By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law will add $3.394 trillion to deficits during the next decade and lead 10 million people to lose access to health insurance, according to an analysis released Monday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

The updated assessment of the sweeping tax and spending cuts law came weeks after nearly every GOP lawmaker voted to approve the legislation ahead of a self-imposed Fourth of July deadline.&nbsp;The law made permanent the 2017 tax cuts from President Donald Trump’s first term and provided billions to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/how-megabill-allows-trump-expand-mass-deportations-curb-immigrant-benefits" target="_blank">carry out his plans&nbsp;</a>of mass deportations, an immigration crackdown and increased defense spending.

Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, wrote in a statement that it is “still hard to believe that policymakers just added $4 trillion to” deficits after Republican lawmakers “have spent months or years appropriately fuming about our unsustainable fiscal situation.”

“This is a dangerous game we are playing,” MacGuineas wrote. “It has been going on for years, and it was brought to new levels with this bill. And it is time to stop.”&nbsp;

CBO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/taxonomy/term/1756/latest" target="_blank">released numerous reports</a>&nbsp;throughout the months-long process showing how various parts of the bill would affect federal spending and health care access, but the scorekeeper needed additional time to evaluate changes Republicans made during the last few days of debate.

The latest figures are similar to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2025-07/61537-hr1-Senate-passed-additional-info7-1-25.pdf" target="_blank">a preliminary report</a>&nbsp;CBO released earlier this month projecting the final version of the package, which underwent considerable changes in the Senate, would likely lead to a $3.4 trillion increase in deficits between 2025 and 2034.

That total was significantly higher than the $2.4 trillion increase in deficits&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-backed-giant-tax-and-spending-bill-bloats-deficit-24t-nonpartisan-cbo-says" target="_blank">CBO expected</a>&nbsp;the original House version of the bill would have had during the next decade.

Health spending to fall by more than $1 trillion

Republicans’ numerous changes to health programs, predominantly Medicaid, will reduce federal spending during the next decade by $1.058 trillion.

The law made more than a dozen changes to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-tax-cut-plans-may-depend-savings-medicaid-what-it-and-who-relies-it" target="_blank">the state-federal health program</a>&nbsp;for lower income individuals and certain people with disabilities, though some of those have larger budget impacts than others.

Language barring Medicaid spending from going to Planned Parenthood for one year would actually increase federal deficits during the 10-year window by $53 million.

The CBO score shows that policy change would decrease federal spending by $44 million this fiscal year and another $31 million during the next fiscal year, before increasing deficits by $91 million during fiscal year 2027 and continuing.

That section of the law is on hold for the moment after a federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-quickly-rules-favor-planned-parenthood-suit-over-medicaid-funding" target="_blank">issued a temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;earlier this month that required the Trump administration to continue paying Planned Parenthood for routine health care coverage for Medicaid enrollees.

Federal law for decades has barred the federal government from spending taxpayer dollars for abortion services with limited exceptions, so the one-year prohibition on Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood would have blocked patients enrolled in the program from going to their clinics for routine health appointments, like annual physicals and cancer screenings.

The CBO report didn’t include a state-by-state breakdown of the effects of the health care changes in the law, but the agency is expected to release more detailed analysis of the health impacts in the coming weeks.

Apart from Medicaid, two large projected deficit reductions in the law come in the agriculture title’s sections on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

A provision requiring states to pay for some portion of SNAP benefits starting in fiscal 2028 would save the federal government between $5.7 billion and $6 billion per year, totalling just less than $41 billion for the first seven years it will be in effect.

And new work requirements for SNAP would result in $68.6 billion less in federal spending over the 10 years starting in fiscal 2026, the CBO projected.

Republicans’ streamlining of the federal student loan program is projected to reduce federal spending in the next decade by $270.5 billion.

As part of a sweeping overhaul of higher education, the law limits repayment options for borrowers with any loans made on or after July 1, 2026, to either a standard repayment plan or an income-based repayment plan.

The extension of Trump’s 2017 tax law, plus new tax breaks, will cost $4.472 trillion over the next decade, according to the latest CBO score.

The United States collects the majority of its revenue from individual taxpayers, and the continuation of lowered income tax brackets, plus an increased standard deduction, will comprise the bulk of lost revenue over 10 years, adding up to $3.497 trillion.

Trump also campaigned on several other tax cut promises, including no tax on tips and overtime, as well as no tax on car loan interest. The temporary provisions come with stipulations and will end in 2029. Together they will cost $151.868 billion.

The child tax credit increases under the new law to $2,200, up from $2,000, though lawmakers did not increase the amount lower income families can receive as a tax refund. The CBO estimates the bumped-up tax credit will cost $626.345 billion over the next decade.

Lawmakers offset some costs of the bill by repealing clean energy tax credits, including ending tax credits for personal and commercial electric vehicles, nixing energy efficiency improvement credits for homeowners, and terminating clean electricity production credits. In all, Republicans saved $487.909 billion from axing the measures meant to address the effects of climate change.

Jacob Fischler, Shauneen Miranda and Ashley Murray contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751666035602.png" alt="President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law will add $3.394 trillion to deficits during the next decade and lead 10 million people to lose access to health insurance, according to an analysis released Monday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.The updated assessment of the sweeping tax and spending cuts law came weeks after nearly every GOP lawmaker voted to approve the legislation ahead of a self-imposed Fourth of July deadline.&nbsp;The law made permanent the 2017 tax cuts from President Donald Trump’s first term and provided billions to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/how-megabill-allows-trump-expand-mass-deportations-curb-immigrant-benefits" target="_blank">carry out his plans&nbsp;</a>of mass deportations, an immigration crackdown and increased defense spending.Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, wrote in a statement that it is “still hard to believe that policymakers just added $4 trillion to” deficits after Republican lawmakers “have spent months or years appropriately fuming about our unsustainable fiscal situation.”“This is a dangerous game we are playing,” MacGuineas wrote. “It has been going on for years, and it was brought to new levels with this bill. And it is time to stop.”&nbsp;CBO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/taxonomy/term/1756/latest" target="_blank">released numerous reports</a>&nbsp;throughout the months-long process showing how various parts of the bill would affect federal spending and health care access, but the scorekeeper needed additional time to evaluate changes Republicans made during the last few days of debate.The latest figures are similar to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2025-07/61537-hr1-Senate-passed-additional-info7-1-25.pdf" target="_blank">a preliminary report</a>&nbsp;CBO released earlier this month projecting the final version of the package, which underwent considerable changes in the Senate, would likely lead to a $3.4 trillion increase in deficits between 2025 and 2034.That total was significantly higher than the $2.4 trillion increase in deficits&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-backed-giant-tax-and-spending-bill-bloats-deficit-24t-nonpartisan-cbo-says" target="_blank">CBO expected</a>&nbsp;the original House version of the bill would have had during the next decade.<h2>Health spending to fall by more than $1 trillion</h2>Republicans’ numerous changes to health programs, predominantly Medicaid, will reduce federal spending during the next decade by $1.058 trillion.The law made more than a dozen changes to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-tax-cut-plans-may-depend-savings-medicaid-what-it-and-who-relies-it" target="_blank">the state-federal health program</a>&nbsp;for lower income individuals and certain people with disabilities, though some of those have larger budget impacts than others.Language barring Medicaid spending from going to Planned Parenthood for one year would actually increase federal deficits during the 10-year window by $53 million.The CBO score shows that policy change would decrease federal spending by $44 million this fiscal year and another $31 million during the next fiscal year, before increasing deficits by $91 million during fiscal year 2027 and continuing.That section of the law is on hold for the moment after a federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-quickly-rules-favor-planned-parenthood-suit-over-medicaid-funding" target="_blank">issued a temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;earlier this month that required the Trump administration to continue paying Planned Parenthood for routine health care coverage for Medicaid enrollees.Federal law for decades has barred the federal government from spending taxpayer dollars for abortion services with limited exceptions, so the one-year prohibition on Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood would have blocked patients enrolled in the program from going to their clinics for routine health appointments, like annual physicals and cancer screenings.The CBO report didn’t include a state-by-state breakdown of the effects of the health care changes in the law, but the agency is expected to release more detailed analysis of the health impacts in the coming weeks.<h2>Nutrition assistance cuts</h2>Apart from Medicaid, two large projected deficit reductions in the law come in the agriculture title’s sections on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.A provision requiring states to pay for some portion of SNAP benefits starting in fiscal 2028 would save the federal government between $5.7 billion and $6 billion per year, totalling just less than $41 billion for the first seven years it will be in effect.And new work requirements for SNAP would result in $68.6 billion less in federal spending over the 10 years starting in fiscal 2026, the CBO projected.<h2>Federal student loan program</h2>Republicans’ streamlining of the federal student loan program is projected to reduce federal spending in the next decade by $270.5 billion.As part of a sweeping overhaul of higher education, the law limits repayment options for borrowers with any loans made on or after July 1, 2026, to either a standard repayment plan or an income-based repayment plan.<h2>Extension and expansion of tax cuts</h2>The extension of Trump’s 2017 tax law, plus new tax breaks, will cost $4.472 trillion over the next decade, according to the latest CBO score.The United States collects the majority of its revenue from individual taxpayers, and the continuation of lowered income tax brackets, plus an increased standard deduction, will comprise the bulk of lost revenue over 10 years, adding up to $3.497 trillion.Trump also campaigned on several other tax cut promises, including no tax on tips and overtime, as well as no tax on car loan interest. The temporary provisions come with stipulations and will end in 2029. Together they will cost $151.868 billion.The child tax credit increases under the new law to $2,200, up from $2,000, though lawmakers did not increase the amount lower income families can receive as a tax refund. The CBO estimates the bumped-up tax credit will cost $626.345 billion over the next decade.Lawmakers offset some costs of the bill by repealing clean energy tax credits, including ending tax credits for personal and commercial electric vehicles, nixing energy efficiency improvement credits for homeowners, and terminating clean electricity production credits. In all, Republicans saved $487.909 billion from axing the measures meant to address the effects of climate change.Jacob Fischler, Shauneen Miranda and Ashley Murray contributed to this report.

