CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with an incident outside a Kansas City area high school.

Just after 9a.m. Tuesday, a&nbsp;School Resource Officer was patrolling the parking lot of Liberty High School,&nbsp;200 Blue Jay Drive in Liberty, Missouri, when he noticed a suspicious person standing near several vehicles, according to a media release from Independence Police.

The officer stopped to check on the individual, and an altercation ensued when the person resisted being detained. The School Resource Officer called for emergency assistance from other officers. The individual was able to break free, and a foot chase followed.

Due to the unknown reason for the person’s presence on school property and their resistance to the officer, the resources officer requested assistance from surrounding agencies to help locate the suspect. 

At approximately 9:15a.m., the suspect was located at a nearby business and taken into custody without further incident. The suspect is a juvenile and is being referred to the Clay County Juvenile Office. 

CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with an incident outside a Kansas City area high school.Just after 9a.m. Tuesday, a&nbsp;School Resource Officer was patrolling the parking lot of Liberty High School,&nbsp;200 Blue Jay Drive in Liberty, Missouri, when he noticed a suspicious person standing near several vehicles, according to a media release from Independence Police.The officer stopped to check on the individual, and an altercation ensued when the person resisted being detained. The School Resource Officer called for emergency assistance from other officers. The individual was able to break free, and a foot chase followed.Due to the unknown reason for the person’s presence on school property and their resistance to the officer, the resources officer requested assistance from surrounding agencies to help locate the suspect. At approximately 9:15a.m., the suspect was located at a nearby business and taken into custody without further incident. The suspect is a juvenile and is being referred to the Clay County Juvenile Office.

Police: Juvenile arrested after fight with resource officer outside KC area school

JOHNSON COUNTY, Missouri- Investigators confirmed that a fire Monday night at the Leeton United Methodist Church was intentionally set, prompting an arson investigation led by the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office, according to a statement from the Johnson County Fire Protection District.

Just after 9p.m. Monday, firefighters from the Johnson County Fire Protection District and the Warrensburg Fire Department, responding through automatic mutual aid for a ladder truck to 106 N. Wall Street in Leeton. 

 When crews arrived, heavy smoke and flames were visible from inside the 129-year-old church. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior and exterior attack, bringing the fire under control after nearly three hours. 

 Despite extensive damage throughout the structure, the church remains standing, and crews were able to save some items from inside.

The Leeton United Methodist Church, built in 1896, has long served as a cornerstone of the Leeton community.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted the initial investigation into the origin and cause of the fire with assistance from the Johnson County Fire Protection District, Leeton Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnson County Fire Investigation Unit. 

 Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set, prompting a formal arson investigation.“

It’s heartbreaking to see a place that has stood for generations be deliberately set on fire,” said JCFPD Captain Joe Jennings.  “This church isn’t just a building; it’s part of the history and identity of Leeton. 

 Seeing it damaged in this way is difficult for the entire community.”Captain Jennings urged anyone with information to come forward.“Someone knows something,” Jennings said.  “We’re asking the public to do the right thing and help bring whoever is responsible to justice.  No tip is too small.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-39-ARSON (1-800-392-7766).  A cash reward is available for information leading to an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761096204652.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY, Missouri- Investigators confirmed that a fire Monday night at the Leeton United Methodist Church was intentionally set, prompting an arson investigation led by the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office, according to a statement from the Johnson County Fire Protection District.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1285842890014232%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just after 9p.m. Monday, firefighters from the Johnson County Fire Protection District and the Warrensburg Fire Department, responding through automatic mutual aid for a ladder truck to 106 N. Wall Street in Leeton. When crews arrived, heavy smoke and flames were visible from inside the 129-year-old church. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior and exterior attack, bringing the fire under control after nearly three hours. Despite extensive damage throughout the structure, the church remains standing, and crews were able to save some items from inside.The Leeton United Methodist Church, built in 1896, has long served as a cornerstone of the Leeton community.The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted the initial investigation into the origin and cause of the fire with assistance from the Johnson County Fire Protection District, Leeton Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnson County Fire Investigation Unit. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set, prompting a formal arson investigation.“It’s heartbreaking to see a place that has stood for generations be deliberately set on fire,” said JCFPD Captain Joe Jennings. “This church isn’t just a building; it’s part of the history and identity of Leeton. Seeing it damaged in this way is difficult for the entire community.”Captain Jennings urged anyone with information to come forward.“Someone knows something,” Jennings said. “We’re asking the public to do the right thing and help bring whoever is responsible to justice. No tip is too small.”Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-39-ARSON (1-800-392-7766). A cash reward is available for information leading to an arrest.

Arson fire damages 129-year-old Methodist church

The nation is feeling the financial hit of the government shutdown, which is on track to become among the longest in U.S. history. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are&nbsp;going without pay and there are few signs of any end to the stalemate.

The U.S. Senate will vote again Wednesday on whether to end the shutdown.

The nation is feeling the financial hit of the government shutdown, which is on track to become among the longest in U.S. history. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are&nbsp;going without pay and there are few signs of any end to the stalemate.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Democrats attempt to be recognized during House Pro Forma Session. <a href="https://t.co/VcH9hZqGVu">pic.twitter.com/VcH9hZqGVu</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1980699082415874173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Leader Thune is offering to negotiate on the Affordable Care Act with you if you re-open the government. Why won&#39;t you take the deal?&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a>: &quot;The bottom line is that&#39;s no deal, that&#39;s a partisan plan that leaves the American people high and dry.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/zDYUyqlyhr">pic.twitter.com/zDYUyqlyhr</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1980713747120275965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeaderJohnThune</a>: &quot;People keep saying, &#39;Negotiate!&#39; — Negotiate what? I don&#39;t know what that is right now. The government needs to open up, and then we&#39;re happy to sit down and talk about any other issues the Democrats want to talk about.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/LCms5PQq3K">pic.twitter.com/LCms5PQq3K</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1980706435945119745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnBarrasso?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJohnBarrasso</a>: &quot;The government has been closed now for 21 days and the Democrats have had a chance to open it 11 times — and each time, they voted no... The Democrats are holding this country hostage. It&#39;s time for it to END. It&#39;s time to reopen the government...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/fp7UYE8iXR">pic.twitter.com/fp7UYE8iXR</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1980702533929607441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;From the beginning, our message has been very simple: we will NOT be extorted&quot; by Democrats, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> tells Senate Republicans. &quot;Chuck Schumer and the Senate Democrats need to vote for the clean, bipartisan CR and reopen our government!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/g4GaTYWB8s">pic.twitter.com/g4GaTYWB8s</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1980682137264144490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. Senate will vote again Wednesday on whether to end the shutdown.

🎥What Congressional leaders are saying about the gov't shutdown

CASS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Cass County.

The Missouri State Highway reported a 2022 GMC Savana driven by a 42-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man traveled northbound into the southbound lanes of Interstate 49 just south of Belton. 

The van struck the front of a 2025 Freightliner semi driven by a 51-year-old Ames, Iowa man. After impact the Freightliner struck the passenger side of a 1992 Peterbilt semi driven by a 66-year-old Webb City man.&nbsp; The van caught fire and caused the other two vehicle to also catch fire. 

The van driver was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported the Freightliner driver to Research Medical Center. There were no other injuries. The MSHP had incomplete seat belt usage information. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims. The accident kept I-49 closed in both diretions until early Tuesday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761076272230.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Cass County.The Missouri State Highway reported a 2022 GMC Savana driven by a 42-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man traveled northbound into the southbound lanes of Interstate 49 just south of Belton. The van struck the front of a 2025 Freightliner semi driven by a 51-year-old Ames, Iowa man. After impact the Freightliner struck the passenger side of a 1992 Peterbilt semi driven by a 66-year-old Webb City man.&nbsp; The van caught fire and caused the other two vehicle to also catch fire. The van driver was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported the Freightliner driver to Research Medical Center. There were no other injuries. The MSHP had incomplete seat belt usage information. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims. The accident kept I-49 closed in both diretions until early Tuesday evening.

Kansas City man killed in 3-vehicle wrong-way crash and fire

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

A circuit court judge was correct to dismiss a lawsuit&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/11/judge-dismisses-whistleblower-lawsuit-against-missouri-house-speaker/">claiming former Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher retaliated against a legislative staffer</a>&nbsp;who reported allegations of misconduct, an appeals court ruled on Tuesday.

