WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate finds itself on Friday in a familiar position, working to avoid a partial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;with just hours to spare as Democrats confront two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer gave members of his caucus days to vent their frustration about the options before them, but late Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-trump-musk-doge-democrats-1aa4edf64103b0cf49dd26a0487ea9e6">made clear</a>&nbsp;he will not allow a government shutdown. His move gives Democrats room to side with Republicans and allow the continuing resolution, often described as a CR, to come up for a vote as soon as Friday.

A procedural vote Friday will provide a first test of whether the package has the 60 votes needed to advance, ahead of final voting likely later in the day. At least eight Democrats will need to join with Republicans to move the funding package forward.

“While the CR still is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse,” Schumer said.

Congress has been unable to pass the annual appropriations bills designed to fund the government, so they've resorted to passing short-term extensions instead. The legislation before the Senate marks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-disaster-aid-debt-limit-trump-5a78b3c8c7aedc9384842fae83d78f5b">the third</a>&nbsp;such continuing resolution for the current fiscal year, now nearly half over.

The legislation would fund the federal government through the end of September. It would trim non-defense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increase defense spending by about $6 billion, which are marginal changes when talking about a topline spending level of nearly $1.7 trillion.

The Republican-led House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-budget-funding-government-shutdown-e027a644af4152377b8cf99f6a91102f">passed</a>&nbsp;the spending bill on Tuesday and then adjourned. The move left senators with a decision to either take it or leave it. And while Democrats have been pushing for a vote on a fourth short-term extension, GOP leadership made clear that option was a non-starter.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and others used their floor time Thursday to make the case that any blame for a shutdown would fall squarely on Democrats.

“Democrats need to decide if they're going to support funding legislation that came over from the House, or if they're going to shut down the government,” Thune said when opening the chamber.

Progressive groups urged Democratic lawmakers to insist on the 30-day extension and oppose the spending bill, saying “business as usual must not continue” while Trump and ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;dismantle critical agencies and programs.

But Schumer said Trump would seize more power during a shutdown, because it would give the administration the ability to deem whole agencies, programs and personnel non-essential,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-johnson-schumer-jeffries-cf75ae3c5f04207980cb96b286e70c09">furloughing staff</a>&nbsp;with no promise they would ever be rehired.

“A shutdown would give Donald Trump the keys to the city, the state and the country,” Schumer said.

Democrats have been critical of the funding levels in the bill. They note that both defense and non-defense spending is lower than what was agreed to nearly two years ago when Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">passed legislation</a>&nbsp;lifting the debt ceiling in return for spending restraints.

But they are even more worried about the discretion the bill gives the Trump administration on spending decisions. Many Democrats are referring to the measure as a “blank check” for Trump.

Spending bills typically come with specific funding directives for key programs, but hundreds of those directives fall away under the continuing resolution passed by the House. So the administration will have more leeway to decide where the money goes.

For example, a Democratic memo said the bill would allow the administration to steer money away from combating fentanyl and instead use it on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-deportations-border-immigration-bcd2737e6f9b482ec500238c6caa4f35">mass deportation initiatives</a>. At the Army Corps of Engineers, funding levels for more than 1,000 projects to enhance commerce, flood control and healthy ecosystems would be determined by the administration rather than Congress.

Democrats also object to the treatment of the District of Columbia, as the bill effectively repeals its current year budget and forces it to go back to the prior year's levels, even though the district raises most of its own money. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the district would have to cut spending by $1.1 billion over just a few months.

Democrats also object to clawing back $20 billion in special IRS funding, on top of the $20 billion rescission approved the year before. The changes essentially cut in half the funding boost that Congress intended to give the agency through legislation passed by Democrats during Joe Biden's presidency.

The spending bill before the Senate is separate from the GOP effort to extend tax cuts for individuals passed in Trump's first term and to pay for those with spending cuts elsewhere in the budget.

That second package will be developed in the months ahead, but it was clearly part of the political calculus Democrats were considering as they argued against the six-month extension. Both efforts are designed to help the well-off at the expense of other Americans, they said.

“You're looking at a one-two punch, a very bad CR, then a reconciliation bill coming down, which will be the final kick in the teeth for the American people,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said the Democratic arguments were hypocritical because they were essentially calling for shutting down the government to protect the government.

“Democrats are fighting to withhold the paychecks of air traffic controllers, our troops, federal custodial staff,” Cotton said. “They can't be serious.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741881576765.png" alt="Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer during a Thursday news conference -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer during a Thursday news conference -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate finds itself on Friday in a familiar position, working to avoid a partial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;with just hours to spare as Democrats confront two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump: &quot;If it shuts down, it&#39;s not the Republicans&#39; fault … I&#39;m hearing a lot of Democrats are going to vote for it and I hope they do.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/GIul4zxymS">pic.twitter.com/GIul4zxymS</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1900259346598031664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer gave members of his caucus days to vent their frustration about the options before them, but late Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-trump-musk-doge-democrats-1aa4edf64103b0cf49dd26a0487ea9e6">made clear</a>&nbsp;he will not allow a government shutdown. His move gives Democrats room to side with Republicans and allow the continuing resolution, often described as a CR, to come up for a vote as soon as Friday.A procedural vote Friday will provide a first test of whether the package has the 60 votes needed to advance, ahead of final voting likely later in the day. At least eight Democrats will need to join with Republicans to move the funding package forward.“While the CR still is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse,” Schumer said.Congress has been unable to pass the annual appropriations bills designed to fund the government, so they've resorted to passing short-term extensions instead. The legislation before the Senate marks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-disaster-aid-debt-limit-trump-5a78b3c8c7aedc9384842fae83d78f5b">the third</a>&nbsp;such continuing resolution for the current fiscal year, now nearly half over.The legislation would fund the federal government through the end of September. It would trim non-defense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increase defense spending by about $6 billion, which are marginal changes when talking about a topline spending level of nearly $1.7 trillion.The Republican-led House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-budget-funding-government-shutdown-e027a644af4152377b8cf99f6a91102f">passed</a>&nbsp;the spending bill on Tuesday and then adjourned. The move left senators with a decision to either take it or leave it. And while Democrats have been pushing for a vote on a fourth short-term extension, GOP leadership made clear that option was a non-starter.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and others used their floor time Thursday to make the case that any blame for a shutdown would fall squarely on Democrats.“Democrats need to decide if they're going to support funding legislation that came over from the House, or if they're going to shut down the government,” Thune said when opening the chamber.Progressive groups urged Democratic lawmakers to insist on the 30-day extension and oppose the spending bill, saying “business as usual must not continue” while Trump and ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;dismantle critical agencies and programs.But Schumer said Trump would seize more power during a shutdown, because it would give the administration the ability to deem whole agencies, programs and personnel non-essential,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-johnson-schumer-jeffries-cf75ae3c5f04207980cb96b286e70c09">furloughing staff</a>&nbsp;with no promise they would ever be rehired.“A shutdown would give Donald Trump the keys to the city, the state and the country,” Schumer said.Democrats have been critical of the funding levels in the bill. They note that both defense and non-defense spending is lower than what was agreed to nearly two years ago when Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">passed legislation</a>&nbsp;lifting the debt ceiling in return for spending restraints.But they are even more worried about the discretion the bill gives the Trump administration on spending decisions. Many Democrats are referring to the measure as a “blank check” for Trump.Spending bills typically come with specific funding directives for key programs, but hundreds of those directives fall away under the continuing resolution passed by the House. So the administration will have more leeway to decide where the money goes.For example, a Democratic memo said the bill would allow the administration to steer money away from combating fentanyl and instead use it on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-deportations-border-immigration-bcd2737e6f9b482ec500238c6caa4f35">mass deportation initiatives</a>. At the Army Corps of Engineers, funding levels for more than 1,000 projects to enhance commerce, flood control and healthy ecosystems would be determined by the administration rather than Congress.Democrats also object to the treatment of the District of Columbia, as the bill effectively repeals its current year budget and forces it to go back to the prior year's levels, even though the district raises most of its own money. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the district would have to cut spending by $1.1 billion over just a few months.Democrats also object to clawing back $20 billion in special IRS funding, on top of the $20 billion rescission approved the year before. The changes essentially cut in half the funding boost that Congress intended to give the agency through legislation passed by Democrats during Joe Biden's presidency.The spending bill before the Senate is separate from the GOP effort to extend tax cuts for individuals passed in Trump's first term and to pay for those with spending cuts elsewhere in the budget.That second package will be developed in the months ahead, but it was clearly part of the political calculus Democrats were considering as they argued against the six-month extension. Both efforts are designed to help the well-off at the expense of other Americans, they said.“You're looking at a one-two punch, a very bad CR, then a reconciliation bill coming down, which will be the final kick in the teeth for the American people,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said the Democratic arguments were hypocritical because they were essentially calling for shutting down the government to protect the government.“Democrats are fighting to withhold the paychecks of air traffic controllers, our troops, federal custodial staff,” Cotton said. “They can't be serious.”

🎥Senate faces midnight deadline to avoid government shutdown

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an investigation in Barton County.

Just before 6p.m. Monday, police responded to United Parcel Services, 2316 9th Street in Great Bend in reference to a suspicious package, according to a media release.

