SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman convicted in the death of her 2-year-old son will return to court Monday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

Judge Jeffrey Goering will hold a hearing for 27-year-old Kimberly Compass of Wichita, in her effort to get a new trial.

In May of 2021, a jury convicted Compass of first-degree felony murder after her 2-year-old son died from ingesting methadone. A Sedgwick County jury deliberated about two hours before finding Kimberly Compass guilty in the death of Zayden JayNesahkluah.

Zayden died of a methadone overdose in a Wichita motel on May 31, 2019. Prosecutors accused Compass of mishandling three bottles of methadone, which had been prescribed to help her kick a heroin habit. It remains unclear exactly how the boy got ahold of the methadone.

Her defense attorney argued throughout the trial that Compass didn't know the boy ingested the drug.&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=423883">Compass remains</a> in the custody of the Sedgwick County jail.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621892806239.png" alt="Compass-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Compass-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman convicted in the death of her 2-year-old son will return to court Monday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Judge Jeffrey Goering will hold a hearing for 27-year-old Kimberly Compass of Wichita, in her effort to get a new trial.In May of 2021, a jury convicted Compass of first-degree felony murder after her 2-year-old son died from ingesting methadone. A Sedgwick County jury deliberated about two hours before finding Kimberly Compass guilty in the death of Zayden JayNesahkluah.Zayden died of a methadone overdose in a Wichita motel on May 31, 2019. Prosecutors accused Compass of mishandling three bottles of methadone, which had been prescribed to help her kick a heroin habit. It remains unclear exactly how the boy got ahold of the methadone.Her defense attorney argued throughout the trial that Compass didn't know the boy ingested the drug.&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=423883">Compass remains</a> in the custody of the Sedgwick County jail.-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kan. woman convicted in toddler's methadone death wants new trial

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a shooting&nbsp; at a Kansas mall.

Just before 4:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to an armed disturbance at the Oak Park Mall in 11400 block of W.95th in Overland Park, according to Officer John Lacy.

  As the two male suspects were trying to exit the mall near the food court, three plain clothes detectives identified themselves and attempted to apprehend both suspects. 

 During the apprehension, one male suspect resisted arrest, a struggle occurred, and the suspect was able to obtain one of the detective’s issued firearm. 

 The suspect was able to pull the trigger, firing one shot. This suspect was apprehended.  The other suspect ran north of the mall and was immediately apprehended.  No one was injured in this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699835246647.png" alt="A view of the Oak Park Mall parking lot Sunday afternoon-photoKCTV" />
 <figcaption>A view of the Oak Park Mall parking lot Sunday afternoon-photoKCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a shooting&nbsp; at a Kansas mall.Just before 4:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to an armed disturbance at the Oak Park Mall in 11400 block of W.95th in Overland Park, according to Officer John Lacy. As the two male suspects were trying to exit the mall near the food court, three plain clothes detectives identified themselves and attempted to apprehend both suspects. During the apprehension, one male suspect resisted arrest, a struggle occurred, and the suspect was able to obtain one of the detective’s issued firearm. The suspect was able to pull the trigger, firing one shot. This suspect was apprehended. The other suspect ran north of the mall and was immediately apprehended. No one was injured in this incident.Police released no additional details.

Suspect fired Kan. detective's firearm during shopping mall arrest

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on two locations in eastern Syria involving Iranian-backed groups, hitting a training location and a weapons facility, according to the Pentagon and U.S. officials. It marks the third time in a bit more than two weeks that the U.S. has retaliated against the militants for what has been a growing number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-navy-warship-missiles-intercepted-2f5fc9c8a3737f762b29d5c53ec08a5b" target="_blank">attacks on bases housing U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;in Iraq and Syria.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes targeted sites near Abukama and Mayadin and were used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as Iran-backed militias.

“The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin said.

A U.S. official said one site also included weapons storage. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a military operation.

The militant groups, many operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have carried out nearly 50 attacks since Oct. 17 on bases housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.

That was the day a powerful explosion rocked a Gaza hospital, killing hundreds and triggering protests in a number of Muslim nations. The Israeli military has relentlessly attacked Gaza in retaliation for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2" target="_blank">devastating Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7</a>. And a number of groups have vowed retaliation against the U.S. for backing Israel in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war" target="_blank">war against Hamas</a>.

According to the Pentagon, about 56 U.S. personnel have been injured in the attacks in Syria and Iraq, but all have returned to duty. Their injuries are a combination of traumatic brain injury and other minor wounds.

<a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=rec-reel-2n5-a-2:Mid%20Article%20Reco%20Reel%20Slider:" target="_blank">by Taboola&nbsp;</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on two locations in eastern Syria involving Iranian-backed groups, hitting a training location and a weapons facility, according to the Pentagon and U.S. officials. It marks the third time in a bit more than two weeks that the U.S. has retaliated against the militants for what has been a growing number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-navy-warship-missiles-intercepted-2f5fc9c8a3737f762b29d5c53ec08a5b" target="_blank">attacks on bases housing U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;in Iraq and Syria.In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes targeted sites near Abukama and Mayadin and were used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as Iran-backed militias.“The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin said.ADVERTISEMENTA U.S. official said one site also included weapons storage. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a military operation.The militant groups, many operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have carried out nearly 50 attacks since Oct. 17 on bases housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.That was the day a powerful explosion rocked a Gaza hospital, killing hundreds and triggering protests in a number of Muslim nations. The Israeli military has relentlessly attacked Gaza in retaliation for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2" target="_blank">devastating Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7</a>. And a number of groups have vowed retaliation against the U.S. for backing Israel in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war" target="_blank">war against Hamas</a>.According to the Pentagon, about 56 U.S. personnel have been injured in the attacks in Syria and Iraq, but all have returned to duty. Their injuries are a combination of traumatic brain injury and other minor wounds.<a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=rec-reel-2n5-a-2:Mid%20Article%20Reco%20Reel%20Slider:" target="_blank">by Taboola&nbsp;</a>

US launches additional airstrikes on Iran-backed groups in Syria

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly stabbing and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

Just before 4:30p.m. Saturday, a citizen transported a man to&nbsp; Fire Station #3 in Independence, Missouri, with apparent stab wounds, for medical treatment, according to a media release.

 As fire department personnel were rendering aid to the individual, he died of his injuries. 

 During the investigation, it was determined that the stabbing occurred in the area of Truman Road and Hardy Avenue.  Investigators are looking for a person of interest identified as 34-year-old Anthony J. Durkin.

  Durkin is described as a white male,  5-foot-10,&nbsp; 155 pounds, brown hair, and brown eyes. He has a tattoo “RESPETO” on the right side of his neck and tattoo&nbsp;“Scooby Doo”  on his right arm. 

 Durkin is homeless and frequents the area of 24 Highway and Sterling Avenue.

If Durkin is located, do not approach and call 911. 

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the KC Crimestoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or online at <a href="http://www.kccrimestoppers.com/?fbclid=IwAR1e1aZWF2h8Li82XImDwWCwEAr5J0spG2zuuxQjNN1jDySFMahM8-HzDb0" target="_blank">www.kccrimestoppers.com.</a>Photo of Anthony J. Durkin attached

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699792030729.png" alt="Durkin photo Independence Police" />
 <figcaption>Durkin photo Independence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly stabbing and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.Just before 4:30p.m. Saturday, a citizen transported a man to&nbsp; Fire Station #3 in Independence, Missouri, with apparent stab wounds, for medical treatment, according to a media release. As fire department personnel were rendering aid to the individual, he died of his injuries. During the investigation, it was determined that the stabbing occurred in the area of Truman Road and Hardy Avenue. Investigators are looking for a person of interest identified as 34-year-old Anthony J. Durkin. Durkin is described as a white male, 5-foot-10,&nbsp; 155 pounds, brown hair, and brown eyes. He has a tattoo “RESPETO” on the right side of his neck and tattoo&nbsp;“Scooby Doo” on his right arm. Durkin is homeless and frequents the area of 24 Highway and Sterling Avenue.If Durkin is located, do not approach and call 911. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the KC Crimestoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or online at <a href="http://www.kccrimestoppers.com/?fbclid=IwAR1e1aZWF2h8Li82XImDwWCwEAr5J0spG2zuuxQjNN1jDySFMahM8-HzDb0" target="_blank">www.kccrimestoppers.com.</a>Photo of Anthony J. Durkin attached

Wanted murder suspect has “Scooby Doo” tattoo on right arm

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a semi fire that shut down a portion of the interstate on Saturday.