Trump tax law runs up deficit by $3.4T, throws 10 million off health insurance, CBO says

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Sunday in Kansas City, Missouri.

A Honda Africa Twin motorcycle was eastbound on Interstate 670, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez. The motorcycle changed lanes in an attempt to take the Interstate 29/Interstate 35 entrance ramp from Interstate 670. As the motorcycle was changing lanes, it struck the right passenger side of an eastbound Dodge Charger. The motorcycle operator was ejected and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The driver and front seat passenger of the Dodge were uninjured in the collision. This is fatality #44 compared to #52 at this time last year. The remains under investigation, according to Gonzalez. Police have not released the name of the motorcyclist.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Sunday in Kansas City, Missouri.A Honda Africa Twin motorcycle was eastbound on Interstate 670, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez. The motorcycle changed lanes in an attempt to take the Interstate 29/Interstate 35 entrance ramp from Interstate 670. As the motorcycle was changing lanes, it struck the right passenger side of an eastbound Dodge Charger. The motorcycle operator was ejected and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and front seat passenger of the Dodge were uninjured in the collision. This is fatality #44 compared to #52 at this time last year. The remains under investigation, according to Gonzalez. Police have not released the name of the motorcyclist.

Motorcyclist killed after vehicle struck passenger side of car

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Tennessee man was sentenced to 71 months in prison after being convicted of running a $1.9 million Ponzi scheme, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Alcides Roman, 66, of Lebanon, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Roman defrauded victims in Kansas, New York, Texas, and in Canada by soliciting their participation in purportedly high-yield investment programs. In truth, these investment opportunities were fraudulent. Roman did not invest the funds and failed to redeem the investments upon the victims’ requests. Rather, he left the funds in bank accounts he controlled and used the money for his own and others’ benefit. Roman induced victims to make additional or larger investments by making payments to them, ostensibly as returns on investment. Those payments, however, were from the same victim’s prior principal investments or another victim’s investments.

Roman used funds from the scheme to pay for his personal living expenses, to buy vehicles and land, and to send money to numerous foreign and domestic companies. The total known loss to victims was $1,977,857.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Tennessee man was sentenced to 71 months in prison after being convicted of running a $1.9 million Ponzi scheme, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Alcides Roman, 66, of Lebanon, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.Roman defrauded victims in Kansas, New York, Texas, and in Canada by soliciting their participation in purportedly high-yield investment programs. In truth, these investment opportunities were fraudulent. Roman did not invest the funds and failed to redeem the investments upon the victims’ requests. Rather, he left the funds in bank accounts he controlled and used the money for his own and others’ benefit. Roman induced victims to make additional or larger investments by making payments to them, ostensibly as returns on investment. Those payments, however, were from the same victim’s prior principal investments or another victim’s investments.Roman used funds from the scheme to pay for his personal living expenses, to buy vehicles and land, and to send money to numerous foreign and domestic companies. The total known loss to victims was $1,977,857.

Man defrauded victims in Kansas in $1.9 million Ponzi scheme

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 21, 2025, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard released over 230,000 pages of documents related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK), in accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order 14176.

<a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/mlk">Click here to see the files</a>

This unprecedented release follows through on President Trump’s commitment to fully release previously-classified records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy (JFK), Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK), and MLK, and was carried out in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the National Archives.

Unlike the majority of the JFK assassination files — which were identified and released in accordance with federal law — the MLK files in today’s release had never been digitized and sat collecting dust in facilities across the federal government for decades, until today.

The documents include details about the FBI’s investigation into the assassination of MLK — including the discussion of potential leads, internal FBI memos detailing the progress of the case, and documents related to James Earl Ray’s former cellmate, who stated he discussed with Ray an alleged assassination plot. Additionally, as James Earl Ray fled the country following the assassination, the release includes unique foreign evidence from a Canadian police department. Never-before-seen CIA records outline overseas intelligence on the international hunt for the prime suspect in the assassination.

"I am grateful to President Trump and DNI Gabbard for delivering on their pledge of transparency in the release of these documents on the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr,"&nbsp;said Dr. Alveda King. "My uncle lived boldly in pursuit of truth and justice, and his enduring legacy of faith continues to inspire Americans to this day. While we continue to mourn his death, the declassification and release of these documents are a historic step towards the truth that the American people deserve."

“The American people have waited nearly sixty years to see the full scope of the federal government’s investigation into Dr. King’s assassination,”&nbsp;said DNI Gabbard. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are ensuring that no stone is left unturned in our mission to deliver complete transparency on this pivotal and tragic event in our nation’s history. I extend my deepest appreciation to the King family for their support.”

“The American people deserve answers decades after the horrific assassination of one of our nation’s great leaders,"&nbsp;said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The Department of Justice is proud to partner with Director Gabbard and the ODNI at President Trump’s direction for this latest disclosure.”

“In partnership with ODNI and FBI, today’s release represents a significant milestone in CIA’s efforts to deliver maximum transparency to the American people,”&nbsp;said CIA Director John Ratcliffe. “CIA is proud to contribute to President Trump’s historic initiative to declassify and release intelligence information that serves the public’s interest.”

“Today’s record release marks a historic step in the Trump Administration’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability,"&nbsp;said Secretary of State and Acting U.S. Archivist Marco Rubio. "Preserving, protecting, and releasing the records of the U.S. government is at the core of NARA’s mission. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and a coordinated interagency process, NARA was able to review and release the records at an unprecedented speed.”

While some of the documents released were made public through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, today’s release is the first time these records are published online in one collection with minimal redactions for privacy reasons — including redactions for Social Security Numbers and grand jury information. As agencies continue to search government facilities for additional files, the new documents will be uploaded alongside the previously released files at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/mlk" target="_blank">archives.gov/mlk</a>&nbsp;to ensure all MLK assassination documents can be found in a centralized location. Two-weeks in advance of today’s release, members of the King family were provided an opportunity to review the files.

The government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-assassination-documents-release-trump-c56ed5075b38af809f36a6388797d4ca">unsealed the JFK records</a>&nbsp;in March and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-assassination-files-released-74af7098faf255d92a5bff32899a7ce7">disclosed some RFK files</a>&nbsp;in April.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753130471620.png" alt="Martin Luther King, Jr. (image National Archives)" />
 <figcaption>Martin Luther King, Jr. (image National Archives)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 21, 2025, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard released over 230,000 pages of documents related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK), in accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order 14176.<a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/mlk">Click here to see the files</a>This unprecedented release follows through on President Trump’s commitment to fully release previously-classified records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy (JFK), Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK), and MLK, and was carried out in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the National Archives.Unlike the majority of the JFK assassination files — which were identified and released in accordance with federal law — the MLK files in today’s release had never been digitized and sat collecting dust in facilities across the federal government for decades, until today.The documents include details about the FBI’s investigation into the assassination of MLK — including the discussion of potential leads, internal FBI memos detailing the progress of the case, and documents related to James Earl Ray’s former cellmate, who stated he discussed with Ray an alleged assassination plot. Additionally, as James Earl Ray fled the country following the assassination, the release includes unique foreign evidence from a Canadian police department. Never-before-seen CIA records outline overseas intelligence on the international hunt for the prime suspect in the assassination."I am grateful to President Trump and DNI Gabbard for delivering on their pledge of transparency in the release of these documents on the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr,"&nbsp;said Dr. Alveda King. "My uncle lived boldly in pursuit of truth and justice, and his enduring legacy of faith continues to inspire Americans to this day. While we continue to mourn his death, the declassification and release of these documents are a historic step towards the truth that the American people deserve."“The American people have waited nearly sixty years to see the full scope of the federal government’s investigation into Dr. King’s assassination,”&nbsp;said DNI Gabbard. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are ensuring that no stone is left unturned in our mission to deliver complete transparency on this pivotal and tragic event in our nation’s history. I extend my deepest appreciation to the King family for their support.”“The American people deserve answers decades after the horrific assassination of one of our nation’s great leaders,"&nbsp;said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The Department of Justice is proud to partner with Director Gabbard and the ODNI at President Trump’s direction for this latest disclosure.”“In partnership with ODNI and FBI, today’s release represents a significant milestone in CIA’s efforts to deliver maximum transparency to the American people,”&nbsp;said CIA Director John Ratcliffe. “CIA is proud to contribute to President Trump’s historic initiative to declassify and release intelligence information that serves the public’s interest.”“Today’s record release marks a historic step in the Trump Administration’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability,"&nbsp;said Secretary of State and Acting U.S. Archivist Marco Rubio. "Preserving, protecting, and releasing the records of the U.S. government is at the core of NARA’s mission. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and a coordinated interagency process, NARA was able to review and release the records at an unprecedented speed.”While some of the documents released were made public through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, today’s release is the first time these records are published online in one collection with minimal redactions for privacy reasons — including redactions for Social Security Numbers and grand jury information. As agencies continue to search government facilities for additional files, the new documents will be uploaded alongside the previously released files at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/mlk" target="_blank">archives.gov/mlk</a>&nbsp;to ensure all MLK assassination documents can be found in a centralized location. Two-weeks in advance of today’s release, members of the King family were provided an opportunity to review the files.The government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-assassination-documents-release-trump-c56ed5075b38af809f36a6388797d4ca">unsealed the JFK records</a>&nbsp;in March and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-assassination-files-released-74af7098faf255d92a5bff32899a7ce7">disclosed some RFK files</a>&nbsp;in April.

