WASHINGTON (AP) — In a contentious confirmation hearing to be the nation's top health official,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;struggled to answer questions about how he would reform Medicaid or Medicare, the government health care programs used by millions of disabled, poor and older Americans.

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician and key vote Kennedy needs to win, repeatedly pressed the nominee on Wednesday to share ways he plans to reform Medicaid, a multibillion-dollar taxpayer-funded program that covers health care for about 80 million people, including children. Republicans have said they might need to make deep cuts to Medicaid to fund President Donald Trump's proposals.

“I don't have a broad proposal for dismantling the program,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy also inaccurately claimed that Medicaid is fully paid for by the federal government — it's not; states and federal taxpayers fund it. He also said most Americans have purchased a Medicare Advantage plan, when only about 1 in 10 Americans have.

His misstatements about the program were peppered in between suggestions that he would seek to push privatization of the programs, repeatedly saying that most Americans like private insurance and that they dislike the government run versions of the programs.

Kennedy is seeking to lead a $1.7 trillion department of Health and Human Services agency that will oversee vaccine recommendations as well as food inspections, hospital oversight and funding for hundreds of community health clinics.

In sometimes heated exchanges on Wednesday, Kennedy denied that he is anti-vaccine. But Kennedy, who pointed out that his children are vaccinated, acknowledged he has asked “uncomfortable questions” about vaccinations.

“I believe that vaccines play a critical role in health care,” Kennedy told the Senate Finance Committee.

Republicans did not ask Kennedy about his vaccine views during the first hour of the hearing.

But Democrats homed in, with Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon pointing out that Kennedy has previously claimed there's “no safe” vaccine, initiating a back and forth between him and Kennedy. Wyden also quoted from Kennedy's books, which say that parents have been “misled” on the measles vaccine.

“You have spent years pushing conflicting stories about vaccines,” Wyden said.

Over many years, Kennedy has been clear about his beliefs on vaccines in dozens of interviews, podcasts and social media posts.

He's headed up a nonprofit that has sued the government over its authorizations of vaccines. He's said there is&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1788596009695633439">“no vaccine that is safe and effective”</a>&nbsp;and repeatedly called for further study of routine childhood vaccinations, despite decades of research and real-world use that proves they've safely prevented disease.

Republicans narrowed in on questions about agriculture, food and the abortion pill, which many women access over telehealth.

Kennedy tried to assure senators that he would not seek widespread bans on vaccines or food, saying he wants to provide more information to people.

“I don’t want to take food away from anybody," he said. "If you like a cheeseburger – a McDonald’s cheeseburger and a diet Coke like my boss — you should be able to get them.”

Kennedy hails from one of the nation’s most storied political families and is the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. He first challenged President Joe Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. He then ran as an independent but abandoned his bid over the summer after striking a deal to endorse Trump, a Republican, in exchange for a promise to serve in a health policy role during a second Trump administration.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rfk-hhs-health-kennedy-f40ee2398e3a280c1586eecdd80bdf7c">selected Kennedy</a>&nbsp;in November, shortly after he won the presidential election, saying Kennedy would “end the Chronic Disease epidemic” and “Make America Great and Healthy Again!” As one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-vaccines-2ccde2df146f57b5e8c26e8494f0a16a">the most prominent anti-vaccine activists</a>&nbsp;in the world, Kennedy’s nomination immediately alarmed some public health officials.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s</a>&nbsp;famous name, populist stances and loyal following have earned him President Donald Trump’s support, but will that get him the votes he needs from the Republican-controlled Senate to become the nation’s top health official?

or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/senate-committee/hhs-sec-nominee-rfk-jr-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/430405">Click here to watch</a> 9a.m. CST

If approved, Kennedy will control a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees food and hospital inspections, hundreds of health clinics, vaccine recommendations and health insurance for roughly half the country.

His confirmation hearings are set before the Senate finance committee on Wednesday and the Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee on Thursday.

Here’s what to watch during his confirmation hearings:

He’s headed up a nonprofit that has sued the government over its authorizations of vaccines. He’s said there is “&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1788596009695633439" target="_blank">no vaccine that is safe and effective</a>,” and repeatedly called for further study of routine childhood vaccinations, despite decades of research and real-world use that proves they’ve safely prevented disease.

But more recently, Kennedy has tried to downplay his past remarks and work, saying he’s not anti-vaccine and promising not to “take away” the shots.

The health committee chairman, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., also has expressed concerns about Kennedy’s anti-vaccine work. A physician, Cassidy&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenBillCassidy/status/1877039738005098978" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;earlier this month he “had a frank conversation” and “spoke about vaccines at length” with Kennedy. On Tuesday, Cassidy told reporters that he is still unsure if he is backing Trump’s nominee.

“I’m still working through it,” Cassidy said during a press availability with Louisiana reporters on Tuesday. “I look forward to the hearings and I will allow that to guide my decision.”

The intensity of the questioning on vaccines over the next two days could provide clues for how other Republicans — like Sen. Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor who represents Kentucky — might consider Kennedy’s nomination.

Watch for overtures to the anti-abortion movement

Some of the country’s most conservative lawmakers have been worried about how Kennedy will handle abortion as health secretary.

Republican Sen. James Lankford, who sits on the finance committee, is expected to grill Kennedy, a longtime Democrat, on the issue during Wednesday’s hearing. Lankford is seen as a possible “no” vote over Kennedy’s past comments supporting abortion. Last month, the Oklahoma senator said he had a “good conversation” with Kennedy but stopped short of endorsing.

HHS can influence abortion and reproductive health access in a number of ways, including with millions of dollars in grants it sends to Planned Parenthood and regulations around abortion pills. Under the Biden administration, the agency also said hospitals were required to provide emergency abortions for pregnant women in medical distress.

On Monday, acting HHS Secretary Dorothy Fink signaled the agency is prepared to adopt a tougher stance on abortion under Kennedy. She ordered the agency to investigate all of its programs to make sure no taxpayer money is going toward elective abortions.

There are Democrats he’s trying to woo, too

Kennedy needs to earn support from nearly all Senate Republicans, but he may also try to pick up a vote or two from the Democratic Party. His closest supporters and advisers&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/calleymeans/status/1883611113298051185" target="_blank">have urged</a>&nbsp;followers to call the offices of Democratic Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada.

Another Democratic senator may also be in play: John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who met with Kennedy and has said he’s open to supporting Trump’s nominees.

An area where Kennedy is trying to find common ground with Democratic senators: food regulations and access to healthier foods. Kennedy has said he supports Medicare and Medicaid helping people pay for healthier foods and gym memberships, an idea Democrats have lobbied for as well. He’s also called for a ban on some of the ingredients used in foods, like dyes and additives.

In a letter sent to U.S. senators on Tuesday, Caroline Kennedy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caroline-robert-kennedy-trump-health-secretary-f01f58305eac53560e31c51aaee5f171">shared shocking personal details</a>&nbsp;about her cousin, saying he is not qualified for the health secretary job.

Caroline Kennedy said RFK Jr.'s views on vaccines are a problem, but she also brought up her experiences growing up with him.

A copy obtained by The Associated Press notes that while she admired him for overcoming a drug addiction, she said he has gone on to “misrepresent, lie, and cheat his way through life.” In an extreme anecdote, she accused him of hosting drug-fueled gatherings in his basement, dorm and garage where he “enjoyed showing off how he put baby chickens and mice in the blender to feed his hawks.”

Meanwhile, another cousin, former Rhode Island congressman and Democrat Patrick J. Kennedy, threw his support behind the health secretary nominee in an opinion piece for The Washington Post on Tuesday. RFK Jr. helped pull him out of addiction, Patrick J. Kennedy said.

“Bobby was the first family member to call and offer his personal and public support, even at a time when some in my family criticized me for breaking the so-called family code of silence,” he wrote.

