The Nebraska State Fair welcomed more than 150,000 guests during its opening weekend, fueled by some of the best weather the Fair has seen in years. From Friday through Sunday, fairgoers packed the grounds to enjoy livestock shows, food, rides, and new attractions, leaving the Fair in a strong position heading into its second week.

Overall attendance through the first five days of the Fair reached&nbsp;<b>154,464</b>, with a handful of days remaining until the Fair concludes on Labor Day.

Vendors have reported record numbers during the opening weekend, with large crowds and steady foot traffic driving strong sales. “Saturday and Sunday were both incredible days out here at the Fair,” said Jaime Parr, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Fair. “Across the board the outdoor partners are experiencing an in increase in guest exposure while indoor partners celebrate business as comparable to, or up, compared to previous years.”

Parr said attendance was over 53,000 on Saturday alone – marking a 23% increase over first Saturday of last year’s event. Across the first 5 days overall attendance is up 19%, year over year.

“We saw a surge in sales opening weekend as weather delighted us with sunshine and 75-degree temperatures,” said Parr. “We don’t always get this lucky opening weekend, so our vendors and entertainers were ecstatic to have large crowds spending their entire day out here.”

Parr said she believes the increase in sales is likely attributed to the duration of time spent by guests at the Fair. The Fair reported an average duration of time of guests to be more than 6 hours each day through opening weekend, according to their guest survey.

Additional data gathered from their guest survey shows that 20% of guests who have attended the fair rated their overall experience 4 out of 5 stars while 65% rated their experience 5 out of 5 stars.

The Board of Directors credited the success to the efforts of staff and volunteers coming together to make opening weekend something folks looked forward to. “We’re incredibly proud of the teamwork that goes into making this event possible,” said Tom Schellpeper, Vice Chair of the Nebraska State Fair Board. “Nebraska is lucky to have so many dedicated individuals [superintendents, partners, volunteers, seasonal staff] that come back every year to make the Fair a fun place for families.”

With clear skies and cool August evenings helping set the tone, organizers are optimistic about continued strong attendance throughout the remaining five days. Guests can still look forward to a number of concerts, loads of kids activities and plenty of livestock as FFA takes the stage second weekend. The Fair wraps up on Labor Day at 7 p.m.

Heading into second weekend, guests can also look forward to Nebraska Lottery Outdoor Concert series which kicks off tonight (Aug. 28) with a free Sawyer Brown concert as well as a second drone and fireworks show after concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For schedules, ticket information, and more, visit&nbsp;<b>statefair.org</b>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756408424937.jpeg" alt="2025 State Fair" />
                        <figcaption>2025 State Fair</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Nebraska State Fair welcomed more than 150,000 guests during its opening weekend, fueled by some of the best weather the Fair has seen in years. From Friday through Sunday, fairgoers packed the grounds to enjoy livestock shows, food, rides, and new attractions, leaving the Fair in a strong position heading into its second week.</p><p>Overall attendance through the first five days of the Fair reached&nbsp;<b>154,464</b>, with a handful of days remaining until the Fair concludes on Labor Day.</p><p>Vendors have reported record numbers during the opening weekend, with large crowds and steady foot traffic driving strong sales. “Saturday and Sunday were both incredible days out here at the Fair,” said Jaime Parr, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Fair. “Across the board the outdoor partners are experiencing an in increase in guest exposure while indoor partners celebrate business as comparable to, or up, compared to previous years.”</p><p>Parr said attendance was over 53,000 on Saturday alone – marking a 23% increase over first Saturday of last year’s event. Across the first 5 days overall attendance is up 19%, year over year.</p><p>“We saw a surge in sales opening weekend as weather delighted us with sunshine and 75-degree temperatures,” said Parr. “We don’t always get this lucky opening weekend, so our vendors and entertainers were ecstatic to have large crowds spending their entire day out here.”</p><p>Parr said she believes the increase in sales is likely attributed to the duration of time spent by guests at the Fair. The Fair reported an average duration of time of guests to be more than 6 hours each day through opening weekend, according to their guest survey.</p><p>Additional data gathered from their guest survey shows that 20% of guests who have attended the fair rated their overall experience 4 out of 5 stars while 65% rated their experience 5 out of 5 stars.</p><p>The Board of Directors credited the success to the efforts of staff and volunteers coming together to make opening weekend something folks looked forward to. “We’re incredibly proud of the teamwork that goes into making this event possible,” said Tom Schellpeper, Vice Chair of the Nebraska State Fair Board. “Nebraska is lucky to have so many dedicated individuals [superintendents, partners, volunteers, seasonal staff] that come back every year to make the Fair a fun place for families.”</p><p>With clear skies and cool August evenings helping set the tone, organizers are optimistic about continued strong attendance throughout the remaining five days. Guests can still look forward to a number of concerts, loads of kids activities and plenty of livestock as FFA takes the stage second weekend. The Fair wraps up on Labor Day at 7 p.m.</p><p>Heading into second weekend, guests can also look forward to Nebraska Lottery Outdoor Concert series which kicks off tonight (Aug. 28) with a free Sawyer Brown concert as well as a second drone and fireworks show after concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.</p><p>For schedules, ticket information, and more, visit&nbsp;<b>statefair.org</b>.</p>

First half of Nebraska State Fair brings more than 150,000 guests through the gates

<b>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a><br></b><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

OVERLAND PARK — Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman pushed for deepening relationships and maintaining international growth opportunities for Kansas farmers at a meeting of state political and agricultural leaders Wednesday.&nbsp;

Glickman and U.S. Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids spoke about the effects of tariffs and federal policies on Kansas farmers during a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition luncheon. The event was closed to journalists, but Glickman shared thoughts on the current political climate afterward.&nbsp;

“My theory is pretty much don’t burn bridges, build bridges,” he said. “I got along very well with (Pat) Roberts, (Bob) Dole, (Nancy) Kassebaum. We didn’t try to kill each other.”

Glickman, a Democrat, said Dole, a longtime Republican senator, helped him get the position as secretary of agriculture, which he held from 1995 to 2001 during the Clinton administration.&nbsp;

Politicians need to be able to reach across the aisle and have open discussions and agreements, Glickman said.&nbsp;

“I hope we can create an environment where there’s trust in the system of government generally, because it’s not just agriculture, it’s everything,” he said. “And then we have some predictability in foreign policy, federal farm policy.”

He would also like to see Republicans stand up to the president, something he said he had to do when he served under Clinton.&nbsp;

“I’d like to see the Republicans show more courage and moxie in challenging the president – on the federal side, not so much on the Kansas side – when they think he’s wrong,” Glickman said. “It’s difficult to challenge a president if you’re in their party. When I would say to Clinton, ‘I think you’re wrong,’ I would do it very deliberately but still, I would do it at times, and I don’t see very much happening like that.”

National reports that legislators fear retaliation if they speak up aren’t good, Glickman said.&nbsp;

“I don’t think it’s healthy for democracy. You know, you’ve got to be able to speak out responsibly,” he said.

Building relationships extends beyond domestic politics, and Glickman is concerned international relationships may be impaired because of the way tariffs are being negotiated. He’s not against tariffs in general, he said, but he’s concerned about future trade effects.

“I’ve never been a purist on tariffs and trade,” he said. “I mean, there are some countries that abuse their relationships with us, and that’s why you have tariff agreements and trade agreements, to build those things in there so one country can’t take advantage of another by being too self protective.”&nbsp;

But Glickman said the way trade barriers are being implemented concerns him. Historically, international policies involved collaboration between Congress and the private sector to determine the best way to proceed, he said.

“Because when you put your finger on one set of problems, if you’re not careful, you’re going to create another set of problems,” Glickman said. “Agriculture has often been the whipping boy for those other sets of problems, because of how much we rely on access to global markets. So I guess my real answer is, can we do this carefully, or do we have to do it with a sledgehammer?”

Right now, the country is relying too much on the sledgehammer, Glickman said.

Growth opportunities in agriculture lie in the international market, he said.&nbsp;

“The president said something when he announced the original set of tariffs – ‘American farmers are going to love this, because they can finally take advantage of domestic markets,’ and I’m thinking to myself, no, that’s not where the growth is,” Glickman said. “There’s not really much growth in domestic markets. There might be a little here, a little there. All the growth is global, and so maybe he doesn’t understand it.”

Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union, attended the luncheon and agreed with Glickman.&nbsp;

“As Secretary Glickman mentioned, we are becoming less and less of a reliable trading partner to the world,” he said. “Anymore, we are a global market, and you know, you can be upset with another country because maybe they don’t do as much trade with you and all that, but I’ve always believed that the carrot versus the stick does a lot more good.”

