&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, Department of Defense&nbsp;

The Defense Department announced Thursday an additional security assistance package valued at up to $150 million to help Ukraine counter Russia's unprovoked invasion.

The package includes additional air defense equipment, artillery rounds and antitank weapons, among other equipment, to meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The latest round of assistance marks the 49th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. It reflects the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and ensuring its defenders are armed with critical capabilities.&nbsp;

Last week President Joe Biden underscored the need for U.S. leadership against Russia's ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine and following the deadly attack against Israel by Hamas terrorists.&nbsp;

Biden pledged the U.S. will not waiver in support of its allies.&nbsp;

"American leadership is what holds the world together," Biden said in an Oval Office address last Thursday. "American alliances are what keep us, America, safe. American values are what make us a partner that other nations want to work with."&nbsp;

"To put all that at risk if we walk away from Ukraine, if we turn our backs on Israel, it's just not worth it," he said.&nbsp;

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has rallied a coalition of nations in support of Ukraine and committed more than $43.9 billion in assistance to help the country defend itself.&nbsp;

Biden has formally asked Congress to approve a supplemental funding request that ensures the U.S. will continue to support its allies.&nbsp;

The request, submitted last week, includes funds for additional weapons and equipment to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield and shore up its economy and critical infrastructure as it defends against Russian aggression.&nbsp;

The request also includes funds to strengthen Israel's air defenses and replenish DOD’s weaponry inventory, which the department has drawn from to help arm Israel quickly since the attacks.&nbsp;

Additionally, the president is requesting funds to provide humanitarian assistance for those impacted by both wars.&nbsp;

The request also includes funds to strengthen U.S. security in the Indo-Pacific and along the U.S. southern border.&nbsp;

"It's a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations, help us keep American troops out of harm's way, help us build a world that is safer, more peaceful and more prosperous for our children and grandchildren," Biden said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698356993512.png" alt="Pallets of ammunition are loaded onto an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Capt. Emma Quirk" />
 <figcaption>Pallets of ammunition are loaded onto an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Capt. Emma Quirk</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, Department of Defense&nbsp;The Defense Department announced Thursday an additional security assistance package valued at up to $150 million to help Ukraine counter Russia's unprovoked invasion.The package includes additional air defense equipment, artillery rounds and antitank weapons, among other equipment, to meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;The latest round of assistance marks the 49th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. It reflects the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and ensuring its defenders are armed with critical capabilities.&nbsp;Last week President Joe Biden underscored the need for U.S. leadership against Russia's ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine and following the deadly attack against Israel by Hamas terrorists.&nbsp;Biden pledged the U.S. will not waiver in support of its allies.&nbsp;"American leadership is what holds the world together," Biden said in an Oval Office address last Thursday. "American alliances are what keep us, America, safe. American values are what make us a partner that other nations want to work with."&nbsp;"To put all that at risk if we walk away from Ukraine, if we turn our backs on Israel, it's just not worth it," he said.&nbsp;Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has rallied a coalition of nations in support of Ukraine and committed more than $43.9 billion in assistance to help the country defend itself.&nbsp;Biden has formally asked Congress to approve a supplemental funding request that ensures the U.S. will continue to support its allies.&nbsp;The request, submitted last week, includes funds for additional weapons and equipment to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield and shore up its economy and critical infrastructure as it defends against Russian aggression.&nbsp;The request also includes funds to strengthen Israel's air defenses and replenish DOD’s weaponry inventory, which the department has drawn from to help arm Israel quickly since the attacks.&nbsp;Additionally, the president is requesting funds to provide humanitarian assistance for those impacted by both wars.&nbsp;The request also includes funds to strengthen U.S. security in the Indo-Pacific and along the U.S. southern border.&nbsp;"It's a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations, help us keep American troops out of harm's way, help us build a world that is safer, more peaceful and more prosperous for our children and grandchildren," Biden said.&nbsp;

U.S. sending additional $150M in military aid to Ukraine 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Crews investigated areas along the Arkansas River this week for possible trapped citizens, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department.

 Homeless encampments were potentially at risk due to rapidly rising water after 4 inches of rain. 

The island turned out unoccupied. The fire department indicated they will continue to be monitor the area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698360395626.png" alt="Photo Wichita Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Crews investigated areas along the Arkansas River this week for possible trapped citizens, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department. Homeless encampments were potentially at risk due to rapidly rising water after 4 inches of rain. The island turned out unoccupied. The fire department indicated they will continue to be monitor the area.

 Authorities monitor Kan. homeless encampment after 4 inches of rain

KANSAS CITY —The Amber Alert for 1-year-old Kemaya Hill was canceled just before 11p.m. Thursday. According to Kansas City Police she was located in Lees Summit and is safe.&nbsp; The investigation into the robbery and kidnapping continues.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities in Kansas City issued an Amber Alert late Thursday.

Authorities were looking for a White 2008 Saturn Vue with Missouri license EG6A5J and a broken rear passenger wing window, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp; The owner of the vehicle was assaulted by two unknown black women according to the MSHP. The suspect stole the vehicle with the child still in the vehicle. The Saturn was last seen in the area of 42nd and Nolan Road in Independence.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KANSAS CITY —The Amber Alert for 1-year-old Kemaya Hill was canceled just before 11p.m. Thursday. According to Kansas City Police she was located in Lees Summit and is safe.&nbsp; The investigation into the robbery and kidnapping continues.---------------KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities in Kansas City issued an Amber Alert late Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698375386733.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities were looking for a White 2008 Saturn Vue with Missouri license EG6A5J and a broken rear passenger wing window, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp; The owner of the vehicle was assaulted by two unknown black women according to the MSHP. The suspect stole the vehicle with the child still in the vehicle. The Saturn was last seen in the area of 42nd and Nolan Road in Independence.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Amber Alert canceled, missing 1-year-old found safe

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military launched airstrikes early Friday on two locations in eastern Syria linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pentagon said, in retaliation for a slew of drone and missile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-navy-warship-missiles-intercepted-2f5fc9c8a3737f762b29d5c53ec08a5b">attacks against U.S. bases and personnel</a>&nbsp;in the region that began early last week.

