WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-fraud-waste-doge-elon-musk-212e3089951f731fd3f83443e104b315">Social Security Administration's</a>&nbsp;plan to require in-person identity checks for millions of new and existing recipients while simultaneously closing government offices has sparked a furor among lawmakers, advocacy groups and program recipients who are worried that the government is placing unnecessary barriers in front of an already vulnerable population.

The new requirements will impact anyone who needs to verify their bank information with the agency, as well as families with children who receive Social Security benefits and cannot verify a child's information on the SSA website. They are intended to combat fraud and waste within the system, which President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-trump-ukraine-war-526c3976f1549400c7d5c27c18028ecb">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and officials in his administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-payments-deceased-false-claims-doge-ed2885f5769f368853ac3615b4852cf7">have claimed</a>&nbsp;are widespread.

The agency announced Tuesday that, beginning March 31, those who cannot properly verify their identity over the agency’s “my Social Security” online service will be required to visit an agency field office in person to complete the verification process. They also announced recently that Social Security field offices across the country will be closing.

Of the 47 SSA field offices listed for closure on the Department of Government Efficiency website, 26 are slated for closure this year, with some taking effect as early as next month, according to an Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-offices-closures-doge-trump-b2b1a5b2ba4fb968abc3379bf90715ff">analysis of the data</a>.

That change, in addition to the impending closure of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-offices-closures-doge-trump-b2b1a5b2ba4fb968abc3379bf90715ff">field offices</a>&nbsp;across the country, and a plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-layoffs-doge-musk-trump-93efbed33957af5ec8ac37744d0592de">reduce the agency workforce</a>&nbsp;with mass layoffs, could result in massive delays to services, advocates say. Nancy LeaMond of the AARP said eliminating phone verification “will result in more headaches and longer wait times to resolve routine customer service needs."

Leamond, the AARP's chief advocacy and engagement officer, said the announcement “not only comes as a total surprise but is on an impractical fast-track.”

“SSA needs to be transparent about its service changes and seek input from the older Americans who will be affected. Because any delay in Social Security caused by this change can mean real economic hardship,” LeaMond said.

Agency leaders said Tuesday that the agency would begin training frontline employees and management about the new policy for the next two weeks.

Pushback from Democrats came quickly. A group of 62 House Democrats wrote Wednesday to the agency's acting commissioner, Leland Dudek, to express concern about how the changes could hurt older beneficiaries in remote areas and people with limited internet access.

“Requiring beneficiaries to seek assistance exclusively online, through artificial intelligence, or in person at SSA field offices would create additional barriers, particularly for those who live far from an office,” they wrote. “We strongly urge you to consider the individuals who may be harmed."

One Social Security recipient, 80-year-old Sandi Bachom of New York, said she was terrified by the change.

“What would happen if I didn’t get that check?" she said. "I don’t have any family. Everybody’s dead. There’s no one to take care of me.”

Bachom, a retired documentary filmmaker, credits Social Security with “saving my life” after losing a six-figure advertising job and falling on hard times.

Harrison Fields, a White House spokesman told The AP that the intention of the change is “stopping vulnerabilities to fraud.”

“We’re looking out for seniors by doing this,” Fields said.

In announcing the changes, Dudek said that the agency sees $100 million in direct deposit fraud every year. However, congressional testimony from an official with the SSA inspector general in May 2023 said that “from January 2013 through May 2018 fraudsters redirected $33.5 million in benefits intended for 20,878 beneficiaries" and made unauthorized direct deposit changes through the agency's website.

The agency distributes roughly $1.6 trillion in old-age and disability benefits annually.

The end of phone service identification could be dramatic for some recipients, including families with children who will be required to visit an SSA office, since children can’t open online accounts through the “my Social Security" online service.

Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, said "this will make it far harder for the American people to claim their earned benefits. It could even cause major delays, and ultimately collapse the system, by overwhelming the field offices.”

Altman, of the advocacy group, believes the administration's ultimate goal is to privatize the Social Security system.

Kentucky Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-governor-andy-beshear-4246dfac6009c265ea887b8c744efdcc">Andy Beshear</a>&nbsp;said he is concerned that “some of our oldest Kentuckians, who are living on a fixed income, who don’t have the resources to travel, have to travel hours to get basic questions answered.”

“Why? Because they don’t want them to do it, and they want to be able to kick them off. It’s not right," the Democrat said. “These are people who qualify and the federal government has an obligation to have enough offices, call-in or other resources to ultimately process the applications that are out there and answer the questions that people have.

“My concern is that what&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-musk-trump-wildfire-firefighter-pay-firings-fe125ca00f74adbaf996aa23e5d7b408">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;is trying to do is break government, not fix it.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Musk’s</a>&nbsp;Department of Government Efficiency has embedded staffers in various agencies to look for ways to shrink the federal government. Musk has pushed debunked theories about Social Security and described the federal benefit programs as a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-b21b74f56f30012a6450a629e7232a1a">Ponzi scheme</a>&nbsp;” rife with fraud.

Bachom, the New Yorker who depends on her monthly Social Security check arriving at the middle of the month, said people she knows were alarmed by what they have heard about steps the administration has taken.

“We’re all freaked out,” she said. “And we shouldn’t have to be freaked out at this age that somebody is going to rob us.”

