Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed&nbsp; in a targeted attack during an outdoor event Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Kirk co-founded the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA and was a close ally of President Donald Trump.

On his social media page, Harrison Butker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs and known for his conservative views reacted to Kirk's death.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed&nbsp; in a targeted attack during an outdoor event Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Kirk co-founded the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA and was a close ally of President Donald Trump.On his social media page, Harrison Butker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs and known for his conservative views reacted to Kirk's death.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A message from President Donald J. Trump: &quot;TO MY GREAT FELLOW AMERICANS…&quot;<a href="https://t.co/Mam4l66fLE">pic.twitter.com/Mam4l66fLE</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1965944071530373257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Before tonight&#39;s game we held a moment of silence in memoriam of Charlie Kirk. Kirk founded the youth activist group “Turning Point USA” and had become a fixture on college campuses. Charlie Kirk, a husband and father of two children, was 31 years old. <a href="https://t.co/Fz5xPlmdu0">pic.twitter.com/Fz5xPlmdu0</a>&mdash; New York Yankees (@Yankees) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees/status/1965913114450501983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

KC Chiefs' star issues statement on death of Charlie Kirk

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump shares a message on the assassination of Charlie Kirk. “I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived &amp; died. The values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law &amp; the patriotic devotion &amp; love of God.” <a href="https://t.co/3fBSgs4Zxa">pic.twitter.com/3fBSgs4Zxa</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1965946655188070750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump's message on the assassination of Charlie Kirk

By:<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/author/katie-mckellar/">Katie McKellar</a> <a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/">Utah News Dispatch</a>

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after he was shot at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced.&nbsp;

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115181934991844419" target="_blank">wrote on Truth Social</a>. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Videos circulating on social media show students scattering after a popping sound is heard, Kirk appears to be impacted by something, and begins bleeding from his neck. Witnesses say he was answering a question about gang violence and shootings in the moment he was shot.&nbsp;

In a statement, Utah Valley University confirmed Kirk had been shot at about 12:20 p.m. while speaking to the crowd.

Police are investigating and the campus has been closed for the rest of the day.

Adelaide Condie, an 18-year-old Utah Valley University student, was standing on a trash can trying to see Kirk as he answered a question about gun violence when he was hit.

“All of a sudden he got shot … It looked like it was to the chest from where I was, but people are saying it was to the neck … then he went down,” said Condie as she was leaving campus. “Everyone started running, then we all got on lockdown.”&nbsp;

The university initially reported a suspect was in custody, but reports later indicated the individual had been released.

Shooting follows No Kings protest shooting, national political violence

The shooting on the college campus in Orem, about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City, follows violence this summer in Utah and beyond. In July,&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/06/14/gunshots-break-out-in-slc-utah-during-no-kings-protest-police-urge-protesters-to-disperse/">shots rang out</a>&nbsp;as more than 10,000 people marched in Salt Lake City as part of the “No Kings” protest of the Trump administration and its policies.

A self-designated “volunteer peacekeeper” fired with a handgun after seeing a man with an AR-15-style rifle, winging him in the side and striking a protester walking by in the head.&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/06/17/beloved-utah-fashion-designers-friends-remember-his-life-and-his-last-moments/">Arthur “Afa” Ah Loo</a>, a fashion designer and fixture of the Polynesian community in Utah, died from the wound.

On the same day in Wisconsin, Minnesota House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman was&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2025/06/14/minnesota-house-democratic-leader-dead-after-politically-motivated-assassination/" target="_blank">assassinated in her home</a>, along with her husband, Mark Hortman. Police say the accused gunman,&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/07/15/federal-grand-jury-indicts-vance-boelter/" target="_blank">Vance Boelter</a>, disguised himself as a police officer. Boelter is also charged with shooting Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, both of whom survived, in their Champlin home.&nbsp;

Kirk is the founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://tpusa.com/" target="_blank">Turning Point USA</a>, an organization that advocates for conservative politics in educational institutions, and a close ally of the president. He is a widely known internet personality who takes his signature “prove me wrong” debates to college campuses.

His Utah visit wasn’t without controversy. In a&nbsp;<a href="http://change.org/" target="_blank">Change.org petition</a>, students at Utah State University, where Kirk was scheduled to make a second appearance in the state on Sept. 30, said Kirk’s polarizing rhetoric is at odds with the inclusive atmosphere they want to preserve on campus. The petition had more than 6,800 signatures.

FBI Director Kash Patel posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1965851035467132940" target="_blank">X</a>&nbsp;that the FBI is “closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.”&nbsp;

“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation,” Patel said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SpencerJCox" target="_blank">posted to social media</a>, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he was being briefed by law enforcement “following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk,” and will continue to share updates.&nbsp;

“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life,” Cox wrote. “Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”&nbsp;

On Capitol Hill, dozens of congressional Republicans offered prayers for Kirk, with whom many GOP members have personal relationships.

U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairman James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, paused the panel’s consideration of a bill and held a moment of silence after Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene informed the committee of the shooting.

Vice President JD Vance offered his own statement of support on X.

“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” he wrote.

Utah News Dispatch journalists McKenzie Romero, Kyle Dunphey and Alixel Cabrera, and States Newsroom reporter Jacob Fischler contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541376269.png" alt="Charlie Kirk -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Kirk -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/author/katie-mckellar/">Katie McKellar</a> <a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/">Utah News Dispatch</a>Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after he was shot at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced.&nbsp;“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115181934991844419" target="_blank">wrote on Truth Social</a>. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”Videos circulating on social media show students scattering after a popping sound is heard, Kirk appears to be impacted by something, and begins bleeding from his neck. Witnesses say he was answering a question about gang violence and shootings in the moment he was shot.&nbsp;In a statement, Utah Valley University confirmed Kirk had been shot at about 12:20 p.m. while speaking to the crowd.Police are investigating and the campus has been closed for the rest of the day.Adelaide Condie, an 18-year-old Utah Valley University student, was standing on a trash can trying to see Kirk as he answered a question about gun violence when he was hit.“All of a sudden he got shot … It looked like it was to the chest from where I was, but people are saying it was to the neck … then he went down,” said Condie as she was leaving campus. “Everyone started running, then we all got on lockdown.”&nbsp;The university initially reported a suspect was in custody, but reports later indicated the individual had been released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541335583.png" alt="Police respond to the scene of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was speaking during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Police respond to the scene of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was speaking during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Shooting follows No Kings protest shooting, national political violence</h2>The shooting on the college campus in Orem, about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City, follows violence this summer in Utah and beyond. In July,&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/06/14/gunshots-break-out-in-slc-utah-during-no-kings-protest-police-urge-protesters-to-disperse/">shots rang out</a>&nbsp;as more than 10,000 people marched in Salt Lake City as part of the “No Kings” protest of the Trump administration and its policies.A self-designated “volunteer peacekeeper” fired with a handgun after seeing a man with an AR-15-style rifle, winging him in the side and striking a protester walking by in the head.&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/06/17/beloved-utah-fashion-designers-friends-remember-his-life-and-his-last-moments/">Arthur “Afa” Ah Loo</a>, a fashion designer and fixture of the Polynesian community in Utah, died from the wound.On the same day in Wisconsin, Minnesota House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman was&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2025/06/14/minnesota-house-democratic-leader-dead-after-politically-motivated-assassination/" target="_blank">assassinated in her home</a>, along with her husband, Mark Hortman. Police say the accused gunman,&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/07/15/federal-grand-jury-indicts-vance-boelter/" target="_blank">Vance Boelter</a>, disguised himself as a police officer. Boelter is also charged with shooting Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, both of whom survived, in their Champlin home.&nbsp;<h2>Kirk’s visit to Utah drew criticism</h2>Kirk is the founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://tpusa.com/" target="_blank">Turning Point USA</a>, an organization that advocates for conservative politics in educational institutions, and a close ally of the president. He is a widely known internet personality who takes his signature “prove me wrong” debates to college campuses.His Utah visit wasn’t without controversy. In a&nbsp;<a href="http://change.org/" target="_blank">Change.org petition</a>, students at Utah State University, where Kirk was scheduled to make a second appearance in the state on Sept. 30, said Kirk’s polarizing rhetoric is at odds with the inclusive atmosphere they want to preserve on campus. The petition had more than 6,800 signatures.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541297936.png" alt="The Utah Valley University courtyard where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot is pictured in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>The Utah Valley University courtyard where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot is pictured in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Concern for Kirk flows in</h2>FBI Director Kash Patel posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1965851035467132940" target="_blank">X</a>&nbsp;that the FBI is “closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.”&nbsp;“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation,” Patel said.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SpencerJCox" target="_blank">posted to social media</a>, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he was being briefed by law enforcement “following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk,” and will continue to share updates.&nbsp;“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life,” Cox wrote. “Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”&nbsp;On Capitol Hill, dozens of congressional Republicans offered prayers for Kirk, with whom many GOP members have personal relationships.U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairman James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, paused the panel’s consideration of a bill and held a moment of silence after Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene informed the committee of the shooting.Vice President JD Vance offered his own statement of support on X.“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” he wrote.Utah News Dispatch journalists McKenzie Romero, Kyle Dunphey and Alixel Cabrera, and States Newsroom reporter Jacob Fischler contributed to this story.

