(Radio Iowa) - The State Veterinarian says experts don't yet know how bird flu is transmitted from cow to cow within a herd, but if milk production drops, that's a sign the operation has cows infected with the virus. 

Dr. Jeff Kaisand (KY-sand) says the milk may also have a yellowish color. The state vet says once bird flu has been confirmed in a dairy operation, workers are advised to wear protective gear, like face masks and public health officials ask the owner of the dairy to monitor the health of their employees. 

While no cases of bird flu in humans have been reported IN IOWA, three dairy workers in other states recently have been infected with the virus after working around sick cows. Bird flu has been confirmed at two dairy herds in northwest Iowa.

(Radio Iowa) - The State Veterinarian says experts don't yet know how bird flu is transmitted from cow to cow within a herd, but if milk production drops, that's a sign the operation has cows infected with the virus. Dr. Jeff Kaisand (KY-sand) says the milk may also have a yellowish color. The state vet says once bird flu has been confirmed in a dairy operation, workers are advised to wear protective gear, like face masks and public health officials ask the owner of the dairy to monitor the health of their employees. While no cases of bird flu in humans have been reported IN IOWA, three dairy workers in other states recently have been infected with the virus after working around sick cows. Bird flu has been confirmed at two dairy herds in northwest Iowa.

State vet says drop in milk production is key clue bird flu has hit a dairy herd

The St. Joseph Mustangs are now 12-0 on the season following a 3-0 win over the Jefferson City Renegades at Vivion Field in Jefferson City Tuesday.

Three Mustangs pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts and held the Renegades to just four hits.

St. Joseph scored all three of the game's runs in the top of the ninth inning. Trevor McCollum had a two-run RBI double in that frame. McCollum later scored on a wild pitch.

Bishop LeBlond alum Jaren Guck got the win, tossing a scoreless ninth inning and striking out two. Starting pitcher Aron Harrington went 4.1 innings, striking out four and walking three.

Jase Johnson tossed 3.2 innings of hitless middle relief, striking out four and walking none.

The Mustangs stay on the road to face the Carroll Merchants Wednesday. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717672755906.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs are now 12-0 on the season following a 3-0 win over the Jefferson City Renegades at Vivion Field in Jefferson City Tuesday.Three Mustangs pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts and held the Renegades to just four hits.St. Joseph scored all three of the game's runs in the top of the ninth inning. Trevor McCollum had a two-run RBI double in that frame. McCollum later scored on a wild pitch.Bishop LeBlond alum Jaren Guck got the win, tossing a scoreless ninth inning and striking out two. Starting pitcher Aron Harrington went 4.1 innings, striking out four and walking three.Jase Johnson tossed 3.2 innings of hitless middle relief, striking out four and walking none.The Mustangs stay on the road to face the Carroll Merchants Wednesday. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

Mustangs remain undefeated with shutout win at Jefferson City

Bond has been set for a former Robidoux Middle School teacher charged with first-degree sodomy.

Forty-seven year-old Everett “Tim” Harding of Maryville had a bond of $50,000 set at a court appearance Tuesday.

Officials say an additional forensic interview revealed there may be an additional victim involved in the case. Harding is to remain on house arrest and can have no contact with the victim.

Harding was booked in the Buchanan County Jail on May 20. He’s charged in a May 7 incident involving a 14-year-old girl. Harding allegedly had sexual contact with the girl in his locked classroom.

The St. Joseph School District terminated his employment last week. Harding taught math at Robidoux since 2022 and had worked at four other schools in the area in the last decade.

Harding will next appear in court July 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716927822696.jpeg" alt="Everett "Tim" Harding." />
 <figcaption>Everett "Tim" Harding.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBond has been set for a former Robidoux Middle School teacher charged with first-degree sodomy.Forty-seven year-old Everett “Tim” Harding of Maryville had a bond of $50,000 set at a court appearance Tuesday.Officials say an additional forensic interview revealed there may be an additional victim involved in the case. Harding is to remain on house arrest and can have no contact with the victim.Harding was booked in the Buchanan County Jail on May 20. He’s charged in a May 7 incident involving a 14-year-old girl. Harding allegedly had sexual contact with the girl in his locked classroom.The St. Joseph School District terminated his employment last week. Harding taught math at Robidoux since 2022 and had worked at four other schools in the area in the last decade.Harding will next appear in court July 2.

Bond set for former Robidoux teacher accused of first-degree sodomy

A St. Joseph school board member pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an incident involving another board member.

Whitney Lanning pleaded guilty to the charge of second-degree harassment at a hearing in front of Associate Circuit Judge Chad Gaddie.

 Lanning will be placed on two-year probation and is ordered by the court to attend anger management.

Lanning was charged for behavior in a February 26 incident following a Board of Education meeting.

Court documents and security video detail Lanning approaching fellow board member Isaura Garcia, yelling at her, following her and throwing her own property at a wall.

Lanning still faces a civil suit related to the incident. No hearings have been set in that case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718191699617.jpeg" alt="Whitney Lanning. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Whitney Lanning. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph school board member pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an incident involving another board member.Whitney Lanning pleaded guilty to the charge of second-degree harassment at a hearing in front of Associate Circuit Judge Chad Gaddie. Lanning will be placed on two-year probation and is ordered by the court to attend anger management.Lanning was charged for behavior in a February 26 incident following a Board of Education meeting.Court documents and security video detail Lanning approaching fellow board member Isaura Garcia, yelling at her, following her and throwing her own property at a wall.Lanning still faces a civil suit related to the incident. No hearings have been set in that case.

SJSD Board Member pleads guilty in harassment case Tuesday

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

Missouri will enter the new fiscal year July 1 with a near-record cash surplus as state spending falls short of budgeted amounts and revenues meet expectations.

Meeting revenue expectations won’t, however, be enough to trigger an income tax cut&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">dependent on revenue growth</a>, said Jim Moody, a former state budget director.&nbsp;

“My view is, best case, they end up probably around the last year’s revenues, which would not trigger it,” said Moody, who is also a retired lobbyist who advised clients on state fiscal issues and tax matters.The state took in $13.2 billion in general revenue in the year that ended June 30, 2023. Through Thursday, general revenue receipts were down 0.35% for the current fiscal year — the estimate is for a decline of 0.7% — while a tax cut would occur if revenues increased by $200 million or more.

Gov. Mike Parson must act on the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/10/democrats-say-final-missouri-budget-pads-special-interests-with-state-cash/">$51.7 billion budget</a>&nbsp;approved by lawmakers before the new fiscal year begins July 1. And while the large surplus and steady revenues mean every item can be funded, Parson last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/despite-8-billion-surplus-missouri-governor-vetoes-550-million-in-state-spending/">vetoed $550 million in spending items</a>&nbsp;he said jeopardized the state’s long-term fiscal health.

And Parson may call lawmakers back to add new spending before his term expires in January. If the budget fails to adequately fund state operations, Parson said at a news conference in May that he would not leave it to his successor to fill in the gaps.