Officers were notified that a package had been intercepted by staff and flagged as suspicious. Inside of the suspicious package, officers discovered 7.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine hidden within the contents of the package. The investigating officers were able to identify the suspect attempting to mail the package.

On March 11, police responded to a residence located at 2087 NW 60th Street, in Stafford County in reference to the execution of a narcotics search warrant. Officers apprehended the suspect from the UPS incident identified as 57-year-old Chandler Wieland. Officers and 56-year-old Lisa Rugan at the residence. During a search of the residence, officers located over 100 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, other controlled substances, evidence of drug distribution, as well as illegal and stolen firearms.

Wieland was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on requested charges that include two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, possession of a stolen firearm and no drug tax stamp.

Rugan was also arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on requested charges of one count of distribution of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741884457301.jpeg" alt="Photos Barton County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Barton County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an investigation in Barton County.Just before 6p.m. Monday, police responded to United Parcel Services, 2316 9th Street in Great Bend in reference to a suspicious package, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741884428134.jpeg" alt="Photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers were notified that a package had been intercepted by staff and flagged as suspicious. Inside of the suspicious package, officers discovered 7.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine hidden within the contents of the package. The investigating officers were able to identify the suspect attempting to mail the package.On March 11, police responded to a residence located at 2087 NW 60th Street, in Stafford County in reference to the execution of a narcotics search warrant. Officers apprehended the suspect from the UPS incident identified as 57-year-old Chandler Wieland. Officers and 56-year-old Lisa Rugan at the residence. During a search of the residence, officers located over 100 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, other controlled substances, evidence of drug distribution, as well as illegal and stolen firearms.Wieland was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on requested charges that include two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, possession of a stolen firearm and no drug tax stamp.Rugan was also arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on requested charges of one count of distribution of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp

Kansas suspect attempted to send meth through UPS

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Stevens County Health Department have reported a positive case of measles in a resident of Stevens County, according to a media release from the KDHE.

 It is currently unknown whether this case is linked to any ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States. KDHE, along with the Stevens County Health Department, are notifying individuals who may have been exposed to this case of measles. This incident marks the first measles case in Kansas since 2018.

Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after these early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.&nbsp;Measles symptoms typically develop 10-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure.

Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Measles can be spread from an infected person to others from four days before, to four days after the rash appears.

Because measles is a highly infectious disease, it is very important for anyone exposed and experiencing symptoms to isolate from others with the exception of visiting a health care provider.

The best way to prevent measles is to get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children get their first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at age 4 to 6 years. Infants ages 6 through 11 months old should get the MMR vaccination if traveling outside the United States. Adults are protected from measles if they have had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have evidence of immunity from a blood test.

If an individual has known exposure to someone with measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, they are recommended to:

Per&nbsp;K.A.R. 28-1-2, measles is a four-hour reportable disease. If a health care provider, laboratory or hospital suspects, tests, or diagnoses an individual with measles, KDHE should be notified immediately. KDHE will work with the health care provider on testing recommendations. Teachers and school administrators are also required by law to report suspected cases to KDHE. &nbsp;

Measles cases rarely occur in Kansas and are usually associated with international travel.

For questions, call the Stevens County Health Department at 620-544-7177 or KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317 (option 5).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741908251964.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Stevens County Health Department have reported a positive case of measles in a resident of Stevens County, according to a media release from the KDHE. It is currently unknown whether this case is linked to any ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States. KDHE, along with the Stevens County Health Department, are notifying individuals who may have been exposed to this case of measles. This incident marks the first measles case in Kansas since 2018.Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after these early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.&nbsp;Measles symptoms typically develop 10-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure.Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Measles can be spread from an infected person to others from four days before, to four days after the rash appears.Because measles is a highly infectious disease, it is very important for anyone exposed and experiencing symptoms to isolate from others with the exception of visiting a health care provider.The best way to prevent measles is to get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children get their first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at age 4 to 6 years. Infants ages 6 through 11 months old should get the MMR vaccination if traveling outside the United States. Adults are protected from measles if they have had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have evidence of immunity from a blood test.If an individual has known exposure to someone with measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, they are recommended to:<ul>
 <li>Consult with a health care provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended.</li><li>Exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days from the last time they were exposed unless symptoms develop.</li><li>If&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;develop, individuals should notify their local health department and stay away from public areas until four days after the rash appeared.</li><li>Individuals seeking health care are advised to call ahead to their health care provider and let them know their symptoms and exposure concerns. This will help limit exposure within the healthcare setting.</li>
 </ul>Per&nbsp;K.A.R. 28-1-2, measles is a four-hour reportable disease. If a health care provider, laboratory or hospital suspects, tests, or diagnoses an individual with measles, KDHE should be notified immediately. KDHE will work with the health care provider on testing recommendations. Teachers and school administrators are also required by law to report suspected cases to KDHE. &nbsp;Measles cases rarely occur in Kansas and are usually associated with international travel.For questions, call the Stevens County Health Department at 620-544-7177 or KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317 (option 5).

KDHE reports first case of measles in Kansas since 2018

According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita,&nbsp;not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.&nbsp;

By SALINA POSTSaline County Sheriff's Deputies and law enforcement in Wichita are searching for a woman facing felony drug charges in Salina after she walked away from a court-ordered assessment center and treatment facility in Wichita before entering.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi was arrested in Wichita on Jan. 9 on a Saline County District Court warrant connected to a case investigated by the Salina Police Department. She was transported to Saline County Jail before being court-ordered to a facility in Wichita.&nbsp;

Vinardi was facing multiple requested charges, including Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child

Vinardi is now facing an additional requested charge of escape from custody. A warrant has been issued for her arrest, and Wichita Police Officers and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office have been notified.

According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita,&nbsp;not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.

Capt. Fruits said that Vinardi was transported from the Saline County Jail to a treatment facility in Wichita on February 19 under a court order. On March 4, she failed to attend a required class, and staff later determined she had walked away from the facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736517622649.jpeg" alt=" Vinardi photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption> Vinardi photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita,&nbsp;not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.&nbsp;By SALINA POSTSaline County Sheriff's Deputies and law enforcement in Wichita are searching for a woman facing felony drug charges in Salina after she walked away from a court-ordered assessment center and treatment facility in Wichita before entering.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi was arrested in Wichita on Jan. 9 on a Saline County District Court warrant connected to a case investigated by the Salina Police Department. She was transported to Saline County Jail before being court-ordered to a facility in Wichita.&nbsp;Vinardi was facing multiple requested charges, including Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a childVinardi is now facing an additional requested charge of escape from custody. A warrant has been issued for her arrest, and Wichita Police Officers and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office have been notified.According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita,&nbsp;not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.Capt. Fruits said that Vinardi was transported from the Saline County Jail to a treatment facility in Wichita on February 19 under a court order. On March 4, she failed to attend a required class, and staff later determined she had walked away from the facility.

Correction: Kan. woman facing felony charges walks away from treatment center before entry

WASHINGTON (AP)—Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he agrees in principle with a U.S. proposal for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-ceasefire-ff03a8b11b03da88d1d26e797f97e623">30-day ceasefire</a>&nbsp;in Ukraine, but he emphasized that the terms are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-ceasefire-ff03a8b11b03da88d1d26e797f97e623">yet to be worked out</a>&nbsp;and added that any truce should pave the way to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-foreign-troops-772b964b00f00fe554d0e3d97eb7f2f4">lasting peace</a>.

“The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it," Putin told a news conference in Moscow. “But there are issues that we need to discuss, and I think that we need to talk about it with our American colleagues and partners and, perhaps, have a call with President Trump and discuss it with him."

President Donald Trump said there have been “good signals” coming out of Russia and offered guarded optimism about Putin’s statement. He reiterated that he's ready to speak with Putin and underscored that it was time to end the war.

Putin "put out a very promising statement, but it wasn’t complete,” Trump said Thursday at a start of a meeting at the White House with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-rutte">NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte</a>. “Now we’re going to see whether or not Russia’s there. And if they’re not, it’ll be a very disappointing moment for the world.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Putin is “essentially preparing to reject” the ceasefire.

Putin “is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war, that he wants to kill Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly address to the nation. “That is why, in Moscow, they are surrounding the idea of a ceasefire with such preconditions that nothing will come of it — or at least, it will be delayed as long as possible.”

The Russian president, he added, “often acts this way. He doesn’t say ‘no’ outright but ensures that everything drags on and that normal solutions become impossible.”

Putin, who launched the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">full-scale invasion</a>&nbsp;of Ukraine more than three years ago, noted the need to control possible breaches of the truce and signaled that Russia would seek guarantees that Ukraine would not use the break in hostilities to rearm and continue mobilization.

“We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis,” Putin said.

The Russian leader made the remarks just hours after the arrival of Trump’s special envoy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e">Steve Witkoff</a>, in Moscow for talks on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-ceasefire-ff03a8b11b03da88d1d26e797f97e623">ceasefire</a>, which Ukraine has accepted. A Kremlin adviser said Putin planned to meet with Witkoff later Thursday.

The diplomatic effort coincided with a Russian claim that its troops have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kursk-putin-zelenskyy-8d7afde9eb8bce215007f3f8cc29fed6">driven the Ukrainian army out</a>&nbsp;of a key town in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-kursk-incursion-ca6d18d06606794580bdc779d2c98134">Russia’s Kursk border region</a>, where Moscow has been trying for seven months to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their foothold.

