WASHINGTON (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s top advisers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nayib-bukele">Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador</a>, said Monday that they had no basis for the small Central American nation to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongly deported there last month.

Trump administration officials emphasized Abrego Garcia, who was sent to a notorious gang prison in El Salvador, was a citizen of that country and the U.S. has no say in his future. And Bukele, who has been a vital partner for the Trump administration in its deportation efforts, said he does not “have the power to return him to the United States.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-deportation-trump-9f46dd62890befdc321ed1ab56107470">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;has called for the Trump administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he’ll travel to El Salvador if Abrego Garcia isn’t released by midweek

The Democratic senator from Maryland wrote to El Salvadoran diplomats to “urgently request” meeting with the country’s president, Nayib Bukele, to discuss the potential return of a former Maryland resident, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported to the Central American nation by the Trump administration.

A federal judge ruled Garcia should be returned to the U.S., a decision that was unanimously upheld by the Supreme Court last week.

WASHINGTON (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s top advisers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nayib-bukele">Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador</a>, said Monday that they had no basis for the small Central American nation to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongly deported there last month.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MUST WATCH: President Trump and his team demolish Fake News <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cnn</a> with the facts <a href="https://t.co/elarNRomY1">pic.twitter.com/elarNRomY1</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1911813943300940293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump administration officials emphasized Abrego Garcia, who was sent to a notorious gang prison in El Salvador, was a citizen of that country and the U.S. has no say in his future. And Bukele, who has been a vital partner for the Trump administration in its deportation efforts, said he does not “have the power to return him to the United States.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-deportation-trump-9f46dd62890befdc321ed1ab56107470">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;has called for the Trump administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return.<h2>Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he’ll travel to El Salvador if Abrego Garcia isn’t released by midweek</h2>The Democratic senator from Maryland wrote to El Salvadoran diplomats to “urgently request” meeting with the country’s president, Nayib Bukele, to discuss the potential return of a former Maryland resident, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported to the Central American nation by the Trump administration.A federal judge ruled Garcia should be returned to the U.S., a decision that was unanimously upheld by the Supreme Court last week.

President of El Salvador says he won't return wrongly deported man 

KANSAS CITY —Three police officers were injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Monday in Kansas City

Incident Date/Time: 4/14/2025 0052 CRN: 25-022492 Division: CPDEvent Start Address: 12th and GrandEvent End Address: 12th and GrandNature: Injury Crash involving PD Members

Narrative: AIS responded to assist CPD in a crash at 12th and Grand. Preliminary investigation revealed that

According to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a marked Police Vehicle was traveling code 1 eastbound on 12th Street with a green light at Grand Avenue.

At the same time, a Marked Police Vehicle was driving with red and blue light Southbound on Grand with a red traffic signal. The Eastbound Vehicle struck the Southbound vehicle in a T-Bone manner. Three officers were taken to an area hospital for injuries. No other vehicles nor pedestrian were involved.

KANSAS CITY —Three police officers were injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Monday in Kansas CityIncident Date/Time: 4/14/2025 0052 CRN: 25-022492 Division: CPDEvent Start Address: 12th and GrandEvent End Address: 12th and GrandNature: Injury Crash involving PD MembersNarrative: AIS responded to assist CPD in a crash at 12th and Grand. Preliminary investigation revealed thatAccording to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a marked Police Vehicle was traveling code 1 eastbound on 12th Street with a green light at Grand Avenue.At the same time, a Marked Police Vehicle was driving with red and blue light Southbound on Grand with a red traffic signal. The Eastbound Vehicle struck the Southbound vehicle in a T-Bone manner. Three officers were taken to an area hospital for injuries. No other vehicles nor pedestrian were involved.

3 KCPD officers hospitalized after 2 police vehicles collide

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MARCIA%20DUNN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer</a>

Jeff Bezos’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-space-e0ce527145eca5b2ac6d47275fdfd2a2">Blue Origin</a>&nbsp;launched his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bezos-katy-perry-blue-origin-launch-4a074e534baa664abfa6538159c12987">fiancee Lauren Sanchez</a>&nbsp;into space Monday with an all-female celebrity crew that included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/katy-perry-spaceflight-interview-ced939b06e1b8b82fa84fe3c2ce41ad9">Katy Perry</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oprah-winfrey-walter-cronkite-gayle-king-phoenix-arizona-8ad536f6162b57d972806cf1ae98195a">Gayle King</a>.

It was the latest wave in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-private-polar-flight-09b238658a30ecabd957c5a72f7e8d23">space tourism</a>, where more of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-administrator-trump-jared-isaacman-ce14cd11a9548228f8c75cb594dafafd">rich and famous</a>&nbsp;than ever before — or lucky and well-connected — can enter the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shatner-blue-origin-launch-09705724072c0ecad2674c8511f0fcab">zero-gravity realm</a>&nbsp;traditionally dominated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-an-astronaut-private-spaceflight-2cf882f79d189bada008ff8e7e0e2660">professional astronauts</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeff-bezos-space-e0afeaa813ff0bdf23c37fe16fd34265">New Shepard rocket</a>&nbsp;blasted off on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-strahan-space-blue-origin-launch-shepard-daughter-c807253884a451bc3e82cb5d860cc05c">quick up-and-down trip</a>&nbsp;from West Texas. The fringes of space beckoned some 65 miles (105 kilometers) up, promising a few precious minutes of weightlessness.

Sanchez, a helicopter pilot and former TV journalist, invited the others along for the 10-minute, fully automated flight, packing on the star power with singer-songwriter Perry and “CBS Mornings” co-host King.

Also sharing the ride were film producer Kerianne Flynn; Aisha Bowe, a former NASA engineer who started her own companies to promote science education; and Amanda Nguyen, a scientist who studied planets around other stars and now advocates for survivors of sexual violence.

Blue Origin declined to say how much the flight cost or who paid what. The trip came two months before Sanchez and Bezos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/italy-venice-bezos-wedding-vip-lagoon-tourists-375cc08aed84871693303347e27ebe84">marry in Venice</a>.

It was the 11th human spaceflight for the Washington state-based company, founded by Bezos in 2000 after making a fortune with Amazon. Bezos strapped in for Blue Origin’s first space tourist flight in 2021 and accompanied the latest crew to the pad.

The celebrity launch was the nation’s first spaceflight where women filled each seat. The only other all-female crew in 64 years of human spaceflight was back in 1963. That’s when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova launched by herself, becoming the first woman in space. Tereshkova spent three days off the planet.

Even after the latest launch, women represent barely 15% of the more than 700 people who have traveled into space. Sanchez said she deliberately chose women to launch with her, each of them eager to inspire both the young and old to dream big, and even commissioned special flight suits.

“It’s an important moment for the future of commercial space travel and for humanity in general and for women all around,” Perry told The Associated Press last week.

The launch brought out VIPs to West Texas including Oprah Winfrey and several women who previously have flown on private flights. Winfrey, a close friend of King, wiped away tears when the capsule reached space and the passengers were heard marveling at the moon and shouting with joy.

This wasn't the first Blue Origin launch with marquee names.

“Star Trek” actor William Shatner caught a lift to space with Blue Origin in 2021 at age 90, soon after Bezos’ inaugural trip. He was followed by former New York Giants defensive end and TV host Michael Strahan and Laura Shepard Churchley, the eldest daughter of Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard, for whom the rocket is named. Two aviation pioneers who missed out on space when they were younger — Wally Funk and Ed Dwight — also rocketed away at ages 82 and 90, respectively.

Most of Blue Origin's passengers — 58 counting the latest launch — have been business or science types, TV hosts or YouTubers. Ticket prices are not disclosed.

