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.

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.”

<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.”

U.S. Supreme Court rejects Missouri AG push to delay Trump sentencing in hush money case 

(Radio Iowa) - The U-S Environmental Protection Agency has ended its oversight of clean-up at the eastern Iowa recycling facility that exploded in late 2022. 

Asphalt shingles were being recycled at the C-six-zero plant in Marengo. Twenty employees were injured and part of Marengo had to be evacuated when the plant exploded. Six months later, after delays in the timeline for clean-up, state officials asked the federal government to start overseeing the removal of contaminated water and soil from the site. 

Officials in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will review the E-P-A's final report and determine if the company should do more hazardous material clean up. The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined C-six-zero nearly one-hundred thousand dollars for 15 safety violations.

(Radio Iowa) - The U-S Environmental Protection Agency has ended its oversight of clean-up at the eastern Iowa recycling facility that exploded in late 2022. Asphalt shingles were being recycled at the C-six-zero plant in Marengo. Twenty employees were injured and part of Marengo had to be evacuated when the plant exploded. Six months later, after delays in the timeline for clean-up, state officials asked the federal government to start overseeing the removal of contaminated water and soil from the site. Officials in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will review the E-P-A's final report and determine if the company should do more hazardous material clean up. The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined C-six-zero nearly one-hundred thousand dollars for 15 safety violations.

EPA ends oversight of clean up related to Iowa plant explosion

(Radio Iowa) - A felon who walked away from a Madison, Wisconsin, halfway house in 1994 has been captured in Iowa. 

Seventy-one-year-old George Hartleroad was convicted of rape in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, in 1983. Several weeks ago, Hartleroad was busted in West Des Moines for not having a rear reflector on his bicycle. Police say he first gave a fake name, eventually gave his real name, and cops quickly learned he was on the run. 

Hartleroad was known as "Homeless Greg" in West Des Moines. He's now in jail in Madison, Wisconsin.

(Radio Iowa) - A felon who walked away from a Madison, Wisconsin, halfway house in 1994 has been captured in Iowa. Seventy-one-year-old George Hartleroad was convicted of rape in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, in 1983. Several weeks ago, Hartleroad was busted in West Des Moines for not having a rear reflector on his bicycle. Police say he first gave a fake name, eventually gave his real name, and cops quickly learned he was on the run. Hartleroad was known as "Homeless Greg" in West Des Moines. He's now in jail in Madison, Wisconsin.

Iowa police nab Wisconsin fugitive who's been at large almost 30 years

The Chiefs made a splash during free agency signing veteran quarterback Carson Wentz as their new backup to replace Blaine Gabbert who became a free agent.  

Wentz, whose been in the league eight years and started for several teams, provides a solid backup option for Patrick Mahomes.  

In what he's seen from Mahomes working alongside him, Wentz jokingly made an obvious observation 

"He's pretty good, not that I needed to learn that physically being here" Wentz jokes with reporter's post-practice.  "Just kind of the way he sees the game is unique and the way he plays and just the anticipation he plays with, sometimes its maybe not the main throw on a play but he's making things work, so it's just cool to kind of see not only the offense come together but just how he sees it maybe a little different at times." 

When it comes to backup quarterbacks the Chiefs have had rare misses of late when it comes to guys ready to step up when needed.  

Chad Henne, Blaine Gabbert, and this year it's Wentz.

Head Coach Andy Reid says he's been pleased with Wentz thus far in the backup role 

"Really like what I've seen from him, he's got a real good feel for the game, smart kid, real smart, and has picked it up quickly," Reid says.  

Chiefs' fans have been privy to the unique playstyle of Mahomes for a few years now. 

Wentz has also known about it and is getting an up-close look during this year's training camp.  

Wentz says the outstanding things Mahomes can do is just a kid playing ball 

"Playing street ball out there at times is sometimes the joke back there," Wentz explains. "Truthfully I can relate to some of that over my career, that's kind of just how I've seen the game, so it's fun to see it work so well the way he does it." 

The Chiefs are off tomorrow after a two-hour practice today.  They are back on Sunday at 9:15 when there is a $5 admission fee.

One Chiefs player that had been sitting out of practice returned during Friday's practice, and two more were injured but not much else changed from the previous injury report.  

