BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-a-lieb">DAVID A. LIEB</a> Associated Press

For years, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in suburban Indianapolis has wanted to partner with federal immigration authorities to identify and detain immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally and facing charges.

President Joe Biden’s administration never returned its calls, the sheriff’s office said. But as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;cracks down on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">illegal immigration</a>, Hamilton County deputies soon could become the first in Indiana empowered to carry out federal immigration duties and one of many nationally that Trump’s administration hopes to enlist.

“We definitely are joining,” Chief Deputy John Lowes told The Associated Press. “We want to collaborate with ICE to make sure we keep our community safe.”

Under Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement">U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement</a>&nbsp;is reviving and expanding a decades-old program that trains local law officers to interrogate immigrants in their custody and detain them for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-deportations-border-immigration-bcd2737e6f9b482ec500238c6caa4f35">potential deportation</a>. The 287(g) program — named for a section of the 1996 law that created it — currently applies only to those already jailed or imprisoned on charges.

But Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, recently told sheriffs that he wants to expand it to include local task forces that can make arrests on the streets, reviving a model that former President Barrack Obama discontinued amid concerns about racial profiling. It’s unclear whether that could allow local officers to stop people solely to check their immigration status.

On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Highway Patrol had struck an agreement with ICE to interrogate, arrest and detain immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally and deliver them to federal authorities.

The arrangement will help “fulfill the president’s mission to effectuate the largest deportation program in American history,” DeSantis said.

Advocates for immigrants, meanwhile, are raising alarm about new pacts that put local law officers on immigration enforcement.

“All of these agreements, in practice, have the same track record of racial profiling, of sweeping in U.S. citizens or people who have lawful status, of having a chilling effect in terms of communities reporting crime to local law enforcement agencies,” said Nayna Gupta, policy director at the nonprofit American Immigration Council.

In the early 2000s, many of the initial participants in the 287(g) program had agreements that allowed them to enforce immigration laws in their communities, not just their jails. But problems arose in several places, including Arizona.

In 2011, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25515657-mcso_justice-department_2011/" target="_blank">civil rights investigation</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Department of Justice found that deputies in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, had engaged in a pattern of racial profiling, unlawful stops and arrests of Latinos. The Department of Homeland Security&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbbc09f793ce4550b2445ce30cc8d418">ended its agreement</a>&nbsp;with the county.

The program became “the hallmark of far-right, anti-immigrant sheriffs” as a means “to feed people on the basis of their ethnicity into the deportation machine,” asserted Lena Graber, senior staff attorney at the nonprofit Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

In recent years, ICE has offered two types of 287(g) agreements to law enforcement agencies. One model requires four weeks of training and allows local officers to question suspected noncitizens who are jailed on other charges and detain them for ICE. The other model, which Trump launched during his first term, requires just eight hours of training and only allows local officers to serve federal immigration warrants.

As of December, ICE had 135 agreements with sheriff’s offices, police departments and prison systems in 21 states, with requests pending from 35 others. Two-thirds of the agreements were in just three states — Florida, Texas and North Carolina. But no agreements had been signed during Biden’s four years as president, according to ICE data.

On his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-immigration-homan-asylum-inauguration-ac10480dc636b758ab3c435b974aeb19">first day back in office</a>, Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to maximize 287(g) agreements for local law officers to investigate, apprehend and detain immigrants. At a recent National Sheriffs’ Association conference, Homan said the administration is looking to lighten detention facility regulations and shorten the training to encourage greater collaboration with federal immigration officials.

The association’s president, Kieran Donahue, applauded the announcement.

“There’s going to be local sheriffs’ offices throughout the country, no question, they’re going to sign onto this program,” Donahue told the AP.

But Donahue is not planning to sign up his own department in Canyon County, Idaho.

“I don’t have that kind of manpower,” he said, adding: “I have no bed space in my facility. Zero.”

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement in 2002 was the first to sign a 287(g) agreement with the federal government, running a task force for immigration enforcement. Twenty years later, Florida became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-business-florida-ron-desantis-a16cc42c3a77bd80e2c45ee8e6234c13">the first state to require</a>&nbsp;all local agencies with county jails to join the program or inform the state why they couldn’t.

After a Venezuelan man who was illegally in the U.S. killed University of Georgia student Laken Riley, Georgia passed a law last year requiring local law enforcement agencies to apply for the program.

This year, Republican lawmakers in about a dozen states are seeking to require or incentivize cooperative agreements with ICE. One measure is sponsored by Texas state Rep. David Spiller, a Republican who also authored a law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-migrants-arrest-explainer-306f644e8bb95333b078ed3923adacf0">allowing any law enforcement officer to arrest migrants</a>&nbsp;suspected of entering the country illegally. That law is on hold amid a legal challenge.

Spiller said mandatory participation in ICE programs is essential.

“President Trump and border czar Homan cannot remove and deport all the people that are a public safety threat to our state and our nation over the next year and a half without the help of our local law enforcement,” Spiller said.

Already this year, Florida lawmakers have passed legislation that would allot millions of dollars for local immigration enforcement efforts.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-bill-tennessee-republican-17af910d31b325516da02f0ff9a5c853">Legislation passed in Tennessee</a>&nbsp;would direct the state to apply for the 287(g) program and authorize grants for local agencies that join.

Legislation creating a state grant program for 287(g) participants also passed the Indiana Senate this week and is pending in the House. Democratic state Sen. Rodney Pol called it a “very, very dangerous” and “very, very disturbing” proposal.

“We’re putting too much on people, particularly police officers, that are going to be put into situations where they’re going to have to break up their communities,” Pol said.

But Lowes said Hamilton County deputies plan to focus only on people who are already in jail. Last year, he said, the jail booked over 500 people believed to be noncitizens on charges that included driving while intoxicated, drug possession, theft, burglary, sexual battery and other offenses. It’s unclear how many were in the country illegally, but ICE became involved in 64 of those cases, he said.

