By ISIAH HOLMES <a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/brief/george-floyd-mural-in-milwaukee-vandalized/">Wisconsin Examiner</a>

A mural of George Floyd, whose death at the hands of Minneapolis 
police sparked nationwide protests in 2020, was vandalized sometime 
before Tuesday in Milwaukee. The mural was created by a collective of 
artists during the summer of protest which followed Floyd’s death in 
late May 2020.

The vandalism came after news broke regarding the fate of two of the officers who were involved in Floyd’s death.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/24/us/george-floyd-alexander-kueng-trial/index.html"> On Monday</a>,
 former Minneapolis officer Jay Alexander Kueng accepted a deal to plead
 guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s 
killing. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a murder charge against the 
former officer. Kueng must serve at least two-thirds of a 42-month 
prison term, and will not pay a fine.

Another former officer who was charged in connection to Floyd’s killing, Tu Thao, waved his right to a jury. Instead, Thao<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_BgNzQ0vEw"> will undergo a stipulated bench trial</a>
 where a judge will weigh existing evidence against him. Both officers 
are already serving federal prison terms after being convicted of 
depriving Floyd of his constitutional rights. Kueng helped restrain 
Floyd as former officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for over 
nine minutes. Thao kept concerned citizens at bay, as they begged the 
officers to get Floyd medical attention and filmed the killing.

Domonique Whitehurst, one of the artists who created the mural, was 
appalled by the vandalism. A painted image of Floyd’s face had been 
splashed with gray paint. It wasn’t the first time the mural has been 
damaged. Whitehurst told Wisconsin Examiner that at one point, a section
 of the mural that said “Free Palestine” was specifically damaged.

Whitehurst said he found out through social media. The mural can be 
easily restored, he said, and work could be finished&nbsp; Wednesday. 
“Hopefully they can find the person that did this,” said Whitehurst. 
“Honestly it shouldn’t be that hard, but it’s unfortunate.” Although 
Whithurst wasn’t aware of the developments with Kueng and Thao, he feels
 there’s a lot of racial tensions in the state including <a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/brief/dead-bird-with-images-of-mandela-barnes-left-outside-kenosha-naacp-presidents-home/">various incidents</a>
 of racism that have escalated since the administration of former 
President Donald Trump. “It could be any of those things that could be 
why this happened,” Whitehurst said. “It could be all related. It feels 
like it’s related.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666905144247.png" alt="The George Floyd mural in Milwaukee, vandalized by an unknown person. (Photo | Isiah Holmes)" />
 <figcaption>The George Floyd mural in Milwaukee, vandalized by an unknown person. (Photo | Isiah Holmes)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ISIAH HOLMES <a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/brief/george-floyd-mural-in-milwaukee-vandalized/">Wisconsin Examiner</a>A mural of George Floyd, whose death at the hands of Minneapolis 
police sparked nationwide protests in 2020, was vandalized sometime 
before Tuesday in Milwaukee. The mural was created by a collective of 
artists during the summer of protest which followed Floyd’s death in 
late May 2020.The vandalism came after news broke regarding the fate of two of the officers who were involved in Floyd’s death.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/24/us/george-floyd-alexander-kueng-trial/index.html"> On Monday</a>,
 former Minneapolis officer Jay Alexander Kueng accepted a deal to plead
 guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s 
killing. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a murder charge against the 
former officer. Kueng must serve at least two-thirds of a 42-month 
prison term, and will not pay a fine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666905207514.jpeg" alt="The area around the George Floyd mural in Milwaukee. (Photo | Isiah Holmes)" />
 <figcaption>The area around the George Floyd mural in Milwaukee. (Photo | Isiah Holmes)</figcaption>
 </figure>Another former officer who was charged in connection to Floyd’s killing, Tu Thao, waved his right to a jury. Instead, Thao<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_BgNzQ0vEw"> will undergo a stipulated bench trial</a>
 where a judge will weigh existing evidence against him. Both officers 
are already serving federal prison terms after being convicted of 
depriving Floyd of his constitutional rights. Kueng helped restrain 
Floyd as former officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for over 
nine minutes. Thao kept concerned citizens at bay, as they begged the 
officers to get Floyd medical attention and filmed the killing.Domonique Whitehurst, one of the artists who created the mural, was 
appalled by the vandalism. A painted image of Floyd’s face had been 
splashed with gray paint. It wasn’t the first time the mural has been 
damaged. Whitehurst told Wisconsin Examiner that at one point, a section
 of the mural that said “Free Palestine” was specifically damaged.Whitehurst said he found out through social media. The mural can be 
easily restored, he said, and work could be finished&nbsp; Wednesday. 
“Hopefully they can find the person that did this,” said Whitehurst. 
“Honestly it shouldn’t be that hard, but it’s unfortunate.” Although 
Whithurst wasn’t aware of the developments with Kueng and Thao, he feels
 there’s a lot of racial tensions in the state including <a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/brief/dead-bird-with-images-of-mandela-barnes-left-outside-kenosha-naacp-presidents-home/">various incidents</a>
 of racism that have escalated since the administration of former 
President Donald Trump. “It could be any of those things that could be 
why this happened,” Whitehurst said. “It could be all related. It feels 
like it’s related.”

George Floyd mural in Milwaukee vandalized

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A construction worker identified as&nbsp;22-year-old Connor Ernst from California, Missouri, died when a bridge collapsed on Wednesday.

The bridge was under construction when it fell in a rural area near Kearney, about 27 miles northeast of Kansas City.

Clay County sheriff's officials initially said two other construction workers were injured but later Wednesday said a third construction worker was on the bridge. The three workers were able to extricate themselves and suffered minor injuries, sheriff's officials said in a news release.

Workers were pouring concrete for the deck of the bridge when it fell.

The four workers were employed by contractors who were replacing a bridge over a creek. Ernst worked for Lehman Construction in California, Missouri.

The old bridge was closed in 2016 and construction on the two-lane bridge began in late May 2021, with plans to open early next year.

The Clay County Highway Department said no previous safety concerns were found on the project. An engineering contractor inspected the bridge Wednesday before the deck was poured, according to the sheriff's department.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate the collapse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666817141095.png" alt="The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate the collapse-photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate the collapse-photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A construction worker identified as&nbsp;22-year-old Connor Ernst from California, Missouri, died when a bridge collapsed on Wednesday.The bridge was under construction when it fell in a rural area near Kearney, about 27 miles northeast of Kansas City.Clay County sheriff's officials initially said two other construction workers were injured but later Wednesday said a third construction worker was on the bridge. The three workers were able to extricate themselves and suffered minor injuries, sheriff's officials said in a news release.Workers were pouring concrete for the deck of the bridge when it fell.The four workers were employed by contractors who were replacing a bridge over a creek. Ernst worked for Lehman Construction in California, Missouri.The old bridge was closed in 2016 and construction on the two-lane bridge began in late May 2021, with plans to open early next year.The Clay County Highway Department said no previous safety concerns were found on the project. An engineering contractor inspected the bridge Wednesday before the deck was poured, according to the sheriff's department.The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate the collapse.

Sheriff IDs constrution worker who died in KC-area bridge collapse 

Clorox has issued a recall involving millions of bottles of of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pinesolrecall.com/" target="_blank">Pine-Sol products</a>&nbsp;because they could contain a potentially harmful bacteria, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall includes&nbsp; Pine-Sol® Scented Multi-Surface Cleaners in Lavender Clean®, Sparkling Wave®, and Lemon Fresh scents, CloroxPro® Pine-Sol® All Purpose Cleaners, in Lavender Clean®, Sparkling Wave®, Lemon Fresh, and Orange Energy® scents, and Clorox® Professional™ Pine-Sol® Lemon Fresh Cleaners, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Original Pine-Sol® (Pine scent) is not included in this recall.

