JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged violence involving three people at at park.

Just before 7:30pm. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a report of suspicious activity at Oregon Trail Park at 1100 block of South Robinson Street in Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

It was reported that a man engaged in a physical altercation with two juveniles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers arrived and contacted the&nbsp;juveniles and their parent. Officers were able to locate and contact the man. All involved parties are being cooperative with the investigation.

It is believed that other members of the community were in the area during the incident and are asked to contact the Police Department if you have any information that can assist with this investigation.

This case remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged violence involving three people at at park.Just before 7:30pm. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a report of suspicious activity at Oregon Trail Park at 1100 block of South Robinson Street in Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.It was reported that a man engaged in a physical altercation with two juveniles.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers arrived and contacted the&nbsp;juveniles and their parent. Officers were able to locate and contact the man. All involved parties are being cooperative with the investigation.It is believed that other members of the community were in the area during the incident and are asked to contact the Police Department if you have any information that can assist with this investigation.This case remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

Police: Fight between man, juveniles at Kan. park under investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Pontiac Torrent driven by Jeffery T.&nbsp;Galbreath,&nbsp; 39, Wichita, was northbound on Interstate 135&nbsp;on the exit ramp to North Hydraulic in Wichita. The SUV rear-ended a 2014 Hyundia Elantra driven by Pamela V.&nbsp;Jean Reyes, 29, Wichita, who was&nbsp;exiting to North Hydraulic Avenue. 

After impact, the Pontiac continued northbound crossing the lanes of traffic, struck the inside barrier wall,&nbsp; crossed the lane of traffic again and struck the outside barrier wall in the construction zone.

Galbreath was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center. Reyes was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743530739051.png" alt="Image KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>Image KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Pontiac Torrent driven by Jeffery T.&nbsp;Galbreath,&nbsp; 39, Wichita, was northbound on Interstate 135&nbsp;on the exit ramp to North Hydraulic in Wichita. The SUV rear-ended a 2014 Hyundia Elantra driven by Pamela V.&nbsp;Jean Reyes, 29, Wichita, who was&nbsp;exiting to North Hydraulic Avenue. After impact, the Pontiac continued northbound crossing the lanes of traffic, struck the inside barrier wall,&nbsp; crossed the lane of traffic again and struck the outside barrier wall in the construction zone.Galbreath was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center. Reyes was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after rear-end crash

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Tuesday she has directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">UnitedHealthcare CEO</a>&nbsp;Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel on Dec. 4.

It is the first time the Justice Department has sought to bring the death penalty since President Donald Trump returned to office in January with a vow to resume federal executions.

Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, faces separate federal and state murder charges for the killing, which rattled the business community while galvanizing health insurance critics.

The federal charges include murder through use of a firearm, which carries the possibility of the death penalty. The state charges carry a maximum punishment of life in prison. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to a state indictment and has not entered a plea to the federal charges.

Prosecutors have said the two cases will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-4cc18cfa71b96aaa39b321f60145d2f0">proceed on parallel tracks</a>, with the state case expected to go to trial first. It wasn't immediately clear if Bondi's announcement will change the order.

“Luigi Mangione’s murder of Brian Thompson — an innocent man and father of two young children — was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America,” Bondi said in a statement that described Thompson’s killing as “an act of political violence.”

“After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again," Bondi said.

A message seeking comment was left for a spokesperson for Mangione’s lawyers.

Thompson, 50, was ambushed and shot on a sidewalk outside the New York Hilton Midtown as he arrived for his company’s annual investor conference.

Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting Thompson from behind. Police say the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were scrawled on the ammunition investigators found at the scene,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-delay-deny-defend-depose-ee73ceb19f361835c654f04a3b88c50c">mimicking a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics</a>&nbsp;to avoid paying claims.

Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City, after a five-day manhunt.

Police said Mangione had with him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-charges-extradition-64ba21747f41c3a81f661900e797b6d7">a 9mm handgun</a>&nbsp;that matched the one used in the shooting and other items including a fake ID and a notebook described by authorities as a “manifesto” in which they say he expressed hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives.