The Russian Space Agency also has launched its share of space tourists, beginning with a California financier in 2001. Two decades later, a Russian actress filmed aboard the International Space Station.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX also sells multi-day trips to private customers. SpaceX's first client to fly, billionaire tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman already has launched twice and performed the first private spacewalk. He's now set to become NASA's next administrator if confirmed by the Senate.

Chinese-born bitcoin investor Chun Wang just returned from the first spaceflight to carry people over the north and south poles. Wang picked up the whole SpaceX tab for himself and three polar explorers for an undisclosed sum.

“In this exciting new era of commercial spaceflight, the dream of becoming an astronaut is no longer limited to a select few,” Wang said via X last week.

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/2025/4/1744638269889.png" alt="Blue Origin soft landing after the 10 minute flight -image from Blue Origin video" />
 <figcaption>Blue Origin soft landing after the 10 minute flight -image from Blue Origin video</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MARCIA%20DUNN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer</a>Jeff Bezos’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-space-e0ce527145eca5b2ac6d47275fdfd2a2">Blue Origin</a>&nbsp;launched his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bezos-katy-perry-blue-origin-launch-4a074e534baa664abfa6538159c12987">fiancee Lauren Sanchez</a>&nbsp;into space Monday with an all-female celebrity crew that included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/katy-perry-spaceflight-interview-ced939b06e1b8b82fa84fe3c2ce41ad9">Katy Perry</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oprah-winfrey-walter-cronkite-gayle-king-phoenix-arizona-8ad536f6162b57d972806cf1ae98195a">Gayle King</a>.It was the latest wave in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-private-polar-flight-09b238658a30ecabd957c5a72f7e8d23">space tourism</a>, where more of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-administrator-trump-jared-isaacman-ce14cd11a9548228f8c75cb594dafafd">rich and famous</a>&nbsp;than ever before — or lucky and well-connected — can enter the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shatner-blue-origin-launch-09705724072c0ecad2674c8511f0fcab">zero-gravity realm</a>&nbsp;traditionally dominated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-an-astronaut-private-spaceflight-2cf882f79d189bada008ff8e7e0e2660">professional astronauts</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744639511044.png" alt="Katy Perry celebrates the successful flight" />
 <figcaption>Katy Perry celebrates the successful flight</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeff-bezos-space-e0afeaa813ff0bdf23c37fe16fd34265">New Shepard rocket</a>&nbsp;blasted off on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-strahan-space-blue-origin-launch-shepard-daughter-c807253884a451bc3e82cb5d860cc05c">quick up-and-down trip</a>&nbsp;from West Texas. The fringes of space beckoned some 65 miles (105 kilometers) up, promising a few precious minutes of weightlessness.Sanchez, a helicopter pilot and former TV journalist, invited the others along for the 10-minute, fully automated flight, packing on the star power with singer-songwriter Perry and “CBS Mornings” co-host King.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744639598510.png" alt="Gayle King stepping out of the spacecraft after the successful flight" />
 <figcaption>Gayle King stepping out of the spacecraft after the successful flight</figcaption>
 </figure>Also sharing the ride were film producer Kerianne Flynn; Aisha Bowe, a former NASA engineer who started her own companies to promote science education; and Amanda Nguyen, a scientist who studied planets around other stars and now advocates for survivors of sexual violence.Blue Origin declined to say how much the flight cost or who paid what. The trip came two months before Sanchez and Bezos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/italy-venice-bezos-wedding-vip-lagoon-tourists-375cc08aed84871693303347e27ebe84">marry in Venice</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744639674176.png" alt="Jeff Bezos greets his fiancee Lauren Sanchez after the flight" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Bezos greets his fiancee Lauren Sanchez after the flight</figcaption>
 </figure>It was the 11th human spaceflight for the Washington state-based company, founded by Bezos in 2000 after making a fortune with Amazon. Bezos strapped in for Blue Origin’s first space tourist flight in 2021 and accompanied the latest crew to the pad.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">REPLAY: A New Shepard tradition <a href="https://t.co/dSexRmoZl7">pic.twitter.com/dSexRmoZl7</a>&mdash; Blue Origin (@blueorigin) <a href="https://twitter.com/blueorigin/status/1911771735776514154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The celebrity launch was the nation’s first spaceflight where women filled each seat. The only other all-female crew in 64 years of human spaceflight was back in 1963. That’s when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova launched by herself, becoming the first woman in space. Tereshkova spent three days off the planet.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">What an amazing crew! Great flight this morning. <a href="https://t.co/4h5fNGpRRO">pic.twitter.com/4h5fNGpRRO</a>&mdash; Dave Limp (@davill) <a href="https://twitter.com/davill/status/1911788429802721296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Even after the latest launch, women represent barely 15% of the more than 700 people who have traveled into space. Sanchez said she deliberately chose women to launch with her, each of them eager to inspire both the young and old to dream big, and even commissioned special flight suits.“It’s an important moment for the future of commercial space travel and for humanity in general and for women all around,” Perry told The Associated Press last week.The launch brought out VIPs to West Texas including Oprah Winfrey and several women who previously have flown on private flights. Winfrey, a close friend of King, wiped away tears when the capsule reached space and the passengers were heard marveling at the moon and shouting with joy.This wasn't the first Blue Origin launch with marquee names.“Star Trek” actor William Shatner caught a lift to space with Blue Origin in 2021 at age 90, soon after Bezos’ inaugural trip. He was followed by former New York Giants defensive end and TV host Michael Strahan and Laura Shepard Churchley, the eldest daughter of Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard, for whom the rocket is named. Two aviation pioneers who missed out on space when they were younger — Wally Funk and Ed Dwight — also rocketed away at ages 82 and 90, respectively.Most of Blue Origin's passengers — 58 counting the latest launch — have been business or science types, TV hosts or YouTubers. Ticket prices are not disclosed.The Russian Space Agency also has launched its share of space tourists, beginning with a California financier in 2001. Two decades later, a Russian actress filmed aboard the International Space Station.Elon Musk’s SpaceX also sells multi-day trips to private customers. SpaceX's first client to fly, billionaire tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman already has launched twice and performed the first private spacewalk. He's now set to become NASA's next administrator if confirmed by the Senate.Chinese-born bitcoin investor Chun Wang just returned from the first spaceflight to carry people over the north and south poles. Wang picked up the whole SpaceX tab for himself and three polar explorers for an undisclosed sum.“In this exciting new era of commercial spaceflight, the dream of becoming an astronaut is no longer limited to a select few,” Wang said via X last week.___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.

🎥Blue Origin all-female celebrity crew has fun ride into space

RENO COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Sunday in Reno County.

The Reno County Sheriff office reported a motorcycle driven by 54-year-old Bruce Stoecklein of Nickerson was northbound on Nickerson Boulevard. The motorcycle left the road just north of West 56th Avenue.

Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures.&nbsp; Stoecklein was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no additional details.

RENO COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Sunday in Reno County.The Reno County Sheriff office reported a motorcycle driven by 54-year-old Bruce Stoecklein of Nickerson was northbound on Nickerson Boulevard. The motorcycle left the road just north of West 56th Avenue.Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures.&nbsp; Stoecklein was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in motorcycle accident

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman attended an arraignment hearing on Monday morning.

Katelyn Barrioz, 24 of Wichita, pled guilty to 2nd degree murder, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, and theft in Judge Seth Rundle’s courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.

Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.

KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.

The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.

Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail later that week, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

She is now scheduled for sentencing on April 28.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman is due back in court Monday.

Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The hearing was delayed twice in March.

Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.

Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730458850794.png" alt="The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash" />
 <figcaption>The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman attended an arraignment hearing on Monday morning.Katelyn Barrioz, 24 of Wichita, pled guilty to 2nd degree murder, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, and theft in Judge Seth Rundle’s courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730284905956.png" alt="Barrioz photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Barrioz photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail later that week, according to online jail records.&nbsp;She is now scheduled for sentencing on April 28.SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman is due back in court Monday.Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The hearing was delayed twice in March.In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

Suspect enters plea for stolen vehicle crash that killed Kan. woman

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A man is facing charges after authorities say he broke into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-arson-charges-pennsylvania-governor-c3ccfc0f23a40f2b10bd6ba767d53f80">Pennsylvania governor’s</a>&nbsp;mansion in the middle of the night, set a fire that left significant damage and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Firefighters extinguished the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-arson-police-fire-pennsylvania-governor-2d17ec60c48f7d4d15123dda60c88699">fire early Sunday</a>&nbsp;morning and no injuries were reported. The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested nearby later in the day, police said.

Balmer, who turned himself in to police, told police that he planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledge hammer if he found him, according to court documents released Monday.

Authorities said they were investigating how someone was able to elude police to break into the governor’s residence in Harrisburg.

Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris said the fire was a carefully planned attack but emphasized the investigation is continuing. He did not give a possible motive.

Balmer apparently scaled an iron security fence that stands around 7 feet (2.1 meters) and is monitored by security cameras, police said.

Police became aware someone had climbed over the fence and began a pursuit on the grounds but initially didn't locate anyone.

Police allege Balmer broke into the southern wing of the residence, entering a room often used to entertain crowds and display art, and set a fire using a homemade incendiary device. Police said two broken glass beer bottles containing gasoline were found. The fire left significant damage to the room, charring walls, tables, buffet serving dishes, plates and a piano. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were blackened.

Balmer was inside for around a minute before he left and escaped the premises, authorities said.

Authorities said Balmer, who turned himself after police received a call from a female “ex-paramour” who said he confessed, faces charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault.

Balmer "admitted to harboring hatred toward Governor Shapiro,” according to a police affidavit. No reason was given.

Balmer has faced criminal charges over the past decade including simple assault, theft and forgery, according to online court records. He drew a sentence of probation after guilty pleas to theft and forgery counts. Simple assault charges from 2023 appeared unresolved.

Authorities did not say whether Balmer has a lawyer. He was being held at Dauphin County Prison. Calls to people believed to be his relatives went unanswered or unreturned on Sunday. One recent residence listed for him in Harrisburg was condemned in 2022.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/josh-shapiro">Shapiro</a>, 51, is the first-term governor of the nation's fifth-most populous state, a presidential battleground that has helped make him a rising star in the Democratic Party and viewed as a potential White House contender in 2028.

Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/passover-jewish-holiday-israel-hamas-antisemitism-6bb47e4b095e9bca4304f9b6e11f18d3">Passover</a>&nbsp;at the residence on Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors at about 2 a.m. Sunday.

Shapiro has been outspoken about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-religion-pennsylvania-donald-trump-fb8dbc1cd6e8fabfc1c32482f8f1aaa5">his Jewish faith</a>.

He used his first ad in his campaign for governor in 2022 to tell family stories and describe his commitment to making “it home Friday night for Sabbath dinner,” complete with footage of him and his children at the table.

“Family and faith ground me,” he said.

In stump speeches and his election-night victory speech, Shapiro regularly quoted an ancient rabbinic maxim: “No one is required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it.”

The attack happened on the Jewish holiday of Passover, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/passover-jewish-holiday-israel-hamas-antisemitism-6bb47e4b095e9bca4304f9b6e11f18d3">began at sundown Saturday</a>.

The holiday commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt, including their 40-year journey through the desert. It is one of the holiest days of the year for Jews and is celebrated with a special meal called a Seder, which includes the eating of matzah, a type of unleavened bread, and the retelling of the Exodus story.

Shapiro had celebrated with a Seder at the official residence with his family and members of the Jewish community in the same room where authorities said the fire was set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744635153169.png" alt="Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro during a media briefing Sunday on the arson attack-image courtesy Commonwealth Media Services" />
 <figcaption>Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro during a media briefing Sunday on the arson attack-image courtesy Commonwealth Media Services</figcaption>
 </figure>HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A man is facing charges after authorities say he broke into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-arson-charges-pennsylvania-governor-c3ccfc0f23a40f2b10bd6ba767d53f80">Pennsylvania governor’s</a>&nbsp;mansion in the middle of the night, set a fire that left significant damage and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building during the Jewish holiday of Passover.Firefighters extinguished the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-arson-police-fire-pennsylvania-governor-2d17ec60c48f7d4d15123dda60c88699">fire early Sunday</a>&nbsp;morning and no injuries were reported. The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested nearby later in the day, police said.Balmer, who turned himself in to police, told police that he planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledge hammer if he found him, according to court documents released Monday.Authorities said they were investigating how someone was able to elude police to break into the governor’s residence in Harrisburg.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744635616546.png" alt="Image from video courtesy Commonwealth Media Services" />
 <figcaption>Image from video courtesy Commonwealth Media Services</figcaption>
 </figure>Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris said the fire was a carefully planned attack but emphasized the investigation is continuing. He did not give a possible motive.<h2>Police call arson a planned attack</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744635673713.png" alt="Image from video courtesy Commonwealth Media Services" />
 <figcaption>Image from video courtesy Commonwealth Media Services</figcaption>
 </figure>Balmer apparently scaled an iron security fence that stands around 7 feet (2.1 meters) and is monitored by security cameras, police said.Police became aware someone had climbed over the fence and began a pursuit on the grounds but initially didn't locate anyone.Police allege Balmer broke into the southern wing of the residence, entering a room often used to entertain crowds and display art, and set a fire using a homemade incendiary device. Police said two broken glass beer bottles containing gasoline were found. The fire left significant damage to the room, charring walls, tables, buffet serving dishes, plates and a piano. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were blackened.Balmer was inside for around a minute before he left and escaped the premises, authorities said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744635576081.jpeg" alt="Image from video courtesy Commonwealth Media Services" />
 <figcaption>Image from video courtesy Commonwealth Media Services</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Suspect faces charges</h2>Authorities said Balmer, who turned himself after police received a call from a female “ex-paramour” who said he confessed, faces charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault.Balmer "admitted to harboring hatred toward Governor Shapiro,” according to a police affidavit. No reason was given.Balmer has faced criminal charges over the past decade including simple assault, theft and forgery, according to online court records. He drew a sentence of probation after guilty pleas to theft and forgery counts. Simple assault charges from 2023 appeared unresolved.Authorities did not say whether Balmer has a lawyer. He was being held at Dauphin County Prison. Calls to people believed to be his relatives went unanswered or unreturned on Sunday. One recent residence listed for him in Harrisburg was condemned in 2022.<h2>Governor is a rising Democratic star</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/josh-shapiro">Shapiro</a>, 51, is the first-term governor of the nation's fifth-most populous state, a presidential battleground that has helped make him a rising star in the Democratic Party and viewed as a potential White House contender in 2028.Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/passover-jewish-holiday-israel-hamas-antisemitism-6bb47e4b095e9bca4304f9b6e11f18d3">Passover</a>&nbsp;at the residence on Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors at about 2 a.m. Sunday.Shapiro has been outspoken about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-religion-pennsylvania-donald-trump-fb8dbc1cd6e8fabfc1c32482f8f1aaa5">his Jewish faith</a>.He used his first ad in his campaign for governor in 2022 to tell family stories and describe his commitment to making “it home Friday night for Sabbath dinner,” complete with footage of him and his children at the table.“Family and faith ground me,” he said.In stump speeches and his election-night victory speech, Shapiro regularly quoted an ancient rabbinic maxim: “No one is required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it.”<h2>Attack happened during Passover</h2>The attack happened on the Jewish holiday of Passover, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/passover-jewish-holiday-israel-hamas-antisemitism-6bb47e4b095e9bca4304f9b6e11f18d3">began at sundown Saturday</a>.The holiday commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt, including their 40-year journey through the desert. It is one of the holiest days of the year for Jews and is celebrated with a special meal called a Seder, which includes the eating of matzah, a type of unleavened bread, and the retelling of the Exodus story.Shapiro had celebrated with a Seder at the official residence with his family and members of the Jewish community in the same room where authorities said the fire was set.

