Cattle producers, like other farmers, are generally an optimistic bunch. A Drover’s beef industry survey shows that 64 percent of the respondents remain optimistic about the future. Over half (51 percent) of the producers plan to grow their herd size in the next five years, and another 38 percent will maintain their herd sizes. Parts of the U.S. still face dry conditions, but the situation is better than at this time in 2023. 

Producers are looking to the future, with 59 percent saying they’re planning to add a family member to the operation within the next five years. That number was 54 percent last year. While beef cow inventories continue to stabilize this year, the industry could experience a longer transition period as significant risks mute profit signals that would normally jump-start herd rebuilding efforts. Rabobank is forecasting a stable cow herd between 27.9 and 28.3 million over the next three years.

Cattle producers, like other farmers, are generally an optimistic bunch. A Drover’s beef industry survey shows that 64 percent of the respondents remain optimistic about the future. Over half (51 percent) of the producers plan to grow their herd size in the next five years, and another 38 percent will maintain their herd sizes. Parts of the U.S. still face dry conditions, but the situation is better than at this time in 2023. Producers are looking to the future, with 59 percent saying they’re planning to add a family member to the operation within the next five years. That number was 54 percent last year. While beef cow inventories continue to stabilize this year, the industry could experience a longer transition period as significant risks mute profit signals that would normally jump-start herd rebuilding efforts. Rabobank is forecasting a stable cow herd between 27.9 and 28.3 million over the next three years.-NAFB

Many cattle producers still optimistic about their futures

McDonald’s has filed a lawsuit against Tyson Foods, JBS, and other major meat packing companies. The fast food chain is accusing the packers of colluding for years to limit beef supplies. The suit says that the collusion allowed the companies to boost their profits while forcing their company to pay inflated prices for their meat supplies. McDonald’s says the companies conspired to reduce production levels beginning on January 1, 2024, which would artificially drive up market prices. 

McDonald’s has filed a lawsuit against Tyson Foods, JBS, and other major meat packing companies. The fast food chain is accusing the packers of colluding for years to limit beef supplies. The suit says that the collusion allowed the companies to boost their profits while forcing their company to pay inflated prices for their meat supplies. McDonald’s says the companies conspired to reduce production levels beginning on January 1, 2024, which would artificially drive up market prices.

McDonald’s sues meatpackers for collusion

(Radio Iowa) -&nbsp;Forecasters say the summer-like weather will have a last hurrah today and tomorrow before we fall headlong into the more seasonable chill of autumn, with a frost and freeze likely early next week. 

Meteorologist Craig Cogil, at the National Weather Service, says Iowans are in for a temperature rollercoaster over the next few days. Near-record highs are possible in the 80s, but a cold front will arrive late Friday, pushing in progressively colder air. 

By next Tuesday, Cogil says overnight lows may be in the mid to upper 20s in northern Iowa, to lower 30s in southern Iowa. He says widespread frost and freeze conditions are likely across the state and probably the end of the growing season.

(Radio Iowa) -&nbsp;Forecasters say the summer-like weather will have a last hurrah today and tomorrow before we fall headlong into the more seasonable chill of autumn, with a frost and freeze likely early next week. Meteorologist Craig Cogil, at the National Weather Service, says Iowans are in for a temperature rollercoaster over the next few days. Near-record highs are possible in the 80s, but a cold front will arrive late Friday, pushing in progressively colder air. By next Tuesday, Cogil says overnight lows may be in the mid to upper 20s in northern Iowa, to lower 30s in southern Iowa. He says widespread frost and freeze conditions are likely across the state and probably the end of the growing season.

Enjoy the near-record warmth, as Iowa's first frost is likely next week

St. Joseph Police are investigating a fatal shooting that took place Wednesday night.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports officers responded to a call at 4oth and Commonwealth around 9'o clock Wednesday night.  Police found one victim at the scene, a 39-year-old woman, who was transported to the hospital where she later died.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports no criminal wrongdoing is suspected at this time.

This article has been updated since first reported.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police are investigating a fatal shooting that took place Wednesday night.The St. Joseph Police Department reports officers responded to a call at 4oth and Commonwealth around 9'o clock Wednesday night. Police found one victim at the scene, a 39-year-old woman, who was transported to the hospital where she later died.The St. Joseph Police Department reports no criminal wrongdoing is suspected at this time.This article has been updated since first reported.

St. Joseph Police investigating Wednesday night fatal shooting

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January, according to a media release from the agency.

Over the last decade the COLA increase has averaged about 2.6 percent. The COLA was 3.2 percent in 2024.

Nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2025.  Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

“Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security.

Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages.  Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $176,100 from $168,600.

Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December.

This year, for the first time, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a newly designed and improved COLA notice that makes it easier for customers to find the information they need most. The simplified COLA notice is now only one page, uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of a person’s new benefit amount and any deductions.

Individuals who have a personal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>&nbsp;account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. People can set up text or email alerts when there is a new message--such as their COLA notice--waiting for them in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>.

People will need to have a personal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>&nbsp;account by Nov. 20 to see their COLA notice online. To get started, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount">www.ssa.gov/myaccount</a>.

Information about Medicare changes for 2025 will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/">www.medicare.gov</a>. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2025 benefit amount will be available via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security's</a>&nbsp;Message Center starting in late November. Those who have not opted to receive messages online will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697549458437.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January, according to a media release from the agency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728570541677.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Over the last decade the COLA increase has averaged about 2.6 percent. The COLA was 3.2 percent in 2024.Nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2025.  Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728570588387.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security.Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages.  Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $176,100 from $168,600.Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December.This year, for the first time, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a newly designed and improved COLA notice that makes it easier for customers to find the information they need most. The simplified COLA notice is now only one page, uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of a person’s new benefit amount and any deductions.Individuals who have a personal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>&nbsp;account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. People can set up text or email alerts when there is a new message--such as their COLA notice--waiting for them in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>.People will need to have a personal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security</a>&nbsp;account by Nov. 20 to see their COLA notice online. To get started, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount">www.ssa.gov/myaccount</a>.Information about Medicare changes for 2025 will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/">www.medicare.gov</a>. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2025 benefit amount will be available via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/">my Social Security's</a>&nbsp;Message Center starting in late November. Those who have not opted to receive messages online will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Social Security confirms 2025 cost of living increase

It may only be the beginning of fall, but Missouri Department of Transportation snowplow drivers will be out today preparing for the upcoming winter.  

District Maintenance and Traffic Engineer Greg Bolon says drivers will be out starting this morning. 

"We've got new hires that we have to get trained, and this won't be the only event we do either," Bolon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So they've got to get some training when it's not snowing and then they also have to get some training the first time it does snow so that we can make sure they're ready to operate the vehicles." 

Bolon says this will be a statewide simulated weather drill, which will include workers also playing out what will actually occur when the first winter storm hits. 

Bolon says these drills are a good training opportunity for new drivers to learn their routes before the snow. 

"So, they can kind of look and see well there's a drop off there in that ditch, so we need to slow down going around this curb, so it really helps get familiar with your route, because it's not something you drive every day," Bolon explains.  

Bolon says it's also a chance to learn technical things such as hooking up the plow and backing into the salt bays to load up 

"So, some of those things that you don't do for eight months, now it kind of gets your mind back into thinking ok winter's coming, I have to start looking for this, I have to start looking for that," Bolon says.  

Bolon says there will be several drills happening prior to the first snowfall, needing to train the around 30 to 40 new hires MoDOT has made since April.  

Bolon says despite all those hirings, there is still a need for more plow drivers. 

"I think we probably have somewhere around 25 vacancies throughout our 20-county area," Bolon points out. "There's quite a few locally in the St. Joe area, I'm going to say around nine to 10, so we are always looking for more operators." 

