BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marymccuebell/">MARY MCCUE BELL</a>

WASHINGTON — As the number of dairy cows infected with a strain of bird flu virus grows across the country, 17 of Missouri’s roughly 60,000 dairy cows have been tested while agriculture officials and farmers keep watch for signs that the outbreak has entered the state.

So far, Missouri farmers haven’t reported any cows with the virus, called H5N1, state officials said.

However, national biosecurity and public health experts are concerned that a lack of testing in states across the country, and the economic implications of quarantining cattle, may be allowing the virus to spread undetected.

“You want to work on the assumption that it’s there, and you’re trying to find it,” said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, who focuses on pandemic policy and the intersections of infectious disease and national security. Adalja said 17 tests aren’t enough to give him confidence that Missouri’s herds are virus-free.

“Just because you’re not looking, doesn’t mean it’s not there, that you’re going to avoid the consequences,” Adalja said.

Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg acknowledged that only a small fraction of the state’s dairy cows have been tested for the virus. Strubberg, who leads the Missouri Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division, said he believes Missouri farmers would have reported sick cows to their veterinarians if their herds were becoming infected.

Because H5N1 is a “Reportable Disease,” veterinarians and laboratories are required to disclose detections. However, while farmers are encouraged to report H5N1 symptoms, it’s not a requirement because there is no confirmation they are ill with the H5N1 virus.

“We just feel like most livestock producers, they really do a great job of watching the health of their animals,” Strubberg said. “I mean, it’s their livelihood.”

Health experts investigating the H5N1 outbreaks in Texas and Colorado told&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-farmers-barb-petersen-07bd5accb01441bc5d279464271d2371" target="_blank">The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;that because labs must report positive results to agriculture departments, many farmers may decide against testing and try to outlast the outbreak to avoid a negative stigma.

In dairy cattle, the virus causes low appetite and reduced milk production, and the milk can have an abnormal appearance. Occasionally, farmers have cows with similar symptoms, which can also be caused by other diseases.

While H5N1 is associated with high mortality rates in poultry, reports indicate infected dairy cattle rarely die. Even when cows in a herd become sick, they seem to recover rather quickly after a few weeks, as long as dairy farmers are using disease management procedures, Strubberg said.

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html#:~:text=A" target="_blank">March 25</a>, when the world first learned H5N1 had developed the ability to infect and spread among cows, infections have been reported so far in at least&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">140 herds in 12 states</a>&nbsp;– including Missouri’s neighboring states of Kansas and Iowa — according to the USDA dashboard updated July 3.

However, experts say the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s numbers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statnews.com/2024/06/26/bird-flu-outbreak-avian-flu-containment-h5n1-eradication-in-cattle" target="_blank">likely underestimate the size of the outbreak</a>&nbsp;because so few cattle are being tested.

Currently, the USDA requires lactating cattle to be tested before being shipped&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/aphis-requirements-recommendations-hpai-livestock.pdf" target="_blank">across state lines</a>.

Adalja said that because of the lack of proactive testing, he said he doesn’t believe “anybody in the field would think that those 38 states could be declared non-H5N1 cow (infected) states.”

Historically, when the H5N1 virus has infected people on rare occasions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON512" target="_blank">the death rate has been over 50%</a>. In the current U.S. dairy cattle outbreak, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p-0703-4th-human-case-h5.html" target="_blank">four farm workers with documented infections</a>&nbsp;have had mild cases, mostly including symptoms of eye redness, following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/farm-workers.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5/farm-workers.html" target="_blank">direct contact with sick cows</a>. The most recent human case was announced as of last week.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-06282024.html#:~:text=To" target="_blank">health risk to the general public remains low</a>&nbsp;and has recommended&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/worker-protection-ppe.html" target="_blank">personal protective equipment</a>&nbsp;for those working with infected cows.

While dairy cows have generally recovered during this current outbreak, the virus has proven to be fatal to cats who drank raw milk from infected cows.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration said its tests indicate that the pasteurization process used in commercial milk processing is effective at inactivating the H5N1 virus. While there is concern that the virus can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of unpasteurized, or raw, milk from infected cows, the FDA continues to emphasize its longstanding recommendations about ingesting raw milk because of its potential to be contaminated.

The fact that no farms are reporting symptoms in cows is the best indication that H5N1 is not in Missouri, state officials said. One of the reasons they believe Missouri has avoided the virus is because the state imports so few cows.

Missouri’s tests on 17 dairy cows, as of Monday, occurred because the animals were being moved across state borders. However, it remains unclear how the virus is circulating, and in some states, herds have become infected despite no movements of cattle.

It appears that farm workers may be involved in the outbreak’s spread, but Missouri has minimal shared labor between farms, state officials said.

Even so, in preparation for the 2024 Missouri State Fair, scheduled to begin Aug. 8 in Sedalia, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and Strubberg announced last week updated biosecurity protocols for exhibiting dairy cattle. All lactating dairy cattle must have a negative H5N1 test within seven days before arrival at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has been doing outreach to dairy producers and veterinarians and providing updated information on the virus.

Scott Poock, a dairy and beef cattle veterinarian with the University of Missouri Extension, said he would be confident that Missouri “probably hasn’t had it.”

“Can I say 100%? Absolutely not. Never,” Poock said.

Missouri, like other states, has been battling H5N1 in poultry for some time. And as it remains unclear how the virus jumped from birds to dairy cows, Strubberg said the lack of many new H5N1 detections in Missouri poultry can provide more confidence, to a degree, that the virus isn’t in Missouri cows.

While some experts are concerned about a lack of proactive testing, there is a risk aversion for farmers who would have to quarantine lactating cattle with a positive test. The USDA has taken some actions to help farmers, including offering loans to farmers and livestock producers to alleviate biosecurity measurement costs, such as veterinary and testing expenses.

Like experts in infectious diseases, farmers are aware of the issue but have differing opinions and levels of concern, Strubberg said.

Chloe Collins, an MU Extension dairy field specialist, said that most farmers she has recently spoken with have been optimistic about the H5N1 risk. She said farmers are practicing good biosecurity and are tapping into expert resources. Collins also described the state’s dairy industry as “prepared and resilient.”

Adalja said he believes that the USDA and state agriculture departments are walking a tightrope trying to balance the economic and public health implications. This includes what stigma might occur if a farm tests positive.