Sedensky reported from New York. Associated Press reporters Chris Megerian and Meg Kinnard in Washington and Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Ky., contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-fraud-waste-doge-elon-musk-212e3089951f731fd3f83443e104b315">Social Security Administration's</a>&nbsp;plan to require in-person identity checks for millions of new and existing recipients while simultaneously closing government offices has sparked a furor among lawmakers, advocacy groups and program recipients who are worried that the government is placing unnecessary barriers in front of an already vulnerable population.The new requirements will impact anyone who needs to verify their bank information with the agency, as well as families with children who receive Social Security benefits and cannot verify a child's information on the SSA website. They are intended to combat fraud and waste within the system, which President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-trump-ukraine-war-526c3976f1549400c7d5c27c18028ecb">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and officials in his administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-payments-deceased-false-claims-doge-ed2885f5769f368853ac3615b4852cf7">have claimed</a>&nbsp;are widespread.The agency announced Tuesday that, beginning March 31, those who cannot properly verify their identity over the agency’s “my Social Security” online service will be required to visit an agency field office in person to complete the verification process. They also announced recently that Social Security field offices across the country will be closing.Of the 47 SSA field offices listed for closure on the Department of Government Efficiency website, 26 are slated for closure this year, with some taking effect as early as next month, according to an Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-offices-closures-doge-trump-b2b1a5b2ba4fb968abc3379bf90715ff">analysis of the data</a>.That change, in addition to the impending closure of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-offices-closures-doge-trump-b2b1a5b2ba4fb968abc3379bf90715ff">field offices</a>&nbsp;across the country, and a plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-layoffs-doge-musk-trump-93efbed33957af5ec8ac37744d0592de">reduce the agency workforce</a>&nbsp;with mass layoffs, could result in massive delays to services, advocates say. Nancy LeaMond of the AARP said eliminating phone verification “will result in more headaches and longer wait times to resolve routine customer service needs."Leamond, the AARP's chief advocacy and engagement officer, said the announcement “not only comes as a total surprise but is on an impractical fast-track.”“SSA needs to be transparent about its service changes and seek input from the older Americans who will be affected. Because any delay in Social Security caused by this change can mean real economic hardship,” LeaMond said.Agency leaders said Tuesday that the agency would begin training frontline employees and management about the new policy for the next two weeks.Pushback from Democrats came quickly. A group of 62 House Democrats wrote Wednesday to the agency's acting commissioner, Leland Dudek, to express concern about how the changes could hurt older beneficiaries in remote areas and people with limited internet access.“Requiring beneficiaries to seek assistance exclusively online, through artificial intelligence, or in person at SSA field offices would create additional barriers, particularly for those who live far from an office,” they wrote. “We strongly urge you to consider the individuals who may be harmed."One Social Security recipient, 80-year-old Sandi Bachom of New York, said she was terrified by the change.“What would happen if I didn’t get that check?" she said. "I don’t have any family. Everybody’s dead. There’s no one to take care of me.”Bachom, a retired documentary filmmaker, credits Social Security with “saving my life” after losing a six-figure advertising job and falling on hard times.Harrison Fields, a White House spokesman told The AP that the intention of the change is “stopping vulnerabilities to fraud.”“We’re looking out for seniors by doing this,” Fields said.In announcing the changes, Dudek said that the agency sees $100 million in direct deposit fraud every year. However, congressional testimony from an official with the SSA inspector general in May 2023 said that “from January 2013 through May 2018 fraudsters redirected $33.5 million in benefits intended for 20,878 beneficiaries" and made unauthorized direct deposit changes through the agency's website.The agency distributes roughly $1.6 trillion in old-age and disability benefits annually.The end of phone service identification could be dramatic for some recipients, including families with children who will be required to visit an SSA office, since children can’t open online accounts through the “my Social Security" online service.Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, said "this will make it far harder for the American people to claim their earned benefits. It could even cause major delays, and ultimately collapse the system, by overwhelming the field offices.”Altman, of the advocacy group, believes the administration's ultimate goal is to privatize the Social Security system.Kentucky Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-governor-andy-beshear-4246dfac6009c265ea887b8c744efdcc">Andy Beshear</a>&nbsp;said he is concerned that “some of our oldest Kentuckians, who are living on a fixed income, who don’t have the resources to travel, have to travel hours to get basic questions answered.”“Why? Because they don’t want them to do it, and they want to be able to kick them off. It’s not right," the Democrat said. “These are people who qualify and the federal government has an obligation to have enough offices, call-in or other resources to ultimately process the applications that are out there and answer the questions that people have.“My concern is that what&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-musk-trump-wildfire-firefighter-pay-firings-fe125ca00f74adbaf996aa23e5d7b408">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;is trying to do is break government, not fix it.”<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Musk’s</a>&nbsp;Department of Government Efficiency has embedded staffers in various agencies to look for ways to shrink the federal government. Musk has pushed debunked theories about Social Security and described the federal benefit programs as a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-b21b74f56f30012a6450a629e7232a1a">Ponzi scheme</a>&nbsp;” rife with fraud.Bachom, the New Yorker who depends on her monthly Social Security check arriving at the middle of the month, said people she knows were alarmed by what they have heard about steps the administration has taken.“We’re all freaked out,” she said. “And we shouldn’t have to be freaked out at this age that somebody is going to rob us.”——Sedensky reported from New York. Associated Press reporters Chris Megerian and Meg Kinnard in Washington and Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Ky., contributed to this report.

Social Security to require in-person ID checks for new and existing recipients

WICHITA, KAN. – A registered sex offender is going back to prison for 188 months after federal law enforcement officers discovered child sexual abuse materials at his home, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Scott Warren Vass, 57, of Arkansas City pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

In April 2023, while executing a search warrant at Vass’ home, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents seized multiple devices belonging to Vass containing child sexual abuse materials.

Further investigation revealed several of Vass’ Google accounts also contained sexually explicit depictions of minors under 12-years of age.

Vass has previous convictions in Montana for sexual assault in 1996 and has been registered as a sex offender in Kansas since 2023, according to the KBI Offender Registry.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742329184052.png" alt="Vass photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Vass photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A registered sex offender is going back to prison for 188 months after federal law enforcement officers discovered child sexual abuse materials at his home, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Scott Warren Vass, 57, of Arkansas City pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.In April 2023, while executing a search warrant at Vass’ home, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents seized multiple devices belonging to Vass containing child sexual abuse materials.Further investigation revealed several of Vass’ Google accounts also contained sexually explicit depictions of minors under 12-years of age.Vass has previous convictions in Montana for sexual assault in 1996 and has been registered as a sex offender in Kansas since 2023, according to the KBI Offender Registry.&nbsp;

Prison: Sex offender caught with child porn in his Kan. home

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump on Wednesday stepped up his rhetoric regarding Yemen’s Houthi rebels as the U.S. military launched more airstrikes against the group, warning they “will be completely be annihilated.”

Trump made the comment on his website Truth Social. He claimed, without offering evidence, Iranian military support to the rebels “has lessened” but said it needed to entirely stop.

“Let the Houthis fight it out themselves,” he wrote. “Tremendous damage has been inflicted upon the Houthi barbarians, and watch how it will get progressively worse — It’s not even a fair fight, and never will be. They will be completely annihilated!”

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump on Wednesday stepped up his rhetoric regarding Yemen’s Houthi rebels as the U.S. military launched more airstrikes against the group, warning they “will be completely be annihilated.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CENTCOM forces continue 24/7 operations against the Iran-backed Houthis…<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HouthisAreTerrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HouthisAreTerrorists</a> <a href="https://t.co/RkWsmDgEFR">pic.twitter.com/RkWsmDgEFR</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1902485573073260989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Fighter aircraft shoot down Iran-backed Houthi one-way-attack drones with AGR-20 FALCO Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Laser Guided 2.75&quot; Rockets.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HouthisAreTerrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HouthisAreTerrorists</a> <a href="https://t.co/bDoVnKwotc">pic.twitter.com/bDoVnKwotc</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1902332718215577795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742464762710.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump made the comment on his website Truth Social. He claimed, without offering evidence, Iranian military support to the rebels “has lessened” but said it needed to entirely stop.“Let the Houthis fight it out themselves,” he wrote. “Tremendous damage has been inflicted upon the Houthi barbarians, and watch how it will get progressively worse — It’s not even a fair fight, and never will be. They will be completely annihilated!”

Trump warns: Houthi rebels ‘will be completely annihilated’

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 2:30a.m.&nbsp; March 17, a Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2012 Chrysler 300 near Arizona Avenue and Banner Road in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Deputies placed four occupants from the vehicle under arrest. The driver, James Michael Johnson, 62, of Leavenworth, was jailed on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.

 Charles Ernest Hidy, 68, of Lees Summit, Missouri, was jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.