“We believe that this program will help us see a reduction in some of those crimes and will help us get some of the people out of our community that are committing crimes that endanger our safety,” Lowes said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738002670796.png" alt="Photo Homeland Security-Ice" />
 <figcaption>Photo Homeland Security-Ice</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-a-lieb">DAVID A. LIEB</a> Associated PressFor years, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in suburban Indianapolis has wanted to partner with federal immigration authorities to identify and detain immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally and facing charges.President Joe Biden’s administration never returned its calls, the sheriff’s office said. But as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;cracks down on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">illegal immigration</a>, Hamilton County deputies soon could become the first in Indiana empowered to carry out federal immigration duties and one of many nationally that Trump’s administration hopes to enlist.“We definitely are joining,” Chief Deputy John Lowes told The Associated Press. “We want to collaborate with ICE to make sure we keep our community safe.”Under Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement">U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement</a>&nbsp;is reviving and expanding a decades-old program that trains local law officers to interrogate immigrants in their custody and detain them for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-deportations-border-immigration-bcd2737e6f9b482ec500238c6caa4f35">potential deportation</a>. The 287(g) program — named for a section of the 1996 law that created it — currently applies only to those already jailed or imprisoned on charges.But Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, recently told sheriffs that he wants to expand it to include local task forces that can make arrests on the streets, reviving a model that former President Barrack Obama discontinued amid concerns about racial profiling. It’s unclear whether that could allow local officers to stop people solely to check their immigration status.On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Highway Patrol had struck an agreement with ICE to interrogate, arrest and detain immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally and deliver them to federal authorities.The arrangement will help “fulfill the president’s mission to effectuate the largest deportation program in American history,” DeSantis said.Advocates for immigrants, meanwhile, are raising alarm about new pacts that put local law officers on immigration enforcement.“All of these agreements, in practice, have the same track record of racial profiling, of sweeping in U.S. citizens or people who have lawful status, of having a chilling effect in terms of communities reporting crime to local law enforcement agencies,” said Nayna Gupta, policy director at the nonprofit American Immigration Council.<h2>A dormant program gets a jumpstart</h2>In the early 2000s, many of the initial participants in the 287(g) program had agreements that allowed them to enforce immigration laws in their communities, not just their jails. But problems arose in several places, including Arizona.In 2011, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25515657-mcso_justice-department_2011/" target="_blank">civil rights investigation</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Department of Justice found that deputies in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, had engaged in a pattern of racial profiling, unlawful stops and arrests of Latinos. The Department of Homeland Security&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbbc09f793ce4550b2445ce30cc8d418">ended its agreement</a>&nbsp;with the county.The program became “the hallmark of far-right, anti-immigrant sheriffs” as a means “to feed people on the basis of their ethnicity into the deportation machine,” asserted Lena Graber, senior staff attorney at the nonprofit Immigrant Legal Resource Center.In recent years, ICE has offered two types of 287(g) agreements to law enforcement agencies. One model requires four weeks of training and allows local officers to question suspected noncitizens who are jailed on other charges and detain them for ICE. The other model, which Trump launched during his first term, requires just eight hours of training and only allows local officers to serve federal immigration warrants.As of December, ICE had 135 agreements with sheriff’s offices, police departments and prison systems in 21 states, with requests pending from 35 others. Two-thirds of the agreements were in just three states — Florida, Texas and North Carolina. But no agreements had been signed during Biden’s four years as president, according to ICE data.On his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-immigration-homan-asylum-inauguration-ac10480dc636b758ab3c435b974aeb19">first day back in office</a>, Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to maximize 287(g) agreements for local law officers to investigate, apprehend and detain immigrants. At a recent National Sheriffs’ Association conference, Homan said the administration is looking to lighten detention facility regulations and shorten the training to encourage greater collaboration with federal immigration officials.The association’s president, Kieran Donahue, applauded the announcement.“There’s going to be local sheriffs’ offices throughout the country, no question, they’re going to sign onto this program,” Donahue told the AP.But Donahue is not planning to sign up his own department in Canyon County, Idaho.“I don’t have that kind of manpower,” he said, adding: “I have no bed space in my facility. Zero.”<h2>States push for mandatory ICE training</h2>The Florida Department of Law Enforcement in 2002 was the first to sign a 287(g) agreement with the federal government, running a task force for immigration enforcement. Twenty years later, Florida became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-business-florida-ron-desantis-a16cc42c3a77bd80e2c45ee8e6234c13">the first state to require</a>&nbsp;all local agencies with county jails to join the program or inform the state why they couldn’t.After a Venezuelan man who was illegally in the U.S. killed University of Georgia student Laken Riley, Georgia passed a law last year requiring local law enforcement agencies to apply for the program.This year, Republican lawmakers in about a dozen states are seeking to require or incentivize cooperative agreements with ICE. One measure is sponsored by Texas state Rep. David Spiller, a Republican who also authored a law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-migrants-arrest-explainer-306f644e8bb95333b078ed3923adacf0">allowing any law enforcement officer to arrest migrants</a>&nbsp;suspected of entering the country illegally. That law is on hold amid a legal challenge.Spiller said mandatory participation in ICE programs is essential.“President Trump and border czar Homan cannot remove and deport all the people that are a public safety threat to our state and our nation over the next year and a half without the help of our local law enforcement,” Spiller said.Already this year, Florida lawmakers have passed legislation that would allot millions of dollars for local immigration enforcement efforts.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-bill-tennessee-republican-17af910d31b325516da02f0ff9a5c853">Legislation passed in Tennessee</a>&nbsp;would direct the state to apply for the 287(g) program and authorize grants for local agencies that join.Legislation creating a state grant program for 287(g) participants also passed the Indiana Senate this week and is pending in the House. Democratic state Sen. Rodney Pol called it a “very, very dangerous” and “very, very disturbing” proposal.“We’re putting too much on people, particularly police officers, that are going to be put into situations where they’re going to have to break up their communities,” Pol said.But Lowes said Hamilton County deputies plan to focus only on people who are already in jail. Last year, he said, the jail booked over 500 people believed to be noncitizens on charges that included driving while intoxicated, drug possession, theft, burglary, sexual battery and other offenses. It’s unclear how many were in the country illegally, but ICE became involved in 64 of those cases, he said.“We believe that this program will help us see a reduction in some of those crimes and will help us get some of the people out of our community that are committing crimes that endanger our safety,” Lowes said.

Trump is signing up local law officers to help with immigration enforcement

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted in connection with a fatal crash in March that killed a police officer on his way home from work is going to prison.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Monday, Judge Christopher Magana followed the plea agreement and sentenced Gage Kaiser, 20, Mulvane, to 43 months in prison and ordered him to pay $2,962 in restitution, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

In December, Kaiser pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under influence, according to the&nbsp;the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

The accident occurred just before 3:30a.m. March 16, 2024, when a passenger vehicle driven by 26-year-old Scott Hollingsworth was southbound on U.S. 81 at 119th Street, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday. A westbound pickup struck the vehicle driven by Hollingsworth.&nbsp;

Hollingsworth was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three passengers in the pickup to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The pickup driver, later identified as Kaiser, was not injured.

Clearwater PD said Hollingsworth had served the department for a year. On Sept. 10, Geary County deputies arrested Kaiser.

Hollingsworth's survivors included his wife, Hadley, daughter, Claire, parents, Greg and Nataly, and siblings, Jordan and Sydney.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710681634704.png" alt="Officer Scott Hollingsworth-photo city of Clearwater" />
 <figcaption>Officer Scott Hollingsworth-photo city of Clearwater</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted in connection with a fatal crash in March that killed a police officer on his way home from work is going to prison.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Monday, Judge Christopher Magana followed the plea agreement and sentenced Gage Kaiser, 20, Mulvane, to 43 months in prison and ordered him to pay $2,962 in restitution, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726259901569.png" alt="Kaiser from his arrest in Geary County" />
 <figcaption>Kaiser from his arrest in Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>In December, Kaiser pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under influence, according to the&nbsp;the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;The accident occurred just before 3:30a.m. March 16, 2024, when a passenger vehicle driven by 26-year-old Scott Hollingsworth was southbound on U.S. 81 at 119th Street, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday. A westbound pickup struck the vehicle driven by Hollingsworth.&nbsp;Hollingsworth was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three passengers in the pickup to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The pickup driver, later identified as Kaiser, was not injured.Clearwater PD said Hollingsworth had served the department for a year. On Sept. 10, Geary County deputies arrested Kaiser.Hollingsworth's survivors included his wife, Hadley, daughter, Claire, parents, Greg and Nataly, and siblings, Jordan and Sydney.&nbsp;

Plea deal for DUI crash that killed Kansas police officer

KANSAS CITY —It was a deadly Monday in Kansas City. Police are investigating two homicides and have identified the victims.

Just before 6p.m., patrol&nbsp; were dispatched to the 3400 block of Wyoming on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; Upon arrival officers located a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers began performing lifesaving measures and ordered emergency medical personnel to the scene. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

This is being investigated as a homicide. 

Preliminary information revealed there was an altercation in the parking lot between multiple individuals before shots were fired. Detectives are trying to determine what led up to the incident.

At about the same time, KCPD patrol officers were dispatched to the 8000 block of Hickman Mills on a reported medical nature unknown. Upon arrival officers located a man in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store. He suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS was ordered to the scene and the victim was subsequently pronounced deceased. This is also being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Police released no additional details late Monday and have not reported an arrest or possible suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739240797760.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —It was a deadly Monday in Kansas City. Police are investigating two homicides and have identified the victims.Just before 6p.m., patrol&nbsp; were dispatched to the 3400 block of Wyoming on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; Upon arrival officers located a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers began performing lifesaving measures and ordered emergency medical personnel to the scene. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.This is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary information revealed there was an altercation in the parking lot between multiple individuals before shots were fired. Detectives are trying to determine what led up to the incident.At about the same time, KCPD patrol officers were dispatched to the 8000 block of Hickman Mills on a reported medical nature unknown. Upon arrival officers located a man in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store. He suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS was ordered to the scene and the victim was subsequently pronounced deceased. This is also being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Police released no additional details late Monday and have not reported an arrest or possible suspect information.

Deadly Monday in Kansas City: Police investigate 2 homicides

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Monday that a precarious ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas should be canceled if Hamas doesn’t release all the remaining hostages it is holding in Gaza by midday on Saturday — though he also said that such a decision would be up to Israel.

Trump was responding to Hamas saying it will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-hostage-release-delay-ceasefire-violations-76d6fd9162160f9554fec37041342714">delay the further release</a>&nbsp;of hostages in the Gaza Strip after accusing Israel of violating the three-week-old ceasefire. The U.S. president said that after the freeing of three visibly emaciated hostages on Saturday it was time for Israel to demand the release of all hostages by noon on Saturday, or restart the war.

“If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out," Trump said. He added of the ceasefire, “Cancel it, and all bets are off.”

Trump said the final decision would be up to Israel, saying, “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it.” But asked if the U.S. would join in a response to Hamas if hostages weren't freed, Trump added, "Hamas will find out what I mean.”

Those comments came after Trump said in an interview with Fox News Channel that Palestinians in Gaza would not have a right to return under his plan for U.S. “ownership” of the war-torn territory — contradicting other officials in his administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rubio-leavitt-gaza-permanent-temporary-funding-53d3c737d24dd8ea290e0e7962546575">who have sought to argue Trump was only calling for the temporary relocation of its population</a>.

