OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Another one of the 12 railroad unions narrowly approved its deal with the major freight railroads Saturday, offering some hope that the contract dispute might be resolved without a strike even though two other unions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-strikes-government-and-politics-581babaeee804c37e4761424c02af21a">rejected</a>&nbsp;their agreements last month.

Now that 52% of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers members who voted approved their deal, seven railroad unions have ratified contracts that include 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses, but all 12 have to approve contracts to prevent a strike.

Concerns remain about the possibility of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">economically devastating strike</a>&nbsp;because the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen unions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-0744cffe919f0d48fcc02d16c8a298b3">voted down</a>&nbsp;their contracts, and many workers say these deals just don't address their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality-of life concerns</a>. No strike is imminent because those unions agreed to return to the bargaining table to try to work out a new deal, but those talks have been deadlocked over the unions' demands for paid sick time and there is a Nov. 19 deadline.

The railroads have rejected union demands for paid sick time because they say the deals they've been offering include higher wages that are intended to compensate workers for the lack of sick time and their other quality of life concerns. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-norfolk-government-and-politics-eeedec386f2acba5d63181436ca03f3f">railroads want</a>&nbsp;any deal to closely follow the recommendations made this summer by a special panel of arbitrators that President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-transportation-strikes-ba718974eb14fcd615d606bfcdffb3d2">appointed</a>.

The railroads have also maintained that the unions have agreed over the years to forego paid sick leave in favor of better wages and strong short-term disability benefits.

The group that negotiates on behalf of Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, CSX and other railroads said the deal the Machinists approved includes “the largest wage package in nearly five decades” and implements the recommendations the Presidential Emergency Board made.

The deal the Machinists approved this weekend was the second one they voted on after rejecting their first agreement. This one includes all the raises and an additional paid leave day that was in the original deal, but it also included several additional benefits including a cap on health insurance expenses, an agreement that the railroads will study how much overtime employees are being forced to work and a promise that each railroad will negotiate individually over expense reimbursement.

The railroads also promised the Machinists that they won’t force workers to share hotel rooms when they’re on the road for work.

“Our union recognizes that the agreement wasn’t accepted overwhelmingly, so our team will continue conversing with our members at our rail yards across the nation,” the Machinists union's District 19 unit said in a statement. “This agreement is the first step in addressing some of the issues in our industry. Our fight was able to shine a light on the work-life balance issues as well as the lack of proper paid sick leave.”

Three other unions are scheduled to vote later this month, including the largest ones that represent engineers and conductors.

The workers represented by the Machinists union generally have more regular schedules than the engineers and conductors who say the railroads' strict attendance policies keep them on call 24/7. And the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers unions won't even release the results of their votes until after the current Nov. 19 deadline in the BMWED talks.

Because of the fears about a possible strike,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-6b60d53fefc7b85f301b0a3e7011715b">business groups</a>&nbsp;have urged Biden and Congress to be ready to intervene if both sides can't reach an agreement. Biden played an active role in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-economy-strikes-congress-94089be6a4f469444da99fec9dde1b3e">securing</a>&nbsp;these original deals back in September, and Congress has the power to block a strike and impose terms on the workers if there is a walkout.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Another one of the 12 railroad unions narrowly approved its deal with the major freight railroads Saturday, offering some hope that the contract dispute might be resolved without a strike even though two other unions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-strikes-government-and-politics-581babaeee804c37e4761424c02af21a">rejected</a>&nbsp;their agreements last month.Now that 52% of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers members who voted approved their deal, seven railroad unions have ratified contracts that include 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses, but all 12 have to approve contracts to prevent a strike.Concerns remain about the possibility of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">economically devastating strike</a>&nbsp;because the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen unions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-0744cffe919f0d48fcc02d16c8a298b3">voted down</a>&nbsp;their contracts, and many workers say these deals just don't address their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality-of life concerns</a>. No strike is imminent because those unions agreed to return to the bargaining table to try to work out a new deal, but those talks have been deadlocked over the unions' demands for paid sick time and there is a Nov. 19 deadline.The railroads have rejected union demands for paid sick time because they say the deals they've been offering include higher wages that are intended to compensate workers for the lack of sick time and their other quality of life concerns. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-norfolk-government-and-politics-eeedec386f2acba5d63181436ca03f3f">railroads want</a>&nbsp;any deal to closely follow the recommendations made this summer by a special panel of arbitrators that President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-transportation-strikes-ba718974eb14fcd615d606bfcdffb3d2">appointed</a>.The railroads have also maintained that the unions have agreed over the years to forego paid sick leave in favor of better wages and strong short-term disability benefits.The group that negotiates on behalf of Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, CSX and other railroads said the deal the Machinists approved includes “the largest wage package in nearly five decades” and implements the recommendations the Presidential Emergency Board made.The deal the Machinists approved this weekend was the second one they voted on after rejecting their first agreement. This one includes all the raises and an additional paid leave day that was in the original deal, but it also included several additional benefits including a cap on health insurance expenses, an agreement that the railroads will study how much overtime employees are being forced to work and a promise that each railroad will negotiate individually over expense reimbursement.The railroads also promised the Machinists that they won’t force workers to share hotel rooms when they’re on the road for work.“Our union recognizes that the agreement wasn’t accepted overwhelmingly, so our team will continue conversing with our members at our rail yards across the nation,” the Machinists union's District 19 unit said in a statement. “This agreement is the first step in addressing some of the issues in our industry. Our fight was able to shine a light on the work-life balance issues as well as the lack of proper paid sick leave.”Three other unions are scheduled to vote later this month, including the largest ones that represent engineers and conductors.The workers represented by the Machinists union generally have more regular schedules than the engineers and conductors who say the railroads' strict attendance policies keep them on call 24/7. And the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers unions won't even release the results of their votes until after the current Nov. 19 deadline in the BMWED talks.Because of the fears about a possible strike,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-6b60d53fefc7b85f301b0a3e7011715b">business groups</a>&nbsp;have urged Biden and Congress to be ready to intervene if both sides can't reach an agreement. Biden played an active role in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-economy-strikes-congress-94089be6a4f469444da99fec9dde1b3e">securing</a>&nbsp;these original deals back in September, and Congress has the power to block a strike and impose terms on the workers if there is a walkout.

Rail union approves deal offering hope of avoiding strike

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after&nbsp;

Just after 4a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County&nbsp;Emergency Communication Center&nbsp;received a 911 call of an unknown person with a flashlight had been near the caller’s barn in the 10000 block of SW Auburn Road, according to a media release.

When deputies arrived, they found a man later identified as 26-year-old Jonathan D. Veach of Topeka hiding under an ATV in the caller’s barn. He was wielding a sword.&nbsp;

After Veach refused to comply with commands, deputies seized the sword and attempted to arrest him. However, he continued to ignore commands and a taser was used to safely arrest him, according to the release.

Veach was booked into the&nbsp;Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections&nbsp;on requested charges of criminal trespass and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667569993513.png" alt="Veach-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Veach-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after&nbsp;Just after 4a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County&nbsp;Emergency Communication Center&nbsp;received a 911 call of an unknown person with a flashlight had been near the caller’s barn in the 10000 block of SW Auburn Road, according to a media release.When deputies arrived, they found a man later identified as 26-year-old Jonathan D. Veach of Topeka hiding under an ATV in the caller’s barn. He was wielding a sword.&nbsp;After Veach refused to comply with commands, deputies seized the sword and attempted to arrest him. However, he continued to ignore commands and a taser was used to safely arrest him, according to the release.Veach was booked into the&nbsp;Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections&nbsp;on requested charges of criminal trespass and interference with law enforcement.

Kansas deputies find man hiding in barn wielding a sword

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas City-area man who attempted to flee in a stolen vehicle while an officer in the back seat was attempting to get him out of the car was sentenced in federal court this week for illegally possessing firearms and heroin to distribute, according to the United State's Attorney.

Hussein Ali, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

On March 17, 2022, Ali pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with the intent to distribute and to being a felon in possession of firearms. Ali admitted that he was in possession of heroin and in possession of an FN Herstal 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Canik 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

Kansas City, Mo., police officers were investigating a stolen car on Nov. 26, 2021, when they arrived at the parking lot of the Marriott Hotel, 3950 N. Mulberry Drive in Kansas City. Ali appeared to be asleep in the driver’s seat of the silver 2020 Nissan Altima. Officers were unable to wake him up, so an officer opened the driver’s side door and attempted to remove Ali from the vehicle. As the door was opened, Ali woke up and physically resisted the officer. A second officer entered the drive’s side rear passenger door to assist. Ali placed the car into drive and drove out of the parking lot, with the officer still in the rear passenger’s seat.

