‘No Kings Rally' organizer hoping for thousands on Saturday
Republican Governor Mike Kehoe's also activated the Missouri National Guard ahead of the 'No Kings Rallies' across Missouri. Authorities are making plans now to try to make sure they stay peaceful.
'To send out troops against American citizens is kind of ridiculous, really,' Indivisible Kansas City Founder Beverly Harvey said on Friday, talking about Governor Kehoe's activation.
State House Minority Leader Ashley Aune told FOX4 Friday that just because the Missouri National Guard's been activated does not necessarily mean there will be a presence at the protests.
Kansas attorney general blocked from denying gender changes on driver's licenses
Republican Missouri Congressman Mark Alford says the National Guard is there to protect police officers and citizens should they need it. Congressman Alford added that he thought Governor Kehoe's decision was very wise.
'I'm praying for peaceful protests,' he said.
'There's going to be one in Lee's Summit. There's going to be one there near the Plaza at Mill Creek Park. You have every right to disagree with Donald J. Trump and his policies, but let's do it peacefully.'
House Minority Leader Aune says she always wants Governor Kehoe to feel like he can activate Missouri's National Guard if need be.
'That said, there has been no indication that I'm aware of that any of the protests planned in our state are going to be violent in any way,' she said.
The rallies are timed to coincide with Saturday's military parade in Washington D.C. The local rally has gained extra attention amid the White House's crackdown on illegal immigration.
Marines are seen standing guard at a federal building in Los Angeles
FOX4 asked Harvey if she thought things would get out of hand on Saturday.
'I know that our group won't get out of hand,' she replied.
'Indivisible prides itself nationally and all the groups, there's like 2,000 groups that will be around the United States tomorrow, on peaceful demonstrations, protests, whatever you want to call it, so we pride ourselves on that. We can't guarantee there won't be instigators. It wouldn't surprise me if there's instigators that show up to try to cause trouble.'
The Kansas City, MO Police Department (KCPD) tells FOX4 they expect a peaceful gathering, adding that they have response plans in place should any issues arise.
FOX4 does not know if KCPD will have more officers on patrol Saturday due to the protest at Mill Creek Park. It starts at noon and is scheduled to go until 3 p.m.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Susan Monarez confirmed as CDC director. Here's what she's said about vaccines and more
The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday along party lines, 51 to 47, to confirm Susan Monarez as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. President Trump nominated her for the role in March, praising her as "an incredible mother and dedicated public servant" who "understands the importance of protecting our children, our communities, and our future." Monarez has been serving as the acting head of the CDC since January, and previously worked as the head of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. She was viewed as somewhat surprising pick for the CDC role because unlike most recent CDC directors, she holds a Ph.D. but is not a medical doctor. The CDC said Monarez "brings decades of distinguished experience in health innovation, disaster preparedness, global health, and biosecurity" to the agency, and will help advance the "mission to Make America Healthy Again." At her confirmation hearing before the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) committee on July 9, Monarez garnered praise from the Republican chairman, Sen. Bill Cassidy, who is a physician, for her commitment to rebuilding public trust in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Democrats on the committee grilled her about the impact of cuts in federal funding for health programs and medical research, and expressed concern about the CDC's role under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Monarez was questioned by committee members about a range of health topics. Here are some of those highlights. Monarez on vaccines Monarez faced a number of questions about vaccine recommendations. Kennedy has been a longtime vaccine critic who has pushed a discredited theory linking routine childhood shots to autism, but during her hearing, Monarez refuted that view and stated that she has "not seen a causal link between vaccines and autism." Amid a growing measles outbreak this year, Kennedy has acknowledged the vaccine's efficacy against the disease while still saying he supports individual choice. In a March interview with CBS News, Kennedy publicly encouraged people to get the measles vaccine. "If I'm confirmed as CDC director, I look forward to supporting the secretary with science and evidence, and making sure that I am giving him the best information possible," Monarez said at her confirmation hearing. "Measles is an important health threat and we have to make sure we are doing everything that we can to prevent and mitigate it." Monarez was also asked about the continued availability and affordability of vaccines if the CDC's vaccine advisory panel, made up of new RFK Jr. appointees, makes changes to recommendations. "Vaccines absolutely save lives, and if I'm confirmed as CDC director, I commit to making sure we continue to prioritize vaccine availability," she said. Monarez on fluoride Fluoride, another topic Kennedy has spotlighted, was also a subject of discussion during Monarez's hearing. This year, two states, Utah and Florida, became the first to ban the use of fluoride in drinking water, where it's been added for decades to help prevent tooth decay. "Fluoride is an important component to oral health, and there are various aspects of using fluoride to improve oral health — a direct application can be very valuable," Monarez said. Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland specifically asked Monarez whether the water in Potomac, Maryland, which has fluoridation, is safe for families. Monarez replied: "I believe the water in Potomac, Maryland is safe." Monarez on RFK Jr. and the measles outbreak Measles came up repeatedly as senators questioned Monarez about how she would interact with Kennedy in her role at the CDC. "The CDC director can't perform this critical role unless they are politically independent. Which means that you must be willing to disagree with political leaders based on scientific evidence," Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire said. "So, is there anything that you disagree with Secretary Kennedy about?" "If I'm confirmed as CDC director, I look forward to having technical discussions with the secretary. He has said he values and prioritizes independent thinking and using science to drive decision making," Monarez replied. "I am an independent thinker, and I am a scientist, and I will welcome the opportunity to share my opinions based on science and evidence with him as he makes some of these very difficult decisions." After Monarez sidestepped a question from Hassan about whether she disagrees with anything Kennedy has done, the senator got more specific, asking about Kennedy's claim that it's "very difficult for measles to kill a healthy person." This year's measles outbreak, centered in West Texas, killed two children who doctors said did not have previous health conditions. Monarez replied that measles is an "important public health threat" that can be lethal. Russia reacts to Trump's new deadline on Ukraine ceasefire Immigration agent told 18-year-old U.S. citizen "you got no rights here" during arrest Reporter's Notebook: A case of writer's block
NBC News
15 minutes ago
- NBC News
Pete Hegseth has discussed running for political office in Tennessee, sources say
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has privately discussed the idea of running for political office next year in Tennessee, according to two people who have spoken directly with him about it. If Hegseth were to follow through on those discussions, it would amount to a major leadership shake-up at the department that oversees the American military and millions of federal employees. The Defense Department bars civilian employees from running for political office, meaning Hegseth would have to resign to do so. In a statement, Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesman, said, 'Hegseth's focus remains solely on serving under President Trump.' One of the people said their discussion with Hegseth happened within the past three weeks and that it was serious, not simply spitballing ideas. The other person, who also characterized it as serious, would not say when they had spoken — except that it was since Hegseth became defense secretary in January. The two sources, along with others in this article, were granted anonymity to speak candidly. The discussions centered around what it would take to run. One person said they discussed the eligibility requirements to run for governor of Tennessee and Hegseth's chances of winning. The other person said they talked with Hegseth about the realities of a campaign. The people who have spoken with Hegseth said he has specifically mentioned a possible gubernatorial campaign in Tennessee, where Hegseth lives. The state has an open race for governor next year, though there are eligibility requirements for candidates that Hegseth might not meet. Ultimately, both sources said it was unclear after their conversations with Hegseth whether he would take the leap. But they both said he has contemplated it. 'Fake news NBC is so desperate for attention, they are shopping around a made up story… again. Only two options exist: either the 'sources' are imaginary or these reporters are getting punked. Secretary Hegseth's focus remains solely on serving under President Trump and advancing the America First mission at the Department of Defense,' Parnell said in the statement. Others in Hegseth's orbit said he doesn't plan to launch a campaign. One person who spoke with the secretary last week asked him about speculation that he was looking for an off-ramp from being defense secretary, such as running for political office in Tennessee. This person said Hegseth was 'very, very clear' that he was not going to run and denied even considering it. The idea, this person said, is 'totally off the table.' And when asked, a longtime Trump adviser familiar with political discussions around Hegseth said he will not run for office in Tennessee. Hegseth has campaigned for political office before. A former Army National Guard officer and Fox News host, he ran for the U.S. Senate in his home state of Minnesota in 2012 and withdrew after failing to win the GOP nomination. Minnesota also has an open Senate seat in 2026. Hegseth's political considerations come after a somewhat rocky first six months as defense secretary. During his confirmation process, allegations surfaced around his treatment of his second wife, financial mismanagement, sexual misconduct and alcohol consumption — all of which Hegseth vehemently denied. Since his confirmation, Hegseth has faced controversy over the abrupt firings of his top staff, accusations of chaos at the Pentagon and questions about his handling of sensitive military plans after he shared information about a military operation in Yemen on an unsecured group chat on Signal. A Pentagon inspector general report on the Signal chat, including the classification of the information Hegseth shared, could be released as early as next month. Hegseth also suspended aid to Ukraine three times, but those decisions were reversed by the White House, NBC News reported. Trump has said publicly that he maintains confidence in Hegseth, although privately he has at times expressed frustrations with him, NBC News has reported. Politico recently reported that Trump and his inner circle stand by Hegseth. The New York Times also reported on Saturday that Hegseth continues to clash with the military's top generals over his personnel and promotion choices and what are seen as partisan priorities. If Hegseth were to declare his candidacy for office, Trump has several replacement options, at least temporarily. These include Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a