Less than a week after he floated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-washington-ceasefire-1c8deec4dd46177e08e07d669d595ed3">his plan for the U.S. to take control of Gaza</a>&nbsp;and turn it into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” Trump, in an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier airing Monday, said “No, they wouldn’t” when asked if Palestinians in Gaza would have a right to return to the territory. It comes as he has ramped up pressure on Arab states, especially U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-trump-gaza-egypt-jordan-c6bedbd6ca0702c22b80f1bf07cd4326">allies Jordan and Egypt</a>, to take in Palestinians from Gaza, who claim the territory as part of a future homeland.

“We’ll build safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, where all of this danger is,” Trump said. “In the meantime, I would own this. Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land. No big money spent.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/egypt-gaza-arab-summit-trump-16697d5c6671b5edeb0d864901fe7edc">Arab nations have sharply criticized the Trump proposal</a>, and Trump is set to host Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday. In addition to concerns about jeopardizing the long-held goals of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Egypt and Jordan have privately raised security concerns about welcoming large numbers of additional refugees into their countries even temporarily.

When asked how he'd convince Abdullah to take in Palestinians, Trump told reporters, “I do think he’ll take, and I think other countries will take also. They have good hearts.”

But he also threatened to potentially withhold billions of dollars of U.S. assistance to Jordan and Egypt if they don't go along with his plan.

“Yeah, maybe, sure why not," Trump said. "If they don’t, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes.”

Trump’s comments risked jeopardizing the already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-hostage-release-delay-ceasefire-violations-76d6fd9162160f9554fec37041342714">tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;in Gaza after 15 months of war, with the existing framework for negotiations calling for the massive humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for civilians in Gaza.

After Trump’s initial comments last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio respectfully insisted that Trump only wanted Palestinians relocated from Gaza “temporarily” and for an “interim” period to allow for debris removal, the disposal of unexploded ordnance and reconstruction.

Speaking of the condition of the remaining hostages, Trump told reporters Monday that he feared Hamas had released the hostages in the best condition and that many scheduled for release are gravely ill or already dead. “Based on what I saw over the past two days, they’re not going to be alive for long," he said.

In a video message released Saturday after Hamas freed the latest hostages on Saturday, Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, the parents of slain American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, called on Trump and his negotiating team to “think bigger and faster” and press for the release of all the remaining hostages this week.

“All 76 hostages out this week,” they said. “End of war. Who benefits from dragging it out for so long? Not the people of this region. Let’s get it done right now.”

Trump last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-washington-ceasefire-1c8deec4dd46177e08e07d669d595ed3">didn't rule out deploying U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;to help secure Gaza but at the same time insisted no U.S. funds would go to pay for the reconstruction of the territory, raising fundamental questions about the nature of his plan.

Egypt on Monday reiterated its rejection to the transfer of Palestinians from their territories in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, warning that such proposals threaten “the foundations of people” in the Middle East.

In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem its capital is the base for “comprehensive and just peace” in the region.

The statement said Egypt rejects any violations to the Palestinians’ “right of self-determination … and independence,” and “upholds the right of return for Palestinian refugees who were forced to leave their homeland,” in a reference to hundreds of thousands who were forced to flee their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war.

A senior Hamas official blasted Trump’s latest remarks about the U.S. ownership of Gaza as “absurd.”

Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas' politico bureau, said these comments “reflect a deep ignorance of Palestine and the region.”

In comments released by Hamas early Monday, he said Trump’s approach toward the Palestinian cause will fail.

“Dealing with the Palestinian cause with the mentality of a real estate dealer is a recipe for failure,” he said. “Our Palestinian people will thwart all transfer and deportation plans.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Monday that a precarious ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas should be canceled if Hamas doesn’t release all the remaining hostages it is holding in Gaza by midday on Saturday — though he also said that such a decision would be up to Israel.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 PRESIDENT TRUMP: &quot;If all of the hostages are not returned by Saturday at 12 o&#39;clock, I would say cancel it and all bets are off... All of them. Not in drips and drabs.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MozJATMKRy">pic.twitter.com/MozJATMKRy</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1889097153118646439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump was responding to Hamas saying it will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-hostage-release-delay-ceasefire-violations-76d6fd9162160f9554fec37041342714">delay the further release</a>&nbsp;of hostages in the Gaza Strip after accusing Israel of violating the three-week-old ceasefire. The U.S. president said that after the freeing of three visibly emaciated hostages on Saturday it was time for Israel to demand the release of all hostages by noon on Saturday, or restart the war.“If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out," Trump said. He added of the ceasefire, “Cancel it, and all bets are off.”Trump said the final decision would be up to Israel, saying, “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it.” But asked if the U.S. would join in a response to Hamas if hostages weren't freed, Trump added, "Hamas will find out what I mean.”Those comments came after Trump said in an interview with Fox News Channel that Palestinians in Gaza would not have a right to return under his plan for U.S. “ownership” of the war-torn territory — contradicting other officials in his administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rubio-leavitt-gaza-permanent-temporary-funding-53d3c737d24dd8ea290e0e7962546575">who have sought to argue Trump was only calling for the temporary relocation of its population</a>.Less than a week after he floated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-washington-ceasefire-1c8deec4dd46177e08e07d669d595ed3">his plan for the U.S. to take control of Gaza</a>&nbsp;and turn it into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” Trump, in an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier airing Monday, said “No, they wouldn’t” when asked if Palestinians in Gaza would have a right to return to the territory. It comes as he has ramped up pressure on Arab states, especially U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-trump-gaza-egypt-jordan-c6bedbd6ca0702c22b80f1bf07cd4326">allies Jordan and Egypt</a>, to take in Palestinians from Gaza, who claim the territory as part of a future homeland.“We’ll build safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, where all of this danger is,” Trump said. “In the meantime, I would own this. Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land. No big money spent.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/egypt-gaza-arab-summit-trump-16697d5c6671b5edeb0d864901fe7edc">Arab nations have sharply criticized the Trump proposal</a>, and Trump is set to host Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday. In addition to concerns about jeopardizing the long-held goals of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Egypt and Jordan have privately raised security concerns about welcoming large numbers of additional refugees into their countries even temporarily.When asked how he'd convince Abdullah to take in Palestinians, Trump told reporters, “I do think he’ll take, and I think other countries will take also. They have good hearts.”But he also threatened to potentially withhold billions of dollars of U.S. assistance to Jordan and Egypt if they don't go along with his plan.“Yeah, maybe, sure why not," Trump said. "If they don’t, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes.”Trump’s comments risked jeopardizing the already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-hostage-release-delay-ceasefire-violations-76d6fd9162160f9554fec37041342714">tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;in Gaza after 15 months of war, with the existing framework for negotiations calling for the massive humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for civilians in Gaza.After Trump’s initial comments last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio respectfully insisted that Trump only wanted Palestinians relocated from Gaza “temporarily” and for an “interim” period to allow for debris removal, the disposal of unexploded ordnance and reconstruction.Speaking of the condition of the remaining hostages, Trump told reporters Monday that he feared Hamas had released the hostages in the best condition and that many scheduled for release are gravely ill or already dead. “Based on what I saw over the past two days, they’re not going to be alive for long," he said.In a video message released Saturday after Hamas freed the latest hostages on Saturday, Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, the parents of slain American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, called on Trump and his negotiating team to “think bigger and faster” and press for the release of all the remaining hostages this week.“All 76 hostages out this week,” they said. “End of war. Who benefits from dragging it out for so long? Not the people of this region. Let’s get it done right now.”Trump last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-washington-ceasefire-1c8deec4dd46177e08e07d669d595ed3">didn't rule out deploying U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;to help secure Gaza but at the same time insisted no U.S. funds would go to pay for the reconstruction of the territory, raising fundamental questions about the nature of his plan.Egypt on Monday reiterated its rejection to the transfer of Palestinians from their territories in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, warning that such proposals threaten “the foundations of people” in the Middle East.In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem its capital is the base for “comprehensive and just peace” in the region.The statement said Egypt rejects any violations to the Palestinians’ “right of self-determination … and independence,” and “upholds the right of return for Palestinian refugees who were forced to leave their homeland,” in a reference to hundreds of thousands who were forced to flee their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war.A senior Hamas official blasted Trump’s latest remarks about the U.S. ownership of Gaza as “absurd.”Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas' politico bureau, said these comments “reflect a deep ignorance of Palestine and the region.”In comments released by Hamas early Monday, he said Trump’s approach toward the Palestinian cause will fail.“Dealing with the Palestinian cause with the mentality of a real estate dealer is a recipe for failure,” he said. “Our Palestinian people will thwart all transfer and deportation plans.”___Magdy reported from Cairo.