Photos show devastation inside Pa. Gov.'s home after arson attack

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

The U.S. Education Department has agreed to delay for nearly two weeks enforcement of a disputed directive seeking to ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices, according to a court filing Thursday in the case challenging the order.

The agreement between the department and the groups suing it over the order pauses enforcement until after April 24. According to the<a href="https://www.aclu.org/cases/national-education-association-et-al-v-us-department-of-education-et-al?document=Agreement" target="_blank">&nbsp;agreement</a>, states and local education agencies until then cannot be investigated or asked to provide certification that they are not using DEI, a term for race- and gender-conscious practices, in admissions, programming, training, hiring or scholarships.

Education Department spokeswoman Madi Biedermann said the department and the groups reached the agreement Monday.

<a href="https://www.ed.gov/media/document/reminder-of-legal-obligations-undertaken-exchange-receiving-federal-financial-assistance-and-request-certification-under-title-vi-and-sffa-v-harvard-april-3">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full notice

An April 3 letter from the department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/states-ordered-us-education-department-certify-school-dei-ban-or-lose-funds" target="_blank">demanded states and districts provide certifications</a>&nbsp;they were complying with the order within 10 days or risk losing federal funding. That letter<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-threatens-yanking-funds-schools-use-race-decisions" target="_blank">&nbsp;followed a February missive</a>&nbsp;introducing the order.

The National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/documents/complaint-in-aclu-nea-et-al-v-u-s-department-of-education" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;in New Hampshire federal court last month to block enforcement of the directive.

“This pause in enforcement provides immediate relief to schools across the country while the broader legal challenge continues,” the NEA said in a Thursday statement.

In a written statement, Biedermann said the extension was due to what the department saw as states’ efforts to comply with the order.

“The Department extended the certification requirement on Monday in response to states’ good-faith inquiries to ensure compliance,” Biedermann wrote. “Having voluntarily extended the deadline, commonsense would dictate the Department would not take enforcement action until the deadline had passed.”

The groups asked the court to issue an emergency ruling to block enforcement of the department’s order while the case is ongoing.

The agreement effectively grants that request without a court order.

“No school district, state agency, or higher education institution will face investigation or penalties for failure to return the challenged certification that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts do not exist within their curriculums,” the NEA said.

The suit challenges the department’s authority to impose restrictions on state K-12 curriculum and says the order limits academic freedom and restricts educators’ ability to teach.

President Donald Trump campaigned against progressive cultural positions, including how race, gender and sexuality are handled in public schools.

In the early months of his second presidency, the entire executive branch has moved to restrict DEI initiatives and education policy, which has long been a battleground for such issues, has been a focal point.

The administration has used antidiscrimination requirements to pursue restrictions on DEI initiatives in education, arguing that DEI discriminates against white students.

DEI programs “discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI,” Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s acting head of civil rights, said in an April 3 statement.

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The U.S. Education Department has agreed to delay for nearly two weeks enforcement of a disputed directive seeking to ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices, according to a court filing Thursday in the case challenging the order.The agreement between the department and the groups suing it over the order pauses enforcement until after April 24. According to the<a href="https://www.aclu.org/cases/national-education-association-et-al-v-us-department-of-education-et-al?document=Agreement" target="_blank">&nbsp;agreement</a>, states and local education agencies until then cannot be investigated or asked to provide certification that they are not using DEI, a term for race- and gender-conscious practices, in admissions, programming, training, hiring or scholarships.Education Department spokeswoman Madi Biedermann said the department and the groups reached the agreement Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743709447177.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ed.gov/media/document/reminder-of-legal-obligations-undertaken-exchange-receiving-federal-financial-assistance-and-request-certification-under-title-vi-and-sffa-v-harvard-april-3">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full noticeAn April 3 letter from the department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/states-ordered-us-education-department-certify-school-dei-ban-or-lose-funds" target="_blank">demanded states and districts provide certifications</a>&nbsp;they were complying with the order within 10 days or risk losing federal funding. That letter<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-threatens-yanking-funds-schools-use-race-decisions" target="_blank">&nbsp;followed a February missive</a>&nbsp;introducing the order.The National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/documents/complaint-in-aclu-nea-et-al-v-u-s-department-of-education" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;in New Hampshire federal court last month to block enforcement of the directive.“This pause in enforcement provides immediate relief to schools across the country while the broader legal challenge continues,” the NEA said in a Thursday statement.In a written statement, Biedermann said the extension was due to what the department saw as states’ efforts to comply with the order.“The Department extended the certification requirement on Monday in response to states’ good-faith inquiries to ensure compliance,” Biedermann wrote. “Having voluntarily extended the deadline, commonsense would dictate the Department would not take enforcement action until the deadline had passed.”<h2>Court battle</h2>The groups asked the court to issue an emergency ruling to block enforcement of the department’s order while the case is ongoing.The agreement effectively grants that request without a court order.“No school district, state agency, or higher education institution will face investigation or penalties for failure to return the challenged certification that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts do not exist within their curriculums,” the NEA said.The underlying lawsuit remains ongoing.The suit challenges the department’s authority to impose restrictions on state K-12 curriculum and says the order limits academic freedom and restricts educators’ ability to teach.<h2>Trump and DEI</h2>President Donald Trump campaigned against progressive cultural positions, including how race, gender and sexuality are handled in public schools.In the early months of his second presidency, the entire executive branch has moved to restrict DEI initiatives and education policy, which has long been a battleground for such issues, has been a focal point.The administration has used antidiscrimination requirements to pursue restrictions on DEI initiatives in education, arguing that DEI discriminates against white students.DEI programs “discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI,” Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s acting head of civil rights, said in an April 3 statement.

Deadline extended for schools to meet anti-DEI order or lose funds

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman arrested in connection with an accidental shooting that injured a 4-year-old girl is no longer in custody.

On Friday,&nbsp; police arrested 50-year-old Ana Rosa Sorto of Wichita on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, according to online&nbsp; booking records.

Just before 2p.m. Friday, police responded to the 2500 block of E. Harry in Wichita following reports of a shooting, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders found a 4-year-old girl who had sustained a single gunshot wound to her lower torso. She was immediately transported to a local hospital and was still in critical condition Saturday, according to Gupilan.

After preliminary investigation, it was found that the child's guardian, identified as Sorto, left a firearm unsecured, allowing the child to access it, resulting in the child unintentionally shooting themselves.&nbsp; At 11:39p.m. Friday police booked Sorto into the Sedgwick County Jail. She bonded out of jail Sunday evening, according to online jail records.

Police will the case to the District Attorney for formal charges.&nbsp; Police did proved an update on the child's condition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744469792810.png" alt="Sorto photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Sorto photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman arrested in connection with an accidental shooting that injured a 4-year-old girl is no longer in custody.On Friday,&nbsp; police arrested 50-year-old Ana Rosa Sorto of Wichita on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, according to online&nbsp; booking records.Just before 2p.m. Friday, police responded to the 2500 block of E. Harry in Wichita following reports of a shooting, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders found a 4-year-old girl who had sustained a single gunshot wound to her lower torso. She was immediately transported to a local hospital and was still in critical condition Saturday, according to Gupilan.After preliminary investigation, it was found that the child's guardian, identified as Sorto, left a firearm unsecured, allowing the child to access it, resulting in the child unintentionally shooting themselves.&nbsp; At 11:39p.m. Friday police booked Sorto into the Sedgwick County Jail. She bonded out of jail Sunday evening, according to online jail records.Police will the case to the District Attorney for formal charges.&nbsp; Police did proved an update on the child's condition.