Associated Press writer Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738163034654.png" alt="Kennedy spoke with Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, a member of the Senate Finance committee, moments before the hearing started-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kennedy spoke with Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, a member of the Senate Finance committee, moments before the hearing started-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — In a contentious confirmation hearing to be the nation's top health official,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;struggled to answer questions about how he would reform Medicaid or Medicare, the government health care programs used by millions of disabled, poor and older Americans.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. complete opening statement at Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing. <a href="https://t.co/FE0svVjixs">pic.twitter.com/FE0svVjixs</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884628422279721203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A protester interrupts Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. during his opening statement, as he addresses his views on vaccines. He says, &quot;I am not anti-vaccine.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/h5UliMeP1I">pic.twitter.com/h5UliMeP1I</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884624753744347323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RobertKennedyJr</a> “We need to get a handle on this… our country is not going to be destroyed because we get the marginal tax rate wrong or because we get one of these culture war issues that we&#39;ve been talking about today wrong- it&#39;s going to be destroyed if we continue… <a href="https://t.co/j5YIUqZNZE">pic.twitter.com/j5YIUqZNZE</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1884719620709638196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Are you lying to Congress today when you say you are pro-vaccine or did you lie on all those podcasts?&quot; Watch exchange between Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/RonWyden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonWyden</a> and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on vaccines. <a href="https://t.co/4jYWaWUuzL">pic.twitter.com/4jYWaWUuzL</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884628588785254722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. &quot;I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking either of those vaccines.&quot; Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/RonWyden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonWyden</a>: &quot;Anybody who believes that ought to look at the measles… <a href="https://t.co/NqMxcr1ep0">pic.twitter.com/NqMxcr1ep0</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884631127950037297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorBennet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorBennet</a> to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: &quot;Unlike other jobs were confirming around this place, this is a job where it is life and death...it&#39;s too important for the games that you&#39;re playing Mr. Kennedy.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/VQZlA26o2V">pic.twitter.com/VQZlA26o2V</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884639007289507891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: &quot;I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/OPrRNEq1FP">pic.twitter.com/OPrRNEq1FP</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884643434792652848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorHassan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorHassan</a> asks Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: &quot;When was it that you decided to sell out the values you&#39;ve had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/nNBzzaB9Xv">pic.twitter.com/nNBzzaB9Xv</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884643823499788405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenSanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSanders</a>: &quot;Are you supportive of these onesies?&quot; WATCH: Exchange between Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. over onesies. <a href="https://t.co/YGj3vfiGqG">pic.twitter.com/YGj3vfiGqG</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884653818291294292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician and key vote Kennedy needs to win, repeatedly pressed the nominee on Wednesday to share ways he plans to reform Medicaid, a multibillion-dollar taxpayer-funded program that covers health care for about 80 million people, including children. Republicans have said they might need to make deep cuts to Medicaid to fund President Donald Trump's proposals.“I don't have a broad proposal for dismantling the program,” Kennedy said.Kennedy also inaccurately claimed that Medicaid is fully paid for by the federal government — it's not; states and federal taxpayers fund it. He also said most Americans have purchased a Medicare Advantage plan, when only about 1 in 10 Americans have.His misstatements about the program were peppered in between suggestions that he would seek to push privatization of the programs, repeatedly saying that most Americans like private insurance and that they dislike the government run versions of the programs.Kennedy is seeking to lead a $1.7 trillion department of Health and Human Services agency that will oversee vaccine recommendations as well as food inspections, hospital oversight and funding for hundreds of community health clinics.In sometimes heated exchanges on Wednesday, Kennedy denied that he is anti-vaccine. But Kennedy, who pointed out that his children are vaccinated, acknowledged he has asked “uncomfortable questions” about vaccinations.“I believe that vaccines play a critical role in health care,” Kennedy told the Senate Finance Committee.Republicans did not ask Kennedy about his vaccine views during the first hour of the hearing.But Democrats homed in, with Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon pointing out that Kennedy has previously claimed there's “no safe” vaccine, initiating a back and forth between him and Kennedy. Wyden also quoted from Kennedy's books, which say that parents have been “misled” on the measles vaccine.“You have spent years pushing conflicting stories about vaccines,” Wyden said.Over many years, Kennedy has been clear about his beliefs on vaccines in dozens of interviews, podcasts and social media posts.He's headed up a nonprofit that has sued the government over its authorizations of vaccines. He's said there is&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1788596009695633439">“no vaccine that is safe and effective”</a>&nbsp;and repeatedly called for further study of routine childhood vaccinations, despite decades of research and real-world use that proves they've safely prevented disease.Republicans narrowed in on questions about agriculture, food and the abortion pill, which many women access over telehealth.Kennedy tried to assure senators that he would not seek widespread bans on vaccines or food, saying he wants to provide more information to people.“I don’t want to take food away from anybody," he said. "If you like a cheeseburger – a McDonald’s cheeseburger and a diet Coke like my boss — you should be able to get them.”Kennedy hails from one of the nation’s most storied political families and is the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. He first challenged President Joe Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. He then ran as an independent but abandoned his bid over the summer after striking a deal to endorse Trump, a Republican, in exchange for a promise to serve in a health policy role during a second Trump administration.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rfk-hhs-health-kennedy-f40ee2398e3a280c1586eecdd80bdf7c">selected Kennedy</a>&nbsp;in November, shortly after he won the presidential election, saying Kennedy would “end the Chronic Disease epidemic” and “Make America Great and Healthy Again!” As one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-vaccines-2ccde2df146f57b5e8c26e8494f0a16a">the most prominent anti-vaccine activists</a>&nbsp;in the world, Kennedy’s nomination immediately alarmed some public health officials.----------WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s</a>&nbsp;famous name, populist stances and loyal following have earned him President Donald Trump’s support, but will that get him the votes he needs from the Republican-controlled Senate to become the nation’s top health official?<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">LIVE --&gt; Confirmation hearing: ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, nominee to be Secretary of Health &amp; Human Services, testifies before <a href="https://twitter.com/SenateFinance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenateFinance</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SenFinance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@senfinance</a> – LIVE on C-SPAN <a href="https://t.co/pMoiNNtTof">https://t.co/pMoiNNtTof</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884617329104888242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/senate-committee/hhs-sec-nominee-rfk-jr-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/430405">Click here to watch</a> 9a.m. CSTIf approved, Kennedy will control a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees food and hospital inspections, hundreds of health clinics, vaccine recommendations and health insurance for roughly half the country.His confirmation hearings are set before the Senate finance committee on Wednesday and the Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee on Thursday.Here’s what to watch during his confirmation hearings:<h2>How will he explain his vaccine views?</h2>Over many years, Kennedy has been clear about his beliefs on vaccines in dozens of interviews, podcasts and social media posts.He’s headed up a nonprofit that has sued the government over its authorizations of vaccines. He’s said there is “&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1788596009695633439" target="_blank">no vaccine that is safe and effective</a>,” and repeatedly called for further study of routine childhood vaccinations, despite decades of research and real-world use that proves they’ve safely prevented disease.But more recently, Kennedy has tried to downplay his past remarks and work, saying he’s not anti-vaccine and promising not to “take away” the shots.The health committee chairman, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., also has expressed concerns about Kennedy’s anti-vaccine work. A physician, Cassidy&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenBillCassidy/status/1877039738005098978" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;earlier this month he “had a frank conversation” and “spoke about vaccines at length” with Kennedy. On Tuesday, Cassidy told reporters that he is still unsure if he is backing Trump’s nominee.“I’m still working through it,” Cassidy said during a press availability with Louisiana reporters on Tuesday. “I look forward to the hearings and I will allow that to guide my decision.”The intensity of the questioning on vaccines over the next two days could provide clues for how other Republicans — like Sen. Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor who represents Kentucky — might consider Kennedy’s nomination.<h2>Watch for overtures to the anti-abortion movement</h2>Some of the country’s most conservative lawmakers have been worried about how Kennedy will handle abortion as health secretary.Republican Sen. James Lankford, who sits on the finance committee, is expected to grill Kennedy, a longtime Democrat, on the issue during Wednesday’s hearing. Lankford is seen as a possible “no” vote over Kennedy’s past comments supporting abortion. Last month, the Oklahoma senator said he had a “good conversation” with Kennedy but stopped short of endorsing.HHS can influence abortion and reproductive health access in a number of ways, including with millions of dollars in grants it sends to Planned Parenthood and regulations around abortion pills. Under the Biden administration, the agency also said hospitals were required to provide emergency abortions for pregnant women in medical distress.On Monday, acting HHS Secretary Dorothy Fink signaled the agency is prepared to adopt a tougher stance on abortion under Kennedy. She ordered the agency to investigate all of its programs to make sure no taxpayer money is going toward elective abortions.<h2>There are Democrats he’s trying to woo, too</h2>Kennedy needs to earn support from nearly all Senate Republicans, but he may also try to pick up a vote or two from the Democratic Party. His closest supporters and advisers&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/calleymeans/status/1883611113298051185" target="_blank">have urged</a>&nbsp;followers to call the offices of Democratic Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada.Another Democratic senator may also be in play: John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who met with Kennedy and has said he’s open to supporting Trump’s nominees.An area where Kennedy is trying to find common ground with Democratic senators: food regulations and access to healthier foods. Kennedy has said he supports Medicare and Medicaid helping people pay for healthier foods and gym memberships, an idea Democrats have lobbied for as well. He’s also called for a ban on some of the ingredients used in foods, like dyes and additives.<h2>Will that letter come up?</h2>In a letter sent to U.S. senators on Tuesday, Caroline Kennedy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caroline-robert-kennedy-trump-health-secretary-f01f58305eac53560e31c51aaee5f171">shared shocking personal details</a>&nbsp;about her cousin, saying he is not qualified for the health secretary job.Caroline Kennedy said RFK Jr.'s views on vaccines are a problem, but she also brought up her experiences growing up with him.A copy obtained by The Associated Press notes that while she admired him for overcoming a drug addiction, she said he has gone on to “misrepresent, lie, and cheat his way through life.” In an extreme anecdote, she accused him of hosting drug-fueled gatherings in his basement, dorm and garage where he “enjoyed showing off how he put baby chickens and mice in the blender to feed his hawks.”Meanwhile, another cousin, former Rhode Island congressman and Democrat Patrick J. Kennedy, threw his support behind the health secretary nominee in an opinion piece for The Washington Post on Tuesday. RFK Jr. helped pull him out of addiction, Patrick J. Kennedy said.“Bobby was the first family member to call and offer his personal and public support, even at a time when some in my family criticized me for breaking the so-called family code of silence,” he wrote.<h2>___</h2>Associated Press writer Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report.

