(Radio Iowa) - It's been a big year for bad weather in Iowa and state climatologist Justin Glisan says there's a new record in an undesirable category -- most tornadoes in a single year. 

Glisan says we've had 127 tornadoes statewide, beating the record set in 2004 with 121 tornadoes. Tornadoes can strike during any month of the year, even during the wintertime. In 2021, Iowa had a record 63 tornadoes in a single day - in December. 

That was during the state’s second derecho in as many years, and that December outbreak set another record for most EF-2 tornadoes in one day - at 21. Glisan says it's been a very active severe weather season, with hail, high winds, a derecho, and more than ten-dozen tornadoes.

(Radio Iowa) - It's been a big year for bad weather in Iowa and state climatologist Justin Glisan says there's a new record in an undesirable category -- most tornadoes in a single year. Glisan says we've had 127 tornadoes statewide, beating the record set in 2004 with 121 tornadoes. Tornadoes can strike during any month of the year, even during the wintertime. In 2021, Iowa had a record 63 tornadoes in a single day - in December. That was during the state’s second derecho in as many years, and that December outbreak set another record for most EF-2 tornadoes in one day - at 21. Glisan says it's been a very active severe weather season, with hail, high winds, a derecho, and more than ten-dozen tornadoes.

Iowa's had a record 127 tornadoes so far this year, and the season isn't over yet

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">MAYA SMITH</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a>&nbsp;- <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Kansas voters on Tuesday ousted an incumbent Senate Republican and House Democrat who were seen as traitors by their parties, expanding an expected shakeup of the Legislature and setting the stage for a high-stakes general election.

In the 40-member Senate, there will be at least 12 newcomers by January. In the 125-member House, there will be at least 21 newcomers. Those numbers could increase, depending on November results, when Democrats hope to break GOP supermajorities in both chambers.

Democratic voters in Kansas City favored educator Wanda Brownlee Paige over incumbent Rep. Marvin Robinson, who voted almost exclusively with Republicans for most of his single term in office. He was backed by GOP-aligned special interest groups, which flooded the district with mailers favorable to Robinson. But Paige prevailed with 49% of the vote, compared with 22% for Robinson, 20% for Michelle Watley and 9% for Kimberly DeWitt.

“I am so excited, grateful, thankful and just want to continue to turn the page,” Paige said. “After I noticed this man wasn’t going for the people in the district, he voted with the Republicans and for the Republicans, I thought we needed to do something to help the people.”

Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha Republican who has represented his district for 20 years, finished in third place. Pyle rankled party members who accused him of helping Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly win reelection by running as an independent candidate for governor in 2022. He also routinely challenged Senate leadership, who redrew his district to make it more difficult for him to win reelection.

Craig Bowser, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran from Holton, was leading the race with 41% of the vote over Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison physician, with 37%. Pyle had 23%.

In a Democratic primary in Lawrence, five-term Sen. Marci Francisco held off a challenge from Rep. Christina Haswood, who was backed by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

In a victory speech Tuesday night at Black Stag Brewery and Pub, Francisco told supporters she “absolutely did not get here on my own.”

“I have had so many people come out, be willing to walk, be willing to talk to their friends, be willing to write postcards, give me advice, give me endorsements,” Francisco said.

Francisco emphasized her experience as a legislator, during which she has never missed a vote, in a race where there was little policy difference between the two candidates.

“I mean, it was two people who are essentially saying the same thing, right?” Francisco said. “We want to expand Medicaid. We want to be concerned about the environment. We want to fund public education.”

In a Democratic Senate primary in Topeka, Navy veteran Patrick Schmidt won 54% of the vote to defeat longtime legislator and House Minority Leader Vic Miller, who had 34%, and educator ShaMecha King Simms with 12%.

Republican Sens. Chase Blasi, of Wichita; Brenda Dietrich, of Topeka; Beverly Gossage, of Eudora; Caryn Tyson, of Parker; Tim Shallenburger, of Baxter Springs; and Elaine Bowers, of Concordia, defeated or held large leads over primary challengers. Democratic Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, also defeated a challenger.

Rep. Tory Marie Blew, of Great Bend, defeated John Sturn, of Ellinwood, in the GOP primary for a Senate seat.

Seven other House members who are seeking a Senate seat didn’t have a primary opponent.

Among contested House races, Leavenworth County Commissioner Mike Stieben led Rep. Lance Neelly, of Tonganoxie, by 41 votes after all ballots were counted Tuesday night in the GOP primary for Neelly’s House seat. But the outcome could depend on mail-in ballots, as long as they are postmarked by Tuesday and received by Friday, as well as provisional ballots.

Rep. Mark Schreiber, an Emporia Republican, won 64% of the vote to defeat businessman Will Spencer.

Micah Kubic, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, praised voters for favoring Schreiber, who is viewed as a moderate, and for disposing of Robinson, who cast anti-LGBTQ+ votes. The ACLU of Kansas PAC targeted both races with “educational materials.”

“Kansans have had enough of politicians’ misinformation or misrepresentation of their positions,” Kubic said. “When given truthful, reliable, and accurate sources focused on issues of civil liberties and civil rights, voters prioritize those issues even amidst the noise of the campaign season.”

Former Rep. Steve Huebert, a Valley Center Republican, won 64% of the vote in a four-way race for a seat he held until two years ago. Rep. Carl Maughan, of Colwich, was on the ballot but stopped campaigning after the Kansas Supreme Court in June suspended his law license for engaging in a conflict of interest. Maughan also was arrested in March after driving drunk.

Alexis Simmons, a Topeka Democrat who was the spokeswoman for House Democrats, won 85% of the vote in Miller’s House district.

Brooklynne Mosley, a Lawrence Democrat and Air Force veteran, won 67% of the vote in a three-way race for a House seat.