The U.S. strikes reflect the Biden administration's determination to maintain a delicate balance. The U.S. wants to hit Iranian-backed groups suspected of targeting the U.S. as strongly as possible to deter future aggression, possibly fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-raid-2964c54724e0e80382dd29756b3427bf">Israel's war against Hamas</a>, while also working to avoid inflaming the region and provoking a wider conflict.

According to the Pentagon, there have been at least 12 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and four in Syria since Oct. 17. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of those assaults that used drones to target al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf Garrison in Syria.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the “precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.”

He said President Joe Biden directed the narrowly tailored strikes “to make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.” And he added that the operation was separate and distinct from Israel's war against Hamasa.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military launched airstrikes early Friday on two locations in eastern Syria linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pentagon said, in retaliation for a slew of drone and missile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-navy-warship-missiles-intercepted-2f5fc9c8a3737f762b29d5c53ec08a5b">attacks against U.S. bases and personnel</a>&nbsp;in the region that began early last week.The U.S. strikes reflect the Biden administration's determination to maintain a delicate balance. The U.S. wants to hit Iranian-backed groups suspected of targeting the U.S. as strongly as possible to deter future aggression, possibly fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-raid-2964c54724e0e80382dd29756b3427bf">Israel's war against Hamas</a>, while also working to avoid inflaming the region and provoking a wider conflict.According to the Pentagon, there have been at least 12 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and four in Syria since Oct. 17. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of those assaults that used drones to target al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf Garrison in Syria.In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the “precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.”He said President Joe Biden directed the narrowly tailored strikes “to make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.” And he added that the operation was separate and distinct from Israel's war against Hamasa.

US strikes Iran-linked sites in Syria in retaliation for attacks on US troops

WICHITA, KAN. – A para educator in Wichita has been sentenced to prison. Daniel Alonso-Hernandez, 34 of Wichita, admitted having sexual relations with two female high school students, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In September, Alonso-Hernandez pled guilty to unlawful sexual relations and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He was a para at South High School at the time.

On Tuesday, District Judge Eric Williams followed the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines and sentenced Alonso-Hernandez to 77 months in prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642615381537.png" alt="Alonso-Hernandez" />
 <figcaption>Alonso-Hernandez</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A para educator in Wichita has been sentenced to prison. Daniel Alonso-Hernandez, 34 of Wichita, admitted having sexual relations with two female high school students, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In September, Alonso-Hernandez pled guilty to unlawful sexual relations and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He was a para at South High School at the time.On Tuesday, District Judge Eric Williams followed the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines and sentenced Alonso-Hernandez to 77 months in prison.

Para-educator admitted having sex with Kan. high school students

BARBER COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in Barber County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Peterbilt tractor truck driven by Joshua David Wayne&nbsp;Rainey, 40, Enid, Oklahoma, was westbound on K2 just west of Kansas 8 highway.

The driver maneuvered around the railroad crossings. A train collided with the truck..&nbsp;Rainey was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Lanman's Mortuary.&nbsp; The KHP reported no additional details.

BARBER COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in Barber County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Peterbilt tractor truck driven by Joshua David Wayne&nbsp;Rainey, 40, Enid, Oklahoma, was westbound on K2 just west of Kansas 8 highway.The driver maneuvered around the railroad crossings. A train collided with the truck..&nbsp;Rainey was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Lanman's Mortuary.&nbsp; The KHP reported no additional details.

Man dies after train, truck crash in Kansas 

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man found guilty of murder in 2021 drive-by shooting is going to prison.&nbsp;

Jesus Manzano-Legarda, 23, Wichita, was found guilty of 1st-degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm in the killing of&nbsp;23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita.

Judge Bruce Brown sentenced him life with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years for the 1st-degree murder and 13 months for the charge of criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

On Sept. 15, 2021, police responded to an injury accident at Harry and Washington regarding a vehicle that hit a pole, according to Office Trevor Macy.

Upon arrival, officers located a white Chevy Monte Carlo that was wrecked and occupied by 23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita who had been shot.

First responders removed Carter from the vehicle, performed life-saving measures but he was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Investigators learned Carter was driving eastbound on Harry Street stopped at Topeka Street in the inside lane at the red light. While stopped, a white SUV pulled into the oncoming lanes beside Carter and a passenger believed to be&nbsp;Manzano-Legarda fired multiple times at Carter, striking him and his vehicle.

The white SUV then fled the scene. Carter began driving eastbound on Harry and lost control of the vehicle at Harry and Meade, struck a light pole and a utility pole at Harry and Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631742123130.png" alt="MANZANO-LEGARDA-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>MANZANO-LEGARDA-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man found guilty of murder in 2021 drive-by shooting is going to prison.&nbsp;Jesus Manzano-Legarda, 23, Wichita, was found guilty of 1st-degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm in the killing of&nbsp;23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita.Judge Bruce Brown sentenced him life with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years for the 1st-degree murder and 13 months for the charge of criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.On Sept. 15, 2021, police responded to an injury accident at Harry and Washington regarding a vehicle that hit a pole, according to Office Trevor Macy.Upon arrival, officers located a white Chevy Monte Carlo that was wrecked and occupied by 23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita who had been shot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631150186772.png" alt="Police at the scene of the fatal shooting investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the fatal shooting investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders removed Carter from the vehicle, performed life-saving measures but he was pronounced deceased on the scene.Investigators learned Carter was driving eastbound on Harry Street stopped at Topeka Street in the inside lane at the red light. While stopped, a white SUV pulled into the oncoming lanes beside Carter and a passenger believed to be&nbsp;Manzano-Legarda fired multiple times at Carter, striking him and his vehicle.The white SUV then fled the scene. Carter began driving eastbound on Harry and lost control of the vehicle at Harry and Meade, struck a light pole and a utility pole at Harry and Washington.----------

Kansas man sentenced for drive-by killing of 21-year-old

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting at a house party in Manhattan have made three arrests and the public's assistance finding Marc Oliver, 18, of Manhattan.