🎥Highlights of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearing

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's budget office on Wednesday rescinded an order freezing spending on federal grants, less than two days after it sparked widespread confusion and legal challenges across the country.

The Monday evening order from the White House Office of Management and Budget sparked uncertainty over a crucial financial lifeline for states, schools and organizations that rely on trillions of dollars from Washington and left the White House scrambling to explain what would and wouldn't be subject to a pause in funding.

The White House confirmed that OMB pulled the order Wednesday in a two sentence notice sent to agencies and departments, but said that Trump's underlying executive orders targeting federal spending in areas like diversity, equity and inclusion and climate change, remained in place.

Administration officials said the decision to halt loans and grants was necessary to conduct a review to ensure that spending complies with Trump’s recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-has-trump-done-trump-executive-orders-f061fbe7f08c08d81509a6af20ef8fc0">blitz of executive orders</a>. Agencies had been directed to answer a series of yes or no questions on each federal program by Feb. 7. The questions included “does this program promote gender ideology?” and “does this program promote or support in any way abortion?”

Still, the vaguely worded memo, combined with incomplete answers from the White House throughout the day, left lawmakers, public officials and average Americans struggling to figure out what programs would be affected by the pause. Even temporary interruptions in funding could cause layoffs or delays in public services.

The freeze was scheduled to go into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday, but was stayed by a federal judge until at least Monday after an emergency hearing requested by nonprofit groups that receive federal grants. An additional lawsuit by Democratic state attorneys general was also pending.

“The Executive Orders issued by the President on funding reviews remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented by all agencies and departments,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, blaming the confusion on the courts and news outlets, not the administration. “This action should effectively end the court case and allow the government to focus on enforcing the President’s orders on controlling federal spending."

Trump administration officials said programs that provide direct assistance to Americans, including Medicare, Social Security, student loans and food stamps, would not be affected. But they sometimes struggled to provide a clear picture.

Leavitt initially would not say whether Medicaid was exempted from the freeze, but the administration later clarified that it was.

Although Trump had promised to turn Washington upside down if elected to a second term, the effects of his effort to pause funding were being felt far from the nation’s capital. Organizations like Meals on Wheels, which receives federal money to deliver food to the elderly, and Head Start which provides early childcare in lower income communities, were worried about getting cut off.

Democratic critics of the order moved swiftly to celebrate the action.

“This is an important victory for the American people whose voices were heard after massive pressure from every corner of this country—real people made a difference by speaking out," said Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/patty-murray">Patty Murray</a>, D-Wash. "Still, the Trump administration—through a combination of sheer incompetence, cruel intentions, and a willful disregard of the law—caused real harm and chaos for millions over the span of the last 48 hours which is still ongoing."

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said that “Americans fought back and Donald Trump backed off.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737908838710.png" alt="President Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One Saturday-photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>President Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One Saturday-photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's budget office on Wednesday rescinded an order freezing spending on federal grants, less than two days after it sparked widespread confusion and legal challenges across the country.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738177826569.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Monday evening order from the White House Office of Management and Budget sparked uncertainty over a crucial financial lifeline for states, schools and organizations that rely on trillions of dollars from Washington and left the White House scrambling to explain what would and wouldn't be subject to a pause in funding.The White House confirmed that OMB pulled the order Wednesday in a two sentence notice sent to agencies and departments, but said that Trump's underlying executive orders targeting federal spending in areas like diversity, equity and inclusion and climate change, remained in place.Administration officials said the decision to halt loans and grants was necessary to conduct a review to ensure that spending complies with Trump’s recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-has-trump-done-trump-executive-orders-f061fbe7f08c08d81509a6af20ef8fc0">blitz of executive orders</a>. Agencies had been directed to answer a series of yes or no questions on each federal program by Feb. 7. The questions included “does this program promote gender ideology?” and “does this program promote or support in any way abortion?”Still, the vaguely worded memo, combined with incomplete answers from the White House throughout the day, left lawmakers, public officials and average Americans struggling to figure out what programs would be affected by the pause. Even temporary interruptions in funding could cause layoffs or delays in public services.The freeze was scheduled to go into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday, but was stayed by a federal judge until at least Monday after an emergency hearing requested by nonprofit groups that receive federal grants. An additional lawsuit by Democratic state attorneys general was also pending.“The Executive Orders issued by the President on funding reviews remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented by all agencies and departments,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, blaming the confusion on the courts and news outlets, not the administration. “This action should effectively end the court case and allow the government to focus on enforcing the President’s orders on controlling federal spending."Trump administration officials said programs that provide direct assistance to Americans, including Medicare, Social Security, student loans and food stamps, would not be affected. But they sometimes struggled to provide a clear picture.Leavitt initially would not say whether Medicaid was exempted from the freeze, but the administration later clarified that it was.Although Trump had promised to turn Washington upside down if elected to a second term, the effects of his effort to pause funding were being felt far from the nation’s capital. Organizations like Meals on Wheels, which receives federal money to deliver food to the elderly, and Head Start which provides early childcare in lower income communities, were worried about getting cut off.Democratic critics of the order moved swiftly to celebrate the action.“This is an important victory for the American people whose voices were heard after massive pressure from every corner of this country—real people made a difference by speaking out," said Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/patty-murray">Patty Murray</a>, D-Wash. "Still, the Trump administration—through a combination of sheer incompetence, cruel intentions, and a willful disregard of the law—caused real harm and chaos for millions over the span of the last 48 hours which is still ongoing."Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said that “Americans fought back and Donald Trump backed off.

Read the notice: White House rescinds order freezing federal grants

WYANDOTTE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) updated details on the investigation into the death of Roger Golubski, 71, of Edwardsville.

Upon arriving at the scene, KBI agents recovered a&nbsp;Smith and Wesson M&amp;P Shield handgun on the back deck of the residence near the body, and five suicide letters from Golubski. KBI agents traced the handgun to a woman who lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She indicated the gun had been stolen from her vehicle in 2022. The investigation did not establish a relationship or connection between Golubski and the gun owner. Agents were not able to determine how Golubski gained possession of the firearm.