In the House, 33 Republicans and 19 Democrats will be unopposed in November. In the Senate, six Republicans and three Democrats will run unopposed in November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720316487639.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">MAYA SMITH</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a>&nbsp;- <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — Kansas voters on Tuesday ousted an incumbent Senate Republican and House Democrat who were seen as traitors by their parties, expanding an expected shakeup of the Legislature and setting the stage for a high-stakes general election.In the 40-member Senate, there will be at least 12 newcomers by January. In the 125-member House, there will be at least 21 newcomers. Those numbers could increase, depending on November results, when Democrats hope to break GOP supermajorities in both chambers.Democratic voters in Kansas City favored educator Wanda Brownlee Paige over incumbent Rep. Marvin Robinson, who voted almost exclusively with Republicans for most of his single term in office. He was backed by GOP-aligned special interest groups, which flooded the district with mailers favorable to Robinson. But Paige prevailed with 49% of the vote, compared with 22% for Robinson, 20% for Michelle Watley and 9% for Kimberly DeWitt.“I am so excited, grateful, thankful and just want to continue to turn the page,” Paige said. “After I noticed this man wasn’t going for the people in the district, he voted with the Republicans and for the Republicans, I thought we needed to do something to help the people.”Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha Republican who has represented his district for 20 years, finished in third place. Pyle rankled party members who accused him of helping Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly win reelection by running as an independent candidate for governor in 2022. He also routinely challenged Senate leadership, who redrew his district to make it more difficult for him to win reelection.Craig Bowser, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran from Holton, was leading the race with 41% of the vote over Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison physician, with 37%. Pyle had 23%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723043984598.png" alt="Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco waits for results at her watch party Aug. 6, 2024, at Black Stag Brewery and Pub in Lawrence. Francisco defeated Rep. Christina Haswood. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco waits for results at her watch party Aug. 6, 2024, at Black Stag Brewery and Pub in Lawrence. Francisco defeated Rep. Christina Haswood. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>In a Democratic primary in Lawrence, five-term Sen. Marci Francisco held off a challenge from Rep. Christina Haswood, who was backed by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.In a victory speech Tuesday night at Black Stag Brewery and Pub, Francisco told supporters she “absolutely did not get here on my own.”“I have had so many people come out, be willing to walk, be willing to talk to their friends, be willing to write postcards, give me advice, give me endorsements,” Francisco said.Francisco emphasized her experience as a legislator, during which she has never missed a vote, in a race where there was little policy difference between the two candidates.“I mean, it was two people who are essentially saying the same thing, right?” Francisco said. “We want to expand Medicaid. We want to be concerned about the environment. We want to fund public education.”In a Democratic Senate primary in Topeka, Navy veteran Patrick Schmidt won 54% of the vote to defeat longtime legislator and House Minority Leader Vic Miller, who had 34%, and educator ShaMecha King Simms with 12%.Republican Sens. Chase Blasi, of Wichita; Brenda Dietrich, of Topeka; Beverly Gossage, of Eudora; Caryn Tyson, of Parker; Tim Shallenburger, of Baxter Springs; and Elaine Bowers, of Concordia, defeated or held large leads over primary challengers. Democratic Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, also defeated a challenger.Rep. Tory Marie Blew, of Great Bend, defeated John Sturn, of Ellinwood, in the GOP primary for a Senate seat.Seven other House members who are seeking a Senate seat didn’t have a primary opponent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723044047344.png" alt="Rep. Mark Schreiber appears at an April 25, 2024, event in Emporia with Gov. Laura Kelly to promote Medicaid expansion. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Mark Schreiber appears at an April 25, 2024, event in Emporia with Gov. Laura Kelly to promote Medicaid expansion. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Among contested House races, Leavenworth County Commissioner Mike Stieben led Rep. Lance Neelly, of Tonganoxie, by 41 votes after all ballots were counted Tuesday night in the GOP primary for Neelly’s House seat. But the outcome could depend on mail-in ballots, as long as they are postmarked by Tuesday and received by Friday, as well as provisional ballots.Rep. Mark Schreiber, an Emporia Republican, won 64% of the vote to defeat businessman Will Spencer.Micah Kubic, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, praised voters for favoring Schreiber, who is viewed as a moderate, and for disposing of Robinson, who cast anti-LGBTQ+ votes. The ACLU of Kansas PAC targeted both races with “educational materials.”“Kansans have had enough of politicians’ misinformation or misrepresentation of their positions,” Kubic said. “When given truthful, reliable, and accurate sources focused on issues of civil liberties and civil rights, voters prioritize those issues even amidst the noise of the campaign season.”Former Rep. Steve Huebert, a Valley Center Republican, won 64% of the vote in a four-way race for a seat he held until two years ago. Rep. Carl Maughan, of Colwich, was on the ballot but stopped campaigning after the Kansas Supreme Court in June suspended his law license for engaging in a conflict of interest. Maughan also was arrested in March after driving drunk.Alexis Simmons, a Topeka Democrat who was the spokeswoman for House Democrats, won 85% of the vote in Miller’s House district.Brooklynne Mosley, a Lawrence Democrat and Air Force veteran, won 67% of the vote in a three-way race for a House seat.In the House, 33 Republicans and 19 Democrats will be unopposed in November. In the Senate, six Republicans and three Democrats will run unopposed in November.

Senate Republican and House Democrat ousted by primary challengers in Kansas legislative races

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

Dave Wasinger secured the Republican nomination for Missouri’s lieutenant governor on Tuesday, emerging out of a crowded primary where candidates spent millions seeking the office.&nbsp;

With all precincts reporting, Wasinger led state Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield by just under 7,500 votes.

Wasinger is an attorney from St. Louis who has not previously held elected office.&nbsp;

The lieutenant governor is next in line for governor, sits on various boards and breaks ties in the state Senate. In Missouri, unlike many other states, the lieutenant governor doesn’t run on a ticket with the governor.&nbsp;

Wasinger is an attorney at a St. Louis law firm he owns and manages, and a certified public accountant.

Wasinger grew up in Hannibal and attended the University of Missouri and then Vanderbilt Law School, before moving to St. Louis. He has worked at the law firm for over 20 years, specializing in business litigation.

After the 2008 financial crisis, Wasinger “took on Wall Street banks,” he said, representing whistleblowers in financial fraud cases against Countrywide Home Loans and JP Morgan Chase. The whistleblowers were key witnesses in the federal government’s case against the banks, helping federal prosecutors recover billions of dollars.&nbsp;

Wasinger said the position of lieutenant governor “serves as a great bully pulpit to expose this corruption and these insider deals taking place in Jefferson City.”

Wasinger and state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder received a last minute dual endorsement from former President Donald Trump, on Monday evening. Trump called Rehder and Wasinger “two highly respected America First patriots.”&nbsp;

Wasinger was the main funder of his own campaign, loaning himself $2.6 million, as of July 31 campaign finance filings.

Hough raised the most money in the race. Hough’s campaign had raised $642,000 since the start of 2023 and $2.5 million through his joint fundraising committee, as of the latest campaign fundraising reports due July 31. Rehder had raised $555,000 through her campaign fund and another $369,000 through her joint fundraising committee.&nbsp;

The other Republican candidates were businessman Paul Berry III and county clerk Tim Baker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720613080951.png" alt="Dave Wasinger -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dave Wasinger -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Dave Wasinger secured the Republican nomination for Missouri’s lieutenant governor on Tuesday, emerging out of a crowded primary where candidates spent millions seeking the office.&nbsp;With all precincts reporting, Wasinger led state Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield by just under 7,500 votes.Wasinger is an attorney from St. Louis who has not previously held elected office.&nbsp;The lieutenant governor is next in line for governor, sits on various boards and breaks ties in the state Senate. In Missouri, unlike many other states, the lieutenant governor doesn’t run on a ticket with the governor.&nbsp;Wasinger is an attorney at a St. Louis law firm he owns and manages, and a certified public accountant.Wasinger grew up in Hannibal and attended the University of Missouri and then Vanderbilt Law School, before moving to St. Louis. He has worked at the law firm for over 20 years, specializing in business litigation.After the 2008 financial crisis, Wasinger “took on Wall Street banks,” he said, representing whistleblowers in financial fraud cases against Countrywide Home Loans and JP Morgan Chase. The whistleblowers were key witnesses in the federal government’s case against the banks, helping federal prosecutors recover billions of dollars.&nbsp;Wasinger said the position of lieutenant governor “serves as a great bully pulpit to expose this corruption and these insider deals taking place in Jefferson City.”Wasinger and state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder received a last minute dual endorsement from former President Donald Trump, on Monday evening. Trump called Rehder and Wasinger “two highly respected America First patriots.”&nbsp;Wasinger was the main funder of his own campaign, loaning himself $2.6 million, as of July 31 campaign finance filings.Hough raised the most money in the race. Hough’s campaign had raised $642,000 since the start of 2023 and $2.5 million through his joint fundraising committee, as of the latest campaign fundraising reports due July 31. Rehder had raised $555,000 through her campaign fund and another $369,000 through her joint fundraising committee.&nbsp;The other Republican candidates were businessman Paul Berry III and county clerk Tim Baker.

Dave Wasinger wins Republican primary for Missouri lieutenant governor 

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

Missouri voters on Tuesday rejected an attempt by lawmakers to exempt child care facilities from paying property taxes, an incentive supporters hoped would help with the state’s day care shortage.

When the Associated Press called the race at 10:30 p.m., more than 54% of Missourians had voted against amending the Missouri Constitution to offer the property tax exemption. It’s one of several attempts by lawmakers in recent years to take action on the state’s shortage of child care facilities.

“This is just one incentive to try to make that easier for the facilities,” state Sen. Travis Fitzwater said during a committee hearing on the bill last year.

