They were colleagues, and they were a couple, days away from a marriage proposal.

But the interwoven lives of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were brutally cut short Wednesday evening, when the two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot while leaving a reception for young diplomats at the Capital Jewish Museum.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-10307b3b1a2a337e76730736b12ebbcb">suspect told police</a>&nbsp;he “did it for Palestine,” according to court documents filed Thursday as he was charged with murder. He didn't enter a plea.

Milgrim, a 26-year-old American from Kansas, had devoted her burgeoning career to bringing people together to look for ways to promote peace and combat climate change, those who knew her say.

Lischinsky, a 30-year-old Israeli citizen who spent some of his childhood in Germany, had a deep attachment to Israel and an interest in bridging cultural and religious divides.

He had bought an engagement ring and was just days away from proposing to Milgrim on a planned trip to Jerusalem, according to Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter.

“A young couple with a bright future, planning their life together,” said Ron Prosor, a veteran Israeli diplomat who knew Lischinsky.

Lischinsky grew up partly in the German city of Nuremberg and moved to Israel at 16. He served in the Jewish state's military “and chose to dedicate his life to the state of Israel," said Prosor, who taught Lischinsky at Israel's Reichman University. Lischinsky earned a master’s degree in government, diplomacy and strategy there.

“He embodied the Judeo-Christian values and set an example for young people worldwide,” Prosor said on X.

A friend, David Boskey, recalled Lischinsky as someone unafraid to broach hard questions in order to interrogate his own convictions.

He met Lischinsky in 2017 in Jerusalem at a Messianic Jewish congregation, where they would often end up talking together about life and faith, Boskey said. The Messianic movement — popularly known as Jews for Jesus — incorporates Jewish symbols and practices, but Israel considers Messianic Jews to be practicing another faith.

“He was looking to see where he was going to go in life, asking questions about calling and about identity and about what he was going to study, where he was going to work, what he wanted to pursue in life,” Boskey said. He described Lischinsky as “a truth-seeking type of person, mixed with a very, very kind and gracious willingness to serve other people.”

Lischinsky helped found the Israeli-German Society's youth forum, according to its counterpart in Germany, and he took a job at the Israeli Embassy in Washington in 2022.

There, he worked as a research assistant whose responsibilities included keeping track of important events and trends in the Middle East and North Africa, his LinkedIn profile said.

He said he advocated for interfaith dialogue and intercultural understanding and was an “ardent believer” in deepening Israel’s ties with the Arab world through the U.S.-brokered agreements known as the Abraham Accords.

On Instagram, his bio included a yellow ribbon symbolizing the struggle to free the hostages taken by Hamas during its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel that ignited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war in the Gaza Strip</a>.

Milgrim’s Instagram bio also had a yellow ribbon, as well as a passage, in Hebrew, from the biblical Book of Deuteronomy: “Justice, justice you shall pursue.”

Milgrim was an American citizen. She hailed from Overland Park, Kansas, where a former youth director at Congregation Beth Torah remembers a brilliant girl with a perpetual smile and a sense of purpose.

“She had a passion for Judaism and for Israel, and she wanted to do some good,” said Marcia Rittmaster, the former youth director. She recommended Milgrim for a Jewish leadership internship upon the young woman's graduation from high school.

Milgrim went on to the University of Kansas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies in 2021 and was a warm, uplifting presence at Shabbat dinners and holiday gatherings at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life.

“She believed in connections, in building community and bringing people together,” Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel said. He said she loved asking questions, enjoyed insightful conversations and “was filled with so much love.”

After graduating, Milgrim worked at at a Tel Aviv-based organization centered on technology training and conflict dialogue for young Palestinians and Israelis, according to her LinkedIn profile. It said she had been trained in religious engagement and peacebuilding by the United States Institute of Peace, an organization that promotes conflict resolution and was created by the U.S. Congress.

After earning a master’s degree in international affairs from American University in 2023, she went to work at the Israeli Embassy, where her job involved organizing events and missions to Israel.

Among them was an Earth Day gathering last month that highlighted Israeli companies and nonprofit groups doing climate work, recalled attendee Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, a philanthropist and a Maryland Commission on Climate Change member. She said she and Milgrim brainstormed by phone just this past week about ways to inform journalists about climate-related innovations in Israel.

“She was exceptionally talented, exceptionally passionate, really kind, extremely well-organized and very effective. And she’s the kind of young leader that, really, this nation and the world needs,” Mizrahi said.

A standing-room only crowd gathered for a vigil for Milgrim in her hometown Thursday night.

Her college roommate related how her friend was an animal lover who faithfully walked her dog, took care of her pet rabbit and was a member of the beekeeping club. She was a passionate advocate for the environment, Amanda Birger said.

“She was very tactful about how she used her voice, which sometimes came off as cautious,” Birger said. “But when it looked like wasn’t speaking up, it’s because she was trying to keep the peace.”

She was “the ultimate peacemaker in her personal life and her professional life,” Birger said.

Milgrim held her Jewish values dear and showed Birger how someone their age could live a joyful Jewish life.

“She stood so proudly in her Judaism. She wore it with a smile, happily educating anyone who asked about it. She made me want to be more Jewish,” Birger said.

Sheila Katz, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women, said Milgrim was a point person for her organization with women’s groups, LGBTQ communities and multi-faith groups.

“She accomplished so much in her short life, and she deserves to be remembered for all the things she brought to this world,” she said.

Before her work at the embassy, Milgrim was studying whether friendships between Arabs and Israelis could promote peace, Katz said.

“We knew something like this could happen,” she said. “I just don't think we thought it would happen to her.”

Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Contributing were Geir Moulson in Berlin; Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv; Jennifer Peltz in New York; Sarah Brumfeld in Cockeysville, Maryland; Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Missouri; Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu; and Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747923211105.png" alt="Sarah Milgrim and&nbsp; Yaron Lischinsky courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Milgrim and&nbsp; Yaron Lischinsky courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>They were colleagues, and they were a couple, days away from a marriage proposal.But the interwoven lives of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were brutally cut short Wednesday evening, when the two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot while leaving a reception for young diplomats at the Capital Jewish Museum.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-10307b3b1a2a337e76730736b12ebbcb">suspect told police</a>&nbsp;he “did it for Palestine,” according to court documents filed Thursday as he was charged with murder. He didn't enter a plea.Milgrim, a 26-year-old American from Kansas, had devoted her burgeoning career to bringing people together to look for ways to promote peace and combat climate change, those who knew her say.Lischinsky, a 30-year-old Israeli citizen who spent some of his childhood in Germany, had a deep attachment to Israel and an interest in bridging cultural and religious divides.He had bought an engagement ring and was just days away from proposing to Milgrim on a planned trip to Jerusalem, according to Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter.“A young couple with a bright future, planning their life together,” said Ron Prosor, a veteran Israeli diplomat who knew Lischinsky.<h2>Yaron Lischinsky</h2>Lischinsky grew up partly in the German city of Nuremberg and moved to Israel at 16. He served in the Jewish state's military “and chose to dedicate his life to the state of Israel," said Prosor, who taught Lischinsky at Israel's Reichman University. Lischinsky earned a master’s degree in government, diplomacy and strategy there.“He embodied the Judeo-Christian values and set an example for young people worldwide,” Prosor said on X.A friend, David Boskey, recalled Lischinsky as someone unafraid to broach hard questions in order to interrogate his own convictions.He met Lischinsky in 2017 in Jerusalem at a Messianic Jewish congregation, where they would often end up talking together about life and faith, Boskey said. The Messianic movement — popularly known as Jews for Jesus — incorporates Jewish symbols and practices, but Israel considers Messianic Jews to be practicing another faith.“He was looking to see where he was going to go in life, asking questions about calling and about identity and about what he was going to study, where he was going to work, what he wanted to pursue in life,” Boskey said. He described Lischinsky as “a truth-seeking type of person, mixed with a very, very kind and gracious willingness to serve other people.”Lischinsky helped found the Israeli-German Society's youth forum, according to its counterpart in Germany, and he took a job at the Israeli Embassy in Washington in 2022.There, he worked as a research assistant whose responsibilities included keeping track of important events and trends in the Middle East and North Africa, his LinkedIn profile said.He said he advocated for interfaith dialogue and intercultural understanding and was an “ardent believer” in deepening Israel’s ties with the Arab world through the U.S.-brokered agreements known as the Abraham Accords.On Instagram, his bio included a yellow ribbon symbolizing the struggle to free the hostages taken by Hamas during its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel that ignited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war in the Gaza Strip</a>.Milgrim’s Instagram bio also had a yellow ribbon, as well as a passage, in Hebrew, from the biblical Book of Deuteronomy: “Justice, justice you shall pursue.”<h2>Sarah Milgrim</h2>Milgrim was an American citizen. She hailed from Overland Park, Kansas, where a former youth director at Congregation Beth Torah remembers a brilliant girl with a perpetual smile and a sense of purpose.“She had a passion for Judaism and for Israel, and she wanted to do some good,” said Marcia Rittmaster, the former youth director. She recommended Milgrim for a Jewish leadership internship upon the young woman's graduation from high school.Milgrim went on to the University of Kansas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies in 2021 and was a warm, uplifting presence at Shabbat dinners and holiday gatherings at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life.“She believed in connections, in building community and bringing people together,” Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel said. He said she loved asking questions, enjoyed insightful conversations and “was filled with so much love.”After graduating, Milgrim worked at at a Tel Aviv-based organization centered on technology training and conflict dialogue for young Palestinians and Israelis, according to her LinkedIn profile. It said she had been trained in religious engagement and peacebuilding by the United States Institute of Peace, an organization that promotes conflict resolution and was created by the U.S. Congress.After earning a master’s degree in international affairs from American University in 2023, she went to work at the Israeli Embassy, where her job involved organizing events and missions to Israel.Among them was an Earth Day gathering last month that highlighted Israeli companies and nonprofit groups doing climate work, recalled attendee Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, a philanthropist and a Maryland Commission on Climate Change member. She said she and Milgrim brainstormed by phone just this past week about ways to inform journalists about climate-related innovations in Israel.“She was exceptionally talented, exceptionally passionate, really kind, extremely well-organized and very effective. And she’s the kind of young leader that, really, this nation and the world needs,” Mizrahi said.A standing-room only crowd gathered for a vigil for Milgrim in her hometown Thursday night.Her college roommate related how her friend was an animal lover who faithfully walked her dog, took care of her pet rabbit and was a member of the beekeeping club. She was a passionate advocate for the environment, Amanda Birger said.“She was very tactful about how she used her voice, which sometimes came off as cautious,” Birger said. “But when it looked like wasn’t speaking up, it’s because she was trying to keep the peace.”She was “the ultimate peacemaker in her personal life and her professional life,” Birger said.Milgrim held her Jewish values dear and showed Birger how someone their age could live a joyful Jewish life.“She stood so proudly in her Judaism. She wore it with a smile, happily educating anyone who asked about it. She made me want to be more Jewish,” Birger said.Sheila Katz, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women, said Milgrim was a point person for her organization with women’s groups, LGBTQ communities and multi-faith groups.“She accomplished so much in her short life, and she deserves to be remembered for all the things she brought to this world,” she said.Before her work at the embassy, Milgrim was studying whether friendships between Arabs and Israelis could promote peace, Katz said.“We knew something like this could happen,” she said. “I just don't think we thought it would happen to her.”___Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Contributing were Geir Moulson in Berlin; Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv; Jennifer Peltz in New York; Sarah Brumfeld in Cockeysville, Maryland; Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Missouri; Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu; and Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire.

Bonded by work and love, Israeli Embassy colleagues' lives cut short by gunman

COWLEY COUNTY —The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office continues the search for missing 81-year-old Jerry McConnell. Her car was located in rural Cowley County, Kansas earlier this week. Volunteers a searching a large ranch on foot or by air.  The Sheriff’s Office is requesting volunteers to assist with a full grid-search on Friday.

The ranch is located in the 4000 block of 327th Road and parking will be difficult and mainly on the dirt road.  The area to be searched does have rough terrain. We will have a check in point and you will be put into groups and given instructions.&nbsp;

This is private property and we have set some rules that all volunteers must follow.&nbsp;

I have read that several people want to bring horses, drones ect.&nbsp; This area has been extensively searched by helicopters, drones, horses, side by sides, four wheelers, trackers, specialized dog teams, and water rescue units.&nbsp; Please follow the following rules.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement searching for a missing 81-year-old woman have located her vehicle.

Late Tuesday, the Cowley County Sheriff's office in south central Kansas contacted Overland Park Police to report they had found Jerry McConnell's 2009 Honda Accord., according to Officer John Lacy. Authorities continue to search that area for her.

On Saturday, the Overland Park Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for McConnell of Overland Park.

McConnell was last seen on Wednesday afternoon in Harrisonville, Missouri and was driving to her residence in Overland Park, Kansas. 

McConnell was believed to be driving a grey 2009 Honda Accord bearing Texas license plate RFP836. McConnell also may have been near Severy, Kansas on May 15.

McConnell is a white female who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. She has blue eyes and gray hair. If you see Jerry McConnell, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Overland Park Police Department at (913)-895-6300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747502608195.png" alt="photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office continues the search for missing 81-year-old Jerry McConnell. Her car was located in rural Cowley County, Kansas earlier this week. Volunteers a searching a large ranch on foot or by air. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting volunteers to assist with a full grid-search on Friday.The ranch is located in the 4000 block of 327th Road and parking will be difficult and mainly on the dirt road. The area to be searched does have rough terrain. We will have a check in point and you will be put into groups and given instructions.&nbsp;This is private property and we have set some rules that all volunteers must follow.&nbsp;I have read that several people want to bring horses, drones ect.&nbsp; This area has been extensively searched by helicopters, drones, horses, side by sides, four wheelers, trackers, specialized dog teams, and water rescue units.&nbsp; Please follow the following rules.<ol>
 <li>A staging area has been set up at the Kansas Department of Transportation strip just west of 303rd&nbsp;Road on the north side of US 160, you will need to park there and then ride to the search area by bus.</li><li>We will turn any non-first responders around and direct them to the staging area described in number 1. if volunteers try to drive to the ranch on their own.</li><li>This is strictly a walking search, so no horses side by sides or four wheelers on the property</li><li>Once you are transported to the ranch you will be required to check in and give your personal information</li><li>Bring your own water, snacks, sunscreen and bug repellent.</li><li>Please take your trash with you</li><li>Any gate that is opened must be closed behind you.&nbsp; These properties have cattle on them so please do not try to have contact or try to pet the cattle</li><li>The time to meet at the KDOT strip is 10:00 am.&nbsp; There is no way to gauge how many volunteers we will have, and although we are grateful for their service we may have to limit the numbers to a controllable number.</li><li>Please be patient</li><li>The landowners have requested that the media not come onto the ranch and video, again this is private property</li><li>Lastly, when you are assigned, an area please search only that area.&nbsp; All outbuildings and residences, tank batteries have already been searched by first responders and are clear</li>
 </ol>-----------JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement searching for a missing 81-year-old woman have located her vehicle.Late Tuesday, the Cowley County Sheriff's office in south central Kansas contacted Overland Park Police to report they had found Jerry McConnell's 2009 Honda Accord., according to Officer John Lacy. Authorities continue to search that area for her.On Saturday, the Overland Park Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for McConnell of Overland Park.McConnell was last seen on Wednesday afternoon in Harrisonville, Missouri and was driving to her residence in Overland Park, Kansas. McConnell was believed to be driving a grey 2009 Honda Accord bearing Texas license plate RFP836. McConnell also may have been near Severy, Kansas on May 15.McConnell is a white female who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. She has blue eyes and gray hair. If you see Jerry McConnell, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Overland Park Police Department at (913)-895-6300.

