WASHINGTON­—Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) delivered opening remarks at Tuesday’s hearing titled “<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/restoring-public-trust-through-uap-transparency-and-whistleblower-protection/">Restoring Public Trust Through UFO/UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection</a>.”

In her opening statement, Task Force Chairwoman Luna highlighted the lack of transparency from the federal government and intelligence communities on the research and disclosure of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). Task Force Chairwoman Luna also reiterated the importance of addressing threats to U.S. national security by (UFOs or now known as UAPs and the need for the federal government to acknowledge them.

Read the Congresswoman's full statement below:

Good morning, and welcome to this hearing regarding UAP disclosures.

For too long, the issue of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – commonly known as UAPs – has been shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and in some cases outright dismissal.&nbsp;

Today, I want to state clearly: this is not science fiction or creating speculation.&nbsp;

This is about national security, government accountability, and the American people’s right to the truth.

I have now spoken to a number of whistleblowers from the military, to include at the infamous Eglin AFB incident that occurred when myself and former Rep Matt Gaetz as well as Rep Burchett followed up on a lead from multiple active-duty air force pilot whistleblowers that alleged that the USAF was covering up UAP activity at Eglin AFB.&nbsp;

We have heard from a number of whistleblowers, specifically military pilots, that the reason for not coming forward publicly is out of fear that speaking out would cost them their flight status, and potentially their careers.&nbsp;

We cannot protect our airspace if our best-trained observers are silenced.&nbsp;

We cannot advance science if we refuse to ask questions.&nbsp;

And we cannot maintain trust in government if we keep the American people in the dark.

Now, Congress has tried to fix this problem.

Congress tried to create formal channels – through the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, also known as AARO and the Intelligence Community Inspector General – for service members and officials to make disclosures.

But the reality: the reports that come in are too often brushed aside, slow-walked, or met with skepticism rather than serious investigation. Recently, the former AARO director known as Sean Kirpatrick attacked our witness and members on this committee. It should be noted that he is a documented liar and brings into question what his purpose at AARO really was if it was not to follow up on investigations and disclose his findings to Members of Congress.&nbsp;

A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Chris Mellon, described a report published by ARRO that “found no evidence that any USG investigation, academic-sponsored research, or official review panel has confirmed that any sighting of a UAP represented extraterrestrial technology,” as “the most error-ridden and unsatisfactory government report I can recall reading during or after decades of government service.” Mellon further noted that this was the first ARRO report submitted to Congress without the Director of National Intelligence’s sign-off and seemingly excluded input from “any of the scholars or experts who have studied and written extensively on this topic as would normally be the case in another field.” Mellon determined that the report failed to fulfill the congressional mandate under which it was required, omitted entire agencies with “known investigations or activities relating to UAP,” and omitted any discussion of efforts to hide classified or unclassified information about UAP. Such efforts were unaddressed by the report despite the existence of agency records and investigations concerning them, including at US Customs and Border Protection.

If we set up offices and oversight bodies only to let them become graveyards for testimony or worse yet, ruses for pretending to investigate when in actuality, there was no follow up, then we are not doing our jobs.

In recent months, Congress has also been presented with evidence that points to technologies that to our knowledge, are beyond our current capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is our duty as elected representatives to follow the facts, wherever they lead, and to ensure those facts are not buried under classification stamps or bureaucratic excuses.&nbsp;

Let me be clear: whether UAPs represent adversarial technology, natural phenomena, or something beyond current human understanding, Congress has a responsibility to investigate.&nbsp;

If these objects are foreign in origin, they pose a direct threat to our national security.&nbsp;

If they represent something unknown, they demand rigorous scientific inquiry – not ridicule, not secrecy, and not silence.&nbsp;

Adversarial nations are not waiting for us to catch up – they are studying these phenomena aggressively as well and multiple nations have also announced their own parliamentary investigation into this very topic.

If we continue to hide information from ourselves, we risk strategic surprises.&nbsp;

If we continue to ignore our pilots and service members as well as the countless government whistleblowers, we risk losing their trust.&nbsp;

And if we continue to shield the truth from the public, we risk eroding the very foundation of democratic accountability.&nbsp;

This is about demanding basic transparency from the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community and/or military contractors.&nbsp;

It is about asking the questions every American has the right to ask: What do we know? What don’t we know? And why, in a free society are we still being told so little?&nbsp;

A major barrier to the Committee’s inquiry into UAPs has been a lack of cooperation and transparency from the DoD and the Intelligence Community (IC). In preparation for previous UAP hearings, the Committee repeatedly asked DoD to allow Members to view videos and files relating to UAP incidents. Unfortunately, DoD notified Committee staff that due to the Department’s special access program (SAP) rules, only members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee (HAC-D) were allowed to be “read in” on such programs. For a non-committee Member to be allowed to view these documents and videos, individual Members must be approved by the Chairman and Ranking Member of both HASC and HAC-D. Independent SAP oversight has presented a consistent problem for Congress as the program’s budgets are classified. Additionally, oversight reporting to Congress is classified, and is only provided to the authorizing and appropriations committees of jurisdiction.

They do not need to be shielded like children from reality.

What they cannot tolerate – what they will not forgive – is a government that withholds the truth and punishes those who dare to speak out.

Future generations will look back on this moment and ask what we did when presented with the unknown.&nbsp;

Did we look away, embarrassed or afraid? Or did we pursue the truth with courage?&nbsp;

I intend to be on the side of truth, transparency, and accountability, and I hope my colleagues on this Task Force will be as well.&nbsp;

Senator Schumer: “Multiple credible sources” allege a constitutional crisis over UFOs.

Senator Rounds: “They are brilliant individuals.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“They’re not making this stuff up.”

Our current Secretary of State Rubio: “Very high clearances and high positions within our government.”

Senator McConnell: “Sane,” “Credible”

The witnesses today are not alone, far from it. In fact, 34 senior military, government, and intelligence officials have broken their silence. This includes Senator Rubio, Senator Rounds, Senator Gillibrand, General Jim Clapper, the former director of the Government’s UAP task force, the former head of aviation security on the White House national security council, a former secretary of defense, and many more.&nbsp; To quote&nbsp;Senator Rubio in the upcoming documentary Age of Disclosure: “even presidents have been operating on a need-to-know basis but that begins to spin out of control.” And to quote Senator Gillibrand who went public in a upcoming documentary, “it’s not acceptable to have secret parts of government that no one ever sees.” It is time for the fundamental truths around UAP to be revealed to our nation’s leaders and to the public.

&nbsp;It is time for the US government to exercise transparency.

