By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The vice chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents intends to resign from the state higher education board rather than complete the final two years of his second term.

Jon Rolph, president and CEO of a Wichita restaurant company, was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2019 by Gov. Laura Kelly. He is expected to depart by June 30. The governor would appoint a replacement, subject to confirmation by the Kansas Senate, to finish a term ending in June 2027.

The nine-person Board of Regents has jurisdiction over public universities, community colleges and technical colleges in Kansas.

“Jon is an enthusiastic supporter of higher education who has prioritized the needs of Kansans and our state during his time on the board,” said Carl Ice, chairman of the Board of Regents.

Ice said Rolph “helped our system implement and move forward many key strategic initiatives. He has been an outstanding colleague.”

In 2021, Rolph endorsed a board policy that made it easier for campus administrators of the six state universities to suspend, dismiss or terminate employees, including tenured faculty members, without formally declaring a financial emergency. The policy was implemented in 2022 by Emporia State University to justify dismissal of 30 faculty. It triggered a state and federal court battle that continued into 2025.

In 2023, Rolph revealed that he had surgery to remove a tumor in his abdomen and was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Rolph was serving as chairman of the Board of Regents when the board voted in 2024 to change its diversity and multiculturalism policy under pressure from members of the Kansas Legislature.

The revised policy declared state universities in Kansas couldn’t require faculty to pledge “allegiance to, support for or opposition to diversity, equity or inclusion” or DEI.

“This is, again, our good-faith effort in trying to listen to the Legislature,” Rolph said at the time.

Rolph’s company, Thrive Restaurant Group, operates or owns more than 170 restaurants. It is the second-largest Applebee’s franchisee with restaurants in 15 states. He was a student body president at Baylor University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749589406815.png" alt=" Jon Rolph, center, a Wichita member of the Kansas Board of Regents, plans to resign from the higher education panel with two years remaining on his second four-year term. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Jon Rolph, center, a Wichita member of the Kansas Board of Regents, plans to resign from the higher education panel with two years remaining on his second four-year term. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The vice chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents intends to resign from the state higher education board rather than complete the final two years of his second term.Jon Rolph, president and CEO of a Wichita restaurant company, was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2019 by Gov. Laura Kelly. He is expected to depart by June 30. The governor would appoint a replacement, subject to confirmation by the Kansas Senate, to finish a term ending in June 2027.The nine-person Board of Regents has jurisdiction over public universities, community colleges and technical colleges in Kansas.“Jon is an enthusiastic supporter of higher education who has prioritized the needs of Kansans and our state during his time on the board,” said Carl Ice, chairman of the Board of Regents.Ice said Rolph “helped our system implement and move forward many key strategic initiatives. He has been an outstanding colleague.”In 2021, Rolph endorsed a board policy that made it easier for campus administrators of the six state universities to suspend, dismiss or terminate employees, including tenured faculty members, without formally declaring a financial emergency. The policy was implemented in 2022 by Emporia State University to justify dismissal of 30 faculty. It triggered a state and federal court battle that continued into 2025.In 2023, Rolph revealed that he had surgery to remove a tumor in his abdomen and was undergoing treatment for cancer.Rolph was serving as chairman of the Board of Regents when the board voted in 2024 to change its diversity and multiculturalism policy under pressure from members of the Kansas Legislature.The revised policy declared state universities in Kansas couldn’t require faculty to pledge “allegiance to, support for or opposition to diversity, equity or inclusion” or DEI.“This is, again, our good-faith effort in trying to listen to the Legislature,” Rolph said at the time.Rolph’s company, Thrive Restaurant Group, operates or owns more than 170 restaurants. It is the second-largest Applebee’s franchisee with restaurants in 15 states. He was a student body president at Baylor University.

Vice chair of Kansas Board of Regents to resign post with two years left on term

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gavin-newsom">Gavin Newsom</a>&nbsp;asked a federal court Tuesday to block the Trump administration from using the National Guard and Marines to assist with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-california-immigration-customs-enforcement-newsom-0482a8935419d88986b890b18db5cc03">immigration raids in Los Angeles</a>, saying it would only heighten tensions.

Newsom filed the emergency request after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-protests-national-guard-trump-14c9dda32663d7d2c45f2b1c5a1d219c">ordered the deployment</a>&nbsp;to LA of roughly 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-protests-arrests-austin-aa726c826047f8d7eb4091acc8929b8e">following protests</a>&nbsp;of the president’s stepped-up enforcement of immigration laws. The demonstrations in the city of 4 million people have largely been centered in several blocks of downtown.

The federal government said Newsom was seeking an unprecedented and dangerous order that would interfere with its ability to carry out enforcement operations. A judge set a hearing for Thursday.

The governor's request said it was in response to a change in orders for the Guard members, who were originally deployed to protect federal buildings. The court documents said sending troops on immigration raids would only escalate tensions and promote civil unrest.

The Marines and another 2,000 National Guard troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/insurrection-act-trump-troops-newsom-military-national-guard-a842f79e1c0e244039be274a6f266a7a">were sent to LA</a>&nbsp;on Monday, adding to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-california-immigration-customs-enforcement-newsom-0482a8935419d88986b890b18db5cc03">a military presence that local officials</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/insurrection-act-trump-troops-newsom-military-national-guard-a842f79e1c0e244039be274a6f266a7a">Newsom do not want</a>&nbsp;and that the police chief says makes it harder to handle the protests safely.

Marine Corps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marine-commandant-smith-heart-attack-2d6040d39682f352deee58e4fff3c6ae">Gen. Eric Smith</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday that the Marines deployed to the area had not yet been called to respond to the protests and were there only to protect federal officials and property.

The Marines were trained for crowd control but have no arrest authority, Smith told a budget hearing on Capitol Hill.

Paul Eck, deputy general counsel in the California Military Department, said the agency was informed that the Pentagon plans to direct the California National Guard to start providing support for immigration operations. That support would include holding secure perimeters around areas where raids are taking place and securing streets for immigration agents, he said in the governor's emergency request.

According to U.S. officials, the Guard members who were deployed were authorized to provide protection and secure streets and perimeters around areas where enforcement actions are taking place. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations, said the Guard members are not participating in any of the enforcement actions, but are providing security and have already been doing some of those missions in the Los Angeles area.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency posted photos on the social platform X that appeared to show troops standing alongside while officials detained two men during an operation in Los Angeles.

Marines have not responded to protests yet

In other developments Tuesday, the Marine Corps commandant said the Marines that deployed to the Los Angeles area on Trump's orders have not yet been called to respond to the protests and are there only to protect federal officials and property,

The 700 Marines and another 2,000 National Guard troops were ordered to LA on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-california-immigration-customs-enforcement-newsom-0482a8935419d88986b890b18db5cc03">escalating a military presence that local officials</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/insurrection-act-trump-troops-newsom-military-national-guard-a842f79e1c0e244039be274a6f266a7a">Gov. Gavin Newsom do not want</a>&nbsp;and that the police chief says makes it harder to handle the protests safely.

Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith told a budget hearing on Capitol Hill that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-raids-los-angeles-2d1d5e2f638da600c4b34fe8bf8cf3aa">battalion</a>&nbsp;has not yet been sent to any protests. The Marines were trained for crowd control but have no arrest authority and are there to protect government property and personnel, he said.

Trump left open the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, which authorizes the president to deploy military forces inside the U.S. to suppress rebellion or domestic violence or to enforce the law in certain situations. It's one of the most extreme emergency powers available to a U.S. president.

“If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We’ll see,” he said Tuesday from the Oval Office. “But I can tell you last night was terrible, and the night before that was terrible.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-los-angeles-immigration-raids-police-f7f62335459f43ff8b208e5957f57276">Trump</a>&nbsp;has described Los Angeles in dire terms that Mayor Karen Bass and Newsom say are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-trump-immigration-ice-raids-protests-6823da82d8d25e12d392088c7cde40c5">nowhere close to the truth</a>.

While protesters blocked a major freeway and set cars on fire over the weekend, the demonstrations in the city of 4 million people have largely been centered in several blocks of downtown. On Monday, they were far less raucous, with thousands of people peacefully attending a rally at City Hall and hundreds more protesting outside a federal complex that includes a detention center where some immigrants are being held following workplace raids across the city.

At daybreak Tuesday, guard troops were stationed outside the detention center, but there was no sign of the Marines.

Obscene slogans directed at Trump and federal law enforcement remained scrawled across several buildings. At the Walt Disney Concert Hall, workers were busy washing away graffiti Tuesday morning.