The recalled products may contain bacteria, including&nbsp;Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an environmental organism found widely in soil and water. People with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed to&nbsp;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&nbsp;face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment. 

The bacteria can enter the body if inhaled, through the eyes, or through a break in the skin. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected by the bacteria.&nbsp;

To date, testing has identified bacteria in certain recalled products, including those produced between January 2021 and September 2022. Clorox produced approximately 37 million recalled products in that period.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pinesolrecall.com/"> Click here to find</a> information on refunds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666900762744.png" alt="Photo courtesy Clorox" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Clorox</figcaption>
 </figure>Clorox has issued a recall involving millions of bottles of of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pinesolrecall.com/" target="_blank">Pine-Sol products</a>&nbsp;because they could contain a potentially harmful bacteria, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission.The recall includes&nbsp; Pine-Sol® Scented Multi-Surface Cleaners in Lavender Clean®, Sparkling Wave®, and Lemon Fresh scents, CloroxPro® Pine-Sol® All Purpose Cleaners, in Lavender Clean®, Sparkling Wave®, Lemon Fresh, and Orange Energy® scents, and Clorox® Professional™ Pine-Sol® Lemon Fresh Cleaners, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.Original Pine-Sol® (Pine scent) is not included in this recall.The recalled products may contain bacteria, including&nbsp;Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an environmental organism found widely in soil and water. People with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed to&nbsp;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&nbsp;face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment. The bacteria can enter the body if inhaled, through the eyes, or through a break in the skin. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected by the bacteria.&nbsp;To date, testing has identified bacteria in certain recalled products, including those produced between January 2021 and September 2022. Clorox produced approximately 37 million recalled products in that period.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pinesolrecall.com/"> Click here to find</a> information on refunds.

Clorox recalls Pine-Sol that could contain bacteria

ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis police have confirmed that the gunman who forced his way into a high school,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-shootings-crime-5aa844c9d070bb4e6fc64151da76d6a4">killing a student and a teacher and leaving seven others wounded</a>, used an assault rifle that had been taken away from him earlier this month.

A police statement Wednesday night said the mother of Orlando Harris, 19, called police on the evening of Oct. 15 after she found a gun and she wanted it removed. The statement said officers responded but “determined at that time the suspect was lawfully permitted to posses the firearm.”

The statement said someone known to the family was contacted and took possession of it.

Somehow, Harris got the gun back. How that happened is under investigation.

The weapon described by police as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-shootings-school-st-louis-00bda97835851e40fd9654a80987b36d">AR-15-style rifle</a>&nbsp;was used in the attack Monday at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. Police responded within minutes and confronted and killed the gunman, who graduated from the school last year. He had around 600 rounds of ammunition with him.

Tenth-grader Alexzandria Bell and teacher Jean Kuczka were killed in the attack, and seven 15- and 16-year-olds were wounded. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

“While it is not yet clear when or how the suspect came to be in possession of the firearm after this incident, we can confirm that the firearm involved in this incident is the firearm used in the shooting Monday,” the police statement read.

Earlier Wednesday, Police Commissioner Michael Sack had said the confiscated gun was “believed to be” the same one used in the shooting.

Police believe Harris had intended targets. They have not said if any of the victims were among them.

Harris’ mother was “heartbroken” by the shooting, Sack said. She and other relatives had long dealt with Harris’ mental health issues and even had him committed at times, Sack said at a news conference. They also monitored his mail and often checked his room to make sure he did not have a weapon.

Harris, in a note left behind, lamented that he had no friends, no family, no girlfriend and a life of isolation. His note called it the “perfect storm for a mass shooter.”

“Mental health is a difficult thing,” Sack said. “It’s hard to tell when somebody is going to be violent and act out, or if they’re just struggling, they’re depressed, and they might self-harm.”

Central Visual and Performing Arts shares a building with another magnet school, Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience, which also evacuated as the shooting unfolded. Central has 383 students, Collegiate 336.

The building was locked Monday morning and an unarmed security guard saw Harris trying to get in. Sack has declined to say how Harris forced his way inside.

Officers, some of whom were off-duty, arrived four minutes after the 911 call. Amid the chaos of kids, teachers and staff fleeing, officers asked some of them where the gunman was. Eight minutes after arriving, officers located Harris on the third floor, barricaded in a classroom. Police said that when Harris shot at officers, they shot back and broke through the door.

The St. Louis shooting was the first school shooting to involve multiple deaths since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas</a>, in May, according to a list of shootings compiled by Education Week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666897140016.png" alt="This image provided by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department shows an AR-15-style rifle used by a 19-year-old gunman who killed a teacher and a 15-year-old girl at a St. Louis high school on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. The gunman was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and what appeared to be more than 600 rounds of ammunition, Police Commissioner Michael Sack said Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. (St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image provided by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department shows an AR-15-style rifle used by a 19-year-old gunman who killed a teacher and a 15-year-old girl at a St. Louis high school on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. The gunman was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and what appeared to be more than 600 rounds of ammunition, Police Commissioner Michael Sack said Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. (St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis police have confirmed that the gunman who forced his way into a high school,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-shootings-crime-5aa844c9d070bb4e6fc64151da76d6a4">killing a student and a teacher and leaving seven others wounded</a>, used an assault rifle that had been taken away from him earlier this month.A police statement Wednesday night said the mother of Orlando Harris, 19, called police on the evening of Oct. 15 after she found a gun and she wanted it removed. The statement said officers responded but “determined at that time the suspect was lawfully permitted to posses the firearm.”The statement said someone known to the family was contacted and took possession of it.Somehow, Harris got the gun back. How that happened is under investigation.The weapon described by police as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-shootings-school-st-louis-00bda97835851e40fd9654a80987b36d">AR-15-style rifle</a>&nbsp;was used in the attack Monday at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. Police responded within minutes and confronted and killed the gunman, who graduated from the school last year. He had around 600 rounds of ammunition with him.Tenth-grader Alexzandria Bell and teacher Jean Kuczka were killed in the attack, and seven 15- and 16-year-olds were wounded. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.“While it is not yet clear when or how the suspect came to be in possession of the firearm after this incident, we can confirm that the firearm involved in this incident is the firearm used in the shooting Monday,” the police statement read.Earlier Wednesday, Police Commissioner Michael Sack had said the confiscated gun was “believed to be” the same one used in the shooting.Police believe Harris had intended targets. They have not said if any of the victims were among them.Harris’ mother was “heartbroken” by the shooting, Sack said. She and other relatives had long dealt with Harris’ mental health issues and even had him committed at times, Sack said at a news conference. They also monitored his mail and often checked his room to make sure he did not have a weapon.Harris, in a note left behind, lamented that he had no friends, no family, no girlfriend and a life of isolation. His note called it the “perfect storm for a mass shooter.”“Mental health is a difficult thing,” Sack said. “It’s hard to tell when somebody is going to be violent and act out, or if they’re just struggling, they’re depressed, and they might self-harm.”Central Visual and Performing Arts shares a building with another magnet school, Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience, which also evacuated as the shooting unfolded. Central has 383 students, Collegiate 336.The building was locked Monday morning and an unarmed security guard saw Harris trying to get in. Sack has declined to say how Harris forced his way inside.Officers, some of whom were off-duty, arrived four minutes after the 911 call. Amid the chaos of kids, teachers and staff fleeing, officers asked some of them where the gunman was. Eight minutes after arriving, officers located Harris on the third floor, barricaded in a classroom. Police said that when Harris shot at officers, they shot back and broke through the door.The St. Louis shooting was the first school shooting to involve multiple deaths since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas</a>, in May, according to a list of shootings compiled by Education Week.