Bolon says all the trucks are ready to go and the supply of salt is nearly full and ready for the winter. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post It may only be the beginning of fall, but Missouri Department of Transportation snowplow drivers will be out today preparing for the upcoming winter. District Maintenance and Traffic Engineer Greg Bolon says drivers will be out starting this morning. "We've got new hires that we have to get trained, and this won't be the only event we do either," Bolon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So they've got to get some training when it's not snowing and then they also have to get some training the first time it does snow so that we can make sure they're ready to operate the vehicles." Bolon says this will be a statewide simulated weather drill, which will include workers also playing out what will actually occur when the first winter storm hits. Bolon says these drills are a good training opportunity for new drivers to learn their routes before the snow. "So, they can kind of look and see well there's a drop off there in that ditch, so we need to slow down going around this curb, so it really helps get familiar with your route, because it's not something you drive every day," Bolon explains. Bolon says it's also a chance to learn technical things such as hooking up the plow and backing into the salt bays to load up "So, some of those things that you don't do for eight months, now it kind of gets your mind back into thinking ok winter's coming, I have to start looking for this, I have to start looking for that," Bolon says. Bolon says there will be several drills happening prior to the first snowfall, needing to train the around 30 to 40 new hires MoDOT has made since April. Bolon says despite all those hirings, there is still a need for more plow drivers. "I think we probably have somewhere around 25 vacancies throughout our 20-county area," Bolon points out. "There's quite a few locally in the St. Joe area, I'm going to say around nine to 10, so we are always looking for more operators." Bolon says all the trucks are ready to go and the supply of salt is nearly full and ready for the winter.

Missouri Department of Transportation conducting winter weather drill today

Lawmakers question the contribution to campaign committee pushing Amendment 6, which would reinstate fees dedicated to pensions for sheriffs and prosecutors

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

he Missouri Sheriffs’ Retirement System last month made a $30,000 investment, hoping for a big return if voters approve a ballot measure&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/04/amendment-would-use-court-fees-to-fund-retirement-for-missouri-sheriffs-prosecutors/">imposing a $3 fee on court cases</a>&nbsp;to fund the system’s pensions.

The $30,000 contribution to the Committee to Ensure a Future for Sheriffs &amp; Prosecutors, the committee promoting Amendment 6 on the Nov. 5 ballot, was approved at the system’s Board of Directors meeting in September, executive director Melissa Lorts said Tuesday.

The donation is drawing concern from critics of the proposed amendment — and even lawmakers in support — who question whether the pension board is using taxpayer dollars to support a political campaign.

The fee on court cases could generate about $2 million annually,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2024-1/4005S.03T.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">according to a fiscal note</a>&nbsp;for the legislation putting the measure before voters.

Prosecutors, who would also benefit from Amendment 6, have contributed $50,000 from Missouri Prosecutors Association funds. Sheriffs are the biggest contributors, with $100,000 coming from the Missouri Sheriff’s Association in addition to the donation from the retirement fund.

Along with providing the third-largest single contribution to the campaign, the retirement system website is actively promoting passage of the proposal with a&nbsp;<a href="https://sherretmo.com/" target="_blank">box urging a “yes” vote</a>&nbsp;on Amendment 6 and a link to the campaign website.

Lorts is the treasurer of the campaign committee in addition to her duties, which she said are part-time, as fund executive director.

No law is being violated by making the donation, Lorts said.

“I have a legal opinion and these are not public dollars,” Lorts said. “I’m not a political subdivision and they’re not public dollars.”

The legal opinion was not provided in writing, Lorts said. She also said she called the Missouri Ethics Commission and was assured the contribution was legal.

That assurance was not formalized in writing, either, Lorts said.

“My attorney, and I’ve also called Missouri Ethics, says nowhere am I not allowed to do that,” Lorts said.&nbsp;

Stacy Heislen, acting executive director of the ethics commission, declined to comment on any specific conversations.

“Our practice is to provide an overview of what the statute allows,” Heislen said.

Leading members of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement weren’t as certain as Lorts that the contributions were unquestionably legal.

State Rep. Barry Hovis, a Cape Girardeau Republican and chairman of the committee, said he would have to know more about the precise source of funds. He said he would ask committee staff to research the question.

“If we think that it’s a Missouri ethics complaint, obviously that report should be made to Missouri ethics to see if they did spend money that’s not viable for a campaign or election,” Hovis said. “I don’t know, I’m just not good enough on the rules to say yes or no on those.”

Hovis, a retired police officer who sponsored the legislation in the Missouri House, said he thinks the fee is reasonable. Sheriffs are vital to the functioning of the courts by serving paperwork, providing security and operating jails, he said.

Another committee member, Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat, said he was also uncertain about the legality of the donation and wanted to know more.

“This doesn’t look good, and that’s where I’m at right now,” Beck said. “I would have to talk to some other folks that are a little bit more knowledgeable about this. I personally don’t like the way it looks.”

The fee in question was added to criminal cases in 1983 and expanded to include municipal court cases in 2013. In 2021, the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=177738" target="_blank">ruled that it was an unconstitutiona</a>l bar to the courts, which are to be&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=I++++14&amp;bid=31714&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">open to all</a>&nbsp;and where “justice shall be administered without sale, denial or delay.”

Amendment 6 would overturn that decision&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/pdf-bill/tat/SJR71.pdf" target="_blank">by stating</a>&nbsp;that “costs and fees to support salaries and benefits for” sheriffs, former sheriffs, prosecutors and former prosecutors is part of ensuring “that all Missourians have access to the courts of justice…”

Before the Supreme Court decision, the fiscal note for the legislation states, the fee brought about $2 million annually to the pension fund.

The fund in 2023 paid $3.8 million in benefits to&nbsp;<a href="https://sherretmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2023-Sheriffs-Retirement-Annual-Report.pdf" target="_blank">147 retired former sheriffs, one disabled former sheriff, and 52 spouses</a>. The administrative costs of $244,454.

There are 17 retired sheriffs eligible for a pension but not receiving it and 115 currently in office.

“My board voted to contribute because it is important to the 200 members that are currently receiving a benefit that will lose their benefit if we do not receive our $3 fee back,” Lorts said.

During calendar year 2023, without the fees, the fund received $89,502 in contributions, had $38.4 million in assets and had lost $15 million in value over the previous two years. A large portion of the loss in value was due to refunding the unconstitutional fee and other costs from litigation.

To shore up its finances, lawmakers this year appropriated $5 million in general revenue to the fund, $2.5 million in the supplemental spending bill for the year ending June 30 and another $2.5 million in the current year.

Since Jan. 1, sheriffs have been contributing 5% of their salaries toward the pension fund.

By making the contribution after receiving state tax dollars, the fund could have violated rules governing the use of state appropriations, said Sharon Jones, an attorney from Jefferson City who was a member of the legal team that forced changes in the ballot language for Amendment 6.

“I’m not surprised by it even a little bit,” Jones said of the contribution.

The legal question is a murky one, she said.&nbsp;

“Our campaign finance laws are pretty Wild West,” she said. “Certainly, there have been attempts over the last couple of years specifically aimed at school boards and county people trying to pass levies to say you can’t campaign for it.”

A state law dating to 1988, and strengthened in 2021, prohibits political subdivisions&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.646&amp;bid=49862&amp;hl=" target="_blank">from using public funds</a>&nbsp;to support or oppose any ballot measure or candidate. No one interviewed for this story could point to a specific state law applying that prohibition to state departments or entities created by state statute.

Federal law does prohibit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-1661-protection-government-property-embezzlement-public-funds" target="_blank">conversion of public funds</a>&nbsp;to campaign purposes.

