(Radio Iowa) - Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has filed a lawsuit accusing an out-of-state company and two of its top executives of failing to properly dispose of over a thousand decommissioned wind turbine blades. 

According to the lawsuit, General Electric and MidAmerican Energy paid millions to a company in Washington state to cut up, transport and recycle wind turbine blades. The attorney general says that company -- Global Fiberglass Solutions -- illegally dumped about 13-hundred wind turbine blades at parking lots in Newton and in fields in Ellsworth and Atlantic. 

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties of five-thousand dollars per day -- over a roughtly five year period -- for violations of the state's solid waste disposal rules.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has filed a lawsuit accusing an out-of-state company and two of its top executives of failing to properly dispose of over a thousand decommissioned wind turbine blades. According to the lawsuit, General Electric and MidAmerican Energy paid millions to a company in Washington state to cut up, transport and recycle wind turbine blades. The attorney general says that company -- Global Fiberglass Solutions -- illegally dumped about 13-hundred wind turbine blades at parking lots in Newton and in fields in Ellsworth and Atlantic. The lawsuit seeks civil penalties of five-thousand dollars per day -- over a roughtly five year period -- for violations of the state's solid waste disposal rules.

Iowa sues company over alleged dumping of old wind turbine blades

Trial over 2023 law turns to impact of ban after first days dive into expert testimony on effect of treatments

BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

After three days of battling over&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/23/battling-experts-qualifications-of-witnesses-a-key-in-missouri-gender-affirming-care-case/">scientific papers and expert testimony</a>, the trial of a lawsuit challenging Missouri’s restrictions on gender-affirming treatments on Thursday turned to the impact the law has on patients and providers.

Nicole Carr, a nurse practitioner at Southampton Community Healthcare in St. Louis, said anxiety, fear and depression first increased in transgender patients when Attorney General Andrew Bailey published an emergency rule that established barriers to care in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/13/emergency-rule-seeks-to-limit-access-to-certain-procedures-for-transgender-missourians/">April 2023</a>.

“No one thinks about how these laws affect the actual people they are supposed to protect and they are supposed to serve,” she said.

Patients were crying in the clinic in fear, she testified.

“I’m trying to give them hope that they don’t have to fear being in Missouri, that they don’t have to fear coming to me as a provider, that they can move past this,” Carr said. “It’s sad because I’m referring a lot of people to therapy that, before these rules, were fine.”

She worries about youth in foster care, which she worked with frequently in a previous position. Transgender teenagers in foster care often must wait until they turn 18 to go to the doctor alone for assessment to obtain hormone-replacement therapy.

But if they are on Medicaid, as most are soon after foster care, Missouri won’t pay for the treatment.

“(The law) has impacted the quality of care I can give my patients when I know the solution to their problem is out there and I can’t do anything about it,” she said.

Carr and Southampton healthcare are among 11 plaintiffs hoping to block enforcement of a 2023 law banning&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-restrictions-for-trans-athletes/">gender-affirming medical treatments for minors</a>. Other plaintiffs include parents of transgender children, transgender adolescents, other medical care providers and organizations supporting gender-affirming care.

Their attorneys began putting witnesses on the stand Monday in the Cole County Circuit Court trial scheduled to continue through next week. The lawsuit asks Judge Craig Carter, assigned to the case from Wright County, to declare the law unconstitutional,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Petition.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=2861307" target="_blank">alleging violations of equal protection</a>, due process and other rights guaranteed by the Missouri Constitution.

Although the law does not ban counseling or the continuation of treatments begun before it passed, several providers ceased all gender-affirming treatments for minors soon after it took effect on Aug. 28, 2023. First University of Missouri Health, then&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/washington-university-the-second-missouri-provider-to-stop-transgender-care-for-minors/">Washington University&nbsp; in St. Louis</a>, ended their programs, citing the threat of future litigation allowed in the law.

Neither provider is a party to the lawsuit.

Over the first three days of the trial, assistant attorney generals defending the law have repeatedly sought to discredit plaintiffs’ expert witnesses. The painstaking cross examinations have slowed the pace of the trial to two experts per day and led to a late recess on Wednesday.

Carter, however, has declined to limit the cross-examination, despite arguments from plaintiffs’ attorneys that it means the trial will exceed the time allotted to complete it.

During cross-examination, members of the defense team have read scientific articles, news articles and editorials on gender-affirming care. Almost invariably, that leads to objections that the exhibits are new.

Carter has allowed reading as a way to challenge the credibility of witnesses by&nbsp; showing deficiencies in their testimony, such as bias or poor memory.

“They seem to be reading a lot of newspaper articles and a lot of opinion pieces,” Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, an attorney for plaintiffs, told reporters. “If they wanted to introduce the opinion of some random person in the United Kingdom, they could have called them.”

During one question to Dr. Armand Matheny Antommaria from Solicitor General Joshua Divine, plaintiffs’ attorney Nora Huppert objected, arguing that it was as if Divine was testifying himself.

It came as Antommaria, a pediatric hospitalist and bioethicist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, answered questions slowly, often with a “yes sir” or “no sir,” correcting Divine’s questions.

“If you go to the key findings, the statement you’ve pulled out is not part of the key findings,” he said, after a question in which Divine asked about a singular sentence of a scientific article. The context is important, Antommaria told him, saying the overall report was the opposite of Divine’s characterization.

Divine also asked&nbsp; if Antommaria’s religious beliefs or divinity degree should disqualify him as an expert.

“Given the nature of that particular degree, that does not disqualify myself,” he said.

Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, an adolescent medicine physician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and medical director of the hospital’s center for transgender youth health and development, testified about her research linking distress about breast development to depression and anxiety. She also discussed benefits of gender-affirming care she has seen in her clinical experience.

Hal Frampton, senior counsel with the Alliance Defending Freedom, brought one of the 11 three-ring binders prepared for the Olson-Kennedy testimony to the podium. He flipped through the approximately three-inch binder, presenting studies and articles to question Olson-Kennedy’s research and concluding with videos from talks she gave years ago.

In one talk, she said people “get worked up” about certain surgical procedures that are part of gender affirming care.

Frampton asked if she doesn’t like people that get worked up. Olson-Kennedy said she was emphasizing the difference between gender-affirming surgeries.

“The seriousness of getting a sterilizing surgery is more severe than someone who needs a chest surgery,” she said.

He also asked about an interview she gave in which she spoke about being involved in social justice efforts.

“People being able to get access to medically necessary care is an advocacy issue,” she responded.