The reason, Judge Lisa White Hardwick&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file/WD/Opinion_WD87809.pdf" target="_blank">wrote in the unanimous decision</a>, is because Plocher was not former House Clerk Dana Miller’s supervisor and could not fire her or discipline her for speaking out about his alleged wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Plocher may have believed he had power over Miller, Hardwick wrote, but in reality the most he could do was seek a full House vote to remove her — something he never formally attempted.&nbsp;

“…while Plocher may have expressed a desire to supervise, control and remove Miller as chief clerk,” the decision said, “he had no authority to do so.”

The lawsuit was filed by Miller last year accusing Plocher of trying to get her removed from her job after she cooperated with a House Ethics Committee investigation into his attempts to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/22/missouri-lawmaker-accused-of-unlawful-conduct-in-push-for-contract-drawing-fbi-scrutiny/">steer an $800,000 software contract for the House</a>&nbsp;around the standard bidding process and revelations that he&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/23/records-show-dean-plocher-charged-the-state-for-travel-already-paid-for-by-his-campaign/">illegally sought taxpayer reimbursement from the legislature</a>&nbsp;for airfare, hotels and other travel costs already paid for by his campaign.

Plocher denied any wrongdoing, but the allegations sparked a months-long investigation. Though it was ultimately dismissed, the Republican legislator leading the inquiry said Plocher pressured potential witnesses and used his office to obstruct the committee’s work.&nbsp;

An investigator’s report released by the ethics committee detailed how some potential witnesses allegedly refused to speak out of fear Plocher would use his power as speaker to retaliate against them, while others did not appear because Plocher decided who the committee could compel to testify.&nbsp;

The speaker and chief clerk of the House are the two officers of the chamber named in the Missouri Constitution. Both are elected by a majority vote as the chamber reorganizes after an election.

Miller argued that after she reported “what she reasonably believed were violations of the law, rules and/or regulations, and policy; mismanagement; a gross waste of funds; abuse of authority; a waste of public resources; and/or breaches of professional ethical canons,” she was subjected to acts of retaliation and threats of disciplinary action directed against her by Plocher.&nbsp;

She should be considered a whistleblower, her lawsuit argues, because her decision to report alleged misconduct was the motivating factor in Plocher targeting her for retaliation and threatening her employment.&nbsp;

Plocher’s attorneys asserted that Miller’s claims to be a whistleblower fell short because Plocher was not her supervisor and was incapable of taking any disciplinary action against her.&nbsp;

The case was dismissed by a Cole County judge in December. The appeals court upheld the dismissal Tuesday.

“Plocher had no more authority over Miller than any other House member had over her,” Hardwick wrote in the court’s decision.&nbsp;

Miller retired last year after 31 years in state government, including 23 years as a member of the House staff. She was elected chief clerk in 2018 and held that post under four Republican speakers.&nbsp;

Plocher left office last year due to term limits after running unsuccessfully for Missouri secretary of state. He is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/former-missouri-house-speaker-dean-plocher-hopes-to-be-named-a-judge-in-st-louis-county/">seeking a judicial appointment in St. Louis County</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761094933102.png" alt=" Dana Rademan Miller, former chief clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives, tells reporters about alleged mistreatment from House speakers after filing a lawsuit in Cole County in May 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Dana Rademan Miller, former chief clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives, tells reporters about alleged mistreatment from House speakers after filing a lawsuit in Cole County in May 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A circuit court judge was correct to dismiss a lawsuit&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/11/judge-dismisses-whistleblower-lawsuit-against-missouri-house-speaker/">claiming former Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher retaliated against a legislative staffer</a>&nbsp;who reported allegations of misconduct, an appeals court ruled on Tuesday.The reason, Judge Lisa White Hardwick&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file/WD/Opinion_WD87809.pdf" target="_blank">wrote in the unanimous decision</a>, is because Plocher was not former House Clerk Dana Miller’s supervisor and could not fire her or discipline her for speaking out about his alleged wrongdoing.&nbsp;Plocher may have believed he had power over Miller, Hardwick wrote, but in reality the most he could do was seek a full House vote to remove her — something he never formally attempted.&nbsp;“…while Plocher may have expressed a desire to supervise, control and remove Miller as chief clerk,” the decision said, “he had no authority to do so.”The lawsuit was filed by Miller last year accusing Plocher of trying to get her removed from her job after she cooperated with a House Ethics Committee investigation into his attempts to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/22/missouri-lawmaker-accused-of-unlawful-conduct-in-push-for-contract-drawing-fbi-scrutiny/">steer an $800,000 software contract for the House</a>&nbsp;around the standard bidding process and revelations that he&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/23/records-show-dean-plocher-charged-the-state-for-travel-already-paid-for-by-his-campaign/">illegally sought taxpayer reimbursement from the legislature</a>&nbsp;for airfare, hotels and other travel costs already paid for by his campaign.Plocher denied any wrongdoing, but the allegations sparked a months-long investigation. Though it was ultimately dismissed, the Republican legislator leading the inquiry said Plocher pressured potential witnesses and used his office to obstruct the committee’s work.&nbsp;An investigator’s report released by the ethics committee detailed how some potential witnesses allegedly refused to speak out of fear Plocher would use his power as speaker to retaliate against them, while others did not appear because Plocher decided who the committee could compel to testify.&nbsp;The speaker and chief clerk of the House are the two officers of the chamber named in the Missouri Constitution. Both are elected by a majority vote as the chamber reorganizes after an election.Miller argued that after she reported “what she reasonably believed were violations of the law, rules and/or regulations, and policy; mismanagement; a gross waste of funds; abuse of authority; a waste of public resources; and/or breaches of professional ethical canons,” she was subjected to acts of retaliation and threats of disciplinary action directed against her by Plocher.&nbsp;She should be considered a whistleblower, her lawsuit argues, because her decision to report alleged misconduct was the motivating factor in Plocher targeting her for retaliation and threatening her employment.&nbsp;Plocher’s attorneys asserted that Miller’s claims to be a whistleblower fell short because Plocher was not her supervisor and was incapable of taking any disciplinary action against her.&nbsp;The case was dismissed by a Cole County judge in December. The appeals court upheld the dismissal Tuesday.“Plocher had no more authority over Miller than any other House member had over her,” Hardwick wrote in the court’s decision.&nbsp;Miller retired last year after 31 years in state government, including 23 years as a member of the House staff. She was elected chief clerk in 2018 and held that post under four Republican speakers.&nbsp;Plocher left office last year due to term limits after running unsuccessfully for Missouri secretary of state. He is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/former-missouri-house-speaker-dean-plocher-hopes-to-be-named-a-judge-in-st-louis-county/">seeking a judicial appointment in St. Louis County</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Appeals court upholds dismissal of whistleblower suit against Missouri House

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged violent attack in downtown Lawrene.

Just after 11:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;found a man with significant facial injuries near 8th and Massachusetts in Lawrence, according to a social media report from Lawrence Police.

The man told police he was hit several times with a large piece of wood by a man he knew. The suspect had already left the area, but an alert officer found him in Burroughs Creek Park about 2:30 in the morning and took him into custody.&nbsp; Police released no additional details including the name of the suspect or possible charges.

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged violent attack in downtown Lawrene.Just after 11:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;found a man with significant facial injuries near 8th and Massachusetts in Lawrence, according to a social media report from Lawrence Police.The man told police he was hit several times with a large piece of wood by a man he knew. The suspect had already left the area, but an alert officer found him in Burroughs Creek Park about 2:30 in the morning and took him into custody.&nbsp; Police released no additional details including the name of the suspect or possible charges.

Police: Kan. man attacked with large piece of wood 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;

Just before 12:30a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Jefferson in Kansas City on report of someone who was shot, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

First responders located a man suffering from gunshot wounds, just inside of an apartment building at the Quality Hill Towers. Officers began performing life saving measures as KCFD Medics arrived. 

EMS declared the victim deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide. 

Detectives are working to determine what led up to the shots being fired and the victim being struck. Police released no additional details including the name of the victims.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; Just before 12:30a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Jefferson in Kansas City on report of someone who was shot, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.First responders located a man suffering from gunshot wounds, just inside of an apartment building at the Quality Hill Towers. Officers began performing life saving measures as KCFD Medics arrived. EMS declared the victim deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide. Detectives are working to determine what led up to the shots being fired and the victim being struck. Police released no additional details including the name of the victims.