In nearby Santa Ana, armored guard vehicles blocked a road leading to federal immigration and government offices. Workers swept up plastic bottles and broken glass near buildings sprayed with graffiti.

Sending in the military is the latest step in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-california-ice-arrests-eae3354dec46c19310c5c622c29c3e65">administration’s immigration crackdown</a>&nbsp;as Trump pursues the mass deportations he promised last year during the presidential campaign. The protests have been driven by anger over the stepped-up enforcement that critics say is breaking apart migrant families.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;suggested Tuesday that the use of troops inside the U.S. will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-congress-hegseth-signal-hearings-c53cd37c2eae4327dd74e4c717057469">continue to expand</a>.

“I think we’re entering another phase, especially under President Trump with his focus on the homeland, where the National Guard and Reserves become a critical component of how we secure that homeland,” he said on Capitol Hill.

Los Angeles officials say police don't need help

The mayor and the governor say Trump is putting public safety at risk by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-national-guard-protests-watts-riots-ce79302269291672444e34ab8ab4563a">adding military personnel</a>&nbsp;even though police say they don’t need the help.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said he was confident in the police department’s ability to handle large-scale demonstrations and that the Marines’ arrival without coordinating with the police department would present a “significant logistical and operational challenge.”

Newsom called the deployments reckless on the social platform X. “This isn’t about public safety,” the governor said. “It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego.”

The protests began Friday after federal immigration authorities arrested more than 40 people across Los Angeles and continued over the weekend as crowds blocked a major freeway and set self-driving cars on fire.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/australian-reporter-hit-by-nonlethal-round-while-covering-intensifying-protests-in-los-angeles-9695217ad2fa48c9a1adc4fbb0091c59">Police responded</a>&nbsp;with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades.

Demonstrations spread Monday to other cities nationwide, including San Francisco and Santa Ana, California, as well as Dallas and Austin, Texas. Authorities in Austin said police used pepper spray balls and tear gas to disperse a crowd that threw rocks and bottles at officers, injuring four.

Los Angeles response takes stage on Capitol Hill

The Pentagon said deploying the National Guard and Marines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-congress-hegseth-signal-hearings-c53cd37c2eae4327dd74e4c717057469">costs $134 million.</a>&nbsp;That figure came out Tuesday just after Hegseth engaged in a testy back-and-forth about the costs during a congressional hearing.

The defense secretary said the department has a budget increase and the money to cover the costs, and he defended Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marines-protests-california-deployed-trump-503e1de25b45c760218d8ae879c8d2d3">decision to send the troops</a>, saying they are needed to protect federal agents doing their jobs.

Meanwhile, Democratic members of California’s congressional delegation on Tuesday accused the president of creating a “manufactured crisis” with his orders to send in troops.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi contrasted Trump’s actions with his handling of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol when law enforcement officers were beaten. “We begged the president of the United States to send in the National Guard. He would not do it,” Pelosi said.

California pushes back against sending troops

California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit over the use of National Guard troops following the first deployment, telling reporters that Trump had “trampled” the state’s sovereignty. He sought an order declaring Trump’s use of the Guard unlawful and asking for a restraining order to halt the deployment.

Trump said the city would have been “completely obliterated” if he had not deployed the Guard.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marines-protests-california-deployed-trump-503e1de25b45c760218d8ae879c8d2d3">U.S. officials said the Marines</a>&nbsp;were needed to protect federal buildings and personnel, including immigration agents. A convoy of buses with blacked-out windows and escorted by sheriff’s vehicles arrived overnight at a Navy facility just south of LA.

Despite their presence, there has been limited engagement so far between the Guard and protesters while local law enforcement implements crowd control.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749586014589.png" alt="Photo Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Photo Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — California Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gavin-newsom">Gavin Newsom</a>&nbsp;asked a federal court Tuesday to block the Trump administration from using the National Guard and Marines to assist with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-california-immigration-customs-enforcement-newsom-0482a8935419d88986b890b18db5cc03">immigration raids in Los Angeles</a>, saying it would only heighten tensions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749585759720.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Newsom filed the emergency request after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-protests-national-guard-trump-14c9dda32663d7d2c45f2b1c5a1d219c">ordered the deployment</a>&nbsp;to LA of roughly 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-protests-arrests-austin-aa726c826047f8d7eb4091acc8929b8e">following protests</a>&nbsp;of the president’s stepped-up enforcement of immigration laws. The demonstrations in the city of 4 million people have largely been centered in several blocks of downtown.The federal government said Newsom was seeking an unprecedented and dangerous order that would interfere with its ability to carry out enforcement operations. A judge set a hearing for Thursday.The governor's request said it was in response to a change in orders for the Guard members, who were originally deployed to protect federal buildings. The court documents said sending troops on immigration raids would only escalate tensions and promote civil unrest.The Marines and another 2,000 National Guard troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/insurrection-act-trump-troops-newsom-military-national-guard-a842f79e1c0e244039be274a6f266a7a">were sent to LA</a>&nbsp;on Monday, adding to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-california-immigration-customs-enforcement-newsom-0482a8935419d88986b890b18db5cc03">a military presence that local officials</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/insurrection-act-trump-troops-newsom-military-national-guard-a842f79e1c0e244039be274a6f266a7a">Newsom do not want</a>&nbsp;and that the police chief says makes it harder to handle the protests safely.Marine Corps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marine-commandant-smith-heart-attack-2d6040d39682f352deee58e4fff3c6ae">Gen. Eric Smith</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday that the Marines deployed to the area had not yet been called to respond to the protests and were there only to protect federal officials and property.The Marines were trained for crowd control but have no arrest authority, Smith told a budget hearing on Capitol Hill.Paul Eck, deputy general counsel in the California Military Department, said the agency was informed that the Pentagon plans to direct the California National Guard to start providing support for immigration operations. That support would include holding secure perimeters around areas where raids are taking place and securing streets for immigration agents, he said in the governor's emergency request.According to U.S. officials, the Guard members who were deployed were authorized to provide protection and secure streets and perimeters around areas where enforcement actions are taking place. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations, said the Guard members are not participating in any of the enforcement actions, but are providing security and have already been doing some of those missions in the Los Angeles area.The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency posted photos on the social platform X that appeared to show troops standing alongside while officials detained two men during an operation in Los Angeles.<h2>Marines have not responded to protests yet</h2>In other developments Tuesday, the Marine Corps commandant said the Marines that deployed to the Los Angeles area on Trump's orders have not yet been called to respond to the protests and are there only to protect federal officials and property,The 700 Marines and another 2,000 National Guard troops were ordered to LA on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-california-immigration-customs-enforcement-newsom-0482a8935419d88986b890b18db5cc03">escalating a military presence that local officials</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/insurrection-act-trump-troops-newsom-military-national-guard-a842f79e1c0e244039be274a6f266a7a">Gov. Gavin Newsom do not want</a>&nbsp;and that the police chief says makes it harder to handle the protests safely.Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith told a budget hearing on Capitol Hill that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-raids-los-angeles-2d1d5e2f638da600c4b34fe8bf8cf3aa">battalion</a>&nbsp;has not yet been sent to any protests. The Marines were trained for crowd control but have no arrest authority and are there to protect government property and personnel, he said.Trump left open the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, which authorizes the president to deploy military forces inside the U.S. to suppress rebellion or domestic violence or to enforce the law in certain situations. It's one of the most extreme emergency powers available to a U.S. president.“If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We’ll see,” he said Tuesday from the Oval Office. “But I can tell you last night was terrible, and the night before that was terrible.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-los-angeles-immigration-raids-police-f7f62335459f43ff8b208e5957f57276">Trump</a>&nbsp;has described Los Angeles in dire terms that Mayor Karen Bass and Newsom say are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-trump-immigration-ice-raids-protests-6823da82d8d25e12d392088c7cde40c5">nowhere close to the truth</a>.While protesters blocked a major freeway and set cars on fire over the weekend, the demonstrations in the city of 4 million people have largely been centered in several blocks of downtown. On Monday, they were far less raucous, with thousands of people peacefully attending a rally at City Hall and hundreds more protesting outside a federal complex that includes a detention center where some immigrants are being held following workplace raids across the city.At daybreak Tuesday, guard troops were stationed outside the detention center, but there was no sign of the Marines.Obscene slogans directed at Trump and federal law enforcement remained scrawled across several buildings. At the Walt Disney Concert Hall, workers were busy washing away graffiti Tuesday morning.In nearby Santa Ana, armored guard vehicles blocked a road leading to federal immigration and government offices. Workers swept up plastic bottles and broken glass near buildings sprayed with graffiti.Sending in the military is the latest step in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-california-ice-arrests-eae3354dec46c19310c5c622c29c3e65">administration’s immigration crackdown</a>&nbsp;as Trump pursues the mass deportations he promised last year during the presidential campaign. The protests have been driven by anger over the stepped-up enforcement that critics say is breaking apart migrant families.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;suggested Tuesday that the use of troops inside the U.S. will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-congress-hegseth-signal-hearings-c53cd37c2eae4327dd74e4c717057469">continue to expand</a>.“I think we’re entering another phase, especially under President Trump with his focus on the homeland, where the National Guard and Reserves become a critical component of how we secure that homeland,” he said on Capitol Hill.<h2>Los Angeles officials say police don't need help</h2>The mayor and the governor say Trump is putting public safety at risk by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-national-guard-protests-watts-riots-ce79302269291672444e34ab8ab4563a">adding military personnel</a>&nbsp;even though police say they don’t need the help.Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said he was confident in the police department’s ability to handle large-scale demonstrations and that the Marines’ arrival without coordinating with the police department would present a “significant logistical and operational challenge.”Newsom called the deployments reckless on the social platform X. “This isn’t about public safety,” the governor said. “It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego.”<h2>Protests spread across the U.S.</h2>The protests began Friday after federal immigration authorities arrested more than 40 people across Los Angeles and continued over the weekend as crowds blocked a major freeway and set self-driving cars on fire.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/australian-reporter-hit-by-nonlethal-round-while-covering-intensifying-protests-in-los-angeles-9695217ad2fa48c9a1adc4fbb0091c59">Police responded</a>&nbsp;with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades.Demonstrations spread Monday to other cities nationwide, including San Francisco and Santa Ana, California, as well as Dallas and Austin, Texas. Authorities in Austin said police used pepper spray balls and tear gas to disperse a crowd that threw rocks and bottles at officers, injuring four.<h2>Los Angeles response takes stage on Capitol Hill</h2>The Pentagon said deploying the National Guard and Marines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-congress-hegseth-signal-hearings-c53cd37c2eae4327dd74e4c717057469">costs $134 million.</a>&nbsp;That figure came out Tuesday just after Hegseth engaged in a testy back-and-forth about the costs during a congressional hearing.The defense secretary said the department has a budget increase and the money to cover the costs, and he defended Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marines-protests-california-deployed-trump-503e1de25b45c760218d8ae879c8d2d3">decision to send the troops</a>, saying they are needed to protect federal agents doing their jobs.Meanwhile, Democratic members of California’s congressional delegation on Tuesday accused the president of creating a “manufactured crisis” with his orders to send in troops.Rep. Nancy Pelosi contrasted Trump’s actions with his handling of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol when law enforcement officers were beaten. “We begged the president of the United States to send in the National Guard. He would not do it,” Pelosi said.<h2>California pushes back against sending troops</h2>California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit over the use of National Guard troops following the first deployment, telling reporters that Trump had “trampled” the state’s sovereignty. He sought an order declaring Trump’s use of the Guard unlawful and asking for a restraining order to halt the deployment.Trump said the city would have been “completely obliterated” if he had not deployed the Guard.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marines-protests-california-deployed-trump-503e1de25b45c760218d8ae879c8d2d3">U.S. officials said the Marines</a>&nbsp;were needed to protect federal buildings and personnel, including immigration agents. A convoy of buses with blacked-out windows and escorted by sheriff’s vehicles arrived overnight at a Navy facility just south of LA.Despite their presence, there has been limited engagement so far between the Guard and protesters while local law enforcement implements crowd control.