Kan. woman accused in accidental shooting of 4-year-old is out of jail

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —Authorities are investigating the cause of a townhome fire in Kansas City.

Just after 8p.m. Sunday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported fire in the 1700 block of Woodland, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders reported heavy fire from a two-story 4-plex townhome. After inital interior operations crews were forced to evacuate when the roof became unstable. Searches of the adjoining structures came back all clear. The fire was placed under control at 8:26 p.m. No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744625941039.png" alt="View of the fire scene- photo KMBC" />
 <figcaption>View of the fire scene- photo KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. —Authorities are investigating the cause of a townhome fire in Kansas City.Just after 8p.m. Sunday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported fire in the 1700 block of Woodland, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders reported heavy fire from a two-story 4-plex townhome. After inital interior operations crews were forced to evacuate when the roof became unstable. Searches of the adjoining structures came back all clear. The fire was placed under control at 8:26 p.m. No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

Cause of massive KC townhome fire under investigation

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Suspected U.S. airstrikes around Yemen's rebel-held capital killed at least seven people and wounded 29 overnight,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">the Houthis</a>&nbsp;said Monday as they also claimed shooting down another American MQ-9 Reaper drone.

Since its start nearly a month ago, the intense campaign of U.S. airstrikes under President Donald Trump targeting the rebels over their attacks on shipping in Mideast waters — related to the Israel-Hamas war —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-strikes-iran-447f4abb39cc12c7f2f5596f0e33407b">has killed over 120 people</a>, according to casualty figures released Monday by the Houthis' Health Ministry.

Footage aired by the Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel showed firefighters spraying water on a raging fire they described as being sparked by the airstrikes.

Rubble littered a street as rescuers carried one person away from the site, which the rebels claimed was a ceramics factory in the Bani Matar neighborhood of Sanaa, the capital. The Associated Press could not independently verify what was struck.

The U.S. military’s Central Command, which oversees American military operations, did not acknowledge the strikes. That follows a pattern for the command, which now has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-yemen-houthis-us-airstrikes-711f221c18341616044e021ec2bed538">authorization from the White House to conduct strikes at will</a>&nbsp;in the campaign that began March 15.

The American military also hasn’t been providing any information on targets hit. The White House has said over 200 strikes have been conducted so far.

Houthis claim another American drone shot down

The Houthis separately claimed Sunday night they shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen's Hajjah governorate, which sits to the northwest of the country on the Red Sea on the country's border with Saudi Arabia.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, described the downing in a prerecorded video message as the fourth in two weeks by the rebels. Saree said the rebels targeted the drone with “a locally manufactured missile.” The Houthis have surface-to-air missiles — such as the Iranian missile known as the 358 — capable of downing aircraft.

Iran denies arming the rebels, though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-iran-israel-hamas-war-red-sea-attacks-076e5e764b7bed548b15cff4175bb4d5">Tehran-manufactured weaponry has been found on the battlefield</a>&nbsp;and in sea shipments heading to Yemen for the Shiite Houthi rebels despite a United Nations arms embargo.

General Atomics Reapers, which cost around $30 million apiece, can fly at altitudes over 40,000 feet (12,100 meters) and remain in the air for over 30 hours. They have been flown by both the U.S. military and the CIA for years over Afghanistan, Iraq and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">now Yemen.</a>

Central Command said it was aware of “reports” of the drone being shot down but did not elaborate.

US strikes come as part of monthlong intense campaign

<a href="https://apnews.com/278d07bc5aad75bb32e57f99a78cbe88">An AP review</a>&nbsp;has found the new U.S. operation against the Houthis under President Donald Trump appears&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3WJ-C2gpDA">more extensive</a>&nbsp;than that under former President Joe Biden, as Washington moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel and dropping bombs on cities.

The new campaign of airstrikes started after the rebels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships</a>&nbsp;again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip. The rebels have loosely defined what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning many vessels could be targeted.

The Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sinking two of them and killing four sailors</a>&nbsp;from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships without success.

The U.S. campaign shows no signs of stopping, as the Trump administration has also linked its airstrikes on the Houthis to an effort to pressure Iran over its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-us-tensions-explains-25acc4bfbbe165a374a58ebfa6a4ab41">rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>.

“What we're doing with the Houthis and what we're doing in the region, we've shown a capability to go far, to go deep and to go big,” U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday on Fox News. “We don't want to do that. But if we have to, we will to prevent a nuclear bomb in Iran's hands.”

Hegseth added: “We know Iran ... is taking a look at what's happening to the Houthis and realizing they don't want any part of it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744624870854.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Suspected U.S. airstrikes around Yemen's rebel-held capital killed at least seven people and wounded 29 overnight,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">the Houthis</a>&nbsp;said Monday as they also claimed shooting down another American MQ-9 Reaper drone.Since its start nearly a month ago, the intense campaign of U.S. airstrikes under President Donald Trump targeting the rebels over their attacks on shipping in Mideast waters — related to the Israel-Hamas war —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-strikes-iran-447f4abb39cc12c7f2f5596f0e33407b">has killed over 120 people</a>, according to casualty figures released Monday by the Houthis' Health Ministry.Footage aired by the Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel showed firefighters spraying water on a raging fire they described as being sparked by the airstrikes.Rubble littered a street as rescuers carried one person away from the site, which the rebels claimed was a ceramics factory in the Bani Matar neighborhood of Sanaa, the capital. The Associated Press could not independently verify what was struck.The U.S. military’s Central Command, which oversees American military operations, did not acknowledge the strikes. That follows a pattern for the command, which now has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-yemen-houthis-us-airstrikes-711f221c18341616044e021ec2bed538">authorization from the White House to conduct strikes at will</a>&nbsp;in the campaign that began March 15.The American military also hasn’t been providing any information on targets hit. The White House has said over 200 strikes have been conducted so far.<h2>Houthis claim another American drone shot down</h2>The Houthis separately claimed Sunday night they shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen's Hajjah governorate, which sits to the northwest of the country on the Red Sea on the country's border with Saudi Arabia.Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, described the downing in a prerecorded video message as the fourth in two weeks by the rebels. Saree said the rebels targeted the drone with “a locally manufactured missile.” The Houthis have surface-to-air missiles — such as the Iranian missile known as the 358 — capable of downing aircraft.Iran denies arming the rebels, though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-iran-israel-hamas-war-red-sea-attacks-076e5e764b7bed548b15cff4175bb4d5">Tehran-manufactured weaponry has been found on the battlefield</a>&nbsp;and in sea shipments heading to Yemen for the Shiite Houthi rebels despite a United Nations arms embargo.General Atomics Reapers, which cost around $30 million apiece, can fly at altitudes over 40,000 feet (12,100 meters) and remain in the air for over 30 hours. They have been flown by both the U.S. military and the CIA for years over Afghanistan, Iraq and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">now Yemen.</a>Central Command said it was aware of “reports” of the drone being shot down but did not elaborate.<h2>US strikes come as part of monthlong intense campaign</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/278d07bc5aad75bb32e57f99a78cbe88">An AP review</a>&nbsp;has found the new U.S. operation against the Houthis under President Donald Trump appears&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3WJ-C2gpDA">more extensive</a>&nbsp;than that under former President Joe Biden, as Washington moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel and dropping bombs on cities.The new campaign of airstrikes started after the rebels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships</a>&nbsp;again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip. The rebels have loosely defined what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning many vessels could be targeted.The Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sinking two of them and killing four sailors</a>&nbsp;from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships without success.The U.S. campaign shows no signs of stopping, as the Trump administration has also linked its airstrikes on the Houthis to an effort to pressure Iran over its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-us-tensions-explains-25acc4bfbbe165a374a58ebfa6a4ab41">rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>.“What we're doing with the Houthis and what we're doing in the region, we've shown a capability to go far, to go deep and to go big,” U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday on Fox News. “We don't want to do that. But if we have to, we will to prevent a nuclear bomb in Iran's hands.”Hegseth added: “We know Iran ... is taking a look at what's happening to the Houthis and realizing they don't want any part of it.”