Among the entries in the notebook, prosecutors said, was one from August 2024 that said “the target is insurance” because “it checks every box” and one from October that describes an intent to “wack” an insurance company CEO.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest health insurer in the U.S., though the company said Mangione was never a client.

Mangione's lawyer, Karen Friedman-Agnifilo, has said she would seek to suppress some of the evidence seized during his arrest. She has also taken issue with the parallel prosecutions, accusing “warring jurisdictions” of turning Mangione into a “human ping-pong ball.”

After his arrest, Mangione was whisked by plane and helicopter back to New York and walked slowly up a Manhattan pier in a highly choreographed spectacle by a throng of officers with assault rifles and a contingent that included New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Trump, who oversaw an unprecedented run of executions at the end of his first term, signed an executive order on his first day back in office on Jan. 20 that compels the Justice Department to seek the death penalty in federal cases where applicable.

Mangione's case is the first time Bondi has ordered prosecutors to pursue the death penalty since she took office in February and immediately lifted a moratorium that that had been imposed under former President Joe Biden's administration. The Trump administration has signaled it will aggressively push for death sentences for certain crimes, accusing the Biden administration of going easy on violent criminals.

Trump’s administration carried out 13 federal executions during his first term, more than under any president in modern history.

Biden campaigned on a pledge to work toward abolishing federal capital punishment but took no major steps to that end. But in his final days in office, the Democratic president commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on death row, converting their punishments to life in prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733829544108.png" alt="Luigi Mangione photo Pennsylvania Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Luigi Mangione photo Pennsylvania Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Tuesday she has directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">UnitedHealthcare CEO</a>&nbsp;Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel on Dec. 4.It is the first time the Justice Department has sought to bring the death penalty since President Donald Trump returned to office in January with a vow to resume federal executions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734643890089.png" alt="Luigi Mangione photo NYPD" />
 <figcaption>Luigi Mangione photo NYPD</figcaption>
 </figure>Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, faces separate federal and state murder charges for the killing, which rattled the business community while galvanizing health insurance critics.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Attorney General Pamela Bondi Directs Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty for Luigi Mangione 🔗: <a href="https://t.co/4h453EbjJu">https://t.co/4h453EbjJu</a> <a href="https://t.co/EdQQto8ezD">pic.twitter.com/EdQQto8ezD</a>&mdash; U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept/status/1907089925540823211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The federal charges include murder through use of a firearm, which carries the possibility of the death penalty. The state charges carry a maximum punishment of life in prison. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to a state indictment and has not entered a plea to the federal charges.Prosecutors have said the two cases will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-4cc18cfa71b96aaa39b321f60145d2f0">proceed on parallel tracks</a>, with the state case expected to go to trial first. It wasn't immediately clear if Bondi's announcement will change the order.“Luigi Mangione’s murder of Brian Thompson — an innocent man and father of two young children — was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America,” Bondi said in a statement that described Thompson’s killing as “an act of political violence.”“After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again," Bondi said.A message seeking comment was left for a spokesperson for Mangione’s lawyers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733331393274.png" alt="Photo NYPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo NYPD</figcaption>
 </figure>Thompson, 50, was ambushed and shot on a sidewalk outside the New York Hilton Midtown as he arrived for his company’s annual investor conference.Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting Thompson from behind. Police say the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were scrawled on the ammunition investigators found at the scene,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-delay-deny-defend-depose-ee73ceb19f361835c654f04a3b88c50c">mimicking a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics</a>&nbsp;to avoid paying claims.Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City, after a five-day manhunt.Police said Mangione had with him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-charges-extradition-64ba21747f41c3a81f661900e797b6d7">a 9mm handgun</a>&nbsp;that matched the one used in the shooting and other items including a fake ID and a notebook described by authorities as a “manifesto” in which they say he expressed hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives.Among the entries in the notebook, prosecutors said, was one from August 2024 that said “the target is insurance” because “it checks every box” and one from October that describes an intent to “wack” an insurance company CEO.UnitedHealthcare is the largest health insurer in the U.S., though the company said Mangione was never a client.Mangione's lawyer, Karen Friedman-Agnifilo, has said she would seek to suppress some of the evidence seized during his arrest. She has also taken issue with the parallel prosecutions, accusing “warring jurisdictions” of turning Mangione into a “human ping-pong ball.”After his arrest, Mangione was whisked by plane and helicopter back to New York and walked slowly up a Manhattan pier in a highly choreographed spectacle by a throng of officers with assault rifles and a contingent that included New York City Mayor Eric Adams.Trump, who oversaw an unprecedented run of executions at the end of his first term, signed an executive order on his first day back in office on Jan. 20 that compels the Justice Department to seek the death penalty in federal cases where applicable.Mangione's case is the first time Bondi has ordered prosecutors to pursue the death penalty since she took office in February and immediately lifted a moratorium that that had been imposed under former President Joe Biden's administration. The Trump administration has signaled it will aggressively push for death sentences for certain crimes, accusing the Biden administration of going easy on violent criminals.Trump’s administration carried out 13 federal executions during his first term, more than under any president in modern history.Biden campaigned on a pledge to work toward abolishing federal capital punishment but took no major steps to that end. But in his final days in office, the Democratic president commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on death row, converting their punishments to life in prison.

