BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday vetoed a bill that would roll over the previous year’s state budget if the Legislature failed to pass one, pointing out that every legislative body since the state’s founding had managed to pass a budget and she expects nothing less of today’s legislators.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb14/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 14</a>&nbsp;sets in place a continuous budget that would change only if amended, lapsed or eliminated by the Legislature. Kelly sharply rebuked the idea that such a bill is necessary.

“If this Legislature cannot do what every previous Legislature has been able to do since our founding — through periods of war, famine, pandemic, recession, the Dust Bowl, and even the Great Depression — then they will have to do it over my veto because I will not sanction it, nor will the people of Kansas,” Kelly said in a news release.

In a joint statement, Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said SB14 prevents government shutdowns at the state level by providing for continuing appropriations.

“Kansans are tired of watching the government shutdown drama at the federal level, where politicians use people’s livelihoods as leverage to get their way,” the two legislative leaders said. “Sadly, the governor decided that she prefers the ways of Washington over ensuring state government, including our schools, is always open and operating. We stand ready to override her veto when we return.”

The Legislature is scheduled to return April 10-11 to consider the governor’s vetoes and pass any last-minute legislation before adjourning for the year.

Along with SB 14, Kelly vetoed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb5/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 5</a>, which restricts the use of federal funds for elections and election-related activities without legislative approval.

Addressing concerns voiced by a few legislators about voter fraud and foreign interference, Kelly said election officials would be more capable of addressing such threats if they received Congressional funding.

“It doesn’t make sense to turn down these resources that make our local elections in Kansas safe, secure and accurate,” she said. “Given that the Legislature only convenes for three months each year, how can we expect them to approve funding when they are not available year-round? Instead of obstructing our electoral process, lawmakers should concentrate on the real issues impacting Kansans, rather than complicating the management of election funds.”

Masterson and Hawkins also promised an override on this veto. SB 5, they said, is about ensuring the integrity of elections.

“Federal taxpayer money flowing into our elections threatens the integrity and opens the door to nefarious actors who might want to tip the scale in favor of partisan politics,” their statement said. “SB5 simply ensures that election officials cannot accept outside funds unless it’s allowed by law. It’s disappointing the governor chose to side with those who want to undermine our elections or give the appearance of mischief. We side with common sense and election security, and that’s why we’re committed to overriding her veto.”

Kelly allowed three bills to become law without her signature.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2106/" target="_blank">House Bill 2106</a>&nbsp;bans contributions from foreign nationals for the support or defeat of a proposed amendment to the Kansas constitution. Kelly said she supports stopping foreign influence on elections in Kansas, and said federal law prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to federal, state or local elections.

She chose not to sign the bill because she believes it goes “too far.”

“I cannot sign a bill that takes away the ability of Kansans and Kansas businesses to support elections if they accept money from overseas for any purpose, not just those related to elections,” she said. “Forcing Kansans to choose between accepting financial support for any reason or surrendering their voice in the political process is wrong.”

Kelly said HB 2106 potentially opens the opportunity for litigation because of limitations on speech and association, as well as potential violations of First Amendment protections in the U.S. Constitution.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2027/" target="_blank">House Bill 2027</a>, which reorganizes sections of the public assistance law, became law without Kelly’s signature because she refused to be associated with the HOPE Act, which passed in 2015 and restricted Kansans’ ability to access social service programs.

“The HOPE Act was wrong then, and it remains wrong now,” Kelly said. “Legislators are only trying to put lipstick on a pig, and I refuse to associate myself with the HOPE Act. Now, more than ever, the Legislature should look for ways to support working Kansas families rather than further shredding the safety net that gives Kansans a bridge back to self-sufficiency.”

Kelly called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb105/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 105</a>&nbsp;a “partisan power grab by the Legislature.” This bill allows the Legislature to have a say in the appointment process for filling vacancies for U.S. senator, state treasurer, and insurance commissioner.

Kelly critiqued the process laid out in the bill as “overly bureaucratic.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739315068850.png" alt="&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly delivers the State of the State address on Jan. 15-image from video of the address" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly delivers the State of the State address on Jan. 15-image from video of the address</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday vetoed a bill that would roll over the previous year’s state budget if the Legislature failed to pass one, pointing out that every legislative body since the state’s founding had managed to pass a budget and she expects nothing less of today’s legislators.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb14/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 14</a>&nbsp;sets in place a continuous budget that would change only if amended, lapsed or eliminated by the Legislature. Kelly sharply rebuked the idea that such a bill is necessary.“If this Legislature cannot do what every previous Legislature has been able to do since our founding — through periods of war, famine, pandemic, recession, the Dust Bowl, and even the Great Depression — then they will have to do it over my veto because I will not sanction it, nor will the people of Kansas,” Kelly said in a news release.In a joint statement, Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said SB14 prevents government shutdowns at the state level by providing for continuing appropriations.“Kansans are tired of watching the government shutdown drama at the federal level, where politicians use people’s livelihoods as leverage to get their way,” the two legislative leaders said. “Sadly, the governor decided that she prefers the ways of Washington over ensuring state government, including our schools, is always open and operating. We stand ready to override her veto when we return.”The Legislature is scheduled to return April 10-11 to consider the governor’s vetoes and pass any last-minute legislation before adjourning for the year.Along with SB 14, Kelly vetoed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb5/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 5</a>, which restricts the use of federal funds for elections and election-related activities without legislative approval.Addressing concerns voiced by a few legislators about voter fraud and foreign interference, Kelly said election officials would be more capable of addressing such threats if they received Congressional funding.“It doesn’t make sense to turn down these resources that make our local elections in Kansas safe, secure and accurate,” she said. “Given that the Legislature only convenes for three months each year, how can we expect them to approve funding when they are not available year-round? Instead of obstructing our electoral process, lawmakers should concentrate on the real issues impacting Kansans, rather than complicating the management of election funds.”Masterson and Hawkins also promised an override on this veto. SB 5, they said, is about ensuring the integrity of elections.“Federal taxpayer money flowing into our elections threatens the integrity and opens the door to nefarious actors who might want to tip the scale in favor of partisan politics,” their statement said. “SB5 simply ensures that election officials cannot accept outside funds unless it’s allowed by law. It’s disappointing the governor chose to side with those who want to undermine our elections or give the appearance of mischief. We side with common sense and election security, and that’s why we’re committed to overriding her veto.”<h2>Three bills pass scrutiny</h2>Kelly allowed three bills to become law without her signature.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2106/" target="_blank">House Bill 2106</a>&nbsp;bans contributions from foreign nationals for the support or defeat of a proposed amendment to the Kansas constitution. Kelly said she supports stopping foreign influence on elections in Kansas, and said federal law prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to federal, state or local elections.She chose not to sign the bill because she believes it goes “too far.”“I cannot sign a bill that takes away the ability of Kansans and Kansas businesses to support elections if they accept money from overseas for any purpose, not just those related to elections,” she said. “Forcing Kansans to choose between accepting financial support for any reason or surrendering their voice in the political process is wrong.”Kelly said HB 2106 potentially opens the opportunity for litigation because of limitations on speech and association, as well as potential violations of First Amendment protections in the U.S. Constitution.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2027/" target="_blank">House Bill 2027</a>, which reorganizes sections of the public assistance law, became law without Kelly’s signature because she refused to be associated with the HOPE Act, which passed in 2015 and restricted Kansans’ ability to access social service programs.“The HOPE Act was wrong then, and it remains wrong now,” Kelly said. “Legislators are only trying to put lipstick on a pig, and I refuse to associate myself with the HOPE Act. Now, more than ever, the Legislature should look for ways to support working Kansas families rather than further shredding the safety net that gives Kansans a bridge back to self-sufficiency.”Kelly called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb105/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 105</a>&nbsp;a “partisan power grab by the Legislature.” This bill allows the Legislature to have a say in the appointment process for filling vacancies for U.S. senator, state treasurer, and insurance commissioner.Kelly critiqued the process laid out in the bill as “overly bureaucratic.”