As Ali fled, he struck a parked police patrol car. Ali struggled with the officer in the back seat, at one point biting the officer’s hand. The officer was able to put the vehicle into park, causing it to come to an abrupt stop near the parking lot’s exit. Ali got out of the car but refused to comply with officers’ commands and continued to pull away from officers. An officer deployed his taser, which struck Ali in the chest but did not have an effect. Ali was taken to the ground and handcuffed.

Officers searched Ali and found the two pistols in a cross-body “fanny pack” style bag wrapped around his torso. The Canik pistol had been reported as stolen. Officers also found a container nearby that contained black tar heroin. Inside the vehicle, officers found approximately 13.3 grams of heroin, approximately 2.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and approximately 5.4 grams of suspected crack cocaine in the center console. Officers found firearm magazines and live ammunition in the trunk of the car.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Ali has three prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, as well as prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, resisting a lawful stop, and domestic assault.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh A. Ragner. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas City-area man who attempted to flee in a stolen vehicle while an officer in the back seat was attempting to get him out of the car was sentenced in federal court this week for illegally possessing firearms and heroin to distribute, according to the United State's Attorney.Hussein Ali, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 10 years in federal prison without parole.On March 17, 2022, Ali pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with the intent to distribute and to being a felon in possession of firearms. Ali admitted that he was in possession of heroin and in possession of an FN Herstal 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Canik 9mm semi-automatic pistol.Kansas City, Mo., police officers were investigating a stolen car on Nov. 26, 2021, when they arrived at the parking lot of the Marriott Hotel, 3950 N. Mulberry Drive in Kansas City. Ali appeared to be asleep in the driver’s seat of the silver 2020 Nissan Altima. Officers were unable to wake him up, so an officer opened the driver’s side door and attempted to remove Ali from the vehicle. As the door was opened, Ali woke up and physically resisted the officer. A second officer entered the drive’s side rear passenger door to assist. Ali placed the car into drive and drove out of the parking lot, with the officer still in the rear passenger’s seat.As Ali fled, he struck a parked police patrol car. Ali struggled with the officer in the back seat, at one point biting the officer’s hand. The officer was able to put the vehicle into park, causing it to come to an abrupt stop near the parking lot’s exit. Ali got out of the car but refused to comply with officers’ commands and continued to pull away from officers. An officer deployed his taser, which struck Ali in the chest but did not have an effect. Ali was taken to the ground and handcuffed.Officers searched Ali and found the two pistols in a cross-body “fanny pack” style bag wrapped around his torso. The Canik pistol had been reported as stolen. Officers also found a container nearby that contained black tar heroin. Inside the vehicle, officers found approximately 13.3 grams of heroin, approximately 2.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and approximately 5.4 grams of suspected crack cocaine in the center console. Officers found firearm magazines and live ammunition in the trunk of the car.Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Ali has three prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, as well as prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, resisting a lawful stop, and domestic assault.This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh A. Ragner. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

KC-area man attempted to flee with officer in the backseat

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas City man in a fatal August shooting, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

D'Angelo L. Fisher, 23, faces Murder 1st Degree, Assault 1st Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, on Aug. 13, Kansas City police officers were dispatched to a BP Gas Station in the 1900 block of Independence Avenue on a reported shooting. 

Officers found Myana Henderson deceased at the scene. A male victim had been shot in the leg and was transported for treatment. Witnesses described a man pulling into the parking lot in a white vehicle. He was wearing a orange hoodie and an orange bandana. He ran toward the store and fired several shots. 

He chased after the woman while shooting. A check of the Fisher's cell phone showed it was in the area of the homicide at the time the crime occurred. Police also connected the defendant to the white vehicle like the one captured on surveillance video at the time of the homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667505443840.png" alt="Fisher-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Fisher-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas City man in a fatal August shooting, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.D'Angelo L. Fisher, 23, faces Murder 1st Degree, Assault 1st Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, on Aug. 13, Kansas City police officers were dispatched to a BP Gas Station in the 1900 block of Independence Avenue on a reported shooting. Officers found Myana Henderson deceased at the scene. A male victim had been shot in the leg and was transported for treatment. Witnesses described a man pulling into the parking lot in a white vehicle. He was wearing a orange hoodie and an orange bandana. He ran toward the store and fired several shots. He chased after the woman while shooting. A check of the Fisher's cell phone showed it was in the area of the homicide at the time the crime occurred. Police also connected the defendant to the white vehicle like the one captured on surveillance video at the time of the homicide.

Suspect's cell phone linked him to scene of woman's killing

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-11-03/kansas-might-let-homes-take-more-toddlers-amid-child-care-shortage-critics-worry-about-safety">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Corinne Carr has about a half dozen seven parents the waiting list to enroll their children in her home day care business.

Changes pending with state regulators would let her take in more children, but she’s not headed in that direction.

“I don’t feel that it’s safe for the children,” she said.

Currently, a child care operation with two workers can take in four children younger than 18 months.

Now
 the state is looking at loosening the rules so that family child care 
providers with just one worker could look after up to four toddlers, or 
children under 12 months old, at once and still enroll two children 
between the ages of 1 and 5 years old

That could mean one person could be caring for six children younger than 18 months.

“It’s not doable,” Carr said. “It’s not quality for those families and that child. It is just not quality care.”

Those
 changes aim to chip away at a chronic shortage in child care — 
something virtually any working parent can appreciate. But some child 
care providers say those looser limits could lead to overcrowded and 
understaffed home day care providers that don't account for things like 
the difficulty between children who can feed themselves and those who 
need to be fed by an adult.

Yet the scarcity of child care remains a pressing problem. <a href="https://stage.worklifesystems.com/Kansas?county=all" target="_blank">Child Care Aware of Kansas estimated</a> there are around 220,000 total children under six, as of Nov. 1, but just 44% of the demand met.

“Anytime
 we have friends or family that (say) they’re pregnant,” said Angie 
Carnes, “all of us will say, you need to start looking for child care, 
like, right now.”

Some businesses do not have an opening until Fall 2023.

Carnes
 is the president of the Child Care Provider Coalition of Kansas and she
 runs her own in-home business. She sees the need to help providers and 
expand child care slots in the state, but she said the proposed changes 
do little to cut demand and put children at risk.

She compared it 
to a family who just had triplets. Nobody would assume that family could
 care for all those children without help, so she questions why the 
state thinks those providers can handle more children without help.

The
 changes would only change the rules for in-home facilities and do not 
touch on day care centers in a commercial business setting. It tweaks 
the age range to slightly increase flexibility for those providers.

The proposals are still just that, proposals. State officials are still gathering feedback.

“This
 is outside of best practice,” said Melissa Schoenberger, field services
 supervisor at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

KDHE
 says the changes wouldn’t expand capacity directly, but will give 
providers more flexibility in the ages of children they can take in. 
That, in turn, could help some businesses cut down on wait lists.

The agency couldn’t estimate when these changes might go into effect.

Schoenberg
 said the move is a compromise between best practice and finding 
solutions for Kansas. The changes push infant capacity above what 
neighboring states offer but keep providers within Kansas’ fire code.

“The proposed changes provide a balance between the need for safety and marketplace realities,” Schoenberger said.

Kelly
 Davydov, executive director of Child Care Aware of Kansas, said the 
changes will help some families, but she says they are short-sighted.

Kansas
 gave $750- to $2,500- one-time grants to child care workers during the 
pandemic Critics say that move, and the current proposal, are only 
short-term measures.

Davydov says that Kansas needs to respond to an imminent shortage, but that the state needs to shift to more sustainable fixes.

For
 instance, they say Kansas could developm more mentorship opportunities 
to help new businesses thrive or possible grant funding to keep them 
afloat. Some are interested in adjusting state reimbursement rates for 
day care so businesses will earn more.

“We do need to think on a much bigger scale systemically, strategically,” Davydov said.