Calif. Gov. asks court to block use of military to support LA immigration raids

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks drifted closer to their all-time high on Tuesday as the wait continued to hear what will come of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-trade-talks-london-bf991a07e374050ae85c7187f1366ab7">trade talks</a>&nbsp;between the United States and China.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5% as talks between the world’s two largest economies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-trade-talks-london-e9e87d76a81a5e51294368308d5af47d">carried into a second day</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 105 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6%.

Stocks have roared higher since dropping roughly 20% below their record two months ago, when President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-tariffs-52dbb020a4c41122e31669c2da236d67">shocked financial markets</a>&nbsp;with his announcement of tariffs that were so stiff that they raised worries about a possible recession. Much of the rally has been due to hopes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;would lower&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">his tariffs</a>&nbsp;after reaching trade deals with countries around the world, and the S&amp;P 500 is back within 1.7% of its record set in February.

It’s getting to be time to see whether such hopes were warranted. The talks with China were going “really, really well,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said Tuesday evening in London, where the talks were being held. The two sides worked on “all sorts of trade issues,” he said, according to a video clip posted by the Chinese state broadcaster CGTN.

Both the United States and China have put many of their tariffs announced against each other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-switzerland-tariffs-negotiations-b3f5174d086e39b2522ab848ddad9372">on pause</a>&nbsp;as talks continue.

Even though many tariffs are on hold for the moment, they’re still affecting companies and their ability to make profits because of all the uncertainty they’ve created.

Designer Brands, the company behind the DSW shoe store chain, became the latest U.S. company to yank its financial forecasts for 2025 because of “uncertainty stemming primarily from global trade policies.”

The company, which also owns the Keds, Jessica Simpson and other shoe brands, reported a larger loss for the start of the year than analysts were expecting, and its revenue also fell short of forecasts. CEO Doug Howe pointed to ”persistent instability and pressure on consumer discretionary” spending, and the company’s stock tumbled 18.2%.

The uncertainty is moving in both directions, to be sure. A survey released Tuesday of optimism among small U.S. businesses improved a bit in May.

“While the economy will continue to stumble along until the major sources of uncertainty are resolved, owners reported more positive expectations on business conditions and sales growth,” according to Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist at the National Federation of Independent Business.

On Wall Street, J.M. Smucker fell 15.6% even though its results for the latest quarter topped analysts’ expectations. Its revenue fell short of expectations, as did its forecast for profit in the upcoming year.

Tesla helped to make up for such losses after rising 5.7%. The electric vehicle company has been recovering since tumbling last week as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-elon-musk-theo-von-fd6f6af0b147d129836c243df31a7fc2">Elon Musk’s relationship with Trump</a>&nbsp;imploded. That raised fear about possible retaliation by the U.S. government against Tesla.

Shares that trade in the United States of chipmaking giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. rose 2.6% after the company known as TSMC said its revenue in May jumped nearly 40% from the year earlier.

Casey’s General Stores leaped 11.6% after the chain of convenience stores based in Ankeny, Iowa, reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It credited strength in sales of hot sandwiches and other items.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 32.93 points to 6,038.81. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 105.11 to 42,866.87, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 123.75 to 19,714.99.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed amid mostly modest movements across Europe and Asia. A 0.8% drop for Germany’s DAX and a 0.6% gain for South Korea’s Kospi were two of the bigger moves.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.47% from 4.49% late Monday.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks drifted closer to their all-time high on Tuesday as the wait continued to hear what will come of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-trade-talks-london-bf991a07e374050ae85c7187f1366ab7">trade talks</a>&nbsp;between the United States and China.The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5% as talks between the world’s two largest economies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-trade-talks-london-e9e87d76a81a5e51294368308d5af47d">carried into a second day</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 105 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6%.Stocks have roared higher since dropping roughly 20% below their record two months ago, when President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-tariffs-52dbb020a4c41122e31669c2da236d67">shocked financial markets</a>&nbsp;with his announcement of tariffs that were so stiff that they raised worries about a possible recession. Much of the rally has been due to hopes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;would lower&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">his tariffs</a>&nbsp;after reaching trade deals with countries around the world, and the S&amp;P 500 is back within 1.7% of its record set in February.It’s getting to be time to see whether such hopes were warranted. The talks with China were going “really, really well,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said Tuesday evening in London, where the talks were being held. The two sides worked on “all sorts of trade issues,” he said, according to a video clip posted by the Chinese state broadcaster CGTN.Both the United States and China have put many of their tariffs announced against each other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-switzerland-tariffs-negotiations-b3f5174d086e39b2522ab848ddad9372">on pause</a>&nbsp;as talks continue.Even though many tariffs are on hold for the moment, they’re still affecting companies and their ability to make profits because of all the uncertainty they’ve created.Designer Brands, the company behind the DSW shoe store chain, became the latest U.S. company to yank its financial forecasts for 2025 because of “uncertainty stemming primarily from global trade policies.”The company, which also owns the Keds, Jessica Simpson and other shoe brands, reported a larger loss for the start of the year than analysts were expecting, and its revenue also fell short of forecasts. CEO Doug Howe pointed to ”persistent instability and pressure on consumer discretionary” spending, and the company’s stock tumbled 18.2%.The uncertainty is moving in both directions, to be sure. A survey released Tuesday of optimism among small U.S. businesses improved a bit in May.“While the economy will continue to stumble along until the major sources of uncertainty are resolved, owners reported more positive expectations on business conditions and sales growth,” according to Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist at the National Federation of Independent Business.On Wall Street, J.M. Smucker fell 15.6% even though its results for the latest quarter topped analysts’ expectations. Its revenue fell short of expectations, as did its forecast for profit in the upcoming year.Tesla helped to make up for such losses after rising 5.7%. The electric vehicle company has been recovering since tumbling last week as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-elon-musk-theo-von-fd6f6af0b147d129836c243df31a7fc2">Elon Musk’s relationship with Trump</a>&nbsp;imploded. That raised fear about possible retaliation by the U.S. government against Tesla.Shares that trade in the United States of chipmaking giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. rose 2.6% after the company known as TSMC said its revenue in May jumped nearly 40% from the year earlier.Casey’s General Stores leaped 11.6% after the chain of convenience stores based in Ankeny, Iowa, reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It credited strength in sales of hot sandwiches and other items.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 32.93 points to 6,038.81. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 105.11 to 42,866.87, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 123.75 to 19,714.99.In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed amid mostly modest movements across Europe and Asia. A 0.8% drop for Germany’s DAX and a 0.6% gain for South Korea’s Kospi were two of the bigger moves.In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.47% from 4.49% late Monday.