The defense is scheduled to begin arguments Monday, with a scheduled final day of Oct. 4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727446832059.png" alt=" Judge Craig Carter, a Wright County judge serving in Cole County for Missouri’s gender-affirming care trial, listens to a nurse practitioner testify Thursday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Judge Craig Carter, a Wright County judge serving in Cole County for Missouri’s gender-affirming care trial, listens to a nurse practitioner testify Thursday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Trial over 2023 law turns to impact of ban after first days dive into expert testimony on effect of treatments</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>After three days of battling over&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/23/battling-experts-qualifications-of-witnesses-a-key-in-missouri-gender-affirming-care-case/">scientific papers and expert testimony</a>, the trial of a lawsuit challenging Missouri’s restrictions on gender-affirming treatments on Thursday turned to the impact the law has on patients and providers.Nicole Carr, a nurse practitioner at Southampton Community Healthcare in St. Louis, said anxiety, fear and depression first increased in transgender patients when Attorney General Andrew Bailey published an emergency rule that established barriers to care in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/13/emergency-rule-seeks-to-limit-access-to-certain-procedures-for-transgender-missourians/">April 2023</a>.“No one thinks about how these laws affect the actual people they are supposed to protect and they are supposed to serve,” she said.Patients were crying in the clinic in fear, she testified.“I’m trying to give them hope that they don’t have to fear being in Missouri, that they don’t have to fear coming to me as a provider, that they can move past this,” Carr said. “It’s sad because I’m referring a lot of people to therapy that, before these rules, were fine.”She worries about youth in foster care, which she worked with frequently in a previous position. Transgender teenagers in foster care often must wait until they turn 18 to go to the doctor alone for assessment to obtain hormone-replacement therapy.But if they are on Medicaid, as most are soon after foster care, Missouri won’t pay for the treatment.“(The law) has impacted the quality of care I can give my patients when I know the solution to their problem is out there and I can’t do anything about it,” she said.Carr and Southampton healthcare are among 11 plaintiffs hoping to block enforcement of a 2023 law banning&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-restrictions-for-trans-athletes/">gender-affirming medical treatments for minors</a>. Other plaintiffs include parents of transgender children, transgender adolescents, other medical care providers and organizations supporting gender-affirming care.Their attorneys began putting witnesses on the stand Monday in the Cole County Circuit Court trial scheduled to continue through next week. The lawsuit asks Judge Craig Carter, assigned to the case from Wright County, to declare the law unconstitutional,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Petition.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=2861307" target="_blank">alleging violations of equal protection</a>, due process and other rights guaranteed by the Missouri Constitution.Although the law does not ban counseling or the continuation of treatments begun before it passed, several providers ceased all gender-affirming treatments for minors soon after it took effect on Aug. 28, 2023. First University of Missouri Health, then&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/washington-university-the-second-missouri-provider-to-stop-transgender-care-for-minors/">Washington University&nbsp; in St. Louis</a>, ended their programs, citing the threat of future litigation allowed in the law.Neither provider is a party to the lawsuit.Over the first three days of the trial, assistant attorney generals defending the law have repeatedly sought to discredit plaintiffs’ expert witnesses. The painstaking cross examinations have slowed the pace of the trial to two experts per day and led to a late recess on Wednesday.Carter, however, has declined to limit the cross-examination, despite arguments from plaintiffs’ attorneys that it means the trial will exceed the time allotted to complete it.During cross-examination, members of the defense team have read scientific articles, news articles and editorials on gender-affirming care. Almost invariably, that leads to objections that the exhibits are new.Carter has allowed reading as a way to challenge the credibility of witnesses by&nbsp; showing deficiencies in their testimony, such as bias or poor memory.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727446795351.png" alt=" Plaintiffs’ attorney Omar Gonzalez-Pagan listens to testimony Thursday afternoon in Missouri’s gender-affirming care trial (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Plaintiffs’ attorney Omar Gonzalez-Pagan listens to testimony Thursday afternoon in Missouri’s gender-affirming care trial (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>“They seem to be reading a lot of newspaper articles and a lot of opinion pieces,” Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, an attorney for plaintiffs, told reporters. “If they wanted to introduce the opinion of some random person in the United Kingdom, they could have called them.”During one question to Dr. Armand Matheny Antommaria from Solicitor General Joshua Divine, plaintiffs’ attorney Nora Huppert objected, arguing that it was as if Divine was testifying himself.It came as Antommaria, a pediatric hospitalist and bioethicist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, answered questions slowly, often with a “yes sir” or “no sir,” correcting Divine’s questions.“If you go to the key findings, the statement you’ve pulled out is not part of the key findings,” he said, after a question in which Divine asked about a singular sentence of a scientific article. The context is important, Antommaria told him, saying the overall report was the opposite of Divine’s characterization.Divine also asked&nbsp; if Antommaria’s religious beliefs or divinity degree should disqualify him as an expert.“Given the nature of that particular degree, that does not disqualify myself,” he said.Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, an adolescent medicine physician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and medical director of the hospital’s center for transgender youth health and development, testified about her research linking distress about breast development to depression and anxiety. She also discussed benefits of gender-affirming care she has seen in her clinical experience.Hal Frampton, senior counsel with the Alliance Defending Freedom, brought one of the 11 three-ring binders prepared for the Olson-Kennedy testimony to the podium. He flipped through the approximately three-inch binder, presenting studies and articles to question Olson-Kennedy’s research and concluding with videos from talks she gave years ago.In one talk, she said people “get worked up” about certain surgical procedures that are part of gender affirming care.Frampton asked if she doesn’t like people that get worked up. Olson-Kennedy said she was emphasizing the difference between gender-affirming surgeries.“The seriousness of getting a sterilizing surgery is more severe than someone who needs a chest surgery,” she said.He also asked about an interview she gave in which she spoke about being involved in social justice efforts.“People being able to get access to medically necessary care is an advocacy issue,” she responded.The defense is scheduled to begin arguments Monday, with a scheduled final day of Oct. 4.

Patients hurt by Missouri’s ban on gender-affirming care, providers testify

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

The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, laid out more of her economic vision Wednesday during her first one-on-one cable TV interview.

Harris and former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, are laying out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/taxes-where-do-trump-and-harris-stand" target="_blank">dueling economic agendas</a>&nbsp;this week as the two vie for the Oval Office in an extremely close race.

“I really love and am so energized by what I know to be the spirit and character of the American people — we have ambition, we have aspirations, we have dreams, we can see what’s possible, we have an incredible work ethic, but not everyone has the access to the opportunities that allow them to achieve those things, but we don’t lack for those things, but not everyone gets handed stuff on a silver platter,” Harris told MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle.

“My vision for the economy — I call it an opportunity economy — is about making sure that all Americans — wherever they start, wherever they are — have the ability to actually achieve those dreams and those ambitions, which include, for middle-class families, just being able to know that their hard work allows them to get ahead,” she said.

Earlier on Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/harris-touts-economic-plans-in-pittsburgh-the-best-way-to-predict-the-future-is-to-invent-it/" target="_blank">Harris touted her economic plans</a>&nbsp;in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Carnegie Mellon University. During her MSNBC interview later in the day, she reiterated her plan to cut 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 that first year, Harris said these parents are going to “need help buying a crib, buying a car seat, and we all benefit when they’re actually able to do what they naturally want to do to take care of their child.”

Part of her economic agenda also includes as much as $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and an up to $50,000 tax break for first-time small businesses.

She also took jabs at Trump when it comes to the economy, saying he’s “just not very serious about how he thinks about some of these issues.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/news/8760cee3-7340-4dcc-9fc5-3457aa5953bd" target="_blank">Trump campaign</a>&nbsp;clapped back at her MSNBC appearance on Wednesday, saying “it was (another) reminder why she never does interviews,” and that she’s “not competent enough — and she has no plans to offer Americans.”

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/09/24/trump-pitches-economic-plan-in-savannah-while-insulting-democrats-praising-kemp/" target="_blank">pitched his economic plan</a>&nbsp;earlier this week in Georgia, part of which includes levying tariffs on exported goods, and he vowed to place a 100% tariff on cars imported from Mexico.

Harris also touched on immigration, telling Ruhle “we do have a broken immigration system, and it needs to be fixed.”

She also said she would bring back and sign into law a major&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/bleak-future-immigration-action-after-us-senate-gop-abandons-border-security-deal" target="_blank">bipartisan border security bill</a>&nbsp;from earlier this year while pinning its legislative failure on Trump.

“He killed a bill that would have actually been a solution because he wants to run on a problem instead of fixing the problem, and that’s part of what needs to be addressed,” Harris said.

The veep is set to visit the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday for the first time since becoming the Democratic nominee. Her Douglas, Arizona, visit comes as she’s faced repeated criticism and backlash from both sides of the aisle for her efforts surrounding immigration.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113193502568945796" target="_blank">Truth Social post</a>&nbsp;earlier this week regarding her upcoming visit, Trump again dubbed Harris a “border czar,” saying “what a disgrace that she waited so long, allowing millions of people to enter our Country from prisons, mental institutions, and criminal cells all over the World, not just South America, many of those coming are terrorists, and at a level never seen before!”

President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/what-know-about-vice-president-kamala-harris-endorsed-biden-his-successor" target="_blank">tapped Harris back in 2021</a>&nbsp;to help address the “root causes” of migration in Central America, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.factcheck.org/2024/08/trump-tv-ad-repeats-false-border-czar-illegal-immigration-claims/" target="_blank">did not give her</a>&nbsp;the title of “border czar.” The Department of Homeland Security is in charge of border security.

What’s next for Harris, Trump campaigns

Harris was set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday afternoon.