 Shelly Jo Straub, 50, of Leavenworth, was jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia and possessing a hallucinogenic drug.

Ashley Joy Hooper, 37, of Blue Springs, Missouri, was jailed on requested charges for interference with law enforcement and transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742312227896.png" alt="Johnson -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 2:30a.m.&nbsp; March 17, a Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2012 Chrysler 300 near Arizona Avenue and Banner Road in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742312108731.png" alt="Hooper -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hooper -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Deputies placed four occupants from the vehicle under arrest. The driver, James Michael Johnson, 62, of Leavenworth, was jailed on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742312295259.png" alt="Hidy photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hidy photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Charles Ernest Hidy, 68, of Lees Summit, Missouri, was jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742312341962.png" alt="Straub photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Straub photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Shelly Jo Straub, 50, of Leavenworth, was jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia and possessing a hallucinogenic drug.Ashley Joy Hooper, 37, of Blue Springs, Missouri, was jailed on requested charges for interference with law enforcement and transporting an open container.

2 from Kansas, 2 from Missouri jailed after drug bust

KANSAS CITY —A woman is in custody after fleeing from deputies and nearly running over a man attending a birthday party. 

At 4 p.m. March 15, a sheriff's deputy observed an SUV with a fake temporary tag near 210 Highway and Searcy Creek Parkway, according to a media release from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

Before the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, he also saw the driver run a stop sign and go southbound into the northbound lanes of Searcy Creek Parkway. 

The driver eventually corrected, but as the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, it took off at high speed, frequently traveling on the wrong side of the road.

The deputy lost sight of the vehicle near a paintball and laser tag business at 9300 Underground Drive, but a bystander pointed him in the direction the SUV had gone. 

The deputy located the SUV crashed in the woods. The deputy couldn’t find the driver, later identified as 48-year-old&nbsp;Katherine A. Donohoe. Additional deputies arrived, and one of them located Donohoe walking on Underground Drive and took her into custody. She had only superficial injuries. The bystander told deputies the fleeing driver almost struck him as he retrieved pizzas from his vehicle for a birthday party. 

The SUV swerved, causing it to strike a gate and overturn in the woods. There were many vehicles in the business's parking lot at the time, and thankfully the SUV traveled&nbsp; off the road before striking anyone. 

Deputies later learned Donohoe had no valid license. She has now been charged with felony aggravated fleeing from a stop&nbsp; and has a bond of $75,000. She remains in custody in the Clay County Detention Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742406934115.png" alt="Photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A woman is in custody after fleeing from deputies and nearly running over a man attending a birthday party. At 4 p.m. March 15, a sheriff's deputy observed an SUV with a fake temporary tag near 210 Highway and Searcy Creek Parkway, according to a media release from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742406892265.png" alt="Donohoe photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Donohoe photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Before the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, he also saw the driver run a stop sign and go southbound into the northbound lanes of Searcy Creek Parkway. The driver eventually corrected, but as the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, it took off at high speed, frequently traveling on the wrong side of the road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742419470129.png" alt="Photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The deputy lost sight of the vehicle near a paintball and laser tag business at 9300 Underground Drive, but a bystander pointed him in the direction the SUV had gone. The deputy located the SUV crashed in the woods. The deputy couldn’t find the driver, later identified as 48-year-old&nbsp;Katherine A. Donohoe. Additional deputies arrived, and one of them located Donohoe walking on Underground Drive and took her into custody. She had only superficial injuries. The bystander told deputies the fleeing driver almost struck him as he retrieved pizzas from his vehicle for a birthday party. The SUV swerved, causing it to strike a gate and overturn in the woods. There were many vehicles in the business's parking lot at the time, and thankfully the SUV traveled&nbsp; off the road before striking anyone. Deputies later learned Donohoe had no valid license. She has now been charged with felony aggravated fleeing from a stop&nbsp; and has a bond of $75,000. She remains in custody in the Clay County Detention Center.

Kansas City woman jailed after crash while fleeing deputy

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Pentagon has said it would restore images of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-defense-department-webpage-beed0c8883e7a31af0d9a71615cc643d">legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson</a>, the Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo Code Talkers, female fighter pilots and others swept up by a purge of diversity, equity and inclusion content.

It comes after The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-purge-images-pentagon-diversity-women-black-8efcfaec909954f4a24bad0d49c78074">obtained and published a database</a>&nbsp;with more than 26,000 images and other content that were flagged for removal.

Removed in the DEI purge was a photo of the Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan, despite the Pentagon calling that false. As of Wednesday, an Enola Gay photo was still not restored.

Images honoring the Tuskegee Airmen also were still down, as were some images of the Navajo Code Talkers.

In a statement, the Pentagon defended the deletions but said historic photos that had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-military-website-department-of-defense-02673c3aa354f3191405fc9d7b249ab3">incorrectly removed would be restored</a>.

“Everyone at the Defense Department loves Jackie Robinson, as well as the Navajo Code Talkers, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Marines at Iwo Jima and so many others — we salute them for their strong and in many cases heroic service to our country, full stop,” said Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Pentagon has said it would restore images of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-defense-department-webpage-beed0c8883e7a31af0d9a71615cc643d">legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson</a>, the Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo Code Talkers, female fighter pilots and others swept up by a purge of diversity, equity and inclusion content.It comes after The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-purge-images-pentagon-diversity-women-black-8efcfaec909954f4a24bad0d49c78074">obtained and published a database</a>&nbsp;with more than 26,000 images and other content that were flagged for removal.Removed in the DEI purge was a photo of the Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan, despite the Pentagon calling that false. As of Wednesday, an Enola Gay photo was still not restored.Images honoring the Tuskegee Airmen also were still down, as were some images of the Navajo Code Talkers.In a statement, the Pentagon defended the deletions but said historic photos that had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-military-website-department-of-defense-02673c3aa354f3191405fc9d7b249ab3">incorrectly removed would be restored</a>.“Everyone at the Defense Department loves Jackie Robinson, as well as the Navajo Code Talkers, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Marines at Iwo Jima and so many others — we salute them for their strong and in many cases heroic service to our country, full stop,” said Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot.

Pentagon will restore images taken down during DEI purge

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas voters will decide next year whether to rewrite the state’s constitution to turn the Kansas Supreme Court into an elected office.

The House on Wednesday narrowly endorsed a Senate resolution to place the question on the August 2026 ballot, rejecting concerns that the change from a merit-based selection system for justices&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">would result in a more politicized court</a>.

Republicans have pursued the change for years in response to rulings that require lawmakers to fully fund public schools and that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/07/kansas-senate-adopts-plan-to-elect-supreme-court-justices-a-step-toward-overturning-abortion-rights/">established a right to terminate a pregnancy</a>. But they defend the change as a way to empower voters.

“They think the voters should have a bigger role in the selection process,” said Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, during debate Wednesday. “To that, I find it ironic that we have chosen to place this constitutional amendment on the ballot of a low-turnout election. And I think that’s because that’s not what this is really about. This is about injecting politics into our court system.”

