DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 473 staff are investigating an alleged threat at the middle school in Chapman.

On Wednesday, an officer with Chapman Police was notified of a potential harmful event that may occur at a later date at the Chapman Middle School, 624 Marshall Ave, Chapman, according to a social media report from the Chapman Police Department.

Chapman police immediately made contact with USD 473 staff and contacted the Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s Office and an investigation began immediately.

After the investigation, the officials feel that there is no credible threat. The investigation isn’t complete.  An official statement will be released on Friday.  Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 473 staff are investigating an alleged threat at the middle school in Chapman.On Wednesday, an officer with Chapman Police was notified of a potential harmful event that may occur at a later date at the Chapman Middle School, 624 Marshall Ave, Chapman, according to a social media report from the Chapman Police Department.Chapman police immediately made contact with USD 473 staff and contacted the Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s Office and an investigation began immediately.After the investigation, the officials feel that there is no credible threat. The investigation isn’t complete. An official statement will be released on Friday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police investigating alleged threat at Kansas middle school

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he’s naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting national security adviser to replace Mike Waltz, whom he is nominating for United Nations ambassador.

Trump announced the moves shortly after news broke that Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were departing the administration just weeks after it was revealed that Waltz added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans.

Trump said Rubio will continue to serve as secretary of state.

“I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first,” Trump wrote on social media.

“In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN.

WASHINGTON (AP) — White House national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">Mike Waltz</a>&nbsp;is leaving the administration just weeks after it was revealed he added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans, according to two people familiar with the matter Thursday, marking the first major staff shakeup of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Mike Walz statement during the Trump cabinet meeting Wednesday.

Waltz came under searing scrutiny in March after revelations that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-plans-hegseth-signal-chat-investigation-507d6c692d0cfdfe53e687c0801fd46b">added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private text chain</a>&nbsp;on the encrypted messaging app Signal, which was used to discuss planning for a sensitive March 15 military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen. A far-right ally of the president, Laura Loomer, has also targeted Waltz, telling Trump in a recent Oval Office conversation that he needs to purge aides who she believes are insufficiently loyal to the “Make America Great Again” agenda.

Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, is also expected to depart, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel move not yet made public. The National Security Council did not respond do a request for comment.

Waltz, who served in the House representing Florida for three terms before his elevation to the White House, is the most prominent senior administration official to depart since Trump returned to the White House. In his second term, the Republican president had been looking to avoid the tumult of his first four years in office, during which he cycled through four national security advisers, four White House chiefs of staff and two secretaries of state.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-pentagon-trump-30dc4c3d0e75a89f3fd883f38b26afff">The Signal chain</a>&nbsp;also showed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop. Waltz had previously taken “full responsibility” for building the message chain and administration officials described the episode as a “mistake” but one that caused Americans no harm. Waltz maintained that he was not sure how Goldberg ended up in the messaging chain, and insisted he did not know the journalist.

Trump and the White House — which insisted that no classified information was shared on the text chain — have stood by Waltz publicly throughout the episode. But the embattled national security adviser was also under siege from personalities such as Loomer, who had been complaining to administration officials that she had been excluded from the vetting process for National Security Council aides. In her view, Waltz relied too much on “neocons” — referring to hawkish neoconservatives within the Republican Party — as well as others who Loomer argued were “not-MAGA-enough” types.

Waltz was on television as late as Thursday morning, promoting the administration’s agreement with Kyiv that would allow the U.S. to access Ukraine’s critical minerals and other natural resources. As reports began to circulate that Waltz could be leaving the administration, Loomer appeared to take credit in a post on the social media site X, writing: “SCALP.”

“Hopefully, the rest of the people who were set to be fired but were given promotions at the NSC under Waltz also depart,” Loomer wrote in another post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746122307583.png" alt="Mike Waltz leaving the White House grounds on Thursday- image from CSPAN video" />
 <figcaption>Mike Waltz leaving the White House grounds on Thursday- image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he’s naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting national security adviser to replace Mike Waltz, whom he is nominating for United Nations ambassador.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737910487415.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran during a meeting with Waltz before his confirmation hearing- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran during a meeting with Waltz before his confirmation hearing- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump announced the moves shortly after news broke that Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were departing the administration just weeks after it was revealed that Waltz added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans.Trump said Rubio will continue to serve as secretary of state.“I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first,” Trump wrote on social media.“In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — White House national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">Mike Waltz</a>&nbsp;is leaving the administration just weeks after it was revealed he added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans, according to two people familiar with the matter Thursday, marking the first major staff shakeup of President Donald Trump’s second term.Mike Walz statement during the Trump cabinet meeting Wednesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Cabinet meet yest: WALTZ: &quot;Total lack of zero leadership under Biden. We&#39;ve had 100 days of your leadership with respect, with strength...Pulling this great team together Mr. President...It&#39;s an honor to serve you in this administration&quot; TRUMP: &quot;...Thank you very much, Michael&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JovGXc9wV3">pic.twitter.com/JovGXc9wV3</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1917981092545454561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Waltz came under searing scrutiny in March after revelations that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-plans-hegseth-signal-chat-investigation-507d6c692d0cfdfe53e687c0801fd46b">added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private text chain</a>&nbsp;on the encrypted messaging app Signal, which was used to discuss planning for a sensitive March 15 military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen. A far-right ally of the president, Laura Loomer, has also targeted Waltz, telling Trump in a recent Oval Office conversation that he needs to purge aides who she believes are insufficiently loyal to the “Make America Great Again” agenda.Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, is also expected to depart, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel move not yet made public. The National Security Council did not respond do a request for comment.Waltz, who served in the House representing Florida for three terms before his elevation to the White House, is the most prominent senior administration official to depart since Trump returned to the White House. In his second term, the Republican president had been looking to avoid the tumult of his first four years in office, during which he cycled through four national security advisers, four White House chiefs of staff and two secretaries of state.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-pentagon-trump-30dc4c3d0e75a89f3fd883f38b26afff">The Signal chain</a>&nbsp;also showed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop. Waltz had previously taken “full responsibility” for building the message chain and administration officials described the episode as a “mistake” but one that caused Americans no harm. Waltz maintained that he was not sure how Goldberg ended up in the messaging chain, and insisted he did not know the journalist.Trump and the White House — which insisted that no classified information was shared on the text chain — have stood by Waltz publicly throughout the episode. But the embattled national security adviser was also under siege from personalities such as Loomer, who had been complaining to administration officials that she had been excluded from the vetting process for National Security Council aides. In her view, Waltz relied too much on “neocons” — referring to hawkish neoconservatives within the Republican Party — as well as others who Loomer argued were “not-MAGA-enough” types.Waltz was on television as late as Thursday morning, promoting the administration’s agreement with Kyiv that would allow the U.S. to access Ukraine’s critical minerals and other natural resources. As reports began to circulate that Waltz could be leaving the administration, Loomer appeared to take credit in a post on the social media site X, writing: “SCALP.”“Hopefully, the rest of the people who were set to be fired but were given promotions at the NSC under Waltz also depart,” Loomer wrote in another post.

Staff shakeup: Waltz will move from National Security Adviser to UN envoy

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Property abatements for two former motel properties in Hays will be heard by the Hays City Commission this afternoon.&nbsp;

If an abatement is ultimately approved by commissioners, and if the owner does not take action to remedy the issues, the city will hire a contractor to demolish the structure, and all costs of abatement will be charged to the property owner.

The Rodeway Inn Motel, 3404 Vine St., is owned by HKHR Hospitality Inc. and was <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e02e23b-0f72-40cb-9cb4-862afda92c4c">shut down by the Kansas Fire Marshal</a> last year for significant structural damage.&nbsp; On Oct. 5, 2024, the fire marshal was notified by the owner that the motel was closed.&nbsp;

Also under consideration for property abatement is the former Budget Host Inn, 810 E. Eighth St., owned by Mark Ottley. 

In 2019, Ottley remodeled two of the closed motel buildings into apartments. In May 2020, three of the remaining four buildings were demolished. 

City staff received building plans for the last building in June 2024 and completed a full plan review. No action has been taken by Ottley since then to obtain permits for the project.

Commissioners will also review an ordinance to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and a plan developing 101 houses and public facilities in the Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4 at the northeast corner of Wheatland Ave. and 22nd Street.

The developer, Heart of America Development Corporation of Ellis County,&nbsp; requests the district financing on a pay-as-you-go basis for 25 years. 