“If the sheriff’s pension goes under, the state of Missouri is on the hook for those dollars,” Jones said.

Regardless of the law, she said, it is an improper diversion of money away from its official purpose.

“It’s still public money, and it’s still money that is supposed to be used on the administration of the pension fund and to make sure that there is enough to pay out what’s owed when the time comes,” Jones said.

Frank Vatterott, an attorney, former municipal judge in St. Louis County and a critic of the fee, said the $3 fee has nothing to do with keeping the courts open.&nbsp;

Vatterott&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/messenger-ruling-against-3-surcharge-sends-message-to-missouri-legislature-on-court-costs/article_381981a0-8ab5-5a60-a55b-8368c6ec4c5f.html" target="_blank">refused to collect the fee</a>&nbsp;while he was a judge. The roots of the constitutional prohibition on the fee, he said, date back to the Magna Carta, the 1215 document that put protections for individual rights into a legally binding document for the first time in England.

“The administration of justice just means the cost to keep the court going, to pay the court clerk and pay the judge and do the paperwork,” Vatterott said. “This is not the administration of justice. These are retirement funds.”

Vatterott said he has no doubt that the system’s money is public funds. And he’s not in doubt about the law.

“You can’t use public money for advocacy, period,” he said. “I would imagine they’re not that dumb.”

<h2>Lawmakers question the contribution to campaign committee pushing Amendment 6, which would reinstate fees dedicated to pensions for sheriffs and prosecutors</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>he Missouri Sheriffs’ Retirement System last month made a $30,000 investment, hoping for a big return if voters approve a ballot measure&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/04/amendment-would-use-court-fees-to-fund-retirement-for-missouri-sheriffs-prosecutors/">imposing a $3 fee on court cases</a>&nbsp;to fund the system’s pensions.The $30,000 contribution to the Committee to Ensure a Future for Sheriffs &amp; Prosecutors, the committee promoting Amendment 6 on the Nov. 5 ballot, was approved at the system’s Board of Directors meeting in September, executive director Melissa Lorts said Tuesday.The donation is drawing concern from critics of the proposed amendment — and even lawmakers in support — who question whether the pension board is using taxpayer dollars to support a political campaign.The fee on court cases could generate about $2 million annually,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2024-1/4005S.03T.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">according to a fiscal note</a>&nbsp;for the legislation putting the measure before voters.Prosecutors, who would also benefit from Amendment 6, have contributed $50,000 from Missouri Prosecutors Association funds. Sheriffs are the biggest contributors, with $100,000 coming from the Missouri Sheriff’s Association in addition to the donation from the retirement fund.Along with providing the third-largest single contribution to the campaign, the retirement system website is actively promoting passage of the proposal with a&nbsp;<a href="https://sherretmo.com/" target="_blank">box urging a “yes” vote</a>&nbsp;on Amendment 6 and a link to the campaign website.Lorts is the treasurer of the campaign committee in addition to her duties, which she said are part-time, as fund executive director.No law is being violated by making the donation, Lorts said.“I have a legal opinion and these are not public dollars,” Lorts said. “I’m not a political subdivision and they’re not public dollars.”The legal opinion was not provided in writing, Lorts said. She also said she called the Missouri Ethics Commission and was assured the contribution was legal.That assurance was not formalized in writing, either, Lorts said.“My attorney, and I’ve also called Missouri Ethics, says nowhere am I not allowed to do that,” Lorts said.&nbsp;Stacy Heislen, acting executive director of the ethics commission, declined to comment on any specific conversations.“Our practice is to provide an overview of what the statute allows,” Heislen said.<h2>Questions from lawmakers</h2>Leading members of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement weren’t as certain as Lorts that the contributions were unquestionably legal.State Rep. Barry Hovis, a Cape Girardeau Republican and chairman of the committee, said he would have to know more about the precise source of funds. He said he would ask committee staff to research the question.“If we think that it’s a Missouri ethics complaint, obviously that report should be made to Missouri ethics to see if they did spend money that’s not viable for a campaign or election,” Hovis said. “I don’t know, I’m just not good enough on the rules to say yes or no on those.”Hovis, a retired police officer who sponsored the legislation in the Missouri House, said he thinks the fee is reasonable. Sheriffs are vital to the functioning of the courts by serving paperwork, providing security and operating jails, he said.Another committee member, Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat, said he was also uncertain about the legality of the donation and wanted to know more.“This doesn’t look good, and that’s where I’m at right now,” Beck said. “I would have to talk to some other folks that are a little bit more knowledgeable about this. I personally don’t like the way it looks.”The fee in question was added to criminal cases in 1983 and expanded to include municipal court cases in 2013. In 2021, the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=177738" target="_blank">ruled that it was an unconstitutiona</a>l bar to the courts, which are to be&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=I++++14&amp;bid=31714&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">open to all</a>&nbsp;and where “justice shall be administered without sale, denial or delay.”Amendment 6 would overturn that decision&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/pdf-bill/tat/SJR71.pdf" target="_blank">by stating</a>&nbsp;that “costs and fees to support salaries and benefits for” sheriffs, former sheriffs, prosecutors and former prosecutors is part of ensuring “that all Missourians have access to the courts of justice…”Before the Supreme Court decision, the fiscal note for the legislation states, the fee brought about $2 million annually to the pension fund.The fund in 2023 paid $3.8 million in benefits to&nbsp;<a href="https://sherretmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2023-Sheriffs-Retirement-Annual-Report.pdf" target="_blank">147 retired former sheriffs, one disabled former sheriff, and 52 spouses</a>. The administrative costs of $244,454.There are 17 retired sheriffs eligible for a pension but not receiving it and 115 currently in office.“My board voted to contribute because it is important to the 200 members that are currently receiving a benefit that will lose their benefit if we do not receive our $3 fee back,” Lorts said.<h2>Public money to shore up pension fund</h2>During calendar year 2023, without the fees, the fund received $89,502 in contributions, had $38.4 million in assets and had lost $15 million in value over the previous two years. A large portion of the loss in value was due to refunding the unconstitutional fee and other costs from litigation.To shore up its finances, lawmakers this year appropriated $5 million in general revenue to the fund, $2.5 million in the supplemental spending bill for the year ending June 30 and another $2.5 million in the current year.Since Jan. 1, sheriffs have been contributing 5% of their salaries toward the pension fund.By making the contribution after receiving state tax dollars, the fund could have violated rules governing the use of state appropriations, said Sharon Jones, an attorney from Jefferson City who was a member of the legal team that forced changes in the ballot language for Amendment 6.“I’m not surprised by it even a little bit,” Jones said of the contribution.The legal question is a murky one, she said.&nbsp;“Our campaign finance laws are pretty Wild West,” she said. “Certainly, there have been attempts over the last couple of years specifically aimed at school boards and county people trying to pass levies to say you can’t campaign for it.”A state law dating to 1988, and strengthened in 2021, prohibits political subdivisions&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.646&amp;bid=49862&amp;hl=" target="_blank">from using public funds</a>&nbsp;to support or oppose any ballot measure or candidate. No one interviewed for this story could point to a specific state law applying that prohibition to state departments or entities created by state statute.Federal law does prohibit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-1661-protection-government-property-embezzlement-public-funds" target="_blank">conversion of public funds</a>&nbsp;to campaign purposes.“If the sheriff’s pension goes under, the state of Missouri is on the hook for those dollars,” Jones said.Regardless of the law, she said, it is an improper diversion of money away from its official purpose.“It’s still public money, and it’s still money that is supposed to be used on the administration of the pension fund and to make sure that there is enough to pay out what’s owed when the time comes,” Jones said.Frank Vatterott, an attorney, former municipal judge in St. Louis County and a critic of the fee, said the $3 fee has nothing to do with keeping the courts open.&nbsp;Vatterott&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/messenger-ruling-against-3-surcharge-sends-message-to-missouri-legislature-on-court-costs/article_381981a0-8ab5-5a60-a55b-8368c6ec4c5f.html" target="_blank">refused to collect the fee</a>&nbsp;while he was a judge. The roots of the constitutional prohibition on the fee, he said, date back to the Magna Carta, the 1215 document that put protections for individual rights into a legally binding document for the first time in England.“The administration of justice just means the cost to keep the court going, to pay the court clerk and pay the judge and do the paperwork,” Vatterott said. “This is not the administration of justice. These are retirement funds.”Vatterott said he has no doubt that the system’s money is public funds. And he’s not in doubt about the law.“You can’t use public money for advocacy, period,” he said. “I would imagine they’re not that dumb.”