And at the first meeting of the State Board of Education after the budget was approved, board&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/14/missouri-education-department-prepares-for-mother-of-all-supplemental-budgets/">President Charlie Shields predicted</a>&nbsp;that the department would need the “mother of all supplemental budgets” to make it through the year.&nbsp;

At the end of May, the state general revenue fund held $4.9 billion, with other funds that could be spent without restriction adding almost $1.9 billion. On July 1, 2023, the general revenue surplus stood at $5.1 billion, the largest in state history.

The general revenue balance is about $1.7 billion more than Gov. Mike Parson’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">January budget proposal</a>&nbsp;anticipated would be left on June 30. And while there are some big items left to fund in the current budget – a $300 million transfer to an account for expansion of the Capitol Building being the largest – the balance is unlikely to change dramatically in the final month of the fiscal year.

A large part of the additional surplus is likely due to unspent funds due from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/06/vacancies-turnover-leave-thousands-of-jobs-unfilled-in-missouri-state-government/">staffing shortages</a>&nbsp;across state government. During fiscal year 2023, state agencies only used 87% of the payroll hours allocated in the budget. That helped keep general revenue spending $608 million below budgeted amounts.

The almost flat revenue growth masks changes in the mix of revenues. Sales tax revenues are up more than 9% for the year, while income taxes receipts have declined about 3%. In just the past two years, as income tax cuts have kicked in, the share of general revenue coming from sales tax has increased from $1 out of every $5 to $1 out of every $4.

There are several factors driving growth in sales tax, Moody said.&nbsp;

The first is inflation, both in wages and prices, he said. Adult use marijuana is a market of more than $1 billion annually and sales tax claims 3% of that amount for general revenue.&nbsp;

The state began collecting tax on goods sold through the internet last year, and there is some residual spending of COVID-19 relief funds.&nbsp;

If Parson approves all the spending in the budget plan on his desk, it will consume about $2 billion of the accumulated surplus. If that continues into future years, Moody said, the surplus won’t last until the next recession.

“It’s been 15 years since we had a recession,” Moody said. “So nobody thinks that things can go down.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri will enter the new fiscal year July 1 with a near-record cash surplus as state spending falls short of budgeted amounts and revenues meet expectations.Meeting revenue expectations won’t, however, be enough to trigger an income tax cut&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">dependent on revenue growth</a>, said Jim Moody, a former state budget director.&nbsp;“My view is, best case, they end up probably around the last year’s revenues, which would not trigger it,” said Moody, who is also a retired lobbyist who advised clients on state fiscal issues and tax matters.The state took in $13.2 billion in general revenue in the year that ended June 30, 2023. Through Thursday, general revenue receipts were down 0.35% for the current fiscal year — the estimate is for a decline of 0.7% — while a tax cut would occur if revenues increased by $200 million or more.Gov. Mike Parson must act on the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/10/democrats-say-final-missouri-budget-pads-special-interests-with-state-cash/">$51.7 billion budget</a>&nbsp;approved by lawmakers before the new fiscal year begins July 1. And while the large surplus and steady revenues mean every item can be funded, Parson last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/despite-8-billion-surplus-missouri-governor-vetoes-550-million-in-state-spending/">vetoed $550 million in spending items</a>&nbsp;he said jeopardized the state’s long-term fiscal health.And Parson may call lawmakers back to add new spending before his term expires in January. If the budget fails to adequately fund state operations, Parson said at a news conference in May that he would not leave it to his successor to fill in the gaps.And at the first meeting of the State Board of Education after the budget was approved, board&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/14/missouri-education-department-prepares-for-mother-of-all-supplemental-budgets/">President Charlie Shields predicted</a>&nbsp;that the department would need the “mother of all supplemental budgets” to make it through the year.&nbsp;At the end of May, the state general revenue fund held $4.9 billion, with other funds that could be spent without restriction adding almost $1.9 billion. On July 1, 2023, the general revenue surplus stood at $5.1 billion, the largest in state history.The general revenue balance is about $1.7 billion more than Gov. Mike Parson’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">January budget proposal</a>&nbsp;anticipated would be left on June 30. And while there are some big items left to fund in the current budget – a $300 million transfer to an account for expansion of the Capitol Building being the largest – the balance is unlikely to change dramatically in the final month of the fiscal year.A large part of the additional surplus is likely due to unspent funds due from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/06/vacancies-turnover-leave-thousands-of-jobs-unfilled-in-missouri-state-government/">staffing shortages</a>&nbsp;across state government. During fiscal year 2023, state agencies only used 87% of the payroll hours allocated in the budget. That helped keep general revenue spending $608 million below budgeted amounts.The almost flat revenue growth masks changes in the mix of revenues. Sales tax revenues are up more than 9% for the year, while income taxes receipts have declined about 3%. In just the past two years, as income tax cuts have kicked in, the share of general revenue coming from sales tax has increased from $1 out of every $5 to $1 out of every $4.There are several factors driving growth in sales tax, Moody said.&nbsp;The first is inflation, both in wages and prices, he said. Adult use marijuana is a market of more than $1 billion annually and sales tax claims 3% of that amount for general revenue.&nbsp;The state began collecting tax on goods sold through the internet last year, and there is some residual spending of COVID-19 relief funds.&nbsp;If Parson approves all the spending in the budget plan on his desk, it will consume about $2 billion of the accumulated surplus. If that continues into future years, Moody said, the surplus won’t last until the next recession.“It’s been 15 years since we had a recession,” Moody said. “So nobody thinks that things can go down.”

Missouri budget surplus remains close to record levels as fiscal year nears end

(Radio Iowa) - A central Iowa real estate developer and property manager is launching what’s being called Hometown Tours of a half-dozen Iowa communities where businesses are hungry for help and housing is scarce. 

Karie Kading (KAY-ding) Ramsey, C-E-O of Kading Properties of Urbandale, says they’ll start in the Wayne County town of Corydon on Thursday. Ramsey says lots of Missouri license plates are coming over the border to work and the goal is to convert them to Iowa plates. Kading has built houses in more than two-dozen Iowa towns over the past five decades. 

By eliminating the need for long commutes, Ramsey says Kading helps employers retain skilled labor and boosts local economies, while saving families time and money on travel and fuel. She says so-called workforce housing may be individual houses, townhomes, bi-attached houses or whatever works best in the community. Corydon is first on the tour and the other five communities will be announced next week.

(Radio Iowa) - A central Iowa real estate developer and property manager is launching what’s being called Hometown Tours of a half-dozen Iowa communities where businesses are hungry for help and housing is scarce. Karie Kading (KAY-ding) Ramsey, C-E-O of Kading Properties of Urbandale, says they’ll start in the Wayne County town of Corydon on Thursday. Ramsey says lots of Missouri license plates are coming over the border to work and the goal is to convert them to Iowa plates. Kading has built houses in more than two-dozen Iowa towns over the past five decades. By eliminating the need for long commutes, Ramsey says Kading helps employers retain skilled labor and boosts local economies, while saving families time and money on travel and fuel. She says so-called workforce housing may be individual houses, townhomes, bi-attached houses or whatever works best in the community. Corydon is first on the tour and the other five communities will be announced next week.

Homebuilder scouts Iowa communities for places to build ‘workforce housing’

(Radio Iowa) - Chinese officials say they've arrested a 55-year-old man suspected of stabbing four Cornell College instructors. 

