DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Donald Trump's proposal that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-washington-ceasefire-1c8deec4dd46177e08e07d669d595ed3">the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;and permanently resettle its Palestinian residents was swiftly rejected and denounced on Wednesday by American allies and adversaries alike.

Trump's suggestion came at a White House news conference with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-02-02-2025-90db60e88f955a8bb57cb05e99d574d6">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>, who smiled several times as the president detailed a plan to build new settlements for Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip, and for the U.S. to take “ownership” in redeveloping the war-torn territory into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said. “We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs.”

The comments came amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-ceasefire-aid-war-e1657d315ccc5ba66d15f48100f7981b">fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas</a>, during which the militant group has been turning over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-hostages-images-chaos-6371eb106d6cebe7919f70ba208007ca">hostages in exchange for the release of prisoners</a>&nbsp;held by Israel.

Egypt, Jordan and other American allies in the Middle East have already rejected the idea of relocating more than 2 million Palestinians from Gaza elsewhere in the region. Following Trump's remarks, Egypt's Foreign Ministry issued a statement stressing the need for rebuilding “without moving the Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip.”

Saudi Arabia, an important American ally, weighed in quickly on Trump's expanded idea to take over the Gaza Strip in a sharply worded statement, noting that its long call for an independent Palestinian state was a “firm, steadfast and unwavering position.”

“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia also stresses what it had previously announced regarding its absolute rejection of infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, annexation of Palestinian lands or efforts to displace the Palestinian people from their land,” the statement said.

The prime ministers of Australia and Ireland, foreign ministries from China, New Zealand and Germany, and a Kremlin spokesman all reiterated support for a two-state solution.

“Australia's position is the same as it was this morning, as it was last year, as it was 10 years ago,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Trump has already made waves — and upset longtime allies — suggesting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-imperialism-canada-panama-greenland-b4b53445dee97398b498b79eab54d49b">purchase of Greenland, the annexation of Canada</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-offshore-drilling-gulf-of-america-fa66f8d072eb39c00a8128a8941ede75">possible takeover of the Panama Canal</a>. It was not immediately clear whether the idea of taking over the Gaza Strip was a well thought out plan, or an opening gambit in negotiations.

“The comments last night were, of course, very concerning," said Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. “I always adopt the approach when it comes to the U.S. administration of: judge them based on what they do and not what they say."

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told state-run Anadolu Agency that Trump's proposal on "deportations from Gaza is not something that either the region or we would accept.”

“Even thinking about it, in my opinion, is wrong and absurd,” Fidan said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for the United Nations to “protect the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights,” saying that what Trump wanted to do would be “a serious violation of international law.”

Hamas, which sparked the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, said Trump's proposal was a “recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region."

“Instead of holding the Zionist occupation accountable for the crime of genocide and displacement, it is being rewarded, not punished,” the militant group said in a statement.

In its attack on Israel, Hamas killed some 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and took about 250 hostages.

Israel's ensuing air and ground war has has killed over 47,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to local health authorities who do not say how many of the dead were fighters. The war has left large&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-aftermath-destruction-4c148d498f3d67a5d6de2107b6a1c966">parts of several cities in ruins</a>&nbsp;and displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people.

In the U.S., opposition politicians quickly rejected Trump's idea, with Democratic Sen. Chris Coons calling his comments "offensive and insane and dangerous and foolish.”

The idea “risks the rest of the world thinking that we are an unbalanced and unreliable partner because our president makes insane proposals,” Coons said, noting the irony of the proposal coming shortly after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-usaid-layoffs-7e0a159d8a419c4c9388ab02e8259f23">had moved to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development</a>.

“Why on earth would we abandon decades of well-established humanitarian programs around the world, and now launch into one of the world’s greatest humanitarian challenges?” Coons said.

Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian American member of Congress from Michigan, accused Trump in a social media post of “openly calling for ethnic cleansing” with the idea of resettling Gaza's entire population.

Rising reported from Bangkok. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller in Washington; Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey; Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan; Josef Federman in Jerusalem, Samy Magdy in Cairo and Charlotte McLay in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday suggested that displaced Palestinians in Gaza be permanently resettled outside the war-torn territory and proposed the U.S. take “ownership” in redeveloping the area into “the Riviera of the Middle East”

Trump’s brazen proposal appears certain to roil the next stage of talks meant to extend the tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza.

The provocative comments came as talks are ramping up this week with the promise of surging humanitarian aid and reconstruction supplies to help the people of Gaza recover after more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">15 months of devastating conflict</a>. Now Trump wants to push roughly 1.8 million people to leave the land they have called home and claim it for the U.S., perhaps with American troops.

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said at an evening news conference with Netanyahu by his side. The president who made his name as New York real estate developer added: “We’ll make sure that it’s done world class. It’ll be wonderful for the people — Palestinians, Palestinians mostly, we’re talking about.”

Trump outlined his thinking as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-palestinians-israel-trump-war-a5fd8e3eb4e50ed609c9f0aa100c51e6">held talks</a>&nbsp;with Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;at the White House, where the two leaders also discussed the fragile ceasefire and hostage deal in the Israeli-Hamas conflict and shared concerns about Iran.

Trump said the U.S. would redevelop the territory after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere and turn the territory into a place where the “world's people”— including Palestinians — would live. He offered no detail about what authority the U.S. would use to take the land and develop it.

Egypt, Jordan and other U.S. allies in the Mideast have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-egypt-jordan-palestinians-trump-51dc4d5225e6bc0a135b7bbafedb3d86">cautioned Trump</a>&nbsp;that relocating Palestinians from Gaza would threaten Mideast stability, risk expanding the conflict and undermine a decades-long push by the U.S. and allies for a two-state solution.

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry issued a sharply worded reaction to Trump, noting their long call for an independent Palestinian state was a “firm, steadfast and unwavering position.” Saudi Arabia has been in negotiations with the U.S. over a deal to diplomatically recognize Israel in exchange for a security pact and other terms.

“The duty of the international community today is to work to alleviate the severe human suffering endured by the Palestinian people, who will remain committed to their land and will not budge from it," the Saudi statement said.

Still, Trump insists the Palestinians “have no alternative” but to leave the "big pile of rubble” that is Gaza. He spoke out as his top aides stressed that a three-to-five-year timeline for reconstruction of the war-torn territory, as laid out in a temporary truce agreement, is not viable.

Last week, both Egyptian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/egypts-president-rejects-trumps-proposal-to-relocate-gaza-residents-to-egypt-and-jordan-9d4db035f56b4b25b490a20db33e81f9">Abdel Fattah el-Sissi</a>&nbsp;and Jordanian King Abdullah II dismissed Trump's calls to resettle Gazans.

But Trump said he believes Egypt and Jordan — as well as other countries, which he did not name — will ultimately agree to take in Palestinians.

“You look over the decades, it’s all death in Gaza,” Trump said. "This has been happening for years. It’s all death. If we can get a beautiful area to resettle people, permanently, in nice homes where they can be happy and not be shot and not be killed and not be knifed to death like what’s happening in Gaza.”

Trump also said he isn’t ruling out deploying U.S. troops to support reconstruction of Gaza. He envisions “long-term” U.S. ownership of a redevelopment of the territory.

The president's proposal was greeted with alarm by Democrats and a measure of skepticism by his Republican allies.

“He’s completely lost it,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. “He wants a U.S. invasion of Gaza, which would cost thousands of American lives and set the Middle East on fire for 20 years? It’s sick.”

“We’ll see what our Arab friends say about that," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and a Trump ally. "And I think most South Carolinians are probably not excited about sending Americans to take over Gaza. I think that might be problematic, but I’ll keep an open mind.”

The White House's focus on the future of Gaza comes as the nascent truce between Israel and Hamas hangs in the balance.

Netanyahu is facing competing pressure from his right-wing coalition to end a temporary truce against Hamas militants in Gaza and from war-weary Israelis who want the remaining hostages home and for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">15-month conflict</a>&nbsp;to end.

Trump may be betting he can persuade Egypt and Jordan to come around to accept displaced Palestinians because of the significant aid that the U.S. provides Cairo and Amman. Hard-line right-wing members of Netanyahu’s government have embraced the call to move displaced Palestinians out of Gaza.

“To me, it is unfair to explain to Palestinians that they might be back in five years,” Trump’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, said. “That’s just preposterous.”

Trump also signaled that he may be reconsidering an independent Palestinian state as part of a broader two-state solution to the decades-long Israel-Palestinian conflict.

“Well, a lot of plans change with time,” he told reporters when asked if he was still committed to a plan like the one he laid out in 2020 that called for a Palestinian state. “A lot of death has occurred since I left and now came back."

Netanyahu's arrival in Washington for the first foreign leader visit of Trump's second term coincides with the prime minister's popular support&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-trump-ceasefire-gaza-f27c1dbbfba4bf268f5368aaceb47e29">sagging</a>.