According to the language on voters’ ballots, the exemption was “intended to make child care more available, which would support the well-being of children, families, the workforce and society as a whole.”&nbsp;

An investigation by The Independent and Muckrock found nearly one in five Missouri children lives in a “child care desert,” where there are more than three children under the age of six for every licensed child care slot. Some areas have more than 20 children per licensed seat or no daycare access at all.&nbsp;

Even in areas with plenty of licensed child care seats, staffing shortages mean facilities can’t operate at full capacity. It can be difficult to hire for child care jobs, which paid, on average, less than $12 an hour in 2021.&nbsp;

And while COVID relief funding poured into Missouri to help with the shortage, it largely went to ZIP codes that weren’t child care deserts, The Independent and MuckRock found.&nbsp;

It’s unclear how much money child care providers might have saved statewide if the property tax exemption had passed. Voters’ ballots said local governments were unsure what the fiscal impact might be to their budgets.

But the hope for supporters was that saving child care providers money might help with the shortage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s going to take an all-of-the-above approach to tackling the child care crisis,” Heidi Geisbuhler Sutherland, a lobbyist for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a hearing last year.&nbsp;

When the legislation came before Missouri lawmakers, it had support from an array of child care and economic development organizations, including the chamber. Geisbuhler Sutherland said business owners have told the chamber that the lack of child care makes it difficult for companies to find workers.

Missouri lawmakers have considered an array of options to deal with the child care shortage. This spring, Gov. Mike Parson pushed a package of child care tax credits, but the legislation stalled in the Senate because of ultra-conservative opposition to “welfare” or the attempt to “give away free child care.”

Parson called for the tax credits in his State of the State speech in January, noting Missouri had enough licensed facilities to serve just 39% of children, and proposed a budget that increased child care subsidies by $51.7 million.

Nina Hampton of Columbia voted at American Legion Post 202 and opposed the child care property tax amendment.&nbsp;

“Corporations are paying off the politicians,” she said. “The poor guy keeps paying and paying but the corporations get everything.”

The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659454107573.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri voters on Tuesday rejected an attempt by lawmakers to exempt child care facilities from paying property taxes, an incentive supporters hoped would help with the state’s day care shortage.When the Associated Press called the race at 10:30 p.m., more than 54% of Missourians had voted against amending the Missouri Constitution to offer the property tax exemption. It’s one of several attempts by lawmakers in recent years to take action on the state’s shortage of child care facilities.“This is just one incentive to try to make that easier for the facilities,” state Sen. Travis Fitzwater said during a committee hearing on the bill last year.According to the language on voters’ ballots, the exemption was “intended to make child care more available, which would support the well-being of children, families, the workforce and society as a whole.”&nbsp;An investigation by The Independent and Muckrock found nearly one in five Missouri children lives in a “child care desert,” where there are more than three children under the age of six for every licensed child care slot. Some areas have more than 20 children per licensed seat or no daycare access at all.&nbsp;Even in areas with plenty of licensed child care seats, staffing shortages mean facilities can’t operate at full capacity. It can be difficult to hire for child care jobs, which paid, on average, less than $12 an hour in 2021.&nbsp;And while COVID relief funding poured into Missouri to help with the shortage, it largely went to ZIP codes that weren’t child care deserts, The Independent and MuckRock found.&nbsp;It’s unclear how much money child care providers might have saved statewide if the property tax exemption had passed. Voters’ ballots said local governments were unsure what the fiscal impact might be to their budgets.But the hope for supporters was that saving child care providers money might help with the shortage.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s going to take an all-of-the-above approach to tackling the child care crisis,” Heidi Geisbuhler Sutherland, a lobbyist for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a hearing last year.&nbsp;When the legislation came before Missouri lawmakers, it had support from an array of child care and economic development organizations, including the chamber. Geisbuhler Sutherland said business owners have told the chamber that the lack of child care makes it difficult for companies to find workers.Missouri lawmakers have considered an array of options to deal with the child care shortage. This spring, Gov. Mike Parson pushed a package of child care tax credits, but the legislation stalled in the Senate because of ultra-conservative opposition to “welfare” or the attempt to “give away free child care.”Parson called for the tax credits in his State of the State speech in January, noting Missouri had enough licensed facilities to serve just 39% of children, and proposed a budget that increased child care subsidies by $51.7 million.He said: “It’s time for change.”Nina Hampton of Columbia voted at American Legion Post 202 and opposed the child care property tax amendment.&nbsp;“Corporations are paying off the politicians,” she said. “The poor guy keeps paying and paying but the corporations get everything.”The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

Missouri voters reject property tax break for child care facilities

WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, a complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn charging Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, 46, with murder-for-hire as part of an alleged scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. Law enforcement foiled the charged plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant is in federal custody.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1362846/dl?inline">Click here to read</a> the criminal complaint

“For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens and will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to target American public officials and endanger America’s national security.”

“This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in today’s complaint allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.&nbsp;“A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI.” &nbsp;

“The complaint unsealed today underscores, yet again, that those who engage in lethal plotting on U.S. soil will face the full force of the American justice system,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The targeting of former and current officials by foreign actors is an affront to our sovereignty and our democratic institutions and the Department of Justice will use every possible tool to expose and disrupt this egregious activity.”

“Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution demonstrates that this office and the entire Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats

“Fortunately, the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “This case underscores the dedication and formidable efforts of our agents, analysts and prosecutors in New York, Houston, and Dallas.&nbsp;Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats.”

According to allegations contained in the complaint and related publicly filed court documents, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. In approximately April 2024, after spending time in Iran, Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the scheme. That person reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source (the CS).&nbsp;

In early June, Merchant met the CS in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told the CS that the opportunity he had for the CS was not a one-time opportunity and would be ongoing. Merchant then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” meaning in the United States. Merchant instructed the CS to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.&nbsp;Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1)&nbsp;stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.&nbsp;

At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed the CS on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked the CS to explain how a target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told the CS that there would be “security [] all around” the person.&nbsp;

Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with the CS from overseas using code words. The CS asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States.

In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies, and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill either the last week of August or the first week of September, after Merchant had departed the United States.&nbsp;

Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.”&nbsp;The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.” &nbsp;

Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On July 12, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country. Merchant has stated that he has a wife and children in Iran and a wife and children in Pakistan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722990788867.png" alt="Merchant photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Merchant photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, a complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn charging Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, 46, with murder-for-hire as part of an alleged scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. Law enforcement foiled the charged plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant is in federal custody.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1362846/dl?inline">Click here to read</a> the criminal complaint“For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens and will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to target American public officials and endanger America’s national security.”“This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in today’s complaint allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.&nbsp;“A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI.” &nbsp;“The complaint unsealed today underscores, yet again, that those who engage in lethal plotting on U.S. soil will face the full force of the American justice system,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The targeting of former and current officials by foreign actors is an affront to our sovereignty and our democratic institutions and the Department of Justice will use every possible tool to expose and disrupt this egregious activity.”“Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution demonstrates that this office and the entire Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats“Fortunately, the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “This case underscores the dedication and formidable efforts of our agents, analysts and prosecutors in New York, Houston, and Dallas.&nbsp;Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats.”According to allegations contained in the complaint and related publicly filed court documents, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. In approximately April 2024, after spending time in Iran, Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the scheme. That person reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source (the CS).&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722990871698.png" alt="&nbsp;Merchant paid the undercover officers $5,000 -photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Merchant paid the undercover officers $5,000 -photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>In early June, Merchant met the CS in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told the CS that the opportunity he had for the CS was not a one-time opportunity and would be ongoing. Merchant then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” meaning in the United States. Merchant instructed the CS to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.&nbsp;Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1)&nbsp;stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.&nbsp;At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed the CS on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked the CS to explain how a target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told the CS that there would be “security [] all around” the person.&nbsp;Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with the CS from overseas using code words. The CS asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States.In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies, and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill either the last week of August or the first week of September, after Merchant had departed the United States.&nbsp;Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.”&nbsp;The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.” &nbsp;Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On July 12, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country. Merchant has stated that he has a wife and children in Iran and a wife and children in Pakistan.The FBI is investigating the case.