Cornell College, based in Mount Vernon, has had a longstanding relationship with a university in northeast China and the four educators were attacked in a public park. One of the survivors, David (DAH-veed) Zabner (ZAB-ner), spoke with Iowa Public Radio from his hospital room in China where he's being treated for a stab wound in his arm. 

Zabner says the group was leaving the park when he heard a sound, turned around and thought someone was pushing his colleagues -- then realized he and the others had been stabbed.

(Radio Iowa) - Chinese officials say they've arrested a 55-year-old man suspected of stabbing four Cornell College instructors. Cornell College, based in Mount Vernon, has had a longstanding relationship with a university in northeast China and the four educators were attacked in a public park. One of the survivors, David (DAH-veed) Zabner (ZAB-ner), spoke with Iowa Public Radio from his hospital room in China where he's being treated for a stab wound in his arm. Zabner says the group was leaving the park when he heard a sound, turned around and thought someone was pushing his colleagues -- then realized he and the others had been stabbed.

Chinese arrest suspect in stabbing of instructors from Cornell College

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Senate Republicans released their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Senate%20Republican%20Framework%20Short%20Summary.pdf">Farm Bill framework</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, and Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall held a press availability on Zoom to talk about it.&nbsp;

"This Farm Bill touches, I would think, every Kansan, in some way, somehow," Marshall said. "What are the next steps? I would explain it like this. A farmer goes in to buy a combine and he agrees with the dealer, all the ins and outs he wants, what type of header he wants on that combine. What we haven't agreed on yet is the price."

It sounds like the difference really isn't that large, all things considered.

"The Democrats and Republicans, we both want strong crop insurance, we both want strong nutrition programs," Marshall said. "We want rural economic development. I think it's just a matter of where we're going to move some dollars from one place to the other and still keep this on budget, because our Farm Bill is completely paid for. We're not asking for any more monies. The Democrats Farm Bill has a request for, I think $20 or $30 billion more each year."

Practically speaking, there's not a lot of legislative time between now and the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30.

"We'll see how far apart we are," Marshall said. "There will be a lot of talks between the two staffs, the two ag committee staffs, as well and see where we can close the gap. There really aren't very many legislative days left up here this summer. We have an election in November. I understand. We'll see if we can mark up something here in the next month or so. It will probably be this summer."

If the deal doesn't get done by the deadline, there is still the idea of a short term continuation of the current bill, which has already been extended for a sixth year, at least to past the election. Ag state legislators really don't want that, as they'd like more certainty, if possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718131641346.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL&nbsp;Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Senate Republicans released their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Senate%20Republican%20Framework%20Short%20Summary.pdf">Farm Bill framework</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, and Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall held a press availability on Zoom to talk about it.&nbsp;"This Farm Bill touches, I would think, every Kansan, in some way, somehow," Marshall said. "What are the next steps? I would explain it like this. A farmer goes in to buy a combine and he agrees with the dealer, all the ins and outs he wants, what type of header he wants on that combine. What we haven't agreed on yet is the price."It sounds like the difference really isn't that large, all things considered."The Democrats and Republicans, we both want strong crop insurance, we both want strong nutrition programs," Marshall said. "We want rural economic development. I think it's just a matter of where we're going to move some dollars from one place to the other and still keep this on budget, because our Farm Bill is completely paid for. We're not asking for any more monies. The Democrats Farm Bill has a request for, I think $20 or $30 billion more each year."Practically speaking, there's not a lot of legislative time between now and the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30."We'll see how far apart we are," Marshall said. "There will be a lot of talks between the two staffs, the two ag committee staffs, as well and see where we can close the gap. There really aren't very many legislative days left up here this summer. We have an election in November. I understand. We'll see if we can mark up something here in the next month or so. It will probably be this summer."If the deal doesn't get done by the deadline, there is still the idea of a short term continuation of the current bill, which has already been extended for a sixth year, at least to past the election. Ag state legislators really don't want that, as they'd like more certainty, if possible.

Senate Republicans release their Farm Bill framework

A multi-vehicle crash at Mile Marker 50 on northbound I-29 resulted in a major slowdown and multiple injuries Monday just after 1 p.m.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 36-year-old Matthew Banks of Oregon, Missouri, was riding a motorcycle when he collided with a deer. Banks was ejected from the bike and taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

By TOMMY REZAC&nbsp;St. Joseph PostA multi-vehicle crash at Mile Marker 50 on northbound I-29 resulted in a major slowdown and multiple injuries Monday just after 1 p.m.The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 36-year-old Matthew Banks of Oregon, Missouri, was riding a motorcycle when he collided with a deer. Banks was ejected from the bike and taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

Injuries reported in multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 29 in St. Joseph Monday

JEFFERSON CITY&nbsp;—&nbsp;Today, Governor Mike Parson confirmed that the State of Missouri will carry out the sentence of David Hosier on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, as ordered by the Supreme Court of Missouri, according to a statement from the governor's office.

"Ms. Angela Gilpin had her life stolen by David Hosier because he could not accept it when she ended their romantic involvement. He displays no remorse for his senseless violence,"&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. "For these heinous acts, Hosier earned maximum punishment under the law. I cannot imagine the pain experienced by Angela’s and Rodney’s loved ones but hope that carrying out Hosier’s sentence according to the Court’s order brings closure."

Hosier murdered Angela and Rodney Gilpin at their apartment in Jefferson City, Missouri, in a jealous rage. Hosier, with a decades-long history of violence against women, would not let Angela reconcile with Rodney, stalking and harassing her for weeks before murdering her and her husband. Hosier then fled but was apprehended with the help of law enforcement in Oklahoma to answer for his crimes. Although Hosier did not receive an additional conviction for murdering Rodney, the jury in Angela’s trial determined that Hosier murdered both victims as it related to Hosier’s sentence. No court has ever found any error in Hosier’s case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715955157165.png" alt="Hosier photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Hosier photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY&nbsp;—&nbsp;Today, Governor Mike Parson confirmed that the State of Missouri will carry out the sentence of David Hosier on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, as ordered by the Supreme Court of Missouri, according to a statement from the governor's office."Ms. Angela Gilpin had her life stolen by David Hosier because he could not accept it when she ended their romantic involvement. He displays no remorse for his senseless violence,"&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. "For these heinous acts, Hosier earned maximum punishment under the law. I cannot imagine the pain experienced by Angela’s and Rodney’s loved ones but hope that carrying out Hosier’s sentence according to the Court’s order brings closure."Hosier murdered Angela and Rodney Gilpin at their apartment in Jefferson City, Missouri, in a jealous rage. Hosier, with a decades-long history of violence against women, would not let Angela reconcile with Rodney, stalking and harassing her for weeks before murdering her and her husband. Hosier then fled but was apprehended with the help of law enforcement in Oklahoma to answer for his crimes. Although Hosier did not receive an additional conviction for murdering Rodney, the jury in Angela’s trial determined that Hosier murdered both victims as it related to Hosier’s sentence. No court has ever found any error in Hosier’s case.

Mo. Gov. denies clemency for man who killed ex-lover

(Radio Iowa) - A federal judge plans to issue a ruling before July 1st on whether state officials may enforce an Iowa law to deport immigrants who've been deported before. 