Vaughn said the inevitable surge in campaign spending for the high court would “invite misinformation” and that “justice should not be for sale.”

Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, responded: “We all know elections are not for sale,” which was met with a smattering of laughter from her colleagues.

The highest bidder, she pointed out, doesn’t win every race. Campaign finance matters, she conceded, but is “vastly overstated” because voters can evaluate the merit of candidates.

And she pointed out that most Kansans, if asked, don’t know how justices currently are selected.

The House declared an emergency to take final action on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1611/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611</a>&nbsp;without waiting the customary day between the debate and a vote. The House then approved the resolution by an 84-40 margin, meeting the minimum two-thirds threshold needed for passage. The Senate passed the resolution 27-13 on March 6.

In the House, four Republicans joined Democrats in opposition: Rep. Jesse Borjon of Topeka, Rep. Angel Roeser of Manhattan, Rep. Mark Schreiber of Emporia, and Rep. Sean Willcott of Holton.

Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican who chairs the House Taxation Committee, initially voted against the resolution but flipped his vote to ensure it would pass.

The current system for selecting Kansas Supreme Court justices emerged from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/26/kansas-senate-republicans-take-up-plan-to-rewrite-constitution-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">a 1950s political scandal</a>. A nine-member nominating commission reviews applications to fill a vacancy and selects three finalists for the governor to choose from. There is no Senate approval of the governor’s pick.

The commission members include one lawyer and one nonlawyer from each of the state’s four congressional districts, plus an additional lawyer who serves as chair. Kansas bar members elect the lawyers who serve on the commission, and the governor appoints the nonlawyers.

Rep. Bob Lewis, a Republican attorney from Garden City, said the voters of Kansas “threw the baby out with the bathwater” when they installed the system through a constitutional amendment in 1958. He said it was wrong that only lawyers could have input into a majority of the nominating commission members.

“I think it’s a rigged system, quite frankly, and it needs to be changed,” Lewis said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742415749326.png" alt=" Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House defends a plan to rewrite the state constitution so that voters can elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House defends a plan to rewrite the state constitution so that voters can elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas voters will decide next year whether to rewrite the state’s constitution to turn the Kansas Supreme Court into an elected office.The House on Wednesday narrowly endorsed a Senate resolution to place the question on the August 2026 ballot, rejecting concerns that the change from a merit-based selection system for justices&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">would result in a more politicized court</a>.Republicans have pursued the change for years in response to rulings that require lawmakers to fully fund public schools and that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/07/kansas-senate-adopts-plan-to-elect-supreme-court-justices-a-step-toward-overturning-abortion-rights/">established a right to terminate a pregnancy</a>. But they defend the change as a way to empower voters.“They think the voters should have a bigger role in the selection process,” said Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, during debate Wednesday. “To that, I find it ironic that we have chosen to place this constitutional amendment on the ballot of a low-turnout election. And I think that’s because that’s not what this is really about. This is about injecting politics into our court system.”Vaughn said the inevitable surge in campaign spending for the high court would “invite misinformation” and that “justice should not be for sale.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742415722010.png" alt=" Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, argues during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House that a plan to elect justices is really about trying to politicize the Kansas Supreme Court. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, argues during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House that a plan to elect justices is really about trying to politicize the Kansas Supreme Court. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, responded: “We all know elections are not for sale,” which was met with a smattering of laughter from her colleagues.The highest bidder, she pointed out, doesn’t win every race. Campaign finance matters, she conceded, but is “vastly overstated” because voters can evaluate the merit of candidates.And she pointed out that most Kansans, if asked, don’t know how justices currently are selected.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742415683477.png" alt=" Rep. Bob Lewis, R-Garden City, described the merit-based selection of Kansas Supreme Court justices as a “rigged system” during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Bob Lewis, R-Garden City, described the merit-based selection of Kansas Supreme Court justices as a “rigged system” during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The House declared an emergency to take final action on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1611/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611</a>&nbsp;without waiting the customary day between the debate and a vote. The House then approved the resolution by an 84-40 margin, meeting the minimum two-thirds threshold needed for passage. The Senate passed the resolution 27-13 on March 6.In the House, four Republicans joined Democrats in opposition: Rep. Jesse Borjon of Topeka, Rep. Angel Roeser of Manhattan, Rep. Mark Schreiber of Emporia, and Rep. Sean Willcott of Holton.Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican who chairs the House Taxation Committee, initially voted against the resolution but flipped his vote to ensure it would pass.The current system for selecting Kansas Supreme Court justices emerged from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/26/kansas-senate-republicans-take-up-plan-to-rewrite-constitution-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">a 1950s political scandal</a>. A nine-member nominating commission reviews applications to fill a vacancy and selects three finalists for the governor to choose from. There is no Senate approval of the governor’s pick.The commission members include one lawyer and one nonlawyer from each of the state’s four congressional districts, plus an additional lawyer who serves as chair. Kansas bar members elect the lawyers who serve on the commission, and the governor appoints the nonlawyers.Rep. Bob Lewis, a Republican attorney from Garden City, said the voters of Kansas “threw the baby out with the bathwater” when they installed the system through a constitutional amendment in 1958. He said it was wrong that only lawyers could have input into a majority of the nominating commission members.“I think it’s a rigged system, quite frankly, and it needs to be changed,” Lewis said.

Kansas House endorses plan to elect Supreme Court justices, placing question on August 2026 ballot

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday and signaled that it still expects to cut rates twice this year, though it said the outlook is more uncertain.

The Fed also now expects the economy to grow more slowly this year and next than it did three months ago, according to a set of quarterly economic projections also released Wednesday. It also expects the unemployment rate to tick higher, to 4.4%, by the end of this year. Policymakers also expect inflation will pick up slightly this year, to 2.7% from its current level of 2.5%. Both are above the central bank’s 2% target.

“Uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased,” the Fed said in a statement released after its two-day meeting.

The projections underscore the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-jerome-powell-stagflation-52113a78265b5316b3f378cab5563dca">tight spot</a>&nbsp;the Fed may find itself in this year: Higher inflation typically would lead the Fed to keep its key rate elevated, or even raise rates. On the other hand, slower growth and higher unemployment would often cause the Fed to cut rates to spur more borrowing and spending and lift the economy.

It is the second meeting in a row that the Fed has kept its interest rate at about 4.3% as the central bank has moved to the sidelines as it evaluates the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on the economy. Economists forecast that tariffs will likely push up inflation, at least temporarily. But other policies, such as deregulation, could lower costs and cool inflation.

At a news conference, Chair Jerome Powell said that there were signs the tariffs imposed so far may have pushed up the cost of imported goods. Inflation had been heading back to the Fed's 2% goal, but that may now take longer with the tariffs, he said.

“I do think with the arrival of tariff inflation, further progress is probably delayed,” Powell said.

Powell acknowledged that many surveys of businesses and consumers have showed rising concern about the economic outlook. Yet he noted that the unemployment rate remains low and the economy is still expanding.

“We do understand that sentiment has fallen off pretty sharply but economic activity has not yet," Powell said. “The economy seems to be healthy.”

