<a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu">By Jacob Klaudt</a> K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Non-irrigated cropland prices in Kansas rose 3.8% last year, while pasture and hay ground increased by approximately 2.7%, according to information in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/land-leasing/land-buying-valuing/kansas-land-values-book-2024">2024 Kansas Agricultural Land Values and Trends publication</a>&nbsp;released earlier this year.

Kansas State University farm economist Robin Reid said these figures point to land prices tapering off after many years of rapid growth, as much as 24% per year in some areas. With some regions of the state seeing decreases compared to 2023, Reid notes that land values may lower even more considering tightening margins and decreasing farm income.

“If we look at the state level, we are up just a little bit,” she said. “You will see in the book there are regions that have come down, but overall, I would say the market is starting to flatten and that land values are stabilizing, not continuing to increase at the rapid, unsustainable pace that they have in recent years.”

The cause of this stabilization: a lower profitability environment in the farm economy. Apart from cattle, producers are seeing lower commodity prices after a period of really high ones.

“Add that to relatively high input costs, and specifically, when you're looking at financing and interest rates, we're just at a point where the difference between income and expenses are super tight, creating difficulty for our farmers,” Reid said.

Regarding non-irrigated crop ground, Reid said there is drastic variation in land value between different areas. In southwest Kansas, for example, prices jumped 11-12%, likely influenced by the dairies and feedyards located in that area. Yet, the north-central region of Kansas experienced a drop.

“That was due to a large increase last year,” Reid said. “The north central region had the largest increase in land value in 2023, and then turn around in 2024 and have dropped off the most. I would say that's more of a balancing.”

On the other hand, eastern Kansas continues to grow in land value both for non-irrigated crop ground and pastureland, which can be attributed to such factors as urbanization, hunting pressure and the quality of ground compared to the rest of the state, Reid said.

“The northeast region had a 16% increase,” she said. “The average per acre value for non-irrigated ground is at $7,479 – the highest average value and most rapidly increasing in the state.”

Looking ahead, economic assistance will affect the land market in 2025, according to Reid. A continuing resolution passed through both sides of the U.S. legislature at the end of 2024 will afford producers $10 billion in direct payments, with additional payments possible in the name of disaster assistance in drought-impacted areas

“Those get based on planted acres that a farmer had in 2024, and farmers can look at anywhere from $30 to $40 an acre that is coming in the name of economic assistance,” Reid said. “Those will influence the land market and the cash rental rates in 2025. If we didn't have those support payments, I think we would see things coming down more than we probably will.”

<a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu">By Jacob Klaudt</a> K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – Non-irrigated cropland prices in Kansas rose 3.8% last year, while pasture and hay ground increased by approximately 2.7%, according to information in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/land-leasing/land-buying-valuing/kansas-land-values-book-2024">2024 Kansas Agricultural Land Values and Trends publication</a>&nbsp;released earlier this year.Kansas State University farm economist Robin Reid said these figures point to land prices tapering off after many years of rapid growth, as much as 24% per year in some areas. With some regions of the state seeing decreases compared to 2023, Reid notes that land values may lower even more considering tightening margins and decreasing farm income.“If we look at the state level, we are up just a little bit,” she said. “You will see in the book there are regions that have come down, but overall, I would say the market is starting to flatten and that land values are stabilizing, not continuing to increase at the rapid, unsustainable pace that they have in recent years.”The cause of this stabilization: a lower profitability environment in the farm economy. Apart from cattle, producers are seeing lower commodity prices after a period of really high ones.“Add that to relatively high input costs, and specifically, when you're looking at financing and interest rates, we're just at a point where the difference between income and expenses are super tight, creating difficulty for our farmers,” Reid said.Regarding non-irrigated crop ground, Reid said there is drastic variation in land value between different areas. In southwest Kansas, for example, prices jumped 11-12%, likely influenced by the dairies and feedyards located in that area. Yet, the north-central region of Kansas experienced a drop.“That was due to a large increase last year,” Reid said. “The north central region had the largest increase in land value in 2023, and then turn around in 2024 and have dropped off the most. I would say that's more of a balancing.”On the other hand, eastern Kansas continues to grow in land value both for non-irrigated crop ground and pastureland, which can be attributed to such factors as urbanization, hunting pressure and the quality of ground compared to the rest of the state, Reid said.“The northeast region had a 16% increase,” she said. “The average per acre value for non-irrigated ground is at $7,479 – the highest average value and most rapidly increasing in the state.”Looking ahead, economic assistance will affect the land market in 2025, according to Reid. A continuing resolution passed through both sides of the U.S. legislature at the end of 2024 will afford producers $10 billion in direct payments, with additional payments possible in the name of disaster assistance in drought-impacted areas“Those get based on planted acres that a farmer had in 2024, and farmers can look at anywhere from $30 to $40 an acre that is coming in the name of economic assistance,” Reid said. “Those will influence the land market and the cash rental rates in 2025. If we didn't have those support payments, I think we would see things coming down more than we probably will.”

Land market starting to flatten, says K-State economist

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating a house fire in a Kansas City suburb.&nbsp;

Just after 8a.m. Tuesday, crews from the Kansas City Fire Department and Raytown fire companies responded to a fire at a home in the&nbsp;7800 block of Crescent Avenue in Raytown, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Crews reported heavy smoke from a split-level occupied home.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear. The occupants were able to evacuate on their own. One pet, a cat, was lost in the fire. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738083086118.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating a house fire in a Kansas City suburb.&nbsp;Just after 8a.m. Tuesday, crews from the Kansas City Fire Department and Raytown fire companies responded to a fire at a home in the&nbsp;7800 block of Crescent Avenue in Raytown, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.Crews reported heavy smoke from a split-level occupied home.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear. The occupants were able to evacuate on their own. One pet, a cat, was lost in the fire. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

Pet dies in Kansas City area house fire

TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Iowa attorney General Brenna Bird today led a coalition of 19 state attorneys general in a letter to Costo urging the retail giant to cease its unlawful DEI policies, according to a media release from Kobach's office.

The state attorneys general are working to stop discriminatory practices."Racial discrimination is both immoral and illegal," Kobach said. 

"Race-based employment hiring violates state and federal law, and as the chief enforcement officer of Kansas, I intend to enforce the law vigorously."The letter notes that some companies face lawsuits related to their DEI practices and policies, and the attorneys general warn that its DEI policies expose Costco to potential legal liability. 

The letter suggests that Costco deal with more important matters like questions about its alleged connection between company products and child slave labor in China.“The Supreme Court has repeatedly warned against using race-based preferences and classifications… Race neutral practices, on the other hand, honor the founding ideals of this country,” the letter reads.

The letter isn’t the first time state attorneys general have issued warnings to corporate America to stop unlawful policies. Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2023 that struck down affirmative action programs in universities, a coalition of 13 attorneys general sent letters to some of the nation’s largest businesses warning of serious legal consequences if they continued to use race as a preferential qualification for hiring. Many companies listened, including Amazon, Ford, John Deere, McDonald’s, Meta and Walmart. However, Costco doubled down on DEI, according to the letter.

“Costco’s position runs contrary to the Supreme Court’s recent decisions and raises concerns about Costco’s compliance with state and federal laws,” the letter reads.The letter Gives Costco officials 30 days to notify state attorneys general that the company has&nbsp;repealed its DEI policies or explain to why Costco has failed to do so.In addition to Kobach and Bird, attorneys general from Missouri, Alabama,&nbsp;Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota&nbsp;signed onto the letter.

TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Iowa attorney General Brenna Bird today led a coalition of 19 state attorneys general in a letter to Costo urging the retail giant to cease its unlawful DEI policies, according to a media release from Kobach's office.The state attorneys general are working to stop discriminatory practices."Racial discrimination is both immoral and illegal," Kobach said. "Race-based employment hiring violates state and federal law, and as the chief enforcement officer of Kansas, I intend to enforce the law vigorously."The letter notes that some companies face lawsuits related to their DEI practices and policies, and the attorneys general warn that its DEI policies expose Costco to potential legal liability. The letter suggests that Costco deal with more important matters like questions about its alleged connection between company products and child slave labor in China.“The Supreme Court has repeatedly warned against using race-based preferences and classifications… Race neutral practices, on the other hand, honor the founding ideals of this country,” the letter reads.The letter isn’t the first time state attorneys general have issued warnings to corporate America to stop unlawful policies. Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2023 that struck down affirmative action programs in universities, a coalition of 13 attorneys general sent letters to some of the nation’s largest businesses warning of serious legal consequences if they continued to use race as a preferential qualification for hiring. Many companies listened, including Amazon, Ford, John Deere, McDonald’s, Meta and Walmart. However, Costco doubled down on DEI, according to the letter.“Costco’s position runs contrary to the Supreme Court’s recent decisions and raises concerns about Costco’s compliance with state and federal laws,” the letter reads.The letter Gives Costco officials 30 days to notify state attorneys general that the company has&nbsp;repealed its DEI policies or explain to why Costco has failed to do so.In addition to Kobach and Bird, attorneys general from Missouri, Alabama,&nbsp;Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota&nbsp;signed onto the letter.