Month-long US airstrikes continue against Iran-backed terrorists

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—One person died in an accident just before 11p.m. Sunday in Kansas City.

A Dodge Challenger was southbound on Prospect Avenue from Gregory Blvd. at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver lost control and was ejected. 

EMS pronounced him deceased on scene. Police released no additional details early Monday including the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—One person died in an accident just before 11p.m. Sunday in Kansas City.A Dodge Challenger was southbound on Prospect Avenue from Gregory Blvd. at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver lost control and was ejected. EMS pronounced him deceased on scene. Police released no additional details early Monday including the name of the victim.

Driver dies after ejected from car crash in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man who fled to Mexico and faked his own death has been sentenced in federal court for receiving and possessing child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

On April 9, Diego Antonio Rafael Camargo-Wasserman, 32, formerly of Columbia, Missouri, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Carmargo-Wasserman to 10 years of supervised release following&nbsp; his release from custody. Carmargo-Wasserman will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

On August 8, 2024, Camargo-Wasserman pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

The investigation began on July 1, 2010, as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of child pornography over the internet.&nbsp; During a search warrant execution, Camargo-Wasserman admitted to using Limewire to download child pornography.&nbsp; Multiple videos depicting child pornography were found on Camargo-Wasserman’s cell phone.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was previously indicted on federal charges for this offense in 2010, however in 2013, a bail bond agent provided documentation from Mexico stating Camargo-Wasserman had died on October 5, 2012.&nbsp; Federal charges were dismissed.

In July 2017, the FBI received information that Camargo-Wasserman was alive and was residing in Mexico.&nbsp;Federal charges were filed again in 2018 followed by extradition proceedings to return Camargo-Wasserman to the United States.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was brought to the United States to face charges in 2024.&nbsp;Camargo-Wasserman is a dual citizen of both the United States and Mexico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744585150152.png" alt=" Camargo-Wasserman photo Boone Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption> Camargo-Wasserman photo Boone Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man who fled to Mexico and faked his own death has been sentenced in federal court for receiving and possessing child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.On April 9, Diego Antonio Rafael Camargo-Wasserman, 32, formerly of Columbia, Missouri, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Carmargo-Wasserman to 10 years of supervised release following&nbsp; his release from custody. Carmargo-Wasserman will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.On August 8, 2024, Camargo-Wasserman pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.The investigation began on July 1, 2010, as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of child pornography over the internet.&nbsp; During a search warrant execution, Camargo-Wasserman admitted to using Limewire to download child pornography.&nbsp; Multiple videos depicting child pornography were found on Camargo-Wasserman’s cell phone.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was previously indicted on federal charges for this offense in 2010, however in 2013, a bail bond agent provided documentation from Mexico stating Camargo-Wasserman had died on October 5, 2012.&nbsp; Federal charges were dismissed.In July 2017, the FBI received information that Camargo-Wasserman was alive and was residing in Mexico.&nbsp;Federal charges were filed again in 2018 followed by extradition proceedings to return Camargo-Wasserman to the United States.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was brought to the United States to face charges in 2024.&nbsp;Camargo-Wasserman is a dual citizen of both the United States and Mexico.

Man who fled to Mexico, faked his own death is going to prison

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump's doctor says the oldest man elected president is "fully fit" to serve as commander in chief as the White House released results Sunday of Trump's recent physical exam. The 78-year-old Trump is 20 pounds lighter since his checkup as president in 2020 showed him bordering on obesity.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/04/memorandum-from-the-white-house-physician/"> Click here to read</a> the report or see it below

His physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, cited an "active lifestyle" that "continues to contribute significantly" to the Republican president's well-being. Trump turns 79 on June 14.

In a three-page summary of the comprehensive exam from Friday, the doctor said Trump is "fully fit to execute the duties of Commander-in-Chief and Head of State." Trump weighed 224 at the checkup, down from 244 at that physical more than four years ago.

The summary noted that Trump previously had cataract surgery on both eyes, but did not include a date or dates. A common procedure among aging people, the surgery typically involves removing a cloudy eye lens and replacing it with an artificial lens to help clear up vision.

In July 2024, according to the report, then-candidate Trump had a colonoscopy that found a benign polyp and the condition called diverticulosis. It's a common condition in which the walls of the intestine weaken with age. It can lead to inflammation, though most people with it never experience any problems.

Trump again passed a Montreal Cognitive Assessment test, a short screening test to assess different brain functions, Barbabella wrote. The test includes remembering a list of spoken words and listening to a list of random numbers and repeating them backward, among other questions.

Known as MoCA, it's the same test Trump took in 2018 and later recounted in an interview in which he described reciting a list of words in order: "Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV."

The president also was screened Friday for depression and anxiety, and had normal scores on questionnaires for those conditions, according to the report.

Trump may be the oldest person elected to the nation's highest office, but he is four years behind Democrat Joe Biden, who was 82 when his presidential term ended in January.

Barbabella wrote that Trump remains in "excellent health" with "robust" cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and general physical function."

The doctor said Trump's days include participating in multiple meetings, public appearances, media availabilities and "frequent victories in golf events." Trump is an avid golfer who said he recently won tournaments played at clubs he owns in Florida

Trump's cholesterol levels have improved over time, helped by the medications rosuvastatin and ezetimibe.

At his physical in January 2018, his total cholesterol was 223. In early 2019, the reading came in at 196 and it stood at 167 in 2020. Today it is 140. Ideally, total cholesterol should be less than 200.

His blood pressure was 128 over 74. That is considered elevated, and people in that situation are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.

Trump has a resting heart rate of 62 beats per minute, in line with previous tests. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 beats to 100 beats per minute, and generally, a lower rate implies better cardiovascular fitness.

Trump also takes aspirin, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The exam found minor sun damage to Trump's skin and a few benign lesions, but no concerning lesions or growth. It also confirmed scarring on Trump's right ear from a gunshot wound during an assassination attempt at a Butler, Pennsylvania, campaign rally in July 2024.

Barbabella performed and supervised the medical examination of Trump and said it included diagnostic and laboratory testing in addition to consultations with 14 specialists.

Barbabella is a decorated Navy physician who specializes in emergency and tactical medicine and served several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has a Purple Heart and a Legion of Merit award, two of the military's highest honors.

Barbabella is also the third consecutive osteopathic doctor to serve as physician to the president, following Biden's doctor and one of the doctors who cared for Trump in his first term. Barbabella ran a naval health clinic in Havelock, North Carolina, before Trump tapped him for the job.