Police: Gun taken away earlier was used in school shooting

By ZACH PEREZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2022-10-25/parents-and-teachers-object-to-putting-1-600-cameras-in-kansas-city-kansas-classrooms">Kansas News Service</a>

Parents and teachers lined up Tuesday night to criticize a $6.8 
million proposal to install 1,600 cameras in Kansas City, Kansas Public 
Schools classrooms.

According to a description of the proposal 
provided by the board, the cameras could be used to record lessons that 
would be shared with absent students or to broadcast instruction from 
one classroom to several others. The recordings might also be used by 
administrators reviewing how staff teach in the classroom.

The 
proposal faced universal criticism from six community speakers who 
appeared at the meeting, all of whom were teachers or parents within the
 district.

“I spoke with several teachers, and we do not want to 
teach in a fish bowl,” KCKPS kindergarten teacher Shalesha Parson said. 
“This tells us that we are not valued, trusted or respected as 
educators.”

Other community speakers mirrored Parson’s concerns 
over the cameras potentially being used by parents and other outside 
personnel to monitor lessons taught in school.

Similar proposals have caused controversy in other states, <a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2022/02/09/iowa-legislature-bill-classroom-cameras-public-schools-dies-house/6712651001/" target="_blank">such as Iowa</a>, where lawmakers attempted to mandate cameras to monitor lessons on race and history.

Schools
 in Kansas City, Kansas, already have security cameras in some 
classrooms and common spaces, but this proposal would increase that 
number to include all classrooms across the district.

Board 
members also criticized the proposal for moving forward without feedback
 from community and staff members within the district.

“As a newly
 elected board member, this item caught me completely off guard as it 
did many members of our staff and community,” board member Rachel 
Russell said. “It is my strongest belief that decisions like these 
should solicit intentional feedback.”

Other members quickly 
requested additional public discussion on the issue, saying the limited 
notice and time given to community speakers was inadequate.

“I’d 
like to make a motion that we provide a setting to have a conversation, 
in-person as well as virtual, to discuss the camera issue,” Board Member
 Wanda Brownlee-Paige said.

The board unanimously voted to discuss possible dates for further public discussion during a meeting on Nov. 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666882227113.png" alt="The central office and training center for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. Zach Perez / KCUR" />
 <figcaption>The central office and training center for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. Zach Perez / KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>By ZACH PEREZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2022-10-25/parents-and-teachers-object-to-putting-1-600-cameras-in-kansas-city-kansas-classrooms">Kansas News Service</a>Parents and teachers lined up Tuesday night to criticize a $6.8 
million proposal to install 1,600 cameras in Kansas City, Kansas Public 
Schools classrooms.According to a description of the proposal 
provided by the board, the cameras could be used to record lessons that 
would be shared with absent students or to broadcast instruction from 
one classroom to several others. The recordings might also be used by 
administrators reviewing how staff teach in the classroom.The 
proposal faced universal criticism from six community speakers who 
appeared at the meeting, all of whom were teachers or parents within the
 district.“I spoke with several teachers, and we do not want to 
teach in a fish bowl,” KCKPS kindergarten teacher Shalesha Parson said. 
“This tells us that we are not valued, trusted or respected as 
educators.”Other community speakers mirrored Parson’s concerns 
over the cameras potentially being used by parents and other outside 
personnel to monitor lessons taught in school.Similar proposals have caused controversy in other states, <a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2022/02/09/iowa-legislature-bill-classroom-cameras-public-schools-dies-house/6712651001/" target="_blank">such as Iowa</a>, where lawmakers attempted to mandate cameras to monitor lessons on race and history.Schools
 in Kansas City, Kansas, already have security cameras in some 
classrooms and common spaces, but this proposal would increase that 
number to include all classrooms across the district.Board 
members also criticized the proposal for moving forward without feedback
 from community and staff members within the district.“As a newly
 elected board member, this item caught me completely off guard as it 
did many members of our staff and community,” board member Rachel 
Russell said. “It is my strongest belief that decisions like these 
should solicit intentional feedback.”Other members quickly 
requested additional public discussion on the issue, saying the limited 
notice and time given to community speakers was inadequate.“I’d 
like to make a motion that we provide a setting to have a conversation, 
in-person as well as virtual, to discuss the camera issue,” Board Member
 Wanda Brownlee-Paige said.The board unanimously voted to discuss possible dates for further public discussion during a meeting on Nov. 3.

Parents, teachers object to putting 1,600 cameras in KCK classrooms

America will soon be heading to the polls again. If you’re like millions of your fellow Americans, you’re feeling a little anxious about the outcomes. Elections create anxiety and make us feel small because they cause us to face this truth: There’sso much&nbsp;that’s out of our control.&nbsp;We get one vote. That’s it. But regardless of the outcome, I promise the world&nbsp;will&nbsp;keep turning. Don’t let anxiety and fear steal your joy, mental health or determination to do what’s right during this season. Here are a few ways to deal with election anxiety as we head toward November 8. &nbsp;

You&nbsp;must&nbsp;vote. You have to. Voting is your opportunity to let your voice be heard. It’s your responsibility to participate in making this country a better place—for yourself, your family and your neighbors. Take ownership of your life and your future by casting your ballot.

Voting is one of our sacred rights as citizens of this country. Even if our democracy is flawed at times (and it is), we get to carry on a legacy that was hard won by generations of courageous women and men before us. The only way this democracy stops working is if the people stop participating.

Have you heard the term&nbsp;doomscrolling? It’s the habit of mindlessly scrolling through the latest videos, articles and tweets, searching for the next shocking headline. We’ve all been there—it feels like being caught on a hamster wheel of death and destruction. And that’s not much of an exaggeration, because a steady diet of catastrophic news—especially when you can’t do much about it—is bad for your health. Information that creates fear, panic and stress triggers a complex physiological reaction. Your heart rate and blood pressure spike, and stress hormones flood your body. It’s hard to sleep, focus, rest and breathe.

On the side of each electronic device is an off button. Use it.

By now, you know who you’re voting for (and by the way—everyone around you does too, so there’s no need to keep arguing and adding to the noise). You don’t have to keep flooding your brain with the latest arguments and opinions and predictions. Just put down the phone. Protect yourself by setting boundaries for when and how often you’ll access media of any kind.

Very few of us will ever make a big splash in Washington, D.C., but you&nbsp;can&nbsp;make a difference in your neighborhood, town and state. In fact, you can make more of an impact on this level than you realize. Decisive action helps reduce anxiety because it empowers you to focus on what you can control.&nbsp;

Read up on your local candidates. Learn what they stand for, and talk to people in your community about them. Who are the judges, representatives, senators, school board members and city commissioners on your ballot? Their time in office will directly impact your streets, your kids’ classrooms, and how local businesses are run. &nbsp;

You don’t have to hold political office to model what it means to be a good citizen. And if you haven’t noticed, we’re in need of some good citizens! Whether we realize it or not, our families, coworkers, internet friends and real friends are watching us. They’re paying attention to our bickering, our complaining and our mindless fixation on our screens.

Being a good citizen looks like getting intentional about kindness. Tip your waiter or waitress obnoxiously. Be grateful with salespeople. Let folks over in traffic. If you’re in a season of financial blessing, pay for someone’s groceries. Take your dog for a walk and pick up trash in your neighborhood while you’re out.&nbsp;

Specific to the election, I’m going to take my son with me when I vote. I want him to sit in that line with me. He’s 12—it will be painful for all of us—but it’s important to me that he has memories seared in his heart and mind about how important this was for his dad and for our country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Make time for rest, kindness . . . and play

Make time to just be a human being. Laugh. Plan a super hot surprise date for your spouse. Get your friends together to kick a soccer ball around. Take your family on a walk around the neighborhood and wave at people in crosswalks.