Oliver is believed to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him if seen. If you have any information on Oliver's whereabouts, please contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. In an emergency call 911. You can submit tips online here: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353&amp;fbclid=IwAR1GHVjFgfT3ues8-8f91kX8WxuPB2Km53SLcXi2j3GMvavjQuRYfzwpJh0" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353</a>#

Just before 3a.m. October 21, the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls reporting gunfire.&nbsp;When officers arrived on scene, they found 2 male victims with gunshot wounds. A 3rd male victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound from the incident.&nbsp;

On Thursday evening police reported the arrest of 21-year-old Cordarius Gowdy; 18-year-old Damerius McGee both of Ogden and Christopher Stowers, 21, of Manhattan on requested charges&nbsp; of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and one count of firing into an occupied dwelling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698364743811.png" alt="Oliver-photo RCPD" />
 <figcaption>Oliver-photo RCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting at a house party in Manhattan have made three arrests and the public's assistance finding Marc Oliver, 18, of Manhattan.Oliver is believed to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him if seen. If you have any information on Oliver's whereabouts, please contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. In an emergency call 911. You can submit tips online here: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353&amp;fbclid=IwAR1GHVjFgfT3ues8-8f91kX8WxuPB2Km53SLcXi2j3GMvavjQuRYfzwpJh0" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353</a>#Just before 3a.m. October 21, the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls reporting gunfire.&nbsp;When officers arrived on scene, they found 2 male victims with gunshot wounds. A 3rd male victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound from the incident.&nbsp;On Thursday evening police reported the arrest of 21-year-old Cordarius Gowdy; 18-year-old Damerius McGee both of Ogden and Christopher Stowers, 21, of Manhattan on requested charges&nbsp; of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and one count of firing into an occupied dwelling.

Police: Armed, dangerous suspect wanted for Manhattan shooting

WASHINGTON (AP)— The Pentagon said Thursday that there was an attempted attack at Irbil air base in Iraq but there were no casualties and only minor damage to the facilities.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, declined to detail which Iranian-backed groups may be responsible for the recent spate of attacks at bases in Iraq and Syria.

He said there have been at least 12 attacks in Iraq and four in Syria, and that 21 U.S. personnel received minor injuries in two separate attacks early last week. Of those, 19 people had some type of traumatic brain injury, and all 21 returned to duty.

WASHINGTON (AP)— The Pentagon said Thursday that there was an attempted attack at Irbil air base in Iraq but there were no casualties and only minor damage to the facilities.Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, declined to detail which Iranian-backed groups may be responsible for the recent spate of attacks at bases in Iraq and Syria.He said there have been at least 12 attacks in Iraq and four in Syria, and that 21 U.S. personnel received minor injuries in two separate attacks early last week. Of those, 19 people had some type of traumatic brain injury, and all 21 returned to duty.

Pentagon: US troops attacked at airbase in Iraq

Authorities have confirmed the arrest of Demetrius Jones, 34, wanted in Columbia, South Carolina on a murder allegation. Junction City Police Chief John&nbsp; Lamb said Jones was arrested by police following a flock camera system alert that led to a traffic stop off of U.S. 77 in the 100 block of West 8th Street Wednesday morning.

Jones is incarcerated in the Geary County Detention Center. According to authorities there was a shooting incident in Columbia that led to the death of one person and injury to a second.

Lamb explained that JCPD has 11 cameras in their flocking system which can read license plates on vehicles and then run the information through the National Crime Information Center, and on local warrants as well. The cameras are located near various entrances to the community. They were installed early this summer.

Lamb confirmed there plans to add 12 more cameras to the system in Junction City in the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698342983803.png" alt="Demetrius Jones-photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Demetrius Jones-photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostAuthorities have confirmed the arrest of Demetrius Jones, 34, wanted in Columbia, South Carolina on a murder allegation. Junction City Police Chief John&nbsp; Lamb said Jones was arrested by police following a flock camera system alert that led to a traffic stop off of U.S. 77 in the 100 block of West 8th Street Wednesday morning.Jones is incarcerated in the Geary County Detention Center. According to authorities there was a shooting incident in Columbia that led to the death of one person and injury to a second.Lamb explained that JCPD has 11 cameras in their flocking system which can read license plates on vehicles and then run the information through the National Crime Information Center, and on local warrants as well. The cameras are located near various entrances to the community. They were installed early this summer.Lamb confirmed there plans to add 12 more cameras to the system in Junction City in the future.

South Carolina murder suspect captured in Kansas

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The executive director of a Missouri nonprofit stole millions of dollars from a program intended to provide meals for low-income children, according to a federal indictment announced Thursday.

Connie Bobo, 44, of St. Charles, Missouri, was indicted on three counts of wire fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft and two counts of obstruction of an official proceeding.

Bobo is executive director of New Heights Community Resource Center in the St. Louis suburb of Bridgeton. The nonprofit accepted funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the state to feed low-income school-aged children after school and during the summer, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Attorney’s office said the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services paid out about $11 million from February 2019 to March 2022, after Bobo submitted reimbursement claims stating that the organization served nearly 6 million meals. The indictment said New Heights purchased only enough food and milk to serve less than 3 million meals.

Instead, according to the indictment, Bobo used the money to buy a home worth nearly $1 million, bought homes for relatives and used $2.2 million of the money on a commercial real estate investment. She also gave nearly $1.4 million to a romantic partner who spent $211,907 of the funds on a Mercedes-Benz, the indictment stated.

Bobo could face more than 20 years in prison if convicted, and prosecutors are seeking reimbursement, including forfeiture of the homes and the SUV.

A message left on Bobo's cellphone on Thursday wasn't immediately returned. Calls to New Heights were met with a message saying the calls can't be completed. Bobo does not yet have an attorney, according to federal court records.

“This indictment shows that we will aggressively pursue those who defraud a program intended to feed needy children, and those who exploited loopholes created by a global pandemic,” U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming said in a statement.