Levendofsky said the potential of growing markets such as India are important to Kansas farmers.&nbsp;

“If China is shutting the door on us, we’ve got to find an opening somewhere,” he said. “And that, to me, right now speaks to India.”

Along with international trade, Glickman is watching the future of the Farm Bill. The reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July addressed some policies usually found in the Farm Bill, but it didn’t include all the elements that need to be addressed, he said.&nbsp;

A Farm Bill has not passed this year, and Glickman said expert assessments that this may be the beginning of creating a different process for agricultural legislation is “astute.”

“We’ve had in the last 40 or 50 years, these five-year farm bills,” he said. “But then lately, we’ve been having these extensions every year and with no real fundamental change.”

Recent legislation added $40 to $50 billion of new or enhanced programs over the next 10 years, and also addressed commodity programs, crop insurance and risk management, Glickman said.&nbsp;

He hopes this won’t be the new normal because there were many subjcts not addressed, such as research and nutrition programs.&nbsp;

In his role as a senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center and the Council on American Politics at George Washington University, Glickman said he keeps in contact with concerns of farmers and trade groups.

The real worry right now is instability, he said.

“The big story in agriculture is lack of stability, lack of planning, lack of predictability,” Glickman said. “Agriculture is complicated, and then the volatile weather complicates it further. Changes in the weather, plant and animal disease, making sure our research budgets are adequately funded – that’s all part of a new Farm Bill.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756402390112.png" alt=" Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman talked about international trade and diplomacy along with other concerns of Kansas farmers at a Wednesday U.S. Global Leadership Coalition meeting in Overland Park. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman talked about international trade and diplomacy along with other concerns of Kansas farmers at a Wednesday U.S. Global Leadership Coalition meeting in Overland Park. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a><br></b><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a></p><p>OVERLAND PARK — Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman pushed for deepening relationships and maintaining international growth opportunities for Kansas farmers at a meeting of state political and agricultural leaders Wednesday.&nbsp;</p><p>Glickman and U.S. Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids spoke about the effects of tariffs and federal policies on Kansas farmers during a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition luncheon. The event was closed to journalists, but Glickman shared thoughts on the current political climate afterward.&nbsp;</p><p>“My theory is pretty much don’t burn bridges, build bridges,” he said. “I got along very well with (Pat) Roberts, (Bob) Dole, (Nancy) Kassebaum. We didn’t try to kill each other.”</p><p>Glickman, a Democrat, said Dole, a longtime Republican senator, helped him get the position as secretary of agriculture, which he held from 1995 to 2001 during the Clinton administration.&nbsp;</p><p>Politicians need to be able to reach across the aisle and have open discussions and agreements, Glickman said.&nbsp;</p><p>“I hope we can create an environment where there’s trust in the system of government generally, because it’s not just agriculture, it’s everything,” he said. “And then we have some predictability in foreign policy, federal farm policy.”</p><p>He would also like to see Republicans stand up to the president, something he said he had to do when he served under Clinton.&nbsp;</p><p>“I’d like to see the Republicans show more courage and moxie in challenging the president – on the federal side, not so much on the Kansas side – when they think he’s wrong,” Glickman said. “It’s difficult to challenge a president if you’re in their party. When I would say to Clinton, ‘I think you’re wrong,’ I would do it very deliberately but still, I would do it at times, and I don’t see very much happening like that.”</p><p>National reports that legislators fear retaliation if they speak up aren’t good, Glickman said.&nbsp;</p><p>“I don’t think it’s healthy for democracy. You know, you’ve got to be able to speak out responsibly,” he said.</p><h2>International trade</h2><p>Building relationships extends beyond domestic politics, and Glickman is concerned international relationships may be impaired because of the way tariffs are being negotiated. He’s not against tariffs in general, he said, but he’s concerned about future trade effects.</p><p>“I’ve never been a purist on tariffs and trade,” he said. “I mean, there are some countries that abuse their relationships with us, and that’s why you have tariff agreements and trade agreements, to build those things in there so one country can’t take advantage of another by being too self protective.”&nbsp;</p><p>But Glickman said the way trade barriers are being implemented concerns him. Historically, international policies involved collaboration between Congress and the private sector to determine the best way to proceed, he said.</p><p>“Because when you put your finger on one set of problems, if you’re not careful, you’re going to create another set of problems,” Glickman said. “Agriculture has often been the whipping boy for those other sets of problems, because of how much we rely on access to global markets. So I guess my real answer is, can we do this carefully, or do we have to do it with a sledgehammer?”</p><p>Right now, the country is relying too much on the sledgehammer, Glickman said.</p><p>Growth opportunities in agriculture lie in the international market, he said.&nbsp;</p><p>“The president said something when he announced the original set of tariffs – ‘American farmers are going to love this, because they can finally take advantage of domestic markets,’ and I’m thinking to myself, no, that’s not where the growth is,” Glickman said. “There’s not really much growth in domestic markets. There might be a little here, a little there. All the growth is global, and so maybe he doesn’t understand it.”</p><p>Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union, attended the luncheon and agreed with Glickman.&nbsp;</p><p>“As Secretary Glickman mentioned, we are becoming less and less of a reliable trading partner to the world,” he said. “Anymore, we are a global market, and you know, you can be upset with another country because maybe they don’t do as much trade with you and all that, but I’ve always believed that the carrot versus the stick does a lot more good.”</p><p>Levendofsky said the potential of growing markets such as India are important to Kansas farmers.&nbsp;</p><p>“If China is shutting the door on us, we’ve got to find an opening somewhere,” he said. “And that, to me, right now speaks to India.”</p><h2>Farm Bill</h2><p>Along with international trade, Glickman is watching the future of the Farm Bill. The reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July addressed some policies usually found in the Farm Bill, but it didn’t include all the elements that need to be addressed, he said.&nbsp;</p><p>A Farm Bill has not passed this year, and Glickman said expert assessments that this may be the beginning of creating a different process for agricultural legislation is “astute.”</p><p>“We’ve had in the last 40 or 50 years, these five-year farm bills,” he said. “But then lately, we’ve been having these extensions every year and with no real fundamental change.”</p><p>Recent legislation added $40 to $50 billion of new or enhanced programs over the next 10 years, and also addressed commodity programs, crop insurance and risk management, Glickman said.&nbsp;</p><p>He hopes this won’t be the new normal because there were many subjcts not addressed, such as research and nutrition programs.&nbsp;</p><p>In his role as a senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center and the Council on American Politics at George Washington University, Glickman said he keeps in contact with concerns of farmers and trade groups.</p><p>The real worry right now is instability, he said.</p><p>“The big story in agriculture is lack of stability, lack of planning, lack of predictability,” Glickman said. “Agriculture is complicated, and then the volatile weather complicates it further. Changes in the weather, plant and animal disease, making sure our research budgets are adequately funded – that’s all part of a new Farm Bill.”</p>

Former ag secretary Glickman worries about ‘sledgehammer’ trade policies affecting Kansas farmers

WASHINGTON — In April Health secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;warned that children in the U.S. are being diagnosed with autism at an “alarming rate,” promising to conduct exhaustive studies to identify any environmental factors that may cause the developmental disorder.

During President Trump's Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Kennedy revealed his researchers have identified what could be responsible for Autism.&nbsp;

Autism experts applaud efforts to further understand the condition, but say the number of reported cases began to balloon as the definition of the condition expanded to include mild cases.

“We will have an announcement as promised in September,” Kennedy said. “We’re finding interventions, certain interventions now that are clearly almost certainly causing autism.”

<p>WASHINGTON — In April Health secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;warned that children in the U.S. are being diagnosed with autism at an “alarming rate,” promising to conduct exhaustive studies to identify any environmental factors that may cause the developmental disorder.</p><p>During President Trump's Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Kennedy revealed his researchers have identified what could be responsible for Autism.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RFK Jr. just REVEALED he has found the causes of autism.<br><br>This is the moment MAHA moms have been waiting for.<br><br>“We’re finding certain interventions that are almost certainly causing autism.”<br><br>“We will have announcements, as promised, in September.”<br><br>“In 1970, the biggest… <a href="https://t.co/KQidXc8fOY">pic.twitter.com/KQidXc8fOY</a></p>&mdash; Holden Culotta (@Holden_Culotta) <a href="https://twitter.com/Holden_Culotta/status/1960398300693074198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Autism experts applaud efforts to further understand the condition, but say the number of reported cases began to balloon as the definition of the condition expanded to include mild cases.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>: &quot;I know what a healthy child is supposed to look like. I’m looking at kids as I walk through the airports today...and I see these kids that are just overburdened with mitochondrial challenges...and I know that’s not how our children are supposed to look.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/b8A2OEphav">pic.twitter.com/b8A2OEphav</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1960802249053233248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“We will have an announcement as promised in September,” Kennedy said. “We’re finding interventions, certain interventions now that are clearly almost certainly causing autism.”</p>

🎥The latest promise from RFK Jr. on autism research

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

WASHINGTON — The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t appear inclined to leave her post, despite the Trump administration announcing Wednesday that she’s no longer running one of the country’s top public health agencies.&nbsp;

Attorneys for Susan Monarez, who received Senate confirmation in late July, posted that she hasn’t been fired or resigned, but didn’t announce whether they plan to sue the administration.&nbsp;

“When CDC Director Susan Monarez refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts she chose protecting the public over serving a political agenda,” wrote Mark S. Zaid and Abbe David Lowell. “For that, she has been targeted. Dr. Monarez has neither resigned nor received notification from the White House that she has been fired, and as a person of integrity and devoted to science, she will not resign.”

