NEW YORK (AP) — Financial markets churned on Friday as investors tried to figure out what President Donald Trump’s new nominee to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warsh-trump-federal-reserve-chair-6b4441263c1b7ecb40b96adf17adeea2">lead the Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;will mean for interest rates.

U.S. stocks fell, with the S&amp;P 500 down 0.4% after sinking as much as 1.1% earlier in the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 179 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.9%.

The value of the U.S. dollar rallied, but only after swiveling a couple times following Trump’s nomination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-warsh-federal-reserve-chair-48dcd3a768960eabb4e52183fa897aa1">Kevin Warsh</a>. And some of the wildest action was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-dollar-gold-fed-2a3715ff96ba5c10b97c49e04ad9f8ec">again in precious metals markets</a>, where gold and silver prices plunged following their stellar runs over the last year.

Whoever leads the Fed has a big influence on the economy and markets worldwide by helping to dictate where the U.S. central bank moves interest rates. Such decisions lift or weigh on prices for all kinds of investments, as the Fed tries to keep the U.S. job market humming without letting inflation get out of control. Trump has been pushing for lower interest rates, which usually help goose the economy but can also cause higher inflation.

A fear in financial markets has been that the Fed will lose some of its independence because of Trump. That fear in turn helped catapult the price of gold and weaken the U.S. dollar’s value over the last year.

The longtime assumption has been that the Fed should operate separately from the rest of Washington so that it can make moves that are painful in the short term but necessary for the long term. To get inflation down to the Fed’s goal of 2%, for example, may require the unpopular choice to keep interest rates high and grind down on the economy for a while.

The big question is what Warsh’s nomination, which still requires approval from the Senate, means for the Fed’s independence.

Warsh used to be a governor on the Fed’s board, so investors are familiar with him. That could also mean Warsh is familiar with and hopes to continue the institution of the Fed as an independent operator. And while with the Fed, Warsh criticized the central bank’s buying of bonds to keep interest rates low.

Some on Wall Street took Warsh’s nomination as an encouraging signal for a still-independent Fed that will keep rates high, if necessary. Besides slowing the economy, higher interest rates would push downward on stock prices.

But Warsh has also recently been critical of the Fed’s current chair, Jerome Powell, and has voiced support for lower rates.

“Indeed, Warsh is not the Fed’s guy, he is Trump’s guy, and has shadowed Trump on monetary policy almost every step of the way since 2009,” according to Thierry Wizman, a strategist at Macquarie Group. “This doesn’t necessarily mean that Warsh will push the Fed into rate cuts soon,” but it could indicate he may be quicker to do so when the time comes.

On Wall Street, stocks of metals miners tumbled as the price of gold dropped 11.4% to settle at $4,745.10 per ounce. Gold’s price suddenly ran out of momentum following a tremendous rally where it roughly doubled over 12 months. It topped $5,000 for the first time on Monday and was around $5,600 at one point on Thursday.

Silver, which had been on a similar, jaw-dropping tear, fell even more. It plunged 31.4%.

Prices for gold and other precious metals had been surging as investors looked for safer places for their money while weighing a wide range of risks, including a potentially less independent Fed, a U.S. stock market that critics say is expensive, threats of tariffs and heavy debt loads for governments worldwide.

The dramatic halt may have been inevitable given how far and how fast metal prices had surged over the last year. Nothing goes up in price forever.

Friday’s drops for metals prices helped send the stock of miner Newmont down 11.5%. Freeport-McMoRan, another miner, dropped 7.5%.

Helping to limit the market’s losses was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-musk-trump-electric-vehicles-ev-robots-autonomous-selfdriving-bcb143e0bb16085f7b80b6bf0b759abf">Tesla</a>, which rose 3.3%. It bounced back after dropping on Thursday despite delivering better profit reports for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

Apple added 0.5% after the iPhone maker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-iphone-sales-quarterly-earnings-d977caff8c186aa012570bc28e5caca2">reported a stronger profit</a>&nbsp;for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 29.98 points to 6,939.03. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 179.09 to 48,892.47, and the Nasdaq composite sank 223.30 to 23,461.82.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.25% from 4.24% late Thursday. It got near 4.28% in the overnight and early-morning hours before falling back. A rise in a bond’s yield indicates that its price is weakening.

Yields may have felt some upward pressure from a report released Friday showing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/producer-prices-inflation-december-55b6a370da197072f39e072379583c78">U.S. inflation at the wholesale level was hotter</a>&nbsp;last month than economists expected. That could put pressure on the Fed to keep interest rates steady for a while instead of cutting them, as it did late last year.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in much of Europe following a mixed performance in Asia.

Stocks rose 1.2% in Jakarta after the CEO of Indonesia’s stock market resigned Friday. Stocks had stumbled there in prior days after MSCI, an influential company in the investment industry that creates stock and other indexes, warned about market risks such as a lack of transparency.

___ AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722962507580.png" alt="File photo (AP Photo/Richard Drew)" />
 <figcaption>File photo (AP Photo/Richard Drew)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Financial markets churned on Friday as investors tried to figure out what President Donald Trump’s new nominee to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warsh-trump-federal-reserve-chair-6b4441263c1b7ecb40b96adf17adeea2">lead the Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;will mean for interest rates.U.S. stocks fell, with the S&amp;P 500 down 0.4% after sinking as much as 1.1% earlier in the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 179 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.9%.The value of the U.S. dollar rallied, but only after swiveling a couple times following Trump’s nomination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-warsh-federal-reserve-chair-48dcd3a768960eabb4e52183fa897aa1">Kevin Warsh</a>. And some of the wildest action was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-dollar-gold-fed-2a3715ff96ba5c10b97c49e04ad9f8ec">again in precious metals markets</a>, where gold and silver prices plunged following their stellar runs over the last year.Whoever leads the Fed has a big influence on the economy and markets worldwide by helping to dictate where the U.S. central bank moves interest rates. Such decisions lift or weigh on prices for all kinds of investments, as the Fed tries to keep the U.S. job market humming without letting inflation get out of control. Trump has been pushing for lower interest rates, which usually help goose the economy but can also cause higher inflation.A fear in financial markets has been that the Fed will lose some of its independence because of Trump. That fear in turn helped catapult the price of gold and weaken the U.S. dollar’s value over the last year.The longtime assumption has been that the Fed should operate separately from the rest of Washington so that it can make moves that are painful in the short term but necessary for the long term. To get inflation down to the Fed’s goal of 2%, for example, may require the unpopular choice to keep interest rates high and grind down on the economy for a while.The big question is what Warsh’s nomination, which still requires approval from the Senate, means for the Fed’s independence.Warsh used to be a governor on the Fed’s board, so investors are familiar with him. That could also mean Warsh is familiar with and hopes to continue the institution of the Fed as an independent operator. And while with the Fed, Warsh criticized the central bank’s buying of bonds to keep interest rates low.Some on Wall Street took Warsh’s nomination as an encouraging signal for a still-independent Fed that will keep rates high, if necessary. Besides slowing the economy, higher interest rates would push downward on stock prices.But Warsh has also recently been critical of the Fed’s current chair, Jerome Powell, and has voiced support for lower rates.“Indeed, Warsh is not the Fed’s guy, he is Trump’s guy, and has shadowed Trump on monetary policy almost every step of the way since 2009,” according to Thierry Wizman, a strategist at Macquarie Group. “This doesn’t necessarily mean that Warsh will push the Fed into rate cuts soon,” but it could indicate he may be quicker to do so when the time comes.On Wall Street, stocks of metals miners tumbled as the price of gold dropped 11.4% to settle at $4,745.10 per ounce. Gold’s price suddenly ran out of momentum following a tremendous rally where it roughly doubled over 12 months. It topped $5,000 for the first time on Monday and was around $5,600 at one point on Thursday.Silver, which had been on a similar, jaw-dropping tear, fell even more. It plunged 31.4%.Prices for gold and other precious metals had been surging as investors looked for safer places for their money while weighing a wide range of risks, including a potentially less independent Fed, a U.S. stock market that critics say is expensive, threats of tariffs and heavy debt loads for governments worldwide.The dramatic halt may have been inevitable given how far and how fast metal prices had surged over the last year. Nothing goes up in price forever.Friday’s drops for metals prices helped send the stock of miner Newmont down 11.5%. Freeport-McMoRan, another miner, dropped 7.5%.Helping to limit the market’s losses was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-musk-trump-electric-vehicles-ev-robots-autonomous-selfdriving-bcb143e0bb16085f7b80b6bf0b759abf">Tesla</a>, which rose 3.3%. It bounced back after dropping on Thursday despite delivering better profit reports for the latest quarter than analysts expected.Apple added 0.5% after the iPhone maker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-iphone-sales-quarterly-earnings-d977caff8c186aa012570bc28e5caca2">reported a stronger profit</a>&nbsp;for the latest quarter than analysts expected.All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 29.98 points to 6,939.03. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 179.09 to 48,892.47, and the Nasdaq composite sank 223.30 to 23,461.82.In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.25% from 4.24% late Thursday. It got near 4.28% in the overnight and early-morning hours before falling back. A rise in a bond’s yield indicates that its price is weakening.Yields may have felt some upward pressure from a report released Friday showing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/producer-prices-inflation-december-55b6a370da197072f39e072379583c78">U.S. inflation at the wholesale level was hotter</a>&nbsp;last month than economists expected. That could put pressure on the Fed to keep interest rates steady for a while instead of cutting them, as it did late last year.In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in much of Europe following a mixed performance in Asia.Stocks rose 1.2% in Jakarta after the CEO of Indonesia’s stock market resigned Friday. Stocks had stumbled there in prior days after MSCI, an influential company in the investment industry that creates stock and other indexes, warned about market risks such as a lack of transparency.___ AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

U.S. stocks fall and a break in gold fever sends metals prices plunging

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/arts-and-entertainment-78c4fcc88b9c53b53a79b2d778e4ff2d">Catherine O’Hara</a>, a gifted Canadian-born comic actor and “SCTV” alum who starred as Macaulay Culkin’s harried mother in two “Home Alone” movies and won an Emmy as the dramatically ditzy wealthy matriarch Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek,” died Friday. She was 71.

O’Hara died at her home in Los Angeles “following a brief illness,” according to a statement from her agency, Creative Artists Agency. Further details were not immediately available.

O’Hara’s career was launched at the Second City in Toronto in the in 1970s. It was there that she first worked with Eugene Levy, who would become a lifelong collaborator — and her “Schitt’s Creek” costar. The two would be among the original cast of the sketch show “SCTV,” short for “Second City Television.” The series, which began on Canadian TV in the 1970s and aired on NBC in the U.S. in the early '80s, spawned a legendary group of esoteric comedians including Martin Short, John Candy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis and Joe Flaherty.

Hollywood didn't entirely know what to do with O'Hara and her scattershot style. She played oddball supporting characters in Martin Scorsese's 1985 “After Hours” and Tim Burton's 1988 “Beetlejuice” — a role she would reprise in the 2024 sequel.

She played it mostly straight as a horrified mother who accidentally abandoned her child in the two “Home Alone” movies. The films were among the biggest box office earners of the early 1990s and their Christmas setting made them TV perennials

Her co-star Culkin was among those paying her tribute Friday.

“Mama, I thought we had time,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUJTe8rEmO4/?hl=en">Culkin said on Instagram</a>&nbsp;alongside an image from “Home Alone” and a recent recreation of the same pose. “I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later."

O'Hara would find her groove with the crew of improv pros brought together by Christopher Guest for a series of mockumentaries that began with 1996's “Waiting for Guffman” and continued with 2000's “Best in Show,” 2003's “A Might Wind” and 2006's “For Your Consideration.”

“Best in Show” was the biggest hit and best remembered film of the series. It sees her paired as Levy's wife as the couple, Gerry and Cookie Fleck, takes their Norwich terrier to a dog show, and constantly run into Cookie's former lovers along the way.

“Schitt's Creek” would be a career-capping triumph and the perfect personification of her comic talents. The small show created by Levy and his son Dan about a wealthy family forced to live in a tiny town would dominate the Emmys in its sixth and final season. It brought O'Hara, always a beloved figure, a new generation of fans and put her at the center of cultural attention.

She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/arts-and-entertainment-78c4fcc88b9c53b53a79b2d778e4ff2d">told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;that she pictured Moira, a former soap opera star, as someone who had married rich and wanted to “remind everyone that (she was) special, too.” With an exaggerated Mid-Atlantic accent and obscure vocabulary, Moira spoke unlike anyone else, using words like “frippet,” “pettifogging” and “unasinous,” to show her desire to be different, O’Hara said. To perfect Moira’s voice, O’Hara would pore through old vocabulary books, “Moira-izing” the dialogue even further than what was already written.

The show also brought a career renaissance that led to a dramatic turn on HBO's “The Last of Us" and a straitlaced role as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/studio-seth-rogen-tv-show-52762ef0f06d28099924fecb020eabb9">Hollywood producer in “The Studio,”</a>&nbsp;both of which earned her Emmy nominations.

She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, sons Matthew and Luke, and siblings Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O‘Hara, Tom O’Hara and Patricia Wallice.

Noveck reported from New York. AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr and AP Writer R.J. Rico contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769804880169.png" alt="FILE - Eugene Levy, left, and Catherine O'Hara appear at the 76th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles. on Feb. 29, 2004. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Eugene Levy, left, and Catherine O'Hara appear at the 76th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles. on Feb. 29, 2004. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/arts-and-entertainment-78c4fcc88b9c53b53a79b2d778e4ff2d">Catherine O’Hara</a>, a gifted Canadian-born comic actor and “SCTV” alum who starred as Macaulay Culkin’s harried mother in two “Home Alone” movies and won an Emmy as the dramatically ditzy wealthy matriarch Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek,” died Friday. She was 71.O’Hara died at her home in Los Angeles “following a brief illness,” according to a statement from her agency, Creative Artists Agency. Further details were not immediately available.O’Hara’s career was launched at the Second City in Toronto in the in 1970s. It was there that she first worked with Eugene Levy, who would become a lifelong collaborator — and her “Schitt’s Creek” costar. The two would be among the original cast of the sketch show “SCTV,” short for “Second City Television.” The series, which began on Canadian TV in the 1970s and aired on NBC in the U.S. in the early '80s, spawned a legendary group of esoteric comedians including Martin Short, John Candy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis and Joe Flaherty.Hollywood didn't entirely know what to do with O'Hara and her scattershot style. She played oddball supporting characters in Martin Scorsese's 1985 “After Hours” and Tim Burton's 1988 “Beetlejuice” — a role she would reprise in the 2024 sequel.She played it mostly straight as a horrified mother who accidentally abandoned her child in the two “Home Alone” movies. The films were among the biggest box office earners of the early 1990s and their Christmas setting made them TV perennialsHer co-star Culkin was among those paying her tribute Friday.“Mama, I thought we had time,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUJTe8rEmO4/?hl=en">Culkin said on Instagram</a>&nbsp;alongside an image from “Home Alone” and a recent recreation of the same pose. “I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later."O'Hara would find her groove with the crew of improv pros brought together by Christopher Guest for a series of mockumentaries that began with 1996's “Waiting for Guffman” and continued with 2000's “Best in Show,” 2003's “A Might Wind” and 2006's “For Your Consideration.”“Best in Show” was the biggest hit and best remembered film of the series. It sees her paired as Levy's wife as the couple, Gerry and Cookie Fleck, takes their Norwich terrier to a dog show, and constantly run into Cookie's former lovers along the way.“Schitt's Creek” would be a career-capping triumph and the perfect personification of her comic talents. The small show created by Levy and his son Dan about a wealthy family forced to live in a tiny town would dominate the Emmys in its sixth and final season. It brought O'Hara, always a beloved figure, a new generation of fans and put her at the center of cultural attention.She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/arts-and-entertainment-78c4fcc88b9c53b53a79b2d778e4ff2d">told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;that she pictured Moira, a former soap opera star, as someone who had married rich and wanted to “remind everyone that (she was) special, too.” With an exaggerated Mid-Atlantic accent and obscure vocabulary, Moira spoke unlike anyone else, using words like “frippet,” “pettifogging” and “unasinous,” to show her desire to be different, O’Hara said. To perfect Moira’s voice, O’Hara would pore through old vocabulary books, “Moira-izing” the dialogue even further than what was already written.The show also brought a career renaissance that led to a dramatic turn on HBO's “The Last of Us" and a straitlaced role as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/studio-seth-rogen-tv-show-52762ef0f06d28099924fecb020eabb9">Hollywood producer in “The Studio,”</a>&nbsp;both of which earned her Emmy nominations.She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, sons Matthew and Luke, and siblings Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O‘Hara, Tom O’Hara and Patricia Wallice.___Noveck reported from New York. AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr and AP Writer R.J. Rico contributed.

Catherine O'Hara, award-winning 'Home Alone,' 'Schitt's Creek' star, dies at 71

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — In Vicki Schumacher’s nutrition services office at Wichita Public Schools, staff spend roughly two hours verifying one free lunch application from start to finish.

Under proposed legislation, the office could see its work increase twentyfold.

Current federal law requires schools to verify free and reduced lunch eligibility for a random sample amounting to 3% or 3,000 of recipients — whichever is less — but a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Doug Shane requires verifying the gross household income of every student who receives a free lunch.

For Schumacher, who supervises the financial and technical aspects of Wichita Public Schools’ nutrition services,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb387/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 387</a>&nbsp;would turn two months of work into a year-round responsibility.

“It would turn the focus of our office into an auditing firm rather than feeding children,” she said, testifying virtually at a Thursday hearing before the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, or COGE.