Associated Press writer Jonathan Poet in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741448538478.png" alt="President Trump on the way to the golf course earlier this month -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump on the way to the golf course earlier this month -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump's doctor says the oldest man elected president is "fully fit" to serve as commander in chief as the White House released results Sunday of Trump's recent physical exam. The 78-year-old Trump is 20 pounds lighter since his checkup as president in 2020 showed him bordering on obesity.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/04/memorandum-from-the-white-house-physician/"> Click here to read</a> the report or see it below<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744555875706.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744555895255.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744555915306.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>His physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, cited an "active lifestyle" that "continues to contribute significantly" to the Republican president's well-being. Trump turns 79 on June 14.In a three-page summary of the comprehensive exam from Friday, the doctor said Trump is "fully fit to execute the duties of Commander-in-Chief and Head of State." Trump weighed 224 at the checkup, down from 244 at that physical more than four years ago.The summary noted that Trump previously had cataract surgery on both eyes, but did not include a date or dates. A common procedure among aging people, the surgery typically involves removing a cloudy eye lens and replacing it with an artificial lens to help clear up vision.In July 2024, according to the report, then-candidate Trump had a colonoscopy that found a benign polyp and the condition called diverticulosis. It's a common condition in which the walls of the intestine weaken with age. It can lead to inflammation, though most people with it never experience any problems.Trump again passed a Montreal Cognitive Assessment test, a short screening test to assess different brain functions, Barbabella wrote. The test includes remembering a list of spoken words and listening to a list of random numbers and repeating them backward, among other questions.Known as MoCA, it's the same test Trump took in 2018 and later recounted in an interview in which he described reciting a list of words in order: "Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV."The president also was screened Friday for depression and anxiety, and had normal scores on questionnaires for those conditions, according to the report.Trump may be the oldest person elected to the nation's highest office, but he is four years behind Democrat Joe Biden, who was 82 when his presidential term ended in January.Barbabella wrote that Trump remains in "excellent health" with "robust" cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and general physical function."The doctor said Trump's days include participating in multiple meetings, public appearances, media availabilities and "frequent victories in golf events." Trump is an avid golfer who said he recently won tournaments played at clubs he owns in FloridaTrump's cholesterol levels have improved over time, helped by the medications rosuvastatin and ezetimibe.At his physical in January 2018, his total cholesterol was 223. In early 2019, the reading came in at 196 and it stood at 167 in 2020. Today it is 140. Ideally, total cholesterol should be less than 200.His blood pressure was 128 over 74. That is considered elevated, and people in that situation are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.Trump has a resting heart rate of 62 beats per minute, in line with previous tests. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 beats to 100 beats per minute, and generally, a lower rate implies better cardiovascular fitness.Trump also takes aspirin, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.The exam found minor sun damage to Trump's skin and a few benign lesions, but no concerning lesions or growth. It also confirmed scarring on Trump's right ear from a gunshot wound during an assassination attempt at a Butler, Pennsylvania, campaign rally in July 2024.Barbabella performed and supervised the medical examination of Trump and said it included diagnostic and laboratory testing in addition to consultations with 14 specialists.Barbabella is a decorated Navy physician who specializes in emergency and tactical medicine and served several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has a Purple Heart and a Legion of Merit award, two of the military's highest honors.Barbabella is also the third consecutive osteopathic doctor to serve as physician to the president, following Biden's doctor and one of the doctors who cared for Trump in his first term. Barbabella ran a naval health clinic in Havelock, North Carolina, before Trump tapped him for the job.___Associated Press writer Jonathan Poet in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

Read the doctor's report from President Trump's physical exam

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 15 months in prison for causing a $1.2&nbsp;&nbsp;million loss to a company by submitting false invoices in connection a performance incentive rewards program, according to the United State's Attorney. The prison sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release, and Cummings is ordered to pay more than $1.2 million in restitution.

According to court documents, Barry Cummings, 52, of Overland Park, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. An energy management company offered a performance-based rewards program as an incentive to non-employee resellers, contractors, and others to sell its products. Participants submitted information regarding sales to earn points they could then redeem for items like airline vouchers, hotel stays, gift cards, and electronic devices.

In 2017, a business in Lenexa, Kansas, hired Cummings, and he enrolled in the victim company’s rewards program through that affiliation. In his plea agreement, Cummings admitted to orchestrating a years-long scheme to defraud the victim company’s rewards program. Cummings admitted to logging into the rewards site and submitting fraudulent sales claims, which falsely represented that he had sold the company’s products. Cummings admitted that he never sold a single one of the company’s products despite the thousands of sales claims he submitted representing that he did.

After his termination from the Lenexa business in April 2018, Cummings continually logged into the rewards website to submit fraudulent invoices and redeem points, using the email he previously had at the Lenexa business. As an example, during a 12-hour period in November 2018, Cummings submitted 834 fraudulent invoices for which he received more than 2.8 million points. In 2019, he submitted 5,543 false claims for 22.5 million points. Cummings used point redemptions to receive more than 2,000 rewards at a value that caused a $1,233,024 loss to the victim company.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. The victim energy company cooperated and provided invaluable assistance in the investigation. 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 15 months in prison for causing a $1.2&nbsp;&nbsp;million loss to a company by submitting false invoices in connection a performance incentive rewards program, according to the United State's Attorney. The prison sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release, and Cummings is ordered to pay more than $1.2 million in restitution.According to court documents, Barry Cummings, 52, of Overland Park, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. An energy management company offered a performance-based rewards program as an incentive to non-employee resellers, contractors, and others to sell its products. Participants submitted information regarding sales to earn points they could then redeem for items like airline vouchers, hotel stays, gift cards, and electronic devices.In 2017, a business in Lenexa, Kansas, hired Cummings, and he enrolled in the victim company’s rewards program through that affiliation. In his plea agreement, Cummings admitted to orchestrating a years-long scheme to defraud the victim company’s rewards program. Cummings admitted to logging into the rewards site and submitting fraudulent sales claims, which falsely represented that he had sold the company’s products. Cummings admitted that he never sold a single one of the company’s products despite the thousands of sales claims he submitted representing that he did.After his termination from the Lenexa business in April 2018, Cummings continually logged into the rewards website to submit fraudulent invoices and redeem points, using the email he previously had at the Lenexa business. As an example, during a 12-hour period in November 2018, Cummings submitted 834 fraudulent invoices for which he received more than 2.8 million points. In 2019, he submitted 5,543 false claims for 22.5 million points. Cummings used point redemptions to receive more than 2,000 rewards at a value that caused a $1,233,024 loss to the victim company.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. The victim energy company cooperated and provided invaluable assistance in the investigation.

Prison: Kan. man cheated business incentive rewards program

LOS ANGELES (AP) — This spring homebuying season is shaping up to be more favorable for home shoppers than it's been in recent years — as long as they can afford to buy.

Home prices are rising more slowly. Mortgage rates remain elevated, but have been mostly easing and could be headed lower if the U.S. economic outlook continues to darken over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">the Trump administration's widespread tariffs,</a>&nbsp;which have rattled financial markets and stoked fears of a recession.

Most importantly, the number of homes on the market is up sharply from a year ago.

While the inventory of homes for sale nationally is still low by historical standards, active listings — a tally that encompasses all homes on the market except those pending a finalized sale — surged 28.5% last month from a year earlier, according to data from Realtor.com. Listings jumped between 44% and 68% in many large metro areas, including San Diego, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Washington D.C.

As homes take longer to sell, prices have started dropping in many markets. The median listing price was down last month from a year earlier in most of the nation's biggest 50 metro areas, including a more than 6% drop in Austin, Miami and Kansas City.

These trends should give prospective homebuyers more leverage as they negotiate with sellers this spring, though they are unlikely to be a game-changer for many aspiring homeowners priced out of the market after years of soaring prices.

“It’s a little hard to say that it’s a buyer’s market, but I’d call it a much more balanced market than it’s been in the last couple of years, where it’s really been a predominantly seller’s market,” said Joel Berner, senior economist at Realtor.com.

Ryan Vasko and his wife, Whitney, recently navigated both sides of the housing market equation in their move from Oregon to Colorado.

In December, the couple sold their three-bedroom, one-bath house in Portland for $505,000. That was $10,000 below their list price, but still above the $500,000 minimum they hoped to get.

At the same time, the couple searched for a home in the Denver metro area, which is among the markets that’s had the biggest increase in homes for sale this year. Active listings soared 67.3% in March from a year earlier. As listings jumped, the median listing price fell 5.6% to $585,000.

Last month, the Vaskos closed the deal on a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house in Littleton, Colorado, about 10 miles south of Denver, that had been on the market at least three weeks.