Blaise Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the 
Kansas News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter 
@Blaise_Mesa or email him at blaise@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667497105345.png" alt="Kansas is proposing changes to licensed capacity for family child care. Courtesy Angie Carnes" />
 <figcaption>Kansas is proposing changes to licensed capacity for family child care. Courtesy Angie Carnes</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-11-03/kansas-might-let-homes-take-more-toddlers-amid-child-care-shortage-critics-worry-about-safety">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Corinne Carr has about a half dozen seven parents the waiting list to enroll their children in her home day care business.Changes pending with state regulators would let her take in more children, but she’s not headed in that direction.“I don’t feel that it’s safe for the children,” she said.Currently, a child care operation with two workers can take in four children younger than 18 months.Now
 the state is looking at loosening the rules so that family child care 
providers with just one worker could look after up to four toddlers, or 
children under 12 months old, at once and still enroll two children 
between the ages of 1 and 5 years oldThat could mean one person could be caring for six children younger than 18 months.“It’s not doable,” Carr said. “It’s not quality for those families and that child. It is just not quality care.”Those
 changes aim to chip away at a chronic shortage in child care — 
something virtually any working parent can appreciate. But some child 
care providers say those looser limits could lead to overcrowded and 
understaffed home day care providers that don't account for things like 
the difficulty between children who can feed themselves and those who 
need to be fed by an adult.Yet the scarcity of child care remains a pressing problem. <a href="https://stage.worklifesystems.com/Kansas?county=all" target="_blank">Child Care Aware of Kansas estimated</a> there are around 220,000 total children under six, as of Nov. 1, but just 44% of the demand met.“Anytime
 we have friends or family that (say) they’re pregnant,” said Angie 
Carnes, “all of us will say, you need to start looking for child care, 
like, right now.”Some businesses do not have an opening until Fall 2023.Carnes
 is the president of the Child Care Provider Coalition of Kansas and she
 runs her own in-home business. She sees the need to help providers and 
expand child care slots in the state, but she said the proposed changes 
do little to cut demand and put children at risk.She compared it 
to a family who just had triplets. Nobody would assume that family could
 care for all those children without help, so she questions why the 
state thinks those providers can handle more children without help.The
 changes would only change the rules for in-home facilities and do not 
touch on day care centers in a commercial business setting. It tweaks 
the age range to slightly increase flexibility for those providers.The proposals are still just that, proposals. State officials are still gathering feedback.“This
 is outside of best practice,” said Melissa Schoenberger, field services
 supervisor at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.KDHE
 says the changes wouldn’t expand capacity directly, but will give 
providers more flexibility in the ages of children they can take in. 
That, in turn, could help some businesses cut down on wait lists.The agency couldn’t estimate when these changes might go into effect.Schoenberg
 said the move is a compromise between best practice and finding 
solutions for Kansas. The changes push infant capacity above what 
neighboring states offer but keep providers within Kansas’ fire code.“The proposed changes provide a balance between the need for safety and marketplace realities,” Schoenberger said.Kelly
 Davydov, executive director of Child Care Aware of Kansas, said the 
changes will help some families, but she says they are short-sighted.Kansas
 gave $750- to $2,500- one-time grants to child care workers during the 
pandemic Critics say that move, and the current proposal, are only 
short-term measures.Davydov says that Kansas needs to respond to an imminent shortage, but that the state needs to shift to more sustainable fixes.For
 instance, they say Kansas could developm more mentorship opportunities 
to help new businesses thrive or possible grant funding to keep them 
afloat. Some are interested in adjusting state reimbursement rates for 
day care so businesses will earn more.“We do need to think on a much bigger scale systemically, strategically,” Davydov said.Blaise Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the 
Kansas News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter 
@Blaise_Mesa or email him at blaise@kcur.org.

Child care rules change has critics worried about Kan. kids' safety

DENVER (AP) — A Colorado man who is a registered Democratic voter has been arrested on suspicion of tampering with voting equipment by allegedly inserting a USB thumb drive into a voting machine at a polling station during the primary election in June, authorities said.

No elections data were accessed, and the June 28 incident didn't cause any major disruption to voting, authorities said. But it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-presidential-conspiracy-theories-colorado-53c90f7afe304e26eaee79b4699181bb">heightened concerns among election officials and security experts that conspiracy theories related to the 2020 presidential election could inspire some voters to meddle with — or even attempt to sabotage — election equipment.</a>

Experts say even unsuccessful breaches could become major problems in the days leading up to and on Tuesday’s midterm election, causing delays at polling places or sowing the seeds of misinformation campaigns.

Richard Patton, 31, of Pueblo was arrested on Thursday by members of the Pueblo Police Department High-Tech Crime Unit for investigation of tampering with voting equipment, a felony, and cybercrime-unauthorized access, a misdemeanor, the department said in a statement.

Court records indicate Patton was being held without bond at the Pueblo County Judicial Center pending an advisement hearing later Friday in which he will hear the pending charges against him. Patton was being represented by an attorney from the public defender's office, which does not comment on pending cases.

Gilbert Ortiz, Pueblo County's clerk and recorder, confirmed Friday that Patton has been a registered Democratic voter since 2019, when he switched his affiliation from the Green Party.

Election officials in Colorado use locks and tamper-evident seals on voting equipment, so it becomes apparent if someone has tried to access it. Trigger alerts make machines inoperable if someone tries to tamper with them, which is what happened in Pueblo, according to Ortiz and the Colorado Secretary of State's office.

On the afternoon of June 28, poll workers heard noises coming from a voting booth. When a poll worker went to investigate and clean the machine, they saw an error message and notified a supervisor. Tamper-evident seals on the machine appeared to be disturbed, the secretary's office said. The machine was immediately taken out of service for investigation.

Activists who promote the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">false claim</a>&nbsp;that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from former President Donald Trump have been traveling the country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abridged-content-ca44472abe0883ae891f5231539faf00">peddling a narrative</a>&nbsp;that electronic voting machines are being manipulated.

Secretary of State Jena Griswold said Friday that this is the first arrest and potential prosecution under a new law broadening the definition of tampering with election equipment and strengthening the penalty for it. It is now a felony punishable by up to three years in prison.

“The continued spread of election conspiracies and the Big Lie is fueling threats to American elections, including efforts to interfere with election equipment," Griswold, a Democrat seeking reelection Tuesday, said in a statement. "It is vital that anyone who breaks the law in attempts of subverting the will of the people or undermining elections be held responsible.”

Citing an ongoing investigation, Pueblo police spokesperson Officer Meagan Chapman said the department could not release further information, including a warrant for Patton's arrest that could potentially suggest a possible motive for the alleged tampering.

Ortiz said Patton was identified as a suspect because he presented a driver's license to poll workers as proof he was eligible to vote — and that he did vote — before the alleged tampering was discovered.

“The atmosphere we have around elections is so rumor-generated these days, and I feel like a lot of the public feel like we’re the enemy when our staff and judges are the ones protecting democracy,” Ortiz said. “This just proves to me that Colorado’s system has so many checks and balances it's just impossible for anybody to tamper with our elections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667587279967.png" alt="Patton-photo Pueblo Police" />
 <figcaption>Patton-photo Pueblo Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — A Colorado man who is a registered Democratic voter has been arrested on suspicion of tampering with voting equipment by allegedly inserting a USB thumb drive into a voting machine at a polling station during the primary election in June, authorities said.No elections data were accessed, and the June 28 incident didn't cause any major disruption to voting, authorities said. But it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-presidential-conspiracy-theories-colorado-53c90f7afe304e26eaee79b4699181bb">heightened concerns among election officials and security experts that conspiracy theories related to the 2020 presidential election could inspire some voters to meddle with — or even attempt to sabotage — election equipment.</a>Experts say even unsuccessful breaches could become major problems in the days leading up to and on Tuesday’s midterm election, causing delays at polling places or sowing the seeds of misinformation campaigns.Richard Patton, 31, of Pueblo was arrested on Thursday by members of the Pueblo Police Department High-Tech Crime Unit for investigation of tampering with voting equipment, a felony, and cybercrime-unauthorized access, a misdemeanor, the department said in a statement.Court records indicate Patton was being held without bond at the Pueblo County Judicial Center pending an advisement hearing later Friday in which he will hear the pending charges against him. Patton was being represented by an attorney from the public defender's office, which does not comment on pending cases.Gilbert Ortiz, Pueblo County's clerk and recorder, confirmed Friday that Patton has been a registered Democratic voter since 2019, when he switched his affiliation from the Green Party.Election officials in Colorado use locks and tamper-evident seals on voting equipment, so it becomes apparent if someone has tried to access it. Trigger alerts make machines inoperable if someone tries to tamper with them, which is what happened in Pueblo, according to Ortiz and the Colorado Secretary of State's office.On the afternoon of June 28, poll workers heard noises coming from a voting booth. When a poll worker went to investigate and clean the machine, they saw an error message and notified a supervisor. Tamper-evident seals on the machine appeared to be disturbed, the secretary's office said. The machine was immediately taken out of service for investigation.Activists who promote the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">false claim</a>&nbsp;that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from former President Donald Trump have been traveling the country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abridged-content-ca44472abe0883ae891f5231539faf00">peddling a narrative</a>&nbsp;that electronic voting machines are being manipulated.Secretary of State Jena Griswold said Friday that this is the first arrest and potential prosecution under a new law broadening the definition of tampering with election equipment and strengthening the penalty for it. It is now a felony punishable by up to three years in prison.“The continued spread of election conspiracies and the Big Lie is fueling threats to American elections, including efforts to interfere with election equipment," Griswold, a Democrat seeking reelection Tuesday, said in a statement. "It is vital that anyone who breaks the law in attempts of subverting the will of the people or undermining elections be held responsible.”Citing an ongoing investigation, Pueblo police spokesperson Officer Meagan Chapman said the department could not release further information, including a warrant for Patton's arrest that could potentially suggest a possible motive for the alleged tampering.Ortiz said Patton was identified as a suspect because he presented a driver's license to poll workers as proof he was eligible to vote — and that he did vote — before the alleged tampering was discovered.“The atmosphere we have around elections is so rumor-generated these days, and I feel like a lot of the public feel like we’re the enemy when our staff and judges are the ones protecting democracy,” Ortiz said. “This just proves to me that Colorado’s system has so many checks and balances it's just impossible for anybody to tamper with our elections.