The prime minister is in the middle of weekslong testimony in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-corruption-trial-gaza-478c957c7749986d5b8b2d039f670d54">ongoing corruption trial</a>&nbsp;that centers on allegations he exchanged favors with media moguls and wealthy associates. He has decried the accusations and said he is the victim of a “witch hunt.”

Being seen with Trump, who is popular in Israel, could help distract the public from the trial and boost Netanyahu’s standing.

“We have the right leader of Israel who’s done a great job," Trump said of Netanyahu.

Netanyahu praised Trump's leadership in getting the hostage and ceasefire deal. The prime minister also spoke glowingly of Trump thinking outside the box.

“You say things others refuse to say. And after the jaws drop, people scratch their heads and they say, 'You know he’s right.'"

Hamas in a statement decried Trump’s comments.

“We reject Trump’s statements in which he said that the residents of the Gaza Strip have no choice but to leave, and we consider them a recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region," the group said.

Netanyahu met with White House national security adviser Mike Waltz and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-middle-east-envoy-steve-witkoff-netanyahu-4dae21b4b6d029a5c7a8ab62d112c2d5">Witkoff</a>&nbsp;on Monday to begin the daunting work of brokering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-war-ceasefire-explainer-bf5dd840354d69432737314bb67e183f">the next phase of a ceasefire agreement</a>.

The Israeli leader said he would send a delegation to Qatar to continue indirect talks with Hamas that are being mediated by the Gulf Arab country, the first confirmation that those negotiations would continue. Netanyahu also said he would convene his security Cabinet to discuss Israel’s demands for the next phase of the ceasefire when he returns to Israel at the end of the week.

Witkoff, meanwhile, said he plans to meet with Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in Florida on Thursday to discuss the next phase in the ceasefire. Qatar and Egypt have served as key intermediaries with Hamas throughout the conflict.

Netanyahu is under intense pressure from hard-right members of his governing coalition to abandon the ceasefire and resume fighting in Gaza to eliminate Hamas. Bezalel Smotrich, one of Netanyahu’s key partners, vows to topple the government if the war isn’t relaunched, a step that could lead to early elections.

Hamas, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-militants-rule-93da074c251d0fcaa395503749e2849e">has reasserted control over Gaza</a>&nbsp;since the ceasefire began last month, has said it will not release hostages in the second phase without an end to the war and Israeli forces’ full withdrawal. Netanyahu, meanwhile, maintains that Israel is committed to victory over Hamas and the return of all hostages captured in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war.

Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem, Jon Gambrell in Dubai, and Michelle L. Price, Stephen Groves and Lisa Mascaro contributed reporting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738708211203.png" alt="Photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Donald Trump's proposal that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-washington-ceasefire-1c8deec4dd46177e08e07d669d595ed3">the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;and permanently resettle its Palestinian residents was swiftly rejected and denounced on Wednesday by American allies and adversaries alike.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/KellyO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KellyO</a> on U.S. taking over Gaza strip: &quot;Are you talking about a permanent occupation there? Redevelopment?&quot; President Trump: &quot;I do see a long-term ownership position...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/AOvHSZZPFR">pic.twitter.com/AOvHSZZPFR</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1886937349080105014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump's suggestion came at a White House news conference with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-02-02-2025-90db60e88f955a8bb57cb05e99d574d6">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>, who smiled several times as the president detailed a plan to build new settlements for Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip, and for the U.S. to take “ownership” in redeveloping the war-torn territory into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said. “We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gaza MUST BE FREE from Hamas. As <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> shared today, the United States stands ready to lead and Make Gaza Beautiful Again. Our pursuit is one of lasting peace in the region for all people.&mdash; Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio/status/1886984908717085101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The comments came amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-ceasefire-aid-war-e1657d315ccc5ba66d15f48100f7981b">fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas</a>, during which the militant group has been turning over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-hostages-images-chaos-6371eb106d6cebe7919f70ba208007ca">hostages in exchange for the release of prisoners</a>&nbsp;held by Israel.Egypt, Jordan and other American allies in the Middle East have already rejected the idea of relocating more than 2 million Palestinians from Gaza elsewhere in the region. Following Trump's remarks, Egypt's Foreign Ministry issued a statement stressing the need for rebuilding “without moving the Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip.”Saudi Arabia, an important American ally, weighed in quickly on Trump's expanded idea to take over the Gaza Strip in a sharply worded statement, noting that its long call for an independent Palestinian state was a “firm, steadfast and unwavering position.”“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia also stresses what it had previously announced regarding its absolute rejection of infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, annexation of Palestinian lands or efforts to displace the Palestinian people from their land,” the statement said.The prime ministers of Australia and Ireland, foreign ministries from China, New Zealand and Germany, and a Kremlin spokesman all reiterated support for a two-state solution.“Australia's position is the same as it was this morning, as it was last year, as it was 10 years ago,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.Trump has already made waves — and upset longtime allies — suggesting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-imperialism-canada-panama-greenland-b4b53445dee97398b498b79eab54d49b">purchase of Greenland, the annexation of Canada</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-offshore-drilling-gulf-of-america-fa66f8d072eb39c00a8128a8941ede75">possible takeover of the Panama Canal</a>. It was not immediately clear whether the idea of taking over the Gaza Strip was a well thought out plan, or an opening gambit in negotiations.“The comments last night were, of course, very concerning," said Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. “I always adopt the approach when it comes to the U.S. administration of: judge them based on what they do and not what they say."Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told state-run Anadolu Agency that Trump's proposal on "deportations from Gaza is not something that either the region or we would accept.”“Even thinking about it, in my opinion, is wrong and absurd,” Fidan said.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for the United Nations to “protect the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights,” saying that what Trump wanted to do would be “a serious violation of international law.”Hamas, which sparked the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, said Trump's proposal was a “recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region."“Instead of holding the Zionist occupation accountable for the crime of genocide and displacement, it is being rewarded, not punished,” the militant group said in a statement.In its attack on Israel, Hamas killed some 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and took about 250 hostages.Israel's ensuing air and ground war has has killed over 47,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to local health authorities who do not say how many of the dead were fighters. The war has left large&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-aftermath-destruction-4c148d498f3d67a5d6de2107b6a1c966">parts of several cities in ruins</a>&nbsp;and displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people.In the U.S., opposition politicians quickly rejected Trump's idea, with Democratic Sen. Chris Coons calling his comments "offensive and insane and dangerous and foolish.”The idea “risks the rest of the world thinking that we are an unbalanced and unreliable partner because our president makes insane proposals,” Coons said, noting the irony of the proposal coming shortly after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-usaid-layoffs-7e0a159d8a419c4c9388ab02e8259f23">had moved to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development</a>.“Why on earth would we abandon decades of well-established humanitarian programs around the world, and now launch into one of the world’s greatest humanitarian challenges?” Coons said.Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian American member of Congress from Michigan, accused Trump in a social media post of “openly calling for ethnic cleansing” with the idea of resettling Gaza's entire population.___Rising reported from Bangkok. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller in Washington; Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey; Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan; Josef Federman in Jerusalem, Samy Magdy in Cairo and Charlotte McLay in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this report.-----------------WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday suggested that displaced Palestinians in Gaza be permanently resettled outside the war-torn territory and proposed the U.S. take “ownership” in redeveloping the area into “the Riviera of the Middle East”Trump’s brazen proposal appears certain to roil the next stage of talks meant to extend the tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza.The provocative comments came as talks are ramping up this week with the promise of surging humanitarian aid and reconstruction supplies to help the people of Gaza recover after more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">15 months of devastating conflict</a>. Now Trump wants to push roughly 1.8 million people to leave the land they have called home and claim it for the U.S., perhaps with American troops.“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said at an evening news conference with Netanyahu by his side. The president who made his name as New York real estate developer added: “We’ll make sure that it’s done world class. It’ll be wonderful for the people — Palestinians, Palestinians mostly, we’re talking about.”Trump outlined his thinking as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-palestinians-israel-trump-war-a5fd8e3eb4e50ed609c9f0aa100c51e6">held talks</a>&nbsp;with Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;at the White House, where the two leaders also discussed the fragile ceasefire and hostage deal in the Israeli-Hamas conflict and shared concerns about Iran.Trump said the U.S. would redevelop the territory after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere and turn the territory into a place where the “world's people”— including Palestinians — would live. He offered no detail about what authority the U.S. would use to take the land and develop it.Egypt, Jordan and other U.S. allies in the Mideast have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-egypt-jordan-palestinians-trump-51dc4d5225e6bc0a135b7bbafedb3d86">cautioned Trump</a>&nbsp;that relocating Palestinians from Gaza would threaten Mideast stability, risk expanding the conflict and undermine a decades-long push by the U.S. and allies for a two-state solution.Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry issued a sharply worded reaction to Trump, noting their long call for an independent Palestinian state was a “firm, steadfast and unwavering position.” Saudi Arabia has been in negotiations with the U.S. over a deal to diplomatically recognize Israel in exchange for a security pact and other terms.“The duty of the international community today is to work to alleviate the severe human suffering endured by the Palestinian people, who will remain committed to their land and will not budge from it," the Saudi statement said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Netanyahu</a> to the White House. <a href="https://t.co/LbQ1J0Edgs">pic.twitter.com/LbQ1J0Edgs</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1886890555994407215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Still, Trump insists the Palestinians “have no alternative” but to leave the "big pile of rubble” that is Gaza. He spoke out as his top aides stressed that a three-to-five-year timeline for reconstruction of the war-torn territory, as laid out in a temporary truce agreement, is not viable.Last week, both Egyptian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/egypts-president-rejects-trumps-proposal-to-relocate-gaza-residents-to-egypt-and-jordan-9d4db035f56b4b25b490a20db33e81f9">Abdel Fattah el-Sissi</a>&nbsp;and Jordanian King Abdullah II dismissed Trump's calls to resettle Gazans.But Trump said he believes Egypt and Jordan — as well as other countries, which he did not name — will ultimately agree to take in Palestinians.“You look over the decades, it’s all death in Gaza,” Trump said. "This has been happening for years. It’s all death. If we can get a beautiful area to resettle people, permanently, in nice homes where they can be happy and not be shot and not be killed and not be knifed to death like what’s happening in Gaza.”Trump also said he isn’t ruling out deploying U.S. troops to support reconstruction of Gaza. He envisions “long-term” U.S. ownership of a redevelopment of the territory.The president's proposal was greeted with alarm by Democrats and a measure of skepticism by his Republican allies.“He’s completely lost it,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. “He wants a U.S. invasion of Gaza, which would cost thousands of American lives and set the Middle East on fire for 20 years? It’s sick.”“We’ll see what our Arab friends say about that," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and a Trump ally. "And I think most South Carolinians are probably not excited about sending Americans to take over Gaza. I think that might be problematic, but I’ll keep an open mind.”The White House's focus on the future of Gaza comes as the nascent truce between Israel and Hamas hangs in the balance.Netanyahu is facing competing pressure from his right-wing coalition to end a temporary truce against Hamas militants in Gaza and from war-weary Israelis who want the remaining hostages home and for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">15-month conflict</a>&nbsp;to end.Trump may be betting he can persuade Egypt and Jordan to come around to accept displaced Palestinians because of the significant aid that the U.S. provides Cairo and Amman. Hard-line right-wing members of Netanyahu’s government have embraced the call to move displaced Palestinians out of Gaza.“To me, it is unfair to explain to Palestinians that they might be back in five years,” Trump’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, said. “That’s just preposterous.”Trump also signaled that he may be reconsidering an independent Palestinian state as part of a broader two-state solution to the decades-long Israel-Palestinian conflict.“Well, a lot of plans change with time,” he told reporters when asked if he was still committed to a plan like the one he laid out in 2020 that called for a Palestinian state. “A lot of death has occurred since I left and now came back."Netanyahu's arrival in Washington for the first foreign leader visit of Trump's second term coincides with the prime minister's popular support&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-trump-ceasefire-gaza-f27c1dbbfba4bf268f5368aaceb47e29">sagging</a>.The prime minister is in the middle of weekslong testimony in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-corruption-trial-gaza-478c957c7749986d5b8b2d039f670d54">ongoing corruption trial</a>&nbsp;that centers on allegations he exchanged favors with media moguls and wealthy associates. He has decried the accusations and said he is the victim of a “witch hunt.”Being seen with Trump, who is popular in Israel, could help distract the public from the trial and boost Netanyahu’s standing.“We have the right leader of Israel who’s done a great job," Trump said of Netanyahu.Netanyahu praised Trump's leadership in getting the hostage and ceasefire deal. The prime minister also spoke glowingly of Trump thinking outside the box.“You say things others refuse to say. And after the jaws drop, people scratch their heads and they say, 'You know he’s right.'"Hamas in a statement decried Trump’s comments.“We reject Trump’s statements in which he said that the residents of the Gaza Strip have no choice but to leave, and we consider them a recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region," the group said.Netanyahu met with White House national security adviser Mike Waltz and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-middle-east-envoy-steve-witkoff-netanyahu-4dae21b4b6d029a5c7a8ab62d112c2d5">Witkoff</a>&nbsp;on Monday to begin the daunting work of brokering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-war-ceasefire-explainer-bf5dd840354d69432737314bb67e183f">the next phase of a ceasefire agreement</a>.The Israeli leader said he would send a delegation to Qatar to continue indirect talks with Hamas that are being mediated by the Gulf Arab country, the first confirmation that those negotiations would continue. Netanyahu also said he would convene his security Cabinet to discuss Israel’s demands for the next phase of the ceasefire when he returns to Israel at the end of the week.Witkoff, meanwhile, said he plans to meet with Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in Florida on Thursday to discuss the next phase in the ceasefire. Qatar and Egypt have served as key intermediaries with Hamas throughout the conflict.Netanyahu is under intense pressure from hard-right members of his governing coalition to abandon the ceasefire and resume fighting in Gaza to eliminate Hamas. Bezalel Smotrich, one of Netanyahu’s key partners, vows to topple the government if the war isn’t relaunched, a step that could lead to early elections.Hamas, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-militants-rule-93da074c251d0fcaa395503749e2849e">has reasserted control over Gaza</a>&nbsp;since the ceasefire began last month, has said it will not release hostages in the second phase without an end to the war and Israeli forces’ full withdrawal. Netanyahu, meanwhile, maintains that Israel is committed to victory over Hamas and the return of all hostages captured in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war.___Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem, Jon Gambrell in Dubai, and Michelle L. Price, Stephen Groves and Lisa Mascaro contributed reporting.___