Just after 7 p.m., Fire District #1 Of Johnson County was dispatched to a vehicle fire in the area of Southbound Interstate 35 just South of Homestead Lane in Edgerton, Kansas, according to a media release.

The dispatch center received multiple calls stating that a semi was on fire.While units were responding, a column of smoke could be seen. Units arrived on the scene to find the semi fully involved with fire while the attached trailer was beginning to catch fire. 

A small area of grass near the involved semi also caught fire which was quickly contained.The occupants of the semi were able to get out of the vehicle safely and unharmed. 

The semi is deemed a total loss while the attached trailer received fire and smoke damage. The attached trailer had no hazardous materials on board and was only carrying meat. 

During the incident, the Southbound lanes of I-35 were closed momentarily to provide a safe working environment for crews. Once the fire was contained, one lane was opened to allow traffic through.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699875600097.png" alt="Photo Fire District 1 of Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Photo Fire District 1 of Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a semi fire that shut down a portion of the interstate on Saturday.Just after 7 p.m., Fire District #1 Of Johnson County was dispatched to a vehicle fire in the area of Southbound Interstate 35 just South of Homestead Lane in Edgerton, Kansas, according to a media release.The dispatch center received multiple calls stating that a semi was on fire.While units were responding, a column of smoke could be seen. Units arrived on the scene to find the semi fully involved with fire while the attached trailer was beginning to catch fire. A small area of grass near the involved semi also caught fire which was quickly contained.The occupants of the semi were able to get out of the vehicle safely and unharmed. The semi is deemed a total loss while the attached trailer received fire and smoke damage. The attached trailer had no hazardous materials on board and was only carrying meat. During the incident, the Southbound lanes of I-35 were closed momentarily to provide a safe working environment for crews. Once the fire was contained, one lane was opened to allow traffic through.&nbsp;

Cause of semi-trailer fire in Kansas still under investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) — The credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service lowered its outlook on the U.S. government’s debt on Friday to “negative” from “stable,” citing the cost of rising interest rates and political polarization in Congress.

Moody’s retained its top triple-A credit rating on U.S. government debt, though it is the last of the three major credit rating agencies to do so. Fitch Ratings lowered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-rating-downgrade-deficit-68fb6c578190d8361b6639e603714e5a" target="_blank">its rating to AA+ from AAA in August</a>, and Standard &amp; Poor’s downgraded the U.S. in 2011. A reduced outlook, however, raises the risk that Moody’s could eventually strip its triple-A rating from the U.S. as well.

A lower rating on U.S. debt could cost taxpayers if it leads borrowers to demand higher interest rates on Treasury bills and notes. The yield on the 10-year Treasury has risen significantly since July, from about 3.9% to 4.6% Friday, an unusually sharp rise.

Some market analysts have said the August Fitch downgrade may have contributed to that increase, though most point to other factors as bigger drivers, such as the Federal Reserve’s commitment to keeping its benchmark rate at a 22-year high to battle inflation.

“In the context of higher interest rates, without effective fiscal policy measures to reduce government spending or increase revenues, Moody’s expects that the U.S.'s fiscal deficits will remain very large, significantly weakening debt affordability,” the agency said in a statement.

The Biden administration criticized Moody’s decision.

“While the statement by Moody’s maintains the United States’ Aaa rating, we disagree with the shift to a negative outlook,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said. “The American economy remains strong, and Treasury securities are the world’s preeminent safe and liquid asset.”

The federal government’s budget deficit jumped to $1.7 trillion in the budget year that ended Sept. 30, up from $1.38 trillion the previous year. Analysts have warned that with interest rates heading higher, interest costs on the national debt will eat up a rising share of tax revenue.

Separately, congressional lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-budget-e7d934001b1e00817deb8f33a2b6852f" target="_blank">left Washington for the weekend</a>&nbsp;without a plan to avoid a potential government shutdown that could occur by Nov. 17. Moody’s cited congressional dysfunction as one reason it lowered its outlook on U.S. debt.

“Recently, multiple events have illustrated the depth of political divisions in the U.S.: Renewed debt limit brinkmanship, the first ouster of a House Speaker in U.S. history, prolonged inability of Congress to select a new House Speaker, and increased threats of another partial government shutdown,” Moody’s said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service lowered its outlook on the U.S. government’s debt on Friday to “negative” from “stable,” citing the cost of rising interest rates and political polarization in Congress.Moody’s retained its top triple-A credit rating on U.S. government debt, though it is the last of the three major credit rating agencies to do so. Fitch Ratings lowered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-rating-downgrade-deficit-68fb6c578190d8361b6639e603714e5a" target="_blank">its rating to AA+ from AAA in August</a>, and Standard &amp; Poor’s downgraded the U.S. in 2011. A reduced outlook, however, raises the risk that Moody’s could eventually strip its triple-A rating from the U.S. as well.A lower rating on U.S. debt could cost taxpayers if it leads borrowers to demand higher interest rates on Treasury bills and notes. The yield on the 10-year Treasury has risen significantly since July, from about 3.9% to 4.6% Friday, an unusually sharp rise.Some market analysts have said the August Fitch downgrade may have contributed to that increase, though most point to other factors as bigger drivers, such as the Federal Reserve’s commitment to keeping its benchmark rate at a 22-year high to battle inflation.“In the context of higher interest rates, without effective fiscal policy measures to reduce government spending or increase revenues, Moody’s expects that the U.S.'s fiscal deficits will remain very large, significantly weakening debt affordability,” the agency said in a statement.The Biden administration criticized Moody’s decision.“While the statement by Moody’s maintains the United States’ Aaa rating, we disagree with the shift to a negative outlook,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said. “The American economy remains strong, and Treasury securities are the world’s preeminent safe and liquid asset.”The federal government’s budget deficit jumped to $1.7 trillion in the budget year that ended Sept. 30, up from $1.38 trillion the previous year. Analysts have warned that with interest rates heading higher, interest costs on the national debt will eat up a rising share of tax revenue.Separately, congressional lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-budget-e7d934001b1e00817deb8f33a2b6852f" target="_blank">left Washington for the weekend</a>&nbsp;without a plan to avoid a potential government shutdown that could occur by Nov. 17. Moody’s cited congressional dysfunction as one reason it lowered its outlook on U.S. debt.“Recently, multiple events have illustrated the depth of political divisions in the U.S.: Renewed debt limit brinkmanship, the first ouster of a House Speaker in U.S. history, prolonged inability of Congress to select a new House Speaker, and increased threats of another partial government shutdown,” Moody’s said.

Moody's warns America: AAA credit rating is at risk

SEDGWICK COUNTY- A Kansas man was sentenced last week for a fatal stabbing in July.

Pedro Hernandez,28, was sentenced to almost 9-years in prison&nbsp; for fatally stabbing 30-year-oldShawn Gomez, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 2p.m. July 8, police responded to the the 2600 Block of East Harry in Wichita and found Gomez with a stab wound to his chest, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that Gomez and the suspect were involved in a physical altercation when Hernandez stabbed Gomez and fled.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Hernandez is also required to register as a violent offender and have post-release supervision, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699581128012.png" alt="Hernandez-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hernandez-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY- A Kansas man was sentenced last week for a fatal stabbing in July.Pedro Hernandez,28, was sentenced to almost 9-years in prison&nbsp; for fatally stabbing 30-year-oldShawn Gomez, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 2p.m. July 8, police responded to the the 2600 Block of East Harry in Wichita and found Gomez with a stab wound to his chest, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;The investigation revealed that Gomez and the suspect were involved in a physical altercation when Hernandez stabbed Gomez and fled.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hernandez is also required to register as a violent offender and have post-release supervision, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas man sentenced for knife fight killing

KANSAS CITY – A former bank branch manager in Kansas City has pleaded guilty in federal court to accepting Kansas City Chiefs playoffs tickets and a new Chevrolet Tahoe in exchange for facilitating a $12.4 million Covid fraud scheme by a Jefferson City, Mo., business owner, as well as a separate fraud scheme to receive unemployment benefits, according to the United State's Attorney.