Putin said it appeared that the U.S. persuaded Ukraine to accept a ceasefire and that Ukraine is interested because of the battlefield situation, particularly in Kursk.

Referring to the Ukrainian troops in Kursk, he questioned what will happen to them if the ceasefire takes hold: “Will all those who are there come out without a fight? Or will the Ukrainian leadership order them to lay down arms and surrender?"

Putin thanked Trump “for paying so much attention to the settlement in Ukraine.”

He also thanked the leaders of China, India, Brazil and South Africa for their “noble mission to end the fighting,” a statement that suggested those countries could be involved in a ceasefire deal. Russia has said it will not accept&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-ukraine-force-peacekeepers-nato-us-security-119c302621e58a3e3bcb7841aa1ce161">peacekeepers from any NATO members</a>&nbsp;to monitor a prospective truce.

Putin's seemingly friendly tone toward the White House reflected the astonishing shift in U.S. relations with Russia and Ukraine since Trump returned to office in January.

Under the administration of former President Joe Biden, the United States was Ukraine's staunchest and most powerful ally and a force for isolating the Kremlin. But Trump's election threw that policy into reverse.

Trump briefly cut off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-a15a459c9a3a393d040478ebbe250a9e">critical military aid</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-putin-trump-cia-zelenskyy-5eb2c8025f6bb4b616c86e1fe89bba0f">intelligence sharing</a>&nbsp;in an apparent effort to push Kyiv to enter talks to end the war, and Zelenskyy had a testy meeting at the White House on Feb. 28 in which Trump questioned whether Ukraine wanted to halt the war.

The Trump administration has also repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-89e19bc56677064f6f9a6d6e03de7362">embraced Kremlin positions</a>&nbsp;on the conflict, including indicating that Ukraine's hopes of joining NATO are unlikely to be realized and that it probably will not get back the land that Russia’s army occupies, which amounts to nearly 20% of the country.

The Russian Defense Ministry’s claim that it recaptured the town of Sudzha, a Ukrainian operations hub in Kursk, came hours after Putin visited his commanders in the Kursk region. The claim could not be independently verified. Ukrainian officials made no immediate comment.

Administration repeats threat of new sanctions

As Trump seeks a diplomatic end to the war, he has made veiled threats to hit Russia with new sanctions if it does not engage with peace efforts.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC Thursday that Trump is “willing to apply maximum pressure on both sides,” including sanctions that reach the highest scale on Russia.

The U.S. still has about $3.85 billion in congressionally authorized funding for future arms shipments to Ukraine, but the Trump administration has shown no interest so far in using that authority to send additional weapons as it awaits the outcome of peace overtures.

By signaling its openness to a ceasefire at a time when the Russian military has the upper hand in the war, Ukraine has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-ceasefire-ff03a8b11b03da88d1d26e797f97e623">presented the Kremlin with a dilemma</a>&nbsp;— whether to accept a truce and abandon hopes of making new gains, or reject the offer and risk derailing a cautious rapprochement with Washington.

The Ukrainian army’s foothold inside Russia has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kursk-d297a59fb9eb7db08bd742e1dd0aa753">under intense pressure</a>&nbsp;for months from the renewed effort by Russian forces,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-russia-ukraine-troops-6e7fdfdc3a9c3fb5bd887aff0ddca343">backed by North Korean troops</a>. Ukraine's daring incursion last August led to the first occupation of Russian soil by foreign troops since World War II and embarrassed the Kremlin.

Ukraine launched the raid in a bid to counter the unceasingly grim news from the front line, as well as to draw Russian troops away from the battlefield inside Ukraine and to gain a bargaining chip in any peace talks. But the incursion did not significantly change the dynamic of the war.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, assessed late Wednesday that Russian forces were in control of Sudzha, a town close to the border that previously was home to about 5,000 people.

Ukraine’s top military commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Russian aircraft conducted so many strikes on Kursk that Sudzha had been almost completely destroyed. He did not comment on whether Ukraine still controlled the settlement but said his country was “maneuvering (troops) to more advantageous lines.”

WASHINGTON (AP)—Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he agrees in principle with a U.S. proposal for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-ceasefire-ff03a8b11b03da88d1d26e797f97e623">30-day ceasefire</a>&nbsp;in Ukraine, but he emphasized that the terms are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-ceasefire-ff03a8b11b03da88d1d26e797f97e623">yet to be worked out</a>&nbsp;and added that any truce should pave the way to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-foreign-troops-772b964b00f00fe554d0e3d97eb7f2f4">lasting peace</a>.“The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it," Putin told a news conference in Moscow. “But there are issues that we need to discuss, and I think that we need to talk about it with our American colleagues and partners and, perhaps, have a call with President Trump and discuss it with him."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump on Putin&#39;s response to ceasefire proposal: &quot;He put out a very promising statement, but it wasn&#39;t complete … Now we&#39;re going to see whether or not Russia&#39;s there. And if they&#39;re not, it&#39;ll be a very disappointing moment for the world.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/T9DuL3TA5G">pic.twitter.com/T9DuL3TA5G</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1900280873573904871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Donald Trump said there have been “good signals” coming out of Russia and offered guarded optimism about Putin’s statement. He reiterated that he's ready to speak with Putin and underscored that it was time to end the war.Putin "put out a very promising statement, but it wasn’t complete,” Trump said Thursday at a start of a meeting at the White House with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-rutte">NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte</a>. “Now we’re going to see whether or not Russia’s there. And if they’re not, it’ll be a very disappointing moment for the world.”Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Putin is “essentially preparing to reject” the ceasefire.Putin “is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war, that he wants to kill Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly address to the nation. “That is why, in Moscow, they are surrounding the idea of a ceasefire with such preconditions that nothing will come of it — or at least, it will be delayed as long as possible.”The Russian president, he added, “often acts this way. He doesn’t say ‘no’ outright but ensures that everything drags on and that normal solutions become impossible.”Putin, who launched the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">full-scale invasion</a>&nbsp;of Ukraine more than three years ago, noted the need to control possible breaches of the truce and signaled that Russia would seek guarantees that Ukraine would not use the break in hostilities to rearm and continue mobilization.“We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis,” Putin said.The Russian leader made the remarks just hours after the arrival of Trump’s special envoy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e">Steve Witkoff</a>, in Moscow for talks on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-ceasefire-ff03a8b11b03da88d1d26e797f97e623">ceasefire</a>, which Ukraine has accepted. A Kremlin adviser said Putin planned to meet with Witkoff later Thursday.The diplomatic effort coincided with a Russian claim that its troops have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kursk-putin-zelenskyy-8d7afde9eb8bce215007f3f8cc29fed6">driven the Ukrainian army out</a>&nbsp;of a key town in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-kursk-incursion-ca6d18d06606794580bdc779d2c98134">Russia’s Kursk border region</a>, where Moscow has been trying for seven months to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their foothold.<h2>Russia questions details of truce offer</h2>Putin said it appeared that the U.S. persuaded Ukraine to accept a ceasefire and that Ukraine is interested because of the battlefield situation, particularly in Kursk.Referring to the Ukrainian troops in Kursk, he questioned what will happen to them if the ceasefire takes hold: “Will all those who are there come out without a fight? Or will the Ukrainian leadership order them to lay down arms and surrender?"Putin thanked Trump “for paying so much attention to the settlement in Ukraine.”He also thanked the leaders of China, India, Brazil and South Africa for their “noble mission to end the fighting,” a statement that suggested those countries could be involved in a ceasefire deal. Russia has said it will not accept&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-ukraine-force-peacekeepers-nato-us-security-119c302621e58a3e3bcb7841aa1ce161">peacekeepers from any NATO members</a>&nbsp;to monitor a prospective truce.Putin's seemingly friendly tone toward the White House reflected the astonishing shift in U.S. relations with Russia and Ukraine since Trump returned to office in January.Under the administration of former President Joe Biden, the United States was Ukraine's staunchest and most powerful ally and a force for isolating the Kremlin. But Trump's election threw that policy into reverse.Trump briefly cut off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-a15a459c9a3a393d040478ebbe250a9e">critical military aid</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-putin-trump-cia-zelenskyy-5eb2c8025f6bb4b616c86e1fe89bba0f">intelligence sharing</a>&nbsp;in an apparent effort to push Kyiv to enter talks to end the war, and Zelenskyy had a testy meeting at the White House on Feb. 28 in which Trump questioned whether Ukraine wanted to halt the war.The Trump administration has also repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-89e19bc56677064f6f9a6d6e03de7362">embraced Kremlin positions</a>&nbsp;on the conflict, including indicating that Ukraine's hopes of joining NATO are unlikely to be realized and that it probably will not get back the land that Russia’s army occupies, which amounts to nearly 20% of the country.The Russian Defense Ministry’s claim that it recaptured the town of Sudzha, a Ukrainian operations hub in Kursk, came hours after Putin visited his commanders in the Kursk region. The claim could not be independently verified. Ukrainian officials made no immediate comment.<h2>Administration repeats threat of new sanctions</h2>As Trump seeks a diplomatic end to the war, he has made veiled threats to hit Russia with new sanctions if it does not engage with peace efforts.U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC Thursday that Trump is “willing to apply maximum pressure on both sides,” including sanctions that reach the highest scale on Russia.The U.S. still has about $3.85 billion in congressionally authorized funding for future arms shipments to Ukraine, but the Trump administration has shown no interest so far in using that authority to send additional weapons as it awaits the outcome of peace overtures.By signaling its openness to a ceasefire at a time when the Russian military has the upper hand in the war, Ukraine has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-ceasefire-ff03a8b11b03da88d1d26e797f97e623">presented the Kremlin with a dilemma</a>&nbsp;— whether to accept a truce and abandon hopes of making new gains, or reject the offer and risk derailing a cautious rapprochement with Washington.The Ukrainian army’s foothold inside Russia has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kursk-d297a59fb9eb7db08bd742e1dd0aa753">under intense pressure</a>&nbsp;for months from the renewed effort by Russian forces,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-russia-ukraine-troops-6e7fdfdc3a9c3fb5bd887aff0ddca343">backed by North Korean troops</a>. Ukraine's daring incursion last August led to the first occupation of Russian soil by foreign troops since World War II and embarrassed the Kremlin.Ukraine launched the raid in a bid to counter the unceasingly grim news from the front line, as well as to draw Russian troops away from the battlefield inside Ukraine and to gain a bargaining chip in any peace talks. But the incursion did not significantly change the dynamic of the war.The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, assessed late Wednesday that Russian forces were in control of Sudzha, a town close to the border that previously was home to about 5,000 people.Ukraine’s top military commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Russian aircraft conducted so many strikes on Kursk that Sudzha had been almost completely destroyed. He did not comment on whether Ukraine still controlled the settlement but said his country was “maneuvering (troops) to more advantageous lines.”___