🎥 Trump's suggestion the US 'take over' Gaza  rejected by allies and adversaries alike

HONG KONG (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service is reversing course a day after placing a ban on all inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong.

The post office announced Tuesday that it would no longer accept parcels from the China and Hong Kong after the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-tariffs-trump-shein-temu-023aaee8f043605e62a614eaa5134f62">ended a customs exception</a>&nbsp;that allowed small value parcels to enter the U.S. without paying tax.

The Postal Service gave no reason for the reversal, but said it would work with Customs and Border Protection to implement a collection process for the new China tariffs to avoid delivery disruptions.

The Postal Service did not immediately return a request for comment by the Requests for The Associated Press.

The ban had the potential to create massive disruptions for online shopping platforms like Shein and Temu, popular with younger shoppers in the U.S. for cheap clothing and other products, usually shipped directly from China.

Cheap, direct postal service helps these companies keep costs low, as did the “de minimis” exemption that previously allowed shipments to go tax-free if their value is under $800.

The suspension by USPS would have likely have created delays in shipments and potentially higher prices for the companies that rely on rock-bottom pricing for huge sales.

One day after the U.S. Postal Service said in a notice that it would stop accepting inbound parcels from the China and Hong Kong Posts until further notice, it said Wednesday that would “continue accepting all international inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong.”

Letters and flats — mail that measures up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) long or 3/4 inches (1.9 centimeters) thick — were not included in the brief ban.

The USPS did not give a reason for the ban Tuesday, but the suspension came after Trump closed the “de minimis” customs exemption this week that allowed shoppers and importers to avoid duties on packages worth below $800.

The exemption was removed as part of an executive order to levy a 10% tariff on Chinese goods.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection previously stated that it processes an average of over four million “de minimis” imports each week.

HONG KONG (AP) — Americans are likely to pay more for products from popular Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu as the U.S. Postal Service said it would stop accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong.

The move was announced Tuesday, coming after the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-tariffs-trump-shein-temu-023aaee8f043605e62a614eaa5134f62">ended a customs exception</a>&nbsp;that allowed small value parcels to enter the U.S. without paying tax. Canada and Mexico managed to negotiate a month-long reprieve from 25% tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.

It will likely impact online shopping destinations like Shein and Temu, popular with younger shoppers in the U.S. for cheap clothing and other products, usually shipped directly from China.

The temporary suspension by USPS is likely to delay shipments and could mean higher prices in the long term.

The U.S. Postal Service said in a notice that it would temporarily stop accepting inbound parcels from the China and Hong Kong Posts until further notice.

Letters and flats — mail that measures up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) long or 3/4 inches (1.9 centimeters) thick — are not affected.

The USPS did not state a reason in a brief announcement, but the suspension came after Trump closed the “de minimis” customs exemption this week that allowed shoppers and importers to avoid duties on packages worth below $800.

What is the impact and who is most affected?

Consumers and companies alike will no longer be able to send parcels to the U.S. from Hong Kong or China.

This move is likely to impact Chinese e-commerce firms like Shein and Temu, although Shein is likely to be more affected, according to Jacob Cooke, CEO of e-commerce marketing agency WPIC Marketing + Technologies.

Both companies have significant market share in the U.S.

“Compared to Temu, Shein relies more heavily on USPS for direct-to-consumer shipping from China, and without this channel, it will have to rely more on private carriers,” said Cooke.

“That will increase logistics costs, which along with the recent scrapping of the de minimis exemption for most products from China, could erode its price advantage.”

Cooke said Temu operates on a semi-consignment model and often ships bulk orders to the U.S. before fulfilling orders domestically.

“Temu’s model of sourcing low-cost goods should also enable the platform to absorb higher logistics costs and remain price competitive,” he said.

Shein and Temu did not immediately comment.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China would take “necessary measures” to protect its companies, and urged the U.S. to “stop politicizing economic and trade issues and using them as a tool, and to stop unreasonably suppressing Chinese companies.”

What are possible ways for companies to work around the issue?

It is unclear how long the USPS suspension will last, but the effort to crack down on the de minimis excemption seems like a longer-term shift in policy, Cooke said.

“Shein and Temu will simply need to rely more on private carriers as a workaround to the USPS suspension,” he said.

In the long term, Shein could accelerate its warehouse expansion in the U.S., while Temu can double down on its semi-consignment model. By shipping in bulk to the U.S. and fulfilling orders domestically, logistics cost can be reduced, Cooke said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596998721849.png" alt="FIle photo -Google image" />
 <figcaption>FIle photo -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>HONG KONG (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service is reversing course a day after placing a ban on all inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong.The post office announced Tuesday that it would no longer accept parcels from the China and Hong Kong after the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-tariffs-trump-shein-temu-023aaee8f043605e62a614eaa5134f62">ended a customs exception</a>&nbsp;that allowed small value parcels to enter the U.S. without paying tax.The Postal Service gave no reason for the reversal, but said it would work with Customs and Border Protection to implement a collection process for the new China tariffs to avoid delivery disruptions.The Postal Service did not immediately return a request for comment by the Requests for The Associated Press.The ban had the potential to create massive disruptions for online shopping platforms like Shein and Temu, popular with younger shoppers in the U.S. for cheap clothing and other products, usually shipped directly from China.Cheap, direct postal service helps these companies keep costs low, as did the “de minimis” exemption that previously allowed shipments to go tax-free if their value is under $800.The suspension by USPS would have likely have created delays in shipments and potentially higher prices for the companies that rely on rock-bottom pricing for huge sales.<h2>What exactly did the USPS announce?</h2>One day after the U.S. Postal Service said in a notice that it would stop accepting inbound parcels from the China and Hong Kong Posts until further notice, it said Wednesday that would “continue accepting all international inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong.”Letters and flats — mail that measures up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) long or 3/4 inches (1.9 centimeters) thick — were not included in the brief ban.<h2>Why did it happen?</h2>The USPS did not give a reason for the ban Tuesday, but the suspension came after Trump closed the “de minimis” customs exemption this week that allowed shoppers and importers to avoid duties on packages worth below $800.The exemption was removed as part of an executive order to levy a 10% tariff on Chinese goods.U.S. Customs and Border Protection previously stated that it processes an average of over four million “de minimis” imports each week.----------HONG KONG (AP) — Americans are likely to pay more for products from popular Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu as the U.S. Postal Service said it would stop accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong.The move was announced Tuesday, coming after the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-tariffs-trump-shein-temu-023aaee8f043605e62a614eaa5134f62">ended a customs exception</a>&nbsp;that allowed small value parcels to enter the U.S. without paying tax. Canada and Mexico managed to negotiate a month-long reprieve from 25% tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738762217328.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It will likely impact online shopping destinations like Shein and Temu, popular with younger shoppers in the U.S. for cheap clothing and other products, usually shipped directly from China.Cheap, direct postal service helps these companies keep costs low, as did the “de minimis” exemption that previously allowed shipments to go tax-free if their value is under $800.The temporary suspension by USPS is likely to delay shipments and could mean higher prices in the long term.<h2>What exactly did the USPS announce?</h2>The U.S. Postal Service said in a notice that it would temporarily stop accepting inbound parcels from the China and Hong Kong Posts until further notice.Letters and flats — mail that measures up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) long or 3/4 inches (1.9 centimeters) thick — are not affected.<h2>Why did it happen?</h2>The USPS did not state a reason in a brief announcement, but the suspension came after Trump closed the “de minimis” customs exemption this week that allowed shoppers and importers to avoid duties on packages worth below $800.The exemption was removed as part of an executive order to levy a 10% tariff on Chinese goods.U.S. Customs and Border Protection previously stated that it processes an average of over four million “de minimis” imports each week.<h2>What is the impact and who is most affected?</h2>Consumers and companies alike will no longer be able to send parcels to the U.S. from Hong Kong or China.This move is likely to impact Chinese e-commerce firms like Shein and Temu, although Shein is likely to be more affected, according to Jacob Cooke, CEO of e-commerce marketing agency WPIC Marketing + Technologies.Both companies have significant market share in the U.S.“Compared to Temu, Shein relies more heavily on USPS for direct-to-consumer shipping from China, and without this channel, it will have to rely more on private carriers,” said Cooke.“That will increase logistics costs, which along with the recent scrapping of the de minimis exemption for most products from China, could erode its price advantage.”Cooke said Temu operates on a semi-consignment model and often ships bulk orders to the U.S. before fulfilling orders domestically.“Temu’s model of sourcing low-cost goods should also enable the platform to absorb higher logistics costs and remain price competitive,” he said.Shein and Temu did not immediately comment.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China would take “necessary measures” to protect its companies, and urged the U.S. to “stop politicizing economic and trade issues and using them as a tool, and to stop unreasonably suppressing Chinese companies.”<h2>What are possible ways for companies to work around the issue?</h2>It is unclear how long the USPS suspension will last, but the effort to crack down on the de minimis excemption seems like a longer-term shift in policy, Cooke said.“Shein and Temu will simply need to rely more on private carriers as a workaround to the USPS suspension,” he said.In the long term, Shein could accelerate its warehouse expansion in the U.S., while Temu can double down on its semi-consignment model. By shipping in bulk to the U.S. and fulfilling orders domestically, logistics cost can be reduced, Cooke said.

US Postal Service flip-flops on China packages, lifting ban imposed Tuesday

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

HAYS - Hays High played their first home games since December 13, 2024 as they hosted Sunrise Christian Academy on Tuesday.

GIRLS:&nbsp;#4 Hays 64, Sunrise 43 Hays High outscored Sunrise by ten in the fourth quarter helping the Indians win 64-43.

A 9-0 first quarter run by Hays turned a two point deficit into the Indians first lead of the game at 11-4. A lead they would never give back. Hays led by as many as eight in the first frame before the Buffaloes knocked in a basket to beat the buzzer at 19-13.

The Indians lead grew to double digits in the second quarter and was at a high of 12 at halftime 32-20.

Sunrise got as close as five points in the third quarter at 34-29. The Indians went on an 11-3 run to secure a 13 point lead. The lead in double figures 45-34 heading to the fourth quarter.

The Indians outscored the Buffaloes 19-9 in the fourth quarter for the 64-43 victory. Hays knocked down 12 of 13 free throws in the contest.

Hays(14-0) resumes Western Athletic Conference play on Friday by hosting Dodge City. Sunrise Christian(16-2) loses for just the second time.

Jenna Schmeidler 17; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 17; Molly Martin 17; Kenlee Winter 4; Morgan Armbruster 0; Rley Dreher 2; Lysni Kanak 2; Molly Buckles 2; Zoe Winter 3.

BOYS:&nbsp;Sunrise 59, Hays 55 Hays couldn't overcome a 16-point third quarter deficit as they fall to Sunrise 59-55.

The Indians led 9-5 in the first quarter and had the ball twice but couldn't extend the lead. Instead, Hays went without a field goal for the 4:30. The basket that broke the drought for the Indians gave them the lead at 12-10 early in the second quarter.

Sunrise made their first run of the game scoring the next nine points and grabbing the lead at 19-12. The Buffaloes outscored Hays 17-7 in the second for a 27-17 lead at halftime.

Sunrise pushed their edge to a sixteen point margin midway through the third quarter with a 12-6 run. Hays trailed 39-23 when they started to chip away at the lead. The Indians closed the third quarter on a 10-3 run and extended it to a 17-3 run with the first seven points of the fourth quarter. That run brought Hays within two points at 42-40. Sunrise answered right back with one of their eleven three pointers.&nbsp;

The Indians again pulled within two points at 45-43 but had a breakaway layup blocked that would have tied the game.

Hays again got within two points at 51-49 on a pair of free throws with 2:39 remaining. The Buffaloes again had the answer as they scored back to back field goals and led 55-49. The final two point deficit came at 57-55 with twenty second remaining but Sunrise hit a pair of free throws for the final of 59-55.

Sunrise Christian (18-3) came into the game shooting 26-percent on three but made 11 of their 25 attempts for 44-percent in the game. 

Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 10; Trace Jacobs 2; Cooper Lindenmeyer 2; Trey Oakley 8; Tiger Johnson 2; Izaac Fox 15; Dawson Ruder 16.

The Indians return to action on Friday when they host WAC foe Dodge City.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostHAYS - Hays High played their first home games since December 13, 2024 as they hosted Sunrise Christian Academy on Tuesday.GIRLS:&nbsp;#4 Hays 64, Sunrise 43 Hays High outscored Sunrise by ten in the fourth quarter helping the Indians win 64-43.A 9-0 first quarter run by Hays turned a two point deficit into the Indians first lead of the game at 11-4. A lead they would never give back. Hays led by as many as eight in the first frame before the Buffaloes knocked in a basket to beat the buzzer at 19-13.The Indians lead grew to double digits in the second quarter and was at a high of 12 at halftime 32-20.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2026199656&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/2-4-25-hhs-wbkb-highlights-v-sunrise-christian-academy" title="2 - 4-25 HHS WBKB Highlights V. Sunrise Christian Academy" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">2 - 4-25 HHS WBKB Highlights V. Sunrise Christian Academy</a></div></div>Sunrise got as close as five points in the third quarter at 34-29. The Indians went on an 11-3 run to secure a 13 point lead. The lead in double figures 45-34 heading to the fourth quarter.The Indians outscored the Buffaloes 19-9 in the fourth quarter for the 64-43 victory. Hays knocked down 12 of 13 free throws in the contest.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2026225876&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/2-4-25-hhs-wbkb-coach-interview-v-sunrise-christian-academy" title="2 - 4-25 HHS WBKB Coach Interview V. Sunrise Christian Academy" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">2 - 4-25 HHS WBKB Coach Interview V. Sunrise Christian Academy</a></div></div>Hays(14-0) resumes Western Athletic Conference play on Friday by hosting Dodge City. Sunrise Christian(16-2) loses for just the second time.Jenna Schmeidler 17; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 17; Molly Martin 17; Kenlee Winter 4; Morgan Armbruster 0; Rley Dreher 2; Lysni Kanak 2; Molly Buckles 2; Zoe Winter 3.BOYS:&nbsp;Sunrise 59, Hays 55 Hays couldn't overcome a 16-point third quarter deficit as they fall to Sunrise 59-55.The Indians led 9-5 in the first quarter and had the ball twice but couldn't extend the lead. Instead, Hays went without a field goal for the 4:30. The basket that broke the drought for the Indians gave them the lead at 12-10 early in the second quarter.Sunrise made their first run of the game scoring the next nine points and grabbing the lead at 19-12. The Buffaloes outscored Hays 17-7 in the second for a 27-17 lead at halftime.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2026259072&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/2-4-25-hhs-mbkb-highlights-v-sunrise-christian-academy" title="2 - 4-25 HHS MBKB Highlights V. Sunrise Christian Academy" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">2 - 4-25 HHS MBKB Highlights V. Sunrise Christian Academy</a></div></div>Sunrise pushed their edge to a sixteen point margin midway through the third quarter with a 12-6 run. Hays trailed 39-23 when they started to chip away at the lead. The Indians closed the third quarter on a 10-3 run and extended it to a 17-3 run with the first seven points of the fourth quarter. That run brought Hays within two points at 42-40. Sunrise answered right back with one of their eleven three pointers.&nbsp;The Indians again pulled within two points at 45-43 but had a breakaway layup blocked that would have tied the game.Hays again got within two points at 51-49 on a pair of free throws with 2:39 remaining. The Buffaloes again had the answer as they scored back to back field goals and led 55-49. The final two point deficit came at 57-55 with twenty second remaining but Sunrise hit a pair of free throws for the final of 59-55.Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2026259328&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/2-4-25-hhs-mbkb-coach-interview-v-sunrise-christian-academy" title="2 - 4-25 HHS MBKB Coach Interview V. Sunrise Christian Academy" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">2 - 4-25 HHS MBKB Coach Interview V. Sunrise Christian Academy</a></div></div>Sunrise Christian (18-3) came into the game shooting 26-percent on three but made 11 of their 25 attempts for 44-percent in the game. Hays (7-7) outrebounded Sunrise 38-22.Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 10; Trace Jacobs 2; Cooper Lindenmeyer 2; Trey Oakley 8; Tiger Johnson 2; Izaac Fox 15; Dawson Ruder 16.The Indians return to action on Friday when they host WAC foe Dodge City.

🏀 Hays High splits with Sunrise; girls remain undefeated

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs returned to Mid-Continent
League play Tuesday night with a sweep of the Trego Golden Eagles at Al
Billinger Fieldhouse in Hays.

GIRLS: TMP 55, Trego 28 The TMP-M Lady Monarchs (8-6, 3-1 MCL) outscored the Trego
Golden Eagles (7-7, 2-3 MCL) 25-10 in the first half and never trailed on their
way to a 55-28 victory.

The Monarchs jumped out to an early 10-5 lead through the
first quarter. Gracyn Schippers scored six points, and Brooke Koenigsman added
four more.

Claire Schippers connected on four three-pointers in the
second quarter as the Monarchs extended their lead to 25-10 lead at halftime.

After leading 38-21 at the end of three quarters, the
Monarchs opened the fourth quarter on a 13-0 run to go up by 30 points and with
the running clock TMP claimed the 55-28 victory.

Brooke Koenigsman led all scorers with 19 points, and Claire
Schippers added 12 points.

BOYS: TMP 67, Trego 51 The TMP boys used a 24-7 second-half run and rallied from
down 10 in the first half to beat the Trego Golden Eagles 67-51 on Tuesday.

After falling behind 3-0, TMP (7-7, 3-1 MCL) answered with a
10-2 and led 10-5 with less than four minutes left in the opening quarter, but
Trego finished the first quarter on an 11-0 run for a 16-10 lead through
one-quarter of play.

The Golden Eagles (7-7, 3-2) built their largest game lead,
31-21, with just seconds to play in the first half.

TMP’s Jacob Seib scored a driving layup to close out the
first half for a 31-23 halftime lead for the Golden Eagles.

Seib scored the first field goal of the second half and
sparked the Monarchs 24-7 run over the first six minutes of the third quarter as
TMP took a 47-38 lead.

Ty Schmeidler and Jacob Seib each scored six points during
the run.

In the fourth quarter, Grant Nehls scored eight of his
game-high 21 points, helping the Monarchs to the 67-51 victory. Ty Schmeidler added
14 points and Jacob Seib added points.

TMP will travel to Salina Thursday to take on the Sacred
Heart Knights. 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostHAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs returned to Mid-Continent
League play Tuesday night with a sweep of the Trego Golden Eagles at Al
Billinger Fieldhouse in Hays.GIRLS: TMP 55, Trego 28 The TMP-M Lady Monarchs (8-6, 3-1 MCL) outscored the Trego
Golden Eagles (7-7, 2-3 MCL) 25-10 in the first half and never trailed on their
way to a 55-28 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2026275708&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/john-linn-postgame-interview-2" title="John Linn Postgame Interview vs Trego (Feb 4th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">John Linn Postgame Interview vs Trego (Feb 4th 25)</a></div></div>The Monarchs jumped out to an early 10-5 lead through the
first quarter. Gracyn Schippers scored six points, and Brooke Koenigsman added
four more.Claire Schippers connected on four three-pointers in the
second quarter as the Monarchs extended their lead to 25-10 lead at halftime.After leading 38-21 at the end of three quarters, the
Monarchs opened the fourth quarter on a 13-0 run to go up by 30 points and with
the running clock TMP claimed the 55-28 victory.Brooke Koenigsman led all scorers with 19 points, and Claire
Schippers added 12 points.BOYS: TMP 67, Trego 51 The TMP boys used a 24-7 second-half run and rallied from
down 10 in the first half to beat the Trego Golden Eagles 67-51 on Tuesday.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2026275992&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/bill-meagher-postgame-1" title="Bill Meagher Postgame Interview vs Trego (Feb 4th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Bill Meagher Postgame Interview vs Trego (Feb 4th 25)</a></div></div>After falling behind 3-0, TMP (7-7, 3-1 MCL) answered with a
10-2 and led 10-5 with less than four minutes left in the opening quarter, but
Trego finished the first quarter on an 11-0 run for a 16-10 lead through
one-quarter of play.The Golden Eagles (7-7, 3-2) built their largest game lead,
31-21, with just seconds to play in the first half.TMP’s Jacob Seib scored a driving layup to close out the
first half for a 31-23 halftime lead for the Golden Eagles.Seib scored the first field goal of the second half and
sparked the Monarchs 24-7 run over the first six minutes of the third quarter as
TMP took a 47-38 lead.Ty Schmeidler and Jacob Seib each scored six points during
the run.TMP led 49-39 through three quarters.In the fourth quarter, Grant Nehls scored eight of his
game-high 21 points, helping the Monarchs to the 67-51 victory. Ty Schmeidler added
14 points and Jacob Seib added points.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2026276648&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-mbkb-highlights-vs-trego" title="TMP MBKB Highlights Vs trego (Feb 4th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP MBKB Highlights Vs trego (Feb 4th 25)</a></div></div>TMP will travel to Salina Thursday to take on the Sacred
Heart Knights.