🎥President Trump warns Hamas: Deadline to release hostages

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a Saturday homicide in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just after 1:00 a.m., police responded to a local hospital in reference to a victim, later identified as 29-year-old Chavis Collins, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. A short time later, Collins died of his injuries, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

On Monday night police reported the arrest of 23-year-old Desmond A. Lindsey, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. He is being held on requested charges that include murder in the second degree, criminal discharge of a firearm and aggravated assault.

This was the city’s 2nd homicide in two days last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739236986884.png" alt="Lindsey -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lindsey -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a Saturday homicide in Topeka have made an arrest.Just after 1:00 a.m., police responded to a local hospital in reference to a victim, later identified as 29-year-old Chavis Collins, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. A short time later, Collins died of his injuries, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.On Monday night police reported the arrest of 23-year-old Desmond A. Lindsey, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. He is being held on requested charges that include murder in the second degree, criminal discharge of a firearm and aggravated assault.This was the city’s 2nd homicide in two days last week.

Kansas man accused in weekend killing

KANSAS CITY —The Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, led a counter-human trafficking operation Jan. 23 and 24 that resulted in the arrest of men who sought to have sex with a child, as well as services provided to more than a dozen potential trafficking victims.

Last week, prosecutors charged another Kansas man for trying to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex after deputies arrested him in a sting operation. Leavenworth, Kan., resident Samuel J. Weisse, 34, has been charged with one count of felony attempted child enticement. Weisse was messaging with under-cover detectives during the original counter-human trafficking operation. He continued communication until&nbsp; Feb. 5, when he made arrangements to meet whom he believed to be the 13-year-old. Instead, deputies took him into custody at the meet-up location. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.

At the same time as the predator operation, investigators conducted a victim advocacy operation at a Clay County hotel. They had posted an online ad purportedly soliciting sex, knowing that many sex workers are victims of human trafficking. Twenty-seven sex workers responded to the hotel, and 13 agreed to accept services to leave a life of sex trafficking and/or sex work. Advocates from the organizations <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ValueUnconditional?__cft__[0]=AZUkBvvDS--4cRwFBdMi4vyY4GnjBY3huLCQEA2Y_bty0tIZjHX0wsbrz9TeERWwbJfnUE6V6Jw7MVso3-MZ6z-HJpMDWF0yzEnvNe4OE35S6d1EFPH0qKJa3xRwtw5MWiMfroH1Nr2R-4foFgSUL4x1PW22MRZdrOE-_knM9pBxeH-woVXzCja0cVhOmISvsbI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Value Unconditional</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rpor14?__cft__[0]=AZUkBvvDS--4cRwFBdMi4vyY4GnjBY3huLCQEA2Y_bty0tIZjHX0wsbrz9TeERWwbJfnUE6V6Jw7MVso3-MZ6z-HJpMDWF0yzEnvNe4OE35S6d1EFPH0qKJa3xRwtw5MWiMfroH1Nr2R-4foFgSUL4x1PW22MRZdrOE-_knM9pBxeH-woVXzCja0cVhOmISvsbI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Relentless Pursuit Outreach &amp; Recovery</a> met with them to begin giving them resources for their journeys. The operation was a joint effort by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HSIgov?__cft__[0]=AZUkBvvDS--4cRwFBdMi4vyY4GnjBY3huLCQEA2Y_bty0tIZjHX0wsbrz9TeERWwbJfnUE6V6Jw7MVso3-MZ6z-HJpMDWF0yzEnvNe4OE35S6d1EFPH0qKJa3xRwtw5MWiMfroH1Nr2R-4foFgSUL4x1PW22MRZdrOE-_knM9pBxeH-woVXzCja0cVhOmISvsbI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Homeland Security Investigations</a> – Kansas City, and the Ray County Counter Human Trafficking Task Force.

The Ray County Task Force is a team of subject matter experts in the counter-trafficking space who contribute their time and knowledge at no cost to host law enforcement agencies. They are credentialed law enforcement officers and analysts from several sheriff’s offices and have deep connections to a network of aftercare and survivor support service organizations. During this operation, Task Force volunteers hailed from the Butler, Bourbon and Greenwood County sheriff’s offices in Kansas, the Washoe County, Nev., Sheriff’s Office and the Goodyear, Ariz., Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738898731822.png" alt="Weisse photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Weisse photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, led a counter-human trafficking operation Jan. 23 and 24 that resulted in the arrest of men who sought to have sex with a child, as well as services provided to more than a dozen potential trafficking victims.Last week, prosecutors charged another Kansas man for trying to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex after deputies arrested him in a sting operation. Leavenworth, Kan., resident Samuel J. Weisse, 34, has been charged with one count of felony attempted child enticement. Weisse was messaging with under-cover detectives during the original counter-human trafficking operation. He continued communication until&nbsp; Feb. 5, when he made arrangements to meet whom he believed to be the 13-year-old. Instead, deputies took him into custody at the meet-up location. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.At the same time as the predator operation, investigators conducted a victim advocacy operation at a Clay County hotel. They had posted an online ad purportedly soliciting sex, knowing that many sex workers are victims of human trafficking. Twenty-seven sex workers responded to the hotel, and 13 agreed to accept services to leave a life of sex trafficking and/or sex work. Advocates from the organizations <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ValueUnconditional?__cft__[0]=AZUkBvvDS--4cRwFBdMi4vyY4GnjBY3huLCQEA2Y_bty0tIZjHX0wsbrz9TeERWwbJfnUE6V6Jw7MVso3-MZ6z-HJpMDWF0yzEnvNe4OE35S6d1EFPH0qKJa3xRwtw5MWiMfroH1Nr2R-4foFgSUL4x1PW22MRZdrOE-_knM9pBxeH-woVXzCja0cVhOmISvsbI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Value Unconditional</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rpor14?__cft__[0]=AZUkBvvDS--4cRwFBdMi4vyY4GnjBY3huLCQEA2Y_bty0tIZjHX0wsbrz9TeERWwbJfnUE6V6Jw7MVso3-MZ6z-HJpMDWF0yzEnvNe4OE35S6d1EFPH0qKJa3xRwtw5MWiMfroH1Nr2R-4foFgSUL4x1PW22MRZdrOE-_knM9pBxeH-woVXzCja0cVhOmISvsbI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Relentless Pursuit Outreach &amp; Recovery</a> met with them to begin giving them resources for their journeys. The operation was a joint effort by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HSIgov?__cft__[0]=AZUkBvvDS--4cRwFBdMi4vyY4GnjBY3huLCQEA2Y_bty0tIZjHX0wsbrz9TeERWwbJfnUE6V6Jw7MVso3-MZ6z-HJpMDWF0yzEnvNe4OE35S6d1EFPH0qKJa3xRwtw5MWiMfroH1Nr2R-4foFgSUL4x1PW22MRZdrOE-_knM9pBxeH-woVXzCja0cVhOmISvsbI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Homeland Security Investigations</a> – Kansas City, and the Ray County Counter Human Trafficking Task Force. The Ray County Task Force is a team of subject matter experts in the counter-trafficking space who contribute their time and knowledge at no cost to host law enforcement agencies. They are credentialed law enforcement officers and analysts from several sheriff’s offices and have deep connections to a network of aftercare and survivor support service organizations. During this operation, Task Force volunteers hailed from the Butler, Bourbon and Greenwood County sheriff’s offices in Kansas, the Washoe County, Nev., Sheriff’s Office and the Goodyear, Ariz., Police Department.

Kan. man was texting with undercover deputy, not a 13-year-old

BOSTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's plan to downsize the federal workforce remains on hold after a courtroom hearing on Monday afternoon.

It's the latest example of how the Republican president's ambitious plans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-constitution-courts-lawsuits-796543ab4a3d5589f47fd66fd9d6bfef">have become ensnared in the judicial system</a>.

U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buyout-offer-deadline-trump-federal-workers-ce854b19c41b90cd657f75cf09511e96">paused</a>&nbsp;the deferred resignation program, commonly described as a buyout, last week.

On Monday, he said the stay would remain in place until he issues a ruling. It's unclear when that could happen.

Trump wants to use financial incentives to encourage government employees to quit. According to the White House, 65,000 workers had taken the government up on its offer as of Friday.

He criticized people who want to keep working remotely while talking with reporters in the Oval Office on Monday.

“Nobody is gonna work from home,” Trump said. "They are gonna be going out, they’re gonna play tennis, they’re gonna play golf, they’re gonna do a lot of things. They’re not working.”

The deferred resignation program has been spearheaded by Elon Musk, who is serving as Trump’s top adviser for reducing federal spending. Under the plan, employees can stop working and get paid until Sept. 30.