Volunteers continue search on rural ranch for missing Kansas woman

TOPEKA – A Kansas woman made her initial appearance in federal court this week after a grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging her with distributing child sexual abuse materials, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Addilynn Jean Onuffer, 21, of Haysville is charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography for alleged actions that took place between June 2024 and July 2024.

The defendant made her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.

The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) and Wichita Police Department are investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747746472133.png" alt="Onuffer photo Butler County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Onuffer photo Butler County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Kansas woman made her initial appearance in federal court this week after a grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging her with distributing child sexual abuse materials, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Addilynn Jean Onuffer, 21, of Haysville is charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography for alleged actions that took place between June 2024 and July 2024.The defendant made her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) and Wichita Police Department are investigating the case.

Kan. woman accused of distributing child sex abuse materials

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-antisemitism-federal-grants-trump-3c8e4d2d3fa0c5083d98250078f95d00">escalating battle</a>&nbsp;with the Ivy League school, saying thousands of current students must transfer to other schools or leave the country.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the action Thursday, saying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/harvards-challenge-to-trump-administration-could-test-limits-of-government-power/">Harvard</a>&nbsp;has created an unsafe campus environment by allowing “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault Jewish students on campus. It also accused Harvard of coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, saying it hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024.

“This means Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” the agency said in a statement.

Harvard enrolls almost 6,800 foreign students at its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, accounting for more than a quarter of its student body. Most are graduate students, coming from more than 100 countries.

Harvard called the action unlawful and said it's working to provide guidance to students.

“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” the university said in a statement.

The Trump administration's clash with Harvard, the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university, has intensified since it became the first to openly defy White House demands for changes at elite schools it has criticized as hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. The federal government has cut $2.6 billion in federal grants to Harvard, forcing it to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-trump-research-funding-universities-560292a39b4ec4fe473ed1f91d89f556">self-fund</a>&nbsp;much of its sprawling research operation. President Donald Trump has said he wants to strip the university of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-nonprofit-tax-exempt-status-how-can-it-be-revoked-096614ea5ec65ec7a6ac08efd0f1e94f">tax-exempt status</a>.

The administration has demanded records of campus protests

The threat to Harvard's international enrollment stems from an April 16 request from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who demanded that it provide information about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harvard-tax-exempt-status-international-students-07a10958bf078cb04b59d1fc9a3a27a8">foreign students</a>&nbsp;that might implicate them in violence or protests that could lead to their deportation.

In a letter to Harvard on Thursday, Noem said the school's sanction is “the unfortunate result of Harvard's failure to comply with simple reporting requirements.” It bars Harvard from hosting international students for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.

Noem said Harvard can regain its ability to host foreign students if it produces a trove of records on foreign students within 72 hours. Her updated request demands all records, including audio or video footage, of foreign students participating in protests or dangerous activity on campus.

“This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” Noem said in a statement.

The action revoked Harvard's certification in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-terminated-trump-sevis-9f85c3c58a4b74c354df0d7d993cf34c">Student and Exchange Visitor Program</a>, which gives the school the ability to sponsor international students to get their visas and attend school in the United States.

Harvard President Alan Garber earlier this month said the university has made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-trump-department-of-education-grants-1b5fe7309e2f9f4c0e2281a6a9b25f97">changes to its governance</a>&nbsp;over the past year and a half, including a broad strategy to combat antisemitism, but warned it would not budge on its “its core, legally-protected principles” over fears of retaliation. He said he wasn’t aware of evidence to support the administration's allegation that its international students were “more prone to disruption, violence, or other misconduct than any other students.”

Students in Harvard College Democrats said the Trump administration is playing with students' lives to push a radical agenda and to quiet dissent. “Trump's attack on international students is text book authoritarianism — Harvard must continue to hold the line,” the group said in a statement.

The administration drew condemnation from free speech groups, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which said Noem is demanding a “surveillance state.”

"This sweeping fishing expedition reaches protected expression and must be flatly rejected," the group said in a statement.

The revocation opens a new front in a closely watched battle

Many of Harvard's punishments have come through a federal antisemitism task force that says the university failed to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence amid a nationwide wave of pro-Palestinian protests.

Homeland Security officials echoed those concerns in their Thursday announcement. It offered examples, including a recent internal report at Harvard, finding that many Jewish students reported facing discrimination or bias on campus.

It also tapped into concerns that congressional Republicans have raised about ties between U.S. universities and China. Homeland Security officials said Harvard provided training to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps as recently as 2024. As evidence, it provided a link to a Fox News article, which in turn cited a letter from House Republicans.

Asked for comment on the alleged coordination with the Chinese Communist Party, a Harvard spokesperson said the university will be responding to the House Republicans' letter.

Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, called the latest action an “illegal, small-minded” overreach.

“I worry that this is sending a very chilling effect to international students looking to come to America for education," he said.

The Trump administration has leveraged the system for tracking international students’ legal status as part of its broader attempts to crack down on higher education. What was once a largely administrative database has become a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-student-visa-status-restraining-order-64a97b4fabc5264ed20b179952cdabff">tool of enforcement</a>, as immigration officials revoked students’ legal status directly in the system.

Those efforts were challenged in court, leading to restorations of status and a nationwide injunction blocking the administration from pursuing further terminations.