The meeting between the two leaders “serves as a reminder that the Vice President has been a champion for the United States, advancing our security and prosperity on the world stage and standing up to dictators and autocrats,” her campaign said in a Thursday press release.

This will be her seventh meeting with Zelenskyy, according to her campaign, which noted that as vice president, “she helped rally a global coalition of 50 allies and partners to help Ukraine defend itself.”

Trump is set to deliver remarks in Walker, Michigan, on Friday. Later in the day, he will also host a town hall in Warren, Michigan.

And in the thick of the college football season, Trump is set to attend the Alabama-Georgia football game on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-jewish-voters-would-be-partly-blame-election-loss" target="_blank">confirmed to States Newsroom last week</a>.

Harris’ running mate, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is set to attend the Michigan-Minnesota football game Saturday in Ann Arbor, the Harris-Walz campaign announced.

He’s also slated to campaign there and will “speak with students about the power of their vote and the importance of registering to vote ahead of the November election,” per the announcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727438181004.png" alt="Vice President Harris during a White House press conference on Thursday image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Harris during a White House press conference on Thursday image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, laid out more of her economic vision Wednesday during her first one-on-one cable TV interview.Harris and former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, are laying out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/taxes-where-do-trump-and-harris-stand" target="_blank">dueling economic agendas</a>&nbsp;this week as the two vie for the Oval Office in an extremely close race.“I really love and am so energized by what I know to be the spirit and character of the American people — we have ambition, we have aspirations, we have dreams, we can see what’s possible, we have an incredible work ethic, but not everyone has the access to the opportunities that allow them to achieve those things, but we don’t lack for those things, but not everyone gets handed stuff on a silver platter,” Harris told MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle.“My vision for the economy — I call it an opportunity economy — is about making sure that all Americans — wherever they start, wherever they are — have the ability to actually achieve those dreams and those ambitions, which include, for middle-class families, just being able to know that their hard work allows them to get ahead,” she said.Earlier on Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/harris-touts-economic-plans-in-pittsburgh-the-best-way-to-predict-the-future-is-to-invent-it/" target="_blank">Harris touted her economic plans</a>&nbsp;in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Carnegie Mellon University. During her MSNBC interview later in the day, she reiterated her plan to cut 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 that first year, Harris said these parents are going to “need help buying a crib, buying a car seat, and we all benefit when they’re actually able to do what they naturally want to do to take care of their child.”Part of her economic agenda also includes as much as $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and an up to $50,000 tax break for first-time small businesses.She also took jabs at Trump when it comes to the economy, saying he’s “just not very serious about how he thinks about some of these issues.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/news/8760cee3-7340-4dcc-9fc5-3457aa5953bd" target="_blank">Trump campaign</a>&nbsp;clapped back at her MSNBC appearance on Wednesday, saying “it was (another) reminder why she never does interviews,” and that she’s “not competent enough — and she has no plans to offer Americans.”Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/09/24/trump-pitches-economic-plan-in-savannah-while-insulting-democrats-praising-kemp/" target="_blank">pitched his economic plan</a>&nbsp;earlier this week in Georgia, part of which includes levying tariffs on exported goods, and he vowed to place a 100% tariff on cars imported from Mexico.<h2>Harris to visit southern border&nbsp;</h2>Harris also touched on immigration, telling Ruhle “we do have a broken immigration system, and it needs to be fixed.”She also said she would bring back and sign into law a major&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/bleak-future-immigration-action-after-us-senate-gop-abandons-border-security-deal" target="_blank">bipartisan border security bill</a>&nbsp;from earlier this year while pinning its legislative failure on Trump.“He killed a bill that would have actually been a solution because he wants to run on a problem instead of fixing the problem, and that’s part of what needs to be addressed,” Harris said.The veep is set to visit the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday for the first time since becoming the Democratic nominee. Her Douglas, Arizona, visit comes as she’s faced repeated criticism and backlash from both sides of the aisle for her efforts surrounding immigration.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113193502568945796" target="_blank">Truth Social post</a>&nbsp;earlier this week regarding her upcoming visit, Trump again dubbed Harris a “border czar,” saying “what a disgrace that she waited so long, allowing millions of people to enter our Country from prisons, mental institutions, and criminal cells all over the World, not just South America, many of those coming are terrorists, and at a level never seen before!”President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/what-know-about-vice-president-kamala-harris-endorsed-biden-his-successor" target="_blank">tapped Harris back in 2021</a>&nbsp;to help address the “root causes” of migration in Central America, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.factcheck.org/2024/08/trump-tv-ad-repeats-false-border-czar-illegal-immigration-claims/" target="_blank">did not give her</a>&nbsp;the title of “border czar.” The Department of Homeland Security is in charge of border security.<h2>What’s next for Harris, Trump campaigns</h2>Harris was set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday afternoon.The meeting between the two leaders “serves as a reminder that the Vice President has been a champion for the United States, advancing our security and prosperity on the world stage and standing up to dictators and autocrats,” her campaign said in a Thursday press release.This will be her seventh meeting with Zelenskyy, according to her campaign, which noted that as vice president, “she helped rally a global coalition of 50 allies and partners to help Ukraine defend itself.”Trump is set to deliver remarks in Walker, Michigan, on Friday. Later in the day, he will also host a town hall in Warren, Michigan.And in the thick of the college football season, Trump is set to attend the Alabama-Georgia football game on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-jewish-voters-would-be-partly-blame-election-loss" target="_blank">confirmed to States Newsroom last week</a>.Harris’ running mate, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is set to attend the Michigan-Minnesota football game Saturday in Ann Arbor, the Harris-Walz campaign announced.He’s also slated to campaign there and will “speak with students about the power of their vote and the importance of registering to vote ahead of the November election,” per the announcement.

Harris pitches an ‘opportunity economy’ in debut one-on-one TV interview 

WASHINGTON —On Thursday, as part of the surge of assistance that President Biden directed ahead of his meeting with President Zelenskyy, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense.

This security assistance package commits an additional $2.4 billion in support through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) that will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment requirements.&nbsp;

The capabilities in this announcement include:

This is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first USAI package. The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to win the war.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727380260471.png" alt="Ukrainian President Zelenskyy watches as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signs bombs that will used in the war against Russia-photo Office of Gov. Shapiro" />
 <figcaption>Ukrainian President Zelenskyy watches as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signs bombs that will used in the war against Russia-photo Office of Gov. Shapiro</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Thursday, as part of the surge of assistance that President Biden directed ahead of his meeting with President Zelenskyy, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense.This security assistance package commits an additional $2.4 billion in support through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) that will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment requirements.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727392281821.png" alt="-President Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris at the White House on Thursday-White House image" />
 <figcaption>-President Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris at the White House on Thursday-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>The capabilities in this announcement include:<ul>
 <li>Munitions and support for Ukrainian air defense systems;</li><li>Air-to-ground munitions;</li><li>Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and components to support Ukrainian production of UAS;</li><li>Counter-UAS equipment;&nbsp; Unmanned surface vessels;</li><li>Secure communications equipment;</li><li>Equipment and materiel to support Ukrainian munitions production; and&nbsp;</li><li>Spare parts, maintenance and sustainment support, and other ancillary equipment.</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727380341399.png" alt="Ukraine President Zelenskyy and President Biden at the White House on Thursday-White House image" />
 <figcaption>Ukraine President Zelenskyy and President Biden at the White House on Thursday-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>This is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first USAI package. The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to win the war.

U.S. to spend another $2.4 billion on security assistance for Ukraine

(Radio Iowa) - Two disability rights groups are hosting candidate forums focused on issues faced by Iowans with disabilities. 

The seven forums next month will feature candidates for the Iowa legislature. Catherine Johnson, executive director of Disability Rights Iowa, says the first-ever forums are so Iowans with disabilities have a chance to understand how candidates running for state office think through disability issues. Piper Haugan, a voting rights advocate at Disability Rights Iowa, says candidates will be asked questions about their experience with disabilities and their related policy priorities. 

The first forum is scheduled for October 1st in Council Bluffs. Others will follow: October 8th in Waverly, October 10th in Sioux City, October 16th in Ankeny, October 17th in Waukee, October 22nd in Des Moines, and October 24 in Ottumwa.