In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-minnesota-covid-nutrition-cc55a566c806a29a7f2e64c762975a09">federal prosecutors in Minnesota</a>&nbsp;charged nearly 50 people in connection with a scheme to steal more than $250 million from a federal program designed to provide meals to low-income children in Minnesota.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-fraud-pandemic-covid-minnesota-7c3bf39232fa23279ead45566e74fb43">Ten additional people</a>&nbsp;were charged in that scheme in March.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698348443706.png" alt="Connie Bobo-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Connie Bobo-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — The executive director of a Missouri nonprofit stole millions of dollars from a program intended to provide meals for low-income children, according to a federal indictment announced Thursday.Connie Bobo, 44, of St. Charles, Missouri, was indicted on three counts of wire fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft and two counts of obstruction of an official proceeding.Bobo is executive director of New Heights Community Resource Center in the St. Louis suburb of Bridgeton. The nonprofit accepted funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the state to feed low-income school-aged children after school and during the summer, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.The U.S. Attorney’s office said the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services paid out about $11 million from February 2019 to March 2022, after Bobo submitted reimbursement claims stating that the organization served nearly 6 million meals. The indictment said New Heights purchased only enough food and milk to serve less than 3 million meals.Instead, according to the indictment, Bobo used the money to buy a home worth nearly $1 million, bought homes for relatives and used $2.2 million of the money on a commercial real estate investment. She also gave nearly $1.4 million to a romantic partner who spent $211,907 of the funds on a Mercedes-Benz, the indictment stated.Bobo could face more than 20 years in prison if convicted, and prosecutors are seeking reimbursement, including forfeiture of the homes and the SUV.A message left on Bobo's cellphone on Thursday wasn't immediately returned. Calls to New Heights were met with a message saying the calls can't be completed. Bobo does not yet have an attorney, according to federal court records.“This indictment shows that we will aggressively pursue those who defraud a program intended to feed needy children, and those who exploited loopholes created by a global pandemic,” U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming said in a statement.In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-minnesota-covid-nutrition-cc55a566c806a29a7f2e64c762975a09">federal prosecutors in Minnesota</a>&nbsp;charged nearly 50 people in connection with a scheme to steal more than $250 million from a federal program designed to provide meals to low-income children in Minnesota.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-fraud-pandemic-covid-minnesota-7c3bf39232fa23279ead45566e74fb43">Ten additional people</a>&nbsp;were charged in that scheme in March.

Indictment: Mo. nonprofit director stole millions from program to feed needy kids

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman criticized a resolution offered by Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall that would overturn recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ students in school nutrition programs, according to a media release from Fetterman's office.

“I can’t even believe that this resolution is even real. This makes it possible for some random lunch lady to deny lunch to a hungry child because she says her god tells her to. School lunch should be free, and certainly free of judgment."

“Don’t we have better things to do in the upper chamber than picking on kids because of who they are?”

&nbsp;Under provisions of the Congressional Review Act, S.J. Res. 42, offered by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) would overturn recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that brings USDA-funded nutrition assistance programs into compliance with recent Supreme Court rulings pertaining to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. In July 2020, the Supreme Court held in&nbsp;Bostock v. Clayton&nbsp;that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Under the Biden administration, many agencies, including USDA, have issued supplemental guidance to comply with this ruling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698238511425.png" alt="“Don’t we have better things to do in the upper chamber than picking on kids because of who they are?" Senator John Fetterman said. courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>“Don’t we have better things to do in the upper chamber than picking on kids because of who they are?" Senator John Fetterman said. courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman criticized a resolution offered by Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall that would overturn recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ students in school nutrition programs, according to a media release from Fetterman's office.“I can’t even believe that this resolution is even real. This makes it possible for some random lunch lady to deny lunch to a hungry child because she says her god tells her to. School lunch should be free, and certainly free of judgment."“Don’t we have better things to do in the upper chamber than picking on kids because of who they are?”&nbsp;Under provisions of the Congressional Review Act, S.J. Res. 42, offered by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) would overturn recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that brings USDA-funded nutrition assistance programs into compliance with recent Supreme Court rulings pertaining to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. In July 2020, the Supreme Court held in&nbsp;Bostock v. Clayton&nbsp;that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Under the Biden administration, many agencies, including USDA, have issued supplemental guidance to comply with this ruling.

Fetterman ‘can’t believe’ Kan. Senator's resolution on school lunch ‘is even real’

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Early this morning, the Kansas Wesleyan University security staff saw bubbling foam from the Pioneer Hall fountain, a now familiar sight for the university.

According to Salina Police Department sergeant Kyle Tonniges, this is not the first time someone vandalized the water feature with soap.

At around 5:30 a.m., Kansas Wesleyan staff found the water fountain overflowing with soap and reported to SPD that three suspects, one man and two women, visited the fountain around 2 a.m.

The three suspects drove away in a silver-white SUV and have not been identified by SPD.

According to Tonniges, the current damage is $1,500 but could be more if the drainage system needs to be repaired.

"If there's any sort of damage to the pipes or pumps, it would be a lot more, but at this point, it's got to be at least $1,500 to drain it, clean it and refill it," Tonniges said.

Tonniges said Kansas Wesleyan is reviewing footage of the incident and that the current damages are a felony offense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698336604878.png" alt="Kansas Wesleyan -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wesleyan -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostEarly this morning, the Kansas Wesleyan University security staff saw bubbling foam from the Pioneer Hall fountain, a now familiar sight for the university.According to Salina Police Department sergeant Kyle Tonniges, this is not the first time someone vandalized the water feature with soap.At around 5:30 a.m., Kansas Wesleyan staff found the water fountain overflowing with soap and reported to SPD that three suspects, one man and two women, visited the fountain around 2 a.m.The three suspects drove away in a silver-white SUV and have not been identified by SPD.According to Tonniges, the current damage is $1,500 but could be more if the drainage system needs to be repaired."If there's any sort of damage to the pipes or pumps, it would be a lot more, but at this point, it's got to be at least $1,500 to drain it, clean it and refill it," Tonniges said.Tonniges said Kansas Wesleyan is reviewing footage of the incident and that the current damages are a felony offense.

Prank caused $1,500 damage to fountain at Kansas Wesleyan 

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Maine’s governor says 18 people were killed and 13 were injured in shootings in Maine. Gov. Janet Mills made the remarks at a press conference Thursday.

A man shot and killed the victims at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston and then fled into the night, sparking a massive search by hundreds of officers while frightened residents stayed locked in their homes Thursday under a shelter-in-place advisory.