Shane, a veterinarian and professor from Louisburg, was one of three proponents who submitted testimony, and Schumacher was one of about 35 opponents.

To Shane, the change is not an unreasonable ask. The bill’s focus is broader than income verification for households receiving free and reduced lunch, which is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program.

Kansas schools are eligible for at-risk funding that is calculated based on the number of students who apply for free lunch. At-risk funding, which comes from the state, is meant to address kids who are at risk of academic failure and does not automatically apply to students participating in free lunch programs.

The free lunch data is a proxy for determining at-risk funding levels, said Frank Harwood, deputy commissioner for the Kansas State Department of Education.

At-risk funds can only be used for a specific set of programs approved by the state board of education. For 2025, some of them included phonics and literacy practice, math instruction, suicide prevention, writing workshops, after school homework help and character development programs.

At least 12 of the programs support English language learners.

“This bill simply seeks to make sure that we are sustainably funding and fully funding our at-risk obligations, and ensuring that obligation is going to the students that really qualify and really need it,” Shane said.

The stage for the bill was set by an audit published in July, which found that the number of students who were used to determine at-risk funding levels appeared to be “significantly more” than the number of students eligible for the free lunch program.

The House Welfare Reform Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/20/kansas-house-studies-free-lunch-enrollment-audit-implications-of-at-risk-overpayment-to-schools/">discussed the audit Jan. 20</a>, honing in on a finding that estimated 54% to 72% of students who qualified for the free lunch program in Kansas were likely ineligible during the 2023-2024 academic year. Auditors said the USDA may have overpaid Kansas school districts between $10 million and $14 million that year, and the state may have overpaid between $38 million and $53 million in at-risk funding.

The audit, however, contained caveats that noted unverified data and data from sources outside the state education department. It found school districts and the state are limited in their ability to verify the accuracy of the list of students automatically enrolled in free lunch. Auditors couldn’t independently verify household income or size.

“The lack of income verification means the free lunch program is at high risk of fraud, waste and abuse,” the audit said.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office, the federal auditing arm, found in a 2019 report that payment error rates in the USDA’s national school lunch and breakfast programs have been high, indicating a potential vulnerability to fraud.

No instances of fraud were directly identified in the Kansas audit, but auditors did compare state data with U.S. Census Bureau data that estimated the number of public school students in households with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. Auditors found that the number of students receiving free lunch in Kansas was more than double what Census projections approximated.

The state education department maintains that free lunch eligibility lists are a snapshot in time and don’t account for potential life changes such as job losses or promotions.&nbsp;

The state auditing office recommended that lawmakers consider reworking the at-risk funding formula, which is not a part of Shane’s bill.&nbsp;

At-risk funding numbers are counted Sept. 20, per state law, and students are eligible for free and reduced lunch for one school year plus around six weeks into the following school year, so students whose eligibility may not continue into the next school year could still be counted for at-risk funding.

Harwood, who provided neutral testimony to the committee, emphasized to legislators the bill, if passed, would conflict with federal law.

In 2024, there were around 200,000 free lunch students in Kansas, and around 275,000 students were eligible to participate in at-risk programs, Harwood said. It’s never been a one-to-one match, he said.

“In many ways, I think the formula is working exactly the way it has been intended to work because this idea that free lunch had some eligibility issues is not new,” he said.

Another piece of the bill requires legislative approval if schools want to utilize the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools to provide free lunch to all students if 25% of a student population is directly certified for free lunch. A student is directly certified as a free lunch student if he or she experiences homelessness, is a runaway or a migrant, is in foster care or is part of a household that uses federal assistance benefits such as the supplemental nutrition assistance program or Medicaid.

Harwood again warned of being in conflict with federal law. The state department of education is not allowed to prohibit a school from utilizing the community eligibility provision.

Around 75% of schools in Kansas qualify for a program that would offer free lunch to all students regardless of eligibility. Only 13% have taken advantage, as of 2024 data.

All of the bill’s proposals are unfunded. The fiscal note indicates the heightened cost to schools, districts, the state education department and the Legislature to meet each of the criteria.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769799271273.png" alt=" Sen. Doug Shane, R-Louisburg, backs added requirements for school free lunch eligibility that could conflict with federal law at a Jan. 29, 2026, meeting in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Doug Shane, R-Louisburg, backs added requirements for school free lunch eligibility that could conflict with federal law at a Jan. 29, 2026, meeting in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — In Vicki Schumacher’s nutrition services office at Wichita Public Schools, staff spend roughly two hours verifying one free lunch application from start to finish.Under proposed legislation, the office could see its work increase twentyfold.Current federal law requires schools to verify free and reduced lunch eligibility for a random sample amounting to 3% or 3,000 of recipients — whichever is less — but a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Doug Shane requires verifying the gross household income of every student who receives a free lunch.For Schumacher, who supervises the financial and technical aspects of Wichita Public Schools’ nutrition services,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb387/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 387</a>&nbsp;would turn two months of work into a year-round responsibility.“It would turn the focus of our office into an auditing firm rather than feeding children,” she said, testifying virtually at a Thursday hearing before the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, or COGE.Shane, a veterinarian and professor from Louisburg, was one of three proponents who submitted testimony, and Schumacher was one of about 35 opponents.To Shane, the change is not an unreasonable ask. The bill’s focus is broader than income verification for households receiving free and reduced lunch, which is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program.Kansas schools are eligible for at-risk funding that is calculated based on the number of students who apply for free lunch. At-risk funding, which comes from the state, is meant to address kids who are at risk of academic failure and does not automatically apply to students participating in free lunch programs.The free lunch data is a proxy for determining at-risk funding levels, said Frank Harwood, deputy commissioner for the Kansas State Department of Education.At-risk funds can only be used for a specific set of programs approved by the state board of education. For 2025, some of them included phonics and literacy practice, math instruction, suicide prevention, writing workshops, after school homework help and character development programs.At least 12 of the programs support English language learners.“This bill simply seeks to make sure that we are sustainably funding and fully funding our at-risk obligations, and ensuring that obligation is going to the students that really qualify and really need it,” Shane said.The stage for the bill was set by an audit published in July, which found that the number of students who were used to determine at-risk funding levels appeared to be “significantly more” than the number of students eligible for the free lunch program.The House Welfare Reform Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/20/kansas-house-studies-free-lunch-enrollment-audit-implications-of-at-risk-overpayment-to-schools/">discussed the audit Jan. 20</a>, honing in on a finding that estimated 54% to 72% of students who qualified for the free lunch program in Kansas were likely ineligible during the 2023-2024 academic year. Auditors said the USDA may have overpaid Kansas school districts between $10 million and $14 million that year, and the state may have overpaid between $38 million and $53 million in at-risk funding.The audit, however, contained caveats that noted unverified data and data from sources outside the state education department. It found school districts and the state are limited in their ability to verify the accuracy of the list of students automatically enrolled in free lunch. Auditors couldn’t independently verify household income or size.“The lack of income verification means the free lunch program is at high risk of fraud, waste and abuse,” the audit said.The U.S. Government Accountability Office, the federal auditing arm, found in a 2019 report that payment error rates in the USDA’s national school lunch and breakfast programs have been high, indicating a potential vulnerability to fraud.No instances of fraud were directly identified in the Kansas audit, but auditors did compare state data with U.S. Census Bureau data that estimated the number of public school students in households with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. Auditors found that the number of students receiving free lunch in Kansas was more than double what Census projections approximated.The state education department maintains that free lunch eligibility lists are a snapshot in time and don’t account for potential life changes such as job losses or promotions.&nbsp;The state auditing office recommended that lawmakers consider reworking the at-risk funding formula, which is not a part of Shane’s bill.&nbsp;At-risk funding numbers are counted Sept. 20, per state law, and students are eligible for free and reduced lunch for one school year plus around six weeks into the following school year, so students whose eligibility may not continue into the next school year could still be counted for at-risk funding.Harwood, who provided neutral testimony to the committee, emphasized to legislators the bill, if passed, would conflict with federal law.In 2024, there were around 200,000 free lunch students in Kansas, and around 275,000 students were eligible to participate in at-risk programs, Harwood said. It’s never been a one-to-one match, he said.“In many ways, I think the formula is working exactly the way it has been intended to work because this idea that free lunch had some eligibility issues is not new,” he said.Another piece of the bill requires legislative approval if schools want to utilize the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools to provide free lunch to all students if 25% of a student population is directly certified for free lunch. A student is directly certified as a free lunch student if he or she experiences homelessness, is a runaway or a migrant, is in foster care or is part of a household that uses federal assistance benefits such as the supplemental nutrition assistance program or Medicaid.Harwood again warned of being in conflict with federal law. The state department of education is not allowed to prohibit a school from utilizing the community eligibility provision.Around 75% of schools in Kansas qualify for a program that would offer free lunch to all students regardless of eligibility. Only 13% have taken advantage, as of 2024 data.All of the bill’s proposals are unfunded. The fiscal note indicates the heightened cost to schools, districts, the state education department and the Legislature to meet each of the criteria.