Man arrested on suspicion of tampering with voting machine

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Wyandotte County District Attorney has charged 22-year-old Daijon Estell with one count of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated assault, eight counts of aggravated endangering of a child (felony) and two counts of endangerment (misdemeanor) in connection with the Halloween party shooting that killed one teen and injured 6 others, according to the Kansas City Kansas Police Department.

Estell is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000 bond, according to KCK police.

On Wednesday detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department identified the victim in the Halloween night shooting in the 1600 block of S. 50th Street as 17-year-old Katron Harris a resident of Kansas City, Kansas. He was pronounced deceased on scene. Harris was killed and six others were wounded after gunfire erupted at a crowded Halloween party.

The shooting happened Monday night at a large party at a Kansas City, Kansas home. Police said between 70 and 100 people were at the party.

Police were called around 9 p.m. and found a 17-year-old dead and six others injured. One person was treated and released and the other five were listed in stable condition Tuesday afternoon, police said.

The victims ranged in age from 15 to 18, with most being 15 and 16 years old.

Police took Estell into custody on Tuesday. Investigators were looking for four to six suspects. No other information on the suspects was released.

The party was intended for younger teens and was supposed to be invitation only but it was promoted on social media, police said.

The suspects, who were wearing costumes and masks, were asked to leave because they were older. They left but then returned and opened fire on the house, injuring people inside and outside, police said.

The parent/homeowner was home at the time. Similar parties had been held at the house previously without any issues, according to the statement.

Detectives continue to investigate leads on other potential suspects. If you have any information please private message us here or call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667517702262.png" alt="Estell-photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Estell-photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Wyandotte County District Attorney has charged 22-year-old Daijon Estell with one count of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated assault, eight counts of aggravated endangering of a child (felony) and two counts of endangerment (misdemeanor) in connection with the Halloween party shooting that killed one teen and injured 6 others, according to the Kansas City Kansas Police Department.Estell is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000 bond, according to KCK police.On Wednesday detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department identified the victim in the Halloween night shooting in the 1600 block of S. 50th Street as 17-year-old Katron Harris a resident of Kansas City, Kansas. He was pronounced deceased on scene. Harris was killed and six others were wounded after gunfire erupted at a crowded Halloween party.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667299121422.png" alt="The shooting happened Monday night at a large party at a Kansas City, Kansas home.-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The shooting happened Monday night at a large party at a Kansas City, Kansas home.-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>The shooting happened Monday night at a large party at a Kansas City, Kansas home. Police said between 70 and 100 people were at the party.Police were called around 9 p.m. and found a 17-year-old dead and six others injured. One person was treated and released and the other five were listed in stable condition Tuesday afternoon, police said.The victims ranged in age from 15 to 18, with most being 15 and 16 years old.Police took Estell into custody on Tuesday. Investigators were looking for four to six suspects. No other information on the suspects was released.The party was intended for younger teens and was supposed to be invitation only but it was promoted on social media, police said.The suspects, who were wearing costumes and masks, were asked to leave because they were older. They left but then returned and opened fire on the house, injuring people inside and outside, police said.The parent/homeowner was home at the time. Similar parties had been held at the house previously without any issues, according to the statement.Detectives continue to investigate leads on other potential suspects. If you have any information please private message us here or call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Man charged in Kan. Halloween party shooting that killed teen

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Friday in Lawrence.

&nbsp;An SUV crashed into The Big Mill, 900 Mississippi street, according to Lawrence Police.

 The driver was critically injured and three customers were hurt but not seriously. The building is no longer structurally sound.&nbsp;

Police temporarily closed 9th Street from Indiana to Mississippi.&nbsp; One lane of traffic was opened overnight. Police are investigating impairment as a possible factor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667652396814.png" alt="Photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Friday in Lawrence.&nbsp;An SUV crashed into The Big Mill, 900 Mississippi street, according to Lawrence Police. The driver was critically injured and three customers were hurt but not seriously. The building is no longer structurally sound.&nbsp;Police temporarily closed 9th Street from Indiana to Mississippi.&nbsp; One lane of traffic was opened overnight. Police are investigating impairment as a possible factor.

Police: Driver, 3 Kan. restaurant customers injured after crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Both major parties say the Kansas governor's race is a tossup in its last days as abortion politics, lingering ill will toward former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and an independent conservative candidate make for a tighter-than-expected contest in the Republican-leaning state.

Democratic incumbent Gov. Laura Kelly should be on the defensive as the only Democratic governor in the U.S. running for reelection in a state carried by former President Donald Trump in 2020. But a decisive statewide vote in August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">affirming abortion rights</a>&nbsp;energized Democrats and moderates and boosted Kelly's chance of holding the votes crucial to her victory four years ago.

GOP challenger Derek Schmidt hopes to tap voter frustration with inflation and crime. Kelly has largely stayed on a message that Kansas is financially healthy again after past budget woes tied to Brownback, with Schmidt a key political ally.

“I am more confident than I have been,” said Joan Wagnon, a former Kansas Democratic Party chair and ex-Topeka mayor.

Schmidt, the state’s three-term attorney general, is ending his campaign on the attack with “Kansas Can Do Better” rallies around the state. Kelly allies closed with a “Back on Track, Can’t Go Back” tour.

“It’s not that I ignore national issues. You know, I understand that inflation is an issue,” Kelly told reporters after a recent event in Topeka. “But I think people in the state of Kansas want me to focus on the things that I actually have some control over.”

Many Republicans' early expectations of a comfortable victory for Schmidt faded months ago. Yet for all the unexpected sweating, Republicans still think Schmidt can bank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-business-congress-689603a0b0446c3568fe96270c7b3c7b">on national GOP midterm momentum.</a>

“Folks are working hard, making things happen in their community, and frustrated with the Biden-Kelly Democrat philosophy that values big government over freedom,” Schmidt posted on Facebook after one small-town event this week.

Kelly has spent more than $7 million on her reelection, roughly twice as much as Schmidt through late October. Outside groups have boosted the spending on television ads past $40 million.

Schmidt's hopes rest in part on energy from the August abortion vote fading, something some abortion rights advocates said they've felt. Schmidt supported the measure on the ballot, a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution to allow the GOP-controlled Legislature to greatly restrict or ban abortion. Kelly opposed it, but she hasn't focused on abortion access as an issue.

Turnout so far among people voting in advance is higher than for the August election, which set a record for a Kansas primary. Yet it's also lower than in November 2018, when Democrats tapped suburban discontent with Trump and the Republican nominee for governor was Kris Kobach, known nationally as an immigration and election fraud provocateur.

Schmidt joined Republicans nationwide in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-police-covid-campaigns-13d5f83a6604df1bc6a33779fa159e93">pivoting to crime</a>&nbsp;last month, though the state recently reported a small decrease in violent crime in 2021 compared with 2020. He pointed to Kelly's appointment of a racial justice commission and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-police-campaigns-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-6ce47fee06c05f2e4309f2b581543f45">her comments that systemic racism is a problem</a>&nbsp;in law enforcement to suggest that she's anti-police.

Republicans pounded Kelly with ads over her two vetoes of two&nbsp;<a>proposals to ban transgender athletes</a>&nbsp;from girls’ and women’s school, club and college sports. Schmidt also attacked Kelly over state-administered grants to arts venues that later hosted drag shows, which have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-a26e7eee15df0bbc2bb98071b683b1f4">a bugaboo for the right</a>&nbsp;across the U.S. for months.

