WSU says internal inquiry compels attribution corrections to doctoral paper

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA —&nbsp;Kansas academics point to signs of plagiarism in Wichita State University President Richard Muma’s doctoral dissertation, but there’s a nuanced dispute about consequences for breaking scholarly writing protocol.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/07/read-the-evidence-examples-of-copied-material-in-wichita-state-university-presidents-dissertation/">Click here to view&nbsp;</a>some of the evidence

Debate emerged on campuses throughout the state since Monday when Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/07/wichita-state-university-presidents-doctoral-dissertation-raises-concerns-of-academic-misconduct/">published an investigation</a>&nbsp;of Muma’s 2004 dissertation that led to awarding of a doctorate by University of Missouri-St. Louis. More than 10 university professors employed outside of WSU told the Reflector that Muma’s use of dozens of passages from journals and books — without quotation marks to fully credit verbatim writing of others — met the definition of plagiarism.

In response, Muma said an internal, confidential review led by WSU administrators concluded he wasn’t guilty of misconduct. However, he said, there were instances in the dissertation where “attribution should have included the use of quotation marks around reuse of text.”&nbsp;The president said he would submit to UMSL a revised version&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/07/wichita-state-university-president-vows-to-fix-attribution-flaws-in-up-to-5-of-dissertation/">correcting attribution in up to 5% of his dissertation.&nbsp;</a>He also said “the matter was closed.”

Elizabeth Heilman, a Wichita State professor of education, said she was skeptical of WSU’s internal analysis of about 50 instances in which Muma borrowed the writing of more than 20 scholars.

“Issues with Muma’s dissertation are not technical omissions as he has stated. The issue raised is plagiarism and research misconduct,” Heilman said.

Chris Dudley, an assistant clinical professor in Wichita State’s physician assistant program, said missing quotation marks in Muma’s dissertation were “definitely a mistake,” but the dissertation contained references that could lead readers to original authors.

“There is a big difference between clerical/grammatical errors and not citing the author,” said Dudley, who graduated from WSU’s physician assistant program in 2008. “Both fall under the definition of plagiarism, but I think we can agree one is way worse than the other.”

Dudley said the Reflector’s reporting “stinks of a witch hunt” as if someone were “trying to tear down the reputation of someone who has worked in health care and who now leads a university brilliantly.”

Muma, who has worked at Wichita State for nearly 30 years, was a tenured professor and chairman of the physician assistant program at WSU when he completed the dissertation. He was promoted to vice president and provost before appointed president in 2020 by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Before publication of the story, Muma said he was confident his dissertation was “original.” He later said the article “raised misrepresentations about the academic integrity” of his dissertation.

The Reflector manually examined Muma’s 88-page dissertation on management of physician assistant programs.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/07/read-the-evidence-examples-of-copied-material-in-wichita-state-university-presidents-dissertation/">Copies of original articles and books were acquired for line-by-line comparisons to the dissertation.</a>&nbsp;The extent of the copying by Muma led a diverse group of university educators interviewed by the Reflector to the conclusion the dissertation was partially plagiarized.

Dan Hoyt, a professor of English at Kansas State University, said it would be wrong for a college freshman to leave out quotation marks to highlight contributions of other writers. It would be “inexcusable” for someone to make the same mistake in a doctoral dissertation, he said.

“I think you could easily make the case this is plagiarism,” Hoyt said. “It does all kinds of harm to the world of ideas and the world of education.”

Jim Leiker, a history professor at Johnson County Community College, said the scholarly exception made for WSU’s president sent the wrong message to the university’s students. The bottom line, he said, was “we should hold the president of an institution such as WSU to a higher standard than we hold our students.”

Eve Levin, professor emeritus at the University of Kansas, said UMSL should rescind the doctoral degree it awarded to Muma because he produced a dissertation that claimed the words of others as his own.

“If he didn’t know better, he’s unqualified to be a university faculty member, much less a university president,” she said. “If he did know better, but was too sloppy in his research methods, he’s unqualified.&nbsp;If he did know better and deliberately decided to copy other scholars’ words, he’s unqualified.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728665053937.png" alt="Reaction at Wichita State University and other college campuses in Kansas affirms that WSU President Richard Muma improperly copied writing of other scholars in his doctoral dissertation, but differs on consequences for that decision. (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Reaction at Wichita State University and other college campuses in Kansas affirms that WSU President Richard Muma improperly copied writing of other scholars in his doctoral dissertation, but differs on consequences for that decision. (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>WSU says internal inquiry compels attribution corrections to doctoral paper</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA —&nbsp;Kansas academics point to signs of plagiarism in Wichita State University President Richard Muma’s doctoral dissertation, but there’s a nuanced dispute about consequences for breaking scholarly writing protocol.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/07/read-the-evidence-examples-of-copied-material-in-wichita-state-university-presidents-dissertation/">Click here to view&nbsp;</a>some of the evidenceDebate emerged on campuses throughout the state since Monday when Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/07/wichita-state-university-presidents-doctoral-dissertation-raises-concerns-of-academic-misconduct/">published an investigation</a>&nbsp;of Muma’s 2004 dissertation that led to awarding of a doctorate by University of Missouri-St. Louis. More than 10 university professors employed outside of WSU told the Reflector that Muma’s use of dozens of passages from journals and books — without quotation marks to fully credit verbatim writing of others — met the definition of plagiarism.In response, Muma said an internal, confidential review led by WSU administrators concluded he wasn’t guilty of misconduct. However, he said, there were instances in the dissertation where “attribution should have included the use of quotation marks around reuse of text.”&nbsp;The president said he would submit to UMSL a revised version&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/07/wichita-state-university-president-vows-to-fix-attribution-flaws-in-up-to-5-of-dissertation/">correcting attribution in up to 5% of his dissertation.&nbsp;</a>He also said “the matter was closed.”But that doesn’t satisfy everyone.Elizabeth Heilman, a Wichita State professor of education, said she was skeptical of WSU’s internal analysis of about 50 instances in which Muma borrowed the writing of more than 20 scholars.“Issues with Muma’s dissertation are not technical omissions as he has stated. The issue raised is plagiarism and research misconduct,” Heilman said.Chris Dudley, an assistant clinical professor in Wichita State’s physician assistant program, said missing quotation marks in Muma’s dissertation were “definitely a mistake,” but the dissertation contained references that could lead readers to original authors.“There is a big difference between clerical/grammatical errors and not citing the author,” said Dudley, who graduated from WSU’s physician assistant program in 2008. “Both fall under the definition of plagiarism, but I think we can agree one is way worse than the other.”Dudley said the Reflector’s reporting “stinks of a witch hunt” as if someone were “trying to tear down the reputation of someone who has worked in health care and who now leads a university brilliantly.”Muma, who has worked at Wichita State for nearly 30 years, was a tenured professor and chairman of the physician assistant program at WSU when he completed the dissertation. He was promoted to vice president and provost before appointed president in 2020 by the Kansas Board of Regents.Before publication of the story, Muma said he was confident his dissertation was “original.” He later said the article “raised misrepresentations about the academic integrity” of his dissertation.The Reflector manually examined Muma’s 88-page dissertation on management of physician assistant programs.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/07/read-the-evidence-examples-of-copied-material-in-wichita-state-university-presidents-dissertation/">Copies of original articles and books were acquired for line-by-line comparisons to the dissertation.</a>&nbsp;The extent of the copying by Muma led a diverse group of university educators interviewed by the Reflector to the conclusion the dissertation was partially plagiarized.Dan Hoyt, a professor of English at Kansas State University, said it would be wrong for a college freshman to leave out quotation marks to highlight contributions of other writers. It would be “inexcusable” for someone to make the same mistake in a doctoral dissertation, he said.“I think you could easily make the case this is plagiarism,” Hoyt said. “It does all kinds of harm to the world of ideas and the world of education.”Jim Leiker, a history professor at Johnson County Community College, said the scholarly exception made for WSU’s president sent the wrong message to the university’s students. The bottom line, he said, was “we should hold the president of an institution such as WSU to a higher standard than we hold our students.”Eve Levin, professor emeritus at the University of Kansas, said UMSL should rescind the doctoral degree it awarded to Muma because he produced a dissertation that claimed the words of others as his own.“If he didn’t know better, he’s unqualified to be a university faculty member, much less a university president,” she said. “If he did know better, but was too sloppy in his research methods, he’s unqualified.&nbsp;If he did know better and deliberately decided to copy other scholars’ words, he’s unqualified.”