Mills said the shooting suspect, Robert Card, is considered armed and dangerous, warns people not to approach him.

A police bulletin identified Card, 40, as a person of interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-what-we-know-40e373f7f2f0e0fb012ad4b26f4b78cd">the attack in Lewiston that sent panicked bowlers scrambling</a>&nbsp;behind pins, into corners and a back room when shots rang out around 7 p.m. Wednesday. Card was described as a firearms instructor believed to be in the U.S. Army Reserve and assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine.

The document, circulated to law enforcement officials, said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023. It did not provide details about his treatment or condition but said Card had reported “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” the military base. A telephone number listed for Card in public records was not in service.

Maine State Police spokesperson Shannon Moss said the bowling alley shooting happened first.

Earlier, Lewiston Police said that they were dealing with an active shooter incident at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) away. A number of parents and children were at Sparetime as part of a children's bowling league.

One bowler, who identified himself only as Brandon, said he heard about 10 shots, thinking the first was a balloon popping.

“I had my back turned to the door. And as soon as I turned and saw it was not a balloon — he was holding a weapon — I just booked it,” he told The Associated Press.

Brandon said he scrambled down the length of the alley, sliding into the pin area and climbing up to hide in the machinery.

“I was putting on my bowling shoes when when it started. I’ve been barefoot for five hours,” he said.

The bowling alley is home to traditional tenpin bowling as well as candlepin, a variant of bowling found in New England. It’s located about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) north of the Bates College campus, on the outskirts of downtown. The alley has a small bar and is popular for local bowling leagues and children’s parties.

Wednesday was “industry night” at Schemengees Bar and Grille, with 25% discounts offered to customers who work in the bar or restaurant industry.

“In a split second your world gets turn upside down for no good reason,” the business posted online, saying “great people in this community” were lost.

After the shooting, police, many armed with rifles, took up positions while the city descended into eerie quiet — punctuated by occasional sirens — as people hunkered down at home. Schools as far away as Kennebunk, more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Lewiston, closed out of caution on Thursday. And schools and public buildings were closed in Portland, the state’s largest city.

Bates and Bowdoin colleges canceled classes, as did the Gorham and Portland campuses of the University of Southern Maine.

Diana Florence said her son, a sophomore at Bates College, stayed in his dorm with his roommate with the blinds closed. Her daughter is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which was locked down twice last month, once when a professor was killed and again two weeks later when a man brandished a gun in the student union building.

“I could not believe it – that this is happening again. It’s happening to my son after it just happened to my daughter,” she said in a phone interview Thursday.

Ten-year-old Zoey Levesque, who was at the bowling alley with her mother, told WMTW-TV she was grazed by a bullet.

“It’s scary,” she said. “I had never thought I’d grow up and get a bullet in my leg. And it’s just like, why? Why do people do this?”

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office released two photos of the suspect on its Facebook page that showed the shooter walking into an establishment with a weapon raised to his shoulder.

Two law enforcement officials told the AP that at least 16 people were killed and the toll was expected to rise. However, Michael Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, declined to provide a specific estimate at a news conference.

It's the 36th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-killings-united-states-list-8eea3427796229eb127e052b3c66c691">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the United States this year, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">database</a>&nbsp;maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

The two law enforcement officials said dozens of people also had been wounded. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

On its website, Central Maine Medical Center said staff were “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event” and were coordinating with area hospitals to take in patients. The hospital was locked down and police, some armed with rifles, stood by the entrances.

Meanwhile, hospitals as far away as Portland, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) to the south, were on alert to potentially receive victims.

Lewiston, the second largest city in Maine with a population of 37,000, emerged as a major center for African immigration into Maine. The Somali population, which numbers in the thousands, has changed the demographics of the once overwhelmingly white mill city into one of the most diverse in northern New England.

A shelter-in-place advisory was issued Wednesday night for Androscoggin County. That included the community of Lisbon, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) away, after a “vehicle of interest” was found there, authorities said. It was extended Thursday to Bowdoin, which is in Sagadahoc County.

Mills earlier released a statement echoing instructions for people to shelter. President Joe Biden spoke by phone to Mills and the state's Senate and House members, offering “full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack,” a White House statement said.

Wednesday's death toll was staggering for a state that in 2022 had 29 homicides the entire year.

Author Stephen King responded to the shootings Thursday morning in a pair of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The shootings occurred less than 50 miles from where I live. I went to high school in Lisbon. It’s the rapid-fire killing machines, people. This is madness in the name of freedom. Stop electing apologists for murder,” he wrote.

Maine doesn't require permits to carry guns, and the state has a longstanding culture of gun ownership that is tied to its traditions of hunting and sport shooting.

Florence, of New York, said she and her son at Bates College spoke and texted late into the night, and that he was shaken up but OK. Meanwhile, she was left angry.

“I think this is about our laws, frankly. That we cannot seem to pass any sort of sensible gun laws or attack mental health in the way we should,” she said. “And our kids are paying the price. And even if they’re not killed or injured, the trauma that is going to linger long past the semester is palpable.”

Some recent attempts by gun control advocates to tighten the state’s gun laws have failed. Proposals to require background checks for private gun sales and create a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases failed earlier this year. Proposals that focused on school security and banning bump stocks failed in 2019.

State residents have also voted down some attempts to tighten gun laws in Maine. A proposal to require background checks for gun sales failed in a 2016 public vote.

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — A man shot and killed at least 16 people at a restaurant and a bowling alley in Maine and then fled into the night, sparking a massive search by hundreds of officers while frightened residents stayed locked in their homes Thursday under a shelter-in-place advisory.

A police bulletin identified Robert Card, 40, as a person of interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-what-we-know-40e373f7f2f0e0fb012ad4b26f4b78cd">the attack in Lewiston that sent panicked bowlers scrambling</a>&nbsp;behind pins, into corners and a back room when shots rang out around 7 p.m. Wednesday. Card was described as a firearms instructor believed to be in the U.S. Army Reserve and assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine.

Lewiston Police said in an earlier Facebook post that they were dealing with an active shooter incident at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) away. A number of parents and children were at Sparetime as part of a children's bowling league.