Through the investigation, KBI agents established that Golubski left his house for his federal trial around 8:30 a.m., but never arrived at the Courthouse. He made several phone calls to family and to his attorney, and returned home. His roommate reported that she heard the gunshot around 9 a.m. and then called 911.

The final autopsy report concluded Golubski’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, and manner of his death was suicide. The toxicology report found no significant positive findings.

The KBI has concluded this investigation. Foul play is not suspected in Golubski’s death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663616484786.png" alt="Golubski photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Golubski photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) updated details on the investigation into the death of Roger Golubski, 71, of Edwardsville.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738116368745.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arriving at the scene, KBI agents recovered a&nbsp;Smith and Wesson M&amp;P Shield handgun on the back deck of the residence near the body, and five suicide letters from Golubski. KBI agents traced the handgun to a woman who lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She indicated the gun had been stolen from her vehicle in 2022. The investigation did not establish a relationship or connection between Golubski and the gun owner. Agents were not able to determine how Golubski gained possession of the firearm.Through the investigation, KBI agents established that Golubski left his house for his federal trial around 8:30 a.m., but never arrived at the Courthouse. He made several phone calls to family and to his attorney, and returned home. His roommate reported that she heard the gunshot around 9 a.m. and then called 911.The final autopsy report concluded Golubski’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, and manner of his death was suicide. The toxicology report found no significant positive findings.The KBI has concluded this investigation. Foul play is not suspected in Golubski’s death.

KBI: Stolen handgun used in death of disgraced Kansas detective 

Sen. Jerry Moran says VA programs exempt from president’s federal funding freeze

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat, said President Donald Trump’s sudden pause of federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs was causing unnecessary disruption and anxiety for Kansans.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocked the spending freeze until Monday when a hearing on the issue was scheduled.

The Trump administration’s standstill in allocation of federal tax dollars was devised to create a window for an administrative review intended to root out initiatives opposed by the president.

“Families shouldn’t have to worry about feeding their kids, keeping a roof over their heads or affording health care,” Davids said. “This reckless and deliberately vague order cuts vital investments in our economy that hardworking Kansans rely on to stay safe and healthy.”

Davids said the Trump administration should be working to address “real needs of our communities” that included lowering the cost of living for families rather than prioritizing interests of “big corporations and special interests.”

The president’s order put public safety as risk by jeopardizing funding to law enforcement, homeland security and disaster response programs, Davids said. Questions were raised about implications for federally funded road, bridge and transit infrastructure projects, she said.

Davids said the president’s directive could interfere with operation of Head Start, mental health services, the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline as well as funding for tribal communities, small business loans and energy programs.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said Trump’s directive wouldn’t disrupt services and benefits offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Moran, chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said he was assured no VA programs, including those provided through grant recipients, would be undercut by directives issued by Trump through the Office of Management and Budget.

“Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Moran said. “I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738170282573.png" alt="File photo Rep. Davids a the Panasonic manufacturing plant in De Soto&nbsp; earlier this month" />
 <figcaption>File photo Rep. Davids a the Panasonic manufacturing plant in De Soto&nbsp; earlier this month</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Sen. Jerry Moran says VA programs exempt from president’s federal funding freeze</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat, said President Donald Trump’s sudden pause of federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs was causing unnecessary disruption and anxiety for Kansans.A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocked the spending freeze until Monday when a hearing on the issue was scheduled.The Trump administration’s standstill in allocation of federal tax dollars was devised to create a window for an administrative review intended to root out initiatives opposed by the president.“Families shouldn’t have to worry about feeding their kids, keeping a roof over their heads or affording health care,” Davids said. “This reckless and deliberately vague order cuts vital investments in our economy that hardworking Kansans rely on to stay safe and healthy.”Davids said the Trump administration should be working to address “real needs of our communities” that included lowering the cost of living for families rather than prioritizing interests of “big corporations and special interests.”The president’s order put public safety as risk by jeopardizing funding to law enforcement, homeland security and disaster response programs, Davids said. Questions were raised about implications for federally funded road, bridge and transit infrastructure projects, she said.Davids said the president’s directive could interfere with operation of Head Start, mental health services, the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline as well as funding for tribal communities, small business loans and energy programs.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said Trump’s directive wouldn’t disrupt services and benefits offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Moran, chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said he was assured no VA programs, including those provided through grant recipients, would be undercut by directives issued by Trump through the Office of Management and Budget.“Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Moran said. “I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids blasts Trump’s ‘reckless and deliberately vague’ halt to spending

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in a deadly shooting will have to wait to learn his fate for murder.

The sentencing hearing for 41-year-old Tyree Jackson of Wichita was delayed and is now scheduled for February 21, according to the Sedwick County District Attorney's office.

Jackson was found guilty of first degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In March, police were alerted to a shooting incident in the 2200 Block of N. Grove in Wichita, according to Police spokesperson Andrew Ford.

First responders discovered 20-year-old Jaden Wilson outside of a gold Buick, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced deceased at 5:46 p.m. by Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services.

A witness in the vehicle at the time of the incident was able to provide officers with details that quickly led to the identification of the suspect.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim and the suspect were acquainted and involved in an ongoing dispute.

A short time after the shooting occurred, a 17-year-old suspect voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement at the Sedgwick County Jail and was later charged in Juvenile court, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711631518712.png" alt="Jackson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Jackson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in a deadly shooting will have to wait to learn his fate for murder.The sentencing hearing for 41-year-old Tyree Jackson of Wichita was delayed and is now scheduled for February 21, according to the Sedwick County District Attorney's office.Jackson was found guilty of first degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;In March, police were alerted to a shooting incident in the 2200 Block of N. Grove in Wichita, according to Police spokesperson Andrew Ford.First responders discovered 20-year-old Jaden Wilson outside of a gold Buick, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced deceased at 5:46 p.m. by Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services.A witness in the vehicle at the time of the incident was able to provide officers with details that quickly led to the identification of the suspect.A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim and the suspect were acquainted and involved in an ongoing dispute.A short time after the shooting occurred, a 17-year-old suspect voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement at the Sedgwick County Jail and was later charged in Juvenile court, according to the district attorney's office.

Sentencing delayed for Kan. man who joined teen for murder

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas City. Just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 6000 block of E. 98th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Crews reported heavy smoke from a split-level home.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported at this incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD. Red Cross was ordered for two adults and two children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738083214223.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas City. Just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 6000 block of E. 98th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.Crews reported heavy smoke from a split-level home.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported at this incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD. Red Cross was ordered for two adults and two children.

2 adults, 2 children displaced after KC house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it would begin subjecting all federal employees to “enhanced standards of suitability and conduct” and ominously warned of future downsizing, while offering buyouts to those who opt to leave their jobs by next week — an unprecedented move to shrink the U.S. government at breakneck speed.

A memo from the Office of Personnel Management, the government’s human resources agency, was emailed to employees and says that those who leave their posts voluntarily will receive about eight months of salary. But they have to chose to do so by Feb 6.

<a href="https://www.opm.gov/fork/faq">Click here to read </a>the frequently asked questions on the buyout

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has built a political career around promising to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-policies-agenda-election-2024-second-term-d656d8f08629a8da14a65c4075545e0f">disrupt Washington</a>, and vowed that his second administration would go far further in shaking up traditional political norms than his first did. Still, the repercussions of so many government workers being invited to leave their jobs were difficult to calculate.

The federal government employs more than 3 million people, which makes it roughly the nation’s 15th largest workforce. The average tenure for a federal employee is nearly 12 years, according to an analysis by the Pew Research Center of data from OPM.

Even a fraction of the workforce accepting buyouts could send shockwaves through the economy and trigger widespread disruptions throughout society as a whole, triggering wide-ranging — and as yet unknowable — implications for the delivery, timeliness and effectiveness of federal services across the nation.

Untold numbers of front-line health workers in the Veterans Affairs Department, officials who process loans for homebuyers or small businesses, and contractors who help procure the next generation of military weaponry could all head for the exits at once. It could also mean losing experienced food inspectors and scientists who test the water supply — while disrupting everything from air travel and consumer product protections.