WASHINGTON­—Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) delivered opening remarks at Tuesday’s hearing titled “<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/restoring-public-trust-through-uap-transparency-and-whistleblower-protection/">Restoring Public Trust Through UFO/UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection</a>.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Below is the video I revealed in our <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPoversight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOPoversight</a> UAP hearing today, made available to the public for the first time. October 30th, 2024: MQ-9 Reaper allegedly tracking orb off coast of Yemen. Greenlight given to engage, missile appears to be ineffective against the target.… <a href="https://t.co/jxJwl0e00S">pic.twitter.com/jxJwl0e00S</a>&mdash; Rep. Eric Burlison (@RepEricBurlison) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepEricBurlison/status/1965438792493355291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔴 UAP HEARING! Watch as <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLuna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepLuna</a> and the Task Force for the Declassification of Federal Secrets hold a hearing on restoring public trust through UAP transparency and whistleblower protection. <a href="https://t.co/TOLaBHHj9Q">https://t.co/TOLaBHHj9Q</a>&mdash; Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPoversight/status/1965412144264151187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In her opening statement, Task Force Chairwoman Luna highlighted the lack of transparency from the federal government and intelligence communities on the research and disclosure of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). Task Force Chairwoman Luna also reiterated the importance of addressing threats to U.S. national security by (UFOs or now known as UAPs and the need for the federal government to acknowledge them.Read the Congresswoman's full statement below:Good morning, and welcome to this hearing regarding UAP disclosures.For too long, the issue of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – commonly known as UAPs – has been shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and in some cases outright dismissal.&nbsp;Today, I want to state clearly: this is not science fiction or creating speculation.&nbsp;This is about national security, government accountability, and the American people’s right to the truth.I have now spoken to a number of whistleblowers from the military, to include at the infamous Eglin AFB incident that occurred when myself and former Rep Matt Gaetz as well as Rep Burchett followed up on a lead from multiple active-duty air force pilot whistleblowers that alleged that the USAF was covering up UAP activity at Eglin AFB.&nbsp;We have heard from a number of whistleblowers, specifically military pilots, that the reason for not coming forward publicly is out of fear that speaking out would cost them their flight status, and potentially their careers.&nbsp;That is unacceptable.&nbsp;We cannot protect our airspace if our best-trained observers are silenced.&nbsp;We cannot advance science if we refuse to ask questions.&nbsp;And we cannot maintain trust in government if we keep the American people in the dark.Now, Congress has tried to fix this problem.Congress tried to create formal channels – through the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, also known as AARO and the Intelligence Community Inspector General – for service members and officials to make disclosures.But the reality: the reports that come in are too often brushed aside, slow-walked, or met with skepticism rather than serious investigation. Recently, the former AARO director known as Sean Kirpatrick attacked our witness and members on this committee. It should be noted that he is a documented liar and brings into question what his purpose at AARO really was if it was not to follow up on investigations and disclose his findings to Members of Congress.&nbsp;A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Chris Mellon, described a report published by ARRO that “found no evidence that any USG investigation, academic-sponsored research, or official review panel has confirmed that any sighting of a UAP represented extraterrestrial technology,” as “the most error-ridden and unsatisfactory government report I can recall reading during or after decades of government service.” Mellon further noted that this was the first ARRO report submitted to Congress without the Director of National Intelligence’s sign-off and seemingly excluded input from “any of the scholars or experts who have studied and written extensively on this topic as would normally be the case in another field.” Mellon determined that the report failed to fulfill the congressional mandate under which it was required, omitted entire agencies with “known investigations or activities relating to UAP,” and omitted any discussion of efforts to hide classified or unclassified information about UAP. Such efforts were unaddressed by the report despite the existence of agency records and investigations concerning them, including at US Customs and Border Protection.If we set up offices and oversight bodies only to let them become graveyards for testimony or worse yet, ruses for pretending to investigate when in actuality, there was no follow up, then we are not doing our jobs.In recent months, Congress has also been presented with evidence that points to technologies that to our knowledge, are beyond our current capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is our duty as elected representatives to follow the facts, wherever they lead, and to ensure those facts are not buried under classification stamps or bureaucratic excuses.&nbsp;Let me be clear: whether UAPs represent adversarial technology, natural phenomena, or something beyond current human understanding, Congress has a responsibility to investigate.&nbsp;If these objects are foreign in origin, they pose a direct threat to our national security.&nbsp;If they represent something unknown, they demand rigorous scientific inquiry – not ridicule, not secrecy, and not silence.&nbsp;The stakes are high.&nbsp;Adversarial nations are not waiting for us to catch up – they are studying these phenomena aggressively as well and multiple nations have also announced their own parliamentary investigation into this very topic.If we continue to hide information from ourselves, we risk strategic surprises.&nbsp;If we continue to ignore our pilots and service members as well as the countless government whistleblowers, we risk losing their trust.&nbsp;And if we continue to shield the truth from the public, we risk eroding the very foundation of democratic accountability.&nbsp;That is why this hearing matters.&nbsp;This is not about fueling speculation.This is about demanding basic transparency from the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community and/or military contractors.&nbsp;It is about asking the questions every American has the right to ask: What do we know? What don’t we know? And why, in a free society are we still being told so little?&nbsp;A major barrier to the Committee’s inquiry into UAPs has been a lack of cooperation and transparency from the DoD and the Intelligence Community (IC). In preparation for previous UAP hearings, the Committee repeatedly asked DoD to allow Members to view videos and files relating to UAP incidents. Unfortunately, DoD notified Committee staff that due to the Department’s special access program (SAP) rules, only members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee (HAC-D) were allowed to be “read in” on such programs. For a non-committee Member to be allowed to view these documents and videos, individual Members must be approved by the Chairman and Ranking Member of both HASC and HAC-D. Independent SAP oversight has presented a consistent problem for Congress as the program’s budgets are classified. Additionally, oversight reporting to Congress is classified, and is only provided to the authorizing and appropriations committees of jurisdiction.The American people are not fragile.They do not need to be shielded like children from reality.What they cannot tolerate – what they will not forgive – is a government that withholds the truth and punishes those who dare to speak out.I want to close with this:Future generations will look back on this moment and ask what we did when presented with the unknown.&nbsp;Did we look away, embarrassed or afraid? Or did we pursue the truth with courage?&nbsp;I intend to be on the side of truth, transparency, and accountability, and I hope my colleagues on this Task Force will be as well.&nbsp;To quote a few elected officials:Senator Schumer: “Multiple credible sources” allege a constitutional crisis over UFOs.Senator Rounds: “They are brilliant individuals.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“They’re not making this stuff up.”Our current Secretary of State Rubio: “Very high clearances and high positions within our government.”Senator McConnell: “Sane,” “Credible”The witnesses today are not alone, far from it. In fact, 34 senior military, government, and intelligence officials have broken their silence. This includes Senator Rubio, Senator Rounds, Senator Gillibrand, General Jim Clapper, the former director of the Government’s UAP task force, the former head of aviation security on the White House national security council, a former secretary of defense, and many more.&nbsp; To quote&nbsp;Senator Rubio in the upcoming documentary Age of Disclosure: “even presidents have been operating on a need-to-know basis but that begins to spin out of control.” And to quote Senator Gillibrand who went public in a upcoming documentary, “it’s not acceptable to have secret parts of government that no one ever sees.” It is time for the fundamental truths around UAP to be revealed to our nation’s leaders and to the public.&nbsp;It is time for the US government to exercise transparency.

🎥Scary: Congressman unveils video of missile bouncing off UFO

KANSAS CITY —Sheriff's Deputies stopped a man driving a stolen Dodge Charger and were able to recover it last week, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

 The thief had tried to swap the VIN with that of a different vehicle, but&nbsp; investigators knew better.

"As far as we can tell, this may be the first car with a swapped VIN that we've recovered. The license plate was supposed to be on a different car, too. This is part of a larger investigation into a group involved in drugs and vehicle thefts by the Clay COunty Street Crimes Unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757470136886.png" alt="Photo Clay County, Mo. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay County, Mo. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Sheriff's Deputies stopped a man driving a stolen Dodge Charger and were able to recover it last week, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff. The thief had tried to swap the VIN with that of a different vehicle, but&nbsp; investigators knew better."As far as we can tell, this may be the first car with a swapped VIN that we've recovered. The license plate was supposed to be on a different car, too. This is part of a larger investigation into a group involved in drugs and vehicle thefts by the Clay COunty Street Crimes Unit.

Sheriff: Suspect tried to swap VIN number with a different vehicle

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert">WILL WEISSERT</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;had dinner Tuesday night at a seafood restaurant near the White House, promoting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-washington-dc-federal-immigration-deportation-81e3493e73e8af1ecce47af23d9911f4">his deployment of the National Guard</a>&nbsp;and federalizing the police force in an effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-increased-federal-law-enforcement-takeover-33b186a95dabf111bac61db398aa7543">crack down</a>&nbsp;on crime in the nation’s capital.

His motorcade made the short distance to Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak &amp; Stone Crab on 15th Street in the northwestern quadrant of the city following weeks of the president boasting about mobilizing federal authorities and the military that he says have made Washington “a safe zone.”

Cheers were heard as the president stepped from his limo — though there was also a smattering of boos and chants from protesters opposing U.S. policy in support of Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza.

“We’re standing right in the middle of D.C., which as you know about, over the last year, was a very unsafe place — over the last 20 years — and now it’s got virtually no crime,” Trump told reporters.

He added that he wouldn’t have stood out “in the middle of the street” as recently as a couple of months ago. The suggestion was farcical, however, and didn’t actually reflect whether crime levels had changed in Washington, since the president is always surrounded by heavy security wherever he goes.

After entering the restaurant, a video posted on social media showed Trump shaking hands with some diners inside. But he also stared for an extended period at a small group of protesters who held up miniature Gaza flags and chanted: “Free D.C.! Free Palestine! Trump is the Hitler of our time!”

The president moved closer to them and could be seen gesturing briefly, but didn’t appear to speak.

Some restaurants have reported drops in reservations since Trump first announced the federal crackdown on Aug. 7, while there have been frequent street protests decrying his actions. Increased military and police presence also has occasionally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-bowser-trump-dc-police-5d3768539b5155b1a7f4f26ddb54a8c3">sparked standoffs</a>&nbsp;between residents and authorities in normally quiet neighborhoods.

Trump has nonetheless said repeatedly that he’s spoken to friends who tell him local restaurants are full and that people have noticed a drop in crime. He says he’s also heard that people appreciate crews working to remove homeless encampments as part of the crackdown.

Accompanying the president for dinner were Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as well as Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff. In his comments before going into dinner, Trump said, “The restaurants are booming.”