Ten-year-old Zoey Levesque, who was there with her mother, told WMTW-TV she was grazed by a bullet.

Brandon said he scrambled down the length of the alley, sliding into the pin area and climbing up to hide in the machinery. He was among a busload of survivors who were driven to a middle school in the neighboring city of Auburn to be reunited with family and friends.

Melinda Small, the owner of the Legends Sports Bar and Grill, said her staff immediately locked their doors and moved all 25 customers and employees away from the doors after a customer reported hearing about the shooting at the bowling alley less than a quarter-mile away. Soon, the police flooded the roadway and a police officer eventually escorted everyone out of the building.

“I am honestly in a state of shock. I am blessed that my team responded quickly and everyone is safe,” Small said. “But at the same time, my heart is broken for this area and for what everyone is dealing with. I just feel numb.”

Many businesses decided to close Thursday. Central Maine Healthcare said it was closing all physician offices in Lewiston and six surrounding communities. All elective surgery was canceled at Central Maine Medical Center.

Two law enforcement officials told the AP that at least 16 people were killed and the toll was expected to rise. However, Michael Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, declined to provide a specific estimate at a news conference, calling it a “fluid situation.” State police planned to hold a midmorning news conference Thursday.

A shelter-in-place advisory was issued Wednesday night for Androscoggin County. That included the community of Lisbon, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) away, after a “vehicle of interest” was found there, authorities said. It was extended Thursday to Bowdoin, which is in Sagadachoc County.

Gov. Janet Mills released a statement echoing instructions for people to shelter. President Joe Biden spoke by phone to Mills and the state's Senate and House members, offering “full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack,” a White House statement said.

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — A man shot and killed at least 16 people at a restaurant and a bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday and then fled into the night, sparking a massive search by hundreds of officers while frightened residents stayed locked in their homes.

A police bulletin identified Robert Card, 40, as a person of interest in the attack that sent panicked bowlers scrambling behind pins when shots rang out around 7 p.m. Card was described as a firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve and assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine.

Lewiston Police said in an earlier Facebook post that they were dealing with an active shooter incident at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) away.

Melinda Small, the owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill, said her staff immediately locked their doors and moved all 25 customers and employees away from the doors after a customer reported hearing about the shooting at the bowling alley less than a quarter-mile away. Soon, the police flooded the roadway and a police officer eventually escorted everyone out of the building.

After the shooting, police, many armed with rifles, took up positions while the city descended into eerie quiet — punctuated by occasional sirens — as people hunkered down at home. Schools were closed Thursday in Lewiston, Lisbon and Auburn, as well as municipal offices in Lewiston.

Two law enforcement officials told The AP that at least 16 people were killed and the toll was expected to rise. However, Michael Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, declined to provide a specific estimate at a news conference, calling it a “fluid situation.” State police planned to hold a mid-morning news conference Thursday.

An order for residents and business owners to stay inside and off the streets of the city of 37,000 was extended Wednesday night from Lewiston to Lisbon, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) away, after a “vehicle of interest” was found there, authorities said.

Gov. Janet Mills released a statement echoing instructions for people to shelter. She said she had been briefed on the situation and will remain in close contact with public safety officials.

President Joe Biden spoke by phone to Mills and the state's Senate and House members, offering “full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack,” a White House statement said.

Maine Sen. Angus King, an independent, said he was “deeply sad for the city of Lewiston and all those worried about their family, friends and neighbors” and was monitoring the situation. King’s office said the senator would be headed directly home to Maine on the first flight possible.

Local schools will be closed Thursday and people should shelter in place or seek safety, Superintendent Jake Langlais said, adding: “Stay close to your loved ones. Embrace them."

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — At least 10 people were killed Wednesday in shootings in Lewiston, Maine, and the death toll is expected to rise, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

Governor: 18 killed, 13 injured in Maine mass shooting

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as Jo D. Crawford, 26, of Kansas City.

Just after 8:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 4200 block of Benton Boulevard in Kansas City on a sound of shots call, according to Police Sergeant Jacob Becchina

While officers were on the way they received several more 911 calls for sound of gunshots. On arrival officers located evidence of gunfire at the location. Minutes later Central Patrol officers were dispatched to University Health for a shooting victim later identified as Crawford who showed up by private vehicle. 

The shooting was reported to have happened at the 4200 block of Benton location. That shooting victim, an adult male, was declared deceased at the hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698156676640.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting-photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting-photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as Jo D. Crawford, 26, of Kansas City.Just after 8:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 4200 block of Benton Boulevard in Kansas City on a sound of shots call, according to Police Sergeant Jacob BecchinaWhile officers were on the way they received several more 911 calls for sound of gunshots. On arrival officers located evidence of gunfire at the location. Minutes later Central Patrol officers were dispatched to University Health for a shooting victim later identified as Crawford who showed up by private vehicle. The shooting was reported to have happened at the 4200 block of Benton location. That shooting victim, an adult male, was declared deceased at the hospital.Police have not reported an arrest.

Police ID victim in latest deadly Kansas City shooting 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement and military officials worked to safely dispose of war memorabilia found at a Kansas home.&nbsp;

Just after 8:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a past burglary in the 2500 block of SE Virginia Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols

First responders located historic war memorabilia that caused concern and the Topeka Police bomb squad was called to the scene.

Due to the potential of military ordinance, per protocol, Topeka Police hazardous device technicians requested the expertise of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit from Ft. Riley. The EOD is currently investigating the memorabilia to render it safe.

On Wednesday afternoon the Ft. Riley EOD safely removed all ordinances from the residence. TPD’s investigation into the burglary is still ongoing

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698317435466.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement and military officials worked to safely dispose of war memorabilia found at a Kansas home.&nbsp;Just after 8:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a past burglary in the 2500 block of SE Virginia Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie NicholsFirst responders located historic war memorabilia that caused concern and the Topeka Police bomb squad was called to the scene.Due to the potential of military ordinance, per protocol, Topeka Police hazardous device technicians requested the expertise of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit from Ft. Riley. The EOD is currently investigating the memorabilia to render it safe.On Wednesday afternoon the Ft. Riley EOD safely removed all ordinances from the residence. TPD’s investigation into the burglary is still ongoing

Bomb Squad removed dangerous war memorabilia from Kan. home

BOURBON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Wednesday in Bourbon County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Toyota Rav4 driven by Rebecca L. Shinn, 75, Uniontown, was eastbound on U.S. 54 Highway at the Kansas 3 Junction..