Homicide: Man found dead just inside KC apartment building

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Monday in Shawnee County.

According to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian, a &nbsp;2002 Honda Odyssey driven by&nbsp;Terry L. Friesen, 63, of Ozawkie, was eastbound in the 900 block of NE 62nd Street.&nbsp; The minivan traveled off the roadway to the left, through&nbsp;a ditch continued over a driveway, through a field, and came to rest at the tree line.

American Medical Response transported Friesen to a local hospital&nbsp;with life-threatening injuries and she was later pronounced deceasd.

 She did not appear to be wearing a seat belt, according to Deputy Christian.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Monday in Shawnee County.According to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian, a &nbsp;2002 Honda Odyssey driven by&nbsp;Terry L. Friesen, 63, of Ozawkie, was eastbound in the 900 block of NE 62nd Street.&nbsp; The minivan traveled off the roadway to the left, through&nbsp;a ditch continued over a driveway, through a field, and came to rest at the tree line.American Medical Response transported Friesen to a local hospital&nbsp;with life-threatening injuries and she was later pronounced deceasd. She did not appear to be wearing a seat belt, according to Deputy Christian.

Kansas woman dies after violent minivan crash

It the fourth week of the government shutdown, Senate Republicans including Missouri U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall are gathering at White House for a display of unity with President Donald Trump.

(Notice Senator Josh Hawley in the following video)

It the fourth week of the government shutdown, Senate Republicans including Missouri U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall are gathering at White House for a display of unity with President Donald Trump.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Senate Republicans are at the Rose Garden for lunch with President Trump. One team. For America <a href="https://t.co/oqXCk26uCO">pic.twitter.com/oqXCk26uCO</a>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1980664165707796594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>(Notice Senator Josh Hawley in the following video)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Senate Republicans at White House for Rose Garden lunch with President Trump. <a href="https://t.co/MipUP7469J">pic.twitter.com/MipUP7469J</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1980670311248093460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Senate Republicans at the White House for Rose Garden lunch with President Trump. <a href="https://t.co/rWGnnY72kl">pic.twitter.com/rWGnnY72kl</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1980677135087071349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, President Trump for your leadership and hospitality! Republicans are standing strong together — it’s time for Chuck Schumer to stop playing games and reopen the government. <a href="https://t.co/GEe7HD5DDh">pic.twitter.com/GEe7HD5DDh</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1980666177497276458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Mo. U.S. Senators at the Rose Garden for lunch with President Trump

Girod described ‘productive’ dialogue on strategy to reshape colleges, universities

TOPEKA — The University of Kansas said Monday the chancellor privately shared insights about a proposed compact offering preferential treatment by the Trump administration in exchange for freezing tuition rates, limiting international student enrollment and restraining campus employees from expressing political views.

KU Chancellor Doug Girod, vice chair of the prestigious Association of American Universities, responded to a request Friday to provide feedback on President Donald Trump’s unprecedented plan to bring higher education institutions into line with his agenda.

Seven of nine universities originally offered the Trump deal have rejected the offer, which was denounced in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acenet.edu/Documents/Statement-Compact-101725.pdf" target="_blank">statement by the American Council on Education</a>&nbsp;and dozens of other education associations. KU’s last-minute role in a virtual meeting was sought along with that of Washington University in St. Louis, as well as Arizona State University. It wasn’t clear if KU was asked to sign the deal with Trump.

“Chancellor Girod was invited to provide feedback to federal officials on the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education and related matters impacting universities,” said Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of media relations at KU. “The chancellor described the discussion as productive, and federal officials were interested in his perspective.”

After the meeting, Linda McMahon, secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, said on X that the gathering with Girod and others was “an important step toward defending a shared vision.”

“With continued federal investment and strong institutional leadership, the higher education sector can do more to enhance American leadership in the world and build tomorrow’s workforce,” she said. “A renewed commitment to the time-honored principles that helped make American universities great will strengthen the country and deepen public confidence in higher education.”

The White House convened the group ahead of Monday’s deadline for reaction and comment from nine private and public institutions — KU wasn’t on that list — initially contacted by the Trump administration. No institutions have signed the agreement.

On Saturday, Dartmouth President&nbsp;<a href="https://president.dartmouth.edu/news/2025/10/dartmouths-feedback-compact" target="_blank">Sian Beilock issued a statement</a>&nbsp;that said she shared on the call that “I do not believe that a compact — with any administration — is the right approach to achieve academic excellence, as it would compromise our academic freedom, our ability to govern ourselves and the principle that federal research funds should be awarded to the best, most promising ideas.”

Paul Mahoney, interim president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.virginia.edu/content/community-message-interim-president-paul-mahoney" target="_blank">University of Virginia, said a contract with the federal government</a>&nbsp;predicating assessment of students on anything other than merit would erode confidence in U.S. higher education and threatened to undermine lifesaving research.

In addition to Dartmouth and UVA, the answer was “no” from Brown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California and University of Arizona. Vanderbilt University and University of Texas had yet to provide conclusive answers.

The Trump administration since taking office in January has blocked billions of dollars in research grants in an effort to compel operational changes at U.S. universities and colleges. Reasons for the budget cuts included alleged antisemitism on campus; policies ensuring LGBTQ+ equality; and programs tied to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Frustrated by pushback from higher education, the White House delivered letters Oct. 1 to select colleges and universities on the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. The strategy was to invite voluntary compliance with changes the Trump administration could have difficult enforcing.

The Trump administration’s compact would mandate that schools freeze tuition for five years, limit international students to 15% of undergraduate enrollment, impose standardized tests for admission, abide by a ban on DEI programs and adopt a definition of gender that would block transgender individuals from using restrooms or participating in sports that aligned with their gender identity.

In addition, the arrangement would forbid participating colleges and universities from allowing employees to express political views on behalf of their institutions. Academic departments offering opinions counter to views held by conservatives would have to be closed. Students and employees would be polled on compact compliance and the results released publicly. There would be financial penalties for institutions that violated pledges included in the deal.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that other colleges or universities beyond those contacted so far could be signers of the deal.

The American Council on Education’s statement, with 35 other organizations in opposition to the compact, said Trump’s maneuvering raised concern about undermining qualities that made the U.S. educational system exceptional.

“The compact offers nothing less than government control of a university’s basic and necessary freedoms — the freedoms to decide who we teach, what we teach and who teaches,” the statement said. “The compact is just the kind of excessive federal overreach and regulation, to the detriment of state and local input and control, that this administration says it is against.”

The joint statement said the proposed compact would hamper ability of colleges and universities to innovate and make advancements that contributed to the nation’s economic well-being and security.