“People are going out to dinner where they didn’t go out for years,” he said.

After Trump returned to the White House after 10 p.m., press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who was also among those who dined with Trump, said he had eaten crab, shrimp, salad, steak and dessert.

The excursion was notable since Trump rarely dines away from the White House when he’s in Washington. And such outings have gotten even less common since he sold the hotel bearing his name a few blocks away, which was a key meeting point for administration officials and supporters during his first term.

The White House reported Tuesday that there had been nearly 2,200 arrests since Trump first announced the Washington crackdown on Aug. 7.

In addition to Washington, Trump deployed the National Guard to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-newsom-los-angeles-national-guard-d6c8450a3ac2de34e669ef0836d22cbc">Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;in June and has threatened to send troops to other, largely Democratic cities, including Baltimore, New Orleans and Chicago — where state and local authorities already are bracing for operations to sharply increase immigration enforcement.

He said Tuesday night, “We’re going to be announcing another city that we’re going to very shortly,” then said it could be as soon as Wednesday. He added that the mayor of that city and the governor of the state it is in “would love us to be there.”

That follows Trump posting over the weekend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-immigration-war-department-pritzker-1f6b2a08ed8aab04f0caf02ef506aafa">a parody image</a>&nbsp;from “Apocalypse Now” featuring a ball of flames as helicopters zoom over the lakefront and skyline of Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city.

“‘I love the smell of deportations in the morning,’” Trump wrote on his social media site. “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”

In the post, Trump offered no details beyond the label “Chipocalypse Now,” a play on the title of Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 Vietnam War film, in which a character says, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”

Last week, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-department-of-war-8cb6fe42fee4128f5a8fcab3f49e6e41">executive order</a>&nbsp;seeking to rename the Defense Department as the Department of War — even after months of campaigning to be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize. The renaming requires congressional approval.

In his own post in response, Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called Trump a “wannabe dictator.” He has joined state and city officials — and many Chicago residents — in decrying the idea of a federal crackdown as unnecessary.

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert">WILL WEISSERT</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;had dinner Tuesday night at a seafood restaurant near the White House, promoting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-washington-dc-federal-immigration-deportation-81e3493e73e8af1ecce47af23d9911f4">his deployment of the National Guard</a>&nbsp;and federalizing the police force in an effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-increased-federal-law-enforcement-takeover-33b186a95dabf111bac61db398aa7543">crack down</a>&nbsp;on crime in the nation’s capital.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Did someone leak the President’s location to the organization that showed up to protest him? Was this code pink? How are they allowed that close to him? Where was Secret Service and was there someone in Secret Service that leaked his location? This needs to be looked into. <a href="https://t.co/kLvmOCOZ2P">pic.twitter.com/kLvmOCOZ2P</a>&mdash; Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLuna/status/1965607877789581530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His motorcade made the short distance to Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak &amp; Stone Crab on 15th Street in the northwestern quadrant of the city following weeks of the president boasting about mobilizing federal authorities and the military that he says have made Washington “a safe zone.”Cheers were heard as the president stepped from his limo — though there was also a smattering of boos and chants from protesters opposing U.S. policy in support of Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza.“We’re standing right in the middle of D.C., which as you know about, over the last year, was a very unsafe place — over the last 20 years — and now it’s got virtually no crime,” Trump told reporters.He added that he wouldn’t have stood out “in the middle of the street” as recently as a couple of months ago. The suggestion was farcical, however, and didn’t actually reflect whether crime levels had changed in Washington, since the president is always surrounded by heavy security wherever he goes.After entering the restaurant, a video posted on social media showed Trump shaking hands with some diners inside. But he also stared for an extended period at a small group of protesters who held up miniature Gaza flags and chanted: “Free D.C.! Free Palestine! Trump is the Hitler of our time!”The president moved closer to them and could be seen gesturing briefly, but didn’t appear to speak.Some restaurants have reported drops in reservations since Trump first announced the federal crackdown on Aug. 7, while there have been frequent street protests decrying his actions. Increased military and police presence also has occasionally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-bowser-trump-dc-police-5d3768539b5155b1a7f4f26ddb54a8c3">sparked standoffs</a>&nbsp;between residents and authorities in normally quiet neighborhoods.Trump has nonetheless said repeatedly that he’s spoken to friends who tell him local restaurants are full and that people have noticed a drop in crime. He says he’s also heard that people appreciate crews working to remove homeless encampments as part of the crackdown.Accompanying the president for dinner were Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as well as Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff. In his comments before going into dinner, Trump said, “The restaurants are booming.”“People are going out to dinner where they didn’t go out for years,” he said.After Trump returned to the White House after 10 p.m., press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who was also among those who dined with Trump, said he had eaten crab, shrimp, salad, steak and dessert.The excursion was notable since Trump rarely dines away from the White House when he’s in Washington. And such outings have gotten even less common since he sold the hotel bearing his name a few blocks away, which was a key meeting point for administration officials and supporters during his first term.The White House reported Tuesday that there had been nearly 2,200 arrests since Trump first announced the Washington crackdown on Aug. 7.In addition to Washington, Trump deployed the National Guard to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-newsom-los-angeles-national-guard-d6c8450a3ac2de34e669ef0836d22cbc">Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;in June and has threatened to send troops to other, largely Democratic cities, including Baltimore, New Orleans and Chicago — where state and local authorities already are bracing for operations to sharply increase immigration enforcement.He said Tuesday night, “We’re going to be announcing another city that we’re going to very shortly,” then said it could be as soon as Wednesday. He added that the mayor of that city and the governor of the state it is in “would love us to be there.”That follows Trump posting over the weekend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-immigration-war-department-pritzker-1f6b2a08ed8aab04f0caf02ef506aafa">a parody image</a>&nbsp;from “Apocalypse Now” featuring a ball of flames as helicopters zoom over the lakefront and skyline of Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city.“‘I love the smell of deportations in the morning,’” Trump wrote on his social media site. “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”In the post, Trump offered no details beyond the label “Chipocalypse Now,” a play on the title of Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 Vietnam War film, in which a character says, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”Last week, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-department-of-war-8cb6fe42fee4128f5a8fcab3f49e6e41">executive order</a>&nbsp;seeking to rename the Defense Department as the Department of War — even after months of campaigning to be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize. The renaming requires congressional approval.In his own post in response, Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called Trump a “wannabe dictator.” He has joined state and city officials — and many Chicago residents — in decrying the idea of a federal crackdown as unnecessary.

🎥Trump faces protesters before dinner at DC restaurant

KANSAS CITY—A man's death in Kansas City, Missouri is now being investigated as a homicide.

Just before 6a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 3200 block of Independence Avenue on a medical call for service, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they located an adult male victim. The victim had no signs of life and was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Crime scene personnel and detectives responded to the scene to begin a death investigation. 

During the preliminary stages of the investigation the cause of death could not be determined.

On Tuesday, the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office notified detectives the victim had wounds consistent with being struck by gunfire. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation, according to DiMartino.

 Investigators continue to canvass the area for potential witnesses and any surveillance footage.

KANSAS CITY—A man's death in Kansas City, Missouri is now being investigated as a homicide.Just before 6a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 3200 block of Independence Avenue on a medical call for service, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.As officers arrived they located an adult male victim. The victim had no signs of life and was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Crime scene personnel and detectives responded to the scene to begin a death investigation. During the preliminary stages of the investigation the cause of death could not be determined.On Tuesday, the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office notified detectives the victim had wounds consistent with being struck by gunfire. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation, according to DiMartino. Investigators continue to canvass the area for potential witnesses and any surveillance footage.

KCPD: Medical examiner rules man's death a homicide

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is imploring the nation's public health agencies to prioritize investigations of vaccine injuries, prescription drug use and autism's causes in a new “Make America Healthy Again” report focused on children released Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26086948-maha-strategy-report/">Click here to read the report</a>

The 20-page report, overseen by Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, promises to put an end to childhood diseases in the U.S. by refocusing the nation's public health agencies on the topics that those in Kennedy's wide-ranging and politically diverse “MAHA” movement have demanded the government prioritize. The report does not lay out regulatory changes, instead calling on government agencies to further research a wide-range of issues related to Americans' health.

Kennedy's renewed push, though, to investigate vaccine injuries could stir more uproar at the public health agencies he oversees, which have been upended by mass layoffs and disagreements over his controversial policies.

Gathering with Trump officials on Tuesday to unveil the so-called “MAHA” report, Kennedy promised to “recast the entire program" used to investigate reported vaccine injuries. Currently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigates injuries that are reported by individuals or providers. Kennedy has repeatedly criticized the current process.