Read the newly released, controversial FBI records on MLK Jr.

The sweeping requests raise fears about how the Trump administration plans to use the information

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jonathan-shorman/">Jonathan Shorman</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking the voter registration lists of several states — representing data on millions of Americans — and other election information ahead of the 2026 midterms, raising fears about how the Trump administration plans to use the information.

The DOJ is also demanding Colorado turn over all records related to the 2024 election, a massive trove of documents that could include ballots and even voting equipment. The Colorado inquiry, the most sweeping publicly known request, underscores the extent of the administration’s attention on state election activities.

At least nine states have received requests for information over the past three months, according to letters from the DOJ obtained by Stateline. Some states also received emails from a DOJ official last week asking for meetings to discuss information-sharing agreements.

The department’s focus on elections comes after President Donald Trump directed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in March to seek information about suspected election crimes from state election officials and empowered her to potentially withhold grants and other funds from uncooperative states.

For years, Trump has advanced false claims about elections, including the idea that the 2020 election that he lost was stolen. Now back in power, his administration is taking a new level of interest in how states — and even local authorities — administer elections.

Last week, a political operative approached several Republican county clerks in Colorado to enlist them in election integrity efforts in light of Trump’s sweeping March executive order overhauling elections administration. One clerk told Stateline the operative claimed to represent the White House.

“Whatever the Trump administration tries to pull is very unlikely to be successful,” Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, said in an interview, calling Colorado elections very secure. “With that said, do I think they are trying to undermine our elections at large in this country? Absolutely.”

DOJ has sent letters to Alaska, Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, in addition to the request to Colorado.

The letters have typically asked election officials to describe how they register voters and work to identify duplicate registrations and individuals not eligible to vote, such as people with felony convictions and those who have died. The Washington Post earlier Wednesday reported on the letters; Votebeat and NPR previously reported on some of the letters as well.

Most letters also ask about each state’s process for flagging noncitizen applicants. Noncitizen voting is against federal law and incredibly rare, but Trump and his allies have promoted false claims about its prevalence. The Trump administration is also conducting a general crackdown on illegal immigration.

The letters call on election officials to turn over voter registration lists, which in some instances contain data on millions of residents in their states. This request has raised the most concerns, with some experts saying it’s unclear exactly why the DOJ wants the information.

“They don’t make much sense as law enforcement investigations. That makes me think that there’s some other purpose,” said Justin Levitt, who served as senior policy adviser for democracy and voting rights in the Biden White House and is now a law professor at Loyola Marymount University.

While many states make their voter registration lists available to the public, Levitt emphasized the data could still be largely off-limits to the federal government. Federal privacy law sometimes restricts how the government can use data that’s publicly obtainable. The DOJ may need voter information in some individual circumstances, but “that’s not blanket permission to go vacuuming up data.”

The DOJ didn’t respond to questions for this story.

Federal laws restrict the federal government’s ability to centralize information on Americans, said David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation &amp; Research. Even if states provide voter registration information to the public, they often redact sensitive information.

In Orange County, California, the DOJ sued local election officials in June, seeking unredacted voter registration information, such as Social Security numbers and driver’s licenses, as part of an investigation into noncitizen voting.

More than 350 election officials from some 33 states participated in a conference call about federal actions on Monday hosted by Becker, who was previously an attorney in the DOJ Voting Rights Section during the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He said the interest in the call shows the level of uncertainty and anxiety over the current “federal imposition” on election administrators.

“The DOJ seems dead set on acquiring personal information on voters, including driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers and dates of birth — records that are highly protected under federal law and under state law and which state election officials are sworn to protect,” Becker said.

In Colorado, the amount of data the DOJ wants is enormous. On May 12, Harmeet Dhillon, an assistant U.S. attorney general in the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, sent a letter to Griswold, the secretary of state, asking for access to “all records” related to the 2024 election.

Federal law requires state election officials to preserve records related to elections for 22 months. Typically, the rule ensures records are preserved in case any lawsuits are filed over an election. In the letter, Dhillon referred to a complaint against Griswold’s office alleging noncompliance with records retention laws, but provided no details.

Experts on election administration who spoke to Stateline expressed shock at the scope of the demand to Colorado. The request encompasses a vast trove of material, potentially including ballots.

“The amount of records being requested from a place like Colorado … it’s really, really significant in terms of the volume of materials that are required to be retained,” said Neal Ubriani, a former voting rights litigator at the DOJ during the Obama and first Trump administrations and the current policy and research director at the nonpartisan Institute for Responsive Government.

Colorado elections have previously drawn Trump’s attention. Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, a staunch Trump supporter, is serving a nine-year prison sentence after a conviction in state court for allowing unauthorized access to voting equipment in 2021.

On May 5 of this year — a week before the Dhillon letter to Griswold — Trump posted on social media that Peters should be released, calling her a “political prisoner.” Griswold noted the timing.

“I think the bigger picture is Donald Trump is continuing to try and rewrite the 2020 election and destabilize the ’26 and ’28 elections,” Griswold told Stateline.

The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office responded to the DOJ by providing copies of the state’s master voter file and voter history file. All of the information provided is also available to the public.

Some Colorado Republican county clerks in recent days have also been approached by Jeff Small, a political operative who worked at the U.S. Department of the Interior during the first Trump administration. Stateline and Colorado Newsline spoke to three GOP clerks who said they had spoken to Small last week.

Steve Schleiker, clerk of El Paso County, which includes Colorado Springs and is the most populous county in the state, said that on July 9 he received a text and call from Small, who introduced himself in a voicemail as someone who “works for the White House.”

Schleiker said that when he called back, Small said he wanted to build relationships with clerks because the Trump administration was unhappy with progress on the president’s elections executive order. He later connected Schleiker with a Homeland Security official who wanted to test the security of El Paso County’s election systems, said Schleiker, who added that he opposed the request.

Weld County Clerk Carly Koppes said she also heard from Small, but that Small told her he wasn’t under contract or being paid for the calls. Small indicated he was making the calls on behalf of former colleagues, Koppes said.

Small, a former Capitol Hill chief of staff who now works for a Colorado-based government affairs firm, didn’t return a call to his office on Wednesday. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the agency works with local partners to ensure elections remain safe.

“We don’t disclose every single conversation we have with them,” an unidentified DHS spokesperson wrote in an email.

Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said he was aware of 10 clerks approached by Small. He noted that every clerk approached by Small hails from a county that uses Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems.

While Dominion is widely used in Colorado, it’s also been the subject of election conspiracy theories. A former candidate for county sheriff in southwest Colorado was arrested in June, accused of firebombing a clerk’s office. Colorado Public Radio reported the suspect, according to law enforcement, had spoken publicly about trying to get rid of the county’s Dominion machines.

“I think the really important thing to say here is that it was Republican clerks who stood up to a Republican administration and said, ‘No, we’re going to follow the law,’” Crane said.

The intent of the efforts by Small and the federal government “has been muddied up it seems,” Montrose County Clerk Tressa Guynes said. Based on her conversations with other clerks, she said, it appeared Small represented one thing to other clerks and then “represented maybe a watered-down version by the time it got to me.”

Guynes said Small wanted to discuss Trump’s elections executive order. She said Small asked whether she would be willing to support a federal task force’s efforts in an advisory role.

“I said absolutely I will advise,” Guynes said. “I said I’m frankly glad that they’re finally reaching out to the boots on the ground, the people who actually conduct the elections, instead of listening to those who have never conducted a Colorado election.”