close friend of Vice President JD Vance's, or the Pentagon's policy chief, Elbridge Colby, according to four people familiar with the matter. Both were confirmed by the Senate for their current jobs and could serve as acting secretary of defense for a period of time without another confirmation hearing. Hegseth could face eligibility requirements if he wants to run for office in Tennessee. Tennessee law says gubernatorial candidates must have lived in the state for seven years prior to the election. Hegseth moved to the state around three years ago; public records show that Hegseth's name is linked to a suburban Nashville address last sold in the middle of 2022. Tennessee Republican Party bylaws also have a series of requirements for Republican primary candidates, including having voted in three of the last four most recent statewide Republican primary elections in which the candidate is eligible to vote. There have been statewide Republican primaries in Tennessee in 2022 and 2024. Those bylaws have blocked other candidates from seeking office in the past, including in 2022, when the state GOP removed Trump-backed Morgan Ortagus, a former State Department spokeswoman, from the congressional primary ballot after she had recently moved to the state. Hegseth would likely face challenges from within his own party if he decided to run for governor. Republican Rep. John Rose is running and has loaned himself $5 million to bolster his campaign. Sen. Marsha Blackburn also has long considered a campaign for governor. Tennessee's senior U.S. senator, Blackburn has served in public office for more than 25 years and holds considerable sway among the state's GOP. A source familiar with Blackburn's plans said she intends to announce her next steps in August. If Blackburn does decide to run, and wins, she'd have to vacate her Senate seat in 2027 and appoint a successor until a special election. That could provide another political option for Hegseth in his home state. Tennessee requires candidates for the Senate to have lived in the state for at least three years. Scott Golden, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, said he has not spoken with Trump about a potential Hegseth run. 'Nobody has called to talk about this as a reality,' Golden said, adding, 'I don't know where it's coming from, and maybe it will be real.' Golden said the last time he spoke with Hegseth was on election night last year. He was last at the White House in April, he said, for a tour. 'Right now, it's just not something that we're even thinking about,' Golden said. Another Republican operative in Tennessee was skeptical that Hegseth's running for office was well developed or far along, saying they hadn't heard anything about it. Blackburn is close with Glenn Jacobs, the Republican mayor of Knox County and a former professional wrestler, and she would potentially appoint him to her Senate seat, according to a person familiar with the situation. This person said Blackburn hasn't had any conversations with Hegseth about an appointment. A person close to Blackburn said it was premature to discuss who she would choose as her successor. 'There has never been a conversation of anyone being appointed,' this person said, adding that Blackburn has also not spoken with anyone, including Hegseth, about him potentially running for office in Tennessee. 'I know they talk,' the person said, 'but never about this.'
New York Times
17 minutes ago
- New York Times
Senate Confirms Susan Monarez as C.D.C. Director
Senate Republicans confirmed Susan Monarez, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a supporter of Covid vaccines, as the permanent leader of the agency, cementing President Trump's second pick for the job after he withdrew his first nominee just hours before his confirmation hearing earlier this year. Dr. Monarez, an infectious-disease researcher, is the first nonphysician to lead the C.D.C. in more than 50 years. Her confirmation, in a 51-to-47 party-line vote in the Senate, comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, has overseen aggressive cuts to the agency — many of which were later reversed — and after he gutted an influential committee that recommends which vaccines Americans should get. Dr. Monarez, 50, assumed the acting director position a few days after Mr. Trump took office in January, leaving her perch as deputy director of a new federal biomedical research agency created during the Biden administration. Dr. Monarez was expected to serve until Mr. Trump's first choice for the job, Dr. Dave Weldon, a former Republican congressman, could be confirmed. But after Mr. Trump decided to withdraw the nomination, Republican aides in the Senate said that Dr. Weldon had failed to impress them with a plan for the agency. Dr. Weldon blamed two Republican senators — Susan Collins of Maine and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana — for turning against him. Some experts said Dr. Monarez was a sharp contrast to Dr. Weldon, whose skeptical views on childhood vaccines aligned with those of Mr. Kennedy and raised alarm in the medical community. Dr. Monarez, in contrast, is a biosecurity expert who endorsed the Covid vaccines, and her selection was seen as signaling a growing impatience with anti-vaccine sentiment. In her time as acting director, subordinates have been interpreting the president's executive orders and various court instructions with little input from Dr. Monarez, according to several C.D.C. employees who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. Her office has also served as a conduit for directives from the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services. For example, she has worked with the cost-cutting initiative known as the Department of Government Efficiency to plan cuts to the agency, according to a former official with knowledge of the matter. And when the Trump administration ordered the C.D.C. to take down pages from its website containing phrases like 'L.G.B.T.Q.' and 'transgender,' Dr. Monarez did not resist or try to preserve important data, according to three people with knowledge of the events, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.