People who report vaccine injuries “will be welcomed and we will learn everything we can about them so we can improve the safety of these products,” Kennedy said Tuesday.

A bipartisan group of senators have raised alarm over Kennedy's vaccine policies at the CDC, which was recently thrown into chaos when Kennedy abruptly fired his hand-picked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-susan-monarez-50dfbec849b53b4593755d2e6e616687">director</a>&nbsp;and other top leaders walked out on the job, citing disagreements over the immunization recommendations. Just last week, senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-senate-cdc-3a5a090fc9d9f547377203fe5c61ffa2">grilled Kennedy over his anti-vaccine agenda</a>&nbsp;and leadership of the public health agencies.

An earlier version of the report was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maha-report-children-health-food-rfk-f0c624d30da939fc9cca09687f8a4273">first leaked and publicized in August</a>. Slight changes have been made to the final draft, which was developed by a “MAHA” commission that included Kennedy and other members of the president's cabinet. Despite pledging “radical transparency,” the commission never held a public meeting ahead of the report's release.

Among the differences in the final version of the report released on Tuesday is a call for the National Institutes of Health to use personal medical records and health insurance claims data to investigate the cause of diseases and disorders, including autism.

“The NIH will link multiple datasets, such as claims information, electronic health records, and wearables data, into a single integrated dataset for researchers studying the causes of, and developing treatments for, the chronic disease crisis,” the report says.

Kennedy has vowed for months that he would unveil the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/autism-kennedy-trump-vaccines-rfk-jr-cdc-b66251888f039c80b15beda23c279d5b">cause of autism</a>, a complex developmental disorder that impacts the brain, by September. He has promised to execute a massive research effort to identify the disorder's causes, but has stayed mum on details regarding who is conducting that research and when it will be released.

Last month, President Donald Trump pressed Kennedy for his findings during a cabinet meeting.

Those who have spent decades researching autism have found no single cause. Besides genetics, scientists have identified various possible factors, including the age of a child’s father, the mother’s weight, and whether she had diabetes or was exposed to certain chemicals.

The “MAHA” report addressed a number of other issues, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-kennedy-f6a2607b14c4a2787c68801a8e0646bc">ultraprocessed</a>&nbsp;food consumption, water quality, fluoride and the use of prescription drugs in children. Agencies, including the health department and the Department of Justice, should increase enforcement and oversight of prescription drug ads, especially those published by social media influencers and telehealth companies, the report says.

The National Institutes of Health,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-agencies-cuts-70ae99161321f0b779e2e56d8d2db304">which is facing a 40% cut to its budget</a>, is tasked with undertaking much of the MAHA-related research in the report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757445688539.png" alt="Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, during the presentation on Tuesday-image from HHS video" />
 <figcaption>Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, during the presentation on Tuesday-image from HHS video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is imploring the nation's public health agencies to prioritize investigations of vaccine injuries, prescription drug use and autism's causes in a new “Make America Healthy Again” report focused on children released Tuesday.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26086948-maha-strategy-report/">Click here to read the report</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757445537005.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The 20-page report, overseen by Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, promises to put an end to childhood diseases in the U.S. by refocusing the nation's public health agencies on the topics that those in Kennedy's wide-ranging and politically diverse “MAHA” movement have demanded the government prioritize. The report does not lay out regulatory changes, instead calling on government agencies to further research a wide-range of issues related to Americans' health.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, we released the Make our Children Healthy Again strategy—the most significant reform of food and healthcare policy in modern history. <a href="https://t.co/1iSAhrRdVL">pic.twitter.com/1iSAhrRdVL</a>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1965571610825687201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kennedy's renewed push, though, to investigate vaccine injuries could stir more uproar at the public health agencies he oversees, which have been upended by mass layoffs and disagreements over his controversial policies.Gathering with Trump officials on Tuesday to unveil the so-called “MAHA” report, Kennedy promised to “recast the entire program" used to investigate reported vaccine injuries. Currently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigates injuries that are reported by individuals or providers. Kennedy has repeatedly criticized the current process.People who report vaccine injuries “will be welcomed and we will learn everything we can about them so we can improve the safety of these products,” Kennedy said Tuesday.A bipartisan group of senators have raised alarm over Kennedy's vaccine policies at the CDC, which was recently thrown into chaos when Kennedy abruptly fired his hand-picked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-susan-monarez-50dfbec849b53b4593755d2e6e616687">director</a>&nbsp;and other top leaders walked out on the job, citing disagreements over the immunization recommendations. Just last week, senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-senate-cdc-3a5a090fc9d9f547377203fe5c61ffa2">grilled Kennedy over his anti-vaccine agenda</a>&nbsp;and leadership of the public health agencies.An earlier version of the report was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maha-report-children-health-food-rfk-f0c624d30da939fc9cca09687f8a4273">first leaked and publicized in August</a>. Slight changes have been made to the final draft, which was developed by a “MAHA” commission that included Kennedy and other members of the president's cabinet. Despite pledging “radical transparency,” the commission never held a public meeting ahead of the report's release.Among the differences in the final version of the report released on Tuesday is a call for the National Institutes of Health to use personal medical records and health insurance claims data to investigate the cause of diseases and disorders, including autism.“The NIH will link multiple datasets, such as claims information, electronic health records, and wearables data, into a single integrated dataset for researchers studying the causes of, and developing treatments for, the chronic disease crisis,” the report says.Kennedy has vowed for months that he would unveil the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/autism-kennedy-trump-vaccines-rfk-jr-cdc-b66251888f039c80b15beda23c279d5b">cause of autism</a>, a complex developmental disorder that impacts the brain, by September. He has promised to execute a massive research effort to identify the disorder's causes, but has stayed mum on details regarding who is conducting that research and when it will be released.Last month, President Donald Trump pressed Kennedy for his findings during a cabinet meeting.Those who have spent decades researching autism have found no single cause. Besides genetics, scientists have identified various possible factors, including the age of a child’s father, the mother’s weight, and whether she had diabetes or was exposed to certain chemicals.The “MAHA” report addressed a number of other issues, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-kennedy-f6a2607b14c4a2787c68801a8e0646bc">ultraprocessed</a>&nbsp;food consumption, water quality, fluoride and the use of prescription drugs in children. Agencies, including the health department and the Department of Justice, should increase enforcement and oversight of prescription drug ads, especially those published by social media influencers and telehealth companies, the report says.The National Institutes of Health,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-agencies-cuts-70ae99161321f0b779e2e56d8d2db304">which is facing a 40% cut to its budget</a>, is tasked with undertaking much of the MAHA-related research in the report.

Read RFK Jr.'s new MAHA report: Targets vaccines and autism

WASHINGTON — Two teenagers were arrested Friday on murder charges in the killing of a congressional intern for Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes.&nbsp; A third suspect is still at large.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, of Granby, Massachusetts, was fatally shot on the night of June 30 near Washington’s Mount Vernon Square. Both suspects in his killing — Kelvin Thomas Jr. and Jailen Lucas —are 17-year-old juveniles but are charged as adults with first-degree murder while armed, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.

Police have offered a reward for a third suspect identified as Naqwan Antonio Lucas.

Tarpinian-Jachym was an “innocent bystander” who wasn't an intended target of the gunfire, Pirro said at a news conference where she was flanked by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the city's police chief.

“Eric didn't deserve to be gunned down, and the system failed him — the system that felt that juveniles needed to be coddled,” Pirro said. “This killing underscores why we need the authority to prosecute these younger kids, because they're not kids. They're criminals.”

Tarpinian-Jachym was a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was in Washington to work as a summer intern in the office of Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kansas.

In July, the House observed a moment of silence after Estes paid tribute to Tarpinian-Jachym, calling him “a dedicated, and thoughtful and kind person who loved our country.”

“We will never forget his presence and kindness in my office,” Estes said. “Those he met in his short term in my office will not forget him, either.”

Trump mentioned Tarpinian-Jachym's killing — but not his name — during an Aug. 11 news conference where he announced a federal intervention for a “public safety emergency” in the District of Columbia.

“Any level of gun violence in our city is unacceptable,” Bowser said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday's arrests are “a testament to President Trump’s efforts to make Washington, D.C., safe again.”

“The Department of Justice will continue our work to prevent other young people from suffering the same fate as Eric,” Bondi said in a statement. “We hope this brings some measure of solace to his family.”

The suspects, both district residents, exited a vehicle at an intersection and shot at two people riding bikes, including a 16-year-old male who was wounded, according to Metropolitan Police Department Commander Kevin Kentish.

Tarpinian-Jachym was struck by four shots. A woman who wasn't a target also was shot but survived, according to Kentish. Surveillance video helped investigators identify the three suspects, he said.