(Radio Iowa) - Two disability rights groups are hosting candidate forums focused on issues faced by Iowans with disabilities. The seven forums next month will feature candidates for the Iowa legislature. Catherine Johnson, executive director of Disability Rights Iowa, says the first-ever forums are so Iowans with disabilities have a chance to understand how candidates running for state office think through disability issues. Piper Haugan, a voting rights advocate at Disability Rights Iowa, says candidates will be asked questions about their experience with disabilities and their related policy priorities. The first forum is scheduled for October 1st in Council Bluffs. Others will follow: October 8th in Waverly, October 10th in Sioux City, October 16th in Ankeny, October 17th in Waukee, October 22nd in Des Moines, and October 24 in Ottumwa.

Seven forums featuring Iowa legislative candidates to focus on disability issues

Colombia lifted a ban on American beef imports from the states where bird flu was detected in dairy cows. According to USDA’s export library, beef exporters in 14 states will get restored access to Colombian markets. Colombia was the only country to ban U.S. beef imports over the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle. Agriculture Dive says Colombia’s ban hurt U.S. beef export purchases and reduced Colombia’s spending by as much as 70 percent during the summer. 

Colombia lifted a ban on American beef imports from the states where bird flu was detected in dairy cows. According to USDA’s export library, beef exporters in 14 states will get restored access to Colombian markets. Colombia was the only country to ban U.S. beef imports over the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle. Agriculture Dive says Colombia’s ban hurt U.S. beef export purchases and reduced Colombia’s spending by as much as 70 percent during the summer.

Columbia lifts ban on U.S. beef imports

Legislation introduced in the House and Senate would extend a new sustainable aviation fuel tax credit for biofuels for ten years and prevent foreign producers from accessing the credits. Groups like the National Corn Growers Association applauded the legislation that supports domestic producers. “Corn growers are making every effort to help the airline industry lower its greenhouse gas emissions through the use of corn ethanol,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle. 

The 45Z tax credit provides incentives to refineries that produce biofuels that can be used in commercial aircraft. The National Oilseed Processors Association and the American Soybean Association also hailed the legislation. “NOPA commends this bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort that puts U.S. fuel producers, crushers, and farmers first,” says NOPA President Kailee Buller. “While we support free trade and open markets, we don’t believe foreign feedstocks should benefit on the backs of U.S. taxpayers and to the detriment of U.S. farmers.”

Legislation introduced in the House and Senate would extend a new sustainable aviation fuel tax credit for biofuels for ten years and prevent foreign producers from accessing the credits. Groups like the National Corn Growers Association applauded the legislation that supports domestic producers. “Corn growers are making every effort to help the airline industry lower its greenhouse gas emissions through the use of corn ethanol,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle. The 45Z tax credit provides incentives to refineries that produce biofuels that can be used in commercial aircraft. The National Oilseed Processors Association and the American Soybean Association also hailed the legislation. “NOPA commends this bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort that puts U.S. fuel producers, crushers, and farmers first,” says NOPA President Kailee Buller. “While we support free trade and open markets, we don’t believe foreign feedstocks should benefit on the backs of U.S. taxpayers and to the detriment of U.S. farmers.”- NAFB

Groups respond to SAF tax credit guidelines

The American Red Cross is again experiencing a blood shortage, and while the need isn't critical, it is close to an emergency situation.  

Executive Director of the northwest Missouri chapter JoAnn Woody says it's currently a tenuous situation.  

"We're still not seeing quite the levels of blood donors walking in the doors as we would like, we're not quite in as bad a spot as we were a couple months ago," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "But we're still in that very tenuous position where if we don't beef up our numbers of blood donors walking in the doors to donate blood, then we could find ourselves back in that very critical space of a blood emergency again."  

Woody says since July the Red Cross has seen a 25% decrease in the number of donors coming to donate blood. 

Woody says there's a number of reasons why people may not donate, whether it's time or not being able too.  

But Woody says for those that are able to donate, the Red Cross asks them to step back and think about how it could affect people in their own lives.  

"It's kind of like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon, you can find someone who is needing blood in our personal circles if you step back and look at it," Woody explains. 

Woody says even in her role when she really sat back to think about friends and family members in her own life 

"And then when I really got to looking at it, it was like wow there are so many people that I know that have had to rely on the generosity of a blood donor," Woody says. 

Woody says it can be really kind of scary when you sit back and dig into the people in your lives that have relied on a blood transfusion for a medical emergency.  

Woody says a way people can help in getting donations, if there are no events near you, is to call the Red Cross and help set one up 

"In a school, in a church, in a community center, you know it's easy to do, it doesn't take much, it's not a heavy lift on the person who has the idea and the facility, Red Cross brings the staff, we bring the equipment and the supplies," Woody points out. "What we ask the blood sponsor, if you will, to help with is the recruitment and just kind of helping to make sure they help get the word out." 

Woody emphasizes while it's not a critical situation yet, it is a time where with people back in school and doing sporting events, there's a increased risk of blood being needed. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727368952449.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The American Red Cross is again experiencing a blood shortage, and while the need isn't critical, it is close to an emergency situation. Executive Director of the northwest Missouri chapter JoAnn Woody says it's currently a tenuous situation. "We're still not seeing quite the levels of blood donors walking in the doors as we would like, we're not quite in as bad a spot as we were a couple months ago," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "But we're still in that very tenuous position where if we don't beef up our numbers of blood donors walking in the doors to donate blood, then we could find ourselves back in that very critical space of a blood emergency again." Woody says since July the Red Cross has seen a 25% decrease in the number of donors coming to donate blood. Woody says there's a number of reasons why people may not donate, whether it's time or not being able too. But Woody says for those that are able to donate, the Red Cross asks them to step back and think about how it could affect people in their own lives. "It's kind of like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon, you can find someone who is needing blood in our personal circles if you step back and look at it," Woody explains. Woody says even in her role when she really sat back to think about friends and family members in her own life "And then when I really got to looking at it, it was like wow there are so many people that I know that have had to rely on the generosity of a blood donor," Woody says. Woody says it can be really kind of scary when you sit back and dig into the people in your lives that have relied on a blood transfusion for a medical emergency. Woody says a way people can help in getting donations, if there are no events near you, is to call the Red Cross and help set one up "In a school, in a church, in a community center, you know it's easy to do, it doesn't take much, it's not a heavy lift on the person who has the idea and the facility, Red Cross brings the staff, we bring the equipment and the supplies," Woody points out. "What we ask the blood sponsor, if you will, to help with is the recruitment and just kind of helping to make sure they help get the word out." Woody emphasizes while it's not a critical situation yet, it is a time where with people back in school and doing sporting events, there's a increased risk of blood being needed. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Red Cross worried blood shortage could become critical

JOHNSON COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a rural Missouri couple in connection with years of alleged child sex abuse.

According to the Johnson County Sheriff 56-year-old Gregory D. Arnold and his wife 55-year-old Yvonne P. Arnold both of Chilhowee, Missouri, have been charged with Statutory Sodomy 1st Degree

The charges mark the beginning of what is anticipated to be a comprehensive and detailed investigation.&nbsp; The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is actively looking into additional potential crimes that may have been committed as early as 2005.

Investigators are working to uncover all facts and ensure justice is served&nbsp; the sheriff's office is committed to support for the victims in this case.&nbsp;Chilhowee is located approximately 65 miles southeast of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727345833618.png" alt="Arnold photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Arnold photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a rural Missouri couple in connection with years of alleged child sex abuse.According to the Johnson County Sheriff 56-year-old Gregory D. Arnold and his wife 55-year-old Yvonne P. Arnold both of Chilhowee, Missouri, have been charged with Statutory Sodomy 1st Degree<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727345792127.png" alt="Arnold-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Arnold-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The charges mark the beginning of what is anticipated to be a comprehensive and detailed investigation.&nbsp; The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is actively looking into additional potential crimes that may have been committed as early as 2005.Investigators are working to uncover all facts and ensure justice is served&nbsp; the sheriff's office is committed to support for the victims in this case.&nbsp;Chilhowee is located approximately 65 miles southeast of Kansas City.