🏀 Monarchs split MCL doubleheader with Trego

SALINA. –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon in Salina.

At around 11:20 a.m., Salina police received a call from a woman who reported an armed domestic disturbance at her home, in the 900 block of Birch Drive in Salina, according to a media release from the KBI.&nbsp;

Preliminary information indicates that when officers arrived, they contacted a female subject outside the house and learned that a male subject, later identified as Manuel Johnson-Ponce, 29, of Salina, had barricaded inside the home with a three-year old child. He was making threats to the child and officers.

Around 12 p.m., SPD’s SWAT team also responded to the scene. KBI’s High Risk Warrant Team (HRWT) was requested to assist around 12:15 p.m.

During the standoff, Johnson-Ponce refused to comply with repeated commands to come out of the house. He would also not allow the toddler to leave. Around 1 p.m. an officer from SPD fired rounds striking Johnson-Ponce. Immediately following the shooting, law enforcement officers safely rescued the child from the home.

Officers rendered aid to Johnson-Ponce. EMS arrived and transported him to a local hospital. Johnson-Ponce was treated for non-life threatening injuries and is in stable condition.&nbsp;No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Saline County Attorney. The investigation is ongoing.

SALINA—Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Salina that sent a man to the hospital.

Just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a domestic disturbance in the 900 block of Birch Street in Salina, according to a media release. Upon arrival officers contacted a man who was armed and pointed a weapon at officers. A barricaded hostage situation began.

During the incident, the suspect was shot and transported to Salina Regional Health Center. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is now in charge of the investigation. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738705427015.png" alt="Photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA. –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon in Salina.At around 11:20 a.m., Salina police received a call from a woman who reported an armed domestic disturbance at her home, in the 900 block of Birch Drive in Salina, according to a media release from the KBI.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707400070476.jpeg" alt="Monroe Manuel Johnson-Ponce from an arrest in Feb. 2024- Saline Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Monroe Manuel Johnson-Ponce from an arrest in Feb. 2024- Saline Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary information indicates that when officers arrived, they contacted a female subject outside the house and learned that a male subject, later identified as Manuel Johnson-Ponce, 29, of Salina, had barricaded inside the home with a three-year old child. He was making threats to the child and officers.Around 12 p.m., SPD’s SWAT team also responded to the scene. KBI’s High Risk Warrant Team (HRWT) was requested to assist around 12:15 p.m.During the standoff, Johnson-Ponce refused to comply with repeated commands to come out of the house. He would also not allow the toddler to leave. Around 1 p.m. an officer from SPD fired rounds striking Johnson-Ponce. Immediately following the shooting, law enforcement officers safely rescued the child from the home.Officers rendered aid to Johnson-Ponce. EMS arrived and transported him to a local hospital. Johnson-Ponce was treated for non-life threatening injuries and is in stable condition.&nbsp;No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Saline County Attorney. The investigation is ongoing.----------SALINA—Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Salina that sent a man to the hospital.Just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a domestic disturbance in the 900 block of Birch Street in Salina, according to a media release. Upon arrival officers contacted a man who was armed and pointed a weapon at officers. A barricaded hostage situation began.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738705211756.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>During the incident, the suspect was shot and transported to Salina Regional Health Center. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is now in charge of the investigation. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KBI IDs man wounded in officer shooting in Salina

For the
second week-in-a-row, the Hays High girls wrestling team dropped a spot in the Kansas
Wrestling Coaches Association 5A rankings. The Indians are fifth in this week’s
poll released late Tuesday afternoon.

Shawnee
Heights remains No. 1 with Basehor-Linwood second, Kapaun Mt. Carmel third and
Newton fourth.

The Indians
continue to have six wrestlers ranked with no change from last week. Sophomore
Eleanor Stoffel remains second at 190, senior Tionna Napue second at 135, sophomore
Timber Lovewell third at 145, junior Lexie Barnett third at 155, sophomore Kenlee
Vehige fourth at 120 and sophomore Emersyn Copper sixth at 100.

Dalton
Meyers remains third at 175 and Johnny Rigler fourth at 190 for the Hays High boys.

Norton tops
the 321A girls’ poll with Oakley second, Russell third and Plainville fourth.
Hoisington replaced Stockton at fifth.

Hoxie tops 321A
boys with Norton second, Phillipsburg fourth, Russell fifth and Hill City
eighth.

Area 321A
girls individual rankings
 100:&nbsp;4. Kaeleigh Klein – Plainville,&nbsp;6. Carolina Nortrup – Stockton
 105:&nbsp;2. Keleigh Ochoa – Smith Center,&nbsp;5. Kya Bell – Hill City
 110:&nbsp;5. Kia Mader – Ellis
115:&nbsp;3. Kallan Rothchild – Trego
 130:&nbsp;1. Ashlyn Hahn – Stockton,&nbsp;4. Annika Dietz – Trego
 140:&nbsp;3. Ella Normandin – Plainville
145:&nbsp;2. Lillian Garcia – Plainville
 155:&nbsp;2. Zoe Brown – Plainville,&nbsp;6. Johnna Ebner – Phillipsburg
 190:&nbsp;1. Caydence Carter – Plainville,&nbsp;4. Kaitlyn McCreery –
Phillipsburg
 235:&nbsp;4. Rivver Long – Stockton

Area 321A
boys individual rankings
 113:&nbsp;2. Tate Blackwill – Quinter
 132:&nbsp;5. Kaden Sisson – Phillipsburg
 138:&nbsp;6. Hunter Sisson – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;6. Ashton Wynn – Trego
 144:&nbsp;5. Seth Keeten – Phillipsburg
150:&nbsp;2. Cole Keeten – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;5. Sylar Rohr – Hill City
 157:&nbsp;2. Blake Buresch – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;5. Jaxson Smith – Hill City
 175:&nbsp;2. Dayton Stephen – Hill City,&nbsp;6. Kayden Hudson – Phillipsburg
 285:&nbsp;1. Kharson Montgomery – Smith Center

GIRLS
 <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Girls%20Week%209.pdf">All Class Rankings
</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Girls%20Week%209.pdf">5A Rankings
</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Girls%20Week%209.pdf">321A Rankings</a>

BOYS
 <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Boys%20Week%209.pdf">All Class Rankings
</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Boys%20Week%209.pdf">5A Rankings
</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Boys%20Week%209.pdf">321A Rankings</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostFor the
second week-in-a-row, the Hays High girls wrestling team dropped a spot in the Kansas
Wrestling Coaches Association 5A rankings. The Indians are fifth in this week’s
poll released late Tuesday afternoon.Shawnee
Heights remains No. 1 with Basehor-Linwood second, Kapaun Mt. Carmel third and
Newton fourth.The Indians
continue to have six wrestlers ranked with no change from last week. Sophomore
Eleanor Stoffel remains second at 190, senior Tionna Napue second at 135, sophomore
Timber Lovewell third at 145, junior Lexie Barnett third at 155, sophomore Kenlee
Vehige fourth at 120 and sophomore Emersyn Copper sixth at 100.Dalton
Meyers remains third at 175 and Johnny Rigler fourth at 190 for the Hays High boys.Norton tops
the 321A girls’ poll with Oakley second, Russell third and Plainville fourth.
Hoisington replaced Stockton at fifth.Hoxie tops 321A
boys with Norton second, Phillipsburg fourth, Russell fifth and Hill City
eighth.Area 321A
girls individual rankings
 100:&nbsp;4. Kaeleigh Klein – Plainville,&nbsp;6. Carolina Nortrup – Stockton
 105:&nbsp;2. Keleigh Ochoa – Smith Center,&nbsp;5. Kya Bell – Hill City
 110:&nbsp;5. Kia Mader – Ellis
115:&nbsp;3. Kallan Rothchild – Trego
 130:&nbsp;1. Ashlyn Hahn – Stockton,&nbsp;4. Annika Dietz – Trego
 140:&nbsp;3. Ella Normandin – Plainville
145:&nbsp;2. Lillian Garcia – Plainville
 155:&nbsp;2. Zoe Brown – Plainville,&nbsp;6. Johnna Ebner – Phillipsburg
 190:&nbsp;1. Caydence Carter – Plainville,&nbsp;4. Kaitlyn McCreery –
Phillipsburg
 235:&nbsp;4. Rivver Long – StocktonArea 321A
boys individual rankings
 113:&nbsp;2. Tate Blackwill – Quinter
 132:&nbsp;5. Kaden Sisson – Phillipsburg
 138:&nbsp;6. Hunter Sisson – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;6. Ashton Wynn – Trego
 144:&nbsp;5. Seth Keeten – Phillipsburg
150:&nbsp;2. Cole Keeten – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;5. Sylar Rohr – Hill City
 157:&nbsp;2. Blake Buresch – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;5. Jaxson Smith – Hill City
 175:&nbsp;2. Dayton Stephen – Hill City,&nbsp;6. Kayden Hudson – Phillipsburg
 285:&nbsp;1. Kharson Montgomery – Smith CenterGIRLS
 <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Girls%20Week%209.pdf">All Class Rankings
</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Girls%20Week%209.pdf">5A Rankings
</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Girls%20Week%209.pdf">321A Rankings</a>BOYS
 <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Boys%20Week%209.pdf">All Class Rankings
</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Boys%20Week%209.pdf">5A Rankings
</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Boys%20Week%209.pdf">321A Rankings</a>

🤼‍♀️ HHS girls drop a spot on latest KWCA 5A rankings

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;DAVID KLEPPER&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/farnoush-amiri">FARNOUSH AMIRI</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to be President Donald Trump director of national intelligence cleared a key Senate committee Tuesday despite concerns raised about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gabbard-trump-intelligence-director-russia-ukraine-syria-20b7a404704efe88aa56a06ce1894f9a">her past comments</a>&nbsp;sympathetic to Russia and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gabbard-syria-assad-trump-b7518871e72a5e19c618c5ff52dedfd2">meeting</a>&nbsp;with Syria’s now-deposed leader.