Let’s choose to be kind over the next couple of weeks. We’re better than how we’ve been acting.

Connect with others and value your community

I want you to think of valuing your community in two ways. First, when you’re feeling anxious, it’s a sign that you’re feeling disconnected. Spend time with those who support and love you—your spouse, your children and your friends. Talk about your fears and listen to the fears of others. Seek to listen first and explain second.

Next, I want you to value people who don’t align with you politically. No matter who wins, we’re going to pump gas next to each other at the same stations. We’re going to wait in the same carpool lines to get our kids from school. We’re going to share meals next to each other at restaurants. Let’s be with one another as human beings and choose not to go on the offensive.

Folks, we must choose to move forward, united as one group of people, doing the best we can.

Dr. John Delony&nbsp;is a mental health expert with&nbsp;PhDs in Counselor Education &amp; Supervision and Higher Education Administration&nbsp;from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining Ramsey Solutions in 2020, John worked as a senior leader, professor and researcher at multiple universities. He also spent two decades in crisis response, walking with people through severe trauma. Now as a Ramsey Personality, he teaches on relationships and emotional wellness. Follow John on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/johndelony" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/johndelony/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JohnDelony/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/johndelony" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.johndelony.com/" target="_blank">www.johndelony.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666892697608.jpeg" alt="Dr. John Delony" />
 <figcaption>Dr. John Delony</figcaption>
 </figure>America will soon be heading to the polls again. If you’re like millions of your fellow Americans, you’re feeling a little anxious about the outcomes. Elections create anxiety and make us feel small because they cause us to face this truth: There’sso much&nbsp;that’s out of our control.&nbsp;We get one vote. That’s it. But regardless of the outcome, I promise the world&nbsp;will&nbsp;keep turning. Don’t let anxiety and fear steal your joy, mental health or determination to do what’s right during this season. Here are a few ways to deal with election anxiety as we head toward November 8. &nbsp;You have to voteYou&nbsp;must&nbsp;vote. You have to. Voting is your opportunity to let your voice be heard. It’s your responsibility to participate in making this country a better place—for yourself, your family and your neighbors. Take ownership of your life and your future by casting your ballot.Voting is one of our sacred rights as citizens of this country. Even if our democracy is flawed at times (and it is), we get to carry on a legacy that was hard won by generations of courageous women and men before us. The only way this democracy stops working is if the people stop participating.Limit your media intakeHave you heard the term&nbsp;doomscrolling? It’s the habit of mindlessly scrolling through the latest videos, articles and tweets, searching for the next shocking headline. We’ve all been there—it feels like being caught on a hamster wheel of death and destruction. And that’s not much of an exaggeration, because a steady diet of catastrophic news—especially when you can’t do much about it—is bad for your health. Information that creates fear, panic and stress triggers a complex physiological reaction. Your heart rate and blood pressure spike, and stress hormones flood your body. It’s hard to sleep, focus, rest and breathe.On the side of each electronic device is an off button. Use it.By now, you know who you’re voting for (and by the way—everyone around you does too, so there’s no need to keep arguing and adding to the noise). You don’t have to keep flooding your brain with the latest arguments and opinions and predictions. Just put down the phone. Protect yourself by setting boundaries for when and how often you’ll access media of any kind.Get involved locallyVery few of us will ever make a big splash in Washington, D.C., but you&nbsp;can&nbsp;make a difference in your neighborhood, town and state. In fact, you can make more of an impact on this level than you realize. Decisive action helps reduce anxiety because it empowers you to focus on what you can control.&nbsp;Read up on your local candidates. Learn what they stand for, and talk to people in your community about them. Who are the judges, representatives, senators, school board members and city commissioners on your ballot? Their time in office will directly impact your streets, your kids’ classrooms, and how local businesses are run. &nbsp;Set an exampleYou don’t have to hold political office to model what it means to be a good citizen. And if you haven’t noticed, we’re in need of some good citizens! Whether we realize it or not, our families, coworkers, internet friends and real friends are watching us. They’re paying attention to our bickering, our complaining and our mindless fixation on our screens.Stop.Being a good citizen looks like getting intentional about kindness. Tip your waiter or waitress obnoxiously. Be grateful with salespeople. Let folks over in traffic. If you’re in a season of financial blessing, pay for someone’s groceries. Take your dog for a walk and pick up trash in your neighborhood while you’re out.&nbsp;Specific to the election, I’m going to take my son with me when I vote. I want him to sit in that line with me. He’s 12—it will be painful for all of us—but it’s important to me that he has memories seared in his heart and mind about how important this was for his dad and for our country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Make time for rest, kindness . . . and playMake time to just be a human being. Laugh. Plan a super hot surprise date for your spouse. Get your friends together to kick a soccer ball around. Take your family on a walk around the neighborhood and wave at people in crosswalks.Let’s choose to be kind over the next couple of weeks. We’re better than how we’ve been acting.Connect with others and value your communityI want you to think of valuing your community in two ways. First, when you’re feeling anxious, it’s a sign that you’re feeling disconnected. Spend time with those who support and love you—your spouse, your children and your friends. Talk about your fears and listen to the fears of others. Seek to listen first and explain second.Next, I want you to value people who don’t align with you politically. No matter who wins, we’re going to pump gas next to each other at the same stations. We’re going to wait in the same carpool lines to get our kids from school. We’re going to share meals next to each other at restaurants. Let’s be with one another as human beings and choose not to go on the offensive.Folks, we must choose to move forward, united as one group of people, doing the best we can.We need each other.Dr. John Delony&nbsp;is a mental health expert with&nbsp;PhDs in Counselor Education &amp; Supervision and Higher Education Administration&nbsp;from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining Ramsey Solutions in 2020, John worked as a senior leader, professor and researcher at multiple universities. He also spent two decades in crisis response, walking with people through severe trauma. Now as a Ramsey Personality, he teaches on relationships and emotional wellness. Follow John on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/johndelony" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/johndelony/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JohnDelony/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/johndelony" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.johndelony.com/" target="_blank">www.johndelony.com</a>.

DELONY: Election anxiety   

DICKINSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas men in connection with theft and drug allegations.

On Tuesday, the Dickinson County Sheriff received a report of a suspicious Craigslist post that involved a John Deere 4044R tractor - valued at $36,645, according to a media release. Investigators learned the tractor had been stolen from Prairieland Partners in Abilene.

As the investigation continued, undercover officers made arrangements to purchase the tractor. The undercover officers met with the suspects in the 1000 block of 1700 Avenue and started to discuss the purchase of the tractor that was in possession of the suspects.

As a result, deputies arrested Alan T. Kosakowski and Joshua D. Baker, both of Salina, and recovered the tractor.

At the time of the arrest, the Sheriff’s Office utilized the&nbsp;Abilene Police Department K9 and determined the suspects were also in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Kosakowski and Baker are being held in the Dickinson Co. Jail on requested charges that include felony theft, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of marijuana.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666815143551.png" alt="Baker-photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Baker-photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas men in connection with theft and drug allegations.On Tuesday, the Dickinson County Sheriff received a report of a suspicious Craigslist post that involved a John Deere 4044R tractor - valued at $36,645, according to a media release. Investigators learned the tractor had been stolen from Prairieland Partners in Abilene.As the investigation continued, undercover officers made arrangements to purchase the tractor. The undercover officers met with the suspects in the 1000 block of 1700 Avenue and started to discuss the purchase of the tractor that was in possession of the suspects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666815114685.png" alt="Kosakowski-photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Kosakowski-photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result, deputies arrested Alan T. Kosakowski and Joshua D. Baker, both of Salina, and recovered the tractor.At the time of the arrest, the Sheriff’s Office utilized the&nbsp;Abilene Police Department K9 and determined the suspects were also in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.Kosakowski and Baker are being held in the Dickinson Co. Jail on requested charges that include felony theft, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of marijuana.&nbsp;

Undercover deputies arrest 2 Kansas men, recover stolen tractor

BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — Seven people suffered what were described as minor injuries after an amusement park train derailed in Branson, Missouri.