Kansas professors debate severity of plagiarism, response to WSU president’s dissertation

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.

Just after 3:30p.m. October 7, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway in rural Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.

Deputies took 41-year-old Travis W. Ray of Louisburg into custody and transported him to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and for an Expired vehicle registration. He has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728644027022.png" alt="Ray photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Ray photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.Just after 3:30p.m. October 7, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway in rural Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.Deputies took 41-year-old Travis W. Ray of Louisburg into custody and transported him to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and for an Expired vehicle registration. He has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kansas felon jailed on new drug allegations

TOPEKA —On Friday, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly joined Adjutant General Michael Venerdi to celebrate his promotion to major general. "His remarkable career has been marked by extraordinary dedication, insight, and loyalty to both Kansas and our nation." Kelly wrote on her social media account.

Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran spoke at the promotion ceremony. "Gen. Venerdi has served in the military for over 30 years. "Congratulations on this accomplishment and thank you for your service to Kansas and our country."

In April of 2023, the Kansas Senate unanimously confirmation of&nbsp; Venerdi&nbsp;to serve&nbsp;as&nbsp;the Adjutant General&nbsp;of Kansas.&nbsp; He is a graduate of the United State's Air Force Academy&nbsp;and&nbsp;flew combat missions in Afghanistan.

Prior to his appointment&nbsp;and confirmation as the 38th&nbsp;Adjutant General of Kansas,&nbsp;Venerdi&nbsp;served as the Director of the Joint Staff, Kansas National Guard at the Joint Force Headquarters in Topeka. He previously served as Commander of the 184th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728734378669.png" alt="Governor Kelly with Ajutant General Michael Venerdi during the ceremony on Friday" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly with Ajutant General Michael Venerdi during the ceremony on Friday</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —On Friday, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly joined Adjutant General Michael Venerdi to celebrate his promotion to major general. "His remarkable career has been marked by extraordinary dedication, insight, and loyalty to both Kansas and our nation." Kelly wrote on her social media account.Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran spoke at the promotion ceremony. "Gen. Venerdi has served in the military for over 30 years. "Congratulations on this accomplishment and thank you for your service to Kansas and our country."In April of 2023, the Kansas Senate unanimously confirmation of&nbsp; Venerdi&nbsp;to serve&nbsp;as&nbsp;the Adjutant General&nbsp;of Kansas.&nbsp; He is a graduate of the United State's Air Force Academy&nbsp;and&nbsp;flew combat missions in Afghanistan.Prior to his appointment&nbsp;and confirmation as the 38th&nbsp;Adjutant General of Kansas,&nbsp;Venerdi&nbsp;served as the Director of the Joint Staff, Kansas National Guard at the Joint Force Headquarters in Topeka. He previously served as Commander of the 184th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.&nbsp;

Kansas Adjutant General promoted to Major General

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces conducted a series of air strikes Friday against multiple ISIS camps in Syria on Friday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

Officials reported early Saturday they conducting battle damage assessments. Early indications suggested there were no civilians casualties.

"The strikes will disrupt the ability of ISIS to plan, organize and conduct attacks against the United States and its allies and partners and civilians throughout the region and beyond."

The Command reported they would released additional details as they confirm more information.

There are some 900 U.S. forces in Syria, according to the Associated Press along with an undisclosed number of contractors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728066701383.png" alt="A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DAMASCUS —U.S. forces conducted a series of air strikes Friday against multiple ISIS camps in Syria on Friday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.Officials reported early Saturday they conducting battle damage assessments. Early indications suggested there were no civilians casualties."The strikes will disrupt the ability of ISIS to plan, organize and conduct attacks against the United States and its allies and partners and civilians throughout the region and beyond."The Command reported they would released additional details as they confirm more information.There are some 900 U.S. forces in Syria, according to the Associated Press along with an undisclosed number of contractors.

US launches airstrikes on terrorist camps in Syria

DENVER (AP) — Investigators on Friday were trying to figure out what led to an elevator accident inside a former Colorado gold mine that killed a tour guide, injured four others and left a separate group of 12 people trapped for hours at the bottom of the tourist attraction 1,000 feet (305 meters) beneath the surface.

The elevator was descending into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine on Thursday in the mountains near Colorado Springs. At around 500 feet (152 meters) down, the person operating the elevator from the surface “felt something strange" and stopped it, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said.

The elevator was still operable, and those on board were brought back up within 20 minutes, the sheriff said. A door on the elevator was broken when it was raised.

“We don't know if the door malfunctioned or not or if something else occurred. There's a lot that goes on in these little elevators,” he said. “We just know that the door was broken somehow.”

The man killed, Patrick Weier, 46, had a young child and was from the nearby town of Victor, Colorado. The exact circumstances of his death were not disclosed, but the sheriff said he died because of the elevator's mechanical issue and not due to a medical issue.

Eleven other people, including two children, who were riding the elevator during the mishap were brought up with it following the accident. Four had minor injuries including back pain, neck pain and arm pain, the sheriff said.

Twelve adults from a second group were trapped below ground for about six hours while engineers made sure the elevator could be used. The group had access to water and used radios to communicate with authorities, who told them there was an elevator issue, Mikesell said.

They were hoisted up in groups of four over 30 minutes. Officials had been prepared to bring them up by rope if necessary.

Most people who were in the elevator when it malfunctioned were later taken to a local relief center, where some got showers, new clothes and sandwiches, said Ted Borden, with the Community of Caring Foundation in Cripple Creek.

“It was still very raw, but there was some good camaraderie,” Borden said.

Elevator accidents at mines are extremely rare, said Steven Schafrik, a University of Kentucky associate professor of mining engineering. They have been used by the industry to carry people and material since the mid-1800s, he said, and modern elevators are equipped with fail-safe devices that prevent them from falling far if a cable breaks.

“They're just ridiculously safe,” Schafrik said of mining elevators.

He declined to comment directly on the Colorado accident.

Mikesell said the family that owns the mine had run it as a tourist attraction for generations and worked to make it safe.

Mines that operate as tourist attractions in Colorado must designate someone to inspect the mines and the transportation systems daily, according to the state Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. Mikesell said he didn’t know the date of the last inspection at the Mollie Kathleen Mine. Records of the inspections weren’t immediately available online.

Changes to the elevator were made in 1988 after the mine came under new ownership, according to the mine's website. A second car that could carry nine people was suspended below the existing elevator, and a new motor was installed to accommodate the increased weight, the website says.

The sheriff said the broken door was on the topmost car. He did not know which one the victim was in.

Weier was a “phenomenal” guide and told visitors that he was an experienced miner, said Jennifer Nolan of Zanesville, Ohio, who toured the mine in August.

The tour began with Nolan's group descending into the shaft with six people in each of the elevator’s two cars.

The cages were “very, very, very tight,” she said. People stood shoulder-to-shoulder, but the ride was smooth, she recalled.

A mine inspector was among those on their tour, Nolan said, but she believed he was inspecting the operations underground, not the elevator. The area at the bottom of the shaft was large, with demonstrations of mining technology over the decades.

The accident was under investigation by local and state authorities along with the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The incident, which was reported to authorities at about noon, happened during the final week of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine season before it shuts down for the winter, Mikesell said.

The mine's owners issued a statement Friday expressing their condolences and thanking emergency responders. The mine will be closed until further notice, they said.

The mine is in Cripple Creek, a town of about 1,100 people southwest of Colorado Springs.

It opened in the 1800s and closed in 1961, but continued as a tourist site. Its website describes a one-hour tour where visitors can see veins of gold in the rock and ride an underground tram.

A woman named Mollie Kathleen Gortner discovered the site of the mine in 1891 when she saw quartz laced with gold, according to the company’s website.

Denver (AP) — Investigators on Friday were trying to figure out what led to an elevator accident inside a former Colorado gold mine that killed a tour guide, injured four others and left 12 people trapped for hours at the bottom of the tourist attraction 1,000 feet (305 meters) beneath the surface.

The elevator was descending into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near the town of Cripple Creek in the mountains near Colorado Springs on Thursday when the door malfunctioned around 500 feet (152 meters) beneath the surface, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said.

Victim Patrick Weier, 46, was a guide at the mine and a father from the nearby town of Victor, Colorado. The exact circumstances of his death were not disclosed, but the sheriff said he died because of the elevator's mechanical issue and not due to a medical issue.