“It would hinder, not safeguard, freedom of expression for all points of view, and it will not assist in expanding social and economic mobility for all of our students,” the statement read.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761050638542.png" alt=" Doug Girod, chancellor at the University of Kansas, participated in a White House virtual meeting about President Donald Trump’s campaign to exchange special access to federal funding or grants when colleges and universities agree to freeze tuition, limit international student enrollment, ban DEI and transgender policies and restrain employees from sharing political views on behalf of a higher education institution. In this Oct. 17, 2025, image, Girod delivers the annual State of the University speech at KU. (Photo taken by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Doug Girod, chancellor at the University of Kansas, participated in a White House virtual meeting about President Donald Trump’s campaign to exchange special access to federal funding or grants when colleges and universities agree to freeze tuition, limit international student enrollment, ban DEI and transgender policies and restrain employees from sharing political views on behalf of a higher education institution. In this Oct. 17, 2025, image, Girod delivers the annual State of the University speech at KU. (Photo taken by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Girod described ‘productive’ dialogue on strategy to reshape colleges, universities</h2>TOPEKA — The University of Kansas said Monday the chancellor privately shared insights about a proposed compact offering preferential treatment by the Trump administration in exchange for freezing tuition rates, limiting international student enrollment and restraining campus employees from expressing political views.KU Chancellor Doug Girod, vice chair of the prestigious Association of American Universities, responded to a request Friday to provide feedback on President Donald Trump’s unprecedented plan to bring higher education institutions into line with his agenda.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am grateful to the university presidents who joined White House and Agency officials for a positive and wide-ranging conversation about the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. American universities power our economy, drive innovation, and prepare young people…&mdash; Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) <a href="https://twitter.com/EDSecMcMahon/status/1979323613548364278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Seven of nine universities originally offered the Trump deal have rejected the offer, which was denounced in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acenet.edu/Documents/Statement-Compact-101725.pdf" target="_blank">statement by the American Council on Education</a>&nbsp;and dozens of other education associations. KU’s last-minute role in a virtual meeting was sought along with that of Washington University in St. Louis, as well as Arizona State University. It wasn’t clear if KU was asked to sign the deal with Trump.“Chancellor Girod was invited to provide feedback to federal officials on the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education and related matters impacting universities,” said Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of media relations at KU. “The chancellor described the discussion as productive, and federal officials were interested in his perspective.”After the meeting, Linda McMahon, secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, said on X that the gathering with Girod and others was “an important step toward defending a shared vision.”“With continued federal investment and strong institutional leadership, the higher education sector can do more to enhance American leadership in the world and build tomorrow’s workforce,” she said. “A renewed commitment to the time-honored principles that helped make American universities great will strengthen the country and deepen public confidence in higher education.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761050707809.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The White House convened the group ahead of Monday’s deadline for reaction and comment from nine private and public institutions — KU wasn’t on that list — initially contacted by the Trump administration. No institutions have signed the agreement.On Saturday, Dartmouth President&nbsp;<a href="https://president.dartmouth.edu/news/2025/10/dartmouths-feedback-compact" target="_blank">Sian Beilock issued a statement</a>&nbsp;that said she shared on the call that “I do not believe that a compact — with any administration — is the right approach to achieve academic excellence, as it would compromise our academic freedom, our ability to govern ourselves and the principle that federal research funds should be awarded to the best, most promising ideas.”Paul Mahoney, interim president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.virginia.edu/content/community-message-interim-president-paul-mahoney" target="_blank">University of Virginia, said a contract with the federal government</a>&nbsp;predicating assessment of students on anything other than merit would erode confidence in U.S. higher education and threatened to undermine lifesaving research.In addition to Dartmouth and UVA, the answer was “no” from Brown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California and University of Arizona. Vanderbilt University and University of Texas had yet to provide conclusive answers.The Trump administration since taking office in January has blocked billions of dollars in research grants in an effort to compel operational changes at U.S. universities and colleges. Reasons for the budget cuts included alleged antisemitism on campus; policies ensuring LGBTQ+ equality; and programs tied to diversity, equity and inclusion.Frustrated by pushback from higher education, the White House delivered letters Oct. 1 to select colleges and universities on the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. The strategy was to invite voluntary compliance with changes the Trump administration could have difficult enforcing.The Trump administration’s compact would mandate that schools freeze tuition for five years, limit international students to 15% of undergraduate enrollment, impose standardized tests for admission, abide by a ban on DEI programs and adopt a definition of gender that would block transgender individuals from using restrooms or participating in sports that aligned with their gender identity.In addition, the arrangement would forbid participating colleges and universities from allowing employees to express political views on behalf of their institutions. Academic departments offering opinions counter to views held by conservatives would have to be closed. Students and employees would be polled on compact compliance and the results released publicly. There would be financial penalties for institutions that violated pledges included in the deal.Trump wrote on Truth Social that other colleges or universities beyond those contacted so far could be signers of the deal.The American Council on Education’s statement, with 35 other organizations in opposition to the compact, said Trump’s maneuvering raised concern about undermining qualities that made the U.S. educational system exceptional.“The compact offers nothing less than government control of a university’s basic and necessary freedoms — the freedoms to decide who we teach, what we teach and who teaches,” the statement said. “The compact is just the kind of excessive federal overreach and regulation, to the detriment of state and local input and control, that this administration says it is against.”The joint statement said the proposed compact would hamper ability of colleges and universities to innovate and make advancements that contributed to the nation’s economic well-being and security.“It would hinder, not safeguard, freedom of expression for all points of view, and it will not assist in expanding social and economic mobility for all of our students,” the statement read.

University of Kansas chancellor joins White House talks on Trump’s higher education deal

Final revenue report before new economic forecast shows $47 million loss

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — After two months of higher-than-expected tax revenues, Nebraska’s monthly general fund receipts fell just before economic forecasters will update the state’s projected budget deficit.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s September tax receipts show a net loss of 6.6% under what Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted in April, according to the state Department of Revenue. That equates to roughly $47 million in less revenue in the state’s coffers.&nbsp;

That followed tax receipts from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/nebraska-tax-revenues-up-20-million-for-july/">July</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/15/nebraska-tax-revenues-12-million-above-projections-for-august/">August</a>, which came in modestly above projections and brought in an additional $32 million. Appropriations Chair State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood said while September’s drop is “disappointing,” he wasn’t too concerned, because overall net receipts for the current fiscal year remained relatively flat.&nbsp;

Net tax receipts so far for fiscal year 2025-26 are about 0.9% below forecasts — a difference of about $15 million, the Revenue Department noted.

The biggest contributor to the drop was corporate income tax receipts, which came in 31% below projections, a loss of $56 million. Clements said he suspects that this is ImagiNE Act tax credits accelerating in September, based on information he received from a department analyst.&nbsp;

The ImagiNE Act is an economic incentive program for businesses expanding in or relocating to Nebraska. Clements said the program was expected to dole out about $36 million in credits over 12 months, but it’s distributed roughly $22 million over the last three months alone. The incentives, within limits under state law, allow businesses to pick which tax year to take the tax credits, which can make predicting the timing more difficult.

Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said other factors may be at play as well, including a drop in quarterly estimated corporate tax payments. State officials previously hoped these payments would raise September’s receipts above projections, but Patent said if corporate profits have fallen this fiscal year, that would lower their payments.&nbsp;

The outlier in the Revenue report was miscellaneous taxes, which came in 365% above projections, but that slice is the smallest portion of Nebraska’s overall tax revenues. That resulted in an additional net $18 million for the month, a small portion of the $661 million the state generated in September.&nbsp;

Miscellaneous taxes are a bit of a mixed bag, but they can include things like Nebraska’s alcohol and cigarette taxes.

Patent said this was not due to any changes in miscellaneous taxes, but was more due to past projections. She said the state bases its miscellaneous tax projections based on monthly receipts from the previous year, which is why July’s miscellaneous receipts were about 41% below forecast, and September’s essentially offset that, Patent said.&nbsp;

“It’s really just a timing thing,” she said. “It doesn’t have to do with the receipts themselves.”&nbsp;

September’s receipts are significant because it’s one of the last pieces of information the forecasting board will receive before its next meeting Oct. 31. However, both Clements and Patent said the board also will receive some early estimates for October revenues because it is meeting at the end of the month.&nbsp;

The board’s new projections will update the state’s expected budget deficit, which currently stands around $95 million. Members will consider monthly general fund receipts, as well as other economic factors.&nbsp;

