By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/annie-ma">ANNIE MA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;TODD FEATHERS

WASHINGTON (AP) — A decade-long slide in high schoolers’ reading and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/math-science-stem-girls-a80f44c20b1724bba6953756ecc862cd">math</a>&nbsp;performance persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 12th graders’ scores dropping to their lowest level in more than 20 years, according to results released Tuesday from an exam known as the nation’s report card.

Eighth-grade students also lost significant ground in science skills, according to the results from the National Assessment of Education Progress.

The assessments were the first since the pandemic for eighth graders in science and 12th graders in reading and math. They reflect a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/naep-test-scores-nations-report-card-school-60150156e41b8518be3b6eabf77d0c66">downward drift</a>&nbsp;across grade levels and subject areas in previous releases from NAEP, which is considered one of the best gauges of the academic progress of U.S. schools.

“Scores for our lowest-performing students are at historic lows,” said Matthew Soldner, the acting commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics. “These results should galvanize all of us to take concerted and focused action to accelerate student learning.”

While the pandemic had an outsize impact on student achievement, experts said falling scores are part of a longer arc in education that cannot be attributed solely to COVID-19,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/online-school-covid-learning-loss-7c162ec1b4ce4d5219d5210aaac8f1ae">school closures</a>&nbsp;and related issues such as heightened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-attendance-sick-day-chronic-absenteeism-270f6d07041760e90bf84d9f4108aa4d">absenteeism</a>. Educators said potential underlying factors include children’s increased screen time, shortened attention spans and a decline in reading longer-form writing both in and out of school.

The dip in reading scores appeared alongside a shift in how English and language arts are taught in schools, with an emphasis on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/books-reading-high-school-english-class-c8d9f39773268a6e8c79cb0b3c78d3c1">short texts and book excerpts</a>, said Carol Jago, associate director of the California Reading and Literature Project at UCLA. As a high school English teacher 20 years ago, Jago said it was common for her high school students to read 20 books over the course of a year. Now, some English classes are assigning just three books a year.

“To be a good reader, you have to have the stamina to stay on the page, even when the going gets tough,” Jago said. “You have to build those muscles, and we’re not building those muscles in kids.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the scores show why the Trump administration wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-scotus-layoffs-student-loans-f24637f2a1d57432f6dc24d082e95b9b">give states more control</a>&nbsp;of education spending.

“Despite spending billions annually on numerous K-12 programs, the achievement gap is widening, and more high school seniors are performing below the basic benchmark in math and reading than ever before,” McMahon said.

House Democrats said the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Education Department will only hurt students. The declines show a need for federal investment in academic recovery and educational equity, said Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

“Eliminating the very agency responsible for supporting public schools and enforcing civil rights protections of students will only deepen the achievement gaps identified by this assessment,” Scott said.

Fewer students show basic proficiency in math and reading

The test scores show more students are not reaching what would be considered “basic” achievement across subject areas, said Lesley Muldoon, executive director of the National Assessment Governing Board. While NAEP’s definition of “proficient” is a high bar, Muldoon said, it is not an unreasonable one, and it is based on what researchers believe students should be able to achieve by the end of high school.

“These students are taking their next steps in life with fewer skills and less knowledge in core academics than their predecessors a decade ago,” she said. “This is happening at a time when rapid advancements in technology and society demands more of future workers and citizens, not less.”

In reading, the average score in 2024 was the lowest score in the history of the assessment, which began in 1992. Thirty-two percent of high school seniors scored below “basic,” meaning they were not able to find details in a text to help them understand its meaning.

In math, the average score in 2024 was the lowest since 2005, when the assessment framework changed significantly. On the test, 45% of high school seniors scored below “basic” achievement, the highest percentage since 2005. Only 33% of high school seniors were considered academically prepared for college-level math courses, a decline from 37% in 2019.

The high school reading and math assessments, and the eighth grade science test, are given less frequently than the biannual fourth and eighth grade reading tests, which were last released earlier this year. The new scores reflect tests taken in schools around the country between January and March 2024.

The gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students was its widest ever among eighth grade science students, reflecting growing inequality in the American school system. The achievement gap widened also in 12th grade math.

The scores also reflect the re-emergence of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/math-science-stem-girls-a80f44c20b1724bba6953756ecc862cd">gender gap</a>&nbsp;in science, technology, engineering and math courses. In 2019, boys and girls scored virtually the same on the NAEP science assessment. But in 2024, girls saw a steeper decline in scores. A similar pattern occurred in state math assessments, according to an Associated Press analysis.

Schools had largely closed the gender gap in math and science, but it widened in the years following the pandemic as special programs to engage girls lapsed.

On a NAEP survey of students, a shrinking percentage of eighth grade students said they regularly took part in inquiry-based learning activities in the classroom. The pandemic disrupted schools’ ability to create those hands-on learning experiences for students, which are often critical to understanding scientific concepts and processes, said Christine Cunningham, senior vice president of STEM learning at the Museum of Science in Boston.

Still, she noted declines across subjects began well before schools closed in 2020.

“We don’t know exactly what the cause of it is, but it would be incomplete to assume that if we hadn’t had COVID, the score would not have gone down,” Cunningham said. “That’s not what the data showed even before the pandemic.” ___

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674578524554.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/annie-ma">ANNIE MA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;TODD FEATHERSWASHINGTON (AP) — A decade-long slide in high schoolers’ reading and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/math-science-stem-girls-a80f44c20b1724bba6953756ecc862cd">math</a>&nbsp;performance persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 12th graders’ scores dropping to their lowest level in more than 20 years, according to results released Tuesday from an exam known as the nation’s report card.Eighth-grade students also lost significant ground in science skills, according to the results from the National Assessment of Education Progress.The assessments were the first since the pandemic for eighth graders in science and 12th graders in reading and math. They reflect a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/naep-test-scores-nations-report-card-school-60150156e41b8518be3b6eabf77d0c66">downward drift</a>&nbsp;across grade levels and subject areas in previous releases from NAEP, which is considered one of the best gauges of the academic progress of U.S. schools.“Scores for our lowest-performing students are at historic lows,” said Matthew Soldner, the acting commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics. “These results should galvanize all of us to take concerted and focused action to accelerate student learning.”While the pandemic had an outsize impact on student achievement, experts said falling scores are part of a longer arc in education that cannot be attributed solely to COVID-19,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/online-school-covid-learning-loss-7c162ec1b4ce4d5219d5210aaac8f1ae">school closures</a>&nbsp;and related issues such as heightened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-attendance-sick-day-chronic-absenteeism-270f6d07041760e90bf84d9f4108aa4d">absenteeism</a>. Educators said potential underlying factors include children’s increased screen time, shortened attention spans and a decline in reading longer-form writing both in and out of school.The dip in reading scores appeared alongside a shift in how English and language arts are taught in schools, with an emphasis on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/books-reading-high-school-english-class-c8d9f39773268a6e8c79cb0b3c78d3c1">short texts and book excerpts</a>, said Carol Jago, associate director of the California Reading and Literature Project at UCLA. As a high school English teacher 20 years ago, Jago said it was common for her high school students to read 20 books over the course of a year. Now, some English classes are assigning just three books a year.“To be a good reader, you have to have the stamina to stay on the page, even when the going gets tough,” Jago said. “You have to build those muscles, and we’re not building those muscles in kids.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757439043229.png" alt="The NAEP test (National Assessment of Educational Progress) is a federal standardized test given to a nationally representative sample of students. "Basic" is the lowest achievement level and indicates partial mastery of skills. Source: National Assessment of Educational Progress Graphic: Todd Feathers" />
 <figcaption>The NAEP test (National Assessment of Educational Progress) is a federal standardized test given to a nationally representative sample of students. "Basic" is the lowest achievement level and indicates partial mastery of skills. Source: National Assessment of Educational Progress Graphic: Todd Feathers</figcaption>
 </figure>Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the scores show why the Trump administration wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-scotus-layoffs-student-loans-f24637f2a1d57432f6dc24d082e95b9b">give states more control</a>&nbsp;of education spending.“Despite spending billions annually on numerous K-12 programs, the achievement gap is widening, and more high school seniors are performing below the basic benchmark in math and reading than ever before,” McMahon said.House Democrats said the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Education Department will only hurt students. The declines show a need for federal investment in academic recovery and educational equity, said Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce.“Eliminating the very agency responsible for supporting public schools and enforcing civil rights protections of students will only deepen the achievement gaps identified by this assessment,” Scott said.<h2>Fewer students show basic proficiency in math and reading</h2>The test scores show more students are not reaching what would be considered “basic” achievement across subject areas, said Lesley Muldoon, executive director of the National Assessment Governing Board. While NAEP’s definition of “proficient” is a high bar, Muldoon said, it is not an unreasonable one, and it is based on what researchers believe students should be able to achieve by the end of high school.“These students are taking their next steps in life with fewer skills and less knowledge in core academics than their predecessors a decade ago,” she said. “This is happening at a time when rapid advancements in technology and society demands more of future workers and citizens, not less.”In reading, the average score in 2024 was the lowest score in the history of the assessment, which began in 1992. Thirty-two percent of high school seniors scored below “basic,” meaning they were not able to find details in a text to help them understand its meaning.In math, the average score in 2024 was the lowest since 2005, when the assessment framework changed significantly. On the test, 45% of high school seniors scored below “basic” achievement, the highest percentage since 2005. Only 33% of high school seniors were considered academically prepared for college-level math courses, a decline from 37% in 2019.The high school reading and math assessments, and the eighth grade science test, are given less frequently than the biannual fourth and eighth grade reading tests, which were last released earlier this year. The new scores reflect tests taken in schools around the country between January and March 2024.<h2>Achievement gaps are widening</h2>The gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students was its widest ever among eighth grade science students, reflecting growing inequality in the American school system. The achievement gap widened also in 12th grade math.The scores also reflect the re-emergence of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/math-science-stem-girls-a80f44c20b1724bba6953756ecc862cd">gender gap</a>&nbsp;in science, technology, engineering and math courses. In 2019, boys and girls scored virtually the same on the NAEP science assessment. But in 2024, girls saw a steeper decline in scores. A similar pattern occurred in state math assessments, according to an Associated Press analysis.Schools had largely closed the gender gap in math and science, but it widened in the years following the pandemic as special programs to engage girls lapsed.On a NAEP survey of students, a shrinking percentage of eighth grade students said they regularly took part in inquiry-based learning activities in the classroom. The pandemic disrupted schools’ ability to create those hands-on learning experiences for students, which are often critical to understanding scientific concepts and processes, said Christine Cunningham, senior vice president of STEM learning at the Museum of Science in Boston.Still, she noted declines across subjects began well before schools closed in 2020.“We don’t know exactly what the cause of it is, but it would be incomplete to assume that if we hadn’t had COVID, the score would not have gone down,” Cunningham said. “That’s not what the data showed even before the pandemic.” ___Feathers reported from New York.___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Report: US students' reading and math scores at historic lows

CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for a violent knife attack in north central Kansas.

Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 200 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia after a report of a victim with a stab wound, according to a media release from Concordia Police Chief Brent Gering.

First responders located a victim with a life-threatening stab wound and multiple defensive wounds. The Concordia Fire Department rendered aid to the victim and transported the victim to North Central Kansas Medical Center. The victim was later transferred to Salina Regional Health Center.

Officers located the suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Martin Santos Ambros. Officers placed him in handcuffs. He then attempted to escape custody and was unsuccessful.&nbsp; The scene was secured and evidence collected. Santos-Ambros is being held in the Cloud County Jail on requested charges of attempted-murder in the 2nd degree-domestic and Felony interference with law enforcement.

CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for a violent knife attack in north central Kansas.Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 200 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia after a report of a victim with a stab wound, according to a media release from Concordia Police Chief Brent Gering.First responders located a victim with a life-threatening stab wound and multiple defensive wounds. The Concordia Fire Department rendered aid to the victim and transported the victim to North Central Kansas Medical Center. The victim was later transferred to Salina Regional Health Center.Officers located the suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Martin Santos Ambros. Officers placed him in handcuffs. He then attempted to escape custody and was unsuccessful.&nbsp; The scene was secured and evidence collected. Santos-Ambros is being held in the Cloud County Jail on requested charges of attempted-murder in the 2nd degree-domestic and Felony interference with law enforcement.

Man accused in violent north central Kansas knife attack

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to more records on Tuesday after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">latest update</a>&nbsp;on the job market bolstered Wall Street’s hopes for a slowdown that’s deep enough to get the Federal Reserve to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">cut interest rates</a>, but not so overwhelming that it causes a recession.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.3% and squeaked past its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-dollar-bonds-tech-6d516f33d189c8f6f82f3932eabcbc94">all-time high set last week</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 196 points, or 0.4%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.4%. They likewise set records.

Traders have become convinced that the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate for the first time this year at its next meeting in a week to prop up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-firing-f686eab61f7d6b702ca10b12b0250498">the slowing job market</a>. A report on Tuesday offered the latest signal of weakness, when the U.S. government said its prior count of jobs across the country through March&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">may have been too high by 911,000</a>, or 0.6%.

That was before President Donald Trump shocked the economy and financial markets in April by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">rolling out tariffs</a>&nbsp;on countries worldwide.

The bet on Wall Street is that such data will convince Fed officials that the job market is the bigger problem now for the economy than the threat of inflation worsening because of Trump’s tariffs. That would push them to cut interest rates, a move that would give the economy a boost but could also send inflation higher.

A lot is riding on Wall Street’s hope that the job market is slowing by just the right amount: Investors have already sent U.S. stock prices to records because of it. Inflation also needs to stay at a reasonable level, even though it looks tough to get below the Fed’s target of 2%.

Traders are unanimously expecting a rate cut next week, but they pared their forecasts for a deeper-than-usual reduction following Tuesday’s revision for U.S. job growth. That caused a slight recovery for Treasury yields following their sharp recent slide.

“The more likely course is for the Fed to deliver an October and December cut rather than trying to deliver a catchup cut in September,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management.

Coming reports on inflation due on Wednesday and Thursday could alter expectations further. Hotter-than-expected readings could put the Fed in a worst-case scenario and make a series of cuts to rates less palatable.

On Wall Street, UnitedHealth Group climbed 8.6% after saying its executives plan to tell investors and analysts that it’s sticking with its profit forecast for 2025. That helped it trim its loss for the year so far, which came into the day at 36.7%, as insurers across the industry have contended with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealth-second-quarter-health-insurers-4189fae975e4ee1c0aac88ed11b8dcf4">soaring medical costs</a>.

Nebius Group, a Dutch company working in artificial-intelligence infrastructure, saw its stock that trades in the United States soar 49.4% after announcing a contract to deliver GPU services to Microsoft. The contract could be worth between $17.4 billion and $19.4 billion, and it runs through 2031.

Fox dropped 6.1% after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rupert-murdochs-children-lachlan-james-elisabeth-prudence-9f3e4b0009200110fac44f34712e322a">Rupert Murdoch’s family</a>&nbsp;said they’ve reached&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rupert-murdoch-family-media-empire-control-d6c93b1c99b2daadf03dc3faa0982e09">a deal on control</a>&nbsp;of the 94-year-old mogul’s media empire after his death. The agreement ensures that there will be no change in direction at Fox News, the most popular network for President Donald Trump and conservatives.

The deal creates a trust establishing control of the Fox Corp. for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lachlan-rupert-murdoch-fox-news-a5100d8bd20f72efe5a83eec32823f1f">Lachlan Murdoch</a>, Rupert’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/murdoch-fox-quit-emeritus-30286a4a3107b7bde612adbfc7891958">chosen heir</a>&nbsp;who has been running Fox in recent years, along with his younger sisters, Grace and Chloe.

Apple slipped 1.5% after unveiling its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-iphone-tariffs-price-increase-5b78b243daceb791e19fc6e2c2740112">next generation of iPhones.</a>

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 17.46 points to 6,512.61. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 196.39 to 45,711.34, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 80.79 to 21,879.49.

In stock markets abroad, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.2% as the market remained relatively calm even though its government is facing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-prime-minister-bayrou-macron-economy-crisis-e28574497723868f0be8b7973b84c05e">crisis of confidence</a>&nbsp;after legislators voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-macron-bayrou-budget-d60c7c0881f3c8d633f02653043c1f55">oust another prime minister</a>. It and other governments around the world, including the United States, are facing increased scrutiny on how they plan to pay for their spending.