Cornerback Jaylen Watson, who has spent all of training camp thus far on the PUP list, was spotted practicing today in pads and a helmet while wearing a yellow non-contact jersey. Watson is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.  

New to the injury report today was cornerback Kelvin Joseph with a slight hamstring injury.  Offensive lineman Wanya Morris left practice on Friday with a shoulder injury.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722623132748.jpeg" alt="Carson Wentz during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Carson Wentz during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Chiefs made a splash during free agency signing veteran quarterback Carson Wentz as their new backup to replace Blaine Gabbert who became a free agent. Wentz, whose been in the league eight years and started for several teams, provides a solid backup option for Patrick Mahomes. In what he's seen from Mahomes working alongside him, Wentz jokingly made an obvious observation "He's pretty good, not that I needed to learn that physically being here" Wentz jokes with reporter's post-practice. "Just kind of the way he sees the game is unique and the way he plays and just the anticipation he plays with, sometimes its maybe not the main throw on a play but he's making things work, so it's just cool to kind of see not only the offense come together but just how he sees it maybe a little different at times." When it comes to backup quarterbacks the Chiefs have had rare misses of late when it comes to guys ready to step up when needed. Chad Henne, Blaine Gabbert, and this year it's Wentz.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722623242656.jpeg" alt="Carson Wentz delivers a pass during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Carson Wentz delivers a pass during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Head Coach Andy Reid says he's been pleased with Wentz thus far in the backup role "Really like what I've seen from him, he's got a real good feel for the game, smart kid, real smart, and has picked it up quickly," Reid says. Chiefs' fans have been privy to the unique playstyle of Mahomes for a few years now. Wentz has also known about it and is getting an up-close look during this year's training camp. Wentz says the outstanding things Mahomes can do is just a kid playing ball "Playing street ball out there at times is sometimes the joke back there," Wentz explains. "Truthfully I can relate to some of that over my career, that's kind of just how I've seen the game, so it's fun to see it work so well the way he does it." The Chiefs are off tomorrow after a two-hour practice today. They are back on Sunday at 9:15 when there is a $5 admission fee.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722623348464.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterbacks Chris Oladokun (13), Ian Book (2), Patrick Mahomes (15), and Caron Wentz (11) make their way down the hill prior to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterbacks Chris Oladokun (13), Ian Book (2), Patrick Mahomes (15), and Caron Wentz (11) make their way down the hill prior to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Injury Report One Chiefs player that had been sitting out of practice returned during Friday's practice, and two more were injured but not much else changed from the previous injury report. Cornerback Jaylen Watson, who has spent all of training camp thus far on the PUP list, was spotted practicing today in pads and a helmet while wearing a yellow non-contact jersey. Watson is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. New to the injury report today was cornerback Kelvin Joseph with a slight hamstring injury. Offensive lineman Wanya Morris left practice on Friday with a shoulder injury.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Carson Wentz settles into backup quarterback role in Chiefs Training Camp

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>

Vice President Kamala Harris is the only candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, the Democratic National Committee announced this week.

Harris was the only person to reach the threshold of 300 delegates petitioning for her to become the party’s nominee after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">dropped his bid for reelection</a>, setting her up to officially become the party’s nominee during a virtual roll call scheduled to begin Thursday, according to a DNC press release.

The DNC allowed party delegates to petition for a new nominee after Biden’s withdrawal. After sweeping primaries and caucuses, Biden had secured the vast majority of the 3,949 pledged delegates in the Democratic nominating process. Most of those delegates quickly declared their support for Harris following Biden’s exit.

About 84% of Democratic delegates submitted a signature during the petition phase, with 99% of those supporting Harris. A total of 3,923 Democratic delegates petitioned for Harris to be the presidential nominee, according to the release, which called Harris the presumptive Democratic nominee.

“Democratic delegates from across the nation made their voices heard, overwhelmingly backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Democratic National Convention Committee Chair Minyon Moore said in the statement.

Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-harris-cites-bidens-legacy-accomplishment-endorsements-pile-her-bid" target="_blank">won the backing</a>&nbsp;of many state parties, elected officials and other party leaders within hours of Biden bowing out of the race and endorsing her. Candidates rumored to harbor their own presidential ambitions quickly fell in line with Harris, with a few still thought to be under consideration for Harris’ running mate.