A former Democratic congresswoman, Gabbard is one of Trump’s most divisive nominees, with lawmakers of both parties also pointing to her past support for government leaker Edward Snowden. But the Senate Intelligence Committee, including Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, advanced her nomination in a closed-door 9-8 vote, and it now heads to the full Senate for consideration. A vote has not been scheduled yet.

Following a contentious confirmation hearing last week, where some Republican senators questioned Gabbard harshly, GOP support for her fell into place following a pressure campaign over the weekend unleashed by Trump supporters and allies, including Elon Musk.

Until three GOP members seen as swing votes announced their support, it wasn’t clear her nomination would advance beyond the Intelligence Committee. Given strong Democratic opposition and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-election-results-mike-johnson-5103c8b5c0ef03a1e61a1c0f9ca3dd4f">thin Republican margins</a>, Gabbard will need almost all GOP senators to vote yes to win confirmation to the top intelligence job.

Given the sensitive nature of the work it does, the Intelligence Committee regularly meets privately, and Tuesday’s vote on Gabbard was held during such a session. While the votes of members of the committee were not released, support for Gabbard has fallen along party lines, with no Democrats expressing support.

Gabbard is a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard who deployed twice to the Middle East and ran for president in 2020. She has no formal intelligence experience, however, and has never run a government agency or department.

Gabbard’s past praise of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-government-797f390ee28b4bfbb0e1b13cfedf0593">Snowden</a>&nbsp;drew particularly harsh questions during the nomination hearing. The former National Security Agency contractor fled to Russia after he was charged with revealing classified information about surveillance programs.

Gabbard said that while Snowden revealed important facts about surveillance programs she believes are unconstitutional, he violated rules about protecting classified secrets. “Edward Snowden broke the law,” she said.

A 2017 visit with Syrian President Bashar Assad is another flash point. Assad was recently deposed following a brutal civil war in which he was accused of using chemical weapons. Following her visit, Gabbard faced criticism that she was legitimizing a dictator and then more questions when she said she was skeptical that Assad had used chemical weapons.

Gabbard defended her meeting with Assad, saying she used the opportunity to press the Syrian leader on his human rights record.

She has also repeatedly echoed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-covid-science-health-donald-trump-300742272576985618e1d5a30f53bb23">Russian propaganda</a>&nbsp;used to justify the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine and in the past opposed a key U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-surveillance-fisa-702-congress-reform-7dc1b506b58ce74de0d7983dfba98909">surveillance program</a>.

In the latest instance of the “Make America Great Again” base pressuring senators to support Trump’s nominees, Musk blasted Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana as a “deep-state puppet” in a now-deleted social media post before the two men spoke and Musk later called him an ally.

Young, whose critical questioning of Gabbard had prompted speculation he might oppose her, confirmed Tuesday he would back Gabbard. Young said his tough questions for Gabbard were just part of the process.

“I have done what the framers envisioned for senators to do: use the consultative process to seek firm commitments, in this case commitments that will advance our national security,” he wrote in statement announcing his support for Gabbard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738022744738.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran met with Gabbard in December" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran met with Gabbard in December</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;&nbsp;DAVID KLEPPER&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/farnoush-amiri">FARNOUSH AMIRI</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to be President Donald Trump director of national intelligence cleared a key Senate committee Tuesday despite concerns raised about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gabbard-trump-intelligence-director-russia-ukraine-syria-20b7a404704efe88aa56a06ce1894f9a">her past comments</a>&nbsp;sympathetic to Russia and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gabbard-syria-assad-trump-b7518871e72a5e19c618c5ff52dedfd2">meeting</a>&nbsp;with Syria’s now-deposed leader.A former Democratic congresswoman, Gabbard is one of Trump’s most divisive nominees, with lawmakers of both parties also pointing to her past support for government leaker Edward Snowden. But the Senate Intelligence Committee, including Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, advanced her nomination in a closed-door 9-8 vote, and it now heads to the full Senate for consideration. A vote has not been scheduled yet.Following a contentious confirmation hearing last week, where some Republican senators questioned Gabbard harshly, GOP support for her fell into place following a pressure campaign over the weekend unleashed by Trump supporters and allies, including Elon Musk.Until three GOP members seen as swing votes announced their support, it wasn’t clear her nomination would advance beyond the Intelligence Committee. Given strong Democratic opposition and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-election-results-mike-johnson-5103c8b5c0ef03a1e61a1c0f9ca3dd4f">thin Republican margins</a>, Gabbard will need almost all GOP senators to vote yes to win confirmation to the top intelligence job.Given the sensitive nature of the work it does, the Intelligence Committee regularly meets privately, and Tuesday’s vote on Gabbard was held during such a session. While the votes of members of the committee were not released, support for Gabbard has fallen along party lines, with no Democrats expressing support.Gabbard is a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard who deployed twice to the Middle East and ran for president in 2020. She has no formal intelligence experience, however, and has never run a government agency or department.Gabbard’s past praise of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-government-797f390ee28b4bfbb0e1b13cfedf0593">Snowden</a>&nbsp;drew particularly harsh questions during the nomination hearing. The former National Security Agency contractor fled to Russia after he was charged with revealing classified information about surveillance programs.Gabbard said that while Snowden revealed important facts about surveillance programs she believes are unconstitutional, he violated rules about protecting classified secrets. “Edward Snowden broke the law,” she said.A 2017 visit with Syrian President Bashar Assad is another flash point. Assad was recently deposed following a brutal civil war in which he was accused of using chemical weapons. Following her visit, Gabbard faced criticism that she was legitimizing a dictator and then more questions when she said she was skeptical that Assad had used chemical weapons.Gabbard defended her meeting with Assad, saying she used the opportunity to press the Syrian leader on his human rights record.She has also repeatedly echoed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-covid-science-health-donald-trump-300742272576985618e1d5a30f53bb23">Russian propaganda</a>&nbsp;used to justify the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine and in the past opposed a key U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-surveillance-fisa-702-congress-reform-7dc1b506b58ce74de0d7983dfba98909">surveillance program</a>.In the latest instance of the “Make America Great Again” base pressuring senators to support Trump’s nominees, Musk blasted Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana as a “deep-state puppet” in a now-deleted social media post before the two men spoke and Musk later called him an ally.Young, whose critical questioning of Gabbard had prompted speculation he might oppose her, confirmed Tuesday he would back Gabbard. Young said his tough questions for Gabbard were just part of the process.“I have done what the framers envisioned for senators to do: use the consultative process to seek firm commitments, in this case commitments that will advance our national security,” he wrote in statement announcing his support for Gabbard.

Moran helps advance Trump’s pick to oversee US spy agencies

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Garden City man was arrested in Hays following a report of a suspicious person dressed in all black.

According to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler, a records check revealed that 31-year-old Oscar Salazar had stolen a van near the Garden City High School.

At around 12:30 p.m., the police department received a call about a suspicious man in a black sweatshirt and black pants walking in circles in the 1500 block of Commerce Parkway.

Officers found Salazar, who initially claimed he had run out of gas. Officers conducted a records check. According to Scheibler, Salazar later admitted to stealing the van, which had been unlocked and running.

Salazar was arrested on a charge of possession of stolen property and was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738761112207.png" alt="Salazar photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Salazar photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Garden City man was arrested in Hays following a report of a suspicious person dressed in all black.According to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler, a records check revealed that 31-year-old Oscar Salazar had stolen a van near the Garden City High School.At around 12:30 p.m., the police department received a call about a suspicious man in a black sweatshirt and black pants walking in circles in the 1500 block of Commerce Parkway.Officers found Salazar, who initially claimed he had run out of gas. Officers conducted a records check. According to Scheibler, Salazar later admitted to stealing the van, which had been unlocked and running.Salazar was arrested on a charge of possession of stolen property and was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

Garden City man arrested in Hays for allegedly stealing vehicle

Despite a road win at Great Bend, the Hays High girls’ basketball
team dropped two spots to No. 4 in the latest 5A rankings released Tuesday
afternoon from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Topeka Seaman remains
No. 1 with St. James Academy moving up seven spots to No. 2. Andover holds at
No. 3.