Kan. Governor vetoes bill that would extend state budget if lawmakers fail to pass one

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

Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were called to report of a shooting in the 9800 block of Marsh, according to KCPD Officer Phil DiMartino.

First responders located two shooting victims, a man and a woman, in the front of a residence there. Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over. EMS transported both victims to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. Initial responding officers took one adult male subject of interest into custody for further investigation. Late Monday afternoon detectives were notified that both victims were declared deceased at the hospital.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance took place at the residence, between multiple subjects known to each other, which escalated into gunfire that struck both the deceased victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743462543806.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City.Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were called to report of a shooting in the 9800 block of Marsh, according to KCPD Officer Phil DiMartino.First responders located two shooting victims, a man and a woman, in the front of a residence there. Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over. EMS transported both victims to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. Initial responding officers took one adult male subject of interest into custody for further investigation. Late Monday afternoon detectives were notified that both victims were declared deceased at the hospital.Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance took place at the residence, between multiple subjects known to each other, which escalated into gunfire that struck both the deceased victims.

Homicide: Man and woman dead after disturbance at KC home

HARVEY COUNTY—A 34-year-old Kansas man is going to prison for child sex crimes.&nbsp;

On Monday, the Honorable Jason Lane sentenced&nbsp;Mark A. Shields of Newton to the maximum sentence of 108 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to a media release from the Harvey County Attorney's office.

In January,&nbsp;Shields pled guilty to Kidnapping, Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Aggravated Battery. The crimes occurred between October 1, 2023 and July 15, 2024. The victim in this case was 10 years old at the time of the crimes. 

Shields is also subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department and Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738012406611.png" alt="Shields photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Shields photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—A 34-year-old Kansas man is going to prison for child sex crimes.&nbsp;On Monday, the Honorable Jason Lane sentenced&nbsp;Mark A. Shields of Newton to the maximum sentence of 108 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to a media release from the Harvey County Attorney's office.In January,&nbsp;Shields pled guilty to Kidnapping, Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Aggravated Battery. The crimes occurred between October 1, 2023 and July 15, 2024. The victim in this case was 10 years old at the time of the crimes. Shields is also subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department and Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center.

Prison: Kansas man admitted to sex crimes involving 10-year-old

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;invited Kid Rock into the Oval Office on Monday and signed an executive order that he says will help curb ticket scalping and bring “commonsense” changes to the way live events are priced.

“Anyone who’s bought a concert ticket in the last decade, maybe 20 years — no matter what your politics are — knows that it’s a conundrum,” said Kid Rock, who wore a red bedazzled suit featuring an American flag motif and a straw fedora.

Designed to stop “price-gouging by middlemen,” the order directs Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pam-bondi-justice-department-trump-confirmation-7a37ef0b42964f9476776559379f48bd">Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;and Treasury Secretary&nbsp;<a href="http://apnews.com/article/bessent-confirmed-treasury-secretary-2ca8eb1c882d094b032584adf1a95c48">Scott Bessent</a>&nbsp;to ensure that scalpers offering tickets at higher prices than their face value comply with all Internal Revenue Service rules.

It also orders the Federal Trade Commission to ensure “price transparency at all stages of the ticket-purchase process” and to “take enforcement action to prevent unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive conduct in the secondary ticketing market,” which the Trump administration argues can restore sensibility and order to the ticket market.

Trump said he knows Kid Rock, a longtime supporter whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, as simply “Bob.”

“He’s been a good friend for a long time,” Trump said.

The president said rising fees for concerts and other events have “gotten worse and worse with time.” Kid Rock agreed.

“You can buy a ticket for $100. By the time you check out, it's $170. You don’t know what you’ve been charged for,” Kid Rock said. “But, more importantly, the bots, you know, they come in, they get all the good tickets to your favorite shows you want to go to, and then they’re relisted immediately for sometimes 400-500% markup.”

The order mostly directs federal agencies to enforce existing laws. Still, it marks a rare instance of policy crossover with the administration of Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, which used the FTC to target “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-junk-fees-ftc-hidden-bogus-80e5c17dc7607b99aa92c6c816b96e52">junk fees</a>,” or levies tacked on at the end of the purchase process that can mask the full price of things like concert tickets, hotel rooms and utility bills.

Under Biden, the Justice Department also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-live-nation-ticketmaster-antitrust-lawsuit-df9b552d127e1494db13e3cd625787a8">sued</a>&nbsp;Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, last year. It accused them of running an illegal monopoly over live events and asked a court to break up the system that squelches competition and drives up prices for fans.

Those companies have a history of clashing with major artists, including Bruce Springsteen and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-taylor-swift-af5d58d2a8c6def368ded1bd2ddd8a6f">Taylor Swift</a>. whose summer 2022 stadium tour was plagued by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-ticketmaster-concert-tickets-parents-34399cca6403c97f0983a5c69c7edec0">difficulty getting tickets</a>.

Country music star Zach Bryan even released a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zach-bryan-ticketmaster-34b68cd6fe3a56a0c349530eaaa97a41">2022 album</a>&nbsp;titled “All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster.” A representative for Bryan said he had “nothing to add” when asked to comment on Monday’s executive orer.

The Biden administration used such initiatives as a way to protect consumers from rising prices that were already inflated. Trump, meanwhile, campaigned on combating high ticket prices, calling them “very unfortunate.”

Kid Rock, known for hits like “Cowboy” and “Bawitdaba,” called Trump's order a ”great first step” and said he'd eventually like to see a cap on resale prices on tickets — while quickly adding, “I’m a capitalist.” He also said he'd spoken to Ticketmaster, which he described as “on board" with the change.

The White House says America’s live concert and entertainment industry has a total nationwide economic impact of $132.6 billion and supports 913,000 jobs, "But it has become blighted by unscrupulous middle-men who impose egregious fees on fans with no benefit to artists,” according to a fact sheet it released Monday.

Trump’s order further directs federal officials and the FTC to deliver a report in six months “summarizing actions taken to address the issue of unfair practices in the live concert and entertainment industry and recommend additional regulations or legislation needed to protect consumers in this industry.”