As Colorado grapples with the most far-reaching request, other states are choosing how to respond. In Wisconsin, the state election commission responded to a DOJ request for the voter registration list with instructions on how to request public voter data.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, responded on June 2 — after DOJ in a May 20 letter told the state to ensure voter registration applicants&nbsp;provided a driver’s license number, if they have one, instead of a partial Social Security number. The DOJ also wanted Arizona to check voters against a state database to look for noncitizens.

Fontes replied that Arizona complies with federal law and conducts checks using a state motor vehicle division database.

“We are focused on dealing with DOJ in a good faith manner while ensuring we are following the letter of federal and state laws,” Fontes spokesperson JP Martin wrote in an email to Stateline.

More recently, Arizona received a letter July 10 from DOJ about implementation of Trump’s elections executive order. Rhode Island Democratic Secretary of State Gregg Amore also received an email about the order the same day, according to a copy provided to the Rhode Island Current.

In the email, Scott Laragy, principal deputy director in the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, asks for a call to discuss a possible information-sharing agreement to provide DOJ with information on individuals who have registered to vote or have voted despite being ineligible, or those who have committed other forms of election fraud.

The email echoes the language in Trump’s elections executive order, which calls for DOJ to reach information-sharing agreements with states. While much of the order, which focused on proof of citizenship in elections, has been struck down in federal court, provisions related to information sharing remain.

The executive order directs Bondi, the U.S. attorney general, to prioritize enforcement of federal “election integrity laws” in uncooperative states. It also requires her to review grants and other DOJ funds that could be withheld from states that resist.

Some states have already struck deals with the Trump administration. Indiana Republican Secretary of State Diego Morales announced an agreement last week with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allowing the state to access a database to verify the citizenship of registered voters. Alabama Republican Secretary of State Wes Allen has signed a similar agreement.

“With your cooperation, we plan to use this information to enforce Federal election laws and protect the integrity of Federal elections,” Laragy wrote to Rhode Island.

Janine Weisman of the Rhode Island Current and Lindsey Toomer of Colorado Newsline contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Jonathan Shorman can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jshorman@stateline.org">jshorman@stateline.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709323737405.png" alt="Fire photo (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Fire photo (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The sweeping requests raise fears about how the Trump administration plans to use the information</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jonathan-shorman/">Jonathan Shorman</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking the voter registration lists of several states — representing data on millions of Americans — and other election information ahead of the 2026 midterms, raising fears about how the Trump administration plans to use the information.The DOJ is also demanding Colorado turn over all records related to the 2024 election, a massive trove of documents that could include ballots and even voting equipment. The Colorado inquiry, the most sweeping publicly known request, underscores the extent of the administration’s attention on state election activities.At least nine states have received requests for information over the past three months, according to letters from the DOJ obtained by Stateline. Some states also received emails from a DOJ official last week asking for meetings to discuss information-sharing agreements.The department’s focus on elections comes after President Donald Trump directed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in March to seek information about suspected election crimes from state election officials and empowered her to potentially withhold grants and other funds from uncooperative states.For years, Trump has advanced false claims about elections, including the idea that the 2020 election that he lost was stolen. Now back in power, his administration is taking a new level of interest in how states — and even local authorities — administer elections.Last week, a political operative approached several Republican county clerks in Colorado to enlist them in election integrity efforts in light of Trump’s sweeping March executive order overhauling elections administration. One clerk told Stateline the operative claimed to represent the White House.“Whatever the Trump administration tries to pull is very unlikely to be successful,” Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, said in an interview, calling Colorado elections very secure. “With that said, do I think they are trying to undermine our elections at large in this country? Absolutely.”DOJ has sent letters to Alaska, Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, in addition to the request to Colorado.The letters have typically asked election officials to describe how they register voters and work to identify duplicate registrations and individuals not eligible to vote, such as people with felony convictions and those who have died. The Washington Post earlier Wednesday reported on the letters; Votebeat and NPR previously reported on some of the letters as well.Most letters also ask about each state’s process for flagging noncitizen applicants. Noncitizen voting is against federal law and incredibly rare, but Trump and his allies have promoted false claims about its prevalence. The Trump administration is also conducting a general crackdown on illegal immigration.The letters call on election officials to turn over voter registration lists, which in some instances contain data on millions of residents in their states. This request has raised the most concerns, with some experts saying it’s unclear exactly why the DOJ wants the information.“They don’t make much sense as law enforcement investigations. That makes me think that there’s some other purpose,” said Justin Levitt, who served as senior policy adviser for democracy and voting rights in the Biden White House and is now a law professor at Loyola Marymount University.While many states make their voter registration lists available to the public, Levitt emphasized the data could still be largely off-limits to the federal government. Federal privacy law sometimes restricts how the government can use data that’s publicly obtainable. The DOJ may need voter information in some individual circumstances, but “that’s not blanket permission to go vacuuming up data.”The DOJ didn’t respond to questions for this story.Federal laws restrict the federal government’s ability to centralize information on Americans, said David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation &amp; Research. Even if states provide voter registration information to the public, they often redact sensitive information.In Orange County, California, the DOJ sued local election officials in June, seeking unredacted voter registration information, such as Social Security numbers and driver’s licenses, as part of an investigation into noncitizen voting.More than 350 election officials from some 33 states participated in a conference call about federal actions on Monday hosted by Becker, who was previously an attorney in the DOJ Voting Rights Section during the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He said the interest in the call shows the level of uncertainty and anxiety over the current “federal imposition” on election administrators.“The DOJ seems dead set on acquiring personal information on voters, including driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers and dates of birth — records that are highly protected under federal law and under state law and which state election officials are sworn to protect,” Becker said.<h2>Sweeping Colorado requests</h2>In Colorado, the amount of data the DOJ wants is enormous. On May 12, Harmeet Dhillon, an assistant U.S. attorney general in the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, sent a letter to Griswold, the secretary of state, asking for access to “all records” related to the 2024 election.Federal law requires state election officials to preserve records related to elections for 22 months. Typically, the rule ensures records are preserved in case any lawsuits are filed over an election. In the letter, Dhillon referred to a complaint against Griswold’s office alleging noncompliance with records retention laws, but provided no details.Experts on election administration who spoke to Stateline expressed shock at the scope of the demand to Colorado. The request encompasses a vast trove of material, potentially including ballots.“The amount of records being requested from a place like Colorado … it’s really, really significant in terms of the volume of materials that are required to be retained,” said Neal Ubriani, a former voting rights litigator at the DOJ during the Obama and first Trump administrations and the current policy and research director at the nonpartisan Institute for Responsive Government.Colorado elections have previously drawn Trump’s attention. Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, a staunch Trump supporter, is serving a nine-year prison sentence after a conviction in state court for allowing unauthorized access to voting equipment in 2021.On May 5 of this year — a week before the Dhillon letter to Griswold — Trump posted on social media that Peters should be released, calling her a “political prisoner.” Griswold noted the timing.“I think the bigger picture is Donald Trump is continuing to try and rewrite the 2020 election and destabilize the ’26 and ’28 elections,” Griswold told Stateline.The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office responded to the DOJ by providing copies of the state’s master voter file and voter history file. All of the information provided is also available to the public.Some Colorado Republican county clerks in recent days have also been approached by Jeff Small, a political operative who worked at the U.S. Department of the Interior during the first Trump administration. Stateline and Colorado Newsline spoke to three GOP clerks who said they had spoken to Small last week.Steve Schleiker, clerk of El Paso County, which includes Colorado Springs and is the most populous county in the state, said that on July 9 he received a text and call from Small, who introduced himself in a voicemail as someone who “works for the White House.”Schleiker said that when he called back, Small said he wanted to build relationships with clerks because the Trump administration was unhappy with progress on the president’s elections executive order. He later connected Schleiker with a Homeland Security official who wanted to test the security of El Paso County’s election systems, said Schleiker, who added that he opposed the request.Weld County Clerk Carly Koppes said she also heard from Small, but that Small told her he wasn’t under contract or being paid for the calls. Small indicated he was making the calls on behalf of former colleagues, Koppes said.Small, a former Capitol Hill chief of staff who now works for a Colorado-based government affairs firm, didn’t return a call to his office on Wednesday. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the agency works with local partners to ensure elections remain safe.“We don’t disclose every single conversation we have with them,” an unidentified DHS spokesperson wrote in an email.Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said he was aware of 10 clerks approached by Small. He noted that every clerk approached by Small hails from a county that uses Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems.While Dominion is widely used in Colorado, it’s also been the subject of election conspiracy theories. A former candidate for county sheriff in southwest Colorado was arrested in June, accused of firebombing a clerk’s office. Colorado Public Radio reported the suspect, according to law enforcement, had spoken publicly about trying to get rid of the county’s Dominion machines.“I think the really important thing to say here is that it was Republican clerks who stood up to a Republican administration and said, ‘No, we’re going to follow the law,’” Crane said.The intent of the efforts by Small and the federal government “has been muddied up it seems,” Montrose County Clerk Tressa Guynes said. Based on her conversations with other clerks, she said, it appeared Small represented one thing to other clerks and then “represented maybe a watered-down version by the time it got to me.”Guynes said Small wanted to discuss Trump’s elections executive order. She said Small asked whether she would be willing to support a federal task force’s efforts in an advisory role.“I said absolutely I will advise,” Guynes said. “I said I’m frankly glad that they’re finally reaching out to the boots on the ground, the people who actually conduct the elections, instead of listening to those who have never conducted a Colorado election.”<h2>Letters to other states</h2>As Colorado grapples with the most far-reaching request, other states are choosing how to respond. In Wisconsin, the state election commission responded to a DOJ request for the voter registration list with instructions on how to request public voter data.Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, responded on June 2 — after DOJ in a May 20 letter told the state to ensure voter registration applicants&nbsp;provided a driver’s license number, if they have one, instead of a partial Social Security number. The DOJ also wanted Arizona to check voters against a state database to look for noncitizens.Fontes replied that Arizona complies with federal law and conducts checks using a state motor vehicle division database.“We are focused on dealing with DOJ in a good faith manner while ensuring we are following the letter of federal and state laws,” Fontes spokesperson JP Martin wrote in an email to Stateline.More recently, Arizona received a letter July 10 from DOJ about implementation of Trump’s elections executive order. Rhode Island Democratic Secretary of State Gregg Amore also received an email about the order the same day, according to a copy provided to the Rhode Island Current.In the email, Scott Laragy, principal deputy director in the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, asks for a call to discuss a possible information-sharing agreement to provide DOJ with information on individuals who have registered to vote or have voted despite being ineligible, or those who have committed other forms of election fraud.The email echoes the language in Trump’s elections executive order, which calls for DOJ to reach information-sharing agreements with states. While much of the order, which focused on proof of citizenship in elections, has been struck down in federal court, provisions related to information sharing remain.The executive order directs Bondi, the U.S. attorney general, to prioritize enforcement of federal “election integrity laws” in uncooperative states. It also requires her to review grants and other DOJ funds that could be withheld from states that resist.Some states have already struck deals with the Trump administration. Indiana Republican Secretary of State Diego Morales announced an agreement last week with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allowing the state to access a database to verify the citizenship of registered voters. Alabama Republican Secretary of State Wes Allen has signed a similar agreement.“With your cooperation, we plan to use this information to enforce Federal election laws and protect the integrity of Federal elections,” Laragy wrote to Rhode Island.Janine Weisman of the Rhode Island Current and Lindsey Toomer of Colorado Newsline contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Jonathan Shorman can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jshorman@stateline.org">jshorman@stateline.org</a>.