Anthony Omar Brockman, 48, who currently resides in Bennington, Nebraska, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., on Nov. 7, to one count of wire fraud, one count of receiving gifts for procuring loans, and one count of money laundering.

Brockman was the branch manager of the Truman Hospital location of US Bank in Kansas City, Mo., until the COVID-19 pandemic caused the bank branch to close. Brockman was reassigned to US Bank’s Paycheck Protection Program project from April 12 through July 19, 2020. Brockman was then returned to his role as on-site manager at the Truman Hospital bank branch until May 22, 2021.

On March 27, 2020, The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these programs, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments.

By pleading guilty, Brockman admitted that he assisted and facilitated fraudulent PPP loan applications for Tod Ray Keilholz, the owner of TRK Construction, LLC, TRK Valpo, LLC, TL Builders, LLC, and Project Design, LLC, in Jefferson City. Keilholz has been charged in a separate indictment for his role in a more than $27.1 million bank fraud scheme that included more than $12.4 million in PPP loans for his businesses.

According to that separate indictment, Keilholz received a total of $12,430,932 in PPP loans for his four businesses. In each of those loan applications, the indictment says, Keilholz failed to disclose his ownership in the other three businesses, and made materially false and fraudulent claims in the loan applications and supporting documentation. Keilholz allegedly inflated the income of those businesses and claimed payrolls for employees who did not exist or no longer worked for him.

Brockman admitted that he received gifts in exchange for assisting Keilholz in procuring those loans. On Nov. 4, 2020, Keilholz used PPP loan proceeds to pay for a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe that he gave to Brockman. Brockman admitted that the gift was intended to influence and reward him in connection with Keilholz’s applications for PPP loans and for the forgiveness of PPP loans.

Brockman also admitted that he received tickets from Keilholz to the Jan. 24, 2021, AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. In pleading guilty to money laundering, Brockman admitted that he signed an affidavit gifting the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe to Rich Girl, Rich Boy Prep, Inc., a charity of which his wife was the Chief Executive Officer. On May 25, 2021, Brockman transferred the title to the Tahoe to Rich Girl, Rich Boy Prep but continued to drive the Tahoe until he sold it in July 2022.

In pleading guilty to wire fraud, Brockman admitted that he fraudulently received $11,040 in unemployment benefits from March 27, 2020, to Nov. 4, 2021, while he was employed by US Bank. Brockman falsely claimed he was unemployed when he applied for unemployment benefits via the internet, then repeated that false claim in 11 subsequent weekly online applications submitted to the state.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Brockman must pay the government a $84,582 money judgment, which represents the proceeds he obtained from the offenses.

Under federal statutes, Brockman is subject to a sentence of up to 70 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau-Office of Inspector General, the Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.

KANSAS CITY – A former bank branch manager in Kansas City has pleaded guilty in federal court to accepting Kansas City Chiefs playoffs tickets and a new Chevrolet Tahoe in exchange for facilitating a $12.4 million Covid fraud scheme by a Jefferson City, Mo., business owner, as well as a separate fraud scheme to receive unemployment benefits, according to the United State's Attorney.Anthony Omar Brockman, 48, who currently resides in Bennington, Nebraska, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., on Nov. 7, to one count of wire fraud, one count of receiving gifts for procuring loans, and one count of money laundering.Brockman was the branch manager of the Truman Hospital location of US Bank in Kansas City, Mo., until the COVID-19 pandemic caused the bank branch to close. Brockman was reassigned to US Bank’s Paycheck Protection Program project from April 12 through July 19, 2020. Brockman was then returned to his role as on-site manager at the Truman Hospital bank branch until May 22, 2021.On March 27, 2020, The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these programs, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments.By pleading guilty, Brockman admitted that he assisted and facilitated fraudulent PPP loan applications for Tod Ray Keilholz, the owner of TRK Construction, LLC, TRK Valpo, LLC, TL Builders, LLC, and Project Design, LLC, in Jefferson City. Keilholz has been charged in a separate indictment for his role in a more than $27.1 million bank fraud scheme that included more than $12.4 million in PPP loans for his businesses.According to that separate indictment, Keilholz received a total of $12,430,932 in PPP loans for his four businesses. In each of those loan applications, the indictment says, Keilholz failed to disclose his ownership in the other three businesses, and made materially false and fraudulent claims in the loan applications and supporting documentation. Keilholz allegedly inflated the income of those businesses and claimed payrolls for employees who did not exist or no longer worked for him.Brockman admitted that he received gifts in exchange for assisting Keilholz in procuring those loans. On Nov. 4, 2020, Keilholz used PPP loan proceeds to pay for a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe that he gave to Brockman. Brockman admitted that the gift was intended to influence and reward him in connection with Keilholz’s applications for PPP loans and for the forgiveness of PPP loans.Brockman also admitted that he received tickets from Keilholz to the Jan. 24, 2021, AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. In pleading guilty to money laundering, Brockman admitted that he signed an affidavit gifting the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe to Rich Girl, Rich Boy Prep, Inc., a charity of which his wife was the Chief Executive Officer. On May 25, 2021, Brockman transferred the title to the Tahoe to Rich Girl, Rich Boy Prep but continued to drive the Tahoe until he sold it in July 2022.In pleading guilty to wire fraud, Brockman admitted that he fraudulently received $11,040 in unemployment benefits from March 27, 2020, to Nov. 4, 2021, while he was employed by US Bank. Brockman falsely claimed he was unemployed when he applied for unemployment benefits via the internet, then repeated that false claim in 11 subsequent weekly online applications submitted to the state.Under the terms of his plea agreement, Brockman must pay the government a $84,582 money judgment, which represents the proceeds he obtained from the offenses.Under federal statutes, Brockman is subject to a sentence of up to 70 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau-Office of Inspector General, the Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.

KC bank manager got Chiefs tickets for aiding $12M Covid scheme

BERLIN (AP) — Five U.S. servicepeople were killed when a military helicopter crashed over the eastern Mediterranean Sea during a training mission, U.S. officials said Sunday.

The military's European Command said all five crew members on board were killed when the aircraft went down “during a routine air refueling mission as part of military training.”

The military first announced the crash&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-aircraft-crash-mediterranean-50b45d9fc4956ede96076a7d21f42eb4">on Saturday</a>&nbsp;and said that the cause is under investigation, but there are no indications of any hostile activity involved. It said on Sunday that “search and rescue efforts began immediately, including nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that “we mourn the tragic loss of five U.S. service members during a training accident in the Mediterranean Sea early Saturday morning."

“While we continue to gather more information about this deadly crash, it is another stark reminder that the brave men and women who defend our great nation put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our country safe,” he said.

European Command said that out of respect for the families of the service members and in line with Department of Defense policy, the identities of the crew members are being withheld for 24 hours until the families of those killed have been notified.