“These (cows) are not pets,” Adalja said. “They are economic vessels, basically, that are important for the economies of those farms, the economies of those counties and the states.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/few-missouri-dairy-cows-tested-for-bird-flu-virus/article_03ab77de-3df9-11ef-aaa3-134d712ffccc.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719397041671.png" alt="File photo Holstein milking cows&nbsp; photo by Kirsten Strough/USDA" />
 <figcaption>File photo Holstein milking cows&nbsp; photo by Kirsten Strough/USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marymccuebell/">MARY MCCUE BELL</a>WASHINGTON — As the number of dairy cows infected with a strain of bird flu virus grows across the country, 17 of Missouri’s roughly 60,000 dairy cows have been tested while agriculture officials and farmers keep watch for signs that the outbreak has entered the state.So far, Missouri farmers haven’t reported any cows with the virus, called H5N1, state officials said.However, national biosecurity and public health experts are concerned that a lack of testing in states across the country, and the economic implications of quarantining cattle, may be allowing the virus to spread undetected.“You want to work on the assumption that it’s there, and you’re trying to find it,” said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, who focuses on pandemic policy and the intersections of infectious disease and national security. Adalja said 17 tests aren’t enough to give him confidence that Missouri’s herds are virus-free.“Just because you’re not looking, doesn’t mean it’s not there, that you’re going to avoid the consequences,” Adalja said.Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg acknowledged that only a small fraction of the state’s dairy cows have been tested for the virus. Strubberg, who leads the Missouri Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division, said he believes Missouri farmers would have reported sick cows to their veterinarians if their herds were becoming infected.Because H5N1 is a “Reportable Disease,” veterinarians and laboratories are required to disclose detections. However, while farmers are encouraged to report H5N1 symptoms, it’s not a requirement because there is no confirmation they are ill with the H5N1 virus.“We just feel like most livestock producers, they really do a great job of watching the health of their animals,” Strubberg said. “I mean, it’s their livelihood.”Health experts investigating the H5N1 outbreaks in Texas and Colorado told&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-farmers-barb-petersen-07bd5accb01441bc5d279464271d2371" target="_blank">The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;that because labs must report positive results to agriculture departments, many farmers may decide against testing and try to outlast the outbreak to avoid a negative stigma.In dairy cattle, the virus causes low appetite and reduced milk production, and the milk can have an abnormal appearance. Occasionally, farmers have cows with similar symptoms, which can also be caused by other diseases.While H5N1 is associated with high mortality rates in poultry, reports indicate infected dairy cattle rarely die. Even when cows in a herd become sick, they seem to recover rather quickly after a few weeks, as long as dairy farmers are using disease management procedures, Strubberg said.Since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html#:~:text=A" target="_blank">March 25</a>, when the world first learned H5N1 had developed the ability to infect and spread among cows, infections have been reported so far in at least&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">140 herds in 12 states</a>&nbsp;– including Missouri’s neighboring states of Kansas and Iowa — according to the USDA dashboard updated July 3.However, experts say the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s numbers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statnews.com/2024/06/26/bird-flu-outbreak-avian-flu-containment-h5n1-eradication-in-cattle" target="_blank">likely underestimate the size of the outbreak</a>&nbsp;because so few cattle are being tested.Currently, the USDA requires lactating cattle to be tested before being shipped&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/aphis-requirements-recommendations-hpai-livestock.pdf" target="_blank">across state lines</a>.Adalja said that because of the lack of proactive testing, he said he doesn’t believe “anybody in the field would think that those 38 states could be declared non-H5N1 cow (infected) states.”Historically, when the H5N1 virus has infected people on rare occasions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON512" target="_blank">the death rate has been over 50%</a>. In the current U.S. dairy cattle outbreak, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p-0703-4th-human-case-h5.html" target="_blank">four farm workers with documented infections</a>&nbsp;have had mild cases, mostly including symptoms of eye redness, following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/farm-workers.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5/farm-workers.html" target="_blank">direct contact with sick cows</a>. The most recent human case was announced as of last week.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-06282024.html#:~:text=To" target="_blank">health risk to the general public remains low</a>&nbsp;and has recommended&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/worker-protection-ppe.html" target="_blank">personal protective equipment</a>&nbsp;for those working with infected cows.While dairy cows have generally recovered during this current outbreak, the virus has proven to be fatal to cats who drank raw milk from infected cows.U.S. Food and Drug Administration said its tests indicate that the pasteurization process used in commercial milk processing is effective at inactivating the H5N1 virus. While there is concern that the virus can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of unpasteurized, or raw, milk from infected cows, the FDA continues to emphasize its longstanding recommendations about ingesting raw milk because of its potential to be contaminated.The fact that no farms are reporting symptoms in cows is the best indication that H5N1 is not in Missouri, state officials said. One of the reasons they believe Missouri has avoided the virus is because the state imports so few cows.Missouri’s tests on 17 dairy cows, as of Monday, occurred because the animals were being moved across state borders. However, it remains unclear how the virus is circulating, and in some states, herds have become infected despite no movements of cattle.It appears that farm workers may be involved in the outbreak’s spread, but Missouri has minimal shared labor between farms, state officials said.Even so, in preparation for the 2024 Missouri State Fair, scheduled to begin Aug. 8 in Sedalia, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and Strubberg announced last week updated biosecurity protocols for exhibiting dairy cattle. All lactating dairy cattle must have a negative H5N1 test within seven days before arrival at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.The Missouri Department of Agriculture has been doing outreach to dairy producers and veterinarians and providing updated information on the virus.Scott Poock, a dairy and beef cattle veterinarian with the University of Missouri Extension, said he would be confident that Missouri “probably hasn’t had it.”“Can I say 100%? Absolutely not. Never,” Poock said.Missouri, like other states, has been battling H5N1 in poultry for some time. And as it remains unclear how the virus jumped from birds to dairy cows, Strubberg said the lack of many new H5N1 detections in Missouri poultry can provide more confidence, to a degree, that the virus isn’t in Missouri cows.While some experts are concerned about a lack of proactive testing, there is a risk aversion for farmers who would have to quarantine lactating cattle with a positive test. The USDA has taken some actions to help farmers, including offering loans to farmers and livestock producers to alleviate biosecurity measurement costs, such as veterinary and testing expenses.Like experts in infectious diseases, farmers are aware of the issue but have differing opinions and levels of concern, Strubberg said.Chloe Collins, an MU Extension dairy field specialist, said that most farmers she has recently spoken with have been optimistic about the H5N1 risk. She said farmers are practicing good biosecurity and are tapping into expert resources. Collins also described the state’s dairy industry as “prepared and resilient.”Adalja said he believes that the USDA and state agriculture departments are walking a tightrope trying to balance the economic and public health implications. This includes what stigma might occur if a farm tests positive.“These (cows) are not pets,” Adalja said. “They are economic vessels, basically, that are important for the economies of those farms, the economies of those counties and the states.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/few-missouri-dairy-cows-tested-for-bird-flu-virus/article_03ab77de-3df9-11ef-aaa3-134d712ffccc.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Few Missouri dairy cows have been tested for bird flu virus

A shooting outside the First Ward House in north St. Joseph
has left a 31-year-old man with a life-threatening gunshot wound.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports the shooting just
after midnight Sunday likely started with a confrontation in the bar that continued
outside.

There is one suspect, but no one has been arrested as of yet.

The identification of the victim has not been released.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA shooting outside the First Ward House in north St. Joseph
has left a 31-year-old man with a life-threatening gunshot wound.The St. Joseph Police Department reports the shooting just
after midnight Sunday likely started with a confrontation in the bar that continued
outside.There is one suspect, but no one has been arrested as of yet.The identification of the victim has not been released.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Man severely wounded in north St. Joseph shooting

WASHINGTON —Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley on Sunday&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14386QQQ9225034QQQ8082554QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2024%2f07%2fHawley-Letter-to-Chairman-Peters-re-Attempted-Assassination-of-Trump.pdf&amp;redir_log=659204414725889" target="_blank">sent</a>&nbsp;a letter to U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), calling on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Chairman to immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14386QQQ9225034QQQ8082554QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f1812462184728846842&amp;redir_log=967991304406288" target="_blank">launch</a>&nbsp;an investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally Saturday.

“This HSGAC investigation must include public testimony, hearings, and robust oversight over the relevant federal departments as they respond to this assassination attempt. Sworn testimony must be heard from Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. Nothing should be classified or withheld from the public,”&nbsp;wrote Senator Hawley.

“Our prayers are with President Trump, the family of the slain American, and the innocent civilians who were injured. We owe it to the victims and the American people to get to the bottom of what happened. The American people have questions. And they deserve answers,”&nbsp;he concluded.

Senator Hawley previously&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14386QQQ9225034QQQ8082554QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fhawley-statement-on-attempted-assassination-of-president-trump%2f&amp;redir_log=558475836707660" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;statements following the shooting,&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14386QQQ9225034QQQ8082554QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.realclearpolitics.com%2farticles%2f2024%2f07%2f14%2ftrump_survives_assassination_attempt_shooter_dead__151259.html&amp;redir_log=115496052595803" target="_blank">condemning</a>&nbsp;the political violence and demanding answers from President Biden’s Justice Department on the identity of the shooter.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720953321409.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley on Sunday&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14386QQQ9225034QQQ8082554QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2024%2f07%2fHawley-Letter-to-Chairman-Peters-re-Attempted-Assassination-of-Trump.pdf&amp;redir_log=659204414725889" target="_blank">sent</a>&nbsp;a letter to U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), calling on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Chairman to immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14386QQQ9225034QQQ8082554QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f1812462184728846842&amp;redir_log=967991304406288" target="_blank">launch</a>&nbsp;an investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721008784101.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“This HSGAC investigation must include public testimony, hearings, and robust oversight over the relevant federal departments as they respond to this assassination attempt. Sworn testimony must be heard from Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. Nothing should be classified or withheld from the public,”&nbsp;wrote Senator Hawley.“Our prayers are with President Trump, the family of the slain American, and the innocent civilians who were injured. We owe it to the victims and the American people to get to the bottom of what happened. The American people have questions. And they deserve answers,”&nbsp;he concluded.Senator Hawley previously&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14386QQQ9225034QQQ8082554QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fhawley-statement-on-attempted-assassination-of-president-trump%2f&amp;redir_log=558475836707660" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;statements following the shooting,&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14386QQQ9225034QQQ8082554QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.realclearpolitics.com%2farticles%2f2024%2f07%2f14%2ftrump_survives_assassination_attempt_shooter_dead__151259.html&amp;redir_log=115496052595803" target="_blank">condemning</a>&nbsp;the political violence and demanding answers from President Biden’s Justice Department on the identity of the shooter.&nbsp;

Missouri Senator demands full-scale investigation on attempted assassination of Trump

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Early this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227574179/amelia-earharts-lost-plane-howland-island" target="_blank">news outlets circulated&nbsp;</a>a sonar image of what explorers believe to be Amelia Earhart’s lost Lockheed Electra plane.