The statement from Monarez’s attorneys came just hours after the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, wrote on social media that she was no longer running the agency.&nbsp;

“Susan Monarez is no longer director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” the post stated. “We thank her for her dedicated service to the American people.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecKennedy" target="_blank">@SecKennedy</a>&nbsp;has full confidence in his team at<a href="https://x.com/CDCgov" target="_blank">@CDCgov</a>&nbsp;who will continue to be vigilant in protecting Americans against infectious diseases at home and abroad.”

The Washington Post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/08/27/susan-monarez-cdc-director-ousted/" target="_blank">first reported</a>&nbsp;the news.&nbsp;

The U.S. Senate voted along party lines to confirm Monarez as CDC director in late July, giving her just weeks in one of the nation’s top public health roles.

Monarez’s last post on social media from her official account was on Aug. 22, marking the death of a police officer after&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/08/08/police-officer-suspect-are-dead-after-shooting-near-atlanta-based-cdc/" target="_blank">a gunman opened fire</a>&nbsp;at the CDC’s headquarters in Atlanta.&nbsp;

“A large group of CDC employees and I attended today’s memorial for Officer David Rose, whose Tour of Duty ended on August 8 when he responded to shots fired,” Monarez wrote. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, courage, and service to the community that will never be forgotten.”

The dispute over Monarez’s position as CDC director appeared to potentially mark the beginning of a wave of resignations from other public health officials, including Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Demetre C. Daskalakis.

“I am unable to serve in an environment that treats CDC as a tool to generate policies and materials that do not reflect scientific reality and are designed to hurt rather than to improve the public’s health,” Daskalakis wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/dr_demetre/status/1960843433473376602" target="_blank">a lengthy social media post.</a>&nbsp;“The recent change in the adult and children’s immunization schedule threaten the lives of the youngest Americans and pregnant people.”

Monarez was President Donald Trump’s second choice for CDC director. He&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-unveils-his-lineup-fda-cdc-and-surgeon-general" target="_blank">originally selected</a>&nbsp;former Florida U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon to run the CDC shortly after he secured election to the Oval Office in November. But the White House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/centers-disease-control-and-prevention-nominee-pulled-white-house" target="_blank">pulled Weldon’s nomination</a>&nbsp;in March, after it appeared he couldn’t secure the votes needed for confirmation.

Later that month, Trump announced his plans to nominate Monarez in&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114219231809224627" target="_blank">a social media post</a>.

“Dr. Monarez brings decades of experience championing Innovation, Transparency, and strong Public Health Systems,” Trump wrote. “She has a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, and PostDoctoral training in Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine.

“As an incredible mother and dedicated public servant, Dr. Monarez understands the importance of protecting our children, our communities, and our future. Americans have lost confidence in the CDC due to political bias and disastrous mismanagement. Dr. Monarez will work closely with our GREAT Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert Kennedy Jr. Together, they will prioritize Accountability, High Standards, and Disease Prevention to finally address the Chronic Disease Epidemic and, MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN!”

Monarez&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-panel-grills-trump-cdc-nominee-vaccines" target="_blank">testified in front</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions in June as part of her confirmation process. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-panel-approves-trump-pick-head-centers-disease-control-and-prevention" target="_blank">committee voted</a>&nbsp;12-11 in July to send her nomination to the Senate floor, where Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-confirms-trump-pick-head-centers-disease-control-and-prevention" target="_blank">approved her to the post</a>&nbsp;later that month.&nbsp;

Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., said during the committee’s markup that he believed&nbsp;Monarez would put science first and help to restore public trust in the agency.&nbsp;

“The United States needs a CDC director who makes decisions rooted in science, a leader who will reform the agency and work to restore public trust in health institutions,” Cassidy said at the time. “With decades of proven experience as a public health official, Dr. Monarez is ready to take on this challenge.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756332329820.png" alt="Susan Monarez during her Senate confirmation hearing in June-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Susan Monarez during her Senate confirmation hearing in June-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t appear inclined to leave her post, despite the Trump administration announcing Wednesday that she’s no longer running one of the country’s top public health agencies.&nbsp;</p><p>Attorneys for Susan Monarez, who received Senate confirmation in late July, posted that she hasn’t been fired or resigned, but didn’t announce whether they plan to sue the administration.&nbsp;</p><p>“When CDC Director Susan Monarez refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts she chose protecting the public over serving a political agenda,” wrote Mark S. Zaid and Abbe David Lowell. “For that, she has been targeted. Dr. Monarez has neither resigned nor received notification from the White House that she has been fired, and as a person of integrity and devoted to science, she will not resign.”</p><p>The statement from Monarez’s attorneys came just hours after the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, wrote on social media that she was no longer running the agency.&nbsp;</p><p>“Susan Monarez is no longer director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” the post stated. “We thank her for her dedicated service to the American people.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecKennedy" target="_blank">@SecKennedy</a>&nbsp;has full confidence in his team at<a href="https://x.com/CDCgov" target="_blank">@CDCgov</a>&nbsp;who will continue to be vigilant in protecting Americans against infectious diseases at home and abroad.”</p><p>The Washington Post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/08/27/susan-monarez-cdc-director-ousted/" target="_blank">first reported</a>&nbsp;the news.&nbsp;</p><p>The U.S. Senate voted along party lines to confirm Monarez as CDC director in late July, giving her just weeks in one of the nation’s top public health roles.</p><p>Monarez’s last post on social media from her official account was on Aug. 22, marking the death of a police officer after&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/08/08/police-officer-suspect-are-dead-after-shooting-near-atlanta-based-cdc/" target="_blank">a gunman opened fire</a>&nbsp;at the CDC’s headquarters in Atlanta.&nbsp;</p><p>“A large group of CDC employees and I attended today’s memorial for Officer David Rose, whose Tour of Duty ended on August 8 when he responded to shots fired,” Monarez wrote. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, courage, and service to the community that will never be forgotten.”</p><p>The dispute over Monarez’s position as CDC director appeared to potentially mark the beginning of a wave of resignations from other public health officials, including Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Demetre C. Daskalakis.</p><p>“I am unable to serve in an environment that treats CDC as a tool to generate policies and materials that do not reflect scientific reality and are designed to hurt rather than to improve the public’s health,” Daskalakis wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/dr_demetre/status/1960843433473376602" target="_blank">a lengthy social media post.</a>&nbsp;“The recent change in the adult and children’s immunization schedule threaten the lives of the youngest Americans and pregnant people.”</p><h2>Monarez second choice after Weldon</h2><p>Monarez was President Donald Trump’s second choice for CDC director. He&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-unveils-his-lineup-fda-cdc-and-surgeon-general" target="_blank">originally selected</a>&nbsp;former Florida U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon to run the CDC shortly after he secured election to the Oval Office in November. But the White House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/centers-disease-control-and-prevention-nominee-pulled-white-house" target="_blank">pulled Weldon’s nomination</a>&nbsp;in March, after it appeared he couldn’t secure the votes needed for confirmation.</p><p>Later that month, Trump announced his plans to nominate Monarez in&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114219231809224627" target="_blank">a social media post</a>.</p><p>“Dr. Monarez brings decades of experience championing Innovation, Transparency, and strong Public Health Systems,” Trump wrote. “She has a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, and PostDoctoral training in Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine.</p><p>“As an incredible mother and dedicated public servant, Dr. Monarez understands the importance of protecting our children, our communities, and our future. Americans have lost confidence in the CDC due to political bias and disastrous mismanagement. Dr. Monarez will work closely with our GREAT Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert Kennedy Jr. Together, they will prioritize Accountability, High Standards, and Disease Prevention to finally address the Chronic Disease Epidemic and, MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN!”</p><h2>Restoring trust in CDC</h2><p>Monarez&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-panel-grills-trump-cdc-nominee-vaccines" target="_blank">testified in front</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions in June as part of her confirmation process. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-panel-approves-trump-pick-head-centers-disease-control-and-prevention" target="_blank">committee voted</a>&nbsp;12-11 in July to send her nomination to the Senate floor, where Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-confirms-trump-pick-head-centers-disease-control-and-prevention" target="_blank">approved her to the post</a>&nbsp;later that month.&nbsp;</p><p>Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., said during the committee’s markup that he believed&nbsp;Monarez would put science first and help to restore public trust in the agency.&nbsp;</p><p>“The United States needs a CDC director who makes decisions rooted in science, a leader who will reform the agency and work to restore public trust in health institutions,” Cassidy said at the time. “With decades of proven experience as a public health official, Dr. Monarez is ready to take on this challenge.”</p>

Trump admin. says CDC chief ousted. Her lawyer says she hasn’t resigned or been fired

The Powerball® jackpot is closing in on the billion-dollar mark. The Powerball jackpot is now estimated at $950 million for the next drawing on Saturday night,&nbsp;according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $428.9 million.