Trump’s DOJ wants states to turn over voter lists, election info

Washington, D.C. --&nbsp;The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Bestway (Hong Kong) International Ltd. (China) and Bestway (USA) Inc. (Chandler, Arizona) (Bestway), Intex Recreation Corp. (Long Beach, California) and Polygroup North America Inc. &nbsp;(El Paso, Texas) are announcing the recall of about 5 million 48-inch and taller above-ground pools that use compression straps. These straps wrap around the pool on the outside of the supporting poles, and may create a foothold, allowing a child to access the pool and drown.

<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Bestway-Intex-and-Polygroup-Recall-Certain-Above-Ground-Pools-48-Inches-and-Taller-Due-to-Drowning-Hazard-Nine-Deaths-Reported-Five-Million-Pools-Sold-Since-2002?utm_campaign=&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=20250721">Click here for additional information.</a>

Children can still gain access to the pools using these footholds even if the ladder is removed.&nbsp;

CPSC believes that nine children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old have drowned&nbsp;

after gaining access to the pools via the footholds. The incidents occurred in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and Missouri between 2007 and 2022.

CPSC is also aware of three other incidents in 2011 and 2012 where children who gained access to the recalled pools were reported to have previously used the compression strap to gain entry to the pool.

Consumers should immediately contact Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup to receive a free repair kit consisting of a rope that attaches to each of the vertical support poles at the ground level and wraps around the pool. The rope will maintain the structural integrity of the pool (a function previously served by the compression strap). Consumers should first secure the repair and then cut and remove the compression strap from the pool.&nbsp;

The pool brand names and model numbers are printed on the pool liner on the outside of the pool. Pool models of 48 inches and taller that are included in this recall are listed below:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753114668088.png" alt="-Example of child using the compression strap to stand on above-ground pool, illustrating the hazard involved.-photo Consumer Product Safety Commission" />
 <figcaption>-Example of child using the compression strap to stand on above-ground pool, illustrating the hazard involved.-photo Consumer Product Safety Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington, D.C. --&nbsp;The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Bestway (Hong Kong) International Ltd. (China) and Bestway (USA) Inc. (Chandler, Arizona) (Bestway), Intex Recreation Corp. (Long Beach, California) and Polygroup North America Inc. &nbsp;(El Paso, Texas) are announcing the recall of about 5 million 48-inch and taller above-ground pools that use compression straps. These straps wrap around the pool on the outside of the supporting poles, and may create a foothold, allowing a child to access the pool and drown.<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Bestway-Intex-and-Polygroup-Recall-Certain-Above-Ground-Pools-48-Inches-and-Taller-Due-to-Drowning-Hazard-Nine-Deaths-Reported-Five-Million-Pools-Sold-Since-2002?utm_campaign=&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=20250721">Click here for additional information.</a>Children can still gain access to the pools using these footholds even if the ladder is removed.&nbsp;CPSC believes that nine children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old have drowned&nbsp;after gaining access to the pools via the footholds. The incidents occurred in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and Missouri between 2007 and 2022.CPSC is also aware of three other incidents in 2011 and 2012 where children who gained access to the recalled pools were reported to have previously used the compression strap to gain entry to the pool.Consumers should immediately contact Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup to receive a free repair kit consisting of a rope that attaches to each of the vertical support poles at the ground level and wraps around the pool. The rope will maintain the structural integrity of the pool (a function previously served by the compression strap). Consumers should first secure the repair and then cut and remove the compression strap from the pool.&nbsp;The pool brand names and model numbers are printed on the pool liner on the outside of the pool. Pool models of 48 inches and taller that are included in this recall are listed below:

Millions of above ground pools under recall after reports of 9 deaths

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement have identified the two men involved in a deadly shooting Thursday night at Edgewood Homes in Lawrence that left two people dead and a woman critically injured.

Just after 8 p.m.&nbsp; police responded to a shooting call at 1600 Haskell Avenue, according to Police spokesman Laura McCabe.&nbsp; First responders found 21-year-old Javien Hardin inside a vehicle from a gunshot wound.

Police found 24-year-old Donavon Deleon with what officers believe a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A 22-year-old Lawrence woman was also found with life-threatening injuries. She remains in critical condition.

Police said they believe Deleon and the woman had recently ended a relationship. Detectives said the woman arrived home to find Deleon inside her home. After a confrontation, she ran to a vehicle occupied by Hardin.

According to police, Deleon allegedly shot and killed Hardin, then shot the woman before taking his own life. Both men who died were from Lawrence.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police continue investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday evening at Edgewood Homes, 1600 Haskell Avenue in Lawrence, which resulted in the deaths of two men and left a woman with life-threatening injuries.

 At approximately 8:05 p.m., police responded to the scene following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.

 At least one caller reported a man running through the parking lot firing a weapon. Upon arrival, officers located three people: a 21-year-old man from Lawrence, dead inside a vehicle from an apparent gunshot wound; a 24-year-old Lawrence man, dead on the ground nearby from what police believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound; and a 22-year-old Lawrence woman suffering from critical injuries as a result of being shot. She was transported to an area trauma center by helicopter for emergency treatment. She remained hospitalized with critical injuries. A preliminary investigation indicates that the deceased male suspect and the female victim had recently ended a relationship, and the woman arrived home to find the suspect in her residence. 

After an altercation inside the residence, she fled to a nearby vehicle where the 21-year-old man was waiting. The suspect then allegedly approached the vehicle and fatally shot the man in the truck before pursuing and shooting the woman as she ran away. 

The suspect is believed to have then taken his own life near the injured victim.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement have identified the two men involved in a deadly shooting Thursday night at Edgewood Homes in Lawrence that left two people dead and a woman critically injured.Just after 8 p.m.&nbsp; police responded to a shooting call at 1600 Haskell Avenue, according to Police spokesman Laura McCabe.&nbsp; First responders found 21-year-old Javien Hardin inside a vehicle from a gunshot wound.Police found 24-year-old Donavon Deleon with what officers believe a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A 22-year-old Lawrence woman was also found with life-threatening injuries. She remains in critical condition.Police said they believe Deleon and the woman had recently ended a relationship. Detectives said the woman arrived home to find Deleon inside her home. After a confrontation, she ran to a vehicle occupied by Hardin.According to police, Deleon allegedly shot and killed Hardin, then shot the woman before taking his own life. Both men who died were from Lawrence.----------------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Police continue investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday evening at Edgewood Homes, 1600 Haskell Avenue in Lawrence, which resulted in the deaths of two men and left a woman with life-threatening injuries. At approximately 8:05 p.m., police responded to the scene following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe. At least one caller reported a man running through the parking lot firing a weapon. Upon arrival, officers located three people: a 21-year-old man from Lawrence, dead inside a vehicle from an apparent gunshot wound; a 24-year-old Lawrence man, dead on the ground nearby from what police believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound; and a 22-year-old Lawrence woman suffering from critical injuries as a result of being shot. She was transported to an area trauma center by helicopter for emergency treatment. She remained hospitalized with critical injuries. A preliminary investigation indicates that the deceased male suspect and the female victim had recently ended a relationship, and the woman arrived home to find the suspect in her residence. After an altercation inside the residence, she fled to a nearby vehicle where the 21-year-old man was waiting. The suspect then allegedly approached the vehicle and fatally shot the man in the truck before pursuing and shooting the woman as she ran away. The suspect is believed to have then taken his own life near the injured victim.