The derailment happened Wednesday evening at Silver Dollar City. Six patrons and one employee were taken by ambulance to hospitals after the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train derailed, the amusement park said in a statement.

Stone County Emergency Management Director Tom Martin said three cars derailed, falling onto their side. Martin said no one appeared to have any broken bones or other serious injuries.

The train takes passengers on a 20-minute ride through the countryside, a ride interrupted by a pretend train robbery, according to Silver Dollar City's website.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666886448182.png" alt="Stone County Emergency Management Director Tom Martin said three cars derailed, falling onto their side.-photo courtesy KYTV" />
 <figcaption>Stone County Emergency Management Director Tom Martin said three cars derailed, falling onto their side.-photo courtesy KYTV</figcaption>
 </figure>BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — Seven people suffered what were described as minor injuries after an amusement park train derailed in Branson, Missouri.The derailment happened Wednesday evening at Silver Dollar City. Six patrons and one employee were taken by ambulance to hospitals after the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train derailed, the amusement park said in a statement.Stone County Emergency Management Director Tom Martin said three cars derailed, falling onto their side. Martin said no one appeared to have any broken bones or other serious injuries.The train takes passengers on a 20-minute ride through the countryside, a ride interrupted by a pretend train robbery, according to Silver Dollar City's website.The Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the accident.

7 people hurt when Silver Dollar City train derails 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate topped 7% for the first time in more than two decades this week, a result of the Federal Reserve's aggressive rate hikes intended to tame inflation not seen in some 40 years.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the key 30-year rate jumped to 7.08% from 6.94% last week. The last time the average rate was above 7% was April 2002, a time when the U.S. was still reeling from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but six years away from the 2008 housing market collapse that triggered the Great Recession.

Last year at this time, rates on a 30-year mortgage averaged 3.14%.

The Fed has raised its key benchmark lending rate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jackson-wyoming-economy-prices-56ec82b99e24cab74a9ed102848930a3" target="_blank">five times this year</a>, including three consecutive 0.75 percentage point increases that have brought its key short-term borrowing rate to a range of 3% to 3.25%, the highest level since 2008. At their last meeting in late September, Fed officials projected that by early next year they would raise their key rate to roughly 4.5%.

Mortgage rates don’t necessarily mirror the Fed’s rate increases, but tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. That’s influenced by a variety of factors, including investors’ expectations for future inflation and global demand for U.S. Treasurys.

Many potential homebuyers have moved to the sidelines as mortgage rates have more than doubled this year. Sales of existing homes have declined for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-association-of-realtors-business-home-sales-a0a45edabb18e5cfd5374255ff54ab6a" target="_blank">eight straight months</a>&nbsp;as borrowing costs have become too high a hurdle for many Americans already paying more for food, gas and other necessities. Meanwhile, some homeowners have held off putting their homes on the market because they don’t want to jump into a higher rate on their next mortgage.

The Fed is expected to raise its benchmark rate another three-quarters of a point when it meets next week. Despite the rate increases,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-business-prices-consumer-aed3121e4d5e3ec37cf1591995f13ce0" target="_blank">inflation has hardly budged</a>&nbsp;from 40-year highs, above 8% at both the consumer and wholesale level.

The Fed rate increases have shown some signs of cooling the economy. But the rate increases have seemed to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jobs-report-september-2022-b91e272b3e56b1f70ef558f6029f97c5" target="_blank">little effect on the job market</a>&nbsp;yet, which remains strong with the unemployment rate matching a 50-year low of 3.5% and layoffs still historically low.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659001075252.jpeg" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate topped 7% for the first time in more than two decades this week, a result of the Federal Reserve's aggressive rate hikes intended to tame inflation not seen in some 40 years.Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the key 30-year rate jumped to 7.08% from 6.94% last week. The last time the average rate was above 7% was April 2002, a time when the U.S. was still reeling from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but six years away from the 2008 housing market collapse that triggered the Great Recession.Last year at this time, rates on a 30-year mortgage averaged 3.14%.The Fed has raised its key benchmark lending rate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jackson-wyoming-economy-prices-56ec82b99e24cab74a9ed102848930a3" target="_blank">five times this year</a>, including three consecutive 0.75 percentage point increases that have brought its key short-term borrowing rate to a range of 3% to 3.25%, the highest level since 2008. At their last meeting in late September, Fed officials projected that by early next year they would raise their key rate to roughly 4.5%.Mortgage rates don’t necessarily mirror the Fed’s rate increases, but tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. That’s influenced by a variety of factors, including investors’ expectations for future inflation and global demand for U.S. Treasurys.Many potential homebuyers have moved to the sidelines as mortgage rates have more than doubled this year. Sales of existing homes have declined for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-association-of-realtors-business-home-sales-a0a45edabb18e5cfd5374255ff54ab6a" target="_blank">eight straight months</a>&nbsp;as borrowing costs have become too high a hurdle for many Americans already paying more for food, gas and other necessities. Meanwhile, some homeowners have held off putting their homes on the market because they don’t want to jump into a higher rate on their next mortgage.The Fed is expected to raise its benchmark rate another three-quarters of a point when it meets next week. Despite the rate increases,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-business-prices-consumer-aed3121e4d5e3ec37cf1591995f13ce0" target="_blank">inflation has hardly budged</a>&nbsp;from 40-year highs, above 8% at both the consumer and wholesale level.The Fed rate increases have shown some signs of cooling the economy. But the rate increases have seemed to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jobs-report-september-2022-b91e272b3e56b1f70ef558f6029f97c5" target="_blank">little effect on the job market</a>&nbsp;yet, which remains strong with the unemployment rate matching a 50-year low of 3.5% and layoffs still historically low.___

U.S. mortgage rate tops 7% for the first time in two decades

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas jail deputy is recovering from injuries after an attack by an inmate.

On Wednesday, the Sedgwick County jail reported the assault that occurred just after 10:30a.m. October 22 in the detention facility, according to sheriff's department spokesperson Robin Busch.

The deputy was attempting to check on a toilet inside of a cell. The inmate identified as 53-year-old&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=70063">Phuoc Tan Le </a>is currently housed in a single occupancy cell due to repeated disciplinary issues within the Detention Facility.

When the deputy entered the cell, Le became aggressive and attacked the deputy. After an approximately two-minute physical altercation, the deputy was able to push his panic pager. A response team came to the pod and was able to secure the inmate and get the deputy the medical assistance needed.

The inmate was seen by clinic staff and was reported to have no apparent injuries. 

The deputy involved received a fractured nasal bone and a fractured right hand that will require surgery. After receiving treatment at the hospital, the deputy was released to return home.

&nbsp;Phuoc Tan Le has been in custody since August 29, 2022. He is currently being held on two counts of public nudity, lewd and lascivious behavior, criminal trespass and interference with an LEO. New charges include aggravated battery, aggravated battery on an LEO and criminal damage to property, according to Busch.