Indexes were mixed across the rest of Europe and in Asia.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 erased early gains to finish 0.4% lower as political uncertainty continued after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said over the weekend that he planned to step down. Who will replace him is still uncertain and may take weeks to decide.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to more records on Tuesday after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">latest update</a>&nbsp;on the job market bolstered Wall Street’s hopes for a slowdown that’s deep enough to get the Federal Reserve to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">cut interest rates</a>, but not so overwhelming that it causes a recession.The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.3% and squeaked past its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-dollar-bonds-tech-6d516f33d189c8f6f82f3932eabcbc94">all-time high set last week</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 196 points, or 0.4%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.4%. They likewise set records.Traders have become convinced that the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate for the first time this year at its next meeting in a week to prop up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-firing-f686eab61f7d6b702ca10b12b0250498">the slowing job market</a>. A report on Tuesday offered the latest signal of weakness, when the U.S. government said its prior count of jobs across the country through March&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">may have been too high by 911,000</a>, or 0.6%.That was before President Donald Trump shocked the economy and financial markets in April by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">rolling out tariffs</a>&nbsp;on countries worldwide.The bet on Wall Street is that such data will convince Fed officials that the job market is the bigger problem now for the economy than the threat of inflation worsening because of Trump’s tariffs. That would push them to cut interest rates, a move that would give the economy a boost but could also send inflation higher.A lot is riding on Wall Street’s hope that the job market is slowing by just the right amount: Investors have already sent U.S. stock prices to records because of it. Inflation also needs to stay at a reasonable level, even though it looks tough to get below the Fed’s target of 2%.Traders are unanimously expecting a rate cut next week, but they pared their forecasts for a deeper-than-usual reduction following Tuesday’s revision for U.S. job growth. That caused a slight recovery for Treasury yields following their sharp recent slide.“The more likely course is for the Fed to deliver an October and December cut rather than trying to deliver a catchup cut in September,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management.Coming reports on inflation due on Wednesday and Thursday could alter expectations further. Hotter-than-expected readings could put the Fed in a worst-case scenario and make a series of cuts to rates less palatable.On Wall Street, UnitedHealth Group climbed 8.6% after saying its executives plan to tell investors and analysts that it’s sticking with its profit forecast for 2025. That helped it trim its loss for the year so far, which came into the day at 36.7%, as insurers across the industry have contended with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealth-second-quarter-health-insurers-4189fae975e4ee1c0aac88ed11b8dcf4">soaring medical costs</a>.Nebius Group, a Dutch company working in artificial-intelligence infrastructure, saw its stock that trades in the United States soar 49.4% after announcing a contract to deliver GPU services to Microsoft. The contract could be worth between $17.4 billion and $19.4 billion, and it runs through 2031.Fox dropped 6.1% after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rupert-murdochs-children-lachlan-james-elisabeth-prudence-9f3e4b0009200110fac44f34712e322a">Rupert Murdoch’s family</a>&nbsp;said they’ve reached&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rupert-murdoch-family-media-empire-control-d6c93b1c99b2daadf03dc3faa0982e09">a deal on control</a>&nbsp;of the 94-year-old mogul’s media empire after his death. The agreement ensures that there will be no change in direction at Fox News, the most popular network for President Donald Trump and conservatives.The deal creates a trust establishing control of the Fox Corp. for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lachlan-rupert-murdoch-fox-news-a5100d8bd20f72efe5a83eec32823f1f">Lachlan Murdoch</a>, Rupert’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/murdoch-fox-quit-emeritus-30286a4a3107b7bde612adbfc7891958">chosen heir</a>&nbsp;who has been running Fox in recent years, along with his younger sisters, Grace and Chloe.Apple slipped 1.5% after unveiling its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-iphone-tariffs-price-increase-5b78b243daceb791e19fc6e2c2740112">next generation of iPhones.</a>All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 17.46 points to 6,512.61. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 196.39 to 45,711.34, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 80.79 to 21,879.49.In stock markets abroad, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.2% as the market remained relatively calm even though its government is facing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-prime-minister-bayrou-macron-economy-crisis-e28574497723868f0be8b7973b84c05e">crisis of confidence</a>&nbsp;after legislators voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-macron-bayrou-budget-d60c7c0881f3c8d633f02653043c1f55">oust another prime minister</a>. It and other governments around the world, including the United States, are facing increased scrutiny on how they plan to pay for their spending.Indexes were mixed across the rest of Europe and in Asia.Japan’s Nikkei 225 erased early gains to finish 0.4% lower as political uncertainty continued after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said over the weekend that he planned to step down. Who will replace him is still uncertain and may take weeks to decide.

Wall Street rises to more records

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple on Tuesday rolled out its next generation iPhones, which include a new ultra-thin model and a slight price hike for one of its high-end models, while the company feels the squeeze of a global trade war.

The iPhone 17 line-up includes a new slimmed-down model that will adopt the “Air” name that Apple already uses for its sleekest iPads and Mac computers. In what has become an annual rite for Apple, all four new iPhone 17 models will feature better cameras and longer-lasting batteries than last year’s lineup. The iPhone 17 will all boast at least 256 gigabytes of storage, doubling the minimum amount from the last generation.

“We are raising the bar again,” Apple CEO Tim Cook boasted in front of a crowd gathered in an auditorium named after the company's late co-founder, Steve Jobs, located on its campus in Cupertino, California.

The new iPhones are the first to be released since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and unleashed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">a barrage of tariffs</a>, in what his administration says is an attempt to bring overseas manufacturing back to the U.S. — a crusade that has thrust Cook into the hot seat.

All the iPhone 17 models are still expected to be made in Apple’s manufacturing hubs in China and India, exposing them to some of Trump's tariffs.

Analysts believe the additional fees on iPhones coming into the U.S. increase the pressure on Apple to raise prices to help protect its profit margins on its most marquee product.

Without giving a specific reason, Apple will charge $1,100 for the iPhone 17 Pro, an increase of $100, or 10%, from previous versions of that model. The iPhone Air will start at $1,000 — the price of last year's iPhone 16 Pro.

Apple is sticking with the same starting price for the basic iPhone 17 at $800 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1,200.

All four models will be in stores Sept. 19.

Apple's shares closed down 1.5% Tuesday amid gains in the broader stock market, an indication that investors might be worried the company didn't do enough to prop up its profits amid the trade war.

The release of the iPhone 17 Air created the biggest buzz of the day as Apple found a way to pack in most of the punch of its Pro models while coming up with a fetching design that Forrester Research analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee will prod more trend-conscious consumers to splurge on the latest fashion in tech devices. The Air model is just 5.6 millimeters wide compared to 8 to 9 millimeters for the other iPhone 17 choices.

“There were plenty of crackles and one big pop,” Chatterjee said of Tuesday's event.

One of the crackles came with the introduction of new features aimed at the selfie culture. The iPhone 17 models include a front camera with more megapixels for crisper photos, along with an “Center Stage” option that will take advantage of a wider field of view and a new sensor that will enable users to take landscape photos without having to rotate the iPhone.

Although most of the upgrades to the iPhone 17 are similar to the incremental improvements of recent years, Apple appears to have done enough to “bring a sense of newness to the iPhone, which has remained the same for too long,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore.

Apple also unveiled its latest smartwatches, including a health tool that is supposed to help detect potential hypertension, and its next generation wireless AirPod headphones.

Apple has been trying to accelerate its growth after several years of lackluster sales growth that has still been enough to maintain its status as a moneymaking machine while raising questions about its ability to innovate. Those doubts, combined with the uncertainties swirling around tariffs, are, one of the reasons the company's market value has dropped by 6% so far this year while the tech-driven Nasdaq composite index has gained 13%.

While the iPhone 16, released last year, fared reasonably well, the models didn’t sell quite as well as analysts had anticipated because Apple failed to deliver all of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-artificial-intelligence-siri-iphone-software-conference-4217d67977f95ead880835a71ecce098">artificial intelligence features it had promised</a>, including a smarter and more versatile Siri assistant. The Siri improvements have been pushed back until next year.

“To truly differentiate and outperform its competition, Apple will have to crack AI as a new contextual user-interface,” predicted Thomas Hussan, another analyst for Forrester Research.

The global trade war has compounded Apple's challenges.

Both Trump and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick-on-face-the-nation-with-margaret-brennan-april-6-2025/">repeatedly insisted that iPhones be made in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;instead of overseas. It's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-trump-china-tariffs-iphone-f50e1c6ba8f8cbb7c4b463720e65f3c4">an unrealistic demand</a>&nbsp;that analysts say would take years to pull off and would result in a doubling, or even a tripling, of the iPhone's current average price of about $1,000.

Cook tried to placate Trump by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-us-investment-texas-factory-78c761e50f3f3f8186db99899efefb7c">initially pledging that Apple would invest $500 billion i</a>&nbsp;n the U.S. over the next four years, and then upped the ante last month by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-apple-100-billion-investment-47d41d07cac5e914adeee7c4c28c0166">adding another $100 billion</a>&nbsp;to the commitment. He also gifted Trump a statue featuring a 24-karat gold base.

That kind of diplomacy has helped insulate Apple from Trump's most severe tariffs. However, with the iPhones being brought into the U.S. still facing duties of about 25%, some analysts speculated the company would raise prices to help preserve its hefty profit margins. But for the most part, Apple and other major smartphone makers such as Samsung and Google are sticking with the same prices as last year.