Kansas schools could be required to verify family income for every student receiving free lunch

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a teen will return to court Friday.

Gauge Brasher, now 20,&nbsp; will appear for an arraignment hearing in the courtroom of Judge Jeffrey Goering, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Brasher may be asked to enter a plea in the case.

 The DA's office charged Brasher with 2nd degree murder in the death of&nbsp;14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa. He is also charged with failure to stop at an accident and criminal damage to property.

&nbsp;Wichita police took Brasher&nbsp; into custody shortly after 4 p.m. August 15, in the 3100 block of E. Range Road, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

Around 6:30 p.m. August 13, a nearby Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area saw the aftermath of the crash that killed&nbsp;14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa and saw two men running from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.

The preliminary investigation indicated the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a power pole and then a utility box. The impact forced the power pole and utility box into Nzabonimpa, who died on scene from his injuries.&nbsp;

Witnesses at the intersection identified the 19-year-old suspect Gauge Brasher, who fled as the driver. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The investigation indicated that impairment and speed were likely contributing factors in the collision. Brasher was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and later left the hospital. Police issued an alert in attempt to locate him. The passenger in the BMW is a 24-year-old man who was detained and later released with no charges.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brasher is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755346851465.png" alt="Brasher photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Brasher photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a teen will return to court Friday.Gauge Brasher, now 20,&nbsp; will appear for an arraignment hearing in the courtroom of Judge Jeffrey Goering, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Brasher may be asked to enter a plea in the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755212957933.png" alt="View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure> The DA's office charged Brasher with 2nd degree murder in the death of&nbsp;14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa. He is also charged with failure to stop at an accident and criminal damage to property.&nbsp;Wichita police took Brasher&nbsp; into custody shortly after 4 p.m. August 15, in the 3100 block of E. Range Road, according to a statement from Wichita Police.Around 6:30 p.m. August 13, a nearby Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area saw the aftermath of the crash that killed&nbsp;14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa and saw two men running from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.The preliminary investigation indicated the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a power pole and then a utility box. The impact forced the power pole and utility box into Nzabonimpa, who died on scene from his injuries.&nbsp;Witnesses at the intersection identified the 19-year-old suspect Gauge Brasher, who fled as the driver. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The investigation indicated that impairment and speed were likely contributing factors in the collision. Brasher was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and later left the hospital. Police issued an alert in attempt to locate him. The passenger in the BMW is a 24-year-old man who was detained and later released with no charges.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brasher is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Arraignment hearing for Kan. driver who hid after crash that killed boy

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/graham-dunbar">GRAHAM DUNBAR</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-graves">WILL GRAVES</a>

GENEVA (AP) — American gymnast Jordan Chiles may reclaim the bronze medal on floor exercise from the 2024 Paris Olympics that was stripped from her following an appeal by Romania after all.

Switzerland’s supreme court said on Thursday its judges sent the “highly exceptional circumstances” of the bronze medal awarded in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/simone-biles-olympics-floor-beam">women’s floor exercise</a>&nbsp;back to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to examine new evidence.

The outcome of an event that created a celebrated Olympic photo featuring Chiles, floor exercise silver medalist Simone Biles and gold medalist Rebeca Andrade of Brazil — all women of color — rests on just a handful of seconds: Can the U.S. team prove it made a timely appeal in the Olympic arena on behalf of Chiles?

The federal judges’ ruling — highly unusual in cases of this nature — suggested Chiles could regain the bronze medal she originally got in Paris after challenging her judged score.

Chiles’ third-place finish was overturned within days on appeal by the Romanian team to the CAS’ Olympic court in Paris. The medal was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/romanian-gymnast-bronze-medal-chiles-3cec6ec6344b8d4ecc91270916b0d357">awarded in Bucharest</a>&nbsp;the next week to Ana Maria Barbosu.

The federal court wants CAS to examine a recording that could show the original U.S. challenge of the judged score was within a one-minute deadline on the field of play.

“In the highly exceptional circumstances of the case in question,” the Swiss Federal Tribunal said in a statement, “it considers that there is a likelihood for the audio-visual recording of the final on Aug. 5, 2024 to lead to a modification of the contested award in favor of the applicant (Chiles).”

The CAS said in a statement Thursday it “can now ensure a thorough judicial review of the new evidence that has since been made available.”

The court based in Lausanne, across the Olympics’ home city from the supreme court, gave no timetable for the review. It likely will take at least one year to prepare and process before a verdict is ready.

Still, the federal court’s decision has given Chiles renewed hope of keeping her medal and putting the controversy behind her.

“We are delighted that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court has righted a wrong and given Jordan the chance she deserves to reclaim her bronze medal,” Maurice M. Suh, part of the legal team representing Chiles, said in a statement. “As the Court recognized, there is ‘conclusive’ video evidence that Jordan was the rightful winner of the bronze medal.”

Suh added that Chiles will “fight vigorously” and is grateful to have a “full and fair opportunity to defend her bronze medal.”

USA Gymnastics praised the court for recognizing “the flaws in the initial process and that Jordan’s case can now be heard inclusive of all relevant evidence.”

Chiles, now 24, has pressed forward with her life after dealing with significant online backlash — some of it racially tinged — in the immediate aftermath.

She returned to compete collegiately at UCLA while also leaning into her burgeoning celebrity, participating on the reality competition “Dancing With the Stars,” posing for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, and is currently featured in a commercial for a female athleisure apparel line that also includes tennis icon Serena Williams and track star Sha’Carri Richardson.

Graves reported from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769785032769.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/graham-dunbar">GRAHAM DUNBAR</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-graves">WILL GRAVES</a>GENEVA (AP) — American gymnast Jordan Chiles may reclaim the bronze medal on floor exercise from the 2024 Paris Olympics that was stripped from her following an appeal by Romania after all.Switzerland’s supreme court said on Thursday its judges sent the “highly exceptional circumstances” of the bronze medal awarded in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/simone-biles-olympics-floor-beam">women’s floor exercise</a>&nbsp;back to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to examine new evidence.The outcome of an event that created a celebrated Olympic photo featuring Chiles, floor exercise silver medalist Simone Biles and gold medalist Rebeca Andrade of Brazil — all women of color — rests on just a handful of seconds: Can the U.S. team prove it made a timely appeal in the Olympic arena on behalf of Chiles?The federal judges’ ruling — highly unusual in cases of this nature — suggested Chiles could regain the bronze medal she originally got in Paris after challenging her judged score.Chiles’ third-place finish was overturned within days on appeal by the Romanian team to the CAS’ Olympic court in Paris. The medal was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/romanian-gymnast-bronze-medal-chiles-3cec6ec6344b8d4ecc91270916b0d357">awarded in Bucharest</a>&nbsp;the next week to Ana Maria Barbosu.The federal court wants CAS to examine a recording that could show the original U.S. challenge of the judged score was within a one-minute deadline on the field of play.“In the highly exceptional circumstances of the case in question,” the Swiss Federal Tribunal said in a statement, “it considers that there is a likelihood for the audio-visual recording of the final on Aug. 5, 2024 to lead to a modification of the contested award in favor of the applicant (Chiles).”The CAS said in a statement Thursday it “can now ensure a thorough judicial review of the new evidence that has since been made available.”The court based in Lausanne, across the Olympics’ home city from the supreme court, gave no timetable for the review. It likely will take at least one year to prepare and process before a verdict is ready.Still, the federal court’s decision has given Chiles renewed hope of keeping her medal and putting the controversy behind her.“We are delighted that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court has righted a wrong and given Jordan the chance she deserves to reclaim her bronze medal,” Maurice M. Suh, part of the legal team representing Chiles, said in a statement. “As the Court recognized, there is ‘conclusive’ video evidence that Jordan was the rightful winner of the bronze medal.”Suh added that Chiles will “fight vigorously” and is grateful to have a “full and fair opportunity to defend her bronze medal.”USA Gymnastics praised the court for recognizing “the flaws in the initial process and that Jordan’s case can now be heard inclusive of all relevant evidence.”Chiles, now 24, has pressed forward with her life after dealing with significant online backlash — some of it racially tinged — in the immediate aftermath.She returned to compete collegiately at UCLA while also leaning into her burgeoning celebrity, participating on the reality competition “Dancing With the Stars,” posing for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, and is currently featured in a commercial for a female athleisure apparel line that also includes tennis icon Serena Williams and track star Sha’Carri Richardson.___Graves reported from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Jordan Chiles' appeal granted in Olympics bronze medal battle

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that he will nominate former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-reserve-system">Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;official Kevin Warsh to be the next chair of the Fed, a decision likely to result in sharp changes to the powerful agency that could bring it closer to the White House.