‘Iranian agent’ tried to hire hitmen for assassination of Trump, other gov't officials

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

Missouri Republicans ratified&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-parson-pac-seeks-to-boost-missouri-governors-favored-candidates-in-gop-primaries/">Gov. Mike Parson’s choice of successor</a>&nbsp;Tuesday by nominating Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, rejecting the scion of a veteran political family and the disruptive tactics of the GOP’s most vocal faction.

Kehoe trailed Ashcroft in most polls until this summer, when the $16 million campaign warchest he amassed in his campaign fund and joint fundraising PAC enabled Kehoe to fill the airwaves, overwhelming opponents and surviving a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/02/anonymous-donors-pump-2m-into-ad-campaign-backing-jay-ashcroft-for-missouri-governor/">late onslaught of outside spending</a>.

On Tuesday, he bested his rivals with just under 40% of the vote.

“Fifteen months ago, people said we couldn’t win,” Kehoe told supporters gathered in Jefferson City Tuesday. “Our own polling showed us 35 points at an underdog… But we believed in our cause, and more importantly, you believe in us.”

The job now for Kehoe will be to bring his party together following his victory, especially bringing Eigel’s supporters into the fold. Kehoe endured attacks for his support of higher fuel taxes, votes to allow foreign ownership of farmland and used derisive nicknames like RINO (Republican in name only), “Tax Hike Mike” and “Kung Pao Kehoe.”

Those ads didn’t move Nick Schatzer of Ashland, who voted for Kehoe on Tuesday.&nbsp;

“Look at our roads,” he said. “They need work.”

Schatzer said Kehoe’s background won him over.&nbsp;

“I feel like government is essentially a business,” he said. “He’s run several businesses and been successful.”

While no candidate gained a significant advantage when the biggest voice in today’s Republican Party, former President Donald Trump, endorsed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/donald-trump-endorses-all-three-major-republican-candidates-for-missouri-governor/">all three leading contenders</a>, it did help deflect some of the criticism aimed at Kehoe.

Throughout the primary, Kehoe had his eye on the general election in a way his rivals did not.

“Missourians are a little bit sick of hate politics,” Kehoe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/24/mike-kehoe-missouri-governor-republican-primary/">said in a July interview</a>&nbsp;with The Independent.&nbsp;

Ashcroft was the first to concede shortly after 9:30 p.m., asking Missourians to “join me in asking God to bless Mike Kehoe, as he’s the Republican nominee for governor.”

Eigel conceded soon after, congratulating Kehoe and wishing him “success as you take on the responsibilities of leading our state.”

“The issues we discussed during this campaign, they’re critical,” Eigel said. “They’re crucial to Missouri’s futures, and I hope that you will address them with the same vigor and commitment that we brought to this race.”

Kehoe is the youngest of six children raised by a single mother in St. Louis. His mom worked three jobs to support the family, he said, and when he was old enough he got a job washing cars at a local auto dealership.&nbsp;

When he had enough money, he bought a struggling company that built ambulances, doubling it in size over the next five years to what is now one of the largest ambulance manufacturers in the world.

At the age of 30, he bought a Ford dealership in Jefferson City, putting down roots in the community and building the business over the next two decades. He sold the dealership in 2011.

He was elected to the state Senate in 2012 and was the chamber’s majority leader when Parson appointed him lieutenant governor in 2018. Kehoe won a full term as lieutenant governor in 2020.&nbsp;

The Independent’s Rebecca Rivas and Annelise Hanshaw contributed to this story.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723024977172.png" alt=" Mike Kehoe, who voters chose Tuesday in the Republican primary for governor, speaks about beating the odds after walking into his election-night party in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Mike Kehoe, who voters chose Tuesday in the Republican primary for governor, speaks about beating the odds after walking into his election-night party in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Republicans ratified&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-parson-pac-seeks-to-boost-missouri-governors-favored-candidates-in-gop-primaries/">Gov. Mike Parson’s choice of successor</a>&nbsp;Tuesday by nominating Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, rejecting the scion of a veteran political family and the disruptive tactics of the GOP’s most vocal faction.Kehoe trailed Ashcroft in most polls until this summer, when the $16 million campaign warchest he amassed in his campaign fund and joint fundraising PAC enabled Kehoe to fill the airwaves, overwhelming opponents and surviving a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/02/anonymous-donors-pump-2m-into-ad-campaign-backing-jay-ashcroft-for-missouri-governor/">late onslaught of outside spending</a>.On Tuesday, he bested his rivals with just under 40% of the vote.“Fifteen months ago, people said we couldn’t win,” Kehoe told supporters gathered in Jefferson City Tuesday. “Our own polling showed us 35 points at an underdog… But we believed in our cause, and more importantly, you believe in us.”The job now for Kehoe will be to bring his party together following his victory, especially bringing Eigel’s supporters into the fold. Kehoe endured attacks for his support of higher fuel taxes, votes to allow foreign ownership of farmland and used derisive nicknames like RINO (Republican in name only), “Tax Hike Mike” and “Kung Pao Kehoe.”Those ads didn’t move Nick Schatzer of Ashland, who voted for Kehoe on Tuesday.&nbsp;“Look at our roads,” he said. “They need work.”Schatzer said Kehoe’s background won him over.&nbsp;“I feel like government is essentially a business,” he said. “He’s run several businesses and been successful.”While no candidate gained a significant advantage when the biggest voice in today’s Republican Party, former President Donald Trump, endorsed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/donald-trump-endorses-all-three-major-republican-candidates-for-missouri-governor/">all three leading contenders</a>, it did help deflect some of the criticism aimed at Kehoe.Throughout the primary, Kehoe had his eye on the general election in a way his rivals did not.“Missourians are a little bit sick of hate politics,” Kehoe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/24/mike-kehoe-missouri-governor-republican-primary/">said in a July interview</a>&nbsp;with The Independent.&nbsp;Ashcroft was the first to concede shortly after 9:30 p.m., asking Missourians to “join me in asking God to bless Mike Kehoe, as he’s the Republican nominee for governor.”Eigel conceded soon after, congratulating Kehoe and wishing him “success as you take on the responsibilities of leading our state.”“The issues we discussed during this campaign, they’re critical,” Eigel said. “They’re crucial to Missouri’s futures, and I hope that you will address them with the same vigor and commitment that we brought to this race.”Kehoe is the youngest of six children raised by a single mother in St. Louis. His mom worked three jobs to support the family, he said, and when he was old enough he got a job washing cars at a local auto dealership.&nbsp;When he had enough money, he bought a struggling company that built ambulances, doubling it in size over the next five years to what is now one of the largest ambulance manufacturers in the world.At the age of 30, he bought a Ford dealership in Jefferson City, putting down roots in the community and building the business over the next two decades. He sold the dealership in 2011.He was elected to the state Senate in 2012 and was the chamber’s majority leader when Parson appointed him lieutenant governor in 2018. Kehoe won a full term as lieutenant governor in 2020.&nbsp;The Independent’s Rebecca Rivas and Annelise Hanshaw contributed to this story.&nbsp;

Mike Kehoe wins Republican nomination for Missouri governor

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

Crystal Quade won the Democratic primary for governor Tuesday, defeating Mike Hamra by 19&nbsp;percentage points when the race was called by the Associated Press shortly before 9:45 p.m.

Quade has represented her Springfield legislative district for the last 8 years, becoming House minority leader in 2019.&nbsp;

Though Missouri voters haven’t elected a Democrat for statewide office since 2018,&nbsp;Quade believes she has a strong chance at winning because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/03/missourians-signatures-abortion-amendment-viability/">ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights in Missouri’s constitution&nbsp;</a>that will likely come before voters in November.&nbsp;

Since June 2022, nearly every abortion has been illegal in the state with the exception of medical emergencies.