Heart of America proposes that the city finance the majority of the district-eligible costs and construct the infrastructure, utilizing the district revenues to offset the city’s costs. Revenues will come from incremental property taxes revenues collected on the project site.

A low bid award will be considered for the construction of a stormwater equipment storage building by QMC, Inc., Gove County, for $292,650. QMC most recently built the Hays Microfactory.&nbsp;

The complete May 1 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05012025-1543">here</a>.&nbsp;

The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115364907.png" alt="3404 Vine St. property owned by&nbsp;HKHR Hospitality Inc. Photo by city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>3404 Vine St. property owned by&nbsp;HKHR Hospitality Inc. Photo by city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostProperty abatements for two former motel properties in Hays will be heard by the Hays City Commission this afternoon.&nbsp;If an abatement is ultimately approved by commissioners, and if the owner does not take action to remedy the issues, the city will hire a contractor to demolish the structure, and all costs of abatement will be charged to the property owner.The Rodeway Inn Motel, 3404 Vine St., is owned by HKHR Hospitality Inc. and was <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e02e23b-0f72-40cb-9cb4-862afda92c4c">shut down by the Kansas Fire Marshal</a> last year for significant structural damage.&nbsp; On Oct. 5, 2024, the fire marshal was notified by the owner that the motel was closed.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115157019.png" alt="810 E. Eighth St. property owned by Mark Ottley. Photo by City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>810 E. Eighth St. property owned by Mark Ottley. Photo by City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Also under consideration for property abatement is the former Budget Host Inn, 810 E. Eighth St., owned by Mark Ottley. In 2019, Ottley remodeled two of the closed motel buildings into apartments. In May 2020, three of the remaining four buildings were demolished. City staff received building plans for the last building in June 2024 and completed a full plan review. No action has been taken by Ottley since then to obtain permits for the project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115659056.png" alt="Tallgrass Housing 2nd Addition Phase 4 at the northeast corner of Wheatland Avenue and 22nd Street. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Tallgrass Housing 2nd Addition Phase 4 at the northeast corner of Wheatland Avenue and 22nd Street. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners will also review an ordinance to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and a plan developing 101 houses and public facilities in the Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4 at the northeast corner of Wheatland Ave. and 22nd Street.The developer, Heart of America Development Corporation of Ellis County,&nbsp; requests the district financing on a pay-as-you-go basis for 25 years. Heart of America proposes that the city finance the majority of the district-eligible costs and construct the infrastructure, utilizing the district revenues to offset the city’s costs. Revenues will come from incremental property taxes revenues collected on the project site.A low bid award will be considered for the construction of a stormwater equipment storage building by QMC, Inc., Gove County, for $292,650. QMC most recently built the Hays Microfactory.&nbsp;The complete May 1 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05012025-1543">here</a>.&nbsp;The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Rodeway Inn, and other former motel property may be demolished by city

Weekly on Tuesdays – Cinnamon Rolls, Coffee &amp; Fellowship, 7:00-9:00 a.m., American Legion, 520 N. 1st&nbsp;St., Natoma&nbsp;

May 2 Coffee &amp; Donuts, 10:00-11:00 AM, Downs Care and Rehab, 1218 Kansas St, Downs&nbsp;

May 17 Shady Bend 4-Person Golf Tournament, 9 AM, Shady Bend Golf, Osborne;&nbsp;To enter please call or text Eric at 785-346-4654.

May 23 Osborne’s 6th&nbsp;Annual Draggin’ Main event, Downtown Osborne,&nbsp;

5:15 Cruise Staging 5:30 Cruise the Old Route, with a lap through the parking lots of the nursing home and hospital Food trucks will be on site all afternoon and evening on South 4th (east of the old hospital) BYOB &nbsp; 8pm - Band on the Basketball Courts!!!&nbsp;

May 26-30 Vacation Bible School at Dispatch Christian Reformed Church, 9:00-11:30;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dispatch Christian Reformed Church, 298 10 Rd, Cawker City, KS 67430

May 26 His and Her Scramble Golf Tournament, 9:00 a.m., Downs Golf Course, KS-181, Downs;&nbsp;Call or text Cory 785-545-6043 or Charlene 785-545-5582 to register. &nbsp;

May 26 Natoma’s 157th&nbsp;Memorial Day Service;&nbsp;American Legion Post 109 Color Guard American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 &nbsp;

Natoma Catholic, Thomas J. Hogan WWI, rural 9:30 a.m.&nbsp; North Immanuel Lutheran, rural 10 a.m.&nbsp; Mount Hermon, Paradise rural, 10:30 a.m.&nbsp; Natoma City Cemetery, 11 a.m.&nbsp;

Memorial Day Beef and Noodle Community Dinner; 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.; hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary American Legion Hall, Post 109&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745947347148.png" alt="Osborne County Community Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Osborne County Community Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWeekly on Tuesdays – Cinnamon Rolls, Coffee &amp; Fellowship, 7:00-9:00 a.m., American Legion, 520 N. 1st&nbsp;St., Natoma&nbsp;May 2 Coffee &amp; Donuts, 10:00-11:00 AM, Downs Care and Rehab, 1218 Kansas St, Downs&nbsp;May 17 Shady Bend 4-Person Golf Tournament, 9 AM, Shady Bend Golf, Osborne;&nbsp;To enter please call or text Eric at 785-346-4654. May 23 Osborne’s 6th&nbsp;Annual Draggin’ Main event, Downtown Osborne,&nbsp;5:15 Cruise Staging 5:30 Cruise the Old Route, with a lap through the parking lots of the nursing home and hospital Food trucks will be on site all afternoon and evening on South 4th (east of the old hospital) BYOB &nbsp; 8pm - Band on the Basketball Courts!!!&nbsp;May 26-30 Vacation Bible School at Dispatch Christian Reformed Church, 9:00-11:30;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dispatch Christian Reformed Church, 298 10 Rd, Cawker City, KS 67430 May 26 His and Her Scramble Golf Tournament, 9:00 a.m., Downs Golf Course, KS-181, Downs;&nbsp;Call or text Cory 785-545-6043 or Charlene 785-545-5582 to register. &nbsp;May 26 Natoma’s 157th&nbsp;Memorial Day Service;&nbsp;American Legion Post 109 Color Guard American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 &nbsp;Natoma Catholic, Thomas J. Hogan WWI, rural 9:30 a.m.&nbsp; North Immanuel Lutheran, rural 10 a.m.&nbsp; Mount Hermon, Paradise rural, 10:30 a.m.&nbsp; Natoma City Cemetery, 11 a.m.&nbsp;Memorial Day Beef and Noodle Community Dinner; 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.; hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary American Legion Hall, Post 109&nbsp;

Osborne County events for May

See your school's goal and learn how you can help

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The state of Kansas has changed the accreditation process for Kansas schools, and Hays USD 489 schools have announced new goals for improvement.

Accreditation is transitioning from a five-year cycle to a one-year cycle, said Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent and director of curriculum.

The accreditation is split into three sections: compliance, outcomes and improvements.

Compliance covers items such as the number of school days and school nutrition programs—requirements that all schools must meet.

Outcomes have been narrowed to include math and English student assessment scores, graduation rate and postsecondary success. All three of these measures were also part of the former accreditation system.

Post-secondary success is the number of students who have received post-secondary degrees or accreditation, or are enrolled in post-secondary education two years after graduation. It does not include students who enter the workforce or military directly after high school.

You can find information about the district's data on the Kansas Department of Education website under the <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.gov/home.aspx?org_no=D0489&amp;rptType=2">Data Central tab</a>.

Assessments are completed in the spring, so the data for the 2024-25 school year has not been released.

The assessments are based on scores ranging from one to four. • Level one indicates students demonstrate a limited ability to understand the material. • Level two&nbsp;indicates students demonstrate a basic ability to understand the material. • Level three indicates students demonstrate effective skills to understand the material. • Level four&nbsp;indicates students demonstrate an excellent ability to understand the material.

In 2023 and 2024, USD 489 had fewer students in the lowest level for English and math, but had slightly higher percentages of students in level two compared to the state average.

Dinkel said the district will emphasize math improvement during the coming school year. The district's math scores for all students have decreased since the pandemic. The district has had more students scoring in level one and fewer in levels three and four, Dinkel said.

"The gap is a little tighter than we want it to be," Dinkel said of the district's scores compared to the state averages.

The district plans for English improvement projects at a later date, she said.