Kansas registration benefits Republicans, who represent 44.7% of those registered statewide. Unaffiliated voters, at 27.8%, beat out Democrats at 26.5%.

“A lot people are just pretty fed up with government in general, especially the Trump folks,” said Tim Shallenburger, a former state treasurer and Kansas Republican Party chair. “Biden has got them motivated, not Laura Kelly, or not Derek Schmidt.”

Yet for all of the playing to issues that rile Republicans, Shallenburger said, “I don't see a landslide brewing.”

Independent state Sen. Dennis Pyle is one reason. He is a former Republican and one of the state's most conservative legislators and is attacking Schmidt from the right. Pyle raised only $90,000 in cash as of late October, but an outside Democratic group aired radio ads, sent mailers and texted messages in the campaign's final weeks portraying Pyle as the true conservative and Schmidt as a poser.

Republicans were outraged. The Democratic group jumped in to help Pyle after Kelly built much of her message on an argument that Schmidt represented a return to a recent conservative past.

Kelly and her allies attacked Schmidt for standing politically with Brownback and not protesting a failed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/55bdc6299b9a4a69b83b7dc060c17b72">2012-13 experiment in cutting taxes</a>&nbsp;under Brownback that was followed by persistent budget shortfalls.

Legislators repealed most of the tax-cutting experiment in 2017, and Kelly is making much of the state's improved finances on her watch. The state treasury is flush, with tax collections exceeding expectations every month for more than two years.

Kelly's office also publicizes projects like plans for a new biotechnology lab in the Kansas City area and the planned expansion of a pizza manufacturing plant in Salina, some 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Topeka.

Kelly joined other dignitaries this week in donning hard hats and digging up the first few shovelfuls of earth for a multibillion-dollar Panasonic Corp. plant in the Kansas City area for making batteries for electric vehicles.

Pat McFerron, an Oklahoma based-pollster and consultant working in Kansas for U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, said he's seeing Republicans “kind of come back home" in recent weeks.

But he added, "There is the power of incumbency,” McFerron said. “That’s unequivocal.”

By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Both major parties say the Kansas governor's race is a tossup in its last days as abortion politics, lingering ill will toward former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and an independent conservative candidate make for a tighter-than-expected contest in the Republican-leaning state.Democratic incumbent Gov. Laura Kelly should be on the defensive as the only Democratic governor in the U.S. running for reelection in a state carried by former President Donald Trump in 2020. But a decisive statewide vote in August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">affirming abortion rights</a>&nbsp;energized Democrats and moderates and boosted Kelly's chance of holding the votes crucial to her victory four years ago.GOP challenger Derek Schmidt hopes to tap voter frustration with inflation and crime. Kelly has largely stayed on a message that Kansas is financially healthy again after past budget woes tied to Brownback, with Schmidt a key political ally.“I am more confident than I have been,” said Joan Wagnon, a former Kansas Democratic Party chair and ex-Topeka mayor.Schmidt, the state’s three-term attorney general, is ending his campaign on the attack with “Kansas Can Do Better” rallies around the state. Kelly allies closed with a “Back on Track, Can’t Go Back” tour.“It’s not that I ignore national issues. You know, I understand that inflation is an issue,” Kelly told reporters after a recent event in Topeka. “But I think people in the state of Kansas want me to focus on the things that I actually have some control over.”Many Republicans' early expectations of a comfortable victory for Schmidt faded months ago. Yet for all the unexpected sweating, Republicans still think Schmidt can bank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-business-congress-689603a0b0446c3568fe96270c7b3c7b">on national GOP midterm momentum.</a>“Folks are working hard, making things happen in their community, and frustrated with the Biden-Kelly Democrat philosophy that values big government over freedom,” Schmidt posted on Facebook after one small-town event this week.Kelly has spent more than $7 million on her reelection, roughly twice as much as Schmidt through late October. Outside groups have boosted the spending on television ads past $40 million.Schmidt's hopes rest in part on energy from the August abortion vote fading, something some abortion rights advocates said they've felt. Schmidt supported the measure on the ballot, a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution to allow the GOP-controlled Legislature to greatly restrict or ban abortion. Kelly opposed it, but she hasn't focused on abortion access as an issue.Turnout so far among people voting in advance is higher than for the August election, which set a record for a Kansas primary. Yet it's also lower than in November 2018, when Democrats tapped suburban discontent with Trump and the Republican nominee for governor was Kris Kobach, known nationally as an immigration and election fraud provocateur.Schmidt joined Republicans nationwide in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-police-covid-campaigns-13d5f83a6604df1bc6a33779fa159e93">pivoting to crime</a>&nbsp;last month, though the state recently reported a small decrease in violent crime in 2021 compared with 2020. He pointed to Kelly's appointment of a racial justice commission and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-police-campaigns-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-6ce47fee06c05f2e4309f2b581543f45">her comments that systemic racism is a problem</a>&nbsp;in law enforcement to suggest that she's anti-police.Republicans pounded Kelly with ads over her two vetoes of two&nbsp;<a>proposals to ban transgender athletes</a>&nbsp;from girls’ and women’s school, club and college sports. Schmidt also attacked Kelly over state-administered grants to arts venues that later hosted drag shows, which have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-a26e7eee15df0bbc2bb98071b683b1f4">a bugaboo for the right</a>&nbsp;across the U.S. for months.Kansas registration benefits Republicans, who represent 44.7% of those registered statewide. Unaffiliated voters, at 27.8%, beat out Democrats at 26.5%.“A lot people are just pretty fed up with government in general, especially the Trump folks,” said Tim Shallenburger, a former state treasurer and Kansas Republican Party chair. “Biden has got them motivated, not Laura Kelly, or not Derek Schmidt.”Yet for all of the playing to issues that rile Republicans, Shallenburger said, “I don't see a landslide brewing.”Independent state Sen. Dennis Pyle is one reason. He is a former Republican and one of the state's most conservative legislators and is attacking Schmidt from the right. Pyle raised only $90,000 in cash as of late October, but an outside Democratic group aired radio ads, sent mailers and texted messages in the campaign's final weeks portraying Pyle as the true conservative and Schmidt as a poser.Republicans were outraged. The Democratic group jumped in to help Pyle after Kelly built much of her message on an argument that Schmidt represented a return to a recent conservative past.Kelly and her allies attacked Schmidt for standing politically with Brownback and not protesting a failed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/55bdc6299b9a4a69b83b7dc060c17b72">2012-13 experiment in cutting taxes</a>&nbsp;under Brownback that was followed by persistent budget shortfalls.Legislators repealed most of the tax-cutting experiment in 2017, and Kelly is making much of the state's improved finances on her watch. The state treasury is flush, with tax collections exceeding expectations every month for more than two years.Kelly's office also publicizes projects like plans for a new biotechnology lab in the Kansas City area and the planned expansion of a pizza manufacturing plant in Salina, some 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Topeka.Kelly joined other dignitaries this week in donning hard hats and digging up the first few shovelfuls of earth for a multibillion-dollar Panasonic Corp. plant in the Kansas City area for making batteries for electric vehicles.Pat McFerron, an Oklahoma based-pollster and consultant working in Kansas for U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, said he's seeing Republicans “kind of come back home" in recent weeks.But he added, "There is the power of incumbency,” McFerron said. “That’s unequivocal.”

Kansas governor's race is close after abortion upheaval

WASHINGTON —On Friday, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced approximately $400 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), according to a statement from the agency.

This USAI package underscores the continued U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine by meeting their most urgent needs, while also building the capacity of Ukraine’s Armed Forces to defend its sovereignty over the long term.

Unlike Presidential Drawdown authority (PDA), which DoD has continued to leverage to deliver equipment to Ukraine from DoD stocks at a historic pace, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry. This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine. Capabilities include:

In total, the United States has now committed more than $18.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration. Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $21 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and more than $18.2 billion since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion on February 24.

Through both PDA and USAI, DoD continues to work with Ukraine to meet both its immediate and longer-term security assistance needs. With Russia’s unrelenting and brutal air attacks on Ukrainian civilian critical infrastructure, additional air defense capabilities are critical. Funding to refurbish HAWK missiles will complement Spain’s recent commitment of HAWK launchers to help Ukraine meet this threat.

The overhauled T-72B tanks included in this package are part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2022/Nov/04/2003108893/-1/-1/0/USAI-7-CZE-TANKS-US-NLD-CZE-PRESS-STATEMENT.PDF">trilateral, coordinated effort with the Netherlands and Czech Republic</a>. Alongside the United States, the Netherlands will provide 45 additional T-72B Tanks with the support of the Czech Ministry of Defense and in cooperation with Czech industry.