🎥Trump responds to Putin's agreement on ceasefire in Ukraine

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating two deaths at a home northeast of Kansas City.

Just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday, Excelsior Springs police received a 911 call requesting a welfare check for a home in the 200 Block of Woods Avenue, according to media release.&nbsp; A family member of the residents requested the check.

First responders found the residence was secure and a family ember then asked officers to force entry into the home to check on the residents. Police found two adult men deceased.

Police did not release a possible cause of death but indicated the victims died of unnatural causes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating two deaths at a home northeast of Kansas City.Just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday, Excelsior Springs police received a 911 call requesting a welfare check for a home in the 200 Block of Woods Avenue, according to media release.&nbsp; A family member of the residents requested the check.First responders found the residence was secure and a family ember then asked officers to force entry into the home to check on the residents. Police found two adult men deceased.Police did not release a possible cause of death but indicated the victims died of unnatural causes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police: 2 found dead in Kansas City area home

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street’s sell-off hit a new low Thursday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;</a>escalating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-china-canada-trade-cfe1fa82a47f1bca21a82f4b504486c8">trade war</a>&nbsp;dragged the S&amp;P 500 more than 10% below its record, which was set just last month.

A 10% drop is a big enough deal that professional investors have a name for it — a “correction” — and the S&amp;P 500’s 1.4% slide on Thursday sent the index to its first since 2023. The losses came after Trump upped the stakes in his trade war by threatening huge taxes on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-eu-whiskey-cb259623a25ca1bfdb4673262ceef85b">European wines and alcohol</a>. Not even a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/producer-prices-inflation-federal-reserve-economy-rates-0206becfb61f2f41434fb6b22f62cfbf">double-shot&nbsp;</a>of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-20896cf1a39e70fd335f9e5e59bf8fe6">good news&nbsp;</a>on the U.S. economy could stop the bleeding.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 537 points, or 1.3% Thursday, and the Nasdaq composite fell 2%.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-trump-tariffs-212a4d57c910a468b4c9eeb8757e49ea">dizzying, battering swings</a>&nbsp;for stocks have been coming not just day to day but also hour to hour, and the Dow hurtled between a slight gain and a drop of 689 points through Thursday’s trading.

The turbulence is a result of uncertainty about how much&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-business-uncertainty-canada-mexico-china-2b01e586faf99bae3438d289f48a1add">pain</a>&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-recession-fears-535e22b2c7c62ce917afe12c19c60c75">will let the economy</a>&nbsp;endure through tariffs and other policies in order to reshape the country and world as he wants. The president has said he wants manufacturing jobs back in the United States, along with a smaller U.S. government workforce and other fundamental changes.

Trump’s latest escalation came Thursday when he threatened 200% tariffs on Champagne and other European wines, unless the European Union rolls back a “nasty” tariff announced on U.S. whiskey. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-eu-tariffs-countermeasures-806a3b9bcc9cd4e45817e672d95f0070">European Union unveiled that move&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-steel-aluminum-trump-canada-economy-578826747acad6802c291b97ee66ee91">U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminum</a>.

U.S. households and businesses have already reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-conference-board-economy-spending-4ec3430138e6d872a6dae273e212edd1">drops in confidence&nbsp;</a>because of all the uncertainty about which tariffs will stick from Trump’s barrage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-b19e004dddb579c373b247037e04424b">on</a>&nbsp;-again,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-trump-economy-mexico-canada-bfed103a11a2a71d8353350f94c78814">off</a>&nbsp;-again announcements. That’s raised fears about a pullback in spending that could sap energy from the economy. Some U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-inflation-tariffs-economy-minnesota-345efc8c9edc03994f13dd6d624c719b">businesses</a>&nbsp;say they’ve already begun to see a change in their customers’ behavior because of the uncertainty.

A particularly feared scenario for the economy is one where its growth stagnates but inflation stays high because of tariffs. Few tools are available in Washington to fix what’s called “stagflation.” If the Federal Reserve were to cut interest rates to boost the economy, for example, that could also push inflation higher.

Good news came on both those economic fronts Thursday.

One report showed inflation at the wholesale level last month was milder than economists expected. It followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-tariffs-trump-883afba8a7199b3a92a617b68ab1a6a6">similarly encouraging report&nbsp;</a>from the prior day on inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling.

But “the question for markets is whether good news on the inflation front can make itself heard above the noise of the ever-changing tariff story,” said Chris Larkin, managing director, trading and investing, at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley.

A separate report, meanwhile, said fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than economists expected. It’s the latest signal that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-jobs-unemployment-tariffs-immigrants-fed-eed80fafbb4ffb7edcb5b0cb8bb5fa14">job market remains relatively solid overall</a>. If that can continue, it could allow U.S. consumers to keep spending, and that’s the main engine of the economy.

On Wall Steet, some stocks connected to the artificial-intelligence industry resumed their slide and weighed on stock indexes. Palantir Technologies, which offers an AI platform for customers, sank 4.8%. Super Micro Computer, which makes servers, lost 8%.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-stock-ai-deepseek-wall-street-5ef5329d2a864f7f733f7e8984366238">Nvidia</a>&nbsp;swung between gains and losses before finishing nearly unchanged.

Such stocks have been under the most pressure in the U.S. stock market’s recent sell-off after critics said their prices shot too high in the frenzy around AI.

Other areas of the market that had also been riding big earlier momentum have seen their fortunes swing drastically.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-tesla-9a43c57a0591a4c7ed8d3f1b2c7ef8d9">Elon Musk’s Tesla</a>&nbsp;fell 3% following a rare back-to-back gain, and it’s down more than 40% so far in 2025.

American Eagle Outfitters dropped 4.1% after the retailer said “less robust demand and colder weather” have held back its performance recently. It forecasted a dip in revenue for the upcoming year, though it also delivered a stronger profit report for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

On the winning side of Wall Street was Intel, which jumped 14.6% after naming former board member and semiconductor industry veteran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/intel-new-ceo-lipbu-tan-chips-efcf8ab220b5927783924dd316cb4575">Lip-Bu Tan as its CEO</a>. Tan, 65, will take over the daunting job next week, more than three months after Intel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/intel-ceo-gelsinger-zinsner-holthaus-f0a221f4987facc5f532f7f9101e4a06">previous CEO, Pat Gelsinger, abruptly retired&nbsp;</a>amid a deepening downturn at the once-dominant chipmaker.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 lost 77.78 points to 5,521.52. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 537.36 to 40,813.57, and the Nasdaq composite sank 345.44 to 17,303.01.

In the bond market, Treasury yields lost an early gain to sink lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.26% from 4.32%. The yield has been mostly dropping since January, when it was approaching 4.80%, as traders and economists have ratcheted back their expectations for U.S. economic growth.

While few are predicting a recession, particularly with the job market remaining relatively solid, recent reports have shown a souring of confidence among U.S. consumers and companies.