It wasn’t immediately clear which military service the aircraft belonged to. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/air-force">Air Force</a>&nbsp;has sent additional squadrons to the region and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which has an array of aircraft on board, has also been operating in the eastern Mediterranean.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699821775651.png" alt="U.S. European Command" />
 <figcaption>U.S. European Command</figcaption>
 </figure>BERLIN (AP) — Five U.S. servicepeople were killed when a military helicopter crashed over the eastern Mediterranean Sea during a training mission, U.S. officials said Sunday.The military's European Command said all five crew members on board were killed when the aircraft went down “during a routine air refueling mission as part of military training.”The military first announced the crash&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-aircraft-crash-mediterranean-50b45d9fc4956ede96076a7d21f42eb4">on Saturday</a>&nbsp;and said that the cause is under investigation, but there are no indications of any hostile activity involved. It said on Sunday that “search and rescue efforts began immediately, including nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships.”U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that “we mourn the tragic loss of five U.S. service members during a training accident in the Mediterranean Sea early Saturday morning."“While we continue to gather more information about this deadly crash, it is another stark reminder that the brave men and women who defend our great nation put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our country safe,” he said.European Command said that out of respect for the families of the service members and in line with Department of Defense policy, the identities of the crew members are being withheld for 24 hours until the families of those killed have been notified.It wasn’t immediately clear which military service the aircraft belonged to. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/air-force">Air Force</a>&nbsp;has sent additional squadrons to the region and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which has an array of aircraft on board, has also been operating in the eastern Mediterranean.

5 U.S. service members killed in crash over Mediterranean Sea

HAMILTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 2a.m. Sunday in Hamilton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Nissan Altima driven by Ronny A.&nbsp;Gavarrete, 18, Syracuse, Kansas, was eastbound on U.S. 50 approximately five miles west of Syracuse.

The car crossed the centerline, left the road to the north, traveled over a guardrail, became airborne, struck a cement retaining wall of the bridge and caught fire.

Gavarrete was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Fellers Funeral Home. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

HAMILTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 2a.m. Sunday in Hamilton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Nissan Altima driven by Ronny A.&nbsp;Gavarrete, 18, Syracuse, Kansas, was eastbound on U.S. 50 approximately five miles west of Syracuse.The car crossed the centerline, left the road to the north, traveled over a guardrail, became airborne, struck a cement retaining wall of the bridge and caught fire.Gavarrete was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Fellers Funeral Home. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen dies after violent crash and fire

NEW YORK (AP) — The proportion of U.S. kindergartners exempted from school vaccination requirements has hit its highest level ever, 3%, U.S. health officials said Thursday.

More parents are questioning routine childhood vaccinations that they used to automatically accept, an effect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-governor-hutchinson-covid-vaccine-hesitancy-09cadd2e75ddd5a4c0758b2cb1b6cbfd">the political schism</a>&nbsp;that emerged during the pandemic around COVID-19 vaccines, experts say.

Even though more kids were given exemptions, the national vaccination rate held steady: 93% of kindergarteners got their required shots for the 2022-2023 school year, the same as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-immunizations-children-measles-acba3eb975fdfcd41732ed87511387f2">the year before</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7245a2.htm?s_cid=mm7245a2_w">in a report</a>&nbsp;Thursday. The rate was 95% in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The bad news is that it’s gone down since the pandemic and still hasn’t rebounded,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, a University of Colorado pediatric infectious diseases specialist. “The good news is that the vast majority of parents are still vaccinating their kids according to the recommended schedule.”

All U.S. states and territories require that children attending child care centers and schools be vaccinated against&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by-age/years-4-6.html">a number of diseases</a>, including, measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, whooping cough and chickenpox.

All states allow exemptions for children with medical conditions that prevents them from receiving certain vaccines. And most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/health/states-with-religious-and-philosophical-exemptions-from-school-immunization-requirements">also permit exemptions</a>&nbsp;for religious or other nonmedical reasons.

In the last decade, the percentage of kindergarteners with medical exemptions has held steady, at about 0.2%. But the percentage with nonmedical exemptions has inched up, lifting the overall exemption rate from 1.6% in the 2011-2012 school year to 3% last year.

Last year, more than 115,000 kindergartners were exempt from at least one vaccine, the CDC estimated.

Ten states — all in the West or Midwest — reported that more than 5% of kindergartners were exempted from at least one kind of required vaccine. Idaho had the highest percentage, with 12% of kindergartners receiving at least one exemption. In contrast, 0.1% had exemptions in New York.

The rates can be influenced by state laws or policies can make it harder or easier to obtain exemptions, and by local attitudes among families and doctors about the need to get children vaccinated.

“Sometimes these jumps in exemptions can be very local, and it may not reflect a whole state,” said O’Leary, who chairs an American Academy of Pediatrics committee on infectious diseases.

Hawaii saw the largest jump, with the exemption rate rising to 6.4%, nearly double the year before.

Officials there said it’s not due to any law or policy change. Rather, “we have observed that there has been misinformation/disinformation impacting people’s decision to vaccinate or not via social media platforms,” officials at the state’s health department said in a statement.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connecticut-religion-health-education-government-and-politics-6d9ce916908bbdacce4e7a7840a57a87">Connecticut</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-maine-coronavirus-pandemic-67b7dd0f9f93615928efbbc9c46baf5e">Maine</a>&nbsp;saw significant declines, which CDC officials attributed to recent policy changes that made it harder to get exemptions.

Health officials say attaining 95% vaccination coverage is important to prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases, especially of measles, which is extremely contagious.

The U.S. has seen measles outbreaks begin when travelers infected elsewhere came to communities with low vaccination rates. That happened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2561e6a7023dccec900420578d758526">in 2019</a>&nbsp;when about 1,300 measles cases were reported — the most in the U.S. in nearly 30 years. Most of the cases were in were in Orthodox Jewish communities with low vaccination rates.

One apparent paradox in the report: The national vaccination rate held steady even as exemptions increased. How could that be?

CDC officials say it’s because there are actually three groups of children in the vaccination statistics. One is those who get all the shots. A second is those who get exemptions. The third are children who didn't seek exemptions but also didn’t get all their shots and paperwork completed at the time the data was collected.

“Last year, those kids in that third group probably decreased,” offsetting the increase in the exemption group, the CDC’s Shannon Stokley said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671049425198.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The proportion of U.S. kindergartners exempted from school vaccination requirements has hit its highest level ever, 3%, U.S. health officials said Thursday.More parents are questioning routine childhood vaccinations that they used to automatically accept, an effect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-governor-hutchinson-covid-vaccine-hesitancy-09cadd2e75ddd5a4c0758b2cb1b6cbfd">the political schism</a>&nbsp;that emerged during the pandemic around COVID-19 vaccines, experts say.Even though more kids were given exemptions, the national vaccination rate held steady: 93% of kindergarteners got their required shots for the 2022-2023 school year, the same as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-immunizations-children-measles-acba3eb975fdfcd41732ed87511387f2">the year before</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7245a2.htm?s_cid=mm7245a2_w">in a report</a>&nbsp;Thursday. The rate was 95% in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic.“The bad news is that it’s gone down since the pandemic and still hasn’t rebounded,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, a University of Colorado pediatric infectious diseases specialist. “The good news is that the vast majority of parents are still vaccinating their kids according to the recommended schedule.”All U.S. states and territories require that children attending child care centers and schools be vaccinated against&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by-age/years-4-6.html">a number of diseases</a>, including, measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, whooping cough and chickenpox.All states allow exemptions for children with medical conditions that prevents them from receiving certain vaccines. And most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/health/states-with-religious-and-philosophical-exemptions-from-school-immunization-requirements">also permit exemptions</a>&nbsp;for religious or other nonmedical reasons.In the last decade, the percentage of kindergarteners with medical exemptions has held steady, at about 0.2%. But the percentage with nonmedical exemptions has inched up, lifting the overall exemption rate from 1.6% in the 2011-2012 school year to 3% last year.Last year, more than 115,000 kindergartners were exempt from at least one vaccine, the CDC estimated.The rates vary across the country.Ten states — all in the West or Midwest — reported that more than 5% of kindergartners were exempted from at least one kind of required vaccine. Idaho had the highest percentage, with 12% of kindergartners receiving at least one exemption. In contrast, 0.1% had exemptions in New York.The rates can be influenced by state laws or policies can make it harder or easier to obtain exemptions, and by local attitudes among families and doctors about the need to get children vaccinated.“Sometimes these jumps in exemptions can be very local, and it may not reflect a whole state,” said O’Leary, who chairs an American Academy of Pediatrics committee on infectious diseases.Hawaii saw the largest jump, with the exemption rate rising to 6.4%, nearly double the year before.Officials there said it’s not due to any law or policy change. Rather, “we have observed that there has been misinformation/disinformation impacting people’s decision to vaccinate or not via social media platforms,” officials at the state’s health department said in a statement.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connecticut-religion-health-education-government-and-politics-6d9ce916908bbdacce4e7a7840a57a87">Connecticut</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-maine-coronavirus-pandemic-67b7dd0f9f93615928efbbc9c46baf5e">Maine</a>&nbsp;saw significant declines, which CDC officials attributed to recent policy changes that made it harder to get exemptions.Health officials say attaining 95% vaccination coverage is important to prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases, especially of measles, which is extremely contagious.The U.S. has seen measles outbreaks begin when travelers infected elsewhere came to communities with low vaccination rates. That happened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2561e6a7023dccec900420578d758526">in 2019</a>&nbsp;when about 1,300 measles cases were reported — the most in the U.S. in nearly 30 years. Most of the cases were in were in Orthodox Jewish communities with low vaccination rates.One apparent paradox in the report: The national vaccination rate held steady even as exemptions increased. How could that be?CDC officials say it’s because there are actually three groups of children in the vaccination statistics. One is those who get all the shots. A second is those who get exemptions. The third are children who didn't seek exemptions but also didn’t get all their shots and paperwork completed at the time the data was collected.“Last year, those kids in that third group probably decreased,” offsetting the increase in the exemption group, the CDC’s Shannon Stokley said.