The judge heard legal arguments in a Des Moines courtroom earlier today (Monday). Emma Winger, deputy legal director for the American Immigration Council, says the state of Iowa is trying to set up its own deportation system and only the federal government has authority to enforce immigration law. 

Iowa Attorney General says President Biden has refused to enforce immigration laws and Iowa plans to do the job for him.

(Radio Iowa) - A federal judge plans to issue a ruling before July 1st on whether state officials may enforce an Iowa law to deport immigrants who've been deported before. The judge heard legal arguments in a Des Moines courtroom earlier today (Monday). Emma Winger, deputy legal director for the American Immigration Council, says the state of Iowa is trying to set up its own deportation system and only the federal government has authority to enforce immigration law. Iowa Attorney General says President Biden has refused to enforce immigration laws and Iowa plans to do the job for him.

Judge to rule soon on Iowa's immigration enforcement law

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Department of Agriculture announced a second case of Avian Influenza has been found in a dairy cattle herd. The Department announced Friday the latest case is in Sioux County. 

The first case of bird flu in an Iowa dairy herd was reported in O’Brien County. There have also been recent outbreaks in two northwest Iowa poultry flocks. 

Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says the state is asking federal officials for assistance in compensating farmers for lost animals and lost milk and egg production. The state is also looking for support from the U-S-D-A to monitor for bird flu on dairy and poultry farms.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Department of Agriculture announced a second case of Avian Influenza has been found in a dairy cattle herd. The Department announced Friday the latest case is in Sioux County. The first case of bird flu in an Iowa dairy herd was reported in O’Brien County. There have also been recent outbreaks in two northwest Iowa poultry flocks. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says the state is asking federal officials for assistance in compensating farmers for lost animals and lost milk and egg production. The state is also looking for support from the U-S-D-A to monitor for bird flu on dairy and poultry farms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705959960045.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Second Case Of Bird Flu Found At Sioux County Dairy

The St. Joseph Mustangs (11-0) breezed their way through a three-game homestand and topped off a spotless weekend with a 12-5 win at Chillicothe Sunday night.

The Mustangs tallied 14 hits on the Mudcats Sunday, including a home run from Darius Freeman.

St. Joseph Christian graduate Camden Lutz started Sunday's game, striking out six and walking only one through five innings. He allowed six hits and three earned runs.

East Buchanan alum Broncho Whitt tossed a scoreless eighth inning, striking out two.

The Mustangs also beat Chillicothe 7-6 on Saturday night at Phil Welch Stadium in come-from-behind fashion.

St. Joseph trailed 6-3 entering the bottom of the ninth, but scored four runs in the final frame, including a walkoff sac fly by Logan Miller, which scored Trevor McCollum.

Bishop LeBlond alum Jaren Guck was the winning pitcher on Saturday, tossing a scoreless ninth inning with two punchouts.

St. Joseph had no trouble on Friday, blowing out MINK League newcomer Warren County, 15-1 in seven innings. The Mustangs benefitted from five Warren County errors.

The Mustangs' pitching staff also combined for 12 strikeouts, including seven from starting pitcher and Mid-Buchanan product Denton Biller.

St. Joseph, now 11-0 on the season, is off Monday before a road game at Jefferson City Tuesday. That game will start at 7 p.m.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718019585722.jpeg" alt="Stock photo by Alexis Starks." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by Alexis Starks.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs (11-0) breezed their way through a three-game homestand and topped off a spotless weekend with a 12-5 win at Chillicothe Sunday night.The Mustangs tallied 14 hits on the Mudcats Sunday, including a home run from Darius Freeman.St. Joseph Christian graduate Camden Lutz started Sunday's game, striking out six and walking only one through five innings. He allowed six hits and three earned runs.East Buchanan alum Broncho Whitt tossed a scoreless eighth inning, striking out two.The Mustangs also beat Chillicothe 7-6 on Saturday night at Phil Welch Stadium in come-from-behind fashion.St. Joseph trailed 6-3 entering the bottom of the ninth, but scored four runs in the final frame, including a walkoff sac fly by Logan Miller, which scored Trevor McCollum.Bishop LeBlond alum Jaren Guck was the winning pitcher on Saturday, tossing a scoreless ninth inning with two punchouts.St. Joseph had no trouble on Friday, blowing out MINK League newcomer Warren County, 15-1 in seven innings. The Mustangs benefitted from five Warren County errors.The Mustangs' pitching staff also combined for 12 strikeouts, including seven from starting pitcher and Mid-Buchanan product Denton Biller.St. Joseph, now 11-0 on the season, is off Monday before a road game at Jefferson City Tuesday. That game will start at 7 p.m.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mustangs remain undefeated with perfect weekend

A body was recovered from the Missouri River in St. Joseph Sunday afternoon.

Thirty-eight-year-old Darrell Brown of St. Joseph was fishing on the public boat dock near the Remington Nature Center with a relative when he fell into the river and did not resurface. Police were called to the scene at 4:15 Sunday morning.

Emergency responders began searching for Brown. He was recovered just after noon on Sunday and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident is under investigation. Police do not suspect foul play.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA body was recovered from the Missouri River in St. Joseph Sunday afternoon.Thirty-eight-year-old Darrell Brown of St. Joseph was fishing on the public boat dock near the Remington Nature Center with a relative when he fell into the river and did not resurface. Police were called to the scene at 4:15 Sunday morning.Emergency responders began searching for Brown. He was recovered just after noon on Sunday and was pronounced dead at the scene.The incident is under investigation. Police do not suspect foul play.

Body of St. Joseph man recovered in Missouri River Sunday

A man is dead after a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle Saturday night on North Belt Highway.

St. Joseph Police confirm that 35-year-old Kenneth Hart was killed after colliding with the passenger side of a minivan at 2205 North Belt Highway - just south of Beck Road.

This happened at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday.

One minor was injured in the minivan, transported via helicopter to the hospital and is expected to have a full recovery.

Everyone in the minivan was wearing seatbelts. The crash is still under investigation.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA man is dead after a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle Saturday night on North Belt Highway.St. Joseph Police confirm that 35-year-old Kenneth Hart was killed after colliding with the passenger side of a minivan at 2205 North Belt Highway - just south of Beck Road.This happened at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday.One minor was injured in the minivan, transported via helicopter to the hospital and is expected to have a full recovery.Everyone in the minivan was wearing seatbelts. The crash is still under investigation.

One man dead after motorcycle, minivan crash Saturday on North Belt Highway

By JULIE APPLEBY&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-14/private-practice-doctors-patients-wonder-when-its-their-turn-for-the-covid-19-vaccine">Kaiser Health News</a>

A company that makes tests for lead poisoning has agreed to resolve criminal charges that it concealed for years a malfunction that resulted in inaccurately low results.

It’s the latest in a long-running saga involving Massachusetts-based Magellan Diagnostics, which will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/magellan-diagnostics-agrees-plead-guilty-and-pay-42-million-resolve-criminal-charges">pay $42 million in penalties</a>, according to the Department of Justice.

While many of the fault-prone devices were used from 2013 to 2017, some were being recalled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/magellan_fact_sheet_20211203_ADA_v2.pdf">as late as 2021</a>. The Justice Department said the malfunction produced inaccurate results for “potentially tens of thousands” of children and other patients.