“I was there when the abortion ban was passed and stood on the House floor and shared my own personal story of abuse,” she told The Independent last month, “and so many stories and other women have shared and how these bills deeply impact our ability to plan our lives.”

Quade graduated from Missouri State University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in social work, and then&nbsp;started climbing the political ladder right out of college by working for former U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill as a legislative aide.&nbsp;

She grew up in a small town in Southwest Missouri and says a college internship in Jefferson City pushed her to get into politics.

“I was very frustrated with a lack of understanding of what regular working class folks go through,” she said. “It was then that I decided that I wanted to get involved, and I wanted to run for office one day.”

Before heading to cast her vote&nbsp;at the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy,&nbsp;Rebecca Yang, 28, made a list of candidates’ positions on health care access, education and community health.

A few months ago, Yang, who is a medical resident in the area, went to the Missouri Capitol with her colleagues to sit in on committee hearings and meet with lawmakers.&nbsp;

“What was very surprising to us was that a lot of them didn’t seem to be informed on a lot of the issues, especially health care issues.”

She said it was eye-opening how politics can affect her industry and communities she serves.

“When it comes to women’s rights, especially when it comes to abortion issues, I think there are a lot of misunderstandings.”&nbsp;

“I’m hoping for fresh faces,” she said. “I’ll leave it at that.”

Nina Hampton of Columbia took a Democratic ballot at American Legion Post 202 and voted for Quade for governor.

Abortion rights is an important issue for Hampton.

“I am in favor of women’s rights to decide what to do with their own bodies,” she said.&nbsp;

John Elder of Columbia also voted for Quade.

“I just felt she had the overall experience and the qualifications,” Elder said.

The Independent’s Anna Spoerre and Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722999082113.png" alt="State Rep. Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat, answers questions about her campaign for governor Tuesday before filing for candidacy (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat, answers questions about her campaign for governor Tuesday before filing for candidacy (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By REBECCA RIVAS &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Crystal Quade won the Democratic primary for governor Tuesday, defeating Mike Hamra by 19&nbsp;percentage points when the race was called by the Associated Press shortly before 9:45 p.m.Quade has represented her Springfield legislative district for the last 8 years, becoming House minority leader in 2019.&nbsp;Though Missouri voters haven’t elected a Democrat for statewide office since 2018,&nbsp;Quade believes she has a strong chance at winning because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/03/missourians-signatures-abortion-amendment-viability/">ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights in Missouri’s constitution&nbsp;</a>that will likely come before voters in November.&nbsp;Since June 2022, nearly every abortion has been illegal in the state with the exception of medical emergencies.“I was there when the abortion ban was passed and stood on the House floor and shared my own personal story of abuse,” she told The Independent last month, “and so many stories and other women have shared and how these bills deeply impact our ability to plan our lives.”Quade graduated from Missouri State University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in social work, and then&nbsp;started climbing the political ladder right out of college by working for former U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill as a legislative aide.&nbsp;She grew up in a small town in Southwest Missouri and says a college internship in Jefferson City pushed her to get into politics.“I was very frustrated with a lack of understanding of what regular working class folks go through,” she said. “It was then that I decided that I wanted to get involved, and I wanted to run for office one day.”Before heading to cast her vote&nbsp;at the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy,&nbsp;Rebecca Yang, 28, made a list of candidates’ positions on health care access, education and community health.A few months ago, Yang, who is a medical resident in the area, went to the Missouri Capitol with her colleagues to sit in on committee hearings and meet with lawmakers.&nbsp;“What was very surprising to us was that a lot of them didn’t seem to be informed on a lot of the issues, especially health care issues.”She said it was eye-opening how politics can affect her industry and communities she serves.“When it comes to women’s rights, especially when it comes to abortion issues, I think there are a lot of misunderstandings.”&nbsp;On Tuesday she voted for Crystal Quade.“I’m hoping for fresh faces,” she said. “I’ll leave it at that.”Nina Hampton of Columbia took a Democratic ballot at American Legion Post 202 and voted for Quade for governor.Abortion rights is an important issue for Hampton.“I am in favor of women’s rights to decide what to do with their own bodies,” she said.&nbsp;John Elder of Columbia also voted for Quade.“I just felt she had the overall experience and the qualifications,” Elder said.The Independent’s Anna Spoerre and Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

Crystal Quade captures Democratic nomination for Missouri governor

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

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey survived a tough primary challenge from a member of former president Donald Trump’s legal team on Tuesday to win the GOP nomination for a full term in office.&nbsp;

His opponent, Will Scharf, conceded the race shortly before 8:30 p.m. with Bailey leading 62% to 37%.

Bailey was appointed attorney general by Gov. Mike Parson in November 2022. At the time Bailey was Parson’s general counsel and had no experience in elected office.&nbsp;

An Army veteran and former assistant prosecutor, Bailey has said much of his career has been shaped by his time as an assistant prosecutor and county juvenile office in Missouri.

Among his most high-profile cases since becoming attorney general include twice suing to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/03/missouri-argues-to-block-biden-admin-s-second-student-loan-forgiveness-plan/">block federal student loan forgiveness</a>, and carrying forward a lawsuit alleging the Biden administration was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/18/suit-alleging-suppression-of-free-speech-met-with-skepticism-at-u-s-supreme-court/">censoring conservatives online&nbsp;</a>by pressuring social media companies.&nbsp;

Bailey has also claimed credit for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/washu-transgender-center-at-st-louis-children-s-hospital-closing-whistleblower-says/article_9df1185a-4397-11ef-9268-afdc8369a6e7.html#:~:text=Beth%20O'Malley-,ST.,the%20center%20would%20permanently%20close." target="_blank">closure of Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital</a>&nbsp;and for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/23/missouri-ag-moves-forward-with-effort-to-remove-st-louis-prosecutor-from-office/">driving former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner out of office.&nbsp;</a>

But he’s faced accusations of corruption, incompetence and grandstanding, with his critics alleging he’s more interested in scoring appearances on Fox News than effectively running the sprawling office or winning in the courtroom.

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/01/missouri-ag-faces-criticism-for-dropping-out-of-gambling-lawsuit-against-highway-patrol/">Bailey recused himself from a gambling lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed against the Missouri State Highway Patrol after PACs connected to the lobbyist of the companies suing the state wrote checks to the committee supporting Bailey’s campaign.&nbsp;

He was also criticized for accepting $50,000 in campaign donations from Doe Run, a St. Louis-based company<a href="https://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1661031_1661028_1661020,00.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;being sued by thousands of Peruvians</a>&nbsp;over allegations of lead smelter poisoning in their mining town in the Andes. A few months before the donation, Bailey filed a brief asking the federal court to move the lawsuit out of Missouri.