The Fed also said it would slow the rate at which it is reducing its Treasury holdings, which grew massively during and after the pandemic. Previously it had allowed $25 billion of Treasurys to mature each month without reinvesting the proceeds. Now it will allow only $5 billion to mature each month.

In effect, the Fed will be reinvesting more of the expiring bonds into new securities, which should keep interest rates on long-term Treasurys lower than they would have been otherwise. Powell characterized the change as a technical one and not related to its interest-rate policies. Yields fell slightly in Treasury markets.

Federal Reserve governor Christopher Waller voted against the decision to slow the Treasury purchases. The Fed is still allowing $35 billion of mortgage-backed securities to mature each month.

So far, growth appears to be slowing in the first three months of the year but the impact of tariffs on inflation hasn’t yet materialized. But economists at Goldman Sachs forecast that the import taxes will push inflation to 3% by the end of this year.

Fed officials are closely watching measures of Americans’ inflation expectations, which spiked in one survey released just last week. Inflation expectations — essentially a measure of how worried people are that inflation will get worse — are important to the Fed because they can be self-fulfilling. If people expect higher inflation, they may take steps, such as accelerating purchases, that can push prices higher.

Retailers of both high-end and lower-cost goods&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-trump-sales-retail-7347cc7d0b8bec163fac1a89ed013c4f">have warned</a>&nbsp;that consumers are turning more cautious as they expect prices to rise because of tariffs. Retail sales rose modestly last month after a sharp fall in January. Homebuilders and contractors expect that home construction and renovations will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-home-improvement-housing-market-home-construction-ae55bcae89a8ad78814c3dbce69e435f">get more expensive</a>.

Many economists have sharply reduced their forecasts for growth this year, with Barclays, a bank, now forecasting growth of just 0.7%, down from 2.5% in 2024. And economists at Goldman Sachs now expect inflation — excluding the volatile food and energy categories — will tick higher to 3% by the end of this year, up from its current level of 2.6%.

AP Business Writer Alex Veiga in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday and signaled that it still expects to cut rates twice this year, though it said the outlook is more uncertain.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Fed Chair Jerome Powell announces national interest rates will remain unchanged at 4.25% - 4.50%: &quot;Surveys of households and businesses point to heightened uncertainty about the economic outlook.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/n46lR5ADfC">pic.twitter.com/n46lR5ADfC</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1902433455293579405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Fed also now expects the economy to grow more slowly this year and next than it did three months ago, according to a set of quarterly economic projections also released Wednesday. It also expects the unemployment rate to tick higher, to 4.4%, by the end of this year. Policymakers also expect inflation will pick up slightly this year, to 2.7% from its current level of 2.5%. Both are above the central bank’s 2% target.“Uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased,” the Fed said in a statement released after its two-day meeting.The projections underscore the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-jerome-powell-stagflation-52113a78265b5316b3f378cab5563dca">tight spot</a>&nbsp;the Fed may find itself in this year: Higher inflation typically would lead the Fed to keep its key rate elevated, or even raise rates. On the other hand, slower growth and higher unemployment would often cause the Fed to cut rates to spur more borrowing and spending and lift the economy.It is the second meeting in a row that the Fed has kept its interest rate at about 4.3% as the central bank has moved to the sidelines as it evaluates the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on the economy. Economists forecast that tariffs will likely push up inflation, at least temporarily. But other policies, such as deregulation, could lower costs and cool inflation.At a news conference, Chair Jerome Powell said that there were signs the tariffs imposed so far may have pushed up the cost of imported goods. Inflation had been heading back to the Fed's 2% goal, but that may now take longer with the tariffs, he said.“I do think with the arrival of tariff inflation, further progress is probably delayed,” Powell said.Powell acknowledged that many surveys of businesses and consumers have showed rising concern about the economic outlook. Yet he noted that the unemployment rate remains low and the economy is still expanding.“We do understand that sentiment has fallen off pretty sharply but economic activity has not yet," Powell said. “The economy seems to be healthy.”The Fed also said it would slow the rate at which it is reducing its Treasury holdings, which grew massively during and after the pandemic. Previously it had allowed $25 billion of Treasurys to mature each month without reinvesting the proceeds. Now it will allow only $5 billion to mature each month.In effect, the Fed will be reinvesting more of the expiring bonds into new securities, which should keep interest rates on long-term Treasurys lower than they would have been otherwise. Powell characterized the change as a technical one and not related to its interest-rate policies. Yields fell slightly in Treasury markets.Federal Reserve governor Christopher Waller voted against the decision to slow the Treasury purchases. The Fed is still allowing $35 billion of mortgage-backed securities to mature each month.So far, growth appears to be slowing in the first three months of the year but the impact of tariffs on inflation hasn’t yet materialized. But economists at Goldman Sachs forecast that the import taxes will push inflation to 3% by the end of this year.Fed officials are closely watching measures of Americans’ inflation expectations, which spiked in one survey released just last week. Inflation expectations — essentially a measure of how worried people are that inflation will get worse — are important to the Fed because they can be self-fulfilling. If people expect higher inflation, they may take steps, such as accelerating purchases, that can push prices higher.Retailers of both high-end and lower-cost goods&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-trump-sales-retail-7347cc7d0b8bec163fac1a89ed013c4f">have warned</a>&nbsp;that consumers are turning more cautious as they expect prices to rise because of tariffs. Retail sales rose modestly last month after a sharp fall in January. Homebuilders and contractors expect that home construction and renovations will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-home-improvement-housing-market-home-construction-ae55bcae89a8ad78814c3dbce69e435f">get more expensive</a>.Many economists have sharply reduced their forecasts for growth this year, with Barclays, a bank, now forecasting growth of just 0.7%, down from 2.5% in 2024. And economists at Goldman Sachs now expect inflation — excluding the volatile food and energy categories — will tick higher to 3% by the end of this year, up from its current level of 2.6%.___AP Business Writer Alex Veiga in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

🎥No good news for borrowers as economic concerns loom

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/12/kansas-satanists-plan-to-defy-governor-with-therapeutic-blasphemy-in-black-mass-at-statehouse/">planned satanic black mass</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas capitol has spurred policy changes, allegations of theft and religious debates as state leaders scramble to address&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/16/afraid-of-letting-satan-loose-in-the-kansas-statehouse-then-check-your-religion-at-the-door-too/">First Amendment concerns</a>&nbsp;with blocking satanists from their demonstration.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly censured the black mass in a statement March 12 and said participants weren’t allowed to demonstrate inside the capitol building.

Catholic organizations circulated petitions and urged legislators to step in.

Rumors swirled among Statehouse circles that the Satanic Grotto’s president had stolen materials used in the Catholic sacrament of the Eucharist — an accusation bolstered by an archbishop’s lawsuit against the group’s leader.

Legislative leaders went a step further Tuesday and modified the Capitol’s building and grounds policies to change assembly rights for anyone who wants to demonstrate at the Statehouse — not just the Satanic Grotto.