Domestic violence: Police ID victims who died in Kansas shooting

Washington –&nbsp;On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall hosted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, alongside farmers from across the country and agriculture experts, for the inaugural Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) roundtable on Capitol Hill.

The conversation centered on how agriculture aligns with the MAHA movement, emphasizing the critical role of soil health in producing nutrient-dense food.

“As a fifth-generation Kansas farm kid and a physician, I recognize that producing nutrient-dense foods for a healthier America starts with healthy soil,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Today, I was privileged to welcome Secretary Kennedy, Secretary Rollins, farmers, and agriculture experts from across the country to Capitol Hill for the first MAHA roundtable. Focused on soil health, I believe healthy soil leads to healthy food and healthy people, fostering a healthier America. MAHA will thrive due to the dedication, collaboration, and partnership of those who joined us today.”

“America’s farmers and ranchers are not just stakeholders in this fight—they are the foundation of it,”&nbsp;Secretary Kennedy said.&nbsp;“I was proud to join Senator Marshall and Secretary Rollins today to meet directly with ranchers, farmers, and agricultural experts who are driving our shared mission to Make America Healthy Again.”

“Farmers are at the heart of the Trump Administration’s mission to Make America Healthy Again. Thank you to Senator Marshall for gathering our great farmers and ranchers to discuss the role soil health plays in growing healthy foods. I look forward to continuing to support American agriculture as producers work towards healthier, more fertile soil,”&nbsp;said Secretary Rollins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752626608873.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington –&nbsp;On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall hosted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, alongside farmers from across the country and agriculture experts, for the inaugural Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) roundtable on Capitol Hill. The conversation centered on how agriculture aligns with the MAHA movement, emphasizing the critical role of soil health in producing nutrient-dense food.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, for championing the MAHA agenda. <a href="https://t.co/IrzZAHav2z">https://t.co/IrzZAHav2z</a>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1945274050550362363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“As a fifth-generation Kansas farm kid and a physician, I recognize that producing nutrient-dense foods for a healthier America starts with healthy soil,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Today, I was privileged to welcome Secretary Kennedy, Secretary Rollins, farmers, and agriculture experts from across the country to Capitol Hill for the first MAHA roundtable. Focused on soil health, I believe healthy soil leads to healthy food and healthy people, fostering a healthier America. MAHA will thrive due to the dedication, collaboration, and partnership of those who joined us today.”“America’s farmers and ranchers are not just stakeholders in this fight—they are the foundation of it,”&nbsp;Secretary Kennedy said.&nbsp;“I was proud to join Senator Marshall and Secretary Rollins today to meet directly with ranchers, farmers, and agricultural experts who are driving our shared mission to Make America Healthy Again.”“Farmers are at the heart of the Trump Administration’s mission to Make America Healthy Again. Thank you to Senator Marshall for gathering our great farmers and ranchers to discuss the role soil health plays in growing healthy foods. I look forward to continuing to support American agriculture as producers work towards healthier, more fertile soil,”&nbsp;said Secretary Rollins.

Kan. U.S. Senator hosts inaugural MAHA roundtable on Capitol Hill

Governor Mike Kehoe shared on social media his return to Anheuser Bush Thursday with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to show off the iconic St. Louis brewery and Budweiser Clydesdales.

"Proud to be joined by Missouri farmers and agriculture industry leaders from across the state to discuss our shared support of putting American farmers first. 

Thanks for visiting the Show Me State"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752685113636.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Governor Mike Kehoe shared on social media his return to Anheuser Bush Thursday with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to show off the iconic St. Louis brewery and Budweiser Clydesdales."Proud to be joined by Missouri farmers and agriculture industry leaders from across the state to discuss our shared support of putting American farmers first. 

Thanks for visiting the Show Me State"<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨Big news from the great state of Missouri… We&#39;re launching a bold new plan to combat foodborne illness. It’s built on science, on accountability, and on good old-fashioned American common sense. And we opened an incredible new food safety facility! But maybe the highlight -… <a href="https://t.co/ErQbA9Xk74">pic.twitter.com/ErQbA9Xk74</a>&mdash; Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins/status/1945215824341422532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Mo. Governor, USDA Secretary tour Anheuser Bush brewery

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/joshmerchant/">Josh Merchant</a>

Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. has proposed a new path forward for the Chiefs to remain at Arrowhead Stadium.

In a letter sent to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on July 8, obtained through a Sunshine Law request by The Beacon, White suggested renewing the same three-eighths-cent sales tax that failed last year — but with a big asterisk.

Under this proposal the Chiefs would only receive one-third of that sales tax revenue — equivalent to one-eighth of a cent — rather than half of the revenue under the current tax. The remaining revenue generated by the tax would support health care and public safety.

White’s proposal follows the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/06/11/missouri-special-session-what-did-lawmakers-pass/" target="_blank">special session called by Kehoe</a>&nbsp;to, among other things, approve a state funding plan to support potential stadium projects for the Chiefs and Royals. Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/amendpdf/0755S04.06H.pdf" target="_blank">“Show-Me Sports Investment Act,”</a>&nbsp;the state would appropriate some tax revenue generated by new stadium projects to help pay off the bonds used to finance construction.

White, who played for the Royals for 18 years, was one of the most vocal critics of last year’s stadium sales tax proposal that was resoundingly rejected by Jackson County voters. Indeed, some have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article295554094.html" target="_blank">linked an ongoing recall effort against White to the construction lobby</a>, which was frustrated by his opposition to the Crossroads stadium proposal for the Royals.

“Governor, I’m aware that some have tried to suggest that I’m opposed to any level of public funding for these teams,” he wrote in the&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_stLRE8xU7vyLZ2akTpJ6rhf7jLFZnmd/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">letter</a>. “That’s just not true … I believe we owe our residents something better: a balanced approach that protects their interests and secures a stronger future for everyone.”

Here’s what White’s plan would mean for Kansas City.

Under last year’s proposal, all of the three-eighths-cent sales tax’s revenue would have been evenly split by the Royals and the Chiefs. The Royals would have effectively gotten three-sixteenths of a cent to help finance a new downtown ballpark, and the Chiefs would have gotten the other three-sixteenths of a cent to upgrade Arrowhead.

The new plan is still a three-eighths-cent sales tax. But it’s divided into thirds, with each recipient getting one-eighth of a cent:

White’s plan would require the Missouri General Assembly to take action —&nbsp;again

There are some hiccups in White’s plan.

Under state law, a sales tax question can be put to voters in order to fund a “capital improvement&nbsp;purpose.”

So if Jackson County wanted to put this question to voters, it would need to be three separate ballot questions — one-eighth-cent for the Chiefs, one-eighth-cent for University Health and one-eighth-cent for courthouse and justice center improvements.

White’s letter called that an “impractical path for a unified community plan.”

So he asked Kehoe to support a statutory change that would allow counties to put sales tax questions that fund multiple projects to voters.

Moreover, any sales tax ballot measure likely wouldn’t happen until the next regularly scheduled election in Jackson County, in August 2026.

White’s proposal doesn’t outline any funding for the Royals. But that doesn’t mean he’s opposed to a future proposal focused on the baseball side of things.

Local officials around the metro area are waiting for the Royals to take the next step for a new ballpark.

That includes officials in Jackson County, as well as Clay County and Overland Park.

“I can’t imagine why we would want to take any action until (the Royals) have committed to a site and resources that they’re willing to contribute,”&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/06/27/new-royals-stadium-kansas-city/" target="_blank">Jackson County Legislator Sean Smith told The Beacon last month</a>. “Until they do something, we’re kind of just, you know, waiting in the wings.”

“I also want to be clear about the Royals: I fully support keeping them in Jackson County,” White wrote. “Since the April 2024 vote,&nbsp;the City of Kansas City has taken the lead on identifying a new site and working with the team, and I’ve respected their desire to do so. At the same time, I’ve made it clear to the Royals that Jackson County is ready to support the City’s efforts and is willing to step back in, should the team present a proposal for us to consider or express interest in reengaging. To date, the Royals have not done so.”

