Lux Claridge, an Emporia High School physics teacher, was arrested after clapping during the meeting. Commissioners had warned those in attendance against disruptive behavior, including clapping, snapping or rude comments. Claridge and several others clapped in support of speakers opposing the Flint Hills Digital Campus data center. After commissioners issued a final warning, Claridge continued to clap, leading to their arrest.

“I’m glad to be out — but this is an inconvenience, really. It’s not really deterring me from speaking out or I guess, clapping,” Claridge said.

The city claims it was disruptive, but they also disallowed "snapping or rude comments". Considering they dropped all charges with no prejudice, the city was in the wrong here.

I don't have a direct link to a file but here's a clip on a regional (Nebraska) news affiliate:

https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2026/07/27/teacher-arrested-repeatedly-clapping-favor-data-center-opponents-during-city-commission-meeting/

pretty boring regular clapping. by the way, the speaker he clapped for right before getting arrested: his wife. literally applauding his wife for speaking up at town meeting.

they probably asked everyone to remain completely silent and had setup"rules" for applause between speakers... knowing that 1) they don't want people to get riled up 2) it gives them pretense to remove people who say literally anything when not standing at the podium.

Holding someone for 8 hours for disruptive clapping would also be ridiculous.