Hays USD 489 exceeded the state graduation rate in 2023 and 2024, with a 89.6% graduation rate in 2023 and a 93.5% graduation rate in 2024.

The district's post-secondary success rate has declined during the last two years. These would be students who graduated in 2021 and 2022 and were affected by pandemic remote learning.

The school districts have been planning their improvement projects this year. They will implement the plans in the 2025-26 school year, and the state will assess how those plans have affected outcomes in the 2026-27 school year.

The Kansas Department of Education has yet to establish benchmarks that school districts must meet to achieve accreditation, Dinkel said.

Dinkel said the district is working to align its curriculum with test standards and better coordinate collaboration among teachers.

"We want to make sure we're looking at the data and having the right conversations to make sure it impacts students at the desk level so our students are better prepared for those state assessments," Dinkel said.

Each school also has a distinct improvement plan based on the needs of its students, Dinkel said.

They are as follows: • Hays High School: Promoting student responsibility by expanding staff capacity in classroom management and relationship-building practices.

• Hays Middle School: Students will show improvement in course grades. • Roosevelt Elementary School:&nbsp;Targeted Tier 1 instruction in the area of behavior and social/emotional learning.

• O'Loughlin Elementary School:&nbsp;By spring 2025, at least 92% of O’Loughlin students will show modest, typical or aggressive overall reading growth as measured by FastBridge.

• Wilson Elementary School:&nbsp;Focus on grade-level learners in Numbers and Operations in Base Ten standards K-5.

• Early Childhood Connections: Increase self-control of feelings and behavior, phonological awareness, and letter and word knowledge to 80%.

Dinkel said the schools will periodically check their progress toward their goals throughout the school year.

&nbsp;The district offers a parent feedback survey in the spring, but Dinkel encourages parents to provide their thoughts throughout the year.

"The more families who provide feedback, the better, because that helps us identify where we are falling short from the parents' perspective," Dinkel said.&nbsp;"We can think we're doing a great job, but we really need to hear ways we can support [students]."

Based on parent feedback, the middle school changed to the Rooms app, which allows parents and teachers to communicate through text messages.

Dinkel said parents can also assist their students by offering homework help and establishing routines that set aside time for homework.&nbsp;

Check your students' grades on PowerSchool and then visit with them on how school is going, Dinkel suggested.

Parents can also become involved through home and school organizations and school site councils.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745952157863.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>See your school's goal and learn how you can help</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe state of Kansas has changed the accreditation process for Kansas schools, and Hays USD 489 schools have announced new goals for improvement.Accreditation is transitioning from a five-year cycle to a one-year cycle, said Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent and director of curriculum.The accreditation is split into three sections: compliance, outcomes and improvements.Compliance covers items such as the number of school days and school nutrition programs—requirements that all schools must meet.Outcomes have been narrowed to include math and English student assessment scores, graduation rate and postsecondary success. All three of these measures were also part of the former accreditation system.Post-secondary success is the number of students who have received post-secondary degrees or accreditation, or are enrolled in post-secondary education two years after graduation. It does not include students who enter the workforce or military directly after high school.You can find information about the district's data on the Kansas Department of Education website under the <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.gov/home.aspx?org_no=D0489&amp;rptType=2">Data Central tab</a>.Assessments are completed in the spring, so the data for the 2024-25 school year has not been released.The assessments are based on scores ranging from one to four. • Level one indicates students demonstrate a limited ability to understand the material. • Level two&nbsp;indicates students demonstrate a basic ability to understand the material. • Level three indicates students demonstrate effective skills to understand the material. • Level four&nbsp;indicates students demonstrate an excellent ability to understand the material.In 2023 and 2024, USD 489 had fewer students in the lowest level for English and math, but had slightly higher percentages of students in level two compared to the state average.Dinkel said the district will emphasize math improvement during the coming school year. The district's math scores for all students have decreased since the pandemic. The district has had more students scoring in level one and fewer in levels three and four, Dinkel said."The gap is a little tighter than we want it to be," Dinkel said of the district's scores compared to the state averages.The district plans for English improvement projects at a later date, she said.Hays USD 489 exceeded the state graduation rate in 2023 and 2024, with a 89.6% graduation rate in 2023 and a 93.5% graduation rate in 2024.The district's post-secondary success rate has declined during the last two years. These would be students who graduated in 2021 and 2022 and were affected by pandemic remote learning.The school districts have been planning their improvement projects this year. They will implement the plans in the 2025-26 school year, and the state will assess how those plans have affected outcomes in the 2026-27 school year.The Kansas Department of Education has yet to establish benchmarks that school districts must meet to achieve accreditation, Dinkel said.Dinkel said the district is working to align its curriculum with test standards and better coordinate collaboration among teachers."We want to make sure we're looking at the data and having the right conversations to make sure it impacts students at the desk level so our students are better prepared for those state assessments," Dinkel said.<h2>School-level improvements</h2>Each school also has a distinct improvement plan based on the needs of its students, Dinkel said.They are as follows: • Hays High School: Promoting student responsibility by expanding staff capacity in classroom management and relationship-building practices.• Hays Middle School: Students will show improvement in course grades. • Roosevelt Elementary School:&nbsp;Targeted Tier 1 instruction in the area of behavior and social/emotional learning. • O'Loughlin Elementary School:&nbsp;By spring 2025, at least 92% of O’Loughlin students will show modest, typical or aggressive overall reading growth as measured by FastBridge.• Wilson Elementary School:&nbsp;Focus on grade-level learners in Numbers and Operations in Base Ten standards K-5.• Early Childhood Connections: Increase self-control of feelings and behavior, phonological awareness, and letter and word knowledge to 80%.Dinkel said the schools will periodically check their progress toward their goals throughout the school year.<h2>How can parents help?</h2>&nbsp;The district offers a parent feedback survey in the spring, but Dinkel encourages parents to provide their thoughts throughout the year."The more families who provide feedback, the better, because that helps us identify where we are falling short from the parents' perspective," Dinkel said.&nbsp;"We can think we're doing a great job, but we really need to hear ways we can support [students]."Based on parent feedback, the middle school changed to the Rooms app, which allows parents and teachers to communicate through text messages.Dinkel said parents can also assist their students by offering homework help and establishing routines that set aside time for homework.&nbsp;Check your students' grades on PowerSchool and then visit with them on how school is going, Dinkel suggested.Parents can also become involved through home and school organizations and school site councils.

Hays USD 489 to focus on math under new state accreditation system

For nine years I lived within five miles of the Pacific Ocean. I breathed its salt air, I lived for invigorating breezes that freshened every morning and evening. As often as I could, I stood with toes in foaming water and looked West into forever. Standing there, I saw infinity roll away and then roll back on the white wash of one returning wave after another. I thought I could never live anywhere I couldn’t see and hear the continual rising and falling of the sea.

It wasn’t long after I paused at the Pacific’s edge that last time, wondering how I could survive away from it that I discovered the answer to my question. After my family moved to Oklahoma, I reeled and foundered, trying to adjust and find a way to part from the ocean I loved.

For months, I clung to memories, sniffed bags filled with seaweed scented shells, and listened to audio tapes that replicated the sea’s pounding thunder. 

After a spell, I began to look around. A college friend lived in a balcony apartment overlooking a wheat field. One day I sat on the porch and watched wind move through a ripening wheat field. Those of you who’ve done the same know what I saw. An ocean, a swelling and falling ocean of grain rolling over the prairie. Once again I watched infinite waves roll in, one right after the other. My fascination with the scene before me puzzled this friend who’d grown up on a farm. However, former dwellers of a land near the sea recognize what I found that day.

Years later, more by far than I ever spent living near the ocean, I still miss watching rising and falling foam-capped grey-green water. I miss the tides, the waxing and waning of water and land. I miss the ocean’s roar, the feel of salt-tang wind against my face, the discovery of delicate shells beneath my feet.

But I no longer miss them too much. I discovered I live in an ancient sea bed. I find shells in pastures, limestone rocks, on roadsides, and on hillsides near my home. I find ammonite and clam imprints in the thousands of limestone posts fencing this region. Even better, I found the sea again.

Walking country roads of Kansas, I need listen only a short while before I hear the echo of ancient waves carried on the wind. When I stand on a hill overlooking somebody’s wheat field, I imagine myself perched at the edge of infinity listening to a roaring tide pour in. Nearby, wave after wave of rolling wheat reminds me that eons ago, this land where I now stand teemed with sea creatures great and small.