Charlie Kirk dies after shooting at Utah Valley University

WASHINGTON­—Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) delivered opening remarks at Tuesday’s hearing titled “<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/restoring-public-trust-through-uap-transparency-and-whistleblower-protection/">Restoring Public Trust Through UFO or UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection</a>.”

In her opening statement, Task Force Chairwoman Luna highlighted the lack of transparency from the federal government and intelligence communities on the research and disclosure of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). Task Force Chairwoman Luna also reiterated the importance of addressing threats to U.S. national security by (UFOs or now known as UAPs and the need for the federal government to acknowledge them.

Read the Congresswoman's full statement below:

Good morning, and welcome to this hearing regarding UAP disclosures.

For too long, the issue of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – commonly known as UAPs – has been shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and in some cases outright dismissal.&nbsp;

Today, I want to state clearly: this is not science fiction or creating speculation.&nbsp;

This is about national security, government accountability, and the American people’s right to the truth.

I have now spoken to a number of whistleblowers from the military, to include at the infamous Eglin AFB incident that occurred when myself and former Rep Matt Gaetz as well as Rep Burchett followed up on a lead from multiple active-duty air force pilot whistleblowers that alleged that the USAF was covering up UAP activity at Eglin AFB.&nbsp;

We have heard from a number of whistleblowers, specifically military pilots, that the reason for not coming forward publicly is out of fear that speaking out would cost them their flight status, and potentially their careers.&nbsp;

We cannot protect our airspace if our best-trained observers are silenced.&nbsp;

We cannot advance science if we refuse to ask questions.&nbsp;

And we cannot maintain trust in government if we keep the American people in the dark.

Now, Congress has tried to fix this problem.

Congress tried to create formal channels – through the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, also known as AARO and the Intelligence Community Inspector General – for service members and officials to make disclosures.

But the reality: the reports that come in are too often brushed aside, slow-walked, or met with skepticism rather than serious investigation. Recently, the former AARO director known as Sean Kirpatrick attacked our witness and members on this committee. It should be noted that he is a documented liar and brings into question what his purpose at AARO really was if it was not to follow up on investigations and disclose his findings to Members of Congress.&nbsp;

A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Chris Mellon, described a report published by ARRO that “found no evidence that any USG investigation, academic-sponsored research, or official review panel has confirmed that any sighting of a UAP represented extraterrestrial technology,” as “the most error-ridden and unsatisfactory government report I can recall reading during or after decades of government service.” Mellon further noted that this was the first ARRO report submitted to Congress without the Director of National Intelligence’s sign-off and seemingly excluded input from “any of the scholars or experts who have studied and written extensively on this topic as would normally be the case in another field.” Mellon determined that the report failed to fulfill the congressional mandate under which it was required, omitted entire agencies with “known investigations or activities relating to UAP,” and omitted any discussion of efforts to hide classified or unclassified information about UAP. Such efforts were unaddressed by the report despite the existence of agency records and investigations concerning them, including at US Customs and Border Protection.

If we set up offices and oversight bodies only to let them become graveyards for testimony or worse yet, ruses for pretending to investigate when in actuality, there was no follow up, then we are not doing our jobs.

In recent months, Congress has also been presented with evidence that points to technologies that to our knowledge, are beyond our current capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is our duty as elected representatives to follow the facts, wherever they lead, and to ensure those facts are not buried under classification stamps or bureaucratic excuses.&nbsp;

Let me be clear: whether UAPs represent adversarial technology, natural phenomena, or something beyond current human understanding, Congress has a responsibility to investigate.&nbsp;

If these objects are foreign in origin, they pose a direct threat to our national security.&nbsp;

If they represent something unknown, they demand rigorous scientific inquiry – not ridicule, not secrecy, and not silence.&nbsp;

Adversarial nations are not waiting for us to catch up – they are studying these phenomena aggressively as well and multiple nations have also announced their own parliamentary investigation into this very topic.

If we continue to hide information from ourselves, we risk strategic surprises.&nbsp;

If we continue to ignore our pilots and service members as well as the countless government whistleblowers, we risk losing their trust.&nbsp;

And if we continue to shield the truth from the public, we risk eroding the very foundation of democratic accountability.&nbsp;

This is about demanding basic transparency from the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community and/or military contractors.&nbsp;

It is about asking the questions every American has the right to ask: What do we know? What don’t we know? And why, in a free society are we still being told so little?&nbsp;

A major barrier to the Committee’s inquiry into UAPs has been a lack of cooperation and transparency from the DoD and the Intelligence Community (IC). In preparation for previous UAP hearings, the Committee repeatedly asked DoD to allow Members to view videos and files relating to UAP incidents. Unfortunately, DoD notified Committee staff that due to the Department’s special access program (SAP) rules, only members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee (HAC-D) were allowed to be “read in” on such programs. For a non-committee Member to be allowed to view these documents and videos, individual Members must be approved by the Chairman and Ranking Member of both HASC and HAC-D. Independent SAP oversight has presented a consistent problem for Congress as the program’s budgets are classified. Additionally, oversight reporting to Congress is classified, and is only provided to the authorizing and appropriations committees of jurisdiction.

They do not need to be shielded like children from reality.

What they cannot tolerate – what they will not forgive – is a government that withholds the truth and punishes those who dare to speak out.

Future generations will look back on this moment and ask what we did when presented with the unknown.&nbsp;

Did we look away, embarrassed or afraid? Or did we pursue the truth with courage?&nbsp;

I intend to be on the side of truth, transparency, and accountability, and I hope my colleagues on this Task Force will be as well.&nbsp;

Senator Schumer: “Multiple credible sources” allege a constitutional crisis over UFOs.

Senator Rounds: “They are brilliant individuals.”&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;“They’re not making this stuff up.”

Our current Secretary of State Rubio: “Very high clearances and high positions within our government.”

Senator McConnell: “Sane,” “Credible”

The witnesses today are not alone, far from it. In fact, 34 senior military, government, and intelligence officials have broken their silence. This includes Senator Rubio, Senator Rounds, Senator Gillibrand, General Jim Clapper, the former director of the Government’s UAP task force, the former head of aviation security on the White House national security council, a former secretary of defense, and many more.&nbsp; To quote&nbsp;Senator Rubio in the upcoming documentary Age of Disclosure: “even presidents have been operating on a need-to-know basis but that begins to spin out of control.” And to quote Senator Gillibrand who went public in a upcoming documentary, “it’s not acceptable to have secret parts of government that no one ever sees.” It is time for the fundamental truths around UAP to be revealed to our nation’s leaders and to the public.