Le has been booked into Sedgwick County Jail 14 times between 2005 and 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666821952931.png" alt="Le-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Le-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas jail deputy is recovering from injuries after an attack by an inmate.On Wednesday, the Sedgwick County jail reported the assault that occurred just after 10:30a.m. October 22 in the detention facility, according to sheriff's department spokesperson Robin Busch.The deputy was attempting to check on a toilet inside of a cell. The inmate identified as 53-year-old&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=70063">Phuoc Tan Le </a>is currently housed in a single occupancy cell due to repeated disciplinary issues within the Detention Facility.When the deputy entered the cell, Le became aggressive and attacked the deputy. After an approximately two-minute physical altercation, the deputy was able to push his panic pager. A response team came to the pod and was able to secure the inmate and get the deputy the medical assistance needed.The inmate was seen by clinic staff and was reported to have no apparent injuries. The deputy involved received a fractured nasal bone and a fractured right hand that will require surgery. After receiving treatment at the hospital, the deputy was released to return home.&nbsp;Phuoc Tan Le has been in custody since August 29, 2022. He is currently being held on two counts of public nudity, lewd and lascivious behavior, criminal trespass and interference with an LEO. New charges include aggravated battery, aggravated battery on an LEO and criminal damage to property, according to Busch.Le has been booked into Sedgwick County Jail 14 times between 2005 and 2022.

Kan. jail deputy suffers broken nose, hand after inmate attack

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a shooting that killed&nbsp; 81-year-old Donald L. Woolridge of Arizona on Monday at a home in Topeka.&nbsp;

Just after 7:30 p.m., Monday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the the shooting in the 3300 block of SE Fremont Street, according to Lt.&nbsp; Donna Eubanks Eubanks.

&nbsp;Officers located&nbsp; Woolridge suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Police took one individual into custody for an interview. Police later&nbsp; released that person, according to Eubanks.&nbsp;

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Topeka Police Department will forward the case file to the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office for review, with the possibility of self-defense consideration. Police released no additional details Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666698800073.png" alt="Police took one individual into custody for an interview and released them, according Lt. Donna Eubanks. -photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>Police took one individual into custody for an interview and released them, according Lt. Donna Eubanks. -photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a shooting that killed&nbsp; 81-year-old Donald L. Woolridge of Arizona on Monday at a home in Topeka.&nbsp;Just after 7:30 p.m., Monday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the the shooting in the 3300 block of SE Fremont Street, according to Lt.&nbsp; Donna Eubanks Eubanks.&nbsp;Officers located&nbsp; Woolridge suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Police took one individual into custody for an interview. Police later&nbsp; released that person, according to Eubanks.&nbsp;At the conclusion of the investigation, the Topeka Police Department will forward the case file to the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office for review, with the possibility of self-defense consideration. Police released no additional details Wednesday.

Police consider self defense in deadly Kan. shooting of 81-year-old 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman walking her dog died in an pedestrian accident just before noon Wednesday in Wichita.

A 2001 Chevy Suburban driven by an 82-year-old woman was northbound on Oliver at 2nd street in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Officer Juan Rebolledo.

The SUV struck&nbsp;69-year-old Ellen Edens of Wichita who was walking her dog and was crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk.

EMS and Wichita Fire rendered emergency medical aid to Edens, but she and the dog succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators are still looking into the circumstances of the collision.

This is the 32nd collision with 35 deaths YTD.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman walking her dog died in an pedestrian accident just before noon Wednesday in Wichita.A 2001 Chevy Suburban driven by an 82-year-old woman was northbound on Oliver at 2nd street in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Officer Juan Rebolledo.The SUV struck&nbsp;69-year-old Ellen Edens of Wichita who was walking her dog and was crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk.EMS and Wichita Fire rendered emergency medical aid to Edens, but she and the dog succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.Investigators are still looking into the circumstances of the collision.This is the 32nd collision with 35 deaths YTD.

Police: Kan. woman walking her dog struck, killed by SUV

PLATTE COUNTY— The inmate who escaped from custody Wednesday has been taken back into custody, according to the Platte County Sheriff's office. Just after 2:30p.m, 38-year-old Jacob Meineker escaped from custody&nbsp; from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road.

An extensive search by members of the Platte County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas City Police Department took place over the next several hours. 

Just after&nbsp; 9:30p.m., officers took Meineker was taken into custody near Green Hills Road and North Shore Drive further incident. Meineker is currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center on the original charge of possession of a controlled substance and a new requested charge for his escape from custody, according to online jail records.

PLATTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for help to locate 38-year-old Jacob Meineker.

Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, Meineker escaped from custody from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road, according to the Platte County Sheriff.

Meineker was last seen wearing blue hospital pants with no shirt and no shoes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The sheriff's office released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666829286821.png" alt="Meineker-photo Platte Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Meineker-photo Platte Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY— The inmate who escaped from custody Wednesday has been taken back into custody, according to the Platte County Sheriff's office. Just after 2:30p.m, 38-year-old Jacob Meineker escaped from custody&nbsp; from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road. An extensive search by members of the Platte County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas City Police Department took place over the next several hours. Just after&nbsp; 9:30p.m., officers took Meineker was taken into custody near Green Hills Road and North Shore Drive further incident. Meineker is currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center on the original charge of possession of a controlled substance and a new requested charge for his escape from custody, according to online jail records.-----------------PLATTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for help to locate 38-year-old Jacob Meineker.Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, Meineker escaped from custody from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road, according to the Platte County Sheriff.Meineker was last seen wearing blue hospital pants with no shirt and no shoes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Sheriff: Man who escaped from custody at KC hospital captured

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 400 school districts spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C., along with several tribes and U.S. territories, are receiving roughly $1 billion in grants to purchase about 2,500 “clean” school buses under a new federal program.

(Click below to watch the Vice President make the announcement)

The Biden administration is making the grants available as part of a wider effort to accelerate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-california-clean-air-act-vehicle-emissions-standards-eebb48c13e24835f2c5b9cb56796182a">the transition to zero-emission vehicles</a>&nbsp;and reduce air pollution near schools and communities.

Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-environmental-protection-agency">Environmental Protection Agency</a>&nbsp;Administrator Michael Regan announced the grant awards Wednesday in Seattle. The new, mostly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/electric-vehicles">electric</a>&nbsp;school buses will reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/emissions-reduction">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, save money and better protect children’s health, they said.

As many as 25 million children ride yellow buses each school day, and they will have a healthier future with a cleaner fleet, Harris said.

“We are witnessing around our country and around the world the effects of extreme climate,” she said. “What we’re announcing today is a step forward in our nation’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases, to invest in our economy ... to invest in building the skills of America’s workforce. All with the goal of not only saving our children, but for them, saving our planet.''

Only about 1% of the nation’s 480,000 school buses were electric as of last year, but the push to abandon traditional diesel buses has gained momentum in recent years. Money for the new purchases is available under the federal Clean School Bus Program, which includes $5 billion from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144">the bipartisan infrastructure law</a>&nbsp;President Joe Biden signed last year.

The clean bus program “is accelerating our nation’s transition to electric and low-emission school buses while ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our children,” Regan said.

The EPA initially made $500 million available for clean buses in May but increased that to $965 million last month, responding to what officials called overwhelming demand for electric buses. An additional $1 billion is set to be awarded in the budget year that began Oct. 1.

The EPA said it received about 2,000 applications requesting nearly $4 billion for more than 12,000 buses, mostly electric. Some 389 applications worth $913 million were accepted to support purchase of 2,463 buses, 95% of which will be electric, the EPA said. The remaining buses will run on compressed natural gas or propane.

School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural or tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected, the White House said. More applications are under review, and the EPA plans to select more winners to reach the full $965 million in coming weeks.

Districts set to receive money range from Wrangell, Alaska, to Anniston, Alabama, and Teton County, Wyoming, to Wirt County, West Virginia. Besides the District of Columbia, big cities that won grants for clean school buses include New York, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

White House adviser Mitch Landrieu said he expects many buses to be delivered by the start of the next school year, with the remainder likely to be in service by the end of 2023. The billion dollars being spent this year — along with an additional $4 billon expected over the next four years — should “supercharge” a domestic manufacturing boom for electric school buses, said Landrieu, a former New Orleans mayor tapped by Biden to oversee spending in the massive infrastructure law.