The driver failed to yield to a westbound 2016 Jeep Wrangler driven by&nbsp; Heath A. Baker,&nbsp; 35, Nevada, Missouri, while making a left turn south onto K3 Highway.&nbsp; The Jeep struck the&nbsp; Toyota.

A passenger in the Jeep identified as Nathaniel N.&nbsp;Morehead, 44, Milan, Missouri, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Cheney WItt Funeral Home.

EMS transported Shinn to Via Christi in Pittsburg and Baker to St. Luke's Hospital. One juvenile was present in the Jeep; juvenile record protected data. Baker and Morehead were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

BOURBON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Wednesday in Bourbon County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Toyota Rav4 driven by Rebecca L. Shinn, 75, Uniontown, was eastbound on U.S. 54 Highway at the Kansas 3 Junction..The driver failed to yield to a westbound 2016 Jeep Wrangler driven by&nbsp; Heath A. Baker,&nbsp; 35, Nevada, Missouri, while making a left turn south onto K3 Highway.&nbsp; The Jeep struck the&nbsp; Toyota.A passenger in the Jeep identified as Nathaniel N.&nbsp;Morehead, 44, Milan, Missouri, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Cheney WItt Funeral Home.EMS transported Shinn to Via Christi in Pittsburg and Baker to St. Luke's Hospital. One juvenile was present in the Jeep; juvenile record protected data. Baker and Morehead were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Missouri man dead, 2 injured after 2-vehicle Kan. crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman was charged Wednesday with a misdemeanor for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-fire-alarm-jamaal-bowman-house-bc9c1cca01fa918999621e0f7eb27165">triggering a fire alarm as lawmakers scrambled to pass a funding bill</a>&nbsp;before a government shutdown deadline in September.

He is expected to plead guilty, formally apologize and pay a $1,000 fine. The false fire alarm charge would then be dropped if he successfully completes 3 months of probation.

The alarm forced the evacuation of a House office building for over an hour. The New York lawmaker has acknowledged pulling the alarm and said it was a mistake. He was in a rush to go to vote, tried to go through a door that was unexpectedly closed and wrongly thought pulling the fire alarm lever would help him open it, he said.

At the time of the evacuation, House Democrats were working to delay a vote on a funding bill to keep federal agencies open. They had said they needed time to review a bill that Republicans abruptly released to avoid a shutdown. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8">funding package was ultimately approved</a>&nbsp;with most Republicans and almost all Democrats, including Bowman, supporting the bill.

Republicans criticized Bowman after the alarm, and on Wednesday introduced a motion to censure him. Rep. Bryan Steil, the chairman of the Committee on House Administration, referred the case to Capitol police. He called Bowman’s explanation an “excuse."

He pointed out that Bowman passed several police officers after pulling the alarm without alerting them about it. Bowman, for his part, has said he was urgently trying to get to the vote and said Republicans would “attempt to distract everyone” with the case.

Prosecutors said Bowman was “treated like anyone else who violates the law” and has agreed to pay the maximum fine, according to a spokesperson for the District of Columbia attorney general’s office.

Bowman told police at the time he didn’t mean to disrupt any congressional proceeding, according to court documents. He said he didn’t immediately tell anyone about the alarm going off because he was in a hurry to vote.

Under an agreement with the D.C. attorney general, the charge will be withdrawn in three months if the congressman provides a formal apology to Capitol police and pays a $1,000 fine.

Bowman said he was grateful for the quick resolution in the case, and looking forward to putting it behind him. “I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696253301965.png" alt="Rep. Jamal Bowman pulling the alarm photo U.S. Capitol Police" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Jamal Bowman pulling the alarm photo U.S. Capitol Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman was charged Wednesday with a misdemeanor for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-fire-alarm-jamaal-bowman-house-bc9c1cca01fa918999621e0f7eb27165">triggering a fire alarm as lawmakers scrambled to pass a funding bill</a>&nbsp;before a government shutdown deadline in September.He is expected to plead guilty, formally apologize and pay a $1,000 fine. The false fire alarm charge would then be dropped if he successfully completes 3 months of probation.The alarm forced the evacuation of a House office building for over an hour. The New York lawmaker has acknowledged pulling the alarm and said it was a mistake. He was in a rush to go to vote, tried to go through a door that was unexpectedly closed and wrongly thought pulling the fire alarm lever would help him open it, he said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Headed back home this morning. Wonder if I need to pull this red alarm thingy to get out the Russell Senate Office building…? <a href="https://t.co/9d7gKTABsJ">pic.twitter.com/9d7gKTABsJ</a>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1708463092080705986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At the time of the evacuation, House Democrats were working to delay a vote on a funding bill to keep federal agencies open. They had said they needed time to review a bill that Republicans abruptly released to avoid a shutdown. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8">funding package was ultimately approved</a>&nbsp;with most Republicans and almost all Democrats, including Bowman, supporting the bill.Republicans criticized Bowman after the alarm, and on Wednesday introduced a motion to censure him. Rep. Bryan Steil, the chairman of the Committee on House Administration, referred the case to Capitol police. He called Bowman’s explanation an “excuse."He pointed out that Bowman passed several police officers after pulling the alarm without alerting them about it. Bowman, for his part, has said he was urgently trying to get to the vote and said Republicans would “attempt to distract everyone” with the case.Prosecutors said Bowman was “treated like anyone else who violates the law” and has agreed to pay the maximum fine, according to a spokesperson for the District of Columbia attorney general’s office.Bowman told police at the time he didn’t mean to disrupt any congressional proceeding, according to court documents. He said he didn’t immediately tell anyone about the alarm going off because he was in a hurry to vote.Under an agreement with the D.C. attorney general, the charge will be withdrawn in three months if the congressman provides a formal apology to Capitol police and pays a $1,000 fine.Bowman said he was grateful for the quick resolution in the case, and looking forward to putting it behind him. “I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped," he said.