As I walk face first into the wind, I hear an ocean within as my own blood pounds and pulses in tune to the clamor without. This one-time child of the Pacific stands rooted in another ancient seabed, feeling eternity throb on a Kansas hillside.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745947901206.jpeg" alt="Logan area wheat field. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Logan area wheat field. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINFor nine years I lived within five miles of the Pacific Ocean. I breathed its salt air, I lived for invigorating breezes that freshened every morning and evening. As often as I could, I stood with toes in foaming water and looked West into forever. Standing there, I saw infinity roll away and then roll back on the white wash of one returning wave after another. I thought I could never live anywhere I couldn’t see and hear the continual rising and falling of the sea.Surprise, life inevitably changes. It wasn’t long after I paused at the Pacific’s edge that last time, wondering how I could survive away from it that I discovered the answer to my question. After my family moved to Oklahoma, I reeled and foundered, trying to adjust and find a way to part from the ocean I loved.For months, I clung to memories, sniffed bags filled with seaweed scented shells, and listened to audio tapes that replicated the sea’s pounding thunder. After a spell, I began to look around. A college friend lived in a balcony apartment overlooking a wheat field. One day I sat on the porch and watched wind move through a ripening wheat field. Those of you who’ve done the same know what I saw. An ocean, a swelling and falling ocean of grain rolling over the prairie. Once again I watched infinite waves roll in, one right after the other. My fascination with the scene before me puzzled this friend who’d grown up on a farm. However, former dwellers of a land near the sea recognize what I found that day.Years later, more by far than I ever spent living near the ocean, I still miss watching rising and falling foam-capped grey-green water. I miss the tides, the waxing and waning of water and land. I miss the ocean’s roar, the feel of salt-tang wind against my face, the discovery of delicate shells beneath my feet.But I no longer miss them too much. I discovered I live in an ancient sea bed. I find shells in pastures, limestone rocks, on roadsides, and on hillsides near my home. I find ammonite and clam imprints in the thousands of limestone posts fencing this region. Even better, I found the sea again.Walking country roads of Kansas, I need listen only a short while before I hear the echo of ancient waves carried on the wind. When I stand on a hill overlooking somebody’s wheat field, I imagine myself perched at the edge of infinity listening to a roaring tide pour in. Nearby, wave after wave of rolling wheat reminds me that eons ago, this land where I now stand teemed with sea creatures great and small.As I walk face first into the wind, I hear an ocean within as my own blood pounds and pulses in tune to the clamor without. This one-time child of the Pacific stands rooted in another ancient seabed, feeling eternity throb on a Kansas hillside.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: An ocean

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and Ukraine on Wednesday signed off on a deal that will give Washington access to Ukraine's vast critical minerals and natural resources, finalizing an agreement weeks in the making to compensate the U.S. for its help in repelling Russia’s invasion.

The two sides offered only barebone details about the structure of the deal, which they called the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund. But it is expected to give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-deal-minerals-ukraine-investment-fund-d8e03ddc86510cd4c4acca1fcb6fe253">valuable rare earth minerals</a>&nbsp;while providing Kyiv a measure of assurance about continued American support in its grinding war with Russia.

“This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.”

The announcement comes at a critical moment in the three-year war as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with both sides. The signing comes two months after a different but similar agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">tense Oval Office meeting</a>&nbsp;involving President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump has long criticized Zelenskyy, saying he didn’t “have the cards” to win the war and blaming him for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-talks-london-4f35dc70f521e2363218f4c40748caba">prolonging the killing</a>&nbsp;by not giving up Crimea, but in recent days has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-fb61625d2dee8b1917bb3522e73c2166">rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;as well, saying he was complicating negotiations with “very bad timing” in launching deadly strikes on Kyiv.

Trump said Wednesday night on NewsNation that the deal, “in theory,” means that the U.S. will get more from Ukraine than it contributed. “I wanted to be protected,” he said, adding that he didn’t want to be looking “foolish” by not getting money back for the investment.

Ukraine praises signing as an ‘equal and good international deal’

For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as key to ensuring its access to future U.S. military aid.

“Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund,” said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. “This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.”

Ukraine’s economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, flew to Washington on Wednesday to help finalize the deal.

“Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country,” she said in a post on X after the signing.

White House had raised doubts that agreement was ready

Earlier Wednesday, Bessent said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House — hours after Ukrainian officials indicated a deal was nearly finalized — that there was still work to do.

“The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes," Bessent said when asked about reports that Ukraine was ready to agree to the pact. "We’re sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are.”

He didn't elaborate as to the late changes he said Ukraine made.

The U.S. has been seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests, including some non-minerals such as oil and natural gas. Among them are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-trump-united-states-ukraine-minerals-57c6c566b330c8941a3ba6a7d5f8dd2f">Ukraine's deposits of titanium</a>, which is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, and uranium, which is used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons. Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.

After Kyiv felt the initial U.S. draft of the deal disproportionately favored American interests, it introduced new provisions aimed at addressing those concerns.

According to Shmyhal, the latest version would establish an equal partnership between the two countries and last for 10 years. Financial contributions to a joint fund would be made in cash, and only new U.S. military aid would count toward the American share. Assistance provided before the agreement was signed would not be counted. Unlike an earlier draft, the deal would not conflict with Ukraine’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/european-union-united-nations-trump-russia-ukraine-02dadb854440861864733211e687b9b5">path toward European Union membership</a>&nbsp;— a key provision for Kyiv.

The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement Wednesday, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. The deal still needs to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it can take effect.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and Ukraine announced on Wednesday an economic agreement after a weekslong press by President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-meeting-stocks-detainees-rubio-musk-3fdf4f5019bf5b578c466e32aee2ae79">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Ukraine to compensate Washington for billions in military and economic assistance to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a video posted to X that “this partnership allows the United States to invest alongside Ukraine, to unlock Ukraine’s growth assets, mobilize American talent, capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraine’s investment climate and accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.”

The announcement comes at a critical moment in the war as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with leaders of Russia and Ukraine with the brutal fighting dragging on.

The American president has criticized his Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for steps that he said were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-talks-london-4f35dc70f521e2363218f4c40748caba">prolonging the killing,</a>&nbsp;and he has rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin for complicating negotiations with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-fb61625d2dee8b1917bb3522e73c2166">“very bad timing”</a>&nbsp;in launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-strike-913ca4a6b4e624ed50e6c1018576a8ad">deadly strikes</a>&nbsp;on Kyiv.

Trump on Saturday met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral.

Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko in a post on X celebrated the breakthrough.

“Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country," she said.

The two sides offered only barebone details about the structure of the deal, but it is expected to give the U.S. access to its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-deal-minerals-ukraine-investment-fund-d8e03ddc86510cd4c4acca1fcb6fe253">valuable rare minerals</a>&nbsp;in the hopes of ensuring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-europe-rare-earth-russia-war-9af06a9f17dbaa49a05dcba3a3363977">continued American support</a>&nbsp;for Kyiv in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">grinding war with Russia</a>.

Ukraine's economy minister and deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, flew to Washington on Wednesday to help finalize the deal, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said during an appearance on Ukrainian television. Although the main part of the agreement had been settled, there were still hurdles to overcome, said a senior Ukrainian official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

“Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund,” Shmyhal said. "This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.”

Trump began his push for a deal in February that he wanted access to Ukraine’s rare earth materials as a condition for continued U.S. support in the war, describing it as reimbursement for the billions of dollars in aid the U.S. has given to Kyiv.

But talks stalled after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">tense Oval Office meeting</a>&nbsp;of U.S. and Ukrainian leaders, and reaching an agreement since then has proven difficult and strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.

Negotiations appeared to drag on till shortly before the two sides confirmed an agreement had been signed off on the deal.

The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement Wednesday, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. Once signed by both sides, the deal would need to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it could take effect.

Putin wants answers before committing to a ceasefire

The negotiations come amid rocky progress in Washington's push to stop the war.

Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, “but before it’s done, it’s necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added.

“We realize that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly,” Peskov said during his daily conference call with reporters.

Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-gaza-russia-100-days-ad7af3502370f1743e28690ac0ce2a17">expressed frustration</a>&nbsp;over the slow pace of progress in negotiations aimed at stopping the war. Western European leaders have accused Putin of stalling while his forces seek to grab more Ukrainian land. Russia has captured nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s territory since Moscow's forces launched a full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

Trump has long dismissed the war as a waste of lives and American taxpayer money — a complaint he repeated Wednesday during his Cabinet meeting. That could spell an end to crucial military help for Ukraine and heavier economic sanctions on Russia.