Another factor the board could consider is the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” A separate Revenue report from September estimated that the new tax and spending law could&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/02/one-big-beautiful-bill-projected-to-cost-nebraska-over-216-million-in-tax-revenue-in-state-budget/">cost Nebraska’s state government about $216 million</a>&nbsp;over the next two years of its current budget cycle.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/05/nebraska-congressional-delegation-praises-one-big-beautiful-bill-amid-signs-of-economic-downturn/">Pillen and other conservative state leaders supported the bill</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731702401923.jpeg" alt=" The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Final revenue report before new economic forecast shows $47 million loss</h2>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — After two months of higher-than-expected tax revenues, Nebraska’s monthly general fund receipts fell just before economic forecasters will update the state’s projected budget deficit.&nbsp;Nebraska’s September tax receipts show a net loss of 6.6% under what Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted in April, according to the state Department of Revenue. That equates to roughly $47 million in less revenue in the state’s coffers.&nbsp;That followed tax receipts from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/nebraska-tax-revenues-up-20-million-for-july/">July</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/15/nebraska-tax-revenues-12-million-above-projections-for-august/">August</a>, which came in modestly above projections and brought in an additional $32 million. Appropriations Chair State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood said while September’s drop is “disappointing,” he wasn’t too concerned, because overall net receipts for the current fiscal year remained relatively flat.&nbsp;Net tax receipts so far for fiscal year 2025-26 are about 0.9% below forecasts — a difference of about $15 million, the Revenue Department noted.The biggest contributor to the drop was corporate income tax receipts, which came in 31% below projections, a loss of $56 million. Clements said he suspects that this is ImagiNE Act tax credits accelerating in September, based on information he received from a department analyst.&nbsp;The ImagiNE Act is an economic incentive program for businesses expanding in or relocating to Nebraska. Clements said the program was expected to dole out about $36 million in credits over 12 months, but it’s distributed roughly $22 million over the last three months alone. The incentives, within limits under state law, allow businesses to pick which tax year to take the tax credits, which can make predicting the timing more difficult.Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said other factors may be at play as well, including a drop in quarterly estimated corporate tax payments. State officials previously hoped these payments would raise September’s receipts above projections, but Patent said if corporate profits have fallen this fiscal year, that would lower their payments.&nbsp;The outlier in the Revenue report was miscellaneous taxes, which came in 365% above projections, but that slice is the smallest portion of Nebraska’s overall tax revenues. That resulted in an additional net $18 million for the month, a small portion of the $661 million the state generated in September.&nbsp;Miscellaneous taxes are a bit of a mixed bag, but they can include things like Nebraska’s alcohol and cigarette taxes.Patent said this was not due to any changes in miscellaneous taxes, but was more due to past projections. She said the state bases its miscellaneous tax projections based on monthly receipts from the previous year, which is why July’s miscellaneous receipts were about 41% below forecast, and September’s essentially offset that, Patent said.&nbsp;“It’s really just a timing thing,” she said. “It doesn’t have to do with the receipts themselves.”&nbsp;September’s receipts are significant because it’s one of the last pieces of information the forecasting board will receive before its next meeting Oct. 31. However, both Clements and Patent said the board also will receive some early estimates for October revenues because it is meeting at the end of the month.&nbsp;The board’s new projections will update the state’s expected budget deficit, which currently stands around $95 million. Members will consider monthly general fund receipts, as well as other economic factors.&nbsp;Another factor the board could consider is the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” A separate Revenue report from September estimated that the new tax and spending law could&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/02/one-big-beautiful-bill-projected-to-cost-nebraska-over-216-million-in-tax-revenue-in-state-budget/">cost Nebraska’s state government about $216 million</a>&nbsp;over the next two years of its current budget cycle.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/05/nebraska-congressional-delegation-praises-one-big-beautiful-bill-amid-signs-of-economic-downturn/">Pillen and other conservative state leaders supported the bill</a>.

Nebraska tax revenues fall below projections just before state budget deficit is updated

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City.

Just after 9p.m. Monday Kansas City, Missouri, police dispatch was notified about a vehicle pursuit involving the Independence, Missouri Police Department.&nbsp; 

The pursuit entered Kansas and just after 9:30p.m. the vehicle reentered Missouri, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol became involved, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

At approximately 9:45p.m. the pursuit stopped in the 9200 block of Oakland Street in Kansas City, Missouri. Based on the information available now, there was an interaction between the suspect and the trooper that led to shots being fired by the troope at the suspect.

The suspect vehicle fled the scene and the pursuit continued as officers and Troopers pursued the vehicle. The vehicle pursuit concluded a short distance away in the 8100 block of East 91st Terrace.

Two suspects were taken into custody.&nbsp; The adult male driver was transported to a local hospital with an apparent gunshot wound. He is reported to be in non life threatening condition.

&nbsp;No Kansas City or Independence officers discharged their weapons. Kansas City, Missouri Police are in charged of the investigation, according to DiMartino.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City.Just after 9p.m. Monday Kansas City, Missouri, police dispatch was notified about a vehicle pursuit involving the Independence, Missouri Police Department.&nbsp; The pursuit entered Kansas and just after 9:30p.m. the vehicle reentered Missouri, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol became involved, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.At approximately 9:45p.m. the pursuit stopped in the 9200 block of Oakland Street in Kansas City, Missouri. Based on the information available now, there was an interaction between the suspect and the trooper that led to shots being fired by the troope at the suspect.The suspect vehicle fled the scene and the pursuit continued as officers and Troopers pursued the vehicle. The vehicle pursuit concluded a short distance away in the 8100 block of East 91st Terrace.Two suspects were taken into custody.&nbsp; The adult male driver was transported to a local hospital with an apparent gunshot wound. He is reported to be in non life threatening condition.&nbsp;No Kansas City or Independence officers discharged their weapons. Kansas City, Missouri Police are in charged of the investigation, according to DiMartino.

2 in custody: Trooper fired shots after chase crossed state line

LAFAYETTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Lafayette County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Freightliner M2 driven by an 18-year-old Belton man was eastbound on U.S. 24 at Highway BB. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, returned to the road, struck a ditch and overturned. 

A passenger identified as an 18-year-old Harrisonville man was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. He was transported to Steward-Hoefer Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver to Centerpoint Medical Center. The driver and passenger were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The&nbsp; Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

LAFAYETTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Lafayette County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Freightliner M2 driven by an 18-year-old Belton man was eastbound on U.S. 24 at Highway BB. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, returned to the road, struck a ditch and overturned. A passenger identified as an 18-year-old Harrisonville man was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. He was transported to Steward-Hoefer Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver to Centerpoint Medical Center. The driver and passenger were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The&nbsp; Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri teen killed, another injured after semi overturns

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating an alleged arson fire have made an arrest.

Just before 5:30a.m.&nbsp;October 18,&nbsp;the Emporia Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle fire in the area of&nbsp;West South Avenue and Neosho Street&nbsp;in Emporia, according to a media release.

Fire crews located the vehicle at&nbsp;10 South Neosho Street, where the fire was quickly extinguished. Following the initial response,&nbsp;Emporia Fire Department Fire Investigators&nbsp;determined the fire was intentionally set.

Police arrested 53-year-old Miguel Solorio Renterio, 53, of Emporia on requested charges of arson&nbsp;in connection with the incident. He has previous convictions for attempted battery on a law enforcement officer and criminal possession of a weapon, according to online records.

The case has been referred to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office&nbsp;for formal charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760968599933.png" alt="Renterio photo Lyon County" />
 <figcaption>Renterio photo Lyon County</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating an alleged arson fire have made an arrest.Just before 5:30a.m.&nbsp;October 18,&nbsp;the Emporia Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle fire in the area of&nbsp;West South Avenue and Neosho Street&nbsp;in Emporia, according to a media release.Fire crews located the vehicle at&nbsp;10 South Neosho Street, where the fire was quickly extinguished. Following the initial response,&nbsp;Emporia Fire Department Fire Investigators&nbsp;determined the fire was intentionally set.Police arrested 53-year-old Miguel Solorio Renterio, 53, of Emporia on requested charges of arson&nbsp;in connection with the incident. He has previous convictions for attempted battery on a law enforcement officer and criminal possession of a weapon, according to online records.The case has been referred to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office&nbsp;for formal charges.

Kansas felon back in jail for alleged arson fire

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations including throwing a beer can at police.

Just after 7:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to home in north Salina after a woman called regarding a man who refused to leave her home, according to a media release.

After the woman asked the man to leave, she locked herself inside the garage, because she did not feel safe. Police determined both the man and woman were acquainted.

According to police, the man threw a full beer can at the woman, missing her and hitting two officers at the scene.

Officers then arrested Tyler Wolf, 33 and booked him into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Battery on Law Enforcement, Assault and Criminal Trespass.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760995621872.png" alt="Wolf photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Wolf photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations including throwing a beer can at police.Just after 7:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to home in north Salina after a woman called regarding a man who refused to leave her home, according to a media release.After the woman asked the man to leave, she locked herself inside the garage, because she did not feel safe. Police determined both the man and woman were acquainted.According to police, the man threw a full beer can at the woman, missing her and hitting two officers at the scene.Officers then arrested Tyler Wolf, 33 and booked him into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Battery on Law Enforcement, Assault and Criminal Trespass.

Police: Kan. man threw a full can of beer and hit officers

Two Trump-appointed judges overruled a lower court’s order that temporarily blocked the deployment for nearly a month

By:<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/author/abaumhardt/">Alex Baumhardt</a> <a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/">Oregon Capital Chronicle</a>

President Donald Trump “lawfully exercised his statutory authority” to deploy Oregon National Guard Troops to Portland on Sept. 27, according to two of three federal appellate judges, who on Monday overruled a lower court’s temporary restraining order that had stopped the deployment for nearly a month.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71554902/61/state-of-oregon-et-al-v-trump-et-al/" target="_blank">decision</a>&nbsp;on Monday came from U.S. Appellate Judges Ryan Nelson and Bridget Bade of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco — both Trump appointees. Lawyers for the Oregon Department of Justice and the city of Oregon will pursue a review and reconsideration by the full appeals court. That court would be made up of 11 appellate judges across the 10 states and Northern Mariana Islands represented in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

“We will not stand by while federal agencies sidestep local authority. Our legal team, working with the Oregon Department of Justice, will use every lawful tool to prevent this overreach,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a statement.