In stock markets abroad, indexes fell across much of Europe and Asia, but the moves were relatively modest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722962507580.png" alt="File photo (AP Photo/Richard Drew)" />
 <figcaption>File photo (AP Photo/Richard Drew)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street’s sell-off hit a new low Thursday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;</a>escalating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-china-canada-trade-cfe1fa82a47f1bca21a82f4b504486c8">trade war</a>&nbsp;dragged the S&amp;P 500 more than 10% below its record, which was set just last month.A 10% drop is a big enough deal that professional investors have a name for it — a “correction” — and the S&amp;P 500’s 1.4% slide on Thursday sent the index to its first since 2023. The losses came after Trump upped the stakes in his trade war by threatening huge taxes on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-eu-whiskey-cb259623a25ca1bfdb4673262ceef85b">European wines and alcohol</a>. Not even a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/producer-prices-inflation-federal-reserve-economy-rates-0206becfb61f2f41434fb6b22f62cfbf">double-shot&nbsp;</a>of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-20896cf1a39e70fd335f9e5e59bf8fe6">good news&nbsp;</a>on the U.S. economy could stop the bleeding.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 537 points, or 1.3% Thursday, and the Nasdaq composite fell 2%.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-trump-tariffs-212a4d57c910a468b4c9eeb8757e49ea">dizzying, battering swings</a>&nbsp;for stocks have been coming not just day to day but also hour to hour, and the Dow hurtled between a slight gain and a drop of 689 points through Thursday’s trading.The turbulence is a result of uncertainty about how much&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-business-uncertainty-canada-mexico-china-2b01e586faf99bae3438d289f48a1add">pain</a>&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-recession-fears-535e22b2c7c62ce917afe12c19c60c75">will let the economy</a>&nbsp;endure through tariffs and other policies in order to reshape the country and world as he wants. The president has said he wants manufacturing jobs back in the United States, along with a smaller U.S. government workforce and other fundamental changes.Trump’s latest escalation came Thursday when he threatened 200% tariffs on Champagne and other European wines, unless the European Union rolls back a “nasty” tariff announced on U.S. whiskey. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-eu-tariffs-countermeasures-806a3b9bcc9cd4e45817e672d95f0070">European Union unveiled that move&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-steel-aluminum-trump-canada-economy-578826747acad6802c291b97ee66ee91">U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminum</a>.U.S. households and businesses have already reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-conference-board-economy-spending-4ec3430138e6d872a6dae273e212edd1">drops in confidence&nbsp;</a>because of all the uncertainty about which tariffs will stick from Trump’s barrage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-b19e004dddb579c373b247037e04424b">on</a>&nbsp;-again,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-trump-economy-mexico-canada-bfed103a11a2a71d8353350f94c78814">off</a>&nbsp;-again announcements. That’s raised fears about a pullback in spending that could sap energy from the economy. Some U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-inflation-tariffs-economy-minnesota-345efc8c9edc03994f13dd6d624c719b">businesses</a>&nbsp;say they’ve already begun to see a change in their customers’ behavior because of the uncertainty.A particularly feared scenario for the economy is one where its growth stagnates but inflation stays high because of tariffs. Few tools are available in Washington to fix what’s called “stagflation.” If the Federal Reserve were to cut interest rates to boost the economy, for example, that could also push inflation higher.Good news came on both those economic fronts Thursday.One report showed inflation at the wholesale level last month was milder than economists expected. It followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-tariffs-trump-883afba8a7199b3a92a617b68ab1a6a6">similarly encouraging report&nbsp;</a>from the prior day on inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling.But “the question for markets is whether good news on the inflation front can make itself heard above the noise of the ever-changing tariff story,” said Chris Larkin, managing director, trading and investing, at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley.A separate report, meanwhile, said fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than economists expected. It’s the latest signal that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-jobs-unemployment-tariffs-immigrants-fed-eed80fafbb4ffb7edcb5b0cb8bb5fa14">job market remains relatively solid overall</a>. If that can continue, it could allow U.S. consumers to keep spending, and that’s the main engine of the economy.On Wall Steet, some stocks connected to the artificial-intelligence industry resumed their slide and weighed on stock indexes. Palantir Technologies, which offers an AI platform for customers, sank 4.8%. Super Micro Computer, which makes servers, lost 8%.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-stock-ai-deepseek-wall-street-5ef5329d2a864f7f733f7e8984366238">Nvidia</a>&nbsp;swung between gains and losses before finishing nearly unchanged.Such stocks have been under the most pressure in the U.S. stock market’s recent sell-off after critics said their prices shot too high in the frenzy around AI.Other areas of the market that had also been riding big earlier momentum have seen their fortunes swing drastically.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-tesla-9a43c57a0591a4c7ed8d3f1b2c7ef8d9">Elon Musk’s Tesla</a>&nbsp;fell 3% following a rare back-to-back gain, and it’s down more than 40% so far in 2025.American Eagle Outfitters dropped 4.1% after the retailer said “less robust demand and colder weather” have held back its performance recently. It forecasted a dip in revenue for the upcoming year, though it also delivered a stronger profit report for the latest quarter than analysts expected.On the winning side of Wall Street was Intel, which jumped 14.6% after naming former board member and semiconductor industry veteran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/intel-new-ceo-lipbu-tan-chips-efcf8ab220b5927783924dd316cb4575">Lip-Bu Tan as its CEO</a>. Tan, 65, will take over the daunting job next week, more than three months after Intel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/intel-ceo-gelsinger-zinsner-holthaus-f0a221f4987facc5f532f7f9101e4a06">previous CEO, Pat Gelsinger, abruptly retired&nbsp;</a>amid a deepening downturn at the once-dominant chipmaker.All told, the S&amp;P 500 lost 77.78 points to 5,521.52. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 537.36 to 40,813.57, and the Nasdaq composite sank 345.44 to 17,303.01.In the bond market, Treasury yields lost an early gain to sink lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.26% from 4.32%. The yield has been mostly dropping since January, when it was approaching 4.80%, as traders and economists have ratcheted back their expectations for U.S. economic growth.While few are predicting a recession, particularly with the job market remaining relatively solid, recent reports have shown a souring of confidence among U.S. consumers and companies.In stock markets abroad, indexes fell across much of Europe and Asia, but the moves were relatively modest.

Wall Street tumbles 10% below its record as trade war escalates

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A 37-year-old man died after falling from a chairlift that was having a mechanical problem at a Montana ski area, according to local authorities and a spokesperson for Red Lodge Mountain.

The man was riding alone in a three-person chair that carries skiers up the mountain when he fell from an unspecified height, according to Red Lodge Mountain spokesperson Troy Hawks. The accident happened Monday just before noon at the ski area southeast of Billings in the Beartooth Mountains.

Jeffrey Zinne of Billings was taken to a Billings hospital where he was pronounced dead early Wednesday from injuries suffered in the fall, according to Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan and Rich Hoffman with the Yellowstone County Coroner's Office.

The lift, known as the Triple Chair, was stopped after the accident. More than 100 people who were on it at the time were evacuated by ski patrollers who used ropes to lower them to the ground.

Hawks said the lift had a mechanical problem at the time Zinne fell, but declined to comment further and said the circumstances were being investigated. Weather conditions and the victim's actions also were being looked at, he said.

On the morning of the accident, some other chairlifts at Red Lodge Mountain were not operating because of high winds. Wind gusts of about 50 mph (80.4 kph) were recorded in the area shortly before and after the accident, according to the National Weather Service.

Hawks said the Triple Chairlift, which is almost a mile (1.6 kilometers) long and was built in 1983, was operating within safety parameters. It will remain shut down until an engineer fully assesses it, he said.

Staff at the ski area inspect its chairlifts daily, Hawks said. A professional inspection is conducted annually as required by Red Lodge Mountain's insurance carrier and the U.S. Forest Service, which leases land to the ski area, he said.

Zinne, who had been snowboarding on Monday prior to his accident, was married with a 2-year-old son and owned the Montana Air Cartage freight hauling company, according to a post on a GoFundMe fundraising site set up on his family’s behalf.

“He was more than just a boss for many people here. He was a friend, a mentor,” said Jessice Sande, a manager at Montana Air Cartage who recalled Zinne's infectious laugh.

Fatal lift accidents at ski areas are relatively rare, according to the National Ski Areas Association. Between 1956 and 2024, 35 people died in accidents involving chairlifts and aerial ropeways. Sixteen of the deaths were linked to mechanical malfunctions, according to data collected by the group.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A 37-year-old man died after falling from a chairlift that was having a mechanical problem at a Montana ski area, according to local authorities and a spokesperson for Red Lodge Mountain.The man was riding alone in a three-person chair that carries skiers up the mountain when he fell from an unspecified height, according to Red Lodge Mountain spokesperson Troy Hawks. The accident happened Monday just before noon at the ski area southeast of Billings in the Beartooth Mountains.Jeffrey Zinne of Billings was taken to a Billings hospital where he was pronounced dead early Wednesday from injuries suffered in the fall, according to Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan and Rich Hoffman with the Yellowstone County Coroner's Office.The lift, known as the Triple Chair, was stopped after the accident. More than 100 people who were on it at the time were evacuated by ski patrollers who used ropes to lower them to the ground.Hawks said the lift had a mechanical problem at the time Zinne fell, but declined to comment further and said the circumstances were being investigated. Weather conditions and the victim's actions also were being looked at, he said.On the morning of the accident, some other chairlifts at Red Lodge Mountain were not operating because of high winds. Wind gusts of about 50 mph (80.4 kph) were recorded in the area shortly before and after the accident, according to the National Weather Service.Hawks said the Triple Chairlift, which is almost a mile (1.6 kilometers) long and was built in 1983, was operating within safety parameters. It will remain shut down until an engineer fully assesses it, he said.Staff at the ski area inspect its chairlifts daily, Hawks said. A professional inspection is conducted annually as required by Red Lodge Mountain's insurance carrier and the U.S. Forest Service, which leases land to the ski area, he said.Zinne, who had been snowboarding on Monday prior to his accident, was married with a 2-year-old son and owned the Montana Air Cartage freight hauling company, according to a post on a GoFundMe fundraising site set up on his family’s behalf.“He was more than just a boss for many people here. He was a friend, a mentor,” said Jessice Sande, a manager at Montana Air Cartage who recalled Zinne's infectious laugh.Fatal lift accidents at ski areas are relatively rare, according to the National Ski Areas Association. Between 1956 and 2024, 35 people died in accidents involving chairlifts and aerial ropeways. Sixteen of the deaths were linked to mechanical malfunctions, according to data collected by the group.