In response, American Federation of Government Employees union President Everett Kelley said it should not be viewed as voluntary buyouts, but pressuring workers not considered loyal to the new administration to vacate their jobs.

“Purging the federal government of dedicated career federal employees will have vast, unintended consequences that will cause chaos for the Americans who depend on a functioning federal government,” Kelley said in a statement. “Between the flurry of anti-worker executive orders and policies, it is clear that the Trump administration’s goal is to turn the federal government into a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to.”

In its emailed memo detailing its plan, OPM lists four directives that it says Trump is mandating for the federal workforce going forward — including that most workers return to their offices full-time.

“The substantial majority of federal employees who have been working remotely since Covid will be required to return to their physical offices five days a week,” it reads. That echoes Trump, who said of federal employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-air-force-one-tiktok-canada-workers-06489fe4a05a352ce553e7da94a923a7">over the weekend</a>: “You have to go to your office and work. Otherwise you’re not going to have a job.”

The memo also says Trump “will insist on excellence at every level,” and while some parts of the government’s workforce may increase under his administration, “The majority of federal agencies are likely to be downsized.”

Finally, it says, the ”federal workforce should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work.”

“Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward,” the memo reads. “Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination.”

The emailed message includes a “deferred resignation letter” for federal employees wishing to participate in the buyout program.

“If you resign under this program, you will retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until September 30,” it says.

The email even includes instructions on how to accept, stating: “If you wish to resign: Select ‘Reply’ to this email. You must reply from your government account.” It adds: “Type the word ‘Resign’ into the body of this email and hit ‘send.’”

Meanwhile, OPM has released guidance for an executive order Trump signed on the first day of his second term known as “Schedule Career/Policy.” It replaces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-2024-government-regulations-democrats-6badc3b424b9eff3ba51e0ec35a8d824">Schedule F</a>, an order Trump signed late in his first term that sought to reclassify thousands of federal employees and make them political appointees without the same job security protections.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;rescinded Trump’s Schedule F order almost immediately upon taking office in 2021, and under his administration, OPM&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-employee-job-protections-rule-trump-biden-4c1954c0ac089d0370a405ec4029fc9d">issued a new rule</a>&nbsp;last year designed to make it more difficult to fire many federal employees.

That move was seen as a safeguard against using a new Schedule F order to help carry out the key goals of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-trump-harris-election-heritage-foundation-9183cf4c36c293e11b59847189d26a87">Project 2025</a>, a sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-conservatives-trump-heritage-857eb794e505f1c6710eb03fd5b58981">plan</a>&nbsp;by a conservative Washington think tank to dismiss large swaths of the federal workforce in favor of more conservative alternatives while also cutting back on the overall size of government.

But that hasn’t stopped the Trump administration from swiftly moving to gut the federal workforce and leave employees with little recourse to protest firings or reassignments.

Trump’s OPM on Monday set deadlines for agencies to begin to recommend workers for reclassification. Agency heads are being instructed to establish a contact person no later than Wednesday and begin to submit interim personnel recommendations within 90 days.

“Agencies are encouraged to submit recommendations on a rolling basis before this date,” Charles Ezell, the acting director of OPM, said in a memo.

Perhaps more stunning, the Trump personnel office simply did away with the Biden administration’s 2024 regulation to better protect federal workers. Monday’s memo said Trump’s new executive order used the president’s authority “to directly nullify these regulations.”

Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Lisa Mascaro in Washington and Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland, contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it would begin subjecting all federal employees to “enhanced standards of suitability and conduct” and ominously warned of future downsizing, while offering buyouts to those who opt to leave their jobs by next week — an unprecedented move to shrink the U.S. government at breakneck speed.A memo from the Office of Personnel Management, the government’s human resources agency, was emailed to employees and says that those who leave their posts voluntarily will receive about eight months of salary. But they have to chose to do so by Feb 6.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738115904337.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738115941751.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.opm.gov/fork/faq">Click here to read </a>the frequently asked questions on the buyout<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a> Karoline Leavitt on buyouts: &quot;This is a suggestion to federal workers that they have to return to work. If they don&#39;t then they have the option to resign and this administration is very generously offering to pay them for eight months.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/B6AmEe79vB">pic.twitter.com/B6AmEe79vB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884594591271129598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has built a political career around promising to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-policies-agenda-election-2024-second-term-d656d8f08629a8da14a65c4075545e0f">disrupt Washington</a>, and vowed that his second administration would go far further in shaking up traditional political norms than his first did. Still, the repercussions of so many government workers being invited to leave their jobs were difficult to calculate.The federal government employs more than 3 million people, which makes it roughly the nation’s 15th largest workforce. The average tenure for a federal employee is nearly 12 years, according to an analysis by the Pew Research Center of data from OPM.Even a fraction of the workforce accepting buyouts could send shockwaves through the economy and trigger widespread disruptions throughout society as a whole, triggering wide-ranging — and as yet unknowable — implications for the delivery, timeliness and effectiveness of federal services across the nation.Untold numbers of front-line health workers in the Veterans Affairs Department, officials who process loans for homebuyers or small businesses, and contractors who help procure the next generation of military weaponry could all head for the exits at once. It could also mean losing experienced food inspectors and scientists who test the water supply — while disrupting everything from air travel and consumer product protections.In response, American Federation of Government Employees union President Everett Kelley said it should not be viewed as voluntary buyouts, but pressuring workers not considered loyal to the new administration to vacate their jobs.“Purging the federal government of dedicated career federal employees will have vast, unintended consequences that will cause chaos for the Americans who depend on a functioning federal government,” Kelley said in a statement. “Between the flurry of anti-worker executive orders and policies, it is clear that the Trump administration’s goal is to turn the federal government into a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to.”In its emailed memo detailing its plan, OPM lists four directives that it says Trump is mandating for the federal workforce going forward — including that most workers return to their offices full-time.“The substantial majority of federal employees who have been working remotely since Covid will be required to return to their physical offices five days a week,” it reads. That echoes Trump, who said of federal employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-air-force-one-tiktok-canada-workers-06489fe4a05a352ce553e7da94a923a7">over the weekend</a>: “You have to go to your office and work. Otherwise you’re not going to have a job.”The memo also says Trump “will insist on excellence at every level,” and while some parts of the government’s workforce may increase under his administration, “The majority of federal agencies are likely to be downsized.”Finally, it says, the ”federal workforce should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work.”“Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward,” the memo reads. “Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination.”The emailed message includes a “deferred resignation letter” for federal employees wishing to participate in the buyout program.“If you resign under this program, you will retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until September 30,” it says.The email even includes instructions on how to accept, stating: “If you wish to resign: Select ‘Reply’ to this email. You must reply from your government account.” It adds: “Type the word ‘Resign’ into the body of this email and hit ‘send.’”Meanwhile, OPM has released guidance for an executive order Trump signed on the first day of his second term known as “Schedule Career/Policy.” It replaces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-2024-government-regulations-democrats-6badc3b424b9eff3ba51e0ec35a8d824">Schedule F</a>, an order Trump signed late in his first term that sought to reclassify thousands of federal employees and make them political appointees without the same job security protections.President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;rescinded Trump’s Schedule F order almost immediately upon taking office in 2021, and under his administration, OPM&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-employee-job-protections-rule-trump-biden-4c1954c0ac089d0370a405ec4029fc9d">issued a new rule</a>&nbsp;last year designed to make it more difficult to fire many federal employees.That move was seen as a safeguard against using a new Schedule F order to help carry out the key goals of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-trump-harris-election-heritage-foundation-9183cf4c36c293e11b59847189d26a87">Project 2025</a>, a sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-conservatives-trump-heritage-857eb794e505f1c6710eb03fd5b58981">plan</a>&nbsp;by a conservative Washington think tank to dismiss large swaths of the federal workforce in favor of more conservative alternatives while also cutting back on the overall size of government.But that hasn’t stopped the Trump administration from swiftly moving to gut the federal workforce and leave employees with little recourse to protest firings or reassignments.Trump’s OPM on Monday set deadlines for agencies to begin to recommend workers for reclassification. Agency heads are being instructed to establish a contact person no later than Wednesday and begin to submit interim personnel recommendations within 90 days.“Agencies are encouraged to submit recommendations on a rolling basis before this date,” Charles Ezell, the acting director of OPM, said in a memo.Perhaps more stunning, the Trump personnel office simply did away with the Biden administration’s 2024 regulation to better protect federal workers. Monday’s memo said Trump’s new executive order used the president’s authority “to directly nullify these regulations.”<h2>___</h2>Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Lisa Mascaro in Washington and Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland, contributed to this report.

