouri Forward Foundation</a>&nbsp;receives all proceeds from book sales, he said, and is headed by First Lady Teresa Parson as president and Claudia Kehoe, wife Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe, as vice president.“It paid for the book and contributed the entire cost of it and everything to the foundation as a charitable contribution, so that the foundation would have an ability to raise money through the book,” Ellinger said.Ellinger is the registered agent for both Moving Missouri Forward Inc. and Moving Missouri Forward Foundation.Uniting Missouri PAC had about $93,000 on hand at the end of October. Reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission show it raised about $1.3 million since the start of 2023 and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-parson-pac-seeks-to-boost-missouri-governors-favored-candidates-in-gop-primaries/">spent about $775,000</a>&nbsp;this year helping two officeholders Parson appointed, Kehoe and Attorney General Andrew Bailey, win hotly contested Republican primaries.Uniting Missouri has also spent about $120,000 for Parson’s trips to watch the Kansas City Chiefs win the two most recent Super Bowls.Tom Burcham — a former Republican state lawmaker from Farmington with close ties to Parson’s longtime friend and fundraiser, lobbyist Steve Tilley — is in charge of Uniting Missouri. It is unclear why the PAC needs to keep raising money to support a candidate who is no longer running for public office, and Burcham did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;Burcham is also the registered agent for a not-for-profit created in September called 57 Foundation Inc., in reference to Parson’s position as the 57th governor of the state. The nonprofit held a fundraiser Nov. 14 in Kansas City where donors paid as much as $10,000 for a table and pre-event reception with the Parsons.The purpose of 57 Foundation, according to its incorporation papers, includes “providing essential resources and support to needful and vulnerable Missourians who cannot adequately help themselves. The foundation’s activities are inspired by and aligned with the legacy of public service and contributions of Missouri’s 57th Governor, Michael L. Parson.”The Moving Missouri Forward Inc. donation to Uniting Missouri is roughly equal to the remaining funds raised on behalf of Parson, Ellinger said.It will now transition to become a vehicle for funding Kehoe’s inauguration, he said.&nbsp;Soon after Parson’s 2021 inauguration, Moving Missouri Forward Inc. released a list of donors who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/22/what-companies-pacs-funded-gov-mike-parson-inauguration-missouri-donors/6660223002/" target="_blank">contributed $500 or more</a>&nbsp;to the $369,115 raised for the festivities. The list did not include the specific amounts donated.As a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/other-non-profits/social-welfare-organizations" target="_blank">not-for-profit 501(c)(4)</a>&nbsp;entity, it is not required to reveal its donors. It is required to file a statement of revenues and expenses annually with the IRS. The&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854169242/202323199349302052/full" target="_blank">most recent report</a>, filed in November 2023 and covering 2022, shows $3,000 in contributions in 2022 and $40,563 in cash on hand at the end of the year.&nbsp;The filing also showed a $25,000 contribution to the Moving Missouri Forward Foundation. The foundation is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations" target="_blank">501(c)(3) entity</a>&nbsp;and contributions are tax deductible.The purpose of the Moving Missouri Forward Foundation, according to its creation filing, is to “aid, assist, or help Missouri’s children, including but not limited to Jobs for America’s Graduates-Missouri and children with autism and special needs.”Mike and Teresa Parson have been&nbsp;<a href="https://jag-missouri.org/board-and-staff/" target="_blank">co-chairs of Jobs for America’s Graduates-Missouri</a>&nbsp;since 2016, when he was elected lieutenant governor.

Nonprofit drops $150K into PAC supporting lame-duck Missouri governor

(Radio Iowa) - The U-S Navy submarine that's named after the state of Iowa is back at port in Connecticut after its first test drives -- and test dives -- in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Mat Tanner, a retired Navy Chief submariner and executive director of the U-S-S Iowa Commissioning Committee, says the 377-foot long nuclear-powered submarine has completed its Alpha and Bravo levels of testing, where the sub is put through its paces. Tanner says, so far, so good -- no major issues. 