Earhart enthusiasts in Atchison were excited to see the discovery, and also to see the expedition’s leader, Tony Romeo, sporting a T-shirt from the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.

The founder of Deep Sea Vision, the exploration company that took the sonar image at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, had visited the Atchison museum to see Muriel, a plane identical to the one Earhart took on her last flight.

Romeo will return July 19-20 to Atchison with a slate of other explorers, Earhart theorists and a Smithsonian curator for a panel discussion.

The events are presented by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum</a>&nbsp;as part of the annual Amelia Earhart Festival.

“It’s very exciting to get internationally known people searching for Amelia’s plane into Atchison, where she was born,” said Karen Seaberg, the museum’s founder.

“Adventure Amelia: A Conversation with Explorers in the Search for Amelia Earhart” will be moderated by Dorothy Cochrane, a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Romeo and his brother, Lloyd Romeo, are panelists alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-links-search-for-amelia-earhart-s-plane-with-iss-crew-classroom" target="_blank">Rod Blocksome</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://earharttruth.wordpress.com/tag/gary-lapook/" target="_blank">Gary LaPook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.datelinetheory.com/p/about-author.html" target="_blank">Liz Smith</a>.

Seaberg said the explorers and theorists might have a little bit of competitive tension as they take the stage at 11 a.m. Feb. 19 at the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Atchison.

“The panel itself is going to be fun, because all of these people are searching, or have ideas about Amelia Earhart’s lost plane, but they all are going about it a little different way,” Seaberg said.

At 9 a.m. July 20, Tony and Lloyd Romeo will share more about their expedition, which used marine robotics to scan more than 5,200 square miles of the Pacific Ocean floor.

This conversation at the O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium at Benedictine College will be moderated by pilot and author Amelia Rose Earhart, who circumnavigated the globe in 2014.

Tickets are free but limited, so Seaberg urges folks to&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/event/adventure-amelia/" target="_blank">register online</a>.

In addition to the panels, the<a href="https://visitatchison.com/listing/amelia-earhart-festival" target="_blank">&nbsp;Amelia Earhart Festival&nbsp;</a>offers craft vendors, live music, an airshow and fireworks above the Missouri River.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720819312481.png" alt="Tony Romeo shows off his shirt from the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum while on his 90-day expedition searching for Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Tony Romeo shows off his shirt from the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum while on his 90-day expedition searching for Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>Early this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227574179/amelia-earharts-lost-plane-howland-island" target="_blank">news outlets circulated&nbsp;</a>a sonar image of what explorers believe to be Amelia Earhart’s lost Lockheed Electra plane.Earhart enthusiasts in Atchison were excited to see the discovery, and also to see the expedition’s leader, Tony Romeo, sporting a T-shirt from the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.The founder of Deep Sea Vision, the exploration company that took the sonar image at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, had visited the Atchison museum to see Muriel, a plane identical to the one Earhart took on her last flight.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720819354535.png" alt="Sonar images of the floor of the Pacific Ocean reveal an object that looks to be around the shape and size of the Lockheed Electra 10-E that Amelia Earhart took on her fated attempt to circumnavigate the globe. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Sonar images of the floor of the Pacific Ocean reveal an object that looks to be around the shape and size of the Lockheed Electra 10-E that Amelia Earhart took on her fated attempt to circumnavigate the globe. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>Romeo will return July 19-20 to Atchison with a slate of other explorers, Earhart theorists and a Smithsonian curator for a panel discussion.The events are presented by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum</a>&nbsp;as part of the annual Amelia Earhart Festival.“It’s very exciting to get internationally known people searching for Amelia’s plane into Atchison, where she was born,” said Karen Seaberg, the museum’s founder.“Adventure Amelia: A Conversation with Explorers in the Search for Amelia Earhart” will be moderated by Dorothy Cochrane, a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Romeo and his brother, Lloyd Romeo, are panelists alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-links-search-for-amelia-earhart-s-plane-with-iss-crew-classroom" target="_blank">Rod Blocksome</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://earharttruth.wordpress.com/tag/gary-lapook/" target="_blank">Gary LaPook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.datelinetheory.com/p/about-author.html" target="_blank">Liz Smith</a>.Seaberg said the explorers and theorists might have a little bit of competitive tension as they take the stage at 11 a.m. Feb. 19 at the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Atchison.“The panel itself is going to be fun, because all of these people are searching, or have ideas about Amelia Earhart’s lost plane, but they all are going about it a little different way,” Seaberg said.At 9 a.m. July 20, Tony and Lloyd Romeo will share more about their expedition, which used marine robotics to scan more than 5,200 square miles of the Pacific Ocean floor.This conversation at the O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium at Benedictine College will be moderated by pilot and author Amelia Rose Earhart, who circumnavigated the globe in 2014.Tickets are free but limited, so Seaberg urges folks to&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/event/adventure-amelia/" target="_blank">register online</a>.In addition to the panels, the<a href="https://visitatchison.com/listing/amelia-earhart-festival" target="_blank">&nbsp;Amelia Earhart Festival&nbsp;</a>offers craft vendors, live music, an airshow and fireworks above the Missouri River.

High-profile Amelia Earhart explorers to convene in Atchison

NODAWAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Northwest Missouri man on multiple allegations after a search of his home.

In April, investigators identified an IP address associated with 53-year-old Craig A. Roberts of Maryville, Missouri, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.

The IP address was of investigative interest in an active child pornography investigation.&nbsp; On July 11, investigators conducted a search of Roberts' Maryville home, pursuant to a Nodaway County search warrant.&nbsp;

Investigators found Roberts' computer and when it was examined they found multiple digital files of child pornography. Investigators also found meth.&nbsp; Officers arrested Roberts on requested charges of possession of child porn, promoting child porn and possession of a controlled substance. He is being held on a $75,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720813527719.png" alt="Roberts-photo Nodaway Co." />
 <figcaption>Roberts-photo Nodaway Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>NODAWAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Northwest Missouri man on multiple allegations after a search of his home.In April, investigators identified an IP address associated with 53-year-old Craig A. Roberts of Maryville, Missouri, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.The IP address was of investigative interest in an active child pornography investigation.&nbsp; On July 11, investigators conducted a search of Roberts' Maryville home, pursuant to a Nodaway County search warrant.&nbsp;Investigators found Roberts' computer and when it was examined they found multiple digital files of child pornography. Investigators also found meth.&nbsp; Officers arrested Roberts on requested charges of possession of child porn, promoting child porn and possession of a controlled substance. He is being held on a $75,000 bond.

NW Missouri man accused of possessing and promoting child porn

(Radio Iowa) - The president of the American Medical Association is in Iowa today (Friday) to address the state's top doctors about key healthcare issues, including Iowa's worsening shortage of rural physicians. 

Dr. Bruce Scott says one of his priorities is to seek out ways to turn around the exodus of experienced doctors from our nation's rural areas. Scott says 97 of Iowa's 99 counties are partially or entirely designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, while Iowa ranks 45th in the nation in terms of availability of physicians and the patient-physician relationship. 

Scott is speaking before members of the Iowa Medical Society in Des Moines, and says rural Iowa physicians are retiring in droves and they're not being replaced by new doctors due to the lower wages, increased administrative burdens, and the rising cost of practice in rural areas.

(Radio Iowa) - The president of the American Medical Association is in Iowa today (Friday) to address the state's top doctors about key healthcare issues, including Iowa's worsening shortage of rural physicians. Dr. Bruce Scott says one of his priorities is to seek out ways to turn around the exodus of experienced doctors from our nation's rural areas. Scott says 97 of Iowa's 99 counties are partially or entirely designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, while Iowa ranks 45th in the nation in terms of availability of physicians and the patient-physician relationship. Scott is speaking before members of the Iowa Medical Society in Des Moines, and says rural Iowa physicians are retiring in droves and they're not being replaced by new doctors due to the lower wages, increased administrative burdens, and the rising cost of practice in rural areas.