Online court records didn't immediately identify attorneys for the suspects.

MPD Chief Pamela Smith said she and Pirro spoke to Tarpinian-Jachym’s mother on Friday.

“Eric came to our city with a bright future ahead of him,” Smith said. “He deserved an opportunity to return home safely to his family, but was senselessly taken from his loved ones.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757089518113.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Two teenagers were arrested Friday on murder charges in the killing of a congressional intern for Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes.&nbsp; A third suspect is still at large.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757340674286.png" alt="Thomas photo&nbsp; DC Metro Police" />
 <figcaption>Thomas photo&nbsp; DC Metro Police</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Two arrests have been made connected to the murder of my intern, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, as announced by <a href="https://twitter.com/USAttyPirro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAttyPirro</a> today. I extend my appreciation to Attorney Pirro, her team, and <a href="https://twitter.com/DCPoliceDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DCPoliceDept</a> for diligently working on this case to bring those responsible to justice. <a href="https://t.co/XT81e9y7NV">https://t.co/XT81e9y7NV</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1964022335930859917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IvX-6f7q9tQ?si=TAzqL4wNBiMZZsVV" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, of Granby, Massachusetts, was fatally shot on the night of June 30 near Washington’s Mount Vernon Square. Both suspects in his killing — Kelvin Thomas Jr. and Jailen Lucas —are 17-year-old juveniles but are charged as adults with first-degree murder while armed, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757340783319.png" alt="Lucas photo DC Metro Police" />
 <figcaption>Lucas photo DC Metro Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Police have offered a reward for a third suspect identified as Naqwan Antonio Lucas.Tarpinian-Jachym was an “innocent bystander” who wasn't an intended target of the gunfire, Pirro said at a news conference where she was flanked by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the city's police chief.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757340906918.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>“Eric didn't deserve to be gunned down, and the system failed him — the system that felt that juveniles needed to be coddled,” Pirro said. “This killing underscores why we need the authority to prosecute these younger kids, because they're not kids. They're criminals.”Tarpinian-Jachym was a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was in Washington to work as a summer intern in the office of Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kansas.In July, the House observed a moment of silence after Estes paid tribute to Tarpinian-Jachym, calling him “a dedicated, and thoughtful and kind person who loved our country.”“We will never forget his presence and kindness in my office,” Estes said. “Those he met in his short term in my office will not forget him, either.”Trump mentioned Tarpinian-Jachym's killing — but not his name — during an Aug. 11 news conference where he announced a federal intervention for a “public safety emergency” in the District of Columbia.“Any level of gun violence in our city is unacceptable,” Bowser said.Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday's arrests are “a testament to President Trump’s efforts to make Washington, D.C., safe again.”“The Department of Justice will continue our work to prevent other young people from suffering the same fate as Eric,” Bondi said in a statement. “We hope this brings some measure of solace to his family.”The suspects, both district residents, exited a vehicle at an intersection and shot at two people riding bikes, including a 16-year-old male who was wounded, according to Metropolitan Police Department Commander Kevin Kentish.Tarpinian-Jachym was struck by four shots. A woman who wasn't a target also was shot but survived, according to Kentish. Surveillance video helped investigators identify the three suspects, he said.Online court records didn't immediately identify attorneys for the suspects.MPD Chief Pamela Smith said she and Pirro spoke to Tarpinian-Jachym’s mother on Friday.“Eric came to our city with a bright future ahead of him,” Smith said. “He deserved an opportunity to return home safely to his family, but was senselessly taken from his loved ones.”

Reward for arrest of suspect in DC killing of intern for Kan. Congressman

SHAWNEE&nbsp; COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka and have released the name of the victim&nbsp;Joseph Kaberline, 37, of Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

Just before 5p.m. September 3, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting in the 1000 block of NE Poplar Street in Topeka, according to Connell.&nbsp; As officers arrived in the area, they located two men suffering from life-threatening injuries. While on the scene, one individual, later identified as Kaberline was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. The second was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

As a result of the investigation, Dalton Wolf Thompson, 28, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated Battery

This is the 17th homicide investigation of 2025 in the city of Topeka, according to Connell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757067919776.png" alt="Dalton Thompson was arrested and on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Battery- photo Shawnee County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Dalton Thompson was arrested and on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Battery- photo Shawnee County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE&nbsp; COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka and have released the name of the victim&nbsp;Joseph Kaberline, 37, of Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.Just before 5p.m. September 3, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting in the 1000 block of NE Poplar Street in Topeka, according to Connell.&nbsp; As officers arrived in the area, they located two men suffering from life-threatening injuries. While on the scene, one individual, later identified as Kaberline was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. The second was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.As a result of the investigation, Dalton Wolf Thompson, 28, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated BatteryThis is the 17th homicide investigation of 2025 in the city of Topeka, according to Connell.

Police ID Kansas man who died in shooting 

&nbsp;Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas' leadership in Qatar on Tuesday as they considered a U.S. proposal for&nbsp;a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The strike on the territory of a U.S. ally marked a stunning escalation and risked upending talks aimed at&nbsp;winding down the war&nbsp;and freeing hostages.

On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall criticized the Israeli action.

Marshall wrote. 'I fully agree with President Trump. At the request of the U.S. and Israel, Qatar is mediating a peace agreement.

The Israeli attack on allied soil, where approximately 10,000 American troops are stationed, is highly ill-advised.

Grateful that Secretary of State Rubio is finalizing a Defense Coordination Agreement with Qatar to prevent Israel from repeating this action."

&nbsp;Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas' leadership in Qatar on Tuesday as they considered a U.S. proposal for&nbsp;a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The strike on the territory of a U.S. ally marked a stunning escalation and risked upending talks aimed at&nbsp;winding down the war&nbsp;and freeing hostages.On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall criticized the Israeli action.Marshall wrote. 'I fully agree with President Trump. At the request of the U.S. and Israel, Qatar is mediating a peace agreement.

The Israeli attack on allied soil, where approximately 10,000 American troops are stationed, is highly ill-advised.

Grateful that Secretary of State Rubio is finalizing a Defense Coordination Agreement with Qatar to prevent Israel from repeating this action."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/MZisrmnBLr">pic.twitter.com/MZisrmnBLr</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1965511067700003049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. U.S. Senator critical of Israeli attack in Qatar

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas City Police Officers and the United States Marshals Service Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested 41-year-old Richard Holliday at State Route 291 and E 175th Street in Pleasant Hill, according to a social media report from the Cass County Sheriff.

Holliday was wanted on two Jackson County warrants, one for homicide and another for burglary. Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office transported Holliday to the Jackson County Jail, where he will be held.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757470367035.png" alt="Photo Cass Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Cass Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas City Police Officers and the United States Marshals Service Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested 41-year-old Richard Holliday at State Route 291 and E 175th Street in Pleasant Hill, according to a social media report from the Cass County Sheriff.Holliday was wanted on two Jackson County warrants, one for homicide and another for burglary. Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office transported Holliday to the Jackson County Jail, where he will be held.

U.S. Marshals help arrest homicide suspect near Kansas City

&nbsp;President Trump on Tuesday signed a memorandum directing Secretary Kennedy&nbsp;to ensure transparency and accuracy in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising and Dr. Makary&nbsp;at the FDA&nbsp;to enforce the prescription drug advertising provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Read the order from the White House below

In 1962, the Congress vested the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to regulate prescription drug advertising.&nbsp; These advertisements can mislead the public about the risks and benefits, encourage medications over lifestyle changes, inappropriately intervene in the physician-patient relationship, and advantage expensive drugs over cheaper generics.