&nbsp;It is time for the US government to exercise transparency.

WASHINGTON­—Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) delivered opening remarks at Tuesday’s hearing titled “<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/restoring-public-trust-through-uap-transparency-and-whistleblower-protection/">Restoring Public Trust Through UFO or UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection</a>.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Below is the video I revealed in our <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPoversight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOPoversight</a> UAP hearing today, made available to the public for the first time. October 30th, 2024: MQ-9 Reaper allegedly tracking orb off coast of Yemen. Greenlight given to engage, missile appears to be ineffective against the target.… <a href="https://t.co/jxJwl0e00S">pic.twitter.com/jxJwl0e00S</a>&mdash; Rep. Eric Burlison (@RepEricBurlison) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepEricBurlison/status/1965438792493355291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔴 UAP HEARING! Watch as <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLuna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepLuna</a> and the Task Force for the Declassification of Federal Secrets hold a hearing on restoring public trust through UAP transparency and whistleblower protection. <a href="https://t.co/TOLaBHHj9Q">https://t.co/TOLaBHHj9Q</a>&mdash; Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPoversight/status/1965412144264151187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In her opening statement, Task Force Chairwoman Luna highlighted the lack of transparency from the federal government and intelligence communities on the research and disclosure of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). Task Force Chairwoman Luna also reiterated the importance of addressing threats to U.S. national security by (UFOs or now known as UAPs and the need for the federal government to acknowledge them.Read the Congresswoman's full statement below:Good morning, and welcome to this hearing regarding UAP disclosures.For too long, the issue of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – commonly known as UAPs – has been shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and in some cases outright dismissal.&nbsp;Today, I want to state clearly: this is not science fiction or creating speculation.&nbsp;This is about national security, government accountability, and the American people’s right to the truth.I have now spoken to a number of whistleblowers from the military, to include at the infamous Eglin AFB incident that occurred when myself and former Rep Matt Gaetz as well as Rep Burchett followed up on a lead from multiple active-duty air force pilot whistleblowers that alleged that the USAF was covering up UAP activity at Eglin AFB.&nbsp;We have heard from a number of whistleblowers, specifically military pilots, that the reason for not coming forward publicly is out of fear that speaking out would cost them their flight status, and potentially their careers.&nbsp;That is unacceptable.&nbsp;We cannot protect our airspace if our best-trained observers are silenced.&nbsp;We cannot advance science if we refuse to ask questions.&nbsp;And we cannot maintain trust in government if we keep the American people in the dark.Now, Congress has tried to fix this problem.Congress tried to create formal channels – through the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, also known as AARO and the Intelligence Community Inspector General – for service members and officials to make disclosures.But the reality: the reports that come in are too often brushed aside, slow-walked, or met with skepticism rather than serious investigation. Recently, the former AARO director known as Sean Kirpatrick attacked our witness and members on this committee. It should be noted that he is a documented liar and brings into question what his purpose at AARO really was if it was not to follow up on investigations and disclose his findings to Members of Congress.&nbsp;A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Chris Mellon, described a report published by ARRO that “found no evidence that any USG investigation, academic-sponsored research, or official review panel has confirmed that any sighting of a UAP represented extraterrestrial technology,” as “the most error-ridden and unsatisfactory government report I can recall reading during or after decades of government service.” Mellon further noted that this was the first ARRO report submitted to Congress without the Director of National Intelligence’s sign-off and seemingly excluded input from “any of the scholars or experts who have studied and written extensively on this topic as would normally be the case in another field.” Mellon determined that the report failed to fulfill the congressional mandate under which it was required, omitted entire agencies with “known investigations or activities relating to UAP,” and omitted any discussion of efforts to hide classified or unclassified information about UAP. Such efforts were unaddressed by the report despite the existence of agency records and investigations concerning them, including at US Customs and Border Protection.If we set up offices and oversight bodies only to let them become graveyards for testimony or worse yet, ruses for pretending to investigate when in actuality, there was no follow up, then we are not doing our jobs.In recent months, Congress has also been presented with evidence that points to technologies that to our knowledge, are beyond our current capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is our duty as elected representatives to follow the facts, wherever they lead, and to ensure those facts are not buried under classification stamps or bureaucratic excuses.&nbsp;Let me be clear: whether UAPs represent adversarial technology, natural phenomena, or something beyond current human understanding, Congress has a responsibility to investigate.&nbsp;If these objects are foreign in origin, they pose a direct threat to our national security.&nbsp;If they represent something unknown, they demand rigorous scientific inquiry – not ridicule, not secrecy, and not silence.&nbsp;The stakes are high.&nbsp;Adversarial nations are not waiting for us to catch up – they are studying these phenomena aggressively as well and multiple nations have also announced their own parliamentary investigation into this very topic.If we continue to hide information from ourselves, we risk strategic surprises.&nbsp;If we continue to ignore our pilots and service members as well as the countless government whistleblowers, we risk losing their trust.&nbsp;And if we continue to shield the truth from the public, we risk eroding the very foundation of democratic accountability.&nbsp;That is why this hearing matters.&nbsp;This is not about fueling speculation.This is about demanding basic transparency from the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community and/or military contractors.&nbsp;It is about asking the questions every American has the right to ask: What do we know? What don’t we know? And why, in a free society are we still being told so little?&nbsp;A major barrier to the Committee’s inquiry into UAPs has been a lack of cooperation and transparency from the DoD and the Intelligence Community (IC). In preparation for previous UAP hearings, the Committee repeatedly asked DoD to allow Members to view videos and files relating to UAP incidents. Unfortunately, DoD notified Committee staff that due to the Department’s special access program (SAP) rules, only members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee (HAC-D) were allowed to be “read in” on such programs. For a non-committee Member to be allowed to view these documents and videos, individual Members must be approved by the Chairman and Ranking Member of both HASC and HAC-D. Independent SAP oversight has presented a consistent problem for Congress as the program’s budgets are classified. Additionally, oversight reporting to Congress is classified, and is only provided to the authorizing and appropriations committees of jurisdiction.The American people are not fragile.They do not need to be shielded like children from reality.What they cannot tolerate – what they will not forgive – is a government that withholds the truth and punishes those who dare to speak out.I want to close with this:Future generations will look back on this moment and ask what we did when presented with the unknown.&nbsp;Did we look away, embarrassed or afraid? Or did we pursue the truth with courage?&nbsp;I intend to be on the side of truth, transparency, and accountability, and I hope my colleagues on this Task Force will be as well.&nbsp;To quote a few elected officials:Senator Schumer: “Multiple credible sources” allege a constitutional crisis over UFOs.Senator Rounds: “They are brilliant individuals.”&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;“They’re not making this stuff up.”Our current Secretary of State Rubio: “Very high clearances and high positions within our government.”Senator McConnell: “Sane,” “Credible”The witnesses today are not alone, far from it. In fact, 34 senior military, government, and intelligence officials have broken their silence. This includes Senator Rubio, Senator Rounds, Senator Gillibrand, General Jim Clapper, the former director of the Government’s UAP task force, the former head of aviation security on the White House national security council, a former secretary of defense, and many more.&nbsp; To quote&nbsp;Senator Rubio in the upcoming documentary Age of Disclosure: “even presidents have been operating on a need-to-know basis but that begins to spin out of control.” And to quote Senator Gillibrand who went public in a upcoming documentary, “it’s not acceptable to have secret parts of government that no one ever sees.” It is time for the fundamental truths around UAP to be revealed to our nation’s leaders and to the public.&nbsp;It is time for the US government to exercise transparency.