Saturday’s jackpot ranks as the game’s sixth-largest prize and the biggest advertised jackpot in more than a year.

The Powerball jackpot rolled after no ticket matched all six number drawn Wednesday night – white balls 9, 12, 22, 41, 61 and red Powerball 25. The Power Play® multiplier was 4.

Six tickets won prizes worth $1 million or more in Wednesday's Powerball drawing, after matching all five white balls. The $1 million-winning tickets were sold in Arizona, New York and Virginia. Three tickets in Mississippi, Ohio and Virginia increased their winnings to $2 million by including the Power Play option for $1 more.

There were also 40 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and ten tickets that won $200,000 prizes.

In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in South Dakota won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play® is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to play their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;after the main drawing.

Saturday’s Powerball drawing will be the 39th drawing since the jackpot was last won in California on May 31, 2025.

If a player wins Saturday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $950 million or a lump sum payment estimated at $428.9 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on Powerball.com.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

<p>The Powerball® jackpot is closing in on the billion-dollar mark. The Powerball jackpot is now estimated at $950 million for the next drawing on Saturday night,&nbsp;according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $428.9 million.</p><p>Saturday’s jackpot ranks as the game’s sixth-largest prize and the biggest advertised jackpot in more than a year.</p><p>The Powerball jackpot rolled after no ticket matched all six number drawn Wednesday night – white balls 9, 12, 22, 41, 61 and red Powerball 25. The Power Play® multiplier was 4.</p><p>Six tickets won prizes worth $1 million or more in Wednesday's Powerball drawing, after matching all five white balls. The $1 million-winning tickets were sold in Arizona, New York and Virginia. Three tickets in Mississippi, Ohio and Virginia increased their winnings to $2 million by including the Power Play option for $1 more.</p><p>There were also 40 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and ten tickets that won $200,000 prizes.</p><p>In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in South Dakota won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play® is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to play their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;after the main drawing.</p><p>Saturday’s Powerball drawing will be the 39th drawing since the jackpot was last won in California on May 31, 2025.</p><p>If a player wins Saturday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $950 million or a lump sum payment estimated at $428.9 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.</p><p>Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.</p><p>Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on Powerball.com.</p><p>The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.</p><p>Top Ten Powerball® Jackpots</p><ol>
                        <li>$2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 - OR</li><li>$1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA</li><li>$950 Million (estimated) – Aug. 30, 2025</li><li>$842.4 Million – January 1, 2024 – MI</li><li>$768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI</li><li>$758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA</li><li>$754.6 Million – Feb. 6, 2023 - WA</li>
                    </ol>

Powerball closing in on billion-dollar mark

Auditor Mike Foley calls rebate misuse a growing concern of Nebraska governments

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a>&nbsp;<br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;The state auditor is calling out an elected official from northeast Nebraska for allegedly using Menards store rebates earned through county purchases for his own benefit.

Questionable buys ranged from a $1 prank whoopee cushion to a $94 load of lumber.

According to an<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2025/CO90-08262025-August_26_2025_Wayne_County_Letter.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;eight-page report&nbsp;</a>issued Tuesday by Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley and addressed to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, the auditor’s office had fielded concerns that Commissioner Dean Burbach had redeemed Menards rebates accumulated with county funds.&nbsp;

Wayne County maintains a charge account with Menards to buy general supplies and other items. The store frequently offers 11% rebates on purchases. Information on the rebate is included on the original transaction receipt, and to redeem it, someone fills out a form and mails it along with the rebate section of the original transaction receipt to Menards.

The state auditing team focused on a three-month period last summer, gleaning information through sources such as a “Rebates International” website. According to the letter, findings showed that rebates totalling about $600 were earned from purchases made on the county’s charge account and later were redeemed under Burbach’s name and home address.

Foley said the apparent misuse of Menards rebates intended for public and not personal gain has been a recurring theme in some other state reviews of governmental bodies beyond Wayne County.

“Increasingly we’re finding Menards rebate coupons being abused,” Foley told the Nebraska Examiner. “Many, many instances in just the last year or so.”

Foley’s team asked Burbach about the situation earlier this month. According to the auditor’s report, the commissioner said he “did not recall redeeming in his name any rebates earned from the expenditure of county funds.”

The letter called that response “implausible” and went on to state that “apparent misuse of county property and the seemingly misleading information provided to the APA give rise to the possibility of serious statutory concerns.”

Findings were forwarded to the Nebraska Attorney General, Wayne County Attorney and Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission for review.

But when reached by the Examiner, Burbach, a commissioner for 16 years, called the purchases a mistake and said he intended to pay back the county.

“It’s a mistake on my part,” he said. “It shouldn’t have happened.”&nbsp;

Representatives of Wayne County government — which covers about 9,500 residents in an area named after Revolutionary War hero Anthony Wayne — told the audit team that the county had no procedures for tracking rebates earned on county purchases, nor did it have a formal policy for handling such rebates.

Foley’s letter repeated language similar to his office’s other recent reports —&nbsp;that good internal controls require rebates received from vendors through county purchases to be tracked properly and treated as county property to be used only for appropriate public purposes.

Wayne County, in a response included in the auditor report, said it agreed. Moreover, it mentioned questionable purchases beyond those detailed in the report. Among them: Snickers bars, grape jam, Hot Tamales and a wind-up robot toy.

“The county clerk and county attorney are in the process of creating a policy to be included in the employee handbook,” said the county’s written response.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756323369142.png" alt=" The Nebraska Auditor’s report included images of some of the alleged personal items purchased with Menards rebates intended for county use. (Screenshot, auditor report)" />
                        <figcaption> The Nebraska Auditor’s report included images of some of the alleged personal items purchased with Menards rebates intended for county use. (Screenshot, auditor report)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Auditor Mike Foley calls rebate misuse a growing concern of Nebraska governments</h2><p>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a>&nbsp;<br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN —&nbsp;The state auditor is calling out an elected official from northeast Nebraska for allegedly using Menards store rebates earned through county purchases for his own benefit.</p><p>Questionable buys ranged from a $1 prank whoopee cushion to a $94 load of lumber.</p><p>According to an<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2025/CO90-08262025-August_26_2025_Wayne_County_Letter.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;eight-page report&nbsp;</a>issued Tuesday by Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley and addressed to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, the auditor’s office had fielded concerns that Commissioner Dean Burbach had redeemed Menards rebates accumulated with county funds.&nbsp;</p><p>Wayne County maintains a charge account with Menards to buy general supplies and other items. The store frequently offers 11% rebates on purchases. Information on the rebate is included on the original transaction receipt, and to redeem it, someone fills out a form and mails it along with the rebate section of the original transaction receipt to Menards.</p><h2>Rebate abuse beyond Wayne</h2><p>The state auditing team focused on a three-month period last summer, gleaning information through sources such as a “Rebates International” website. According to the letter, findings showed that rebates totalling about $600 were earned from purchases made on the county’s charge account and later were redeemed under Burbach’s name and home address.</p><p>Foley said the apparent misuse of Menards rebates intended for public and not personal gain has been a recurring theme in some other state reviews of governmental bodies beyond Wayne County.</p><p>“Increasingly we’re finding Menards rebate coupons being abused,” Foley told the Nebraska Examiner. “Many, many instances in just the last year or so.”</p><p>Foley’s team asked Burbach about the situation earlier this month. According to the auditor’s report, the commissioner said he “did not recall redeeming in his name any rebates earned from the expenditure of county funds.”</p><p>The letter called that response “implausible” and went on to state that “apparent misuse of county property and the seemingly misleading information provided to the APA give rise to the possibility of serious statutory concerns.”</p><p>Findings were forwarded to the Nebraska Attorney General, Wayne County Attorney and Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission for review.</p><p>But when reached by the Examiner, Burbach, a commissioner for 16 years, called the purchases a mistake and said he intended to pay back the county.</p><p>“It’s a mistake on my part,” he said. “It shouldn’t have happened.”&nbsp;</p><h2>County lacked policy</h2><p>Representatives of Wayne County government — which covers about 9,500 residents in an area named after Revolutionary War hero Anthony Wayne — told the audit team that the county had no procedures for tracking rebates earned on county purchases, nor did it have a formal policy for handling such rebates.</p><p>Foley’s letter repeated language similar to his office’s other recent reports —&nbsp;that good internal controls require rebates received from vendors through county purchases to be tracked properly and treated as county property to be used only for appropriate public purposes.</p><p>Wayne County, in a response included in the auditor report, said it agreed. Moreover, it mentioned questionable purchases beyond those detailed in the report. Among them: Snickers bars, grape jam, Hot Tamales and a wind-up robot toy.</p><p>“The county clerk and county attorney are in the process of creating a policy to be included in the employee handbook,” said the county’s written response.</p>