DOJ to seek death penalty in killing of Health insurance CEO

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

Employees across the massive U.S. Health and Human Services Department began receiving notices of dismissal on Tuesday in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-human-services-layoffs-restructuring-rfk-jr-fa4e89285e668a3939e20b6cf4c26fd4">an overhaul</a>&nbsp;ultimately expected to lay off up to 10,000 people. The notices come just days after President Donald Trump moved to strip workers of their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-unions-collective-bargaining-end-national-security-deabc796751dc038a8500774fe174a99">collective bargaining rights</a>&nbsp;at HHS and other agencies throughout the government.

At the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nih-trump-bhattacharya-health-medicine-research-e0bbe375b498daccfcdcd1a1242d1b94">National Institutes of Health</a>, the world's leading health and medical agency, the layoffs occurred as its new director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, began his first day of work.

Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-vaccine-chief-peter-marks-resign-rfk-kennedy-7743be11cec4e4e22c50c2ddbcb6bcd8">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;announced a plan last week to remake the department, which, through its agencies, is responsible for tracking health trends and disease outbreaks, conducting and funding medical research, and monitoring the safety of food and medicine, as well as for administering health insurance programs for nearly half of the country.

The plan would consolidate agencies that oversee billions of dollars for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hhs-addiction-mental-health-rfk-samsha-e83db20b4ef801971cd25d07eb41bcf9">addiction services</a>&nbsp;and community health centers under a new office called the Administration for a Healthy America.

The layoffs are expected to shrink HHS to 62,000 positions, lopping off nearly a quarter of its staff — 10,000 jobs through layoffs and another 10,000 workers who took early retirement and voluntary separation offers.

At the NIH, the cuts included at least four directors of the NIH’s 27 institutes and centers who were put on administrative leave, and nearly entire communications staffs were terminated, according to an agency senior leader, speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid retribution.

An email viewed by The Associated Press shows some senior-level employees of the Bethesda, Maryland, campus who were placed on leave were offered a possible transfer to the Indian Health Service in locations including Alaska and given until end of Wednesday to respond.

Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington predicted the cuts will have ramifications when natural disasters strike or infectious diseases, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-new-mexico-vaccine-rfk-d5444b3397ac7c4034e63becc219aa33">ongoing measles outbreak</a>, spread.

“They may as well be renaming it the Department of Disease because their plan is putting lives in serious jeopardy,” Murray said Friday.

Beyond layoffs at federal health agencies, cuts are beginning to happen at state and local health departments as a result of an HHS move last week to pull back more than $11 billion in COVID-19-related money. Local and state health officials are still assessing the impact, but some health departments have already identified hundreds of jobs that stand to be eliminated because of lost money, “some of them overnight, some of them are already gone,” said Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive of the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

Union representatives for HHS employees received a notice Thursday that 8,000 to 10,000 employees will be terminated. The department’s leadership will target positions in human resources, procurement, finance and information technology. Positions in “high cost regions” or that have been deemed “redundant” will be the focus of the layoffs.

Kennedy criticized the department he oversees as an inefficient “sprawling bureaucracy” in a video Thursday announcing the restructuring. He said the department’s $1.7 trillion yearly budget, “has failed to improve the health of Americans.”

“I want to promise you now that we’re going to do more with less,” Kennedy said.

The department on Thursday provided a breakdown of some of the cuts.

__ 3,500 jobs at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-tobacco-rfk-brian-king-cf2d5657e5d55410073aece19592be09">the Food and Drug Administration</a>, which inspects and sets safety standards for medications, medical devices and foods.

__ 2,400 jobs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which monitors for infectious disease outbreaks and works with public health agencies nationwide.

__ 300 jobs at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees the Affordable Care Act marketplace, Medicare and Medicaid.

At the CDC, most employees have not been unionized, but interest rose sharply this year as the Trump administration took steps to reduce the federal workforce. Roughly 2,000 CDC employees in Atlanta belonged to the American Federation of Government Employees local bargaining unit, with hundreds more who had petitioned to join in recent days being added.

But on Thursday night, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/exclusions-from-federal-labor-management-relations-programs/">executive order</a>&nbsp;that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-unions-collective-bargaining-end-national-security-deabc796751dc038a8500774fe174a99">end collective bargaining</a>&nbsp;for a large number of federal agencies, including the CDC and other health agencies.

The erosion of collective bargaining rights was decried by some Democratic lawmakers.

“President Trump’s brazen attempt to strip the majority of federal employees of their union rights robs these workers of their hard-fought protections," Reps. Gerald Connolly and Bobby Scott, both of Virginia, said in a joint statement Friday.

“This will only give Elon Musk more power to dismantle the people’s government with as little resistance from dedicated civil servants as possible — further weakening the federal government’s ability to serve the American people.”

Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard, Amanda Seitz and Matthew Perrone in Washington and Mike Stobbe in New York contributed. ___

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

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22CARLA%20K.%20JOHNSON%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By CARLA K. JOHNSON AP Medical Writer</a>Employees across the massive U.S. Health and Human Services Department began receiving notices of dismissal on Tuesday in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-human-services-layoffs-restructuring-rfk-jr-fa4e89285e668a3939e20b6cf4c26fd4">an overhaul</a>&nbsp;ultimately expected to lay off up to 10,000 people. The notices come just days after President Donald Trump moved to strip workers of their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-unions-collective-bargaining-end-national-security-deabc796751dc038a8500774fe174a99">collective bargaining rights</a>&nbsp;at HHS and other agencies throughout the government.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">We are streamlining HHS to make our agency more efficient and more effective. We will eliminate an entire alphabet soup of departments, while preserving their core functions by merging them into a new organization called the Administration for a Healthy America or AHA. This… <a href="https://t.co/BlQWUpK3u7">pic.twitter.com/BlQWUpK3u7</a>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1905243470366670926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nih-trump-bhattacharya-health-medicine-research-e0bbe375b498daccfcdcd1a1242d1b94">National Institutes of Health</a>, the world's leading health and medical agency, the layoffs occurred as its new director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, began his first day of work.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We proudly welcome Dr. Marty Makary as <a href="https://twitter.com/US_FDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US_FDA</a> Commissioner and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as <a href="https://twitter.com/NIH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NIH</a> Director. Their impeccable credentials and dedication to gold-standard science make them uniquely qualified to lead these agencies and ensure its priorities are aligned with this… <a href="https://t.co/lboJ2d8juA">pic.twitter.com/lboJ2d8juA</a>&mdash; HHS.gov (@HHSGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov/status/1907073091441705351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-vaccine-chief-peter-marks-resign-rfk-kennedy-7743be11cec4e4e22c50c2ddbcb6bcd8">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;announced a plan last week to remake the department, which, through its agencies, is responsible for tracking health trends and disease outbreaks, conducting and funding medical research, and monitoring the safety of food and medicine, as well as for administering health insurance programs for nearly half of the country.The plan would consolidate agencies that oversee billions of dollars for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hhs-addiction-mental-health-rfk-samsha-e83db20b4ef801971cd25d07eb41bcf9">addiction services</a>&nbsp;and community health centers under a new office called the Administration for a Healthy America.The layoffs are expected to shrink HHS to 62,000 positions, lopping off nearly a quarter of its staff — 10,000 jobs through layoffs and another 10,000 workers who took early retirement and voluntary separation offers.At the NIH, the cuts included at least four directors of the NIH’s 27 institutes and centers who were put on administrative leave, and nearly entire communications staffs were terminated, according to an agency senior leader, speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid retribution.An email viewed by The Associated Press shows some senior-level employees of the Bethesda, Maryland, campus who were placed on leave were offered a possible transfer to the Indian Health Service in locations including Alaska and given until end of Wednesday to respond.Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington predicted the cuts will have ramifications when natural disasters strike or infectious diseases, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-new-mexico-vaccine-rfk-d5444b3397ac7c4034e63becc219aa33">ongoing measles outbreak</a>, spread.“They may as well be renaming it the Department of Disease because their plan is putting lives in serious jeopardy,” Murray said Friday.Beyond layoffs at federal health agencies, cuts are beginning to happen at state and local health departments as a result of an HHS move last week to pull back more than $11 billion in COVID-19-related money. Local and state health officials are still assessing the impact, but some health departments have already identified hundreds of jobs that stand to be eliminated because of lost money, “some of them overnight, some of them are already gone,” said Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive of the National Association of County and City Health Officials.Union representatives for HHS employees received a notice Thursday that 8,000 to 10,000 employees will be terminated. The department’s leadership will target positions in human resources, procurement, finance and information technology. Positions in “high cost regions” or that have been deemed “redundant” will be the focus of the layoffs.Kennedy criticized the department he oversees as an inefficient “sprawling bureaucracy” in a video Thursday announcing the restructuring. He said the department’s $1.7 trillion yearly budget, “has failed to improve the health of Americans.”“I want to promise you now that we’re going to do more with less,” Kennedy said.The department on Thursday provided a breakdown of some of the cuts.__ 3,500 jobs at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-tobacco-rfk-brian-king-cf2d5657e5d55410073aece19592be09">the Food and Drug Administration</a>, which inspects and sets safety standards for medications, medical devices and foods.__ 2,400 jobs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which monitors for infectious disease outbreaks and works with public health agencies nationwide.__ 1,200 jobs at the NIH.__ 300 jobs at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees the Affordable Care Act marketplace, Medicare and Medicaid.At the CDC, most employees have not been unionized, but interest rose sharply this year as the Trump administration took steps to reduce the federal workforce. Roughly 2,000 CDC employees in Atlanta belonged to the American Federation of Government Employees local bargaining unit, with hundreds more who had petitioned to join in recent days being added.But on Thursday night, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/exclusions-from-federal-labor-management-relations-programs/">executive order</a>&nbsp;that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-unions-collective-bargaining-end-national-security-deabc796751dc038a8500774fe174a99">end collective bargaining</a>&nbsp;for a large number of federal agencies, including the CDC and other health agencies.The erosion of collective bargaining rights was decried by some Democratic lawmakers.“President Trump’s brazen attempt to strip the majority of federal employees of their union rights robs these workers of their hard-fought protections," Reps. Gerald Connolly and Bobby Scott, both of Virginia, said in a joint statement Friday.“This will only give Elon Musk more power to dismantle the people’s government with as little resistance from dedicated civil servants as possible — further weakening the federal government’s ability to serve the American people.”___Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard, Amanda Seitz and Matthew Perrone in Washington and Mike Stobbe in New York contributed. ___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Massive layoffs begin: U.S. health agencies to do more with less

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 11pm Monday, police were dispatched to a medical call in the 3000 block of Mersington, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. 

First responders found a man unresponsive in the street with unknown significant injuries. EMS treated the victim but ultimately declared him deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives responded for investigation and canvassed for any additional witnesses and crime scene investigators are processed the scene for evidence to give detectives&nbsp; better idea of what led up to the incident.

Based on preliminary information from people who were at the scene when officers arrived the victim had an interaction with unknown subject(s) nearby that led to him being injured.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or released the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743515165456.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 11pm Monday, police were dispatched to a medical call in the 3000 block of Mersington, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. First responders found a man unresponsive in the street with unknown significant injuries. EMS treated the victim but ultimately declared him deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives responded for investigation and canvassed for any additional witnesses and crime scene investigators are processed the scene for evidence to give detectives&nbsp; better idea of what led up to the incident.Based on preliminary information from people who were at the scene when officers arrived the victim had an interaction with unknown subject(s) nearby that led to him being injured.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or released the name of the victim.

KCPD: Victim found with significant injuries has died

WASHINGTON–&nbsp;U.S. Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) in introducing the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/services/files/86DB540C-CD52-4153-8815-3EF1F1A355AC">Locating Every Disbursement in Government Expenditure Records (LEDGER) Act</a>, which would require the U.S. Department of Treasury to track all payments after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) found $4.7 trillion in payments&nbsp;that were&nbsp;left unmarked and untraceable, according to a media release from Marshall's office.

“Our national debt has ballooned to&nbsp;over $36 trillion.&nbsp;Just last year, we spent more than $1 trillion on interest payments, and both figures continue to grow because&nbsp;of unbelievable waste, fraud, and abuse in our government,”&nbsp;said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.&nbsp;“The latest revelation that $4.7 trillion in Treasury payments were&nbsp;missing important traceability codes is disgraceful. The American people deserve answers and accountability, and this only reinforces why the work of&nbsp;DOGE&nbsp;is so critical to getting America’s financial house back in order.&nbsp;I am proud to stand alongside Senator Scott to make these traceability codes mandatory in order to enhance payment integrity.”

“Washington’s dysfunction was at an all-time high before President Trump took office this January. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a massive expansion of government, spending trillions of tax dollars with reckless abandon and nearly zero accountability or consideration of Americans’ best interests, adding $8 trillion to the now $36 trillion federal debt and running a $2 trillion deficit,”&nbsp;said Senator Scott.&nbsp;“The federal government&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/DOGE/status/1880282226727817715">hadn’t</a>&nbsp;completed a comprehensive review since before the world wide web existed when the federal budget was under $1 trillion. That’s changing as President Trump, Treasury Secretary Bessent, DOGE, and the entire administration work to streamline government and crack down on wasteful spending. Like many Americans, I was outraged by DOGE’s findings that the U.S. Treasury made $4.7 trillion in payments that were completely unmarked, unlabeled and therefore, untraceable and unaccountable to the American people. My bill, the&nbsp;LEDGER Act, fixes that by requiring Treasury to track every payment made using Americans’ tax dollars. There’s not a single family or business in America that operates this way – we look at our bank accounts and credit card statements to make sure we know where our money is going and stay on budget. I brought the same common sense of every American family and business as Governor of Florida to get spending under control and balance the budget, and we can do the same on the federal level to save the American dream and support the great work of President Trump, Secretary Bessent and DOGE.”

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/SRS-Bill-LEDGER-Act.pdf">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full bill text.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741300124075.png" alt="File photo Elon Musk during President Trump address to Congress last month-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo Elon Musk during President Trump address to Congress last month-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON–&nbsp;U.S. Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) in introducing the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/services/files/86DB540C-CD52-4153-8815-3EF1F1A355AC">Locating Every Disbursement in Government Expenditure Records (LEDGER) Act</a>, which would require the U.S. Department of Treasury to track all payments after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) found $4.7 trillion in payments&nbsp;that were&nbsp;left unmarked and untraceable, according to a media release from Marshall's office.“Our national debt has ballooned to&nbsp;over $36 trillion.&nbsp;Just last year, we spent more than $1 trillion on interest payments, and both figures continue to grow because&nbsp;of unbelievable waste, fraud, and abuse in our government,”&nbsp;said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.&nbsp;“The latest revelation that $4.7 trillion in Treasury payments were&nbsp;missing important traceability codes is disgraceful. The American people deserve answers and accountability, and this only reinforces why the work of&nbsp;DOGE&nbsp;is so critical to getting America’s financial house back in order.&nbsp;I am proud to stand alongside Senator Scott to make these traceability codes mandatory in order to enhance payment integrity.”“Washington’s dysfunction was at an all-time high before President Trump took office this January. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a massive expansion of government, spending trillions of tax dollars with reckless abandon and nearly zero accountability or consideration of Americans’ best interests, adding $8 trillion to the now $36 trillion federal debt and running a $2 trillion deficit,”&nbsp;said Senator Scott.&nbsp;“The federal government&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/DOGE/status/1880282226727817715">hadn’t</a>&nbsp;completed a comprehensive review since before the world wide web existed when the federal budget was under $1 trillion. That’s changing as President Trump, Treasury Secretary Bessent, DOGE, and the entire administration work to streamline government and crack down on wasteful spending. Like many Americans, I was outraged by DOGE’s findings that the U.S. Treasury made $4.7 trillion in payments that were completely unmarked, unlabeled and therefore, untraceable and unaccountable to the American people. My bill, the&nbsp;LEDGER Act, fixes that by requiring Treasury to track every payment made using Americans’ tax dollars. There’s not a single family or business in America that operates this way – we look at our bank accounts and credit card statements to make sure we know where our money is going and stay on budget. I brought the same common sense of every American family and business as Governor of Florida to get spending under control and balance the budget, and we can do the same on the federal level to save the American dream and support the great work of President Trump, Secretary Bessent and DOGE.”Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/SRS-Bill-LEDGER-Act.pdf">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full bill text.Background:<ul>
 <li>Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;is a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-key-member-on-senate-doge-caucus-to-eliminate-government-waste-and-inefficiency/">founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus</a>&nbsp;and has long fought against wasteful government spending, fraud, and abuse that have burdened Americans with trillions of dollars in debt.</li><li>To date,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://doge.gov/savings">according to its website</a>, DOGE has cut over $130 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Kan. US. Senator takes action after DOGE found $4.7T in untraceable Treasury payments

By ELAINE KURTENBACH AP Business Writer

BANGKOK (AP) — Hooters, the U.S.-based restaurant chain known for chicken wings and "Hooters Girls" skimpy wait-staff outfits, has filed for bankruptcy protection.

HOA Restaurant Group filed the motion for Chapter 11 protection Monday in the North Texas Bankruptcy Court in Dallas.

The company ran into financial woes as its debts mounted, but it says it intends to stay open and resolve its troubles within months. A group of the company's original founders that own almost a third of Hooters' U.S. locations, including about half of its biggest volume restaurants, plans to buy and operate more of the outlets, Hooters said in a news release.

"Our renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay and we are taking action to strengthen our business to better serve our valued customers over the long term," the company said in a notice on its website.

Hooters, based in Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in Clearwater, Florida, in 1983. Trouble had been brewing for a while.

Hooters had sponsored the No. 9 NASCAR car driven by Chase Elliott since 2017, but last year, Hendrick Motorsports ended its ties to the longtime sponsor because it was not meeting its financial commitments.

Its business strategy has faced challenges over the years, including lawsuits over its hiring of only "Hooters Girls" to serve customers.

Last year it agreed to pay $250,000 and provide other relief to settle a race and color discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against a Hooters outlet in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In 2022, the restaurant refuted claims it was shutting down and rebranding due to changing customer tastes.

In 2019, the Hooters hotel-casino off the Las Vegas Strip was sold to an Indian hotel company and rebranded as the OYO Hotel and Casino.

In 2017, the company tried opening a restaurant that didn't feature wait-staff in tight tops, as a test of a different approach to its original concept.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743510319795.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By ELAINE KURTENBACH AP Business WriterBANGKOK (AP) — Hooters, the U.S.-based restaurant chain known for chicken wings and "Hooters Girls" skimpy wait-staff outfits, has filed for bankruptcy protection.HOA Restaurant Group filed the motion for Chapter 11 protection Monday in the North Texas Bankruptcy Court in Dallas.The company ran into financial woes as its debts mounted, but it says it intends to stay open and resolve its troubles within months. A group of the company's original founders that own almost a third of Hooters' U.S. locations, including about half of its biggest volume restaurants, plans to buy and operate more of the outlets, Hooters said in a news release."Our renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay and we are taking action to strengthen our business to better serve our valued customers over the long term," the company said in a notice on its website.Hooters, based in Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in Clearwater, Florida, in 1983. Trouble had been brewing for a while.Hooters had sponsored the No. 9 NASCAR car driven by Chase Elliott since 2017, but last year, Hendrick Motorsports ended its ties to the longtime sponsor because it was not meeting its financial commitments.Its business strategy has faced challenges over the years, including lawsuits over its hiring of only "Hooters Girls" to serve customers.Last year it agreed to pay $250,000 and provide other relief to settle a race and color discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against a Hooters outlet in Greensboro, North Carolina.In 2022, the restaurant refuted claims it was shutting down and rebranding due to changing customer tastes.In 2019, the Hooters hotel-casino off the Las Vegas Strip was sold to an Indian hotel company and rebranded as the OYO Hotel and Casino.In 2017, the company tried opening a restaurant that didn't feature wait-staff in tight tops, as a test of a different approach to its original concept.

Hooters restaurant chain files for bankruptcy protection

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that led to the death of a man on Saturday.

Just before 10p.m., police were dispatched to the 1400 block of East Mart-Way Circle in Olathe, according to Olathe&nbsp;Police Sergeant John Moncayo. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from Santa Fe Trail Middle School.&nbsp; 

Responding officers found a&nbsp;21-year-old Landen Roggenkamp of Olathe suffering from multiple wounds. EMS transported Roggenkamp to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Police made contact with a 25-year-old, identified from Johnson County Booking reports as Armando Javier Guerrero. He is being held on requested charges of second-degree intentional murder and is expect to make a court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743418050944.png" alt="GUERRERO photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>GUERRERO photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that led to the death of a man on Saturday.Just before 10p.m., police were dispatched to the 1400 block of East Mart-Way Circle in Olathe, according to Olathe&nbsp;Police Sergeant John Moncayo. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from Santa Fe Trail Middle School.&nbsp; Responding officers found a&nbsp;21-year-old Landen Roggenkamp of Olathe suffering from multiple wounds. EMS transported Roggenkamp to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.Police made contact with a 25-year-old, identified from Johnson County Booking reports as Armando Javier Guerrero. He is being held on requested charges of second-degree intentional murder and is expect to make a court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, according to online jail records.

Suspect in custody after man killed near Kan. middle school

ANDERSON COUNTY—A rural Kansas community is in mourning after a drowning death.

Just before 6:30p.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a missing juvenile call in the small rural Anderson County community of Colony, according to a statement from the Anderson County Sheriff's office.

 The juvenile was located in a nearby pond and aid was rendered until the arrival of Anderson County Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene to take over care.

EMS transported the child to Anderson County Hospital.  After extraordinary measures by all those who responded, the child died.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no additional details on the victim.

Crest USD 479 released a statement on the tragedy. "Our school family is dealing with a tragic loss today. Please know that our staff is paying close attention to the needs of our students. We have extra support in our buildings. We respect the privacy of our families during this time of grieving and will do our very best to help provide support where needed.

"If you have questions about your student, and how we can best help support them, please call the school office. Prayers to the family, our students, and our staff."

&nbsp;Colony Rural Fire, Garnett Rural Fire, Welda Rural Fire, Anderson County EMS, and Garnett Police Department assisted the Sheriff's Department with the incident.

ANDERSON COUNTY—A rural Kansas community is in mourning after a drowning death.Just before 6:30p.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a missing juvenile call in the small rural Anderson County community of Colony, according to a statement from the Anderson County Sheriff's office. The juvenile was located in a nearby pond and aid was rendered until the arrival of Anderson County Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene to take over care.EMS transported the child to Anderson County Hospital. After extraordinary measures by all those who responded, the child died.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no additional details on the victim.Crest USD 479 released a statement on the tragedy. "Our school family is dealing with a tragic loss today. Please know that our staff is paying close attention to the needs of our students. We have extra support in our buildings. We respect the privacy of our families during this time of grieving and will do our very best to help provide support where needed."If you have questions about your student, and how we can best help support them, please call the school office. Prayers to the family, our students, and our staff."&nbsp;Colony Rural Fire, Garnett Rural Fire, Welda Rural Fire, Anderson County EMS, and Garnett Police Department assisted the Sheriff's Department with the incident.

Sheriff: Child drowned in rural Kansas pond

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.

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.