Missouri sheriffs’ pension donates $30K to ballot campaign, sparking concerns

KANSAS CITY– A physical therapist who owns a clinic in California was sentenced in federal court this week for distributing child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

Esteban E. Manale, 47, of Hacienda Heights, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 12 years in federal prison without parole.

Manale, the owner of a physical therapy clinic in Bellflower, Calif., pleaded guilty on May 3, 2024, to three counts of distributing child pornography. Manale admitted that on three separate occasions in August 2022 he sent images of child pornography to an undercover FBI task force officer whom he believed to be a Missouri woman he met online through a dating application.

Manale originally contacted a woman in Missouri on a dating application in August 2022. He told her that he worked at a physical therapy clinic primarily dealing with athletes, including minor females who were cheerleaders and volleyball players. He stated that he would get touchy with the athletes and liked to flirt with all of the girls who came to the clinic, and disclosed that he has had sex with patients at the clinic. He indicated that he liked children and had slept with a 13-year-old girl he met at the beach. He talked about his fascination with Ted Bundy, said he wanted to “use a rope to choke a young one,” use “knife play,” and “rape a young virgin girl while her mom watches me” while the mother is tied up.

The Missouri woman contacted law enforcement. An undercover officer assumed her identity and continued to communicate with Manale. In those conversations, Manale told the undercover officer that he had sexual contact with “preteens about 10 times,” defining them as being between 10 and 13 years old, and claimed to also have sexual contact “with older teens and about 20 plus.” In one communication, Manale claimed that he visited malls to “hunt” for young, cute girls over the weekend.

Manale discussed his desire to come to Kansas City to meet the undercover officer’s purported 8-year-old niece and have her record the encounter. He sent images of child pornography to the undercover officer via social media from Aug. 22, 2022, through Nov. 9, 2022.

On Dec. 14, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Manale’s residence and seized three cell phones. Two of the phones were hidden on top of the bathroom vanity, in a small space that was difficult to access. Investigators found 507 images and 154 videos of child pornography on those two cell phones.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the Los Angeles, Calif., Sheriff’s Department.

KANSAS CITY– A physical therapist who owns a clinic in California was sentenced in federal court this week for distributing child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.Esteban E. Manale, 47, of Hacienda Heights, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 12 years in federal prison without parole.Manale, the owner of a physical therapy clinic in Bellflower, Calif., pleaded guilty on May 3, 2024, to three counts of distributing child pornography. Manale admitted that on three separate occasions in August 2022 he sent images of child pornography to an undercover FBI task force officer whom he believed to be a Missouri woman he met online through a dating application.Manale originally contacted a woman in Missouri on a dating application in August 2022. He told her that he worked at a physical therapy clinic primarily dealing with athletes, including minor females who were cheerleaders and volleyball players. He stated that he would get touchy with the athletes and liked to flirt with all of the girls who came to the clinic, and disclosed that he has had sex with patients at the clinic. He indicated that he liked children and had slept with a 13-year-old girl he met at the beach. He talked about his fascination with Ted Bundy, said he wanted to “use a rope to choke a young one,” use “knife play,” and “rape a young virgin girl while her mom watches me” while the mother is tied up.The Missouri woman contacted law enforcement. An undercover officer assumed her identity and continued to communicate with Manale. In those conversations, Manale told the undercover officer that he had sexual contact with “preteens about 10 times,” defining them as being between 10 and 13 years old, and claimed to also have sexual contact “with older teens and about 20 plus.” In one communication, Manale claimed that he visited malls to “hunt” for young, cute girls over the weekend.Manale discussed his desire to come to Kansas City to meet the undercover officer’s purported 8-year-old niece and have her record the encounter. He sent images of child pornography to the undercover officer via social media from Aug. 22, 2022, through Nov. 9, 2022.On Dec. 14, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Manale’s residence and seized three cell phones. Two of the phones were hidden on top of the bathroom vanity, in a small space that was difficult to access. Investigators found 507 images and 154 videos of child pornography on those two cell phones.This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the Los Angeles, Calif., Sheriff’s Department.

Physical therapist sent child porn to KCPD undercover officer

(Radio Iowa) -&nbsp;The Fort Dodge man who was accused of killing his father was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

 Twenty-six-year-old Alec Jones was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of 55-year-old Dennis Jones last April at his home in Fort Dodge. The body of Dennis Jones was dumped in a ditch in rural Webster County. A Webster County jury deliberated for two hours before finding Jones guilty of first-degree murder in August. 

The trial of Alec Jones' younger brother Nathan is set to begin next May. He is charged with aiding and abetting first-degree murder in the incident.

(Radio Iowa) -&nbsp;The Fort Dodge man who was accused of killing his father was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Twenty-six-year-old Alec Jones was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of 55-year-old Dennis Jones last April at his home in Fort Dodge. The body of Dennis Jones was dumped in a ditch in rural Webster County. A Webster County jury deliberated for two hours before finding Jones guilty of first-degree murder in August. The trial of Alec Jones' younger brother Nathan is set to begin next May. He is charged with aiding and abetting first-degree murder in the incident.

Convicted in his father's murder, Fort Dodge man gets mandatory life term

Dozens of historic military vehicles will travel through St. Joseph this week as part of a 2500 mile journey retracing the original route of the 1918 Jefferson Highway. 

Military Vehicle Preservation Association spokesman, Raymond Bliley, says the journey began in Canada, "The route is from this side of the border of Winnipeg, and going 2,500 miles to New Orleans." Bliley notes this is the eighth time the MVPA has hosted such an event.

Bliley says the convoy will be in St. Joseph Thursday afternoon at Hyvee. "They'll travel down the Belt Highway and be at Hyvee around 4:30 or 5:00."

Bliley adds that residents interested in seeing the vehicles and speaking with the drivers have the opportunity to do so. "The parking lot is going to be pretty tight with 35 or 40 military vehicles. However, they will be available for people to come see them and ask questions. Its going to be a good time."

The convoy will be setup at Hyvee overnight Thursday. Then, on Friday morning the military convoy will make a brief stop at the Pony Express Museum, before heading to Weston and Leavenworth, eventually concluding in New Orleans.

This convoy is a collaborative effort with the MVPA and the Jefferson Highway Association.

For more information visit <a href="https://www.mvpa.org/">mvpa.org</a>.