U.S. childhood vaccination exemptions reach their highest level ever

LYONS —Fire crews and other city employees helped with traffic control following a building collapse Sunday morning in downtown Lyons.

According to a release from the city, at 10 a.m. Sunday, firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of West Main Street in response to a report of a structural collapse in the downtown business district.&nbsp;

A two-story building had partially collapsed on the north side of the square in Lyons. The building was vacant, as it was Sunday morning and business owners confirmed no one was inside.&nbsp;

Emergency crews remained on site for the rest of the day and strategically placed barricades to provide for public safety.

The City's response to this incident will likely last for several weeks.&nbsp;

Lyons emergency responders thanked Rice, Barton and Pratt County Emergency Management, Rice and Barton County Public Works, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Department of Transportation and Task Force 5 from Winfield, who provided the services of a structural engineer. The City also thanked numerous citizens who provided food and water to the workers on scene on Sunday.

LYONS —Fire crews and other city employees helped with traffic control following a building collapse Sunday morning in downtown Lyons.According to a release from the city, at 10 a.m. Sunday, firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of West Main Street in response to a report of a structural collapse in the downtown business district.&nbsp;A two-story building had partially collapsed on the north side of the square in Lyons. The building was vacant, as it was Sunday morning and business owners confirmed no one was inside.&nbsp;Emergency crews remained on site for the rest of the day and strategically placed barricades to provide for public safety.The City's response to this incident will likely last for several weeks.&nbsp;Lyons emergency responders thanked Rice, Barton and Pratt County Emergency Management, Rice and Barton County Public Works, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Department of Transportation and Task Force 5 from Winfield, who provided the services of a structural engineer. The City also thanked numerous citizens who provided food and water to the workers on scene on Sunday.

Partial building collapse in downtown Lyons  

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the driver who struck and killed 30-year-old John Paul Scheidecker on July 30.

Just before 4 a.m. on that Sunday, deputies were dispatched to an accident in the area of NE 120th Street between A Highway and Fishing River Road, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office.

Scheidecker’s family is offering the reward through Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers. 

Anyone with information about the incident can remain anonymous and be eligible for the cash reward by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477) or reporting it online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=452&amp;CX=659cd5.

Deputies were dispatched to the area of NE 120th Street between A Highway and Fishing River Road at 3:54 a.m. July 30, where they found Scheidecker’s body. Scheidecker had pulled over and was outside his vehicle when he was hit.

The suspect vehicle did not stop. Investigators have pursued a variety of leads of but still need more information to identify a suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692979085058.png" alt="Clay County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Clay County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the driver who struck and killed 30-year-old John Paul Scheidecker on July 30.Just before 4 a.m. on that Sunday, deputies were dispatched to an accident in the area of NE 120th Street between A Highway and Fishing River Road, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office.Scheidecker’s family is offering the reward through Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers. Anyone with information about the incident can remain anonymous and be eligible for the cash reward by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477) or reporting it online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=452&amp;CX=659cd5.Deputies were dispatched to the area of NE 120th Street between A Highway and Fishing River Road at 3:54 a.m. July 30, where they found Scheidecker’s body. Scheidecker had pulled over and was outside his vehicle when he was hit.The suspect vehicle did not stop. Investigators have pursued a variety of leads of but still need more information to identify a suspect.

Reward offered in deadly KC-area hit-and-run

Fire destroyed the home belonging to Robert and Tammy Smith at the northwest corner of the K-18 - Sage Road intersection in Dickinson County early Friday morning. According to Paul Froelich Fire Chief for Dickinson County Rural Fire District One, they both the escaped the burning house. Two dogs also escaped but one dog died.&nbsp;

Froelich estimated the damage at approximately $250,000. Cause of the blaze which was reported about 1:30 a.m. is being listed as undetermined due to the hot nature of the fire.

Froelich noted that the occupants escaped with only the clothing they were wearing. Churches and the Red Cross are providing assistance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699627451638.jpeg" alt="Photo Dickinson Co. Fire Chief Paul Froelich" />
 <figcaption>Photo Dickinson Co. Fire Chief Paul Froelich</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostFire destroyed the home belonging to Robert and Tammy Smith at the northwest corner of the K-18 - Sage Road intersection in Dickinson County early Friday morning. According to Paul Froelich Fire Chief for Dickinson County Rural Fire District One, they both the escaped the burning house. Two dogs also escaped but one dog died.&nbsp;Froelich estimated the damage at approximately $250,000. Cause of the blaze which was reported about 1:30 a.m. is being listed as undetermined due to the hot nature of the fire.Froelich noted that the occupants escaped with only the clothing they were wearing. Churches and the Red Cross are providing assistance.

$250,000 fire damage at rural Kansas home

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday ordered the removal of the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-us-bishops-lgbtq-women-pope-francis-81a602274dd604b7cc532425a289b00c">conservative prelate</a>&nbsp;active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy.

A one-line statement from the Vatican said Francis had “relieved” Bishop Joseph Strickland of the pastoral governance of Tyler and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator.

Strickland, 65, has emerged as a leading critic of Francis, accusing him in a tweet earlier this year of “undermining the deposit of faith.” He has been particularly critical of Francis’ recent meeting on the future of the Catholic Church during which hot-button issues were discussed, including ways to better welcome LGBTQ+ Catholics.

Earlier this year, the Vatican sent in investigators to look into his governance of the diocese, amid reports that priests and laypeople in Tyler had complained and that he was making unorthodox claims.

The Vatican never released the findings and Strickland had insisted he wouldn’t resign voluntarily, saying in media interviews that he was given a mandate to serve as bishop in 2012 by the late Pope Benedict XVI and couldn’t abdicate that responsibility.

The conservative website LifeSiteNews, which said it interviewed Strickland on Saturday, quoted him as saying one of the reasons given for his ouster was his refusal to implement Francis' 2021 restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass.

Francis' crackdown on the old liturgy has become a rallying cry for traditionalist Catholics opposed to the pontiff's progressive bent. Strickland told LifeSite he refused to implement the restrictions “because I can’t starve out part of my flock.”

He said he stood by his decision, would do it again and "I feel very much at peace in the Lord and the truth that he died for.”

His firing sparked an immediate outcry among some conservatives and traditionalists who had held up Strickland as a leading point of Catholic reference to counter Francis’ progressive reforms. Michael J. Matt, editor of the traditionalist newspaper The Remnant, wrote that with the firing, Francis was “actively trying to bury fidelity to the Church of Jesus Christ.”