Associated Press writers Annie Ma in Washington and Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix contributed to this report.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744677178521.png" alt="Harvard President Alan Garber- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Harvard President Alan Garber- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-antisemitism-federal-grants-trump-3c8e4d2d3fa0c5083d98250078f95d00">escalating battle</a>&nbsp;with the Ivy League school, saying thousands of current students must transfer to other schools or leave the country.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747947898170.png" alt="Page one of the letter courtesy DHS" />
 <figcaption>Page one of the letter courtesy DHS</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747947942503.png" alt="Page 2 of the letter courtesy DHS" />
 <figcaption>Page 2 of the letter courtesy DHS</figcaption>
 </figure>The Department of Homeland Security announced the action Thursday, saying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/harvards-challenge-to-trump-administration-could-test-limits-of-government-power/">Harvard</a>&nbsp;has created an unsafe campus environment by allowing “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault Jewish students on campus. It also accused Harvard of coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, saying it hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024.“This means Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” the agency said in a statement.Harvard enrolls almost 6,800 foreign students at its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, accounting for more than a quarter of its student body. Most are graduate students, coming from more than 100 countries.Harvard called the action unlawful and said it's working to provide guidance to students.“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” the university said in a statement.The Trump administration's clash with Harvard, the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university, has intensified since it became the first to openly defy White House demands for changes at elite schools it has criticized as hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. The federal government has cut $2.6 billion in federal grants to Harvard, forcing it to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-trump-research-funding-universities-560292a39b4ec4fe473ed1f91d89f556">self-fund</a>&nbsp;much of its sprawling research operation. President Donald Trump has said he wants to strip the university of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-nonprofit-tax-exempt-status-how-can-it-be-revoked-096614ea5ec65ec7a6ac08efd0f1e94f">tax-exempt status</a>.<h2>The administration has demanded records of campus protests</h2>The threat to Harvard's international enrollment stems from an April 16 request from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who demanded that it provide information about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harvard-tax-exempt-status-international-students-07a10958bf078cb04b59d1fc9a3a27a8">foreign students</a>&nbsp;that might implicate them in violence or protests that could lead to their deportation.In a letter to Harvard on Thursday, Noem said the school's sanction is “the unfortunate result of Harvard's failure to comply with simple reporting requirements.” It bars Harvard from hosting international students for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.Noem said Harvard can regain its ability to host foreign students if it produces a trove of records on foreign students within 72 hours. Her updated request demands all records, including audio or video footage, of foreign students participating in protests or dangerous activity on campus.“This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” Noem said in a statement.The action revoked Harvard's certification in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-terminated-trump-sevis-9f85c3c58a4b74c354df0d7d993cf34c">Student and Exchange Visitor Program</a>, which gives the school the ability to sponsor international students to get their visas and attend school in the United States.Harvard President Alan Garber earlier this month said the university has made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-trump-department-of-education-grants-1b5fe7309e2f9f4c0e2281a6a9b25f97">changes to its governance</a>&nbsp;over the past year and a half, including a broad strategy to combat antisemitism, but warned it would not budge on its “its core, legally-protected principles” over fears of retaliation. He said he wasn’t aware of evidence to support the administration's allegation that its international students were “more prone to disruption, violence, or other misconduct than any other students.”Students in Harvard College Democrats said the Trump administration is playing with students' lives to push a radical agenda and to quiet dissent. “Trump's attack on international students is text book authoritarianism — Harvard must continue to hold the line,” the group said in a statement.The administration drew condemnation from free speech groups, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which said Noem is demanding a “surveillance state.”"This sweeping fishing expedition reaches protected expression and must be flatly rejected," the group said in a statement.<h2>The revocation opens a new front in a closely watched battle</h2>Many of Harvard's punishments have come through a federal antisemitism task force that says the university failed to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence amid a nationwide wave of pro-Palestinian protests.Homeland Security officials echoed those concerns in their Thursday announcement. It offered examples, including a recent internal report at Harvard, finding that many Jewish students reported facing discrimination or bias on campus.It also tapped into concerns that congressional Republicans have raised about ties between U.S. universities and China. Homeland Security officials said Harvard provided training to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps as recently as 2024. As evidence, it provided a link to a Fox News article, which in turn cited a letter from House Republicans.Asked for comment on the alleged coordination with the Chinese Communist Party, a Harvard spokesperson said the university will be responding to the House Republicans' letter.Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, called the latest action an “illegal, small-minded” overreach.“I worry that this is sending a very chilling effect to international students looking to come to America for education," he said.The Trump administration has leveraged the system for tracking international students’ legal status as part of its broader attempts to crack down on higher education. What was once a largely administrative database has become a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-student-visa-status-restraining-order-64a97b4fabc5264ed20b179952cdabff">tool of enforcement</a>, as immigration officials revoked students’ legal status directly in the system.Those efforts were challenged in court, leading to restorations of status and a nationwide injunction blocking the administration from pursuing further terminations.___Associated Press writers Annie Ma in Washington and Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix contributed to this report.___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Read the DHS letter to Harvard banning enrollment of foreign students

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2:00 p.m. on Monday, police received a report of a shooting in the 800 block of S.W. Tyler Street in Topeka, according to Police Spokesman Daniel Garrett.

First responders found one victim with a gunshot wound who is being treating for non-life-threatening injuries. Nearby schools went on secure campus for a short amount of time due to the shooting. One suspect was taken into custody.

On Wednesday police reported the suspect in this case identified as 48-year-old Maleek Lashann Hughes is in custody for attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. He is being held on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747857462450.png" alt="Hughes photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hughes photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting have a suspect in custody.Just after 2:00 p.m. on Monday, police received a report of a shooting in the 800 block of S.W. Tyler Street in Topeka, according to Police Spokesman Daniel Garrett.First responders found one victim with a gunshot wound who is being treating for non-life-threatening injuries. Nearby schools went on secure campus for a short amount of time due to the shooting. One suspect was taken into custody.On Wednesday police reported the suspect in this case identified as 48-year-old Maleek Lashann Hughes is in custody for attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. He is being held on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

Suspect jailed for shooting that forced Kan. school lockdown

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday effectively ended a publicly funded Catholic charter school in Oklahoma, dividing 4-4.

The outcome keeps in place an Oklahoma court decision that invalidated a vote by a state charter school board to approve the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which would have been the nation’s first religious charter school. But it leaves the issue unresolved nationally.

The one-sentence notice from the court provides an unsatisfying end to one of the term’s most closely watched cases.

The Catholic Church in Oklahoma had wanted taxpayers to fund the online charter school “faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Opponents warned that allowing it would blur the separation between church and state, sap money from public schools and possibly upend the rules governing charter schools in almost every state.

Only eight of the nine justices took part in the case. Justice Amy Coney Barrett didn't explain her absence, but she is good friends and used to teach with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, who has been an adviser to the school.

The issue could return to the high court in the future, with the prospect that all nine justices could participate.

The court, following its custom, did not provide a breakdown of the votes. But during arguments last month, four conservative justices seemed likely to side with the school, while the three liberals seemed just as firmly on the other side.

That left Chief Justice John Roberts appearing to hold the key vote, and suggests he went with the liberals to make the outcome 4-4.

The case came to the court amid efforts, mainly in conservative-led states, to insert religion into public schools. Those include a challenged Louisiana requirement that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-ten-commandments-displayed-classrooms-571a2447906f7bbd5a166d53db005a62">the Ten Commandments</a>&nbsp;be posted in classrooms and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-bible-schools-religion-ryan-walters-d15be2f74df2ffbbdfdc549569d06c4e">a mandate</a>&nbsp;from Oklahoma’s state schools superintendent that the Bible be placed in public school classrooms.

St. Isidore, a K-12 online school, had planned to start classes for its first 200 enrollees last fall, with part of its mission to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith.

A key unresolved issue is whether the school is public or private. Charter schools are deemed public in Oklahoma and the other 45 states and the District of Columbia where they operate. North Dakota recently enacted legislation allowing for charter schools.

They are free and open to all, receive state funding, abide by antidiscrimination laws and submit to oversight of curriculum and testing. But they also are run by independent boards that are not part of local public school systems.

Proponents of publicly funded religious charter schools were quick to point out that the decision was limited to Oklahoma.

“Oklahoma parents and children are better off with more educational choices, not fewer. While the Supreme Court’s order is disappointing for educational freedom, the 4-4 decision does not set precedent, allowing the court to revisit this issue in the future," said Jim Campbell, who argued the case at the high court on behalf of Oklahoma's charter school board. Campbell is the chief legal counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal organization that appears often at the court in cases on high-profile social issues.

On the other side, the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Separation of Church and State applauded the outcome for preserving public education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746017396433.png" alt="Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation from the case. -Image Credit: Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States, Photographer: Fred Schilling" />
 <figcaption>Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation from the case. -Image Credit: Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States, Photographer: Fred Schilling</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday effectively ended a publicly funded Catholic charter school in Oklahoma, dividing 4-4.The outcome keeps in place an Oklahoma court decision that invalidated a vote by a state charter school board to approve the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which would have been the nation’s first religious charter school. But it leaves the issue unresolved nationally.The one-sentence notice from the court provides an unsatisfying end to one of the term’s most closely watched cases.The Catholic Church in Oklahoma had wanted taxpayers to fund the online charter school “faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Opponents warned that allowing it would blur the separation between church and state, sap money from public schools and possibly upend the rules governing charter schools in almost every state.Only eight of the nine justices took part in the case. Justice Amy Coney Barrett didn't explain her absence, but she is good friends and used to teach with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, who has been an adviser to the school.The issue could return to the high court in the future, with the prospect that all nine justices could participate.The court, following its custom, did not provide a breakdown of the votes. But during arguments last month, four conservative justices seemed likely to side with the school, while the three liberals seemed just as firmly on the other side.That left Chief Justice John Roberts appearing to hold the key vote, and suggests he went with the liberals to make the outcome 4-4.The case came to the court amid efforts, mainly in conservative-led states, to insert religion into public schools. Those include a challenged Louisiana requirement that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-ten-commandments-displayed-classrooms-571a2447906f7bbd5a166d53db005a62">the Ten Commandments</a>&nbsp;be posted in classrooms and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-bible-schools-religion-ryan-walters-d15be2f74df2ffbbdfdc549569d06c4e">a mandate</a>&nbsp;from Oklahoma’s state schools superintendent that the Bible be placed in public school classrooms.St. Isidore, a K-12 online school, had planned to start classes for its first 200 enrollees last fall, with part of its mission to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith.A key unresolved issue is whether the school is public or private. Charter schools are deemed public in Oklahoma and the other 45 states and the District of Columbia where they operate. North Dakota recently enacted legislation allowing for charter schools.They are free and open to all, receive state funding, abide by antidiscrimination laws and submit to oversight of curriculum and testing. But they also are run by independent boards that are not part of local public school systems.Proponents of publicly funded religious charter schools were quick to point out that the decision was limited to Oklahoma.“Oklahoma parents and children are better off with more educational choices, not fewer. While the Supreme Court’s order is disappointing for educational freedom, the 4-4 decision does not set precedent, allowing the court to revisit this issue in the future," said Jim Campbell, who argued the case at the high court on behalf of Oklahoma's charter school board. Campbell is the chief legal counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal organization that appears often at the court in cases on high-profile social issues.On the other side, the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Separation of Church and State applauded the outcome for preserving public education.