Kan. AG leads coalition urging Costco to cease unlawful DEI practices

LINN COUNTY— Linn County Sheriff's deputies are investigating after two missing children were found dead on a lake in Linn County.&nbsp;

Just after 8p.m. Monday, sheriff's deputies responded to the Lake Chaparral Community in rural Linn County for a report of two missing children who had not been seen for several hours, according to Linn County Sheriff James Akes.

Deputies quickly assessed the need for more resources, the Linn County Fire Department responded to the area and assisted in the search for the two juveniles. Searchers found evidence leading them to believe the two juveniles had been around the lake. The Sheriff’s Office utilized an aerial drone to search above the water and the two juveniles were discovered deceased in the water and trapped under the ice. 

The Overland Park Fire Dive Team was called in for assistance retrieving the two juveniles from the icy water.&nbsp; The sheriff released no additional details early Tuesday.

LINN COUNTY— Linn County Sheriff's deputies are investigating after two missing children were found dead on a lake in Linn County.&nbsp;Just after 8p.m. Monday, sheriff's deputies responded to the Lake Chaparral Community in rural Linn County for a report of two missing children who had not been seen for several hours, according to Linn County Sheriff James Akes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738083648511.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies quickly assessed the need for more resources, the Linn County Fire Department responded to the area and assisted in the search for the two juveniles. Searchers found evidence leading them to believe the two juveniles had been around the lake. The Sheriff’s Office utilized an aerial drone to search above the water and the two juveniles were discovered deceased in the water and trapped under the ice. The Overland Park Fire Dive Team was called in for assistance retrieving the two juveniles from the icy water.&nbsp; The sheriff released no additional details early Tuesday.

Sheriff: Two missing children found trapped under ice on Kan. lake

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20035776">Kansas felon&nbsp;</a>convicted in the fatal stabbing of a Kansas woman is going to prison

On Monday&nbsp;&nbsp;District Judge Christopher Magana followed the plea agreement in the case and sentenced Goldy Metcalfe, 39 of Wichita, to 467 months on a charge of 2nd degree murder and 59 months on a charge of attempted 2nd degree murder with 36 months post release, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Judge ordered the prison sentences run concurrently for a controlling sentence of 467 months. Judge also ordered $3,900 in restitution.&nbsp; 

In November, Metcalfe pled guilty to<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20035776">&nbsp;charges of 1st&nbsp;degree</a> murder and attempted 1st&nbsp;degree murder, according to the district attorney's office.

Just after 8 a.m. Dec. 4, 2021, police responded to a disturbance with a weapon at a home in the 600 block of South Green in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

 Upon arrival, officers located a 64-year-old woman and a 73-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. 

EMS transported both victims to an area hospital where the 64-year-old woman died, according to Davidson. The 73-year-old man had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed at approximately 5 a.m. on Dec. 4, officers responded to a call in the 1800 block of North Kansas regarding a citizen who had Metcalf at gunpoint for unlawfully entering his vehicle.&nbsp; 

Metcalfe was cooperative with officers, cited for misdemeanor tampering with an automobile, and given a courtesy transport to St. Francis Hospital for medical treatment due to a previous injury to his mouth, according to Davidson.

Metcalfe left St. Francis Hospital against medical advice and at approximately 8 a.m. stole a blue Ford pick-up in the 600 block of North Waco that was left running.

Metcalf fled in the truck and crashed it into a building in the 600 block of South Green. He then fled the scene and forced his way into the residence on South Green, where he stabbed the two victims. Metcalf fled from that residence and entered an unoccupied residence in 600 block of South Erie, and attempted to gain access to a church in the same block. Thanks to information provided by citizens, police responded quickly, located&nbsp; Metcalf and arrested him.

Metcalf was paroled from prison in July 2021 and has prior convictions for aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm, burglary, flee law enforcement, and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638721469657.png" alt="Metcalfe -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Metcalfe -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20035776">Kansas felon&nbsp;</a>convicted in the fatal stabbing of a Kansas woman is going to prisonOn Monday&nbsp;&nbsp;District Judge Christopher Magana followed the plea agreement in the case and sentenced Goldy Metcalfe, 39 of Wichita, to 467 months on a charge of 2nd degree murder and 59 months on a charge of attempted 2nd degree murder with 36 months post release, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Judge ordered the prison sentences run concurrently for a controlling sentence of 467 months. Judge also ordered $3,900 in restitution.&nbsp; In November, Metcalfe pled guilty to<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20035776">&nbsp;charges of 1st&nbsp;degree</a> murder and attempted 1st&nbsp;degree murder, according to the district attorney's office.Just after 8 a.m. Dec. 4, 2021, police responded to a disturbance with a weapon at a home in the 600 block of South Green in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located a 64-year-old woman and a 73-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. EMS transported both victims to an area hospital where the 64-year-old woman died, according to Davidson. The 73-year-old man had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed at approximately 5 a.m. on Dec. 4, officers responded to a call in the 1800 block of North Kansas regarding a citizen who had Metcalf at gunpoint for unlawfully entering his vehicle.&nbsp; Metcalfe was cooperative with officers, cited for misdemeanor tampering with an automobile, and given a courtesy transport to St. Francis Hospital for medical treatment due to a previous injury to his mouth, according to Davidson.Metcalfe left St. Francis Hospital against medical advice and at approximately 8 a.m. stole a blue Ford pick-up in the 600 block of North Waco that was left running.Metcalf fled in the truck and crashed it into a building in the 600 block of South Green. He then fled the scene and forced his way into the residence on South Green, where he stabbed the two victims. Metcalf fled from that residence and entered an unoccupied residence in 600 block of South Erie, and attempted to gain access to a church in the same block. Thanks to information provided by citizens, police responded quickly, located&nbsp; Metcalf and arrested him.Metcalf was paroled from prison in July 2021 and has prior convictions for aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm, burglary, flee law enforcement, and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Felon who left hospital, killed Kan. woman in her home is going to prison

TOPEKA —The current Kansas City, Kansas metro tuberculosis (TB) outbreak is the largest documented outbreak in U.S. history, according to a statement from Jill&nbsp;Jill Bronaugh, with the Kansas Department of Health and Enviornment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started monitoring and reporting TB cases in the 1950s.

This outbreak is still ongoing, which means that there could be more cases. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2242/Tuberculosis-Outbreaks">Click here to visit the Tuberculosis Outbreak</a>&nbsp;page on the KDHE website for current case counts updated each week and general information on TB.

The KDHE is working with and following the guidance of the CDC.

As of Jan. 24, 2025, there are 67 individuals, including 60 in Wyandotte County and seven (7) in Johnson County, currently being treated for confirmed active TB related to this outbreak. There are 79 confirmed latent TB cases, which include 77 in Wyandotte County and two (2) in Johnson County. Cases related to the outbreak were first reported in January 2024.

Last year, KDHE reported 79 active and 213 latent, outbreak and non-outbreak, TB cases in Wyandotte and Johnson counties (active cases: Wyandotte 65, Johnson 16; latent cases: Wyandotte 124, Johnson 89). Those 2024 case counts are still provisional, as they will be reviewed and confirmed officially by the CDC near the end of March 2025. In 2023, the CDC recorded 46 active TB cases in Kansas.

There are two reported TB deaths in 2024 associated with this outbreak.

In an effort to provide efficient and quality care to those individuals affected by the outbreak, KDHE assumed responsibility for the coordination and distribution of testing, treatment and medical consultation in Wyandotte County.

TB is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by a type of bacteria. It spreads through the air when infected people cough, speak, or sing. While there is a very low risk of infection to the general public in these communities, KDHE is working to ensure that patients are receiving appropriate treatment, which will limit the ability to spread this disease and prevent additional cases from occurring.