The three-billion-dollar submarine will have a crew of 120 enlisted personnel and 14 officers. The sub will become the fourth U-S Navy vessel to be named after the state of Iowa and Tanner says all appears on schedule for commissioning and the start of full-service military duty early next spring.

(Radio Iowa) - The U-S Navy submarine that's named after the state of Iowa is back at port in Connecticut after its first test drives -- and test dives -- in the Atlantic Ocean. Mat Tanner, a retired Navy Chief submariner and executive director of the U-S-S Iowa Commissioning Committee, says the 377-foot long nuclear-powered submarine has completed its Alpha and Bravo levels of testing, where the sub is put through its paces. Tanner says, so far, so good -- no major issues. The three-billion-dollar submarine will have a crew of 120 enlisted personnel and 14 officers. The sub will become the fourth U-S Navy vessel to be named after the state of Iowa and Tanner says all appears on schedule for commissioning and the start of full-service military duty early next spring.

Commissioning for the next USS Iowa is set for early spring

The emergency shelter shuttered unexpectedly in September after providing thousands of children with a temporary home over nearly four decades

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/anniegoldman/">ANNIE GOLDMAN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspidel/">ANNA SPIDEL</a>

As the community grapples with the closure of the Rainbow House Children’s Emergency Shelter, questions remain about what led to the shutdown of the only shelter of its kind in mid-Missouri.

Allegations of misuse of funds have been raised by both community members and Rainbow House’s board of directors, and much of the blame has been placed on the organization’s former executive director, Melissa Faurot. But Faurot, who confirmed that she was terminated in August, said they’ve got it all wrong.

The emergency shelter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/rainbow-house-closes-its-doors-community-reacts/article_33ce2644-7c53-11ef-81bd-a7b2863dd272.html" target="_blank">shuttered its doors</a>&nbsp;unexpectedly in September after providing thousands of children with a temporary home over nearly four decades, Rainbow House founder Kathy Hughes said.

In a matter of months, the nonprofit organization went from asking for millions of dollars for a significant renovation to being the subject of a state investigation.

“It was a complete shock to me,” Hughes said. She has not been significantly involved in Rainbow House’s operations for the past several years.

Rainbow House’s nearly 1.5-acre property in north Columbia is also pending a sale, hindering hopes that operations can return to normal.

As the community wrestles with the disappearance of what advocates considered a valuable resource to children and families in 11 Missouri counties, questions persist: What happened to Rainbow House?

And, what happened to the $1.2 million raised for the facility’s planned expansion, $1.1 million of which came from the Veterans United Foundation?

In the past few months, Melissa Faurot’s name has consistently been included in online chatter about Rainbow House’s collapse.

Faurot, an attorney who was previously a board member and was part of the organization for over a decade, was the executive director of Rainbow House from August 2021 to August 2024.

“I’ve been silent for many months, and I’ve had the mud thrown at me … I’m not really interested in sitting back and being quiet anymore,” she said.

Faurot was terminated unexpectedly on Aug. 14 by the board of directors, she said. Faurot said she was not given a reason as to why she was terminated, but she speculates it had to do with disagreement between her and the board on how to handle the ongoing renovation, and the subsequent issues of fundraising.

She alleged that Rainbow House’s board of directors is misleading the community about who authorized the construction’s commencement, what happened to the money, why the emergency shelter was shut down and how the property ended up in the hands of the contracted construction company.

“I saw the writing on the wall. I knew that the blame was going to be placed on me because, well, somebody wanted a scapegoat,” she said.

Faurot also confirmed that the ongoing state investigation of Rainbow House is being facilitated by the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Kathy Hughes founded Rainbow House in 1986. As an experienced foster parent and pediatric nurse, Hughes saw the need to provide children in short-term foster care with more stability.

Her family was fostering one child in particular who had been placed in emergency foster care and was being moved from house to house. After the child had been placed in her fifth school in three weeks, Hughes realized that the system was not serving children in the way that it should have upon initial intake.

“The system (was) doing her more harm than her father beating her did,” Hughes said. “The bruises were starting to heal, but we were making her feel like it was her fault and that she was being punished.”

Kbct