Democrats’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-approve-virtual-vote-delegates-pick-presidential-nominee" target="_blank">virtual roll call</a>&nbsp;– a departure from the traditional roll call at the party convention initially designed to ensure the party’s nominee was on the ballot in Ohio despite an early deadline that has since been changed – will begin 9 a.m. Eastern on Thursday and wrap up at 6 p.m. on Aug. 5, the DNC release said.

Harris will campaign on Aug. 6, the day after the virtual roll call concludes, with her yet-to-be-named running mate in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/kamala-harris-to-campaign-in-philadelphia-next-week-with-her-still-unnamed-running-mate/" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;Tuesday.

The commonwealth is perhaps the most important battleground in the presidential race and Gov. Josh Shapiro is reportedly on Harris’ short list for vice president. The first-term governor and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stumped for Harris at a&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/swing-state-governors-shapiro-and-whitmer-rally-philadelphia-area-voters-for-a-harris-presidency/" target="_blank">Monday rally</a>&nbsp;in the Philadelphia area.

Politico&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/30/harris-first-rally-running-mate-tuesday-philadelphia-00171999" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that the Harris campaign swing will also include western Wisconsin; Detroit; Raleigh, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Las Vegas; and Phoenix.

Other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-needs-vp-candidate-could-governor-fit-bill" target="_blank">top candidates for Harris’ running mate include</a>&nbsp;Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also under consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721587655391.png" alt="File -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>File -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>Vice President Kamala Harris is the only candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, the Democratic National Committee announced this week.Harris was the only person to reach the threshold of 300 delegates petitioning for her to become the party’s nominee after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">dropped his bid for reelection</a>, setting her up to officially become the party’s nominee during a virtual roll call scheduled to begin Thursday, according to a DNC press release.The DNC allowed party delegates to petition for a new nominee after Biden’s withdrawal. After sweeping primaries and caucuses, Biden had secured the vast majority of the 3,949 pledged delegates in the Democratic nominating process. Most of those delegates quickly declared their support for Harris following Biden’s exit.About 84% of Democratic delegates submitted a signature during the petition phase, with 99% of those supporting Harris. A total of 3,923 Democratic delegates petitioned for Harris to be the presidential nominee, according to the release, which called Harris the presumptive Democratic nominee.“Democratic delegates from across the nation made their voices heard, overwhelmingly backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Democratic National Convention Committee Chair Minyon Moore said in the statement.Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vp-harris-cites-bidens-legacy-accomplishment-endorsements-pile-her-bid" target="_blank">won the backing</a>&nbsp;of many state parties, elected officials and other party leaders within hours of Biden bowing out of the race and endorsing her. Candidates rumored to harbor their own presidential ambitions quickly fell in line with Harris, with a few still thought to be under consideration for Harris’ running mate.Democrats’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-approve-virtual-vote-delegates-pick-presidential-nominee" target="_blank">virtual roll call</a>&nbsp;– a departure from the traditional roll call at the party convention initially designed to ensure the party’s nominee was on the ballot in Ohio despite an early deadline that has since been changed – will begin 9 a.m. Eastern on Thursday and wrap up at 6 p.m. on Aug. 5, the DNC release said.<h2>Harris and running mate to Philadelphia</h2>Harris will campaign on Aug. 6, the day after the virtual roll call concludes, with her yet-to-be-named running mate in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/kamala-harris-to-campaign-in-philadelphia-next-week-with-her-still-unnamed-running-mate/" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;Tuesday.The commonwealth is perhaps the most important battleground in the presidential race and Gov. Josh Shapiro is reportedly on Harris’ short list for vice president. The first-term governor and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stumped for Harris at a&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/swing-state-governors-shapiro-and-whitmer-rally-philadelphia-area-voters-for-a-harris-presidency/" target="_blank">Monday rally</a>&nbsp;in the Philadelphia area.Politico&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/30/harris-first-rally-running-mate-tuesday-philadelphia-00171999" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that the Harris campaign swing will also include western Wisconsin; Detroit; Raleigh, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Las Vegas; and Phoenix.Other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-needs-vp-candidate-could-governor-fit-bill" target="_blank">top candidates for Harris’ running mate include</a>&nbsp;Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also under consideration.