Head of AMA talks to Iowa physicians about worrisome scarcity of rural doctors

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement continue working to identify the body of a man found in the Arkansas River on Thursday.

Just after 4p.m., first responders were called to a location on the river near Pawnee and Broadway in south Wichita. The victim, described as possibly in his 30s, was pulled from the water and pronounced deceased.

On Friday afternoon, police investigators were still working with the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death and learn his identity, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720813873343.png" alt="Firs responders on the scene Thursday along the Arkansas River-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Firs responders on the scene Thursday along the Arkansas River-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement continue working to identify the body of a man found in the Arkansas River on Thursday.Just after 4p.m., first responders were called to a location on the river near Pawnee and Broadway in south Wichita. The victim, described as possibly in his 30s, was pulled from the water and pronounced deceased.On Friday afternoon, police investigators were still working with the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death and learn his identity, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Investigators working to ID body found in river in Kansas

Kansas City Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph is drawing ever closer.

 Staff and equipment have started arriving from One Arrowhead Drive to the Missouri Western campus. Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter says the Chiefs’ arrival is always a highly anticipated moment each summer - a moment that takes weeks of preparation and many people’s assistance.

"It takes a lot of preparation for our campus and community to get them here and treat them in the way they've grown to expect from us at a high level," Carter said on KFEQ Radio's The Hotline. "It's about a three-week buildup of products and equipment and people arriving, and then in 24 hours, poof! They're gone on the end of it."

This year will mark the 14th season of training camp at Missouri Western.

Chiefs quarterbacks and rookies will report and begin practice on July 16, with the first full practice open to the public on July 21. There’ll be 19 team practices in all with camp wrapping up on August 15.

Carter says the Chiefs appreciate coming to St. Joseph, not only because of proximity, but also because of how the community embraces camp each year.

"Close enough that if they have to go back for something, it's not a big deal," Carter said. "Even their admin people and executives can run up for a day and go back. But, I think it's also the commitment by the community and University leadership that this is important."

Talk of the Chiefs leaving Missouri has ramped up this year with Kansas trying to lure the team across the river.

Voters in Jackson County, Missouri this past April voted down a sales tax renewal that would have funded Arrowhead Stadium renovations and a new Royals ballpark in downtown Kansas City.

Carter says he doesn't know what will happen if the Chiefs leave the Show-Me State, but says there's been talks with the Chiefs about signing a multi-year agreement to keep training camp in St. Joseph for at least a few more years.

"What I can speak to is, they still need a place to train," Carter said of the Chiefs' future. "We've had some conversations about a three or five year agreement that keeps them here when they figure that part out. That's 100% their decision on where they're going to go."

Kansas governor Laura Kelly signed legislation in June that will help both professional sports teams pay for new stadiums if they move to Kansas.

 The Chiefs' and Royals' current lease at the Truman Sports Complex runs through 2031.

Regardless of what happens next with the stadiums, Carter says the pageantry and anticipation of training camp is very real and exciting, considering what the players go through.

"This is part of their job," Carter said. "They're going to work and some of them are here to fine tune themselves for the season. Some are here, trying to make the club. There's high stakes over the weeks that they're here."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691058864161.jpeg" alt="Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) makes a catch during training camp in St. Joseph, Mo. on&nbsp; August 2, 2023. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) makes a catch during training camp in St. Joseph, Mo. on&nbsp; August 2, 2023. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKansas City Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph is drawing ever closer. Staff and equipment have started arriving from One Arrowhead Drive to the Missouri Western campus. Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter says the Chiefs’ arrival is always a highly anticipated moment each summer - a moment that takes weeks of preparation and many people’s assistance."It takes a lot of preparation for our campus and community to get them here and treat them in the way they've grown to expect from us at a high level," Carter said on KFEQ Radio's The Hotline. "It's about a three-week buildup of products and equipment and people arriving, and then in 24 hours, poof! They're gone on the end of it."This year will mark the 14th season of training camp at Missouri Western.Chiefs quarterbacks and rookies will report and begin practice on July 16, with the first full practice open to the public on July 21. There’ll be 19 team practices in all with camp wrapping up on August 15.Carter says the Chiefs appreciate coming to St. Joseph, not only because of proximity, but also because of how the community embraces camp each year."Close enough that if they have to go back for something, it's not a big deal," Carter said. "Even their admin people and executives can run up for a day and go back. But, I think it's also the commitment by the community and University leadership that this is important."Talk of the Chiefs leaving Missouri has ramped up this year with Kansas trying to lure the team across the river.Voters in Jackson County, Missouri this past April voted down a sales tax renewal that would have funded Arrowhead Stadium renovations and a new Royals ballpark in downtown Kansas City.Carter says he doesn't know what will happen if the Chiefs leave the Show-Me State, but says there's been talks with the Chiefs about signing a multi-year agreement to keep training camp in St. Joseph for at least a few more years."What I can speak to is, they still need a place to train," Carter said of the Chiefs' future. "We've had some conversations about a three or five year agreement that keeps them here when they figure that part out. That's 100% their decision on where they're going to go."Kansas governor Laura Kelly signed legislation in June that will help both professional sports teams pay for new stadiums if they move to Kansas. The Chiefs' and Royals' current lease at the Truman Sports Complex runs through 2031.Regardless of what happens next with the stadiums, Carter says the pageantry and anticipation of training camp is very real and exciting, considering what the players go through."This is part of their job," Carter said. "They're going to work and some of them are here to fine tune themselves for the season. Some are here, trying to make the club. There's high stakes over the weeks that they're here."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU ready to roll out red carpet as Chiefs get on campus next week

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa State University researchers say a sugar molecule they've found in the mammary glands of cattle is the so-called receptor that transmits highly pathogenic avian influenza. 

Professor Todd Bell, in I-S-U's veterinary pathology lab, says their study could lead to measures that prevent the spread of bird flu, which has infected more than a dozen large herds of dairy cattle in northwest Iowa in recent weeks. Ames researchers are working under the hypothesis milking machines may be spreading the virus from cow to cow. 

If they confirm it, Bell says halting the transmission may be as simple as thoroughly disinfecting machines prior to use. Milk sold in grocery stores and by other retailers is pasteurized, and the F-D-A and dairy industry are stressing there's no threat to the milk supply because the pasteurization process neutralizes viruses.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa State University researchers say a sugar molecule they've found in the mammary glands of cattle is the so-called receptor that transmits highly pathogenic avian influenza. Professor Todd Bell, in I-S-U's veterinary pathology lab, says their study could lead to measures that prevent the spread of bird flu, which has infected more than a dozen large herds of dairy cattle in northwest Iowa in recent weeks. Ames researchers are working under the hypothesis milking machines may be spreading the virus from cow to cow. If they confirm it, Bell says halting the transmission may be as simple as thoroughly disinfecting machines prior to use. Milk sold in grocery stores and by other retailers is pasteurized, and the F-D-A and dairy industry are stressing there's no threat to the milk supply because the pasteurization process neutralizes viruses.

ISU researchers report progress in unlocking mysteries of bird flu

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House on Thursday passed&nbsp;a measure to reverse an Education Department rule seeking to extend federal discrimination protections for LGBTQ students, though President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the legislation should it land on his desk.

House passage of the resolution on a party-line vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024354?Page=2" target="_blank">210-205</a>, is part of a barrage of GOP pushback at the state and federal levels to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-betsy-devos-lead-attack-title-ix-rule-protects-lgbtq-kids" target="_blank">Biden administration’s final rule for Title IX</a>&nbsp;since its April release. For all schools that receive federal funding, the rule protects against discrimination for students based on “sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.”

Twenty-six states with GOP attorneys general have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/more-half-states-sue-block-biden-title-ix-rule-protecting-lgbtq-students" target="_blank">sued to block</a>&nbsp;the rule, and courts have temporarily blocked it from going into effect in 14 states on August 1.