By Ryan SkaithSt. Joseph PostDozens of historic military vehicles will travel through St. Joseph this week as part of a 2500 mile journey retracing the original route of the 1918 Jefferson Highway. Military Vehicle Preservation Association spokesman, Raymond Bliley, says the journey began in Canada, "The route is from this side of the border of Winnipeg, and going 2,500 miles to New Orleans." Bliley notes this is the eighth time the MVPA has hosted such an event.Bliley says the convoy will be in St. Joseph Thursday afternoon at Hyvee. "They'll travel down the Belt Highway and be at Hyvee around 4:30 or 5:00."Bliley adds that residents interested in seeing the vehicles and speaking with the drivers have the opportunity to do so. "The parking lot is going to be pretty tight with 35 or 40 military vehicles. However, they will be available for people to come see them and ask questions. Its going to be a good time."The convoy will be setup at Hyvee overnight Thursday. Then, on Friday morning the military convoy will make a brief stop at the Pony Express Museum, before heading to Weston and Leavenworth, eventually concluding in New Orleans.This convoy is a collaborative effort with the MVPA and the Jefferson Highway Association.For more information visit <a href="https://www.mvpa.org/">mvpa.org</a>.

Historic military vehicle convoy traveling through St. Joseph this week

A packed crowd is going to be on hand at Kauffman Stadium this evening as the Kansas City Royals take on the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Division Series.&nbsp;

The game marks the first postseason game at 'The K' since October 28th, 2015, when the Royals took a 2-0 World Series lead on the New York Mets behind a two hit complete game from starting pitcher Johnny Cueto.

After a week-plus spent handling their postseason business while living out of suitcases, the Royals can’t wait to enjoy some home cooking.

“We’re looking forward to getting back to the K, seeing the fans there,” said left-hander Cole Ragans. “It's going to be fun to have playoff baseball back in Kansas City. A split [in New York] is huge. It's basically like a brand-new series when we get to the K.”

After some rocky pitching in Game 1 of the series, the Royals pitching staff locked things down in Game 2, giving up just two runs on seven hits, while walking five, three less walks than in the first game.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Seth Lugo takes the ball in Game 3 and will look to build on his first postseason start in the Wild Card Series, when he allowed one run in 4 1/3 innings against the Orioles. Lugo brings a 3.00 regular-season ERA into the postseason as Kansas City’s No. 2 starter, and he posted a 3.36 ERA at Kauffman Stadium this year in his first season as a Royal. With the Royals playing their first home postseason game this year and first since 2015, they like their chances with the veteran Lugo on the mound, especially after he allowed just four runs in 14 innings this year across two starts against the Yankees.

For the Yankees,&nbsp; Clarke Schmidt will make his first career postseason start (fourth appearance) after pitching to a 5-5 record and 2.85 ERA in 16 starts this season. Schmidt’s campaign was interrupted by a right lat strain, but he returned in early September and pitched to a 3.65 ERA over his final five starts. Schmidt did not face the Royals this season.

The Yankees are going back to a righty starter in Schmidt, so look for the Royals to revert back to the lineup they’ve stuck with for the majority of games this October. Hunter Renfroe and Tommy Pham have both faced Schmidt only a few times in their careers, and Renfroe has the better results, but Pham’s at-bats so far this series might give him the edge.

With Kansas City starting the right-handed Lugo, look for the Yanks to field a similar lineup to the one they used against Michael Wacha in Game 1.

Game 3 of the ALDS will begin with first pitch at 6:08, pregame can be heard starting at 5:30pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM). The game will be televised on TBS and TruTV, and will be streamed on Max.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA packed crowd is going to be on hand at Kauffman Stadium this evening as the Kansas City Royals take on the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Division Series.&nbsp;The game marks the first postseason game at 'The K' since October 28th, 2015, when the Royals took a 2-0 World Series lead on the New York Mets behind a two hit complete game from starting pitcher Johnny Cueto.After a week-plus spent handling their postseason business while living out of suitcases, the Royals can’t wait to enjoy some home cooking.“We’re looking forward to getting back to the K, seeing the fans there,” said left-hander Cole Ragans. “It's going to be fun to have playoff baseball back in Kansas City. A split [in New York] is huge. It's basically like a brand-new series when we get to the K.”After some rocky pitching in Game 1 of the series, the Royals pitching staff locked things down in Game 2, giving up just two runs on seven hits, while walking five, three less walks than in the first game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Seth Lugo takes the ball in Game 3 and will look to build on his first postseason start in the Wild Card Series, when he allowed one run in 4 1/3 innings against the Orioles. Lugo brings a 3.00 regular-season ERA into the postseason as Kansas City’s No. 2 starter, and he posted a 3.36 ERA at Kauffman Stadium this year in his first season as a Royal. With the Royals playing their first home postseason game this year and first since 2015, they like their chances with the veteran Lugo on the mound, especially after he allowed just four runs in 14 innings this year across two starts against the Yankees.For the Yankees,&nbsp; Clarke Schmidt will make his first career postseason start (fourth appearance) after pitching to a 5-5 record and 2.85 ERA in 16 starts this season. Schmidt’s campaign was interrupted by a right lat strain, but he returned in early September and pitched to a 3.65 ERA over his final five starts. Schmidt did not face the Royals this season.The Yankees are going back to a righty starter in Schmidt, so look for the Royals to revert back to the lineup they’ve stuck with for the majority of games this October. Hunter Renfroe and Tommy Pham have both faced Schmidt only a few times in their careers, and Renfroe has the better results, but Pham’s at-bats so far this series might give him the edge.With Kansas City starting the right-handed Lugo, look for the Yanks to field a similar lineup to the one they used against Michael Wacha in Game 1.Game 3 of the ALDS will begin with first pitch at 6:08, pregame can be heard starting at 5:30pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM). The game will be televised on TBS and TruTV, and will be streamed on Max.

Royals seek series lead in first playoff home game since '15 against Yankees

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Shawnee County judge rejected a lawsuit from Aetna Better Health of Kansas, which sued the state earlier this year after it was passed over as one of Kansas’ three Medicaid insurance providers.

In a 50-page decision, Shawnee County District Judge Thomas Luedke upheld the decision by Todd Herman, director of procurement and contracts in the Department of Administration, not to renew the contract for Medicaid services that Aetna has provided for the past five years.

The state announced in May that it selected three private companies, excluding Aetna, from seven bidders to provide coverage under KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas, beginning in January. In the state’s evaluation process, Aetna had tied for third with Healthy Blue. State officials destroyed documentation of scoring notes that were used by evaluators to inform their selection of Healthy Blue, a Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate, over Aetna.

In response, Aetna filed two lawsuits in Shawnee County District Court. One, filed in July and decided Oct. 1, challenged the decision itself. Another, filed in June, was an effort to challenge the state’s destruction of documents and awaits a ruling. The judge’s Oct. 1 decision came a day before the deadline for Aetna to notify its beneficiaries that it will no longer be a provider under KanCare.

Luedke wrote that the scoring process that evaluated each provider bidding for a multimillion dollar KanCare contract is “highly technical.”

“The Court is reluctant, and for the most part unable, to substitute its untutored judgment for that of the scoring officials,” Luedke wrote in his decision. “Nothing in Director Herman’s consideration of this issue was unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious.”

At a Sept. 17 hearing, Luedke likened the scoring notes to jury notes, which are commonly destroyed after a verdict is issued.

Court documents show Aetna beat out Healthy Blue in two evaluation areas, integrated whole person care and quality assurance, but the two had even scores overall. However, Healthy Blue topped Aetna in the remaining five categories. Handwritten notes showed decision-makers had concerns about Aetna’s “unresolved issues” in Kansas and other Medicaid states. But concerns were noted about Healthy Blue, too, including one that said it was “discouraging to see lack of initiative” from Healthy Blue.