Supreme Court tie vote dooms taxpayer funded religious charter schools

WASHINGTON (AP) — The fatal shooting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-9e77d16a88d634b0dde5b2455c96dddf">two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington</a>&nbsp;outside a Jewish museum was being investigated Thursday as an act of targeted violence, federal authorities said, as investigators prepared criminal charges against the suspect, who police say yelled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">“Free, free Palestine” following his arrest</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-washington-jewish-museum-shooting-photos-9bb0f101b642c6b74ee24c08001878b3">The stunning attack</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday evening prompted Israeli missions to beef up security and lower their flags to half-staff. It came as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with the Hamas militant group that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-washington-jewish-museum-shooting-0dd228eaea670cd06416b9a777912748">heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally</a>&nbsp;and that law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned could inspire violence in the U.S.

The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American, were a young couple about to be engaged, according to Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. He said Lischinsky had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem.

The couple were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect, who had been seen pacing outside the museum, approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/mayor-attorney-general-condemn-deadly-shooting-incident-outside-jewish-museum-in-washington-dc-32607e74992e4bbba64e83e683c13699">at a news conference.</a>

The gunman, identified by police as 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, then walked into the museum, was detained by security guards and began chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” Smith said.

“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA."

Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;’s office said he was shocked.

“We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,” he said in a statement.

The investigation unfolded in Washington, where federal investigators interviewed the suspect overnight and prosecutors prepared to bring criminal charges, and in Chicago, where heavily armed law enforcement officers arrived early Thursday at a home listed as the suspect's address.

FBI Director Kash Patel called the killings an “act of terror” and an example of targeted antisemitic violence.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said authorities were working to corroborate unspecified “writings allegedly authored" by Rodriguez. That was likely a reference to a document circulating online in which he expresses anger over Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza, which was ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of some 250 hostages.

In the time since, Israel’s devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities, whose count doesn’t differentiate between combatants and civilians. The fighting has displaced 90% of the territory’s roughly 2 million population,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-hostages-05-21-2025-11444e8b684b983dbb64daa5854b7b14">sparked a hunger crisis</a>&nbsp;and obliterated vast swaths of Gaza’s urban landscape.

It was not immediately clear whether Rodriguez had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. A telephone number listed in public records rang unanswered.

<a href="https://apnews.com/video/witness-recounts-moment-staff-members-of-israeli-embassy-killed-in-shooting-near-dcs-jewish-museum-3bbc508261bd4ec99995ba90aaf6d5f9">The shooting followed</a>&nbsp;the American Jewish Committee's annual Young Diplomats reception at the museum, which the couple had attended.

Milgrim, from Overland Park, Kansas, was described by AJC chief executive Ted Deutch as “warm and compassionate, committed to peace building and passionate about sustainability and people-to-people relations.” Deutch said Lischinsky was a staff member of the embassy’s political department who told others at the event that he was eager to return to Israel to celebrate the Shavuot holiday with his family.

“Sarah and Yaron were stolen from us,” he said. “Moments before they were murdered, they were smiling, laughing and enjoying an event with colleagues and friends. We are in shock and heartbroken as we attempt to process this immense tragedy.”

Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots, and a man came inside looking distressed. Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realizing he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh, the Palestinian headscarf, and repeatedly yelled, “Free Palestine,’” Kalin said.

“This event was about humanitarian aid,” Kalin said. “How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood.”

Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was one of the local nonprofits in Washington awarded funding from a $500,000 grant program to increase its security. The museum’s leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/antisemitism-united-states-jews-donald-trump-2c2db56fd4d994cbabfde037cb107af8">were concerned because it is a Jewish organization</a>&nbsp;and due to its new LGBTQ exhibit, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/capital-jewish-museum-receives-dc-grant-amid-security-concerns-for-lgbtq-exhibit/3918302/?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_DCBrand">NBC4 Washington</a>.

“We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well,” Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz told the TV station. “And again, we want to ensure that our space is as welcoming and secure for everybody who comes here while we are exploring these stories.”

In response to the shooting, the museum said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless violence.”

Israeli diplomats have a history of being targeted by violence, both by state-backed assailants and Palestinian militants over the decades of the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict that grew out of the founding of Israel in 1948.