🎥Scary: Mo. lawmaker unveils video of missile bouncing off UFO

WASHINGTON­—Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) delivered opening remarks at Tuesday’s hearing titled “<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/restoring-public-trust-through-uap-transparency-and-whistleblower-protection/">Restoring Public Trust Through UFO/UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection</a>.”

WASHINGTON­—Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) delivered opening remarks at Tuesday’s hearing titled “<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/restoring-public-trust-through-uap-transparency-and-whistleblower-protection/">Restoring Public Trust Through UFO/UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection</a>.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Below is the video I revealed in our <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPoversight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOPoversight</a> UAP hearing today, made available to the public for the first time. October 30th, 2024: MQ-9 Reaper allegedly tracking orb off coast of Yemen. Greenlight given to engage, missile appears to be ineffective against the target.… <a href="https://t.co/jxJwl0e00S">pic.twitter.com/jxJwl0e00S</a>&mdash; Rep. Eric Burlison (@RepEricBurlison) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepEricBurlison/status/1965438792493355291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔴 UAP HEARING! Watch as <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLuna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepLuna</a> and the Task Force for the Declassification of Federal Secrets hold a hearing on restoring public trust through UAP transparency and whistleblower protection. <a href="https://t.co/TOLaBHHj9Q">https://t.co/TOLaBHHj9Q</a>&mdash; Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPoversight/status/1965412144264151187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In her opening statement, Task Force Chairwoman Luna highlighted the lack of transparency from the federal government and intelligence communities on the research and disclosure of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). Task Force Chairwoman Luna also reiterated the importance of addressing threats to U.S. national security by (UFOs or now known as UAPs and the need for the federal government to acknowledge them.Read the Congresswoman's full statement below:Good morning, and welcome to this hearing regarding UAP disclosures.For too long, the issue of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – commonly known as UAPs – has been shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and in some cases outright dismissal.&nbsp;Today, I want to state clearly: this is not science fiction or creating speculation.&nbsp;This is about national security, government accountability, and the American people’s right to the truth.I have now spoken to a number of whistleblowers from the military, to include at the infamous Eglin AFB incident that occurred when myself and former Rep Matt Gaetz as well as Rep Burchett followed up on a lead from multiple active-duty air force pilot whistleblowers that alleged that the USAF was covering up UAP activity at Eglin AFB.&nbsp;We have heard from a number of whistleblowers, specifically military pilots, that the reason for not coming forward publicly is out of fear that speaking out would cost them their flight status, and potentially their careers.&nbsp;That is unacceptable.&nbsp;We cannot protect our airspace if our best-trained observers are silenced.&nbsp;We cannot advance science if we refuse to ask questions.&nbsp;And we cannot maintain trust in government if we keep the American people in the dark.Now, Congress has tried to fix this problem.Congress tried to create formal channels – through the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, also known as AARO and the Intelligence Community Inspector General – for service members and officials to make disclosures.But the reality: the reports that come in are too often brushed aside, slow-walked, or met with skepticism rather than serious investigation. Recently, the former AARO director known as Sean Kirpatrick attacked our witness and members on this committee. It should be noted that he is a documented liar and brings into question what his purpose at AARO really was if it was not to follow up on investigations and disclose his findings to Members of Congress.&nbsp;A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Chris Mellon, described a report published by ARRO that “found no evidence that any USG investigation, academic-sponsored research, or official review panel has confirmed that any sighting of a UAP represented extraterrestrial technology,” as “the most error-ridden and unsatisfactory government report I can recall reading during or after decades of government service.” Mellon further noted that this was the first ARRO report submitted to Congress without the Director of National Intelligence’s sign-off and seemingly excluded input from “any of the scholars or experts who have studied and written extensively on this topic as would normally be the case in another field.” Mellon determined that the report failed to fulfill the congressional mandate under which it was required, omitted entire agencies with “known investigations or activities relating to UAP,” and omitted any discussion of efforts to hide classified or unclassified information about UAP. Such efforts were unaddressed by the report despite the existence of agency records and investigations concerning them, including at US Customs and Border Protection.If we set up offices and oversight bodies only to let them become graveyards for testimony or worse yet, ruses for pretending to investigate when in actuality, there was no follow up, then we are not doing our jobs.In recent months, Congress has also been presented with evidence that points to technologies that to our knowledge, are beyond our current capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is our duty as elected representatives to follow the facts, wherever they lead, and to ensure those facts are not buried under classification stamps or bureaucratic excuses.&nbsp;Let me be clear: whether UAPs represent adversarial technology, natural phenomena, or something beyond current human understanding, Congress has a responsibility to investigate.&nbsp;If these objects are foreign in origin, they pose a direct threat to our national security.&nbsp;If they represent something unknown, they demand rigorous scientific inquiry – not ridicule, not secrecy, and not silence.&nbsp;The stakes are high.&nbsp;Adversarial nations are not waiting for us to catch up – they are studying these phenomena aggressively as well and multiple nations have also announced their own parliamentary investigation into this very topic.If we continue to hide information from ourselves, we risk strategic surprises.&nbsp;If we continue to ignore our pilots and service members as well as the countless government whistleblowers, we risk losing their trust.&nbsp;And if we continue to shield the truth from the public, we risk eroding the very foundation of democratic accountability.&nbsp;That is why this hearing matters.&nbsp;This is not about fueling speculation.This is about demanding basic transparency from the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community and/or military contractors.&nbsp;It is about asking the questions every American has the right to ask: What do we know? What don’t we know? And why, in a free society are we still being told so little?&nbsp;A major barrier to the Committee’s inquiry into UAPs has been a lack of cooperation and transparency from the DoD and the Intelligence Community (IC). In preparation for previous UAP hearings, the Committee repeatedly asked DoD to allow Members to view videos and files relating to UAP incidents. Unfortunately, DoD notified Committee staff that due to the Department’s special access program (SAP) rules, only members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee (HAC-D) were allowed to be “read in” on such programs. For a non-committee Member to be allowed to view these documents and videos, individual Members must be approved by the Chairman and Ranking Member of both HASC and HAC-D. Independent SAP oversight has presented a consistent problem for Congress as the program’s budgets are classified. Additionally, oversight reporting to Congress is classified, and is only provided to the authorizing and appropriations committees of jurisdiction.The American people are not fragile.They do not need to be shielded like children from reality.What they cannot tolerate – what they will not forgive – is a government that withholds the truth and punishes those who dare to speak out.I want to close with this:Future generations will look back on this moment and ask what we did when presented with the unknown.&nbsp;Did we look away, embarrassed or afraid? Or did we pursue the truth with courage?&nbsp;I intend to be on the side of truth, transparency, and accountability, and I hope my colleagues on this Task Force will be as well.&nbsp;To quote a few elected officials:Senator Schumer: “Multiple credible sources” allege a constitutional crisis over UFOs.Senator Rounds: “They are brilliant individuals.”&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;“They’re not making this stuff up.”Our current Secretary of State Rubio: “Very high clearances and high positions within our government.”Senator McConnell: “Sane,” “Credible”The witnesses today are not alone, far from it. In fact, 34 senior military, government, and intelligence officials have broken their silence. This includes Senator Rubio, Senator Rounds, Senator Gillibrand, General Jim Clapper, the former director of the Government’s UAP task force, the former head of aviation security on the White House national security council, a former secretary of defense, and many more.&nbsp; To quote&nbsp;Senator Rubio in the upcoming documentary Age of Disclosure: “even presidents have been operating on a need-to-know basis but that begins to spin out of control.” And to quote Senator Gillibrand who went public in a upcoming documentary, “it’s not acceptable to have secret parts of government that no one ever sees.” It is time for the fundamental truths around UAP to be revealed to our nation’s leaders and to the public.&nbsp;It is time for the US government to exercise transparency.