The 14 states with temporary blocks are: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Illinois GOP Rep. Mary Miller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-title-ix-regulation-targeted-republicans-congress" target="_blank">introduced the legislation</a>&nbsp;in early June. A week later, the Republican-controlled House Committee on Education and the Workforce approved it. Miller’s resolution seeks to reverse the rule through the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10023" target="_blank">Congressional Review Act</a>, a procedural tool Congress can use to overturn certain actions from federal agencies.

In the Senate, Mississippi Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/96" target="_blank">also introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;in June to try to block the final rule under the same tool. The Senate version has gathered over 30 Republican cosponsors.

Rep. Virginia Foxx — chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and a fierce opponent of the administration’s final rule — said during the floor debate Wednesday that she wanted to preserve Title IX, which helped equalize funding for women’s sports and education programs beginning in 1972.

“Title IX ushered in a golden era for women’s competition and education,” the North Carolina Republican said. “There is sanctity in the community and tradition of these memories, these spaces and these opportunities for young girls.”

Regardless of whether the attempt to roll back the measure is successful in the Democratic-controlled Senate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SAP-HJRes-165.pdf" target="_blank">Biden</a>’s veto threat leaves virtually no possibility it could be adopted this year.

Democrats, LGBTQ advocates in opposition&nbsp;

Democrats and LGBTQ advocates have described the effort to overturn the rule as motivated by misinformation and fear.

“Unfortunately, this resolution has been clouded by misinformation, unfounded fears and with some, just hatred of transgender individuals,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, a Virginia Democrat and ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, during the debate.

Oregon’s Rep. Suzanne Bonamici — ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education — said the resolution was “another attempt to undercut this administration’s efforts to empower survivors and protect all Americans from discrimination.”

“If Republicans truly cared about protecting women and children, they would stop this prejudiced rhetoric and take action on bills that would actually protect women from discrimination and harassment and defend women’s reproductive health care, make child care more affordable, preserve opportunities in workplaces for all parents, especially women,” Bonamici said.

Scott called on the House to “reject these narratives and focus on real issues of safety and equity.”

Meanwhile, challenges to the rule are playing out in a handful of federal courts.

Last week, Judge John Broomes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas temporarily blocked the measure from taking effect in the Sunflower State, along with Alaska, Utah and Wyoming.

Broomes also halted the rule from taking effect in “the schools attended by the members of Young America’s Foundation or Female Athletes United, as well as the schools attended by the children of the members of Moms for Liberty,” all groups that sued alongside the four states, per the&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561.53.0.pdf" target="_blank">order</a>.

Under Broomes’ order, the rule is also halted in an Oklahoma public school attended by a minor who is one of the plaintiffs.

In June, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty of Louisiana&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2024/06/13/title-ix-transgender/" target="_blank">issued a temporary injunction</a>&nbsp;barring the final rule from taking effect there, along with Idaho, Mississippi and Montana.

In Kentucky federal court, Chief Judge Danny Reeves&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/06/17/us-judge-in-kentucky-blocks-biden-title-ix-rules-says-sex-gender-identity-not-the-same-thing/" target="_blank">temporarily blocked the final rule</a>&nbsp;in the Bluegrass State, plus Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia. Reeves rejected the department’s request for a partial stay of the injunction while its appeal plays out, per a&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.kyed.104801/gov.uscourts.kyed.104801.117.0.pdf" target="_blank">Wednesday court filing</a>.

The Education Department has confirmed it is appealing the other two rulings but did not have an update Wednesday on whether it is filing a notice of appeal on the most recent ruling in the Kansas federal court.

The spokesperson reiterated earlier this week that the agency has “asked the trial courts to allow the bulk of the final rule to take effect in these states as scheduled, on August 1, while the appeals are pending.”

LGBTQ advocacy groups push back on GOP effort

Allen Morris, policy director for the advocacy group National LGBTQ Task Force, said the vote was part of a pattern of anti-LGBTQ policy measures.

“When you look at the rise in hatred and the rise in violence and the rise of young LGBTQ individuals not having the support that they need, where suicide rates are high, it is disappointing to see our opposition go against us with such a high level of intention,” he said.

Morris told States Newsroom that “a lot of what is happening with this extremism is not founded in truth.”

“It is founded in ways to spew hate and to spew fear. It is a lot of fear mongering, and it’s anything to make people feel like their backs are up against the wall, or as if they don’t have the power,” he said.

Echoing a previous statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Education said it “does not comment on pending legislation” and emphasized that all schools receiving federal funding are obligated to comply with the new regulations as a condition of receiving those funds.

The department has yet to finalize a separate rule establishing new criteria for transgender athletes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720781223271.png" alt=" The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption> The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The U.S. House on Thursday passed&nbsp;a measure to reverse an Education Department rule seeking to extend federal discrimination protections for LGBTQ students, though President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the legislation should it land on his desk.House passage of the resolution on a party-line vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024354?Page=2" target="_blank">210-205</a>, is part of a barrage of GOP pushback at the state and federal levels to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-betsy-devos-lead-attack-title-ix-rule-protects-lgbtq-kids" target="_blank">Biden administration’s final rule for Title IX</a>&nbsp;since its April release. For all schools that receive federal funding, the rule protects against discrimination for students based on “sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.”Twenty-six states with GOP attorneys general have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/more-half-states-sue-block-biden-title-ix-rule-protecting-lgbtq-students" target="_blank">sued to block</a>&nbsp;the rule, and courts have temporarily blocked it from going into effect in 14 states on August 1.The 14 states with temporary blocks are: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.Illinois GOP Rep. Mary Miller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-title-ix-regulation-targeted-republicans-congress" target="_blank">introduced the legislation</a>&nbsp;in early June. A week later, the Republican-controlled House Committee on Education and the Workforce approved it. Miller’s resolution seeks to reverse the rule through the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10023" target="_blank">Congressional Review Act</a>, a procedural tool Congress can use to overturn certain actions from federal agencies.In the Senate, Mississippi Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/96" target="_blank">also introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;in June to try to block the final rule under the same tool. The Senate version has gathered over 30 Republican cosponsors.Rep. Virginia Foxx — chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and a fierce opponent of the administration’s final rule — said during the floor debate Wednesday that she wanted to preserve Title IX, which helped equalize funding for women’s sports and education programs beginning in 1972.“Title IX ushered in a golden era for women’s competition and education,” the North Carolina Republican said. “There is sanctity in the community and tradition of these memories, these spaces and these opportunities for young girls.”Regardless of whether the attempt to roll back the measure is successful in the Democratic-controlled Senate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SAP-HJRes-165.pdf" target="_blank">Biden</a>’s veto threat leaves virtually no possibility it could be adopted this year.<h2>Democrats, LGBTQ advocates in opposition&nbsp;</h2>Democrats and LGBTQ advocates have described the effort to overturn the rule as motivated by misinformation and fear.“Unfortunately, this resolution has been clouded by misinformation, unfounded fears and with some, just hatred of transgender individuals,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, a Virginia Democrat and ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, during the debate.Oregon’s Rep. Suzanne Bonamici — ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education — said the resolution was “another attempt to undercut this administration’s efforts to empower survivors and protect all Americans from discrimination.”“If Republicans truly cared about protecting women and children, they would stop this prejudiced rhetoric and take action on bills that would actually protect women from discrimination and harassment and defend women’s reproductive health care, make child care more affordable, preserve opportunities in workplaces for all parents, especially women,” Bonamici said.Scott called on the House to “reject these narratives and focus on real issues of safety and equity.”<h2>Final rule blocked in more states&nbsp;</h2>Meanwhile, challenges to the rule are playing out in a handful of federal courts.Last week, Judge John Broomes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas temporarily blocked the measure from taking effect in the Sunflower State, along with Alaska, Utah and Wyoming.Broomes also halted the rule from taking effect in “the schools attended by the members of Young America’s Foundation or Female Athletes United, as well as the schools attended by the children of the members of Moms for Liberty,” all groups that sued alongside the four states, per the&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561/gov.uscourts.ksd.152561.53.0.pdf" target="_blank">order</a>.Under Broomes’ order, the rule is also halted in an Oklahoma public school attended by a minor who is one of the plaintiffs.In June, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty of Louisiana&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2024/06/13/title-ix-transgender/" target="_blank">issued a temporary injunction</a>&nbsp;barring the final rule from taking effect there, along with Idaho, Mississippi and Montana.In Kentucky federal court, Chief Judge Danny Reeves&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/06/17/us-judge-in-kentucky-blocks-biden-title-ix-rules-says-sex-gender-identity-not-the-same-thing/" target="_blank">temporarily blocked the final rule</a>&nbsp;in the Bluegrass State, plus Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia. Reeves rejected the department’s request for a partial stay of the injunction while its appeal plays out, per a&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.kyed.104801/gov.uscourts.kyed.104801.117.0.pdf" target="_blank">Wednesday court filing</a>.The Education Department has confirmed it is appealing the other two rulings but did not have an update Wednesday on whether it is filing a notice of appeal on the most recent ruling in the Kansas federal court.The spokesperson reiterated earlier this week that the agency has “asked the trial courts to allow the bulk of the final rule to take effect in these states as scheduled, on August 1, while the appeals are pending.”<h2>LGBTQ advocacy groups push back on GOP effort</h2>Allen Morris, policy director for the advocacy group National LGBTQ Task Force, said the vote was part of a pattern of anti-LGBTQ policy measures.“When you look at the rise in hatred and the rise in violence and the rise of young LGBTQ individuals not having the support that they need, where suicide rates are high, it is disappointing to see our opposition go against us with such a high level of intention,” he said.Morris told States Newsroom that “a lot of what is happening with this extremism is not founded in truth.”“It is founded in ways to spew hate and to spew fear. It is a lot of fear mongering, and it’s anything to make people feel like their backs are up against the wall, or as if they don’t have the power,” he said.Echoing a previous statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Education said it “does not comment on pending legislation” and emphasized that all schools receiving federal funding are obligated to comply with the new regulations as a condition of receiving those funds.The department has yet to finalize a separate rule establishing new criteria for transgender athletes.