Twelve adults from a second group were trapped for about six hours Thursday below ground while engineers made sure the elevator could be used. The group had access to water and used radios to communicate with authorities, who told them there was an elevator issue, Mikesell said.

Most people who were in the elevator when it malfunctioned were later taken to a local relief center where some got showers, new clothes and sandwiches, said Ted Borden, with the Community of Caring Foundation in Cripple Creek.

Mikesell said the family that owns the mine had operated it for many years and worked to make it safe.

“Anytime you're dealing with machinery and a 1,000 foot level at the 500 feet level in a mine, there could be accidents," he said.

Changes to the elevator were made in 1988 after the mine came under new ownership, according to the mine's website. A second elevator that could carry nine people was suspended below the existing elevator, and a new motor was installed to accommodate the increased weight, the website says.

Cripple Creek is a town of about 1,100 in the Rocky Mountains southwest of Colorado Springs.

The mine opened in the 1800s and closed in 1961, but still operates tours. Its website describes a one-hour tour. It says visitors can see veins of gold in the rock and ride an underground tram.

Brown reported from Billings, Mont. Associated Press writer Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728611282995.png" alt="Photo&nbsp; Teller County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo&nbsp; Teller County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Investigators on Friday were trying to figure out what led to an elevator accident inside a former Colorado gold mine that killed a tour guide, injured four others and left a separate group of 12 people trapped for hours at the bottom of the tourist attraction 1,000 feet (305 meters) beneath the surface.The elevator was descending into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine on Thursday in the mountains near Colorado Springs. At around 500 feet (152 meters) down, the person operating the elevator from the surface “felt something strange" and stopped it, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said.The elevator was still operable, and those on board were brought back up within 20 minutes, the sheriff said. A door on the elevator was broken when it was raised.“We don't know if the door malfunctioned or not or if something else occurred. There's a lot that goes on in these little elevators,” he said. “We just know that the door was broken somehow.”The man killed, Patrick Weier, 46, had a young child and was from the nearby town of Victor, Colorado. The exact circumstances of his death were not disclosed, but the sheriff said he died because of the elevator's mechanical issue and not due to a medical issue.Eleven other people, including two children, who were riding the elevator during the mishap were brought up with it following the accident. Four had minor injuries including back pain, neck pain and arm pain, the sheriff said.Twelve adults from a second group were trapped below ground for about six hours while engineers made sure the elevator could be used. The group had access to water and used radios to communicate with authorities, who told them there was an elevator issue, Mikesell said.They were hoisted up in groups of four over 30 minutes. Officials had been prepared to bring them up by rope if necessary.Most people who were in the elevator when it malfunctioned were later taken to a local relief center, where some got showers, new clothes and sandwiches, said Ted Borden, with the Community of Caring Foundation in Cripple Creek.“It was still very raw, but there was some good camaraderie,” Borden said.Elevator accidents at mines are extremely rare, said Steven Schafrik, a University of Kentucky associate professor of mining engineering. They have been used by the industry to carry people and material since the mid-1800s, he said, and modern elevators are equipped with fail-safe devices that prevent them from falling far if a cable breaks.“They're just ridiculously safe,” Schafrik said of mining elevators.He declined to comment directly on the Colorado accident.Mikesell said the family that owns the mine had run it as a tourist attraction for generations and worked to make it safe.Mines that operate as tourist attractions in Colorado must designate someone to inspect the mines and the transportation systems daily, according to the state Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. Mikesell said he didn’t know the date of the last inspection at the Mollie Kathleen Mine. Records of the inspections weren’t immediately available online.Changes to the elevator were made in 1988 after the mine came under new ownership, according to the mine's website. A second car that could carry nine people was suspended below the existing elevator, and a new motor was installed to accommodate the increased weight, the website says.The sheriff said the broken door was on the topmost car. He did not know which one the victim was in.Weier was a “phenomenal” guide and told visitors that he was an experienced miner, said Jennifer Nolan of Zanesville, Ohio, who toured the mine in August.The tour began with Nolan's group descending into the shaft with six people in each of the elevator’s two cars.The cages were “very, very, very tight,” she said. People stood shoulder-to-shoulder, but the ride was smooth, she recalled.A mine inspector was among those on their tour, Nolan said, but she believed he was inspecting the operations underground, not the elevator. The area at the bottom of the shaft was large, with demonstrations of mining technology over the decades.The accident was under investigation by local and state authorities along with the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.The incident, which was reported to authorities at about noon, happened during the final week of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine season before it shuts down for the winter, Mikesell said.The mine's owners issued a statement Friday expressing their condolences and thanking emergency responders. The mine will be closed until further notice, they said.The mine is in Cripple Creek, a town of about 1,100 people southwest of Colorado Springs.It opened in the 1800s and closed in 1961, but continued as a tourist site. Its website describes a one-hour tour where visitors can see veins of gold in the rock and ride an underground tram.A woman named Mollie Kathleen Gortner discovered the site of the mine in 1891 when she saw quartz laced with gold, according to the company’s website.----------Denver (AP) — Investigators on Friday were trying to figure out what led to an elevator accident inside a former Colorado gold mine that killed a tour guide, injured four others and left 12 people trapped for hours at the bottom of the tourist attraction 1,000 feet (305 meters) beneath the surface.The elevator was descending into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near the town of Cripple Creek in the mountains near Colorado Springs on Thursday when the door malfunctioned around 500 feet (152 meters) beneath the surface, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said.Victim Patrick Weier, 46, was a guide at the mine and a father from the nearby town of Victor, Colorado. The exact circumstances of his death were not disclosed, but the sheriff said he died because of the elevator's mechanical issue and not due to a medical issue.Eleven other people, including two children, who were riding the elevator during the mishap were brought up with it following the accident. Four had minor injuries including back pain, neck pain and arm pain, the sheriff said.Twelve adults from a second group were trapped for about six hours Thursday below ground while engineers made sure the elevator could be used. The group had access to water and used radios to communicate with authorities, who told them there was an elevator issue, Mikesell said.They were hoisted up in groups of four over 30 minutes. Officials had been prepared to bring them up by rope if necessary.Most people who were in the elevator when it malfunctioned were later taken to a local relief center where some got showers, new clothes and sandwiches, said Ted Borden, with the Community of Caring Foundation in Cripple Creek.“It was still very raw, but there was some good camaraderie,” Borden said.Elevator accidents at mines are extremely rare, said Steven Schafrik, a University of Kentucky associate professor of mining engineering. They have been used by the industry to carry people and material since the mid-1800s, he said, and modern elevators are equipped with fail-safe devices that prevent them from falling far if a cable breaks.“They're just ridiculously safe,” Schafrik said of mining elevators.He declined to comment directly on the Colorado accident.Mikesell said the family that owns the mine had operated it for many years and worked to make it safe.“Anytime you're dealing with machinery and a 1,000 foot level at the 500 feet level in a mine, there could be accidents," he said.Mines that operate as tourist attractions in Colorado must designate someone to inspect the mines and the transportation systems daily, according to the state Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. Mikesell said he didn’t know the date of the last inspection at the Mollie Kathleen Mine. Records of the inspections weren’t immediately available online.Changes to the elevator were made in 1988 after the mine came under new ownership, according to the mine's website. A second elevator that could carry nine people was suspended below the existing elevator, and a new motor was installed to accommodate the increased weight, the website says.The accident was under investigation by local and state authorities along with the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.The incident, which was reported to authorities at about noon, happened during the final week of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine season before it shuts down for the winter, Mikesell said.The mine's owners issued a statement Friday expressing their condolences and thanking emergency responders. The mine will be closed until further notice, they said.Cripple Creek is a town of about 1,100 in the Rocky Mountains southwest of Colorado Springs.The mine opened in the 1800s and closed in 1961, but still operates tours. Its website describes a one-hour tour. It says visitors can see veins of gold in the rock and ride an underground tram.A woman named Mollie Kathleen Gortner discovered the site of the mine in 1891 when she saw quartz laced with gold, according to the company’s website.___Brown reported from Billings, Mont. Associated Press writer Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, contributed to this report.

Officials ID victim in deadly tourist gold mine incident 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating after a suspicious package was reported.

Just after 5a.m. Friday, crews responded to the Landon State Office Building, 900 Southwest Jackson Street in downtown Topeka, according to a media release.