But labor unions said the plan is illegal. They asked for O'Toole to keep it on hold and prevent the Office of Personnel Management, or OPM, from soliciting more workers to sign up.

Elena Goldstein, speaking for the workers, said there were “serious questions” about the plan's rationale and legality.

“OPM seems to making this up as they are going along,” she said.

She said the program was an “unprecedented action” on an “unprecedented timeline," and she described it as a pretext to remove workers and replace them with people aligned with the administration.

Eric Hamilton, a Justice Department lawyer, called the plan a “humane off ramp” for federal employees who may have structured their lives around working remotely and have been ordered to return to government buildings.

BOSTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's plan to downsize the federal workforce remains on hold after a courtroom hearing on Monday afternoon.It's the latest example of how the Republican president's ambitious plans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-constitution-courts-lawsuits-796543ab4a3d5589f47fd66fd9d6bfef">have become ensnared in the judicial system</a>.U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buyout-offer-deadline-trump-federal-workers-ce854b19c41b90cd657f75cf09511e96">paused</a>&nbsp;the deferred resignation program, commonly described as a buyout, last week.On Monday, he said the stay would remain in place until he issues a ruling. It's unclear when that could happen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738115904337.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump wants to use financial incentives to encourage government employees to quit. According to the White House, 65,000 workers had taken the government up on its offer as of Friday.He criticized people who want to keep working remotely while talking with reporters in the Oval Office on Monday.“Nobody is gonna work from home,” Trump said. "They are gonna be going out, they’re gonna play tennis, they’re gonna play golf, they’re gonna do a lot of things. They’re not working.”The deferred resignation program has been spearheaded by Elon Musk, who is serving as Trump’s top adviser for reducing federal spending. Under the plan, employees can stop working and get paid until Sept. 30.But labor unions said the plan is illegal. They asked for O'Toole to keep it on hold and prevent the Office of Personnel Management, or OPM, from soliciting more workers to sign up.Elena Goldstein, speaking for the workers, said there were “serious questions” about the plan's rationale and legality.“OPM seems to making this up as they are going along,” she said.She said the program was an “unprecedented action” on an “unprecedented timeline," and she described it as a pretext to remove workers and replace them with people aligned with the administration.Eric Hamilton, a Justice Department lawyer, called the plan a “humane off ramp” for federal employees who may have structured their lives around working remotely and have been ordered to return to government buildings.___Megerian reported from Washington.

Judge keeps Trump plan to push out federal workers on hold

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a convicted felon on new allegations of a violent crime.

Just&nbsp;before midnight on January 24, officers responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 700 block Kearney in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Two victims, a 66-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman reported that during the disturbance they were struck in the head with a handgun by 20-year-old Colten Cornett.

Cornett had left the residence before officers arrived.&nbsp;On February 3, police took him&nbsp;into custody in the 800 block North 9th Street on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation.&nbsp; He is still in custody. Cornett has a previous conviction for&nbsp;Flee or elude Law Enforcement with five or more moving violations, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739204105210.png" alt="Cornett-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Cornett-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a convicted felon on new allegations of a violent crime.Just&nbsp;before midnight on January 24, officers responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 700 block Kearney in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Two victims, a 66-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman reported that during the disturbance they were struck in the head with a handgun by 20-year-old Colten Cornett.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739204522324.png" alt="Cornett photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Cornett photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>Cornett had left the residence before officers arrived.&nbsp;On February 3, police took him&nbsp;into custody in the 800 block North 9th Street on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation.&nbsp; He is still in custody. Cornett has a previous conviction for&nbsp;Flee or elude Law Enforcement with five or more moving violations, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Police: Kan. felon struck man, woman in head with a handgun

WASHINGTON —Google has officially changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' on Google Maps to the 'Gulf of America' following Trump's order.

While flying to the Super Bowl, President Trump signed a proclamation declaring February 9, as "Gulf of America Day."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739228935257.png" alt="Google Map 5p.m. Monday February 10" />
 <figcaption>Google Map 5p.m. Monday February 10</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Google has officially changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' on Google Maps to the 'Gulf of America' following Trump's order.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HAPPY GULF OF AMERICA DAY! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/hFGMBRKh4S">pic.twitter.com/hFGMBRKh4S</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1888707846000570775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔊&quot;Air Force One is currently in international waters, the first time in history flying over the recently renamed Gulf of America.&quot; 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/XHXXrvtYzf">pic.twitter.com/XHXXrvtYzf</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1888705072562929894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While flying to the Super Bowl, President Trump signed a proclamation declaring February 9, as "Gulf of America Day."

Google officially changes maps from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 3200 block of East 29th Street in Kansas City on a reported disturbance involving an individual armed with a weapon, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

 When officers arrived the subject in question had fled the scene.&nbsp; As officers were investigating several other calls for service were received in the area reporting the same individual involved.&nbsp; Additional officers responded to the scene to canvass the area.

At about 10a.m., at 27th and Askew, officers located a man suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS responded to the scene and declared the individual deceased, according to DiMartino.

Preliminary investigation revealed it was the same person involved in the previous incidents. This is being investigated as a homicide. A subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation. Police, at this time, are not looking for any additional suspects. Investigators are working to determine what led up to shots being fired. Crime scene technicians are gathering all available physical evidence and any possible surveillance footage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739219733010.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 3200 block of East 29th Street in Kansas City on a reported disturbance involving an individual armed with a weapon, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino. When officers arrived the subject in question had fled the scene.&nbsp; As officers were investigating several other calls for service were received in the area reporting the same individual involved.&nbsp; Additional officers responded to the scene to canvass the area.At about 10a.m., at 27th and Askew, officers located a man suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS responded to the scene and declared the individual deceased, according to DiMartino.Preliminary investigation revealed it was the same person involved in the previous incidents. This is being investigated as a homicide. A subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation. Police, at this time, are not looking for any additional suspects. Investigators are working to determine what led up to shots being fired. Crime scene technicians are gathering all available physical evidence and any possible surveillance footage.

KCPD: Disturbance led to man's shooting death

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a staff member at an elementary school in Lawrence.

On Saturday, police in Lawrence launched&nbsp;an investigation into an alleged sexual assault of two students at Prairie Park Elementary, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.

A concerned parent of one student called police Saturday morning about events that occurred during the school day on February 7. Investigators quickly uncovered evidence that led to the Saturday night arrest of 60-year-old Mark Elliott Gridley.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is a Speech and Language Pathologist at the school.

Monday morning, investigators learned of a second possible victim.&nbsp; That alleged assault also occurred Friday morning at the school.

Police are working closely with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, USD 497 administrators, and the District Attorney’s office to ensure all expert services coordinate to uncover the complete scope of the potential harm and crimes committed.

In addition to the on-site law enforcement presence, police set up a phone line for parents who may need to report a concern about their child and any contact with Mark Gridley. The phone number is&nbsp;(785) 830-7430. In addition, police ask that any parent who may have concerns about their child’s interaction with Gridley, please contact law enforcement before discussing it in-depth with your child.

"Lawrence Police and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County are here and ready to talk to you and your child. They are trained to address these issues while limiting the traumatic impact these discussions have on young victims."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739224850023.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a staff member at an elementary school in Lawrence.On Saturday, police in Lawrence launched&nbsp;an investigation into an alleged sexual assault of two students at Prairie Park Elementary, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.A concerned parent of one student called police Saturday morning about events that occurred during the school day on February 7. Investigators quickly uncovered evidence that led to the Saturday night arrest of 60-year-old Mark Elliott Gridley.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is a Speech and Language Pathologist at the school.Monday morning, investigators learned of a second possible victim.&nbsp; That alleged assault also occurred Friday morning at the school.Police are working closely with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, USD 497 administrators, and the District Attorney’s office to ensure all expert services coordinate to uncover the complete scope of the potential harm and crimes committed.In addition to the on-site law enforcement presence, police set up a phone line for parents who may need to report a concern about their child and any contact with Mark Gridley. The phone number is&nbsp;(785) 830-7430. In addition, police ask that any parent who may have concerns about their child’s interaction with Gridley, please contact law enforcement before discussing it in-depth with your child. "Lawrence Police and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County are here and ready to talk to you and your child. They are trained to address these issues while limiting the traumatic impact these discussions have on young victims."

Speech pathologist at Kan. elementary school accused of child sex crimes

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement continue waring the public of a mail theft sxcap.

According to Lenexa Police, thieves are targeting outdoor post office mailboxes to steal mail containing checks. They "wash" the checks, altering the payee and amount, and drain victims’ bank accounts! There have been several reports of this around Johnson County, including here in Lenexa.

To protect yourself, police suggest: avoid using outdoor USPS mailboxes, especially after pickup hours.