Read the Trump admin. buyout offer to government employees 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/new-secretary-of-defense-pete-hegseth-arrives-at-pentagon-and-vows-support-for-trump-border-policies-0a65048f94cf4828b10a19569a24bdba">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;is pulling the security protections and clearance of retired Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Mark Milley, and has ordered the Pentagon's inspector general to review Milley's actions while serving as the nation's top uniformed officer to determine if a demotion is warranted, two defense officials confirmed late Tuesday.

The inspector general review will include “an inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding Gen Milley’s conduct so that the Secretary may determine whether it is appropriate to reopen his military grade review determination,” said Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot.

“The Secretary informed General Milley today that he is revoking the authorization for his security detail and suspending his security clearance as well," he said.

Milley served as chairman during President Donald Trump's first term in office. While the relationship initially went well, it soured deeply and fast, as Milley tried to advise and contain the president on a host of issues.

He pushed back on the president's interest in using force domestically to quell protestors after the death of George Floyd, and was at the center of a controversy in 2021 when he made independent calls to his Chinese counterpart. Trump called the calls an act of treason, but at the time Milley&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-china-joint-chiefs-of-staff-1b23ba339e50a7c17c43c1281a0b4e04">said the calls were routine</a>&nbsp;and part of the scope of his job.

Milley in his final days as chairman after Trump had left office was equally outspoken about his former boss. He said at his official retirement ceremony “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milley-trump-biden-democracy-military-d2abb76858291c87ae856f91e9556d8e">we don’t take an oath to a king or a queen</a>&nbsp;or to a tyrant or a dictator. And we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator.”

“We don’t take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution, and we take an oath to the idea that is America, and we’re willing to die to protect it," he said at the time.

Hegseth's chief of staff Joe Kasper said that the decision to strip Milley of his clearance and detail was taken because "undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security, and restoring accountability is a priority for the Defense Department under President Trump’s leadership.”

The moves, which were first reported by Fox News, may also include taking down Milley's Army chief of staff portrait. Milley's chairman portrait was stripped from the wall just hours after Trump was sworn in. The portraits were both paid for by a donation from the Association of the United States Army, not taxpayer dollars, and were a gift to Milley honoring his service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737408736359.png" alt="On Jan. 20, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley’s portrait and nameplate were taken down in the Pentagon. The portrait was just unveiled Jan. 12 at a ceremony." />
 <figcaption>On Jan. 20, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley’s portrait and nameplate were taken down in the Pentagon. The portrait was just unveiled Jan. 12 at a ceremony.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/new-secretary-of-defense-pete-hegseth-arrives-at-pentagon-and-vows-support-for-trump-border-policies-0a65048f94cf4828b10a19569a24bdba">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;is pulling the security protections and clearance of retired Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Mark Milley, and has ordered the Pentagon's inspector general to review Milley's actions while serving as the nation's top uniformed officer to determine if a demotion is warranted, two defense officials confirmed late Tuesday.The inspector general review will include “an inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding Gen Milley’s conduct so that the Secretary may determine whether it is appropriate to reopen his military grade review determination,” said Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot.“The Secretary informed General Milley today that he is revoking the authorization for his security detail and suspending his security clearance as well," he said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We unveiled the portrait of U.S. Army (Ret.) General Mark Milley, the 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mark, it was good to see you back at the Pentagon. Thanks again for all you have given in service to our nation. I wish you Godspeed in the chapters to come. <a href="https://t.co/oKjYQk7HZx">pic.twitter.com/oKjYQk7HZx</a>&mdash; Archive: Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDefAustin) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDefAustin/status/1878551376592036038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Milley served as chairman during President Donald Trump's first term in office. While the relationship initially went well, it soured deeply and fast, as Milley tried to advise and contain the president on a host of issues.He pushed back on the president's interest in using force domestically to quell protestors after the death of George Floyd, and was at the center of a controversy in 2021 when he made independent calls to his Chinese counterpart. Trump called the calls an act of treason, but at the time Milley&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-china-joint-chiefs-of-staff-1b23ba339e50a7c17c43c1281a0b4e04">said the calls were routine</a>&nbsp;and part of the scope of his job.Milley in his final days as chairman after Trump had left office was equally outspoken about his former boss. He said at his official retirement ceremony “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milley-trump-biden-democracy-military-d2abb76858291c87ae856f91e9556d8e">we don’t take an oath to a king or a queen</a>&nbsp;or to a tyrant or a dictator. And we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator.”“We don’t take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution, and we take an oath to the idea that is America, and we’re willing to die to protect it," he said at the time.Hegseth's chief of staff Joe Kasper said that the decision to strip Milley of his clearance and detail was taken because "undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security, and restoring accountability is a priority for the Defense Department under President Trump’s leadership.”The moves, which were first reported by Fox News, may also include taking down Milley's Army chief of staff portrait. Milley's chairman portrait was stripped from the wall just hours after Trump was sworn in. The portraits were both paid for by a donation from the Association of the United States Army, not taxpayer dollars, and were a gift to Milley honoring his service.

Pentagon pulls security clearance, protective detail of former top general

ENID, OK —A former Kansas police officer has been found guilty of child sex crimes.

On October 7, 2022, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct by a former Kansas and Oklahoma police officer, according to a statement from the OSBI.

During the investigation, OSBI special agents identified the suspect as 34-year-old Brock England, who was an officer for both the Wichita, Kansas and Enid Police Departments from 2014 to 2022.

During their comprehensive investigation, special agents determined that England committed multiple child sex crimes in Kansas and Oklahoma, some of which were during his time as an officer.

 In March of 2023, England was arrested and booked into the Garfield County Jail on child sex abuse charges. Last week, England was found guilty by the Garfield County District Court of Child Sex Abuse with a Child Under the age of 12 and two counts of Lewd Molestation.

The Wichita Police Department&nbsp;assisted with this investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738088542862.png" alt="England photo OSBI" />
 <figcaption>England photo OSBI</figcaption>
 </figure>ENID, OK —A former Kansas police officer has been found guilty of child sex crimes.On October 7, 2022, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct by a former Kansas and Oklahoma police officer, according to a statement from the OSBI.During the investigation, OSBI special agents identified the suspect as 34-year-old Brock England, who was an officer for both the Wichita, Kansas and Enid Police Departments from 2014 to 2022.During their comprehensive investigation, special agents determined that England committed multiple child sex crimes in Kansas and Oklahoma, some of which were during his time as an officer. In March of 2023, England was arrested and booked into the Garfield County Jail on child sex abuse charges. Last week, England was found guilty by the Garfield County District Court of Child Sex Abuse with a Child Under the age of 12 and two counts of Lewd Molestation.The Wichita Police Department&nbsp;assisted with this investigation.&nbsp;

Former Kan. police officer found guilty of child sex crimes

GASCONADE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9a.m. Tuesday in Gasconade County Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Western Star dump truck driven by a 70-year-old New Haven, Missouri man, was westbound on MO 28 at 305 East Lincoln Avenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The truck traveled off the right side of the road, struck a utility pole, a concrete parking post, a tree and a house.