Warsh would replace current chair Jerome Powell when his term expires in May. Trump chose Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but this year has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">relentlessly assailed him</a>&nbsp;for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.

"I have known Kevin for a long period of time, and have no doubt that he will go down as one of the GREAT Fed Chairmen, maybe the best,” Trump posted on his Truth Social site. “On top of everything else, he is ‘central casting,’ and he will never let you down.”

The appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, amounts to a return trip for Warsh, 55, who was a member of the Fed's board from 2006 to 2011. He was the youngest governor in history when he was appointed at age 35. He is currently a fellow at the right-leaning Hoover Institution and a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

In some ways, Warsh is an unlikely choice for the Republican president because he has long been a hawk in Fed parlance, or someone who typically supports higher interest rates to control inflation. Trump has said the Fed’s key rate should be as low as 1%, far below its current level of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">about 3.6%</a>, a stance few economists endorse.

During his time as governor, Warsh objected to some of the low-interest rate policies that the Fed pursued during and after the 2008-09 Great Recession. He also often expressed concern at that time that inflation would soon accelerate, even though it remained at rock-bottom levels for many years after that recession ended.

More recently, however, in speeches and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-high-cost-of-the-feds-mission-creep-role-responsibility-monetary-policy-economy-20a352f8?mod=article_inline">opinion columns</a>, Warsh has said he supports lower rates.

Warsh beat out several other candidates, including Trump's top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, investment manager Rick Rieder, and current Fed governor Christopher Waller.

Warsh’s appointment would be a major step toward Trump asserting more control over the Fed, one of the few remaining independent federal agencies. While all presidents influence Fed policy through appointments, Trump’s rhetorical attacks on the central bank have raised concerns about its status&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-federal-reserve-powell-trump-63c3e35e8606b7b73455b08aa21456dd">as an independent institution</a>.

The announcement comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-independence-inflation-5c8cfa5816845d4f005db51c91cdab0d">an extended and unusually public search</a>&nbsp;that underscored the importance of the decision to Trump and the potential impact it could have on the economy. The chair of the Federal Reserve is one of the most powerful economic officials in the world, tasked with combating inflation in the United States while also supporting maximum employment. The Fed is also the nation’s top banking regulator.

The Fed’s rate decisions, over time, influence borrowing costs throughout the economy, including for mortgages, car loans and credit cards.

For now, Warsh would likely fill a seat on the Fed’s governing board that was temporarily occupied by Stephen Miran, a White House adviser who Trump appointed in September. Once on the board, Trump could then elevate Warsh to the chair position when Powell’s term ends in May.

Since Trump's reelection, Warsh has expressed support for the president's economic policies, despite a history as a more conventional, pro-free trade Republican.

In a January 2025 column in The Wall Street Journal, Warsh wrote that "the Trump administration’s strong deregulatory policies, if implemented, would be disinflationary. Cutbacks in government spending — inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency — would also materially reduce inflationary pressures.” Lower inflation would allow the Fed to deliver the rate cuts the president wants.

Trump has sought to exert more control over the Fed. In August he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-trump-fed-independence-firing-d06dfb46fbd300195c3cedc8cb5adadb">tried to fire Lisa Cook</a>, one of seven governors on the Fed’s board, in an effort to secure a majority of the board. Cook, however,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cook-trump-56e36badb0d1e9752e306fd6609747bd">sued to keep her job</a>, and the Supreme Court, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-cook-federal-reserve-powell-a8572f8a1f62cf653e822a64c714d05a">a hearing last week</a>, appeared inclined to let her stay in her position while her suit is resolved.

Economic research has found that independent central banks have better track records of controlling inflation. Elected officials, like Trump, often demand lower interest rates to juice growth and hiring, which can fuel higher prices.

Trump had said he would appoint a Fed chair who will cut interest rates to lower the government's borrowing costs and bring down mortgage rates, though the Fed doesn't decide those costs directly.

In December, he wrote on social media of the need for lower borrowing costs and said, “Anyone who disagrees with me will never be the Fed chairman!”

If confirmed by the Senate, Warsh would face challenges in pushing interest rates much lower. The chair is just one member of the Fed’s 19-person rate-setting committee, with 12 of those officials voting on each rate decision. The committee is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">already split</a>&nbsp;between those worried about persistent inflation, who’d like to keep rates unchanged, and those who think that recent upticks in unemployment point to a stumbling economy that needs lower interest rates to bolster hiring.

Financial markets could also push back. If the Fed cuts its short-term rate too aggressively and is seen as doing so for political reasons, then Wall Street investors could sell Treasury bonds out of fear that inflation would rise. Such sales would push up longer-term interest rates, including mortgage rates, and backfire on Warsh.

Trump considered appointing Warsh as Fed chair during his first term, though ultimately he went with Powell. Warsh’s father-in-law is Ronald Lauder, heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics fortune and a longtime donor and confidant of Trump’s.

Prior to serving on the Fed's board in 2006, Warsh was an economic aide in George W. Bush's Republican administration and was an investment banker at Morgan Stanley.

Warsh worked closely with then-Chair Ben Bernanke in 2008-09 during the central bank’s efforts to combat the financial crisis and the Great Recession. Bernanke later wrote in his memoirs that Warsh was “one of my closest advisers and confidants” and added that his “political and markets savvy and many contacts on Wall Street would prove invaluable.”

Warsh, however,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/files/FOMC20080430meeting.pdf">raised concerns</a>&nbsp;in 2008, as the economy tumbled into a deep recession, that further interest rate cuts by the Fed could spur inflation. Yet even after the Fed cut its rate to nearly zero, inflation stayed low.

More recently, Warsh has become harshly critical of the Fed, calling for “regime change" and assailing Powell for engaging on issues like climate change and diversity, equity and inclusion, which Warsh said are outside the Fed's mandate.

His more critical approach suggests that if he does ascend to the position of chair, it would amount to a sharp transition at the Fed.

In a July interview on CNBC, Warsh said Fed policy “has been broken for quite a long time.”