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple on Tuesday rolled out its next generation iPhones, which include a new ultra-thin model and a slight price hike for one of its high-end models, while the company feels the squeeze of a global trade war.The iPhone 17 line-up includes a new slimmed-down model that will adopt the “Air” name that Apple already uses for its sleekest iPads and Mac computers. In what has become an annual rite for Apple, all four new iPhone 17 models will feature better cameras and longer-lasting batteries than last year’s lineup. The iPhone 17 will all boast at least 256 gigabytes of storage, doubling the minimum amount from the last generation.“We are raising the bar again,” Apple CEO Tim Cook boasted in front of a crowd gathered in an auditorium named after the company's late co-founder, Steve Jobs, located on its campus in Cupertino, California.<h2>Grappling with tariffs</h2>The new iPhones are the first to be released since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and unleashed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">a barrage of tariffs</a>, in what his administration says is an attempt to bring overseas manufacturing back to the U.S. — a crusade that has thrust Cook into the hot seat.All the iPhone 17 models are still expected to be made in Apple’s manufacturing hubs in China and India, exposing them to some of Trump's tariffs.Analysts believe the additional fees on iPhones coming into the U.S. increase the pressure on Apple to raise prices to help protect its profit margins on its most marquee product.Without giving a specific reason, Apple will charge $1,100 for the iPhone 17 Pro, an increase of $100, or 10%, from previous versions of that model. The iPhone Air will start at $1,000 — the price of last year's iPhone 16 Pro.Apple is sticking with the same starting price for the basic iPhone 17 at $800 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1,200.All four models will be in stores Sept. 19.Apple's shares closed down 1.5% Tuesday amid gains in the broader stock market, an indication that investors might be worried the company didn't do enough to prop up its profits amid the trade war.<h2>A breath of fresh iPhone Air</h2>The release of the iPhone 17 Air created the biggest buzz of the day as Apple found a way to pack in most of the punch of its Pro models while coming up with a fetching design that Forrester Research analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee will prod more trend-conscious consumers to splurge on the latest fashion in tech devices. The Air model is just 5.6 millimeters wide compared to 8 to 9 millimeters for the other iPhone 17 choices.“There were plenty of crackles and one big pop,” Chatterjee said of Tuesday's event.One of the crackles came with the introduction of new features aimed at the selfie culture. The iPhone 17 models include a front camera with more megapixels for crisper photos, along with an “Center Stage” option that will take advantage of a wider field of view and a new sensor that will enable users to take landscape photos without having to rotate the iPhone.Although most of the upgrades to the iPhone 17 are similar to the incremental improvements of recent years, Apple appears to have done enough to “bring a sense of newness to the iPhone, which has remained the same for too long,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore.Apple also unveiled its latest smartwatches, including a health tool that is supposed to help detect potential hypertension, and its next generation wireless AirPod headphones.<h2>Looking for a sales accelerator</h2>Apple has been trying to accelerate its growth after several years of lackluster sales growth that has still been enough to maintain its status as a moneymaking machine while raising questions about its ability to innovate. Those doubts, combined with the uncertainties swirling around tariffs, are, one of the reasons the company's market value has dropped by 6% so far this year while the tech-driven Nasdaq composite index has gained 13%.While the iPhone 16, released last year, fared reasonably well, the models didn’t sell quite as well as analysts had anticipated because Apple failed to deliver all of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-artificial-intelligence-siri-iphone-software-conference-4217d67977f95ead880835a71ecce098">artificial intelligence features it had promised</a>, including a smarter and more versatile Siri assistant. The Siri improvements have been pushed back until next year.“To truly differentiate and outperform its competition, Apple will have to crack AI as a new contextual user-interface,” predicted Thomas Hussan, another analyst for Forrester Research.The global trade war has compounded Apple's challenges.Both Trump and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick-on-face-the-nation-with-margaret-brennan-april-6-2025/">repeatedly insisted that iPhones be made in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;instead of overseas. It's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-trump-china-tariffs-iphone-f50e1c6ba8f8cbb7c4b463720e65f3c4">an unrealistic demand</a>&nbsp;that analysts say would take years to pull off and would result in a doubling, or even a tripling, of the iPhone's current average price of about $1,000.Cook tried to placate Trump by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-us-investment-texas-factory-78c761e50f3f3f8186db99899efefb7c">initially pledging that Apple would invest $500 billion i</a>&nbsp;n the U.S. over the next four years, and then upped the ante last month by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-apple-100-billion-investment-47d41d07cac5e914adeee7c4c28c0166">adding another $100 billion</a>&nbsp;to the commitment. He also gifted Trump a statue featuring a 24-karat gold base.That kind of diplomacy has helped insulate Apple from Trump's most severe tariffs. However, with the iPhones being brought into the U.S. still facing duties of about 25%, some analysts speculated the company would raise prices to help preserve its hefty profit margins. But for the most part, Apple and other major smartphone makers such as Samsung and Google are sticking with the same prices as last year.

Apple unveils its latest iPhone lineup amid trade war

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating one of several weekend homicides in Wichita have made an arrest after a standoff.

The Sedgwick County Fugitive Warrant Section deputies located the suspect identified according to county booking records as James R. Standefer on Monday afternoon at an apartment complex in the 7100 block of W. Shade Lane in Wichita, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office.

As a precaution, deputies briefly evacuated or sheltered residents in the complex.&nbsp; The SWAT team was called to the complex. After a short standoff, Standefer surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody at 5:40 p.m.

Just before 3 a.m. Sunday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received an automated crash detection alert from a mobile device in the area in the 7700 Block of South Broadway near Haysville, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.

 Haysville Police officers, along with Sedgwick County EMS and Fire District 1, responded and located an SUV that had crashed into a tree.

Inside the vehicle, first responders found 43-year-old Jesse Dean Rau of Haysville suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later died. A female passenger sustained minor injuries from the crash.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe at least three individuals were inside the SUV when a disturbance occurred, during which Rau was shot by another occupant.

 The SUV then left the roadway and struck a tree. The suspected shooter, believed to be Stadefer ran from the scene. He remains jailed on requested charges of first degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757414371485.png" alt="Police on the scene of the standoff - photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the standoff - photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating one of several weekend homicides in Wichita have made an arrest after a standoff.The Sedgwick County Fugitive Warrant Section deputies located the suspect identified according to county booking records as James R. Standefer on Monday afternoon at an apartment complex in the 7100 block of W. Shade Lane in Wichita, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757419911292.png" alt="STANDEFER-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>STANDEFER-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>As a precaution, deputies briefly evacuated or sheltered residents in the complex.&nbsp; The SWAT team was called to the complex. After a short standoff, Standefer surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody at 5:40 p.m.Just before 3 a.m. Sunday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received an automated crash detection alert from a mobile device in the area in the 7700 Block of South Broadway near Haysville, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt. Haysville Police officers, along with Sedgwick County EMS and Fire District 1, responded and located an SUV that had crashed into a tree.Inside the vehicle, first responders found 43-year-old Jesse Dean Rau of Haysville suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later died. A female passenger sustained minor injuries from the crash.Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe at least three individuals were inside the SUV when a disturbance occurred, during which Rau was shot by another occupant. The SUV then left the roadway and struck a tree. The suspected shooter, believed to be Stadefer ran from the scene. He remains jailed on requested charges of first degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Homicide arrest: Kan. man in SUV crash found with gunshot wound

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump says new guidance on school prayer is expected soon.

The president made the announcement Monday during remarks at a meeting of the White House Religious Liberty Commission. He said the Education Department will issue new guidance “protecting the right to prayer in our public schools.”

Public schools have been barred from leading students in classroom prayer since 1962, when the Supreme Court said it violated the First Amendment. But the Education Department has long promoted guidance saying students can pray together during lunch and other free times.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/897f550e2d5b809acaeffdf489aa62c9">issued revised guidance</a>&nbsp;on the topic in 2020 that largely mirrored what was already on the books. Former President Joe Biden’s administration made minor changes in 2023, saying schools can take “reasonable steps” to ensure students aren’t pressured to participate in prayer.

During his campaign in 2023, Trump said he would support “bringing back prayer to our schools.

Trump administration announces ‘America Prays’ initiative

During the president’s speech, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner detailed plans to infuse prayer with celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary next year.

He said the “America Prays” initiative would try to get 1 million people a week to pray for the country.

“This about the miracles that would take place over the next year,” Turner said.