Doctors don’t consider any level of lead in the blood to be safe, especially for children. Several U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., and Flint, Michigan, have struggled with widespread lead contamination of their water supplies in the last two decades, making accurate tests critical for public health.

It’s possible faulty Magellan kits were used to test children for lead exposure into the early 2020s, based on the recall in 2021. Here’s what parents should know.

The inaccurate results came from three Magellan devices: LeadCare Ultra, LeadCare II, and LeadCare Plus. One, the LeadCare II, uses finger-stick samples primarily and accounted for more than half of all blood lead tests conducted in the U.S. from 2013 to 2017, according to the Justice Department. It was often used in physician offices to check children’s lead levels.

The other two could also be used with blood drawn from a vein and may have been more common in labs than doctor’s offices. The company “first learned that a malfunction in its LeadCare Ultra device could cause inaccurate lead test results – specifically, lead test results that were falsely low” in June 2013 while seeking regulatory clearance to sell the product, the DOJ said. But it did not disclose that information and went on to market the tests, according to the settlement.

The agency said 2013 testing indicated the same flaw affected the LeadCare II device. A 2021 recall included most of all three types of test kits distributed since October 27, 2020.

The company said in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.magellandx.com/resources/magellan-diagnostics-announces-voluntary-resolution-of-federal-investigation/">press release</a>&nbsp;announcing the resolution that “the underlying issues that affected the results of some of Magellan’s products from 2013 to 2018 have been fully and effectively remediated,” and that the tests it currently sells are safe.

Children are often tested during pediatrician visits at age 1 and again at age 2. Elevated lead levels can put kids at risk of developmental delay, lower IQ, and other problems. And symptoms, such as stomachache, poor appetite, or irritability, may not appear until high levels are reached.

Falsely low test results could mean parents and physicians were unaware of the problem.

That’s a concern because treatment for lead poisoning is, initially, mainly preventive. Results showing elevated levels should prompt parents and health officials to determine the sources of lead and take steps to prevent continued lead intake, said Janine Kerr, health educator with the Virginia Department of Health’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/leadsafe/">Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program</a>.

Children can be exposed to lead in a variety of ways, including by drinking water contaminated with lead from old pipes, such as in Flint and Washington; ingesting lead-based paint flakes often found in older homes; or, as reported recently, eating some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023">brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce.</a>

“Parents can contact their child’s pediatrician to determine if their child had a blood lead test with a LeadCare device” and discuss whether a repeat blood lead test is needed, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://profiles.mountsinai.org/maida-p-galvez">Maida Galvez</a>, a pediatrician and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

During an earlier recall of some Magellan devices, in 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-americans-about-risk-inaccurate-results-certain-lead-tests">recommended that patients be retested</a>&nbsp;if they were pregnant, nursing, or children younger than 6 and had a blood lead level of less than 10 micrograms per deciliter as determined by a Magellan device from a venous blood draw.

The 2021 recall of Magellan devices recommended retesting children whose results were less than the current CDC reference level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Many of those tests were of the finger-stick variety.

Kerr, at the Virginia health department, said her agency has not had many calls about that recall.

The finger-stick tests “are not that widely used in Virginia,” said Kerr, adding that “we did get a lot of questions about the applesauce recall.”

In any case, she said, the “best course of action for parents is to talk with a health care provider.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us">KFF</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717934001181.png" alt=" From left, a lead pipe, a corroded steel pipe, and a lead pipe treated with protective orthophosphate (Photo courtesy Environmental Protection Agency)." />
 <figcaption> From left, a lead pipe, a corroded steel pipe, and a lead pipe treated with protective orthophosphate (Photo courtesy Environmental Protection Agency).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIE APPLEBY&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-14/private-practice-doctors-patients-wonder-when-its-their-turn-for-the-covid-19-vaccine">Kaiser Health News</a>A company that makes tests for lead poisoning has agreed to resolve criminal charges that it concealed for years a malfunction that resulted in inaccurately low results.It’s the latest in a long-running saga involving Massachusetts-based Magellan Diagnostics, which will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/magellan-diagnostics-agrees-plead-guilty-and-pay-42-million-resolve-criminal-charges">pay $42 million in penalties</a>, according to the Department of Justice.While many of the fault-prone devices were used from 2013 to 2017, some were being recalled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/magellan_fact_sheet_20211203_ADA_v2.pdf">as late as 2021</a>. The Justice Department said the malfunction produced inaccurate results for “potentially tens of thousands” of children and other patients.Doctors don’t consider any level of lead in the blood to be safe, especially for children. Several U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., and Flint, Michigan, have struggled with widespread lead contamination of their water supplies in the last two decades, making accurate tests critical for public health.It’s possible faulty Magellan kits were used to test children for lead exposure into the early 2020s, based on the recall in 2021. Here’s what parents should know.<h2>What tests were affected?</h2>The inaccurate results came from three Magellan devices: LeadCare Ultra, LeadCare II, and LeadCare Plus. One, the LeadCare II, uses finger-stick samples primarily and accounted for more than half of all blood lead tests conducted in the U.S. from 2013 to 2017, according to the Justice Department. It was often used in physician offices to check children’s lead levels.The other two could also be used with blood drawn from a vein and may have been more common in labs than doctor’s offices. The company “first learned that a malfunction in its LeadCare Ultra device could cause inaccurate lead test results – specifically, lead test results that were falsely low” in June 2013 while seeking regulatory clearance to sell the product, the DOJ said. But it did not disclose that information and went on to market the tests, according to the settlement.The agency said 2013 testing indicated the same flaw affected the LeadCare II device. A 2021 recall included most of all three types of test kits distributed since October 27, 2020.The company said in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.magellandx.com/resources/magellan-diagnostics-announces-voluntary-resolution-of-federal-investigation/">press release</a>&nbsp;announcing the resolution that “the underlying issues that affected the results of some of Magellan’s products from 2013 to 2018 have been fully and effectively remediated,” and that the tests it currently sells are safe.<h2>What does a falsely low result mean?</h2>Children are often tested during pediatrician visits at age 1 and again at age 2. Elevated lead levels can put kids at risk of developmental delay, lower IQ, and other problems. And symptoms, such as stomachache, poor appetite, or irritability, may not appear until high levels are reached.Falsely low test results could mean parents and physicians were unaware of the problem.That’s a concern because treatment for lead poisoning is, initially, mainly preventive. Results showing elevated levels should prompt parents and health officials to determine the sources of lead and take steps to prevent continued lead intake, said Janine Kerr, health educator with the Virginia Department of Health’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/leadsafe/">Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program</a>.Children can be exposed to lead in a variety of ways, including by drinking water contaminated with lead from old pipes, such as in Flint and Washington; ingesting lead-based paint flakes often found in older homes; or, as reported recently, eating some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023">brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce.</a><h2>What should parents do now?</h2>“Parents can contact their child’s pediatrician to determine if their child had a blood lead test with a LeadCare device” and discuss whether a repeat blood lead test is needed, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://profiles.mountsinai.org/maida-p-galvez">Maida Galvez</a>, a pediatrician and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.During an earlier recall of some Magellan devices, in 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-americans-about-risk-inaccurate-results-certain-lead-tests">recommended that patients be retested</a>&nbsp;if they were pregnant, nursing, or children younger than 6 and had a blood lead level of less than 10 micrograms per deciliter as determined by a Magellan device from a venous blood draw.The 2021 recall of Magellan devices recommended retesting children whose results were less than the current CDC reference level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Many of those tests were of the finger-stick variety.Kerr, at the Virginia health department, said her agency has not had many calls about that recall.The finger-stick tests “are not that widely used in Virginia,” said Kerr, adding that “we did get a lot of questions about the applesauce recall.”In any case, she said, the “best course of action for parents is to talk with a health care provider.”<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us">KFF</a>.