Man dies from injuries after falling from chairlift at ski resort

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday ordered President Donald Trump's administration to reinstate thousands — if not tens of thousands — of probationary workers let go in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elon-musk-federal-workers-layoffs-d295d4bb2cdd5023c27d9cb03754e81b">mass firings</a>&nbsp;across multiple agencies last month, saying that the terminations were directed by a personnel office that had no authority to do so.

U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco ordered the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior and the Treasury to immediately offer reinstatement to employees terminated on or about Feb. 13 and 14 using guidance from the Office of Personnel Management and its acting director, Charles Ezell.

Alsup directed the agencies to report back within seven days with a list of probationary employees and an explanation of how the departments complied with his order as to each person.

The temporary restraining order came in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions and organizations as the Republican administration moves to dramatically&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654">downsize the federal workforce</a>.

The White House and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Alsup expressed frustration with what he called the government's attempt to sidestep laws and regulations governing a reduction in its workforce — which it is allowed to do — by firing probationary workers who lack protections. He was appalled that employees were fired for poor performance despite receiving glowing evaluations just months earlier.

“It is sad, a sad day, when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that’s a lie," he said. “That should not have been done in our country.”

Lawyers for the government maintain the mass firings were lawful because individual agencies reviewed and determined whether employees on probation were fit for continued employment.

But Alsup has found that difficult to believe. He planned to hold an evidentiary hearing Thursday, but Ezell, the OPM acting director, did not appear to testify in court or even sit for a deposition. The judge encouraged the government to appeal.

There are an estimated 200,000 probationary workers across federal agencies. They include entry level employees but also workers who recently received a promotion.

About 15,000 are employed in California, providing services ranging from fire prevention to veterans’ care, according to the lawsuit filed by the coalition of labor unions and nonprofit organizations.

The plaintiffs said in their complaint that numerous agencies informed workers that the personnel office had ordered the terminations, with an order to use a template email informing workers their firing was for performance reasons.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday ordered President Donald Trump's administration to reinstate thousands — if not tens of thousands — of probationary workers let go in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elon-musk-federal-workers-layoffs-d295d4bb2cdd5023c27d9cb03754e81b">mass firings</a>&nbsp;across multiple agencies last month, saying that the terminations were directed by a personnel office that had no authority to do so.U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco ordered the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior and the Treasury to immediately offer reinstatement to employees terminated on or about Feb. 13 and 14 using guidance from the Office of Personnel Management and its acting director, Charles Ezell.Alsup directed the agencies to report back within seven days with a list of probationary employees and an explanation of how the departments complied with his order as to each person.The temporary restraining order came in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions and organizations as the Republican administration moves to dramatically&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654">downsize the federal workforce</a>.The White House and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.Alsup expressed frustration with what he called the government's attempt to sidestep laws and regulations governing a reduction in its workforce — which it is allowed to do — by firing probationary workers who lack protections. He was appalled that employees were fired for poor performance despite receiving glowing evaluations just months earlier.“It is sad, a sad day, when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that’s a lie," he said. “That should not have been done in our country.”Lawyers for the government maintain the mass firings were lawful because individual agencies reviewed and determined whether employees on probation were fit for continued employment.But Alsup has found that difficult to believe. He planned to hold an evidentiary hearing Thursday, but Ezell, the OPM acting director, did not appear to testify in court or even sit for a deposition. The judge encouraged the government to appeal.There are an estimated 200,000 probationary workers across federal agencies. They include entry level employees but also workers who recently received a promotion.About 15,000 are employed in California, providing services ranging from fire prevention to veterans’ care, according to the lawsuit filed by the coalition of labor unions and nonprofit organizations.The plaintiffs said in their complaint that numerous agencies informed workers that the personnel office had ordered the terminations, with an order to use a template email informing workers their firing was for performance reasons.

Judge orders fired probationary federal employees reinstated

The bill builds upon funding allocated in 2023, which only supports 11% of requested project costs from more than 200 cities

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A House bill would allocate an additional $20 million annually to the Kansas Water Plan fund to support projects for cities across the state.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2113/" target="_blank">House Bill 2113</a>&nbsp;builds upon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwo.ks.gov/news-events/hb-2302-grant-programs#:~:text=for%20HB%202302%2C%20increased%20the,issues%20identified%20in%20the%20KWP." target="_blank">new funding from the 2023 session</a>&nbsp;with House Bill 2302. It would increase the current annual allocation of $35 million to $55 million for the Kansas Water Plan, and from that amount an additional $2 million to the Technical Assistance Grant Fund and $6 million to the Water Projects Grants Fund. The money would come from the State General Fund.

The House passed the bill 106-15 on Feb. 20. The Senate Agriculture and National Resources Committee heard the bill Monday.

“House Bill 2302 made a huge difference. This bill basically builds off of house bill 2302,” said Wendi Stark, a legislative liaison with the League of Kansas Municipalities, during Monday’s hearing. “It’s helping to address our immediate needs.”

In the past two years, Kansas communities have&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/21/kansas-towns-request-600m-in-first-two-years-of-water-project-grants/">requested more than $600 million for water needs</a>&nbsp;with almost 600 applications. Stark said that of the 219 municipalities who applied in 2024 or 2025, 45.7% were from towns with a population of fewer than 500 people. Current funding allowed for just 11% of requested funding to be approved.

The Ogallala Aquifer, the water source much of western Kansas relies on, is drying fast.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/21/kansas-towns-request-600m-in-first-two-years-of-water-project-grants/">The Kansas Geological Survey found</a>&nbsp;that parts of western Kansas have 25 years of water left. Sen. Ron Ryckman Sr., a Republican from Meade, said his southwest Kansas district is “always hurtin’ for water.”

Rep. Jim Minnix, a Republican from Scott City, introduced the bill and testified at the Senate hearing. He said he gets questions about where the money is going, since the state can’t “make” any water.

“It’s a finite resource. What we’re trying to do is save it for future generations,” Minnix said.

When Gov. Laura Kelly took office in 2019, the state had not funded the water plan for a decade. Both Republicans and Democrats have expressed concerns over the state’s water supply issues —&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/16/kansas-governor-proposes-another-30m-to-address-dwindling-water-supply/">Kelly’s proposed budget includes another $30 million per year for the water plan</a>, while the Republican-crafted House budget would give&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/19/kansas-house-forwards-republican-crafted-state-government-budget-bill-to-senate-colleagues/">$11.7 million to water projects</a>.

Dozens of individuals testified in support of the legislation in both the Senate and House, with no opposition or neutral testimony.

At the House Water Committee hearing on Feb. 11, the public works director for the city of Edgerton, Dan Merkh, said the city had applied and been rejected for both the technical assistance and water project grants.

“Cities across Kansas face many unfunded state and federal mandates,” Merkh wrote in testimony for the House hearing. “The Technical Assistance (Grants) Fund and Water Project (Grants Fund) help cities like Edgerton address a variety of needs, from emergency connections to water-quality related problems to mitigating the risk of a sanitary sewer overflow.”

Hardy Howard, the city administrator for WaKeeney, said “it seems deeply obvious” that the water infrastructure around the state needs to be replaced. He said the city needs to replace an aging pipeline, which is the city’s only way to get water distributed from the wells. Howard said there have been multiple breaks.