According to CDC, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is not generally recommended for use in the United States because of the low risk of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), the variable effectiveness of the vaccine against adult pulmonary TB, and the vaccine's potential interference with tuberculin skin test reactivity.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/bcg.pdf">https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/bcg.pdf</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707492278650.png" alt=" A digitally colorized scan of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which cause tuberculosis in human beings. Although tuberculosis cases have been rising, public health departments say they lack the resources to stop the disease from spreading (Courtesy of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)." />
 <figcaption> A digitally colorized scan of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which cause tuberculosis in human beings. Although tuberculosis cases have been rising, public health departments say they lack the resources to stop the disease from spreading (Courtesy of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases).</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The current Kansas City, Kansas metro tuberculosis (TB) outbreak is the largest documented outbreak in U.S. history, according to a statement from Jill&nbsp;Jill Bronaugh, with the Kansas Department of Health and Enviornment.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started monitoring and reporting TB cases in the 1950s. This outbreak is still ongoing, which means that there could be more cases. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2242/Tuberculosis-Outbreaks">Click here to visit the Tuberculosis Outbreak</a>&nbsp;page on the KDHE website for current case counts updated each week and general information on TB.The KDHE is working with and following the guidance of the CDC.As of Jan. 24, 2025, there are 67 individuals, including 60 in Wyandotte County and seven (7) in Johnson County, currently being treated for confirmed active TB related to this outbreak. There are 79 confirmed latent TB cases, which include 77 in Wyandotte County and two (2) in Johnson County. Cases related to the outbreak were first reported in January 2024.Last year, KDHE reported 79 active and 213 latent, outbreak and non-outbreak, TB cases in Wyandotte and Johnson counties (active cases: Wyandotte 65, Johnson 16; latent cases: Wyandotte 124, Johnson 89). Those 2024 case counts are still provisional, as they will be reviewed and confirmed officially by the CDC near the end of March 2025. In 2023, the CDC recorded 46 active TB cases in Kansas.There are two reported TB deaths in 2024 associated with this outbreak.In an effort to provide efficient and quality care to those individuals affected by the outbreak, KDHE assumed responsibility for the coordination and distribution of testing, treatment and medical consultation in Wyandotte County.TB is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by a type of bacteria. It spreads through the air when infected people cough, speak, or sing. While there is a very low risk of infection to the general public in these communities, KDHE is working to ensure that patients are receiving appropriate treatment, which will limit the ability to spread this disease and prevent additional cases from occurring.According to CDC, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is not generally recommended for use in the United States because of the low risk of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), the variable effectiveness of the vaccine against adult pulmonary TB, and the vaccine's potential interference with tuberculin skin test reactivity.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/bcg.pdf">https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/bcg.pdf</a>

KDHE: Tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas now largest in U.S. history

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is pausing federal grants and loans starting on Tuesday as President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;administration begins an across-the-board ideological review of its spending.

The funding freeze by the Republican administration could affect trillions of dollars and cause widespread disruption in health care research, education programs and other initiatives. Even grants that have been awarded but not spent are supposed to be halted.

“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” said a memo from Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget.

The pause takes effect at 5 p.m. ET, and it’s unclear from the memo how sweeping it will be. Vaeth said that all spending must comply with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-has-trump-done-trump-executive-orders-f061fbe7f08c08d81509a6af20ef8fc0">Trump’s executive orders</a>, which are intended to undo progressive steps on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">transgender rights</a>, environmental justice and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-executive-order-diversity-inclusion-f67ea86032986084dd71c5aa0c6b8d1d">diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts</a>.

Vaeth wrote that “each agency must complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their Federal financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by any of the President’s executive orders.”

Washington is a hub of spending that flows to various departments, local governments, nonprofits and contractors, and the memo has left countless people who are dependent on that money wondering how they will be affected.

The pause is the latest example of how Trump is harnessing his power over the federal system to advance his conservative goals. Unlike during his first term, when Trump and many members of his inner circle were unfamiliar with Washington, this time he’s reaching deep into the bureaucracy.

“They are pushing the president’s agenda from the bottom up,” said Paul Light, an expert on the federal government and professor emeritus of public service at New York University.

He also said there are risks in Trump’s approach, especially with so many voters reliant on Washington.

“You can’t just hassle, hassle, hassle. You’ve got to deliver.”

Medicare and Social Security benefits will be unaffected by the pause, according to the memo. But there was no explanation of whether the pause would affect Medicaid, food stamps, disaster assistance and other programs. The memo said it should be implemented “to the extent permissible under applicable law.”

“Are you stopping NIH cancer trials?” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, wrote on social media, referring to the National Institutes of Health.

A briefing with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-leavitt-white-house-first-press-briefing-5ba5ff116e18c29b04c934a24a8983d1">her first</a>, is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington and Rep. Rose DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrats on the Senate and House appropriations committees, expressed “extreme alarm” in a letter to Vaeth.

“This Administration’s actions will have far-reaching consequences for nearly all federal programs and activities, putting the financial security of our families, our national security, and the success of our country at risk,” they wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738031108770.png" alt="President Donald answers questions from the press on the flight home from Doral, FL to Washington Monday night-photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>President Donald answers questions from the press on the flight home from Doral, FL to Washington Monday night-photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is pausing federal grants and loans starting on Tuesday as President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;administration begins an across-the-board ideological review of its spending.The funding freeze by the Republican administration could affect trillions of dollars and cause widespread disruption in health care research, education programs and other initiatives. Even grants that have been awarded but not spent are supposed to be halted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738073386129.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738073444144.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” said a memo from Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget.The pause takes effect at 5 p.m. ET, and it’s unclear from the memo how sweeping it will be. Vaeth said that all spending must comply with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-has-trump-done-trump-executive-orders-f061fbe7f08c08d81509a6af20ef8fc0">Trump’s executive orders</a>, which are intended to undo progressive steps on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">transgender rights</a>, environmental justice and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-executive-order-diversity-inclusion-f67ea86032986084dd71c5aa0c6b8d1d">diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts</a>.Vaeth wrote that “each agency must complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their Federal financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by any of the President’s executive orders.”Washington is a hub of spending that flows to various departments, local governments, nonprofits and contractors, and the memo has left countless people who are dependent on that money wondering how they will be affected.The pause is the latest example of how Trump is harnessing his power over the federal system to advance his conservative goals. Unlike during his first term, when Trump and many members of his inner circle were unfamiliar with Washington, this time he’s reaching deep into the bureaucracy.“They are pushing the president’s agenda from the bottom up,” said Paul Light, an expert on the federal government and professor emeritus of public service at New York University.He also said there are risks in Trump’s approach, especially with so many voters reliant on Washington.“You can’t just hassle, hassle, hassle. You’ve got to deliver.”Medicare and Social Security benefits will be unaffected by the pause, according to the memo. But there was no explanation of whether the pause would affect Medicaid, food stamps, disaster assistance and other programs. The memo said it should be implemented “to the extent permissible under applicable law.”“Are you stopping NIH cancer trials?” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, wrote on social media, referring to the National Institutes of Health.A briefing with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-leavitt-white-house-first-press-briefing-5ba5ff116e18c29b04c934a24a8983d1">her first</a>, is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.Sen. Patty Murray of Washington and Rep. Rose DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrats on the Senate and House appropriations committees, expressed “extreme alarm” in a letter to Vaeth.“This Administration’s actions will have far-reaching consequences for nearly all federal programs and activities, putting the financial security of our families, our national security, and the success of our country at risk,” they wrote.

Read the order: White House pauses all  federal loans and grants

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MATT%20O%27BRIEN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MATT O'BRIEN &nbsp;AP Technology Writer</a>

A frenzy over an artificial intelligence chatbot made by Chinese tech startup DeepSeek was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-tariffs-trump-rates-52c54e361616509280bd2775674b6b4b">upending stock markets</a>&nbsp;Monday and fueling debates over the economic and geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China in developing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">AI technology</a>.

DeepSeek's AI assistant became the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple's iPhone store Monday, propelled by curiosity about the ChatGPT competitor. Part of what's worrying some U.S. tech industry observers is the idea that the Chinese startup has caught up with the American companies at the forefront of generative AI at a fraction of the cost.

That, if true, calls into question the huge amounts of money U.S. tech companies say they plan to spend on the data centers and computer chips needed to power further AI advancements.

But hype and misconceptions about DeepSeek's technological advancements also sowed confusion.