PACs backing Scharf spent millions attacking Bailey’s record. But Bailey benefited from a late endorsement of both candidates by Trump, taking away one of Scharf’s most potent campaign messages — his close ties to the former president.&nbsp;

Bailey also enjoyed late support from Parson, who even used his official office to boost Bailey in the campaign’s final days.&nbsp;

He will face Democratic candidate Elad Gross in the November general election. Gross, a former assistant attorney general who runs a St. Louis law firm, has been an outspoken champion of Sunshine law and, like Scharf, a fierce critic of Bailey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718109201152.png" alt="Missouri AG Andrew Bailey" />
 <figcaption>Missouri AG Andrew Bailey</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey survived a tough primary challenge from a member of former president Donald Trump’s legal team on Tuesday to win the GOP nomination for a full term in office.&nbsp;His opponent, Will Scharf, conceded the race shortly before 8:30 p.m. with Bailey leading 62% to 37%.Bailey was appointed attorney general by Gov. Mike Parson in November 2022. At the time Bailey was Parson’s general counsel and had no experience in elected office.&nbsp;An Army veteran and former assistant prosecutor, Bailey has said much of his career has been shaped by his time as an assistant prosecutor and county juvenile office in Missouri.Among his most high-profile cases since becoming attorney general include twice suing to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/03/missouri-argues-to-block-biden-admin-s-second-student-loan-forgiveness-plan/">block federal student loan forgiveness</a>, and carrying forward a lawsuit alleging the Biden administration was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/18/suit-alleging-suppression-of-free-speech-met-with-skepticism-at-u-s-supreme-court/">censoring conservatives online&nbsp;</a>by pressuring social media companies.&nbsp;Bailey has also claimed credit for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/washu-transgender-center-at-st-louis-children-s-hospital-closing-whistleblower-says/article_9df1185a-4397-11ef-9268-afdc8369a6e7.html#:~:text=Beth%20O'Malley-,ST.,the%20center%20would%20permanently%20close." target="_blank">closure of Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital</a>&nbsp;and for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/23/missouri-ag-moves-forward-with-effort-to-remove-st-louis-prosecutor-from-office/">driving former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner out of office.&nbsp;</a>But he’s faced accusations of corruption, incompetence and grandstanding, with his critics alleging he’s more interested in scoring appearances on Fox News than effectively running the sprawling office or winning in the courtroom.<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/01/missouri-ag-faces-criticism-for-dropping-out-of-gambling-lawsuit-against-highway-patrol/">Bailey recused himself from a gambling lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed against the Missouri State Highway Patrol after PACs connected to the lobbyist of the companies suing the state wrote checks to the committee supporting Bailey’s campaign.&nbsp;He was also criticized for accepting $50,000 in campaign donations from Doe Run, a St. Louis-based company<a href="https://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1661031_1661028_1661020,00.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;being sued by thousands of Peruvians</a>&nbsp;over allegations of lead smelter poisoning in their mining town in the Andes. A few months before the donation, Bailey filed a brief asking the federal court to move the lawsuit out of Missouri.PACs backing Scharf spent millions attacking Bailey’s record. But Bailey benefited from a late endorsement of both candidates by Trump, taking away one of Scharf’s most potent campaign messages — his close ties to the former president.&nbsp;Bailey also enjoyed late support from Parson, who even used his official office to boost Bailey in the campaign’s final days.&nbsp;He will face Democratic candidate Elad Gross in the November general election. Gross, a former assistant attorney general who runs a St. Louis law firm, has been an outspoken champion of Sunshine law and, like Scharf, a fierce critic of Bailey.

Andrew Bailey defeats Will Scharf to capture GOP nomination for attorney general

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>

State Treasurer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vivekmalek.com/" target="_blank">Vivek Malek</a>&nbsp;defeated multiple challengers Tuesday to hold on to his party’s nomination to keep his job this fall.&nbsp;

The Associated Press called the race for Malek at 9 p.m. He will face Democrat Mark Osmack and Libertarian John A. Hartwig Jr. in November.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Malek’s campaign ads touted his support for former President Donald Trump, belief in a fortified Southern border and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/12/state-board-votes-to-divest-missouri-pension-fund-from-china/">his advocacy for divesting from foreign adversaries</a>.

Malek’s background is as an immigration attorney, having immigrated to the United States from India in 2001. He told The Independent he is outspoken about unauthorized immigration because of the “additional burden on the healthcare and education systems.”

He believes granting citizenship to people who originally entered the United States without authorization incentivizes others to do the same.

But these views on immigration are not likely to impact his duties as treasurer, he said, unless there were a way to parse out spending only for lawful residents.

Malek was appointed treasurer in 2022 and took office Jan. 2023, and the office’s programs have grown under his watch. With one year in office, Malek set the record for the amount returned in unclaimed property with&nbsp;<a href="https://treasurer.mo.gov/newsroom/news-and-events-item?pr=8b6e4642-93ad-4522-a2ee-56294e4f5c73" target="_blank">$51.8 million</a>&nbsp;returned to people, up from $50.2 million.

He inherited a months-old scholarship program MOScholars, which funds private education and reserves tax credits for donors. MOScholars had $9 million in tax credits reserved in 2022 and $16.6 million in 2023, year two into the program.

In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/21/funding-lag-creates-barrier-for-missouri-private-school-tax-credit-program/">demand for scholarships overwhelmed funds</a>&nbsp;as the office tried to reckon a funding cycle based on the calendar year and the need for those dollars following the school year.

A full term, Malek said, would build on the growth he’s seen in just under two years in office, though he sees the potential for a couple initiatives. He hopes the treasurer’s office can work with the legislature to create a mandatory personal finance course for high schoolers in upcoming legislative sessions.&nbsp;

He would also like to create investment opportunities for small municipalities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722615232643.jpeg" alt="Missouri state Treasurer Vivek Malek speaks with Buchanan County Republicans during a campaign stop in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Missouri state Treasurer Vivek Malek speaks with Buchanan County Republicans during a campaign stop in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>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>State Treasurer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vivekmalek.com/" target="_blank">Vivek Malek</a>&nbsp;defeated multiple challengers Tuesday to hold on to his party’s nomination to keep his job this fall.&nbsp;The Associated Press called the race for Malek at 9 p.m. He will face Democrat Mark Osmack and Libertarian John A. Hartwig Jr. in November.&nbsp;&nbsp;Malek’s campaign ads touted his support for former President Donald Trump, belief in a fortified Southern border and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/12/state-board-votes-to-divest-missouri-pension-fund-from-china/">his advocacy for divesting from foreign adversaries</a>.Malek’s background is as an immigration attorney, having immigrated to the United States from India in 2001. He told The Independent he is outspoken about unauthorized immigration because of the “additional burden on the healthcare and education systems.”He believes granting citizenship to people who originally entered the United States without authorization incentivizes others to do the same.But these views on immigration are not likely to impact his duties as treasurer, he said, unless there were a way to parse out spending only for lawful residents.Malek was appointed treasurer in 2022 and took office Jan. 2023, and the office’s programs have grown under his watch. With one year in office, Malek set the record for the amount returned in unclaimed property with&nbsp;<a href="https://treasurer.mo.gov/newsroom/news-and-events-item?pr=8b6e4642-93ad-4522-a2ee-56294e4f5c73" target="_blank">$51.8 million</a>&nbsp;returned to people, up from $50.2 million.He inherited a months-old scholarship program MOScholars, which funds private education and reserves tax credits for donors. MOScholars had $9 million in tax credits reserved in 2022 and $16.6 million in 2023, year two into the program.In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/21/funding-lag-creates-barrier-for-missouri-private-school-tax-credit-program/">demand for scholarships overwhelmed funds</a>&nbsp;as the office tried to reckon a funding cycle based on the calendar year and the need for those dollars following the school year.A full term, Malek said, would build on the growth he’s seen in just under two years in office, though he sees the potential for a couple initiatives. He hopes the treasurer’s office can work with the legislature to create a mandatory personal finance course for high schoolers in upcoming legislative sessions.&nbsp;He would also like to create investment opportunities for small municipalities.

Vivek Malek wins Republican nomination for Missouri Treasurer

CHARLOTTESVILLE&nbsp; – A Winchester, Virginia man, who made online threats against the Vice President and&nbsp;thousands of posts and replies in online forums targeting the President of the United States, FBI Director, and other public officials, was arrested on federal charges, according to the United State's Attorney

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230.1.1.pdf">Click here to read </a>the criminal complaint

Frank Lucio Carillo, 66, made his initial court appearance this morning in U.S. District Court in Roanoke, Virginia after being arrested last week at his home in Winchester. Carillo is charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count of making threats against the Vice President of the United States.