The policy changes add three contingencies to the public’s use of common areas in the Statehouse and capitol grounds:

The Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of Republican and Democratic leadership, passed the changes unanimously at a meeting Tuesday following a letter from Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. The legislative leaders called on the governor to use the Kansas Highway Patrol to prevent the black mass from occurring as scheduled on March 28.&nbsp;

“The Governor’s Office is reviewing actions from the Legislative Coordinating Council,” said Grace Hoge, a spokesperson for the governor.

Senate President Ty Masterson acknowledged in a statement that the First Amendment protects assembly and speech, including offensive speech.

“However, the First Amendment does not protect criminal conduct,” he said. “Recent statements from an organization — which pledged to engage in such conduct — necessitated a thoughtful review of policies to ensure the safety of all those visiting our State Capitol.”

Masterson was referring to alleged criminal conduct in a civil lawsuit against Michael Stewart, the president of the Satanic Grotto. Masterson also said lawmakers sent to the director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation writings from Satanic Grotto members threatening legislators. It is unclear how current those writings were.

In a 44-page complaint filed Friday in Leavenworth County District Court, Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann alleged that members of the Satanic Grotto, including Stewart and the Grotto’s vice president, stole consecrated hosts to use during the black mass. The allegation was based on phone conversations and posts on Reddit linked to Stewart’s username, “xsimon666x.”&nbsp;

In an interview Tuesday, Stewart denied the allegations and added that no one asked what consecration means to him.

“I find it very entertaining that he is convinced that I have Jesus trapped in a cracker and he would take it to court,” Stewart said.

He said his religion contains its own consecration rituals and that the Catholic Church has made “a lot of assumptions” about his religion. The satanic ritual of a black mass intentionally upends and mocks the ritual of a Catholic mass, often including a consecrated host. The Satanic Grotto is a nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with the recognized religion, the Satanic Temple.

Naumann, who plans at the same time as the planned black mass to preside over a holy hour and Catholic mass at the Assumption Church across the street from the Statehouse, said in the lawsuit the performance of a black mass directly harms the Catholic Church and Catholics across Kansas and the country.

“It is the conviction of the Catholic Church presented in its doctrinal teachings that the Consecrated Hosts and Wine are in fact the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, present under the form of bread and wine,” the lawsuit read.

Catholic teachings outline specific rituals for the handling of sacramental objects. The suit alleges Stewart and his vice president aren’t qualified to handle such objects.

Naumann provided no evidence to show that archdiocesan property had been stolen.&nbsp;

Stewart said he “would think this whole thing was hilarious” if it weren’t for the Legislature changing state policy to address a single event.

“I think it’s because they’re afraid,” Stewart said.

Naumann demanded the lawsuit be resolved through a civil jury trial. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Thursday. No criminal charges had been filed against Stewart or other members of the Satanic Grotto as of Tuesday afternoon, according to court records.&nbsp;

The Satanic Grotto has changed its plans in response to Kelly’s decree and intends to demonstrate outside, as she prescribed, with the expectation that Catholic groups will be there to counter-protest. Stewart initially promised to enter the building, defying the governor in “a peaceful act of civil disobedience.”

Even with the policy changes, the lawsuit, which Stewart expects will be thrown out, and a statement from legislators condemning the event, Stewart is resolute.&nbsp;

“I will go to the capitol on March 28,” he said.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held an impromptu hearing Tuesday on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hr6016/" target="_blank">House Resolution 6016</a>, which denounces the planned event as “a despicable, blasphemous and offensive sacrilege to not only Catholics but all people of goodwill.”

The hearing, which only included testimony from the resolution’s supporters, also provoked discussions over legislators’ religious beliefs and whether lawmakers were considering First Amendment protections.

Rep. Dan Osman, an Overland Park Democrat, attributed the proponent-only testimony to the fact that the committee met outside of its scheduled time and parties were given less than 24 hours of notice to participate. He wanted to discuss the resolution at a later date, but a majority of committee members voted to advance it.&nbsp;

Osman called the resolution “shortsighted” because no one knows what will happen on March 28.

Other legislators questioned why they were spending time and resources to give the Satanic Grotto attention. Some supported the resolution as a way to stand up to the planned black mass and what some saw as anti-Catholic bigotry. Others voted against it to avoid treating one religion differently than others.