Rural Missouri couple face years of child sex crime allegations

(Radio Iowa) - Tens of thousands of people enjoy Iowa's state parks every year, and this weekend, Iowa's park system is asking for a little help in return. 

Saturday is the annual Volunteer Day for Iowa's parks. Mary Runkel, the D-N-R's statewide volunteer and outreach coordinator, says 14 state parks and a state forest are hosting events -- and they could use a hand with a variety of chores. That could include things like picking up litter, planting trees, removing invasive plants or painting picnic tables. The 15 locations are spread across the state and it's likely a park near you could use a few more helpers who could spare two or three hours. 

Runkel says to bring a water bottle, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and wear clothes that can get dirty or stained. Learn more at Iowa DNR.gov/volunteer.

(Radio Iowa) - Tens of thousands of people enjoy Iowa's state parks every year, and this weekend, Iowa's park system is asking for a little help in return. Saturday is the annual Volunteer Day for Iowa's parks. Mary Runkel, the D-N-R's statewide volunteer and outreach coordinator, says 14 state parks and a state forest are hosting events -- and they could use a hand with a variety of chores. That could include things like picking up litter, planting trees, removing invasive plants or painting picnic tables. The 15 locations are spread across the state and it's likely a park near you could use a few more helpers who could spare two or three hours. Runkel says to bring a water bottle, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and wear clothes that can get dirty or stained. Learn more at Iowa DNR.gov/volunteer.

Volunteers are needed to help spruce up Iowa's state parks this Saturday

Washington D.C.&nbsp; -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Wednesday called for the immediate passage of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-and-roy-partner-on-legislation-to-secure-federal-elections">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.&nbsp; The SAVE Act is crucial for protecting the integrity of our elections by requiring proof of American citizenship when registering to vote. Our elections must be decided by American citizens.&nbsp;

Recently, states like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/virginia-governor-youngkin-voter-purge-noncitizens-errors-election-rcna167925">Virginia</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-announces-over-1m-ineligible-voters-removed-voting-rolls-since-last-presidential-election">Texas</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-2024-election-citizen-voter-registration-18d3c0bda65a5030cd07f1d536e39ab7">Oregon</a>&nbsp;found noncitizens had registered to vote in our elections. Requiring proof of citizenship to vote is not controversial, it’s common sense.

“Free, safe, secure and fair elections are integral to the survival of our republic. Without election integrity, the voice of American citizens, the foundation of a republic, is at risk of being silenced.”

“Unfortunately, millions of Americans have lost confidence in the security of our elections. They question whether their vote truly matters or if their vote is being diluted by noncitizens. We must ensure that the outcome of our elections is determined by our own citizens, uninfluenced by illegal ballots.”

“This shouldn't be a divisive issue. Nearly 80% of Americans - Democrats, Republicans, independents - all agree on this simple requirement, 80%. Now, again, this is common sense. You need an ID to drive, you need an ID to board a plane, you need an ID to get a fishing license. But voting is a sacred right with even a higher value than those other examples, that voting should demand the same standard.”

“Protecting this right isn't controversial, it’s common sense. Right now, due to the crisis of our open southern border, at least 11 million illegal immigrants are in the United States today. That number alone could replace the population of 36 states, almost four times the population of Kansas. Imagine what that could do to our electoral process if left unchecked.”

“Noncitizen voting is real. This isn't hypothetical. In Texas, Virginia, and Oregon, noncitizens have been found on the voting rosters. Additionally, California, Maryland, Vermont and Washington, D.C. already allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. This is an immediate threat to the future of our democracy, and it demands action.”&nbsp;

“This is a nonpartisan American issue. It's about protecting our country. Just as we reject foreign interference in our elections, we must reject noncitizen voting with equal seriousness, and this is why Congress must act, and it can act today.”

Washington D.C.&nbsp; -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Wednesday called for the immediate passage of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-and-roy-partner-on-legislation-to-secure-federal-elections">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.&nbsp; The SAVE Act is crucial for protecting the integrity of our elections by requiring proof of American citizenship when registering to vote. Our elections must be decided by American citizens.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Why won’t Democrats work to secure our elections and pass a policy that 80% of Americans support and does just that? Protecting election integrity is not a partisan issue—it’s an American issue. Let’s pass the SAVE Act to ensure our elections remain free, fair, &amp; secure. <a href="https://t.co/IeoTDskdZl">pic.twitter.com/IeoTDskdZl</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1839024251002622306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Recently, states like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/virginia-governor-youngkin-voter-purge-noncitizens-errors-election-rcna167925">Virginia</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-announces-over-1m-ineligible-voters-removed-voting-rolls-since-last-presidential-election">Texas</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-2024-election-citizen-voter-registration-18d3c0bda65a5030cd07f1d536e39ab7">Oregon</a>&nbsp;found noncitizens had registered to vote in our elections. Requiring proof of citizenship to vote is not controversial, it’s common sense.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In America, you need an ID to do all of the following things, yet the Democrat party finds it controversial to need an ID to participate in our electoral process. <a href="https://t.co/pJ4UBAQuwC">pic.twitter.com/pJ4UBAQuwC</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1839008515194507515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Free, safe, secure and fair elections are integral to the survival of our republic. Without election integrity, the voice of American citizens, the foundation of a republic, is at risk of being silenced.”“Unfortunately, millions of Americans have lost confidence in the security of our elections. They question whether their vote truly matters or if their vote is being diluted by noncitizens. We must ensure that the outcome of our elections is determined by our own citizens, uninfluenced by illegal ballots.”“This shouldn't be a divisive issue. Nearly 80% of Americans - Democrats, Republicans, independents - all agree on this simple requirement, 80%. Now, again, this is common sense. You need an ID to drive, you need an ID to board a plane, you need an ID to get a fishing license. But voting is a sacred right with even a higher value than those other examples, that voting should demand the same standard.”“Protecting this right isn't controversial, it’s common sense. Right now, due to the crisis of our open southern border, at least 11 million illegal immigrants are in the United States today. That number alone could replace the population of 36 states, almost four times the population of Kansas. Imagine what that could do to our electoral process if left unchecked.”“Noncitizen voting is real. This isn't hypothetical. In Texas, Virginia, and Oregon, noncitizens have been found on the voting rosters. Additionally, California, Maryland, Vermont and Washington, D.C. already allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. This is an immediate threat to the future of our democracy, and it demands action.”&nbsp;“This is a nonpartisan American issue. It's about protecting our country. Just as we reject foreign interference in our elections, we must reject noncitizen voting with equal seriousness, and this is why Congress must act, and it can act today.”

🎥Marshall: Why won't Democrats work to secure our elections?

BeLeaf Medical is arguing the post-harvest employees at its Sinse facility in St. Louis don’t have the right to unionize because they’re considered agricultural workers

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

It’s been more than seven months since employees of St. Louis-based Beleaf Medical cannabis company&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/13/company-continues-to-argue-missouri-cannabis-workers-cant-unionize/">held an election</a>&nbsp;to unionize.

The majority of the ballots — 11 of the 16 — have remained closed.

“It’s been quite a while,” said&nbsp;Will Braddum, a post-harvest technician at the&nbsp;company’s Sinse facility in St. Louis. “We’re just like, what is happening? Why is this happening? We’re just kind of in the dark waiting.”

The reason behind the delay is likely that Braddum and his fellow “post-harvest” team members exist in a gray area in national labor law — which could change if their union drive is successful.&nbsp;

Not long after Braddum and other employees&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/04/cannabis-workers-across-missouri-begin-push-to-unionize-dispensaries/">filed their union petition last September</a>, the company argued before the National Labor Relations Board that the employees aren’t manufacturer workers — they’re agricultural workers.&nbsp;

And agricultural workers don’t have the right to unionize under the country’s labor laws.