The Topeka Fire Department's Hazardous Materials team investigated the package.&nbsp;Before 6a.m., investigators determined the package was not dangerous

In addition to the Topeka Fire Department and Topeka Police Department, the Capitol Police, a division of the Kansas Highway Patrol also assisted at the scene.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported. Authorities released no additional details.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating after a suspicious package was reported.Just after 5a.m. Friday, crews responded to the Landon State Office Building, 900 Southwest Jackson Street in downtown Topeka, according to a media release.The Topeka Fire Department's Hazardous Materials team investigated the package.&nbsp;Before 6a.m., investigators determined the package was not dangerousIn addition to the Topeka Fire Department and Topeka Police Department, the Capitol Police, a division of the Kansas Highway Patrol also assisted at the scene.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported. Authorities released no additional details.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Suspicious package investigated at State Office Building in Topeka

AURORA, Colo. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;detoured from the battleground states Friday to visit a Colorado suburb that's been in the news over illegal immigration as he drives a message, often using false or misleading claims and dehumanizing language, that migrants are causing chaos in smaller American cities and towns.

Trump’s rally in Aurora marked the first time ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">the November election</a>&nbsp;that either presidential campaign has visited Colorado, which reliably votes Democratic statewide.

The Republican nominee has long promised to stage the largest deportation operation in U.S. history and has made immigration core to his political persona since launching his first campaign in 2015. In recent months, Trump has pinpointed specific smaller communities that have seen large arrivals of migrants, with tensions flaring locally over resources and some longtime residents expressing distrust about sudden demographic changes.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-aurora-colorado-crime-immigration-c76df9f1dcda7e06a983105e5e970aeb">Aurora entered the spotlight</a>&nbsp;in August when a video circulated showing armed men walking through an apartment building housing Venezuelan migrants. Trump has claimed extensively that Venezuelan gangs are taking over buildings, even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-aurora-colorado-crime-immigration-c76df9f1dcda7e06a983105e5e970aeb">authorities say that was a single block</a>&nbsp;of the suburb near Denver, and the area is again safe.

Ignoring those denials from local authorities, Trump painted a picture of apartment complexes overrun by “barbaric thugs" and streets unsafe to travel, blaming President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump's Democratic rival.

“They're ruining your state,” Trump said of the Democrats in the White House.

“No person who has inflicted the violence and terror that Kamala Harris has inflicted on this community can ever be allowed to become the president of the United States,” Trump added.

Trump often used dehumanizing language, referring to his political rivals as “scum” and to migrants as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-crime-battleground-election-aa4b0912322dee09cf475ffad7c8cec7">animals</a>&nbsp;" who have “invaded and conquered” Aurora. The town is “infected by Venezuela,” he said.

“We have to clean out our country,” Trump said. And he reprised the first controversy of his career in politics, when he launched his 2016 campaign by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-events-aa2ff774195644d48b088eac71746091">saying</a>&nbsp;migrants are rapists and bring drugs and crime.

“I took a lot of heat for saying it, but I was right," Trump said Friday, repeating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-trump-biden-rhetoric-2024-election-327c08045edcc200f850d893de6a79d6">false claim</a>&nbsp;that other countries are emptying their prisons and mental institutions and dumping their worst criminals in the United States.

To thunderous applause, he called for the death penalty "for any migrant that kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer.”

Trump announced that as president he'd launch “Operation Aurora” to focus on deporting members of the Venezuelan gang&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tren-de-aragua-gang-venezuela-us-a12c8fee9dc4a0ca73769ea893e09e53">Tren de Aragua</a>, or TDA. The violent gang traces its origins more than a decade to an infamously lawless prison with hardened criminals.

Trump also repeated his pledge to invoke the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-trump-deport-migrants-national-guard-bdbbc8e78c66adb66047e331ced6c2d3">Alien Enemies Act</a>, a 1798 law that allows the president to deport any noncitizen who is from a country that the U.S. is at war with.

In July, the Biden administration issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-venezuela-gang-sanctions-f742f6966d160ee80b703ed419dfdac3">sanction against the gang</a>&nbsp;and offered $12 million in rewards for the arrest of three leaders.

Aurora resident Jodie Powell, 54, was among the attendees at Trump's Friday event. She said it's "not the case" that Venezuelan gangs have taken over the city, as Trump claims. Still, Powell said she's seen an increase in crime she associates with newcomers, citing a police chase that ended at a store where she was shopping.

“It takes a small amount of people to make a big difference in the community,” said Powell, who ranks immigration as her top concern alongside the economy. “It’s scary, it’s a scary thing.”

At the venue where Trump appeared, posters displayed mug shots of people in prison-orange with descriptions including “Illegal immigrant gang members from Venezuela.”

“Look at all these photos around me," Stephen Miller, a former top aide who is expected to take a senior role in the White House if Trump wins, told the crowd. “Are these the kids you grew up with? Are these the neighbors you were raised with? Are these the neighbors that you want in your city?” The crowd roared ”no" in reply.

Some Colorado officials, including the Republican mayor of Aurora, accused Trump and other Republicans of overstating problems in the city.

“Again, the reality is that the concerns about Venezuelan gang activity in our city — and our state — have been grossly exaggerated and have unfairly hurt the city’s identity and sense of safety,” said Mike Coffman, a former U.S. congressman.

Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, also have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haitian-immigrants-vance-trump-ohio-6e4a47c52b23ae2c802d216369512ca5">spread falsehoods</a>&nbsp;about a community in Springfield, Ohio, where they said Haitian immigrants were accused of stealing and eating pets.

While Ohio and Colorado are not competitive in the presidential race, the Republican message on immigration is intended for states that are. Vance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-wisconsin-congo-harris-trump-6370ec037483e37f1d81782bc53a6b94">campaigned recently</a>&nbsp;in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a city of 70,000 that has resettled refugees from Africa and Asia, and touted Trump's plan to ramp up deportations. He argues smaller communities have been “overrun” by immigrants taxing local resources.

Trump has vowed to deport not only “criminals,” a promise he shares with Harris, but also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/springfield-haitian-immigrants-trump-eating-pets-84aa8ae10963cbeadd48b3945b322620">Haitians living legally</a>&nbsp;in Springfield and even people he has denigrated as “pro-Hamas radicals”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-protest-gaza-israel-divest-police-9cdda079a5649d080f5438c350a209f1">protesting on college campuses</a>. Trump has said he would revoke the temporary protected status that allows Haitians to stay in the U.S. because of widespread poverty and violence in their home nation.

Harris has tacked to the right on immigration, presenting herself as a candidate who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-donald-trump-border-arizona-4a87c6f3b2df1736aa226bc620f51b89">can be tough on policing the border</a>, which is perceived as one of her biggest vulnerabilities.

She wrapped up a three-day western swing with a campaign event Friday in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she said she would create a bipartisan council of advisers to provide feedback on her policy initiatives if she makes it to the White House.

“I love good ideas wherever they come from,” said Harris, who is making a push to get Republicans with doubts about Trump to support her.

She also accused Trump of letting Iran “off the hook” while he was in office and argued she would be a greater champion for Israel’s security.

“Make no mistake, as president, I will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend American forces and interests from Iran and Iran-backed terrorists,” Harris said in a call with Jewish supporters ahead of Yom Kippur. “And I will never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. Diplomacy is my preferred path to that end. But all options are on the table.”

Harris charged that Trump “did nothing” after Iran “attacked U.S. bases and American troops.”

The criticism by Harris was a knock on Trump for downplaying a January 2020 missile attack by Iran on a U.S. base in Iraq that left several American troops with concussion-like symptoms, including some who had to be evacuated for treatment. Trump earlier this month referred to the injuries as a “headache.”