The Palestinians seek Gaza and the West Bank for a future state, with east Jerusalem as its capital — lands Israel captured in the 1967 war. However, the peace process between the sides has been stalled for years.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The fatal shooting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-9e77d16a88d634b0dde5b2455c96dddf">two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington</a>&nbsp;outside a Jewish museum was being investigated Thursday as an act of targeted violence, federal authorities said, as investigators prepared criminal charges against the suspect, who police say yelled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">“Free, free Palestine” following his arrest</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I join in mourning the loss of Kansan Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, two Israeli Embassy staffers who were killed last night outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.. As I have said before, antisemitic violence is not theoretical, and it is happening now.&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1925595330193633590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As Kansans, we value peace over violence, dialogue over destruction, and dignity for all people, regardless of faith or background.&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1925595432194830641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-washington-jewish-museum-shooting-photos-9bb0f101b642c6b74ee24c08001878b3">The stunning attack</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday evening prompted Israeli missions to beef up security and lower their flags to half-staff. It came as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with the Hamas militant group that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-washington-jewish-museum-shooting-0dd228eaea670cd06416b9a777912748">heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally</a>&nbsp;and that law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned could inspire violence in the U.S.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives. This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC. The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words… <a href="https://t.co/2HytKDp8Fr">pic.twitter.com/2HytKDp8Fr</a>&mdash; Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelinUSA/status/1925447599164702743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The attack on a young couple who are part of the Jewish community - Yaron and Sarah - is a tragic and sickening escalation of antisemitism in America. This violence and hatred must end. Sarah grew up in the Kansas City area, and I am saddened for the loved ones who are grieving…&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1925549112235069838?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American, were a young couple about to be engaged, according to Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. He said Lischinsky had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on last night&#39;s antisemitic attack outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.: <a href="https://t.co/lbTZakJSxj">pic.twitter.com/lbTZakJSxj</a>&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/1925618746636247351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Please join Congressman Schmidt in praying for the victims of this horrific act of terror. Antisemitism and hatred have no place in America. Those responsible will be brought to justice. <a href="https://t.co/ZEfLIl0dcK">https://t.co/ZEfLIl0dcK</a>&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1925409703414157346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am heartbroken by the vicious, antisemitic attack that took place on the streets of our nation’s capital. Please join me in praying for Yaron and Sarah’s families, their <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelinUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsraelinUSA</a> colleagues, and the entire Jewish community. Sarah was a Kansan, a native of Overland Park… <a href="https://t.co/oMbcUyjMmy">https://t.co/oMbcUyjMmy</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1925557350900945240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">All of Kansas joins in prayer for Overland Park native Sarah Milgrim and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky — victims of an unspeakable murder in Washington, DC. Our hearts are with their families and friends, the Overland Park community, and the entire Israeli Embassy…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1925565902843502910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The couple were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect, who had been seen pacing outside the museum, approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/mayor-attorney-general-condemn-deadly-shooting-incident-outside-jewish-museum-in-washington-dc-32607e74992e4bbba64e83e683c13699">at a news conference.</a>The gunman, identified by police as 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, then walked into the museum, was detained by security guards and began chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” Smith said.“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA."Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;’s office said he was shocked.“We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,” he said in a statement.The investigation unfolded in Washington, where federal investigators interviewed the suspect overnight and prosecutors prepared to bring criminal charges, and in Chicago, where heavily armed law enforcement officers arrived early Thursday at a home listed as the suspect's address.FBI Director Kash Patel called the killings an “act of terror” and an example of targeted antisemitic violence.FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said authorities were working to corroborate unspecified “writings allegedly authored" by Rodriguez. That was likely a reference to a document circulating online in which he expresses anger over Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza, which was ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of some 250 hostages.In the time since, Israel’s devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities, whose count doesn’t differentiate between combatants and civilians. The fighting has displaced 90% of the territory’s roughly 2 million population,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-hostages-05-21-2025-11444e8b684b983dbb64daa5854b7b14">sparked a hunger crisis</a>&nbsp;and obliterated vast swaths of Gaza’s urban landscape.It was not immediately clear whether Rodriguez had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. A telephone number listed in public records rang unanswered.<a href="https://apnews.com/video/witness-recounts-moment-staff-members-of-israeli-embassy-killed-in-shooting-near-dcs-jewish-museum-3bbc508261bd4ec99995ba90aaf6d5f9">The shooting followed</a>&nbsp;the American Jewish Committee's annual Young Diplomats reception at the museum, which the couple had attended.Milgrim, from Overland Park, Kansas, was described by AJC chief executive Ted Deutch as “warm and compassionate, committed to peace building and passionate about sustainability and people-to-people relations.” Deutch said Lischinsky was a staff member of the embassy’s political department who told others at the event that he was eager to return to Israel to celebrate the Shavuot holiday with his family.“Sarah and Yaron were stolen from us,” he said. “Moments before they were murdered, they were smiling, laughing and enjoying an event with colleagues and friends. We are in shock and heartbroken as we attempt to process this immense tragedy.”Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots, and a man came inside looking distressed. Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realizing he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh, the Palestinian headscarf, and repeatedly yelled, “Free Palestine,’” Kalin said.“This event was about humanitarian aid,” Kalin said. “How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood.”Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was one of the local nonprofits in Washington awarded funding from a $500,000 grant program to increase its security. The museum’s leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/antisemitism-united-states-jews-donald-trump-2c2db56fd4d994cbabfde037cb107af8">were concerned because it is a Jewish organization</a>&nbsp;and due to its new LGBTQ exhibit, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/capital-jewish-museum-receives-dc-grant-amid-security-concerns-for-lgbtq-exhibit/3918302/?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_DCBrand">NBC4 Washington</a>.“We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well,” Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz told the TV station. “And again, we want to ensure that our space is as welcoming and secure for everybody who comes here while we are exploring these stories.”In response to the shooting, the museum said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless violence.”Israeli diplomats have a history of being targeted by violence, both by state-backed assailants and Palestinian militants over the decades of the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict that grew out of the founding of Israel in 1948.The Palestinians seek Gaza and the West Bank for a future state, with east Jerusalem as its capital — lands Israel captured in the 1967 war. However, the peace process between the sides has been stalled for years.___

Kan. lawmakers issue statements on death of two Israeli embassy staff

Health officials are asking people who went to last week's Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium to monitor for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccination-us-rfk-mmr-8fb86f56b0892408680daae4a52047e6">measles symptoms</a>&nbsp;because a person went to see the singer while infectious.

There is no confirmed outbreak in New Jersey, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccination-us-rfk-mmr-8fb86f56b0892408680daae4a52047e6">U.S. and North America are seeing high measles activity this year</a>&nbsp;— including hundreds sickened by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-measles-vaccines-misinformation-mmr-mennonites-misinformation-ea6158b9a4d513b20f33cbc09034e5c2">highly infectious airborne virus</a>&nbsp;in West Texas — and declining rates of people getting the vaccine, which is 97% effective after two doses.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-day-care-lubbock-3d90c3ea9050c12dbc74a8f8142a6355">Schools and daycares</a>&nbsp;are among the most common places for measles exposures, like one that happened in three western North Dakota public schools in early May that led to all unvaccinated students being held at home for 21 days under state law.

The Kansas Department of Health reported two new cases in the state this week in Haskell County.&nbsp; The total of 58 cases are in 10 counties.

Here’s what to know about the measles and how to protect yourself.

What's happening with measles in the U.S.?

Most U.S. children get vaccinated against measles before entering public school, but increasing numbers of people skipping shots for religious or personal reasons have fueled outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad this year.

Overall, the U.S. has seen more than 1,000 measles cases across 30 states since the beginning of the year, and 11 states with outbreaks — defined as three or more related cases. The largest outbreak in the U.S. has been in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma</a>. There are also large outbreaks in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c">Mexico and Canada</a>.

It's a respiratory disease caused by one of the world’s most contagious viruses. The virus is airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It most commonly affects kids.

“On average, one infected person may infect about 15 other people,” said Scott Weaver, a center of excellence director for the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. “There’s only a few viruses that even come close to that.”

Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.

The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.

There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.

People who have had measles once can’t get it again, health officials say.

It usually doesn’t kill people, but it can.

Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. But about 1 in 5 unvaccinated Americans who get measles are hospitalized, the CDC said. Pregnant women who haven’t gotten the vaccine may give birth prematurely or have a low-birthweight baby.

Among children with measles, about 1 in every 20 develops pneumonia, the CDC said, and about one in every 1,000 suffers swelling of the brain called encephalitis — which can lead to convulsions, deafness or intellectual disability.

“Children develop the most severe illness," said Weaver, who works at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. "The cause of death in these kinds of cases is usually pneumonia and complications from pneumonia.”

The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;(MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.

“Before a vaccine was developed in the 1960s, everybody got” measles, Weaver said. There is “great data” on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, he said, because it's been around for decades.

“Any of these outbreaks we’re seeing can easily be prevented by increasing the rate of vaccination in the community,” he said. “If we can maintain 95% of people vaccinated, we’re not going to see this happening in the future. And we’ve slipped well below that level in many parts of the country.”

Vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, and most states are below the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners</a>&nbsp;— the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks.

Do you need a booster if you got the MMR vaccine a while ago?

Not usually. People who are vaccinated are considered protected against measles for their lifetime.

Health care providers can test for antibodies and give boosters if needed.

Getting another MMR shot as an adult is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said.

People who have documentation that they had measles are immune, and those born before 1957 generally don’t need the shots because so many children got measles back then that they have “presumptive immunity.”