U.S. stocks drifted just below their all-time high

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Kansas City, Missouri.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a Harley Davidson Motorcycle was eastbound on Gardner at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. A Peterbilt truck, tractor, and trailer was making a left turn from northbound Bellefontaine onto westbound Gardner. 

The truck was midway through its turn when the motorcycle struck the trailer. Both the motorcycle and the operator traveled underneath the trailer and the motorcyclist was then run over by the trailers rear tires. 

The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene. This is fatality #31 compared to #47 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Kansas City, Missouri.A preliminary investigation revealed that a Harley Davidson Motorcycle was eastbound on Gardner at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. A Peterbilt truck, tractor, and trailer was making a left turn from northbound Bellefontaine onto westbound Gardner. The truck was midway through its turn when the motorcycle struck the trailer. Both the motorcycle and the operator traveled underneath the trailer and the motorcyclist was then run over by the trailers rear tires. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene. This is fatality #31 compared to #47 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

KCPD: Motorcyclist strikes semi trailer and is run over 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Staff at the state’s utility regulatory agency disagree with Evergy’s proposed rate increase that includes a 15% hike to residential electric rates.&nbsp;

Evergy customers can share their opinions at public hearings that start this week.

The Evergy division that serves about 735,000 customers in the eastern third of Kansas applied to the Kansas Corporation Commission in January asking for a $196.4 million annual rate increase. The KCC is the regulatory agency for the state’s utility industry.&nbsp;

The rate increase would raise bills about $13.05 per month for an average home. Schools would see an increase of 14.96%, while commercial and industrial businesses would increase nearly 12%, said James Zakoura, attorney for the Kansas Industrial Consumers Group.&nbsp;

He said this is a “much bigger” increase than usually seen in Evergy rate cases. The company had a five-year moratorium on rate case increases after Westar and Kansas City Power &amp; Light merged in 2018 to become Evergy. Its first rate case after the merger was in 2023, where a 7.5% increase was approved.&nbsp;

“You’re seeing an outsized request, and they have said that one of the big reasons for that outsized request is they want an increased return on equity to their shareholders,” Zakoura said.&nbsp;

As a regulated utility, return on equity to shareholders is set by the KCC. Zakoura said it is currently 9.4%.&nbsp;

“In our request, we have asked for an ROE of 10.5%, which aligns with the current level of investment risk,”&nbsp;said Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/underearning-spread-widens-for-gas-electric-utilities-in-roe-analysis" target="_blank">report by S&amp;P Global</a>&nbsp;showed the average authorized ROE for electric utilities was 9.68% in rate cases decided in the first half of 2024, which increased from the 9.6% average in 2023.&nbsp;

“I recommend an allowed ROE of 9.70% for EKC’s revenue requirement,” said Adam Gatewood, KCC financial analyst, in testimony filed Friday. “If the Commission sets the ROE at a different point, my analysis supports staying within the range of 9.30% to 9.95%.”

Penzig said Evergy Kansas Central customer rates increased 7.2% since 2017.&nbsp;

“Over the past seven years, our residential rates for Evergy Kansas Central have increased about 1% per year, a rate that is half the average of neighboring states and a third of inflation,” she said.&nbsp;

Penzig said residential rates in neighboring states have increased by about 18% since 2017. Despite few rate increases, caused in part by the five-year moratorium, Kansas energy rates still are higher than four surrounding states,&nbsp;<a href="https://poweroutage.us/electricity-rates" target="_blank">according to PowerOutage.com</a>.&nbsp;

Rate comparisons, based on the average amount per kilowatt of electricity as of June 2025, show Kansas is $14.30, compared to Nebraska, $11.82; Oklahoma, $12.31; Missouri, $12.93; and Colorado, $15.20.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Penzig said rate cases are filed to recover money that’s already spent.&nbsp;

“In this case, we are asking to recover nearly $1 billion that has been invested in infrastructure to serve our Evergy Kansas Central customers since 2023,” she said.

Those investments include updating grid components, maintenance projects at power plants, adding electronic sensors to prevent and shorten outages, and more, she said.&nbsp;

On Monday, Andria Jackson, KCC financial analyst, filed testimony that said her calculations showed Evergy should receive a $122 million annual rate increase.&nbsp;

She said the primary drivers behind the rate increase are $91 million spent on infrastructure, $43 million in meeting actual costs of expenses that had been incurred, called a true-up, and $44 million in other adjustments.&nbsp;

Zakoura is concerned about how rate increases will affect Kansas businesses.

“Many of the commercial businesses operating in the state, will simply look at the cost structure in Kansas, and if the cost structure — including electric rates — is not competitive, they will either slow or reduce Kansas operations, or move production to other states that have better cost structures,” Zakoura said.&nbsp;