🎥Scary: Congressman unveils video of missile bouncing off UFO

KANSAS CITY —Sheriff's Deputies stopped a man driving a stolen Dodge Charger and were able to recover it last week, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

 The thief had tried to swap the VIN with that of a different vehicle, but&nbsp; investigators knew better.

"As far as we can tell, this may be the first car with a swapped VIN that we've recovered. The license plate was supposed to be on a different car, too. This is part of a larger investigation into a group involved in drugs and vehicle thefts by the Clay COunty Street Crimes Unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757470136886.png" alt="Photo Clay County, Mo. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay County, Mo. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Sheriff's Deputies stopped a man driving a stolen Dodge Charger and were able to recover it last week, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff. The thief had tried to swap the VIN with that of a different vehicle, but&nbsp; investigators knew better."As far as we can tell, this may be the first car with a swapped VIN that we've recovered. The license plate was supposed to be on a different car, too. This is part of a larger investigation into a group involved in drugs and vehicle thefts by the Clay COunty Street Crimes Unit.

Sheriff: Suspect tried to swap VIN number with a different vehicle

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Did someone leak the President’s location to the organization that showed up to protest him? Was this code pink? How are they allowed that close to him? Where was Secret Service and was there someone in Secret Service that leaked his location? This needs to be looked into. <a href="https://t.co/kLvmOCOZ2P">pic.twitter.com/kLvmOCOZ2P</a>&mdash; Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLuna/status/1965607877789581530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump faces protesters before dinner at DC restaurant

KANSAS CITY—A man's death in Kansas City, Missouri is now being investigated as a homicide.

Just before 6a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 3200 block of Independence Avenue on a medical call for service, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they located an adult male victim. The victim had no signs of life and was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Crime scene personnel and detectives responded to the scene to begin a death investigation. 

During the preliminary stages of the investigation the cause of death could not be determined.

On Tuesday, the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office notified detectives the victim had wounds consistent with being struck by gunfire. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation, according to DiMartino.

 Investigators continue to canvass the area for potential witnesses and any surveillance footage.

KANSAS CITY—A man's death in Kansas City, Missouri is now being investigated as a homicide.Just before 6a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 3200 block of Independence Avenue on a medical call for service, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.As officers arrived they located an adult male victim. The victim had no signs of life and was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Crime scene personnel and detectives responded to the scene to begin a death investigation. During the preliminary stages of the investigation the cause of death could not be determined.On Tuesday, the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office notified detectives the victim had wounds consistent with being struck by gunfire. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation, according to DiMartino. Investigators continue to canvass the area for potential witnesses and any surveillance footage.

KCPD: Medical examiner rules man's death a homicide

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26086948-maha-strategy-report/">Click here to read the report</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757445688539.png" alt="Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during the presentation on Tuesday-image from HHS video" />
 <figcaption>Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during the presentation on Tuesday-image from HHS video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Happening Now: MAHA Commission: Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy <a href="https://t.co/675oYf38VC">https://t.co/675oYf38VC</a>&mdash; HHS.gov (@HHSGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov/status/1965492269001138374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26086948-maha-strategy-report/">Click here to read the report</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757445537005.png" alt=" " />
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Read RFK Jr.'s new MAHA report: Targets vaccines and autism

SHAWNEE&nbsp; COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka and have released the name of the victim&nbsp;Joseph Kaberline, 37, of Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

Just before 5p.m. September 3, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting in the 1000 block of NE Poplar Street in Topeka, according to Connell.&nbsp; As officers arrived in the area, they located two men suffering from life-threatening injuries. While on the scene, one individual, later identified as Kaberline was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. The second was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

As a result of the investigation, Dalton Wolf Thompson, 28, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated Battery

This is the 17th homicide investigation of 2025 in the city of Topeka, according to Connell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757067919776.png" alt="Dalton Thompson was arrested and on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Battery- photo Shawnee County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Dalton Thompson was arrested and on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Battery- photo Shawnee County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE&nbsp; COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka and have released the name of the victim&nbsp;Joseph Kaberline, 37, of Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.Just before 5p.m. September 3, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting in the 1000 block of NE Poplar Street in Topeka, according to Connell.&nbsp; As officers arrived in the area, they located two men suffering from life-threatening injuries. While on the scene, one individual, later identified as Kaberline was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. The second was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.As a result of the investigation, Dalton Wolf Thompson, 28, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated BatteryThis is the 17th homicide investigation of 2025 in the city of Topeka, according to Connell.

Police ID Kansas man who died in shooting 

&nbsp;Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas' leadership in Qatar on Tuesday as they considered a U.S. proposal for&nbsp;a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The strike on the territory of a U.S. ally marked a stunning escalation and risked upending talks aimed at&nbsp;winding down the war&nbsp;and freeing hostages.

On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall criticized the Israeli action.

Marshall wrote. 'I fully agree with President Trump. At the request of the U.S. and Israel, Qatar is mediating a peace agreement.

The Israeli attack on allied soil, where approximately 10,000 American troops are stationed, is highly ill-advised.

Grateful that Secretary of State Rubio is finalizing a Defense Coordination Agreement with Qatar to prevent Israel from repeating this action."

&nbsp;Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas' leadership in Qatar on Tuesday as they considered a U.S. proposal for&nbsp;a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The strike on the territory of a U.S. ally marked a stunning escalation and risked upending talks aimed at&nbsp;winding down the war&nbsp;and freeing hostages.On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall criticized the Israeli action.Marshall wrote. 'I fully agree with President Trump. At the request of the U.S. and Israel, Qatar is mediating a peace agreement.

The Israeli attack on allied soil, where approximately 10,000 American troops are stationed, is highly ill-advised.

Grateful that Secretary of State Rubio is finalizing a Defense Coordination Agreement with Qatar to prevent Israel from repeating this action."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/MZisrmnBLr">pic.twitter.com/MZisrmnBLr</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1965511067700003049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. U.S. Senator critical of Israeli attack in Qatar

ALLEN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Allen County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Malibu driven by Morgan L.&nbsp;Wakefield, 29, Mound City, was northbound&nbsp;on U.S. 169&nbsp;approximately 6 miles south of Humboldt.

The car crossed the center line and struck a 2018 Ram 1500 driven by Shawn M.&nbsp;Petterborg, 52, Stockton, Kansas.

Wakefield was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Petterborg to Wesley Medical Center. EMS transported passengers in the pickup identified as Angie J. Hale, 50; Caitlyn E.&nbsp;Hale, 31, and a 9-year-old girl all of Independence, Kansas, to Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. Wasefield was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

ALLEN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Allen County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Malibu driven by Morgan L.&nbsp;Wakefield, 29, Mound City, was northbound&nbsp;on U.S. 169&nbsp;approximately 6 miles south of Humboldt.The car crossed the center line and struck a 2018 Ram 1500 driven by Shawn M.&nbsp;Petterborg, 52, Stockton, Kansas.Wakefield was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Petterborg to Wesley Medical Center. EMS transported passengers in the pickup identified as Angie J. Hale, 50; Caitlyn E.&nbsp;Hale, 31, and a 9-year-old girl all of Independence, Kansas, to Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. Wasefield was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dies, 3 adults and a child injured in head-on crash

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas City Police Officers and the United States Marshals Service Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested 41-year-old Richard Holliday at State Route 291 and E 175th Street in Pleasant Hill, according to a social media report from the Cass County Sheriff.

Holliday was wanted on two Jackson County warrants, one for homicide and another for burglary. Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office transported Holliday to the Jackson County Jail, where he will be held.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757470367035.png" alt="Photo Cass Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Cass Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas City Police Officers and the United States Marshals Service Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested 41-year-old Richard Holliday at State Route 291 and E 175th Street in Pleasant Hill, according to a social media report from the Cass County Sheriff.Holliday was wanted on two Jackson County warrants, one for homicide and another for burglary. Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office transported Holliday to the Jackson County Jail, where he will be held.