“Ticket scalpers use bots and other unfair means to acquire large quantities of face-value tickets, then re-sell them at an enormous markup on the secondary market, price-gouging consumers and depriving fans of the opportunity to see their favorite artists without incurring extraordinary expenses,” the White House face sheet said.

It also noted that higher prices don't mean additional profits for artists but instead go “solely to the scalper and the ticketing agency.”

Kid Rock agreed that such markups don't benefit artists like himself, then chuckled while offering, “I’ll be the first one to say, and I know the president doesn’t like when I say this, but, I’m a little overpaid right now.”

“It’s kind of ridiculous. I would rather be, you know, a hero to working-class people and have them be able to come attend my shows and give them a fair ticket price,” he said. “I can’t control that right now so hopefully this is a step to make that happen.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743463008788.png" alt="Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;invited Kid Rock into the Oval Office on Monday and signed an executive order that he says will help curb ticket scalping and bring “commonsense” changes to the way live events are priced.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump is joined in the Oval Office by Kid Rock for the signing of an executive order targeting unfair scalping of concert tickets: &quot;This is a great first step.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/yb9tKmUAgk">pic.twitter.com/yb9tKmUAgk</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1906831242336559372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Anyone who’s bought a concert ticket in the last decade, maybe 20 years — no matter what your politics are — knows that it’s a conundrum,” said Kid Rock, who wore a red bedazzled suit featuring an American flag motif and a straw fedora.Designed to stop “price-gouging by middlemen,” the order directs Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pam-bondi-justice-department-trump-confirmation-7a37ef0b42964f9476776559379f48bd">Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;and Treasury Secretary&nbsp;<a href="http://apnews.com/article/bessent-confirmed-treasury-secretary-2ca8eb1c882d094b032584adf1a95c48">Scott Bessent</a>&nbsp;to ensure that scalpers offering tickets at higher prices than their face value comply with all Internal Revenue Service rules.It also orders the Federal Trade Commission to ensure “price transparency at all stages of the ticket-purchase process” and to “take enforcement action to prevent unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive conduct in the secondary ticketing market,” which the Trump administration argues can restore sensibility and order to the ticket market.Trump said he knows Kid Rock, a longtime supporter whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, as simply “Bob.”“He’s been a good friend for a long time,” Trump said.The president said rising fees for concerts and other events have “gotten worse and worse with time.” Kid Rock agreed.“You can buy a ticket for $100. By the time you check out, it's $170. You don’t know what you’ve been charged for,” Kid Rock said. “But, more importantly, the bots, you know, they come in, they get all the good tickets to your favorite shows you want to go to, and then they’re relisted immediately for sometimes 400-500% markup.”The order mostly directs federal agencies to enforce existing laws. Still, it marks a rare instance of policy crossover with the administration of Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, which used the FTC to target “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-junk-fees-ftc-hidden-bogus-80e5c17dc7607b99aa92c6c816b96e52">junk fees</a>,” or levies tacked on at the end of the purchase process that can mask the full price of things like concert tickets, hotel rooms and utility bills.Under Biden, the Justice Department also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-live-nation-ticketmaster-antitrust-lawsuit-df9b552d127e1494db13e3cd625787a8">sued</a>&nbsp;Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, last year. It accused them of running an illegal monopoly over live events and asked a court to break up the system that squelches competition and drives up prices for fans.Those companies have a history of clashing with major artists, including Bruce Springsteen and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-taylor-swift-af5d58d2a8c6def368ded1bd2ddd8a6f">Taylor Swift</a>. whose summer 2022 stadium tour was plagued by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-ticketmaster-concert-tickets-parents-34399cca6403c97f0983a5c69c7edec0">difficulty getting tickets</a>.Country music star Zach Bryan even released a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zach-bryan-ticketmaster-34b68cd6fe3a56a0c349530eaaa97a41">2022 album</a>&nbsp;titled “All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster.” A representative for Bryan said he had “nothing to add” when asked to comment on Monday’s executive orer.The Biden administration used such initiatives as a way to protect consumers from rising prices that were already inflated. Trump, meanwhile, campaigned on combating high ticket prices, calling them “very unfortunate.”Kid Rock, known for hits like “Cowboy” and “Bawitdaba,” called Trump's order a ”great first step” and said he'd eventually like to see a cap on resale prices on tickets — while quickly adding, “I’m a capitalist.” He also said he'd spoken to Ticketmaster, which he described as “on board" with the change.The White House says America’s live concert and entertainment industry has a total nationwide economic impact of $132.6 billion and supports 913,000 jobs, "But it has become blighted by unscrupulous middle-men who impose egregious fees on fans with no benefit to artists,” according to a fact sheet it released Monday.Trump’s order further directs federal officials and the FTC to deliver a report in six months “summarizing actions taken to address the issue of unfair practices in the live concert and entertainment industry and recommend additional regulations or legislation needed to protect consumers in this industry.”“Ticket scalpers use bots and other unfair means to acquire large quantities of face-value tickets, then re-sell them at an enormous markup on the secondary market, price-gouging consumers and depriving fans of the opportunity to see their favorite artists without incurring extraordinary expenses,” the White House face sheet said.It also noted that higher prices don't mean additional profits for artists but instead go “solely to the scalper and the ticketing agency.”Kid Rock agreed that such markups don't benefit artists like himself, then chuckled while offering, “I’ll be the first one to say, and I know the president doesn’t like when I say this, but, I’m a little overpaid right now.”“It’s kind of ridiculous. I would rather be, you know, a hero to working-class people and have them be able to come attend my shows and give them a fair ticket price,” he said. “I can’t control that right now so hopefully this is a step to make that happen.”

🎥Trump gets boost from Kid Rock, signs order on ticket scalping

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three adults and a teen on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

On March 25,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit served two narcotics related search warrants in the 400 block of SW 29th Street and in the 100 block of SW 27th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A subsequent traffic stop was conducted in relation to those search warrants in the 200 block of SE 21st Street.

During this investigation, fentanyl, firearms, drug paraphernalia and large amounts of U.S. currency were located.

Mecca Latone Jihadd Cameron, 21, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Distribute/possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance and Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transaction

Quentin K. Lawton Jr., 22, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the jail on requested charges of Criminal use of weapons; possession of a firearm by a person addicted to/using a controlled substance

Lawton Jr. was out on bond from a previous firearm and drug arrest less than two weeks ago by the Sheriff’s Office.

Will Crawford, 26, Topeka was booked into jail on requested charges of distribution of opiates.&nbsp; Officers also booked 16-year-old Lebron King James Felder into the juvenile facility.&nbsp; Police have not released possible charges he will face.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743456280703.png" alt="Cameron photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cameron photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three adults and a teen on drug allegations after a traffic stop.On March 25,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit served two narcotics related search warrants in the 400 block of SW 29th Street and in the 100 block of SW 27th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A subsequent traffic stop was conducted in relation to those search warrants in the 200 block of SE 21st Street.During this investigation, fentanyl, firearms, drug paraphernalia and large amounts of U.S. currency were located.Mecca Latone Jihadd Cameron, 21, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Distribute/possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance and Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transaction<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743456176053.png" alt="Lawton-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lawton-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Quentin K. Lawton Jr., 22, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the jail on requested charges of Criminal use of weapons; possession of a firearm by a person addicted to/using a controlled substanceLawton Jr. was out on bond from a previous firearm and drug arrest less than two weeks ago by the Sheriff’s Office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743456355421.png" alt="Crawford photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Crawford photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Will Crawford, 26, Topeka was booked into jail on requested charges of distribution of opiates.&nbsp; Officers also booked 16-year-old Lebron King James Felder into the juvenile facility.&nbsp; Police have not released possible charges he will face.