To get the full-court review, lawyers for Oregon will need 29 judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to agree the review is justified and that Nelson and Bade were wrong, that other Circuit Court judges have ruled differently or that the case is of such great importance that more review is necessary. A judge, who remains unnamed due to court protocol, called for a vote for the full-court review Monday without prompting.

Following the decision by Nelson and Bade, lawyers for the federal government asked U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut, in Oregon, to dissolve a second temporary restraining oreder she issued that bars the deployment of any guard from any state until Oregon’s lawsuit against the federal government is decided following a trial at the end of the month.

Oregon’s lawyers will have 24 hours to respond, and Immergut has signaled she would dissolve the broader restraining order if indeed the 9th Circuit ruled as it did today.

Portland City Councilor Candace Avaloce posted on social media site Bluesky on Monday evening: “We will know more about if or when the National Guard are going to be deployed in the next 24 to 72 hours.”

Gov. Tina Kotek said at a news conference Monday that she had not heard from Trump or officials from his administration following the 9th Circuit’s decision.

“I have repeatedly called on the Trump administration to tell the public exactly what mission he expects National Guard members to do. These citizen soldiers have been pulled away from their families and their jobs for weeks to carry out some kind of mission in Oregon, but the Trump administration has been silent on the answer to my questions,” she said.

U.S. Appellate Judge Susan Graber, a Clinton appointee and former Oregon Supreme Court judge, wrote a 15-page dissent to the majority decision.

She concluded with a powerful call to her colleagues on the 9th Circuit to reverse Nelson and Bade’s decision, and offered a telling request to the public.

“I urge my colleagues on this court to act swiftly to vacate the majority’s order before the illegal deployment of troops under false pretenses can occur. Above all, I ask those who are watching this case unfold to retain faith in our judicial system for just a little longer,” she wrote.

Besides Immergut, U.S. district court judges in California and Illinois, and appellate judges in 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, have all made rulings against Trump’s attempted National Guard deployments that have targeted cities and states governed by Democrats.

In their decision, Nelson and Bade said Immergut, also a Trump appointee, ruled erroneously in issuing the temporary restraining orders barring troop deployment to Portland.

They said she focused on too narrow a time period and set of facts about protests at the Immigration and Customs facility in Portland that federal lawyers argue constitute a rebellion, and that Immergut applied an incorrect definition of “rebellion” to the federal government’s claim that it is unable to execute its functions in Portland.

In her dissent Graber issued a stark response.

“Given Portland protesters’ well-known penchant for wearing chicken suits, inflatable frog costumes, or nothing at all when expressing their disagreement with the methods employed by ICE, observers may be tempted to view the majority’s ruling, which accepts the government’s characterization of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd,” Graber wrote. “But today’s decision is not merely absurd. It erodes core constitutional principles, including sovereign States’ control over their States’ militias and the people’s First Amendment rights to assemble and to object to the government’s policies and actions.

Nelson and Bader also argued that the federal government is likely to prevail in Oregon’s case against it because of the deferential power the president holds.

Nevertheless, Nelson wrote: “We should not lose hope in our constitutional structure as a check against presidential overreach today.”

The state of Oregon and the city of Portland contend Trump violated several laws and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by attempting to deploy Guard troops to Portland over the objections of state and local elected leaders. Each of these issues deals with the balance of state and federal power — particularly related to authority over policing within states — and the extent of presidential power over the U.S. military.

“Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, would give the president unilateral power to put Oregon soldiers on our streets with almost no justification,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. “We are on a dangerous path in America.”

Oregon’s U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, who represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District and the area where the ICE facility in Portland is being protested, said in a statement: “Portland is a peaceful, kind, and loving place. Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, does not change that. Trump wants to incite violence and chaos. Portland sees this authoritarian takeover for what it is, and we will not bend the knee.”

CORRECTION: The Oregon Department of Justice said it will pursue a full-court review, but as of Monday afternoon had not yet filed the request. A 9th Circuit Judge did however, without prompting, call for a full-court review Monday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761006813532.png" alt=" Department of Homeland Security police, along with other federal police, push protestors at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility south of downtown Portland on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)" />
 <figcaption> Department of Homeland Security police, along with other federal police, push protestors at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility south of downtown Portland on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Two Trump-appointed judges overruled a lower court’s order that temporarily blocked the deployment for nearly a month</h2>By:<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/author/abaumhardt/">Alex Baumhardt</a> <a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/">Oregon Capital Chronicle</a>President Donald Trump “lawfully exercised his statutory authority” to deploy Oregon National Guard Troops to Portland on Sept. 27, according to two of three federal appellate judges, who on Monday overruled a lower court’s temporary restraining order that had stopped the deployment for nearly a month.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71554902/61/state-of-oregon-et-al-v-trump-et-al/" target="_blank">decision</a>&nbsp;on Monday came from U.S. Appellate Judges Ryan Nelson and Bridget Bade of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco — both Trump appointees. Lawyers for the Oregon Department of Justice and the city of Oregon will pursue a review and reconsideration by the full appeals court. That court would be made up of 11 appellate judges across the 10 states and Northern Mariana Islands represented in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.“We will not stand by while federal agencies sidestep local authority. Our legal team, working with the Oregon Department of Justice, will use every lawful tool to prevent this overreach,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a statement.To get the full-court review, lawyers for Oregon will need 29 judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to agree the review is justified and that Nelson and Bade were wrong, that other Circuit Court judges have ruled differently or that the case is of such great importance that more review is necessary. A judge, who remains unnamed due to court protocol, called for a vote for the full-court review Monday without prompting.Following the decision by Nelson and Bade, lawyers for the federal government asked U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut, in Oregon, to dissolve a second temporary restraining oreder she issued that bars the deployment of any guard from any state until Oregon’s lawsuit against the federal government is decided following a trial at the end of the month.Oregon’s lawyers will have 24 hours to respond, and Immergut has signaled she would dissolve the broader restraining order if indeed the 9th Circuit ruled as it did today.Portland City Councilor Candace Avaloce posted on social media site Bluesky on Monday evening: “We will know more about if or when the National Guard are going to be deployed in the next 24 to 72 hours.”Gov. Tina Kotek said at a news conference Monday that she had not heard from Trump or officials from his administration following the 9th Circuit’s decision.“I have repeatedly called on the Trump administration to tell the public exactly what mission he expects National Guard members to do. These citizen soldiers have been pulled away from their families and their jobs for weeks to carry out some kind of mission in Oregon, but the Trump administration has been silent on the answer to my questions,” she said.U.S. Appellate Judge Susan Graber, a Clinton appointee and former Oregon Supreme Court judge, wrote a 15-page dissent to the majority decision.She concluded with a powerful call to her colleagues on the 9th Circuit to reverse Nelson and Bade’s decision, and offered a telling request to the public.“I urge my colleagues on this court to act swiftly to vacate the majority’s order before the illegal deployment of troops under false pretenses can occur. Above all, I ask those who are watching this case unfold to retain faith in our judicial system for just a little longer,” she wrote.Besides Immergut, U.S. district court judges in California and Illinois, and appellate judges in 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, have all made rulings against Trump’s attempted National Guard deployments that have targeted cities and states governed by Democrats.In their decision, Nelson and Bade said Immergut, also a Trump appointee, ruled erroneously in issuing the temporary restraining orders barring troop deployment to Portland.They said she focused on too narrow a time period and set of facts about protests at the Immigration and Customs facility in Portland that federal lawyers argue constitute a rebellion, and that Immergut applied an incorrect definition of “rebellion” to the federal government’s claim that it is unable to execute its functions in Portland.In her dissent Graber issued a stark response.“Given Portland protesters’ well-known penchant for wearing chicken suits, inflatable frog costumes, or nothing at all when expressing their disagreement with the methods employed by ICE, observers may be tempted to view the majority’s ruling, which accepts the government’s characterization of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd,” Graber wrote. “But today’s decision is not merely absurd. It erodes core constitutional principles, including sovereign States’ control over their States’ militias and the people’s First Amendment rights to assemble and to object to the government’s policies and actions.Nelson and Bader also argued that the federal government is likely to prevail in Oregon’s case against it because of the deferential power the president holds.Nevertheless, Nelson wrote: “We should not lose hope in our constitutional structure as a check against presidential overreach today.”The state of Oregon and the city of Portland contend Trump violated several laws and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by attempting to deploy Guard troops to Portland over the objections of state and local elected leaders. Each of these issues deals with the balance of state and federal power — particularly related to authority over policing within states — and the extent of presidential power over the U.S. military.“Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, would give the president unilateral power to put Oregon soldiers on our streets with almost no justification,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. “We are on a dangerous path in America.”Oregon’s U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, who represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District and the area where the ICE facility in Portland is being protested, said in a statement: “Portland is a peaceful, kind, and loving place. Today’s ruling, if allowed to stand, does not change that. Trump wants to incite violence and chaos. Portland sees this authoritarian takeover for what it is, and we will not bend the knee.”CORRECTION: The Oregon Department of Justice said it will pursue a full-court review, but as of Monday afternoon had not yet filed the request. A 9th Circuit Judge did however, without prompting, call for a full-court review Monday afternoon.

Divided appeals court allows Trump to deploy Guard to Portland

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Fort Hays State University assistant professor says FHSU's review into her is still ongoing as she is discussing options with a legal team in case her First Amendment rights have been violated.

Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department has raised more than $1,600 through her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/fighting-black-against-academic-censorship-retaliation?attribution_id=sl:01768fb0-d256-45cd-a8e4-5803dbcdd611&amp;lang=en_US&amp;ts=1760971046&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp17_te&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=facebook">GoFundMe</a>. She said her main concern is the double standard she believes exists at the university.

"How can some of my other FHSU colleagues say some of the most truly egregious and bigoted things on social media or even on campus and face little to no repercussion," she said.

"I can't help but think [correlationally] that if I was white, no one would have targeted me. The irony of being the only Black American woman on the faculty doing applied social justice work in rural Kansas isn't lost on me."

Hays Post reached out to&nbsp;Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, and said he is not aware of other faculty making these comments.

Chance is seeking to raise $50,000, according to the fundraiser’s description, to cover legal fees and help with living expenses while she is without a paycheck.

Cason said FHSU is handling the situation as a confidential personnel matter but is aware of Chance’s social media posts about her employment status and her stated intentions as she moves through the process.

On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Chance posted the following:

Since then, Chance said she has been doxxed and received threats severe enough that she felt compelled to move her children out of Hays for their safety.

"I'm overwhelmed and disgusted. My health has been suffering, but as a millennial, I find that the moments of humor are keeping me grounded," Chance said.

Chance said she has also received an outpouring of support from colleagues, friends, students and community members.

In a recent social media post, Chance said she has been receiving support from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aaup.org/">American Association of University Professors</a>, an organization that helps uphold academic freedom standards in higher education.

On Sept. 29, Cason said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;that the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok, a right-wing social media account on X with 4.4 million followers, linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.&nbsp;

"Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said in a past statement from the university.

Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.

"I make no apologies as nothing I stated was inaccurate, libelous, slanderous, immoral, etc.," Chance said in response to Hays Post. "I speak truth. Is it controversial and even sometimes inflammatory? It can be, but if it offends then my message is to do better."

Chance initially defended her Facebook posts about the assassination of Kirk in a TikTok video.

"In my post, I just stated that there's karma," Chance said in the TikTok video. "There's irony associated with that, and that's by no means to celebrate someone's death."

Chance also made the following post that resulted in Libs of TikTok to further draw attention to her and bring them to FHSU’s awareness:

The university also shared its press release on its X page, where Libs of TikTok responded with criticism.

"Sorry, but I don't have 'patience' for professors who call white Americans 'dangerous animals' and mock the murder of a young father. This statement says absolutely nothing," the X post said.

On Oct. 14, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/private-chat-among-young-gop-club-members-00592146?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR4rh1vKo0TPjSl8iLS0zXiVJTMfHMaGjXdVYALFYQT5TAgjYkVhpcOm3vtb4w_aem_Xu_8IK_zmXb9J8eshdaMGA">Politico article</a>&nbsp;revealed&nbsp;Kansas Young Republicans chairman Alex Dwyer and vice chair William Hendrix took part in a Telegram group chat, which included references to white supremacy and suppression of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Chance made a social media post saying, "This scandal exposes real racism, real violence and real threats coming from individuals with political power and proximity to our institutions."

"If we can swiftly condemn encrypted hate speech from political operatives, we must also protect educators who face retaliation for public scholarship rooted in data, ethics and lived experience."

The FHSU College Republicans issued a statement condemning Kansas Young Republicans for sending texts with violent, racist and antisemtic rhetroic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760979457005.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Fort Hays State University assistant professor says FHSU's review into her is still ongoing as she is discussing options with a legal team in case her First Amendment rights have been violated.Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department has raised more than $1,600 through her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/fighting-black-against-academic-censorship-retaliation?attribution_id=sl:01768fb0-d256-45cd-a8e4-5803dbcdd611&amp;lang=en_US&amp;ts=1760971046&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp17_te&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=facebook">GoFundMe</a>. She said her main concern is the double standard she believes exists at the university."How can some of my other FHSU colleagues say some of the most truly egregious and bigoted things on social media or even on campus and face little to no repercussion," she said."I can't help but think [correlationally] that if I was white, no one would have targeted me. The irony of being the only Black American woman on the faculty doing applied social justice work in rural Kansas isn't lost on me."Hays Post reached out to&nbsp;Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, and said he is not aware of other faculty making these comments.Chance is seeking to raise $50,000, according to the fundraiser’s description, to cover legal fees and help with living expenses while she is without a paycheck.Cason said FHSU is handling the situation as a confidential personnel matter but is aware of Chance’s social media posts about her employment status and her stated intentions as she moves through the process.On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Chance posted the following:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760994414442.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Since then, Chance said she has been doxxed and received threats severe enough that she felt compelled to move her children out of Hays for their safety."I'm overwhelmed and disgusted. My health has been suffering, but as a millennial, I find that the moments of humor are keeping me grounded," Chance said.Chance said she has also received an outpouring of support from colleagues, friends, students and community members.In a recent social media post, Chance said she has been receiving support from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aaup.org/">American Association of University Professors</a>, an organization that helps uphold academic freedom standards in higher education.On Sept. 29, Cason said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;that the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok, a right-wing social media account on X with 4.4 million followers, linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.&nbsp;"Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said in a past statement from the university.Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it."I make no apologies as nothing I stated was inaccurate, libelous, slanderous, immoral, etc.," Chance said in response to Hays Post. "I speak truth. Is it controversial and even sometimes inflammatory? It can be, but if it offends then my message is to do better."Chance initially defended her Facebook posts about the assassination of Kirk in a TikTok video.<div><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@drchancespeaks/video/7555678574372490527" data-video-id="7555678574372490527" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@drchancespeaks" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@drchancespeaks?refer=embed">@drchancespeaks</a> When <a title="maga" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/maga?refer=embed">#MAGA</a> attacks.... your <a title="academicfreedom" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/academicfreedom?refer=embed">#academicfreedom</a> and <a title="firstamendment" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/firstamendment?refer=embed">#firstamendment</a> rights are discarded. <a title="charliekirk" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/charliekirk?refer=embed">#CharlieKirk</a> sympathizers think they can break me..... but my resolve is different. Thanks @xx_shotgunmary_xx <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - dr.chance_speaks" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7555678616902798111?refer=embed">♬ original sound - dr.chance_speaks</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></div>"In my post, I just stated that there's karma," Chance said in the TikTok video. "There's irony associated with that, and that's by no means to celebrate someone's death."Chance also made the following post that resulted in Libs of TikTok to further draw attention to her and bring them to FHSU’s awareness:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760994527373.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760994901627.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The university also shared its press release on its X page, where Libs of TikTok responded with criticism."Sorry, but I don't have 'patience' for professors who call white Americans 'dangerous animals' and mock the murder of a young father. This statement says absolutely nothing," the X post said.On Oct. 14, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/private-chat-among-young-gop-club-members-00592146?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR4rh1vKo0TPjSl8iLS0zXiVJTMfHMaGjXdVYALFYQT5TAgjYkVhpcOm3vtb4w_aem_Xu_8IK_zmXb9J8eshdaMGA">Politico article</a>&nbsp;revealed&nbsp;Kansas Young Republicans chairman Alex Dwyer and vice chair William Hendrix took part in a Telegram group chat, which included references to white supremacy and suppression of the Jeffrey Epstein files.Chance made a social media post saying, "This scandal exposes real racism, real violence and real threats coming from individuals with political power and proximity to our institutions.""If we can swiftly condemn encrypted hate speech from political operatives, we must also protect educators who face retaliation for public scholarship rooted in data, ethics and lived experience."The FHSU College Republicans issued a statement condemning Kansas Young Republicans for sending texts with violent, racist and antisemtic rhetroic.

FHSU assistant professor receives threats for Charlie Kirk posts

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal 2-vehicle accident that occurred just before 7p.m. Friday in Saline County have identified the victim as 30-year-old Riley Faris of Salina, according to a statement from the Saline County Sheriff. Deputies also made an arrest.

According to the sheriff's office, a custom 1986 Harley Davidson driven by&nbsp; Faris was westbound on Kansas 140 Highway at Perry Street in Brookville.&nbsp; A 2003 Subaru Forester driven by Kylie Barnett, 39, Kanopolis, rear-ended the motorcycle.

Faris was ejected from the motorcycle upon impact and pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies at the scene arrested Barnett and booked her into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Driving While Suspended, No Proof of Insurance and Following too close.

Deputies determined alcohol was not a factor. Barnett is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760984128017.png" alt="Barnett photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Barnett photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal 2-vehicle accident that occurred just before 7p.m. Friday in Saline County have identified the victim as 30-year-old Riley Faris of Salina, according to a statement from the Saline County Sheriff. Deputies also made an arrest.According to the sheriff's office, a custom 1986 Harley Davidson driven by&nbsp; Faris was westbound on Kansas 140 Highway at Perry Street in Brookville.&nbsp; A 2003 Subaru Forester driven by Kylie Barnett, 39, Kanopolis, rear-ended the motorcycle.Faris was ejected from the motorcycle upon impact and pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies at the scene arrested Barnett and booked her into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Driving While Suspended, No Proof of Insurance and Following too close.Deputies determined alcohol was not a factor. Barnett is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas woman arrested after crash that killed motorcyclist

Federal, state funding uncertainty looms; anti-tenure bill to resurface in Topeka

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

&nbsp;University of Kansas chancellor Doug Girod explores KU’s achievements in student recruiting, faculty research and endowment fundraising on Oct. 17, 2025, in a campus speech. Girod, chancellor since 2017, pointed to a series of threats confronting U.S. higher education. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760983392597.png" alt=" University of Kansas chancellor Doug Girod explores KU’s achievements in student recruiting, faculty research and endowment fundraising on Oct. 17, 2025, in a campus speech. Girod, chancellor since 2017, pointed to a series of threats confronting U.S. higher education. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> University of Kansas chancellor Doug Girod explores KU’s achievements in student recruiting, faculty research and endowment fundraising on Oct. 17, 2025, in a campus speech. Girod, chancellor since 2017, pointed to a series of threats confronting U.S. higher education. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Federal, state funding uncertainty looms; anti-tenure bill to resurface in Topeka</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>&nbsp;University of Kansas chancellor Doug Girod explores KU’s achievements in student recruiting, faculty research and endowment fundraising on Oct. 17, 2025, in a campus speech. Girod, chancellor since 2017, pointed to a series of threats confronting U.S. higher education. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)LAWRENCE — University of Kansas chancellor Doug Girod says dismantling of federal funding of university research, lukewarm state budgets, a precipitous drop in college-age students, rise of artificial intelligence and inflationary pressure on operating costs threaten the future of higher education.These headwinds exist amid dwindling enthusiasm, regardless of political affiliation, in the public’s view of the value of investment in a college degree, the chancellor said. Positive sentiment among Americans for higher education has eroded from 70% to 40% in less than a decade, he said.“The question of, is the investment worth it, is really the question that’s being asked a lot of our society,” Girod said. “It’s creating a time of fairly significant uncertainty across the country right now.”Girod said computing power of artificial intelligence would transform KU and other higher education institutions. AI must be viewed as a “disruptor,” he said, but also an opportunity to evolve.“It’s going to completely change how we educate. It’s going to completely change how we conduct research. It certainly is going to completely change how we conduct our business of higher education,” he said.Girod shared the report Thursday during his annual “State of the University Address,” which featured a broad analysis of U.S. higher education as well as distinct challenges facing KU and a summary of the university’s enrollment, research and fundraising trends.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760983337463.png" alt="University of Kansas faculty and staff hoist small signs during KU chancellor Doug Girod’s annual speech Oct. 16, 2025, to register disappointment that more progress isn’t being made in negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement with unionized campus employees. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>University of Kansas faculty and staff hoist small signs during KU chancellor Doug Girod’s annual speech Oct. 16, 2025, to register disappointment that more progress isn’t being made in negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement with unionized campus employees. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Positive trends</h2>Girod said KU this fall achieved record student enrollment for the second consecutive year. The current freshman class at KU is the third largest in university history, he said. At the same time, the chancellor said, KU improved student retention and its graduation rate. The decline in 18-year-olds in the United States will make continuation of that track record increasingly difficult, he said.“We have the most Kansas kids we’ve ever had. We have the most out-of-state kids we’ve ever had. That’s a great place to be at this moment in time,” he said.The chancellor said KU documented nine consecutive years of growth in research funding as the total climbed from $337 million in 2017 to $611 million in 2024. The pipeline of research grants in the current year has “slowed down profoundly” as the administration of President Donald Trump rolled back federal research and development funding available to colleges and universities.He said progress has been made with the “One KU” project to realign and unify administrative leadership of KU campuses in Lawrence, Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas. The idea is to create efficiencies by moving away from a decentralized campus-based administrative structure, he said.“The goal of that is obviously to help us streamline and be far more strategic, but also far more nimble in leveraging our assets across all our campuses,” Girod said.Girod told about 200 people during the speech that KU endowment’s fundraising campaign eclipsed the $2 billion mark with two years remaining in a 10-year quest to secure commitments of $2.5 billion. He said half the contributions were destined for KU’s Lawrence campus, 30% would be dedicated to KUMC and 20% was earmarked for athletics.“I’m happy to stand up here and say the state of our university is actually quite strong,” Girod said. “Probably the strongest it’s ever been. I also know I say that in a moment when we probably have the highest degree of uncertainty that we’ve had … in the history of the university.”<h2>Kansas headwinds</h2>Girod said the 2025 Kansas Legislature adopted a flat budget in terms of base support for KU, which could be viewed as a step backward due to inflation. He said a 30% surge in operating costs in the past five years and combined challenges with state and federal funding prompted decisions to cut spending by $32 million on the Lawrence campus and to reduce spending by $39 million on the KU Medical Center campus in Kansas City, Kansas.“I’ll tell you on the Lawrence campus about half of that cut will go to market pay for faculty and staff, but that really just gets us started on that journey,” Girod said.David Smith, a professor of sociology, was among faculty and staff in the audience holding small signs during the chancellor’s speech that said “Contract now! Stop the delay” or “Fair contract now!” KU faculty and academic staff in April 2024 approved formation of a union by capturing 86% of the vote among nearly 1,000 participants in the election. The bargaining unit, United Academics of KU, represents employees with educational or research roles on campus.“We have been in contract negotiations for well over a year now,” Smith said. “It’s been something like 450 days since those contract negotiations began.”Smith said union negotiators were working to improve compensation, especially for adjunct faculty or people on short-term contracts. He said negotiations included an effort to enshrine in the first contract guarantees the administration formally shared governance with faculty and staff. For example, he said, faculty and staff should have had a role alongside KU administrators in deciding whether to discontinue 42 academic programs in 2022.Girod said the 2026 session of the Legislature would be important to KU, and early indications were that it would be another tight budget year for higher education. He anticipated legislators would renew a push to redefine university tenure so it no longer could be recognized as an “entitlement, right or property interest.” The 2025 version of that legislation was blocked by opponents, including Girod, from emerging from a House committee.“We’ve already been told its coming back again. We know that’s something we’re going to have to pay attention to because it’s so critical to what we do and who we are as an institution,” the chancellor said.