The FDA has historically stipulated that a manufacturer, packer, or distributor must provide the public with materially complete information that fairly balances both the benefits and the risks of the drug.&nbsp; Over time, however, the FDA’s requirements have permitted drug companies to include less information, particularly in broadcast advertising, and drug manufacturer advertising has skyrocketed in recent decades.<a></a>

My Administration will ensure that the current regulatory framework for drug advertising results in fair, balanced, and complete information for American consumers.&nbsp;

The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall therefore take appropriate action to ensure transparency and accuracy in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, including by increasing the amount of information regarding any risks associated with the use of any such prescription drug required to be provided in prescription drug advertisements, to the extent permitted by applicable law.&nbsp; The Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall take appropriate action to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’s prescription drug advertising provisions, and otherwise ensure truthful and non-misleading information in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements. &nbsp;

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757470910499.png" alt="President Trump signs the most significant action in a generation to rein in misleading pharmaceutical ads-Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>President Trump signs the most significant action in a generation to rein in misleading pharmaceutical ads-Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;President Trump on Tuesday signed a memorandum directing Secretary Kennedy&nbsp;to ensure transparency and accuracy in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising and Dr. Makary&nbsp;at the FDA&nbsp;to enforce the prescription drug advertising provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;The President just signed an executive order that&#39;s an historic change in the way that pharmaceutical advertising is done on television,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>. Watch him explain the historic order: <a href="https://t.co/e2VJwUFv3M">pic.twitter.com/e2VJwUFv3M</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1965551393726714155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Read the order from the White House belowIn 1962, the Congress vested the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to regulate prescription drug advertising.&nbsp; These advertisements can mislead the public about the risks and benefits, encourage medications over lifestyle changes, inappropriately intervene in the physician-patient relationship, and advantage expensive drugs over cheaper generics.The FDA has historically stipulated that a manufacturer, packer, or distributor must provide the public with materially complete information that fairly balances both the benefits and the risks of the drug.&nbsp; Over time, however, the FDA’s requirements have permitted drug companies to include less information, particularly in broadcast advertising, and drug manufacturer advertising has skyrocketed in recent decades.<a></a>My Administration will ensure that the current regulatory framework for drug advertising results in fair, balanced, and complete information for American consumers.&nbsp;The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall therefore take appropriate action to ensure transparency and accuracy in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, including by increasing the amount of information regarding any risks associated with the use of any such prescription drug required to be provided in prescription drug advertisements, to the extent permitted by applicable law.&nbsp; The Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall take appropriate action to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’s prescription drug advertising provisions, and otherwise ensure truthful and non-misleading information in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements. &nbsp;This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🎥Trump signs order to crack down on drug ads on TV, social media

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement and school district officials in&nbsp; Salina are investigating a teacher on felony allegations.

Over the weekend, a parent of a 16-year-old boy, reported to the Salina Police Department suspicious text messaging between the teen and a teacher at South Middle School, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

Police conducted an investigation with the cooperation of USD 305 and determined the teacher, 47-year-old Amanda Freeman, had furnished the juvenile, and possibly other juveniles, with alcohol and THC products. 

Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, Freeman was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Felony Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct, Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Social Hosting and Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor, according to Feldman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757467511105.png" alt="Amanda Freeman teaches English Language Arts, according to the USD 305 website. Photo Saline County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Freeman teaches English Language Arts, according to the USD 305 website. Photo Saline County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement and school district officials in&nbsp; Salina are investigating a teacher on felony allegations.Over the weekend, a parent of a 16-year-old boy, reported to the Salina Police Department suspicious text messaging between the teen and a teacher at South Middle School, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.Police conducted an investigation with the cooperation of USD 305 and determined the teacher, 47-year-old Amanda Freeman, had furnished the juvenile, and possibly other juveniles, with alcohol and THC products. Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, Freeman was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Felony Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct, Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Social Hosting and Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor, according to Feldman.

Kan. teacher accused of giving boy alcohol, THC products

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;granted an unusually quick hearing on President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-ruling-trade-1c5a02ad38597c3629eff5977490813a">sweeping tariffs</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, putting a policy at the center of his economic agenda squarely before the nation's highest court.

The justices will hear the case in November, a lightning-fast timetable by the Supreme Court's typical standards, and rule at some point after that. The tariffs will stay in place in the meantime.

The court agreed to take up an appeal from the Trump administration after lower courts found most of his tariffs illegal.

The small businesses and states that challenged them also agreed to the accelerated timetable. They say Trump's import taxes on goods from almost every country in the world have nearly driven their businesses to bankruptcy. “Congress, not the President alone, has the power to impose tariffs,” attorney Jeffrey Schwab with the Liberty Justice Center said.

Two lower courts have agreed that Trump didn't have the power to impose all the tariffs under an emergency powers law, though a divided&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/25-1812.OPINION.8-29-2025_2566151.pdf">appeals court</a>&nbsp;left them in place.

The Trump administration asked the justices to intervene quickly, arguing the law gives him the power to regulate imports and striking down the tariffs would put the country on “the brink of economic catastrophe.”

The case will come before a court that has been reluctant to check Trump’s extraordinary flex of executive power. One big question is whether the justices’ own expansive view of presidential authority allows for Trump’s tariffs without the explicit approval of Congress, which the Constitution endows with the power to levy tariffs. Three of the justices on the conservative-majority court were nominated by Trump in his first term.

While the tariffs and their erratic rollout have raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth, Trump has also used them to pressure other countries into accepting new trade deals. Revenue from tariffs totaled $159 billion by late August, more than double what it was at the same point a year earlier.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer has argued that the lower court rulings are already affecting those trade negotiations. If the tariffs are struck down, the U.S. Treasury might take a hit by having to refund some of the import taxes it’s collected, Trump administration officials have said. A ruling against them could even the nation’s ability to reduce the flow of fentanyl and efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, Sauer argued.

The administration did win over four appeals court judges who found the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, lets the president regulate importation during emergencies without explicit limitations. In recent decades, Congress has ceded some tariff authority to the president and Trump has made the most of the power vacuum.

The case involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Trump justified by declaring a national emergency: the tariffs first announced in April and the ones from February on imports from Canada, China and Mexico.

It doesn’t include his levies on foreign steel, aluminum and autos, or the tariffs Trump imposed on China in his first term that were kept by Democratic President Joe Biden.

Trump can impose tariffs under other laws, but those have more limitations on the speed and severity with which he could act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743626000304.png" alt="File President Trump announced his tariff plan -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>File President Trump announced his tariff plan -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;granted an unusually quick hearing on President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-ruling-trade-1c5a02ad38597c3629eff5977490813a">sweeping tariffs</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, putting a policy at the center of his economic agenda squarely before the nation's highest court.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>The justices will hear the case in November, a lightning-fast timetable by the Supreme Court's typical standards, and rule at some point after that. The tariffs will stay in place in the meantime.The court agreed to take up an appeal from the Trump administration after lower courts found most of his tariffs illegal.The small businesses and states that challenged them also agreed to the accelerated timetable. They say Trump's import taxes on goods from almost every country in the world have nearly driven their businesses to bankruptcy. “Congress, not the President alone, has the power to impose tariffs,” attorney Jeffrey Schwab with the Liberty Justice Center said.Two lower courts have agreed that Trump didn't have the power to impose all the tariffs under an emergency powers law, though a divided&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/25-1812.OPINION.8-29-2025_2566151.pdf">appeals court</a>&nbsp;left them in place.The Trump administration asked the justices to intervene quickly, arguing the law gives him the power to regulate imports and striking down the tariffs would put the country on “the brink of economic catastrophe.”The case will come before a court that has been reluctant to check Trump’s extraordinary flex of executive power. One big question is whether the justices’ own expansive view of presidential authority allows for Trump’s tariffs without the explicit approval of Congress, which the Constitution endows with the power to levy tariffs. Three of the justices on the conservative-majority court were nominated by Trump in his first term.While the tariffs and their erratic rollout have raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth, Trump has also used them to pressure other countries into accepting new trade deals. Revenue from tariffs totaled $159 billion by late August, more than double what it was at the same point a year earlier.Solicitor General D. John Sauer has argued that the lower court rulings are already affecting those trade negotiations. If the tariffs are struck down, the U.S. Treasury might take a hit by having to refund some of the import taxes it’s collected, Trump administration officials have said. A ruling against them could even the nation’s ability to reduce the flow of fentanyl and efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, Sauer argued.The administration did win over four appeals court judges who found the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, lets the president regulate importation during emergencies without explicit limitations. In recent decades, Congress has ceded some tariff authority to the president and Trump has made the most of the power vacuum.The case involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Trump justified by declaring a national emergency: the tariffs first announced in April and the ones from February on imports from Canada, China and Mexico.It doesn’t include his levies on foreign steel, aluminum and autos, or the tariffs Trump imposed on China in his first term that were kept by Democratic President Joe Biden.Trump can impose tariffs under other laws, but those have more limitations on the speed and severity with which he could act.

Fast track: Supreme Court to decide whether Trump's tariffs are legal

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/annie-ma">ANNIE MA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;TODD FEATHERS

WASHINGTON (AP) — A decade-long slide in high schoolers’ reading and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/math-science-stem-girls-a80f44c20b1724bba6953756ecc862cd">math</a>&nbsp;performance persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 12th graders’ scores dropping to their lowest level in more than 20 years, according to results released Tuesday from an exam known as the nation’s report card.

Eighth-grade students also lost significant ground in science skills, according to the results from the National Assessment of Education Progress.

The assessments were the first since the pandemic for eighth graders in science and 12th graders in reading and math. They reflect a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/naep-test-scores-nations-report-card-school-60150156e41b8518be3b6eabf77d0c66">downward drift</a>&nbsp;across grade levels and subject areas in previous releases from NAEP, which is considered one of the best gauges of the academic progress of U.S. schools.