“The central bank that sits there today is radically different than the central bank I joined in 2006,” he added. By allowing inflation to surge in 2021-22, the Fed “brought about the greatest mistake in macroeconomic policy in 45 years, that divided the country.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769780918868.png" alt="Kevin Warsh during a Reagan Economic Forum discussion in 2025-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Warsh during a Reagan Economic Forum discussion in 2025-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that he will nominate former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-reserve-system">Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;official Kevin Warsh to be the next chair of the Fed, a decision likely to result in sharp changes to the powerful agency that could bring it closer to the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump nominates Kevin Warsh as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve <a href="https://t.co/M5FHQJzY2a">pic.twitter.com/M5FHQJzY2a</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2017204022948594152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump announces the nomination of Kevin Warsh to be the CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE. <a href="https://t.co/ZENG1ytVFD">pic.twitter.com/ZENG1ytVFD</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2017214610751865031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Warsh would replace current chair Jerome Powell when his term expires in May. Trump chose Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but this year has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">relentlessly assailed him</a>&nbsp;for not cutting interest rates quickly enough."I have known Kevin for a long period of time, and have no doubt that he will go down as one of the GREAT Fed Chairmen, maybe the best,” Trump posted on his Truth Social site. “On top of everything else, he is ‘central casting,’ and he will never let you down.”The appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, amounts to a return trip for Warsh, 55, who was a member of the Fed's board from 2006 to 2011. He was the youngest governor in history when he was appointed at age 35. He is currently a fellow at the right-leaning Hoover Institution and a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.In some ways, Warsh is an unlikely choice for the Republican president because he has long been a hawk in Fed parlance, or someone who typically supports higher interest rates to control inflation. Trump has said the Fed’s key rate should be as low as 1%, far below its current level of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">about 3.6%</a>, a stance few economists endorse.During his time as governor, Warsh objected to some of the low-interest rate policies that the Fed pursued during and after the 2008-09 Great Recession. He also often expressed concern at that time that inflation would soon accelerate, even though it remained at rock-bottom levels for many years after that recession ended.More recently, however, in speeches and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-high-cost-of-the-feds-mission-creep-role-responsibility-monetary-policy-economy-20a352f8?mod=article_inline">opinion columns</a>, Warsh has said he supports lower rates.Warsh beat out several other candidates, including Trump's top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, investment manager Rick Rieder, and current Fed governor Christopher Waller.<h2>Controlling the Fed</h2>Warsh’s appointment would be a major step toward Trump asserting more control over the Fed, one of the few remaining independent federal agencies. While all presidents influence Fed policy through appointments, Trump’s rhetorical attacks on the central bank have raised concerns about its status&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-federal-reserve-powell-trump-63c3e35e8606b7b73455b08aa21456dd">as an independent institution</a>.The announcement comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-independence-inflation-5c8cfa5816845d4f005db51c91cdab0d">an extended and unusually public search</a>&nbsp;that underscored the importance of the decision to Trump and the potential impact it could have on the economy. The chair of the Federal Reserve is one of the most powerful economic officials in the world, tasked with combating inflation in the United States while also supporting maximum employment. The Fed is also the nation’s top banking regulator.The Fed’s rate decisions, over time, influence borrowing costs throughout the economy, including for mortgages, car loans and credit cards.For now, Warsh would likely fill a seat on the Fed’s governing board that was temporarily occupied by Stephen Miran, a White House adviser who Trump appointed in September. Once on the board, Trump could then elevate Warsh to the chair position when Powell’s term ends in May.<h2>Trump's economic policies</h2>Since Trump's reelection, Warsh has expressed support for the president's economic policies, despite a history as a more conventional, pro-free trade Republican.In a January 2025 column in The Wall Street Journal, Warsh wrote that "the Trump administration’s strong deregulatory policies, if implemented, would be disinflationary. Cutbacks in government spending — inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency — would also materially reduce inflationary pressures.” Lower inflation would allow the Fed to deliver the rate cuts the president wants.Trump has sought to exert more control over the Fed. In August he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-trump-fed-independence-firing-d06dfb46fbd300195c3cedc8cb5adadb">tried to fire Lisa Cook</a>, one of seven governors on the Fed’s board, in an effort to secure a majority of the board. Cook, however,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cook-trump-56e36badb0d1e9752e306fd6609747bd">sued to keep her job</a>, and the Supreme Court, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-cook-federal-reserve-powell-a8572f8a1f62cf653e822a64c714d05a">a hearing last week</a>, appeared inclined to let her stay in her position while her suit is resolved.Economic research has found that independent central banks have better track records of controlling inflation. Elected officials, like Trump, often demand lower interest rates to juice growth and hiring, which can fuel higher prices.Trump had said he would appoint a Fed chair who will cut interest rates to lower the government's borrowing costs and bring down mortgage rates, though the Fed doesn't decide those costs directly.In December, he wrote on social media of the need for lower borrowing costs and said, “Anyone who disagrees with me will never be the Fed chairman!”<h2>Potential challenges and pushback</h2>If confirmed by the Senate, Warsh would face challenges in pushing interest rates much lower. The chair is just one member of the Fed’s 19-person rate-setting committee, with 12 of those officials voting on each rate decision. The committee is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">already split</a>&nbsp;between those worried about persistent inflation, who’d like to keep rates unchanged, and those who think that recent upticks in unemployment point to a stumbling economy that needs lower interest rates to bolster hiring.Financial markets could also push back. If the Fed cuts its short-term rate too aggressively and is seen as doing so for political reasons, then Wall Street investors could sell Treasury bonds out of fear that inflation would rise. Such sales would push up longer-term interest rates, including mortgage rates, and backfire on Warsh.Trump considered appointing Warsh as Fed chair during his first term, though ultimately he went with Powell. Warsh’s father-in-law is Ronald Lauder, heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics fortune and a longtime donor and confidant of Trump’s.<h2>Who is Warsh?</h2>Prior to serving on the Fed's board in 2006, Warsh was an economic aide in George W. Bush's Republican administration and was an investment banker at Morgan Stanley.Warsh worked closely with then-Chair Ben Bernanke in 2008-09 during the central bank’s efforts to combat the financial crisis and the Great Recession. Bernanke later wrote in his memoirs that Warsh was “one of my closest advisers and confidants” and added that his “political and markets savvy and many contacts on Wall Street would prove invaluable.”Warsh, however,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/files/FOMC20080430meeting.pdf">raised concerns</a>&nbsp;in 2008, as the economy tumbled into a deep recession, that further interest rate cuts by the Fed could spur inflation. Yet even after the Fed cut its rate to nearly zero, inflation stayed low.More recently, Warsh has become harshly critical of the Fed, calling for “regime change" and assailing Powell for engaging on issues like climate change and diversity, equity and inclusion, which Warsh said are outside the Fed's mandate.His more critical approach suggests that if he does ascend to the position of chair, it would amount to a sharp transition at the Fed.In a July interview on CNBC, Warsh said Fed policy “has been broken for quite a long time.”“The central bank that sits there today is radically different than the central bank I joined in 2006,” he added. By allowing inflation to surge in 2021-22, the Fed “brought about the greatest mistake in macroeconomic policy in 45 years, that divided the country.”___

Details on President Trump's pick to chair the Federal Reserve

WASHINGTON (AP) — Journalist Don Lemon was arrested in connection with an anti-immigration protest that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-protest-church-minneapolis-fcc97a29b9c4434c665d76d4811c5a3e">disrupted a service</a>&nbsp;at a Minnesota church and increased tensions between residents and the Trump administration, his lawyer said Friday.

Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he had been covering the Grammy Awards, his attorney Abbe Lowell said.

It is unclear what charge or charges Lemon is facing in the Jan. 18 protest. The arrest came after a magistrate judge last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-minnesota-church-disruption-bondi-ed084f5005187f58eabe0cc627d1862b">rejected prosecutors’ initial bid</a>&nbsp;to charge the journalist.

Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023, has said he has no affiliation to the organization that went into the church and that he was there as a journalist chronicling protesters.

“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” Lowell said in a statement. “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”

Lowell added that “Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on social media Friday morning confirming the arrest of Lemon and three others who were present during the protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, where a local official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement serves as a pastor.

“At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota,” Bondi said.

Since he left CNN, Lemon has joined the legion of journalists who have gone into business for himself, posting regularly on YouTube. He hasn’t hidden his disdain for Trump. Yet during his online show from the church, he said repeatedly, “I’m not here as an activist. I’m here as a journalist.” He described the scene in front of him, and interviewed churchgoers and demonstrators.

Shortly after the first attempt to charge him fell through, he predicted on his show that the administration would try again.

“And guess what,” he said, “here I am. Keep trying. That’s not going to stop me from being a journalist. That’s not going to diminish my voice. Go ahead, make me into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-supporters-94b79634a19b2c4ce70a2b4195ef1175">the new Jimmy Kimmel,</a>&nbsp;if you want. Just do it. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

A prominent civil rights attorney and two other people involved in the protest were arrested last week. Prosecutors have accused them of civil rights violations for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-church-protest-history-58817d7033c6b83867131f4cee87256a">disrupting the Cities Church service</a>.

The Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation after the group interrupted services by chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">37-year-old mother of three</a>&nbsp;who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.

“Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP,” Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote in social media post last week.

Cities Church belongs to the Southern Baptist Convention and lists one of its pastors as David Easterwood, who leads an ICE field office. Many Baptist churches have pastors who also work other jobs.

The Justice Department’s swift investigation into the church disruption stands in contrast to its decision not to open a civil rights investigation into Good’s killing by an ICE officer. The department has not said whether it will open a civil rights probe into the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shooting-minneapolis-protests-ice-immigration-41437baa4b349279cf8abfaf1076162c">37-year-old Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;by federal officers.

“Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention and resources to this arrest, and that is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case,” Lowell said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769780098867.png" alt="Statement from Lemon's attorney on the arrest" />
 <figcaption>Statement from Lemon's attorney on the arrest</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Journalist Don Lemon was arrested in connection with an anti-immigration protest that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-protest-church-minneapolis-fcc97a29b9c4434c665d76d4811c5a3e">disrupted a service</a>&nbsp;at a Minnesota church and increased tensions between residents and the Trump administration, his lawyer said Friday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/moL7xr4jZJ">pic.twitter.com/moL7xr4jZJ</a>&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2017277024235040888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. More details soon.&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2017238803639845115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he had been covering the Grammy Awards, his attorney Abbe Lowell said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769780223167.png" alt="File -Don Lemon from a 2022 interview-&nbsp; photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File -Don Lemon from a 2022 interview-&nbsp; photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">When life gives you lemons... ⛓️ <a href="https://t.co/wxry0fudOj">pic.twitter.com/wxry0fudOj</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2017248964878143741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It is unclear what charge or charges Lemon is facing in the Jan. 18 protest. The arrest came after a magistrate judge last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-minnesota-church-disruption-bondi-ed084f5005187f58eabe0cc627d1862b">rejected prosecutors’ initial bid</a>&nbsp;to charge the journalist.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/Yy9IOZRpJU">pic.twitter.com/Yy9IOZRpJU</a>&mdash; CNN Communications (@CNNPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNPR/status/2017257849592721642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023, has said he has no affiliation to the organization that went into the church and that he was there as a journalist chronicling protesters.“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” Lowell said in a statement. “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”Lowell added that “Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on social media Friday morning confirming the arrest of Lemon and three others who were present during the protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, where a local official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement serves as a pastor.“At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota,” Bondi said.Since he left CNN, Lemon has joined the legion of journalists who have gone into business for himself, posting regularly on YouTube. He hasn’t hidden his disdain for Trump. Yet during his online show from the church, he said repeatedly, “I’m not here as an activist. I’m here as a journalist.” He described the scene in front of him, and interviewed churchgoers and demonstrators.Shortly after the first attempt to charge him fell through, he predicted on his show that the administration would try again.“And guess what,” he said, “here I am. Keep trying. That’s not going to stop me from being a journalist. That’s not going to diminish my voice. Go ahead, make me into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-supporters-94b79634a19b2c4ce70a2b4195ef1175">the new Jimmy Kimmel,</a>&nbsp;if you want. Just do it. Because I’m not going anywhere.”A prominent civil rights attorney and two other people involved in the protest were arrested last week. Prosecutors have accused them of civil rights violations for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-church-protest-history-58817d7033c6b83867131f4cee87256a">disrupting the Cities Church service</a>.The Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation after the group interrupted services by chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">37-year-old mother of three</a>&nbsp;who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.“Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP,” Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote in social media post last week.Cities Church belongs to the Southern Baptist Convention and lists one of its pastors as David Easterwood, who leads an ICE field office. Many Baptist churches have pastors who also work other jobs.The Justice Department’s swift investigation into the church disruption stands in contrast to its decision not to open a civil rights investigation into Good’s killing by an ICE officer. The department has not said whether it will open a civil rights probe into the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shooting-minneapolis-protests-ice-immigration-41437baa4b349279cf8abfaf1076162c">37-year-old Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;by federal officers.“Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention and resources to this arrest, and that is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case,” Lowell said.