Thousands of children got tested for lead with faulty devices: What parents should know

The overdue farm bill is finally making its way through Congress, after the House agriculture committee recently advanced a proposal. Food assistance is likely to be one of the biggest sticking points as the draft moves forward.

By ELIZABETH REMBERT <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2024-06-07/snap-benefits-are-a-huge-part-of-the-farm-bill-and-a-big-point-of-contention-for-lawmakers?mc_cid=a5f0d9d772&amp;mc_eid=4e2c084f1d">KCUR</a>

The long-stalled farm bill took a step forward in the House of Representatives last month as a Republican-led proposal made it out of the agriculture committee.

The clock is ticking as the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, which expired eight months ago, ends in September.

Yet food assistance will likely be a flashpoint in the discussions ahead.

<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research/#:~:text=In%20FY%202022%2C%20SNAP%20served,%24230.88%20per%20participant%20per%20month." target="_blank">More than 41 million Americans</a>&nbsp;rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program monthly to put food on the table. The program takes a lot of funding –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/reviewing-the-february-2024-baseline-for-usda-farm-and-nutrition-programs" target="_blank">about 80% of the farm bill’s massive budget goes to SNAP.</a>

The House draft suggests placing limits on how the Thrifty Food Plan is updated in the future. The Thrifty Food Plan is a basket of foods that represents a “nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet prepared at home” for a family of four,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/thriftyfoodplan" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a>

The money people receive through SNAP is calculated by how much that basket of food costs.

Right now, the plan is updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/usda-food-plans#:~:text=As%20stipulated%20in%20the%20Agriculture,reevaluation%20is%20anticipated%20in%202026." target="_blank">every five years</a>&nbsp;based on food prices, food composition data, consumer data and dietary standards. The new proposal suggests updating the cost of the plan only for inflation.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://thompson.house.gov/" target="_blank">House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson</a>&nbsp;– a Republican from Pennsylvania – the nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/" target="_blank">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimates the limit would cut SNAP by $30 billion over the next 10 years.

“The cut would take away a day’s worth of benefits from the participants each month, then it would rise to two days of benefits each day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://hayes.house.gov/" target="_blank">Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes</a>&nbsp;from Connecticut during discussions. “You may think losing one or two days of food is not significant. But I do think it’s quite significant for a low-income family trying to make ends meet.”

But&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/" target="_blank">Republican Rep. Mark Alford</a>&nbsp;from Missouri said he’s focused on making the program more efficient, not slashing benefits.

“Democrats feel like we’re trying to cut the program. And that’s not the case,” he said. “If we can move to a program that has more integrity, more health benefits, it is going to be greater for our nation and greater for our taxpayers.”

Alford points to&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf" target="_blank">parts of the bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow frozen and canned produce to be covered, create an accountability office and expand eligibility for the program.

Other SNAP proposals in the House’s farm bill draft would:

“We don’t feel there are cuts to SNAP – we’re just tightening up some of the issues,” Alford said. “I don’t want anyone who is truly hungry, truly needy and can’t work to go to bed hungry at night.”

Megan Hamann, a community organizer focused on food and nutrition access with&nbsp;<a href="https://neappleseed.org/who-we-are" target="_blank">Nebraska Appleseed</a>, said framing limits to the Thrifty Food Plan as anything but cuts to SNAP is a “pretty problematic characterization, because it would erode SNAP’s buying power over time.”

“So while families wouldn’t see their benefits go down in an immediate sense, SNAP would be increasingly less efficient as time goes on,” she said. “What we would see is a decline in how well the program actually works in people’s lives.”

Hamann said she hopes the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/rural_prosperity_and_food_security_section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">Senate’s farm bill proposal</a>&nbsp;can find support, which would maintain the regular re-evaluation of SNAP benefits.

The House’s draft has a long way to go before it makes it into law as the new farm bill; it will need final passage in the House and endorsement from the Senate.

“Everyone knows that this bill would never become law. The Senate won’t accept it and the administration won’t accept it,” Rep. David Scott of Georgia, the ranking Democrat on the House’s Agriculture committee, said during discussions. “And while this bill is a giant misstep, it nevertheless begins our journey toward passing a farm bill.”

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717798696726.png" alt="This story is part of Harvest Public Media's ongoing coverage of the 2023 Farm Bill." />
 <figcaption>This story is part of Harvest Public Media's ongoing coverage of the 2023 Farm Bill.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The overdue farm bill is finally making its way through Congress, after the House agriculture committee recently advanced a proposal. Food assistance is likely to be one of the biggest sticking points as the draft moves forward.</h2>By ELIZABETH REMBERT <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2024-06-07/snap-benefits-are-a-huge-part-of-the-farm-bill-and-a-big-point-of-contention-for-lawmakers?mc_cid=a5f0d9d772&amp;mc_eid=4e2c084f1d">KCUR</a>The long-stalled farm bill took a step forward in the House of Representatives last month as a Republican-led proposal made it out of the agriculture committee.The clock is ticking as the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, which expired eight months ago, ends in September.Yet food assistance will likely be a flashpoint in the discussions ahead.<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research/#:~:text=In%20FY%202022%2C%20SNAP%20served,%24230.88%20per%20participant%20per%20month." target="_blank">More than 41 million Americans</a>&nbsp;rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program monthly to put food on the table. The program takes a lot of funding –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/reviewing-the-february-2024-baseline-for-usda-farm-and-nutrition-programs" target="_blank">about 80% of the farm bill’s massive budget goes to SNAP.</a><h2>House farm bill proposal</h2>The House draft suggests placing limits on how the Thrifty Food Plan is updated in the future. The Thrifty Food Plan is a basket of foods that represents a “nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet prepared at home” for a family of four,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/thriftyfoodplan" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a>The money people receive through SNAP is calculated by how much that basket of food costs.Right now, the plan is updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/usda-food-plans#:~:text=As%20stipulated%20in%20the%20Agriculture,reevaluation%20is%20anticipated%20in%202026." target="_blank">every five years</a>&nbsp;based on food prices, food composition data, consumer data and dietary standards. The new proposal suggests updating the cost of the plan only for inflation.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://thompson.house.gov/" target="_blank">House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson</a>&nbsp;– a Republican from Pennsylvania – the nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/" target="_blank">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimates the limit would cut SNAP by $30 billion over the next 10 years.“The cut would take away a day’s worth of benefits from the participants each month, then it would rise to two days of benefits each day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://hayes.house.gov/" target="_blank">Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes</a>&nbsp;from Connecticut during discussions. “You may think losing one or two days of food is not significant. But I do think it’s quite significant for a low-income family trying to make ends meet.”But&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/" target="_blank">Republican Rep. Mark Alford</a>&nbsp;from Missouri said he’s focused on making the program more efficient, not slashing benefits.“Democrats feel like we’re trying to cut the program. And that’s not the case,” he said. “If we can move to a program that has more integrity, more health benefits, it is going to be greater for our nation and greater for our taxpayers.”Alford points to&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf" target="_blank">parts of the bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow frozen and canned produce to be covered, create an accountability office and expand eligibility for the program.Other SNAP proposals in the House’s farm bill draft would:<ul>
 <li>Add frozen, fresh, canned and dried fruits and vegetables as SNAP-eligible products&nbsp;</li><li>Create an office of program integrity to focus on SNAP and address erroneous payments and other inefficiencies&nbsp;</li><li>Allow individuals with past drug offenses to receive SNAP</li><li>Direct the USDA to issue formal guidance on notifying eligible college students that they qualify for SNAP</li>
 </ul>“We don’t feel there are cuts to SNAP – we’re just tightening up some of the issues,” Alford said. “I don’t want anyone who is truly hungry, truly needy and can’t work to go to bed hungry at night.”Megan Hamann, a community organizer focused on food and nutrition access with&nbsp;<a href="https://neappleseed.org/who-we-are" target="_blank">Nebraska Appleseed</a>, said framing limits to the Thrifty Food Plan as anything but cuts to SNAP is a “pretty problematic characterization, because it would erode SNAP’s buying power over time.”“So while families wouldn’t see their benefits go down in an immediate sense, SNAP would be increasingly less efficient as time goes on,” she said. “What we would see is a decline in how well the program actually works in people’s lives.”Hamann said she hopes the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/rural_prosperity_and_food_security_section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">Senate’s farm bill proposal</a>&nbsp;can find support, which would maintain the regular re-evaluation of SNAP benefits.The House’s draft has a long way to go before it makes it into law as the new farm bill; it will need final passage in the House and endorsement from the Senate.“Everyone knows that this bill would never become law. The Senate won’t accept it and the administration won’t accept it,” Rep. David Scott of Georgia, the ranking Democrat on the House’s Agriculture committee, said during discussions. “And while this bill is a giant misstep, it nevertheless begins our journey toward passing a farm bill.”This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