KCC will issue a written order on the rate increase by Sept. 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749576856748.jpeg" alt=" The Kansas Corporation Commission will make a decision by Sept. 29 regarding Evergy’s request for a rate hike. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> The Kansas Corporation Commission will make a decision by Sept. 29 regarding Evergy’s request for a rate hike. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Staff at the state’s utility regulatory agency disagree with Evergy’s proposed rate increase that includes a 15% hike to residential electric rates.&nbsp;Evergy customers can share their opinions at public hearings that start this week.The Evergy division that serves about 735,000 customers in the eastern third of Kansas applied to the Kansas Corporation Commission in January asking for a $196.4 million annual rate increase. The KCC is the regulatory agency for the state’s utility industry.&nbsp;The rate increase would raise bills about $13.05 per month for an average home. Schools would see an increase of 14.96%, while commercial and industrial businesses would increase nearly 12%, said James Zakoura, attorney for the Kansas Industrial Consumers Group.&nbsp;He said this is a “much bigger” increase than usually seen in Evergy rate cases. The company had a five-year moratorium on rate case increases after Westar and Kansas City Power &amp; Light merged in 2018 to become Evergy. Its first rate case after the merger was in 2023, where a 7.5% increase was approved.&nbsp;“You’re seeing an outsized request, and they have said that one of the big reasons for that outsized request is they want an increased return on equity to their shareholders,” Zakoura said.&nbsp;<h2>Investor returns</h2>As a regulated utility, return on equity to shareholders is set by the KCC. Zakoura said it is currently 9.4%.&nbsp;“In our request, we have asked for an ROE of 10.5%, which aligns with the current level of investment risk,”&nbsp;said Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/underearning-spread-widens-for-gas-electric-utilities-in-roe-analysis" target="_blank">report by S&amp;P Global</a>&nbsp;showed the average authorized ROE for electric utilities was 9.68% in rate cases decided in the first half of 2024, which increased from the 9.6% average in 2023.&nbsp;“I recommend an allowed ROE of 9.70% for EKC’s revenue requirement,” said Adam Gatewood, KCC financial analyst, in testimony filed Friday. “If the Commission sets the ROE at a different point, my analysis supports staying within the range of 9.30% to 9.95%.”<h2>Rate increases</h2>Penzig said Evergy Kansas Central customer rates increased 7.2% since 2017.&nbsp;“Over the past seven years, our residential rates for Evergy Kansas Central have increased about 1% per year, a rate that is half the average of neighboring states and a third of inflation,” she said.&nbsp;Penzig said residential rates in neighboring states have increased by about 18% since 2017. Despite few rate increases, caused in part by the five-year moratorium, Kansas energy rates still are higher than four surrounding states,&nbsp;<a href="https://poweroutage.us/electricity-rates" target="_blank">according to PowerOutage.com</a>.&nbsp;Rate comparisons, based on the average amount per kilowatt of electricity as of June 2025, show Kansas is $14.30, compared to Nebraska, $11.82; Oklahoma, $12.31; Missouri, $12.93; and Colorado, $15.20.&nbsp;&nbsp;Penzig said rate cases are filed to recover money that’s already spent.&nbsp;“In this case, we are asking to recover nearly $1 billion that has been invested in infrastructure to serve our Evergy Kansas Central customers since 2023,” she said.Those investments include updating grid components, maintenance projects at power plants, adding electronic sensors to prevent and shorten outages, and more, she said.&nbsp;<h2>KCC recommendation</h2>On Monday, Andria Jackson, KCC financial analyst, filed testimony that said her calculations showed Evergy should receive a $122 million annual rate increase.&nbsp;She said the primary drivers behind the rate increase are $91 million spent on infrastructure, $43 million in meeting actual costs of expenses that had been incurred, called a true-up, and $44 million in other adjustments.&nbsp;Zakoura is concerned about how rate increases will affect Kansas businesses.“Many of the commercial businesses operating in the state, will simply look at the cost structure in Kansas, and if the cost structure — including electric rates — is not competitive, they will either slow or reduce Kansas operations, or move production to other states that have better cost structures,” Zakoura said.&nbsp;KCC will issue a written order on the rate increase by Sept. 29.<ul>
 <li>6 p.m. Wednesday, Wichita State University, Lowe Auditorium Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th St. North Wichita,&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BLx44JqOQDGJ82aCyCA2pw?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">Register to attend via Zoom by noon Tuesday</a>.</li><li>6 p.m. June 16, Washburn Institute of Technology, 5724 S.W. Huntoon St., Topeka.&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/U_KEVogXSYu2AlEBK5NALw?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">Register to attend via Zoom by June 15</a>.</li><li>Written comments may be submitted to KCC until 5 p.m. July 14. Comments may be submitted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcc.ks.gov/your-opinion-matters?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">online</a>, by mail or by calling (800) 662-0027.</li>
 </ul>

Kansas agency staff recommend lower Evergy rate increase ahead of public hearings

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The alleged driver in a crash that killed a man in March is facing felony charges. On June 3, police booked Tony Epps, 29, into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of second-degree murder and driving with a suspended license, according to Sedgwick County booking records.

The two-vehicle crash occurred near the intersecion of&nbsp;Maple and Osage, according to Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp; First responders arrived at the crash scene and began rendering life saving measures to a 72-year-old man, later identified as&nbsp;Rockney G. Lindemann.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

EMS transported Epps to an area hospital with serious injuries.&nbsp;

The Wichita Police Department Critical Accident Team and Accident Follow-up Investigators responded to the scene.&nbsp; Just after he was booked into jail, Epps met the requirement for bond and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749499881934.png" alt="Epps-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Epps-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The alleged driver in a crash that killed a man in March is facing felony charges. On June 3, police booked Tony Epps, 29, into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of second-degree murder and driving with a suspended license, according to Sedgwick County booking records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741614690970.png" alt="View of the crash scene photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The two-vehicle crash occurred near the intersecion of&nbsp;Maple and Osage, according to Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp; First responders arrived at the crash scene and began rendering life saving measures to a 72-year-old man, later identified as&nbsp;Rockney G. Lindemann.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Epps to an area hospital with serious injuries.&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department Critical Accident Team and Accident Follow-up Investigators responded to the scene.&nbsp; Just after he was booked into jail, Epps met the requirement for bond and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.--------

Driver in fatal Kansas crash accused of murder

President Donald Trump is defending his decision to send Another 2,000 National Guard troops along with 700 Marines to Los Angeles,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-california-immigration-customs-enforcement-newsom-0482a8935419d88986b890b18db5cc03">escalating a military presence local officials</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/insurrection-act-trump-troops-newsom-military-national-guard-a842f79e1c0e244039be274a6f266a7a">Gov. Gavin Newsom don’t want</a>&nbsp;and the police chief says creates logistical challenges for safely handling protests.

Additional protests against immigration raids are expected to continue in other cities Tuesday.

Speaker Johnson defends Trump on LA protests

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Donald Trump’s handling of protests in Los Angeles and echoed the president’s attacks on Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“That’s not my lane,” Johnson said in response to a question about whether Newsom should face legal consequences such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-gavin-newsom-immigration-protests-a8269425e604f6f03affdc627a2a5721">arrest</a>.

Johnson, speaking at a news conference at the RNC on Tuesday, continued that Newsom should be “tarred and feathered”-- eliciting chuckles from members of House Republican leadership at the press conference -- for “standing in the way of the administration and the carrying out of federal law.”

Thune says ‘federal response’ necessary to protests in Los Angeles

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said Tuesday there were “clear failures on the part of state and local officials” in response to protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles and a “federal response” was necessary.

President Trump has sent thousands of National Guard troops and 700 active duty Marines to quell the protests despite the objections of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and local leaders.

“I don’t know exactly the authorities that they are using,” Thune said, referring to the Marine deployment. “But obviously, there was a security situation out there that needed to be addressed. And I think ultimately the president’s objective is to keep people safe.”

Head of Marine Corps says battalion is in LA, ready to respond but has not engaged

The commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, said the battalion deployed to Los Angeles is already there and ready to follow the orders from the U.S. Northern Command, but clarified they have not yet been called to respond.

Smith testified at a budget hearing before senators that those Marines are trained for crowd control, and they would have shields and batons as their equipment. He said they have no arrest authority, and are only there to protect federal property and federal personnel.

When asked by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumental, a Connecticut Democrat, about the danger that Marines would use lethal force that could result in injuries and deaths, Smith said he had faith in them.

“I am not concerned. I have great faith in my Marines and their junior leaders and their more senior leaders to execute the lawful tasks that they are given.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749569886260.png" alt="Image of Los Angeles riots -Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Image of Los Angeles riots -Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump is defending his decision to send Another 2,000 National Guard troops along with 700 Marines to Los Angeles,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-california-immigration-customs-enforcement-newsom-0482a8935419d88986b890b18db5cc03">escalating a military presence local officials</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/insurrection-act-trump-troops-newsom-military-national-guard-a842f79e1c0e244039be274a6f266a7a">Gov. Gavin Newsom don’t want</a>&nbsp;and the police chief says creates logistical challenges for safely handling protests.Additional protests against immigration raids are expected to continue in other cities Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749569928458.png" alt="Image -Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Image -Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest:<h2>Speaker Johnson defends Trump on LA protests</h2>House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Donald Trump’s handling of protests in Los Angeles and echoed the president’s attacks on Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Do you believe that Newsom should face consequences in a legal way?&quot; .<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a>: &quot;That&#39;s not my lane. I&#39;m not going to give you legal analysis on whether Gavin Newsom should be arrested but he ought to be tarred and feathered, I&#39;ll say that.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/7C50t1rrE6">pic.twitter.com/7C50t1rrE6</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1932448738674389351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“That’s not my lane,” Johnson said in response to a question about whether Newsom should face legal consequences such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-gavin-newsom-immigration-protests-a8269425e604f6f03affdc627a2a5721">arrest</a>.Johnson, speaking at a news conference at the RNC on Tuesday, continued that Newsom should be “tarred and feathered”-- eliciting chuckles from members of House Republican leadership at the press conference -- for “standing in the way of the administration and the carrying out of federal law.”<h2>Thune says ‘federal response’ necessary to protests in Los Angeles</h2>Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said Tuesday there were “clear failures on the part of state and local officials” in response to protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles and a “federal response” was necessary.President Trump has sent thousands of National Guard troops and 700 active duty Marines to quell the protests despite the objections of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and local leaders.“I don’t know exactly the authorities that they are using,” Thune said, referring to the Marine deployment. “But obviously, there was a security situation out there that needed to be addressed. And I think ultimately the president’s objective is to keep people safe.”<h2>Head of Marine Corps says battalion is in LA, ready to respond but has not engaged</h2>The commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, said the battalion deployed to Los Angeles is already there and ready to follow the orders from the U.S. Northern Command, but clarified they have not yet been called to respond.Smith testified at a budget hearing before senators that those Marines are trained for crowd control, and they would have shields and batons as their equipment. He said they have no arrest authority, and are only there to protect federal property and federal personnel.When asked by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumental, a Connecticut Democrat, about the danger that Marines would use lethal force that could result in injuries and deaths, Smith said he had faith in them.“I am not concerned. I have great faith in my Marines and their junior leaders and their more senior leaders to execute the lawful tasks that they are given.”

🎥House Speaker: California governor should be “tarred and feathered”

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating the report of a Shiatsu&nbsp;which a family reported was missing from a home in the 1600 Block of Beverly in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The reporting party told police they had a delivery of food through Door Dash on June 7, and a surveillance camera shows the delivery person picking up the dog, but it does not show the person taking the dog.

 Officers have contacted Door Dash and are waiting for a response on the identity of the driver so police can interview them.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749564300658.png" alt="Security camera image courtesy Jesus Montoya via KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image courtesy Jesus Montoya via KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating the report of a Shiatsu&nbsp;which a family reported was missing from a home in the 1600 Block of Beverly in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.&nbsp;&nbsp;The reporting party told police they had a delivery of food through Door Dash on June 7, and a surveillance camera shows the delivery person picking up the dog, but it does not show the person taking the dog. Officers have contacted Door Dash and are waiting for a response on the identity of the driver so police can interview them.&nbsp;

Police investigate if delivery driver took dog from Kan. home

Washington&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall helped introduce the&nbsp;Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act, which would&nbsp;codify some of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE)&nbsp;cost-saving&nbsp;actions, according to a media release from his office.

To date, DOGE has eliminated more than $180 billion in federal spending. That means more than $1,118 in savings for each Kansas taxpayer.

Specifically, it would require&nbsp;the Department of the Treasury to have a description&nbsp;of the payment,&nbsp;link it to a budget account, and cross-check the payment against government databases to ensure accuracy and eligibility. In addition, every expenditure will be made public on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://usaspending.gov/">USAspending.gov</a>&nbsp;website, with annual updates for ongoing transactions.

“Kansans expect their government to be accountable and responsible when it comes to spending Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;DOGE in Spending Act&nbsp;will help bring discipline to Washington by making sure federal payments are verified and traceable before going out the door. I’m proud to support this effort to fight waste, fraud, and abuse.”

“Requiring the government to answer basic questions before spending tax dollars will save billions over the next decade,”&nbsp;said Senator Ernst.&nbsp;“Enacting safeguards to spending have been one of the Trump administration’s and DOGE’s greatest triumphs,&nbsp;and I am determined to codify it and make it permanent. At $36 trillion in debt, the cost of inaction is too high, and I will continue to lead the fight in Washington to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.”&nbsp;

“For too long, improper and fraudulent payments have drained resources and undermined trust in government spending,”&nbsp;said Congressman Bean.&nbsp;“The American people deserve responsible stewardship of their tax dollars, and this bill delivers exactly that. By ensuring federal payments are accurate, transparent, and verifiable, we are eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. This legislation takes the first critical step toward codifying DOGE efforts into law – bringing real oversight and integrity to the way taxpayer dollars are managed.”&nbsp;

The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Steve Daines (R-Montana), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

“With America $36 trillion in debt, we cannot afford a system with no accountability over where billions in taxpayer dollars are going,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Lummis.&nbsp;“We are buried in red ink, but thanks to President Trump’s historic push to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, we now have a path forward. I am proud to join Senator Ernst in making critical cost-saving reforms permanent.”

“For decades, Washington bureaucrats have burned through hard-earned taxpayer dollars without a concern or care for how those dollars are spent,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Mullin.&nbsp;“Oklahomans elected President Trump to&nbsp;streamline government efficiency, and we’re working with the administration to secure major savings for the American people. As one of the first steps in codifying the DOGE cuts, this bill will ensure accountability and restore sanity to how we do things in Washington. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort.”

“The federal government must be held accountable for every tax dollar spent,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Lee.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;DOGE In Spending Act&nbsp;will codify part of President Trump’s fiscal plan by ensuring payments are properly reported and tracked. Increasing transparency, cutting waste, and preventing fraud are what hardworking American families deserve.”

“From the moment he took office, President Trump laid out a clear agenda: eliminate waste, reduce unnecessary spending, and restore fiscal sanity to Washington,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Cramer.&nbsp;“The Department of Government Efficiency has delivered – cutting through layers of bureaucracy. This agency has taken a scalpel to the federal government, slashing misspending, and eliminating fraudulent and improper payments. By codifying DOGE’s best practices, we safeguard the taxpayer dollars of North Dakotans and Americans across the country.”

“With Washington D.C.’s long history of out-of-control spending and a growing national deficit, we need to identify every opportunity to cut waste, fraud, and abuse,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Britt.&nbsp;“This legislation codifies a key element of President Trump’s DOGE agenda by creating a mechanism to ensure every dollar across our government agencies is accounted for. I’m proud to be a cosponsor to help to prevent billions in improper payments and provide transparency to the American taxpayer.”

“The American people sent a clear message by electing President Trump,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Grassley.&nbsp;“They’re fed up with the wasteful spending and bloated bureaucracy. Since my first term in the Senate, I’ve worked to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and I’m glad to support this legislation to boost transparency, strengthen internal controls, and improve the stewardship of taxpayers’ hard-earned money.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738614192317.png" alt="Doge Logo" />
 <figcaption>Doge Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall helped introduce the&nbsp;Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act, which would&nbsp;codify some of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE)&nbsp;cost-saving&nbsp;actions, according to a media release from his office.To date, DOGE has eliminated more than $180 billion in federal spending. That means more than $1,118 in savings for each Kansas taxpayer.Specifically, it would require&nbsp;the Department of the Treasury to have a description&nbsp;of the payment,&nbsp;link it to a budget account, and cross-check the payment against government databases to ensure accuracy and eligibility. In addition, every expenditure will be made public on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://usaspending.gov/">USAspending.gov</a>&nbsp;website, with annual updates for ongoing transactions.“Kansans expect their government to be accountable and responsible when it comes to spending Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;DOGE in Spending Act&nbsp;will help bring discipline to Washington by making sure federal payments are verified and traceable before going out the door. I’m proud to support this effort to fight waste, fraud, and abuse.”“Requiring the government to answer basic questions before spending tax dollars will save billions over the next decade,”&nbsp;said Senator Ernst.&nbsp;“Enacting safeguards to spending have been one of the Trump administration’s and DOGE’s greatest triumphs,&nbsp;and I am determined to codify it and make it permanent. At $36 trillion in debt, the cost of inaction is too high, and I will continue to lead the fight in Washington to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.”&nbsp;“For too long, improper and fraudulent payments have drained resources and undermined trust in government spending,”&nbsp;said Congressman Bean.&nbsp;“The American people deserve responsible stewardship of their tax dollars, and this bill delivers exactly that. By ensuring federal payments are accurate, transparent, and verifiable, we are eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. This legislation takes the first critical step toward codifying DOGE efforts into law – bringing real oversight and integrity to the way taxpayer dollars are managed.”&nbsp;The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Steve Daines (R-Montana), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).“With America $36 trillion in debt, we cannot afford a system with no accountability over where billions in taxpayer dollars are going,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Lummis.&nbsp;“We are buried in red ink, but thanks to President Trump’s historic push to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, we now have a path forward. I am proud to join Senator Ernst in making critical cost-saving reforms permanent.”“For decades, Washington bureaucrats have burned through hard-earned taxpayer dollars without a concern or care for how those dollars are spent,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Mullin.&nbsp;“Oklahomans elected President Trump to&nbsp;streamline government efficiency, and we’re working with the administration to secure major savings for the American people. As one of the first steps in codifying the DOGE cuts, this bill will ensure accountability and restore sanity to how we do things in Washington. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort.”“The federal government must be held accountable for every tax dollar spent,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Lee.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;DOGE In Spending Act&nbsp;will codify part of President Trump’s fiscal plan by ensuring payments are properly reported and tracked. Increasing transparency, cutting waste, and preventing fraud are what hardworking American families deserve.”“From the moment he took office, President Trump laid out a clear agenda: eliminate waste, reduce unnecessary spending, and restore fiscal sanity to Washington,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Cramer.&nbsp;“The Department of Government Efficiency has delivered – cutting through layers of bureaucracy. This agency has taken a scalpel to the federal government, slashing misspending, and eliminating fraudulent and improper payments. By codifying DOGE’s best practices, we safeguard the taxpayer dollars of North Dakotans and Americans across the country.”“With Washington D.C.’s long history of out-of-control spending and a growing national deficit, we need to identify every opportunity to cut waste, fraud, and abuse,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Britt.&nbsp;“This legislation codifies a key element of President Trump’s DOGE agenda by creating a mechanism to ensure every dollar across our government agencies is accounted for. I’m proud to be a cosponsor to help to prevent billions in improper payments and provide transparency to the American taxpayer.”“The American people sent a clear message by electing President Trump,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator Grassley.&nbsp;“They’re fed up with the wasteful spending and bloated bureaucracy. Since my first term in the Senate, I’ve worked to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and I’m glad to support this legislation to boost transparency, strengthen internal controls, and improve the stewardship of taxpayers’ hard-earned money.”&nbsp;

Kan. U.S. Senator helps introduce legislation codifying DOGE cuts 

DETROIT&nbsp;–&nbsp; Chengxuan HAN, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with smuggling goods into the United States and false statements, according to the United States Attorney's office.