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday tried again to push both sides to move more quickly and warned that the U.S. could pull out of the negotiations if there's no progress.

“We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict," department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce quoted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as telling her.

Russia has effectively rejected a U.S. proposal for an immediate and full 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt to Ukraine’s mobilization effort and Western arms supplies to Kyiv.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Wednesday that Ukraine had accepted an unconditional truce only because it was being pushed back on the battlefield, where the bigger Russian forces have the upper hand.

UN says Ukrainian civilian casualties are on the rise

Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians have been killed or wounded in attacks every day this year, according to a U.N. report presented Tuesday in New York.

The U.N. Human Rights Office said in the report that in the first three months of this year, it had verified 2,641 civilian casualties in Ukraine. That was almost 900 more than during the same period last year.

Also, between April 1-24, civilian casualties in Ukraine were up 46% from the same weeks in 2024, it said.

The daily grind of the war shows no sign of letting up. A nighttime Russian drone attack on Ukraine’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kharkiv">second-largest city, Kharkiv,</a>&nbsp;wounded at least 45 civilians, Ukrainian officials said.

Also Wednesday, the Ukrainian Security Service claimed its drones struck the Murom Instrument Engineering Plant in Russia’s Vladimir region overnight, causing five explosions and a fire at the military facility. The claim could not be independently verified.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745670044084.png" alt="President Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City Saturday morning.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City Saturday morning.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and Ukraine on Wednesday signed off on a deal that will give Washington access to Ukraine's vast critical minerals and natural resources, finalizing an agreement weeks in the making to compensate the U.S. for its help in repelling Russia’s invasion.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to help… <a href="https://t.co/N1jPa35DYh">pic.twitter.com/N1jPa35DYh</a>&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecScottBessent/status/1917697018551754802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The two sides offered only barebone details about the structure of the deal, which they called the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund. But it is expected to give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-deal-minerals-ukraine-investment-fund-d8e03ddc86510cd4c4acca1fcb6fe253">valuable rare earth minerals</a>&nbsp;while providing Kyiv a measure of assurance about continued American support in its grinding war with Russia.“This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.”The announcement comes at a critical moment in the three-year war as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with both sides. The signing comes two months after a different but similar agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">tense Oval Office meeting</a>&nbsp;involving President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Trump has long criticized Zelenskyy, saying he didn’t “have the cards” to win the war and blaming him for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-talks-london-4f35dc70f521e2363218f4c40748caba">prolonging the killing</a>&nbsp;by not giving up Crimea, but in recent days has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-fb61625d2dee8b1917bb3522e73c2166">rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;as well, saying he was complicating negotiations with “very bad timing” in launching deadly strikes on Kyiv.Trump said Wednesday night on NewsNation that the deal, “in theory,” means that the U.S. will get more from Ukraine than it contributed. “I wanted to be protected,” he said, adding that he didn’t want to be looking “foolish” by not getting money back for the investment.<h2>Ukraine praises signing as an ‘equal and good international deal’</h2>For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as key to ensuring its access to future U.S. military aid.“Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund,” said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. “This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.”Ukraine’s economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, flew to Washington on Wednesday to help finalize the deal.“Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country,” she said in a post on X after the signing.<h2>White House had raised doubts that agreement was ready</h2>Earlier Wednesday, Bessent said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House — hours after Ukrainian officials indicated a deal was nearly finalized — that there was still work to do.“The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes," Bessent said when asked about reports that Ukraine was ready to agree to the pact. "We’re sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are.”He didn't elaborate as to the late changes he said Ukraine made.The U.S. has been seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests, including some non-minerals such as oil and natural gas. Among them are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-trump-united-states-ukraine-minerals-57c6c566b330c8941a3ba6a7d5f8dd2f">Ukraine's deposits of titanium</a>, which is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, and uranium, which is used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons. Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.After Kyiv felt the initial U.S. draft of the deal disproportionately favored American interests, it introduced new provisions aimed at addressing those concerns.According to Shmyhal, the latest version would establish an equal partnership between the two countries and last for 10 years. Financial contributions to a joint fund would be made in cash, and only new U.S. military aid would count toward the American share. Assistance provided before the agreement was signed would not be counted. Unlike an earlier draft, the deal would not conflict with Ukraine’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/european-union-united-nations-trump-russia-ukraine-02dadb854440861864733211e687b9b5">path toward European Union membership</a>&nbsp;— a key provision for Kyiv.The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement Wednesday, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. The deal still needs to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it can take effect.WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and Ukraine announced on Wednesday an economic agreement after a weekslong press by President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-meeting-stocks-detainees-rubio-musk-3fdf4f5019bf5b578c466e32aee2ae79">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Ukraine to compensate Washington for billions in military and economic assistance to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a video posted to X that “this partnership allows the United States to invest alongside Ukraine, to unlock Ukraine’s growth assets, mobilize American talent, capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraine’s investment climate and accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.”The announcement comes at a critical moment in the war as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with leaders of Russia and Ukraine with the brutal fighting dragging on.The American president has criticized his Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for steps that he said were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-talks-london-4f35dc70f521e2363218f4c40748caba">prolonging the killing,</a>&nbsp;and he has rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin for complicating negotiations with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-fb61625d2dee8b1917bb3522e73c2166">“very bad timing”</a>&nbsp;in launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-strike-913ca4a6b4e624ed50e6c1018576a8ad">deadly strikes</a>&nbsp;on Kyiv.Trump on Saturday met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral.Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko in a post on X celebrated the breakthrough.“Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country," she said.The two sides offered only barebone details about the structure of the deal, but it is expected to give the U.S. access to its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-deal-minerals-ukraine-investment-fund-d8e03ddc86510cd4c4acca1fcb6fe253">valuable rare minerals</a>&nbsp;in the hopes of ensuring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-europe-rare-earth-russia-war-9af06a9f17dbaa49a05dcba3a3363977">continued American support</a>&nbsp;for Kyiv in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">grinding war with Russia</a>.Ukraine's economy minister and deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, flew to Washington on Wednesday to help finalize the deal, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said during an appearance on Ukrainian television. Although the main part of the agreement had been settled, there were still hurdles to overcome, said a senior Ukrainian official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to discuss the matter publicly.For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as key to ensuring its access to future U.S. military aid.“Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund,” Shmyhal said. "This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.”Trump began his push for a deal in February that he wanted access to Ukraine’s rare earth materials as a condition for continued U.S. support in the war, describing it as reimbursement for the billions of dollars in aid the U.S. has given to Kyiv.But talks stalled after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">tense Oval Office meeting</a>&nbsp;of U.S. and Ukrainian leaders, and reaching an agreement since then has proven difficult and strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.Negotiations appeared to drag on till shortly before the two sides confirmed an agreement had been signed off on the deal.Earlier Wednesday, Bessent said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House — hours after Ukrainian officials indicated a deal was nearly finalized — that there was still work to do.“The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes," Bessent said when asked about reports that Ukraine was ready to agree to the pact. "We’re sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are.”He didn't elaborate as to the late changes he said Ukraine made.The U.S. has been seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests, including some non-minerals such as oil and natural gas. Among them are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-trump-united-states-ukraine-minerals-57c6c566b330c8941a3ba6a7d5f8dd2f">Ukraine's deposits of titanium</a>, which is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, and uranium, which is used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons. Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.After Kyiv felt the initial U.S. draft of the deal disproportionately favored American interests, it introduced new provisions aimed at addressing those concerns.According to Shmyhal, the latest version would establish an equal partnership between the two countries and last for 10 years. Financial contributions to a joint fund would be made in cash, and only new U.S. military aid would count toward the American share. Assistance provided before the agreement was signed would not be counted. Unlike an earlier draft, the deal would not conflict with Ukraine’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/european-union-united-nations-trump-russia-ukraine-02dadb854440861864733211e687b9b5">path toward European Union membership</a>&nbsp;— a key provision for Kyiv.The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement Wednesday, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. Once signed by both sides, the deal would need to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it could take effect.<h2>Putin wants answers before committing to a ceasefire</h2>The negotiations come amid rocky progress in Washington's push to stop the war.Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, “but before it’s done, it’s necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added.“We realize that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly,” Peskov said during his daily conference call with reporters.Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-gaza-russia-100-days-ad7af3502370f1743e28690ac0ce2a17">expressed frustration</a>&nbsp;over the slow pace of progress in negotiations aimed at stopping the war. Western European leaders have accused Putin of stalling while his forces seek to grab more Ukrainian land. Russia has captured nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s territory since Moscow's forces launched a full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.Trump has long dismissed the war as a waste of lives and American taxpayer money — a complaint he repeated Wednesday during his Cabinet meeting. That could spell an end to crucial military help for Ukraine and heavier economic sanctions on Russia.<h2>US wants both sides to speed things up</h2>The U.S. State Department on Tuesday tried again to push both sides to move more quickly and warned that the U.S. could pull out of the negotiations if there's no progress.“We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict," department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce quoted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as telling her.Russia has effectively rejected a U.S. proposal for an immediate and full 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt to Ukraine’s mobilization effort and Western arms supplies to Kyiv.Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Wednesday that Ukraine had accepted an unconditional truce only because it was being pushed back on the battlefield, where the bigger Russian forces have the upper hand.<h2>UN says Ukrainian civilian casualties are on the rise</h2>Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians have been killed or wounded in attacks every day this year, according to a U.N. report presented Tuesday in New York.The U.N. Human Rights Office said in the report that in the first three months of this year, it had verified 2,641 civilian casualties in Ukraine. That was almost 900 more than during the same period last year.Also, between April 1-24, civilian casualties in Ukraine were up 46% from the same weeks in 2024, it said.The daily grind of the war shows no sign of letting up. A nighttime Russian drone attack on Ukraine’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kharkiv">second-largest city, Kharkiv,</a>&nbsp;wounded at least 45 civilians, Ukrainian officials said.Also Wednesday, the Ukrainian Security Service claimed its drones struck the Murom Instrument Engineering Plant in Russia’s Vladimir region overnight, causing five explosions and a fire at the military facility. The claim could not be independently verified.___