"The models they built are fantastic, but they aren't miracles either," said Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon, who follows the semiconductor industry and was one of several stock analysts describing Wall Street's reaction as overblown.

“They’re not using any innovations that are unknown or secret or anything like that," Rasgon said. "These are things that everybody’s experimenting with.”

The startup DeepSeek was founded in 2023 in Hangzhou, China and released its first AI large language model later that year. Its CEO Liang Wenfeng previously co-founded one of China's top hedge funds, High-Flyer, which focuses on AI-driven quantitative trading. The fund, by 2022, had amassed a cluster of 10,000 of California-based Nvidia's high-performance A100 graphics processor chips that are used to build and run AI systems, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=Mzk0MjE3MzQ5Mg%3D%3D&amp;mid=2247484702&amp;idx=1&amp;sn=5157e2c6564c41171ad7973f861e3a12&amp;chksm=c2c67945f5b1f053a997f8213dee6284e9c1ecedaf13fd4f6165a6aaea77eee92ed3320da163&amp;token=1745415996&amp;lang=zh_CN&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawIE55lleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSgJsH2e-5vS6WZVhiZxX4w6lG7HsWy5IOt5Sgx1AAp7Z1-lzkWk4ZN0rw_aem_wRijzkBSGrULAdTk9RvZSw#rd">post that summer</a>&nbsp;on Chinese social media platform WeChat. The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-china-global-trade-nvidia-corp-5b5f7476a427182229f620ae82ddb939">soon after restricted sales</a>&nbsp;of those chips to China.

DeepSeek has said its recent models were built with Nvidia’s lower-performing H800 chips, which are not banned in China, sending a message that the fanciest hardware might not be needed for cutting-edge AI research.

DeepSeek began attracting more attention in the AI industry last month when it released a new AI model that it boasted was on par with similar models from U.S. companies such as ChatGPT maker OpenAI, and was more cost-effective in its use of expensive Nvidia chips to train the system on troves of data. The chatbot became more widely accessible when it appeared on Apple and Google app stores early this year.

But it was a follow-up research paper published last week — on the same day as President Donald Trump's inauguration — that set in motion the panic that followed. That paper was about another DeepSeek AI model called R1 that showed advanced “reasoning” skills — such as the ability to rethink its approach to a math problem — and was significantly cheaper than a similar model sold by OpenAI called o1.

“What their economics look like, I have no idea,” Rasgon said. “But I think the price points freaked people out.”

Behind the drama over DeepSeek's technical capabilities is a debate within the U.S. over how best to compete with China on AI.

“Deepseek R1 is AI’s Sputnik moment,” said venture capitalist Marc Andreessen in a Sunday post on social platform X, referencing the 1957 satellite launch that set off a Cold War space exploration race between the Soviet Union and the U.S.

Andreessen, who has advised Trump on tech policy, has warned that overregulation of the AI industry by the U.S. government will hinder American companies and enable China to get ahead.

But the attention on DeepSeek also threatens to undermine a key strategy of U.S. foreign policy in recent years to restrict the sale of American-designed AI semiconductors to China. Some experts on U.S.-China relations don't think that is an accident.

“The technology innovation is real, but the timing of the release is political in nature,” said Gregory Allen, director of the Wadhwani AI Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Allen compared DeepSeek's announcement last week to U.S.-sanctioned Chinese company Huawei's release of a new phone during diplomatic discussions over Biden administration export controls in 2023.

“Trying to show that the export controls are futile or counterproductive is a really important goal of Chinese foreign policy right now,” Allen said.

On Monday, Trump said DeepSeek’s breakthrough was “good because you don’t have to spend this much money.”

Speaking Monday to House Republicans in Miami, Trump called the DeepSeek news “positive” if it is accurate because “you won’t be spending as much and you’ll get the same result.” He called the development a “wakeup call for our industries that we need to be laser focused on competing to win.”

Trump signed an order on his first day in office last week that said his administration would “identify and eliminate loopholes in existing export controls,” signaling that he is likely to continue and harden Biden’s approach.

DeepSeek’s progress on AI without the same amount of spending could possibly undermine the potentially $500 billion AI investment by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank that Trump touted at the White House.

Nvidia’s stock dropped 17% Monday, but the company in a statement commended DeepSeek’s work as “an excellent AI advancement” that leveraged “widely-available models and compute that is fully export control compliant.”

One thing that distinguishes DeepSeek from competitors such as OpenAI is that its models are “open source” — meaning key components are free for anyone to access and modify, though the company hasn’t disclosed the data it used for training.

But what's attracted the most admiration about DeepSeek's R1 model is what Nvidia calls a "perfect example of Test Time Scaling" — or when AI models effectively show their train of thought, and then use that for further training without having to feed them new sources of data.

“It’s just thinking out loud, basically,” said Lennart Heim, a researcher at Rand Corp.

OpenAI's reasoning models, starting with o1, do the same, and it's likely that other U.S.-based competitors such as Anthropic and Google have similar capabilities that haven't been released, Heim said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738002758127.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MATT%20O%27BRIEN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MATT O'BRIEN &nbsp;AP Technology Writer</a>A frenzy over an artificial intelligence chatbot made by Chinese tech startup DeepSeek was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-tariffs-trump-rates-52c54e361616509280bd2775674b6b4b">upending stock markets</a>&nbsp;Monday and fueling debates over the economic and geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China in developing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">AI technology</a>.DeepSeek's AI assistant became the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple's iPhone store Monday, propelled by curiosity about the ChatGPT competitor. Part of what's worrying some U.S. tech industry observers is the idea that the Chinese startup has caught up with the American companies at the forefront of generative AI at a fraction of the cost.That, if true, calls into question the huge amounts of money U.S. tech companies say they plan to spend on the data centers and computer chips needed to power further AI advancements.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;The release of DeepSeek AI from a Chinese company should be a wake-up call for our industries that we need to be laser focused on competing to win.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/5UNC8Md8wM">pic.twitter.com/5UNC8Md8wM</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1884048772574884080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But hype and misconceptions about DeepSeek's technological advancements also sowed confusion."The models they built are fantastic, but they aren't miracles either," said Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon, who follows the semiconductor industry and was one of several stock analysts describing Wall Street's reaction as overblown.“They’re not using any innovations that are unknown or secret or anything like that," Rasgon said. "These are things that everybody’s experimenting with.”<h2>What is DeepSeek?</h2>The startup DeepSeek was founded in 2023 in Hangzhou, China and released its first AI large language model later that year. Its CEO Liang Wenfeng previously co-founded one of China's top hedge funds, High-Flyer, which focuses on AI-driven quantitative trading. The fund, by 2022, had amassed a cluster of 10,000 of California-based Nvidia's high-performance A100 graphics processor chips that are used to build and run AI systems, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=Mzk0MjE3MzQ5Mg%3D%3D&amp;mid=2247484702&amp;idx=1&amp;sn=5157e2c6564c41171ad7973f861e3a12&amp;chksm=c2c67945f5b1f053a997f8213dee6284e9c1ecedaf13fd4f6165a6aaea77eee92ed3320da163&amp;token=1745415996&amp;lang=zh_CN&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawIE55lleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSgJsH2e-5vS6WZVhiZxX4w6lG7HsWy5IOt5Sgx1AAp7Z1-lzkWk4ZN0rw_aem_wRijzkBSGrULAdTk9RvZSw#rd">post that summer</a>&nbsp;on Chinese social media platform WeChat. The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-china-global-trade-nvidia-corp-5b5f7476a427182229f620ae82ddb939">soon after restricted sales</a>&nbsp;of those chips to China.DeepSeek has said its recent models were built with Nvidia’s lower-performing H800 chips, which are not banned in China, sending a message that the fanciest hardware might not be needed for cutting-edge AI research.DeepSeek began attracting more attention in the AI industry last month when it released a new AI model that it boasted was on par with similar models from U.S. companies such as ChatGPT maker OpenAI, and was more cost-effective in its use of expensive Nvidia chips to train the system on troves of data. The chatbot became more widely accessible when it appeared on Apple and Google app stores early this year.But it was a follow-up research paper published last week — on the same day as President Donald Trump's inauguration — that set in motion the panic that followed. That paper was about another DeepSeek AI model called R1 that showed advanced “reasoning” skills — such as the ability to rethink its approach to a math problem — and was significantly cheaper than a similar model sold by OpenAI called o1.“What their economics look like, I have no idea,” Rasgon said. “But I think the price points freaked people out.”<h2>The ‘Sputnik’ backdrop</h2>Behind the drama over DeepSeek's technical capabilities is a debate within the U.S. over how best to compete with China on AI.“Deepseek R1 is AI’s Sputnik moment,” said venture capitalist Marc Andreessen in a Sunday post on social platform X, referencing the 1957 satellite launch that set off a Cold War space exploration race between the Soviet Union and the U.S.Andreessen, who has advised Trump on tech policy, has warned that overregulation of the AI industry by the U.S. government will hinder American companies and enable China to get ahead.But the attention on DeepSeek also threatens to undermine a key strategy of U.S. foreign policy in recent years to restrict the sale of American-designed AI semiconductors to China. Some experts on U.S.-China relations don't think that is an accident.“The technology innovation is real, but the timing of the release is political in nature,” said Gregory Allen, director of the Wadhwani AI Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Allen compared DeepSeek's announcement last week to U.S.-sanctioned Chinese company Huawei's release of a new phone during diplomatic discussions over Biden administration export controls in 2023.“Trying to show that the export controls are futile or counterproductive is a really important goal of Chinese foreign policy right now,” Allen said.On Monday, Trump said DeepSeek’s breakthrough was “good because you don’t have to spend this much money.”Speaking Monday to House Republicans in Miami, Trump called the DeepSeek news “positive” if it is accurate because “you won’t be spending as much and you’ll get the same result.” He called the development a “wakeup call for our industries that we need to be laser focused on competing to win.”Trump signed an order on his first day in office last week that said his administration would “identify and eliminate loopholes in existing export controls,” signaling that he is likely to continue and harden Biden’s approach.DeepSeek’s progress on AI without the same amount of spending could possibly undermine the potentially $500 billion AI investment by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank that Trump touted at the White House.Nvidia’s stock dropped 17% Monday, but the company in a statement commended DeepSeek’s work as “an excellent AI advancement” that leveraged “widely-available models and compute that is fully export control compliant.”<h2>What makes DeepSeek different?</h2>One thing that distinguishes DeepSeek from competitors such as OpenAI is that its models are “open source” — meaning key components are free for anyone to access and modify, though the company hasn’t disclosed the data it used for training.But what's attracted the most admiration about DeepSeek's R1 model is what Nvidia calls a "perfect example of Test Time Scaling" — or when AI models effectively show their train of thought, and then use that for further training without having to feed them new sources of data.“It’s just thinking out loud, basically,” said Lennart Heim, a researcher at Rand Corp.OpenAI's reasoning models, starting with o1, do the same, and it's likely that other U.S.-based competitors such as Anthropic and Google have similar capabilities that haven't been released, Heim said.