The resolution is not law and has no legal teeth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742388611692.png" alt="Michael Stewart, pictured here on March 14, 2025, is the president of the Satanic Grotto and the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Kansas City, Kansas, archbishop. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Michael Stewart, pictured here on March 14, 2025, is the president of the Satanic Grotto and the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Kansas City, Kansas, archbishop. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/12/kansas-satanists-plan-to-defy-governor-with-therapeutic-blasphemy-in-black-mass-at-statehouse/">planned satanic black mass</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas capitol has spurred policy changes, allegations of theft and religious debates as state leaders scramble to address&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/16/afraid-of-letting-satan-loose-in-the-kansas-statehouse-then-check-your-religion-at-the-door-too/">First Amendment concerns</a>&nbsp;with blocking satanists from their demonstration.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly censured the black mass in a statement March 12 and said participants weren’t allowed to demonstrate inside the capitol building.Catholic organizations circulated petitions and urged legislators to step in.Rumors swirled among Statehouse circles that the Satanic Grotto’s president had stolen materials used in the Catholic sacrament of the Eucharist — an accusation bolstered by an archbishop’s lawsuit against the group’s leader.But the satanist group hasn’t budged.Legislative leaders went a step further Tuesday and modified the Capitol’s building and grounds policies to change assembly rights for anyone who wants to demonstrate at the Statehouse — not just the Satanic Grotto.The policy changes add three contingencies to the public’s use of common areas in the Statehouse and capitol grounds:<ul>
 <li>Organizations and individuals will not be permitted to “meet or gather when participation is limited or restricted on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, cultural heritage or national origin or ancestry.”</li><li>People cannot gather if an individual has made a threat verified by state law enforcement “against the governor, a member of the Legislature or other public official.”</li><li>People cannot gather if a group or member of a group “has stated explicitly that the meeting or gathering will involve a violation of law.”</li>
 </ul>The Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of Republican and Democratic leadership, passed the changes unanimously at a meeting Tuesday following a letter from Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. The legislative leaders called on the governor to use the Kansas Highway Patrol to prevent the black mass from occurring as scheduled on March 28.&nbsp;“The Governor’s Office is reviewing actions from the Legislative Coordinating Council,” said Grace Hoge, a spokesperson for the governor.Senate President Ty Masterson acknowledged in a statement that the First Amendment protects assembly and speech, including offensive speech.“However, the First Amendment does not protect criminal conduct,” he said. “Recent statements from an organization — which pledged to engage in such conduct — necessitated a thoughtful review of policies to ensure the safety of all those visiting our State Capitol.”Masterson was referring to alleged criminal conduct in a civil lawsuit against Michael Stewart, the president of the Satanic Grotto. Masterson also said lawmakers sent to the director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation writings from Satanic Grotto members threatening legislators. It is unclear how current those writings were.In a 44-page complaint filed Friday in Leavenworth County District Court, Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann alleged that members of the Satanic Grotto, including Stewart and the Grotto’s vice president, stole consecrated hosts to use during the black mass. The allegation was based on phone conversations and posts on Reddit linked to Stewart’s username, “xsimon666x.”&nbsp;In an interview Tuesday, Stewart denied the allegations and added that no one asked what consecration means to him.“I find it very entertaining that he is convinced that I have Jesus trapped in a cracker and he would take it to court,” Stewart said.He said his religion contains its own consecration rituals and that the Catholic Church has made “a lot of assumptions” about his religion. The satanic ritual of a black mass intentionally upends and mocks the ritual of a Catholic mass, often including a consecrated host. The Satanic Grotto is a nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with the recognized religion, the Satanic Temple.Naumann, who plans at the same time as the planned black mass to preside over a holy hour and Catholic mass at the Assumption Church across the street from the Statehouse, said in the lawsuit the performance of a black mass directly harms the Catholic Church and Catholics across Kansas and the country.“It is the conviction of the Catholic Church presented in its doctrinal teachings that the Consecrated Hosts and Wine are in fact the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, present under the form of bread and wine,” the lawsuit read.Catholic teachings outline specific rituals for the handling of sacramental objects. The suit alleges Stewart and his vice president aren’t qualified to handle such objects.Naumann provided no evidence to show that archdiocesan property had been stolen.&nbsp;Stewart said he “would think this whole thing was hilarious” if it weren’t for the Legislature changing state policy to address a single event.“I think it’s because they’re afraid,” Stewart said.Naumann demanded the lawsuit be resolved through a civil jury trial. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Thursday. No criminal charges had been filed against Stewart or other members of the Satanic Grotto as of Tuesday afternoon, according to court records.&nbsp;The Satanic Grotto has changed its plans in response to Kelly’s decree and intends to demonstrate outside, as she prescribed, with the expectation that Catholic groups will be there to counter-protest. Stewart initially promised to enter the building, defying the governor in “a peaceful act of civil disobedience.”Even with the policy changes, the lawsuit, which Stewart expects will be thrown out, and a statement from legislators condemning the event, Stewart is resolute.&nbsp;“I will go to the capitol on March 28,” he said.The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held an impromptu hearing Tuesday on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hr6016/" target="_blank">House Resolution 6016</a>, which denounces the planned event as “a despicable, blasphemous and offensive sacrilege to not only Catholics but all people of goodwill.”The hearing, which only included testimony from the resolution’s supporters, also provoked discussions over legislators’ religious beliefs and whether lawmakers were considering First Amendment protections.Rep. Dan Osman, an Overland Park Democrat, attributed the proponent-only testimony to the fact that the committee met outside of its scheduled time and parties were given less than 24 hours of notice to participate. He wanted to discuss the resolution at a later date, but a majority of committee members voted to advance it.&nbsp;Osman called the resolution “shortsighted” because no one knows what will happen on March 28.Other legislators questioned why they were spending time and resources to give the Satanic Grotto attention. Some supported the resolution as a way to stand up to the planned black mass and what some saw as anti-Catholic bigotry. Others voted against it to avoid treating one religion differently than others.The resolution is not law and has no legal teeth.

Kansas legislators, archbishop take action against satanists and their planned black mass

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 11p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the 3400 block of Harrison Street on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

First responders located two shooting victims unresponsive in the street.

Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over treatment. EMS transported both victims to the hospital where they were both men were pronounced deceased.

There is no suspect information at this time as detectives work to determine the events leading up to the shooting.

Detectives are also canvassing for witnesses and crime scene investigators are processing the scene for evidence.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City.Just after 11p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the 3400 block of Harrison Street on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.First responders located two shooting victims unresponsive in the street.Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over treatment. EMS transported both victims to the hospital where they were both men were pronounced deceased.There is no suspect information at this time as detectives work to determine the events leading up to the shooting.Detectives are also canvassing for witnesses and crime scene investigators are processing the scene for evidence.

Double-homicide: Police found 2 shooting victims on KC street

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">Measles outbreaks</a>&nbsp;in West Texas and New Mexico are now up to nearly 320 cases, and two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.

As of Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said its count of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. surpassed 2024. Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a>

How many measles cases are there in Texas and New Mexico?

Texas state health officials said Tuesday there were 20 new cases of measles since last week, bringing the total to 279 across 11 counties — most in West Texas. Two more people were hospitalized, for a total of 36.

New Mexico health officials announced three new cases Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 38. Most of the cases are in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, and the other cases are in Eddy County.

Oklahoma's state health department reported two probable cases of measles last week, saying they are “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">school-age child died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;last month, and New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;last week.

Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?

Measles cases have been reported in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases — and there have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/">three clusters</a>&nbsp;that qualified as outbreaks in 2025.

In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are generally traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles.

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.

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, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.

Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or being born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.

A doctor can order a lab test called an MMR titer to check your levels of measles antibodies, but health experts don't always recommend this route and insurance coverage can vary.

Getting another MMR shot 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 measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.

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.

Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.

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

In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called “herd immunity.”

But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.

The U.S. saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-cdc-outbreak-chicago-mmr-vaccine-7ecdfef41e6dbd659c7ac8b80d5de38f">a rise in measles cases in 2024</a>, including an outbreak in Chicago that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60.</a>

AP Science Writer Laura Ungar contributed to this report.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740583865667.png" alt="A sign is seen outside a clinic with the South Plains Public Health District in Brownfield, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>A sign is seen outside a clinic with the South Plains Public Health District in Brownfield, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">Measles outbreaks</a>&nbsp;in West Texas and New Mexico are now up to nearly 320 cases, and two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.As of Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said its count of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. surpassed 2024. Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a><h2>How many measles cases are there in Texas and New Mexico?</h2>Texas state health officials said Tuesday there were 20 new cases of measles since last week, bringing the total to 279 across 11 counties — most in West Texas. Two more people were hospitalized, for a total of 36.New Mexico health officials announced three new cases Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 38. Most of the cases are in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, and the other cases are in Eddy County.Oklahoma's state health department reported two probable cases of measles last week, saying they are “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">school-age child died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;last month, and New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;last week.<h2>Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?</h2>Measles cases have been reported in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases — and there have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/">three clusters</a>&nbsp;that qualified as outbreaks in 2025.In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are generally traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles.<h2>Do you need an MMR booster?</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.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, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or being born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.A doctor can order a lab test called an MMR titer to check your levels of measles antibodies, but health experts don't always recommend this route and insurance coverage can vary.Getting another MMR shot 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 measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.<h2>What are the symptoms of measles?</h2>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.Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.<h2>How can you treat measles?</h2>There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.<h2>Why do vaccination rates matter?</h2>In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called “herd immunity.”But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.The U.S. saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-cdc-outbreak-chicago-mmr-vaccine-7ecdfef41e6dbd659c7ac8b80d5de38f">a rise in measles cases in 2024</a>, including an outbreak in Chicago that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60.</a>___AP Science Writer Laura Ungar contributed to this report.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Measles outbreak grows; more states reporting cases

WICHITA, KS —A suspect accused in a Kansas cold case killing made his first court appearance in the case Monday.