&nbsp;Use the mail slot inside the post office for safer drop-offs. Use a gel pen when writing checks which makes them more difficult to "wash".&nbsp;Don't use window envelopes which can show that a check is inside and&nbsp;Consider electronic payments like online banking or apps for added security.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738424504488.png" alt="Photo Lenexa police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lenexa police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement continue waring the public of a mail theft sxcap.According to Lenexa Police, thieves are targeting outdoor post office mailboxes to steal mail containing checks. They "wash" the checks, altering the payee and amount, and drain victims’ bank accounts! There have been several reports of this around Johnson County, including here in Lenexa.To protect yourself, police suggest: avoid using outdoor USPS mailboxes, especially after pickup hours.&nbsp;Use the mail slot inside the post office for safer drop-offs. Use a gel pen when writing checks which makes them more difficult to "wash".&nbsp;Don't use window envelopes which can show that a check is inside and&nbsp;Consider electronic payments like online banking or apps for added security.

Police in Kansas warn of mail theft scam

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said he is serious about wanting Canada to become the 51st state in an interview that aired Sunday during the Super Bowl preshow.

“Yeah it is,” Trump told Fox News Channel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bret-baier">Bret Baier</a>&nbsp;when asked whether his talk of annexing Canada is “a real thing" — as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-us-tariffs-trudeau-trump-5cfe160c66f90b973d90ea7810cddbe5">recently warned</a>.

“I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen," he said. "Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?”

The U.S. is not subsidizing Canada. The U.S. buys products from the natural resource-rich nation, including commodities like oil. While the trade gap in goods has ballooned in recent years to $72 billion in 2023, the deficit largely reflects America’s imports of Canadian energy.

Trump has repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canada-rejects-trumps-comments-about-possible-use-economic-force-2025-01-07/">suggested</a>&nbsp;that Canada would be better off if it agreed to become the 51st U.S. state — a prospect that is deeply unpopular among Canadians.

Trudeau said Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-us-tariffs-trudeau-trump-5cfe160c66f90b973d90ea7810cddbe5">during a closed-door session with business and labor leaders</a>&nbsp;that Trump’s talk of making&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-trump-us-state-131dcff58a8f56116765f160d9f35460">Canada the 51st U.S. state</a>&nbsp;was “a real thing" and tied to desire for access to the country’s natural resources.

“Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing. In my conversations with him on ...,” Trudeau said, according to CBC, Canada's public broadcaster. “They’re very aware of our resources of what we have, and they very much want to be able to benefit from those."

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday as he traveled to the Super Bowl game in New Orleans, Trump continued to threaten a country that has long been one of the U.S.'s closest allies. He claimed that Canada is "not viable as a country” without U.S. trade, and warned that the founding NATO member can no longer depend on the U.S. for military protection.

“You know, they don’t pay very much for military. And the reason they don’t pay much is they assume that we’re going to protect them," he said. “That’s not an assumption they can make because — why are we protecting another country?"

In the Fox interview, which was pre-taped this weekend in Florida, Trump also said that he has not seen enough action from Canada and Mexico to stave off the tariffs he has threatened to impose on the country's two largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/america-canada-mexico-tariffs-trump-trade-4568dababcf524945333bb518232ec4b">trading partners</a>&nbsp;once a 30-day extension is up.

“No, it’s not good enough,” he said. “Something has to happen. It’s not sustainable. And I’m changing it.”

Trump last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china-sheinbaum-trudeau-017efa8c3343b8d2a9444f7e65356ae9">agreed to a 30-day pause</a>&nbsp;on his plan to slap Mexico and Canada with a 25% tariff on all imports except for Canadian oil, natural gas and electricity, which would be taxed at 10%, after the countries took steps to appease his concerns about border security and drug trafficking.

Aboard Air Force One, Trump said that he would on Monday announce a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S., including from Canada and Mexico, and unveil a plan for reciprocal tariffs later in the week.

“Very simply it’s if they charge us, we charge them,” he said.

Trump’s participation in the Super Bowl interview marked a return to tradition. Presidents have typically granted a sit-down to the network broadcasting the game, the most-watched television event of the year. But both Trump and his predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, were inconsistent in their participation.

Biden declined to participate last year — turning down a massive audience in an election year — and also skipped an appearance in 2023, when efforts by his team to have Biden speak with a Fox Corp. streaming service instead of the main network failed. During his first term, Trump participated three out of four years.

Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-attends-super-bowl-ae879e4f0a905b103e9059245f2887e2">the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl in person</a>&nbsp;— something he told Baier he was surprised to learn.

“I thought it would be a good thing for the country to have the president at the game,” he said.

During his flight to New Orleans, Trump signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 9 “the first ever Gulf of America Day" as Air Force One flew over the body of water that he renamed by proclamation from the Gulf of Mexico.

Trump in the interview, also defended the work of billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-secrecy-68a66370cbc67c457e0a1c6edb08c5ef">Elon Musk</a>, whose so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-government-trump-executive-order-1a2fb7235b9d6f178c764cf6c78d3317">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, or DOGE, has been drawing deep concern from Democrats as he moves to shut down whole government agencies and fire large swaths of the federal workforce in the name of rooting out waste and inefficiency.

Musk, Trump said, has “been terrific," and will target the Department of Education and the military next.

“We’re going to find billions, hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud and abuse,” Trump predicted. “I campaigned on this."

He was also asked about his dancing, which has become a popular meme on social media.

“I don't know what it is," he said. “I try and walk off sometimes without dancing and I can’t. I have to dance.”

___ Associated Press writer Darlene Superville aboard Air Force One contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1733023283407.png" alt="File photo&nbsp;President-elect Trump and Trudeau during dinner at Mar-a-Lago in late November- Trudeau resigned in January -image courtesy CSPAN.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File photo&nbsp;President-elect Trump and Trudeau during dinner at Mar-a-Lago in late November- Trudeau resigned in January -image courtesy CSPAN.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said he is serious about wanting Canada to become the 51st state in an interview that aired Sunday during the Super Bowl preshow.“Yeah it is,” Trump told Fox News Channel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bret-baier">Bret Baier</a>&nbsp;when asked whether his talk of annexing Canada is “a real thing" — as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-us-tariffs-trudeau-trump-5cfe160c66f90b973d90ea7810cddbe5">recently warned</a>.“I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen," he said. "Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?”The U.S. is not subsidizing Canada. The U.S. buys products from the natural resource-rich nation, including commodities like oil. While the trade gap in goods has ballooned in recent years to $72 billion in 2023, the deficit largely reflects America’s imports of Canadian energy.Trump has repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canada-rejects-trumps-comments-about-possible-use-economic-force-2025-01-07/">suggested</a>&nbsp;that Canada would be better off if it agreed to become the 51st U.S. state — a prospect that is deeply unpopular among Canadians.Trudeau said Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-us-tariffs-trudeau-trump-5cfe160c66f90b973d90ea7810cddbe5">during a closed-door session with business and labor leaders</a>&nbsp;that Trump’s talk of making&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-trump-us-state-131dcff58a8f56116765f160d9f35460">Canada the 51st U.S. state</a>&nbsp;was “a real thing" and tied to desire for access to the country’s natural resources.“Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing. In my conversations with him on ...,” Trudeau said, according to CBC, Canada's public broadcaster. “They’re very aware of our resources of what we have, and they very much want to be able to benefit from those."Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday as he traveled to the Super Bowl game in New Orleans, Trump continued to threaten a country that has long been one of the U.S.'s closest allies. He claimed that Canada is "not viable as a country” without U.S. trade, and warned that the founding NATO member can no longer depend on the U.S. for military protection.“You know, they don’t pay very much for military. And the reason they don’t pay much is they assume that we’re going to protect them," he said. “That’s not an assumption they can make because — why are we protecting another country?"In the Fox interview, which was pre-taped this weekend in Florida, Trump also said that he has not seen enough action from Canada and Mexico to stave off the tariffs he has threatened to impose on the country's two largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/america-canada-mexico-tariffs-trump-trade-4568dababcf524945333bb518232ec4b">trading partners</a>&nbsp;once a 30-day extension is up.“No, it’s not good enough,” he said. “Something has to happen. It’s not sustainable. And I’m changing it.”Trump last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china-sheinbaum-trudeau-017efa8c3343b8d2a9444f7e65356ae9">agreed to a 30-day pause</a>&nbsp;on his plan to slap Mexico and Canada with a 25% tariff on all imports except for Canadian oil, natural gas and electricity, which would be taxed at 10%, after the countries took steps to appease his concerns about border security and drug trafficking.Aboard Air Force One, Trump said that he would on Monday announce a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S., including from Canada and Mexico, and unveil a plan for reciprocal tariffs later in the week.“Very simply it’s if they charge us, we charge them,” he said.Trump’s participation in the Super Bowl interview marked a return to tradition. Presidents have typically granted a sit-down to the network broadcasting the game, the most-watched television event of the year. But both Trump and his predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, were inconsistent in their participation.Biden declined to participate last year — turning down a massive audience in an election year — and also skipped an appearance in 2023, when efforts by his team to have Biden speak with a Fox Corp. streaming service instead of the main network failed. During his first term, Trump participated three out of four years.Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-attends-super-bowl-ae879e4f0a905b103e9059245f2887e2">the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl in person</a>&nbsp;— something he told Baier he was surprised to learn.“I thought it would be a good thing for the country to have the president at the game,” he said.During his flight to New Orleans, Trump signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 9 “the first ever Gulf of America Day" as Air Force One flew over the body of water that he renamed by proclamation from the Gulf of Mexico.Trump in the interview, also defended the work of billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-secrecy-68a66370cbc67c457e0a1c6edb08c5ef">Elon Musk</a>, whose so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-government-trump-executive-order-1a2fb7235b9d6f178c764cf6c78d3317">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, or DOGE, has been drawing deep concern from Democrats as he moves to shut down whole government agencies and fire large swaths of the federal workforce in the name of rooting out waste and inefficiency.Musk, Trump said, has “been terrific," and will target the Department of Education and the military next.“We’re going to find billions, hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud and abuse,” Trump predicted. “I campaigned on this."He was also asked about his dancing, which has become a popular meme on social media.“I don't know what it is," he said. “I try and walk off sometimes without dancing and I can’t. I have to dance.”___ Associated Press writer Darlene Superville aboard Air Force One contributed to this report.