Former CNN anchor arrested after protest that disrupted church service

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with&nbsp;threatening violence against a federal official.

According to court documents, Adam Lee Osborn, 60, of Wichita was indicted on one count of interstate communications with a threat to injure and one count of influencing, impeding, and retaliating against a federal official by threatening.&nbsp;

On January 23, 2026, Osborn allegedly indicated via social media that he intended to murder Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.&nbsp;

“Threats of political violence will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. &nbsp;“In a democracy, we settle our differences at the ballot box after robust public debate. For our system of government to work, it’s vital that certain lines are not crossed when it comes to self-expression. &nbsp;Threats of political violence destabilize the very core of our system of governance.”

Police arrested Osborn and he was booked into the Butler County jail, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769719866807.png" alt="Osborn is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Osborn is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with&nbsp;threatening violence against a federal official.According to court documents, Adam Lee Osborn, 60, of Wichita was indicted on one count of interstate communications with a threat to injure and one count of influencing, impeding, and retaliating against a federal official by threatening.&nbsp;On January 23, 2026, Osborn allegedly indicated via social media that he intended to murder Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.&nbsp;“Threats of political violence will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. &nbsp;“In a democracy, we settle our differences at the ballot box after robust public debate. For our system of government to work, it’s vital that certain lines are not crossed when it comes to self-expression. &nbsp;Threats of political violence destabilize the very core of our system of governance.”Police arrested Osborn and he was booked into the Butler County jail, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of threat to kill Congresswoman

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. —The pilot and three passengers were injured after a helicopter crash into the Meramec River Thursday.

According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the helicopter carrying Missouri State Parks employees, may have struck a power line while the team was conducting an aerial survey.

Sullivan Fire Protection District crews rescued the four people on board&nbsp; and transported them to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769772156979.png" alt="Photo Sullivan FIre Protection District" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sullivan FIre Protection District</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. —The pilot and three passengers were injured after a helicopter crash into the Meramec River Thursday.According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the helicopter carrying Missouri State Parks employees, may have struck a power line while the team was conducting an aerial survey.Sullivan Fire Protection District crews rescued the four people on board&nbsp; and transported them to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.The crash remains under investigation.

Pilot, passengers rescued after helicopter crash into river in Missouri

What started as sharp criticism of the Homeland Security Secretary has morphed into a move by Democratic lawmakers signing onto&nbsp;impeachment legislation&nbsp;in the Republican-controlled House.

Democrat U.S. Representative Emmanuel Cleaver, II, who represents Missouri's 5th Congressional District, that covers a large part of Kansas City, is calling for the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

“Following the second killing of an American citizen and numerous violations of court orders under her leadership, I signed onto H.Res. 996 and am calling for the impeachment of Secretary Kristi Noem. This moment demands moral clarity, not political convenience. When those entrusted with immense power abuse it, showing contempt for the rule of law, human dignity, and constitutional liberties, Congress has not just the authority, but the obligation to act.”

“In my theology of government, impeachment is not a step I take lightly. It is a grave constitutional mechanism meant for moments exactly like this – when misconduct is not incidental, but systemic; when harm is not abstract, but real; and when officials are not only failing to uphold the Constitution, but actively undermining it. Our democracy cannot endure if those at the highest levels of government are allowed to operate above the law or beyond consequence.”

““My decision is consistent with the stand I took just last week. I voted against funding the Department of Homeland Security because I refuse to endorse an agency that has lost their moral compass, leaving them only guided by a desire to inflict suffering without due process. Oversight without accountability is meaningless, and funding without reform is surrendering to injustice.”

“At its core, this is about right and wrong. It is about whether we are willing to meet the moment with integrity, or whether we will avert our eyes while power is misused and lives are diminished. I choose to stand on the side of accountability, justice, and the enduring promise of our Republic – if we can keep it.”

President Donald Trump continues to support Noem.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769741602366.png" alt="-Homeland Security Kristi Noem made no comments during Thursday's Cabinet meeting at the White House.- image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>-Homeland Security Kristi Noem made no comments during Thursday's Cabinet meeting at the White House.- image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>What started as sharp criticism of the Homeland Security Secretary has morphed into a move by Democratic lawmakers signing onto&nbsp;impeachment legislation&nbsp;in the Republican-controlled House.Democrat U.S. Representative Emmanuel Cleaver, II, who represents Missouri's 5th Congressional District, that covers a large part of Kansas City, is calling for the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1463170405472529%2F&show_text=true&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>A text of Cleaver's statement is below.“Following the second killing of an American citizen and numerous violations of court orders under her leadership, I signed onto H.Res. 996 and am calling for the impeachment of Secretary Kristi Noem. This moment demands moral clarity, not political convenience. When those entrusted with immense power abuse it, showing contempt for the rule of law, human dignity, and constitutional liberties, Congress has not just the authority, but the obligation to act.”“In my theology of government, impeachment is not a step I take lightly. It is a grave constitutional mechanism meant for moments exactly like this – when misconduct is not incidental, but systemic; when harm is not abstract, but real; and when officials are not only failing to uphold the Constitution, but actively undermining it. Our democracy cannot endure if those at the highest levels of government are allowed to operate above the law or beyond consequence.”““My decision is consistent with the stand I took just last week. I voted against funding the Department of Homeland Security because I refuse to endorse an agency that has lost their moral compass, leaving them only guided by a desire to inflict suffering without due process. Oversight without accountability is meaningless, and funding without reform is surrendering to injustice.”“At its core, this is about right and wrong. It is about whether we are willing to meet the moment with integrity, or whether we will avert our eyes while power is misused and lives are diminished. I choose to stand on the side of accountability, justice, and the enduring promise of our Republic – if we can keep it.”President Donald Trump continues to support Noem.

🎥:KC area Congressman calls for impeachment of DHS Secretary

ATCHISON COUNTY —One&nbsp; person died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Dustin B.&nbsp;Saunders, 32, Troy, was northbound on Kansas 7 Highway just north of 318th. The pickup traveled off&nbsp; the roadway to the right and struck a tree. After impact, the pickup spun around and came to a rest in the East ditch of the highway.

Saunders was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY —One&nbsp; person died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Dustin B.&nbsp;Saunders, 32, Troy, was northbound on Kansas 7 Highway just north of 318th. The pickup traveled off&nbsp; the roadway to the right and struck a tree. After impact, the pickup spun around and came to a rest in the East ditch of the highway.Saunders was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup strikes a tree

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump is capping her first year back as first lady with the global release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-documentary-amazon-ratner-bezos-fc36fc99e3eff0a18ef8b72335af88f6">a documentary</a>&nbsp;she produced about the 20 days leading up to husband Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

A private person, Melania Trump remains a bit of a mystery to the public in her husband’s second term. “Melania” premiered Thursday at the Kennedy Center before it is released on Friday in more than 1,500 theaters in the U.S. and around the world.

“I want to show the audience my life, what it takes to be a first lady again and (the) transition from private citizen back to the White House,” Melania Trump told reporters as she and the president moved along a charcoal-colored walkway at the event attended by Cabinet members, members of Congress and conservative commentators.

She said viewers will see how she conducts her businesses and philanthropy, cares for her family and builds her White House team.

“It’s beautiful, it’s emotional, it’s fashionable, it’s cinematic and I’m very proud of it,” she said.

The documentary was produced by AmazonMGM Studios and is said to have cost $40 million. It will stream exclusively on the Amazon Prime Video streaming service after its theatrical run.

Director Brett Ratner said his measure of success would not be box-office performance.