SNAP benefits huge part of farm bill, big point of contention for lawmakers

Brice Garnett has been a pro golfer for 18 years.

He’s played overseas. He’s been on the PGA Tour. He currently holds PGA status, in fact, having won the Puerto Rico Open this past March, and will hold that status for at least the next three years.

Through it all, the Gallatin native still carries the Missouri Western logo on his golf bag. The former Griffon will never forget where he came from.

"I've always tried to keep some sort of a chip on my shoulder," Garnett told KFEQ Radio. "I've always remained humble and remembered my roots, but have tried to keep a chip on my shoulder, dating back to my college time whenever the University of Missouri didn't want me."

"I ended up at Missouri Western and had an amazing career."

The best golfer to ever play at Missouri Western can now add another Hall of Fame status to his name.

Garnett was one of 10 individuals unveiled in <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/1e5bd6e6-b2b7-4c36-821d-76d48f23c880">this year's St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class</a>.

Already a member of the Missouri Western and MIAA Hall of Fame, Garnett says getting this honor from the St. Joseph Sports Commission is extra special, having grown up and started his career in the area.

"Especially being from Gallatin and playing there at Missouri Western in St. Joe, it was just an exciting call to get," Garnett shared. "I've known Brett (Esely) a long time. He was actually our compliance coordinator when I was at school. We've stayed in touch."

"I know he's doing big things with the Sports Commission. We're excited for August to come around to get up there and get inducted."

Brett Esely is the director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, which oversees the Hall of Fame. Each year's class is selected by an anonymous three-person committee.

Garnett was a three-time all-American at Missouri Western and just secured PGA Tour status for the next three years this past March with his Puerto Rico Open victory - his first PGA win since 2018 and his second overall.

Garnett has seven professional victories, but he says that win in March, at age 40, was a long time coming and the culmination of long stretches of hard work and waiting for a win.

"It was probably the most challenging part of my career," he said. "I felt like I got to a spot where I could compete weekly. Everything in my game was probably as strong as it's ever been. To see it all come together down in Puerto Rico at 40 years old, kind of resurrecting my career."

Garnett is gearing up for a busy summer and fall ahead. He has a three-week break right now, but he says he's looking at playing in the John Deere Classic on July 4th weekend in Silvis, Illinois.

"I believe I'll travel from there to the Scottish Open," he said. "That'll be my first time playing in Scotland, which I'm excited about. Come back and play a few events in the end of July, getting ready to hopefully sneak in that top 70 (FedEx Cup standings) to get in that first playoff event in Memphis, which is a huge, huge step."

Garnett aims to get in the top 70 in the Fedex Cup standings, which would qualify him for the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis on August 15 - the first of three Fedex Cup playoff tournaments. He’s currently ranked 75th in those standings.

Garnett will be enshrined August 25 in the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame. He'd love to be there for the ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, but he’d also love to be competing for a Fedex Cup championship during that time as well.

"I hope to be at the BMW (Championship) for my career, but definitely will be in St. Joe if not."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717788079648.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBrice Garnett has been a pro golfer for 18 years.He’s played overseas. He’s been on the PGA Tour. He currently holds PGA status, in fact, having won the Puerto Rico Open this past March, and will hold that status for at least the next three years.Through it all, the Gallatin native still carries the Missouri Western logo on his golf bag. The former Griffon will never forget where he came from."I've always tried to keep some sort of a chip on my shoulder," Garnett told KFEQ Radio. "I've always remained humble and remembered my roots, but have tried to keep a chip on my shoulder, dating back to my college time whenever the University of Missouri didn't want me.""I ended up at Missouri Western and had an amazing career."The best golfer to ever play at Missouri Western can now add another Hall of Fame status to his name.Garnett was one of 10 individuals unveiled in <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/1e5bd6e6-b2b7-4c36-821d-76d48f23c880">this year's St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class</a>.Already a member of the Missouri Western and MIAA Hall of Fame, Garnett says getting this honor from the St. Joseph Sports Commission is extra special, having grown up and started his career in the area."Especially being from Gallatin and playing there at Missouri Western in St. Joe, it was just an exciting call to get," Garnett shared. "I've known Brett (Esely) a long time. He was actually our compliance coordinator when I was at school. We've stayed in touch.""I know he's doing big things with the Sports Commission. We're excited for August to come around to get up there and get inducted."Brett Esely is the director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, which oversees the Hall of Fame. Each year's class is selected by an anonymous three-person committee.Garnett was a three-time all-American at Missouri Western and just secured PGA Tour status for the next three years this past March with his Puerto Rico Open victory - his first PGA win since 2018 and his second overall.Garnett has seven professional victories, but he says that win in March, at age 40, was a long time coming and the culmination of long stretches of hard work and waiting for a win."It was probably the most challenging part of my career," he said. "I felt like I got to a spot where I could compete weekly. Everything in my game was probably as strong as it's ever been. To see it all come together down in Puerto Rico at 40 years old, kind of resurrecting my career."Garnett is gearing up for a busy summer and fall ahead. He has a three-week break right now, but he says he's looking at playing in the John Deere Classic on July 4th weekend in Silvis, Illinois."I believe I'll travel from there to the Scottish Open," he said. "That'll be my first time playing in Scotland, which I'm excited about. Come back and play a few events in the end of July, getting ready to hopefully sneak in that top 70 (FedEx Cup standings) to get in that first playoff event in Memphis, which is a huge, huge step."Garnett aims to get in the top 70 in the Fedex Cup standings, which would qualify him for the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis on August 15 - the first of three Fedex Cup playoff tournaments. He’s currently ranked 75th in those standings.Garnett will be enshrined August 25 in the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame. He'd love to be there for the ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, but he’d also love to be competing for a Fedex Cup championship during that time as well."I hope to be at the BMW (Championship) for my career, but definitely will be in St. Joe if not."Brice Garnett interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Brice-Garnett---PGA-Tour-golfer-e2kjckc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717788848440.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Brice Garnett hasn't forgotten his NWMO roots despite PGA success