But Braddum and his fellow employees — along with&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24494135/ptl-dec-chal.pdf" target="_blank">the regional director of the NLRB</a>&nbsp;— believe they’re more like workers at tobacco processing plants, who courts repeatedly have found aren’t agricultural workers.&nbsp;

“I’ve never touched a living plant at work,”&nbsp;Braddum said, who is organizing with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 655.&nbsp;

The company has taken this fight all the way up to the national five-member board, asking them to set a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/04/union-drive-at-st-louis-cannabis-company-could-have-major-impact-on-national-labor-law/">national precedent</a>&nbsp;on whether employees who process the dried marijuana plants have the right to unionize.&nbsp;

And that’s likely why it’s taken so long for the regional director of the NLRB – who twice sided with the employees — to open the ballots, said St. Louis labor attorney George Suggs.

“If this is a unique situation, there’s no reason for [the regional director] to get out front by opening those ballots,” Suggs said. “Ultimately, the board will resolve it.”

But that doesn’t mean the fight would be over, Suggs said.&nbsp;

If the national board sides with the employees, then the company will likely refuse to bargain in order to land the decision in a federal court.&nbsp;

“Employers have this ability to string out the results of a campaign,” especially among businesses where there’s lots of employee turnover, Suggs said.

By the time there’s a resolution a couple years down the road, he said, union support has eroded.&nbsp;

“That’s the tactic,” Suggs said. “That’s what employers have been doing over the 40-plus years that I’ve been practicing labor law.”

Over the seven months of waiting, employees have noticed changes in their job descriptions that likely improve the company’s position in the case.

“It just seems like they’re trying to push our jobs more and more in the direction of quote unquote farmers,” said Ahmad “Jxggy” Haynes, a post-harvest technician at BeLeaf Medical’s Sinse facility.&nbsp;

He said the company has hired temp workers to do the manufacturing work, including packaging, that he and other the union members were doing before.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The company began hiring temps right after the employees filed a petition to form a union in September 2023, according to a recording of a recent staff meeting led by a company human resources representative and obtained by The Independent .

At the meeting, the HR representative said Beleaf has “burned through” 150 temporary employees since October. He told the temps they shouldn’t expect to be hired on full time anytime soon, but they should still feel part of the team.&nbsp;

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/st-louis-area-cannabis-workers-win-the-right-to-review-ballots-in-union-election/">Twice so far this year</a>, NLRB Regional Director Andrea Wilkes – who oversees a swath of six states in the Midwest —&nbsp; has ruled that post-harvest employees’ work is similar to that of employees in a tobacco processing plant.&nbsp;

“Removing the veins from tobacco leaves and fermenting the leaves has been held to be outside the definition of agriculture,” under federal labor law, Wilkes wrote in her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24413165-decision-and-direction-of-election-beleaf-medical-llc" target="_blank">Jan. 25 ruling</a>.

The company’s response to her decision indicates that union employees likely have a long fight ahead of them.

According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25174384-20240213-beleaf-medical-14-rc-325871-position-statement" target="_blank">Feb. 13 letter</a>&nbsp;from Beleaf’s attorney to Wilkes, the company plans on fighting their employees’ unionization efforts all the way to federal court.&nbsp;

“Although we understand and respect the Board’s recent decision on this issue, we are preserving this issue for presentation to the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit,” the letter states.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The company can get into court by refusing to bargain with the union, creating “a technical violation,” Suggs said.&nbsp;

That will lead to filing a petition for review in a federal court, Suggs said, so they can challenge the underlying issue in this case — whether these are agricultural workers — “in front of a bunch of federal judges.”

“That’s become a bigger problem, particularly in the Eighth Circuit,” Suggs said, “because you’ve got a number of very conservative judges who are kind of hostile to the labor movement generally.”

Sean&nbsp;Shannon, lead organizer with UFCW Local 655, said it’s obvious this has been the company’s plan all along.

“They clearly stated their intention to bring this as far as the 8th Circuit Court – which is several steps into the fight – in their original statement,” Shannon said of the company’s February letter. “I feel nothing but clear intent to obstruct this union at all costs, which ironically proves just how much these folks need a union.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727349987721.png" alt="Post-harvest employees at BeLeaf Medical’s Sinse facility await union election results on Feb. 6 at the St. Louis Public Library Barr branch (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Post-harvest employees at BeLeaf Medical’s Sinse facility await union election results on Feb. 6 at the St. Louis Public Library Barr branch (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>BeLeaf Medical is arguing the post-harvest employees at its Sinse facility in St. Louis don’t have the right to unionize because they’re considered agricultural workers</h2>By REBECCA RIVAS &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>It’s been more than seven months since employees of St. Louis-based Beleaf Medical cannabis company&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/13/company-continues-to-argue-missouri-cannabis-workers-cant-unionize/">held an election</a>&nbsp;to unionize.The majority of the ballots — 11 of the 16 — have remained closed.“It’s been quite a while,” said&nbsp;Will Braddum, a post-harvest technician at the&nbsp;company’s Sinse facility in St. Louis. “We’re just like, what is happening? Why is this happening? We’re just kind of in the dark waiting.”The reason behind the delay is likely that Braddum and his fellow “post-harvest” team members exist in a gray area in national labor law — which could change if their union drive is successful.&nbsp;Not long after Braddum and other employees&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/04/cannabis-workers-across-missouri-begin-push-to-unionize-dispensaries/">filed their union petition last September</a>, the company argued before the National Labor Relations Board that the employees aren’t manufacturer workers — they’re agricultural workers.&nbsp;And agricultural workers don’t have the right to unionize under the country’s labor laws.But Braddum and his fellow employees — along with&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24494135/ptl-dec-chal.pdf" target="_blank">the regional director of the NLRB</a>&nbsp;— believe they’re more like workers at tobacco processing plants, who courts repeatedly have found aren’t agricultural workers.&nbsp;“I’ve never touched a living plant at work,”&nbsp;Braddum said, who is organizing with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 655.&nbsp;The company has taken this fight all the way up to the national five-member board, asking them to set a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/04/union-drive-at-st-louis-cannabis-company-could-have-major-impact-on-national-labor-law/">national precedent</a>&nbsp;on whether employees who process the dried marijuana plants have the right to unionize.&nbsp;And that’s likely why it’s taken so long for the regional director of the NLRB – who twice sided with the employees — to open the ballots, said St. Louis labor attorney George Suggs.“If this is a unique situation, there’s no reason for [the regional director] to get out front by opening those ballots,” Suggs said. “Ultimately, the board will resolve it.”But that doesn’t mean the fight would be over, Suggs said.&nbsp;If the national board sides with the employees, then the company will likely refuse to bargain in order to land the decision in a federal court.&nbsp;“Employers have this ability to string out the results of a campaign,” especially among businesses where there’s lots of employee turnover, Suggs said.By the time there’s a resolution a couple years down the road, he said, union support has eroded.&nbsp;“That’s the tactic,” Suggs said. “That’s what employers have been doing over the 40-plus years that I’ve been practicing labor law.”A long fight aheadOver the seven months of waiting, employees have noticed changes in their job descriptions that likely improve the company’s position in the case.“It just seems like they’re trying to push our jobs more and more in the direction of quote unquote farmers,” said Ahmad “Jxggy” Haynes, a post-harvest technician at BeLeaf Medical’s Sinse facility.&nbsp;He said the company has hired temp workers to do the manufacturing work, including packaging, that he and other the union members were doing before.&nbsp;&nbsp;The company began hiring temps right after the employees filed a petition to form a union in September 2023, according to a recording of a recent staff meeting led by a company human resources representative and obtained by The Independent .At the meeting, the HR representative said Beleaf has “burned through” 150 temporary employees since October. He told the temps they shouldn’t expect to be hired on full time anytime soon, but they should still feel part of the team.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/st-louis-area-cannabis-workers-win-the-right-to-review-ballots-in-union-election/">Twice so far this year</a>, NLRB Regional Director Andrea Wilkes – who oversees a swath of six states in the Midwest —&nbsp; has ruled that post-harvest employees’ work is similar to that of employees in a tobacco processing plant.&nbsp;“Removing the veins from tobacco leaves and fermenting the leaves has been held to be outside the definition of agriculture,” under federal labor law, Wilkes wrote in her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24413165-decision-and-direction-of-election-beleaf-medical-llc" target="_blank">Jan. 25 ruling</a>.The company’s response to her decision indicates that union employees likely have a long fight ahead of them.According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25174384-20240213-beleaf-medical-14-rc-325871-position-statement" target="_blank">Feb. 13 letter</a>&nbsp;from Beleaf’s attorney to Wilkes, the company plans on fighting their employees’ unionization efforts all the way to federal court.&nbsp;“Although we understand and respect the Board’s recent decision on this issue, we are preserving this issue for presentation to the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit,” the letter states.&nbsp;&nbsp;The company can get into court by refusing to bargain with the union, creating “a technical violation,” Suggs said.&nbsp;That will lead to filing a petition for review in a federal court, Suggs said, so they can challenge the underlying issue in this case — whether these are agricultural workers — “in front of a bunch of federal judges.”“That’s become a bigger problem, particularly in the Eighth Circuit,” Suggs said, “because you’ve got a number of very conservative judges who are kind of hostile to the labor movement generally.”Sean&nbsp;Shannon, lead organizer with UFCW Local 655, said it’s obvious this has been the company’s plan all along.“They clearly stated their intention to bring this as far as the 8th Circuit Court – which is several steps into the fight – in their original statement,” Shannon said of the company’s February letter. “I feel nothing but clear intent to obstruct this union at all costs, which ironically proves just how much these folks need a union.”