The Iranian missile attack came days after Trump ordered a strike that that killed Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, and raised tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

Harris participated virtually in a White House briefing with President Biden on the recovery effort from hurricanes Milton and Helene. She sought to reassure those who endured losses from the hurricane that they would get help from the government.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728696040873.png" alt="Imag courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Imag courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>AURORA, Colo. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;detoured from the battleground states Friday to visit a Colorado suburb that's been in the news over illegal immigration as he drives a message, often using false or misleading claims and dehumanizing language, that migrants are causing chaos in smaller American cities and towns.Trump’s rally in Aurora marked the first time ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">the November election</a>&nbsp;that either presidential campaign has visited Colorado, which reliably votes Democratic statewide.The Republican nominee has long promised to stage the largest deportation operation in U.S. history and has made immigration core to his political persona since launching his first campaign in 2015. In recent months, Trump has pinpointed specific smaller communities that have seen large arrivals of migrants, with tensions flaring locally over resources and some longtime residents expressing distrust about sudden demographic changes.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-aurora-colorado-crime-immigration-c76df9f1dcda7e06a983105e5e970aeb">Aurora entered the spotlight</a>&nbsp;in August when a video circulated showing armed men walking through an apartment building housing Venezuelan migrants. Trump has claimed extensively that Venezuelan gangs are taking over buildings, even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-aurora-colorado-crime-immigration-c76df9f1dcda7e06a983105e5e970aeb">authorities say that was a single block</a>&nbsp;of the suburb near Denver, and the area is again safe.Ignoring those denials from local authorities, Trump painted a picture of apartment complexes overrun by “barbaric thugs" and streets unsafe to travel, blaming President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump's Democratic rival.“They're ruining your state,” Trump said of the Democrats in the White House.“No person who has inflicted the violence and terror that Kamala Harris has inflicted on this community can ever be allowed to become the president of the United States,” Trump added.Trump often used dehumanizing language, referring to his political rivals as “scum” and to migrants as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-crime-battleground-election-aa4b0912322dee09cf475ffad7c8cec7">animals</a>&nbsp;" who have “invaded and conquered” Aurora. The town is “infected by Venezuela,” he said.“We have to clean out our country,” Trump said. And he reprised the first controversy of his career in politics, when he launched his 2016 campaign by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-events-aa2ff774195644d48b088eac71746091">saying</a>&nbsp;migrants are rapists and bring drugs and crime.“I took a lot of heat for saying it, but I was right," Trump said Friday, repeating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-trump-biden-rhetoric-2024-election-327c08045edcc200f850d893de6a79d6">false claim</a>&nbsp;that other countries are emptying their prisons and mental institutions and dumping their worst criminals in the United States.To thunderous applause, he called for the death penalty "for any migrant that kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer.”Trump announced that as president he'd launch “Operation Aurora” to focus on deporting members of the Venezuelan gang&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tren-de-aragua-gang-venezuela-us-a12c8fee9dc4a0ca73769ea893e09e53">Tren de Aragua</a>, or TDA. The violent gang traces its origins more than a decade to an infamously lawless prison with hardened criminals.Trump also repeated his pledge to invoke the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-trump-deport-migrants-national-guard-bdbbc8e78c66adb66047e331ced6c2d3">Alien Enemies Act</a>, a 1798 law that allows the president to deport any noncitizen who is from a country that the U.S. is at war with.In July, the Biden administration issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-venezuela-gang-sanctions-f742f6966d160ee80b703ed419dfdac3">sanction against the gang</a>&nbsp;and offered $12 million in rewards for the arrest of three leaders.Aurora resident Jodie Powell, 54, was among the attendees at Trump's Friday event. She said it's "not the case" that Venezuelan gangs have taken over the city, as Trump claims. Still, Powell said she's seen an increase in crime she associates with newcomers, citing a police chase that ended at a store where she was shopping.“It takes a small amount of people to make a big difference in the community,” said Powell, who ranks immigration as her top concern alongside the economy. “It’s scary, it’s a scary thing.”At the venue where Trump appeared, posters displayed mug shots of people in prison-orange with descriptions including “Illegal immigrant gang members from Venezuela.”“Look at all these photos around me," Stephen Miller, a former top aide who is expected to take a senior role in the White House if Trump wins, told the crowd. “Are these the kids you grew up with? Are these the neighbors you were raised with? Are these the neighbors that you want in your city?” The crowd roared ”no" in reply.Some Colorado officials, including the Republican mayor of Aurora, accused Trump and other Republicans of overstating problems in the city.“Again, the reality is that the concerns about Venezuelan gang activity in our city — and our state — have been grossly exaggerated and have unfairly hurt the city’s identity and sense of safety,” said Mike Coffman, a former U.S. congressman.Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, also have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haitian-immigrants-vance-trump-ohio-6e4a47c52b23ae2c802d216369512ca5">spread falsehoods</a>&nbsp;about a community in Springfield, Ohio, where they said Haitian immigrants were accused of stealing and eating pets.While Ohio and Colorado are not competitive in the presidential race, the Republican message on immigration is intended for states that are. Vance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-wisconsin-congo-harris-trump-6370ec037483e37f1d81782bc53a6b94">campaigned recently</a>&nbsp;in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a city of 70,000 that has resettled refugees from Africa and Asia, and touted Trump's plan to ramp up deportations. He argues smaller communities have been “overrun” by immigrants taxing local resources.Trump has vowed to deport not only “criminals,” a promise he shares with Harris, but also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/springfield-haitian-immigrants-trump-eating-pets-84aa8ae10963cbeadd48b3945b322620">Haitians living legally</a>&nbsp;in Springfield and even people he has denigrated as “pro-Hamas radicals”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-protest-gaza-israel-divest-police-9cdda079a5649d080f5438c350a209f1">protesting on college campuses</a>. Trump has said he would revoke the temporary protected status that allows Haitians to stay in the U.S. because of widespread poverty and violence in their home nation.Harris has tacked to the right on immigration, presenting herself as a candidate who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-donald-trump-border-arizona-4a87c6f3b2df1736aa226bc620f51b89">can be tough on policing the border</a>, which is perceived as one of her biggest vulnerabilities.She wrapped up a three-day western swing with a campaign event Friday in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she said she would create a bipartisan council of advisers to provide feedback on her policy initiatives if she makes it to the White House.“I love good ideas wherever they come from,” said Harris, who is making a push to get Republicans with doubts about Trump to support her.She also accused Trump of letting Iran “off the hook” while he was in office and argued she would be a greater champion for Israel’s security.“Make no mistake, as president, I will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend American forces and interests from Iran and Iran-backed terrorists,” Harris said in a call with Jewish supporters ahead of Yom Kippur. “And I will never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. Diplomacy is my preferred path to that end. But all options are on the table.”Harris charged that Trump “did nothing” after Iran “attacked U.S. bases and American troops.”The criticism by Harris was a knock on Trump for downplaying a January 2020 missile attack by Iran on a U.S. base in Iraq that left several American troops with concussion-like symptoms, including some who had to be evacuated for treatment. Trump earlier this month referred to the injuries as a “headache.”The Iranian missile attack came days after Trump ordered a strike that that killed Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, and raised tensions between the U.S. and Iran.Harris participated virtually in a White House briefing with President Biden on the recovery effort from hurricanes Milton and Helene. She sought to reassure those who endured losses from the hurricane that they would get help from the government.

Trump drives his anti-immigration message in Aurora, Colorado

SALINE COUNTY —The Salina Police Department arrested 34-year-old Trevor Witt after an anonymous caller reported him for being involved with a minor.&nbsp;

At 3 p.m. on Thursday, police responded to the 100 block of North Santa Fe in Salina after receiving an anonymous report of a very young girl seen interacting with a large group of older individuals, predominantly men, according to Saline Police Captain James Feldman.

"Officers&nbsp; made contact with the girl and the concern was she was smoking and had some marks on her neck," Feldman said. "The girl initially tried to say she was 17 and gave a name which was not accurate."

Officers were able to determine that she was 13 years old and she was a runaway from a foster care facility in Salina, according to Feldman.

Police took the 13-year-old girl into custody and learned that she had sexual contact with Witt.&nbsp;

"He had supplied her alcohol, tobacco, possibly some drugs," Feldman said. He was taken into custody on requested charges that include rape, aggravated indecent liberties with the child, aggravated criminal sodomy, contributing to a child's misconduct, distribution of a stimulant and providing tobacco products.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728673728712.jpeg" alt="Trevor Witt photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Trevor Witt photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —The Salina Police Department arrested 34-year-old Trevor Witt after an anonymous caller reported him for being involved with a minor.&nbsp;At 3 p.m. on Thursday, police responded to the 100 block of North Santa Fe in Salina after receiving an anonymous report of a very young girl seen interacting with a large group of older individuals, predominantly men, according to Saline Police Captain James Feldman."Officers&nbsp; made contact with the girl and the concern was she was smoking and had some marks on her neck," Feldman said. "The girl initially tried to say she was 17 and gave a name which was not accurate."Officers were able to determine that she was 13 years old and she was a runaway from a foster care facility in Salina, according to Feldman.Police took the 13-year-old girl into custody and learned that she had sexual contact with Witt.&nbsp;"He had supplied her alcohol, tobacco, possibly some drugs," Feldman said. He was taken into custody on requested charges that include rape, aggravated indecent liberties with the child, aggravated criminal sodomy, contributing to a child's misconduct, distribution of a stimulant and providing tobacco products.