“Open political discourse is a cornerstone of our American experience. We can disagree. We can argue and we can debate. However, when those disagreements cross the line to threats of violence, &nbsp;law enforcement must step in,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia said today.

“The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people. We take all threats of violence seriously, and we will investigate them to the fullest and hold those responsible accountable,” Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Division said today.

According to court documents, on July 27, 2024, the Maricopa County, Arizona, Recorder’s Office notified the FBI’s Phoenix Office of potential threats being made on the social media platform GETTR. The threats were being made by a user with the name “joemadarats1.”

FBI searched the “joemadarats1” user account and discovered approximately 4,359 posts and replies made by the user targeting various public officials including, but not limited to, President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Vice President Harris was mentioned 19 times by “joemadarats1,” including numerous threats of violence.

In a February 2024 post, “joemadarats1” said he had his “AR-15 LOCKED AND LOADED.”

Authorities used GETTR subscriber information and other investigative methods to match the &nbsp;“joemadarats1” username with Carillo and to locate his physical location in Winchester, Virginia.

On August 2, 2024, authorities at the FBI Richmond executed a search warrant at Carillo’s home and seized a 9 mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

The FBI in both Richmond, Virginia and Phoenix, Arizona, and the United States Secret Service are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Welsh is prosecuting the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722966189254.png" alt="Carillo-photo Roanoke City Jail" />
 <figcaption>Carillo-photo Roanoke City Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>CHARLOTTESVILLE&nbsp; – A Winchester, Virginia man, who made online threats against the Vice President and&nbsp;thousands of posts and replies in online forums targeting the President of the United States, FBI Director, and other public officials, was arrested on federal charges, according to the United State's Attorney<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230/gov.uscourts.vawd.132230.1.1.pdf">Click here to read </a>the criminal complaintFrank Lucio Carillo, 66, made his initial court appearance this morning in U.S. District Court in Roanoke, Virginia after being arrested last week at his home in Winchester. Carillo is charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count of making threats against the Vice President of the United States.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722966333633.png" alt="A portion of the criminal complaint -Western District of Virginia&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A portion of the criminal complaint -Western District of Virginia&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Open political discourse is a cornerstone of our American experience. We can disagree. We can argue and we can debate. However, when those disagreements cross the line to threats of violence, &nbsp;law enforcement must step in,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia said today.“The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people. We take all threats of violence seriously, and we will investigate them to the fullest and hold those responsible accountable,” Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Division said today.According to court documents, on July 27, 2024, the Maricopa County, Arizona, Recorder’s Office notified the FBI’s Phoenix Office of potential threats being made on the social media platform GETTR. The threats were being made by a user with the name “joemadarats1.”FBI searched the “joemadarats1” user account and discovered approximately 4,359 posts and replies made by the user targeting various public officials including, but not limited to, President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.Vice President Harris was mentioned 19 times by “joemadarats1,” including numerous threats of violence.In a February 2024 post, “joemadarats1” said he had his “AR-15 LOCKED AND LOADED.”Authorities used GETTR subscriber information and other investigative methods to match the &nbsp;“joemadarats1” username with Carillo and to locate his physical location in Winchester, Virginia.On August 2, 2024, authorities at the FBI Richmond executed a search warrant at Carillo’s home and seized a 9 mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle and thousands of rounds of ammunition.The FBI in both Richmond, Virginia and Phoenix, Arizona, and the United States Secret Service are investigating the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Welsh is prosecuting the case.

Read charging docs: Man made online threat to kill Kamala Harris

ST. JOSEPH —The Big Lots store at&nbsp;1417 N Belt Highway in Saint Joseph is <a href="https://local.biglots.com/mo/saint-joseph/1417-n-belt-hwy">going to close as</a> part of the company plan to close a number of locations across the&nbsp; country.

A final closing date for the St. Joseph store has not been announced, according to employees who took phone calls Tuesday. In addition to the St. Joe location, Big Lots is also closing their stores in Jefferson City, Independence in Missouri and in Salina, Kansas.

The discount retailer is working to overcome a drop in sales and significant debt.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://biglotsinc.gcs-web.com/static-files/60493747-7d71-416b-8037-11e81b444700">Click here to</a> see the company's latest regulatory filing that indicates their plan to close stores.

Twenty-one Big Lots locations in Missouri and six in Kansas are not on a list of those stores closing, according to the <a href="https://local.biglots.com/mo">company web site.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722956681828.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH —The Big Lots store at&nbsp;1417 N Belt Highway in Saint Joseph is <a href="https://local.biglots.com/mo/saint-joseph/1417-n-belt-hwy">going to close as</a> part of the company plan to close a number of locations across the&nbsp; country. A final closing date for the St. Joseph store has not been announced, according to employees who took phone calls Tuesday. In addition to the St. Joe location, Big Lots is also closing their stores in Jefferson City, Independence in Missouri and in Salina, Kansas.The discount retailer is working to overcome a drop in sales and significant debt.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://biglotsinc.gcs-web.com/static-files/60493747-7d71-416b-8037-11e81b444700">Click here to</a> see the company's latest regulatory filing that indicates their plan to close stores.Twenty-one Big Lots locations in Missouri and six in Kansas are not on a list of those stores closing, according to the <a href="https://local.biglots.com/mo">company web site.</a>

Big Lots closing location in St. Joseph

(Radio Iowa) - Iowans for Tax Relief president Chris Hagenow is optimistic Iowa lawmakers will be open to making changes in a state tax break for big corporations. 

It's called the "research activities" tax credit -- it's refundable -- and the state is required to cut the corporation a check for any amount above what the company owes in taxes. Hagenow says the latest data from the state of Iowa shows John Deere received over 19 million dollars in tax credits for research activities last year -- the most of any corporation -- and he says Iowans may find that worrisome given recent layoffs at Deere facilities in Iowa, as well as the company's plan to build a plant in Mexico. 

In tax year 2023, about 350 corporations filed for the state research activities tax credit -- with claims totalling 77 million dollars. Backers of the credit say it keeps companies in Iowa that are doing high value research -- with highly paid staff.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowans for Tax Relief president Chris Hagenow is optimistic Iowa lawmakers will be open to making changes in a state tax break for big corporations. It's called the "research activities" tax credit -- it's refundable -- and the state is required to cut the corporation a check for any amount above what the company owes in taxes. Hagenow says the latest data from the state of Iowa shows John Deere received over 19 million dollars in tax credits for research activities last year -- the most of any corporation -- and he says Iowans may find that worrisome given recent layoffs at Deere facilities in Iowa, as well as the company's plan to build a plant in Mexico. In tax year 2023, about 350 corporations filed for the state research activities tax credit -- with claims totalling 77 million dollars. Backers of the credit say it keeps companies in Iowa that are doing high value research -- with highly paid staff.

Group seeking change points cites Iowa tax credit for John Deere

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — With a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-statue-theft-d3937ca2c3e089fe7505720e619d5682">rebuilt statue of Jackie Robinson in bronze</a>&nbsp;back in Kansas, some of the late baseball icon's biggest fans are breathing a sigh of relief.

The original sculpture depicting Robinson resting a bat on his shoulder was cut off at its ankles in January, leaving only Robinson’s cleats behind at McAdams Park in Wichita, home of urban youth baseball League 42.

The statue is not only a piece of art or even just a tribute to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jackie-robinson">first Black player in Major League Baseball,</a>&nbsp;said Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri.

“That statue had become a symbol: a symbol of hope, a symbol of inspiration, of the core values that were part of Jackie’s legacy. Those were fixtures here in the ballpark,” Kendrick said.

He said that made it difficult to explain the statue's theft to the 600 children who play in League 42, which was named after Robinson's uniform with the Brooklyn Dodgers, where Robinson broke Major League Baseball's racial barrier in 1947. Kendrick and others worried the children might lose faith in humanity.