Weaver said people at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741908251964.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Health officials are asking people who went to last week's Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium to monitor for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccination-us-rfk-mmr-8fb86f56b0892408680daae4a52047e6">measles symptoms</a>&nbsp;because a person went to see the singer while infectious.There is no confirmed outbreak in New Jersey, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccination-us-rfk-mmr-8fb86f56b0892408680daae4a52047e6">U.S. and North America are seeing high measles activity this year</a>&nbsp;— including hundreds sickened by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-measles-vaccines-misinformation-mmr-mennonites-misinformation-ea6158b9a4d513b20f33cbc09034e5c2">highly infectious airborne virus</a>&nbsp;in West Texas — and declining rates of people getting the vaccine, which is 97% effective after two doses.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-day-care-lubbock-3d90c3ea9050c12dbc74a8f8142a6355">Schools and daycares</a>&nbsp;are among the most common places for measles exposures, like one that happened in three western North Dakota public schools in early May that led to all unvaccinated students being held at home for 21 days under state law.The Kansas Department of Health reported two new cases in the state this week in Haskell County.&nbsp; The total of 58 cases are in 10 counties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747940935606.png" alt="KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s what to know about the measles and how to protect yourself.<h2>What's happening with measles in the U.S.?</h2>Most U.S. children get vaccinated against measles before entering public school, but increasing numbers of people skipping shots for religious or personal reasons have fueled outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad this year.Overall, the U.S. has seen more than 1,000 measles cases across 30 states since the beginning of the year, and 11 states with outbreaks — defined as three or more related cases. The largest outbreak in the U.S. has been in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma</a>. There are also large outbreaks in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c">Mexico and Canada</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743085628490.png" alt="Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.png" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.png</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>What is measles?</h2>It's a respiratory disease caused by one of the world’s most contagious viruses. The virus is airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It most commonly affects kids.“On average, one infected person may infect about 15 other people,” said Scott Weaver, a center of excellence director for the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. “There’s only a few viruses that even come close to that.”Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.People who have had measles once can’t get it again, health officials say.<h2>Can measles be fatal?</h2>It usually doesn’t kill people, but it can.Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. But about 1 in 5 unvaccinated Americans who get measles are hospitalized, the CDC said. Pregnant women who haven’t gotten the vaccine may give birth prematurely or have a low-birthweight baby.Among children with measles, about 1 in every 20 develops pneumonia, the CDC said, and about one in every 1,000 suffers swelling of the brain called encephalitis — which can lead to convulsions, deafness or intellectual disability.“Children develop the most severe illness," said Weaver, who works at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. "The cause of death in these kinds of cases is usually pneumonia and complications from pneumonia.”<h2>How can you prevent measles?</h2>The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;(MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.“Before a vaccine was developed in the 1960s, everybody got” measles, Weaver said. There is “great data” on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, he said, because it's been around for decades.“Any of these outbreaks we’re seeing can easily be prevented by increasing the rate of vaccination in the community,” he said. “If we can maintain 95% of people vaccinated, we’re not going to see this happening in the future. And we’ve slipped well below that level in many parts of the country.”Vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, and most states are below the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners</a>&nbsp;— the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks.<h2>Do you need a booster if you got the MMR vaccine a while ago?</h2>Not usually. People who are vaccinated are considered protected against measles for their lifetime.Health care providers can test for antibodies and give boosters if needed.Getting another MMR shot as an adult is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said.People who have documentation that they had measles are immune, and those born before 1957 generally don’t need the shots because so many children got measles back then that they have “presumptive immunity.”Weaver said people at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.

KDHE reports additional measles cases in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday blocked President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/improving-education-outcomes-by-empowering-parents-states-and-communities/">executive order</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-shutdown-b1d25a2e1bdcd24cfde8ad8b655b9843">dismantle the Education Department</a>&nbsp;and ordered the agency to reinstate employees who were fired in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-layoffs-job-cuts-linda-mcmahon-ce9f6a8a63972aede0d8fbdf057ab788">mass layoffs</a>. The administration said it would challenge the ruling.

U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston granted a preliminary injunction stopping the Trump administration from carrying out plans announced in March that sought to work toward Trump’s goal to shut down the department. It marks a setback to one of the Republican president's campaign promises.

The ruling came in two consolidated lawsuits that said Trump's plan amounted to an illegal closure of the Education Department.

One suit was filed by the Somerville and Easthampton school districts in Massachusetts along with the American Federation of Teachers and other education groups. The other suit was filed by a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general.

The suits argued that layoffs left the department unable to carry out responsibilities required by Congress, including duties to support&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-disability-civil-rights-complaint-218a04f50bcf21cb02175e8565a3a287">special education</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-education-department-outage-layoffs-5afb5a0a1b51bbe50e5961a63b419041">distribute financial aid</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-civil-rights-special-education-antisemitism-764c1298a4ba856ce793249cdb57e6d6">enforce civil rights laws</a>.

In his order, Joun said the plaintiffs painted a “stark picture of the irreparable harm that will result from financial uncertainty and delay, impeded access to vital knowledge on which students and educators rely, and loss of essential services for America’s most vulnerable student populations.”

Layoffs of that scale, he added, “will likely cripple the Department. The idea that Defendants’ actions are merely a ‘reorganization’ is plainly not true."

Hours later, the Trump administration appealed the ruling.

“Once again, a far-left Judge has dramatically overstepped his authority, based on a complaint from biased plaintiffs, and issued an injunction against the obviously lawful efforts to make the Department of Education more efficient and functional for the American people,” spokesperson Madi Biedermann said in a statement.

Joun ordered the Education Department to reinstate federal workers who were terminated as part of the March 11 layoff announcement.

That announcement led to the firing of about 1,300 people. Some Education Department employees have left through buyout offers and the termination of probationary employees, which combined with the layoffs have reduced the staff to roughly half the 4,100 the department had when Trump took office.

“Today’s order means that the Trump administration’s disastrous mass firings of career civil servants are blocked while this wildly disruptive and unlawful agency action is litigated,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, which represents plaintiffs in the Somerville case.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, called the decision “a first step to reverse this war on knowledge and the undermining of broad-based opportunity.”

The administration has said the layoffs are aimed at efficiency, not a department shutdown. Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-shutdown-b1d25a2e1bdcd24cfde8ad8b655b9843">called for the closure</a>&nbsp;of the agency but recognizes it must be carried out by Congress, the government said.

The administration said restructuring the agency “may impact certain services until the reorganization is finished” but it’s committed to fulfilling its statutory requirements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742573578411.png" alt="In March, President Trump shown with Education Secretary Linda McMahon, signed an Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education" />
 <figcaption>In March, President Trump shown with Education Secretary Linda McMahon, signed an Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday blocked President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/improving-education-outcomes-by-empowering-parents-states-and-communities/">executive order</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-shutdown-b1d25a2e1bdcd24cfde8ad8b655b9843">dismantle the Education Department</a>&nbsp;and ordered the agency to reinstate employees who were fired in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-layoffs-job-cuts-linda-mcmahon-ce9f6a8a63972aede0d8fbdf057ab788">mass layoffs</a>. The administration said it would challenge the ruling.U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston granted a preliminary injunction stopping the Trump administration from carrying out plans announced in March that sought to work toward Trump’s goal to shut down the department. It marks a setback to one of the Republican president's campaign promises.The ruling came in two consolidated lawsuits that said Trump's plan amounted to an illegal closure of the Education Department.One suit was filed by the Somerville and Easthampton school districts in Massachusetts along with the American Federation of Teachers and other education groups. The other suit was filed by a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general.The suits argued that layoffs left the department unable to carry out responsibilities required by Congress, including duties to support&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-disability-civil-rights-complaint-218a04f50bcf21cb02175e8565a3a287">special education</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-education-department-outage-layoffs-5afb5a0a1b51bbe50e5961a63b419041">distribute financial aid</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-civil-rights-special-education-antisemitism-764c1298a4ba856ce793249cdb57e6d6">enforce civil rights laws</a>.In his order, Joun said the plaintiffs painted a “stark picture of the irreparable harm that will result from financial uncertainty and delay, impeded access to vital knowledge on which students and educators rely, and loss of essential services for America’s most vulnerable student populations.”Layoffs of that scale, he added, “will likely cripple the Department. The idea that Defendants’ actions are merely a ‘reorganization’ is plainly not true."Hours later, the Trump administration appealed the ruling.“Once again, a far-left Judge has dramatically overstepped his authority, based on a complaint from biased plaintiffs, and issued an injunction against the obviously lawful efforts to make the Department of Education more efficient and functional for the American people,” spokesperson Madi Biedermann said in a statement.Joun ordered the Education Department to reinstate federal workers who were terminated as part of the March 11 layoff announcement.That announcement led to the firing of about 1,300 people. Some Education Department employees have left through buyout offers and the termination of probationary employees, which combined with the layoffs have reduced the staff to roughly half the 4,100 the department had when Trump took office.“Today’s order means that the Trump administration’s disastrous mass firings of career civil servants are blocked while this wildly disruptive and unlawful agency action is litigated,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, which represents plaintiffs in the Somerville case.Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, called the decision “a first step to reverse this war on knowledge and the undermining of broad-based opportunity.”The administration has said the layoffs are aimed at efficiency, not a department shutdown. Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-shutdown-b1d25a2e1bdcd24cfde8ad8b655b9843">called for the closure</a>&nbsp;of the agency but recognizes it must be carried out by Congress, the government said.The administration said restructuring the agency “may impact certain services until the reorganization is finished” but it’s committed to fulfilling its statutory requirements.___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Judge, Trump admin. battle over closing Education Department