Kan. man jailed after alleged sex crimes with 13-year-old runaway

SEATTLE (AP) —Boeing plans to lay off about 10% of its workers in the coming months, about 17,000 people, as it continues to lose money and tries to deal with a strike that is crippling production of the company’s best-selling airline planes.

New CEO Kelly Ortberg told staff in a memo Friday that the job cuts will include executives, managers and employees.

The company has about 170,000 employees worldwide, many of them working in manufacturing facilities in the states of Washington and South Carolina.

Boeing had already imposed rolling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-strike-union-negotiations-89997704299f09bf28ad135919174b11">temporary furloughs</a>, but Ortberg said those will be suspended because of the impending layoffs.

The company will further delay the rollout of a new plane, the 777X, to 2026 instead of 2025. It will also stop building the cargo version of its 767 jet in 2027 after finishing current orders.

Boeing has lost more than $25 billion since the start of 2019.

About 33,000 union machinists have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-strike-machinists-contract-9f61a7d48675d1c3517233d40d4ec2b1">been on strike</a>&nbsp;since Sept. 14. Two days of talks this week failed to produce a deal, and Boeing filed an unfair-labor-practices charge against the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

As it announced layoffs, Boeing also gave a preliminary report on its third-quarter financial results — and the news is not good for the company.

Boeing said it burned through $1.3 billion in cash during the quarter and lost $9.97 per share. Industry analysts had been expecting the company to lose $1.61 per share in the quarter, according to a FactSet survey, but analysts were likely unaware of some large write-downs that Boeing announced Friday — a $2.6 billion charge related to delays of the 777X, $400 million for the 767, and $2 billion for defense and space programs including new Air Force One jets, a space capsule for NASA and a military refueling tanker.

The company based in Arlington, Virginia, said it had $10.5 billion in cash and marketable securities on Sept. 30. Boeing is scheduled to release full third-quarter numbers on Oct. 23.

The strike has a direct bearing on cash burn because Boeing gets half or more of the price of planes when it delivers them to airline customers. The strike has shut down production of the 737 Max, Boeing's best-selling plane, and 777s and 767s. The company is still making 787s at a nonunion plant in South Carolina.

“Our business is in a difficult position, and it is hard to overstate the challenges we face together,” Ortberg told staff. He said the situation “requires tough decisions and we will have to make structural changes to ensure we can stay competitive and deliver for our customers over the long term.”

Ortberg took over at Boeing in August, becoming the troubled company’s third CEO in less than five years. He is a longtime aerospace-industry executive but an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-ortberg-new-ceo-factory-visit-e5bada09a96d0e26b25f2d35d6d6cfc0">outsider to Boeing</a>.

The new CEO faces many challenges to turn the company around.

The Federal Aviation Administration increased scrutiny of the company after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-investigation-faa-panel-blowout-monitoring-06b098e57a8c65bdb0ba377f99290d32">panel blew out of a Max</a>&nbsp;during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Boeing has agreed to plead guilty and pay a fine for conspiracy to commit fraud tied to the Max, but relatives of the 346 people who died in two Max crashes want&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-737-max-victims-plea-agreement-fraud-7b772b2ae171b0e3cb9916d10d05652f">tougher punishment</a>.

And Boeing got attention for all the wrong reasons when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-starliner-space-defense-business-nasa-8e5f6414629efcc0a78d43fb9c778333">NASA decided</a>&nbsp;that a Boeing spacecraft wasn’t safe enough to carry two astronauts home from the International Space Station.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727171580133.png" alt="Photo Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace" />
 <figcaption>Photo Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) —Boeing plans to lay off about 10% of its workers in the coming months, about 17,000 people, as it continues to lose money and tries to deal with a strike that is crippling production of the company’s best-selling airline planes.New CEO Kelly Ortberg told staff in a memo Friday that the job cuts will include executives, managers and employees.The company has about 170,000 employees worldwide, many of them working in manufacturing facilities in the states of Washington and South Carolina.Boeing had already imposed rolling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-strike-union-negotiations-89997704299f09bf28ad135919174b11">temporary furloughs</a>, but Ortberg said those will be suspended because of the impending layoffs.The company will further delay the rollout of a new plane, the 777X, to 2026 instead of 2025. It will also stop building the cargo version of its 767 jet in 2027 after finishing current orders.Boeing has lost more than $25 billion since the start of 2019.About 33,000 union machinists have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-strike-machinists-contract-9f61a7d48675d1c3517233d40d4ec2b1">been on strike</a>&nbsp;since Sept. 14. Two days of talks this week failed to produce a deal, and Boeing filed an unfair-labor-practices charge against the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.As it announced layoffs, Boeing also gave a preliminary report on its third-quarter financial results — and the news is not good for the company.Boeing said it burned through $1.3 billion in cash during the quarter and lost $9.97 per share. Industry analysts had been expecting the company to lose $1.61 per share in the quarter, according to a FactSet survey, but analysts were likely unaware of some large write-downs that Boeing announced Friday — a $2.6 billion charge related to delays of the 777X, $400 million for the 767, and $2 billion for defense and space programs including new Air Force One jets, a space capsule for NASA and a military refueling tanker.The company based in Arlington, Virginia, said it had $10.5 billion in cash and marketable securities on Sept. 30. Boeing is scheduled to release full third-quarter numbers on Oct. 23.The strike has a direct bearing on cash burn because Boeing gets half or more of the price of planes when it delivers them to airline customers. The strike has shut down production of the 737 Max, Boeing's best-selling plane, and 777s and 767s. The company is still making 787s at a nonunion plant in South Carolina.“Our business is in a difficult position, and it is hard to overstate the challenges we face together,” Ortberg told staff. He said the situation “requires tough decisions and we will have to make structural changes to ensure we can stay competitive and deliver for our customers over the long term.”Ortberg took over at Boeing in August, becoming the troubled company’s third CEO in less than five years. He is a longtime aerospace-industry executive but an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-ortberg-new-ceo-factory-visit-e5bada09a96d0e26b25f2d35d6d6cfc0">outsider to Boeing</a>.The new CEO faces many challenges to turn the company around.The Federal Aviation Administration increased scrutiny of the company after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-investigation-faa-panel-blowout-monitoring-06b098e57a8c65bdb0ba377f99290d32">panel blew out of a Max</a>&nbsp;during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Boeing has agreed to plead guilty and pay a fine for conspiracy to commit fraud tied to the Max, but relatives of the 346 people who died in two Max crashes want&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-737-max-victims-plea-agreement-fraud-7b772b2ae171b0e3cb9916d10d05652f">tougher punishment</a>.And Boeing got attention for all the wrong reasons when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-starliner-space-defense-business-nasa-8e5f6414629efcc0a78d43fb9c778333">NASA decided</a>&nbsp;that a Boeing spacecraft wasn’t safe enough to carry two astronauts home from the International Space Station.

Boeing to cut workforce, stop 767 production amid strike

JACKSON COUNTY – Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 10:30 p.m. Sept. 9,&nbsp; a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Ford Escape at 142nd Road on U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A probable cause search was conducted and illegal contraband was found.

The driver, Robert Duane Uitts, 48, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony interference, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, and operating a vehicle without insurance. He has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728396729568.png" alt="Uitts has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.- photo Jackson Co.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Uitts has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.- photo Jackson Co.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY – Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 10:30 p.m. Sept. 9,&nbsp; a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Ford Escape at 142nd Road on U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.A probable cause search was conducted and illegal contraband was found.The driver, Robert Duane Uitts, 48, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony interference, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, and operating a vehicle without insurance. He has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kansas felon caught transporting drugs

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal house fire on Sunday in Topeka have determined the cause of this fire was intentionally set,&nbsp;according to Topeka Fire Department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp; The incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Law enforcement are still working to contact the family of the victim, according to Nichols.

 Just after 6p.m. Sunday, crews from the Topeka Fire Department&nbsp; responded to a reported house fire at 1640 SW Buchanan Street.

Firs responders found heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story residence. Firefighters performed a search and found an individual on the second floor of the residence who was later pronounced deceased. 