What is DeepSeek, the Chinese AI company upending the stock market?

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to revise the Pentagon’s policy on transgender troops, likely setting in motion a future ban on their military service.

He also on Monday ordered troops to be reinstated who had left voluntarily or been booted for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, outlined new rollbacks in diversity programs and provided for the deployment of a space-based missile defense shield for the U.S. — all on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Hegseth</a>&nbsp;'s first day.

Trump and Hegseth had described parts of the anticipated orders throughout the day, but the exact language did not drop until late Monday.

A transgender ban had been widely expected, and Trump's order largely sets the stage for a future ban — but directs Hegseth to come up with how that would be implemented in policy.

In his order, Trump claimed that service by troops who identify as a gender other than their biological one “conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in one’s personal life” and is harmful to military readiness, requiring a revised policy to address the matter.

Trump had tried to ban transgender troops during his first term, but it was tangled up in the courts for years before being overturned by then-President Joe Biden shortly after he took office.

Two groups, Lambda Legal and Human Rights Campaign, which represented transgender troops the first time, vowed to fight again.

“We have been here before and seven years ago were able to successfully block the earlier administration’s effort,” Lambda Legal attorney Sasha Buchert said. “Not only is such a move cruel, it compromises the safety and security of our country and is particularly dangerous and wrong. As we promised then, so do we now: we will sue.”

During his first presidency, Trump established U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Space Force, which just marked its fifth birthday. Space continues to be a priority for the president, who has now directed the Pentagon to begin to develop the capability to shoot down missiles from space.

For years, the U.S. has cautioned that China, Russia and others were weaponizing space. It has at times declassified information about both countries' efforts to create offensive weapons to disable critical U.S. satellites, including the capability to move satellites from orbit, temporarily blind them or potentially even destroy them.

The Space Force is building a low-orbit ring of redundant satellites that can more quickly track and detect potential missile launches.

But establishing a way to shoot missiles down from space is something the U.S. has not pursued since President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative — “Star Wars” as it was commonly known — in the 1980s. The system was never developed due to cost and technological limitations.

In his order called “an Iron Dome for America,” Trump called for a multilayer missile defense system capable of countering an array of threats to the U.S., to include development and deployment of space-based interceptors.

At least 8,200 troops were forced out of the military in 2021 for refusing to obey a lawful order when they declined to get the vaccine. Notices advising them they could return were sent out in 2023, but just 113 have reenlisted.

The reinstatement process for any who now want to return requires that they meet military entry standards. Trump and Hegseth have persistently stated that the military must not reduce standards.

″We will offer full reinstatement to any service member who was expelled from the armed forces due to the COVID vaccine mandate,” Trump told a Republican crowd at the Trump National Doral Miami, a resort he owns. “And we will restore them to their former rank with full pay. ″

In addition to troops forced out for refusing the shot, the order extends the same offer to anyone who signs a sworn statement saying they left the service voluntarily to avoid the vaccine.

The order isn’t expected to have a major impact on the number of service members returning. But it could take a bite out of the budget if more do now, since it requires back pay.

To return, all would have to meet weight, fitness, medical and other requirements, and they could be refused if they now have a criminal record or other disqualifying factor. Officers would have to get recommissioned, which is a simple appointment process.

According to the services, 3,748 Marines were discharged, and 25 have opted to re-enlist; 1,903 Army soldiers were discharged, and 73 returned; 1,878 sailors were discharged and two returned; 671 airmen were discharged and 13 returned.

The Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-us-military-requirement-pentagon-3975940c732352f72e41f6e34a3a2669">made the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory</a>&nbsp;in August 2021 for all service members, including the National Guard and Reserve. Then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said getting the vaccine was critical to maintaining a healthy, ready force that could be prepared to defend the nation.

The Pentagon formally dropped the mandate in January 2023.

Defense officials said then that many troops appeared to use the vaccine mandate as a way to quickly and easily to get out of their service obligations.

Trump also, as expected, issued a sweeping order to abolish all programs, initiatives and mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion across the Defense Department and the Coast Guard, which is governed by the Department of Homeland Security.

The order looks to scrub “any vestiges” of such initiatives that seek to “promote a race-based preferences system that subverts meritocracy, perpetuates unconstitutional discrimination, and promotes divisive concepts or gender ideology.”

It prohibits the departments from promoting or following “un-American” theories that suggest that America’s founding documents are racist or sexist; that discuss gender ideology; and that promote “divisive concepts” such as “race or sex stereotyping.”

The order says the defense and homeland security secretaries must issue guidance to implement the order in 30 days. It calls for a review to find any instances of actions taken in pursuit of DEI, which will be due to the defense secretary in 90 days.

The secretaries must submit a report to the White House in six months outlining their progress.

The Pentagon had already been taking steps to comply with Trump’s initial action ending DEI programs across the U.S. government, and it has had far-reaching consequences. Without clearer direction,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-executive-order-diversity-inclusion-f67ea86032986084dd71c5aa0c6b8d1d">agencies were taking a broad approach</a>&nbsp;to removing any content that seemed to run afoul of Trump's ban.

That temporarily included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/air-force-dei-tuskegee-women-wwii-pilots-ecdeac68dc7696535d093c7690ab73bc">videos of the storied Tuskegee Airmen</a>&nbsp;and World War II Women's Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, which were part of DEI training courses for the Air Force's basic military training. Videos on both the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs were removed as the courses were taken down last week, causing an uproar.

WASPs were vital in ferrying warplanes for the military. The Tuskegee Airmen were the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tuskegee-airmen-detroit-students-pilots-9b462b5c424bbd21843499d8dfa025e0">first Black military pilots</a>, serving in a segregated WWII unit, and their all-Black 332nd Fighter Group had one of the lowest loss records of all the bomber escorts in the war.