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state 

SALINE COUNTY —Police are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal threat in Salina.

Just after 11a.m. February 7, police were dispatched to Kansas Wesleyan University, 100 E. Claflin in Salina, following reports of a man making students feel uncomfortable, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

School officials identified the individual as Jonathan Deacon, 35, of Salina.&nbsp; "Campus security escorted him off school property. While doing so, Deacon allegedly made comments about the security of the school," Feldman said.&nbsp;

A 22-year-old student later reported that Deacon had yelled at him not to attend a dance on campus that evening and stated that he would be back. The student's concerns prompted further investigation.

While officers investigated the Kansas Wesleyan incident, officers were called to the VFW, 1108 W. Crawford in Salina, regarding a man acting strangely at the business. Officers arrived and identified the man as Deacon, who confirmed he had been at Kansas Wesleyan earlier. Police&nbsp; took him into custody on requested charges of criminal threat. He is not a student at the university.&nbsp;

KWU Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Brad Salois said the incident was related to an “outside event on campus.”

Salois did not offer additional comments. Salina Post obtained the KWU email, signed by Salois, from an event volunteer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739205609846.jpeg" alt="Deacon -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Deacon -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Police are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal threat in Salina.Just after 11a.m. February 7, police were dispatched to Kansas Wesleyan University, 100 E. Claflin in Salina, following reports of a man making students feel uncomfortable, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.School officials identified the individual as Jonathan Deacon, 35, of Salina.&nbsp; "Campus security escorted him off school property. While doing so, Deacon allegedly made comments about the security of the school," Feldman said.&nbsp;A 22-year-old student later reported that Deacon had yelled at him not to attend a dance on campus that evening and stated that he would be back. The student's concerns prompted further investigation.While officers investigated the Kansas Wesleyan incident, officers were called to the VFW, 1108 W. Crawford in Salina, regarding a man acting strangely at the business. Officers arrived and identified the man as Deacon, who confirmed he had been at Kansas Wesleyan earlier. Police&nbsp; took him into custody on requested charges of criminal threat. He is not a student at the university.&nbsp;KWU Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Brad Salois said the incident was related to an “outside event on campus.”Salois did not offer additional comments. Salina Post obtained the KWU email, signed by Salois, from an event volunteer.

Police: Man accused of threat at Kansas Wesleyan University

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — The largely partisan clash over whether to abolish the<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/demonstrators-us-capitol-rally-against-trumps-direct-attack-education" target="_blank">&nbsp;U.S. Department of Education</a>&nbsp;came to the forefront at a Wednesday hearing by a U.S. House education panel, as rumors continue to circulate over President Donald Trump’s plans to dismantle the federal agency that’s just four-and-a-half decades old.

Trump campaigned heavily on a pledge to get rid of the department, which, among many responsibilities, administers funding for key programs, including for low-income school districts and special education, and also administers federal student aid.

Trump is reported&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/02/03/trump-education-department-dismantling-executive-order-draft/?utm_campaign=wp_the7&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F40e0f46%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82%2F64c1c5704dae0764a1593f12%2F32%2F103%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82" target="_blank">possibly issue some sort of executive order</a>&nbsp;that seeks to diminish the department internally and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-executive-order-8519eaa465385cc13f4ddcae90228dd3" target="_blank">calls on Congress to abolish the agency</a>. He alone does not have the authority to close the department, and the effort would require congressional approval.

Lawmakers clashed at a House Committee on Education and Workforce hearing focused on “the state of American education,” particularly school choice, parental rights in education and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

The president’s sweeping plan outlined throughout his campaign to “save American education” has already burst out of the floodgates since he took office last month.

He issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-orders-education-department-guide-states-use-federal-funds-school-choice" target="_blank">series of education-related executive orders</a>&nbsp;last week focused on prioritizing school choice funding, ending what the administration sees as “radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling” and taking “additional measures to combat anti-semitism.”

Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-puts-dei-staff-paid-leave-guts-environmental-justice-offices-across-government" target="_blank">signed executive orders</a>&nbsp;in January that gut DEI programs and activities across the federal government.

Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House education panel, said he is “pleased to see that the Trump administration is taking excellent steps to restore common sense, personal responsibility and parental choice through our education system.”

“In K-12 education, there’s much work that needs to be done,” the Michigan Republican said, pointing to the latest data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/" target="_blank">National Assessment of Educational Progress</a>.

The report found that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/mathematics/2024/g4_8/supporting-files/summary-of-results.pdf" target="_blank">average math and reading scores in 2024</a>&nbsp;for pupils in fourth grade and eighth grade were lower compared to before the coronavirus pandemic, in 2019.

Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents’ rights group, said “American education is in crisis.”

“For far too long, U.S. schools have focused on everything but educating children, and as last week’s NAEP scores have shown, our children are bearing the brunt of these bad decisions,” she said.

Meanwhile, Democrats on the panel warned over the repercussions of dismantling the Education Department.

“The irony is not lost on me that we’re here to discuss the state of American education while the current administration is actively discussing how to dismantle the main federal agency responsible for ensuring safe, quality education for all students,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member of the panel.

“We will fight any attempt to dismantle the department, and so, we don’t know what the plan will be, but count on our opposition to any plan that will abolish the Department of Education and the programs in it,” the Virginia Democrat added.

Connecticut Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes noted that since being created in 1979, the Education Department “has been committed to ensuring high-quality education for children across the country.”

“As (Chairman Walberg) noted, there are about 1 million children who participate in private school choice programs, but 49.6 million children participate in public school education — what about them? Who is advocating for them?” Hayes said.

Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, said Trump’s executive orders to “restrict teaching and learning in inclusive and supportive environments and his threats to dismantle the Department of Education and upend critical enforcement of federal civil rights laws will demolish the very foundation of good citizenship.”