GOP plan to reverse final Title IX rule passed U.S. House, but Biden says he’d veto

The forum featured Jay Ashcroft, Bill Eigel and Chris Wright, with Mike Kehoe declining the invitation to attend. Polls show a close contest but more undecided voters than any candidate has supporters

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

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and state Sen. Bill Eigel exchanged sharp attacks on each other and absent opponent Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe at one of the rare debates in the GOP gubernatorial primary Thursday night.&nbsp;

Ashcroft and Eigel were joined on stage at Parkway West High School in Chesterfield by Chris Wright, a Joplin veteran who lags far behind them in funding and has not registered much support in polls.&nbsp;Kehoe, who has used a campaign war chest of more than $10 million to&nbsp;<a href="https://mcusercontent.com/db358242620bb5bfd24ec7d05/files/d642792f-ba7b-aa70-770f-84ae728266a8/MO_Statewide_202407_Toplines_Release.pdf" target="_blank">leap ahead of Ashcroft and Eigel</a>&nbsp;in public polling, has not participated in any debates this summer as the Aug. 6 primary approaches.

The forum was sponsored jointly by Missouri Young Republicans, the St. Louis County Republican Central Committee and the Jefferson County Republican Club and moderated by Annie Frey of 97.1-FM St. Louis.

With more undecided voters than any candidate can claim in supporters — and platforms that are similar in their hard-right conservative proposals — Ashcroft and Eigel tried hard to show they have the bonafide credentials.

Ashcroft and Eigel both want to repeal a gas tax increase&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/02/motorists-give-mixed-reaction-to-refund-plan-for-missouri-fuel-tax-hike/">passed in 2021</a>&nbsp;with Kehoe’s backing. Eigel, who has led a GOP state Senate faction in repeated filibusters, should have prevented the tax from passing in the first place, Ashcroft said.

“I would not have sat down,” Ashcfoft said. “It’s unfortunate that we have so many people in the Senate that can filibuster for all sorts of reasons, but when it comes to protecting your pocketbook, they fell silent.”

Eigel responded that he did filibuster the bill for five hours but was told that if he did not relent, a bill seeking to nullify federal gun regulations in Missouri, known as&nbsp; the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/08/27/judge-missouri-judge-denies-request-to-block-state-law-seeking-to-block-federal-gun-laws/">Second Amendment Protection Act</a>, would not come to a vote.

“That was the kind of choice that senators would have to make,” he said.

Eigel got a chance to throw an elbow at Ashcroft by using his political pedigree against him. Ashcroft’s father, John, was state auditor, attorney general, governor and U.S. Senator between 1973 and 2001.&nbsp;

Ashcroft had just invoked his father’s legacy. Overspending is why he opposes any taxpayer financing for professional sports stadiums he said, adding “my dad wasn’t really happy about it” because the elder Ashcroft signed the bill financing the St. Louis domed stadium in 1989.

&nbsp;“Jay, be a little easy on your dad, you need that last name,” Eigel quipped.

Kehoe is one of three officeholders appointed to their jobs by Gov. Mike Parson because of vacancies and on the ballot in this year’s GOP primary.

The barbs at Kehoe focused on his absence and backing from major donors with interests before state government. Eigel included Parson in his attacks, accusing him of growing the state budget “more in six years than every Democratic governor combined, going back to the founding of the state.”

Ashcroft, Eigel and Wright all endorsed proposals to ban foreign ownership of farmland, with Ashcroft specifying his support for banning ownership by “hostile” powers. Kehoe in 2013 supported a bill allowing 1% of farmland in the state to be foreign owned, ending a total ban, and voted to override a veto by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon.

“What we’re lacking on this is, really, action by the two individuals that are most responsible for this mess, that voted for it as state senators, Mike Parson and Mike Kehoe,” Eigel said. “Both of those guys not only voted for it as state senators, they overrode the governor at the time to ensure that it became law.”

When asked by the moderator if Jefferson City was corrupt, all three candidates said it was.

“I sure looks like there are a lot of people making decisions based on who’s funding their campaigns,” Ashcroft said. “And you know, there’s probably a reason why there’s someone missing.”

“Absolutely it is corrupt,” he said. “We’ve got to do something with the money and how it’s so easy to fund these PACs with $10 million. What are you going to do with $10 million? You know who I’m talking about.”

Kehoe wasn’t far away. He posted a photo on social media showing him at a backyard fundraising event in Jefferson County with Attorney General Andrew Bailey, another Parson appointee.

The three candidates on stage had few significant differences in policies they would pursue. Both Eigel and Ashcroft have pledged to eliminate the state income tax, and Wright said he has been pushing to eliminate the personal property tax his entire campaign. That is one of Eigel’s pet issues.

All three criticized public education and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.&nbsp;

“The problem with public education right now is government being involved,” Ashcroft said.

“We’ll go after and dismantle DESE so that we can get our schools back,” he said.

Wright said money should be the stick to make local schools do better.

“If you’re not performing as a school, then you should have that threat of money being taken away,” Wright said.&nbsp;

One of the current debates in the campaign is whether Ashcroft can use his education and experience to claim he is an engineer. Ashcroft received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology, worked for four years in a defense firm and taught engineering courses at St. Louis Community College.

When challenged on whether that qualifies him to claim the title, even though he has never been a licensed engineer, Ashcroft said it does.

And as he defended his use of the title, Ashcroft suggested that licensing was government overreach.