According to the complaint, Han&nbsp;is a citizen of the People's Republic of China who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from the College of Life Science and Technology in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, China.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41b4141-755c-4cb2-b6ad-bfc1965400c7">2 charged last week</a>&nbsp;over conspiring to smuggle toxic fungus into U.S.

 In 2024 and 2025, Han sent four packages to the United States from the China containing concealed biological material. These packages were addressed to individuals associated with a laboratory at the University of Michigan. On June 8, 2025, Han arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a J1 visa. Customs and Border Protection officers conducted an inspection of Han, during which Han made false statements about the packages and the biological materials she had previously shipped to the United States.

 CBP officers also found that the content of Han’s electronic device had been deleted three days prior to her arrival in the United States. At the conclusion of the border inspection, Han was interviewed by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and ICE HSI. During this interview, Han admitted to sending the packages, admitted that the packages contained biological material related to round worms, and admitted to making false statements to the CBP officers during her inspection.

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.

United States Attorney Gorgon stated: “The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this alien from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China—to be used at a University of Michigan laboratory—is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security. The American taxpayer should not be underwriting a PRC-based smuggling operation at one of our crucial public institutions.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

“The FBI has zero tolerance for those who violate federal law and remains unwavering in our mission to protect the American people,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The alleged smuggling of biological materials by Chengxuan Han is a direct threat to public safety and national security, and it severely compromises the integrity of our nation’s research institutions. I applaud the relentless efforts of the FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force, working in close coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations and ICE Homeland Security Investigations Detroit. The FBI in Michigan will aggressively pursue anyone who seeks to harm our country and will deploy every available resource to defend the United States and protect our communities.”

“The guidelines for importing biological materials into the U.S. for research purposes are stringent, but clear, and actions like this undermine the legitimate work of other visiting scholars,” said CBP Acting Director of Field Operations John Nowak. “We will not tolerate the smuggling of regulated biological materials through our ports of entry, and this interdiction is another recent example of our commitment—along with that of our law enforcement partners—to preventing potentially dangerous goods from harming the American people.”

“ICE HSI is proud to work with our partners at the FBI and CBP to keep Americans and Michiganders safe from biological threats,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This case should serve as a reminder that multiple law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to provide for our shared national security from malicious foreign actors.”

The FBI, CBP and ICE HSI are investigating this case.

DETROIT&nbsp;–&nbsp; Chengxuan HAN, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with smuggling goods into the United States and false statements, according to the United States Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749510967150.png" alt="Photo of Petri Dishes where prosecutors say biological materials were kept&nbsp;from the Criminal Complaint filed against Chengxuan - by FBI Detroit, US Attorney's Office - Eastern District of Michigan" />
 <figcaption>Photo of Petri Dishes where prosecutors say biological materials were kept&nbsp;from the Criminal Complaint filed against Chengxuan - by FBI Detroit, US Attorney's Office - Eastern District of Michigan</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the complaint, Han&nbsp;is a citizen of the People's Republic of China who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from the College of Life Science and Technology in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, China.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yesterday, <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDetroit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBIDetroit</a> arrested a second Chinese national on charges of smuggling biological materials into the U.S. and lying to federal agents. This individual is Chengxuan Han, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China and a Ph.D. student in Wuhan, China. Han is the third… <a href="https://t.co/TE4tJgtJQi">pic.twitter.com/TE4tJgtJQi</a>&mdash; FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1932214047300079655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41b4141-755c-4cb2-b6ad-bfc1965400c7">2 charged last week</a>&nbsp;over conspiring to smuggle toxic fungus into U.S. In 2024 and 2025, Han sent four packages to the United States from the China containing concealed biological material. These packages were addressed to individuals associated with a laboratory at the University of Michigan. On June 8, 2025, Han arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a J1 visa. Customs and Border Protection officers conducted an inspection of Han, during which Han made false statements about the packages and the biological materials she had previously shipped to the United States. CBP officers also found that the content of Han’s electronic device had been deleted three days prior to her arrival in the United States. At the conclusion of the border inspection, Han was interviewed by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and ICE HSI. During this interview, Han admitted to sending the packages, admitted that the packages contained biological material related to round worms, and admitted to making false statements to the CBP officers during her inspection.A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.United States Attorney Gorgon stated: “The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this alien from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China—to be used at a University of Michigan laboratory—is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security. The American taxpayer should not be underwriting a PRC-based smuggling operation at one of our crucial public institutions.”&nbsp; &nbsp;“The FBI has zero tolerance for those who violate federal law and remains unwavering in our mission to protect the American people,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The alleged smuggling of biological materials by Chengxuan Han is a direct threat to public safety and national security, and it severely compromises the integrity of our nation’s research institutions. I applaud the relentless efforts of the FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force, working in close coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations and ICE Homeland Security Investigations Detroit. The FBI in Michigan will aggressively pursue anyone who seeks to harm our country and will deploy every available resource to defend the United States and protect our communities.”“The guidelines for importing biological materials into the U.S. for research purposes are stringent, but clear, and actions like this undermine the legitimate work of other visiting scholars,” said CBP Acting Director of Field Operations John Nowak. “We will not tolerate the smuggling of regulated biological materials through our ports of entry, and this interdiction is another recent example of our commitment—along with that of our law enforcement partners—to preventing potentially dangerous goods from harming the American people.”“ICE HSI is proud to work with our partners at the FBI and CBP to keep Americans and Michiganders safe from biological threats,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This case should serve as a reminder that multiple law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to provide for our shared national security from malicious foreign actors.”The FBI, CBP and ICE HSI are investigating this case.

Alien from Wuhan, China charged with smuggling bio materials into U.S. 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police reported an amazing statistic on Monday.&nbsp; According to a social media report from police, 118 guns have been stolen from Wichita vehicles so far in 2025 vs. 2024 year to date. 


 That’s a 15.7% increase.
Gun thefts lead to gun violence.
Be responsible.
Remove your firearm from your vehicle. Secure your firearm. Every time.&nbsp;Never leave your firearm in your vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749520017112.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police reported an amazing statistic on Monday.&nbsp; According to a social media report from police, 118 guns have been stolen from Wichita vehicles so far in 2025 vs. 2024 year to date. 
 That’s a 15.7% increase.
Gun thefts lead to gun violence.
Be responsible.
Remove your firearm from your vehicle. Secure your firearm. Every time.&nbsp;Never leave your firearm in your vehicle.

Wichita Police: Dramatic increase in guns stolen from vehicles in 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) —Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday removed every member of a scientific committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to use vaccines and pledged to replace them with his own picks.

Major physicians and public health groups criticized the move to oust all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Kennedy, who was one of the nation’s leading anti-vaccine activists before becoming the nation’s top health official, has not said who he would appoint to the panel, but said it would convene in just two weeks in Atlanta.

Although it’s typically not viewed as a partisan board, the entire current roster of committee members were Biden appointees.

“Without removing the current members, the current Trump administration would not have been able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028,” Kennedy wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-jr-hhs-moves-to-restore-public-trust-in-vaccines-45495112">a Wall Street Journal opinion piece</a>. “A clean sweep is needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science."

When reached by phone, the panel's now-former chair — Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University — declined to comment. But another panel member, Noel Brewer at the University of North Carolina, said he and other committee members received an email late Monday afternoon that said their services on the committee had been terminated but gave no reason.

“I'd assumed I'd continue serving on the committee for my full term,” said Brewer, who joined the panel last summer.