“These buses will be made in America — real jobs with real wages,″ Landrieu said in an interview. “We are going to ramp up manufacturing in this country.″

Environmental and public health groups hailed the announcement, which comes after years of advocacy to replace diesel-powered buses with cleaner alternatives.

“It doesn’t make sense to send our kids to school on buses that create brain-harming, lung-harming, cancer-causing, climate-harming pollution,'' said Molly Rauch, public health policy director for Moms Clean Air Force, an environmental group. "Our kids, our bus drivers and our communities deserve better.''

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 400 school districts spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C., along with several tribes and U.S. territories, are receiving roughly $1 billion in grants to purchase about 2,500 “clean” school buses under a new federal program.(Click below to watch the Vice President make the announcement)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oGxhYrsrmMs?start=192" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Biden administration is making the grants available as part of a wider effort to accelerate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-california-clean-air-act-vehicle-emissions-standards-eebb48c13e24835f2c5b9cb56796182a">the transition to zero-emission vehicles</a>&nbsp;and reduce air pollution near schools and communities.Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-environmental-protection-agency">Environmental Protection Agency</a>&nbsp;Administrator Michael Regan announced the grant awards Wednesday in Seattle. The new, mostly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/electric-vehicles">electric</a>&nbsp;school buses will reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/emissions-reduction">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, save money and better protect children’s health, they said.As many as 25 million children ride yellow buses each school day, and they will have a healthier future with a cleaner fleet, Harris said.“We are witnessing around our country and around the world the effects of extreme climate,” she said. “What we’re announcing today is a step forward in our nation’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases, to invest in our economy ... to invest in building the skills of America’s workforce. All with the goal of not only saving our children, but for them, saving our planet.''Only about 1% of the nation’s 480,000 school buses were electric as of last year, but the push to abandon traditional diesel buses has gained momentum in recent years. Money for the new purchases is available under the federal Clean School Bus Program, which includes $5 billion from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144">the bipartisan infrastructure law</a>&nbsp;President Joe Biden signed last year.The clean bus program “is accelerating our nation’s transition to electric and low-emission school buses while ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our children,” Regan said.The EPA initially made $500 million available for clean buses in May but increased that to $965 million last month, responding to what officials called overwhelming demand for electric buses. An additional $1 billion is set to be awarded in the budget year that began Oct. 1.The EPA said it received about 2,000 applications requesting nearly $4 billion for more than 12,000 buses, mostly electric. Some 389 applications worth $913 million were accepted to support purchase of 2,463 buses, 95% of which will be electric, the EPA said. The remaining buses will run on compressed natural gas or propane.School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural or tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected, the White House said. More applications are under review, and the EPA plans to select more winners to reach the full $965 million in coming weeks.Districts set to receive money range from Wrangell, Alaska, to Anniston, Alabama, and Teton County, Wyoming, to Wirt County, West Virginia. Besides the District of Columbia, big cities that won grants for clean school buses include New York, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Los Angeles.White House adviser Mitch Landrieu said he expects many buses to be delivered by the start of the next school year, with the remainder likely to be in service by the end of 2023. The billion dollars being spent this year — along with an additional $4 billon expected over the next four years — should “supercharge” a domestic manufacturing boom for electric school buses, said Landrieu, a former New Orleans mayor tapped by Biden to oversee spending in the massive infrastructure law.“These buses will be made in America — real jobs with real wages,″ Landrieu said in an interview. “We are going to ramp up manufacturing in this country.″Environmental and public health groups hailed the announcement, which comes after years of advocacy to replace diesel-powered buses with cleaner alternatives.“It doesn’t make sense to send our kids to school on buses that create brain-harming, lung-harming, cancer-causing, climate-harming pollution,'' said Molly Rauch, public health policy director for Moms Clean Air Force, an environmental group. "Our kids, our bus drivers and our communities deserve better.''

🎥Vice President: Who doesn’t love a yellow school bus, right?

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A second railroad union rejected its deal with the major U.S. freight railroads on Wednesday, reflecting workers’ increasing frustration with the lack of paid sick time and adding to concerns about the possibility of a strike next month that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">cripple the economy</a>.

The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen said nearly 61% of the workers who voted opposed the five-year contract, even though it included 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. It is the second rail union to reject a deal this month.

Union President Michael Baldwin cited the “lack of good-faith bargaining” by the railroads, and said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;of a board of arbitrators that President Joe Biden appointed this summer denied workers the “basic right of paid time off for illness.”

The unions say the railroads, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/csx-corp-florida-business-earnings-99976c3154d2939f544c2bdfecc77330">a couple</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-omaha-economy-business-483f55c699a94c29f579883e6b87fa85">reported more</a>&nbsp;than $1 billion profit in the third quarter, can easily afford to offer paid sick time. The negotiations included CSX, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF and Kansas City Southern railroads.

The railroads maintain that the unions have agreed during decades of negotiations to forego paid sick leave in favor of higher wages and more generous short-term disability benefits that kick in after four days of absences and continue up to a year. They have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-business-strikes-940da8fc519f8c526ca614e201d01216">rejected all demands</a>&nbsp;for paid sick time although they did offer the unions that represent engineers and conductors three days of unpaid leave to tend to medical appointments as long as workers give 30 days notice.

The railroads have refused to offer workers much more than what the Presidential Emergency Board of arbitrators recommended. They say that board rejected unions' requests for paid sick time in favor of recommending the largest wage increases in more than four decades.

Workers have been fighting in the negotiations to improve their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life</a>&nbsp;and are demanding railroads ease the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strict attendance policies</a>&nbsp;that keep some of them on call 24-7.

Six smaller unions have approved their deals with the railroads, but earlier this month the large Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union that represents track maintenance workers also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-0744cffe919f0d48fcc02d16c8a298b3">rejected</a>&nbsp;its proposed contract because workers were concerned about the lack of paid sick time. And the two biggest unions that represent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-government-and-politics-6172442e20ccf3295b39c2f3184e03cf">conductors and engineers</a>, who are most affected by the railroads' demanding schedules, won't announce their votes until mid-November.

All 12 rail unions that together represent 115,000 workers nationwide have to approve contracts with the railroads to prevent a strike. But there is no immediate threat of a walkout because the unions that rejected their deals agreed to return to the bargaining table and continue talks at least through Nov. 19.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized Wednesday that despite the opposition to the tentative agreements, the economy is “under no immediate threat.”

The administration is prepared to take the appropriate steps to ensure the rail system remains functioning, she said. But she declined to say whether Biden would personally get involved in the negotiations between the rail companies and unions like he did last month ahead of the initial strike deadline.