“Why in the world are Republicans asking whether or not the government has to give us permission to go out and work legally?” Ashcroft said. “I’m an engineer, but it’s none of the government’s business. We need to get rid of this red tape. We need to allow people to live their lives the way they see fit, instead of kowtowing to faceless bureaucrats.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720796449688.png" alt=" State Sen. Bill Eigel, left, and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Bill Eigel, left, and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The forum featured Jay Ashcroft, Bill Eigel and Chris Wright, with Mike Kehoe declining the invitation to attend. Polls show a close contest but more undecided voters than any candidate has supporters</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and state Sen. Bill Eigel exchanged sharp attacks on each other and absent opponent Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe at one of the rare debates in the GOP gubernatorial primary Thursday night.&nbsp;Ashcroft and Eigel were joined on stage at Parkway West High School in Chesterfield by Chris Wright, a Joplin veteran who lags far behind them in funding and has not registered much support in polls.&nbsp;Kehoe, who has used a campaign war chest of more than $10 million to&nbsp;<a href="https://mcusercontent.com/db358242620bb5bfd24ec7d05/files/d642792f-ba7b-aa70-770f-84ae728266a8/MO_Statewide_202407_Toplines_Release.pdf" target="_blank">leap ahead of Ashcroft and Eigel</a>&nbsp;in public polling, has not participated in any debates this summer as the Aug. 6 primary approaches.The forum was sponsored jointly by Missouri Young Republicans, the St. Louis County Republican Central Committee and the Jefferson County Republican Club and moderated by Annie Frey of 97.1-FM St. Louis.With more undecided voters than any candidate can claim in supporters — and platforms that are similar in their hard-right conservative proposals — Ashcroft and Eigel tried hard to show they have the bonafide credentials.Ashcroft and Eigel both want to repeal a gas tax increase&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/02/motorists-give-mixed-reaction-to-refund-plan-for-missouri-fuel-tax-hike/">passed in 2021</a>&nbsp;with Kehoe’s backing. Eigel, who has led a GOP state Senate faction in repeated filibusters, should have prevented the tax from passing in the first place, Ashcroft said.“I would not have sat down,” Ashcfoft said. “It’s unfortunate that we have so many people in the Senate that can filibuster for all sorts of reasons, but when it comes to protecting your pocketbook, they fell silent.”Eigel responded that he did filibuster the bill for five hours but was told that if he did not relent, a bill seeking to nullify federal gun regulations in Missouri, known as&nbsp; the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/08/27/judge-missouri-judge-denies-request-to-block-state-law-seeking-to-block-federal-gun-laws/">Second Amendment Protection Act</a>, would not come to a vote.“That was the kind of choice that senators would have to make,” he said.Eigel got a chance to throw an elbow at Ashcroft by using his political pedigree against him. Ashcroft’s father, John, was state auditor, attorney general, governor and U.S. Senator between 1973 and 2001.&nbsp;Ashcroft had just invoked his father’s legacy. Overspending is why he opposes any taxpayer financing for professional sports stadiums he said, adding “my dad wasn’t really happy about it” because the elder Ashcroft signed the bill financing the St. Louis domed stadium in 1989.&nbsp;“Jay, be a little easy on your dad, you need that last name,” Eigel quipped.Kehoe is one of three officeholders appointed to their jobs by Gov. Mike Parson because of vacancies and on the ballot in this year’s GOP primary.The barbs at Kehoe focused on his absence and backing from major donors with interests before state government. Eigel included Parson in his attacks, accusing him of growing the state budget “more in six years than every Democratic governor combined, going back to the founding of the state.”Ashcroft, Eigel and Wright all endorsed proposals to ban foreign ownership of farmland, with Ashcroft specifying his support for banning ownership by “hostile” powers. Kehoe in 2013 supported a bill allowing 1% of farmland in the state to be foreign owned, ending a total ban, and voted to override a veto by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon.“What we’re lacking on this is, really, action by the two individuals that are most responsible for this mess, that voted for it as state senators, Mike Parson and Mike Kehoe,” Eigel said. “Both of those guys not only voted for it as state senators, they overrode the governor at the time to ensure that it became law.”When asked by the moderator if Jefferson City was corrupt, all three candidates said it was.“I sure looks like there are a lot of people making decisions based on who’s funding their campaigns,” Ashcroft said. “And you know, there’s probably a reason why there’s someone missing.”Wright agreed.“Absolutely it is corrupt,” he said. “We’ve got to do something with the money and how it’s so easy to fund these PACs with $10 million. What are you going to do with $10 million? You know who I’m talking about.”Kehoe wasn’t far away. He posted a photo on social media showing him at a backyard fundraising event in Jefferson County with Attorney General Andrew Bailey, another Parson appointee.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Great event in Jefferson County tonight with <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewBaileyMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndrewBaileyMO</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/SheriffMarshak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SheriffMarshak</a>. <a href="https://t.co/MshPBMNrQA">pic.twitter.com/MshPBMNrQA</a>&mdash; Mike Kehoe (@MikeLKehoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeLKehoe/status/1811562985912995866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The three candidates on stage had few significant differences in policies they would pursue. Both Eigel and Ashcroft have pledged to eliminate the state income tax, and Wright said he has been pushing to eliminate the personal property tax his entire campaign. That is one of Eigel’s pet issues.All three criticized public education and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.&nbsp;“The problem with public education right now is government being involved,” Ashcroft said.Eigel wants to eliminate the department.“We’ll go after and dismantle DESE so that we can get our schools back,” he said.Wright said money should be the stick to make local schools do better.“If you’re not performing as a school, then you should have that threat of money being taken away,” Wright said.&nbsp;One of the current debates in the campaign is whether Ashcroft can use his education and experience to claim he is an engineer. Ashcroft received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology, worked for four years in a defense firm and taught engineering courses at St. Louis Community College.When challenged on whether that qualifies him to claim the title, even though he has never been a licensed engineer, Ashcroft said it does.And as he defended his use of the title, Ashcroft suggested that licensing was government overreach.“Why in the world are Republicans asking whether or not the government has to give us permission to go out and work legally?” Ashcroft said. “I’m an engineer, but it’s none of the government’s business. We need to get rid of this red tape. We need to allow people to live their lives the way they see fit, instead of kowtowing to faceless bureaucrats.”

Republican candidates trade barbs in Missouri gubernatorial primary debate

Max’s Law, made official during a bill signing in Jefferson
City this week, was part of a huge anti-crime bill approved during this past
legislative session.

Gov. Mike Parson has signed into law the massive public safety
measure that included Max’s Law, named after St. Joseph’s K-9 Max killed in the
line of duty in the summer of 2021.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville carried the bill the
last three years and finally got to see it signed into law as K-9 units from
throughout the state stood by.

“We had different departments, both police departments,
sheriff’s departments, the Highway Patrol, the Conservation Department,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “They all had police K-9s there for the
signing of the bill. And so, it was really great to have the animals who we’re
trying to protect in this legislation to have some representatives from the K-9
community at the bill signing.”

Max’s Law was only a portion of the bill. Several amendments
made it onto the bill, including a provision called Blair’s Law.

“Blair’s Law outlaws celebratory gunfire, something that we
see a lot of the times during either during the 4th of July or New
Year’s Eve as people will indiscriminately fire bullets up into the air and
sometimes those bullets will come down and strike and injure or kill another
person.”

It is named for 11-year-old Blair Shanahan Lane, struck and
killed by July 4th celebratory gunfire in Independence 13 years ago.
Blair’s mother, Michelle Shanahan DeMoss, lobbied hard for passage of the bill,
driving to Jefferson City year after year to testify before committees and talk
with lawmakers.

Another provision of the bill contains Valentine’s Law.

“Named after Antonio Valentine, who was a police officer in
St. Louis County. He was killed in the line of duty in a high-speed chase. What
Valentine’s Law does is it creates a separate felony offense for fleeing from
law enforcement in an automobile,” Luetkemeyer says. “One of the things we know
is that when people engage in these high-speed chases with law enforcement it
poses a huge risk to public safety for everybody else out on the road.”

St. Louis County Police Officer Antonio Valentine died from
his injuries after being hit by a fleeing vehicle on December 1st of
2021. He was 42 years old.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720734011192.jpeg" alt="Gov. Mike Parson poses with K-9 officers and others during bill signing./Photo courtesy of the Gov. Parson's office" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Parson poses with K-9 officers and others during bill signing./Photo courtesy of the Gov. Parson's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMax’s Law, made official during a bill signing in Jefferson
City this week, was part of a huge anti-crime bill approved during this past
legislative session.Gov. Mike Parson has signed into law the massive public safety
measure that included Max’s Law, named after St. Joseph’s K-9 Max killed in the
line of duty in the summer of 2021.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville carried the bill the
last three years and finally got to see it signed into law as K-9 units from
throughout the state stood by.“We had different departments, both police departments,
sheriff’s departments, the Highway Patrol, the Conservation Department,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “They all had police K-9s there for the
signing of the bill. And so, it was really great to have the animals who we’re
trying to protect in this legislation to have some representatives from the K-9
community at the bill signing.”Max’s Law was only a portion of the bill. Several amendments
made it onto the bill, including a provision called Blair’s Law.“Blair’s Law outlaws celebratory gunfire, something that we
see a lot of the times during either during the 4th of July or New
Year’s Eve as people will indiscriminately fire bullets up into the air and
sometimes those bullets will come down and strike and injure or kill another
person.”It is named for 11-year-old Blair Shanahan Lane, struck and
killed by July 4th celebratory gunfire in Independence 13 years ago.
Blair’s mother, Michelle Shanahan DeMoss, lobbied hard for passage of the bill,
driving to Jefferson City year after year to testify before committees and talk
with lawmakers.Another provision of the bill contains Valentine’s Law.“Named after Antonio Valentine, who was a police officer in
St. Louis County. He was killed in the line of duty in a high-speed chase. What
Valentine’s Law does is it creates a separate felony offense for fleeing from
law enforcement in an automobile,” Luetkemeyer says. “One of the things we know
is that when people engage in these high-speed chases with law enforcement it
poses a huge risk to public safety for everybody else out on the road.”St. Louis County Police Officer Antonio Valentine died from
his injuries after being hit by a fleeing vehicle on December 1st of
2021. He was 42 years old.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Max's Law - only one provision in huge public safety bill

JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces continue to face terrorist obstacles in the Red Sea. 