“We’ve been consistent that we’re exploring all options,” Royals spokesperson Sam Mellinger wrote in an email to The Beacon last month, “and when we have something that’s ready to share we will do it.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/07/14/arrowhead-stadium-chiefs-sales-tax-letter/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752668107237.png" alt=" Arrowhead Stadium was built for the Chiefs about half a century ago. Now, the Chiefs are exploring a possible stadium across the state line, enticing Missouri politicians to offer the team a public subsidy. (Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon)" />
 <figcaption> Arrowhead Stadium was built for the Chiefs about half a century ago. Now, the Chiefs are exploring a possible stadium across the state line, enticing Missouri politicians to offer the team a public subsidy. (Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/joshmerchant/">Josh Merchant</a>Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. has proposed a new path forward for the Chiefs to remain at Arrowhead Stadium.In a letter sent to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on July 8, obtained through a Sunshine Law request by The Beacon, White suggested renewing the same three-eighths-cent sales tax that failed last year — but with a big asterisk.Under this proposal the Chiefs would only receive one-third of that sales tax revenue — equivalent to one-eighth of a cent — rather than half of the revenue under the current tax. The remaining revenue generated by the tax would support health care and public safety.White’s proposal follows the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/06/11/missouri-special-session-what-did-lawmakers-pass/" target="_blank">special session called by Kehoe</a>&nbsp;to, among other things, approve a state funding plan to support potential stadium projects for the Chiefs and Royals. Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/amendpdf/0755S04.06H.pdf" target="_blank">“Show-Me Sports Investment Act,”</a>&nbsp;the state would appropriate some tax revenue generated by new stadium projects to help pay off the bonds used to finance construction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752668060379.png" alt="Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. (Courtesy of Jackson County)" />
 <figcaption>Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. (Courtesy of Jackson County)</figcaption>
 </figure>White, who played for the Royals for 18 years, was one of the most vocal critics of last year’s stadium sales tax proposal that was resoundingly rejected by Jackson County voters. Indeed, some have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article295554094.html" target="_blank">linked an ongoing recall effort against White to the construction lobby</a>, which was frustrated by his opposition to the Crossroads stadium proposal for the Royals.“Governor, I’m aware that some have tried to suggest that I’m opposed to any level of public funding for these teams,” he wrote in the&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_stLRE8xU7vyLZ2akTpJ6rhf7jLFZnmd/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">letter</a>. “That’s just not true … I believe we owe our residents something better: a balanced approach that protects their interests and secures a stronger future for everyone.”Here’s what White’s plan would mean for Kansas City.<h2>A sales tax split three ways</h2>Under last year’s proposal, all of the three-eighths-cent sales tax’s revenue would have been evenly split by the Royals and the Chiefs. The Royals would have effectively gotten three-sixteenths of a cent to help finance a new downtown ballpark, and the Chiefs would have gotten the other three-sixteenths of a cent to upgrade Arrowhead.The new plan is still a three-eighths-cent sales tax. But it’s divided into thirds, with each recipient getting one-eighth of a cent:<ul>
 <li>The Chiefs would get one-third of the sales tax revenue to fund maintenance, repairs and improvements to Arrowhead Stadium.</li><li>Another third would go to University Health to fund capital improvements. That would help fill some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/07/09/kansas-city-missouri-medicaid-trump-budget/" target="_blank">gaps left by Trump administration cuts</a>.</li><li>Another third would fund improvements and repairs at the historic downtown Jackson County courthouse, as well as the Family Justice Center at 26th and Holmes streets.</li>
 </ul><h2>White’s plan would require the Missouri General Assembly to take action —&nbsp;again</h2>There are some hiccups in White’s plan.Under state law, a sales tax question can be put to voters in order to fund a “capital improvement&nbsp;purpose.”That’s singular, not plural.So if Jackson County wanted to put this question to voters, it would need to be three separate ballot questions — one-eighth-cent for the Chiefs, one-eighth-cent for University Health and one-eighth-cent for courthouse and justice center improvements.White’s letter called that an “impractical path for a unified community plan.”So he asked Kehoe to support a statutory change that would allow counties to put sales tax questions that fund multiple projects to voters.Moreover, any sales tax ballot measure likely wouldn’t happen until the next regularly scheduled election in Jackson County, in August 2026.<h2>What about the Royals?</h2>White’s proposal doesn’t outline any funding for the Royals. But that doesn’t mean he’s opposed to a future proposal focused on the baseball side of things.Local officials around the metro area are waiting for the Royals to take the next step for a new ballpark.That includes officials in Jackson County, as well as Clay County and Overland Park.“I can’t imagine why we would want to take any action until (the Royals) have committed to a site and resources that they’re willing to contribute,”&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/06/27/new-royals-stadium-kansas-city/" target="_blank">Jackson County Legislator Sean Smith told The Beacon last month</a>. “Until they do something, we’re kind of just, you know, waiting in the wings.”And White stated as much in his letter.“I also want to be clear about the Royals: I fully support keeping them in Jackson County,” White wrote. “Since the April 2024 vote,&nbsp;the City of Kansas City has taken the lead on identifying a new site and working with the team, and I’ve respected their desire to do so. At the same time, I’ve made it clear to the Royals that Jackson County is ready to support the City’s efforts and is willing to step back in, should the team present a proposal for us to consider or express interest in reengaging. To date, the Royals have not done so.”The Royals remain mum.“We’ve been consistent that we’re exploring all options,” Royals spokesperson Sam Mellinger wrote in an email to The Beacon last month, “and when we have something that’s ready to share we will do it.”This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/07/14/arrowhead-stadium-chiefs-sales-tax-letter/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

Jackson County Executive pitches new plan to keep the Chiefs at Arrowhead

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating two homicides that occurred on Tuesday in Kansas City.

Just before noon, patrol officers responded to the 8700 block of Countryshire Lane on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived at an apartment building they were directed inside to an apartment. They located a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics responded and declared the victim deceased on scene

This is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary investigation revealed there was an argument between two individuals that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck. On scene, a subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation.

About the same time, police were called to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 5200 block of Oak Leaf Drive, according to DiMartino.&nbsp;

Officers were directed to an apartment building within the complex. Inside of an apartment officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. KCFD medics responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.

Meanwhile, just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday officers responded to 38th and Baltimore on a medical nature unknown call for service. Callers reported a male rolling around on the ground and thought he may need medical help.

As officers arrived they located an individual without any clothes on.&nbsp; He was detained, in handcuffs, for his safety and the safety of those around him. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, which had been dispatched along with the police, the man became unresponsive. KCFD medics arrived simultaneously and began performing life saving measures. He was transported to a local hospital in life threatening condition. He was declared deceased at the hospital. KCPD Detectives have responded for a death investigation and&nbsp; will work with the medical examiner to determine the cause and manner of death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752627140858.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating two homicides that occurred on Tuesday in Kansas City.Just before noon, patrol officers responded to the 8700 block of Countryshire Lane on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752627065091.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>As officers arrived at an apartment building they were directed inside to an apartment. They located a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics responded and declared the victim deceased on sceneThis is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary investigation revealed there was an argument between two individuals that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck. On scene, a subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation.About the same time, police were called to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 5200 block of Oak Leaf Drive, according to DiMartino.&nbsp;Officers were directed to an apartment building within the complex. Inside of an apartment officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. KCFD medics responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.Meanwhile, just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday officers responded to 38th and Baltimore on a medical nature unknown call for service. Callers reported a male rolling around on the ground and thought he may need medical help.As officers arrived they located an individual without any clothes on.&nbsp; He was detained, in handcuffs, for his safety and the safety of those around him. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, which had been dispatched along with the police, the man became unresponsive. KCFD medics arrived simultaneously and began performing life saving measures. He was transported to a local hospital in life threatening condition. He was declared deceased at the hospital. KCPD Detectives have responded for a death investigation and&nbsp; will work with the medical examiner to determine the cause and manner of death.

Deadly Tuesday in Kansas City: 2 more homicide investigations

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt called for passage of President Trump’s rescissions package to claw back wasteful spending and restore trust for the American people. Schmitt is leading the package in the Senate.

Late Tuesday, the Senate voted to advance the $9 billion in previously approved spending. The cuts will gut funding for public radio and television stations.

The Senate vote was 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. Missouri U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Schmitt along with Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

“I rise today in strong support of President Trump’s rescissions package.

“In a time of extraordinary debt, this bill is the first step in a long but necessary fight to put our nation’s fiscal house in order.

“But it’s about much more than that, too.

“This package is not just about how much we spend, but about what we spend it on.

“It’s about whether we are still a sovereign nation — a people in command of their own destiny.

“It’s about whether elected representatives can still act on behalf of the people they serve, or whether they must yield to the vast bureaucratic apparatus of Permanent Washington.

“We cannot accept a system that forces us to fund our own decline.

“Let me begin with something simple: We are $37 trillion in debt. We’re borrowing money from our grandchildren to fund bloated bureaucracies and radical left-wing activists.