If both sides can't agree on new contracts, Congress may step in to block a strike and impose terms on workers.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sLdQgCJbvVo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A second railroad union rejected its deal with the major U.S. freight railroads on Wednesday, reflecting workers’ increasing frustration with the lack of paid sick time and adding to concerns about the possibility of a strike next month that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">cripple the economy</a>.The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen said nearly 61% of the workers who voted opposed the five-year contract, even though it included 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. It is the second rail union to reject a deal this month.Union President Michael Baldwin cited the “lack of good-faith bargaining” by the railroads, and said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;of a board of arbitrators that President Joe Biden appointed this summer denied workers the “basic right of paid time off for illness.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666474833581.png" alt="Oil train rolls across Kansas in mid October" />
 <figcaption>Oil train rolls across Kansas in mid October</figcaption>
 </figure>The unions say the railroads, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/csx-corp-florida-business-earnings-99976c3154d2939f544c2bdfecc77330">a couple</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-omaha-economy-business-483f55c699a94c29f579883e6b87fa85">reported more</a>&nbsp;than $1 billion profit in the third quarter, can easily afford to offer paid sick time. The negotiations included CSX, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF and Kansas City Southern railroads.The railroads maintain that the unions have agreed during decades of negotiations to forego paid sick leave in favor of higher wages and more generous short-term disability benefits that kick in after four days of absences and continue up to a year. They have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-business-strikes-940da8fc519f8c526ca614e201d01216">rejected all demands</a>&nbsp;for paid sick time although they did offer the unions that represent engineers and conductors three days of unpaid leave to tend to medical appointments as long as workers give 30 days notice.The railroads have refused to offer workers much more than what the Presidential Emergency Board of arbitrators recommended. They say that board rejected unions' requests for paid sick time in favor of recommending the largest wage increases in more than four decades.Workers have been fighting in the negotiations to improve their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life</a>&nbsp;and are demanding railroads ease the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strict attendance policies</a>&nbsp;that keep some of them on call 24-7.Six smaller unions have approved their deals with the railroads, but earlier this month the large Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union that represents track maintenance workers also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-0744cffe919f0d48fcc02d16c8a298b3">rejected</a>&nbsp;its proposed contract because workers were concerned about the lack of paid sick time. And the two biggest unions that represent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-government-and-politics-6172442e20ccf3295b39c2f3184e03cf">conductors and engineers</a>, who are most affected by the railroads' demanding schedules, won't announce their votes until mid-November.All 12 rail unions that together represent 115,000 workers nationwide have to approve contracts with the railroads to prevent a strike. But there is no immediate threat of a walkout because the unions that rejected their deals agreed to return to the bargaining table and continue talks at least through Nov. 19.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized Wednesday that despite the opposition to the tentative agreements, the economy is “under no immediate threat.”The administration is prepared to take the appropriate steps to ensure the rail system remains functioning, she said. But she declined to say whether Biden would personally get involved in the negotiations between the rail companies and unions like he did last month ahead of the initial strike deadline.If both sides can't agree on new contracts, Congress may step in to block a strike and impose terms on workers.___

Second railroad union rejects deal, adding to strike worries

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in the 3500 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, according to Captain Leslie Foreman.

Preliminary report indicates U.S. Marshals were looking for a suspect wanted for a federal escapee warrant. They located the suspect near&nbsp;a residence near the 3100 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City.

 They lost sight of the suspect. However, a relative who was outside the house, confirmed the suspect was inside the house and lived there.

 As Marshals were attempting to make contact with the suspect, the front door opened and the suspect pointed a weapon towards officers. A U.S. Marshals officer fired his weapon striking the suspect who died at the scene. No officers were injured.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. They released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666817648251.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in the 3500 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, according to Captain Leslie Foreman.Preliminary report indicates U.S. Marshals were looking for a suspect wanted for a federal escapee warrant. They located the suspect near&nbsp;a residence near the 3100 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City. They lost sight of the suspect. However, a relative who was outside the house, confirmed the suspect was inside the house and lived there. As Marshals were attempting to make contact with the suspect, the front door opened and the suspect pointed a weapon towards officers. A U.S. Marshals officer fired his weapon striking the suspect who died at the scene. No officers were injured.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. They released no additional details.

U.S. Marshals shoot, kill suspect in Kansas City neighborhood

GEARY COUNTY —A man died in an accident just before 7a.m. Wednesday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Peterbilt started rolling forward in the 3200 Block of South U.S. 77 in Junction City.

The driver identified as 71-year-old Major Willie Washington of Kansas City, Missouri, was outside the vehicle. As he attempted to reenter the vehicle, he became pinned between the power unit and another semi trailer.&nbsp;

Washington was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Johnson Funeral Home.

GEARY COUNTY —A man died in an accident just before 7a.m. Wednesday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Peterbilt started rolling forward in the 3200 Block of South U.S. 77 in Junction City.The driver identified as 71-year-old Major Willie Washington of Kansas City, Missouri, was outside the vehicle. As he attempted to reenter the vehicle, he became pinned between the power unit and another semi trailer.&nbsp;Washington was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Johnson Funeral Home.

KHP: Driver dies after pinned between power unit, another semi

KEARNEY, Mo. (AP) — One construction worker died and two others were injured Wednesday when a bridge under construction in northwest Missouri collapsed, officials said.

Workers were pouring concrete for the deck of the bridge when it fell, Clay County officials said.

The bridge, which was replacing an older bridge, spanned Carroll Creek in a rural area near Kearney, about 27 miles (43.45 kilometers) northeast of Kansas City.

The other two workers sustained minor injuries and were able to free themselves from the rubble, Clay County Sheriff's spokeswoman Sarah Boyd said.

Further details about what caused the collapse were not immediately available.

County transportation officials said the bridge is one of five closed and two under construction in the county

CLAY COUNTY, Missouri —Authorities are on the scene of a bridge collapse at NE 148th Street and Shady Grove Road in Clay County, Missouri, according to the Sheriff's Department.

 There is one confirmed fatality and several with minor injuries.&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666817141095.png" alt="Photo Clay County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, Mo. (AP) — One construction worker died and two others were injured Wednesday when a bridge under construction in northwest Missouri collapsed, officials said.Workers were pouring concrete for the deck of the bridge when it fell, Clay County officials said.The bridge, which was replacing an older bridge, spanned Carroll Creek in a rural area near Kearney, about 27 miles (43.45 kilometers) northeast of Kansas City.The other two workers sustained minor injuries and were able to free themselves from the rubble, Clay County Sheriff's spokeswoman Sarah Boyd said.Further details about what caused the collapse were not immediately available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666817257891.png" alt="The bridge is approximately 27 miles northeast of Kansas City-Google map" />
 <figcaption>The bridge is approximately 27 miles northeast of Kansas City-Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>County transportation officials said the bridge is one of five closed and two under construction in the county-----------CLAY COUNTY, Missouri —Authorities are on the scene of a bridge collapse at NE 148th Street and Shady Grove Road in Clay County, Missouri, according to the Sheriff's Department. There is one confirmed fatality and several with minor injuries.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Sheriff: Worker dead after bridge collapse near Kansas City

WASHINGTON —The Pentagon announced Thursday they will provide travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who seek&nbsp;abortions&nbsp;but are based in states where they are now illegal.

Senator Roger Marshall is against the new policy. "I cannot believe the Department of Defense is even considering improperly using taxpayer money to fund abortion travel," he wrote on social media.

"I’ve drafted an NDAA amendment to put a stop to this. With all of the challenges we face globally, Department of Defense needs to make our national security the top priority."

"Senator Schumer must allow for a robust amendment process when the Senate returns so we can vote to block this outrageous memorandum."

The&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/20/2003099747/-1/-1/1/MEMORANDUM-ENSURING-ACCESS-TO-REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH-CARE.PDF">order</a>&nbsp;issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlines the rights and protections service members and their dependents will have regardless of where they are based, which was a key concern of troops after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660841461588.png" alt=""Department of Defense needs to make our national security the top priority," Marshall wrote." />
 <figcaption>"Department of Defense needs to make our national security the top priority," Marshall wrote.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Pentagon announced Thursday they will provide travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who seek&nbsp;abortions&nbsp;but are based in states where they are now illegal.Senator Roger Marshall is against the new policy. "I cannot believe the Department of Defense is even considering improperly using taxpayer money to fund abortion travel," he wrote on social media."I’ve drafted an NDAA amendment to put a stop to this. With all of the challenges we face globally, Department of Defense needs to make our national security the top priority." "Senator Schumer must allow for a robust amendment process when the Senate returns so we can vote to block this outrageous memorandum."The&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/20/2003099747/-1/-1/1/MEMORANDUM-ENSURING-ACCESS-TO-REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH-CARE.PDF">order</a>&nbsp;issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlines the rights and protections service members and their dependents will have regardless of where they are based, which was a key concern of troops after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.</a>