The state signed contracts May 10 with Healthy Blue, United Healthcare and Sunflower Health Plan. Aetna then protested the decision, alleging the state used unstated and objective evaluation criteria, cherry-picked the criteria to break the tie between Aetna and Healthy Blue and ignored Healthy Blue’s alleged&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/26/kansas-legislative-committee-jumps-into-battle-over-selection-of-medicaid-contractors/">conflicts of interest</a>.

“The State’s method of evaluating these scores was well within the scope of its expertise and discretion,” Luedke wrote. “The way the review was conducted should have been no surprised (sic) to any of the bidders.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728494523637.jpeg" alt=" Shawnee County District Judge Thomas Luedke upheld the state's decision to drop Aetna as a Medicaid services provider. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Shawnee County District Judge Thomas Luedke upheld the state's decision to drop Aetna as a Medicaid services provider. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Shawnee County judge rejected a lawsuit from Aetna Better Health of Kansas, which sued the state earlier this year after it was passed over as one of Kansas’ three Medicaid insurance providers.In a 50-page decision, Shawnee County District Judge Thomas Luedke upheld the decision by Todd Herman, director of procurement and contracts in the Department of Administration, not to renew the contract for Medicaid services that Aetna has provided for the past five years.The state announced in May that it selected three private companies, excluding Aetna, from seven bidders to provide coverage under KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas, beginning in January. In the state’s evaluation process, Aetna had tied for third with Healthy Blue. State officials destroyed documentation of scoring notes that were used by evaluators to inform their selection of Healthy Blue, a Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate, over Aetna.In response, Aetna filed two lawsuits in Shawnee County District Court. One, filed in July and decided Oct. 1, challenged the decision itself. Another, filed in June, was an effort to challenge the state’s destruction of documents and awaits a ruling. The judge’s Oct. 1 decision came a day before the deadline for Aetna to notify its beneficiaries that it will no longer be a provider under KanCare.Luedke wrote that the scoring process that evaluated each provider bidding for a multimillion dollar KanCare contract is “highly technical.”“The Court is reluctant, and for the most part unable, to substitute its untutored judgment for that of the scoring officials,” Luedke wrote in his decision. “Nothing in Director Herman’s consideration of this issue was unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious.”At a Sept. 17 hearing, Luedke likened the scoring notes to jury notes, which are commonly destroyed after a verdict is issued.Court documents show Aetna beat out Healthy Blue in two evaluation areas, integrated whole person care and quality assurance, but the two had even scores overall. However, Healthy Blue topped Aetna in the remaining five categories. Handwritten notes showed decision-makers had concerns about Aetna’s “unresolved issues” in Kansas and other Medicaid states. But concerns were noted about Healthy Blue, too, including one that said it was “discouraging to see lack of initiative” from Healthy Blue.The state signed contracts May 10 with Healthy Blue, United Healthcare and Sunflower Health Plan. Aetna then protested the decision, alleging the state used unstated and objective evaluation criteria, cherry-picked the criteria to break the tie between Aetna and Healthy Blue and ignored Healthy Blue’s alleged&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/26/kansas-legislative-committee-jumps-into-battle-over-selection-of-medicaid-contractors/">conflicts of interest</a>.“The State’s method of evaluating these scores was well within the scope of its expertise and discretion,” Luedke wrote. “The way the review was conducted should have been no surprised (sic) to any of the bidders.”

Aetna loses challenge of Kansas Medicaid contract process

(radio Iowa) - Iowa motorists need to be especially vigilant today (Wednesday) as there are likely to be many more pedestrians and bicyclists on the roads as part of Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day. 

Matt Burkey, the Safe Routes to Schools coordinator at the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, says hundreds of children in more than four-dozen schools statewide are taking part. Burkey says the event shows Iowa students how to start their day with an active, healthier choice versus catching a ride to school on a bus or with one of their folks. 

A total of 49 Iowa schools are taking part in this event, which represents an excellent showing, though Burkey says many more schools could join in. While today is the official date for the event, Burkey says schools can participate at any time throughout the month of October.

(radio Iowa) - Iowa motorists need to be especially vigilant today (Wednesday) as there are likely to be many more pedestrians and bicyclists on the roads as part of Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day. Matt Burkey, the Safe Routes to Schools coordinator at the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, says hundreds of children in more than four-dozen schools statewide are taking part. Burkey says the event shows Iowa students how to start their day with an active, healthier choice versus catching a ride to school on a bus or with one of their folks. A total of 49 Iowa schools are taking part in this event, which represents an excellent showing, though Burkey says many more schools could join in. While today is the official date for the event, Burkey says schools can participate at any time throughout the month of October.

Iowa kids are urged to skip the carpool and bus in favor of biking or hiking

By ALVARO PUIG Consumer Education Specialist

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/ftc-takes-action-against-marriott-starwood-over-multiple-data-breaches">Marriott settled charges related to a data breach</a>&nbsp;that exposed the information of millions of guests. The company will take steps to better protect customers’ personal information. And it will give customers more control over their information.

If you’re a Marriott customer, here’s what the settlement means for you:

To learn more about protecting yourself after a data breach, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov/Info-Lost-or-Stolen">IdentityTheft.gov</a>.

By ALVARO PUIG Consumer Education Specialist<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/ftc-takes-action-against-marriott-starwood-over-multiple-data-breaches">Marriott settled charges related to a data breach</a>&nbsp;that exposed the information of millions of guests. The company will take steps to better protect customers’ personal information. And it will give customers more control over their information.If you’re a Marriott customer, here’s what the settlement means for you:<ol>
 <li>You may ask Marriott to review your Bonvoy account for unauthorized, suspicious activity. If, after an investigation, Marriott determines your loyalty points were stolen through unauthorized access to your account, Marriott will restore your stolen points.</li><li>You may request through Marriott's website or mobile app the deletion of your personal information associated with your email address or Bonvoy account number.</li><li><a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marriott.com%2Fabout%2Fprivacy.mi&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Fmarriott-data-breach-settlement-what-it-means-consumers%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Marriott’s privacy policy</a>&nbsp;must clearly state why it’s collecting your personal information and the business need for keeping it.</li><li>You can enable multi-factor authentication on your Bonvoy account to add an extra layer of security.</li>
 </ol>Additionally, Marriott will<ul>
 <li>put in place a comprehensive information security program that includes multi-factor authentication, encryption, and other safeguards</li><li>cooperate with third party audits of its information security program</li><li>only collect and keep personal information if it has a business need for it</li><li>only use the information it collects for the purpose for which it was collected</li><li>delete collected information when it no longer has a need for it</li><li>not use for marketing purposes information you asked Marriott to delete</li>
 </ul>To learn more about protecting yourself after a data breach, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov/Info-Lost-or-Stolen">IdentityTheft.gov</a>.

Marriott data breach settlement: What it means for consumers

USDA announced an additional $250 million in automatic payments for distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers. This step continues USDA’s commitment to keeping farmers and ranchers financially viable and supporting agricultural companies. “USDA continues to invest in the future of producers through our loan portfolio,” says Zach Ducheneaux, Farm Service Agency Administrator. “The payments announced today help to ensure that more than 4,600 producers across the country will see another production season.”

 He also says these ongoing investments come on the heels of critical Farm Service Agency Loan Reforms that recently went into effect. Building on the momentum, USDA announced an estimated additional $250 million in assistance to approximately 4,650 distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers. This includes about $235 million in assistance for an estimated 4,500 delinquent direct and guaranteed borrowers who have not received prior IRA assistance. Producers should reach out to local FSA staff for assistance.