“This is total war,” Matt wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Francis is a clear and present danger not only to Catholics the world over but also to the whole world itself.”

The two Vatican investigators sent into investigate Strickland — Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, N.J., and the retired bishop of Tucson, Ariz., Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas — “conducted an exhaustive inquiry into all aspects of the governance and leadership of the diocese,” said the head of the church in Texas, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo.

After their investigation, a recommendation was made to Francis that “the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible,” DiNardo said in a statement Saturday.

The Vatican asked Strickland to resign Thursday, but he declined, prompting Francis to remove him from office two days later, DiNardo's statement said.

It is rare for the pope to remove a bishop from office. Bishops are required to offer to resign when they reach 75. When the Vatican uncovers issues with governance or other problems that require a bishop to leave office before then, the Vatican usually seeks to pressure him to offer to resign for the good of his diocese and the church.

That was the case when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-knoxville-bishop-abuse-allegation-priest-b948a9ff8794e791af97906a2abd9302">another U.S. bishop was forced out</a>&nbsp;earlier this year following a Vatican investigation. Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tenn., resigned voluntarily, albeit under pressure, following allegations he mishandled sex abuse allegations and his priests complained about his leadership and behavior.

But with Strickland, the Vatican statement made clear that he had not offered to resign and that Francis had instead "relieved" him from his job.

Francis has not been shy about his concerns about the right wing in the U.S. Catholic hierarchy, which has been split between progressives and conservatives who long found support in the doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, particularly on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage.

In comments to Portuguese Jesuits in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-conservatives-abortion-us-bbfc346c117bd9ae68a1963478bea6b3">Francis blasted</a>&nbsp;the “backwardness” of these conservative bishops, saying they had replaced faith with ideology and that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time.

Strickland had been associated with the most extreme of these bishops, including the former Vatican ambassador to the U.S., Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a fierce Francis critic who in 2018 called for the pope to resign.

Strickland backed Vigano's conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic, and on Saturday Vigano wrote that Strickland's ouster showed a “cowardly form of authoritarianism” by Francis. “This affair will reveal who stands with the true Church of Christ and who chooses to stand with His declared enemies,” Vigano wrote on X.

Most recently, Strickland had criticized Francis’ monthlong closed-door debate on making the church more welcoming and responsive to the needs of Catholics today. The meeting debated a host of previously taboo issues, including women in governance roles and welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics, but in the end, its final document didn’t veer from established doctrine.

Ahead of the meeting, Strickland said it was a “travesty” that such things were even on the table for discussion.

”Regrettably, it may be that some will label as schismatics those who disagree with the changes being proposed,” Strickland wrote in a public letter in August. “Instead, those who would propose changes to that which cannot be changed seek to commandeer Christ’s Church, and they are indeed the true schismatics.”

In a statement Saturday, the diocese of Tyler announced Strickland's removal but said the church's work would continue in Tyler.

“Our mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to foster an authentic Christian community, and to serve the needs of all people with compassion and love,” it said.

In a social media post sent a few hours before the Vatican’s noon announcement, Strickland wrote a prayer about Christ being the “way, the truth and the life, yesterday, today and forever.” He had changed the handle from his previous @bishopoftyler to @BishStrickland.

The incoming temporary administrator for Tyler, Austin Bishop Joe Vásquez, said he would be travelling to the diocese over the coming weeks to be on hand for the priests, staff and lay faithful “to assess their needs.”

He asked for prayers for his work and the people of Tyler “during this time of transition.”

NEW YORK (AP) —In the United States, the national conference of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-bishops-lgbtq-transgender-health-care-d840600deab56a681e02d16463322892">Catholic bishops rejects</a>&nbsp;the concept of gender transition, leaving many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-united-states-gender-identity-marquette-368a622737d78df1f1f254a1e8e68aaf">transgender Catholics</a>&nbsp;feeling excluded.

Last week, the Vatican made public a sharply contrasting statement, saying it’s permissible, under certain circumstances, for trans people to be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents.

“It is a major step for trans inclusion … it is big and good news,” said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of Maryland-based New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater LGBTQ acceptance in the church.

The document was signed Oct. 21 by Pope Francis and Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, who heads the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It was posted Wednesday on that office's website.

If it did not cause scandal or “disorientation” among other Catholics, a transgender person “may receive baptism under the same conditions as other faithful,” the document said.

Similarly, the document said trans adults — even if they had undergone gender-transition surgery — could serve as godfathers or godmothers under certain conditions.

DeBernardo said this seemed to be a reversal of a 2015 Vatican decision to bar a trans man in Spain from becoming a godparent.

During his papacy, Pope Francis has frequently expressed an interest in making the Catholic Church&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">more welcoming to LGBTQ people</a>, even though doctrines rejecting same-sex marriage and sexual activity remain firmly in place.

A small but growing number of U.S. parishes have formed LGBTQ support groups and welcome transgender people on their own terms. Yet several Catholic dioceses have issued guidelines targeting trans people with restrictions and refusing to recognize their gender identity.

The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest who has advocated for years for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the church, welcomed the new document.

“In many dioceses and parishes, including in the US, transgender Catholics have been severely restricted from participating in the life of the church, not because of any canon law, but stemming from the decisions of bishops, priests and pastoral associates,” he said via email.

“So the Vatican’s statement is a clear recognition not only of their personhood, but of their place in their own church,” he said. “I hope that it helps the Catholic church treat them less as problems and more as people.”

According to the Vatican, the document was a response to a letter submitted in July by a Brazilian bishop asking about LGBTQ people’s possible participation in baptisms and weddings.