On Sunday, the Air Force clarified that the DEI courses had been removed to be edited but that the Tuskegee Airmen and WASP content would continue to be taught.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738070098080.png" alt="Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth answers questions from reporters after arriving at the Pentagon for his first day of work on Monday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth answers questions from reporters after arriving at the Pentagon for his first day of work on Monday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to revise the Pentagon’s policy on transgender troops, likely setting in motion a future ban on their military service.He also on Monday ordered troops to be reinstated who had left voluntarily or been booted for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, outlined new rollbacks in diversity programs and provided for the deployment of a space-based missile defense shield for the U.S. — all on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Hegseth</a>&nbsp;'s first day.Trump and Hegseth had described parts of the anticipated orders throughout the day, but the exact language did not drop until late Monday.<h2>Transgender order</h2>A transgender ban had been widely expected, and Trump's order largely sets the stage for a future ban — but directs Hegseth to come up with how that would be implemented in policy.In his order, Trump claimed that service by troops who identify as a gender other than their biological one “conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in one’s personal life” and is harmful to military readiness, requiring a revised policy to address the matter.Trump had tried to ban transgender troops during his first term, but it was tangled up in the courts for years before being overturned by then-President Joe Biden shortly after he took office.Two groups, Lambda Legal and Human Rights Campaign, which represented transgender troops the first time, vowed to fight again.“We have been here before and seven years ago were able to successfully block the earlier administration’s effort,” Lambda Legal attorney Sasha Buchert said. “Not only is such a move cruel, it compromises the safety and security of our country and is particularly dangerous and wrong. As we promised then, so do we now: we will sue.”<h2>Space-based missile defense</h2>During his first presidency, Trump established U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Space Force, which just marked its fifth birthday. Space continues to be a priority for the president, who has now directed the Pentagon to begin to develop the capability to shoot down missiles from space.For years, the U.S. has cautioned that China, Russia and others were weaponizing space. It has at times declassified information about both countries' efforts to create offensive weapons to disable critical U.S. satellites, including the capability to move satellites from orbit, temporarily blind them or potentially even destroy them.The Space Force is building a low-orbit ring of redundant satellites that can more quickly track and detect potential missile launches.But establishing a way to shoot missiles down from space is something the U.S. has not pursued since President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative — “Star Wars” as it was commonly known — in the 1980s. The system was never developed due to cost and technological limitations.In his order called “an Iron Dome for America,” Trump called for a multilayer missile defense system capable of countering an array of threats to the U.S., to include development and deployment of space-based interceptors.<h2>COVID-19 vaccination</h2>At least 8,200 troops were forced out of the military in 2021 for refusing to obey a lawful order when they declined to get the vaccine. Notices advising them they could return were sent out in 2023, but just 113 have reenlisted.The reinstatement process for any who now want to return requires that they meet military entry standards. Trump and Hegseth have persistently stated that the military must not reduce standards.″We will offer full reinstatement to any service member who was expelled from the armed forces due to the COVID vaccine mandate,” Trump told a Republican crowd at the Trump National Doral Miami, a resort he owns. “And we will restore them to their former rank with full pay. ″In addition to troops forced out for refusing the shot, the order extends the same offer to anyone who signs a sworn statement saying they left the service voluntarily to avoid the vaccine.The order isn’t expected to have a major impact on the number of service members returning. But it could take a bite out of the budget if more do now, since it requires back pay.To return, all would have to meet weight, fitness, medical and other requirements, and they could be refused if they now have a criminal record or other disqualifying factor. Officers would have to get recommissioned, which is a simple appointment process.According to the services, 3,748 Marines were discharged, and 25 have opted to re-enlist; 1,903 Army soldiers were discharged, and 73 returned; 1,878 sailors were discharged and two returned; 671 airmen were discharged and 13 returned.The Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-us-military-requirement-pentagon-3975940c732352f72e41f6e34a3a2669">made the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory</a>&nbsp;in August 2021 for all service members, including the National Guard and Reserve. Then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said getting the vaccine was critical to maintaining a healthy, ready force that could be prepared to defend the nation.The Pentagon formally dropped the mandate in January 2023.Defense officials said then that many troops appeared to use the vaccine mandate as a way to quickly and easily to get out of their service obligations.<h2>DEI initiatives</h2>Trump also, as expected, issued a sweeping order to abolish all programs, initiatives and mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion across the Defense Department and the Coast Guard, which is governed by the Department of Homeland Security.The order looks to scrub “any vestiges” of such initiatives that seek to “promote a race-based preferences system that subverts meritocracy, perpetuates unconstitutional discrimination, and promotes divisive concepts or gender ideology.”It prohibits the departments from promoting or following “un-American” theories that suggest that America’s founding documents are racist or sexist; that discuss gender ideology; and that promote “divisive concepts” such as “race or sex stereotyping.”The order says the defense and homeland security secretaries must issue guidance to implement the order in 30 days. It calls for a review to find any instances of actions taken in pursuit of DEI, which will be due to the defense secretary in 90 days.The secretaries must submit a report to the White House in six months outlining their progress.The Pentagon had already been taking steps to comply with Trump’s initial action ending DEI programs across the U.S. government, and it has had far-reaching consequences. Without clearer direction,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-executive-order-diversity-inclusion-f67ea86032986084dd71c5aa0c6b8d1d">agencies were taking a broad approach</a>&nbsp;to removing any content that seemed to run afoul of Trump's ban.That temporarily included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/air-force-dei-tuskegee-women-wwii-pilots-ecdeac68dc7696535d093c7690ab73bc">videos of the storied Tuskegee Airmen</a>&nbsp;and World War II Women's Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, which were part of DEI training courses for the Air Force's basic military training. Videos on both the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs were removed as the courses were taken down last week, causing an uproar.WASPs were vital in ferrying warplanes for the military. The Tuskegee Airmen were the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tuskegee-airmen-detroit-students-pilots-9b462b5c424bbd21843499d8dfa025e0">first Black military pilots</a>, serving in a segregated WWII unit, and their all-Black 332nd Fighter Group had one of the lowest loss records of all the bomber escorts in the war.On Sunday, the Air Force clarified that the DEI courses had been removed to be edited but that the Tuskegee Airmen and WASP content would continue to be taught.___

Trump's new executive orders will transform the military

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp;— Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter&nbsp; requested the Wichita Police Department (WPD) launch a criminal investigation into a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office (SGSO) detective assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) section within the Exploited and Missing Children's Unit (EMCU). A review revealed improper case closures and a failure to thoroughly investigate criminal complaints from 2019 to 2024, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

In late December 2024, SGSO initiated an administrative review of the cases managed by the detective after identifying potential issues. Upon determining that criminal conduct may have occurred, SGSO notified WPD and activated the Wichita and Sedgwick County Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) to conduct a criminal investigation.

The EMCU, a collaborative effort between the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office, Wichita Police, and Kansas Department for Children and Families, investigates serious crimes against children. &nbsp;

The detective, who was assigned to EMCU in 2019 and transferred to ICAC in 2021, is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and an internal review.

EMCU investigators will re-contact individuals involved in these cases. These trauma-informed and trained professionals will ensure each case undergoes a thorough review. All involved cases will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.

Given the sensitive and ongoing nature of this investigation, the sheriff's office released no additional details to protect the integrity of the process and the privacy of survivors.&nbsp;

The Sheriff’s Office notified the Office of the District Attorney immediately, when the information came to light. &nbsp;Since that time, the DA's office assisted first, the Sheriff’s Office and more recently, the Wichita Police Department with the gathering of information necessary to conduct an exhaustive &nbsp;investigation, according to a statement from the DA's office.