 🎥Ukraine signs deal to give US access to rare minerals

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have been fined $250,000 and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been fined $100,000 as a result of Ulbrich’s son participating in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shedeur-sanders-prank-call-atlanta-falcons-b411537e3601f970ca8abc5b7c0b524d?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">prank call to Shedeur Sanders</a>&nbsp;during the NFL draft.

The NFL confirmed the fines on Wednesday for the roles the Falcons and Ulbrich played in failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club ahead of the draft.

The Falcons, who disclosed the role of Ulbrich’s 21-year-old son Jax in the prank call as the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was waiting for his name to be called in the draft, said they accept the discipline from the league.

At a news conference, Jeff Ulbrich apologized to Shedeur Sanders, his family, Falcons owner Arthur Blank and the rest of the organization.

“My actions — my actions — of not protecting confidential data were inexcusable," Ulbrich said. "My son's actions were absolutely inexcusable, and for that we are both deeply sorry. The NFL has taken action and I fully respect the punishment. We take full responsibility, my son and myself, and we will not be appealing the fine in any way. Going forward I promise my son and I will work hard to demonstrate we are better than this.”

The Falcons said in a statement that they appreciated the NFL's “swift and thorough review” of the matter.

“We were proactive in addressing the situation internally and cooperated fully with the league throughout the process, and accept the discipline levied to Coach Jeff Ulbrich and the organization," the statement said. "We are confident in our security policies and practices and will continue to emphasize adherence to them with our staff whether on or off premises.”

The Falcons also said the Ulbrich family “is working with the organization to participate in community service initiatives in relation to last week’s matter."

On Sunday, the Falcons said in a statement that Jax Ulbrich “unintentionally came across the draft contact phone number for Shedeur Sanders off an open iPad while visiting his parent’s home and wrote the number down to later conduct a prank call.”

Jax Ulbrich was sitting beside an unidentified friend who actually made the call to Sanders on Friday, the second day of the draft. Sanders, a standout quarterback from Colorado, is the son of Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders, who began his NFL career with the Falcons.

Sanders, who entered the draft expecting to be a first-round pick, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-sanders-ward-browns-e2b80fcf289da3a6b68ca1e45ef270ab">selected Saturday in the fifth round</a>&nbsp;by the Cleveland Browns.

The Falcons said Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the data exposure or the prank until after the fact. He said he made the Falcons aware of the situation and then got hold of the Sanders family to apologize.

“The Sanders family, Shedeur and Coach Sanders, were amazingly gracious. More gracious than they needed to be in a moment like this,” Ulbrich said.

The team also offered “sincere apologies to Shedeur Sanders and his family.” And Jax Ulbrich posted a public apology on social media.

The NFL continues to investigate prank calls made to other players during the NFL draft. The Associated Press reported Tuesday the call to Shedeur Sanders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-prank-call-shedeur-sanders-027749fcb71bafa5ff44b73bd4a03d03?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">wasn’t related</a>&nbsp;to the other prank calls.

Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren, Kyle McCord, Mason Graham and Chase Lundt also have reported receiving prank calls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746050034324.png" alt="At a news conference, Jeff Ulbrich apologized to Shedeur Sanders, his family, Falcons owner Arthur Blank and the rest of the organization.&nbsp;-image from Falcons video" />
 <figcaption>At a news conference, Jeff Ulbrich apologized to Shedeur Sanders, his family, Falcons owner Arthur Blank and the rest of the organization.&nbsp;-image from Falcons video</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have been fined $250,000 and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been fined $100,000 as a result of Ulbrich’s son participating in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shedeur-sanders-prank-call-atlanta-falcons-b411537e3601f970ca8abc5b7c0b524d?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">prank call to Shedeur Sanders</a>&nbsp;during the NFL draft.The NFL confirmed the fines on Wednesday for the roles the Falcons and Ulbrich played in failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club ahead of the draft.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746049847458.png" alt="Shedeur Sanders image courtesy University of Colorado video" />
 <figcaption>Shedeur Sanders image courtesy University of Colorado video</figcaption>
 </figure>The Falcons, who disclosed the role of Ulbrich’s 21-year-old son Jax in the prank call as the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was waiting for his name to be called in the draft, said they accept the discipline from the league.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich said he was “shocked” and tried to get in touch with Sanders family when he learned his son was involved in prank call. Sanders family “ were amazingly gracious… More gracious than they needed to be in a moment like this” <a href="https://t.co/RYH4pzUjeD">pic.twitter.com/RYH4pzUjeD</a>&mdash; Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachKleinWSB/status/1917641898547687689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At a news conference, Jeff Ulbrich apologized to Shedeur Sanders, his family, Falcons owner Arthur Blank and the rest of the organization.“My actions — my actions — of not protecting confidential data were inexcusable," Ulbrich said. "My son's actions were absolutely inexcusable, and for that we are both deeply sorry. The NFL has taken action and I fully respect the punishment. We take full responsibility, my son and myself, and we will not be appealing the fine in any way. Going forward I promise my son and I will work hard to demonstrate we are better than this.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746050693321.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Falcons said in a statement that they appreciated the NFL's “swift and thorough review” of the matter.“We were proactive in addressing the situation internally and cooperated fully with the league throughout the process, and accept the discipline levied to Coach Jeff Ulbrich and the organization," the statement said. "We are confident in our security policies and practices and will continue to emphasize adherence to them with our staff whether on or off premises.”The Falcons also said the Ulbrich family “is working with the organization to participate in community service initiatives in relation to last week’s matter."On Sunday, the Falcons said in a statement that Jax Ulbrich “unintentionally came across the draft contact phone number for Shedeur Sanders off an open iPad while visiting his parent’s home and wrote the number down to later conduct a prank call.”Jax Ulbrich was sitting beside an unidentified friend who actually made the call to Sanders on Friday, the second day of the draft. Sanders, a standout quarterback from Colorado, is the son of Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders, who began his NFL career with the Falcons.Sanders, who entered the draft expecting to be a first-round pick, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-sanders-ward-browns-e2b80fcf289da3a6b68ca1e45ef270ab">selected Saturday in the fifth round</a>&nbsp;by the Cleveland Browns.The Falcons said Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the data exposure or the prank until after the fact. He said he made the Falcons aware of the situation and then got hold of the Sanders family to apologize.“The Sanders family, Shedeur and Coach Sanders, were amazingly gracious. More gracious than they needed to be in a moment like this,” Ulbrich said.The team also offered “sincere apologies to Shedeur Sanders and his family.” And Jax Ulbrich posted a public apology on social media.The NFL continues to investigate prank calls made to other players during the NFL draft. The Associated Press reported Tuesday the call to Shedeur Sanders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-prank-call-shedeur-sanders-027749fcb71bafa5ff44b73bd4a03d03?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">wasn’t related</a>&nbsp;to the other prank calls.Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren, Kyle McCord, Mason Graham and Chase Lundt also have reported receiving prank calls.___

🎥NFL: Massive fines for prank call during NFL draft

The Hays Symphony Orchestra will conclude its 2024-2025 season with "Romantic Visions" at 7:30 p.m. May 3, at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, 600 Park St.