State auditor alleges county official misused Menards rebates for toy boats, whoopee cushion

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/max-nesterak/">Max Nesterak</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/michelle/">Michelle Griffith</a><br><a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

Two children, ages 8 and 10, are dead Wednesday following a shooting at Annunciation Church in south Minneapolis, where students at the Catholic school there gathered for a mass to celebrate the beginning of the school year.

The shooter, a man in his early 20s without an extensive criminal history, appears to have killed himself at the scene, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who gave a news conference near the site.

Another 17 people were injured — 14 of them children. Two of the injured are in citical condition, O’Hara said.

The shooter approached the church from the outside, barricaded the front door with plywood and shot dozens of rounds through the windows, O’Hara said.

Outside the school after the shooting, parents were picking up their children, who wore the green polos that are the school uniform.

Jeremy Graff, 50, lives two blocks from the school and said he’s lived in the south Minneapolis neighborhood his whole life. He said his neighbors messaged him around 8:45 a.m. to say they heard a round of gunshots near the campus. He said he has about a dozen friends with kids who go to the school.

“I would like to say it’s surprising, but it’s really not nowadays,” Graff said.

Officers were sweeping the neighborhood and backyard with dogs and interviewing neighbors.

Jack Freedman, 25, went to the school and lives in the area. He said, “You never think that it’s going to happen at the school you went to, but then you start thinking how naive to believe that. Because it happens everywhere.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and State Patrol are on the scene.

“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” Walz said in a social media post.

Giffords, the national gun control group, released a statement by former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot and severely injured in a mass shooting in 2011:&nbsp;“When will enough be enough? I am devastated by the news of a mass shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. No one should have to fear for their lives when attending religious services.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Wednesday that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and State Patrol are on the scene of what he called a “horrific act of violence” at a Catholic Church in south Minneapolis.

The shooting was reported at&nbsp;Annunciation Church, which is also the site of a Catholic school.

A news conference was scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Outside the school, parents were picking up their children, who wore the green polos that are the school uniform.

Jeremy Graff, 50, lives two blocks from the school and said he’s lived in the south Minneapolis neighborhood his whole life. He said his neighbors messaged him around 8:45am to say they heard a round of gunshots near the campus. He said he has about a dozen friends with kids who go to the school.

Another neighborhood resident, who declined to give his name, said he lives four blocks away and woke up to about 30 gunshots around 8:20 and came to Annunciation.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756308874586.png" alt="Police have responded to a mass shooting at Annunciation Church in south Minneapolis, which is home to a school as well. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)" />
                        <figcaption>Police have responded to a mass shooting at Annunciation Church in south Minneapolis, which is home to a school as well. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/max-nesterak/">Max Nesterak</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/michelle/">Michelle Griffith</a><br><a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a></p><p>Two children, ages 8 and 10, are dead Wednesday following a shooting at Annunciation Church in south Minneapolis, where students at the Catholic school there gathered for a mass to celebrate the beginning of the school year.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Minneapolis <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorFrey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MayorFrey</a> on Catholic School Shooting: &quot;Don&#39;t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0mPYfQsjWM">pic.twitter.com/0mPYfQsjWM</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1960736022410543433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The shooter, a man in his early 20s without an extensive criminal history, appears to have killed himself at the scene, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who gave a news conference near the site.</p><p>Another 17 people were injured — 14 of them children. Two of the injured are in citical condition, O’Hara said.</p><p>The shooter approached the church from the outside, barricaded the front door with plywood and shot dozens of rounds through the windows, O’Hara said.</p><p>Outside the school after the shooting, parents were picking up their children, who wore the green polos that are the school uniform.</p><p>Jeremy Graff, 50, lives two blocks from the school and said he’s lived in the south Minneapolis neighborhood his whole life. He said his neighbors messaged him around 8:45 a.m. to say they heard a round of gunshots near the campus. He said he has about a dozen friends with kids who go to the school.</p><p>“I would like to say it’s surprising, but it’s really not nowadays,” Graff said.</p><p>Officers were sweeping the neighborhood and backyard with dogs and interviewing neighbors.</p><p>Jack Freedman, 25, went to the school and lives in the area. He said, “You never think that it’s going to happen at the school you went to, but then you start thinking how naive to believe that. Because it happens everywhere.”</p><p>Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and State Patrol are on the scene.</p><p>“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” Walz said in a social media post.</p><p>Giffords, the national gun control group, released a statement by former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot and severely injured in a mass shooting in 2011:&nbsp;“When will enough be enough? I am devastated by the news of a mass shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. No one should have to fear for their lives when attending religious services.”</p><p>-------------------</p><p>Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Wednesday that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and State Patrol are on the scene of what he called a “horrific act of violence” at a Catholic Church in south Minneapolis.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I am heartbroken by the horrific violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis this morning. My prayers are with the students, teachers, and families, and I am grateful for the first responders who are on the scene.</p>&mdash; Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) <a href="https://twitter.com/amyklobuchar/status/1960714176868852030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I&#39;m monitoring reports of horrific violence in South Minneapolis. I&#39;m in touch with Chief O&#39;Hara and our emergency response team has been activated. We will share more information as soon as we can. Please give our officers the space they need to respond to the situation.</p>&mdash; Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorFrey/status/1960706399966568507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information. The BCA and State Patrol are on scene.<br><br>I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.</p>&mdash; Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz/status/1960706436284985707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’re at the WH monitoring the situation in Minneapolis. Join all of us in praying for the victims!</p>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1960724538519343129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” Walz said in a social media post.</p><p>The shooting was reported at&nbsp;Annunciation Church, which is also the site of a Catholic school.</p><p>A news conference was scheduled for Wednesday morning.</p><p>Outside the school, parents were picking up their children, who wore the green polos that are the school uniform.</p><p>Jeremy Graff, 50, lives two blocks from the school and said he’s lived in the south Minneapolis neighborhood his whole life. He said his neighbors messaged him around 8:45am to say they heard a round of gunshots near the campus. He said he has about a dozen friends with kids who go to the school.</p><p>“I would like to say it’s surprising, but it’s really not nowadays,” Graff said.</p><p>Another neighborhood resident, who declined to give his name, said he lives four blocks away and woke up to about 30 gunshots around 8:20 and came to Annunciation.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://minnesotareformer.com/wp-content/plugins/sn2/republisher/assets/img/ccwhite.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure>

Two children dead in shooting at church school in Minneapolis

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a><br><a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

Three states are at risk of losing some federal transportation funding because they are not enforcing President Donald Trump’s executive order that commercial truck drivers must be proficient in English, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday.

New Mexico, Washington and California will have 30 days to comply with the order or risk losing funding from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — among the smaller of the Transportation Department’s agencies — Duffy said, standing behind a lectern with an “America First” banner on it at the department’s Washington, D.C., headquarters.

California stands to lose $33 million, Washington could lose $10.5 million and New Mexico would lose $7 million, Duffy said. He urged the states to comply with the executive order, which Trump signed in April and took effect in June, or face increasingly draconian penalties.

“We don’t want to take away money from states,” Duffy said. “But we will take money away and we will take additional steps that get progressively more difficult for these states. There’s a lot of great tools that we have here that we don’t want to use.”