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The former WaKeeney police chief was charged Monday with crimes of mistreatment of suspects after an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Michael Allen Romero was put on administrative leave in March and ultimately removed as police chief.

Romero is charged with one count of mistreatment of a confined person and two counts of battery.

On Jan. 19, Romero allegedly battered&nbsp;Steven&nbsp;Michael Balock.&nbsp;

Balock was facing charges of mistreatment of an animal and interference with a law enforcement officer. Both charges were dropped by the prosecutor, according to court records.

Irene Dirks, WaKeeney mayor, said Balock spoke to the city commission and he said Romero came to his door and was tased when he opened it.

Dirks said Balock told the commissioners at the council's March 18 meeting that although he does own a gun, he was not holding any weapons when he opened the door for Romero.

On March 7, Jesse Clair Maupin was allegedly battered and mistreated while he was in custody, according to court records.

Maupin was taken into custody on a requested misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.

Trego County Attorney Abraham T. Pfannenstiel&nbsp;said the alleged battery against Maupin happened while the suspect was in the back of a police vehicle.

Pfannenstiel, who is also the city prosecutor, dismissed the case against Maupin.

Pfannenstiel issued an official statement on Romero's charges on Wednesday.

“It gives me no pleasure to present charges to the court in this unfortunate case,” Pfannenstiel said in the statement.

“However, any apparent abuse of power by our public officials is in violation of the oath&nbsp;they take to uphold the rule of law—and nobody, not even our leaders in law enforcement, are&nbsp;above the law," he said.

“While these crimes will be prosecuted in the courts of Trego County, I pray that we&nbsp;work together to prevent this case from turning into a prosecution of all law enforcement in the&nbsp;court of public opinion,"&nbsp;Pfannenstiel said in his statement. "The men and women that serve our communities across this country are&nbsp;overwhelmingly officers of the highest integrity who take their duty to protect and serve to heart.

"They deserve our respect and gratitude for the tough role they play in making our communities&nbsp;safer."

No action had been taken on Romero's certification as a law enforcement officer as of an online check of records with the Kansas Commission of Peace Officers' Standards and Training on May 21.

Dirks said as mayor, she has concerns about the city's civil liability, as the charges against Romero came while he was on duty as a city employee.

However,&nbsp;Pfannenstiel, who is also the city attorney, said he was not concerned about civil liability because Romero was not acting within law enforcement standards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747935645173.jpeg" alt="Michael Allen Romero" />
 <figcaption>Michael Allen Romero</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe former WaKeeney police chief was charged Monday with crimes of mistreatment of suspects after an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Michael Allen Romero was put on administrative leave in March and ultimately removed as police chief.Romero is charged with one count of mistreatment of a confined person and two counts of battery.On Jan. 19, Romero allegedly battered&nbsp;Steven&nbsp;Michael Balock.&nbsp;Balock was facing charges of mistreatment of an animal and interference with a law enforcement officer. Both charges were dropped by the prosecutor, according to court records.Irene Dirks, WaKeeney mayor, said Balock spoke to the city commission and he said Romero came to his door and was tased when he opened it.Dirks said Balock told the commissioners at the council's March 18 meeting that although he does own a gun, he was not holding any weapons when he opened the door for Romero.On March 7, Jesse Clair Maupin was allegedly battered and mistreated while he was in custody, according to court records.Maupin was taken into custody on a requested misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.Trego County Attorney Abraham T. Pfannenstiel&nbsp;said the alleged battery against Maupin happened while the suspect was in the back of a police vehicle.Pfannenstiel, who is also the city prosecutor, dismissed the case against Maupin.Pfannenstiel issued an official statement on Romero's charges on Wednesday.“It gives me no pleasure to present charges to the court in this unfortunate case,” Pfannenstiel said in the statement.“However, any apparent abuse of power by our public officials is in violation of the oath&nbsp;they take to uphold the rule of law—and nobody, not even our leaders in law enforcement, are&nbsp;above the law," he said.“While these crimes will be prosecuted in the courts of Trego County, I pray that we&nbsp;work together to prevent this case from turning into a prosecution of all law enforcement in the&nbsp;court of public opinion,"&nbsp;Pfannenstiel said in his statement. "The men and women that serve our communities across this country are&nbsp;overwhelmingly officers of the highest integrity who take their duty to protect and serve to heart."They deserve our respect and gratitude for the tough role they play in making our communities&nbsp;safer."No action had been taken on Romero's certification as a law enforcement officer as of an online check of records with the Kansas Commission of Peace Officers' Standards and Training on May 21.Dirks said as mayor, she has concerns about the city's civil liability, as the charges against Romero came while he was on duty as a city employee.However,&nbsp;Pfannenstiel, who is also the city attorney, said he was not concerned about civil liability because Romero was not acting within law enforcement standards.Dirks said she had concerns about Romero since at least September, and her opposition divided both the city council and the community.The police chief is appointed by the mayor. In January, Dirks refused to reappoint Romero.Council member&nbsp;Brent Deines made a motion to approve the mayor's appointment of Alex Baker as chief of police. That motion failed on a 2-3 vote, with council members Curtis Flax, Kristin McCoy and Shane Pfeifer voting against appointing a new police chief, according to city council minutes.Because the council rejected the mayor's new appointment, Romero was allowed to remain at his post.Two of the WaKeeney City Council members who were backing Romero mounted a petition to recall Dirks, but the petition did not garner enough signatures to move forward, Dirks said.Romero allegedly gave his key card to another person, giving them access to the law enforcement center that is shared with Trego County's Sheriff's Office, Dirks said.Dirks said county officials expressed concerns with the security of the law enforcement facility based on Romero's actions.The sheriff's office served the city with papers in February, indicating that it intended to terminate its lease with the police department. Dirks said once the city terminated Romero, the county reversed its decision to terminate the city's lease.As issues mounted with Romero, Dirks said her opposition on the council finally relented, and Romero was placed on paid administrative leave on March 18. Trego County Sheriff Edward Pritchard was named interim police chief.According to an email from Dirks to the Hays Post, Romero was terminated as of the city council meeting on April 1."We have had quite a bit of turmoil through the years. We've opened it up and done searches, but at this point, we want things to settle down before we go to the next step," Dirks said.WaKeeney, population 1,800, has a staff of five when it is fully staffed. The department has two full-time and two part-time staff members now.Dirks said the two current officers were hired right out of the academy when they turned 21. She said city officials are looking for a new chief to mentor the younger officers.Dirks attributed the difficulty in finding personnel to burnout due to long hours. She also said, "Part of it is getting someone who understands the community and living in western Kansas."She said the city has been fortunate to have assistance from the sheriff's office as well as a strong Kansas Highway Patrol presence while the police department is in transition."We are not getting in any big rush to find someone," Dirks said. "We want to get into some type of a groove and then look for people."