“HB 2113 supports a small increase in funding to assist communities with these critical needs,” Howard said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741888971416.png" alt=" A dog keeps watch over an irrigated field in southwest Kansas, where farmers are facing increased pressure from state lawmakers to preserve groundwater in the quickly depleting Ogallala Aquifer. (Kevin Hardy/Stateline)" />
 <figcaption> A dog keeps watch over an irrigated field in southwest Kansas, where farmers are facing increased pressure from state lawmakers to preserve groundwater in the quickly depleting Ogallala Aquifer. (Kevin Hardy/Stateline)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The bill builds upon funding allocated in 2023, which only supports 11% of requested project costs from more than 200 cities</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A House bill would allocate an additional $20 million annually to the Kansas Water Plan fund to support projects for cities across the state.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2113/" target="_blank">House Bill 2113</a>&nbsp;builds upon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwo.ks.gov/news-events/hb-2302-grant-programs#:~:text=for%20HB%202302%2C%20increased%20the,issues%20identified%20in%20the%20KWP." target="_blank">new funding from the 2023 session</a>&nbsp;with House Bill 2302. It would increase the current annual allocation of $35 million to $55 million for the Kansas Water Plan, and from that amount an additional $2 million to the Technical Assistance Grant Fund and $6 million to the Water Projects Grants Fund. The money would come from the State General Fund.The House passed the bill 106-15 on Feb. 20. The Senate Agriculture and National Resources Committee heard the bill Monday.“House Bill 2302 made a huge difference. This bill basically builds off of house bill 2302,” said Wendi Stark, a legislative liaison with the League of Kansas Municipalities, during Monday’s hearing. “It’s helping to address our immediate needs.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741888929569.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the past two years, Kansas communities have&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/21/kansas-towns-request-600m-in-first-two-years-of-water-project-grants/">requested more than $600 million for water needs</a>&nbsp;with almost 600 applications. Stark said that of the 219 municipalities who applied in 2024 or 2025, 45.7% were from towns with a population of fewer than 500 people. Current funding allowed for just 11% of requested funding to be approved.The Ogallala Aquifer, the water source much of western Kansas relies on, is drying fast.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/21/kansas-towns-request-600m-in-first-two-years-of-water-project-grants/">The Kansas Geological Survey found</a>&nbsp;that parts of western Kansas have 25 years of water left. Sen. Ron Ryckman Sr., a Republican from Meade, said his southwest Kansas district is “always hurtin’ for water.”Rep. Jim Minnix, a Republican from Scott City, introduced the bill and testified at the Senate hearing. He said he gets questions about where the money is going, since the state can’t “make” any water.“It’s a finite resource. What we’re trying to do is save it for future generations,” Minnix said.When Gov. Laura Kelly took office in 2019, the state had not funded the water plan for a decade. Both Republicans and Democrats have expressed concerns over the state’s water supply issues —&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/16/kansas-governor-proposes-another-30m-to-address-dwindling-water-supply/">Kelly’s proposed budget includes another $30 million per year for the water plan</a>, while the Republican-crafted House budget would give&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/19/kansas-house-forwards-republican-crafted-state-government-budget-bill-to-senate-colleagues/">$11.7 million to water projects</a>.Dozens of individuals testified in support of the legislation in both the Senate and House, with no opposition or neutral testimony.At the House Water Committee hearing on Feb. 11, the public works director for the city of Edgerton, Dan Merkh, said the city had applied and been rejected for both the technical assistance and water project grants.“Cities across Kansas face many unfunded state and federal mandates,” Merkh wrote in testimony for the House hearing. “The Technical Assistance (Grants) Fund and Water Project (Grants Fund) help cities like Edgerton address a variety of needs, from emergency connections to water-quality related problems to mitigating the risk of a sanitary sewer overflow.”Hardy Howard, the city administrator for WaKeeney, said “it seems deeply obvious” that the water infrastructure around the state needs to be replaced. He said the city needs to replace an aging pipeline, which is the city’s only way to get water distributed from the wells. Howard said there have been multiple breaks.“HB 2113 supports a small increase in funding to assist communities with these critical needs,” Howard said.

Kansas House bill would add $20M for State Water Plan projects

WASHINGTON (AP) — An hours-long outage Wednesday on <a href="https://studentaid.gov/">StudentAid.gov,</a> the federal website for student loans and financial aid, underscored the risks in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-layoffs-job-cuts-linda-mcmahon-ce9f6a8a63972aede0d8fbdf057ab788">rapidly gutting the Department of Education</a>, as President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-trump-ab509ad5778497dfbd6d53b9eef692b5">aims to dismantle the agency</a>.

Hundreds of users reported FAFSA outages to&nbsp;<a href="https://downdetector.com/status/studentaid-gov/" target="_blank">Downdetector</a>&nbsp;starting midday Wednesday, saying they were having trouble completing the form, which is required for financial aid at colleges nationwide. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, a group of people who handle colleges’ financial aid awards, also received reports of users experiencing technical issues and having trouble completing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fafsa-college-financial-aid-scholarships-d3f9454c415755eb29f236e5d383d4ed">FAFSA</a>.

“We’ve been trying to get more clarity on why it’s down,” said Allie Bidwell Arcese, a spokeswoman for NASFAA. The Education Department hadn’t shared any information on the outage, she said. “The maintenance and troubleshooting may be impacted by yesterday’s layoffs.”

The developers and IT support staff who worked on the FAFSA form were hard hit in the Education Department’s layoffs Tuesday, along with staff buyouts and the termination of probationary employees. In all, the Education Department has reduced its staff by half, to roughly 2,000, since Trump took office.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-layoffs-civil-rights-8cbf463cce765f497c10d688ab4d51e1">list of laid-off staff</a>&nbsp;obtained and verified by AP shows more than 300 people cut from Federal Student Aid — two dozen of them from Federal Student Aid’s technology division. That included the entire team responsible for systems supporting the FAFSA form, a person with knowledge of the outage told The Associated Press, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation. While laid-off staffers are still technically employed until March 21, they had limited access to their email, phones and computers, making a response to the outage difficult, the person said. At one point Wednesday, about 70 people had joined a Teams call to try to pinpoint the cause of the outage.

The call continued for hours. By Wednesday evening, the website carried a banner claiming “Planned Maintenance” was underway, and login access was cut off.

The Education Department did not respond to a request for comment on the outage.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-financial-aid-enrollment-efeb41191fe1c6c1dd9fce33fe54867e">Problems with the FAFSA</a>&nbsp;had vexed the administration of former President Joe Biden, drawing rebuke from Republicans. The form was overhauled last year in an attempt to simplify it, but technical problems blocked students from submitting forms or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fafsa-aid-college-admissions-miscalculation-delay-6edb28219068fd19428b786635f09282">bungled financial aid calculations</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727807641728.png" alt="Photo Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — An hours-long outage Wednesday on <a href="https://studentaid.gov/">StudentAid.gov,</a> the federal website for student loans and financial aid, underscored the risks in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-layoffs-job-cuts-linda-mcmahon-ce9f6a8a63972aede0d8fbdf057ab788">rapidly gutting the Department of Education</a>, as President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-trump-ab509ad5778497dfbd6d53b9eef692b5">aims to dismantle the agency</a>.Hundreds of users reported FAFSA outages to&nbsp;<a href="https://downdetector.com/status/studentaid-gov/" target="_blank">Downdetector</a>&nbsp;starting midday Wednesday, saying they were having trouble completing the form, which is required for financial aid at colleges nationwide. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, a group of people who handle colleges’ financial aid awards, also received reports of users experiencing technical issues and having trouble completing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fafsa-college-financial-aid-scholarships-d3f9454c415755eb29f236e5d383d4ed">FAFSA</a>.“We’ve been trying to get more clarity on why it’s down,” said Allie Bidwell Arcese, a spokeswoman for NASFAA. The Education Department hadn’t shared any information on the outage, she said. “The maintenance and troubleshooting may be impacted by yesterday’s layoffs.”The developers and IT support staff who worked on the FAFSA form were hard hit in the Education Department’s layoffs Tuesday, along with staff buyouts and the termination of probationary employees. In all, the Education Department has reduced its staff by half, to roughly 2,000, since Trump took office.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-layoffs-civil-rights-8cbf463cce765f497c10d688ab4d51e1">list of laid-off staff</a>&nbsp;obtained and verified by AP shows more than 300 people cut from Federal Student Aid — two dozen of them from Federal Student Aid’s technology division. That included the entire team responsible for systems supporting the FAFSA form, a person with knowledge of the outage told The Associated Press, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation. While laid-off staffers are still technically employed until March 21, they had limited access to their email, phones and computers, making a response to the outage difficult, the person said. At one point Wednesday, about 70 people had joined a Teams call to try to pinpoint the cause of the outage.The call continued for hours. By Wednesday evening, the website carried a banner claiming “Planned Maintenance” was underway, and login access was cut off.The Education Department did not respond to a request for comment on the outage.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-financial-aid-enrollment-efeb41191fe1c6c1dd9fce33fe54867e">Problems with the FAFSA</a>&nbsp;had vexed the administration of former President Joe Biden, drawing rebuke from Republicans. The form was overhauled last year in an attempt to simplify it, but technical problems blocked students from submitting forms or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fafsa-aid-college-admissions-miscalculation-delay-6edb28219068fd19428b786635f09282">bungled financial aid calculations</a>.

Federal student loan site up and down after layoffs at Education Department

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A wanted Kansas suspect captured at a motel in Colorado in July is scheduled for an arraignment hearing Thursday.

Ryan Antalek, 40, Wichita, will appear before Judge David Kaufman, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He is charged with criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, stalking, two counts of criminal threat, and criminal damage to property, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In July of 2024, the Pueblo County Colorado Sheriff’s communication center received a tip that Antalek&nbsp; was possibly staying at the Days Inn in Colorado City, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

Kansas authorities had been searching for Antalek on the warrant and had heightened the search after learning he had made repeated homicidal statements. Antalek also was noted to have a criminal history involving weapons and known to carry firearms.

Sheriff's detectives and U.S. Marshals responded to the Days Inn at about 12:30 a.m. and located in the parking lot a 2019 Black Chevy Colorado truck Antalek was reportedly driving. After confirming that Antalek was in the hotel, detectives, with assistance from the Marshals, devised a plan and were able to get him to leave his hotel room where he was taken into custody without incident.