When Turner finished, Trump finished his speech and said “we will never apologize for our faith.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump says new guidance on school prayer is expected soon.The president made the announcement Monday during remarks at a meeting of the White House Religious Liberty Commission. He said the Education Department will issue new guidance “protecting the right to prayer in our public schools.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The power of prayer is real and wonders can be done in the name of the Lord. Join me in praying for this nation — for healing, for revitalization, for opportunity, and that we remain the greatest country the world has ever known. <a href="https://t.co/p5Xbe9XC8u">pic.twitter.com/p5Xbe9XC8u</a>&mdash; Scott Turner (@SecretaryTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryTurner/status/1965080001193381907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Under the previous administration, religious liberties were under attack. Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> for your leadership and for the creation of this Religious Liberty Commission that will work to right the wrongs of the past four years. <a href="https://t.co/gr5jIigBai">pic.twitter.com/gr5jIigBai</a>&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/1965085591097294882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Public schools have been barred from leading students in classroom prayer since 1962, when the Supreme Court said it violated the First Amendment. But the Education Department has long promoted guidance saying students can pray together during lunch and other free times.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/897f550e2d5b809acaeffdf489aa62c9">issued revised guidance</a>&nbsp;on the topic in 2020 that largely mirrored what was already on the books. Former President Joe Biden’s administration made minor changes in 2023, saying schools can take “reasonable steps” to ensure students aren’t pressured to participate in prayer.During his campaign in 2023, Trump said he would support “bringing back prayer to our schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757357291035.png" alt="President Trump and&nbsp;Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and&nbsp;Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Trump administration announces ‘America Prays’ initiative</h2>During the president’s speech, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner detailed plans to infuse prayer with celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary next year.He said the “America Prays” initiative would try to get 1 million people a week to pray for the country.“This about the miracles that would take place over the next year,” Turner said.When Turner finished, Trump finished his speech and said “we will never apologize for our faith.”

President Trump: New guidance on school prayer expected soon

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican-led House turned aside Democratic objections Tuesday and passed a plan backed by President Donald Trump to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymander-missouri-trump-626f4e64b5686c0dd22112bb8a9d641f">redraw the state's congressional districts</a>&nbsp;so that Republicans could win almost all of them.

The rare mid-decade redistricting plan, which now heads to the state Senate, is aimed at bolstering Republicans' national prospects in next year’s U.S. House elections. It comes after a similar move by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-texas-redistricting-trump-map-congress-b6222dd39c494c9ab48beafabc66dc35">Republican-led Texas</a>&nbsp;and a counter-offensive in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-texas-redistricting-congressional-map-4c22e21d5d4022d33a257045693b6fd4">Democratic-led California</a>, which still needs voter approval.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-trump-missouri-texas-california-b1c16a00f07c8df117c2f5b685542085">Other states</a>, including Republican-led Indiana and Florida and Democratic-led Maryland and New York, could follow with their own revisions in what's emerging as a national redistricting battle.

U.S. House districts were redrawn across the country after the 2020 census to account for population changes. The current redistricting push is being done for partisan advantage, a process known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gerrymandering-texas-congress-redistricting-0c751f48a7757fc11214472944670413">gerrymandering</a>.

“This is cheating,” said state Rep. Yolonda Fountain Henderson, one of many Democrats who denounced the measure. "It’s like when President Trump says, we jump.”

Trump wants to retain a congressional majority to advance his agenda. But historically, the party opposing the president has gained seats in the midterm elections, as Democrats did during Trump's first term and then proceeded to impeach him.

Missouri lawmakers are meeting in a two-prong special session called by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe.

The House on Tuesday also passed a measure that — if approved by the Senate and statewide voters — would make it harder to pass citizen-led initiatives amending the state constitution by requiring a majority vote from each congressional district instead of a simple statewide majority. That comes after Missouri's initiative process has been used in recent years to win voter approval of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-ban-missouri-sick-leave-c4f7beb07e7b3de64f3e2460bcb539c0">amendments on abortion rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-marijuana-industry-donors-d97a216994afd9933d0f733b3def6742">marijuana legalization</a>&nbsp;and Medicaid expansion.

Revised Missouri map could help Republicans gain a House seat

Missouri's redistricting plan would give Republicans an improved chance to win seven of the state's eight U.S. House seats, which is one more than they currently hold.

The plan targets a Kansas City district held by Democratic U.S. Emanuel Cleaver by stretching it eastward into Republican-heavy rural areas and reducing the number of Black and minority voters in the district. Other parts of Kansas City would be added to two predominantly rural districts represented by Republicans.

Cleaver, who turns 81 in October, is a Methodist pastor who served as Kansas City's first Black mayor from 1991-1999 and won election to the U.S. House in 2004. He asserted that Republicans are creating an atmosphere of “intimidation” and “division” and pledged to challenge the new map in court.

"It’s one of those moments that, frankly, I never thought I would experience,” Cleaver said in a recent interview with The Associated Press.

Although the primary Kansas City district would expand significantly, the state's congressional districts overall would be more compact — and competitive — under the revised map, Republican lawmakers said. Kehoe has defended the revised map as a means of amplifying conservative voices in Congress.

It's "a congressional map that will better represent Missouri in Washington, D.C.,” said sponsoring state Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican.

Some Republicans join Democrats in opposing new districts

The Missouri House passed the revised districts on a 90-65 vote. Thirteen Republicans, including House Speaker Jon Patterson of suburban Kansas City, joined Democrats in voting against the revised map. But only a couple spoke against it during two days of debate.

“Using our raw political power to tilt the playing field to our side, regardless of the party, is wrong,” Republican state Rep. Bryant Wolfin said.

Leading up to the House vote, three Democratic state lawmakers staged a sit-in in House chamber for several days and nights to protest that the special session began while most members were absent. Former Vice President Kamala Harris ordered pizza and chicken wings delivered to them in a show of support.

Republicans are “bending a knee to Donald Trump and pushing through these racist, gerrymandered districts,” said Rep. Ray Reed, of St. Louis, one of those who slept in the chamber.

The Missouri NAACP has sued seeking to invalidate the special session. The state lawsuit asserts there is no extraordinary circumstance to justify the session and that the state constitution prohibits redistricting without new census data or a ruling invalidating the current districts.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, who took office Monday, said she doesn't think there is any constitutional prohibition on mid-decade redistricting.

Associated Press writer Heather Hollingsworth contributed from Kansas City, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757444658128.png" alt="Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago " />
 <figcaption>Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago </figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican-led House turned aside Democratic objections Tuesday and passed a plan backed by President Donald Trump to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymander-missouri-trump-626f4e64b5686c0dd22112bb8a9d641f">redraw the state's congressional districts</a>&nbsp;so that Republicans could win almost all of them.The rare mid-decade redistricting plan, which now heads to the state Senate, is aimed at bolstering Republicans' national prospects in next year’s U.S. House elections. It comes after a similar move by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-texas-redistricting-trump-map-congress-b6222dd39c494c9ab48beafabc66dc35">Republican-led Texas</a>&nbsp;and a counter-offensive in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-texas-redistricting-congressional-map-4c22e21d5d4022d33a257045693b6fd4">Democratic-led California</a>, which still needs voter approval.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-trump-missouri-texas-california-b1c16a00f07c8df117c2f5b685542085">Other states</a>, including Republican-led Indiana and Florida and Democratic-led Maryland and New York, could follow with their own revisions in what's emerging as a national redistricting battle.U.S. House districts were redrawn across the country after the 2020 census to account for population changes. The current redistricting push is being done for partisan advantage, a process known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gerrymandering-texas-congress-redistricting-0c751f48a7757fc11214472944670413">gerrymandering</a>.“This is cheating,” said state Rep. Yolonda Fountain Henderson, one of many Democrats who denounced the measure. "It’s like when President Trump says, we jump.”Trump wants to retain a congressional majority to advance his agenda. But historically, the party opposing the president has gained seats in the midterm elections, as Democrats did during Trump's first term and then proceeded to impeach him.Missouri lawmakers are meeting in a two-prong special session called by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe.The House on Tuesday also passed a measure that — if approved by the Senate and statewide voters — would make it harder to pass citizen-led initiatives amending the state constitution by requiring a majority vote from each congressional district instead of a simple statewide majority. That comes after Missouri's initiative process has been used in recent years to win voter approval of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-ban-missouri-sick-leave-c4f7beb07e7b3de64f3e2460bcb539c0">amendments on abortion rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-marijuana-industry-donors-d97a216994afd9933d0f733b3def6742">marijuana legalization</a>&nbsp;and Medicaid expansion.<h2>Revised Missouri map could help Republicans gain a House seat</h2>Missouri's redistricting plan would give Republicans an improved chance to win seven of the state's eight U.S. House seats, which is one more than they currently hold.The plan targets a Kansas City district held by Democratic U.S. Emanuel Cleaver by stretching it eastward into Republican-heavy rural areas and reducing the number of Black and minority voters in the district. Other parts of Kansas City would be added to two predominantly rural districts represented by Republicans.Cleaver, who turns 81 in October, is a Methodist pastor who served as Kansas City's first Black mayor from 1991-1999 and won election to the U.S. House in 2004. He asserted that Republicans are creating an atmosphere of “intimidation” and “division” and pledged to challenge the new map in court."It’s one of those moments that, frankly, I never thought I would experience,” Cleaver said in a recent interview with The Associated Press.Although the primary Kansas City district would expand significantly, the state's congressional districts overall would be more compact — and competitive — under the revised map, Republican lawmakers said. Kehoe has defended the revised map as a means of amplifying conservative voices in Congress.It's "a congressional map that will better represent Missouri in Washington, D.C.,” said sponsoring state Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican.<h2>Some Republicans join Democrats in opposing new districts</h2>The Missouri House passed the revised districts on a 90-65 vote. Thirteen Republicans, including House Speaker Jon Patterson of suburban Kansas City, joined Democrats in voting against the revised map. But only a couple spoke against it during two days of debate.“Using our raw political power to tilt the playing field to our side, regardless of the party, is wrong,” Republican state Rep. Bryant Wolfin said.Leading up to the House vote, three Democratic state lawmakers staged a sit-in in House chamber for several days and nights to protest that the special session began while most members were absent. Former Vice President Kamala Harris ordered pizza and chicken wings delivered to them in a show of support.Republicans are “bending a knee to Donald Trump and pushing through these racist, gerrymandered districts,” said Rep. Ray Reed, of St. Louis, one of those who slept in the chamber.The Missouri NAACP has sued seeking to invalidate the special session. The state lawsuit asserts there is no extraordinary circumstance to justify the session and that the state constitution prohibits redistricting without new census data or a ruling invalidating the current districts.Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, who took office Monday, said she doesn't think there is any constitutional prohibition on mid-decade redistricting.___Associated Press writer Heather Hollingsworth contributed from Kansas City, Missouri.