USDA announced an additional $250 million in automatic payments for distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers. This step continues USDA’s commitment to keeping farmers and ranchers financially viable and supporting agricultural companies. “USDA continues to invest in the future of producers through our loan portfolio,” says Zach Ducheneaux, Farm Service Agency Administrator. “The payments announced today help to ensure that more than 4,600 producers across the country will see another production season.” He also says these ongoing investments come on the heels of critical Farm Service Agency Loan Reforms that recently went into effect. Building on the momentum, USDA announced an estimated additional $250 million in assistance to approximately 4,650 distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers. This includes about $235 million in assistance for an estimated 4,500 delinquent direct and guaranteed borrowers who have not received prior IRA assistance. Producers should reach out to local FSA staff for assistance.-NAFB

USDA assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers

Funding opportunities to help in workforce development have been created across the state of Missouri.  

Small Business Development Center director Rebecca Lobina says workforce development is not only helpful for employees, but also their employers 

"But for the company, the company also could make more money," Lobina tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Because it's been shown that businesses that invest in one way or another in professional development for their employees have increased productivity, higher profit margins by 24%." 

Lobina says there are also several funding opportunities to help businesses provide this development to employees.  

Lobina says one option is the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act. Lobina says if a business sees a struggling employee, they can contact the Missouri Job Center to see if they are eligible to utilize the act 

"While they continue to work for you, they could also be increasing their skill level by taking an online course or something that is paid for through this Workforce Investment Opportunity Act," Lobina explains.  

Lobina says there are several funding options available to help in workforce development including the Missouri Fast Track, MyCAA, and Great Jobs KC. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Funding opportunities to help in workforce development have been created across the state of Missouri. Small Business Development Center director Rebecca Lobina says workforce development is not only helpful for employees, but also their employers "But for the company, the company also could make more money," Lobina tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Because it's been shown that businesses that invest in one way or another in professional development for their employees have increased productivity, higher profit margins by 24%." Lobina says there are also several funding opportunities to help businesses provide this development to employees. Lobina says one option is the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act. Lobina says if a business sees a struggling employee, they can contact the Missouri Job Center to see if they are eligible to utilize the act "While they continue to work for you, they could also be increasing their skill level by taking an online course or something that is paid for through this Workforce Investment Opportunity Act," Lobina explains. Lobina says there are several funding options available to help in workforce development including the Missouri Fast Track, MyCAA, and Great Jobs KC.

Funding available to help employers better develop their workforce

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

Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a plan Tuesday that would strengthen Medicare coverage to include long-term care for seniors in their homes, tackling one of the biggest challenges in U.S. health care.

The Democratic presidential nominee revealed the proposal while on “The View” — one of several high-profile media appearances this week as she and the GOP presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, sprint to the November finish line.

“There are so many people in our country who are right in the middle: They’re taking care of their kids and they’re taking care of their aging parents, and it’s just almost impossible to do it all, especially if they work,” Harris said during the live interview. “We’re finding that so many are then having to leave their job, which means losing a source of income, not to mention the emotional stress.”

Harris is focusing on the “sandwich generation,” which refers to Americans who are caring for their children while also caring for aging parents.

Under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25196234-harrismedicareathomeplan" target="_blank">the plan</a>, Medicare — the nation’s health insurance program for people 65 and older and some under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions — would cover an at-home health benefit for those enrolled in the program, as well as hearing and vision benefits, according to her campaign in a Tuesday fact sheet.

Medicare for the most part now does not cover long-term care services like home health aides.

The benefits would be funded by “expanding Medicare drug price negotiations, increasing the discounts drug manufacturers cover for certain brand-name drugs in Medicare, and addressing Medicare fraud,” per her campaign.

Harris also plans to “crack down on pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs) to increase transparency, disclose more information on costs, and regulate other practices that raise prices,” according to her campaign, which said she will also “implement international tax reform.”

The campaign did not cite a price tag but noted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/a-home-care-benefit-for-medicare/" target="_blank">similar plans</a>&nbsp;have been estimated to cost $40 billion annually, “before considering ​​savings from avoiding hospitalizations and more expensive institutional care, or the additional revenues that would generate from more unpaid family caregivers going back to work if they need to.”

The proposal comes along with the nominee’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-pitches-opportunity-economy-debut-one-one-tv-interview" target="_blank">sweeping economic plan</a>, part of which involves cutting taxes for more than 100 million Americans, including $6,000 in tax relief for new parents in the first year of their child’s life.

In response to the proposal, the Trump campaign said the former president “will always fight for America’s senior citizens — who have been left behind by Kamala Harris,” per a Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/news/3da13bf5-4a2d-47e9-bfaf-69cc77f14bbc" target="_blank">news release</a>.

The campaign also cited Medicare Advantage&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-changes-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-provide-better-coverage-and" target="_blank">policies</a>&nbsp;extended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Trump’s first term.

The campaign reiterated the&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/be/beb1a388-1d88-4389-a67d-c1e2d7f8bedf/2024-gop-platform-july-7-final.pdf?_nlid=m5eUxFGPUe&amp;_nhids=RmedtdnxlK" target="_blank">2024 GOP platform</a>’s chapter on protecting seniors, saying Trump will “prioritize home care benefits by shifting resources back to at-home senior care, overturning disincentives that lead to care worker shortages, and supporting unpaid family caregivers through tax credits and reduced red tape.”

While appearing live on “The Howard Stern Show” on Tuesday shortly after “The View,” Harris dubbed Trump an “unserious man,” saying the consequences of him serving another term are “brutally serious.”

She also again criticized Trump for nominating three of the five members to the U.S. Supreme Court who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022 — a reversal that ended nearly half a century of the constitutional right to abortion.

“And it’s not about abortion, you have basically now a system that says you as an individual do not have the right to make a decision about your own body. The government has the right to make that decision for you,” she said.

Harris, who said she would appoint a Republican to her Cabinet if elected, was asked whether she would choose former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney.

Cheney was the vice chair of the U.S. House Jan. 6 committee tasked with investigating the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Harris did not disclose a preference, but said Cheney is “smart,” “remarkable” and a “dedicated public servant.”

Cheney is among some prominent Republicans to endorse Harris. She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-flaunt-republican-endorsements-harris-presidential-bid" target="_blank">campaigned with the veep in Ripon, Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;— the birthplace of the Republican Party — just last week.

Meanwhile, Trump said Harris is “grossly incompetent” during an interview that aired Tuesday on “The Ben Shapiro Show.”

“Biden was incompetent, she is equally incompetent and in a certain way, she’s more incompetent,” Trump told Shapiro, a conservative political commentator and co-founder of The Daily Wire, referring to President Joe Biden.

Trump also criticized Harris’ Monday interview on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-60-minutes-says-congress-would-work-her-president-if-shes-elected" target="_blank">CBS News’ “60 Minutes,”</a>&nbsp;saying the veep “answers questions like a child.”

“She’s answering questions in the most basic way and getting killed over it,” Trump added.

Harris was also set to also appear on CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Tuesday night. She will also appear at a Univision town hall in Las Vegas, Nevada, that airs Thursday.

Trump was slated to participate in a roundtable with Latino leaders and a Univision town hall on Tuesday in Miami, but both events were postponed due to Hurricane Milton.