“Scores for our lowest-performing students are at historic lows,” said Matthew Soldner, the acting commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics. “These results should galvanize all of us to take concerted and focused action to accelerate student learning.”

While the pandemic had an outsize impact on student achievement, experts said falling scores are part of a longer arc in education that cannot be attributed solely to COVID-19,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/online-school-covid-learning-loss-7c162ec1b4ce4d5219d5210aaac8f1ae">school closures</a>&nbsp;and related issues such as heightened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-attendance-sick-day-chronic-absenteeism-270f6d07041760e90bf84d9f4108aa4d">absenteeism</a>. Educators said potential underlying factors include children’s increased screen time, shortened attention spans and a decline in reading longer-form writing both in and out of school.

The dip in reading scores appeared alongside a shift in how English and language arts are taught in schools, with an emphasis on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/books-reading-high-school-english-class-c8d9f39773268a6e8c79cb0b3c78d3c1">short texts and book excerpts</a>, said Carol Jago, associate director of the California Reading and Literature Project at UCLA. As a high school English teacher 20 years ago, Jago said it was common for her high school students to read 20 books over the course of a year. Now, some English classes are assigning just three books a year.

“To be a good reader, you have to have the stamina to stay on the page, even when the going gets tough,” Jago said. “You have to build those muscles, and we’re not building those muscles in kids.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the scores show why the Trump administration wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-scotus-layoffs-student-loans-f24637f2a1d57432f6dc24d082e95b9b">give states more control</a>&nbsp;of education spending.

“Despite spending billions annually on numerous K-12 programs, the achievement gap is widening, and more high school seniors are performing below the basic benchmark in math and reading than ever before,” McMahon said.

House Democrats said the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Education Department will only hurt students. The declines show a need for federal investment in academic recovery and educational equity, said Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

“Eliminating the very agency responsible for supporting public schools and enforcing civil rights protections of students will only deepen the achievement gaps identified by this assessment,” Scott said.

Fewer students show basic proficiency in math and reading

The test scores show more students are not reaching what would be considered “basic” achievement across subject areas, said Lesley Muldoon, executive director of the National Assessment Governing Board. While NAEP’s definition of “proficient” is a high bar, Muldoon said, it is not an unreasonable one, and it is based on what researchers believe students should be able to achieve by the end of high school.

“These students are taking their next steps in life with fewer skills and less knowledge in core academics than their predecessors a decade ago,” she said. “This is happening at a time when rapid advancements in technology and society demands more of future workers and citizens, not less.”

In reading, the average score in 2024 was the lowest score in the history of the assessment, which began in 1992. Thirty-two percent of high school seniors scored below “basic,” meaning they were not able to find details in a text to help them understand its meaning.

In math, the average score in 2024 was the lowest since 2005, when the assessment framework changed significantly. On the test, 45% of high school seniors scored below “basic” achievement, the highest percentage since 2005. Only 33% of high school seniors were considered academically prepared for college-level math courses, a decline from 37% in 2019.

The high school reading and math assessments, and the eighth grade science test, are given less frequently than the biannual fourth and eighth grade reading tests, which were last released earlier this year. The new scores reflect tests taken in schools around the country between January and March 2024.

The gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students was its widest ever among eighth grade science students, reflecting growing inequality in the American school system. The achievement gap widened also in 12th grade math.

The scores also reflect the re-emergence of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/math-science-stem-girls-a80f44c20b1724bba6953756ecc862cd">gender gap</a>&nbsp;in science, technology, engineering and math courses. In 2019, boys and girls scored virtually the same on the NAEP science assessment. But in 2024, girls saw a steeper decline in scores. A similar pattern occurred in state math assessments, according to an Associated Press analysis.

Schools had largely closed the gender gap in math and science, but it widened in the years following the pandemic as special programs to engage girls lapsed.

On a NAEP survey of students, a shrinking percentage of eighth grade students said they regularly took part in inquiry-based learning activities in the classroom. The pandemic disrupted schools’ ability to create those hands-on learning experiences for students, which are often critical to understanding scientific concepts and processes, said Christine Cunningham, senior vice president of STEM learning at the Museum of Science in Boston.

Still, she noted declines across subjects began well before schools closed in 2020.

“We don’t know exactly what the cause of it is, but it would be incomplete to assume that if we hadn’t had COVID, the score would not have gone down,” Cunningham said. “That’s not what the data showed even before the pandemic.” ___

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674578524554.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/annie-ma">ANNIE MA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;TODD FEATHERSWASHINGTON (AP) — A decade-long slide in high schoolers’ reading and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/math-science-stem-girls-a80f44c20b1724bba6953756ecc862cd">math</a>&nbsp;performance persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 12th graders’ scores dropping to their lowest level in more than 20 years, according to results released Tuesday from an exam known as the nation’s report card.Eighth-grade students also lost significant ground in science skills, according to the results from the National Assessment of Education Progress.The assessments were the first since the pandemic for eighth graders in science and 12th graders in reading and math. They reflect a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/naep-test-scores-nations-report-card-school-60150156e41b8518be3b6eabf77d0c66">downward drift</a>&nbsp;across grade levels and subject areas in previous releases from NAEP, which is considered one of the best gauges of the academic progress of U.S. schools.“Scores for our lowest-performing students are at historic lows,” said Matthew Soldner, the acting commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics. “These results should galvanize all of us to take concerted and focused action to accelerate student learning.”While the pandemic had an outsize impact on student achievement, experts said falling scores are part of a longer arc in education that cannot be attributed solely to COVID-19,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/online-school-covid-learning-loss-7c162ec1b4ce4d5219d5210aaac8f1ae">school closures</a>&nbsp;and related issues such as heightened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-attendance-sick-day-chronic-absenteeism-270f6d07041760e90bf84d9f4108aa4d">absenteeism</a>. Educators said potential underlying factors include children’s increased screen time, shortened attention spans and a decline in reading longer-form writing both in and out of school.The dip in reading scores appeared alongside a shift in how English and language arts are taught in schools, with an emphasis on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/books-reading-high-school-english-class-c8d9f39773268a6e8c79cb0b3c78d3c1">short texts and book excerpts</a>, said Carol Jago, associate director of the California Reading and Literature Project at UCLA. As a high school English teacher 20 years ago, Jago said it was common for her high school students to read 20 books over the course of a year. Now, some English classes are assigning just three books a year.“To be a good reader, you have to have the stamina to stay on the page, even when the going gets tough,” Jago said. “You have to build those muscles, and we’re not building those muscles in kids.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757439043229.png" alt="The NAEP test (National Assessment of Educational Progress) is a federal standardized test given to a nationally representative sample of students. "Basic" is the lowest achievement level and indicates partial mastery of skills. Source: National Assessment of Educational Progress Graphic: Todd Feathers" />
 <figcaption>The NAEP test (National Assessment of Educational Progress) is a federal standardized test given to a nationally representative sample of students. "Basic" is the lowest achievement level and indicates partial mastery of skills. Source: National Assessment of Educational Progress Graphic: Todd Feathers</figcaption>
 </figure>Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the scores show why the Trump administration wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-scotus-layoffs-student-loans-f24637f2a1d57432f6dc24d082e95b9b">give states more control</a>&nbsp;of education spending.“Despite spending billions annually on numerous K-12 programs, the achievement gap is widening, and more high school seniors are performing below the basic benchmark in math and reading than ever before,” McMahon said.House Democrats said the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Education Department will only hurt students. The declines show a need for federal investment in academic recovery and educational equity, said Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce.“Eliminating the very agency responsible for supporting public schools and enforcing civil rights protections of students will only deepen the achievement gaps identified by this assessment,” Scott said.<h2>Fewer students show basic proficiency in math and reading</h2>The test scores show more students are not reaching what would be considered “basic” achievement across subject areas, said Lesley Muldoon, executive director of the National Assessment Governing Board. While NAEP’s definition of “proficient” is a high bar, Muldoon said, it is not an unreasonable one, and it is based on what researchers believe students should be able to achieve by the end of high school.“These students are taking their next steps in life with fewer skills and less knowledge in core academics than their predecessors a decade ago,” she said. “This is happening at a time when rapid advancements in technology and society demands more of future workers and citizens, not less.”In reading, the average score in 2024 was the lowest score in the history of the assessment, which began in 1992. Thirty-two percent of high school seniors scored below “basic,” meaning they were not able to find details in a text to help them understand its meaning.In math, the average score in 2024 was the lowest since 2005, when the assessment framework changed significantly. On the test, 45% of high school seniors scored below “basic” achievement, the highest percentage since 2005. Only 33% of high school seniors were considered academically prepared for college-level math courses, a decline from 37% in 2019.The high school reading and math assessments, and the eighth grade science test, are given less frequently than the biannual fourth and eighth grade reading tests, which were last released earlier this year. The new scores reflect tests taken in schools around the country between January and March 2024.<h2>Achievement gaps are widening</h2>The gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students was its widest ever among eighth grade science students, reflecting growing inequality in the American school system. The achievement gap widened also in 12th grade math.The scores also reflect the re-emergence of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/math-science-stem-girls-a80f44c20b1724bba6953756ecc862cd">gender gap</a>&nbsp;in science, technology, engineering and math courses. In 2019, boys and girls scored virtually the same on the NAEP science assessment. But in 2024, girls saw a steeper decline in scores. A similar pattern occurred in state math assessments, according to an Associated Press analysis.Schools had largely closed the gender gap in math and science, but it widened in the years following the pandemic as special programs to engage girls lapsed.On a NAEP survey of students, a shrinking percentage of eighth grade students said they regularly took part in inquiry-based learning activities in the classroom. The pandemic disrupted schools’ ability to create those hands-on learning experiences for students, which are often critical to understanding scientific concepts and processes, said Christine Cunningham, senior vice president of STEM learning at the Museum of Science in Boston.Still, she noted declines across subjects began well before schools closed in 2020.“We don’t know exactly what the cause of it is, but it would be incomplete to assume that if we hadn’t had COVID, the score would not have gone down,” Cunningham said. “That’s not what the data showed even before the pandemic.” ___Feathers reported from New York.___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Report: US students' reading and math scores at historic lows

CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for a violent knife attack in north central Kansas.

Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 200 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia after a report of a victim with a stab wound, according to a media release from Concordia Police Chief Brent Gering.

First responders located a victim with a life-threatening stab wound and multiple defensive wounds. The Concordia Fire Department rendered aid to the victim and transported the victim to North Central Kansas Medical Center. The victim was later transferred to Salina Regional Health Center.

Officers located the suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Martin Santos Ambros. Officers placed him in handcuffs. He then attempted to escape custody and was unsuccessful.&nbsp; The scene was secured and evidence collected. Santos-Ambros is being held in the Cloud County Jail on requested charges of attempted-murder in the 2nd degree-domestic and Felony interference with law enforcement.

CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for a violent knife attack in north central Kansas.Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 200 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia after a report of a victim with a stab wound, according to a media release from Concordia Police Chief Brent Gering.First responders located a victim with a life-threatening stab wound and multiple defensive wounds. The Concordia Fire Department rendered aid to the victim and transported the victim to North Central Kansas Medical Center. The victim was later transferred to Salina Regional Health Center.Officers located the suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Martin Santos Ambros. Officers placed him in handcuffs. He then attempted to escape custody and was unsuccessful.&nbsp; The scene was secured and evidence collected. Santos-Ambros is being held in the Cloud County Jail on requested charges of attempted-murder in the 2nd degree-domestic and Felony interference with law enforcement.

Man accused in violent north central Kansas knife attack

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to more records on Tuesday after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">latest update</a>&nbsp;on the job market bolstered Wall Street’s hopes for a slowdown that’s deep enough to get the Federal Reserve to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">cut interest rates</a>, but not so overwhelming that it causes a recession.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.3% and squeaked past its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-dollar-bonds-tech-6d516f33d189c8f6f82f3932eabcbc94">all-time high set last week</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 196 points, or 0.4%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.4%. They likewise set records.

Traders have become convinced that the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate for the first time this year at its next meeting in a week to prop up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-firing-f686eab61f7d6b702ca10b12b0250498">the slowing job market</a>. A report on Tuesday offered the latest signal of weakness, when the U.S. government said its prior count of jobs across the country through March&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">may have been too high by 911,000</a>, or 0.6%.

That was before President Donald Trump shocked the economy and financial markets in April by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">rolling out tariffs</a>&nbsp;on countries worldwide.

The bet on Wall Street is that such data will convince Fed officials that the job market is the bigger problem now for the economy than the threat of inflation worsening because of Trump’s tariffs. That would push them to cut interest rates, a move that would give the economy a boost but could also send inflation higher.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to more records on Tuesday after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">latest update</a>&nbsp;on the job market bolstered Wall Street’s hopes for a slowdown that’s deep enough to get the Federal Reserve to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">cut interest rates</a>, but not so overwhelming that it causes a recession.The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.3% and squeaked past its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-dollar-bonds-tech-6d516f33d189c8f6f82f3932eabcbc94">all-time high set last week</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 196 points, or 0.4%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.4%. They likewise set records.Traders have become convinced that the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate for the first time this year at its next meeting in a week to prop up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-firing-f686eab61f7d6b702ca10b12b0250498">the slowing job market</a>. A report on Tuesday offered the latest signal of weakness, when the U.S. government said its prior count of jobs across the country through March&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">may have been too high by 911,000</a>, or 0.6%.That was before President Donald Trump shocked the economy and financial markets in April by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">rolling out tariffs</a>&nbsp;on countries worldwide.The bet on Wall Street is that such data will convince Fed officials that the job market is the bigger problem now for the economy than the threat of inflation worsening because of Trump’s tariffs. That would push them to cut interest rates, a move that would give the economy a boost but could also send inflation higher.A lot is riding on Wall Street’s hope that the job market is slowing by just the right amount: Investors have already sent U.S. stock prices to records because of it. Inflation also needs to stay at a reasonable level, even though it looks tough to get below the Fed’s target of 2%.Traders are unanimously expecting a rate cut next week, but they pared their forecasts for a deeper-than-usual reduction following Tuesday’s revision for U.S. job growth. That caused a slight recovery for Treasury yields following their sharp recent slide.“The more likely course is for the Fed to deliver an October and December cut rather than trying to deliver a catchup cut in September,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management.Coming reports on inflation due on Wednesday and Thursday could alter expectations further. Hotter-than-expected readings could put the Fed in a worst-case scenario and make a series of cuts to rates less palatable.On Wall Street, UnitedHealth Group climbed 8.6% after saying its executives plan to tell investors and analysts that it’s sticking with its profit forecast for 2025. That helped it trim its loss for the year so far, which came into the day at 36.7%, as insurers across the industry have contended with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealth-second-quarter-health-insurers-4189fae975e4ee1c0aac88ed11b8dcf4">soaring medical costs</a>.Nebius Group, a Dutch company working in artificial-intelligence infrastructure, saw its stock that trades in the United States soar 49.4% after announcing a contract to deliver GPU services to Microsoft. The contract could be worth between $17.4 billion and $19.4 billion, and it runs through 2031.Fox dropped 6.1% after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rupert-murdochs-children-lachlan-james-elisabeth-prudence-9f3e4b0009200110fac44f34712e322a">Rupert Murdoch’s family</a>&nbsp;said they’ve reached&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rupert-murdoch-family-media-empire-control-d6c93b1c99b2daadf03dc3faa0982e09">a deal on control</a>&nbsp;of the 94-year-old mogul’s media empire after his death. The agreement ensures that there will be no change in direction at Fox News, the most popular network for President Donald Trump and conservatives.The deal creates a trust establishing control of the Fox Corp. for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lachlan-rupert-murdoch-fox-news-a5100d8bd20f72efe5a83eec32823f1f">Lachlan Murdoch</a>, Rupert’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/murdoch-fox-quit-emeritus-30286a4a3107b7bde612adbfc7891958">chosen heir</a>&nbsp;who has been running Fox in recent years, along with his younger sisters, Grace and Chloe.Apple slipped 1.5% after unveiling its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-iphone-tariffs-price-increase-5b78b243daceb791e19fc6e2c2740112">next generation of iPhones.</a>All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 17.46 points to 6,512.61. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 196.39 to 45,711.34, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 80.79 to 21,879.49.In stock markets abroad, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.2% as the market remained relatively calm even though its government is facing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-prime-minister-bayrou-macron-economy-crisis-e28574497723868f0be8b7973b84c05e">crisis of confidence</a>&nbsp;after legislators voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-macron-bayrou-budget-d60c7c0881f3c8d633f02653043c1f55">oust another prime minister</a>. It and other governments around the world, including the United States, are facing increased scrutiny on how they plan to pay for their spending.Indexes were mixed across the rest of Europe and in Asia.Japan’s Nikkei 225 erased early gains to finish 0.4% lower as political uncertainty continued after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said over the weekend that he planned to step down. Who will replace him is still uncertain and may take weeks to decide.