Missouri Republicans advance  plan to redraw US House districts

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas' leadership in Qatar on Tuesday as they considered a U.S. proposal for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip</a>. The strike on the territory of a U.S. ally marked a stunning escalation and risked upending talks aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-09-08-2025-e91a0c8d415b489d5a8da42501cfc366">winding down the war</a>&nbsp;and freeing hostages.

Qatar, an energy-rich U.S. ally hosting thousands of American troops, has served as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas for several years, even before the war. It condemned what it referred to as a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms" as smoke rose over its capital, Doha.

It was not immediately clear if anyone was hurt in the strike. Hamas has survived numerous assassinations of top leaders and is still intact in Gaza, despite having suffered major blows since the outbreak of the war triggered by its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

The future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-offensive-gaza-city-ceasefire-2521a7370ab1cd32cbf28943cc8d542e">the long-stalled ceasefire talks</a>&nbsp;was more uncertain, as Israel gears up for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-offensive-netanyahu-explainer-614c49ba068155488e67731fdabafce4">a major offensive aimed at taking over Gaza City</a>. That escalation has been met with heavy international condemnation and opposition within Israel from those who fear it will doom the remaining hostages.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, saying "all parties must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not destroying it.”

Israel had long threatened Hamas in Qatar

Israel has long threatened to strike Hamas leaders wherever they are. While it has often welcomed Qatar's role as a mediator, alongside Egypt, it has also accused the Gulf nation of not putting enough pressure on the group.

In contrast to previous Israeli operations against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-ismail-haniyeh-killed-tehran-hamas-2d16ae7ed668b954ac0e7a53eaf92671">senior militants abroad</a>, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to publicly claim the strike, saying: “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it and Israel takes full responsibility."

He said the decision was taken Monday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-jerusalem-shooting-a71a30ef7eaeb7a350acc1ca42e0424d">a shooting attack in Jerusalem</a>&nbsp;that killed six people and an attack on Israeli forces in Gaza that killed four soldiers.

In a statement after the strike on Doha, which didn't specifically name Qatar, Israel's military said Hamas' leaders were “directly responsible for the brutal October 7th massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.”

The military said it used “precise munitions and additional intelligence” in the strike, without elaborating. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss details beyond the statement, confirmed the strike targeted Hamas.

Qatar condemned what it referred to as a “cowardly Israeli attack” on Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari called it a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms" and said Qatar “will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior.”

The U.S. Embassy in Qatar said that it had instituted a shelter-in-place order for its facilities.

Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump said he was giving his “last warning” to Hamas regarding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-offensive-gaza-city-ceasefire-2521a7370ab1cd32cbf28943cc8d542e">a possible ceasefire</a>, as the U.S. advanced a new proposal that Arab officials said included the immediate release of all the hostages.

A senior Hamas official called it a “humiliating surrender document,” but the militant group said it would discuss the proposal and respond within days.

An Egyptian official said the strike came when a meeting by Hamas officials over the talks had been scheduled for the site. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, because he wasn’t authorized to talk to reporters.

The proposal, presented by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, calls for a negotiated end of the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza once the hostages are released and a ceasefire is established. That's according to Egyptian and Hamas officials familiar with the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door discussions.

Hamas has said it will only release the remaining 48 hostages, around 20 of them believed to be alive, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu has rejected those terms, saying the war will continue until all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed, with Israel maintaining open-ended security control over Gaza.

Mediators had previously focused on brokering a temporary ceasefire and the release of some hostages, with the two sides then holding talks on a more permanent truce. Witkoff walked away from those talks in July, after which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-talks-trump-f3d4c2e92fa59452954e799a75705861">Hamas accepted a proposal</a>&nbsp;that the mediators said was almost identical to an earlier one that Israel had approved.

The war in Gaza has already left Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/genocide-scholars-israel-gaza-war-9b24a48075b1d150b9bba8a8ae911cd2">increasingly isolated internationally</a>, with even many of its Western allies calling for it to end the war and do more to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-hunger-israel-ceasefire-a5f88e20db2a5c4f754117de9bdada69">parts of which are experiencing famine</a>.

Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates' foreign minister, expressed “full solidarity with our dear Qatar" shortly after the attack.

The United Arab Emirates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-09-03-2025-15a7856a92d4663527598e46dd91b789">recently warned Israel</a>&nbsp;that any move to annex the occupied West Bank would threatened the Abraham Accords, a landmark agreement brokered by Trump during his first term in which the two nations normalized relations.

Trump hopes to expand those accords to include regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia, but those prospects have dimmed as the war has ground on.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described the strike as a “criminal act and a flagrant violation of international law" in a phone call with Qatar's ruler.

Josef Federman reported from Jerusalem. Samy Magdy contributed to this report from Cairo.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas' leadership in Qatar on Tuesday as they considered a U.S. proposal for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip</a>. The strike on the territory of a U.S. ally marked a stunning escalation and risked upending talks aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-09-08-2025-e91a0c8d415b489d5a8da42501cfc366">winding down the war</a>&nbsp;and freeing hostages.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/MZisrmnBLr">pic.twitter.com/MZisrmnBLr</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1965511067700003049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We have seen reports of missile strikes occurring in Doha. The U.S. Embassy has instituted a shelter-in-place order for their facilities. U.S. citizens are advised to shelter-in-place and monitor <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyDoha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USEmbassyDoha</a> social media for updates.&mdash; U.S. Embassy in Qatar (@USEmbassyDoha) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyDoha/status/1965410250707935632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Qatar, an energy-rich U.S. ally hosting thousands of American troops, has served as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas for several years, even before the war. It condemned what it referred to as a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms" as smoke rose over its capital, Doha.It was not immediately clear if anyone was hurt in the strike. Hamas has survived numerous assassinations of top leaders and is still intact in Gaza, despite having suffered major blows since the outbreak of the war triggered by its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.The future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-offensive-gaza-city-ceasefire-2521a7370ab1cd32cbf28943cc8d542e">the long-stalled ceasefire talks</a>&nbsp;was more uncertain, as Israel gears up for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-offensive-netanyahu-explainer-614c49ba068155488e67731fdabafce4">a major offensive aimed at taking over Gaza City</a>. That escalation has been met with heavy international condemnation and opposition within Israel from those who fear it will doom the remaining hostages.U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, saying "all parties must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not destroying it.”<h2>Israel had long threatened Hamas in Qatar</h2>Israel has long threatened to strike Hamas leaders wherever they are. While it has often welcomed Qatar's role as a mediator, alongside Egypt, it has also accused the Gulf nation of not putting enough pressure on the group.In contrast to previous Israeli operations against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-ismail-haniyeh-killed-tehran-hamas-2d16ae7ed668b954ac0e7a53eaf92671">senior militants abroad</a>, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to publicly claim the strike, saying: “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it and Israel takes full responsibility."He said the decision was taken Monday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-jerusalem-shooting-a71a30ef7eaeb7a350acc1ca42e0424d">a shooting attack in Jerusalem</a>&nbsp;that killed six people and an attack on Israeli forces in Gaza that killed four soldiers.In a statement after the strike on Doha, which didn't specifically name Qatar, Israel's military said Hamas' leaders were “directly responsible for the brutal October 7th massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.”The military said it used “precise munitions and additional intelligence” in the strike, without elaborating. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss details beyond the statement, confirmed the strike targeted Hamas.Qatar condemned what it referred to as a “cowardly Israeli attack” on Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari called it a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms" and said Qatar “will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior.”The U.S. Embassy in Qatar said that it had instituted a shelter-in-place order for its facilities.<h2>Ceasefire negotiations in question</h2>Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump said he was giving his “last warning” to Hamas regarding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-offensive-gaza-city-ceasefire-2521a7370ab1cd32cbf28943cc8d542e">a possible ceasefire</a>, as the U.S. advanced a new proposal that Arab officials said included the immediate release of all the hostages.A senior Hamas official called it a “humiliating surrender document,” but the militant group said it would discuss the proposal and respond within days.An Egyptian official said the strike came when a meeting by Hamas officials over the talks had been scheduled for the site. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, because he wasn’t authorized to talk to reporters.The proposal, presented by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, calls for a negotiated end of the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza once the hostages are released and a ceasefire is established. That's according to Egyptian and Hamas officials familiar with the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door discussions.Hamas has said it will only release the remaining 48 hostages, around 20 of them believed to be alive, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu has rejected those terms, saying the war will continue until all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed, with Israel maintaining open-ended security control over Gaza.Mediators had previously focused on brokering a temporary ceasefire and the release of some hostages, with the two sides then holding talks on a more permanent truce. Witkoff walked away from those talks in July, after which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-talks-trump-f3d4c2e92fa59452954e799a75705861">Hamas accepted a proposal</a>&nbsp;that the mediators said was almost identical to an earlier one that Israel had approved.<h2>International Outrage</h2>The war in Gaza has already left Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/genocide-scholars-israel-gaza-war-9b24a48075b1d150b9bba8a8ae911cd2">increasingly isolated internationally</a>, with even many of its Western allies calling for it to end the war and do more to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-hunger-israel-ceasefire-a5f88e20db2a5c4f754117de9bdada69">parts of which are experiencing famine</a>.Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates' foreign minister, expressed “full solidarity with our dear Qatar" shortly after the attack.The United Arab Emirates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-09-03-2025-15a7856a92d4663527598e46dd91b789">recently warned Israel</a>&nbsp;that any move to annex the occupied West Bank would threatened the Abraham Accords, a landmark agreement brokered by Trump during his first term in which the two nations normalized relations.Trump hopes to expand those accords to include regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia, but those prospects have dimmed as the war has ground on.Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described the strike as a “criminal act and a flagrant violation of international law" in a phone call with Qatar's ruler.___Josef Federman reported from Jerusalem. Samy Magdy contributed to this report from Cairo.___