The Hoxie girls moved up a spot to No. 6 in Class 2A with
Oakley in this week’s poll at No. 10.

The Quinter girls held steady at No. 7 in 1A Division 1, Wheatland-Grinnell
is 10th in the 1A Division 2 poll.

The Great Bend boys held at No. 4 in Class 5A, Logan-Palco remained
third in 1A Division 2.

6A Girls
 1. Blue Valley North
 2. Derby
 3. Wichita Heights
 4. Olathe South
 5. Wichita East
 6. Blue Valley Northwest
 7. Topeka - Washburn Rural
 8. Shawnee Mission South
 9. Olathe North
10. Topeka High

5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman
 2. Lenexa - St. James Academy
 3. Andover
 4. Hays
 5. Kansas City Piper
 6. Maize South
 7. De Soto
 8. OP -&nbsp; St. Thomas Aquinas
 9. Wichita - Bishop Carroll
 10. Spring Hill

4A Girls
 1. Topeka Hayden
 2. Wellington
 3. Roeland Park - Bishop Miege
 4. Eudora
 5. Altamont - Labette County
 6. Buhler
 7. St. George - Rock Creek
 8. Fort Scott
 9. Clay Center
 10. Ottawa

3A Girls
 1. Hesston
 2. Halstead
 3. Silver Lake
 4. Osage City
 5. Colby
 6. Girard
 7. Haven
 8. Cheney
 9. Kismet - Southwestern Heights
 10. Riley County

2A Girls
 1. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan
 2. Leoti - Wichita County
 3. Moundridge
 4. Highland - Doniphan West
 5. Inman
 6. Hoxie
 7. Bennington
 8. Eureka
 9. Ellinwood
 10. Oakley

1A Division 1 Girls
 1. Little River
 2. Centralia
 3. Clyde - Clifton Clyde
 4. Claflin - Central Plains
 5. Montezuma - South Gray
 6. Troy
 7. Quinter
 8. Atwood - Rawlins County
 9. Olpe
 10. St. John – Hudson

1A Division 2 Girls
 1. Lebo
 2. Hanover
 3. Wallace County - Sharon Springs
 4. South Haven
 5. Bucklin
 6. Cheylin
 7. Attica
 8. Hodgeman County – Jetmore
 9. Hartford
 10. Wheatland/Grinnell

6A Boys
 1. Shawnee Mission South
 2. Derby
 3. Wichita Heights
 4. Shawnee - Mill Valley
 5. Shawnee Mission Northwest
 6. Blue Valley North
 7. Olathe North
 8. Blue Valley
 9. Wichita Northwest
 10. Topeka Washburn Rural

5A Boys
 1. Topeka - Highland Park
 2. Kansas City Piper
 3. Wichita - Kapaun Mt. Carmel
 4. Great Bend
 5. Bonner Springs
 6. Topeka West
 7. Andover
 8. Topeka Seaman
 9. Tecumseh - Shawnee Heights
 10. Kansas City – Washington

4A Boys
 1. Ottawa 2. McPherson
 3. St. George - Rock Creek
 4. Topeka – Hayden
 5. Baldwin
 6. Chanute
 7. Pratt
 8. Andale
 9. Abilene
 10. Concordia

3A Boys
 1. Wichita Collegiate
 2. Goodland
 3. Haven
 4. Nemaha Central
 5. Cheney
 6. Hesston
 7. Lakin
 8. Galena
 9. St. Mary's
 10. Holcomb

2A Boys
 1. Moundridge
 2. Salina - Sacred Heart
 3. Brookville - Ell Saline
 4. Sterling
 5. Atchison - Maur Hill Mount Academy
 6. Rossville
 7. Elbing - Berean Academy
 8. Valley Falls
 9. Syracuse
 10. Hillsboro

1A Division 1 Boys
 1. Coldwater - South Central
 2. Lawrence - Seabury Academy
 3. Olpe
 4. Claflin - Central Plains
 5. Macksville
 6. Oxford
 7. Burden – Central
 8. Burlingame
 9. Lincoln
 10. Montezuma - South Gray

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostDespite a road win at Great Bend, the Hays High girls’ basketball
team dropped two spots to No. 4 in the latest 5A rankings released Tuesday
afternoon from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Topeka Seaman remains
No. 1 with St. James Academy moving up seven spots to No. 2. Andover holds at
No. 3.The Hoxie girls moved up a spot to No. 6 in Class 2A with
Oakley in this week’s poll at No. 10.The Quinter girls held steady at No. 7 in 1A Division 1, Wheatland-Grinnell
is 10th in the 1A Division 2 poll.The Great Bend boys held at No. 4 in Class 5A, Logan-Palco remained
third in 1A Division 2.6A Girls
 1. Blue Valley North
 2. Derby
 3. Wichita Heights
 4. Olathe South
 5. Wichita East
 6. Blue Valley Northwest
 7. Topeka - Washburn Rural
 8. Shawnee Mission South
 9. Olathe North
10. Topeka High5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman
 2. Lenexa - St. James Academy
 3. Andover
 4. Hays
 5. Kansas City Piper
 6. Maize South
 7. De Soto
 8. OP -&nbsp; St. Thomas Aquinas
 9. Wichita - Bishop Carroll
 10. Spring Hill4A Girls
 1. Topeka Hayden
 2. Wellington
 3. Roeland Park - Bishop Miege
 4. Eudora
 5. Altamont - Labette County
 6. Buhler
 7. St. George - Rock Creek
 8. Fort Scott
 9. Clay Center
 10. Ottawa3A Girls
 1. Hesston
 2. Halstead
 3. Silver Lake
 4. Osage City
 5. Colby
 6. Girard
 7. Haven
 8. Cheney
 9. Kismet - Southwestern Heights
 10. Riley County2A Girls
 1. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan
 2. Leoti - Wichita County
 3. Moundridge
 4. Highland - Doniphan West
 5. Inman
 6. Hoxie
 7. Bennington
 8. Eureka
 9. Ellinwood
 10. Oakley1A Division 1 Girls
 1. Little River
 2. Centralia
 3. Clyde - Clifton Clyde
 4. Claflin - Central Plains
 5. Montezuma - South Gray
 6. Troy
 7. Quinter
 8. Atwood - Rawlins County
 9. Olpe
 10. St. John – Hudson1A Division 2 Girls
 1. Lebo
 2. Hanover
 3. Wallace County - Sharon Springs
 4. South Haven
 5. Bucklin
 6. Cheylin
 7. Attica
 8. Hodgeman County – Jetmore
 9. Hartford
 10. Wheatland/Grinnell6A Boys
 1. Shawnee Mission South
 2. Derby
 3. Wichita Heights
 4. Shawnee - Mill Valley
 5. Shawnee Mission Northwest
 6. Blue Valley North
 7. Olathe North
 8. Blue Valley
 9. Wichita Northwest
 10. Topeka Washburn Rural5A Boys
 1. Topeka - Highland Park
 2. Kansas City Piper
 3. Wichita - Kapaun Mt. Carmel
 4. Great Bend
 5. Bonner Springs
 6. Topeka West
 7. Andover
 8. Topeka Seaman
 9. Tecumseh - Shawnee Heights
 10. Kansas City – Washington4A Boys
 1. Ottawa 2. McPherson
 3. St. George - Rock Creek
 4. Topeka – Hayden
 5. Baldwin
 6. Chanute
 7. Pratt
 8. Andale
 9. Abilene
 10. Concordia3A Boys
 1. Wichita Collegiate
 2. Goodland
 3. Haven
 4. Nemaha Central
 5. Cheney
 6. Hesston
 7. Lakin
 8. Galena
 9. St. Mary's
 10. Holcomb 2A Boys
 1. Moundridge
 2. Salina - Sacred Heart
 3. Brookville - Ell Saline
 4. Sterling
 5. Atchison - Maur Hill Mount Academy
 6. Rossville
 7. Elbing - Berean Academy
 8. Valley Falls
 9. Syracuse
 10. Hillsboro 1A Division 1 Boys
 1. Coldwater - South Central
 2. Lawrence - Seabury Academy
 3. Olpe
 4. Claflin - Central Plains
 5. Macksville
 6. Oxford
 7. Burden – Central
 8. Burlingame
 9. Lincoln
 10. Montezuma - South Gray1A Division 2 Boys
 1. Cunningham
 2. Axtell
 3. Logan – Palco
 4. Hanover
 5. Weskan
 6. McPherson - Elyria Christian
 7. Dighton
 8. Jetmore - Hodgeman County
 9. St. John/Tipton &nbsp;10. Linn