U.S. Marshals help arrest homicide suspect near Kansas City

&nbsp;President Trump on Tuesday signed a memorandum directing Secretary Kennedy&nbsp;to ensure transparency and accuracy in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising and Dr. Makary&nbsp;at the FDA&nbsp;to enforce the prescription drug advertising provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Read the order from the White House below

In 1962, the Congress vested the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to regulate prescription drug advertising.&nbsp; These advertisements can mislead the public about the risks and benefits, encourage medications over lifestyle changes, inappropriately intervene in the physician-patient relationship, and advantage expensive drugs over cheaper generics.

The FDA has historically stipulated that a manufacturer, packer, or distributor must provide the public with materially complete information that fairly balances both the benefits and the risks of the drug.&nbsp; Over time, however, the FDA’s requirements have permitted drug companies to include less information, particularly in broadcast advertising, and drug manufacturer advertising has skyrocketed in recent decades.<a></a>

My Administration will ensure that the current regulatory framework for drug advertising results in fair, balanced, and complete information for American consumers.&nbsp;

The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall therefore take appropriate action to ensure transparency and accuracy in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, including by increasing the amount of information regarding any risks associated with the use of any such prescription drug required to be provided in prescription drug advertisements, to the extent permitted by applicable law.&nbsp; The Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall take appropriate action to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’s prescription drug advertising provisions, and otherwise ensure truthful and non-misleading information in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements. &nbsp;

This memorandum 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.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757470910499.png" alt="President Trump signs the most significant action in a generation to rein in misleading pharmaceutical ads-Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>President Trump signs the most significant action in a generation to rein in misleading pharmaceutical ads-Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;President Trump on Tuesday signed a memorandum directing Secretary Kennedy&nbsp;to ensure transparency and accuracy in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising and Dr. Makary&nbsp;at the FDA&nbsp;to enforce the prescription drug advertising provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;The President just signed an executive order that&#39;s an historic change in the way that pharmaceutical advertising is done on television,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>. Watch him explain the historic order: <a href="https://t.co/e2VJwUFv3M">pic.twitter.com/e2VJwUFv3M</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1965551393726714155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Read the order from the White House belowIn 1962, the Congress vested the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to regulate prescription drug advertising.&nbsp; These advertisements can mislead the public about the risks and benefits, encourage medications over lifestyle changes, inappropriately intervene in the physician-patient relationship, and advantage expensive drugs over cheaper generics.The FDA has historically stipulated that a manufacturer, packer, or distributor must provide the public with materially complete information that fairly balances both the benefits and the risks of the drug.&nbsp; Over time, however, the FDA’s requirements have permitted drug companies to include less information, particularly in broadcast advertising, and drug manufacturer advertising has skyrocketed in recent decades.<a></a>My Administration will ensure that the current regulatory framework for drug advertising results in fair, balanced, and complete information for American consumers.&nbsp;The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall therefore take appropriate action to ensure transparency and accuracy in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, including by increasing the amount of information regarding any risks associated with the use of any such prescription drug required to be provided in prescription drug advertisements, to the extent permitted by applicable law.&nbsp; The Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall take appropriate action to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’s prescription drug advertising provisions, and otherwise ensure truthful and non-misleading information in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements. &nbsp;This memorandum 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.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🎥Trump signs order to crack down on drug ads on TV, social media

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley <a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15585.11116141.8863503.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.foxnews.com%2fpolitics%2fhawley-pushes-federal-in-god-we-trust-displays-nationwide-restore-faith-rightful-place%3fintcmp%3dtw_pols%26taid%3d68c016e1dec0900001cdc70d%26utm_campaign%3dtrueanthem%26utm_medium%3dsocial%26utm_source%3dtwitter&amp;redir_log=282811945481675" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;In God We Trust Act,&nbsp;which would require the General Services Administration (GSA) to display the national motto on all federal buildings in the United States, according to a media release from the Senator's office.

The legislation comes alongside the launch of President Trump’s ‘America Prays’ initiative.&nbsp;

Read the full bill text&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hawley-In-God-We-Trust-Act.pdf">here</a>.

“Our national motto goes all the way back to the days of President Lincoln. Congress adopted ‘In God We Trust’ as our national motto in 1956 during the rise of atheist communism, and it remains our national motto today,”&nbsp;said Senator Hawley.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;In God We Trust Act&nbsp;will ensure that the federal government—as well as the American people for whom it works—never forgets the ultimate source of the liberty and prosperity this country enjoys. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, this bill would restore faith to its rightful place in the halls of government.”

Senator Hawley previously offered this idea in his 2024 National Conservatism Conference speech, when he&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15585.11116141.8863503.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.dailysignal.com%2f2024%2f07%2f09%2fsen-josh-hawley-america-founded-on-christian-nationalism%2f&amp;redir_log=759005974053662" target="_blank">declared</a>&nbsp;it was time to “take the trans flags down from our public buildings and inscribe instead, on every building owned or operated by the federal government, our national motto: In God We Trust.”

If passed, the legislation would give GSA one year to inscribe or display&nbsp;in a place of prominence&nbsp;the national motto of the United States in all federal buildings.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757436628011.png" alt="google image" />
 <figcaption>google image</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley <a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15585.11116141.8863503.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.foxnews.com%2fpolitics%2fhawley-pushes-federal-in-god-we-trust-displays-nationwide-restore-faith-rightful-place%3fintcmp%3dtw_pols%26taid%3d68c016e1dec0900001cdc70d%26utm_campaign%3dtrueanthem%26utm_medium%3dsocial%26utm_source%3dtwitter&amp;redir_log=282811945481675" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;In God We Trust Act,&nbsp;which would require the General Services Administration (GSA) to display the national motto on all federal buildings in the United States, according to a media release from the Senator's office.The legislation comes alongside the launch of President Trump’s ‘America Prays’ initiative.&nbsp;Read the full bill text&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hawley-In-God-We-Trust-Act.pdf">here</a>.“Our national motto goes all the way back to the days of President Lincoln. Congress adopted ‘In God We Trust’ as our national motto in 1956 during the rise of atheist communism, and it remains our national motto today,”&nbsp;said Senator Hawley.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;In God We Trust Act&nbsp;will ensure that the federal government—as well as the American people for whom it works—never forgets the ultimate source of the liberty and prosperity this country enjoys. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, this bill would restore faith to its rightful place in the halls of government.”Senator Hawley previously offered this idea in his 2024 National Conservatism Conference speech, when he&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15585.11116141.8863503.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.dailysignal.com%2f2024%2f07%2f09%2fsen-josh-hawley-america-founded-on-christian-nationalism%2f&amp;redir_log=759005974053662" target="_blank">declared</a>&nbsp;it was time to “take the trans flags down from our public buildings and inscribe instead, on every building owned or operated by the federal government, our national motto: In God We Trust.”If passed, the legislation would give GSA one year to inscribe or display&nbsp;in a place of prominence&nbsp;the national motto of the United States in all federal buildings.&nbsp;

Mo. U.S. Senator wants national motto ‘In God We Trust’ on all federal buildings

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

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

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

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

Police: Kansas man jailed for robbery, murder

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

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

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

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

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

Police ID victim in Kansas City gas station killing

JOHNSON COUNTY— Police on Monday issued a distracted driving reminder.

According to Lenexa Police, they recently responded to a crash in which the driver of this vehicle was looking at their phone when they drove up the ramp and into the trailer of a lawn crew’s vehicle.

Fortunately, no one was hurt, but this could have easily been tragic.