Antalek was arrested on a no bond fugitive of justice warrant from Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719500728222.png" alt="Antalek photo Pueblo Co." />
 <figcaption>Antalek photo Pueblo Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A wanted Kansas suspect captured at a motel in Colorado in July is scheduled for an arraignment hearing Thursday.Ryan Antalek, 40, Wichita, will appear before Judge David Kaufman, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.He is charged with criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, stalking, two counts of criminal threat, and criminal damage to property, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In July of 2024, the Pueblo County Colorado Sheriff’s communication center received a tip that Antalek&nbsp; was possibly staying at the Days Inn in Colorado City, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.Kansas authorities had been searching for Antalek on the warrant and had heightened the search after learning he had made repeated homicidal statements. Antalek also was noted to have a criminal history involving weapons and known to carry firearms.Sheriff's detectives and U.S. Marshals responded to the Days Inn at about 12:30 a.m. and located in the parking lot a 2019 Black Chevy Colorado truck Antalek was reportedly driving. After confirming that Antalek was in the hotel, detectives, with assistance from the Marshals, devised a plan and were able to get him to leave his hotel room where he was taken into custody without incident.Antalek was arrested on a no bond fugitive of justice warrant from Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Plea hearing for Kansas assault suspect captured in Colorado

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Agriculture Department is ending two pandemic-era programs that provided more than $1 billion for schools and food banks to purchase food from local farmers and producers.

About $660 million of that went to schools and childcare centers to buy food for meals through the Local Foods for Schools program. A separate program provided money to food banks.

In Maine, the money allowed the coastal RSU 23 school district to buy food directly from fisherman, dairy producers and farmers for school meals, said Caroline Trinder, the district’s food and nutrition services director.

“I think everyone can say that they want kids at school to receive the healthiest meals possible,” Trinder said. “It’s the least processed, and we’re helping our local economy, we’re helping farmers that may be the parents of our students.”

The cuts will hurt school districts with “chronically underfunded” school meal budgets, said Shannon Gleave, president of the School Nutrition Association.

“In addition to losing the benefits for our kids, this loss of funds is a huge blow to community farmers and ranchers and is detrimental to school meal programs struggling to manage rising food and labor costs,” Gleave said in a statement.

USDA said the programs are a legacy of the pandemic and no longer supported the agency’s priorities.

“The COVID era is over — USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward,” a USDA spokesperson said in a statement.

Massachusetts received roughly $12 million in federal funding for school districts and childcare programs to buy food from local producers.

“The signaling that’s coming out of Washington in recent weeks, it’s obviously deeply disappointing,” said Patrick Tutwiler, the state's education secretary. “There’s clear misalignment around what is important and what matters. We are seeing this cut of the LFS program as a first step towards deeper cuts.”

School nutrition directors are bracing for potential rollbacks to programs that expanded funding for school meals, which for some children can be their only reliable source of food.

Proposed spending cuts to fund Republican's tax bill include raising the poverty level needed for schools to provide universal free meals without an application. Restricting eligibility for food assistance programs and requiring income verification for free or reduced price school meals, two proposals for cutting costs, would also likely cut out eligible families from accessing food, the School Nutrition Association said.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686564931973.png" alt="&nbsp;Photo Amanda Mills/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo Amanda Mills/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Agriculture Department is ending two pandemic-era programs that provided more than $1 billion for schools and food banks to purchase food from local farmers and producers.About $660 million of that went to schools and childcare centers to buy food for meals through the Local Foods for Schools program. A separate program provided money to food banks.In Maine, the money allowed the coastal RSU 23 school district to buy food directly from fisherman, dairy producers and farmers for school meals, said Caroline Trinder, the district’s food and nutrition services director.“I think everyone can say that they want kids at school to receive the healthiest meals possible,” Trinder said. “It’s the least processed, and we’re helping our local economy, we’re helping farmers that may be the parents of our students.”The cuts will hurt school districts with “chronically underfunded” school meal budgets, said Shannon Gleave, president of the School Nutrition Association.“In addition to losing the benefits for our kids, this loss of funds is a huge blow to community farmers and ranchers and is detrimental to school meal programs struggling to manage rising food and labor costs,” Gleave said in a statement.USDA said the programs are a legacy of the pandemic and no longer supported the agency’s priorities.“The COVID era is over — USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward,” a USDA spokesperson said in a statement.Massachusetts received roughly $12 million in federal funding for school districts and childcare programs to buy food from local producers.“The signaling that’s coming out of Washington in recent weeks, it’s obviously deeply disappointing,” said Patrick Tutwiler, the state's education secretary. “There’s clear misalignment around what is important and what matters. We are seeing this cut of the LFS program as a first step towards deeper cuts.”School nutrition directors are bracing for potential rollbacks to programs that expanded funding for school meals, which for some children can be their only reliable source of food.Proposed spending cuts to fund Republican's tax bill include raising the poverty level needed for schools to provide universal free meals without an application. Restricting eligibility for food assistance programs and requiring income verification for free or reduced price school meals, two proposals for cutting costs, would also likely cut out eligible families from accessing food, the School Nutrition Association said.___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

USDA ends program that helped schools serve food from local farmers

MOSCOW (AP) —Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he agrees in principle with a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but the terms need to be worked out, and he emphasized that it should pave the way to lasting peace.

“So the idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it," Putin told a news conference in Moscow. “But there are issues that we need to discuss, and I think that we need to discuss it with our American colleagues and partners.”

He noted the need to develop a mechanism to control possible breaches of the truce. Another issue, he said, is whether Ukraine could use the 30-day ceasefire to rearm.

Putin made the remarks just hours after the arrival of Trump’s envoy in Moscow for talks on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-ceasefire-ff03a8b11b03da88d1d26e797f97e623">30-day ceasefire</a>&nbsp;that Ukraine has accepted.

The diplomatic effort coincided with a Russian claim that its troops have driven the Ukrainian army out of a key town in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-kursk-incursion-ca6d18d06606794580bdc779d2c98134">Russia’s Kursk border region</a>, where Moscow has been trying for seven months to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their foothold.

Referring to the Ukrainian troops in Kursk, he said: “Will all those who are there come out without a fight?"

Putin thanked U.S. President Donald Trump “for paying so much attention to the settlement in Ukraine.”

He also thanked the leaders of China, India, Brazil and South Africa for their “noble mission to end the fighting,” a statement that signaled those countries' potential involvement in a ceasefire deal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741884162979.png" alt="Russian President Vladimir Putin image courtesy&nbsp;Russian Presidential Press Service " />
 <figcaption>Russian President Vladimir Putin image courtesy&nbsp;Russian Presidential Press Service </figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) —Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he agrees in principle with a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but the terms need to be worked out, and he emphasized that it should pave the way to lasting peace.“So the idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it," Putin told a news conference in Moscow. “But there are issues that we need to discuss, and I think that we need to discuss it with our American colleagues and partners.”He noted the need to develop a mechanism to control possible breaches of the truce. Another issue, he said, is whether Ukraine could use the 30-day ceasefire to rearm.“We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis,” Putin said.Putin made the remarks just hours after the arrival of Trump’s envoy in Moscow for talks on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-ceasefire-ff03a8b11b03da88d1d26e797f97e623">30-day ceasefire</a>&nbsp;that Ukraine has accepted.The diplomatic effort coincided with a Russian claim that its troops have driven the Ukrainian army out of a key town in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-kursk-incursion-ca6d18d06606794580bdc779d2c98134">Russia’s Kursk border region</a>, where Moscow has been trying for seven months to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their foothold.Putin said it appeared that the U.S. persuaded Ukraine to accept a ceasefire and that Ukraine is interested because of the battlefield situation, particularly in Kursk.Referring to the Ukrainian troops in Kursk, he said: “Will all those who are there come out without a fight?"Putin thanked U.S. President Donald Trump “for paying so much attention to the settlement in Ukraine.”He also thanked the leaders of China, India, Brazil and South Africa for their “noble mission to end the fighting,” a statement that signaled those countries' potential involvement in a ceasefire deal.Russia has said it will not accept peacekeepers from any NATO members to monitor a prospective truce.Putin’s foreign affairs adviser said Putin planned to meet with Trump’s special envoy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e">Steve Witkoff</a>, later Thursday.The Russian Defense Ministry’s claim that it recaptured the town of Sudzha, a Ukrainian operational hub in Kursk, came hours after Putin visited his commanders in Kursk. The claim could not be independently verified. Ukrainian officials made no immediate comment.The renewed Russian military push and Putin's high-profile visit to his troops unfolded as Trump seeks a diplomatic end to the war, which began more than three years ago with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s full-scale invasion.</a>The U.S. on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-kremlin-349e58cfe22eb3e77e75c15989cbc110">lifted its March 3 suspension</a>&nbsp;of military aid for Kyiv after senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials reported making progress on how to stop the fighting during talks in Saudi Arabia.Trump said Wednesday that “it’s up to Russia now” as his administration presses Moscow to agree to the ceasefire. The U.S. president has made veiled threats to hit Russia with new sanctions if it does not engage with peace efforts.U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC Thursday that Trump is “willing to apply maximum pressure on both sides,” including sanctions that reach the highest scale on Russia.