DeBernardo said the document “proves that the Catholic Church can — and does — change its mind about certain practices and policies," and he suggested that some diocesan anti-trans policies might now have to be rescinded. But he expressed disappointment that the document maintained a ban on same-sex couples serving as godparents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603292366279.png" alt="Pope Francis image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday ordered the removal of the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-us-bishops-lgbtq-women-pope-francis-81a602274dd604b7cc532425a289b00c">conservative prelate</a>&nbsp;active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy.A one-line statement from the Vatican said Francis had “relieved” Bishop Joseph Strickland of the pastoral governance of Tyler and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator.Strickland, 65, has emerged as a leading critic of Francis, accusing him in a tweet earlier this year of “undermining the deposit of faith.” He has been particularly critical of Francis’ recent meeting on the future of the Catholic Church during which hot-button issues were discussed, including ways to better welcome LGBTQ+ Catholics.Earlier this year, the Vatican sent in investigators to look into his governance of the diocese, amid reports that priests and laypeople in Tyler had complained and that he was making unorthodox claims.The Vatican never released the findings and Strickland had insisted he wouldn’t resign voluntarily, saying in media interviews that he was given a mandate to serve as bishop in 2012 by the late Pope Benedict XVI and couldn’t abdicate that responsibility.The conservative website LifeSiteNews, which said it interviewed Strickland on Saturday, quoted him as saying one of the reasons given for his ouster was his refusal to implement Francis' 2021 restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass.Francis' crackdown on the old liturgy has become a rallying cry for traditionalist Catholics opposed to the pontiff's progressive bent. Strickland told LifeSite he refused to implement the restrictions “because I can’t starve out part of my flock.”He said he stood by his decision, would do it again and "I feel very much at peace in the Lord and the truth that he died for.”His firing sparked an immediate outcry among some conservatives and traditionalists who had held up Strickland as a leading point of Catholic reference to counter Francis’ progressive reforms. Michael J. Matt, editor of the traditionalist newspaper The Remnant, wrote that with the firing, Francis was “actively trying to bury fidelity to the Church of Jesus Christ.”“This is total war,” Matt wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Francis is a clear and present danger not only to Catholics the world over but also to the whole world itself.”The two Vatican investigators sent into investigate Strickland — Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, N.J., and the retired bishop of Tucson, Ariz., Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas — “conducted an exhaustive inquiry into all aspects of the governance and leadership of the diocese,” said the head of the church in Texas, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo.After their investigation, a recommendation was made to Francis that “the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible,” DiNardo said in a statement Saturday.The Vatican asked Strickland to resign Thursday, but he declined, prompting Francis to remove him from office two days later, DiNardo's statement said.It is rare for the pope to remove a bishop from office. Bishops are required to offer to resign when they reach 75. When the Vatican uncovers issues with governance or other problems that require a bishop to leave office before then, the Vatican usually seeks to pressure him to offer to resign for the good of his diocese and the church.That was the case when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-knoxville-bishop-abuse-allegation-priest-b948a9ff8794e791af97906a2abd9302">another U.S. bishop was forced out</a>&nbsp;earlier this year following a Vatican investigation. Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tenn., resigned voluntarily, albeit under pressure, following allegations he mishandled sex abuse allegations and his priests complained about his leadership and behavior.But with Strickland, the Vatican statement made clear that he had not offered to resign and that Francis had instead "relieved" him from his job.Francis has not been shy about his concerns about the right wing in the U.S. Catholic hierarchy, which has been split between progressives and conservatives who long found support in the doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, particularly on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage.In comments to Portuguese Jesuits in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-conservatives-abortion-us-bbfc346c117bd9ae68a1963478bea6b3">Francis blasted</a>&nbsp;the “backwardness” of these conservative bishops, saying they had replaced faith with ideology and that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time.Strickland had been associated with the most extreme of these bishops, including the former Vatican ambassador to the U.S., Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a fierce Francis critic who in 2018 called for the pope to resign.Strickland backed Vigano's conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic, and on Saturday Vigano wrote that Strickland's ouster showed a “cowardly form of authoritarianism” by Francis. “This affair will reveal who stands with the true Church of Christ and who chooses to stand with His declared enemies,” Vigano wrote on X.Most recently, Strickland had criticized Francis’ monthlong closed-door debate on making the church more welcoming and responsive to the needs of Catholics today. The meeting debated a host of previously taboo issues, including women in governance roles and welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics, but in the end, its final document didn’t veer from established doctrine.Ahead of the meeting, Strickland said it was a “travesty” that such things were even on the table for discussion.”Regrettably, it may be that some will label as schismatics those who disagree with the changes being proposed,” Strickland wrote in a public letter in August. “Instead, those who would propose changes to that which cannot be changed seek to commandeer Christ’s Church, and they are indeed the true schismatics.”In a statement Saturday, the diocese of Tyler announced Strickland's removal but said the church's work would continue in Tyler.“Our mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to foster an authentic Christian community, and to serve the needs of all people with compassion and love,” it said.In a social media post sent a few hours before the Vatican’s noon announcement, Strickland wrote a prayer about Christ being the “way, the truth and the life, yesterday, today and forever.” He had changed the handle from his previous @bishopoftyler to @BishStrickland.The incoming temporary administrator for Tyler, Austin Bishop Joe Vásquez, said he would be travelling to the diocese over the coming weeks to be on hand for the priests, staff and lay faithful “to assess their needs.”He asked for prayers for his work and the people of Tyler “during this time of transition.”----------------NEW YORK (AP) —In the United States, the national conference of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-bishops-lgbtq-transgender-health-care-d840600deab56a681e02d16463322892">Catholic bishops rejects</a>&nbsp;the concept of gender transition, leaving many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-united-states-gender-identity-marquette-368a622737d78df1f1f254a1e8e68aaf">transgender Catholics</a>&nbsp;feeling excluded. Last week, the Vatican made public a sharply contrasting statement, saying it’s permissible, under certain circumstances, for trans people to be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents.“It is a major step for trans inclusion … it is big and good news,” said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of Maryland-based New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater LGBTQ acceptance in the church.The document was signed Oct. 21 by Pope Francis and Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, who heads the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It was posted Wednesday on that office's website.If it did not cause scandal or “disorientation” among other Catholics, a transgender person “may receive baptism under the same conditions as other faithful,” the document said.Similarly, the document said trans adults — even if they had undergone gender-transition surgery — could serve as godfathers or godmothers under certain conditions.DeBernardo said this seemed to be a reversal of a 2015 Vatican decision to bar a trans man in Spain from becoming a godparent.During his papacy, Pope Francis has frequently expressed an interest in making the Catholic Church&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">more welcoming to LGBTQ people</a>, even though doctrines rejecting same-sex marriage and sexual activity remain firmly in place.A small but growing number of U.S. parishes have formed LGBTQ support groups and welcome transgender people on their own terms. Yet several Catholic dioceses have issued guidelines targeting trans people with restrictions and refusing to recognize their gender identity.The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest who has advocated for years for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the church, welcomed the new document.“In many dioceses and parishes, including in the US, transgender Catholics have been severely restricted from participating in the life of the church, not because of any canon law, but stemming from the decisions of bishops, priests and pastoral associates,” he said via email.“So the Vatican’s statement is a clear recognition not only of their personhood, but of their place in their own church,” he said. “I hope that it helps the Catholic church treat them less as problems and more as people.”According to the Vatican, the document was a response to a letter submitted in July by a Brazilian bishop asking about LGBTQ people’s possible participation in baptisms and weddings.DeBernardo said the document “proves that the Catholic Church can — and does — change its mind about certain practices and policies," and he suggested that some diocesan anti-trans policies might now have to be rescinded. But he expressed disappointment that the document maintained a ban on same-sex couples serving as godparents.

Pope sparks outrage after firing Anti-LGBTQ Bishop

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;a homicide that left one man dead deceased and another injured.

Just after 9p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to an armed disturbance in the 500 block of North Marion Street in Olathe, according to Sergeant John Mancayo.

First responders found a 26-year-old man with an apparent stab wound. Officers conducted life-saving measures on the man, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.

Officers also found a 28-year-old man who sustained a non-life-threatening stab wound. That man was transported to an area hospital for further treatment.

Police took a 22-year-old suspect into custody. There is no active threat to the community.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;a homicide that left one man dead deceased and another injured.Just after 9p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to an armed disturbance in the 500 block of North Marion Street in Olathe, according to Sergeant John Mancayo.First responders found a 26-year-old man with an apparent stab wound. Officers conducted life-saving measures on the man, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.Officers also found a 28-year-old man who sustained a non-life-threatening stab wound. That man was transported to an area hospital for further treatment.Police took a 22-year-old suspect into custody. There is no active threat to the community.&nbsp;

Kansas man arrested for knife fight that left 1 dead, 1 injured

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

On October 11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

 First responders found 18-year-old s Ra’Juan Spicer,suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.&nbsp;

Police are attempting to locate Reginald Rucker-Plakio, 17, of Topeka, in reference to the homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699048664862.png" alt="Rucker-Plakio-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Rucker-Plakio-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a suspect.On October 11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks. First responders found 18-year-old s Ra’Juan Spicer,suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.&nbsp;Police are attempting to locate Reginald Rucker-Plakio, 17, of Topeka, in reference to the homicide.

Homicide: Search continues for Kan. teen for deadly shooting

KANSAS CITY (AP) — As a Jewish student, Eden Roth always has felt safe and welcome at Tulane University, where more than 40% of the students are Jewish. That has been tested by the aftermath of last month's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Hamas incursion into Israel.</a>

Graffiti appeared on the New Orleans campus with the message “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/river-sea-israel-gaza-hamas-protests-d7abbd756f481fe50b6fa5c0b907cd49">from the river to the sea</a>,” a rallying cry for pro-Palestinian activists. Then came a clash between dueling demonstrations, where a melee led to three arrests and left a Jewish student with a broken nose.

“I think that the shift of experience with Jews on campus was extremely shocking,” said Roth, who was in Israel last summer for a study-abroad program. “A lot of students come to Tulane because of the Jewish population — feeling like they’re supported, like a majority rather than a minority. And I think that’s definitely shifted.”

Tulane isn’t alone. On other campuses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271">long-simmering tensions</a>&nbsp;are erupting in violence and shattering the sense of safety that makes colleges hubs of free discourse. Students on both sides are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/antisemitism-islamophobia-colleges-biden-israel-hamas-57e32457f9113a168cc21d16fa008a79">witnessing acts of hate</a>, leaving many fearing for their safety even as they walk to classrooms.