Israel targets Hamas leadership in attack on ally of the United States

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in. Topeka have made an arrest.

Just after 7:30a.m. September 1, police responded to a shooting&nbsp;in the 100 block of NW Holman Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell. First responders located 30-year-old Cody Bush of Topeka with&nbsp;life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

As a result of the investigation, police announced Monday they arrested 42-year-old Justin Shumway, 42, of Topeka. He is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757412405029.png" alt="Shumway photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Shumway photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in. Topeka have made an arrest.Just after 7:30a.m. September 1, police responded to a shooting&nbsp;in the 100 block of NW Holman Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell. First responders located 30-year-old Cody Bush of Topeka with&nbsp;life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.As a result of the investigation, police announced Monday they arrested 42-year-old Justin Shumway, 42, of Topeka. He is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Robbery.

Police: Kansas man jailed for robbery, murder

Attorney General Kris Kobach says Kelly is breaking state, federal law

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

TOPEKA — Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a lawsuit Monday against Gov. Laura Kelly to force disclosure to federal officials of names, Social Security numbers, birthdates and home addresses for everyone enrolled in SNAP.

Kobach said he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=24636&amp;t=638929457500168275" target="_blank">filed a motion in Shawnee County District Court</a>&nbsp;to compel the Democratic governor to comply with his interpretation of state and federal statute on sharing information sought by the federal government. The Republican attorney general said he chose to act before a Sept. 19 deadline that could lead to loss of $10.4 million in federal aid to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

SNAP serves 188,000 Kansans and makes use of $400 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funds annually.

Kobach said it was rare for an attorney general to directly file suit against a governor, but he felt compelled to do so for the second time in three years because “when a governor flagrantly violates the law it is necessary for the state, represented by its attorney general, to take action.”

“She appears to be playing a game of chicken, apparently unaware of her obligation under Kansas statute and perhaps also unaware that federal law requires her to provide this information,” Kobach said.

Kobach said he didn’t have a personal conversation with the governor in an attempt to resolve the conflict prior to filing the suit. He was joined at the news conference by House Speaker Dan Hawkins, who advised the governor capitulate to the Trump administration’s requests.

“Attorney General Kobach and Speaker Hawkins are engaging in what can only be described as low-rent political theater,” the governor said. “We learned last week that the attorney general made vague statements about suing me in Alaska. My chief of staff made requests to both the attorney general and speaker for meetings to discuss this issue on Friday, and both declined to meet.”

“Now, in a rushed press conference rife with false statements and incorrect law, we learn there is going to be a lawsuit filed. A copy of which my office has yet to receive,” said Kelly, who is chair of the Democratic Governors Association. “The attorney general is known for not doing his homework or placing priority on protecting Kansans’ private data. I have always worked to protect Kansans, especially from federal overreach, and I will continue to do so.”

For several months, USDA has applied pressure on Laura Howard, secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, to divulge all personal data in its possession on SNAP recipients. USDA indicated the information could be used for about a dozen purposes, including an attempt to figure out why about 10% of the people awarded SNAP benefits in Kansas might not be eligible.

Howard, who also was named in Kobach’s lawsuit, told the USDA the state was leery of contributing to a federal database that could be shared with entities not “legally allowed to access that information.”

Kobach said existence of a California lawsuit challenging a federal data request shouldn’t be used by Kelly to justify refusing to cooperate in Kansas. The Kelly administration also endorsed a multistate lawsuit in Massachusetts challenging demands placed on states by the administration of President Donald Trump.

“The idea that a random lawsuit of dubious merit in a distant jurisdiction … somehow allows a governor in another state to refuse to follow the law — that’s crazy,” Kobach said. “Her argument is lawless and absurd.”

Kobach was joined at a news conference by Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi and Hawkins, both Republicans from Wichita.

“The Department for Children and Families must comply with the law and cooperate with the federal government,” Blasi said. “The governor’s refusal to comply with this law jeopardizes benefits for our most needy Kansans.”

Hawkins said he was confounded that the Kelly administration had an elevated error rate in distribution of SNAP benefits.

“The governor is stonewalling,” Hawkins said. “When the secretary refuses to provide the data, she is not only dodging accountability but also breaking the law.”

Kobach said he wanted a district court judge in Shawnee County to expedite the lawsuit to prevent interruption of federal funding earmarked for SNAP. He said the petition submitted to the district court pointed to state law requiring the governor to cooperate in the administration of food stamps and to comply with requests for information on the program. U.S. law sets a system for penalizing states for noncompliance.

“For anyone thinking that the Trump administration is doing this because they just got a wild hair and decided, ‘You know what, let’s go after the states on this.’ No, this is required by federal statute,” the attorney general said.

He asserted Kelly was on the verge of committing a constitutional violation by inviting an avalanche of financial penalties that could eventually deny Kansans access to SNAP.

“It is unclear to me why the governor thinks it’s okay to take food off the table of needy Kansans so that she can demonstrate to the world that she is opposing the Trump administration,” Kobach said. “She has a First Amendment right to say all she wants about the administration in Washington, D.C., but she cannot violate the law and she should never place her desire to perform political theater over the livelihoods of needy Kansans.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Ron Estes and U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, both Kansas Republicans, sent a letter to Kelly urging her to surrender information to USDA about SNAP.