Harris is the sole candidate for Dem presidential nomination on virtual roll call

(Radio Iowa) - The leader of the union that represents state prison employees says higher pay for new prison workers is a good start, but the state should offer incentives to keep veteran prison staff from leaving. 

Todd Copley -- president of AFSCME Council 61 -- says while the union is all for raising pay for newly hired staff, employees who've worked in the state prisons for 10, 15 or 20 years should be getting paid more. Copley says starting pay for new workers should be the new base wage or salary for employees who work in similar positions. 

He says SIGNING bonuses for new prison employees should include a requirement that they stay in the job for several years and RETENTION bonuses should be go to correctional officers with years of experience, so they don't leave for a better paying job or choose to retire early.

(Radio Iowa) - The leader of the union that represents state prison employees says higher pay for new prison workers is a good start, but the state should offer incentives to keep veteran prison staff from leaving. Todd Copley -- president of AFSCME Council 61 -- says while the union is all for raising pay for newly hired staff, employees who've worked in the state prisons for 10, 15 or 20 years should be getting paid more. Copley says starting pay for new workers should be the new base wage or salary for employees who work in similar positions. He says SIGNING bonuses for new prison employees should include a requirement that they stay in the job for several years and RETENTION bonuses should be go to correctional officers with years of experience, so they don't leave for a better paying job or choose to retire early.

Union leader raises concerns about Iowa prison workers' pay

Missouri
State Treasurer Vivek Malek is making his final pitch before Republican voters
decide their nominee for his job, visiting with Buchanan County Republicans in
St. Joseph Thursday.

Gov.
Mike Parson appointed Malek Treasurer after then-Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick
won election as state Auditor.

Malek,
new to politics, says he has enjoyed the campaign.

“I
enjoyed meeting with great people of our state,” Malek tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “They have been very warm, welcoming, and open-minded and open-hearted to
my coming to their offices, homes. It has been a great experience.”

Next
week’s Republican primary in Missouri is crowded, up and down the ballot, as
several state legislators and others file for open seats for statewide office.
Nine Republicans are on the ballot for governor, hoping to succeed Gov. Parson.
The decisions by Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft to run
for governor left their seats open. State Sen. Bill Eigel of Weldon Springs is
the other major Republican candidate for governor. Both Malek and Attorney
General Andrew Bailey were appointed by Parson and are running for a full term
in office.

Malek
speculates many Republicans saw him as merely a placeholder who wouldn’t run
for the office.

Five
Republican challengers entered the race, highlighted by state Sen. Andrew
Koenig of Manchester and state Rep. Cody Smith of Carthage. Also on the ballot
are Tina Goodrick of St. Joseph, Lori Rook of Springfield, and Kara Pujji of
Berkeley.

If
nominated by Republicans and elected in November, Malek would like to introduce
two new programs in the Treasurer’s office.

Malek
says he will ask the legislature to make a financial literacy course mandatory
for all Missouri high school students. He also wants to create investment pools
that would allow small local governments to combine assets to get a greater
return on investment.

Malek
was born in Rohtak, India. He earned a bachelors
and law degrees in India before coming to Southeast Missouri State University in
Cape Girardeau for a master of business administration in August of 2001.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722615251186.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 BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri
State Treasurer Vivek Malek is making his final pitch before Republican voters
decide their nominee for his job, visiting with Buchanan County Republicans in
St. Joseph Thursday.Gov.
Mike Parson appointed Malek Treasurer after then-Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick
won election as state Auditor.Malek,
new to politics, says he has enjoyed the campaign.“I
enjoyed meeting with great people of our state,” Malek tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “They have been very warm, welcoming, and open-minded and open-hearted to
my coming to their offices, homes. It has been a great experience.”Next
week’s Republican primary in Missouri is crowded, up and down the ballot, as
several state legislators and others file for open seats for statewide office.
Nine Republicans are on the ballot for governor, hoping to succeed Gov. Parson.
The decisions by Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft to run
for governor left their seats open. State Sen. Bill Eigel of Weldon Springs is
the other major Republican candidate for governor. Both Malek and Attorney
General Andrew Bailey were appointed by Parson and are running for a full term
in office.Malek
speculates many Republicans saw him as merely a placeholder who wouldn’t run
for the office.Five
Republican challengers entered the race, highlighted by state Sen. Andrew
Koenig of Manchester and state Rep. Cody Smith of Carthage. Also on the ballot
are Tina Goodrick of St. Joseph, Lori Rook of Springfield, and Kara Pujji of
Berkeley.If
nominated by Republicans and elected in November, Malek would like to introduce
two new programs in the Treasurer’s office.Malek
says he will ask the legislature to make a financial literacy course mandatory
for all Missouri high school students. He also wants to create investment pools
that would allow small local governments to combine assets to get a greater
return on investment.Malek
was born in Rohtak, India. He earned a bachelors
and law degrees in India before coming to Southeast Missouri State University in
Cape Girardeau for a master of business administration in August of 2001.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Treasurer Malek makes final pitch before Tue GOP primary