Crews extinguished the fire. Investigators have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728296520340.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal house fire on Sunday in Topeka have determined the cause of this fire was intentionally set,&nbsp;according to Topeka Fire Department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp; The incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Law enforcement are still working to contact the family of the victim, according to Nichols. Just after 6p.m. Sunday, crews from the Topeka Fire Department&nbsp; responded to a reported house fire at 1640 SW Buchanan Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728296248154.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Firs responders found heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story residence. Firefighters performed a search and found an individual on the second floor of the residence who was later pronounced deceased. Crews extinguished the fire. Investigators have not reported an arrest.

Police working to notify next of kin after deadly Kan. arson fire

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Friday as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jpmorgan-earnings-bank-interest-loans-faec1fdd73f911ac70e9e659f852c603">big banks</a>&nbsp;rallied following a run of reassuring profit reports.

The S&amp;P 500 climbed 0.6% to top its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-oil-china-7370004fad6b4347474465a25fbb4f80">all-time high</a>&nbsp;set earlier in the week and close out its fifth straight winning week, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 409 points, or 1%, to set its own record. The Nasdaq composite lagged the market with a gain of 0.3% after a slide for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-tesla-robotaxi-unveiling-a00d063f2ffc67125889a6635a0a607e">Tesla</a>&nbsp;kept it in check.

Wells Fargo rose 5.6% after reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It benefited from better results from its venture-capital investments and higher fees for investment-banking services, among other things.

Banks and other financial giants traditionally kick off each earnings reporting season, and JPMorgan Chase climbed 4.4% after reporting a milder drop in profit than analysts feared. It was the strongest single force pushing upward on the S&amp;P 500.

CEO Jamie Dimon said the nation’s largest bank is also still buying back shares of its stock to send cash to investors, but the pace is modest “given that market levels are at least slightly inflated.”

BlackRock, meanwhile, rose 3.6% after likewise delivering better profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The investment giant ended September managing a record $11.5 trillion in total assets for its customers.

The gains for banks helped make up for the drag of Tesla, which tumbled 8.8% and was the heaviest weight on the market. The electric-vehicle maker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-tesla-robotaxi-unveiling-a00d063f2ffc67125889a6635a0a607e">unveiled its long-awaited robotaxi</a>&nbsp;on Thursday night, but critics highlighted a lack of details about its planned rollout.

Following the unveiling of the “Cybercab,” potential rival Uber Technologies jumped 10.8% and was one of the strongest forces lifting the S&amp;P 500. Lyft rose 9.6%.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 34.98 points to 5,815.03. The Dow rallied 409.74 to 42,863.86, and the Nasdaq composite gained 60.89 to 18,342.94.

Another automaker, Stellantis, saw its European-traded shares sink 2.8% after it announced some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stellantis-tevares-d6db36e05c7305eb4795db3fb382e101">significant leadership changes</a>, including the timing of CEO Carlos Tavares’ retirement. Its chief financial officer is also departing as the company formed by the merger of PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler struggles to revive sales in North America.

In the bond market, Treasury yields were mixed following the latest updates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-wholesale-prices-consumer-federal-reserve-rates-a551afcffbb495e5a302d5c847562df6">on inflation</a>&nbsp;at the wholesale level and on sentiment among U.S. consumers.

Prices paid by producers were 1.8% higher in September than a year earlier. That was an improvement from August’s year-over-year inflation level, but not as much as economists expected. Analysts said it likely helped calm worries stirred a day earlier, when a report showed inflation at the consumer level wasn’t cooling as quickly as economists expected.

A separate report on Friday suggested sentiment among U.S. consumers is lower than economists expected. But the preliminary reading's decline in sentiment was still within the margin of error, according to Joanne Hsu, director of the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers.

After Friday’s reports, traders built their bets that the Federal Reserve would cut its main interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point at its next meeting, according to data from CME Group.

They've pared back their expectations from earlier this month, when some traders were betting on the possibility for another larger-than-usual cut of half a percentage point in November. A run of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-federal-reserve-inflation-unemployment-economy-87447d5187b37bb0f5cf996e25bad808">stronger-than-expected data</a>&nbsp;on the economy recently has wiped out such calls.

Regardless of how much the Fed cuts rates by at its next meeting, the longer-term trend for interest rates remains downward, according to Solita Marcelli, chief investment officer Americas, at UBS Global Wealth Management. That should offer an upward push to stock prices generally.

The Fed last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-inflation-prices-federal-reserve-economy-0283bc6f92e9f9920094b78d821df227">cut its main interest rate</a>&nbsp;from a two-decade high as it widens its focus to include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-inflation-prices-federal-reserve-economy-31e05db08464c58ce8a3f2db0270f2d3">keeping the economy humming</a>&nbsp;instead of just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">fighting high inflation</a>.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.09% from 4.07% late Thursday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed’s upcoming moves, edged down to 3.95% from 3.96%.

In markets abroad, stocks fell 2.5% in Shanghai for their latest sharp swing ahead of a briefing scheduled for Saturday by China’s Finance Ministry. Investors hope it will unveil a big stimulus plan for the world's second-largest economy.

South Korea's Kospi slipped 0.1% after its central bank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-rate-cut-central-bank-economy-66f3bdd72aae9910f072b08f901b711f">cut interest rates</a>&nbsp;for the first time in more than four years in hopes of boosting its economy.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Friday as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jpmorgan-earnings-bank-interest-loans-faec1fdd73f911ac70e9e659f852c603">big banks</a>&nbsp;rallied following a run of reassuring profit reports.The S&amp;P 500 climbed 0.6% to top its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-oil-china-7370004fad6b4347474465a25fbb4f80">all-time high</a>&nbsp;set earlier in the week and close out its fifth straight winning week, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 409 points, or 1%, to set its own record. The Nasdaq composite lagged the market with a gain of 0.3% after a slide for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-tesla-robotaxi-unveiling-a00d063f2ffc67125889a6635a0a607e">Tesla</a>&nbsp;kept it in check.Wells Fargo rose 5.6% after reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It benefited from better results from its venture-capital investments and higher fees for investment-banking services, among other things.Banks and other financial giants traditionally kick off each earnings reporting season, and JPMorgan Chase climbed 4.4% after reporting a milder drop in profit than analysts feared. It was the strongest single force pushing upward on the S&amp;P 500.CEO Jamie Dimon said the nation’s largest bank is also still buying back shares of its stock to send cash to investors, but the pace is modest “given that market levels are at least slightly inflated.”BlackRock, meanwhile, rose 3.6% after likewise delivering better profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The investment giant ended September managing a record $11.5 trillion in total assets for its customers.The gains for banks helped make up for the drag of Tesla, which tumbled 8.8% and was the heaviest weight on the market. The electric-vehicle maker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-tesla-robotaxi-unveiling-a00d063f2ffc67125889a6635a0a607e">unveiled its long-awaited robotaxi</a>&nbsp;on Thursday night, but critics highlighted a lack of details about its planned rollout.Following the unveiling of the “Cybercab,” potential rival Uber Technologies jumped 10.8% and was one of the strongest forces lifting the S&amp;P 500. Lyft rose 9.6%.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 34.98 points to 5,815.03. The Dow rallied 409.74 to 42,863.86, and the Nasdaq composite gained 60.89 to 18,342.94.Another automaker, Stellantis, saw its European-traded shares sink 2.8% after it announced some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stellantis-tevares-d6db36e05c7305eb4795db3fb382e101">significant leadership changes</a>, including the timing of CEO Carlos Tavares’ retirement. Its chief financial officer is also departing as the company formed by the merger of PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler struggles to revive sales in North America.In the bond market, Treasury yields were mixed following the latest updates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-wholesale-prices-consumer-federal-reserve-rates-a551afcffbb495e5a302d5c847562df6">on inflation</a>&nbsp;at the wholesale level and on sentiment among U.S. consumers.Prices paid by producers were 1.8% higher in September than a year earlier. That was an improvement from August’s year-over-year inflation level, but not as much as economists expected. Analysts said it likely helped calm worries stirred a day earlier, when a report showed inflation at the consumer level wasn’t cooling as quickly as economists expected.A separate report on Friday suggested sentiment among U.S. consumers is lower than economists expected. But the preliminary reading's decline in sentiment was still within the margin of error, according to Joanne Hsu, director of the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers.After Friday’s reports, traders built their bets that the Federal Reserve would cut its main interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point at its next meeting, according to data from CME Group.They've pared back their expectations from earlier this month, when some traders were betting on the possibility for another larger-than-usual cut of half a percentage point in November. A run of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-federal-reserve-inflation-unemployment-economy-87447d5187b37bb0f5cf996e25bad808">stronger-than-expected data</a>&nbsp;on the economy recently has wiped out such calls.Regardless of how much the Fed cuts rates by at its next meeting, the longer-term trend for interest rates remains downward, according to Solita Marcelli, chief investment officer Americas, at UBS Global Wealth Management. That should offer an upward push to stock prices generally.The Fed last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-inflation-prices-federal-reserve-economy-0283bc6f92e9f9920094b78d821df227">cut its main interest rate</a>&nbsp;from a two-decade high as it widens its focus to include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-inflation-prices-federal-reserve-economy-31e05db08464c58ce8a3f2db0270f2d3">keeping the economy humming</a>&nbsp;instead of just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">fighting high inflation</a>.The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.09% from 4.07% late Thursday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed’s upcoming moves, edged down to 3.95% from 3.96%.In markets abroad, stocks fell 2.5% in Shanghai for their latest sharp swing ahead of a briefing scheduled for Saturday by China’s Finance Ministry. Investors hope it will unveil a big stimulus plan for the world's second-largest economy.South Korea's Kospi slipped 0.1% after its central bank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-rate-cut-central-bank-economy-66f3bdd72aae9910f072b08f901b711f">cut interest rates</a>&nbsp;for the first time in more than four years in hopes of boosting its economy.