Together with our Allies and partners, our efforts will help Ukraine continue to be successful today while building the enduring strength of Ukraine’s forces to ensure the continued freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people.

WASHINGTON —On Friday, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced approximately $400 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), according to a statement from the agency.This USAI package underscores the continued U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine by meeting their most urgent needs, while also building the capacity of Ukraine’s Armed Forces to defend its sovereignty over the long term.Unlike Presidential Drawdown authority (PDA), which DoD has continued to leverage to deliver equipment to Ukraine from DoD stocks at a historic pace, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry. This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine. Capabilities include:<ul>
 <li>Funding to refurbish HAWK air defense missiles for inclusion in future Presidential Drawdown packages;</li><li>45 Refurbished T-72B Tanks with advanced optics, communications, and armor packages;</li><li>1,100 Phoenix Ghost Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems;</li><li>40 Armored Riverine Boats;</li><li>Funding to refurbish 250 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles;</li><li>Tactical secure communications systems and surveillance systems; and</li><li>Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment.</li>
 </ul>In total, the United States has now committed more than $18.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration. Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $21 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and more than $18.2 billion since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion on February 24.Through both PDA and USAI, DoD continues to work with Ukraine to meet both its immediate and longer-term security assistance needs. With Russia’s unrelenting and brutal air attacks on Ukrainian civilian critical infrastructure, additional air defense capabilities are critical. Funding to refurbish HAWK missiles will complement Spain’s recent commitment of HAWK launchers to help Ukraine meet this threat.The overhauled T-72B tanks included in this package are part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2022/Nov/04/2003108893/-1/-1/0/USAI-7-CZE-TANKS-US-NLD-CZE-PRESS-STATEMENT.PDF">trilateral, coordinated effort with the Netherlands and Czech Republic</a>. Alongside the United States, the Netherlands will provide 45 additional T-72B Tanks with the support of the Czech Ministry of Defense and in cooperation with Czech industry.Together with our Allies and partners, our efforts will help Ukraine continue to be successful today while building the enduring strength of Ukraine’s forces to ensure the continued freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people.

 U.S. giving another $400M in military aid to Ukraine 

By RUDI KELLER <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/04/eric-schmitt-pays-75000-for-ad-during-chiefs-game-to-close-out-missouri-senate-race/">Missouri Independent</a>

On
 Sunday evening, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Tennessee Titans 
in a game essential to both teams’ hopes to enter the NFL playoffs with 
the best record in their conference.

With Election Day approaching on 
Tuesday, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Eric Schmitt is targeting the 
enormous hometown audience expected to tune in with his final ad buy of 
the campaign — shelling out $75,000 for a single ad that will air during
 the broadcast on Kansas City’s KSHB-TV.

Overall, Schmitt has spent $2.1 
million on broadcast advertising for the fall campaign. His Democratic 
opponent, Trudy Busch Valentine, has more than doubled that amount, 
spending $4.8 million.

But it appears that Valentine’s spending, mainly from <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/trudy-busch-valentine-reports-up-to-215m-in-wealth-30m-in-income-on-federal-filing/">her own vast wealth</a>, has not altered her position as an underdog in the race. Schmitt had a lead of nine to 14 percentage points in <a target="_blank" href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/senate/2022/missouri/">four recent polls</a>, a margin that has not changed significantly since the first head-to-head polls after the Aug. 2 primary.

The Independent has been tracking 
broadcast ad spending by candidates seeking state and federal offices in
 collaboration with the University of Missouri School of Journalism.&nbsp;

Using television and radio station 
reports to the Federal Communications Commission, the tracking shows 
spending on Tuesday’s election will be only a fraction of the 2018 
Senate race, when Republican Josh Hawley defeated incumbent Democratic 
U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill&nbsp; in a campaign where total spending exceeded 
$125 million.

Fall spending this year has also been
 far less than was spent for the primaries. In the two Senate primaries,
 candidates and outside groups combined to spend $19.5 million on 
television advertising and more than $50 million total.

Neither Schmitt nor Valentine began 
their fall television campaigns until the end of September. Spending has
 accelerated, especially from Valentine, as Election Day approached.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, Schmitt received 
some help from the political action committee that was the biggest 
spender of the primary campaign.&nbsp;

Save Missouri Values has spent $1 
million on television ads since Oct. 26, much of it in smaller markets 
outside the Kansas City and St. Louis areas. It&nbsp; spent $3.3 million on 
television ads and $5.3 million overall to help Schmitt win the 
Republican nomination.

The PAC’s recent ads have promoted 
Schmitt as a counterweight to Democratic President Joe Biden, noting his
 lawsuits against the administration as Missouri attorney general and 
showing images of Schmitt visiting the Mexican border to demonstrate his
 opposition to Biden’s immigration policies.

Schmitt has also been helped by 
$260,000 spent on his behalf by the Missouri Republican State Committee 
and $105,000 spent on television ads by a group called Crypto 
Innovation.

Until Save Missouri Values began 
spending, Valentine had no ads running in the state’s smallest markets, 
opting to concentrate on the major metro areas along with the Columbia 
and Springfield markets. She has made up for that this week, spending 
$1.6 million statewide since Monday and making ad buys in Joplin, Cape 
Girardeau and northeast Missouri.

Overall, Valentine has spent $952,000 outside the major metro areas since the primary.

Her ads focus on two issues – the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-o9iLGp3dw">impact of Missouri’s abortion ban</a>,
 implemented by a proclamation issued by Schmitt following June’s 
Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and Schmitt’s votes to 
allow foreign ownership of Missouri farmland.

There are only two other contests on Tuesday’s ballot where spending on television has exceeded $1 million in ad spending.

Legal Missouri, which is promoting 
Amendment 3 legalizing recreational use and commercial sale of 
marijuana, has spent $1.1 million on broadcast ads. There is no 
organized group spending to defeat Amendment 3, but it has strong 
critics including <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/01/st-louis-mayor-tishaura-jones-announces-opposition-to-missouri-marijuana-amendment/">St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones</a>, the <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/27/opposition-to-missouri-marijuana-amendment-creating-strange-political-bedfellows/">Missouri Farm Bureau and the Missouri NAACP</a>.

And the most expensive legislative 
race of the year will be the 24th District state Senate race, pitting 
state Rep. Tracy McCreery, D-St. Louis, against Republican George Hruza.
 The winner will replace term-limited Democratic state Sen. Jill Schupp.

Hruza has spent $641,000 on broadcast
 ads and his effort has been boosted by another $296,000 spent by the 
Senate Majority PAC, the GOP’s state Senate campaign committee. McCreery
 has spent $556,000, a PAC dedicated to supporting her has added 
$215,000 and Majority Forward, the Senate Democratic campaign committee,
 has spent $272,000 on broadcast ads.