“We are demanding Governor Kelly work with the USDA to strengthen the SNAP program in Kansas and correct the waste of our constituents’ hard-earned dollars,” Estes said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757384151672.png" alt=" Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced filing of a lawsuit against Gov. Laura Kelly related to demands by the administration of President Donald Trump to release personal information about Kansans enrolled in the SNAP food aid program. Joining Kobach at a news conference were state Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi, left, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, right. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced filing of a lawsuit against Gov. Laura Kelly related to demands by the administration of President Donald Trump to release personal information about Kansans enrolled in the SNAP food aid program. Joining Kobach at a news conference were state Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi, left, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, right. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Attorney General Kris Kobach says Kelly is breaking state, federal law</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a lawsuit Monday against Gov. Laura Kelly to force disclosure to federal officials of names, Social Security numbers, birthdates and home addresses for everyone enrolled in SNAP.Kobach said he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=24636&amp;t=638929457500168275" target="_blank">filed a motion in Shawnee County District Court</a>&nbsp;to compel the Democratic governor to comply with his interpretation of state and federal statute on sharing information sought by the federal government. The Republican attorney general said he chose to act before a Sept. 19 deadline that could lead to loss of $10.4 million in federal aid to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.SNAP serves 188,000 Kansans and makes use of $400 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funds annually.Kobach said it was rare for an attorney general to directly file suit against a governor, but he felt compelled to do so for the second time in three years because “when a governor flagrantly violates the law it is necessary for the state, represented by its attorney general, to take action.”“She appears to be playing a game of chicken, apparently unaware of her obligation under Kansas statute and perhaps also unaware that federal law requires her to provide this information,” Kobach said.Kobach said he didn’t have a personal conversation with the governor in an attempt to resolve the conflict prior to filing the suit. He was joined at the news conference by House Speaker Dan Hawkins, who advised the governor capitulate to the Trump administration’s requests.“Attorney General Kobach and Speaker Hawkins are engaging in what can only be described as low-rent political theater,” the governor said. “We learned last week that the attorney general made vague statements about suing me in Alaska. My chief of staff made requests to both the attorney general and speaker for meetings to discuss this issue on Friday, and both declined to meet.”“Now, in a rushed press conference rife with false statements and incorrect law, we learn there is going to be a lawsuit filed. A copy of which my office has yet to receive,” said Kelly, who is chair of the Democratic Governors Association. “The attorney general is known for not doing his homework or placing priority on protecting Kansans’ private data. I have always worked to protect Kansans, especially from federal overreach, and I will continue to do so.”For several months, USDA has applied pressure on Laura Howard, secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, to divulge all personal data in its possession on SNAP recipients. USDA indicated the information could be used for about a dozen purposes, including an attempt to figure out why about 10% of the people awarded SNAP benefits in Kansas might not be eligible.Howard, who also was named in Kobach’s lawsuit, told the USDA the state was leery of contributing to a federal database that could be shared with entities not “legally allowed to access that information.”Kobach said existence of a California lawsuit challenging a federal data request shouldn’t be used by Kelly to justify refusing to cooperate in Kansas. The Kelly administration also endorsed a multistate lawsuit in Massachusetts challenging demands placed on states by the administration of President Donald Trump.“The idea that a random lawsuit of dubious merit in a distant jurisdiction … somehow allows a governor in another state to refuse to follow the law — that’s crazy,” Kobach said. “Her argument is lawless and absurd.”Kobach was joined at a news conference by Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi and Hawkins, both Republicans from Wichita.“The Department for Children and Families must comply with the law and cooperate with the federal government,” Blasi said. “The governor’s refusal to comply with this law jeopardizes benefits for our most needy Kansans.”Hawkins said he was confounded that the Kelly administration had an elevated error rate in distribution of SNAP benefits.“The governor is stonewalling,” Hawkins said. “When the secretary refuses to provide the data, she is not only dodging accountability but also breaking the law.”Kobach said he wanted a district court judge in Shawnee County to expedite the lawsuit to prevent interruption of federal funding earmarked for SNAP. He said the petition submitted to the district court pointed to state law requiring the governor to cooperate in the administration of food stamps and to comply with requests for information on the program. U.S. law sets a system for penalizing states for noncompliance.“For anyone thinking that the Trump administration is doing this because they just got a wild hair and decided, ‘You know what, let’s go after the states on this.’ No, this is required by federal statute,” the attorney general said.He asserted Kelly was on the verge of committing a constitutional violation by inviting an avalanche of financial penalties that could eventually deny Kansans access to SNAP.“It is unclear to me why the governor thinks it’s okay to take food off the table of needy Kansans so that she can demonstrate to the world that she is opposing the Trump administration,” Kobach said. “She has a First Amendment right to say all she wants about the administration in Washington, D.C., but she cannot violate the law and she should never place her desire to perform political theater over the livelihoods of needy Kansans.”Meanwhile, U.S. Ron Estes and U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, both Kansas Republicans, sent a letter to Kelly urging her to surrender information to USDA about SNAP.“We are demanding Governor Kelly work with the USDA to strengthen the SNAP program in Kansas and correct the waste of our constituents’ hard-earned dollars,” Estes said.

Kansas lawsuit seeks to force Gov. Laura Kelly to divulge details about SNAP recipients

NEW YORK (AP) —Ford is recalling almost 1.5 million vehicles in the United States because the rear view camera may show a blank or distorted image on the center display screen while the vehicle is in reverse, which can reduce or distort the driver's view of what's behind the car and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall includes certain vehicles from model years 2015 to 2019 of the Lincoln Navigator, Lincoln MKC, Mustang, Ranger, Transit, Transit Connect, Econoline, Edge, Expedition, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD and F-550 SD.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday in its safety recall report that Ford is aware of 18 accidents and no injuries related to the camera issue.

The agency said that vehicle owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the rear view camera inspected and replaced, if necessary. There will be no charge for the service.

NEW YORK (AP) —Ford is recalling almost 1.5 million vehicles in the United States because the rear view camera may show a blank or distorted image on the center display screen while the vehicle is in reverse, which can reduce or distort the driver's view of what's behind the car and increase the risk of a crash.The recall includes certain vehicles from model years 2015 to 2019 of the Lincoln Navigator, Lincoln MKC, Mustang, Ranger, Transit, Transit Connect, Econoline, Edge, Expedition, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD and F-550 SD.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday in its safety recall report that Ford is aware of 18 accidents and no injuries related to the camera issue.The agency said that vehicle owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the rear view camera inspected and replaced, if necessary. There will be no charge for the service.

Ford recalling vehicles due to rear view camera issue

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 23-year-old Kenneth Hutt,&nbsp;according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 8200 block of Bannister Road in Kansas City, Missouri on a shooting call.

On arrival officers were directed inside the business there where they located a Hutt unresponsive on the ground. Officers rendered aid to the victim and summoned EMS to the scene who declared the victim deceased.

Homicide detectives are investigating and canvassing for witnesses. Preliminary investigation indicates that Hutt entered the business shortly before the shooting and had an interaction with one or more additional patrons that were also inside the business. That interaction escalated to gunfire and Hutt was struck. There is no known suspect information at this time and no one is in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757258826627.png" alt="Business where the fatal shooting occurred -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Business where the fatal shooting occurred -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 23-year-old Kenneth Hutt,&nbsp;according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 8200 block of Bannister Road in Kansas City, Missouri on a shooting call.On arrival officers were directed inside the business there where they located a Hutt unresponsive on the ground. Officers rendered aid to the victim and summoned EMS to the scene who declared the victim deceased.Homicide detectives are investigating and canvassing for witnesses. Preliminary investigation indicates that Hutt entered the business shortly before the shooting and had an interaction with one or more additional patrons that were also inside the business. That interaction escalated to gunfire and Hutt was struck. There is no known suspect information at this time and no one is in custody.

Police ID victim in Kansas City gas station killing

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Wichita have made two arrests.

Just before 4p.m. Sunday, police responded to reports of a shooting and found 62-year-old Terry Collins in the front yard of his home with a gunshot wound to the chest. Neighbors immediately began life-saving efforts until officers arrived. Sedgwick County EMS transported&nbsp; Collins to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Investigators learned that Collins was involved in a confrontation with three people before a gun was fired. Witnesses reported seeing the suspects flee the area.

Officers deployed drones for aerial support, used a police K-9 team to track evidence and suspects, and relied on Flock camera technology to assist with locating the suspects. WPD’s Community Response Team and Community Policing Officers also responded to help with the investigation.

Detectives arrested a 20-year-old woman identified in booking records as Myna Renae Pitzer and and a 19-year-old man identified in booking records as Jahmarious Jalique Johnson in connection with the incident. A 14-year-old male suspect remains outstanding, and officers continue to search for him.

The community was instrumental in providing key information that helped officers and detectives move quickly to make arrests.

Pitzer and Johnson are being held on requested charges of first degree murder, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757415292340.png" alt="JOHNSON photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>JOHNSON photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Wichita have made two arrests.Just before 4p.m. Sunday, police responded to reports of a shooting and found 62-year-old Terry Collins in the front yard of his home with a gunshot wound to the chest. Neighbors immediately began life-saving efforts until officers arrived. Sedgwick County EMS transported&nbsp; Collins to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757414030998.png" alt="PITZER photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>PITZER photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators learned that Collins was involved in a confrontation with three people before a gun was fired. Witnesses reported seeing the suspects flee the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757327761418.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation on Sunday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation on Sunday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers deployed drones for aerial support, used a police K-9 team to track evidence and suspects, and relied on Flock camera technology to assist with locating the suspects. WPD’s Community Response Team and Community Policing Officers also responded to help with the investigation.Detectives arrested a 20-year-old woman identified in booking records as Myna Renae Pitzer and and a 19-year-old man identified in booking records as Jahmarious Jalique Johnson in connection with the incident. A 14-year-old male suspect remains outstanding, and officers continue to search for him.The community was instrumental in providing key information that helped officers and detectives move quickly to make arrests.Pitzer and Johnson are being held on requested charges of first degree murder, according to online jail records.