“We must reject these proposals out of the Project 2025 playbook and approach public education with common sense and common purpose, not separatism and self-dealing,” Nelson said.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The largely partisan clash over whether to abolish the<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/demonstrators-us-capitol-rally-against-trumps-direct-attack-education" target="_blank">&nbsp;U.S. Department of Education</a>&nbsp;came to the forefront at a Wednesday hearing by a U.S. House education panel, as rumors continue to circulate over President Donald Trump’s plans to dismantle the federal agency that’s just four-and-a-half decades old.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739206873043.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump campaigned heavily on a pledge to get rid of the department, which, among many responsibilities, administers funding for key programs, including for low-income school districts and special education, and also administers federal student aid.Trump is reported&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/02/03/trump-education-department-dismantling-executive-order-draft/?utm_campaign=wp_the7&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F40e0f46%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82%2F64c1c5704dae0764a1593f12%2F32%2F103%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82" target="_blank">possibly issue some sort of executive order</a>&nbsp;that seeks to diminish the department internally and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-executive-order-8519eaa465385cc13f4ddcae90228dd3" target="_blank">calls on Congress to abolish the agency</a>. He alone does not have the authority to close the department, and the effort would require congressional approval.Lawmakers clashed at a House Committee on Education and Workforce hearing focused on “the state of American education,” particularly school choice, parental rights in education and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.The president’s sweeping plan outlined throughout his campaign to “save American education” has already burst out of the floodgates since he took office last month.He issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-orders-education-department-guide-states-use-federal-funds-school-choice" target="_blank">series of education-related executive orders</a>&nbsp;last week focused on prioritizing school choice funding, ending what the administration sees as “radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling” and taking “additional measures to combat anti-semitism.”Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-puts-dei-staff-paid-leave-guts-environmental-justice-offices-across-government" target="_blank">signed executive orders</a>&nbsp;in January that gut DEI programs and activities across the federal government.<h2>Restoring ‘common sense’</h2>Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House education panel, said he is “pleased to see that the Trump administration is taking excellent steps to restore common sense, personal responsibility and parental choice through our education system.”“In K-12 education, there’s much work that needs to be done,” the Michigan Republican said, pointing to the latest data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/" target="_blank">National Assessment of Educational Progress</a>.The report found that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/mathematics/2024/g4_8/supporting-files/summary-of-results.pdf" target="_blank">average math and reading scores in 2024</a>&nbsp;for pupils in fourth grade and eighth grade were lower compared to before the coronavirus pandemic, in 2019.Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents’ rights group, said “American education is in crisis.”“For far too long, U.S. schools have focused on everything but educating children, and as last week’s NAEP scores have shown, our children are bearing the brunt of these bad decisions,” she said.<h2>‘We will fight any attempt’</h2>Meanwhile, Democrats on the panel warned over the repercussions of dismantling the Education Department.“The irony is not lost on me that we’re here to discuss the state of American education while the current administration is actively discussing how to dismantle the main federal agency responsible for ensuring safe, quality education for all students,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member of the panel.“We will fight any attempt to dismantle the department, and so, we don’t know what the plan will be, but count on our opposition to any plan that will abolish the Department of Education and the programs in it,” the Virginia Democrat added.Connecticut Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes noted that since being created in 1979, the Education Department “has been committed to ensuring high-quality education for children across the country.”“As (Chairman Walberg) noted, there are about 1 million children who participate in private school choice programs, but 49.6 million children participate in public school education — what about them? Who is advocating for them?” Hayes said.Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, said Trump’s executive orders to “restrict teaching and learning in inclusive and supportive environments and his threats to dismantle the Department of Education and upend critical enforcement of federal civil rights laws will demolish the very foundation of good citizenship.”“We must reject these proposals out of the Project 2025 playbook and approach public education with common sense and common purpose, not separatism and self-dealing,” Nelson said.

U.S. House members battle over eliminating Dept. of Education 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted in connection with a fatal crash in March that killed a police officer on his way home from work has will learn his fate Monday afternoon.

In December, 20-year-old Gage Kaiser pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under influence, according to the&nbsp;the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726259901569.png" alt="Kaiser from his arrest in Geary County" />
 <figcaption>Kaiser from his arrest in Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, Judge Christopher Magana followed the plea agreement and sentenced Gage Kaiser, 20, Mulvane, to 43 months in prison and ordered him to pay $2,962 in restitution, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;In December, Kaiser pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under influence, according to the&nbsp;the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;--------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted in connection with a fatal crash in March that killed a police officer on his way home from work has will learn his fate Monday afternoon.In December, 20-year-old Gage Kaiser pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under influence, according to the&nbsp;the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710681634704.png" alt="Officer Scott Hollingsworth-photo city of Clearwater" />
 <figcaption>Officer Scott Hollingsworth-photo city of Clearwater</figcaption>
 </figure>The accident occurred just before 3:30a.m. March 16, 2024, when a passenger vehicle driven by 26-year-old Scott Hollingsworth was southbound on U.S. 81 at 119th Street, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday. A westbound pickup struck the vehicle driven by Hollingsworth.&nbsp;Hollingsworth was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three passengers in the pickup to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The pickup driver, later identified as Kaiser, was not injured.Clearwater PD said Hollingsworth had served the department for a year. On Sept. 10, Geary County deputies arrested Kaiser.Hollingsworth's survivors included his wife, Hadley, daughter, Claire, parents, Greg and Nataly, and siblings, Jordan and Sydney.&nbsp;

Sentencing Day: For DUI crash that killed Kansas police officer

WASHINGTON —Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran reported some "good news" over the weekend on his effort to get Secretary of State Marco Rubio to distribute the $340 million in American-grown food currently stalled in U.S. ports to reach those in need. On Feb. 3, Moran wrote on social media, "Time is running out before this life-saving aid perishes."

On Saturday night Moran wrote, "The State Dept. has approved shipping to resume,&nbsp;allowing NGOs or non governmental organizations to distribute&nbsp;the $560 million of American-grown food aid sitting in US and global ports to those in need." 

"Thanks to Secretary Rubio for helping make certain this life-saving aid gets to those in need before it spoils."

Moran was the co-founder of the Senate Hunger Caucus. "The caucus&nbsp;raises awareness about issues surrounding hunger, including the importance of international food aid programs and agriculture research and development initiatives to end hunger and promote stability in the world," according to a statement on the senator's web site.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726760316172.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran -courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran -courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran reported some "good news" over the weekend on his effort to get Secretary of State Marco Rubio to distribute the $340 million in American-grown food currently stalled in U.S. ports to reach those in need. On Feb. 3, Moran wrote on social media, "Time is running out before this life-saving aid perishes."On Saturday night Moran wrote, "The State Dept. has approved shipping to resume,&nbsp;allowing NGOs or non governmental organizations to distribute&nbsp;the $560 million of American-grown food aid sitting in US and global ports to those in need." "Thanks to Secretary Rubio for helping make certain this life-saving aid gets to those in need before it spoils."Moran was the co-founder of the Senate Hunger Caucus. "The caucus&nbsp;raises awareness about issues surrounding hunger, including the importance of international food aid programs and agriculture research and development initiatives to end hunger and promote stability in the world," according to a statement on the senator's web site.

Sec. of State takes action on Moran's food distribution request

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producing the one-cent coin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739192025836.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producing the one-cent coin.“For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!” Trump wrote in a post Sunday night on his Truth Social site. “I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies.”<figure>
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 </figure>The move by Trump is the latest in what has been a rapid-fire effort by his new administration to enact sweeping change through executive order and proclamation on issues ranging from immigration, to gender and diversity, to the name of the Gulf of Mexico.Trump had not discussed his desire to eliminate the penny during his campaign. But Elon Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency raised the prospect in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DOGE/status/1881928086305870127">a post on X last month</a>&nbsp;highlighting the penny’s cost.<a href="https://www.usmint.gov/content/dam/usmint/reports/2024-annual-report.pdf">The U.S. Mint reported losing</a>&nbsp;$85.3 million in the 2024 fiscal year that ended in September on the nearly 3.2 billion pennies it produced. Every penny cost nearly $0.037 — up from $0.031 the year before.The mint also loses money on the nickel, with each of the $0.05 coins costing nearly $0.14 to make.It is unclear whether Trump has the power to unilaterally eliminate the lowly one-cent coin. Currency specifications -- including the size and metal content of coins -- are dictated by Congress.But Robert K. Triest, an economics professor at Northeastern University,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/01/29/discontinue-the-penny-trump-administration/">has argued that</a>&nbsp;there might be wiggle room.“The process of discontinuing the penny in the U.S. is a little unclear. It would likely require an act of Congress, but the Secretary of the Treasury might be able to simply stop the minting of new pennies,” he said last month.Members of Congress have repeatedly introduced legislation taking aim at the zinc coin with copper plating. Proposals over the years have attempted to temporarily suspend the penny’s production, eliminate it from circulation, or require that prices be rounded to the nearest five cents, according to the Congressional Research Service.Proponents of eliminating the coin have cited cost savings, speedier checkouts at cash registers, and the fact that a number of countries have already eliminated their one-cent coins. Canada, for instance,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mint.ca/en/blog/2022-06-legacy-of-the-penny?srsltid=AfmBOoqlKa_MtqmMEKdwsx8tKPRlFV-cbFrEsHAsm1W-xYh2ooN29ekU">stopped minting its penny</a>&nbsp;in 2012.It wouldn't be the first time the U.S. eliminated its least valuable coin. The half-cent coin was discontinued by Congress in 1857.Trump's new administration has been sharply focused on cutting costs, with Musk, who has been brought on to lead the task, targeting entire agencies and large swaths of the federal workforce as he tries to identify a goal of $2 trillion in savings.“Let’s rip the waste out of our great nations budget, even if it’s a penny at a time,” Trump wrote in his post.Trump sent the message as he was departing New Orleans after watching the first half of the Super Bowl.___