Since Sunday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed seven Iranian-backed Houthi drone boats and and seven aerial drones over the Red Sea or in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen, according to the U.S. Central Command.

Additionally on July 7, partner forces successfully destroyed two Houthi UAVs over the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701138062166.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. Forces continue to face terrorist obstacles in the Red Sea. Since Sunday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed seven Iranian-backed Houthi drone boats and and seven aerial drones over the Red Sea or in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen, according to the U.S. Central Command.Additionally on July 7, partner forces successfully destroyed two Houthi UAVs over the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.

U.S. forces continue to face daily terrorist threats in the Red Sea

(Radio Iowa) - The state is launching new grant programs to address the housing shortage brought on by the recent tornadoes and flooding. 

Governor Kim Reynolds is using 10 million dollars in federal pandemic relief to provide grants for developers to build homes for sale or for rent in counties that have been declared federal disaster areas. Another six-and-a-half MILLION dollars in state grants will be awarded to cover home repairs. 

Reynolds says it allows the state to move quickly to address unmet housing rehabilitation needs that are outside of the scope of insurance coverage and those who are underinsured. Reynolds is asking FEMA to authorize a temporary housing program that's been used after hurricanes hit other states that allows hotels, R-Vs, and manufactured homes to be used.

(Radio Iowa) - The state is launching new grant programs to address the housing shortage brought on by the recent tornadoes and flooding. Governor Kim Reynolds is using 10 million dollars in federal pandemic relief to provide grants for developers to build homes for sale or for rent in counties that have been declared federal disaster areas. Another six-and-a-half MILLION dollars in state grants will be awarded to cover home repairs. Reynolds says it allows the state to move quickly to address unmet housing rehabilitation needs that are outside of the scope of insurance coverage and those who are underinsured. Reynolds is asking FEMA to authorize a temporary housing program that's been used after hurricanes hit other states that allows hotels, R-Vs, and manufactured homes to be used.

State Announces Housing Programs For Flood, Tornado Victims

Astronaut Joe Engle, the first astronaut to fly in space aboard two different winged vehicles, died on July 10, at 91.

Engle was the commander of two&nbsp;Space Shuttle&nbsp;missions including&nbsp;STS-2&nbsp;in 1981, the program's second orbital flight. Engle also flew two flights in the Shuttle program's 1977&nbsp;Approach and Landing Tests. 

Engle, a Chapman, Kansas native, was one of just twelve pilots who flew the&nbsp;North American X-15, an experimental&nbsp;spaceplane&nbsp;jointly operated by the Air Force and NASA.

Joe Engle was born in Chapman, Kansas and attended the University of Kansas where he graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955. Commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program, he earned his pilot's wings in 1958 and was assigned to fly F-100s for the 474th Fighter Day Squadron and, later, the 309th Tactical Fighter Squadron at George AFB, California.

Although in command of another squadron, then-Lt. Col. Chuck Yeager had frequent opportunities to fly with Engle -- and against him in mock dogfights -- and he was extremely impressed by the young fighter pilot's attitude and ability. When Engle applied for admission to the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards, Yeager recommended his selection. 

By the time he graduated from the school in 1962, Yeager had become the commandant and, because he considered Engle "one of the sharpest pilots we had in the program," he immediately selected him for admission to the new Aerospace Research Pilot School (ARPS) which was being established at Edwards to train military astronauts. 

Engle graduated from ARPS in 1963 and was selected as a project pilot for the X-15 program. He completed 16 flights in the rocket-powered hypersonic airplane, exceeding Mach 5 on ten of those flights and attaining a top speed of Mach 5.71 (3,886 mph). In June of 1965, he also climbed to an altitude of 280,600 feet and became one of only eight pilots from the X-15 program-who have qualified for astronaut's wings by flying an airplane into space.

Engle went on to exceed the Air Force's 50-mile threshold for astronaut rating on two subsequent X-15 flights. At 32, he was the youngest man to become an astronaut. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720720028168.jpeg" alt="Joe Engle in front of an X-15 hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft.&nbsp;Image Courtesy The Cosmosphere" />
 <figcaption>Joe Engle in front of an X-15 hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft.&nbsp;Image Courtesy The Cosmosphere</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTAstronaut Joe Engle, the first astronaut to fly in space aboard two different winged vehicles, died on July 10, at 91.Engle was the commander of two&nbsp;Space Shuttle&nbsp;missions including&nbsp;STS-2&nbsp;in 1981, the program's second orbital flight. Engle also flew two flights in the Shuttle program's 1977&nbsp;Approach and Landing Tests. Engle, a Chapman, Kansas native, was one of just twelve pilots who flew the&nbsp;North American X-15, an experimental&nbsp;spaceplane&nbsp;jointly operated by the Air Force and NASA.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720720547019.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Information courtesy of NASAJoe Engle was born in Chapman, Kansas and attended the University of Kansas where he graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955. Commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program, he earned his pilot's wings in 1958 and was assigned to fly F-100s for the 474th Fighter Day Squadron and, later, the 309th Tactical Fighter Squadron at George AFB, California.Although in command of another squadron, then-Lt. Col. Chuck Yeager had frequent opportunities to fly with Engle -- and against him in mock dogfights -- and he was extremely impressed by the young fighter pilot's attitude and ability. When Engle applied for admission to the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards, Yeager recommended his selection. By the time he graduated from the school in 1962, Yeager had become the commandant and, because he considered Engle "one of the sharpest pilots we had in the program," he immediately selected him for admission to the new Aerospace Research Pilot School (ARPS) which was being established at Edwards to train military astronauts. Engle graduated from ARPS in 1963 and was selected as a project pilot for the X-15 program. He completed 16 flights in the rocket-powered hypersonic airplane, exceeding Mach 5 on ten of those flights and attaining a top speed of Mach 5.71 (3,886 mph). In June of 1965, he also climbed to an altitude of 280,600 feet and became one of only eight pilots from the X-15 program-who have qualified for astronaut's wings by flying an airplane into space.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkscosmosphere%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02V1EWPeaWxHsBVsHeT9K3CYreFGiUDMVCi8hmu6tYppnp3qQAiuvBFSaKXVKGrAFNl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Engle went on to exceed the Air Force's 50-mile threshold for astronaut rating on two subsequent X-15 flights. At 32, he was the youngest man to become an astronaut. When NASA selected him as one of 19 new astronaut candidates in 1966, he was truly in an unusual position; he was the only one who had already engaged in spaceflight operations. First assigned to the Apollo program, he served on the support crew for Apollo X and then as backup lunar module pilot for Apollo XIV. In 1977, he was commander of one of two crews who were launched from atop a modified Boeing 747 in order to conduct approach and landing tests with the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Then in November 1981, he commanded the second flight of the Shuttle Columbia and manually flew the re-entry-performing 29 flight test maneuvers-from Mach 25 through landing roll out. This was the first and, so far, only time that a winged aerospace vehicle has been manually flown from orbit through landing. He accumulated the last of his 224 hours in space when he commanded the Shuttle Discovery during Mission 51-I in August of 1985.In his retirement from NASA, the Air Force and the Kansas Air National Guard, he served as an engineering consultant and simulation evaluation pilot for Space Shuttle modifications and other advanced piloted re-entry vehicles.Engle flew more than 180 different aircraft types and logged nearly 14,000 flight hours. His military decorations include the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, USAF Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster. Among his many honors, he was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and Space Flight Medal, as well as the Harmon International, Collier, Lawrence Sperry, Iven C. Kinchloe, Robert H. Goddard and Thomas D. White aviation and space trophies. In 1992, he was inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kbct