Admission is free, but tickets can be reserved in advance at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hayssymphony.org/"></a>The concert will feature pianist Irena Ravitskaya performing Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor.

Ravitskaya, who regularly performs in international venues, is a member of the faculty at Fort Hays State University and frequently collaborates with orchestras across the country.

The concert program also includes Douglas Lilburn's Concert Overture in D and Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 1, known as the "Spring Symphony." Together, the selections represent key works from the Romantic period and offer a diverse listening experience for concertgoers.

"We are excited to present this final concert to the community," said Brian Buckstead, director of the Hays Symphony. "The selections highlight significant works from the Romantic era and showcase the talents of both our orchestra and soloist. I believe this program will appeal to a wide audience, whether you're a long-time classical music supporter or attending your first symphony concert."

Sandy Jacobs, president of the Hays Symphony Guild, emphasized the accessibility of the event. "Our mission is to ensure that classical music remains accessible to all members of our community," Jacobs said. "With the generous support of our sponsors, we're able to offer this concert free of charge and invite residents from across the region to experience the power of live orchestral music."

Dick and Kay Werth of Auto World are sponsoring the concert itself, continuing their tradition of supporting the arts in Hays. Insurance Planning is sponsoring the post-concert reception, which provides attendees the opportunity to meet the musicians and celebrate the season’s conclusion.

"The support we receive from our community and sponsors is invaluable," Buckstead said. "It helps us continue providing high-quality, accessible performances and enables us to invite talented guest artists like Irena Ravitskaya to join us."

Jacobs noted that while the concert is free, attendees are encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance. "We want to make sure everyone who wants to attend has a seat,” Jacobs said. “Free tickets are available online at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org</a>. It only takes a minute to reserve your spot, and we’re looking forward to a full house."

The May 3 performance marks the final event of the season for the Hays Symphony, which continues to present a series of orchestral concerts throughout the year in collaboration with Fort Hays State University.

"Every concert is an opportunity to connect people through music," Buckstead said. "We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this season and look forward to building on that momentum in the year ahead."

For tickets, program details, and more information about the Hays Symphony, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746027571654.png" alt="Hays Symphony Orchestra" />
 <figcaption>Hays Symphony Orchestra</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Symphony OrchestraThe Hays Symphony Orchestra will conclude its 2024-2025 season with "Romantic Visions" at 7:30 p.m. May 3, at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, 600 Park St.Admission is free, but tickets can be reserved in advance at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org.</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hayssymphony.org/"></a>The concert will feature pianist Irena Ravitskaya performing Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor.Ravitskaya, who regularly performs in international venues, is a member of the faculty at Fort Hays State University and frequently collaborates with orchestras across the country.The concert program also includes Douglas Lilburn's Concert Overture in D and Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 1, known as the "Spring Symphony." Together, the selections represent key works from the Romantic period and offer a diverse listening experience for concertgoers."We are excited to present this final concert to the community," said Brian Buckstead, director of the Hays Symphony. "The selections highlight significant works from the Romantic era and showcase the talents of both our orchestra and soloist. I believe this program will appeal to a wide audience, whether you're a long-time classical music supporter or attending your first symphony concert."Sandy Jacobs, president of the Hays Symphony Guild, emphasized the accessibility of the event. "Our mission is to ensure that classical music remains accessible to all members of our community," Jacobs said. "With the generous support of our sponsors, we're able to offer this concert free of charge and invite residents from across the region to experience the power of live orchestral music."Dick and Kay Werth of Auto World are sponsoring the concert itself, continuing their tradition of supporting the arts in Hays. Insurance Planning is sponsoring the post-concert reception, which provides attendees the opportunity to meet the musicians and celebrate the season’s conclusion."The support we receive from our community and sponsors is invaluable," Buckstead said. "It helps us continue providing high-quality, accessible performances and enables us to invite talented guest artists like Irena Ravitskaya to join us."Jacobs noted that while the concert is free, attendees are encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance. "We want to make sure everyone who wants to attend has a seat,” Jacobs said. “Free tickets are available online at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org</a>. It only takes a minute to reserve your spot, and we’re looking forward to a full house."The May 3 performance marks the final event of the season for the Hays Symphony, which continues to present a series of orchestral concerts throughout the year in collaboration with Fort Hays State University."Every concert is an opportunity to connect people through music," Buckstead said. "We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this season and look forward to building on that momentum in the year ahead."For tickets, program details, and more information about the Hays Symphony, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays Symphony Orchestra concludes season with free concert Saturday

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is hearing arguments Wednesday over what would be the nation’s first publicly funded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-religious-catholic-charter-school-unconstitutional-oklahoma-e4ef414605094313331a39cc645ede8a">religious charter school</a>, in Oklahoma.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24-394">Click here to listen to</a>&nbsp;a replay of the oral arguments&nbsp;

The justices are taking up appeals filed by the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School and the state charter school board after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the school would entangle church and state in violation of the First Amendment.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation. Barrett previously taught law at Notre Dame and is close friends with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, a leading proponent of publicly funded religious charter schools. Even without Barrett, the court’s conservative majority could find that the taxpayer-funded school is in line with a string of high court decisions that have allowed public funds to flow to religious entities. Those rulings were based on a different part of the First Amendment that protects religious freedom.

Liberal justices have complained that those decisions have eaten away at the separation of church and state.

The case comes to the court amid efforts, mainly in conservative-led states, to insert religion into public schools. Those include a challenged Louisiana requirement that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-ten-commandments-displayed-classrooms-571a2447906f7bbd5a166d53db005a62">the Ten Commandments</a>&nbsp;be posted in classrooms and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-bible-schools-religion-ryan-walters-d15be2f74df2ffbbdfdc549569d06c4e">a mandate</a>&nbsp;from Oklahoma’s state schools superintendent that the Bible be placed in public school classrooms.

St. Isidore, a K-12 online school, had planned to start classes for its first 200 enrollees last fall, with part of its mission to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith.

Opponents warn a decision to allow the school to open would sap money from public schools and possibly upend the rules governing charter schools in almost every state.

The state board and the school are backed by an array of Republican-led states and religious and conservative groups, though the case has divided some of Oklahoma’s Republican leaders.

Gov. Kevin Stitt and Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters support using public funds for religious schools, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond has opposed the idea and sued to overturn the state board’s approval of St. Isidore.

A key issue in the case is whether the school is public or private. Charter schools are deemed public in Oklahoma and the other 45 states and the District of Columbia where they operate.

They are free and open to all, receive state funding, abide by antidiscrimination laws and submit to oversight of curriculum and testing. But they also are run by independent boards that are not part of local public school systems.

Just under 4 million American schoolchildren, about 8%, are enrolled in charter schools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746017396433.png" alt="Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation from the case. Barrett previously taught law at Notre Dame and is close friends with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, a leading proponent of publicly funded religious charter schools-Image Credit: Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States, Photographer: Fred Schilling" />
 <figcaption>Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation from the case. Barrett previously taught law at Notre Dame and is close friends with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, a leading proponent of publicly funded religious charter schools-Image Credit: Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States, Photographer: Fred Schilling</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is hearing arguments Wednesday over what would be the nation’s first publicly funded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-religious-catholic-charter-school-unconstitutional-oklahoma-e4ef414605094313331a39cc645ede8a">religious charter school</a>, in Oklahoma.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24-394">Click here to listen to</a>&nbsp;a replay of the oral arguments&nbsp;The justices are taking up appeals filed by the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School and the state charter school board after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the school would entangle church and state in violation of the First Amendment.Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation. Barrett previously taught law at Notre Dame and is close friends with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, a leading proponent of publicly funded religious charter schools. Even without Barrett, the court’s conservative majority could find that the taxpayer-funded school is in line with a string of high court decisions that have allowed public funds to flow to religious entities. Those rulings were based on a different part of the First Amendment that protects religious freedom.Liberal justices have complained that those decisions have eaten away at the separation of church and state.The case comes to the court amid efforts, mainly in conservative-led states, to insert religion into public schools. Those include a challenged Louisiana requirement that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-ten-commandments-displayed-classrooms-571a2447906f7bbd5a166d53db005a62">the Ten Commandments</a>&nbsp;be posted in classrooms and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-bible-schools-religion-ryan-walters-d15be2f74df2ffbbdfdc549569d06c4e">a mandate</a>&nbsp;from Oklahoma’s state schools superintendent that the Bible be placed in public school classrooms.St. Isidore, a K-12 online school, had planned to start classes for its first 200 enrollees last fall, with part of its mission to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith.Opponents warn a decision to allow the school to open would sap money from public schools and possibly upend the rules governing charter schools in almost every state.The state board and the school are backed by an array of Republican-led states and religious and conservative groups, though the case has divided some of Oklahoma’s Republican leaders.Gov. Kevin Stitt and Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters support using public funds for religious schools, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond has opposed the idea and sued to overturn the state board’s approval of St. Isidore.A key issue in the case is whether the school is public or private. Charter schools are deemed public in Oklahoma and the other 45 states and the District of Columbia where they operate.They are free and open to all, receive state funding, abide by antidiscrimination laws and submit to oversight of curriculum and testing. But they also are run by independent boards that are not part of local public school systems.Just under 4 million American schoolchildren, about 8%, are enrolled in charter schools.