(Radio Iowa) - More athletes than ever before are taking part in this year's edition of the Iowa Senior Games. 

Cory Kennedy, spokesman for the 38th annual event, says it's gratifying to see the popularity continue to grow, year after year, with more than one-thousand athletes now on the roster. The games opened Wednesday, with many events underway at Waukee High School in metro Des Moines. 

The 30 different sports range from football and tennis to pickleball and granny basketball. You have to be at least 50 years old to participate in the Iowa Senior Games, though Kennedy says they have a good number of competitors who are well into their 90s. Events run through Sunday.

(Radio Iowa) - More athletes than ever before are taking part in this year's edition of the Iowa Senior Games. Cory Kennedy, spokesman for the 38th annual event, says it's gratifying to see the popularity continue to grow, year after year, with more than one-thousand athletes now on the roster. The games opened Wednesday, with many events underway at Waukee High School in metro Des Moines. The 30 different sports range from football and tennis to pickleball and granny basketball. You have to be at least 50 years old to participate in the Iowa Senior Games, though Kennedy says they have a good number of competitors who are well into their 90s. Events run through Sunday.

The Iowa Senior Games open with a record number of hopeful medalists

(Radio Iowa) - An accident in southwestern Iowa has claimed the life of a child. 

The Iowa State Patrol reports an S-U-V driven by 67-year-old Rebecca Wood, of Walnut, was slowly moving through the parking lot of the Kum &amp; Go store in Neola, past the fuel pumps, when a two-year-old from Omaha ran across the path of the vehicle and was struck. 

The accident happened around 2:30 p-m. Wednesday. The toddler was transported to Mercy/UNMC in Omaha by Neola Fire/Rescue, but died from their injuries. The name of the child was not released.

(Radio Iowa) - An accident in southwestern Iowa has claimed the life of a child. The Iowa State Patrol reports an S-U-V driven by 67-year-old Rebecca Wood, of Walnut, was slowly moving through the parking lot of the Kum &amp; Go store in Neola, past the fuel pumps, when a two-year-old from Omaha ran across the path of the vehicle and was struck. The accident happened around 2:30 p-m. Wednesday. The toddler was transported to Mercy/UNMC in Omaha by Neola Fire/Rescue, but died from their injuries. The name of the child was not released.

Two-year-old is hit, killed in SW Iowa parking lot

The St. Joseph Mustangs are flat out dominating early on in the 2024 season.

The Mustangs (7-0) rolled to a 17-1 win at Clarinda Wednesday night at Municipal Stadium.

The Mustangs scored five runs in the sixth and poured on seven in the eighth. Dom Felix went 3-for-3 at the plate with three runs scored.

 Mason Holton drove in four runs. Carson Schrack and Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall drove in three.

St. Joseph Central product Roy Holcomb got the start and the win on the mound, striking out six over six innings, allowing just five hits and no earned runs.

St. Joseph is now 7-0 on the season and they come home tonight to face the Carroll Merchants. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 at Phil Welch Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717672755906.jpeg" alt="Photo by Alexis Starks." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Alexis Starks.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs are flat out dominating early on in the 2024 season.The Mustangs (7-0) rolled to a 17-1 win at Clarinda Wednesday night at Municipal Stadium.The Mustangs scored five runs in the sixth and poured on seven in the eighth. Dom Felix went 3-for-3 at the plate with three runs scored. Mason Holton drove in four runs. Carson Schrack and Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall drove in three.St. Joseph Central product Roy Holcomb got the start and the win on the mound, striking out six over six innings, allowing just five hits and no earned runs.St. Joseph is now 7-0 on the season and they come home tonight to face the Carroll Merchants. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 at Phil Welch Stadium.

Mustangs win again, staying unbeaten with blowout victory at Clarinda

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

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza — once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

What’s more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716902758487.jpeg" alt="The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states&nbsp; (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File)" />
 <figcaption>The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states&nbsp; (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jaredstrong/">JARED STRONG</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;State's NewsroomDairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza — once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.What’s more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.“Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about,” said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. “It’s probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.”The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus’ spread.At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. That’s led experts to recommend that people limit their pets’ interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.<h2>USDA begins expanded testing</h2>The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that it’s launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.“It’s important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive,” said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will “be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease,” Deeble said.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus’ spread in dairy cattle, but he said, “We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially what’s causing its spread.”“We’re trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates,” Vilsack said.Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.<h2>Dairy farms reluctant to test</h2>Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/05/02/bird-flu-virus-is-abundant-in-the-milk-of-sick-cows/">in their milk</a>, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.“There has not been a lot of testing to date,” said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. “What’s being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.”Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/05/28/bird-flu-strikes-flock-of-4-2-million-chickens-in-sioux-county/">was found</a>&nbsp;in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.“The Board of Animal Health didn’t collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises,” Crusan said. “We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.”There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/04/17/two-veterinarians-hundreds-of-miles-apart-solved-a-cow-sickness-whodunit/">who helped discover</a>&nbsp;that bird flu was infecting cattle.They might be afraid that they’ll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. It’s unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.“The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they don’t want to have a local source of the virus,” he said.Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.<h2>PPE for farmworkers</h2>Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. “We’re much, much more worried about respiratory infections because it’s respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, we’ve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high,” Plescia said.Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isn’t circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.“When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as they’re concerned, people are fearful of that and so they’ll stop coming to work,” Plescia said.Plescia also cautioned that people shouldn’t drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.“When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system,” Shah said. “The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.”Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.“We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms — again, we should be alert — but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that we’re at an inflection point,” Shah said. “It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.”Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must “provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.”“Because we don’t have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this,” Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. “Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.”<h2>Keep pets away from wild birds</h2>Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.“The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people — although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms — is a concern,” she said, before the third case was announced.Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cow’s milk, people shouldn’t give raw milk to their pets.Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since it’s been pasteurized and has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fda-chief-says-feds-are-preparing-low-probability-bird-flu-moving-humans">repeatedly tested</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure there’s no active virus in the country’s food supply.Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals">data</a>&nbsp;from the CDC.Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include “more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc.” as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.“We don’t know exactly what this virus is going to do,” Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didn’t realize it.Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could “be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.”“Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals,” Roess said. “It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.”

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