That is until people from across the country stepped up to help replace it six months after thieves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-baseball-statue-stolen-beea370b17079ad30092affe6aaea3c1">destroyed the original.</a>

“It reminds us that there has always been more good people in this world than bad people,” Kendrick said. “The minute that you’re ready to give up on people, what happens? The good people in this case literally stepped up to the plate. And it renews your faith in people.”

Little League players and former Major League Baseball players, including All-Stars&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cc-sabathia-honored-in-final-season-at-all-star-game-4ea19a107e184950b05465ce92ae738a">CC Sabathia</a>&nbsp;and Dellin Betances, were set to gather for a ceremony Monday evening to unveil an identical statue now standing in the park where League 42 plays.

The league was met with an outpouring of support and hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations after news of the stolen statue shocked the community and spread across the country. The donations helped fund the replacement statue, as well as improvements to the plaza where it stands, the nonprofit league’s facilities and its programming, said Bob Lutz, its executive director.

The rebuilt statue is identical to the original because the mold was still viable. Dedicated in 2021, it was created by artist John Parsons, a friend of Lutz's who died in 2022.

Firefighters found burned remnants of the original statue five days&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-baseball-statue-stolen-45c08bbbd29322c05e6136a67f687459">after</a>&nbsp;it disappeared. One man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-statue-theft-arrest-f70fcf6fbc51c275bf6d0e1ac3a75815">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;and will spend about 15 years in prison, although most of that time is related to a burglary that happened a few days after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-baseball-statue-stolen-beea370b17079ad30092affe6aaea3c1">statue heist.</a>

Ricky Alderete was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-statue-stolen-wichita-league-42-12a991dd637e54c8ee474ff1aa7bc914">sentenced Friday</a>&nbsp;to 18 months and ordered to pay $41,500 restitution for stealing the statue, an act he said stemmed from his addiction to fentanyl.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-statue-theft-cleats-brooklyn-dodgers-df1a8c2350877eb7fc3dbf55087d1688">lonely cleats</a>&nbsp;of the original found a new home at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Robinson played for the Negro Leagues' Kansas City Monarchs before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers. His impact was felt beyond sports; he galvanized the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-entertainment-sports-los-angeles-baseball-d73b75a6965310bfd087c165e93dc0c6">civil rights movement</a>. He died in 1972.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722891041343.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — With a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-statue-theft-d3937ca2c3e089fe7505720e619d5682">rebuilt statue of Jackie Robinson in bronze</a>&nbsp;back in Kansas, some of the late baseball icon's biggest fans are breathing a sigh of relief.The original sculpture depicting Robinson resting a bat on his shoulder was cut off at its ankles in January, leaving only Robinson’s cleats behind at McAdams Park in Wichita, home of urban youth baseball League 42.The statue is not only a piece of art or even just a tribute to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jackie-robinson">first Black player in Major League Baseball,</a>&nbsp;said Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri.“That statue had become a symbol: a symbol of hope, a symbol of inspiration, of the core values that were part of Jackie’s legacy. Those were fixtures here in the ballpark,” Kendrick said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722891019727.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>He said that made it difficult to explain the statue's theft to the 600 children who play in League 42, which was named after Robinson's uniform with the Brooklyn Dodgers, where Robinson broke Major League Baseball's racial barrier in 1947. Kendrick and others worried the children might lose faith in humanity.That is until people from across the country stepped up to help replace it six months after thieves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-baseball-statue-stolen-beea370b17079ad30092affe6aaea3c1">destroyed the original.</a>“It reminds us that there has always been more good people in this world than bad people,” Kendrick said. “The minute that you’re ready to give up on people, what happens? The good people in this case literally stepped up to the plate. And it renews your faith in people.”Little League players and former Major League Baseball players, including All-Stars&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cc-sabathia-honored-in-final-season-at-all-star-game-4ea19a107e184950b05465ce92ae738a">CC Sabathia</a>&nbsp;and Dellin Betances, were set to gather for a ceremony Monday evening to unveil an identical statue now standing in the park where League 42 plays.The league was met with an outpouring of support and hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations after news of the stolen statue shocked the community and spread across the country. The donations helped fund the replacement statue, as well as improvements to the plaza where it stands, the nonprofit league’s facilities and its programming, said Bob Lutz, its executive director.The rebuilt statue is identical to the original because the mold was still viable. Dedicated in 2021, it was created by artist John Parsons, a friend of Lutz's who died in 2022.Firefighters found burned remnants of the original statue five days&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-baseball-statue-stolen-45c08bbbd29322c05e6136a67f687459">after</a>&nbsp;it disappeared. One man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-statue-theft-arrest-f70fcf6fbc51c275bf6d0e1ac3a75815">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;and will spend about 15 years in prison, although most of that time is related to a burglary that happened a few days after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-baseball-statue-stolen-beea370b17079ad30092affe6aaea3c1">statue heist.</a>Ricky Alderete was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-statue-stolen-wichita-league-42-12a991dd637e54c8ee474ff1aa7bc914">sentenced Friday</a>&nbsp;to 18 months and ordered to pay $41,500 restitution for stealing the statue, an act he said stemmed from his addiction to fentanyl.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214143377.png" alt="City of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>City of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-statue-theft-cleats-brooklyn-dodgers-df1a8c2350877eb7fc3dbf55087d1688">lonely cleats</a>&nbsp;of the original found a new home at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.Robinson played for the Negro Leagues' Kansas City Monarchs before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers. His impact was felt beyond sports; he galvanized the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-entertainment-sports-los-angeles-baseball-d73b75a6965310bfd087c165e93dc0c6">civil rights movement</a>. He died in 1972.----------

Rebuilt Jackie Robinson statue returns to Kansas after original was stolen

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

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s efforts to delay sentencing in former President Donald Trump’s hush money case in New York were rejected Monday by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The decision comes a day before Bailey will face off in the Aug. 6 primary election against Will Scharf, a member of Trump’s legal team.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722892527434.png" alt=" Andrew Bailey is hoping to win his first full term as Missouri’s attorney general after being appointed to the position in November 2022 by Gov. Mike Parson (Photo provided by Andrew Bailey’s campaign)." />
 <figcaption> Andrew Bailey is hoping to win his first full term as Missouri’s attorney general after being appointed to the position in November 2022 by Gov. Mike Parson (Photo provided by Andrew Bailey’s campaign).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s efforts to delay sentencing in former President Donald Trump’s hush money case in New York were rejected Monday by the U.S. Supreme Court.The decision comes a day before Bailey will face off in the Aug. 6 primary election against Will Scharf, a member of Trump’s legal team.In a one-page order, the&nbsp;court refused to intervene in the case, meaning a gag order against Trump will remain in place and sentencing on his 34 felony convictions will move forward as scheduled next month.Bailey argued the New York prosecution was politically motivated and urged the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene because it has jurisdiction in cases involving one state suing another. He sought to delay sentencing until after the election and lift the gag order placed on Trump that prevents him from speaking out against prosecutors, court staff and their families.The court rejected Bailey’s argument without comment.“It’s disappointing that the Supreme Court refused to exercise its constitutional responsibility to resolve state v. state disputes,” Bailey&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/agandrewbailey/status/1820540116546302307?s=46&amp;t=bBxwnXlD-cNUTZT3_Podxg" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>, adding that his office would continue to challenge the “illicit prosecutions against President Trump.”Trump is slated to be sentenced just weeks before the November election after being convicted on 34 counts for falsifying business records related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.Bailey’s loss on Monday earned a sharp rebuke from Will Scharf, who is running against the attorney general in Tuesday’s GOP primary. Scharf is part of Trump’s legal team that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article289657268.html" target="_blank">successfully argued to the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year</a>&nbsp;that presidents enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts taken in office.“I win the cases I file,” Scharf said. “My team and I have won case after case for President Trump, including at the Supreme Court.”

Kbct