The only other statewide contest, for
 state auditor, could be the cheapest statewide election in recent 
decades. Neither State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, the Republican 
nominee, nor former state Rep. Alan Green, the Democratic candidate, has
 purchased any broadcast ads in advance of Tuesday’s vote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662586743553.png" alt="Trudy Bush Valentine, left, and Eric Schmitt (campaign photos). " />
 <figcaption>Trudy Bush Valentine, left, and Eric Schmitt (campaign photos). </figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/04/eric-schmitt-pays-75000-for-ad-during-chiefs-game-to-close-out-missouri-senate-race/">Missouri Independent</a>On
 Sunday evening, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Tennessee Titans 
in a game essential to both teams’ hopes to enter the NFL playoffs with 
the best record in their conference.With Election Day approaching on 
Tuesday, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Eric Schmitt is targeting the 
enormous hometown audience expected to tune in with his final ad buy of 
the campaign — shelling out $75,000 for a single ad that will air during
 the broadcast on Kansas City’s KSHB-TV.Overall, Schmitt has spent $2.1 
million on broadcast advertising for the fall campaign. His Democratic 
opponent, Trudy Busch Valentine, has more than doubled that amount, 
spending $4.8 million.But it appears that Valentine’s spending, mainly from <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/trudy-busch-valentine-reports-up-to-215m-in-wealth-30m-in-income-on-federal-filing/">her own vast wealth</a>, has not altered her position as an underdog in the race. Schmitt had a lead of nine to 14 percentage points in <a target="_blank" href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/senate/2022/missouri/">four recent polls</a>, a margin that has not changed significantly since the first head-to-head polls after the Aug. 2 primary.The Independent has been tracking 
broadcast ad spending by candidates seeking state and federal offices in
 collaboration with the University of Missouri School of Journalism.&nbsp;Using television and radio station 
reports to the Federal Communications Commission, the tracking shows 
spending on Tuesday’s election will be only a fraction of the 2018 
Senate race, when Republican Josh Hawley defeated incumbent Democratic 
U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill&nbsp; in a campaign where total spending exceeded 
$125 million.Fall spending this year has also been
 far less than was spent for the primaries. In the two Senate primaries,
 candidates and outside groups combined to spend $19.5 million on 
television advertising and more than $50 million total.Neither Schmitt nor Valentine began 
their fall television campaigns until the end of September. Spending has
 accelerated, especially from Valentine, as Election Day approached.&nbsp;In recent weeks, Schmitt received 
some help from the political action committee that was the biggest 
spender of the primary campaign.&nbsp;Save Missouri Values has spent $1 
million on television ads since Oct. 26, much of it in smaller markets 
outside the Kansas City and St. Louis areas. It&nbsp; spent $3.3 million on 
television ads and $5.3 million overall to help Schmitt win the 
Republican nomination.The PAC’s recent ads have promoted 
Schmitt as a counterweight to Democratic President Joe Biden, noting his
 lawsuits against the administration as Missouri attorney general and 
showing images of Schmitt visiting the Mexican border to demonstrate his
 opposition to Biden’s immigration policies.Schmitt has also been helped by 
$260,000 spent on his behalf by the Missouri Republican State Committee 
and $105,000 spent on television ads by a group called Crypto 
Innovation.Until Save Missouri Values began 
spending, Valentine had no ads running in the state’s smallest markets, 
opting to concentrate on the major metro areas along with the Columbia 
and Springfield markets. She has made up for that this week, spending 
$1.6 million statewide since Monday and making ad buys in Joplin, Cape 
Girardeau and northeast Missouri.Overall, Valentine has spent $952,000 outside the major metro areas since the primary.Her ads focus on two issues – the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-o9iLGp3dw">impact of Missouri’s abortion ban</a>,
 implemented by a proclamation issued by Schmitt following June’s 
Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and Schmitt’s votes to 
allow foreign ownership of Missouri farmland.There are only two other contests on Tuesday’s ballot where spending on television has exceeded $1 million in ad spending.Legal Missouri, which is promoting 
Amendment 3 legalizing recreational use and commercial sale of 
marijuana, has spent $1.1 million on broadcast ads. There is no 
organized group spending to defeat Amendment 3, but it has strong 
critics including <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/01/st-louis-mayor-tishaura-jones-announces-opposition-to-missouri-marijuana-amendment/">St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones</a>, the <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/27/opposition-to-missouri-marijuana-amendment-creating-strange-political-bedfellows/">Missouri Farm Bureau and the Missouri NAACP</a>.And the most expensive legislative 
race of the year will be the 24th District state Senate race, pitting 
state Rep. Tracy McCreery, D-St. Louis, against Republican George Hruza.
 The winner will replace term-limited Democratic state Sen. Jill Schupp.Hruza has spent $641,000 on broadcast
 ads and his effort has been boosted by another $296,000 spent by the 
Senate Majority PAC, the GOP’s state Senate campaign committee. McCreery
 has spent $556,000, a PAC dedicated to supporting her has added 
$215,000 and Majority Forward, the Senate Democratic campaign committee,
 has spent $272,000 on broadcast ads.The only other statewide contest, for
 state auditor, could be the cheapest statewide election in recent 
decades. Neither State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, the Republican 
nominee, nor former state Rep. Alan Green, the Democratic candidate, has
 purchased any broadcast ads in advance of Tuesday’s vote.

Schmitt pays $75K for Chiefs ad to close out Mo. Senate race

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a violent attack on an off-duty police officer have confirmed the alleged attack that occurred Thursday night, according to Lawrence Police Department spokesperson Laura McCabe.&nbsp; Police have five suspect in custody.&nbsp;

Just before 2a.m. officers were dispatched to Bob Billings Parkway and George Williams Way on a disturbance with weapons call and quickly learned the potential victim was an off-duty officer.

The victim tells reported to police he was walking on a nearby sidewalk and saw a car pass by with several people inside.&nbsp; Moments later, the victim said he was surprised to see a man emerge from the tree line.&nbsp; The off-duty officer was unarmed. The victim says he walked by the man, but then turned around to see the man was swinging a crowbar at him.&nbsp;

 The victim reported he was able to avoid getting hit and knocked the object out of the man’s hands.&nbsp; They struggled and when another man joined in, the victim says the first alleged assailant was able to grab the crowbar and hit him in the head, according to McCabe.

The group then took off in the same car the victim says he saw pass by before the altercation.&nbsp; As the victim fled, he says he heard gunshots, but was not hit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Responding officers stopped the car a short time later, near Bob White Drive and Lake Alvamar Drive, and arrested four adults and one juvenile.&nbsp;

The crime scene was extensive because officers recovered evidence that had been potentially thrown from the vehicle, including a firearm.

The officer required treatment at the hospital for his injuries but will be ok, according to McCabe. Detectives in Lawrence&nbsp; Police Investigations Unit are still working to compile evidence and will send an affidavit to the District Attorney suggesting a variety of potential charges to include attempted murder. &nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a violent attack on an off-duty police officer have confirmed the alleged attack that occurred Thursday night, according to Lawrence Police Department spokesperson Laura McCabe.&nbsp; Police have five suspect in custody.&nbsp;Just before 2a.m. officers were dispatched to Bob Billings Parkway and George Williams Way on a disturbance with weapons call and quickly learned the potential victim was an off-duty officer.The victim tells reported to police he was walking on a nearby sidewalk and saw a car pass by with several people inside.&nbsp; Moments later, the victim said he was surprised to see a man emerge from the tree line.&nbsp; The off-duty officer was unarmed. The victim says he walked by the man, but then turned around to see the man was swinging a crowbar at him.&nbsp; The victim reported he was able to avoid getting hit and knocked the object out of the man’s hands.&nbsp; They struggled and when another man joined in, the victim says the first alleged assailant was able to grab the crowbar and hit him in the head, according to McCabe.The group then took off in the same car the victim says he saw pass by before the altercation.&nbsp; As the victim fled, he says he heard gunshots, but was not hit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Responding officers stopped the car a short time later, near Bob White Drive and Lake Alvamar Drive, and arrested four adults and one juvenile.&nbsp;The crime scene was extensive because officers recovered evidence that had been potentially thrown from the vehicle, including a firearm.The officer required treatment at the hospital for his injuries but will be ok, according to McCabe. Detectives in Lawrence&nbsp; Police Investigations Unit are still working to compile evidence and will send an affidavit to the District Attorney suggesting a variety of potential charges to include attempted murder. &nbsp;

Off-duty Kansas police officer hospitalized after crowbar attack

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a violent incident in rural Saline County home.

Just before 7:30a.m. Thursday, a 25-year-old Assaria woman called to report that her husband had struck her multiple times, handcuffed her to a pole in the basement for a while overnight, and then kept her locked in the basement, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan. The man also allegedly made threats against her should she contact law enforcement. 

The woman said he only let her out of the basement when one of their young children began crying and needed to be tended to. Two small children - an infant and a toddler - were in the house at the time of the incident.

The incident started after the couple got into an argument Wednesday night, according to Soldan.

After her husband went to work Thursday morning, the woman went to a neighbor's to make the call, as her husband, identified as Kevin M. Walden, 38, of Assaria, had taken her cellphone.

Deputies arrested Walden at his place of work on the following requested charges, Aggravated battery, Kidnapping, Two counts of child endangerment, Domestic battery and Intimidation of a witness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667566725618.jpeg" alt="Kevin M. Walden. Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Kevin M. Walden. Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a violent incident in rural Saline County home.Just before 7:30a.m. Thursday, a 25-year-old Assaria woman called to report that her husband had struck her multiple times, handcuffed her to a pole in the basement for a while overnight, and then kept her locked in the basement, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan. The man also allegedly made threats against her should she contact law enforcement. The woman said he only let her out of the basement when one of their young children began crying and needed to be tended to. Two small children - an infant and a toddler - were in the house at the time of the incident.The incident started after the couple got into an argument Wednesday night, according to Soldan.After her husband went to work Thursday morning, the woman went to a neighbor's to make the call, as her husband, identified as Kevin M. Walden, 38, of Assaria, had taken her cellphone.Deputies arrested Walden at his place of work on the following requested charges, Aggravated battery, Kidnapping, Two counts of child endangerment, Domestic battery and Intimidation of a witness.

Sheriff: Kan. man allegedly handcuffed woman to pole in basement

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 29-year-old Raymond Davis of Topeka.