Cannabis union drive stalls as company attempts to set national legal precedent

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved the first guidelines for the trading of voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts in the country. Carbon credit derivative contracts are financial instruments that derive their value from carbon credits, which represent the right to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide or an equivalent amount of greenhouse gasses. Reports  say the contracts allow traders and market participants to hedge against or speculate on the future price of carbon credits, similar to how traditional derivative contracts function in commodities or financial markets. 

Regulators pushed for heightened scrutiny of voluntary carbon markets, which have developed outside government oversight due to concerns over quality and double counting. “The CFTC’s mission focused on risk mitigation and price discovery puts us on the front lines of the global nexus between financial markets and decarbonization efforts,” says CFTC Chair Rostin Benham. “We’ve outlined guidance to crack down on manipulation.”

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved the first guidelines for the trading of voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts in the country. Carbon credit derivative contracts are financial instruments that derive their value from carbon credits, which represent the right to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide or an equivalent amount of greenhouse gasses. Reports say the contracts allow traders and market participants to hedge against or speculate on the future price of carbon credits, similar to how traditional derivative contracts function in commodities or financial markets. Regulators pushed for heightened scrutiny of voluntary carbon markets, which have developed outside government oversight due to concerns over quality and double counting. “The CFTC’s mission focused on risk mitigation and price discovery puts us on the front lines of the global nexus between financial markets and decarbonization efforts,” says CFTC Chair Rostin Benham. “We’ve outlined guidance to crack down on manipulation.”-NAFB

CFTC issues first carbon credit market guidelines

The 7th annual 'Over the Edge' fundraiser in coming up in St. Joseph on October 12th to benefit the Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center.

The event features dozens of participants who have signed up to rappel fourteen stories off the Corby Building in Downtown St. Joseph. 

Executive Director of Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center, Melissa Birdsell, says volunteers are still needed to help with setup, "If it's something that someone is interested in, we can always use more volunteer help. Maybe they're afraid to rappel, but they still want to volunteer."

Birdsell says in order to rappel, individuals who signup to participate need to raise at least $1,000. She notes people can also form teams in order to raise the money. 

Voices of Courage has a fundraising goal of $75,000, and participants can signup until the day of the event.

Given that the event involves such a tall structure, Birdsell stresses the event is completely safe, "There are professionals who come to town to rig the building to get it ready and make it nice and safe."

Birdsell says the event is just as much fun for the spectators as it is for the participants. "Its not something you see everyday. Its not like a regular event where you walk through and look at things." Birdsell adds that its a great opportunity for people to learn more about Voices of Courage, a nonprofit organization.

The theme this year is "Heroes for Kids." All participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero. Birdsell emphasizes for the third year in a row a special type of hero will be participating, "A lot of people's favorite superheroes right now are Kansas City Chiefs and K.C. Wolf will be rappelling for us. The kids love it. He is immediately out there talking with them, hugging them and taking pictures with them."

The Mission for Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center is, "Responding to child abuse through a team approach to prevent further trauma to children by providing a safe environment for them to disclose abuse and through public education to achieve a better community in which children can thrive."

The 'Over the Edge' event begins at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 12.

For more information about Voices of Courage and to register for the event, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://voicescac.org/">voicescac.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727297144561.jpeg" alt="Corby Building, St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Corby Building, St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostThe 7th annual 'Over the Edge' fundraiser in coming up in St. Joseph on October 12th to benefit the Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center.The event features dozens of participants who have signed up to rappel fourteen stories off the Corby Building in Downtown St. Joseph. Executive Director of Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center, Melissa Birdsell, says volunteers are still needed to help with setup, "If it's something that someone is interested in, we can always use more volunteer help. Maybe they're afraid to rappel, but they still want to volunteer."Birdsell says in order to rappel, individuals who signup to participate need to raise at least $1,000. She notes people can also form teams in order to raise the money. Voices of Courage has a fundraising goal of $75,000, and participants can signup until the day of the event.Given that the event involves such a tall structure, Birdsell stresses the event is completely safe, "There are professionals who come to town to rig the building to get it ready and make it nice and safe."Birdsell says the event is just as much fun for the spectators as it is for the participants. "Its not something you see everyday. Its not like a regular event where you walk through and look at things." Birdsell adds that its a great opportunity for people to learn more about Voices of Courage, a nonprofit organization.The theme this year is "Heroes for Kids." All participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero. Birdsell emphasizes for the third year in a row a special type of hero will be participating, "A lot of people's favorite superheroes right now are Kansas City Chiefs and K.C. Wolf will be rappelling for us. The kids love it. He is immediately out there talking with them, hugging them and taking pictures with them."The Mission for Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center is, "Responding to child abuse through a team approach to prevent further trauma to children by providing a safe environment for them to disclose abuse and through public education to achieve a better community in which children can thrive."The 'Over the Edge' event begins at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 12.For more information about Voices of Courage and to register for the event, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://voicescac.org/">voicescac.org</a>.

'Over the Edge' event to benefit Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center

(Radio Iowa) - University of Iowa Health Care is looking for volunteers to take part in a national study of a drug that shows promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. 

Dr. Del Miller, the U-I's principal investigator for the study, says they're looking for people between the ages of 50 and 89 who have either mild memory impairment or who've been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. U-I-H-C is among nearly 50 sites nationwide taking part in what's dubbed the BenfoTeam study, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging.

 The drug is called benfotiamine and Miller hopes it will slow the symptoms or even reverse them. For details, visit BenfoTeam.org.

(Radio Iowa) - University of Iowa Health Care is looking for volunteers to take part in a national study of a drug that shows promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Del Miller, the U-I's principal investigator for the study, says they're looking for people between the ages of 50 and 89 who have either mild memory impairment or who've been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. U-I-H-C is among nearly 50 sites nationwide taking part in what's dubbed the BenfoTeam study, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging. The drug is called benfotiamine and Miller hopes it will slow the symptoms or even reverse them. For details, visit BenfoTeam.org.

Volunteers needed for UI study of drug that may help slow Alzheimer's

(Radio Iowa) - A pilot program aims to increase the overall health of residents in the town of Manchester and in Van Buren County. 

Experts are collecting extensive data on the two eastern Iowa communities so they eventually know how to make the most strategic investments in public health. Jason Henderson, vice president of Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach, hopes the program has long-lasting effects. Edith Parker, dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa, says setting up the plan will take several years as it needs to be carefully plotted out for the best impact. 

The program is led by the Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition, which is made up of experts from Iowa’s three Regents universities, Wellmark and the Iowa Rural Development Council. It was launched in April.