&nbsp;When that investigation is complete, a full review of the matter will be conducted by the Office of The District Attorney in order to ensure appropriate disclosures are made and potential criminal charges are considered and addressed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738064325856.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp;— Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter&nbsp; requested the Wichita Police Department (WPD) launch a criminal investigation into a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office (SGSO) detective assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) section within the Exploited and Missing Children's Unit (EMCU). A review revealed improper case closures and a failure to thoroughly investigate criminal complaints from 2019 to 2024, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.In late December 2024, SGSO initiated an administrative review of the cases managed by the detective after identifying potential issues. Upon determining that criminal conduct may have occurred, SGSO notified WPD and activated the Wichita and Sedgwick County Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) to conduct a criminal investigation.The EMCU, a collaborative effort between the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office, Wichita Police, and Kansas Department for Children and Families, investigates serious crimes against children. &nbsp;The detective, who was assigned to EMCU in 2019 and transferred to ICAC in 2021, is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and an internal review.EMCU investigators will re-contact individuals involved in these cases. These trauma-informed and trained professionals will ensure each case undergoes a thorough review. All involved cases will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.Given the sensitive and ongoing nature of this investigation, the sheriff's office released no additional details to protect the integrity of the process and the privacy of survivors.&nbsp;The Sheriff’s Office notified the Office of the District Attorney immediately, when the information came to light. &nbsp;Since that time, the DA's office assisted first, the Sheriff’s Office and more recently, the Wichita Police Department with the gathering of information necessary to conduct an exhaustive &nbsp;investigation, according to a statement from the DA's office.&nbsp;When that investigation is complete, a full review of the matter will be conducted by the Office of The District Attorney in order to ensure appropriate disclosures are made and potential criminal charges are considered and addressed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police launch hotline as investigation into Kansas detective begins

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate confirmed billionaire investor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-election-scott-bessent-trump-e4df1ef61309ee78f2affc2d9eabeff1">Scott Bessent</a>&nbsp;on Monday to serve as President Donald Trump's treasury secretary, giving him the delicate balancing act of cutting taxes and curbing deficits while putting forward a plan on tariffs that doesn't jeopardize growth.

He was confirmed on a 68-to-29 vote, with 16 Democrats voting in favor of making him the nation's 79th treasury secretary. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

The South Carolina resident will be the first openly gay individual in the role, a historic first as Trump seeks novel ways to implement a policy agenda driven by both billionaire business leaders with concerns over regulations and a populist base that wants government leaders to fight for them.

Bessent, a past supporter of Democrats who once worked for George Soros, has become an enthusiastic supporter of Trump.

He has said the U.S. faces economic calamity if Congress does not renew key provisions of Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are set to expire Dec. 31, 2025. Negotiating the extension of those tax cuts will be one of his major responsibilities even as he has also pushed for 3% annual growth, significant trims to deficits and increasing domestic oil production by 3 million barrels a day.

After Bessent was confirmed, Republican Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said approving Bessent was “one of the easiest votes we could ever take.”

However, he faced pushback from Democrats on unpaid tax liabilities.

Democrats say Bessent has engaged in tax avoidance by failing to pay nearly $1 million in Medicare taxes related to his limited partnership in his hedge fund. Bessent, meanwhile, takes issue with his tax liability to the IRS and is in litigation over the tax bill. He committed during his confirmation hearing that he would pay the tax bill if a court rules against him.

Other Democrats have voiced support for Bessent, including Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.

“While I disagree with many of his policy positions, particularly his support for extending tax cuts for the wealthy and President Trump’s tariff threats, I hope that he will focus the Treasury Department on bringing down costs for middle-class Americans,” Coons said in a statement, adding that he supports Bessent's commitment to continue U.S. investment in international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-treasury-cabinet-transition-bessent-lutnick-warsh-f01fc0bab029c10b453ee9afb2b41b24">took his time before settling</a>&nbsp;on Bessent as his nominee. He also mulled over billionaire investor John Paulson and Howard Lutnick, whom Trump tapped for commerce secretary.

The treasury secretary is responsible for serving as the president’s fiscal policy adviser and managing the public debt. He is also a member of the president’s National Economic Council.

Among his responsibilities will be investigating the feasibility of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-trump-tax-revenues-tariffs-eef2ab6930a8672a418af27f61efaed8">creating an External Revenue Service</a>&nbsp;to collect tariff revenue from other nations. Trump announced the creation of the agency — which requires an act of Congress— on Truth Social earlier this month.

Tariffs have become a benchmark of Trump’s economic agenda. He has threatened a potential 25% levy on all goods from allies like Canada and Mexico and 60% on goods from China.

In addition, Bessent faces a mounting and record U.S. debt load. Before leaving office this month, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-debt-limit-janet-yellen-7e598f2811d75ad5159f9338f7cdce16">warned congressional leaders</a>&nbsp;that Treasury would start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">the debt ceiling</a>. And on Thursday, Treasury deployed such measures.

With Trump’s return to the White House and his Republican Party controlling majorities in Congress, his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-confirmation-hearings-e12dcbc5d26d675414331d9a35cab6a6">outsider Cabinet choices</a>&nbsp;are getting confirmed despite initial skepticism and opposition from both sides of the aisle.

In his testimony, Bessent committed to maintaining the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-income-taxes-irs-audits-direct-file-04c3b4b55ca0d37b2c40697a392c78aa">IRS’ Direct File program</a>&nbsp;— which allows taxpayers to file their returns directly to the IRS for free — at least for the 2025 tax season, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-tax-season-direct-file-refund-31fcb0c4466e8ef286952d3e22b9c277">begins Jan. 27</a>. Republican lawmakers say the program is a waste of money because free filing programs already exist, although they are not popular.

He also said during his confirmation hearing that the Federal Reserve should remain independent from the president’s influence and that U.S. sanctions on Russian oil should be more aggressive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738022602041.png" alt="Marshall with Bessent on January 7" />
 <figcaption>Marshall with Bessent on January 7</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate confirmed billionaire investor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-election-scott-bessent-trump-e4df1ef61309ee78f2affc2d9eabeff1">Scott Bessent</a>&nbsp;on Monday to serve as President Donald Trump's treasury secretary, giving him the delicate balancing act of cutting taxes and curbing deficits while putting forward a plan on tariffs that doesn't jeopardize growth.He was confirmed on a 68-to-29 vote, with 16 Democrats voting in favor of making him the nation's 79th treasury secretary. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇺🇸Scott Bessent&#39;s confirmation as United States Secretary of the Treasury highlights President Trump&#39;s dedication to restoring economic strength and stability. America is BACK. <a href="https://t.co/Pr1J8Z22g3">pic.twitter.com/Pr1J8Z22g3</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1884020427275788630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The South Carolina resident will be the first openly gay individual in the role, a historic first as Trump seeks novel ways to implement a policy agenda driven by both billionaire business leaders with concerns over regulations and a populist base that wants government leaders to fight for them.Bessent, a past supporter of Democrats who once worked for George Soros, has become an enthusiastic supporter of Trump.He has said the U.S. faces economic calamity if Congress does not renew key provisions of Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are set to expire Dec. 31, 2025. Negotiating the extension of those tax cuts will be one of his major responsibilities even as he has also pushed for 3% annual growth, significant trims to deficits and increasing domestic oil production by 3 million barrels a day.After Bessent was confirmed, Republican Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said approving Bessent was “one of the easiest votes we could ever take.”However, he faced pushback from Democrats on unpaid tax liabilities.Democrats say Bessent has engaged in tax avoidance by failing to pay nearly $1 million in Medicare taxes related to his limited partnership in his hedge fund. Bessent, meanwhile, takes issue with his tax liability to the IRS and is in litigation over the tax bill. He committed during his confirmation hearing that he would pay the tax bill if a court rules against him.Other Democrats have voiced support for Bessent, including Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.“While I disagree with many of his policy positions, particularly his support for extending tax cuts for the wealthy and President Trump’s tariff threats, I hope that he will focus the Treasury Department on bringing down costs for middle-class Americans,” Coons said in a statement, adding that he supports Bessent's commitment to continue U.S. investment in international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-treasury-cabinet-transition-bessent-lutnick-warsh-f01fc0bab029c10b453ee9afb2b41b24">took his time before settling</a>&nbsp;on Bessent as his nominee. He also mulled over billionaire investor John Paulson and Howard Lutnick, whom Trump tapped for commerce secretary.The treasury secretary is responsible for serving as the president’s fiscal policy adviser and managing the public debt. He is also a member of the president’s National Economic Council.Among his responsibilities will be investigating the feasibility of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-trump-tax-revenues-tariffs-eef2ab6930a8672a418af27f61efaed8">creating an External Revenue Service</a>&nbsp;to collect tariff revenue from other nations. Trump announced the creation of the agency — which requires an act of Congress— on Truth Social earlier this month.Tariffs have become a benchmark of Trump’s economic agenda. He has threatened a potential 25% levy on all goods from allies like Canada and Mexico and 60% on goods from China.In addition, Bessent faces a mounting and record U.S. debt load. Before leaving office this month, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-debt-limit-janet-yellen-7e598f2811d75ad5159f9338f7cdce16">warned congressional leaders</a>&nbsp;that Treasury would start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">the debt ceiling</a>. And on Thursday, Treasury deployed such measures.With Trump’s return to the White House and his Republican Party controlling majorities in Congress, his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-confirmation-hearings-e12dcbc5d26d675414331d9a35cab6a6">outsider Cabinet choices</a>&nbsp;are getting confirmed despite initial skepticism and opposition from both sides of the aisle.In his testimony, Bessent committed to maintaining the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-income-taxes-irs-audits-direct-file-04c3b4b55ca0d37b2c40697a392c78aa">IRS’ Direct File program</a>&nbsp;— which allows taxpayers to file their returns directly to the IRS for free — at least for the 2025 tax season, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-tax-season-direct-file-refund-31fcb0c4466e8ef286952d3e22b9c277">begins Jan. 27</a>. Republican lawmakers say the program is a waste of money because free filing programs already exist, although they are not popular.He also said during his confirmation hearing that the Federal Reserve should remain independent from the president’s influence and that U.S. sanctions on Russian oil should be more aggressive.