Pedro Morones, Jr., 31 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, and three counts of aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 1:30a..m. March 29, 2021, police responded to a report of a walk-in shooting victim at a local hospital in Wichita, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.&nbsp; The victim, 21-year-old Abram Galvan, had been shot once and later died from his injuries.

Investigators determined the shooting was linked to a shots-fired incident reported near 19th and Jackson in Wichita around the same time.

Since that day, WPD Homicide Investigators have worked tirelessly to seek justice for Abram and his loved ones. Their efforts included following up on leads, analyzing forensic and electronic evidence, collaborating with media to encourage witnesses to come forward, and featuring the case on Wichita Police Department's Cold Case Homicide website.

In early 2025, new information emerged, leading investigators to identify a potential suspect. On Wednesday with assistance from the United States Marshal’s Office, Wichita Police investigators peacefully arrested Morones.

He is now scheduled for a preliminary-status hearing on March 27.  His bond is one-million-500 thousand dollars, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741866222570.png" alt="Morones photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Morones photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KS —A suspect accused in a Kansas cold case killing made his first court appearance in the case Monday.Pedro Morones, Jr., 31 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, and three counts of aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 1:30a..m. March 29, 2021, police responded to a report of a walk-in shooting victim at a local hospital in Wichita, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.&nbsp; The victim, 21-year-old Abram Galvan, had been shot once and later died from his injuries.Investigators determined the shooting was linked to a shots-fired incident reported near 19th and Jackson in Wichita around the same time.Since that day, WPD Homicide Investigators have worked tirelessly to seek justice for Abram and his loved ones. Their efforts included following up on leads, analyzing forensic and electronic evidence, collaborating with media to encourage witnesses to come forward, and featuring the case on Wichita Police Department's Cold Case Homicide website.In early 2025, new information emerged, leading investigators to identify a potential suspect. On Wednesday with assistance from the United States Marshal’s Office, Wichita Police investigators peacefully arrested Morones.He is now scheduled for a preliminary-status hearing on March 27. His bond is one-million-500 thousand dollars, according to the district attorney's office.

Suspect charged in Kansas cold-case killing

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development likely violated the Constitution and blocked billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from further cuts to the agency.

U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland ordered the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-federal-judges-impeachment-29da1153a9f82106748098a6606fec39">Trump administration</a>&nbsp;to restore email and computer access to all employees of USAID, including those who were placed on administrative leave.

The lawsuit singled out Musk as a defendant covered by the preliminary injunction, arguing that he was wielding power the Constitution reserves only for those who win elections or are confirmed by the Senate.

The order comes in a lawsuit filed by attorneys for USAID employees and contractors.

Chuang said the evidence suggests that Musk made decisions to shut down USAID’s headquarters and website despite the administration’s claim that he was merely President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeland-security-violence-prevention-office-1ed9d79dbdb5b61a4ed30cff77071d56">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;advisor. Musk’s public statements and social media posts demonstrate that he has “firm control over DOGE,” the judge concluded.

The judge acknowledged that it’s unlikely that USAID is no longer capable of performing some of its statutorily required functions.

“Taken together, these facts support the conclusion that USAID has been effectively eliminated,” Chuang wrote.

In February, the Trump administration placed all but a fraction of USAID’s worldwide staff on leave and notified at least 1,600 of its U.S.-based staffers they were being fired. The effort to gut the six-decade-old aid agency was part of a broader push to eradicate the foreign aid agency and most of its humanitarian and development programs abroad.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;on Inauguration Day issued an executive order directing a freeze of foreign assistance funding and a review of all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usaid-cuts-hunger-sickness-288b1d3f80d85ad749a6d758a778a5b2">U.S. aid and development work abroad</a>. Trump charged that much of foreign assistance was wasteful and advanced a liberal agenda.

The White House and DOGE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738896794184.jpeg" alt="File photo Democrat members of Congress protest outside USAID headquarters in DC" />
 <figcaption>File photo Democrat members of Congress protest outside USAID headquarters in DC</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development likely violated the Constitution and blocked billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from further cuts to the agency.U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland ordered the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-federal-judges-impeachment-29da1153a9f82106748098a6606fec39">Trump administration</a>&nbsp;to restore email and computer access to all employees of USAID, including those who were placed on administrative leave.The lawsuit singled out Musk as a defendant covered by the preliminary injunction, arguing that he was wielding power the Constitution reserves only for those who win elections or are confirmed by the Senate.The order comes in a lawsuit filed by attorneys for USAID employees and contractors.Chuang said the evidence suggests that Musk made decisions to shut down USAID’s headquarters and website despite the administration’s claim that he was merely President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeland-security-violence-prevention-office-1ed9d79dbdb5b61a4ed30cff77071d56">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;advisor. Musk’s public statements and social media posts demonstrate that he has “firm control over DOGE,” the judge concluded.The judge acknowledged that it’s unlikely that USAID is no longer capable of performing some of its statutorily required functions.“Taken together, these facts support the conclusion that USAID has been effectively eliminated,” Chuang wrote.In February, the Trump administration placed all but a fraction of USAID’s worldwide staff on leave and notified at least 1,600 of its U.S.-based staffers they were being fired. The effort to gut the six-decade-old aid agency was part of a broader push to eradicate the foreign aid agency and most of its humanitarian and development programs abroad.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;on Inauguration Day issued an executive order directing a freeze of foreign assistance funding and a review of all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usaid-cuts-hunger-sickness-288b1d3f80d85ad749a6d758a778a5b2">U.S. aid and development work abroad</a>. Trump charged that much of foreign assistance was wasteful and advanced a liberal agenda.The White House and DOGE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Judge rules DOGE's USAID dismantling likely violates the Constitution

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, the Kansas City police department helicopter was following a vehicle which fled from law enforcement in Kansas and Missouri, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp; With information provided by the helicopter, KCPD officers on the ground contacted the suspect vehicle in a parking lot in 1600 block of Jefferson Street just west of the downtown loop of Interstate 35 and Interstate 670.

Officers exited their vehicle and began giving the driver commands. The driver drove his vehicle in the direction of the officers and struck the patrol car. One officer fired his duty weapon at the driver striking him.&nbsp; As the suspect vehicle stopped, the driver was taken into custody and later transported to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp; The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the shooting investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742379426063.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, the Kansas City police department helicopter was following a vehicle which fled from law enforcement in Kansas and Missouri, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp; With information provided by the helicopter, KCPD officers on the ground contacted the suspect vehicle in a parking lot in 1600 block of Jefferson Street just west of the downtown loop of Interstate 35 and Interstate 670.Officers exited their vehicle and began giving the driver commands. The driver drove his vehicle in the direction of the officers and struck the patrol car. One officer fired his duty weapon at the driver striking him.&nbsp; As the suspect vehicle stopped, the driver was taken into custody and later transported to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp; The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the shooting investigation.