Congressman charged, to pay fine for pulling Capitol fire alarm

DETROIT (AP) — The United Auto Workers union said Wednesday it has reached a tentative contract agreement with Ford that could be a breakthrough toward ending the nearly 6-week-old strikes against Detroit automakers.

The four-year deal, which still has to be approved by 57,000 union members at the company, could bring a close to the union’s series of strikes at targeted factories run by Ford, General Motors and Jeep maker Stellantis.

The Ford deal could set the pattern for agreements with the other two automakers, although no other agreements were announced.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

The United Auto Workers union is expected to announce a tentative contract agreement with Ford Wednesday night that could be a breakthrough toward ending the nearly 6-week-old strikes against Detroit automakers.

Two people with knowledge of the bargaining said the company and union are working on the final details of the contract and could announce it Wednesday evening in a video appearance with UAW President Shawn Fain. The people asked not to be identified because they’re not authorized to speak publicly about the bargaining.

Terms of the deal weren’t immediately available, but both sides have been discussing a four-year contract. It would have to be approved by 57,000 union members at Ford.

The Ford deal could set the pattern for agreements with the other two automakers.

The people said the union made a counter-offer to Ford that proposes a 25% general wage increase over the life of a new contract and said that negotiations on Tuesday extended well into Wednesday. Previously Ford, Stellantis and General Motors had all offered 23% pay increases.

DETROIT (AP) — The United Auto Workers union said Wednesday it has reached a tentative contract agreement with Ford that could be a breakthrough toward ending the nearly 6-week-old strikes against Detroit automakers.Click below to watch the announcement)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fuaw.union%2Fvideos%2F256949587348063%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The four-year deal, which still has to be approved by 57,000 union members at the company, could bring a close to the union’s series of strikes at targeted factories run by Ford, General Motors and Jeep maker Stellantis.The Ford deal could set the pattern for agreements with the other two automakers, although no other agreements were announced.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.The United Auto Workers union is expected to announce a tentative contract agreement with Ford Wednesday night that could be a breakthrough toward ending the nearly 6-week-old strikes against Detroit automakers.Two people with knowledge of the bargaining said the company and union are working on the final details of the contract and could announce it Wednesday evening in a video appearance with UAW President Shawn Fain. The people asked not to be identified because they’re not authorized to speak publicly about the bargaining.Terms of the deal weren’t immediately available, but both sides have been discussing a four-year contract. It would have to be approved by 57,000 union members at Ford.The Ford deal could set the pattern for agreements with the other two automakers.The people said the union made a counter-offer to Ford that proposes a 25% general wage increase over the life of a new contract and said that negotiations on Tuesday extended well into Wednesday. Previously Ford, Stellantis and General Motors had all offered 23% pay increases.A Ford deal would include cost-of-living pay increases that could lift the total pay raises above 30%, said the people. In addition, workers would still receive annual profit-sharing checks.Typically, during past auto strikes, a UAW deal with one automaker has led the other companies to match it with their own settlements.One of the people said there also was progress in the union’s talks with GM. But it was unclear whether any of the automakers had accepted the UAW’s counter-offer of 25% pay increases over four years.The progress in the negotiations came after the union this week walked out at three factories that produce highly profitable&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-motors-strike-united-auto-workers-uaw-f16005a7b20a6f1772947957854d1017">pickup trucks and SUVs,</a>&nbsp;adding them to the list of plants already on strike in a strategy to intensify pressure on the companies.On Tuesday, about 5,000 workers at GM’s assembly plant in Arlington, Texas, walked out, halting production of truck-based SUVs that are huge profit makers for the company. A day earlier, the UAW’s president,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-strike-union-uaw-shawn-fain-0e3e71f44f075fda066f499bb2165b48">Shawn Fain</a>, had added 6,800 employees at Stellantis’ Ram pickup plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan.Two weeks ago the union struck Ford’s largest and most profitable factory, the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, where 8,700 workers make heavy-duty F-Series pickups and two large SUVs.In all, about 46,000 workers have walked out at factories owned by the three companies in a series of targeted strikes that began Sept. 15. About 32% of the union’s 146,000 members at the automakers are now on strike and getting by on $500 per week in strike pay. The automakers have been laying off workers at other plants as parts shortages have cascaded through their manufacturing systems.Todd Dunn, president of the UAW local at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant, said he was told by people within the union's leadership that the company is nearing an agreement.“I've heard they are moving the needle as aggressively as possible,” Dunn said in an interview Wednesday. “It's very positive.”The prospect of a breakthrough, he said, has raised the spirits of workers who are willing to stay out on strike to reach a deal despite hardships for some.Dunn said he thinks the strike at his plant had nudged Ford along in the talks and could help yield the best contract he's seen in 29 years with the company.Neither the companies nor the union would comment on the talks Wednesday. The union’s counter-offer of a 25% wage increase over four years was reported earlier by Bloomberg News and the trade publication Automotive News.One key issue is whether to extend the national UAW contract to 11 U.S. electric vehicle battery factories. This would essentially ensure that workers there would be represented by the union.All but one of these plants are joint ventures with South Korean battery makers. GM has agreed to this, but the other companies have balked, saying their joint venture partners must also agree.GM CEO Mary Barra said Tuesday that the offer to bring the battery plants into the master union agreement was still open but that they would have to meet what she called “benchmark economics and also operating flexibility.”Having union representation at the battery factories is a vital issue for the union because these plants will house many of the jobs of the future as the industry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-battery-plants-strike-contract-3e5b9a970cdf9b0de9c79fcebe315694">transitions away from gasoline vehicles</a>. Workers who now make engines and transmissions at all three companies will need places to work as their plants are phased out.All three companies have said they don’t want to absorb labor costs that are so high that they would force price increases and make their vehicles more expensive than those made by nonunion companies such as Tesla and Toyota.A study this month by Moody's Investor Service found that annual labor costs could rise by $1.1 billion for Stellantis, $1.2 billion for GM and $1.4 billion for Ford in the fourth year of the contract. The study assumed a 20% increase in hourly labor costs.