All three states contributed to a Florida crash this month in which three people were killed, Duffy said. The truck driver involved had a commercial license from California and Washington, and had been pulled over for speeding in New Mexico prior to crashing in Florida, Duffy said.

“So this one driver touched all three states,” he said.

The Florida driver, an immigrant from India who did not have permanent legal authority to be in the country, made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/08/20/jay-collins-is-headed-to-california-to-bring-back-undocumented-truck-driver/" target="_blank">local reports</a>.

Duffy said the Florida driver did not understand road signs, but did not further specify how his lack of English comprehension led to the crash, which reportedly involved making a U-turn across lanes of traffic. But Duffy repeatedly said the issue was one of safety.

Duffy said that when the Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-enforces-commonsense-rules-of-the-road-for-americas-truck-drivers/" target="_blank">executive order&nbsp;</a>went into effect, it received negative publicity.

“There was a lot of press that complained to us that we were being unfair to people, that we were being mean to people,” he said. “And what we said was, ‘No, this is a safety issue.’ Making sure drivers of very heavy, 80,000-pound rigs can speak the language is truly a critical safety issue. And some complained about it.”

On social media, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office said the federal government approved a permit for the Florida driver.

“This is rich,” Newsom’s office&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovPressOffice" target="_blank">wrote on X</a>. “The Trump Administration approved the federal work permit for the man who killed 3 people — and now they’re scrambling to shift blame after getting caught. Sean’s nonsense announcement is as big a joke as the Trump Administration itself.”

A DHS spokesperson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/24/us/harjinder-singh-florida-crash-immigration" target="_blank">denied</a>&nbsp;the federal government issued the driver a work permit and blamed Newsom.

“These innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsom’s California Department of Motor Vehicles issued an illegal alien a Commercial Driver’s License—this state of governance is asinine,” a spokesperson wrote in an email to States Newsroom.

Newsom has increasingly over the past few months used his social media channels to mock Trump.&nbsp;

Washington State Patrol spokesman Chris Loftis wrote in an email that the agency was “reviewing the matter with our state transportation partners” and would soon have a more detailed response.

A spokesperson for Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said he had not received Duffy’s letter.&nbsp;

“We will review it when we receive it and carefully evaluate next steps,” the spokesperson, Brionna Aho, said.&nbsp;

That state’s Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, made<a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/08/19/wa-will-not-be-bullied-or-intimidated-ferguson-tells-bondi/" target="_blank">&nbsp;a defiant statement</a>&nbsp;last week about complying with the Trump administration’s demands on immigration enforcement.

“Washington State will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations,” he wrote to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

He has&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovBobFerguson/status/1960108862843060436" target="_blank">amplified</a>&nbsp;that message&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovBobFerguson/status/1960132600112271694" target="_blank">several</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovBobFerguson/status/1958985338954948621" target="_blank">times</a>&nbsp;since.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation deferred a request for comment to the state’s Department of Public Safety, which did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Duffy said he was puzzled by commercial drivers who were able to pass a skills test without understanding English, and said the department was investigating that issue.

“This is something we’re looking at and working on when someone, an individual, comes in to take their test to become a commercial driver, and then they do a skills test… at that point, it would be clear that this driver doesn’t understand all the road signs and doesn’t speak the language, but miraculously, they’re passing the skills test,” he said. “I think any common-sense analysis would say, well, that doesn’t make sense.”

The federal department would be looking at whether the skills tests are being correctly administered and whether there is “some gaming of the system that we have to address.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565041802198.jpeg" alt="Google image" />
                        <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a><br><a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a></p><p>Three states are at risk of losing some federal transportation funding because they are not enforcing President Donald Trump’s executive order that commercial truck drivers must be proficient in English, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday.</p><p>New Mexico, Washington and California will have 30 days to comply with the order or risk losing funding from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — among the smaller of the Transportation Department’s agencies — Duffy said, standing behind a lectern with an “America First” banner on it at the department’s Washington, D.C., headquarters.</p><p>California stands to lose $33 million, Washington could lose $10.5 million and New Mexico would lose $7 million, Duffy said. He urged the states to comply with the executive order, which Trump signed in April and took effect in June, or face increasingly draconian penalties.</p><p>“We don’t want to take away money from states,” Duffy said. “But we will take money away and we will take additional steps that get progressively more difficult for these states. There’s a lot of great tools that we have here that we don’t want to use.”</p><p>All three states contributed to a Florida crash this month in which three people were killed, Duffy said. The truck driver involved had a commercial license from California and Washington, and had been pulled over for speeding in New Mexico prior to crashing in Florida, Duffy said.</p><p>“So this one driver touched all three states,” he said.</p><p>The Florida driver, an immigrant from India who did not have permanent legal authority to be in the country, made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/08/20/jay-collins-is-headed-to-california-to-bring-back-undocumented-truck-driver/" target="_blank">local reports</a>.</p><p>Duffy said the Florida driver did not understand road signs, but did not further specify how his lack of English comprehension led to the crash, which reportedly involved making a U-turn across lanes of traffic. But Duffy repeatedly said the issue was one of safety.</p><p>Duffy said that when the Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-enforces-commonsense-rules-of-the-road-for-americas-truck-drivers/" target="_blank">executive order&nbsp;</a>went into effect, it received negative publicity.</p><p>“There was a lot of press that complained to us that we were being unfair to people, that we were being mean to people,” he said. “And what we said was, ‘No, this is a safety issue.’ Making sure drivers of very heavy, 80,000-pound rigs can speak the language is truly a critical safety issue. And some complained about it.”</p><h2>Newsom hits back</h2><p>On social media, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office said the federal government approved a permit for the Florida driver.</p><p>“This is rich,” Newsom’s office&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovPressOffice" target="_blank">wrote on X</a>. “The Trump Administration approved the federal work permit for the man who killed 3 people — and now they’re scrambling to shift blame after getting caught. Sean’s nonsense announcement is as big a joke as the Trump Administration itself.”</p><p>A DHS spokesperson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/24/us/harjinder-singh-florida-crash-immigration" target="_blank">denied</a>&nbsp;the federal government issued the driver a work permit and blamed Newsom.</p><p>“These innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsom’s California Department of Motor Vehicles issued an illegal alien a Commercial Driver’s License—this state of governance is asinine,” a spokesperson wrote in an email to States Newsroom.</p><p>Newsom has increasingly over the past few months used his social media channels to mock Trump.&nbsp;</p><p>Washington State Patrol spokesman Chris Loftis wrote in an email that the agency was “reviewing the matter with our state transportation partners” and would soon have a more detailed response.</p><p>A spokesperson for Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said he had not received Duffy’s letter.&nbsp;</p><p>“We will review it when we receive it and carefully evaluate next steps,” the spokesperson, Brionna Aho, said.&nbsp;</p><p>That state’s Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, made<a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/08/19/wa-will-not-be-bullied-or-intimidated-ferguson-tells-bondi/" target="_blank">&nbsp;a defiant statement</a>&nbsp;last week about complying with the Trump administration’s demands on immigration enforcement.</p><p>“Washington State will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations,” he wrote to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.</p><p>He has&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovBobFerguson/status/1960108862843060436" target="_blank">amplified</a>&nbsp;that message&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovBobFerguson/status/1960132600112271694" target="_blank">several</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovBobFerguson/status/1958985338954948621" target="_blank">times</a>&nbsp;since.</p><p>The New Mexico Department of Transportation deferred a request for comment to the state’s Department of Public Safety, which did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.</p><h2>Investigating testing</h2><p>Duffy said he was puzzled by commercial drivers who were able to pass a skills test without understanding English, and said the department was investigating that issue.</p><p>“This is something we’re looking at and working on when someone, an individual, comes in to take their test to become a commercial driver, and then they do a skills test… at that point, it would be clear that this driver doesn’t understand all the road signs and doesn’t speak the language, but miraculously, they’re passing the skills test,” he said. “I think any common-sense analysis would say, well, that doesn’t make sense.”</p><p>The federal department would be looking at whether the skills tests are being correctly administered and whether there is “some gaming of the system that we have to address.”</p>

Trump admin. threatens to yank state funds over truckers’ English proficiency

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our “Old Timer” will remain. <br><br>At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm… <a href="https://t.co/C32QMLOeq0">pic.twitter.com/C32QMLOeq0</a></p>&mdash; Cracker Barrel (@CrackerBarrel) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrackerBarrel/status/1960475658116632865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

 Cracker Barrel: New logo is going away and our “Old Timer” will remain.  