Threats and clashes have sometimes come from within, including at Cornell, where a student is accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cornell-university-antisemitic-threats-jewish-students-a99394389d7a742412fa171eb8b57160">posting online threats against Jewish students</a>. A University of Massachusetts student was arrested after allegedly punching a Jewish student and spitting on an Israeli flag at a demonstration. At Stanford, an Arab Muslim student was hit by a car in a case being investigated as a hate crime.

The unease is felt acutely at Tulane, where 43% of students are Jewish, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hillel.org/top-60-jewish-colleges/">highest percentage</a>&nbsp;among colleges that are not explicitly Jewish.

“To see it on Tulane’s campus is definitely scary,” said Jacob Starr, a Jewish student from Massachusetts.

Within the student Jewish community, there is a range of perspectives on the conflict. The latest war began with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">an attack on Oct. 7</a>&nbsp;by Hamas militants who targeted towns, farming communities and a music festival near the Gaza border, killing more than 1,400 people. Israel has responded with weeks of attacks in Gaza, which have killed more than 10,800 people, according to the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>&nbsp;— most of them Palestinian civilians.

Emma Sackheim, a Jewish student from Los Angeles who attends Tulane's law school, said she grew up as a supporter of the Jewish state but now considers herself an opponent of Zionism. Sackheim says she knows students who oppose Israel’s policies “but don’t feel comfortable to publicly say anything.”

“I was standing on the Palestinian side,” she said when asked about the Oct. 26 demonstration, which took place along a public New Orleans street that runs through campus.

Still, she said Tulane is where she feels most comfortable as a Jew. "I know that I have so many options of community,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699356430721.png" alt="-Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vandalism report Monday night at the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, 1116 Indiana Street, in Lawrence, Kansas, according to a media release from Lawrence Police." />
 <figcaption>-Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vandalism report Monday night at the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, 1116 Indiana Street, in Lawrence, Kansas, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — As a Jewish student, Eden Roth always has felt safe and welcome at Tulane University, where more than 40% of the students are Jewish. That has been tested by the aftermath of last month's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Hamas incursion into Israel.</a>Graffiti appeared on the New Orleans campus with the message “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/river-sea-israel-gaza-hamas-protests-d7abbd756f481fe50b6fa5c0b907cd49">from the river to the sea</a>,” a rallying cry for pro-Palestinian activists. Then came a clash between dueling demonstrations, where a melee led to three arrests and left a Jewish student with a broken nose.“I think that the shift of experience with Jews on campus was extremely shocking,” said Roth, who was in Israel last summer for a study-abroad program. “A lot of students come to Tulane because of the Jewish population — feeling like they’re supported, like a majority rather than a minority. And I think that’s definitely shifted.”Tulane isn’t alone. On other campuses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271">long-simmering tensions</a>&nbsp;are erupting in violence and shattering the sense of safety that makes colleges hubs of free discourse. Students on both sides are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/antisemitism-islamophobia-colleges-biden-israel-hamas-57e32457f9113a168cc21d16fa008a79">witnessing acts of hate</a>, leaving many fearing for their safety even as they walk to classrooms.Threats and clashes have sometimes come from within, including at Cornell, where a student is accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cornell-university-antisemitic-threats-jewish-students-a99394389d7a742412fa171eb8b57160">posting online threats against Jewish students</a>. A University of Massachusetts student was arrested after allegedly punching a Jewish student and spitting on an Israeli flag at a demonstration. At Stanford, an Arab Muslim student was hit by a car in a case being investigated as a hate crime.The unease is felt acutely at Tulane, where 43% of students are Jewish, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hillel.org/top-60-jewish-colleges/">highest percentage</a>&nbsp;among colleges that are not explicitly Jewish.“To see it on Tulane’s campus is definitely scary,” said Jacob Starr, a Jewish student from Massachusetts.Within the student Jewish community, there is a range of perspectives on the conflict. The latest war began with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">an attack on Oct. 7</a>&nbsp;by Hamas militants who targeted towns, farming communities and a music festival near the Gaza border, killing more than 1,400 people. Israel has responded with weeks of attacks in Gaza, which have killed more than 10,800 people, according to the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>&nbsp;— most of them Palestinian civilians.Emma Sackheim, a Jewish student from Los Angeles who attends Tulane's law school, said she grew up as a supporter of the Jewish state but now considers herself an opponent of Zionism. Sackheim says she knows students who oppose Israel’s policies “but don’t feel comfortable to publicly say anything.”“I was standing on the Palestinian side,” she said when asked about the Oct. 26 demonstration, which took place along a public New Orleans street that runs through campus.Still, she said Tulane is where she feels most comfortable as a Jew. "I know that I have so many options of community,” she said.On campuses around the U.S., students on both sides say they have been subjected to taunts and rhetoric that oppose their very existence since the invasion and the subsequent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-humanitarian-pauses-b8fc613ffd8b9351c0dc37b90b6e10dd">Israeli assault on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in northern Gaza.They see it in campus rallies, on anonymous message boards frequented by college students, and on graffiti scrawled on dorms and buildings. In one case under police investigation as a possible hate crime, “Free Palestine” was found written this week on a window of Boston University's Hillel center.Colleges have been scrambling to restore a sense of security for Jewish and Arab students — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271">stressing messages of inclusion</a>&nbsp;for diverse student bodies. But untangling what’s protected as political speech and what crosses into threatening language can be a daunting task.Tulane's president, Michael Fitts, has described an increased police presence and other security measures on campus. In messages to the campus community, he has lamented the loss of innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives and said the university was reaching out to Jewish and Muslim student groups and religious organizations.He has faced criticism from people on both sides seeking more forceful statements.Islam Elrabieey, for example, seeks condemnation of Israel's actions.“To condemn Hamas is a good thing,” said Elrabieey, a native of Egypt and a visiting scholar in Tulane’s Middle East and North African Studies program. “But at the same time, if you didn’t condemn Israel for committing war crimes, this is a double standard.”As places that encourage intellectual debate, it isn’t surprising that colleges have seen heated conflict, said Jonathan Fansmith, a senior vice president for the American Council on Education, an association of university presidents. But when different factions disagree about what crosses the line between free speech and abuse, it puts colleges in a difficult place, he said.“Everyone should be incredibly sympathetic to Jewish students who feel under threat, and the alarming rise in antisemitic actions is something college universities take very seriously,” Fansmith said. “But they have a requirement, a responsibility under the law as well, to balance the free speech rights of people who may disagree, who may have critiques that they find disagreeable or dislike. And finding that line is very, very difficult.”After&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-college-free-speech-543aff623d5f54ad6529fe598ae48271">facing criticism</a>&nbsp;for trying to remain too neutral on the war, Harvard University's president on Thursday condemned the phrase “from the river to the sea,” saying it has historical meanings that, to many, imply the eradication of Jews from Israel. Pro-Palestinian activists around the world chanted the phrase in the aftermath of the Hamas raid.At Tulane, Roth said some Jewish students have been rattled enough to make them think twice about visiting the Mintz Center, the headquarters for the Tulane Hillel organization.“I don’t feel completely safe, but I feel like we have no other choice but to embrace who we are in these times,” Roth said in an interview at the building. “I know a lot of my friends are nervous to wear their Star of David necklaces, to wear a kippah or even come into this building. But I think it’s critical that we do not let fear consume us.”Lea Jackson, a freshman from New Jersey who describes herself as a modern Orthodox Jew, said she is concerned supporters of a Palestinian state are nervous expressing their views because of the large numbers of Jewish students on campus.The Hamas raid may have made some people more reluctant to speak even as others become more outspoken, said Jackson, who said she recently spent a “gap year” in Israel and has friends and family there.“But it’s a lot harder to have a civil conversation,” Jackson said, “when emotions and tension are so high and so many people are so personally connected to this.”___