Trump is set to give remarks Wednesday in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Later that day, he will continue campaigning in the Keystone State with a rally in Reading.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623708723138.jpeg" alt="-&nbsp;The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, on Tuesday announced a proposal on long-term care under Medicare focused on the “sandwich generation,” which refers to Americans who are caring for their children while also caring for aging parents.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>-&nbsp;The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, on Tuesday announced a proposal on long-term care under Medicare focused on the “sandwich generation,” which refers to Americans who are caring for their children while also caring for aging parents.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a> <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a plan Tuesday that would strengthen Medicare coverage to include long-term care for seniors in their homes, tackling one of the biggest challenges in U.S. health care.The Democratic presidential nominee revealed the proposal while on “The View” — one of several high-profile media appearances this week as she and the GOP presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, sprint to the November finish line.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">I took care of my mother when she was sick with cancer—I know that caregiving is about dignity. My plan will allow Medicare to cover in-home health care, which will lower costs and reduce the financial and emotional stress for families across the country. <a href="https://t.co/NR5ROKCzfl">pic.twitter.com/NR5ROKCzfl</a>&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1843716356069327005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“There are so many people in our country who are right in the middle: They’re taking care of their kids and they’re taking care of their aging parents, and it’s just almost impossible to do it all, especially if they work,” Harris said during the live interview. “We’re finding that so many are then having to leave their job, which means losing a source of income, not to mention the emotional stress.”Harris is focusing on the “sandwich generation,” which refers to Americans who are caring for their children while also caring for aging parents.Under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25196234-harrismedicareathomeplan" target="_blank">the plan</a>, Medicare — the nation’s health insurance program for people 65 and older and some under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions — would cover an at-home health benefit for those enrolled in the program, as well as hearing and vision benefits, according to her campaign in a Tuesday fact sheet.Medicare for the most part now does not cover long-term care services like home health aides.The benefits would be funded by “expanding Medicare drug price negotiations, increasing the discounts drug manufacturers cover for certain brand-name drugs in Medicare, and addressing Medicare fraud,” per her campaign.Harris also plans to “crack down on pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs) to increase transparency, disclose more information on costs, and regulate other practices that raise prices,” according to her campaign, which said she will also “implement international tax reform.”The campaign did not cite a price tag but noted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/a-home-care-benefit-for-medicare/" target="_blank">similar plans</a>&nbsp;have been estimated to cost $40 billion annually, “before considering ​​savings from avoiding hospitalizations and more expensive institutional care, or the additional revenues that would generate from more unpaid family caregivers going back to work if they need to.”The proposal comes along with the nominee’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-pitches-opportunity-economy-debut-one-one-tv-interview" target="_blank">sweeping economic plan</a>, part of which involves cutting taxes for more than 100 million Americans, including $6,000 in tax relief for new parents in the first year of their child’s life.<h2>Trump responds</h2>In response to the proposal, the Trump campaign said the former president “will always fight for America’s senior citizens — who have been left behind by Kamala Harris,” per a Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/news/3da13bf5-4a2d-47e9-bfaf-69cc77f14bbc" target="_blank">news release</a>.The campaign also cited Medicare Advantage&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-changes-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-provide-better-coverage-and" target="_blank">policies</a>&nbsp;extended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Trump’s first term.The campaign reiterated the&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/be/beb1a388-1d88-4389-a67d-c1e2d7f8bedf/2024-gop-platform-july-7-final.pdf?_nlid=m5eUxFGPUe&amp;_nhids=RmedtdnxlK" target="_blank">2024 GOP platform</a>’s chapter on protecting seniors, saying Trump will “prioritize home care benefits by shifting resources back to at-home senior care, overturning disincentives that lead to care worker shortages, and supporting unpaid family caregivers through tax credits and reduced red tape.”<h2>Harris and Howard Stern</h2>While appearing live on “The Howard Stern Show” on Tuesday shortly after “The View,” Harris dubbed Trump an “unserious man,” saying the consequences of him serving another term are “brutally serious.”She also again criticized Trump for nominating three of the five members to the U.S. Supreme Court who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022 — a reversal that ended nearly half a century of the constitutional right to abortion.“And it’s not about abortion, you have basically now a system that says you as an individual do not have the right to make a decision about your own body. The government has the right to make that decision for you,” she said.Harris, who said she would appoint a Republican to her Cabinet if elected, was asked whether she would choose former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney.Cheney was the vice chair of the U.S. House Jan. 6 committee tasked with investigating the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.Harris did not disclose a preference, but said Cheney is “smart,” “remarkable” and a “dedicated public servant.”Cheney is among some prominent Republicans to endorse Harris. She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-flaunt-republican-endorsements-harris-presidential-bid" target="_blank">campaigned with the veep in Ripon, Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;— the birthplace of the Republican Party — just last week.<h2>Trump talks with Ben Shapiro</h2>Meanwhile, Trump said Harris is “grossly incompetent” during an interview that aired Tuesday on “The Ben Shapiro Show.”“Biden was incompetent, she is equally incompetent and in a certain way, she’s more incompetent,” Trump told Shapiro, a conservative political commentator and co-founder of The Daily Wire, referring to President Joe Biden.Trump also criticized Harris’ Monday interview on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-60-minutes-says-congress-would-work-her-president-if-shes-elected" target="_blank">CBS News’ “60 Minutes,”</a>&nbsp;saying the veep “answers questions like a child.”“She’s answering questions in the most basic way and getting killed over it,” Trump added.<h2>Look ahead for Harris, Trump campaigns</h2>Harris was also set to also appear on CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Tuesday night. She will also appear at a Univision town hall in Las Vegas, Nevada, that airs Thursday.Trump was slated to participate in a roundtable with Latino leaders and a Univision town hall on Tuesday in Miami, but both events were postponed due to Hurricane Milton.Trump is set to give remarks Wednesday in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Later that day, he will continue campaigning in the Keystone State with a rally in Reading.

Harris rolls out broad Medicare plan to provide long-term care in the home

(Radio Iowa) - The Board of Regents approved today U-I Healthcare's plans to buy Mission Cancer Plus Blood's more than 20 community clinics across Iowa. 

During a special meeting, U-I Vice President Denise Jamieson says cancer rates in Iowa are the second highest in the nation, and access to cancer care across the state is insufficient to meet the needs of Iowans. She says this is particularly true in rural Iowa. 

U-I Healthcare will pay 280 million dollars to purchase Mission's assets. Jamieson says the merger will improve access to clinical care for patients in Iowa, and expand access to community based clinical research trials. They also believe that it will increase the likelihood that cancer physicians stay in Iowa to practice.

(Radio Iowa) - The Board of Regents approved today U-I Healthcare's plans to buy Mission Cancer Plus Blood's more than 20 community clinics across Iowa. During a special meeting, U-I Vice President Denise Jamieson says cancer rates in Iowa are the second highest in the nation, and access to cancer care across the state is insufficient to meet the needs of Iowans. She says this is particularly true in rural Iowa. U-I Healthcare will pay 280 million dollars to purchase Mission's assets. Jamieson says the merger will improve access to clinical care for patients in Iowa, and expand access to community based clinical research trials. They also believe that it will increase the likelihood that cancer physicians stay in Iowa to practice.

Regents Approve U-I Purchase Of Cancer Clinics

Reports from the University of Illinois says the ag sector is closely watching the fertilizer markets this week because of the ongoing war in the Middle East. Following months of tight supplies, global nitrogen values started rising last week. The story of the week was Iran’s attack on Israel. The Middle East is an important area for fertilizer production in general, but it’s especially important for nitrogen. 

Reports from the University of Illinois says the ag sector is closely watching the fertilizer markets this week because of the ongoing war in the Middle East. Following months of tight supplies, global nitrogen values started rising last week. The story of the week was Iran’s attack on Israel. The Middle East is an important area for fertilizer production in general, but it’s especially important for nitrogen. “When you look at the attack on Israel, Iran didn’t impact any shipping lanes, it didn’t have any impact on fertilizer production, yet prices moved higher,” says Josh Linville of StoneX. He also says the attack on Israel may have forced the market to finally admit that supplies are tight, and it’s manifesting in higher prices. Urea prices are one example of moving higher, up 10 percent as of last week. Linville advises farmers to contact their fertilizer retailers as soon as possible.

Kbct