 If you’re driving, put the phone down.No text, call, or notification is worth risking your life or someone else’s. Please stay focused and help keep our roads safe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757373033950.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY— Police on Monday issued a distracted driving reminder.According to Lenexa Police, they recently responded to a crash in which the driver of this vehicle was looking at their phone when they drove up the ramp and into the trailer of a lawn crew’s vehicle.Fortunately, no one was hurt, but this could have easily been tragic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757373055483.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> If you’re driving, put the phone down.No text, call, or notification is worth risking your life or someone else’s. Please stay focused and help keep our roads safe.

Police: Distracted Kan. drive into the trailer of lawn crew’s pickup

&nbsp;U.S. Defense Secretary&nbsp;Pete Hegseth&nbsp;and&nbsp;Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Puerto Rico on Monday for an unexpected visit as the U.S. steps up its military operations against drug cartels in the Caribbean.

&nbsp;U.S. Defense Secretary&nbsp;Pete Hegseth&nbsp;and&nbsp;Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Puerto Rico on Monday for an unexpected visit as the U.S. steps up its military operations against drug cartels in the Caribbean.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Welcome aboard the USS Iwo Jima <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> <a href="https://t.co/hx42HBSFez">pic.twitter.com/hx42HBSFez</a>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/1965133239158440203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> aboard the USS Iwo Jima, addressing America’s WARRIORS: “What you’re doing right now is NOT training. This is a REAL-WORLD EXERCISE on behalf of the vital national interests of the United States of America—to end the POISONING of the American people.” <a href="https://t.co/euQHFPsIll">pic.twitter.com/euQHFPsIll</a>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/1965152057196957935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A message to our warfighters from the Secretary of War. <a href="https://t.co/UVbsvAuNmR">pic.twitter.com/UVbsvAuNmR</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1965177415455682691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

 US steps up military operations in the Caribbean

The legislation would make it nearly impossible for constitutional amendments to pass through the initiative petition process

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Missouri House gave initial approval Monday to legislation that would increase the threshold to pass constitutional amendments proposed through initiative petition.

The bill passed largely along partisan lines, with five Republicans voting in opposition. It needs to be approved by the House one more time before heading to the Senate. If it passes that chamber, it goes on the ballot for voter approval.

Under the proposal, constitutional amendments put on the ballot by voters would need a simple majority statewide and a majority in all eight congressional districts to pass. This means that a small percentage of the state’s voters could defeat any ballot measure.&nbsp;

During last year’s general election, 311,915 votes were cast in the 1st District out of the state’s 2,960,266 votes. So 156,000 voters — or about 5.3% of the statewide vote — could prevent a measure from passing.

Constitutional amendments placed on the ballot by state lawmakers would not have the same standard. Only citizen-led initiative petitions would be affected.

The bill initially also targeted changes to state law placed on the ballot through the initiative petition process. But the proposal’s sponsor — Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis of Moberly — said during Monday’s debate that he wanted to “decouple” changes to state statute from constitutional amendments.

“If we’re to change the constitution, there should be broad support,” he said, “support in each congressional district.”&nbsp;

State lawmakers, in concert with changes to the initiative petition process, are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-lawmakers-begin-work-on-trump-backed-congressional-redistricting-plan/">considering a new congressional map under a request from President Donald Trump</a>.

The amendment also bans ballot measure campaigns from accepting contributions from foreign nationals, aligning the resolution with&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-announces-special-session-congressional-redistricting-and" target="_blank">Gov. Mike Kehoe’s request</a>.

Earlier this year, the legislature passed a law&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=330" target="_blank">barring foreign spending on state ballot measures</a>.

State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Democrat from Columbia, asked why Lewis had this piece in the legislation since the spending is already illegal.

Lewis said it would add the restrictions to the Missouri Constitution, whereas they are currently only enacted in state law.

Smith labeled the provision “ballot candy” aimed at tricking voters into supporting changing the initiative petition process.&nbsp;

“It is extremely sloppy when it talks about foreign adversaries,” he said. “But the reason it was left in here is for ballot candy.”

The proposed summary that would appear on the ballot next year leads with a ban on foreign nationals “providing funding to influence ballot measure elections.”

Through recent ballot measures, Missourians have legalized abortion and recreational use of marijuana and voted to increase the minimum wage and mandate paid-sick leave. In November,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">the abortion-rights amendment</a>&nbsp;passed with just shy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/missouri/?r=83071" target="_blank">52% of the vote</a>&nbsp;with large support from the state’s urban, more-populated areas. Voters in all but eight of Missouri’s 115 counties opposed the amendment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757379802310.png" alt="Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, stands at the House dais Monday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, stands at the House dais Monday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The legislation would make it nearly impossible for constitutional amendments to pass through the initiative petition process</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri House gave initial approval Monday to legislation that would increase the threshold to pass constitutional amendments proposed through initiative petition.The bill passed largely along partisan lines, with five Republicans voting in opposition. It needs to be approved by the House one more time before heading to the Senate. If it passes that chamber, it goes on the ballot for voter approval.Under the proposal, constitutional amendments put on the ballot by voters would need a simple majority statewide and a majority in all eight congressional districts to pass. This means that a small percentage of the state’s voters could defeat any ballot measure.&nbsp;During last year’s general election, 311,915 votes were cast in the 1st District out of the state’s 2,960,266 votes. So 156,000 voters — or about 5.3% of the statewide vote — could prevent a measure from passing.Constitutional amendments placed on the ballot by state lawmakers would not have the same standard. Only citizen-led initiative petitions would be affected.The bill initially also targeted changes to state law placed on the ballot through the initiative petition process. But the proposal’s sponsor — Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis of Moberly — said during Monday’s debate that he wanted to “decouple” changes to state statute from constitutional amendments.“If we’re to change the constitution, there should be broad support,” he said, “support in each congressional district.”&nbsp;State lawmakers, in concert with changes to the initiative petition process, are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-lawmakers-begin-work-on-trump-backed-congressional-redistricting-plan/">considering a new congressional map under a request from President Donald Trump</a>.The amendment also bans ballot measure campaigns from accepting contributions from foreign nationals, aligning the resolution with&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-announces-special-session-congressional-redistricting-and" target="_blank">Gov. Mike Kehoe’s request</a>.Earlier this year, the legislature passed a law&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=330" target="_blank">barring foreign spending on state ballot measures</a>.State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Democrat from Columbia, asked why Lewis had this piece in the legislation since the spending is already illegal.Lewis said it would add the restrictions to the Missouri Constitution, whereas they are currently only enacted in state law.Smith labeled the provision “ballot candy” aimed at tricking voters into supporting changing the initiative petition process.&nbsp;“It is extremely sloppy when it talks about foreign adversaries,” he said. “But the reason it was left in here is for ballot candy.”The proposed summary that would appear on the ballot next year leads with a ban on foreign nationals “providing funding to influence ballot measure elections.”Through recent ballot measures, Missourians have legalized abortion and recreational use of marijuana and voted to increase the minimum wage and mandate paid-sick leave. In November,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">the abortion-rights amendment</a>&nbsp;passed with just shy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/missouri/?r=83071" target="_blank">52% of the vote</a>&nbsp;with large support from the state’s urban, more-populated areas. Voters in all but eight of Missouri’s 115 counties opposed the amendment.