A major legislative piece outlining management of the nation’s
rivers as well as funding improvements to the country’s ports and harbors has
passed both the House and Senate in Washington, D.C.

The versions from the two chambers differ, though.

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves guided the
legislation, called the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), through the
House as chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“This is extremely important to those of us in north Missouri,
whether you’re on the east side of my district along the Mississippi or the
west side of my district along the Missouri River, this has huge impacts when
it comes to river management,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Graves, a Republican, says the legislation takes significant
steps toward making sure flood control and navigation are the top priorities in
managing the Missouri River as well as the Mississippi. The House version makes
changes to the federal PL 84-99 program managed by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. The program guides the repair and rebuilding of river levees. Graves
says it will give local communities more control in rebuilding levees damaged
by floodwaters, such as those harmed during the 2019 Missouri River flood.

Graves has been fighting to change the priorities governing
how the Army Corps of Engineers manages rivers. The Congressman wants the Corps
to consider flood control and navigation higher priorities that environmental
concerns, such as protecting endangered species.

“This goes a long way toward supporting policies that
encourage that and push for that and makes sure that that happens rather than pushing
policies and projects that obviously benefit other priorities instead of
managing the river to make sure that we don’t devastate people’s lives,” Graves
says.

The House approved WRDA by a nearly unheard of 359-13 vote on
July 22nd. The Senate approved its version Thursday.

Graves feels confident differences between the House and
Senate can be worked out this year so the bill can go to President Biden.

“There are some differences, not significant, but there are some
differences in the way we approach projects and reporting by the Corps of
Engineers,” Graves says. “There are a few differences, but nothing insurmountable
that we can’t get worked out.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA major legislative piece outlining management of the nation’s
rivers as well as funding improvements to the country’s ports and harbors has
passed both the House and Senate in Washington, D.C.The versions from the two chambers differ, though.Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves guided the
legislation, called the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), through the
House as chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.“This is extremely important to those of us in north Missouri,
whether you’re on the east side of my district along the Mississippi or the
west side of my district along the Missouri River, this has huge impacts when
it comes to river management,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Graves, a Republican, says the legislation takes significant
steps toward making sure flood control and navigation are the top priorities in
managing the Missouri River as well as the Mississippi. The House version makes
changes to the federal PL 84-99 program managed by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. The program guides the repair and rebuilding of river levees. Graves
says it will give local communities more control in rebuilding levees damaged
by floodwaters, such as those harmed during the 2019 Missouri River flood.Graves has been fighting to change the priorities governing
how the Army Corps of Engineers manages rivers. The Congressman wants the Corps
to consider flood control and navigation higher priorities that environmental
concerns, such as protecting endangered species.“This goes a long way toward supporting policies that
encourage that and push for that and makes sure that that happens rather than pushing
policies and projects that obviously benefit other priorities instead of
managing the river to make sure that we don’t devastate people’s lives,” Graves
says.The House approved WRDA by a nearly unheard of 359-13 vote on
July 22nd. The Senate approved its version Thursday.Graves feels confident differences between the House and
Senate can be worked out this year so the bill can go to President Biden.“There are some differences, not significant, but there are some
differences in the way we approach projects and reporting by the Corps of
Engineers,” Graves says. “There are a few differences, but nothing insurmountable
that we can’t get worked out.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Kbct