An 84-year-old&nbsp; man in the house was pronounced dead the scene and was transported to the Crawford County Morgue. EMS transported the truck driver and an 82-year-old woman in the house to Mercy Hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738089163428.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GASCONADE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9a.m. Tuesday in Gasconade County Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Western Star dump truck driven by a 70-year-old New Haven, Missouri man, was westbound on MO 28 at 305 East Lincoln Avenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;The truck traveled off the right side of the road, struck a utility pole, a concrete parking post, a tree and a house.An 84-year-old&nbsp; man in the house was pronounced dead the scene and was transported to the Crawford County Morgue. EMS transported the truck driver and an 82-year-old woman in the house to Mercy Hospital.The Missouri State Highway Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

Dump truck crash into house killed man in the residence

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20COLLINS%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVE COLLINS &nbsp;Associated Press</a>

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined federal agents Tuesday in New York City to announce the arrests of immigrants wanted on criminal charges, including a man accused of kidnapping who was seen on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-immigrants-aurora-colorado-police-37acd4e064347d51808cb244117ac21e">viral video</a>&nbsp;entering a Colorado apartment with reputed gang members.

Noem was the latest high-ranking official from President Donald Trump's administration to tout the president's ramped-up immigration enforcement in a city where arrests were being made. Border czar Tom Homan and acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove were in Chicago on Sunday as federal agents made arrests there.

“Arresting some criminal aliens this morning in NYC — thank you to the brave officers involved,” Noem posted on X. “Criminal alien with kidnapping, assault &amp; burglary charges is now in custody — thanks to @ICE. Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets.”

An operation in the Bronx early Tuesday snared Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, 26, who authorities said was part of a group of men, including members of the Venezuelan gang&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tren-de-aragua-gang-venezuela-us-a12c8fee9dc4a0ca73769ea893e09e53">Tren de Aragua</a>, who entered an apartment in Aurora, Colorado, last summer and were recorded on a widely viewed video.

The charges were brought by local authorities in Colorado. It was not immediately clear what would happen next for Zambrano-Pacheco. Two other men who police said were in the video were arrested in New York in November. They are still in ICE custody.

The incident caught President Donald Trump's attention during the presidential campaign, and he announced a plan called “Operation Aurora” to target migrant gangs. The video led Trump to claim that the Denver suburb had been taken over by the gang, which city officials denied.

In an arrest warrant, Aurora police said Zambrano-Pacheco was also wanted in a kidnapping in which at least 20 armed men abducted and threatened two people in late June. In addition, police said Zambrano-Pacheco was with a group of armed men before a shooting occurred shortly after the apartment incident that was caught on video.

It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer or if he was a member of Tren de Aragua.

Local and federal authorities, including Aurora police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, investigated the apartment video incident for months beginning when Joe Biden was still president.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, said Tuesday's arrests did not appear to be part of a “wholesale raid,” but rather an operation targeting specific people accused of crimes.

“I want to be clear, there’s always been ICE raids in the state of New York, even in the past. This is not a new dynamic," she said.

Zambrano-Pacheco is the fifth person to be arrested in connection with the Aurora apartment incident. The video showed six armed men, including at least some people identified as Tren de Aragua members by federal authorities, entering the apartment shortly before a fatal shooting outside the complex.

In Chicago, city leaders criticized the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportations-chicago-immigration-arrests-cfb20a3e412443aa2ca6c6ed4d1070d4">highly publicized enforcement operations</a>&nbsp;that started over the weekend in the nation’s third-largest city. That included the surprising decision to allow daytime television psychologist “Dr. Phil” McGraw to livestream immigrant arrests alongside Homan.

“This desire to popularize fear is unconscionable and abhorrent,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday at a City Hall news conference alongside Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, city lawyers and others. “We’re talking about people’s lives.”

Johnson defended the city’s strong sanctuary protections that bar Chicago police from cooperating with federal immigration agents. Chicago has been a so-called sanctuary city for decades and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-immigration-lori-lightfoot-crime-1e53b67700ee66ceefd459d4afa57b86">strengthened those protections</a>&nbsp;several times, including during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-08b68d060fbbbca355a0f48487e96fb3">Trump’s first term</a>.

ICE has offered few details about the operation in Chicago, including the number of arrests. The agency did not return a message seeking comment Tuesday.

Snelling said Chicago police have communicated with federal agents but did not participate in the operation or cooperate. He estimated roughly 100 people were taken into custody.

In other developments, authorities said Tuesday that none of the 41 people taken into ICE custody following a weekend raid in Colorado are likely to face drug or gun charges. The Sunday raid targeted drug trafficking by Tren de Aragua at a makeshift nightclub near Denver.

The people who had gathered dropped their drugs and guns before agents got inside, making it hard to connect the items to specific people, according to a spokesperson for the Drug Enforcement Administration, Steffan Tubbs. The drugs found were amounts for personal use, he said.

Back in the Bronx, no one answered the door at apartment 1A by the entrance to the building where Zambrano-Pacheco was detained. But Richard Egu, 50, who lives in a third-floor unit, said he was roused from sleep by the commotion around 5 a.m.

Egu, a correctional officer who is originally from Nigeria and has been a naturalized citizen for more than 15 years, said he didn’t venture out to investigate and did not know the man who was arrested.

He said he understood the need to arrest and deport those in the country illegally who commit crimes, but he also worries about the effect such enforcement will have in the community.

“You need to give immigrants a chance. These people are already here,” he said. “Figure out the ones who are committing the crimes. Don’t just judge all immigrants as criminals.”

Associated Press writers Colleen Slevin in Denver, Sophia Tareen and Melissa Perez Winder in Chicago, and Philip Marcelo and Anthony Izaguirre in New York contributed to this report.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20COLLINS%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVE COLLINS &nbsp;Associated Press</a>Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined federal agents Tuesday in New York City to announce the arrests of immigrants wanted on criminal charges, including a man accused of kidnapping who was seen on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-immigrants-aurora-colorado-police-37acd4e064347d51808cb244117ac21e">viral video</a>&nbsp;entering a Colorado apartment with reputed gang members.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our work started at 3 AM in NYC to arrest criminal aliens. Among the arrests was the ringleader of a vicious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. We’re getting these criminals off our streets. <a href="https://t.co/plrljTOuRV">pic.twitter.com/plrljTOuRV</a>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/1884372401737371664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Noem was the latest high-ranking official from President Donald Trump's administration to tout the president's ramped-up immigration enforcement in a city where arrests were being made. Border czar Tom Homan and acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove were in Chicago on Sunday as federal agents made arrests there.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">7 AM in NYC. Getting the dirt bags off the streets. <a href="https://t.co/AlDD819K89">pic.twitter.com/AlDD819K89</a>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/1884264039158800547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Arresting some criminal aliens this morning in NYC — thank you to the brave officers involved,” Noem posted on X. “Criminal alien with kidnapping, assault &amp; burglary charges is now in custody — thanks to @ICE. Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets.”An operation in the Bronx early Tuesday snared Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, 26, who authorities said was part of a group of men, including members of the Venezuelan gang&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tren-de-aragua-gang-venezuela-us-a12c8fee9dc4a0ca73769ea893e09e53">Tren de Aragua</a>, who entered an apartment in Aurora, Colorado, last summer and were recorded on a widely viewed video.The charges were brought by local authorities in Colorado. It was not immediately clear what would happen next for Zambrano-Pacheco. Two other men who police said were in the video were arrested in New York in November. They are still in ICE custody.The incident caught President Donald Trump's attention during the presidential campaign, and he announced a plan called “Operation Aurora” to target migrant gangs. The video led Trump to claim that the Denver suburb had been taken over by the gang, which city officials denied.In an arrest warrant, Aurora police said Zambrano-Pacheco was also wanted in a kidnapping in which at least 20 armed men abducted and threatened two people in late June. In addition, police said Zambrano-Pacheco was with a group of armed men before a shooting occurred shortly after the apartment incident that was caught on video.It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer or if he was a member of Tren de Aragua.Local and federal authorities, including Aurora police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, investigated the apartment video incident for months beginning when Joe Biden was still president.New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, said Tuesday's arrests did not appear to be part of a “wholesale raid,” but rather an operation targeting specific people accused of crimes.“I want to be clear, there’s always been ICE raids in the state of New York, even in the past. This is not a new dynamic," she said.Zambrano-Pacheco is the fifth person to be arrested in connection with the Aurora apartment incident. The video showed six armed men, including at least some people identified as Tren de Aragua members by federal authorities, entering the apartment shortly before a fatal shooting outside the complex.In Chicago, city leaders criticized the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportations-chicago-immigration-arrests-cfb20a3e412443aa2ca6c6ed4d1070d4">highly publicized enforcement operations</a>&nbsp;that started over the weekend in the nation’s third-largest city. That included the surprising decision to allow daytime television psychologist “Dr. Phil” McGraw to livestream immigrant arrests alongside Homan.“This desire to popularize fear is unconscionable and abhorrent,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday at a City Hall news conference alongside Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, city lawyers and others. “We’re talking about people’s lives.”Johnson defended the city’s strong sanctuary protections that bar Chicago police from cooperating with federal immigration agents. Chicago has been a so-called sanctuary city for decades and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-immigration-lori-lightfoot-crime-1e53b67700ee66ceefd459d4afa57b86">strengthened those protections</a>&nbsp;several times, including during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-08b68d060fbbbca355a0f48487e96fb3">Trump’s first term</a>.ICE has offered few details about the operation in Chicago, including the number of arrests. The agency did not return a message seeking comment Tuesday.Snelling said Chicago police have communicated with federal agents but did not participate in the operation or cooperate. He estimated roughly 100 people were taken into custody.In other developments, authorities said Tuesday that none of the 41 people taken into ICE custody following a weekend raid in Colorado are likely to face drug or gun charges. The Sunday raid targeted drug trafficking by Tren de Aragua at a makeshift nightclub near Denver.The people who had gathered dropped their drugs and guns before agents got inside, making it hard to connect the items to specific people, according to a spokesperson for the Drug Enforcement Administration, Steffan Tubbs. The drugs found were amounts for personal use, he said.Back in the Bronx, no one answered the door at apartment 1A by the entrance to the building where Zambrano-Pacheco was detained. But Richard Egu, 50, who lives in a third-floor unit, said he was roused from sleep by the commotion around 5 a.m.Egu, a correctional officer who is originally from Nigeria and has been a naturalized citizen for more than 15 years, said he didn’t venture out to investigate and did not know the man who was arrested.He said he understood the need to arrest and deport those in the country illegally who commit crimes, but he also worries about the effect such enforcement will have in the community.“You need to give immigrants a chance. These people are already here,” he said. “Figure out the ones who are committing the crimes. Don’t just judge all immigrants as criminals.”___Associated Press writers Colleen Slevin in Denver, Sophia Tareen and Melissa Perez Winder in Chicago, and Philip Marcelo and Anthony Izaguirre in New York contributed to this report.