Missouri House advances bill to make it harder for voters to amend state constitution

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein- New York Sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein- New York Sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🚨HERE IT IS: We got Trump’s birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that the President said doesn’t exist. Trump talks about a “wonderful secret” the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files! <a href="https://t.co/k2Mq8Hu3LY">pic.twitter.com/k2Mq8Hu3LY</a>&mdash; Oversight Dems (@OversightDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/OversightDems/status/1965125560016994708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Time for <a href="https://twitter.com/newscorp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@newscorp</a> to open that checkbook, it’s not his signature. DEFAMATION! <a href="https://t.co/O6iKk4SYF5">https://t.co/O6iKk4SYF5</a> <a href="https://t.co/T0wlp36P9h">pic.twitter.com/T0wlp36P9h</a>&mdash; Taylor Budowich (@TayFromCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TayFromCA/status/1965133529177878754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donald Trump wrote a personalized note in Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday book. He’s spent all summer lying about its existence. We got a copy. Ranking Member <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRobertGarcia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepRobertGarcia</a> explains what we know and how we got here: <a href="https://t.co/PVbHaVWppw">pic.twitter.com/PVbHaVWppw</a>&mdash; Oversight Dems (@OversightDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/OversightDems/status/1965133235685298250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Read the suggestive letter to Epstein Dems says was signed by Trump

BOONE COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Harrisburg Missouri.

The man fatally shot during the incident on September 7, has been identified as 31-year-old Ty B. Lewis of Columbia, according to the MSHP.

The Patrol released no additional details.

Just before 9 p.m. Sunday, Boone County deputies were dispatched to a domestic disturbance involving weapons in the 200 block of Railroad Street in Harrisburg, Missouri, according to a media release.

 A caller had notified Boone County Joint Communications that they had received information from a subject at that location who advised a man was screaming and waving a firearm. Shortly after 9:00 pm, deputies arrived on scene and contacted a 31-year-old man, later identified as Lewis who was armed with a firearm. 

During the encounter, Lewis failed to obey commands and moved toward deputies, which resulted in him being shot and killed by Sheriff’s Office personnel.

BOONE COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Harrisburg Missouri.The man fatally shot during the incident on September 7, has been identified as 31-year-old Ty B. Lewis of Columbia, according to the MSHP.The Patrol released no additional details.Just before 9 p.m. Sunday, Boone County deputies were dispatched to a domestic disturbance involving weapons in the 200 block of Railroad Street in Harrisburg, Missouri, according to a media release. A caller had notified Boone County Joint Communications that they had received information from a subject at that location who advised a man was screaming and waving a firearm. Shortly after 9:00 pm, deputies arrived on scene and contacted a 31-year-old man, later identified as Lewis who was armed with a firearm. During the encounter, Lewis failed to obey commands and moved toward deputies, which resulted in him being shot and killed by Sheriff’s Office personnel.

Patrol IDs Missouri man who died in officer shooting 

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to identify the a suspect invoved in an aggravated assault that occurred in the area of E 23rd Street and Indiana Ave on August 4 at 11:38p.m.

Security camera images show someone in a sweatshirt and sweatpants with a plaid backpack and hat. Police released no additional informtion.

Anyone who can identify the suspect or provide information is asked to contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757357790550.png" alt="Image KC Police" />
 <figcaption>Image KC Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to identify the a suspect invoved in an aggravated assault that occurred in the area of E 23rd Street and Indiana Ave on August 4 at 11:38p.m.Security camera images show someone in a sweatshirt and sweatpants with a plaid backpack and hat. Police released no additional informtion.Anyone who can identify the suspect or provide information is asked to contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

KCPD asks for help to ID alleged aggravated assault suspect

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– Catherine L. Hanaway was sworn in Monday at 10:00 a.m. as Missouri’s 45th Attorney General in a private ceremony at the Missouri Supreme Court Building, according to a statement form Attorney General's office.

She took the oath of office on her son John’s Bible, administered by the Honorable Ginger K. Gooch, her former law partner and a judge on the Supreme Court of Missouri.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve as Missouri’s 45th Attorney General,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Hanaway. “I view this position as a job to fight crime, protect Missouri families, and defend the freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution. My commitment is to serve Missourians by enforcing the law as written and upholding the rule of law. There is much to do, and I am ready to begin.

Catherine L. Hanaway, a seasoned trial lawyer and proven public servant, has built her career around one guiding principle: protecting Missouri families.

As Attorney General, she is committed to making the Office a force for safety and accountability. Her bold agenda focuses on fighting crime, protecting consumers, ensuring the vulnerable are safeguarded from fraud and abuse, and defending both the U.S. and Missouri Constitution. She has pledged to pursue justice for victims of violence, root out corruption, and stand against schemes that threaten Missourians’ livelihoods. For Attorney General Hanaway, the mission of the Office is simple: uphold the laws as written and protect the people of Missouri.

Attorney General Hanaway first entered public service as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, where she made history as the first and only woman elected Speaker of the House. In that role, she advanced legislation to strengthen public safety, protect Second Amendment rights, and promote government accountability, establishing her reputation as a strong defender of Missourians’ freedoms.

Attorney General Hanaway previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. She personally tried cases to jury verdicts and led the development of new prosecution strategies in complex healthcare, fraud, and white-collar crime cases. As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the region, she supervised more than 4,000 criminal and civil cases, along with a staff of more than 100 attorneys and investigators.

Before taking office, Attorney General Hanaway led Husch Blackwell LLP, a national law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers headquartered in Kansas City, as the first woman to become Chair of the firm. She built a reputation for excellence in handling high-stakes litigation, including cases involving fraud, financial misconduct, and regulatory compliance. Her leadership helped guide the firm through record growth.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Creighton University and received a Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.

Attorney General Hanaway resides in St. Louis with her husband, Chris, and is a devoted mother to two children, Lucy and John. She has been deeply involved in her community through service on civic and professional boards, including serving as the Chair of the Regional Business Council and as a member of the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission Board.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757358351102.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– Catherine L. Hanaway was sworn in Monday at 10:00 a.m. as Missouri’s 45th Attorney General in a private ceremony at the Missouri Supreme Court Building, according to a statement form Attorney General's office.She took the oath of office on her son John’s Bible, administered by the Honorable Ginger K. Gooch, her former law partner and a judge on the Supreme Court of Missouri.“It is an honor and privilege to serve as Missouri’s 45th Attorney General,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Hanaway. “I view this position as a job to fight crime, protect Missouri families, and defend the freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution. My commitment is to serve Missourians by enforcing the law as written and upholding the rule of law. There is much to do, and I am ready to begin.Catherine L. Hanaway, a seasoned trial lawyer and proven public servant, has built her career around one guiding principle: protecting Missouri families.As Attorney General, she is committed to making the Office a force for safety and accountability. Her bold agenda focuses on fighting crime, protecting consumers, ensuring the vulnerable are safeguarded from fraud and abuse, and defending both the U.S. and Missouri Constitution. She has pledged to pursue justice for victims of violence, root out corruption, and stand against schemes that threaten Missourians’ livelihoods. For Attorney General Hanaway, the mission of the Office is simple: uphold the laws as written and protect the people of Missouri.Attorney General Hanaway first entered public service as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, where she made history as the first and only woman elected Speaker of the House. In that role, she advanced legislation to strengthen public safety, protect Second Amendment rights, and promote government accountability, establishing her reputation as a strong defender of Missourians’ freedoms.Attorney General Hanaway previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. She personally tried cases to jury verdicts and led the development of new prosecution strategies in complex healthcare, fraud, and white-collar crime cases. As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the region, she supervised more than 4,000 criminal and civil cases, along with a staff of more than 100 attorneys and investigators.Before taking office, Attorney General Hanaway led Husch Blackwell LLP, a national law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers headquartered in Kansas City, as the first woman to become Chair of the firm. She built a reputation for excellence in handling high-stakes litigation, including cases involving fraud, financial misconduct, and regulatory compliance. Her leadership helped guide the firm through record growth.She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Creighton University and received a Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.Attorney General Hanaway resides in St. Louis with her husband, Chris, and is a devoted mother to two children, Lucy and John. She has been deeply involved in her community through service on civic and professional boards, including serving as the Chair of the Regional Business Council and as a member of the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission Board.