Kansas drug task force found fentanyl, firearms and cash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military to make fitness standards for all combat jobs gender neutral, formalizing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-standards-fitness-review-hegseth-99953e47d69d8e7077164bf48ccebdc4">a process that largely exists</a>&nbsp;for many of those jobs already.

In a new memo, Hegseth told leaders of the military services to distinguish which jobs are considered combat arms — such as special operations or infantry, and require “heightened entry level and sustained physical fitness” — and which are not.

The memo released Monday said all physical fitness requirements for those combat arms positions must be gender neutral, “based solely on the operational demands of the occupation and the readiness needed to confront any adversary.”

The new order expands on a memo Hegseth put out March 12 that said the undersecretary for personnel must gather information on military standards “pertaining to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, which includes but is not limited to beards.”

Both reflect Hegseth’s public complaints about fitness standards well before he took on the Pentagon job. While working as a Fox News commentator, Hegseth spoke about his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">opposition to women in combat jobs</a>&nbsp;and his belief that standards were lowered to accommodate women.

The order, however, could require some complicated assessments as all the services go through their jobs and determine which should be considered combat arms. For example, which sailors on a Navy warship deployed to the Middle East and being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-airstrikes-israel-hamas-war-1f8bbca1e301124d417678d8276e7cd9">fired on by the Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;should be considered in a combat post?

On smaller ships, it’s not unusual for sailors to perform a number of different tasks, including firing weapons. And, should intelligence officers, who often were on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, also count as combat arms?

The military has long had what is largely a two-part system for physical fitness standards:

— Routine annual fitness tests with different requirements based on gender and age.

— More grueling standards for specific combat, special operations, infantry, armor, pararescue jumpers and other jobs that are the same for everyone in that occupation, and are not adjusted for age or gender.

Hegseth’s memo appears to focus on the second grouping — arguing that combat jobs require more stringent fitness standards.

Already, however, specific military jobs like special operations, infantry, armor and pararescue require different, higher-level physical — and often mental and psychological — tests, requirements and qualification courses.

Those standards require everyone to meet the same requirements, regardless of their age or gender. For example, an Army soldier who wants to be a Green Beret or a Ranger, or a sailor who wants to be a Navy SEAL, must pass grueling monthslong qualification courses.

Also, after the Pentagon allowed women to be in all combat jobs, the Army set specific fitness standards for each military occupation that are the same regardless of age or gender.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7d7350b3fa2f447c86ec6e31e107ca23">Recruits who want to serve in an infantry</a>&nbsp;or armor job must pass a specific physical assessment that has higher, more significant demands in order to sign a contract for that specialty.

Similarly, Marines also require more extensive fitness standards for their special operations forces and combat jobs.

Hegseth’s memo mentions higher fitness requirements for special operations forces — which already exist. And it says Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal technicians also should be required to have proficiency in tasks such as water rescue and demolition, which they already do.

The order gives service leaders 60 days to provide their proposed changes. They have 30 days to provide an interim report.

“As the nature of warfare evolves and the demands on our service members grow more complex, it is imperative that we assess and refine the physical fitness standards that enable our readiness and lethality,” Hegseth said in the memo.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military to make fitness standards for all combat jobs gender neutral, formalizing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-standards-fitness-review-hegseth-99953e47d69d8e7077164bf48ccebdc4">a process that largely exists</a>&nbsp;for many of those jobs already.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For far too long, we have allowed standards to slip. We’ve had different standards for men/women serving in combat arms MOS’s and jobs…. That’s not acceptable, and it changes right now! <a href="https://t.co/Zn9OyBew6G">pic.twitter.com/Zn9OyBew6G</a>&mdash; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1906677003400442284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a new memo, Hegseth told leaders of the military services to distinguish which jobs are considered combat arms — such as special operations or infantry, and require “heightened entry level and sustained physical fitness” — and which are not.The memo released Monday said all physical fitness requirements for those combat arms positions must be gender neutral, “based solely on the operational demands of the occupation and the readiness needed to confront any adversary.”The new order expands on a memo Hegseth put out March 12 that said the undersecretary for personnel must gather information on military standards “pertaining to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, which includes but is not limited to beards.”Both reflect Hegseth’s public complaints about fitness standards well before he took on the Pentagon job. While working as a Fox News commentator, Hegseth spoke about his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">opposition to women in combat jobs</a>&nbsp;and his belief that standards were lowered to accommodate women.The order, however, could require some complicated assessments as all the services go through their jobs and determine which should be considered combat arms. For example, which sailors on a Navy warship deployed to the Middle East and being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-airstrikes-israel-hamas-war-1f8bbca1e301124d417678d8276e7cd9">fired on by the Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;should be considered in a combat post?On smaller ships, it’s not unusual for sailors to perform a number of different tasks, including firing weapons. And, should intelligence officers, who often were on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, also count as combat arms?The military has long had what is largely a two-part system for physical fitness standards:— Routine annual fitness tests with different requirements based on gender and age.— More grueling standards for specific combat, special operations, infantry, armor, pararescue jumpers and other jobs that are the same for everyone in that occupation, and are not adjusted for age or gender.Hegseth’s memo appears to focus on the second grouping — arguing that combat jobs require more stringent fitness standards.Already, however, specific military jobs like special operations, infantry, armor and pararescue require different, higher-level physical — and often mental and psychological — tests, requirements and qualification courses.Those standards require everyone to meet the same requirements, regardless of their age or gender. For example, an Army soldier who wants to be a Green Beret or a Ranger, or a sailor who wants to be a Navy SEAL, must pass grueling monthslong qualification courses.Also, after the Pentagon allowed women to be in all combat jobs, the Army set specific fitness standards for each military occupation that are the same regardless of age or gender.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7d7350b3fa2f447c86ec6e31e107ca23">Recruits who want to serve in an infantry</a>&nbsp;or armor job must pass a specific physical assessment that has higher, more significant demands in order to sign a contract for that specialty.Similarly, Marines also require more extensive fitness standards for their special operations forces and combat jobs.Hegseth’s memo mentions higher fitness requirements for special operations forces — which already exist. And it says Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal technicians also should be required to have proficiency in tasks such as water rescue and demolition, which they already do.The order gives service leaders 60 days to provide their proposed changes. They have 30 days to provide an interim report.“As the nature of warfare evolves and the demands on our service members grow more complex, it is imperative that we assess and refine the physical fitness standards that enable our readiness and lethality,” Hegseth said in the memo.

🎥Defense Sec. orders fitness standards to be gender neutral for combat jobs

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Trump administration is pulling back a final round of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemic-aid-public-school-funding-346d3d4b86f904184e357c34c9754800">federal pandemic aid</a>&nbsp;from schools across the country, saying the money wasn’t being spent on academic recovery.

States were notified Friday that the Education Department will not disburse the remainder of the federal aid passed by Congress, although the vast majority has already been sent to schools.

The department didn’t say how much money is left of the total $189 billion approved by Congress, though officials said it’s in the billions. As of Feb. 19, the department said there was $4.4 billion left, or about 2%.

A senior department official said the money was being misused on costs including astroturf fields and “sets of bouncy glow balls.” The agency said it will consider requests for individual projects related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-school-closure-education-recovery-scorecard-c828144e18a02a1e45841c4dd07f05cb">pandemic recovery</a>.

Schools were supposed to spend the last of the relief by January, but the Biden administration allowed schools to request extensions.

The Council of Chief State School Officers urged the department to rethink the decision, saying schools have already spent the money for pandemic recovery efforts and were promised reimbursement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741729690736.png" alt="Photo AP" />
 <figcaption>Photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Trump administration is pulling back a final round of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemic-aid-public-school-funding-346d3d4b86f904184e357c34c9754800">federal pandemic aid</a>&nbsp;from schools across the country, saying the money wasn’t being spent on academic recovery.States were notified Friday that the Education Department will not disburse the remainder of the federal aid passed by Congress, although the vast majority has already been sent to schools.The department didn’t say how much money is left of the total $189 billion approved by Congress, though officials said it’s in the billions. As of Feb. 19, the department said there was $4.4 billion left, or about 2%.A senior department official said the money was being misused on costs including astroturf fields and “sets of bouncy glow balls.” The agency said it will consider requests for individual projects related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-school-closure-education-recovery-scorecard-c828144e18a02a1e45841c4dd07f05cb">pandemic recovery</a>.Schools were supposed to spend the last of the relief by January, but the Biden administration allowed schools to request extensions.The Council of Chief State School Officers urged the department to rethink the decision, saying schools have already spent the money for pandemic recovery efforts and were promised reimbursement.

Some schools won’t get the last of their federal COVID relief funds

SHAWNEE COUNTY —&nbsp; Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend crash released the name of the victim.

Benjamin Edwards, 40, Topeka, died just after 3p.m. Saturday in a crash involving two motor vehicles that occurred near SW 21st and SW College Avenue, according to Dan Garrett, City of Topeka spokesman.

Edwards was transported to a local area hospital and pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Monday afternoon.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —&nbsp; Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend crash released the name of the victim.Benjamin Edwards, 40, Topeka, died just after 3p.m. Saturday in a crash involving two motor vehicles that occurred near SW 21st and SW College Avenue, according to Dan Garrett, City of Topeka spokesman.Edwards was transported to a local area hospital and pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Monday afternoon.

Police: Kansas man died in 2-vehicle weekend crash

DOUGLAS COUNTY – The Lawrence Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Lawrence woman, according to a media release from police.

The whereabouts of 74-year-old Wanda Dyer are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her. The Lawrence Police Department issued a local alert for Dyer over one week ago and she has not been located. She is believed to be on foot and may be heading east towards Eudora and Kansas City.

Dyer is a black female who is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 117 pounds. She has brown eyes and grey hair. Dyer was last seen wearing a black coat with a pink lining, a hoodie, multi-colored pants, and a backpack. Dyer experiences confusion and memory issues.

If you see Wanda Dyer, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Douglas County dispatch at 785-843-0250.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743454360019.png" alt="Photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY – The Lawrence Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Lawrence woman, according to a media release from police.The whereabouts of 74-year-old Wanda Dyer are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her. The Lawrence Police Department issued a local alert for Dyer over one week ago and she has not been located. She is believed to be on foot and may be heading east towards Eudora and Kansas City.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Based on new information that a missing Lawrence woman may have been seen heading out of the Lawrence area, the Lawrence Police Department is now expanding the search and issuing a Silver Alert for Wanda Dyer. Lawrence Police have conducted an extensive search throughout the… <a href="https://t.co/RWRXRgWNXK">pic.twitter.com/RWRXRgWNXK</a>&mdash; Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1904723186198913380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Dyer is a black female who is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 117 pounds. She has brown eyes and grey hair. Dyer was last seen wearing a black coat with a pink lining, a hoodie, multi-colored pants, and a backpack. Dyer experiences confusion and memory issues.If you see Wanda Dyer, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Douglas County dispatch at 785-843-0250.

Silver Alert: Kansas woman missing for over a week

TOPEKA (AP) —At least five states have active&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles outbreaks</a>&nbsp;as of Friday, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas'</a>&nbsp;is the largest with 400 cases.

Already, the U.S. has more measles cases this year than in all of 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">Other states with outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— defined as three or more cases — include Kansas, New Mexico,&nbsp;Ohio and Oklahoma. Since February, two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.

The new outbreaks confirm health experts' fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">could stretch on for a year</a>. The World Health Organization said this week cases in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561">Mexico</a>&nbsp;are linked to the Texas outbreak.

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

Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a>

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

Texas' outbreak began two months ago. State health officials said Friday there were 73 new cases of measles since Tuesday, bringing the total to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">400 across 17 counties</a>&nbsp;— most in West Texas. Forty-one people have been hospitalized since the outbreak began, and Andrews and Midland counties were new to the list.

New Mexico announced one new case Friday, bringing the state’s total to 44. New Mexico health officials say the cases are linked to Texas' outbreak based on genetic testing. Most are in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, and two are in Eddy County.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">school-age child died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February, and New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;on March 6.

Kansas has 23 cases in six counties in the southwest part of the state. Kiowa and Stevens counties have six cases each, while Grant, Morton, Haskell and Gray counties have five or fewer.

The state's first reported case, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing, a state health department spokesperson said. But health officials have not determined how the person was exposed.

Oklahoma stayed steady at nine cases this week — seven confirmed and two probable cases. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.

A state health department spokesperson said measles exposures were confirmed in Tulsa and Rogers counties, but wouldn't say which counties had cases.

Ohio has 10 cases of measles in Ashtabula County in the northeast corner of the state, nine of those newly reported this week. The first case was in an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.

And in central Ohio, Knox County officials are tracing exposures from person who visited while contagious with measles. A measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85 in 2022.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says.

People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740583865667.png" alt="A sign is seen outside a clinic with the South Plains Public Health District Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Brownfield, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>A sign is seen outside a clinic with the South Plains Public Health District Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Brownfield, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) —At least five states have active&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles outbreaks</a>&nbsp;as of Friday, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas'</a>&nbsp;is the largest with 400 cases.Already, the U.S. has more measles cases this year than in all of 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">Other states with outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— defined as three or more cases — include Kansas, New Mexico,&nbsp;Ohio and Oklahoma. Since February, two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">1/ DSHS continues to track the measles outbreak in the South Plains and Panhandle. As of today, 400 cases have been identified since late January. Immunization with two doses of MMR vaccine protects you from getting sick and stops the outbreak from spreading. <a href="https://t.co/wDh9ka04dV">pic.twitter.com/wDh9ka04dV</a>&mdash; Texas DSHS (@TexasDSHS) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasDSHS/status/1905684947383267517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The new outbreaks confirm health experts' fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">could stretch on for a year</a>. The World Health Organization said this week cases in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561">Mexico</a>&nbsp;are linked to the Texas outbreak.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a><h2>How many measles cases are there in Texas and New Mexico?</h2>Texas' outbreak began two months ago. State health officials said Friday there were 73 new cases of measles since Tuesday, bringing the total to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">400 across 17 counties</a>&nbsp;— most in West Texas. Forty-one people have been hospitalized since the outbreak began, and Andrews and Midland counties were new to the list.New Mexico announced one new case Friday, bringing the state’s total to 44. New Mexico health officials say the cases are linked to Texas' outbreak based on genetic testing. Most are in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, and two are in Eddy County.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">school-age child died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February, and New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;on March 6.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743449255257.png" alt="Image Kansas Department of Health" />
 <figcaption>Image Kansas Department of Health</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How many cases are there in Kansas?</h2>Kansas has 23 cases in six counties in the southwest part of the state. Kiowa and Stevens counties have six cases each, while Grant, Morton, Haskell and Gray counties have five or fewer.The state's first reported case, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing, a state health department spokesperson said. But health officials have not determined how the person was exposed.<h2>How many cases are there in Oklahoma?</h2>Oklahoma stayed steady at nine cases this week — seven confirmed and two probable cases. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.A state health department spokesperson said measles exposures were confirmed in Tulsa and Rogers counties, but wouldn't say which counties had cases.<h2>How many cases are there in Ohio?</h2>Ohio has 10 cases of measles in Ashtabula County in the northeast corner of the state, nine of those newly reported this week. The first case was in an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.And in central Ohio, Knox County officials are tracing exposures from person who visited while contagious with measles. A measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85 in 2022.<h2>Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?</h2>Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. The agency counted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/">five clusters</a>&nbsp;that qualified as outbreaks in 2025 as of Friday.In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are generally traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles.<h2>Do you need an MMR booster?</h2>The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;(MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.People at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or being born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.A doctor can order a lab test called an MMR titer to check your levels of measles antibodies, but health experts don't always recommend this route and insurance coverage can vary.Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says.People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.<h2>What are the symptoms of measles?</h2>Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.<h2>How can you treat measles?</h2>There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.<h2>Why do vaccination rates matter?</h2>In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called “herd immunity.”But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.The U.S. saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-cdc-outbreak-chicago-mmr-vaccine-7ecdfef41e6dbd659c7ac8b80d5de38f">a rise in measles cases in 2024</a>, including an outbreak in Chicago that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60.</a>___

Kansas among 5 states with an active measles outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) —The State Department said in a statement Monday that they were removed Sunday night and that the group included murderers and rapists.

The statement didn’t give nationalities, but the office of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said Salvadorans and Venezuelans were among the prisoners.

The men were transported to El Salvador’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-trump-prison-immigrants-4ab3fc3c0474efb308084604b61f8a37">maximum security prison</a>, where they changed into the standard white T-shirts and shorts and had their heads shaved. Hundreds of migrants facing deportation were sent there earlier this month.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The State Department said in a statement Monday that they were removed Sunday night and that the group included murderers and rapists.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Last night, in a joint military operation with our allies from the United States, we transferred 17 extremely dangerous criminals linked to Tren de Aragua and MS-13. All individuals are confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders, including six child rapists. This operation… <a href="https://t.co/Tk1Xq7vnuB">pic.twitter.com/Tk1Xq7vnuB</a>&mdash; Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) <a href="https://twitter.com/nayibbukele/status/1906703745158660177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The statement didn’t give nationalities, but the office of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said Salvadorans and Venezuelans were among the prisoners.The men were transported to El Salvador’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-trump-prison-immigrants-4ab3fc3c0474efb308084604b61f8a37">maximum security prison</a>, where they changed into the standard white T-shirts and shorts and had their heads shaved. Hundreds of migrants facing deportation were sent there earlier this month.

🎥US deports more alleged gang members to El Salvador

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly weekend shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 56-year-old Pamela&nbsp;Ahmed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just before 7p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of E 29th street on a reported shooting.

Upon arrival officers were directed to the front yard of a residence on 29th street. They located a Ahmed suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.

Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743440746210.png" alt="Police on the scene Saturday -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene Saturday -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly weekend shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 56-year-old Pamela&nbsp;Ahmed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just before 7p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of E 29th street on a reported shooting.Upon arrival officers were directed to the front yard of a residence on 29th street. They located a Ahmed suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Police ID Kansas City woman killed in shooting

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Three of the U.S. Army soldiers who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-pabrade-us-soldiers-military-training-c89957fc6a62da8624202095920630e1">went missing in Lithuania</a>&nbsp;have been found dead in their armored vehicle that was pulled from a swampy area early Monday, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command. Another soldier is still missing.

The bodies of the three soldiers were recovered after a massive six-day effort by U.S., Polish and Lithuanian armed forces and authorities to dig the M88 Hercules vehicle out of a peat bog at the expansive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė.

The soldiers were on a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle were reported missing early Tuesday, the Army said.

The command in a statement said the identities of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division soldiers are being withheld pending family notifications.

“We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commander. "But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home. Words cannot express our gratitude to those still working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to rest until all are found.”

Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missing-us-soldiers-swamp-lithuania-drain-f82b38c4598044f2b7f3800ad17013f7">took part in the search</a>&nbsp;through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The armored vehicle was discovered on Wednesday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.

Lithuanian armed forces provided military helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and search and rescue personnel. They brought in additional excavators, sluice and slurry pumps, other heavy construction equipment, technical experts and several hundred tons of gravel and earth to help the recovery.

U.S. Navy divers were able to maneuver through thick layers of mud, clay and sediment “with zero visibility” to reach the 63-ton vehicle Sunday evening and find two points to attach steel cables, according to the command.

The command said that during the effort to pull out the vehicle, it began to lose traction, so additional heavy dozers were brought in and attached to provide additional grip. The vehicle was pulled free after about two hours, the command said.

“The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work,” Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.

The Navy dive team is now searching the area using radar for the fourth soldier who is still missing.

Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, thanked the “heroic efforts” of those involved in the search and recovery. The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating what caused the incident.

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — A U.S. armored vehicle that went missing in Lithuania has been retrieved from a swamp after a six-day search but there is still no information about the fate of the four American soldiers who were on board, Lithuanian officials said Monday.

"The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work," Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.

The soldiers were on a training exercise at the massive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė when they and their vehicle were reported missing in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the U.S. army said.

"Until the investigators have more details, we need to stay calm and focused, and keep in mind the sensitivity of the situation and the concerns of the soldiers' families," Šakalienė posted on Facebook.

She made clear to reporters that the first information about fate of the soldiers will be delivered by the U.S. army.

The soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting tactical training when they went missing.

Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers took part in the search through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, which lies just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The M88 Hercules armored vehicle was discovered on Wedneday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.

A large-scale recovery operation got underway but "water, thick mud and soft ground around the site have complicated recovery efforts and have required specialized equipment to drain water from the side and stabilize the ground" in order to pull the 70-ton vehicle ashore, the army said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743415329786.png" alt="In this image provided by the U.S. Army, U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Lithuanian Army and emergency services personnel, discuss their plan to recover four U.S. soldiers in a U.S. Army M88 Hercules submerged under several meters of water in a swamp near a training area near Pabadre, Lithuania, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (Christopher Saundersn/U.S. Army via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this image provided by the U.S. Army, U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Lithuanian Army and emergency services personnel, discuss their plan to recover four U.S. soldiers in a U.S. Army M88 Hercules submerged under several meters of water in a swamp near a training area near Pabadre, Lithuania, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (Christopher Saundersn/U.S. Army via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LIUDAS DAPKUS Associated PressVILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Three of the U.S. Army soldiers who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-pabrade-us-soldiers-military-training-c89957fc6a62da8624202095920630e1">went missing in Lithuania</a>&nbsp;have been found dead in their armored vehicle that was pulled from a swampy area early Monday, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command. Another soldier is still missing.The bodies of the three soldiers were recovered after a massive six-day effort by U.S., Polish and Lithuanian armed forces and authorities to dig the M88 Hercules vehicle out of a peat bog at the expansive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė.The soldiers were on a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle were reported missing early Tuesday, the Army said.The command in a statement said the identities of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division soldiers are being withheld pending family notifications.“We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commander. "But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home. Words cannot express our gratitude to those still working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to rest until all are found.”Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missing-us-soldiers-swamp-lithuania-drain-f82b38c4598044f2b7f3800ad17013f7">took part in the search</a>&nbsp;through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The armored vehicle was discovered on Wednesday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.Lithuanian armed forces provided military helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and search and rescue personnel. They brought in additional excavators, sluice and slurry pumps, other heavy construction equipment, technical experts and several hundred tons of gravel and earth to help the recovery.U.S. Navy divers were able to maneuver through thick layers of mud, clay and sediment “with zero visibility” to reach the 63-ton vehicle Sunday evening and find two points to attach steel cables, according to the command.The command said that during the effort to pull out the vehicle, it began to lose traction, so additional heavy dozers were brought in and attached to provide additional grip. The vehicle was pulled free after about two hours, the command said.“The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work,” Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.The Navy dive team is now searching the area using radar for the fourth soldier who is still missing.Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, thanked the “heroic efforts” of those involved in the search and recovery. The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating what caused the incident.VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — A U.S. armored vehicle that went missing in Lithuania has been retrieved from a swamp after a six-day search but there is still no information about the fate of the four American soldiers who were on board, Lithuanian officials said Monday."The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work," Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.The soldiers were on a training exercise at the massive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė when they and their vehicle were reported missing in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the U.S. army said."Until the investigators have more details, we need to stay calm and focused, and keep in mind the sensitivity of the situation and the concerns of the soldiers' families," Šakalienė posted on Facebook.She made clear to reporters that the first information about fate of the soldiers will be delivered by the U.S. army.The soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting tactical training when they went missing.Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers took part in the search through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, which lies just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The M88 Hercules armored vehicle was discovered on Wedneday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.A large-scale recovery operation got underway but "water, thick mud and soft ground around the site have complicated recovery efforts and have required specialized equipment to drain water from the side and stabilize the ground" in order to pull the 70-ton vehicle ashore, the army said.

3 US soldiers found dead in armored vehicle in Lithuania; 1 still missing

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;gave out $1 million checks on Sunday to two Wisconsin voters, declaring them spokespeople for his political group, ahead of a Wisconsin Supreme Court election that the tech billionaire cast as critical to President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;agenda and “the future of civilization.”

Taking the stage in Green Bay wearing a yellow foam cheesehead hat, Musk painted the judicial race he has pumped more than $20 million into as pivotal for the country.

Noting the likelihood the state high court will take up redistricting that could give Democrats a chance at winning two additional U.S. House seats, Musk said, “The House majority is now razor thin.”

“And if the (Wisconsin) Supreme Court is able to redraw the districts, they will gerrymander the district and deprive Wisconsin of two seats on the Republican side,” Musk said. “Then they will try to stop all the government reforms we are getting done, for you the American people.”

A unanimous court on Sunday refused to hear a last-minute attempt by the state's Democratic attorney general to stop Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-petition-million-dollars-law-3501e3c50d6c55e585d67da6b5513208">from handing over the checks</a>&nbsp;to two voters, a ruling that came just minutes before the planned start of the rally.

Two lower courts had already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-million-dollar-checks-43fa79215e16c333a1079a86cb9aab08">rejected the legal challenge</a>&nbsp;by Democrat Josh Kaul, who argues that Musk's offer violates a state law. “Wisconsin law prohibits offering anything of value to induce anyone to vote,” Kaul argued in his filing. “Yet, Elon Musk did just that.”

But the state Supreme Court, which is currently controlled 4-3 by liberal justices, declined to take the case as an original action. The court gave no rationale for its decision.

Kaul had no immediate comment on the court's order.

Musk’s attorneys argued in filings with the court that Musk was exercising his free speech rights with the giveaways and any attempt to restrict that would violate both the Wisconsin and U.S. constitutions.

The payments are “intended to generate a grassroots movement in opposition to activist judges, not to expressly advocate for or against any candidate,” Musk’s attorneys argued in court filings.

Wisconsin’s tightly contested Supreme Court election, where ideological control of the court is at stake, is on Tuesday. Liberals currently hold a 4-3 majority.

The court's four liberal justices have endorsed Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate.

Musk’s attorneys, about four hours before the rally was to begin, asked that two liberal justices who have campaigned for Crawford — Jill Karofsky and Rebecca Dallet — recuse themselves from the case. His attorneys argued their work for Crawford creates “the specter of inappropriate bias.” If they did recuse, that would leave the court with a 3-2 conservative majority.

Both justices rejected the request and said they would spell out their reasons why at a later date.

One of the court's conservative justices has endorsed Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, who also has the backing of Trump and Musk. Schimel wore a “Make America Great Again" hat while campaigning Sunday.

Musk and groups he supports have spent more than $20 million to help Schimel get elected.

Schimel said in a national television interview that he does not control “any of the spending from any outside group, whether it’s Elon Musk or anyone else” and that all Trump asked was whether he would “reject activist judges" and follow the law.

“That’s exactly what I’ve committed to anybody, whether it’s President Trump, Elon Musk or any donors and donors or supporters or voters in Wisconsin. That’s my commitment,” Schimel told “Fox News Sunday.”

The contest has shattered national spending records for a judicial election, with more than $81 million in spending.

It comes as Wisconsin’s highest court is expected to rule on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-state-supreme-court-abortion-musk-0a7002302fde1604e5d35ad1b6da7b16">abortion rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-redistricting-congress-b2464b169c671ecf996de0b80005317a">congressional redistricting</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-election-unions-7efb8c9baf6fa2ae0be95ad765321186">union power</a>&nbsp;and voting rules that could affect the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election in the state.

Musk’s political action committee used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-1-million-giveaway-trump-voters-petition-b4e48acbfe04fde735e60b1911ad0197">a nearly identical tactic</a>&nbsp;before the presidential election last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-million-sweepstakes-lottery-pennsylvania-krasner-4f683c48eb7dcc57f183e54ef16e7320">offering to pay</a>&nbsp;$1 million a day to voters in Wisconsin and six other battleground states who signed a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments. A judge in Pennsylvania said prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-million-sweepstakes-lottery-pennsylvania-krasner-a84854e6397ac1440ffb54b13facacf2">failed to show</a>&nbsp;the effort was an illegal lottery and allowed it to continue through Election Day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743386540606.png" alt="Elon Musk as seen in a live stream of his talk on Sunday night" />
 <figcaption>Elon Musk as seen in a live stream of his talk on Sunday night</figcaption>
 </figure>GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;gave out $1 million checks on Sunday to two Wisconsin voters, declaring them spokespeople for his political group, ahead of a Wisconsin Supreme Court election that the tech billionaire cast as critical to President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;agenda and “the future of civilization.”Taking the stage in Green Bay wearing a yellow foam cheesehead hat, Musk painted the judicial race he has pumped more than $20 million into as pivotal for the country.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;Let me first hand out two $1 million checks in appreciation...Reason for the checks is that it&#39;s really just to get attention. It causes legacy media to like kind of lose their minds. Then they&#39;ll run it on every news channel.&quot; -- Elon Musk full video: <a href="https://t.co/MecfkoXYVg">https://t.co/MecfkoXYVg</a> <a href="https://t.co/AMKFahv236">pic.twitter.com/AMKFahv236</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1906681385575674264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Noting the likelihood the state high court will take up redistricting that could give Democrats a chance at winning two additional U.S. House seats, Musk said, “The House majority is now razor thin.”“And if the (Wisconsin) Supreme Court is able to redraw the districts, they will gerrymander the district and deprive Wisconsin of two seats on the Republican side,” Musk said. “Then they will try to stop all the government reforms we are getting done, for you the American people.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;Thanks for coming. What do you think of my hat?&quot; - Elon Musk in Wisconsin <a href="https://t.co/8LRD93ING5">pic.twitter.com/8LRD93ING5</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1906741983562838361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A unanimous court on Sunday refused to hear a last-minute attempt by the state's Democratic attorney general to stop Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-petition-million-dollars-law-3501e3c50d6c55e585d67da6b5513208">from handing over the checks</a>&nbsp;to two voters, a ruling that came just minutes before the planned start of the rally.Two lower courts had already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-million-dollar-checks-43fa79215e16c333a1079a86cb9aab08">rejected the legal challenge</a>&nbsp;by Democrat Josh Kaul, who argues that Musk's offer violates a state law. “Wisconsin law prohibits offering anything of value to induce anyone to vote,” Kaul argued in his filing. “Yet, Elon Musk did just that.”But the state Supreme Court, which is currently controlled 4-3 by liberal justices, declined to take the case as an original action. The court gave no rationale for its decision.Kaul had no immediate comment on the court's order.Musk’s attorneys argued in filings with the court that Musk was exercising his free speech rights with the giveaways and any attempt to restrict that would violate both the Wisconsin and U.S. constitutions.The payments are “intended to generate a grassroots movement in opposition to activist judges, not to expressly advocate for or against any candidate,” Musk’s attorneys argued in court filings.Wisconsin’s tightly contested Supreme Court election, where ideological control of the court is at stake, is on Tuesday. Liberals currently hold a 4-3 majority.The court's four liberal justices have endorsed Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate.Musk’s attorneys, about four hours before the rally was to begin, asked that two liberal justices who have campaigned for Crawford — Jill Karofsky and Rebecca Dallet — recuse themselves from the case. His attorneys argued their work for Crawford creates “the specter of inappropriate bias.” If they did recuse, that would leave the court with a 3-2 conservative majority.Both justices rejected the request and said they would spell out their reasons why at a later date.One of the court's conservative justices has endorsed Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, who also has the backing of Trump and Musk. Schimel wore a “Make America Great Again" hat while campaigning Sunday.Musk and groups he supports have spent more than $20 million to help Schimel get elected.Schimel said in a national television interview that he does not control “any of the spending from any outside group, whether it’s Elon Musk or anyone else” and that all Trump asked was whether he would “reject activist judges" and follow the law.“That’s exactly what I’ve committed to anybody, whether it’s President Trump, Elon Musk or any donors and donors or supporters or voters in Wisconsin. That’s my commitment,” Schimel told “Fox News Sunday.”The contest has shattered national spending records for a judicial election, with more than $81 million in spending.It comes as Wisconsin’s highest court is expected to rule on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-state-supreme-court-abortion-musk-0a7002302fde1604e5d35ad1b6da7b16">abortion rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-redistricting-congress-b2464b169c671ecf996de0b80005317a">congressional redistricting</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-election-unions-7efb8c9baf6fa2ae0be95ad765321186">union power</a>&nbsp;and voting rules that could affect the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election in the state.Musk’s political action committee used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-1-million-giveaway-trump-voters-petition-b4e48acbfe04fde735e60b1911ad0197">a nearly identical tactic</a>&nbsp;before the presidential election last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-million-sweepstakes-lottery-pennsylvania-krasner-4f683c48eb7dcc57f183e54ef16e7320">offering to pay</a>&nbsp;$1 million a day to voters in Wisconsin and six other battleground states who signed a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments. A judge in Pennsylvania said prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-million-sweepstakes-lottery-pennsylvania-krasner-a84854e6397ac1440ffb54b13facacf2">failed to show</a>&nbsp;the effort was an illegal lottery and allowed it to continue through Election Day.

🎥Elon Musk hands out $1 million checks to voters ahead of important election

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 6p.m. March 27, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to check the welfare of two individuals sitting in a vehicle at the Dollar General store in Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the encounter, the deputies with the assistance of Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol found illegal drugs including fentanyl, controlled substances, THC and numerous drug paraphernalia items. 

Deputies&nbsp;arrested 31-year-old Cassidy Nicole Howland, of Lawrence on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.&nbsp; 

They also arrested 33-year-old Jonathan David King, of Lawrence on requested charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743162901122.png" alt="King photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>King photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 6p.m. March 27, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to check the welfare of two individuals sitting in a vehicle at the Dollar General store in Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743162814374.png" alt="Howland photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Howland photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the encounter, the deputies with the assistance of Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol found illegal drugs including fentanyl, controlled substances, THC and numerous drug paraphernalia items. Deputies&nbsp;arrested 31-year-old Cassidy Nicole Howland, of Lawrence on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.&nbsp; They also arrested 33-year-old Jonathan David King, of Lawrence on requested charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;