By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/kansas-lawmakers-dig-into-pandemic-relief-spending-report/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Pastries,
 plastic tube people and festivals. Kansas lawmakers questioned whether 
federal COVID-19 relief funding was spent appropriately during a&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;review of expenditures.

The Kansas Legislative Division of 
Post Audit’s report focused on the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and 
Economic Security Act, the $2.2 trillion stimulus bill passed by 
Congress. The act included $339.8 billion in aid to state and local 
governments, with Kansas receiving about $1 billion in discretionary 
funding.&nbsp;

In Kansas, CARES dollars were 
distributed by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas 
Taskforce, an organization created by Gov. Laura Kelly.&nbsp; Federal 
guidelines stipulated that funds had to be spent on activities or items 
to address COVID-19 emergency, and must have occurred from March 1, 
2020, to Dec. 31, 2021.&nbsp;

Several lawmakers voiced unhappiness 
with the funding distribution, saying money had been given out 
recklessly, with virtually no oversight. The task force’s decisions have
 been criticized, with lawmakers saying some counties have been favored 
over others.

Republican Sen. Mike Thompson of Johnson County said his blood pressure went up whenever he thought about the wasted dollars.&nbsp;

“Just thousands&nbsp; of dollars spent 
unnecessarily,” Thompson said. “The whole thing just makes me upset, and
 it makes me very concerned. I know there’s still about $1.2 billion in 
unspent funds from a variety of sources, I’m guessing. And I think we 
need a lot more oversight over where those funds go and whether they go 
anywhere. Because this looks like a Christmas tree for some people and 
there’s no accountability whatsoever.”&nbsp;

Auditors at the meeting said that the
 state’s distribution of CARES money was appropriate and that the 
majority of funds were spent correctly by counties and agencies.&nbsp;

The audit reviewed $18 million in 
CARES spending, reviewing 78 expenditures across 42 counties. The audit 
reported that 85% of audited expenditures were clearly allowable by 
federal guidelines, with counties spending the money on items such as 
personal protective equipment, food pantry supplies and funds to pay for
 COVID-19-related sick leave.&nbsp;

A little less than $3 million, or 15%
 of audited expenditures, went to unclear expenditures. That meant the 
auditors didn’t see how the purchase was related to COVID-19 relief. One
 county spent $218,000 to install big electronic signs in each of its 
towns. Another county bought a plastic “tube man” to advertise its food 
pantry.&nbsp;

Less than 1% of audit expenditures, 
about $48,000, was considered to be unallowable. The audit found that 
one county bought flu vaccines with its funding, while another spent 
funds on pastries and coffee for in-person meetings.&nbsp;

When auditors did an additional 
review to determine the reasonableness of these 78 expenditures, they 
determined that 6%, or about $1.1 million, was ill-advised. One county 
spent $450,000 to create a new grocery store, which folded in months. 
Another grant receipt spent $20,000 to help put on a local festival, 
encouraging people to congregate during the pandemic.&nbsp;

Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stillwell 
Republican, said the audit was a good start, but he wanted more 
transparency about funding distribution in general.&nbsp;

“My school district, for example, got
 $3 million, or something like that, where Wichita and Kansas City both 
got almost a billion. So it would be good to look into that,” he said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663278215266.png" alt="State Sen. Mike Thompson said he was fed up with the state’s distribution of federal COVID-19 relief funds during Wednesday’s funding review. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Mike Thompson said he was fed up with the state’s distribution of federal COVID-19 relief funds during Wednesday’s funding review. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/kansas-lawmakers-dig-into-pandemic-relief-spending-report/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Pastries,
 plastic tube people and festivals. Kansas lawmakers questioned whether 
federal COVID-19 relief funding was spent appropriately during a&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;review of expenditures.The Kansas Legislative Division of 
Post Audit’s report focused on the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and 
Economic Security Act, the $2.2 trillion stimulus bill passed by 
Congress. The act included $339.8 billion in aid to state and local 
governments, with Kansas receiving about $1 billion in discretionary 
funding.&nbsp;In Kansas, CARES dollars were 
distributed by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas 
Taskforce, an organization created by Gov. Laura Kelly.&nbsp; Federal 
guidelines stipulated that funds had to be spent on activities or items 
to address COVID-19 emergency, and must have occurred from March 1, 
2020, to Dec. 31, 2021.&nbsp;Several lawmakers voiced unhappiness 
with the funding distribution, saying money had been given out 
recklessly, with virtually no oversight. The task force’s decisions have
 been criticized, with lawmakers saying some counties have been favored 
over others.Republican Sen. Mike Thompson of Johnson County said his blood pressure went up whenever he thought about the wasted dollars.&nbsp;“Just thousands&nbsp; of dollars spent 
unnecessarily,” Thompson said. “The whole thing just makes me upset, and
 it makes me very concerned. I know there’s still about $1.2 billion in 
unspent funds from a variety of sources, I’m guessing. And I think we 
need a lot more oversight over where those funds go and whether they go 
anywhere. Because this looks like a Christmas tree for some people and 
there’s no accountability whatsoever.”&nbsp;Auditors at the meeting said that the
 state’s distribution of CARES money was appropriate and that the 
majority of funds were spent correctly by counties and agencies.&nbsp;The audit reviewed $18 million in 
CARES spending, reviewing 78 expenditures across 42 counties. The audit 
reported that 85% of audited expenditures were clearly allowable by 
federal guidelines, with counties spending the money on items such as 
personal protective equipment, food pantry supplies and funds to pay for
 COVID-19-related sick leave.&nbsp;A little less than $3 million, or 15%
 of audited expenditures, went to unclear expenditures. That meant the 
auditors didn’t see how the purchase was related to COVID-19 relief. One
 county spent $218,000 to install big electronic signs in each of its 
towns. Another county bought a plastic “tube man” to advertise its food 
pantry.&nbsp;Less than 1% of audit expenditures, 
about $48,000, was considered to be unallowable. The audit found that 
one county bought flu vaccines with its funding, while another spent 
funds on pastries and coffee for in-person meetings.&nbsp;When auditors did an additional 
review to determine the reasonableness of these 78 expenditures, they 
determined that 6%, or about $1.1 million, was ill-advised. One county 
spent $450,000 to create a new grocery store, which folded in months. 
Another grant receipt spent $20,000 to help put on a local festival, 
encouraging people to congregate during the pandemic.&nbsp;Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stillwell 
Republican, said the audit was a good start, but he wanted more 
transparency about funding distribution in general.&nbsp;“My school district, for example, got
 $3 million, or something like that, where Wichita and Kansas City both 
got almost a billion. So it would be good to look into that,” he said.&nbsp;

Kansas lawmakers dig into pandemic relief spending report

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have identified a presumptive positive case of monkeypox in an adult resident of Sedgwick County who recently traveled out of state, according to a media release from the agency. 

This is the first presumptive positive case in Sedgwick County and the eighth case of monkeypox reported in Kansas. Still, the risk to the general public continues to remain low.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Close or sustained skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact with a person with monkeypox, or contact with an infected person's items (ex. towels, sheets) are the most significant risk factors for infection in this outbreak.

Symptoms can include fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash. Symptoms generally appear within 7 - 14 days of exposure. Infected individuals can spread the disease until the rash completely heals. This occurs 2 - 4 weeks after symptom onset. Infected individuals should isolate from others.

If you are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox or need to be tested, contact your healthcare provider or the Sedgwick County Health Department at 316-660-7300. Treatment options are available following a positive diagnosis. Vaccination is available to those who are eligible.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html">Click here for</a> additional information on monkeypox

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655678482994.png" alt="Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC" />
 <figcaption>Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have identified a presumptive positive case of monkeypox in an adult resident of Sedgwick County who recently traveled out of state, according to a media release from the agency. This is the first presumptive positive case in Sedgwick County and the eighth case of monkeypox reported in Kansas. Still, the risk to the general public continues to remain low.Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Close or sustained skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact with a person with monkeypox, or contact with an infected person's items (ex. towels, sheets) are the most significant risk factors for infection in this outbreak.Symptoms can include fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash. Symptoms generally appear within 7 - 14 days of exposure. Infected individuals can spread the disease until the rash completely heals. This occurs 2 - 4 weeks after symptom onset. Infected individuals should isolate from others.If you are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox or need to be tested, contact your healthcare provider or the Sedgwick County Health Department at 316-660-7300. Treatment options are available following a positive diagnosis. Vaccination is available to those who are eligible.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html">Click here for</a> additional information on monkeypox

8th case of monkeypox reported in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; are investigating a violent incident at a Kansas home and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 11p.m. Wednesday, police were in the 3200 block of SW 11th Street in Topeka on an attempt to locate 42-year-old Damon Brook

Morgan, 42 of Topeka, on an alleged kidnapping and battery according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

Officers determined that Morgan had barricaded himself inside of the residence. Topeka's Police Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene. At approximately 6:50 a.m. on Thursday , after several hours of negotiations, the Response Team made entry into the residence and took Morgan into custody without incident.

Morgan was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the original requested charges of Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Kidnapping, and Criminal Damage to Property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663264720569.png" alt="Morgan-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Morgan-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; are investigating a violent incident at a Kansas home and have a suspect in custody.Just after 11p.m. Wednesday, police were in the 3200 block of SW 11th Street in Topeka on an attempt to locate 42-year-old Damon BrookMorgan, 42 of Topeka, on an alleged kidnapping and battery according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.Officers determined that Morgan had barricaded himself inside of the residence. Topeka's Police Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene. At approximately 6:50 a.m. on Thursday , after several hours of negotiations, the Response Team made entry into the residence and took Morgan into custody without incident.Morgan was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the original requested charges of Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Kidnapping, and Criminal Damage to Property.

Kansas man jailed for violent incident after all-night standoff

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rail companies and their workers reached a tentative agreement Thursday to avert a nationwide strike that could have shut down the nation's freight trains and devastated the economy less than two months before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections.</a>

(Click below to watch the President's comments)

President Joe Biden announced the deal, which emerged from a marathon 20-hour negotiating session at the Labor Department and came just one day before the threatened walkout.

“This agreement is validation of what I’ve always believed — unions and management can work together ... for the benefit of everyone,” Biden said in the White House Rose Garden.

The deal,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-worker-strike-negotiations-updates-83c0f51db4a87bf632dafe589b328f4a?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_2">which includes a 24% pay raise</a>, will go to union members for a vote after a cooling-off period of several weeks.

The threat of a shutdown carried political risks for Biden, a Democrat who believes unions built the middle class. But he also knew a rail strike could damage the economy ahead of the midterms, when majorities in both chambers of Congress, key governorships and scores of important state offices will be up for grabs.

Biden made a key phone call Wednesday evening to Labor Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-marty-walsh-boston-coronavirus-pandemic-b3bb089eb2253b7f78057893d215835f">Marty Walsh</a>&nbsp;as negotiators were talking and being offered Italian food for dinner, according to White House officials who insisted on anonymity to discuss the conversations.

On speakerphone, the president urged both sides to get a deal done and to consider the harm that a shutdown would inflict on families, farmers and businesses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-strikes-b92e7c6dd6d3b117eda351f9674f6479">,</a>&nbsp;the officials said.

One union had to wake up its board to move forward on the agreement, which involved 50 calls from White House officials to organized labor officials.

Joined in the Oval Office by business and union leaders, a beaming Biden joked that he was surprised everyone was “still standing” after the late night and that they should be “home in bed.”

A strike would also have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-strikes-b92e7c6dd6d3b117eda351f9674f6479">disrupted passenger traffic</a>&nbsp;as well as freight, because Amtrak and many commuter railroads operate on tracks owned by the freight railroads. Amtrak canceled all of its long-distance trains ahead of the strike deadline and was working to restore full service.

The five-year deal, retroactive to 2020, also includes $5,000 in bonuses. The railroads agreed to ease their strict attendance policies to address union concerns about working conditions.

Railroad workers will now be able to take unpaid days off for doctor’s appointments without being penalized. Previously, workers would lose points under the attendance systems at BNSF and Union Pacific railways, and they could be disciplined if they lost all their points.

The talks also included Norfolk Southern, CSX, Kansas City Southern and the U.S. operations of Canadian National.

The unions that represent conductors and engineers who drive the trains had pressed hard for changes in the attendance rules, and they said the deal sets a precedent that ensures they will be able to negotiate such rules in the future.

Kelly Pettus, who is married to an engineer in Atlanta, said she wanted more details about the attendance policy.

Earlier this year, her husband had to leave work when their 2-year-old daughter ended up in the emergency room with the flu. He spent the entire time worrying about the penalty involved in taking a single day off.

“You can’t just call and say your baby is in hospital,” Pettus said.

Hugh Sawyer, an engineer in the Atlanta area, said the pay raise was long overdue and did not completely make up for the regular cost-of-living increases that he lost several years ago.

“It’s something to build on,” Sawyer said of the deal.

Victor Chen, a sociologist at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies labor, said concerns about working conditions have increasingly become a priority for unions and the workers they represent.

“At a certain point, good wages just aren’t enough to make up for the toll these sorts of working conditions impose on workers,” Chen said. “The companies need to treat workers like human beings, rather than just inputs in a business process.”

The railroad unions pointed to workload and attendance rules after the major railroads cut nearly one-third of their workforce — some 45,000 jobs — over the past six years.

The rail industry has aggressively cut costs everywhere and shifted its operations to rely more on fewer, longer trains that use fewer locomotives and fewer employees. The unions said the remaining workers, particularly engineers and conductors, were on call 24-7 because of jobs cuts and could hardly take any time off under strict attendance rules.

Unions had an advantage at the bargaining table because of the tight labor market and ongoing service problems on the railroads, Chen said.

Shippers have complained loudly this year about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">delays and poor service</a>&nbsp;as railroads struggled to hire quickly enough to handle a surge in demand as the economy emerged from the pandemic. The shipping problems gave rail workers extra leverage.

Newly hired CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs said he hopes the new deal helps the railroad hire and retain more employees to address the service problems.

"Now we can move our conversation into how do we work together to grow the business and better serve our customers,” he said.

Union activism has surged under Biden, as seen in a 56% increase in petitions for union representation with the National Labor Relations Board so far this fiscal year, including prominent organizing efforts at Starbucks, Amazon and other companies. A number of unions have gone on strike over the past two years to get better deals.

Rutgers University professor Todd Vachon, who teaches about labor relations, said rail workers were particularly attuned to work-life balance and the ability to take time off for health reasons.

That has led to a “real resurgence in the labor movement that goes beyond merely reacting to inflation,” Vachon said.

Before the deal was reached, business groups including the Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce were predicting that a rail strike would be an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">“economic disaster.”</a>

The Association of American Railroads trade group estimated that a strike would cost the economy more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">$2 billion a day</a>&nbsp;and force many businesses to scale back or cease production and consider layoffs.

With the economy still recovering from the pandemic's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-prices-inflation-542f50c1fc779ae75d9574b9703fb4fa">supply chain disruptions</a>, the president’s goal was to keep all parties talking so a deal could be reached.

Biden also knew a stoppage could worsen the dynamics that have contributed to soaring inflation and created a political headache for the party in power.

He confronted the same kind of predicament faced by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 with coal and Harry Truman in 1952 with steel — how does a president balance the needs of labor and business in doing what’s best for the nation?

Railways were so important during World War I that Woodrow Wilson temporarily nationalized the industry to keep goods flowing and prevent strikes.

So the administration jumped into the middle of the talks. Biden and cabinet officials called both sides, and the labor secretary participated directly in negotiations.

It was clear the effort had paid off when Biden announced the deal, calling it “an important win for our economy and the American people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663279444886.png" alt="President Joe Biden speaks about a tentative railway labor agreement in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, in Washington. From left, Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Biden, Celeste Drake, Made in America Director at the Office of Management and Budget, and National Economic Council director Brian Deese.-White House photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden speaks about a tentative railway labor agreement in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, in Washington. From left, Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Biden, Celeste Drake, Made in America Director at the Office of Management and Budget, and National Economic Council director Brian Deese.-White House photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Rail companies and their workers reached a tentative agreement Thursday to avert a nationwide strike that could have shut down the nation's freight trains and devastated the economy less than two months before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections.</a>(Click below to watch the President's comments)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bin8ajdT_14?start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>President Joe Biden announced the deal, which emerged from a marathon 20-hour negotiating session at the Labor Department and came just one day before the threatened walkout.“This agreement is validation of what I’ve always believed — unions and management can work together ... for the benefit of everyone,” Biden said in the White House Rose Garden.The deal,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-worker-strike-negotiations-updates-83c0f51db4a87bf632dafe589b328f4a?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_2">which includes a 24% pay raise</a>, will go to union members for a vote after a cooling-off period of several weeks.The threat of a shutdown carried political risks for Biden, a Democrat who believes unions built the middle class. But he also knew a rail strike could damage the economy ahead of the midterms, when majorities in both chambers of Congress, key governorships and scores of important state offices will be up for grabs.Biden made a key phone call Wednesday evening to Labor Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-marty-walsh-boston-coronavirus-pandemic-b3bb089eb2253b7f78057893d215835f">Marty Walsh</a>&nbsp;as negotiators were talking and being offered Italian food for dinner, according to White House officials who insisted on anonymity to discuss the conversations.On speakerphone, the president urged both sides to get a deal done and to consider the harm that a shutdown would inflict on families, farmers and businesses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-strikes-b92e7c6dd6d3b117eda351f9674f6479">,</a>&nbsp;the officials said.One union had to wake up its board to move forward on the agreement, which involved 50 calls from White House officials to organized labor officials.Joined in the Oval Office by business and union leaders, a beaming Biden joked that he was surprised everyone was “still standing” after the late night and that they should be “home in bed.”A strike would also have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-strikes-b92e7c6dd6d3b117eda351f9674f6479">disrupted passenger traffic</a>&nbsp;as well as freight, because Amtrak and many commuter railroads operate on tracks owned by the freight railroads. Amtrak canceled all of its long-distance trains ahead of the strike deadline and was working to restore full service.The five-year deal, retroactive to 2020, also includes $5,000 in bonuses. The railroads agreed to ease their strict attendance policies to address union concerns about working conditions.Railroad workers will now be able to take unpaid days off for doctor’s appointments without being penalized. Previously, workers would lose points under the attendance systems at BNSF and Union Pacific railways, and they could be disciplined if they lost all their points.The talks also included Norfolk Southern, CSX, Kansas City Southern and the U.S. operations of Canadian National.The unions that represent conductors and engineers who drive the trains had pressed hard for changes in the attendance rules, and they said the deal sets a precedent that ensures they will be able to negotiate such rules in the future.Kelly Pettus, who is married to an engineer in Atlanta, said she wanted more details about the attendance policy.Earlier this year, her husband had to leave work when their 2-year-old daughter ended up in the emergency room with the flu. He spent the entire time worrying about the penalty involved in taking a single day off.“You can’t just call and say your baby is in hospital,” Pettus said.Hugh Sawyer, an engineer in the Atlanta area, said the pay raise was long overdue and did not completely make up for the regular cost-of-living increases that he lost several years ago.“It’s something to build on,” Sawyer said of the deal.Victor Chen, a sociologist at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies labor, said concerns about working conditions have increasingly become a priority for unions and the workers they represent.“At a certain point, good wages just aren’t enough to make up for the toll these sorts of working conditions impose on workers,” Chen said. “The companies need to treat workers like human beings, rather than just inputs in a business process.”The railroad unions pointed to workload and attendance rules after the major railroads cut nearly one-third of their workforce — some 45,000 jobs — over the past six years.The rail industry has aggressively cut costs everywhere and shifted its operations to rely more on fewer, longer trains that use fewer locomotives and fewer employees. The unions said the remaining workers, particularly engineers and conductors, were on call 24-7 because of jobs cuts and could hardly take any time off under strict attendance rules.Unions had an advantage at the bargaining table because of the tight labor market and ongoing service problems on the railroads, Chen said.Shippers have complained loudly this year about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">delays and poor service</a>&nbsp;as railroads struggled to hire quickly enough to handle a surge in demand as the economy emerged from the pandemic. The shipping problems gave rail workers extra leverage.Newly hired CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs said he hopes the new deal helps the railroad hire and retain more employees to address the service problems."Now we can move our conversation into how do we work together to grow the business and better serve our customers,” he said.Union activism has surged under Biden, as seen in a 56% increase in petitions for union representation with the National Labor Relations Board so far this fiscal year, including prominent organizing efforts at Starbucks, Amazon and other companies. A number of unions have gone on strike over the past two years to get better deals.Rutgers University professor Todd Vachon, who teaches about labor relations, said rail workers were particularly attuned to work-life balance and the ability to take time off for health reasons.That has led to a “real resurgence in the labor movement that goes beyond merely reacting to inflation,” Vachon said.Before the deal was reached, business groups including the Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce were predicting that a rail strike would be an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">“economic disaster.”</a>The Association of American Railroads trade group estimated that a strike would cost the economy more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">$2 billion a day</a>&nbsp;and force many businesses to scale back or cease production and consider layoffs.With the economy still recovering from the pandemic's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-prices-inflation-542f50c1fc779ae75d9574b9703fb4fa">supply chain disruptions</a>, the president’s goal was to keep all parties talking so a deal could be reached.Biden also knew a stoppage could worsen the dynamics that have contributed to soaring inflation and created a political headache for the party in power.He confronted the same kind of predicament faced by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 with coal and Harry Truman in 1952 with steel — how does a president balance the needs of labor and business in doing what’s best for the nation?Railways were so important during World War I that Woodrow Wilson temporarily nationalized the industry to keep goods flowing and prevent strikes.So the administration jumped into the middle of the talks. Biden and cabinet officials called both sides, and the labor secretary participated directly in negotiations.It was clear the effort had paid off when Biden announced the deal, calling it “an important win for our economy and the American people.”___

🎥 Biden celebrates labor deal to avert nationwide rail strike

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective who has long been accused of sexually preying on Black women during criminal investigations was indicted Thursday on charges that he sexually abused two women, the FBI said.

Roger Golubski, 69, was arrested at his home in Edwardsville after a federal grand jury indicted him on six counts of civil rights violations. He was expected to make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.

Golubski retired in 2010 after working for the Kansas City (Kansas) Police Department for 35 years. The FBI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-kansas-city-kansas-4d005737c9046b7d65363a6e82f93493">has been investigating allegations</a>&nbsp;that Golubski, who is white, sexually assaulted Black women in the city and exchanged drugs for information during criminal investigations.

The federal indictment announced Thursday accuses Golubski of sexually assaulting two women, identified as S.K., and O.W., on several occasions between 1998 and 2002.

He is accused of raping both women and forcing them to perform oral sex on him several times in his vehicle and at the women's homes. Golubski’s conduct included aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping, according to the indictment.

If convicted of any of the counts, Golubski could be sentenced to life in prison.

Golubski's attorney, Morgan Roach, didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Civil rights groups for years sought an investigation into Golubski's conduct. The allegations against him drew more attention after Lamont McIntyre, who spent 23 years in prison for a double murder he didn't commit,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-kansas-city-kansas-7b4c4af7410f67d20fd19cb2e9235aad">sued Golubski</a>&nbsp;and other Kansas City, Kansas, officers after he was released.

McIntyre and his mother, Rose McIntyre, alleged in the lawsuit that Golubski framed Lamont for a double homicide in 1994 because she refused the detective's sexual demands. The local government agreed in June to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-kansas-city-96f163ee13c721c0ab53899dcad05897">settle the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;for $12.5 million.

When deposed by McIntyre’s lawyers in the case, Golubski invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination hundreds of times. He has consistently declined media requests to comment on the allegations.

In 2020, a coalition of Kansas lawmakers, religious leaders and racial justice advocates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-us-news-police-crime-abuse-of-women-4029e8e0d18a3af50c5b219afe7a0f41">asked the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to investigate</a>&nbsp;Golubski and other members of the department who were accused of misconduct and abuse.

And in 2021, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-crime-police-54f4c7a47df11cd937aacdb180b4b25e">organization run by rapper Jay-Z filed</a>&nbsp;a petition seeking records from the police department related to what it called a history of officer misconduct within the department.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593723693793.png" alt="Roger Golubski-photo&nbsp;Edwardsville Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Roger Golubski-photo&nbsp;Edwardsville Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective who has long been accused of sexually preying on Black women during criminal investigations was indicted Thursday on charges that he sexually abused two women, the FBI said.Roger Golubski, 69, was arrested at his home in Edwardsville after a federal grand jury indicted him on six counts of civil rights violations. He was expected to make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.Golubski retired in 2010 after working for the Kansas City (Kansas) Police Department for 35 years. The FBI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-kansas-city-kansas-4d005737c9046b7d65363a6e82f93493">has been investigating allegations</a>&nbsp;that Golubski, who is white, sexually assaulted Black women in the city and exchanged drugs for information during criminal investigations.The federal indictment announced Thursday accuses Golubski of sexually assaulting two women, identified as S.K., and O.W., on several occasions between 1998 and 2002.He is accused of raping both women and forcing them to perform oral sex on him several times in his vehicle and at the women's homes. Golubski’s conduct included aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping, according to the indictment.If convicted of any of the counts, Golubski could be sentenced to life in prison.Golubski's attorney, Morgan Roach, didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment.Civil rights groups for years sought an investigation into Golubski's conduct. The allegations against him drew more attention after Lamont McIntyre, who spent 23 years in prison for a double murder he didn't commit,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-kansas-city-kansas-7b4c4af7410f67d20fd19cb2e9235aad">sued Golubski</a>&nbsp;and other Kansas City, Kansas, officers after he was released.McIntyre and his mother, Rose McIntyre, alleged in the lawsuit that Golubski framed Lamont for a double homicide in 1994 because she refused the detective's sexual demands. The local government agreed in June to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-kansas-city-96f163ee13c721c0ab53899dcad05897">settle the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;for $12.5 million.When deposed by McIntyre’s lawyers in the case, Golubski invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination hundreds of times. He has consistently declined media requests to comment on the allegations.In 2020, a coalition of Kansas lawmakers, religious leaders and racial justice advocates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-us-news-police-crime-abuse-of-women-4029e8e0d18a3af50c5b219afe7a0f41">asked the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to investigate</a>&nbsp;Golubski and other members of the department who were accused of misconduct and abuse.And in 2021, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-crime-police-54f4c7a47df11cd937aacdb180b4b25e">organization run by rapper Jay-Z filed</a>&nbsp;a petition seeking records from the police department related to what it called a history of officer misconduct within the department.This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Sex crime: FBI arrests Kan. detective long accused of corruption

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 5p.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 11200 block of South Topeka Avenue, north of Carbondale, for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, Terrance N. Ruble, 45, of Topeka, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of depressants with intent to distribute, Unlawful possession of a prescription drug, No drug tax stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, No liability insurance and Driving while license suspended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663099433062.png" alt="Ruble-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Ruble-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just before 5p.m. Monday, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 11200 block of South Topeka Avenue, north of Carbondale, for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, Terrance N. Ruble, 45, of Topeka, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of depressants with intent to distribute, Unlawful possession of a prescription drug, No drug tax stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, No liability insurance and Driving while license suspended.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of selling depressants, meth

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a a fatal shooting that left 21-year-old Devin Bills of Wichita deceased.

Just after 1:30 a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4500 block of South Hydraulic. Upon arrival, Officers located Bills unconscious and not breathing with two gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to Officer Juan&nbsp;Rebolledo.

Officers began life-saving measures. EMS pronounced Bills deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed that Bills and several other people were outside the residence hanging out when a verbal argument ensued, and shots were fired. The suspect then fled the scene in a vehicle.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact investigators at 316-268-4407 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a a fatal shooting that left 21-year-old Devin Bills of Wichita deceased.Just after 1:30 a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4500 block of South Hydraulic. Upon arrival, Officers located Bills unconscious and not breathing with two gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to Officer Juan&nbsp;Rebolledo.Officers began life-saving measures. EMS pronounced Bills deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed that Bills and several other people were outside the residence hanging out when a verbal argument ensued, and shots were fired. The suspect then fled the scene in a vehicle.Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact investigators at 316-268-4407 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Police ID man who died after argument outside Kan. home 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Amtrak Service continues to move forward again after the potential strike by freight railroad workers was averted.&nbsp;

According to Marc Magliari of Amtrak, the Southwest Chief will begin running its full schedule again on Friday. That means the first westbound train for Hutchinson will be Saturday morning and the first eastbound train will be on Sunday.

If you had your trip canceled or are planning to board the Chief this weekend, make sure to call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL. There is also an automated agent that can provide updated schedules and status updates. You can also get updates at&nbsp;<a href="http://amtrak.com/">amtrak.com</a>

CHICAGO —Amtrak is working to quickly restore the Southwest Chief services across Kansas and other canceled, long distance trains and reaching out directly to impacted customers to accommodate on first available departures, according to a social media report from the rail service.

Visit <a href="https://t.co/Bdp20oXtFZ" target="_blank">http://Amtrak.com/alerts</a> for the latest updates.

The White House announced early Thursday that a tentative railway labor agreement had been reached, averting a potentially devastating strike.

The tentative agreement will go to union members for a vote after a post-ratification cooling off period of several weeks.

“These rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions, and peace of mind around their health care costs: all hard-earned,” President Biden said. “The agreement is also a victory for railway companies who will be able to retain and recruit more workers for an industry that will continue to be part of the backbone of the American economy for decades to come.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609263248923.png" alt="The Southwest Chief serves Dodge City, Garden City, Newton, Hutchinson, Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City." />
 <figcaption>The Southwest Chief serves Dodge City, Garden City, Newton, Hutchinson, Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Amtrak Service continues to move forward again after the potential strike by freight railroad workers was averted.&nbsp;According to Marc Magliari of Amtrak, the Southwest Chief will begin running its full schedule again on Friday. That means the first westbound train for Hutchinson will be Saturday morning and the first eastbound train will be on Sunday.If you had your trip canceled or are planning to board the Chief this weekend, make sure to call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL. There is also an automated agent that can provide updated schedules and status updates. You can also get updates at&nbsp;<a href="http://amtrak.com/">amtrak.com</a>-----CHICAGO —Amtrak is working to quickly restore the Southwest Chief services across Kansas and other canceled, long distance trains and reaching out directly to impacted customers to accommodate on first available departures, according to a social media report from the rail service.Visit <a href="https://t.co/Bdp20oXtFZ" target="_blank">http://Amtrak.com/alerts</a> for the latest updates.The White House announced early Thursday that a tentative railway labor agreement had been reached, averting a potentially devastating strike.The tentative agreement will go to union members for a vote after a post-ratification cooling off period of several weeks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650553437021.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson Amtrak Station" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Amtrak Station</figcaption>
 </figure>“These rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions, and peace of mind around their health care costs: all hard-earned,” President Biden said. “The agreement is also a victory for railway companies who will be able to retain and recruit more workers for an industry that will continue to be part of the backbone of the American economy for decades to come.”

Amtrak's SW Chief resumes service Friday across Kansas 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported active shooter in a high school in Topeka.

Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;received a single call of an active shooter at Hayden High School,&nbsp;401 SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka, according to a statement from the city spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

 The Topeka Police Department and local law enforcement responded, cleared the school and surrounding area. 

No threats to the students, staff, or school were discovered. Police are looking into the false report of an active shooter, and assured the community that everyone is safe.

Sedgwick County dispatch in Wichita reported a similar false call of an active shooter at North High School 1437 N Rochester Street in Wichita.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663271079447.png" alt="Police on the scene after report of an active shooter at Hayden High on Thursday-photo courtesy - WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene after report of an active shooter at Hayden High on Thursday-photo courtesy - WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported active shooter in a high school in Topeka.Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;received a single call of an active shooter at Hayden High School,&nbsp;401 SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka, according to a statement from the city spokesperson Gretchen Spiker. The Topeka Police Department and local law enforcement responded, cleared the school and surrounding area. No threats to the students, staff, or school were discovered. Police are looking into the false report of an active shooter, and assured the community that everyone is safe.Sedgwick County dispatch in Wichita reported a similar false call of an active shooter at North High School 1437 N Rochester Street in Wichita.&nbsp;

Police investigate false reports of active shooter at Kan. high schools

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Here’s what’s in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-economy-strikes-congress-94089be6a4f469444da99fec9dde1b3e">tentative agreement</a>&nbsp;that railroad unions secured to prevent a potential freight railroad strike.

The final deal was negotiated by the unions that represent engineers and conductors, but all 12 of the rail unions will likely benefit from the concessions railroads made because the unions that agreed to deals earlier all had provisions in their deals that will allow them to do that.

The raises workers will receive as part of this deal will be the biggest ones they have received in more than four decades. The railroad industry has said that average rail worker salaries will reach $110,000 by the end of this five-year deal in 2025.

The financial terms of the deal closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;made by the Presidential Emergency Board last month after those arbitrators met with both sides.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">Businesses</a>&nbsp;that rely on the railroads said a strike would be devastating, and the Association of American Railroads trade group estimated that a work stoppage would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">cost the economy</a>&nbsp;more than $2 billion a day. The talks included all the major U.S. railroads, including BNSF, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, CSX, Kansas City Southern and the U.S. operations of Canadian National. Canadian Pacific negotiates separately with its unions.

Railroad workers will receive 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses in the deal that is retroactive to 2020. So rail workers will receive sizeable back pay of more than $11,000 on average once this deal is ratified.

The deal includes one additional paid leave day a year, but railroads also agreed to let workers take unpaid time off for doctor’s appointments and medical procedures without being penalized under their attendance rules.

The unpaid time off is a key concession that addressed some of the unions’ concerns about working conditions. Under the current system at BNSF and Union Pacific, workers receive a set number of points, and they lose points any time they take time off. If workers use up all their points, they can be disciplined or even fired.

Workers will have to pay a larger share of their health insurance costs, but their premiums will be capped at 15% of the total cost of the insurance plan. Currently, railroad workers pay $228.88 per month for their health insurance, which is about 12.6% of the total cost of the plan.

The railroads also agreed to increase the amount they will pay for hearing benefits and for speech therapy and other treatment of autism.

Members of all 12 railroad unions will have to vote on these deals. Already one union&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-government-and-politics-87bc3c3e0120b8258557767576262d89">rejected</a>&nbsp;a deal Wednesday that was based closely on the Presidential Emergency Board’s recommendations but two other unions approved similar deals. These latest concessions may help secure the support of the union that rejected a deal.

The recommendations from the Presidential Emergency Board provided significant raises, but didn’t address union concerns about working conditions. Many railroad workers spoke out on social media saying they would vote against a deal that only delivered what the Presidential Emergency Board recommended. It remains to be seen whether the railroads’ concessions on time off are enough to get workers support.

Earlier this summer, railroad workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if both sides couldn’t agree to a deal. Many workers are frustrated with current working conditions after the major railroads cut nearly one-third of their workforce over the past six years. Hundreds of railroad workers have left the industry this year as the same time the railroads have been aggressively hiring new employees.

The railroads need additional employees to handle all the freight. Shippers have complained loudly this year about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">delayed deliveries and poor service</a>, and federal regulators have demanded that railroads improve their service.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;said Thursday that a tentative railway labor agreement has been reached, averting a potentially devastating strike before the pivotal midterm elections.

Railroads and union representatives had been in negotiations for 20 hours at the Labor Department on Wednesday to hammer out a deal, as there was a risk of a strike starting on Friday that could have shut down rail lines across the country. Biden made a key phone call to Labor Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-marty-walsh-boston-coronavirus-pandemic-b3bb089eb2253b7f78057893d215835f">Marty Walsh</a>&nbsp;at 9 p.m. as the talks were ongoing after Italian dinner had been brought in, according to a White House official insisting on anonymity.

What resulted from the back and forth was a tentative agreement that will go to union members for a vote after a post-ratification cooling off period of several weeks.

“These rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions, and peace of mind around their health care costs: all hard-earned,” Biden said. “The agreement is also a victory for railway companies who will be able to retain and recruit more workers for an industry that will continue to be part of the backbone of the American economy for decades to come.”

The threat of a shutdown had put Biden in a delicate spot politically. The Democratic president believes unions built the middle class, but he also knew a rail worker strike could damage the economy ahead of the midterms

That left him in the awkward position on Wednesday. He flew to Detroit, a stalwart of the labor movement, to espouse the virtues of unionization, while members of his administration went all-out to keep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-government-and-politics-87bc3c3e0120b8258557767576262d89">talks going in Washington between the railroads and unionized workers</a>.

As the administration was trying to forge peace, United Auto Workers Local 598 member Ryan Buchalski introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-detroit-north-america-auto-show-e30f83b1d6e7df491b1a7953507dbaa4">Biden at the Detroit auto show</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday as “the most union- and labor-friendly president in American history” and someone who was “kickin’ ass for the working class.” Buchalski harked back to the pivotal sitdown strikes by autoworkers in the 1930s.

In the speech that followed, Biden recognized that he wouldn’t be in the White House without the support of unions such as the UAW and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, saying autoworkers “brung me to the dance.”

But without a deal among the 12 unions in talks back in Washington, Biden also knew that a stoppage might have begun as early as Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">could halt shipments of food and fuel</a>&nbsp;at a cost of $2 billion a day.

Far more was at stake than sick leave and salary bumps for 115,000 unionized railroad workers. The ramifications could have extended to control of Congress and to the shipping network that keeps factories rolling, stocks the shelves of stores and stitches the U.S. together as an economic power.

That’s why White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, speaking aboard Air Force One as it jetted to Detroit on Wednesday, said a rail worker strike was “an unacceptable outcome for our economy and the American people.” The rail lines and their workers’ representatives “need to stay at the table, bargain in good faith to resolve outstanding issues, and come to an agreement,” she said.

Biden faced the same kind of predicament faced by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 with coal and Harry Truman in 1952 with steel — how do you balance the needs of labor and business in doing what's best for the nation? Railways were so important during World War I that Woodrow Wilson temporarily nationalized the industry to keep goods flowing and prevent strikes.

Inside the White House, aides don't see a contradiction between Biden's devotion to unions and his desire to avoid a strike. Union activism has surged under Biden, as seen in a 56%&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nlrb.gov/news-outreach/news-story/union-election-petitions-increase-57-in-first-half-of-fiscal-year-2022">increase in petitions for union representation</a>&nbsp;with the National Labor Relations Board so far this fiscal year.

One person familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss White House deliberations on the matter, said Biden's mindset in approaching the debate was that he's the president of the entire country, not just for organized labor.

With the economy still recovering from the supply chain disruptions of the pandemic, the president's goal is to keep all parties so a deal could be finalized. The person said the White House saw a commitment to keep negotiating in good faith as the best way to avoid a shutdown while exercising the principles of collective bargaining that Biden holds dear.

Biden also knew a stoppage could worsen the dynamics that have contributed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-881c8411bad80180f025e138f0bd444e">soaring inflation</a>&nbsp;and created a political headache for the party in power.

Eddie Vale, a Democratic political consultant and former AFL-CIO communications aide, said the White House pursued the correct approach at a perilous moment.

“No one wants a railroad strike, not the companies, not the workers, not the White House," he said. "No one wants it this close to the election.”

Vale added that the sticking point in the talks was about "respect basically — sick leave and bereavement leave,” issues Biden has supported in speeches and with his policy proposals.

Sensing political opportunity, Senate Republicans moved Wednesday to pass a law to impose contract terms on the unions and railroad companies to avoid a shutdown. Democrats, who control both chambers in Congress, blocked it.

“If a strike occurs and paralyzes food, fertilizer and energy shipments nationwide, it will be because Democrats blocked this bill,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

The economic impact of a potential strike was not lost on members of the Business Roundtable, a Washington-based group that represents CEOs. It issued its quarterly outlook for the economy Wednesday.

“We’ve been experiencing a lot of headwinds from supply chain problems since the pandemic started and those problems would be geometrically magnified,” Josh Bolten, the group's CEO, told reporters. “There are manufacturing plants around the country that likely have to shut down. ... There are critical products to keep our water clean.”

The roundtable also had a meeting of its board of directors Wednesday. But Bolten said Lance Fritz, chair of the board’s international committee and the CEO of Union Pacific railroad, would miss it “because he’s working hard trying to bring the strike to a resolution.”

By 5:05 a.m. Thursday, it was clear that the hard work across the government, unions and railway companied had paid off as Biden announced the deal, calling it “an important win for our economy and the American people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663077336048.png" alt="Railroads and union representatives had been in negotiations for 20 hours at the Labor Department on Wednesday to hammer out a deal." />
 <figcaption>Railroads and union representatives had been in negotiations for 20 hours at the Labor Department on Wednesday to hammer out a deal.</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Here’s what’s in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-economy-strikes-congress-94089be6a4f469444da99fec9dde1b3e">tentative agreement</a>&nbsp;that railroad unions secured to prevent a potential freight railroad strike.The final deal was negotiated by the unions that represent engineers and conductors, but all 12 of the rail unions will likely benefit from the concessions railroads made because the unions that agreed to deals earlier all had provisions in their deals that will allow them to do that.The raises workers will receive as part of this deal will be the biggest ones they have received in more than four decades. The railroad industry has said that average rail worker salaries will reach $110,000 by the end of this five-year deal in 2025.The financial terms of the deal closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;made by the Presidential Emergency Board last month after those arbitrators met with both sides.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">Businesses</a>&nbsp;that rely on the railroads said a strike would be devastating, and the Association of American Railroads trade group estimated that a work stoppage would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">cost the economy</a>&nbsp;more than $2 billion a day. The talks included all the major U.S. railroads, including BNSF, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, CSX, Kansas City Southern and the U.S. operations of Canadian National. Canadian Pacific negotiates separately with its unions.HOW BIG ARE THE RAISES?Railroad workers will receive 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses in the deal that is retroactive to 2020. So rail workers will receive sizeable back pay of more than $11,000 on average once this deal is ratified.HOW MUCH TIME OFF WILL WORKERS GET?The deal includes one additional paid leave day a year, but railroads also agreed to let workers take unpaid time off for doctor’s appointments and medical procedures without being penalized under their attendance rules.The unpaid time off is a key concession that addressed some of the unions’ concerns about working conditions. Under the current system at BNSF and Union Pacific, workers receive a set number of points, and they lose points any time they take time off. If workers use up all their points, they can be disciplined or even fired.WHAT ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE?Workers will have to pay a larger share of their health insurance costs, but their premiums will be capped at 15% of the total cost of the insurance plan. Currently, railroad workers pay $228.88 per month for their health insurance, which is about 12.6% of the total cost of the plan.The railroads also agreed to increase the amount they will pay for hearing benefits and for speech therapy and other treatment of autism.WHAT’S NEXT?Members of all 12 railroad unions will have to vote on these deals. Already one union&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-government-and-politics-87bc3c3e0120b8258557767576262d89">rejected</a>&nbsp;a deal Wednesday that was based closely on the Presidential Emergency Board’s recommendations but two other unions approved similar deals. These latest concessions may help secure the support of the union that rejected a deal.WILL WORKERS SUPPORT THE DEAL?The recommendations from the Presidential Emergency Board provided significant raises, but didn’t address union concerns about working conditions. Many railroad workers spoke out on social media saying they would vote against a deal that only delivered what the Presidential Emergency Board recommended. It remains to be seen whether the railroads’ concessions on time off are enough to get workers support.Earlier this summer, railroad workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if both sides couldn’t agree to a deal. Many workers are frustrated with current working conditions after the major railroads cut nearly one-third of their workforce over the past six years. Hundreds of railroad workers have left the industry this year as the same time the railroads have been aggressively hiring new employees.The railroads need additional employees to handle all the freight. Shippers have complained loudly this year about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">delayed deliveries and poor service</a>, and federal regulators have demanded that railroads improve their service.----------------WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;said Thursday that a tentative railway labor agreement has been reached, averting a potentially devastating strike before the pivotal midterm elections.Railroads and union representatives had been in negotiations for 20 hours at the Labor Department on Wednesday to hammer out a deal, as there was a risk of a strike starting on Friday that could have shut down rail lines across the country. Biden made a key phone call to Labor Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-marty-walsh-boston-coronavirus-pandemic-b3bb089eb2253b7f78057893d215835f">Marty Walsh</a>&nbsp;at 9 p.m. as the talks were ongoing after Italian dinner had been brought in, according to a White House official insisting on anonymity.What resulted from the back and forth was a tentative agreement that will go to union members for a vote after a post-ratification cooling off period of several weeks.“These rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions, and peace of mind around their health care costs: all hard-earned,” Biden said. “The agreement is also a victory for railway companies who will be able to retain and recruit more workers for an industry that will continue to be part of the backbone of the American economy for decades to come.”The threat of a shutdown had put Biden in a delicate spot politically. The Democratic president believes unions built the middle class, but he also knew a rail worker strike could damage the economy ahead of the midtermsThat left him in the awkward position on Wednesday. He flew to Detroit, a stalwart of the labor movement, to espouse the virtues of unionization, while members of his administration went all-out to keep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-government-and-politics-87bc3c3e0120b8258557767576262d89">talks going in Washington between the railroads and unionized workers</a>.As the administration was trying to forge peace, United Auto Workers Local 598 member Ryan Buchalski introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-detroit-north-america-auto-show-e30f83b1d6e7df491b1a7953507dbaa4">Biden at the Detroit auto show</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday as “the most union- and labor-friendly president in American history” and someone who was “kickin’ ass for the working class.” Buchalski harked back to the pivotal sitdown strikes by autoworkers in the 1930s.In the speech that followed, Biden recognized that he wouldn’t be in the White House without the support of unions such as the UAW and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, saying autoworkers “brung me to the dance.”But without a deal among the 12 unions in talks back in Washington, Biden also knew that a stoppage might have begun as early as Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">could halt shipments of food and fuel</a>&nbsp;at a cost of $2 billion a day.Far more was at stake than sick leave and salary bumps for 115,000 unionized railroad workers. The ramifications could have extended to control of Congress and to the shipping network that keeps factories rolling, stocks the shelves of stores and stitches the U.S. together as an economic power.That’s why White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, speaking aboard Air Force One as it jetted to Detroit on Wednesday, said a rail worker strike was “an unacceptable outcome for our economy and the American people.” The rail lines and their workers’ representatives “need to stay at the table, bargain in good faith to resolve outstanding issues, and come to an agreement,” she said.Biden faced the same kind of predicament faced by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 with coal and Harry Truman in 1952 with steel — how do you balance the needs of labor and business in doing what's best for the nation? Railways were so important during World War I that Woodrow Wilson temporarily nationalized the industry to keep goods flowing and prevent strikes.Inside the White House, aides don't see a contradiction between Biden's devotion to unions and his desire to avoid a strike. Union activism has surged under Biden, as seen in a 56%&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nlrb.gov/news-outreach/news-story/union-election-petitions-increase-57-in-first-half-of-fiscal-year-2022">increase in petitions for union representation</a>&nbsp;with the National Labor Relations Board so far this fiscal year.One person familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss White House deliberations on the matter, said Biden's mindset in approaching the debate was that he's the president of the entire country, not just for organized labor.With the economy still recovering from the supply chain disruptions of the pandemic, the president's goal is to keep all parties so a deal could be finalized. The person said the White House saw a commitment to keep negotiating in good faith as the best way to avoid a shutdown while exercising the principles of collective bargaining that Biden holds dear.Biden also knew a stoppage could worsen the dynamics that have contributed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-881c8411bad80180f025e138f0bd444e">soaring inflation</a>&nbsp;and created a political headache for the party in power.Eddie Vale, a Democratic political consultant and former AFL-CIO communications aide, said the White House pursued the correct approach at a perilous moment.“No one wants a railroad strike, not the companies, not the workers, not the White House," he said. "No one wants it this close to the election.”Vale added that the sticking point in the talks was about "respect basically — sick leave and bereavement leave,” issues Biden has supported in speeches and with his policy proposals.Sensing political opportunity, Senate Republicans moved Wednesday to pass a law to impose contract terms on the unions and railroad companies to avoid a shutdown. Democrats, who control both chambers in Congress, blocked it.“If a strike occurs and paralyzes food, fertilizer and energy shipments nationwide, it will be because Democrats blocked this bill,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.The economic impact of a potential strike was not lost on members of the Business Roundtable, a Washington-based group that represents CEOs. It issued its quarterly outlook for the economy Wednesday.“We’ve been experiencing a lot of headwinds from supply chain problems since the pandemic started and those problems would be geometrically magnified,” Josh Bolten, the group's CEO, told reporters. “There are manufacturing plants around the country that likely have to shut down. ... There are critical products to keep our water clean.”The roundtable also had a meeting of its board of directors Wednesday. But Bolten said Lance Fritz, chair of the board’s international committee and the CEO of Union Pacific railroad, would miss it “because he’s working hard trying to bring the strike to a resolution.”By 5:05 a.m. Thursday, it was clear that the hard work across the government, unions and railway companied had paid off as Biden announced the deal, calling it “an important win for our economy and the American people.”

Rail workers win key concessions in deal to prevent strike

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For years the White House on the Kansas State Fairgrounds was a refuge or meeting place for fair officials.&nbsp;

In 2013, the now dedicated Lair White House underwent a major renovation and became the fair's museum. Each year the small building showcases the past of the Great Kansas Get Together. This year it's a look back at all of the entertainment that has been a part of the fair's 109 year history. Joan Brown said this year's display goes back as far as it can.

“They’re going to see a picture or some kind of memorabilia from even the 1913 state fair.” Brown said. “We’ve tried to show the people who have been here the most times, we’ve tried to show a variety.”

This year's display shows all sorts of performers.

“We have the christian gospel singers, we have the old time country, the current stars, we show a little bit of everything,” Said Brown. “ We have T-shirts, CD’s, videos.”

Now this year's display is a little different, in that it is a repeat of last year's display.

“We’ve done a different display every year except this one has carried over from last year,” Brown said. “Just because it was so popular and with COVID a lot of people didn’t want to go into the buildings.”

The display includes photos of nearly every artist that has performed and some non artists such as daredevil Evil Knievel. The display also features many autographed photos including Red Skelton and guitars from country artists that have performed at the fair. The Lair White House is open each day during the fair and there is no additional admission to visit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257750363.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — For years the White House on the Kansas State Fairgrounds was a refuge or meeting place for fair officials.&nbsp;In 2013, the now dedicated Lair White House underwent a major renovation and became the fair's museum. Each year the small building showcases the past of the Great Kansas Get Together. This year it's a look back at all of the entertainment that has been a part of the fair's 109 year history. Joan Brown said this year's display goes back as far as it can.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257784474.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“They’re going to see a picture or some kind of memorabilia from even the 1913 state fair.” Brown said. “We’ve tried to show the people who have been here the most times, we’ve tried to show a variety.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257940378.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This year's display shows all sorts of performers.“We have the christian gospel singers, we have the old time country, the current stars, we show a little bit of everything,” Said Brown. “ We have T-shirts, CD’s, videos.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257805170.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Now this year's display is a little different, in that it is a repeat of last year's display.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257830954.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We’ve done a different display every year except this one has carried over from last year,” Brown said. “Just because it was so popular and with COVID a lot of people didn’t want to go into the buildings.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257853163.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The display includes photos of nearly every artist that has performed and some non artists such as daredevil Evil Knievel. The display also features many autographed photos including Red Skelton and guitars from country artists that have performed at the fair. The Lair White House is open each day during the fair and there is no additional admission to visit.

Lair White House offers look back on Kansas State Fair entertainment

FORD COUNTY — Wright Park Zoo,&nbsp;71 N 2nd Avenue in Dodge City is closing to the public after Sunday, September 18, until further notice, according to a statement from the city.&nbsp;

Zoo staff is working to find temporary and sanctuary homes that will provide nurturing and safe facilities for the animals.

Shakira, the zoo’s Siberian tiger, is one of the animals that will be permanently moved later in September at the&nbsp;<a href="https://crownridgetigers.com/" target="_blank">Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary</a>&nbsp;in Missouri. The sanctuary is a nonprofit big cat rescue and educational facility.

The City was ready to kick off the <a href="https://www.dodgecity.org/106/Wright-Park-Zoo">‘Redo the Zoo’ Masterplan</a> just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in a lengthy set back, according to the city.

The anticipated cost for the <a href="https://www.dodgecity.org/106/Wright-Park-Zoo">multi-phase project </a>was $4.4 million of which the City Commission originally considered committing $2 million. Currently, staff is evaluating options for the plan and working to secure public/private partnerships to assist with funding or in-kind donations for the project.

The Dodge City City Commission will consider the future direction of the zoo as part of the 2023 budget planning process. The budget will be approved at a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 26.

FORD COUNTY — Wright Park Zoo,&nbsp;71 N 2nd Avenue in Dodge City is closing to the public after Sunday, September 18, until further notice, according to a statement from the city.&nbsp;Zoo staff is working to find temporary and sanctuary homes that will provide nurturing and safe facilities for the animals.Shakira, the zoo’s Siberian tiger, is one of the animals that will be permanently moved later in September at the&nbsp;<a href="https://crownridgetigers.com/" target="_blank">Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary</a>&nbsp;in Missouri. The sanctuary is a nonprofit big cat rescue and educational facility.The City was ready to kick off the <a href="https://www.dodgecity.org/106/Wright-Park-Zoo">‘Redo the Zoo’ Masterplan</a> just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in a lengthy set back, according to the city. The anticipated cost for the <a href="https://www.dodgecity.org/106/Wright-Park-Zoo">multi-phase project </a>was $4.4 million of which the City Commission originally considered committing $2 million. Currently, staff is evaluating options for the plan and working to secure public/private partnerships to assist with funding or in-kind donations for the project.The Dodge City City Commission will consider the future direction of the zoo as part of the 2023 budget planning process. The budget will be approved at a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 26.

Pandemic victim: SW Kan. zoo to close until further notice

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/another-wildfire-breaks-out-in-nebraskas-parched-panhandle/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nearly 30 volunteer fire departments battled erratic winds and a temperature inversion trapping smoke near the ground at a wildfire south of Gering in Nebraska’s Panhandle.

The 3,700-acre Smokey Fire broke out Tuesday afternoon, and its cause had not been determined by Wednesday.

Four single-engine air tankers (SEATs) from Nebraska and Wyoming were working the fire, along with a large air tanker from Colorado. Two Nebraska National Guard UH60 Blackhawk helicopters were also activated, according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

“The many air assets fighting this fire along with those firefighters on the ground are working tirelessly to get this fire under control,” said Tim Grubbs, fire chief for the Banner County Volunteer Fire Department.

Firefighters are working to establish fire containment lines around the fire’s perimeter but did not yet have a percentage of containment as of Wednesday.

The fire has temporarily closed Williams Gap Wildlife Management Area in Banner County. Several hundred of the 1,800 acres had burned as of Wednesday.

Drought conditions and high winds have served to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Image-scaled.jpeg">prime conditions for wildfires</a>&nbsp;across Nebraska this year.

This week’s wildfire is the second to impact the Williams Gap area. In 2020, the Hubbard’s Gap Fire burned about 4,000 acres in the vicinity, including about 60% of the wildlife area, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663263228019.png" alt="Smoke rises from a wildfire sparked a month ago by lightning south of Gering, in Nebraska’s Panhandle. (Courtesy Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>Smoke rises from a wildfire sparked a month ago by lightning south of Gering, in Nebraska’s Panhandle. (Courtesy Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/another-wildfire-breaks-out-in-nebraskas-parched-panhandle/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nearly 30 volunteer fire departments battled erratic winds and a temperature inversion trapping smoke near the ground at a wildfire south of Gering in Nebraska’s Panhandle.The 3,700-acre Smokey Fire broke out Tuesday afternoon, and its cause had not been determined by Wednesday.Four single-engine air tankers (SEATs) from Nebraska and Wyoming were working the fire, along with a large air tanker from Colorado. Two Nebraska National Guard UH60 Blackhawk helicopters were also activated, according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.“The many air assets fighting this fire along with those firefighters on the ground are working tirelessly to get this fire under control,” said Tim Grubbs, fire chief for the Banner County Volunteer Fire Department.Firefighters are working to establish fire containment lines around the fire’s perimeter but did not yet have a percentage of containment as of Wednesday.The fire has temporarily closed Williams Gap Wildlife Management Area in Banner County. Several hundred of the 1,800 acres had burned as of Wednesday.Drought conditions and high winds have served to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Image-scaled.jpeg">prime conditions for wildfires</a>&nbsp;across Nebraska this year.This week’s wildfire is the second to impact the Williams Gap area. In 2020, the Hubbard’s Gap Fire burned about 4,000 acres in the vicinity, including about 60% of the wildlife area, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Another wildfire breaks out in Nebraska’s parched Panhandle

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/emporia-state-receives-green-light-to-move-rapidly-with-faculty-program-realignment/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of 
Regents endorsed a request Wednesday by Emporia State University 
administrators to initiate a process of transforming the campus 
workforce and realigning academic offerings to address harsh financial 
and enrollment trends.

The state Board of Regents unanimously approved ESU president Ken 
Hush’s request to implement a policy established by the higher education
 governance board allowing the system’s six public universities the 
option of expediting dismissal of tenured faculty and other employees.

Reforms sought by Hush include elimination or merger of academic programs in ways that corresponded to personnel changes.

“Our next step is to share the details about this transformation to 
those individuals directly affected and our campus community,” Hush 
said. “We anticipate our colleagues and students will receive details by
 the end of this week, although that could be subject to change if 
necessary.”

Hush, who graduated from ESU but was an unusual presidential hire in 
June given his lack of a graduate degree, said the objective of the 
workforce overhaul was to “transform ESU in the best interest of our 
students” and come to terms with the university’s structural deficits. 
It shouldn’t be viewed as a cost-cutting exercise, the president said, 
but in terms of a transformation or modernization of the campus.

On-campus enrollment at Emporia State plummeted 24% from 2017 through
 2021, ESU officials said. Put a different way, ESU’s full-time 
equivalency enrollment stood at 4,602 in 2016. It slid to 4,416 by 2019,
 4,314 in 2020 and 4,016 in 2021 — a five-year decline of 11.6%.

At the six universities in the Board of Regents system, full-time 
equivalent enrollment has declined 8.6% over this five-year period. The 
Board of Regents won’t release fall 2022 enrollment reports for the 
universities until the end of September.

On Friday, the Faculty Senate at ESU approved a resolution urging the
 Board of Regents to reject the effort to undermine tenure at the 
university.&nbsp;Some ESU students objected to the president’s decision to 
align campus resources with “programs that excel,” raising questions 
about degree options in the future.

ESU administrators said last week they would seek permission from the
 Board of Regents to exercise provisions of the board’s workforce 
management policy.

The policy was hatched in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide 
campus administrators liberty to abbreviate the process of removing 
employees. The policy grants the ESU administration the ability to 
suspend, dismiss or terminate any university employee based on 
performance evaluations, research or teaching productivity as well as 
low enrollment, operational costs or falling revenue.

Program discontinuance based on problematic credit-hour production 
and enrollment trends is expected to influence which faculty and staff 
were let go at Emporia State, but adjustments must be initiated before 
the Board of Regents policy lapsed in December.

No other state university in Kansas has gone on record with plans to make use of the workforce policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663251020766.png" alt="Emporia State University president Ken Hush, right, received approval from the Kansas Board of Regents to deploy a policy designed to expedite personnel and program reform. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Emporia State University president Ken Hush, right, received approval from the Kansas Board of Regents to deploy a policy designed to expedite personnel and program reform. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/emporia-state-receives-green-light-to-move-rapidly-with-faculty-program-realignment/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of 
Regents endorsed a request Wednesday by Emporia State University 
administrators to initiate a process of transforming the campus 
workforce and realigning academic offerings to address harsh financial 
and enrollment trends.The state Board of Regents unanimously approved ESU president Ken 
Hush’s request to implement a policy established by the higher education
 governance board allowing the system’s six public universities the 
option of expediting dismissal of tenured faculty and other employees.Reforms sought by Hush include elimination or merger of academic programs in ways that corresponded to personnel changes.“Our next step is to share the details about this transformation to 
those individuals directly affected and our campus community,” Hush 
said. “We anticipate our colleagues and students will receive details by
 the end of this week, although that could be subject to change if 
necessary.”Hush, who graduated from ESU but was an unusual presidential hire in 
June given his lack of a graduate degree, said the objective of the 
workforce overhaul was to “transform ESU in the best interest of our 
students” and come to terms with the university’s structural deficits. 
It shouldn’t be viewed as a cost-cutting exercise, the president said, 
but in terms of a transformation or modernization of the campus.On-campus enrollment at Emporia State plummeted 24% from 2017 through
 2021, ESU officials said. Put a different way, ESU’s full-time 
equivalency enrollment stood at 4,602 in 2016. It slid to 4,416 by 2019,
 4,314 in 2020 and 4,016 in 2021 — a five-year decline of 11.6%.At the six universities in the Board of Regents system, full-time 
equivalent enrollment has declined 8.6% over this five-year period. The 
Board of Regents won’t release fall 2022 enrollment reports for the 
universities until the end of September.On Friday, the Faculty Senate at ESU approved a resolution urging the
 Board of Regents to reject the effort to undermine tenure at the 
university.&nbsp;Some ESU students objected to the president’s decision to 
align campus resources with “programs that excel,” raising questions 
about degree options in the future.ESU administrators said last week they would seek permission from the
 Board of Regents to exercise provisions of the board’s workforce 
management policy.The policy was hatched in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide 
campus administrators liberty to abbreviate the process of removing 
employees. The policy grants the ESU administration the ability to 
suspend, dismiss or terminate any university employee based on 
performance evaluations, research or teaching productivity as well as 
low enrollment, operational costs or falling revenue.Program discontinuance based on problematic credit-hour production 
and enrollment trends is expected to influence which faculty and staff 
were let go at Emporia State, but adjustments must be initiated before 
the Board of Regents policy lapsed in December.No other state university in Kansas has gone on record with plans to make use of the workforce policy.