(Radio Iowa) - A pilot program aims to increase the overall health of residents in the town of Manchester and in Van Buren County. Experts are collecting extensive data on the two eastern Iowa communities so they eventually know how to make the most strategic investments in public health. Jason Henderson, vice president of Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach, hopes the program has long-lasting effects. Edith Parker, dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa, says setting up the plan will take several years as it needs to be carefully plotted out for the best impact. The program is led by the Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition, which is made up of experts from Iowa’s three Regents universities, Wellmark and the Iowa Rural Development Council. It was launched in April.

Two rural eastern Iowa communities are focus of new health initiative

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Women candidates from Kansas and Missouri gathered September 19, at a Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event in support of female power and personality in politics.

Gov. Laura Kelly, the keynote speaker, highlighted how she kept her femininity while running for office. She spoke of the advice she got on her campaign — how men told her that women should appear tough and strong while running for office.

“I’m sure of this one piece of advice: Don’t try to be something you’re not,” Kelly said. “In order to convince others you can do a certain job, you’ve got to show them that who you really are is exactly how you will do the job.”

Kelly said women possess traits that make them valuable in office — traits like being good listeners, collaborative, creative problem solvers and able to juggle multiple tasks all at once.

“You see, I believe the traits we as women come by naturally are exactly the traits that make for effective executive leaders,” Kelly said.

Kelly is one of 12 women governors, eight of whom are Democrats. Kelly said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the women governors were in “constant touch.” She said the group of women Democratic governors are close — seeking advice from each other, celebrating each other’s wins and supporting each other in difficult times. This was showcased at the Democratic National Convention, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@demgovs/video/7405758961019850026?lang=en" target="_blank">a video of the eight women</a>&nbsp;went viral on TikTok.

“While we’re really proud that there are 12 female governors, the last time I checked, there are 50 states,” Kelly said. “So do the math. We’ve got some work to do. I believe we will prevail. I am so energized by the next generations of women coming after mine.”

Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, a Democrat from Leawood, said that women have to prove more to themselves before they run for office. When Poskin was asked to run — after she’d worked in higher education for 20 years, raised seven children, and held a membership in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mensa.org/" target="_blank">Mensa</a>&nbsp;— she responded that she should get her law degree before running. After a few more asks, she was convinced to run.

“People laughed at me, like, ‘You have everything you need! You are so ready,’ ” Poskin said. “And as it turns out, you don’t, of course, have to be a lawyer.”

A<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/09/27/views-of-obstacles-for-women-seeking-high-political-office/" target="_blank">&nbsp;2023 Pew Research study</a>&nbsp;found that the main reason women don’t run for office is because they have to do more to prove themselves than men. Rep. Melissa Oropeza, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, doesn’t believe a female candidate should have to prove herself on the basis of gender.

“Is it on us to educate people in 2024? I think they have to do some soul searching on their own, and evaluation of their own beliefs,” Oropeza said.

Every candidate at the event is an abortion rights advocate. Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, a two-term Democrat from Lenexa, said she originally ran to end gun violence.

“But a lot of women candidates get told not to talk about guns and abortion,” Hoye said. “We know that those are two priority issues on voters’ minds. So keep talking, and keep winning.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727286424687.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly speaks Sept. 19, 2024, at the at a Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly speaks Sept. 19, 2024, at the at a Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Women candidates from Kansas and Missouri gathered September 19, at a Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event in support of female power and personality in politics.Gov. Laura Kelly, the keynote speaker, highlighted how she kept her femininity while running for office. She spoke of the advice she got on her campaign — how men told her that women should appear tough and strong while running for office.“I’m sure of this one piece of advice: Don’t try to be something you’re not,” Kelly said. “In order to convince others you can do a certain job, you’ve got to show them that who you really are is exactly how you will do the job.”Kelly said women possess traits that make them valuable in office — traits like being good listeners, collaborative, creative problem solvers and able to juggle multiple tasks all at once.“You see, I believe the traits we as women come by naturally are exactly the traits that make for effective executive leaders,” Kelly said.Kelly is one of 12 women governors, eight of whom are Democrats. Kelly said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the women governors were in “constant touch.” She said the group of women Democratic governors are close — seeking advice from each other, celebrating each other’s wins and supporting each other in difficult times. This was showcased at the Democratic National Convention, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@demgovs/video/7405758961019850026?lang=en" target="_blank">a video of the eight women</a>&nbsp;went viral on TikTok.“While we’re really proud that there are 12 female governors, the last time I checked, there are 50 states,” Kelly said. “So do the math. We’ve got some work to do. I believe we will prevail. I am so energized by the next generations of women coming after mine.”Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, a Democrat from Leawood, said that women have to prove more to themselves before they run for office. When Poskin was asked to run — after she’d worked in higher education for 20 years, raised seven children, and held a membership in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mensa.org/" target="_blank">Mensa</a>&nbsp;— she responded that she should get her law degree before running. After a few more asks, she was convinced to run.“People laughed at me, like, ‘You have everything you need! You are so ready,’ ” Poskin said. “And as it turns out, you don’t, of course, have to be a lawyer.”A<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/09/27/views-of-obstacles-for-women-seeking-high-political-office/" target="_blank">&nbsp;2023 Pew Research study</a>&nbsp;found that the main reason women don’t run for office is because they have to do more to prove themselves than men. Rep. Melissa Oropeza, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, doesn’t believe a female candidate should have to prove herself on the basis of gender.“Is it on us to educate people in 2024? I think they have to do some soul searching on their own, and evaluation of their own beliefs,” Oropeza said.Every candidate at the event is an abortion rights advocate. Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, a two-term Democrat from Lenexa, said she originally ran to end gun violence.“But a lot of women candidates get told not to talk about guns and abortion,” Hoye said. “We know that those are two priority issues on voters’ minds. So keep talking, and keep winning.”

Women candidates champion authenticity at Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event

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

WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that the man who allegedly stalked former President Donald Trump for a month before aiming his rifle through a fence at Trump’s private golf course on Sept. 15 was indicted on the charge of an attempted assassination of a political candidate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726536262473.png" alt="Ryan Routh during his arrest -photo Martin Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Routh during his arrest -photo Martin Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that the man who allegedly stalked former President Donald Trump for a month before aiming his rifle through a fence at Trump’s private golf course on Sept. 15 was indicted on the charge of an attempted assassination of a political candidate.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ryan-wesley-routh-indicted-attempted-assassination-former-president-trump" target="_blank">The Justice Department&nbsp;</a>said a federal grand jury in Miami late Tuesday returned an indictment charging Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of attempting to kill the GOP presidential nominee while at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.“Violence targeting public officials endangers everything our country stands for, and the Department of Justice will use every available tool to hold Ryan Routh accountable for the attempted assassination of former President Trump charged in the indictment,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.“The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy, and we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop,” Garland said.The maximum sentence for the attempted assassination charge is a life sentence. Routh remains in pretrial detention.The case is being handled by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/07/15/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case/" target="_blank">previously dismissed criminal charges&nbsp;</a>against Trump related to illegally allegedly keeping classified documents after he left the presidency. Cannon was appointed by Trump to the federal bench.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gunman-who-allegedly-targeted-trump-offered-150k-anyone-who-could-finish-job" target="_blank">Prosecutors on Monday detailed&nbsp;</a>that Routh stalked Trump for a month, noting events Trump would be at, and wrote a note where he offered $150,000 to anyone who could “finish the job,” according to court filings.This is now officially the second assassination attempt against Trump, after the&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-campaigns-in-western-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-butler-county/" target="_blank">first&nbsp;</a>one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump sustained an injury to his ear. He was not injured at his Florida golf club.Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/09/16/man-arrested-after-poking-rifle-onto-trump-golf-course-charged-with-federal-gun-crimes/" target="_blank">confirmed that Routh did not fire his weapon</a>&nbsp;and that the gunshots heard were from a Secret Service agent who saw part of Routh’s gun poking out from the chain link fence and immediately fired.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/man-arrested-after-poking-rifle-trump-golf-course-charged-federal-gun-crimes" target="_blank">Routh has already been charged</a>&nbsp;with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and with obliterating the serial number on a firearm, according to court records. With those charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Kbct