Wall Street rises to close its latest record-setting week as banks jump

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as 34-year-old Marjorielle Evens of Wichita, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

Sedgwick County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a motor vehicle verse pedestrian accident in the 4900 block of South Meridian on October 10th, 2024 at approximately 7:26 pm.

Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, a 2017 Hyundai Accent driven by Shilo D. McMurphy of Wichita was northbound in the 4900 Block of on South Meridian, according to Gibbs. The vehicle struck Evans who was crossing the roadway on foot.&nbsp; McMurphy did not see Evans, according to Gibbs. There were no indications of intoxication in either party.

EMS pronounced Evans deceased at the scene. McMurphy was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The accident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728674855533.png" alt="First responders at the scene Thursday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene Thursday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as 34-year-old Marjorielle Evens of Wichita, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.Sedgwick County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a motor vehicle verse pedestrian accident in the 4900 block of South Meridian on October 10th, 2024 at approximately 7:26 pm.Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, a 2017 Hyundai Accent driven by Shilo D. McMurphy of Wichita was northbound in the 4900 Block of on South Meridian, according to Gibbs. The vehicle struck Evans who was crossing the roadway on foot.&nbsp; McMurphy did not see Evans, according to Gibbs. There were no indications of intoxication in either party.EMS pronounced Evans deceased at the scene. McMurphy was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.The accident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff IDs Kansas woman who died in pedestrian accident

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — A University of Kansas lecturer who suggested men who refuse to vote for a woman president solely because she is a woman should be shot resigned Friday after&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/09/kansas-lecturer-on-leave-after-inappropriate-reference-to-violence-during-class/">a video of his comments went viral</a>, inciting widespread backlash.

Barbara Bichelmeyer, KU provost and executive vice chancellor, announced Friday in a statement that the lecturer, Phillip Lowcock, “left the university.” The announcement came two days after a conservative pundit posted&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/nedryun/status/1843991931530993667" target="_blank">a video</a>&nbsp;to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that showed Lowcock addressing a classroom of students and making what the university dubbed an “inappropriate reference to violence.”

“There are going to be some males in our society that will refuse to vote for a potential female president because they don’t think females are smart enough to be president,” Lowcock said in the video. “We could line all those guys up and shoot ‘em. They clearly don’t understand the way the world works.”

He continued: “Did I say that? Scratch that from the recording. I don’t want the deans hearing that I said that.”

The university met with Lowcock upon learning about the video and immediately placed him on administrative leave, Bichelmeyer said. She said Lowcock apologized to her and other university leaders, saying his intention was “to emphasize his advocacy for women’s rights and equality.” Bichelmeyer said the university is attempting to find another instructor to cover his classes. He was on staff in KU’s department of health, sport and exercise sciences.

The video on X has more than 3.5 million views. It was first posted Wednesday morning by Ned Ryun, the son of former Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun of Kansas. A slate of politicians, media personalities and X users condemned Lowcock’s comments and called for his resignation.&nbsp;

A national free speech organization, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, defended Lowcock’s comments, saying his speech was hyperbole and protected under the First Amendment.

Bichelmeyer condemned violent rhetoric, but she acknowledged the tangled nature of academic freedom and free expression.

“It’s no secret that higher education and, more broadly, our society continue to grapple with issues of free speech, care and respect for others, and civic engagement,” she said. “The world is what we make of it. Please use this unfortunate event as an opportunity to reflect on these topics and the role each of us plays in our academic community.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728508235506.png" alt=" Strong Hall at the University of Kansas on August 22, 2020. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Strong Hall at the University of Kansas on August 22, 2020. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — A University of Kansas lecturer who suggested men who refuse to vote for a woman president solely because she is a woman should be shot resigned Friday after&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/09/kansas-lecturer-on-leave-after-inappropriate-reference-to-violence-during-class/">a video of his comments went viral</a>, inciting widespread backlash.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Seriously ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/UnivOfKansas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UnivOfKansas</a>⁩? You’re letting this be said in your classrooms? That men who won’t vote for Kamala Harris for President should be lined up and shot?? ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JerryMoran</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/7hHihxScEg">pic.twitter.com/7hHihxScEg</a>&mdash; Ned Ryun (@nedryun) <a href="https://twitter.com/nedryun/status/1843991931530993667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Barbara Bichelmeyer, KU provost and executive vice chancellor, announced Friday in a statement that the lecturer, Phillip Lowcock, “left the university.” The announcement came two days after a conservative pundit posted&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/nedryun/status/1843991931530993667" target="_blank">a video</a>&nbsp;to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that showed Lowcock addressing a classroom of students and making what the university dubbed an “inappropriate reference to violence.”“There are going to be some males in our society that will refuse to vote for a potential female president because they don’t think females are smart enough to be president,” Lowcock said in the video. “We could line all those guys up and shoot ‘em. They clearly don’t understand the way the world works.”He continued: “Did I say that? Scratch that from the recording. I don’t want the deans hearing that I said that.”The university met with Lowcock upon learning about the video and immediately placed him on administrative leave, Bichelmeyer said. She said Lowcock apologized to her and other university leaders, saying his intention was “to emphasize his advocacy for women’s rights and equality.” Bichelmeyer said the university is attempting to find another instructor to cover his classes. He was on staff in KU’s department of health, sport and exercise sciences.The video on X has more than 3.5 million views. It was first posted Wednesday morning by Ned Ryun, the son of former Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun of Kansas. A slate of politicians, media personalities and X users condemned Lowcock’s comments and called for his resignation.&nbsp;A national free speech organization, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, defended Lowcock’s comments, saying his speech was hyperbole and protected under the First Amendment.Bichelmeyer condemned violent rhetoric, but she acknowledged the tangled nature of academic freedom and free expression.“It’s no secret that higher education and, more broadly, our society continue to grapple with issues of free speech, care and respect for others, and civic engagement,” she said. “The world is what we make of it. Please use this unfortunate event as an opportunity to reflect on these topics and the role each of us plays in our academic community.”

University of Kan. lecturer resigns after ‘inappropriate reference to violence’ in class

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas boy critically injured in a shooting on Wednesday has died, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 46-year-old Tesha L. Florence of Wichita reporting that she shot her son, according to Captain Moses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728555306481.png" alt="Tesha Florence photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Tesha Florence photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas boy critically injured in a shooting on Wednesday has died, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 46-year-old Tesha L. Florence of Wichita reporting that she shot her son, according to Captain Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728510375843.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Wednesday morning-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Wednesday morning-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located a 16-year-old identified as Robert Florence inside an apartment in the 9100 Block of East Harry. He had a single gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was in extremely critical condition.On Friday morning the boy succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital, according to Moses.At the scene, officers detained <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">Tesha Florence,</a> identified according to Sedgwick County booking records. She is the boy's mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wichita Police investigators are in the process of amending the requested charges for her to include Second Degree Murder.During the investigation into this case, detectives learned of a previously unreported incident from March 2024 where Techa Florence threatened an ex-husband and his current girlfriend with a gun.Just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday, Tesha Florence was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail and is currently being held on bonds totaling $600,000, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">according to online jail records.</a>