“It’s a documentary and documentaries historically have not been huge box office smashes,” he told reporters on his way into the premiere. “You can’t expect a documentary to play in theaters.”

The Republican president saw the nearly two-hour film for the first time at a private White House screening over the weekend. He said Thursday that he thought it was “really great.”

“It really brings back a glamour that you just don’t see anymore,” Trump said. “Our country can use a little bit of that, right?”

‘Melania’ more than a year in the making

It was unclear how much money Melania Trump stands to earn or what her plans are for any film proceeds. Experts said it was unusual for a first lady to pursue a project of this kind from the White House — but not unusual for the Trumps.

“As far as I know, she’s the first first lady to be paid a lot of money to have a documentary made about her and it is unprecedented in terms of the Trumps because they are always breaking precedent,” said Katherine Jellison, professor emerita of history at Ohio University.

Asked about the sum, Trump mentioned the book deal for Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, that the publisher announced in 2017, shortly after he left office.

Presidents and first ladies generally refrain from pursuing outside business ventures while in office to avoid potential conflicts of interest or raising ethical concerns.

Both Trumps participate in numerous business ventures, selling everything from watches, fragrances and Bibles for him to jewelry, Christmas ornaments and digital collectibles for her.

Marc Beckman, the first lady’s longtime senior adviser, defended the financial arrangement, which Amazon has declined to comment on. He noted that she was a private citizen when Amazon announced the film in January 2025 and that she is unelected and receives no salary as first lady. “So why should we limit her?” he said Thursday.

The movie also marks another link between the Trumps and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who has worked to improve a once-tense relationship with the president.

Melania Trump said Thursday that a bidding process was conducted and that Amazon “was the best because they agreed to do theatrical releases.”

The movie is the first project by Ratner since he was accused of sexual misconduct in the early days of the #MeToo reckoning. Ratner’s lawyer has denied the allegations.

In a scene from a teaser for the movie, it is Inauguration Day and Melania Trump is inside the Capitol, waiting to be escorted into the Rotunda for the ceremony. She turns her head, looks directly into the camera and says, “Here we go again.”

She wrote in her self-titled memoir published in 2024 about how much she values her privacy. She is not seen or heard from as often as some of her recent predecessors, which may be influencing the public’s perceptions of her. But she also likes to do things her way.

She said she did the film to show people what goes into becoming first lady.

The U.S. public is divided on their views of her, but a significant number — about 4 in 10 adults — had no opinion or had not heard of her, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25493738/cnn-poll-on-trump.pdf" target="_blank">CNN poll from January 2025</a>. About 3 in 10 adults saw her favorably while roughly the same share had an unfavorable opinion.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump is capping her first year back as first lady with the global release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-documentary-amazon-ratner-bezos-fc36fc99e3eff0a18ef8b72335af88f6">a documentary</a>&nbsp;she produced about the 20 days leading up to husband Donald Trump’s return to the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and First Lady <a href="https://twitter.com/MELANIATRUMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MELANIATRUMP</a> are en route to watch the MELANIA movie at the Kennedy Center ❤️🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/1EYP8atXmw">pic.twitter.com/1EYP8atXmw</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2017023245459796262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> arrive at the Trump Kennedy Center (<a href="https://twitter.com/kencen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kencen</a>) for the premiere of &#39;Melania&#39; <a href="https://t.co/ZglkQWrciG">pic.twitter.com/ZglkQWrciG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2017029122199801954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump and the First Lady arrive to the red carpet of the MELANIA movie screening 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/SX88VRITIa">pic.twitter.com/SX88VRITIa</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2017028825863921746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A private person, Melania Trump remains a bit of a mystery to the public in her husband’s second term. “Melania” premiered Thursday at the Kennedy Center before it is released on Friday in more than 1,500 theaters in the U.S. and around the world.“I want to show the audience my life, what it takes to be a first lady again and (the) transition from private citizen back to the White House,” Melania Trump told reporters as she and the president moved along a charcoal-colored walkway at the event attended by Cabinet members, members of Congress and conservative commentators.She said viewers will see how she conducts her businesses and philanthropy, cares for her family and builds her White House team.“It’s beautiful, it’s emotional, it’s fashionable, it’s cinematic and I’m very proud of it,” she said.The documentary was produced by AmazonMGM Studios and is said to have cost $40 million. It will stream exclusively on the Amazon Prime Video streaming service after its theatrical run.Director Brett Ratner said his measure of success would not be box-office performance.“It’s a documentary and documentaries historically have not been huge box office smashes,” he told reporters on his way into the premiere. “You can’t expect a documentary to play in theaters.”The Republican president saw the nearly two-hour film for the first time at a private White House screening over the weekend. He said Thursday that he thought it was “really great.”“It really brings back a glamour that you just don’t see anymore,” Trump said. “Our country can use a little bit of that, right?”<h2>‘Melania’ more than a year in the making</h2>It was unclear how much money Melania Trump stands to earn or what her plans are for any film proceeds. Experts said it was unusual for a first lady to pursue a project of this kind from the White House — but not unusual for the Trumps.“As far as I know, she’s the first first lady to be paid a lot of money to have a documentary made about her and it is unprecedented in terms of the Trumps because they are always breaking precedent,” said Katherine Jellison, professor emerita of history at Ohio University.Asked about the sum, Trump mentioned the book deal for Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, that the publisher announced in 2017, shortly after he left office.Presidents and first ladies generally refrain from pursuing outside business ventures while in office to avoid potential conflicts of interest or raising ethical concerns.Both Trumps participate in numerous business ventures, selling everything from watches, fragrances and Bibles for him to jewelry, Christmas ornaments and digital collectibles for her.Marc Beckman, the first lady’s longtime senior adviser, defended the financial arrangement, which Amazon has declined to comment on. He noted that she was a private citizen when Amazon announced the film in January 2025 and that she is unelected and receives no salary as first lady. “So why should we limit her?” he said Thursday.The movie also marks another link between the Trumps and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who has worked to improve a once-tense relationship with the president.Melania Trump said Thursday that a bidding process was conducted and that Amazon “was the best because they agreed to do theatrical releases.”The movie is the first project by Ratner since he was accused of sexual misconduct in the early days of the #MeToo reckoning. Ratner’s lawyer has denied the allegations.<h2>‘Here we go again’</h2>In a scene from a teaser for the movie, it is Inauguration Day and Melania Trump is inside the Capitol, waiting to be escorted into the Rotunda for the ceremony. She turns her head, looks directly into the camera and says, “Here we go again.”She wrote in her self-titled memoir published in 2024 about how much she values her privacy. She is not seen or heard from as often as some of her recent predecessors, which may be influencing the public’s perceptions of her. But she also likes to do things her way.She said she did the film to show people what goes into becoming first lady.The U.S. public is divided on their views of her, but a significant number — about 4 in 10 adults — had no opinion or had not heard of her, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25493738/cnn-poll-on-trump.pdf" target="_blank">CNN poll from January 2025</a>. About 3 in 10 adults saw her favorably while roughly the same share had an unfavorable opinion.Her standing among Republicans was higher, with about 7 in 10 saying in the poll that they viewed her favorably, but around one-quarter had no opinion.“I think it’s an attempt, in a way, to really augment or tailor or really refine her image for the American public,” said Katherine Sibley, who teaches history at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. “She’s a mystery to the American people.”<h2>First lady cites impactful first year of second Trump term</h2>Melania Trump, 55, said she’s honored to execute the traditional duties of first lady, such as planning state dinners, hosting the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-melania-easter-egg-roll-lawn-04b318bdb89097e2c9f9f3fda45ac1be">Easter Egg Roll</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-holiday-decorations-white-house-378c18c3adbd2484149135b96f4e276b">decorating for Christmas</a>. But she also has said she wants to leave her mark in other ways, too.She spent chunks of time away from Washington last year working on the documentary and was deeply involved in every aspect of its development, according to Beckman.Her first-year record centers on the well-being and safety of children.She used her influence to lobby Congress to pass the “Take It Down Act,” making it a federal crime to publish intimate images online without consent. The president signed the bill into law and had her sign it, too.Her advocacy for foster children was enshrined in an executive order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-white-house-foster-care-5301987e676786c793b2b9fba0eb4c2f">creating a “Fostering the Future” program</a>. It’s part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/parenting-united-states-government-2aefddc6f11044d4ac340809f9e75bb3">the “Be Best” child-focused initiative</a>&nbsp;she launched in the first term.She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-russia-ukraine-children-fe324a08a9a957f05995dac0d95a66c3">wrote to Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;for help reuniting children who had been separated from their families because of his war against Ukraine. She had her husband hand-deliver the letter when the leaders met in Alaska, and she later announced that eight children had been reunited with their families.The first lady has a prominent role in the administration’s efforts on artificial intelligence and education and recently launched a global version of the foster child program.She told guests at a White House Christmas reception that she is working on a new legislative effort for 2026, but has not yet shared details.___