“While the actual American people are working long hours to afford groceries and gas, their government has been writing checks to left-wing propaganda outlets and sending billions overseas to countries that hate us.

“This rescissions package is our opportunity to start draining the swamp — not just in theory, but in practice.

“It claws back nearly $10 billion in spending — including billions for radical NGOs, hundreds of millions for foreign interests, and yes, the taxpayer funding that props up corrupt and ideologically captured institutions like NPR and PBS.

“Because no part of this debate has sparked more hysterical outrage from the Left than the effort to defund so-called “public broadcasting.”

“Why? Because they know exactly what’s at stake.

NPR and PBS are not neutral media outlets. They are the closest thing we’ve ever had to an American Pravda.

“They are arms of the left-wing activist class — taxpayer-funded platforms for political propaganda, masquerading as journalism.

“Don’t take my word for it. Take it from Uri Berliner, a veteran NPR editor who recently blew the whistle on what’s happening behind the scenes.

“In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thefp.com/p/npr-editor-how-npr-lost-americas-trust">stunning exposé</a>, Berliner described how — from COVID to Hunter Biden’s laptop to the Russia hoax — NPR simply refused to consider any facts or perspectives that didn’t align with the progressive party line.

“Even asking questions about the company’s editorial bias was, and I quote, “treated as evidence of disloyalty.”

“Berliner took a survey of the ideological makeup of NPR’s editorial staff in D.C. The final tally was 87 Democrats, and zero Republicans.

“Then there’s the new CEO of NPR: Katherine Maher.

Before she took the job, she spent years denouncing America, praising censorship, and advocating for the most extreme and grotesque forms of far-left politics.

“She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.city-journal.org/article/quotations-from-chairman-maher">described</a>&nbsp;the First Amendment as the “number one challenge” to combating “disinformation,” called President Trump a “deranged racist sociopath,” and celebrated when he was banned from Twitter,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/krmaher/status/1347714613920419840">saying</a>&nbsp;it was “satisfying to deplatform fascists.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752661534775.png" alt="Image from Senator Schmitt's video" />
 <figcaption>Image from Senator Schmitt's video</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt called for passage of President Trump’s rescissions package to claw back wasteful spending and restore trust for the American people. Schmitt is leading the package in the Senate.Late Tuesday, the Senate voted to advance the $9 billion in previously approved spending. The cuts will gut funding for public radio and television stations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">.<a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JDVance</a> breaks the tie! Recission package is PASSED! PBS and NPR are defunded!<a href="https://t.co/u9oGHbF5tx">pic.twitter.com/u9oGHbF5tx</a>&mdash; Spitfire (@DogRightGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/DogRightGirl/status/1945294326373765510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Senate vote was 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. Missouri U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Schmitt along with Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.The text of Schmitt's remarks are below.“I rise today in strong support of President Trump’s rescissions package.“In a time of extraordinary debt, this bill is the first step in a long but necessary fight to put our nation’s fiscal house in order.“But it’s about much more than that, too.“This package is not just about how much we spend, but about what we spend it on.“It’s about whether we are still a sovereign nation — a people in command of their own destiny.“It’s about whether elected representatives can still act on behalf of the people they serve, or whether they must yield to the vast bureaucratic apparatus of Permanent Washington.“We cannot accept a system that forces us to fund our own decline.“Let me begin with something simple: We are $37 trillion in debt. We’re borrowing money from our grandchildren to fund bloated bureaucracies and radical left-wing activists.“While the actual American people are working long hours to afford groceries and gas, their government has been writing checks to left-wing propaganda outlets and sending billions overseas to countries that hate us.“Enough is enough.“This rescissions package is our opportunity to start draining the swamp — not just in theory, but in practice.“It claws back nearly $10 billion in spending — including billions for radical NGOs, hundreds of millions for foreign interests, and yes, the taxpayer funding that props up corrupt and ideologically captured institutions like NPR and PBS.“Let’s talk about that for a minute.“Because no part of this debate has sparked more hysterical outrage from the Left than the effort to defund so-called “public broadcasting.”“Why? Because they know exactly what’s at stake.NPR and PBS are not neutral media outlets. They are the closest thing we’ve ever had to an American Pravda.“They are arms of the left-wing activist class — taxpayer-funded platforms for political propaganda, masquerading as journalism.“Don’t take my word for it. Take it from Uri Berliner, a veteran NPR editor who recently blew the whistle on what’s happening behind the scenes.“In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thefp.com/p/npr-editor-how-npr-lost-americas-trust">stunning exposé</a>, Berliner described how — from COVID to Hunter Biden’s laptop to the Russia hoax — NPR simply refused to consider any facts or perspectives that didn’t align with the progressive party line.“Even asking questions about the company’s editorial bias was, and I quote, “treated as evidence of disloyalty.”“Berliner took a survey of the ideological makeup of NPR’s editorial staff in D.C. The final tally was 87 Democrats, and zero Republicans.“Zero Republicans. Not one.“Then there’s the new CEO of NPR: Katherine Maher.Before she took the job, she spent years denouncing America, praising censorship, and advocating for the most extreme and grotesque forms of far-left politics.“She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.city-journal.org/article/quotations-from-chairman-maher">described</a>&nbsp;the First Amendment as the “number one challenge” to combating “disinformation,” called President Trump a “deranged racist sociopath,” and celebrated when he was banned from Twitter,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/krmaher/status/1347714613920419840">saying</a>&nbsp;it was “satisfying to deplatform fascists.”“Now she’s running America’s National Public Radio, funded in part by your hard-earned tax dollars.“That, Mr. President, is nothing short of obscene.“Why are Americans being forced to subsidize institutions that hate them?“Why are truck drivers in Missouri paying for Ivy League graduates in D.C. to tell them they’re bigots?“Why are we, as conservatives, sending billions of dollars to left-wing radicals that want to run us out of the public square?“There is no good answer to these questions. The fact is, we shouldn’t be.And President Trump’s rescissions package is a huge first step towards ensuring that we never do again.“But NPR and PBS are just the beginning.“This package also takes aim at one of the insanity of our foreign aid budget.“We are sending billions — billions — to every interest under the sun except for that of our own country.“Here’s just a taste of what this package defunds:<ul>
 <li>“$18 million for gender diversity in the Mexican street lighting industry</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>“$2.4 million to make international disaster aid more considerate of “sexual orientation and gender identity”</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>“$2.2 million to reduce “xenophobia” towards Venezuelan migrants</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>“$3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>“$4 million for “sedentary migrants” in Colombia</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>“$6.2 million to address the needs of Venezuelan migrants in Colombia</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>“$33 million for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), including funding for transgender tampons in Bangladesh, LGBTQ campaigns in Rio, and “third-gender” community centers in Southeast Asia</li>
 </ul>“And that’s not even to mention the $800 million that this package cuts from the Migration and Refugee Assistance account, which funds the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program — a program that has been at the center of a gigantic NGO-industrial complex that has been driving the mass migration crisis on the taxpayer dime.“Americans never voted for any of this. They were never even asked.“But the entire system is bankrolled by their money.“Our own citizens are being pushed out of jobs, swamped by third-world immigration, and told they’re racist for complaining about it by people like Katherine Maher.“We send billions overseas to promote transgenderism and DEI and spend billions here at home to import millions of illegal immigrants and pay the salaries of people who hate us — all while our own people are told there’s no money for safe streets, decent roads, or a secure border.“The people who run these programs see the federal budget not as a means to serve the American people, but as a piggy bank for a global left-wing revolution.“The administrative state in Washington, D.C. is the beating heart of this revolution.“It redistributes hundreds of billions of dollars a year from Middle America to a radical ecosystem of NGOs and activists working to undermine our civilization.“For too long, the federal government has been hijacked by people with no loyalty to the country they’re supposed to serve.“Today, we have a chance to change that.“This is not just about saving money. It’s about taking back control.“Every dollar we claw back from the NGOs and the foreign aid swamp is a dollar we take away from the people who are waging war on our country.“It’s a dollar we can use to secure our border, rebuild our nation, and restore the promise of America for the next generation.“The Left is alarmed by this bill. They should be.“Unlike generations of Republicans before us — who would talk a big game and then get to D.C. and do nothing — President Trump is serious about ending their tax-dollar gravy train.“And this rescissions package is a major part of delivering on that promise.“This is just a first step. But it’s a big one.“For a long time, Washington has only ever moved in one direction: more spending, more control, and more power for the bureaucrats.“And as Permanent Washington grows, the citizen shrinks.This rescissions package reflects President Trump’s promise that the American government will once again serve the American people — not the other way around.“It is time to remind the bureaucrats, the NGOs and the foreign lobbyists, and their friends in the media that the American taxpayer does not exist to subsidize their ideological pet projects.“We are not a tax farm for global leftism.“We are not the world’s piggy bank.“We are a sovereign nation — and it’s time we started acting like one again.“The American people didn’t send us here to protect the status quo. They sent us here because they know the status quo is broken.“They sent us here to fight and deliver for them. And that’s what this bill does.“I urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on this package.“I yield the floor.