Moran, Marshall help Senate confirm billionaire investor as treasury secretary

MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Monday in McPherson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Sam E&nbsp; Dial, 51, Newton, was northbound on 16th Avenue one half mile west of of Interstate 135. The road dead-ended at U.S. 81. 

The pickup continued northbound and struck the dead-end guardrail and a culvert.

&nbsp;Dial was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp; Sedgwick Regional Forensic Science Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Monday in McPherson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Sam E&nbsp; Dial, 51, Newton, was northbound on 16th Avenue one half mile west of of Interstate 135. The road dead-ended at U.S. 81. The pickup continued northbound and struck the dead-end guardrail and a culvert.&nbsp;Dial was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp; Sedgwick Regional Forensic Science Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup strikes dead-end guardrail

HARVEY COUNTY —A man accused of child sex crimes made a court appearance last week.

Mark Shields, 34, Newton, pled guilty to Kidnapping, Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child less than 14 years of age and Aggravated Battery all related to the same minor victim, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.

 This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department and Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center. Shields is schedule to be sentenced by Judge Jason Lane on March 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738012406611.png" alt="Shields-photo Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Shields-photo Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —A man accused of child sex crimes made a court appearance last week.Mark Shields, 34, Newton, pled guilty to Kidnapping, Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child less than 14 years of age and Aggravated Battery all related to the same minor victim, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office. This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department and Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center. Shields is schedule to be sentenced by Judge Jason Lane on March 31.

Kan. man admits to sex crimes with child under age 14

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — At least 56 senior officials in the top U.S. aid and development agency were placed on leave Monday amid an investigation into an alleged effort to thwart President Donald Trump’s orders.

A current official and a former official at the U.S. Agency for International Development confirmed the reason given for the move Monday. Both spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Several hundred contractors based in Washington and elsewhere also were laid off, the officials said.

It follows Trump’s executive order last week that directed a sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-department-trump-foreign-aid-bf047e17ef64cb42a1a1b7fdf05caffa">90-day pause on most U.S. foreign assistance</a>&nbsp;disbursed through the State Department.

As a result of the freeze, thousands of U.S.-funded humanitarian, development and security programs worldwide had stopped work or were preparing to do so. Without funds to pay staff, aid organizations were laying off hundreds of employees.

An internal USAID notice sent late Monday and obtained by The Associated Press said new acting administrator Jason Gray had identified “several actions within USAID that appear to be designed to circumvent the President’s Executive Orders and the mandate from the American people.”

“As a result, we have placed a number of USAID employees on administrative leave with full pay and benefits until further notice while we complete our analysis of these actions,” Gray wrote.

Trump has signed many executive orders since taking office a week ago, but the notice did not say which orders the employees were suspected of violating.

The senior agency officials put on leave were experienced employees who had served in multiple administrations, including Trump's, the former USAID official said.

Before those officials were removed from the job Monday, they were scrambling to help U.S.-funded aid organizations cope with the new funding freeze and seek waivers to continue life-saving activities, from getting clean water to war-displaced people in Sudan to continuing to monitor for bird flu globally, the former official said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has specifically exempted only emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt from the freeze on foreign assistance.

The Trump administration and GOP lawmakers, many of them skeptical of the need for foreign aid and eager to see other countries pay more, say they will review each foreign assistance program to determine whether it is directly in U.S. interests and eliminate those that are deemed wasteful or liberal social engineering.

Politico first reported the USAID officials being put on leave.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738032632204.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ELLEN%20KNICKMEYER%20and%20MATTHEW%20LEE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ELLEN KNICKMEYER and MATTHEW LEE Associated Press</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — At least 56 senior officials in the top U.S. aid and development agency were placed on leave Monday amid an investigation into an alleged effort to thwart President Donald Trump’s orders.A current official and a former official at the U.S. Agency for International Development confirmed the reason given for the move Monday. Both spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.Several hundred contractors based in Washington and elsewhere also were laid off, the officials said.It follows Trump’s executive order last week that directed a sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-department-trump-foreign-aid-bf047e17ef64cb42a1a1b7fdf05caffa">90-day pause on most U.S. foreign assistance</a>&nbsp;disbursed through the State Department.As a result of the freeze, thousands of U.S.-funded humanitarian, development and security programs worldwide had stopped work or were preparing to do so. Without funds to pay staff, aid organizations were laying off hundreds of employees.An internal USAID notice sent late Monday and obtained by The Associated Press said new acting administrator Jason Gray had identified “several actions within USAID that appear to be designed to circumvent the President’s Executive Orders and the mandate from the American people.”“As a result, we have placed a number of USAID employees on administrative leave with full pay and benefits until further notice while we complete our analysis of these actions,” Gray wrote.Trump has signed many executive orders since taking office a week ago, but the notice did not say which orders the employees were suspected of violating.The senior agency officials put on leave were experienced employees who had served in multiple administrations, including Trump's, the former USAID official said.Before those officials were removed from the job Monday, they were scrambling to help U.S.-funded aid organizations cope with the new funding freeze and seek waivers to continue life-saving activities, from getting clean water to war-displaced people in Sudan to continuing to monitor for bird flu globally, the former official said.Secretary of State Marco Rubio has specifically exempted only emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt from the freeze on foreign assistance.The Trump administration and GOP lawmakers, many of them skeptical of the need for foreign aid and eager to see other countries pay more, say they will review each foreign assistance program to determine whether it is directly in U.S. interests and eliminate those that are deemed wasteful or liberal social engineering.Politico first reported the USAID officials being put on leave.

Dozens of Senior USAID career staff placed on immediate leave

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a registered sex offender on new allegations after an arrest.

Just before 10:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the 1200 block of West Oklahoma Avenue in Arkansas City following a report of a physical disturbance involving a stabbing, according to a media release.

First responders officers located a 40-year-old female victim suffering from multiple stab wounds, including injuries to her neck.&nbsp; Arkansas City Fire/EMS provided immediate treatment at the scene before transporting the victim to South Central Medical Center. She was subsequently airlifted to a Wichita medical facility for further treatment and is currently reported to be in stable condition.

The suspect, Sean Michael Boydston, 54, Arkansas City, was inside a nearby residence. Officers established probable cause and arrested Boydston without incident. Investigators have determined that the suspect and victim are in a domestic relationship.

Boydston was booked into the Cowley County Jail on requested charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and Domestic Battery. He has previous convictions for&nbsp;Aggravated criminal sodomy with a child and&nbsp;Aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the KBI Offender registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738085272166.png" alt="Boydston photo Cowley Co." />
 <figcaption>Boydston photo Cowley Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a registered sex offender on new allegations after an arrest.Just before 10:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the 1200 block of West Oklahoma Avenue in Arkansas City following a report of a physical disturbance involving a stabbing, according to a media release.First responders officers located a 40-year-old female victim suffering from multiple stab wounds, including injuries to her neck.&nbsp; Arkansas City Fire/EMS provided immediate treatment at the scene before transporting the victim to South Central Medical Center. She was subsequently airlifted to a Wichita medical facility for further treatment and is currently reported to be in stable condition.The suspect, Sean Michael Boydston, 54, Arkansas City, was inside a nearby residence. Officers established probable cause and arrested Boydston without incident. Investigators have determined that the suspect and victim are in a domestic relationship.Boydston was booked into the Cowley County Jail on requested charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and Domestic Battery. He has previous convictions for&nbsp;Aggravated criminal sodomy with a child and&nbsp;Aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the KBI Offender registry.He is being held on a bond of $100,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;