Brewer is a behavioral scientist whose research examines why people get vaccinated and ways to improve vaccination coverage. Whether people get vaccinated is largely influenced by what their doctors recommend, and doctors have been following ACIP guidance.

“Up until today, ACIP recommendations were the gold standard for what insurers should pay for, what providers should recommend, and what the public should look to," he said.

But Kennedy already took the unusual step of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-cdc-kennedy-fd6ab0c7303a4a1698b319885a02ef54">changing COVID-19 recommendations</a>&nbsp;without first consulting the committee — a move criticized by doctors' groups and public health advocates.

“It's unclear what the future holds," Brewer said. “Certainly provider organizations have already started to turn away from ACIP.”

Kennedy said the committee members had too many conflicts of interest. Currently, committee members are required to declare any potential such conflicts, as well as business interests, that arise during their tenure. They also must disclose any possible conflicts at the start of each public meeting.

But Dr. Tom Frieden, president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Kennedy's actions were based on false conflict-of-interest claims and set “a dangerous and unprecedented action that makes our families less safe” by potentially reducing vaccine access for millions of people.

“Make no mistake: Politicizing the ACIP as Secretary Kennedy is doing will undermine public trust under the guise of improving it,” he said in a statement. “We’ll look back at this as a grave mistake that sacrificed decades of scientific rigor, undermined public trust, and opened the door for fringe theories rather than facts.”

Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, called Kennedy's mass ouster "a coup.”

“It’s not how democracies work. It’s not good for the health of the nation,” Benjamin told The Associated Press.

Benjamin said the move raises real concerns about whether future committee members will be viewed as impartial. He added that Kennedy is going against what he told lawmakers and the public, and the public health association plans to watch Kennedy “like a hawk."

“He is breaking a promise,” Benjamin said. “He said he wasn’t going to do this."

Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, called the committee a trusted source of science- and data-driven advice and said Kennedy’s move, coupled with declining vaccination rates across the country, will help drive an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases.

“Today’s action to remove the 17 sitting members of ACIP undermines that trust and upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives,” Scott said in a statement.

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a doctor who had expressed reservations about Kennedy’s nomination but voted to install him as the nation’s health secretary nonetheless, said he had spoken with Kennedy moments after the announcement.

“Of course, now the fear is that the ACIP will be filled up with people who know nothing about vaccines except suspicion,” Cassidy said in a social media post. “I’ve just spoken with Secretary Kennedy, and I’ll continue to talk with him to ensure this is not the case.”

The committee had been in a state of flux since Kennedy took over. Its first meeting this year had been delayed when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-cdc-rfk-trump-acip-74ad20e0a5430bfd6b48d35900c34d13">abruptly postponed</a>&nbsp;its February meeting.

During Kennedy’s confirmation, Cassidy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cassidy-kennedy-trump-health-secretary-e826bc40fddf90829f6438681c5d9275">had expressed concerns</a>&nbsp;about preserving the committee, saying he had sought assurances that Kennedy would keep the panel's current vaccine recommendations.

The webpage that featured the committee’s members was deleted Monday evening, shortly after Kennedy’s announcement.

Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Devi Shastri contributed.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday removed every member of a scientific committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to use vaccines and pledged to replace them with his own picks.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, we are taking a bold step in restoring public trust by totally reconstituting the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). A clean sweep is necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science. The entire world once looked to American health… <a href="https://t.co/hTo7xV4Pke">pic.twitter.com/hTo7xV4Pke</a>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1932192142748795114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Major physicians and public health groups criticized the move to oust all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.Kennedy, who was one of the nation’s leading anti-vaccine activists before becoming the nation’s top health official, has not said who he would appoint to the panel, but said it would convene in just two weeks in Atlanta.Although it’s typically not viewed as a partisan board, the entire current roster of committee members were Biden appointees.“Without removing the current members, the current Trump administration would not have been able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028,” Kennedy wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-jr-hhs-moves-to-restore-public-trust-in-vaccines-45495112">a Wall Street Journal opinion piece</a>. “A clean sweep is needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science."When reached by phone, the panel's now-former chair — Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University — declined to comment. But another panel member, Noel Brewer at the University of North Carolina, said he and other committee members received an email late Monday afternoon that said their services on the committee had been terminated but gave no reason.“I'd assumed I'd continue serving on the committee for my full term,” said Brewer, who joined the panel last summer.Brewer is a behavioral scientist whose research examines why people get vaccinated and ways to improve vaccination coverage. Whether people get vaccinated is largely influenced by what their doctors recommend, and doctors have been following ACIP guidance.“Up until today, ACIP recommendations were the gold standard for what insurers should pay for, what providers should recommend, and what the public should look to," he said.But Kennedy already took the unusual step of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-cdc-kennedy-fd6ab0c7303a4a1698b319885a02ef54">changing COVID-19 recommendations</a>&nbsp;without first consulting the committee — a move criticized by doctors' groups and public health advocates.“It's unclear what the future holds," Brewer said. “Certainly provider organizations have already started to turn away from ACIP.”Kennedy said the committee members had too many conflicts of interest. Currently, committee members are required to declare any potential such conflicts, as well as business interests, that arise during their tenure. They also must disclose any possible conflicts at the start of each public meeting.But Dr. Tom Frieden, president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Kennedy's actions were based on false conflict-of-interest claims and set “a dangerous and unprecedented action that makes our families less safe” by potentially reducing vaccine access for millions of people.“Make no mistake: Politicizing the ACIP as Secretary Kennedy is doing will undermine public trust under the guise of improving it,” he said in a statement. “We’ll look back at this as a grave mistake that sacrificed decades of scientific rigor, undermined public trust, and opened the door for fringe theories rather than facts.”Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, called Kennedy's mass ouster "a coup.”“It’s not how democracies work. It’s not good for the health of the nation,” Benjamin told The Associated Press.Benjamin said the move raises real concerns about whether future committee members will be viewed as impartial. He added that Kennedy is going against what he told lawmakers and the public, and the public health association plans to watch Kennedy “like a hawk."“He is breaking a promise,” Benjamin said. “He said he wasn’t going to do this."Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, called the committee a trusted source of science- and data-driven advice and said Kennedy’s move, coupled with declining vaccination rates across the country, will help drive an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases.“Today’s action to remove the 17 sitting members of ACIP undermines that trust and upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives,” Scott said in a statement.Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a doctor who had expressed reservations about Kennedy’s nomination but voted to install him as the nation’s health secretary nonetheless, said he had spoken with Kennedy moments after the announcement.“Of course, now the fear is that the ACIP will be filled up with people who know nothing about vaccines except suspicion,” Cassidy said in a social media post. “I’ve just spoken with Secretary Kennedy, and I’ll continue to talk with him to ensure this is not the case.”The committee had been in a state of flux since Kennedy took over. Its first meeting this year had been delayed when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-cdc-rfk-trump-acip-74ad20e0a5430bfd6b48d35900c34d13">abruptly postponed</a>&nbsp;its February meeting.During Kennedy’s confirmation, Cassidy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cassidy-kennedy-trump-health-secretary-e826bc40fddf90829f6438681c5d9275">had expressed concerns</a>&nbsp;about preserving the committee, saying he had sought assurances that Kennedy would keep the panel's current vaccine recommendations.The webpage that featured the committee’s members was deleted Monday evening, shortly after Kennedy’s announcement.__Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Devi Shastri contributed.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Why RFK Jr. ousted the entire CDC vaccine advisory committee

GEARY COUNTY - A six-year old girl drowned at Milford State Park on Monday.

Just before 5p.m. Geary County Sheriff's deputies&nbsp;responded to a call of a possible drowning at the park's swim beach by the Splashpad and South Boat Ramp. according to a media release.

EMS transported a six-year old girl to Stormont Vail Flint Hills campus, in Junction City where she was pronounced dead.&nbsp;

The incident is not believed to be criminal in nature.

Investigations Lt. Zachary, is requesting anyone who was present, may have witnessed the incident and/or may have any information to contact him at (785) 238-2261.

GEARY COUNTY - A six-year old girl drowned at Milford State Park on Monday.Just before 5p.m. Geary County Sheriff's deputies&nbsp;responded to a call of a possible drowning at the park's swim beach by the Splashpad and South Boat Ramp. according to a media release.EMS transported a six-year old girl to Stormont Vail Flint Hills campus, in Junction City where she was pronounced dead.&nbsp;The incident is not believed to be criminal in nature.Investigations Lt. Zachary, is requesting anyone who was present, may have witnessed the incident and/or may have any information to contact him at (785) 238-2261.