New Homeland Security secretary joins agents to tout immigrant arrests in NYC

SALINE COUNTY —Two adults and two teens were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Tuesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Buick Encore driven by&nbsp; Marvin Leroy&nbsp; Steenbock, 83, Longford,&nbsp;merged onto northbound U.S. 81 from westbound Interstate 70.

The SUV turned left in front of 2017&nbsp; USD 405 Lyons school bus&nbsp; transporting the girls high school basketball team and driven by Lelisa Dawn&nbsp;  Gilbert, 29, Chase. The bus struck the Buick SUV.

After impact the SUV came to rest across the center median and left shoulder. The bus struck the guardrail and came to rest in the center median.

EMS transported&nbsp;&nbsp;Steenbock&nbsp; Gilbert and two teens on the bus to Salina Regional Medical Center. The drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp; There were 23 occupants on the school bus.

SALINE COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating an injury accident involving a USD 405 Lyons school bus in Saline County.

Just after 4p.m. Tuesday, Salina Police notified the KHP&nbsp;of a crash involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle that occurred slightly north of the Cloverleaf at the Interstate 135 and I-70 interchange. Multiple troopers responded to the scene.

The driver of the school bus and a couple of high school students were transported as a precaution due to slight injuries, none of which are significant.

According to a statement from USD 405, " Our high school girls basketball bus was in an accident on their way to Minneapolis. There were no apparent major injuries, although a couple were transported to the hospital for minor injuries. Parents have been notified."

The driver of the passenger vehicle was transported to the hospital with elevated, but non-life-threatening injuries, according to Trooper Ben Gardner.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

SALINE COUNTY —Two adults and two teens were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Tuesday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Buick Encore driven by&nbsp; Marvin Leroy&nbsp; Steenbock, 83, Longford,&nbsp;merged onto northbound U.S. 81 from westbound Interstate 70.The SUV turned left in front of 2017&nbsp; USD 405 Lyons school bus&nbsp; transporting the girls high school basketball team and driven by Lelisa Dawn&nbsp; Gilbert, 29, Chase. The bus struck the Buick SUV.After impact the SUV came to rest across the center median and left shoulder. The bus struck the guardrail and came to rest in the center median.EMS transported&nbsp;&nbsp;Steenbock&nbsp; Gilbert and two teens on the bus to Salina Regional Medical Center. The drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp; There were 23 occupants on the school bus.----------SALINE COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating an injury accident involving a USD 405 Lyons school bus in Saline County.Just after 4p.m. Tuesday, Salina Police notified the KHP&nbsp;of a crash involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle that occurred slightly north of the Cloverleaf at the Interstate 135 and I-70 interchange. Multiple troopers responded to the scene.The driver of the school bus and a couple of high school students were transported as a precaution due to slight injuries, none of which are significant.According to a statement from USD 405, " Our high school girls basketball bus was in an accident on their way to Minneapolis. There were no apparent major injuries, although a couple were transported to the hospital for minor injuries. Parents have been notified."The driver of the passenger vehicle was transported to the hospital with elevated, but non-life-threatening injuries, according to Trooper Ben Gardner.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KHP: 4 injured after SUV crash with school basketball bus

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse materials over the internet.

According to court documents, Sebastian Grattan, 28, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.

Grattan admits to creating an account on a messaging app and using it to distribute child sex abuse materials in November 2023.

The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), Wichita Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737845246701.png" alt="Grattan is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Grattan is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse materials over the internet.According to court documents, Sebastian Grattan, 28, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.Grattan admits to creating an account on a messaging app and using it to distribute child sex abuse materials in November 2023.The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), Wichita Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are investigating the case.

Kan. man admits using messaging app to distribute child porn

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp;– Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy Michelle Estes was arrested on Monday on suspicion of Domestic Aggravated Assault and Criminal Threat, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.

&nbsp;Estes, 27, has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since June 2021.&nbsp; She is currently suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal investigation.

She remains jailed prior to a court appearance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738084449162.png" alt="Estes photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Estes photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp;– Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy Michelle Estes was arrested on Monday on suspicion of Domestic Aggravated Assault and Criminal Threat, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.&nbsp;Estes, 27, has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since June 2021.&nbsp; She is currently suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal investigation.She remains jailed prior to a court appearance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas jail deputy accused of criminal threat, aggravated assault

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas couple was sentenced to prison for illegally taking proceeds from a relative’s Social Security and retirement benefits for years after his death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738082956322.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas couple was sentenced to prison for illegally taking proceeds from a relative’s Social Security and retirement benefits for years after his death.According to court documents, Lynn Ritter, 62, and Kirk Ritter, 62, of Overland Park pleaded guilty to wire fraud and theft of government funds. A federal judge sentenced Lynn Ritter to 12 months and one day in prison. Kirk Ritter was sentenced to seven months in prison, according to the United State's Attorney.The couple lived with Lynn’s father in a single-family house in Overland Park with Lynn acting as his caretaker. On October 23, 2022, Kirk Ritter contacted the Overland Park Police Department. He advised that his father-in-law was deceased, and his body was in the residence. Officers found the body lying in a bed, in a mummified state. It was later determined the man died on or about July 1, 2016. The father had been receiving monthly Social Security and retirement pension payments as direct deposits to his bank account. After July 2016, $68,637 in pension payments and $147,429 in Social Security payments were deposited into the bank account. Lynn and Kirk Ritter did not report the death, and instead without authority, wrote checks on the deceased’s account and transferred funds into their bank accounts to use for their own personal benefit. The Ritters paid the funds back during their prosecution.Mark Underwood, Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Kansas City Regional Office said, “These sentencings show the Labor Department is committed to ensuring that justice is served for those who steal from retirement plans.”The Overland Park Police Department, Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Labor investigated the case.