🎧Supreme Court hears arguments over publicly funded Catholic charter school

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-vaccine-novavax-kennedy-1ed7d31da33e71d8f054a613b6634799">effort to impose</a>&nbsp;new requirements on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-united-states-business-99366fca038e009d7b73a453db39c565">Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine</a>&nbsp;— the nation's only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-202fd25f335208c7cf77c81231dd9ce8">traditional protein-based option</a>&nbsp;for the coronavirus — is sowing uncertainty about updates to other vaccines, too.

Novavax said Monday that the Food and Drug Administration was asking the company to run a new clinical trial of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-united-states-business-99366fca038e009d7b73a453db39c565">vaccine</a>&nbsp;after the agency grants full approval. The company said it had responded and that it believed its shot remains “approvable.”

But a weekend&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DrMakaryFDA/status/1916253910039429309">post</a>&nbsp;on social media by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-trump-makary-vaccines-ultraprocessed-food-safety-ce9df8eb4bba5c950e500c62d975afe2">FDA Commissioner Marty Makary</a>&nbsp;suggested the prospect of needing a new trial before the shots' yearly strain update — something unlikely to be possible before fall. That's raised questions about whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-vaccine-respiratory-virus-60a8b859c692a593b652f68ff25738be">other vaccines</a>&nbsp;will be caught in the turmoil.

“I don’t think because there’s a strain change that this is a new product,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief. If that’s the new policy, “you’d always be doing clinical trials and you’d never have a vaccine that was up to date.”

The unusual move at FDA come shortly after the agency's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-vaccine-chief-peter-marks-resign-rfk-kennedy-7743be11cec4e4e22c50c2ddbcb6bcd8">longtime vaccine chief</a>&nbsp;was forced out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-vaccines-measles-fda-injury-marks-5eda3335bae9b8df88795c2d5e09ae69">over disagreements</a>&nbsp;with Makary's boss, Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>

Kennedy won Senate confirmation to his job, in part, by promising not to change the nation’s vaccine schedule. Since taking office, he’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-robert-kennedy-vaccines-measles-steak-shake-9c970a1f6bdfd6ac4b4160480e996ac0">promised to “investigate” children’s shots</a>, canceled meetings of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-cdc-acip-kennedy-d9777cba947f5f52705af04d95e5f7fa">expert vaccine advisers</a>&nbsp;and directed officials to look again for connections between vaccines and autism, a link&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccine-trump-science-autism-9b99621b01f11b7f0bdc81e5a0b82d2b">long-ago debunked</a>.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-vaccine-novavax-kennedy-1ed7d31da33e71d8f054a613b6634799">effort to impose</a>&nbsp;new requirements on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-united-states-business-99366fca038e009d7b73a453db39c565">Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine</a>&nbsp;— the nation's only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-202fd25f335208c7cf77c81231dd9ce8">traditional protein-based option</a>&nbsp;for the coronavirus — is sowing uncertainty about updates to other vaccines, too.Novavax said Monday that the Food and Drug Administration was asking the company to run a new clinical trial of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-united-states-business-99366fca038e009d7b73a453db39c565">vaccine</a>&nbsp;after the agency grants full approval. The company said it had responded and that it believed its shot remains “approvable.”But a weekend&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DrMakaryFDA/status/1916253910039429309">post</a>&nbsp;on social media by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-trump-makary-vaccines-ultraprocessed-food-safety-ce9df8eb4bba5c950e500c62d975afe2">FDA Commissioner Marty Makary</a>&nbsp;suggested the prospect of needing a new trial before the shots' yearly strain update — something unlikely to be possible before fall. That's raised questions about whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-vaccine-respiratory-virus-60a8b859c692a593b652f68ff25738be">other vaccines</a>&nbsp;will be caught in the turmoil.“I don’t think because there’s a strain change that this is a new product,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief. If that’s the new policy, “you’d always be doing clinical trials and you’d never have a vaccine that was up to date.”The unusual move at FDA come shortly after the agency's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-vaccine-chief-peter-marks-resign-rfk-kennedy-7743be11cec4e4e22c50c2ddbcb6bcd8">longtime vaccine chief</a>&nbsp;was forced out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-vaccines-measles-fda-injury-marks-5eda3335bae9b8df88795c2d5e09ae69">over disagreements</a>&nbsp;with Makary's boss, Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>Kennedy won Senate confirmation to his job, in part, by promising not to change the nation’s vaccine schedule. Since taking office, he’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-robert-kennedy-vaccines-measles-steak-shake-9c970a1f6bdfd6ac4b4160480e996ac0">promised to “investigate” children’s shots</a>, canceled meetings of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-cdc-acip-kennedy-d9777cba947f5f52705af04d95e5f7fa">expert vaccine advisers</a>&nbsp;and directed officials to look again for connections between vaccines and autism, a link&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccine-trump-science-autism-9b99621b01f11b7f0bdc81e5a0b82d2b">long-ago debunked</a>.The Novavax vaccine, which originally showed effectiveness in a nearly 30,000-person clinical trial, is still being sold under emergency use authorization in the U.S. The nation's other two options, mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna, have earned full FDA approval for certain age groups.Because the coronavirus continually mutates,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-57a21c137541c97a6eafed41b2497971">manufacturers follow instructions</a>&nbsp;from FDA to make one change each year to their recipe — which strain to target — just like flu vaccines.The FDA was on track to grant Novavax full approval by its April 1 target date, according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential agency matters. But Trump appointees directed FDA scientists to pause their decision, according to one of the people. Since that highly unusual move, Novavax and the agency have been discussing additional requirements for approval.In his weekend tweet, FDA's Makary referred to the Novavax vaccine as “a new product,” presumably because it had been updated to match last year's common coronavirus strain.“New products require new clinical studies,” Makary added.An administration spokesman didn't respond to specific questions about Pfizer and Moderna but suggested all COVID-19 vaccines could face stricter requirements.“It’s now been years since COVID has presented the threat it once did, and the urgency to rush approval of boosters without normal oversight no longer exists,” said Andrew Nixon, a Health and Human Services spokesman, in a statement.The FDA had been treating the annual COVID-19 strain updates exactly as it's done for decades with flu vaccines — not as new products, but existing ones that are merely adjusted to protect against the latest strains, said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.Offit said the companies still must perform tests in small numbers of people that show these updated vaccines produce levels of virus-fighting antibodies known to be protective, and they're closely monitored for safety.Nixon, the HHS spokesman, suggested the policy might not apply to the flu shot, “which has been tried and tested for more than 80 years.”Under federal law, the FDA is required to follow established procedures when issuing requirements to drugmakers for approval. If the agency skips certain steps or imposes additional requirements for political reasons, experts say, it could be sued by drugmakers — or even patients, such as those who prefer the Novavax vaccine over its competitors because of an allergy or some other reason.In addition to large clinical trials conducted before all three COVID-19 vaccines were cleared for use, there's data on real-world use, said former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, who oversaw COVID-19 vaccine policy during the Biden administration.“At the point where I had left, we had put some 700 million COVID vaccines into the arms of Americans,” he said. "That’s a pretty good size clinical trial."___