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Are you ready for an AI challenge?<br>Visit <a href="https://t.co/PNPBv2KckS">https://t.co/PNPBv2KckS</a> <a href="https://t.co/GdRiH8tz2t">pic.twitter.com/GdRiH8tz2t</a></p>&mdash; First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1960320005909737658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥First lady announces nationwide AI contest for students

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725580468000.png" alt="Taylor Swift arrives to watch the Chiefs last season -photo by Micaela Dea courtesy KAKE " />
                        <figcaption>Taylor Swift arrives to watch the Chiefs last season -photo by Micaela Dea courtesy KAKE </figcaption>
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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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See the photos: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged

On Monday, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order taking steps to ensure that cashless bail in Washington, D.C. is eliminated.

STOPPING DANGEROUS RELEASE POLICIES IN D.C.:&nbsp;The District of Columbia’s cashless bail policies allow dangerous individuals to be released quickly, endangering residents, visitors, and Federal workers, and force law enforcement to repeatedly arrest the same offenders.

MAKING AMERICA SAFE AGAIN:&nbsp;The American people elected President Trump to get tough on crime and restore safety to communities nationwide.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Purpose and Policy.&nbsp; Maintaining order and public safety requires incarcerating individuals whose pending criminal charges or criminal history demonstrate a clear ongoing risk to society.&nbsp; When these individuals are released without bail under city or State policies, they are permitted — even encouraged — to further endanger law-abiding, hard-working Americans because they know our laws will not be enforced. &nbsp;Our great law enforcement officers risk their lives to arrest potentially violent criminals, only to be forced to arrest the same individuals, sometimes for the same crimes, while they await trial on the previous charges.&nbsp; This is a waste of public resources and a threat to public safety.

As President, I will require commonsense policies that protect Americans’ safety and well-being by incarcerating individuals who are known threats.&nbsp; It is therefore the policy of my Administration that Federal policies and resources should not be used to support jurisdictions with cashless bail policies, to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Sec.&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Consequences for Cashless Bail Jurisdictions.&nbsp; (a) &nbsp;Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General shall submit to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, a list of States and local jurisdictions that have, in the Attorney General’s opinion, substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release from custody for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order, including offenses involving violent, sexual, or indecent acts, or burglary, looting, or vandalism.&nbsp; The Attorney General shall update this list as necessary.

(b) &nbsp;The head of each executive department and agency, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall identify Federal funds, including grants and contracts, currently provided to cashless bail jurisdictions identified pursuant to subsection (a) of this section that may be suspended or terminated, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law.

Sec.&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;General Provisions.&nbsp; (a)&nbsp; Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) &nbsp;the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)&nbsp; This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)&nbsp; This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d)&nbsp; The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DONALD J. TRUMP

<p><i>White House</i></p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> signs an Executive Order taking steps to crack down on cashless bail <a href="https://t.co/qF795onMZa">pic.twitter.com/qF795onMZa</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1959996712736452677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>On Monday, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order taking steps to ensure that cashless bail in Washington, D.C. is eliminated.</p><ul>
                        <li>The Order tasks the relevant law enforcement agencies and officials that are members of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force to work to ensure that arrestees in the District of Columbia are held in Federal custody to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, and to pursue Federal charges and pretrial detention for such arrestees whenever possible.</li><li>The Order directs the Attorney General to determine whether the District of Columbia continues to maintain its cashless bail policy for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety, including murder, rape, carjacking, assault, burglary, looting, and more.&nbsp;</li><li>If the District’s cashless-bail policy remains in place, the Order instructs the Administration to take appropriate actions, which may include Federal funding decisions, services, or approvals, as well as actions the Attorney General identifies as necessary and appropriate because of the emergency conditions.</li>
                    </ul><p>STOPPING DANGEROUS RELEASE POLICIES IN D.C.:&nbsp;The District of Columbia’s cashless bail policies allow dangerous individuals to be released quickly, endangering residents, visitors, and Federal workers, and force law enforcement to repeatedly arrest the same offenders.</p><ul>
                        <li>Under D.C. law, cash bail is effectively outlawed, meaning that the overwhelming majority of individuals arrested and awaiting trial are released back onto the streets.</li><li>A journalist was reportedly injured and sexually abused near Union Station by a homeless man, only to be released back onto the streets before his trial.</li><li>A man who threw a Subway sandwich at a Federal officer has been released on his own recognizance, despite being charged with a sentence that carries up to eight years in Federal prison.</li><li>A man was released after being charged with inappropriately touching three women in Northwest Washington, only to be arrested again just two days later for sexually abusing another three women in broad daylight.</li><li>Two days after a man was released from court on a misdemeanor charge of assaulting a police officer, he was then charged in a fatal stabbing on a Metro train.</li><li>Under the District’s cashless bail policy, law enforcement officers risk their lives to arrest dangerous criminals, only to be forced to arrest the same individuals, sometimes for the same crimes, while they repeatedly endanger American citizens visiting our Nation’s capital and federal workers discharging their duties to our Nation.</li><li>President Trump must protect our Nation’s capital and Federal workers to ensure that the operations and conduct of the responsibilities of the Federal government are carried out safely and successfully.</li><li>A 2023 study out of Yolo County, California found that its “Zero Bail” policy resulted in 163% more crime and 200% more violent crime compared to those who posted bail.</li>
                    </ul><p>MAKING AMERICA SAFE AGAIN:&nbsp;The American people elected President Trump to get tough on crime and restore safety to communities nationwide.</p><ul>
                        <li>President Trump: “When I’m reelected, I will crack down on the left-wing jurisdictions that refuse to prosecute dangerous criminals and set loose violent felons on cashless bail… If you kill somebody, there’s no bond. Don’t worry about it. Go ahead. Kill somebody else. These people are crazy, I’ll tell you.”</li><li>Earlier this month, President Trump mobilized the national guard and invoked emergency authority over the D.C. Metro Police Department to restore law and order in the District of Columbia.</li><li>On his first day in office, President Trump sealed the southern border and launched the largest deportation operation in history to remove criminal illegal aliens.</li><li>He has consistently pushed for stronger law enforcement policies to ensure violent offenders are detained, protecting law-abiding Americans from repeat criminals.</li>
                    </ul><p>------------</p><p>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:</p><p>Section&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Purpose and Policy.&nbsp; Maintaining order and public safety requires incarcerating individuals whose pending criminal charges or criminal history demonstrate a clear ongoing risk to society.&nbsp; When these individuals are released without bail under city or State policies, they are permitted — even encouraged — to further endanger law-abiding, hard-working Americans because they know our laws will not be enforced. &nbsp;Our great law enforcement officers risk their lives to arrest potentially violent criminals, only to be forced to arrest the same individuals, sometimes for the same crimes, while they await trial on the previous charges.&nbsp; This is a waste of public resources and a threat to public safety.</p><p>As President, I will require commonsense policies that protect Americans’ safety and well-being by incarcerating individuals who are known threats.&nbsp; It is therefore the policy of my Administration that Federal policies and resources should not be used to support jurisdictions with cashless bail policies, to the maximum extent permitted by law.</p><p>Sec.&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Consequences for Cashless Bail Jurisdictions.&nbsp; (a) &nbsp;Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General shall submit to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, a list of States and local jurisdictions that have, in the Attorney General’s opinion, substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release from custody for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order, including offenses involving violent, sexual, or indecent acts, or burglary, looting, or vandalism.&nbsp; The Attorney General shall update this list as necessary.</p><p>(b) &nbsp;The head of each executive department and agency, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall identify Federal funds, including grants and contracts, currently provided to cashless bail jurisdictions identified pursuant to subsection (a) of this section that may be suspended or terminated, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law.</p><p>Sec.&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;General Provisions.&nbsp; (a)&nbsp; Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:</p><p>(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or</p><p>(ii) &nbsp;the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.</p><p>(b)&nbsp; This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.</p><p>(c)&nbsp; This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.</p><p>(d)&nbsp; The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DONALD J. TRUMP</p><p>THE WHITE HOUSE,</p>

Details on President Trump's order aimed at ending cashless bail nationwide

The Powerball® jackpot has soared to an estimated $815 million for the next drawing on Wednesday night, making it the seventh-largest prize in game history, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association.&nbsp; The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $367.9 million.

The Powerball jackpot rolled Monday night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 16, 19, 34, 37, 64 and red Powerball 22. The Power Play® multiplier was 3.

While the jackpot evaded players, two tickets in Georgia and Texas won $1 million prizes after matching all five white balls. There were also 26 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and five tickets that won $150,000 prizes.

In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in Maryland won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play® is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to play their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com&nbsp;</a>after the main drawing.

Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will be the 38th drawing since the jackpot was last won in California on May 31, 2025. If a player wins Wednesday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $815 million or a lump sum payment estimated at $367.9 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689681523439.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Powerball® jackpot has soared to an estimated $815 million for the next drawing on Wednesday night, making it the seventh-largest prize in game history, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association.&nbsp; The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $367.9 million.</p><p>The Powerball jackpot rolled Monday night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 16, 19, 34, 37, 64 and red Powerball 22. The Power Play® multiplier was 3.</p><p>While the jackpot evaded players, two tickets in Georgia and Texas won $1 million prizes after matching all five white balls. There were also 26 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and five tickets that won $150,000 prizes.</p><p>In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in Maryland won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play® is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to play their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com&nbsp;</a>after the main drawing.</p><p>Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will be the 38th drawing since the jackpot was last won in California on May 31, 2025. If a player wins Wednesday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $815 million or a lump sum payment estimated at $367.9 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.</p><p>Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.</p><p>Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on Powerball.com.</p><p>The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.</p><p>Top Ten Powerball Jackpots</p><ol>
                        <li>$2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 - OR</li><li>$1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA</li><li>$842.4 Million – January 1, 2024 – MI</li><li>$815 Million (est) – Aug. 27, 2025</li><li>$768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI</li><li>$758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA</li><li>$754.6 Million – Feb. 6, 2023 - WA</li>
                    </ol>

Powerball jackpot soars to seventh largest in game history

The Democrat National Committee opened their summer meetings on Monday in Minneapolis. Those in attendance are discussing the future of the party and criticizing President Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Vice Presidential candidate and current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said, " If Kamala Harris had won in 2024: "We wouldn't wake up everyday to a bunch of s%X$# on TV and a bunch of nonsense. We would wake up to an adult with compassion and dignity and vision and leadership doing the work. May his fat ankles find something today."

More than 400 elected party officials from all 50 states and several territories are attending the meetings at a downtown hotel in Minneapolis.

<p>The Democrat National Committee opened their summer meetings on Monday in Minneapolis. Those in attendance are discussing the future of the party and criticizing President Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovTimWalz</a> on if Kamala Harris had won in 2024: &quot;We wouldn&#39;t wake up everyday to a bunch of shit on TV and a bunch of nonsense. We would wake up to an adult with compassion and dignity and vision and leadership doing the work...May his fat ankles find something today.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ojPkh3DOPl">pic.twitter.com/ojPkh3DOPl</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1960023391429095753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Former Vice Presidential candidate and current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said, " If Kamala Harris had won in 2024: "We wouldn't wake up everyday to a bunch of s%X$# on TV and a bunch of nonsense. We would wake up to an adult with compassion and dignity and vision and leadership doing the work. May his fat ankles find something today."</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tim Walz is a deeply disturbed individual.<br><br>Here he is coming unglued over a &quot;stupid frickin&#39; red hat&quot; and suggesting people burn flags with President Trump&#39;s photo on them. <a href="https://t.co/QwMryOCc1c">pic.twitter.com/QwMryOCc1c</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1960043219879916008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>More than 400 elected party officials from all 50 states and several territories are attending the meetings at a downtown hotel in Minneapolis.</p>

🎥Former VP candidate insults President Trump during DNC speech

Read Cracker Barrel's apology to fans angered at changes

LINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team made quick work of No. 6 Stanford in a 25-13, 25-19, 25-14 sweep on Sunday afternoon in front of a crowd of 15,734 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.&nbsp;

The Huskers (2-0) hit a blistering .385 and held the Cardinal (1-1) to .094 hitting. Allie Sczech earned her first start as a Husker and connected for 12 kills on .400 hitting. Rebekah Allick tallied 11 kills, five blocks and hit .600 to earn MVP honors in the match. Harper Murray contributed 10 kills and nine digs and hit .308.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly had 36 assists, nine digs, four kills and three blocks. Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch led the Big Red with 12 digs each.&nbsp;

NU had a 9-2 edge in blocks, 56-35 advantage in digs and 46-31 lead in kills.&nbsp;

Stanford got eight kills from Elia Rubin.&nbsp;

Set 1: The Huskers led 10-7 at the first media timeout with Reilly swinging for two kills and Allick, Jackson and Murray all chipping in two early kills as well. Allick registered two more kills and a block with Murray to make it 13-8. NU went on a 5-0 run to go up 21-11 with Murray and Reilly posting kills, and back-to-back blocks by Andi Jackson and Taylor Landfair and Jackson and Reilly. A solo block by Allick and kill by Sczech finished off a 25-13 Husker win.&nbsp;

Set 2: NU gained some separation at 9-5 after back-to-back Landfair kills and a block by Landfair and Allick. Two kills by Sczech around an ace by Teraya Sigler helped make it 12-6 Big Red. Stanford scored three in a row to get within 13-10 before Sczech rolled a kill to the floor. Two straight kills by Jackson made it 16-11 Big Red. Another solo stuff by Allick put the Huskers up 19-13, and Sczech added two more kills for a 21-15 lead. Sczech continued to carve up the Stanford defense with her eighth kill that made it 23-16, and Murray ended a 25-19 win with her seventh kill.&nbsp;

Set 3: After Stanford scored the first two points, Sczech and Murray posted kills as part of a 4-0 spurt for a 4-2 lead. A block by Allick and Reilly put NU on top 9-5. Allick and Sczech combined for four kills as the Huskers went up 16-7 after a 6-0 run served by Sigler. Murray, Reilly, Sigler and Allick tallied kills to keep NU ahead comfortably, 22-13, and NU went on to win 25-14 as Maisie Boesiger subbed in to serve a 4-0 run down the stretch.

Up Next: Nebraska hits the road next week for a pair of matches in Nashville, Tenn. NU will play at Lipscomb on Friday at 6 p.m. before taking on No. 7 Kentucky on Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Broadway Block Party.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756123616448.jpeg" alt="#1 Nebraska dominates #6 Stanford at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday afternoon" />
                        <figcaption>#1 Nebraska dominates #6 Stanford at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday afternoon</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team made quick work of No. 6 Stanford in a 25-13, 25-19, 25-14 sweep on Sunday afternoon in front of a crowd of 15,734 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.&nbsp;</p><p>The Huskers (2-0) hit a blistering .385 and held the Cardinal (1-1) to .094 hitting. Allie Sczech earned her first start as a Husker and connected for 12 kills on .400 hitting. Rebekah Allick tallied 11 kills, five blocks and hit .600 to earn MVP honors in the match. Harper Murray contributed 10 kills and nine digs and hit .308.&nbsp;</p><p>Bergen Reilly had 36 assists, nine digs, four kills and three blocks. Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch led the Big Red with 12 digs each.&nbsp;</p><p>NU had a 9-2 edge in blocks, 56-35 advantage in digs and 46-31 lead in kills.&nbsp;</p><p>Stanford got eight kills from Elia Rubin.&nbsp;</p><p>Set 1: The Huskers led 10-7 at the first media timeout with Reilly swinging for two kills and Allick, Jackson and Murray all chipping in two early kills as well. Allick registered two more kills and a block with Murray to make it 13-8. NU went on a 5-0 run to go up 21-11 with Murray and Reilly posting kills, and back-to-back blocks by Andi Jackson and Taylor Landfair and Jackson and Reilly. A solo block by Allick and kill by Sczech finished off a 25-13 Husker win.&nbsp;</p><p>Set 2: NU gained some separation at 9-5 after back-to-back Landfair kills and a block by Landfair and Allick. Two kills by Sczech around an ace by Teraya Sigler helped make it 12-6 Big Red. Stanford scored three in a row to get within 13-10 before Sczech rolled a kill to the floor. Two straight kills by Jackson made it 16-11 Big Red. Another solo stuff by Allick put the Huskers up 19-13, and Sczech added two more kills for a 21-15 lead. Sczech continued to carve up the Stanford defense with her eighth kill that made it 23-16, and Murray ended a 25-19 win with her seventh kill.&nbsp;</p><p>Set 3: After Stanford scored the first two points, Sczech and Murray posted kills as part of a 4-0 spurt for a 4-2 lead. A block by Allick and Reilly put NU on top 9-5. Allick and Sczech combined for four kills as the Huskers went up 16-7 after a 6-0 run served by Sigler. Murray, Reilly, Sigler and Allick tallied kills to keep NU ahead comfortably, 22-13, and NU went on to win 25-14 as Maisie Boesiger subbed in to serve a 4-0 run down the stretch.</p><p>Up Next: Nebraska hits the road next week for a pair of matches in Nashville, Tenn. NU will play at Lipscomb on Friday at 6 p.m. before taking on No. 7 Kentucky on Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Broadway Block Party.&nbsp;</p>