Just before 2:30a.m. Friday, police were&nbsp;dispatched to 4600 Block SW Topeka Blvd, after receiving a call for service regarding a disturbance and gunshots reported in the area, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

Responding officers located two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Medical personnel pronounced Davis deceased at the scene. American Medical Response transported the other person to a medical care facility with non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation is ongoing as Officers and Detectives continue looking into the circumstances regarding the event and following up on all investigative leads available.&nbsp;

Upon completion of the criminal investigative case file, it will be sent to the DA’s office for criminal charging assessment per standard practice and protocol. There is the possibility of selfdefense consideration in this incident, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667566382116.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 29-year-old Raymond Davis of Topeka.Just before 2:30a.m. Friday, police were&nbsp;dispatched to 4600 Block SW Topeka Blvd, after receiving a call for service regarding a disturbance and gunshots reported in the area, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.Responding officers located two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Medical personnel pronounced Davis deceased at the scene. American Medical Response transported the other person to a medical care facility with non-life-threatening injuries.The investigation is ongoing as Officers and Detectives continue looking into the circumstances regarding the event and following up on all investigative leads available.&nbsp;Upon completion of the criminal investigative case file, it will be sent to the DA’s office for criminal charging assessment per standard practice and protocol. There is the possibility of selfdefense consideration in this incident, according to Monasmith.

Police ID Kansas man who died in bar shooting

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/03/free-speech-group-questions-esu-decision-to-fire-professor-after-kansas-reflector-article/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Foundation for 
Individual Rights and Expression has questioned the decision by Emporia 
State University to fire journalism professor Max McCoy two days after 
criticizing the university in an <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/emporia-state-university-is-about-to-suspend-tenure-heres-why-you-should-care/">opinion article published by Kansas Reflector</a>.

The Philadelphia-based FIRE, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to 
defending freedom of speech, says ESU has a legal burden to prove McCoy 
wasn’t fired for exercising his free speech rights.

The Sept. 13 article by McCoy addressed the university’s imminent 
decision to fire tenured professors under an emergency policy approved 
by the Kansas Board of Regents. McCoy was fired two days later as part 
of the university’s purge of 33 faculty members. The university wouldn’t
 give McCoy a specific reason for his dismissal, pointing to nine bullet
 points of reasons why an employee could be fired under the emergency 
policy.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thefire.org/about-us/our-team/anne-marie-tamburro">Anne Marie Tamburro</a>, FIRE’s program officer for campus rights advocacy, outlined concerns about McCoy’s dismissal in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thefire.org/research-learn/fire-letter-emporia-state-university-october-31-2022">letter to ESU dated Oct. 31</a>.

McCoy’s article, which began by saying, “I may be fired for writing 
this,” addressed the university’s leadership, policies and finances, and
 provided broader commentary about tenure, academic freedom, and the 
Legislature’s influence on ESU. Tamburro said the article is “clearly 
protected free speech.”

“McCoy’s termination arose in the context of this public criticism, 
with his firing coming just days after publicly criticizing the very 
policy used to terminate him,” Tamburro wrote in the FIRE letter. “And 
ESU’s justifications for his dismissal — which include every reason 
outlined in the policy, ranging from ‘cost of operations’ to 
‘realignment of resources’ — are so vague as to leave McCoy rightly 
concerned his dismissal was in retaliation for his protected speech.”

ESU has said the dismissals were necessary to save money and realign 
resources, but it was the only state university to use the emergency 
policy. The university eliminated journalism, English and debate 
programs, then announced plans to add staff in nursing, computer 
science, music, art, and diversity and inclusion.

The American Association of University Professors said it plans to 
investigate the university’s actions, which raise questions about 
academic freedom on campus and why certain faculty members were targeted
 for dismissal. The university has said it won’t cooperate with the 
investigation.

In her letter, Tamburro said ESU’s actions pose “a serious threat to 
academic freedom.” She said the emergency policy’s criteria for firing 
employees were so broad that ESU could “terminate a tenured faculty 
member for any number of reasons, such as being too outspoken, rigorous,
 or simply inconvenient to administrators and students.”

Tamburro asked the university to provide evidence by Nov. 14 that 
McCoy wasn’t fired because of the article he wrote for Kansas Reflector.

McCoy said he was grateful to FIRE for its advocacy.

“Tamburro’s letter is an impressive summary of concerns sparked by 
the termination of the Hornet 33 under an overly broad and ill-conceived
 policy by the Kansas Board of Regents and executed by an underqualified
 ideologue,” McCoy said in a statement to Kansas Reflector. “Our firings
 represent a betrayal of the promise made to tenured and tenure-track 
professors under long established university policy.

“The letter also raises important questions about whether my firing, 
and perhaps that of others, was retaliatory. When faculty can be fired 
without being given a specific reason, academic freedom is in jeopardy. 
Without academic freedom, no institution can legitimately claim to be a 
university.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665437679365.png" alt="Emporia State University students, faculty and community members gather Sept. 19, 2022, at a candlelight vigil to speak out and offer words of encouragement regarding recent layoffs. Participants were provided with battery-operated candles. (Mason Hart for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Emporia State University students, faculty and community members gather Sept. 19, 2022, at a candlelight vigil to speak out and offer words of encouragement regarding recent layoffs. Participants were provided with battery-operated candles. (Mason Hart for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/03/free-speech-group-questions-esu-decision-to-fire-professor-after-kansas-reflector-article/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Foundation for 
Individual Rights and Expression has questioned the decision by Emporia 
State University to fire journalism professor Max McCoy two days after 
criticizing the university in an <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/emporia-state-university-is-about-to-suspend-tenure-heres-why-you-should-care/">opinion article published by Kansas Reflector</a>.The Philadelphia-based FIRE, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to 
defending freedom of speech, says ESU has a legal burden to prove McCoy 
wasn’t fired for exercising his free speech rights.The Sept. 13 article by McCoy addressed the university’s imminent 
decision to fire tenured professors under an emergency policy approved 
by the Kansas Board of Regents. McCoy was fired two days later as part 
of the university’s purge of 33 faculty members. The university wouldn’t
 give McCoy a specific reason for his dismissal, pointing to nine bullet
 points of reasons why an employee could be fired under the emergency 
policy.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thefire.org/about-us/our-team/anne-marie-tamburro">Anne Marie Tamburro</a>, FIRE’s program officer for campus rights advocacy, outlined concerns about McCoy’s dismissal in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thefire.org/research-learn/fire-letter-emporia-state-university-october-31-2022">letter to ESU dated Oct. 31</a>.McCoy’s article, which began by saying, “I may be fired for writing 
this,” addressed the university’s leadership, policies and finances, and
 provided broader commentary about tenure, academic freedom, and the 
Legislature’s influence on ESU. Tamburro said the article is “clearly 
protected free speech.”“McCoy’s termination arose in the context of this public criticism, 
with his firing coming just days after publicly criticizing the very 
policy used to terminate him,” Tamburro wrote in the FIRE letter. “And 
ESU’s justifications for his dismissal — which include every reason 
outlined in the policy, ranging from ‘cost of operations’ to 
‘realignment of resources’ — are so vague as to leave McCoy rightly 
concerned his dismissal was in retaliation for his protected speech.”ESU has said the dismissals were necessary to save money and realign 
resources, but it was the only state university to use the emergency 
policy. The university eliminated journalism, English and debate 
programs, then announced plans to add staff in nursing, computer 
science, music, art, and diversity and inclusion.The American Association of University Professors said it plans to 
investigate the university’s actions, which raise questions about 
academic freedom on campus and why certain faculty members were targeted
 for dismissal. The university has said it won’t cooperate with the 
investigation.In her letter, Tamburro said ESU’s actions pose “a serious threat to 
academic freedom.” She said the emergency policy’s criteria for firing 
employees were so broad that ESU could “terminate a tenured faculty 
member for any number of reasons, such as being too outspoken, rigorous,
 or simply inconvenient to administrators and students.”Tamburro asked the university to provide evidence by Nov. 14 that 
McCoy wasn’t fired because of the article he wrote for Kansas Reflector.McCoy said he was grateful to FIRE for its advocacy.“Tamburro’s letter is an impressive summary of concerns sparked by 
the termination of the Hornet 33 under an overly broad and ill-conceived
 policy by the Kansas Board of Regents and executed by an underqualified
 ideologue,” McCoy said in a statement to Kansas Reflector. “Our firings
 represent a betrayal of the promise made to tenured and tenure-track 
professors under long established university policy.“The letter also raises important questions about whether my firing, 
and perhaps that of others, was retaliatory. When faculty can be fired 
without being given a specific reason, academic freedom is in jeopardy. 
Without academic freedom, no institution can legitimately claim to be a 
university.”