“We got under contract week one, we found out we were pregnant week two and we put an offer on this house week three,” said Vasko, 41, a creative director at an advertising agency.

The price: $680,000, or $5,000 above the list price. Still, the seller agreed to cover the cost of lowering the couple’s 6.9% mortgage rate for the first two years of the loan to 4.9% and 5.9%, respectively.

“It gives us a little wiggle room, if we need it,” said Vasko, noting that he’s hoping to eventually refinance to a lower fixed rate.

The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell last year to their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-b7645724538b7a860c1d739e8b05380d">lowest level in nearly 30 years</a>. Easing mortgage rates and more homes on the market nationally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-6b0a5692ad279ee25f106fde04656713">helped drive sales higher in February from the previous month</a>, though they were down year-over-year.

Last year, higher mortgage rates dampened the start of the spring homebuying season. This year, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage is down to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-a280c5075139dca518f97d964cae559d">6.6% from</a>&nbsp;just over 7% in mid-January, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac, although that’s still elevated relative to the 2-year low of about 6% it fell to in September.

Another plus for buyers: Lower prices. The median listing price fell in March from a year earlier in 32 of the 50 largest metro areas, including Kansas City, San Francisco, Miami and San Diego. Nationally, it was $424,900 last month, unchanged from a year earlier, according to Realtor.com.

The market shift may give home shoppers more leverage when sellers ask that buyers waive home inspections. Sellers may also be more willing to pay for closing costs, contribute cash to make repairs or make other concessions, real estate agents say.

“Pretty much every buyer is asking for concessions, unless they know that they are in a multiple offer situation,” said Afton Hartmann, a Redfin agent in Denver.

Such situations, although less common than a few years ago, still exist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659001075252.jpeg" alt="File AP photo" />
 <figcaption>File AP photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — This spring homebuying season is shaping up to be more favorable for home shoppers than it's been in recent years — as long as they can afford to buy.Home prices are rising more slowly. Mortgage rates remain elevated, but have been mostly easing and could be headed lower if the U.S. economic outlook continues to darken over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">the Trump administration's widespread tariffs,</a>&nbsp;which have rattled financial markets and stoked fears of a recession.Most importantly, the number of homes on the market is up sharply from a year ago.While the inventory of homes for sale nationally is still low by historical standards, active listings — a tally that encompasses all homes on the market except those pending a finalized sale — surged 28.5% last month from a year earlier, according to data from Realtor.com. Listings jumped between 44% and 68% in many large metro areas, including San Diego, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Washington D.C.As homes take longer to sell, prices have started dropping in many markets. The median listing price was down last month from a year earlier in most of the nation's biggest 50 metro areas, including a more than 6% drop in Austin, Miami and Kansas City.These trends should give prospective homebuyers more leverage as they negotiate with sellers this spring, though they are unlikely to be a game-changer for many aspiring homeowners priced out of the market after years of soaring prices.“It’s a little hard to say that it’s a buyer’s market, but I’d call it a much more balanced market than it’s been in the last couple of years, where it’s really been a predominantly seller’s market,” said Joel Berner, senior economist at Realtor.com.Ryan Vasko and his wife, Whitney, recently navigated both sides of the housing market equation in their move from Oregon to Colorado.In December, the couple sold their three-bedroom, one-bath house in Portland for $505,000. That was $10,000 below their list price, but still above the $500,000 minimum they hoped to get.At the same time, the couple searched for a home in the Denver metro area, which is among the markets that’s had the biggest increase in homes for sale this year. Active listings soared 67.3% in March from a year earlier. As listings jumped, the median listing price fell 5.6% to $585,000.Last month, the Vaskos closed the deal on a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house in Littleton, Colorado, about 10 miles south of Denver, that had been on the market at least three weeks.“We got under contract week one, we found out we were pregnant week two and we put an offer on this house week three,” said Vasko, 41, a creative director at an advertising agency.The price: $680,000, or $5,000 above the list price. Still, the seller agreed to cover the cost of lowering the couple’s 6.9% mortgage rate for the first two years of the loan to 4.9% and 5.9%, respectively.“It gives us a little wiggle room, if we need it,” said Vasko, noting that he’s hoping to eventually refinance to a lower fixed rate.<h2>A mixed market</h2>The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell last year to their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-b7645724538b7a860c1d739e8b05380d">lowest level in nearly 30 years</a>. Easing mortgage rates and more homes on the market nationally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-6b0a5692ad279ee25f106fde04656713">helped drive sales higher in February from the previous month</a>, though they were down year-over-year.Last year, higher mortgage rates dampened the start of the spring homebuying season. This year, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage is down to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-a280c5075139dca518f97d964cae559d">6.6% from</a>&nbsp;just over 7% in mid-January, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac, although that’s still elevated relative to the 2-year low of about 6% it fell to in September.Another plus for buyers: Lower prices. The median listing price fell in March from a year earlier in 32 of the 50 largest metro areas, including Kansas City, San Francisco, Miami and San Diego. Nationally, it was $424,900 last month, unchanged from a year earlier, according to Realtor.com.The market shift may give home shoppers more leverage when sellers ask that buyers waive home inspections. Sellers may also be more willing to pay for closing costs, contribute cash to make repairs or make other concessions, real estate agents say.“Pretty much every buyer is asking for concessions, unless they know that they are in a multiple offer situation,” said Afton Hartmann, a Redfin agent in Denver.Such situations, although less common than a few years ago, still exist.Gilad Hoffman, executive director at a synagogue, knew his home search was over when he spotted a four-bedroom, 2.5-bath house for sale in Escondido, 30 miles northeast of San Diego. He felt the home, listed by the estate of its late owner for $1.079 million, was “severely underpriced.”Hoffman, 41, paid $13,000 above the asking price for the home in February as he fended off bids from three other prospective buyers -- including one offering to pay all cash.Elevated mortgage rates didn’t dissuade Hoffman. He accepted a 7% rate in exchange for a credit from his lender to put toward closing costs.“My philosophy going into the whole thing was: get into something now that you can afford with these high interest rates,” Hoffman said. “Hopefully in two years, they’ll come down and then you can refinance. And that’s still my intention.”<h2>Affordability and uncertainty are still hurdles</h2>Despite some buyer-friendly trends, the housing market remains largely out of reach for many Americans, especially first-time buyers who don't have home equity gains to put toward a new home. While home price growth has been slowing, the decline is negligible against the 47% gain in prices over the last five years.And while home listings are up, many more are needed to return the market to more of a balance between buyers and sellers. Consider, there were 1.24 million unsold homes on the market at the end of February. While up 17% from a year earlier, that's still about 44% below the 2.21 million monthly average going back to 1999, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.As of January, a household earning the median U.S. annual income of $79,223 would have to spend 47% of that to cover payments on a home at the median price of $390,333. That share of income matches the highest it has ever been on records going back to 2005, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. When the annual cost of homeownership exceeds 30% of the median U.S. household income, it’s considered unaffordable by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.If the decline in mortgage rates accelerates in coming months, that would boost homebuyers' purchasing power.Economic forecasts generally have the average rate on a 30-year mortgage staying around 6.5% this year, but those forecasts may be outdated now.A sharp downward move last week in the 10-year Treasury yield as bond investors reacted to rapidly escalating trade war between the U.S. and nations around the globe points to lower mortgage rates.The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which banks use as a guide to pricing home loans, dropped to 4.01% Friday, its lowest level since October, as global trade tensions escalated.Still, tariffs are typically inflationary, and the 10-year Treasury yield tends to rise on expectations of higher inflation. That could keep mortgage rates where they are, or nudge them higher.If the trade war worries do pave the way for further mortgage rate drops, “those lower rates may be cold comfort to prospective buyers who are increasingly worried about job security and inflation,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS.