By FATIMA HUSSEIN &nbsp;Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS is drafting plans to cut its workforce by as much as half through a mix of layoffs, attrition and incentivized buyouts, according to two people familiar with the situation.

The people spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to disclose the plans.

The layoffs are part of the Trump administration's efforts to shrink the size of the federal workforce through billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency by closing agencies, laying off nearly all probationary employees who have not yet gained civil service protection and offering buyouts to almost all federal employees through a "deferred resignation program" to quickly reduce the government workforce.

A reduction in force of tens of thousands of employees would render the IRS "dysfunctional," said John Koskinen, a former IRS commissioner.

The federal tax collector employs roughly 90,000 workers total across the United States, according to the latest IRS data. People of color make up 56% of the IRS workforce, and women represent 65%.

Already, roughly 7,000 probationary IRS employees with roughly one year or less of service were laid off from the organization in February.

The organization also offered IRS employees — along with almost all federal employees across the government — "deferred resignation program" buyouts, though IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season were told earlier this month that they would not be allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until mid-May, after the taxpayer filing deadline.

In addition to the planned layoffs, the Trump administration intends to lend IRS workers to the Department of Homeland Security to assist with immigration enforcement. In a letter sent in February, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to borrow IRS workers to help with ongoing immigration crackdown efforts.

Koskinen and six other former IRS Commissioners wrote in the New York Times earlier this month: "Aggressive reductions in the I.R.S.'s resources will only render our government less effective and less efficient in collecting the taxes Congress has imposed."

According to a White House memo sent to federal agencies in late February, agencies are to develop a report by March 13 on its reduction in force plans — but it is unclear whether the White House will approve the IRS' reorganization plan and over what period of time it would be implemented.

Representatives for the White House, the Treasury Department and IRS did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment. The New York Times first reported the deliberations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690229574211.png" alt="File Photo AP" />
 <figcaption>File Photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>By FATIMA HUSSEIN &nbsp;Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS is drafting plans to cut its workforce by as much as half through a mix of layoffs, attrition and incentivized buyouts, according to two people familiar with the situation.The people spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to disclose the plans.The layoffs are part of the Trump administration's efforts to shrink the size of the federal workforce through billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency by closing agencies, laying off nearly all probationary employees who have not yet gained civil service protection and offering buyouts to almost all federal employees through a "deferred resignation program" to quickly reduce the government workforce.A reduction in force of tens of thousands of employees would render the IRS "dysfunctional," said John Koskinen, a former IRS commissioner.The federal tax collector employs roughly 90,000 workers total across the United States, according to the latest IRS data. People of color make up 56% of the IRS workforce, and women represent 65%.Already, roughly 7,000 probationary IRS employees with roughly one year or less of service were laid off from the organization in February.The organization also offered IRS employees — along with almost all federal employees across the government — "deferred resignation program" buyouts, though IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season were told earlier this month that they would not be allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until mid-May, after the taxpayer filing deadline.In addition to the planned layoffs, the Trump administration intends to lend IRS workers to the Department of Homeland Security to assist with immigration enforcement. In a letter sent in February, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to borrow IRS workers to help with ongoing immigration crackdown efforts.Koskinen and six other former IRS Commissioners wrote in the New York Times earlier this month: "Aggressive reductions in the I.R.S.'s resources will only render our government less effective and less efficient in collecting the taxes Congress has imposed."According to a White House memo sent to federal agencies in late February, agencies are to develop a report by March 13 on its reduction in force plans — but it is unclear whether the White House will approve the IRS' reorganization plan and over what period of time it would be implemented.Representatives for the White House, the Treasury Department and IRS did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment. The New York Times first reported the deliberations.

Trump administration working to cut IRS workforce in half

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — First-term Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin accused President Donald Trump of driving up costs while pushing for an “unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends” in Tuesday night's Democratic response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speech-congress-immigration-tariffs-guests-93f6107ede260854f90c65c4bde60de8">his first joint congressional address</a>&nbsp;of his second term.

Slotkin, just months into her first term in the U.S. Senate after winning an open Michigan seat despite Trump carrying the state, said Trump “has not laid out a credible plan” to address rising everyday expenses for Americans. She said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china-643086a6dc7ff716d876b3c83e3255b0">tariffs that went into effect</a>&nbsp;early Tuesday would only worsen the economy.

Slotkin spoke from Wyandotte, Michigan, a working-class community south of Detroit, after Trump delivered the longest address to Congress by a president in U.S. history. In her opening, Slotkin acknowledged that “America wants change. But there is a responsible way to make change, and a reckless way.”

“We can make that change without forgetting who we are as a country and as a democracy,” said Slotkin.

In a speech that lasted an hour and 40 minutes, Trump claimed credit for “swift and unrelenting action” in reshaping the nation’s economy, immigration and foreign policy within his first weeks in office. The Republican-controlled House and Senate have done little to check the president’s agenda.

In her rebuttal, which lasted a little more than 10 minutes, Slotkin told Americans that “change doesn’t need to be chaotic or make us less safe" and warned of the dangers of Trump's economic approach.

“For those keeping score, the national debt is going up, not down,” Slotkin said. “And if he’s not careful, he could walk us right into a recession.”

Slotkin, a former CIA analyst with an extensive background in national security, said the meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week must have had former President Ronald Reagan "rolling in his grave.”

Her remarks came as Democrats struggle to find a unified message to counter Trump. That was evident Tuesday night in the House chamber, where some Democratic members held placards with various messages. Some Democrats chose not to attend the speech at all while others sat in silence. Some shouted criticism at Trump, and one House member, Texas Rep. Al Green, was escorted from the chamber after repeatedly interrupting him.

Slotkin focused on economic issues after Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-b19e004dddb579c373b247037e04424b">Monday announcement</a>&nbsp;that 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada would begin Tuesday reignited fears of a North American trade war, which has already shown signs of driving up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gdp-economy-government-spending-lutnick-7414ba1bd441bd4bf64620bfd66923b2">inflation and stalling growth</a>.

“President Trump is trying to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends,” she said. "He’s on the hunt to find trillions of dollars to pass along to the wealthiest in America. And to do that, he’s going to make you pay in every part of your life.

“Grocery and home prices are going up, not down — and he hasn’t laid out a credible plan to deal with either.”

She also warned that democracy, which “has been the aspiration of the world,” is at risk.

“It’s at risk when the president decides to pick and choose what rules you want to follow, when he ignores court orders and the Constitution itself, or when elected leaders stand by and just let it happen,” Slotkin said.

Her team said her guest for the Trump address was Marine veteran Andrew Lennox, who recently spoke out after losing his job at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Ann Arbor due to cuts implemented by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, or DOGE, led by billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-emails-a3e7e9ab82f45bb15ef22bddab01f25e">Elon Musk</a>.

The 48-year-old Slotkin is seen as a leading figure in the party’s next generation. She first ran for office in 2018, defeating a two-term incumbent Republican. After redistricting, she consistently won one of the nation’s most competitive House seats, earning a reputation as one of the party’s top fundraisers. In 2023, she announced a run for Michigan's open Senate seat after Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-politics-debbie-stabenow-michigan-afb0e42225f76bd8def5eab701ae1297">Debbie Stabenow</a>&nbsp;announced she would not seek a fifth term.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — First-term Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin accused President Donald Trump of driving up costs while pushing for an “unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends” in Tuesday night's Democratic response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speech-congress-immigration-tariffs-guests-93f6107ede260854f90c65c4bde60de8">his first joint congressional address</a>&nbsp;of his second term.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH: Complete Democratic Response from Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin <a href="https://t.co/luPxKm02DB">pic.twitter.com/luPxKm02DB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897154192327761952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Slotkin, just months into her first term in the U.S. Senate after winning an open Michigan seat despite Trump carrying the state, said Trump “has not laid out a credible plan” to address rising everyday expenses for Americans. She said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china-643086a6dc7ff716d876b3c83e3255b0">tariffs that went into effect</a>&nbsp;early Tuesday would only worsen the economy.Slotkin spoke from Wyandotte, Michigan, a working-class community south of Detroit, after Trump delivered the longest address to Congress by a president in U.S. history. In her opening, Slotkin acknowledged that “America wants change. But there is a responsible way to make change, and a reckless way.”“We can make that change without forgetting who we are as a country and as a democracy,” said Slotkin.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741190728489.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>In a speech that lasted an hour and 40 minutes, Trump claimed credit for “swift and unrelenting action” in reshaping the nation’s economy, immigration and foreign policy within his first weeks in office. The Republican-controlled House and Senate have done little to check the president’s agenda.In her rebuttal, which lasted a little more than 10 minutes, Slotkin told Americans that “change doesn’t need to be chaotic or make us less safe" and warned of the dangers of Trump's economic approach.“For those keeping score, the national debt is going up, not down,” Slotkin said. “And if he’s not careful, he could walk us right into a recession.”Slotkin, a former CIA analyst with an extensive background in national security, said the meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week must have had former President Ronald Reagan "rolling in his grave.”Her remarks came as Democrats struggle to find a unified message to counter Trump. That was evident Tuesday night in the House chamber, where some Democratic members held placards with various messages. Some Democrats chose not to attend the speech at all while others sat in silence. Some shouted criticism at Trump, and one House member, Texas Rep. Al Green, was escorted from the chamber after repeatedly interrupting him.Slotkin focused on economic issues after Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-b19e004dddb579c373b247037e04424b">Monday announcement</a>&nbsp;that 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada would begin Tuesday reignited fears of a North American trade war, which has already shown signs of driving up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gdp-economy-government-spending-lutnick-7414ba1bd441bd4bf64620bfd66923b2">inflation and stalling growth</a>.“President Trump is trying to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends,” she said. "He’s on the hunt to find trillions of dollars to pass along to the wealthiest in America. And to do that, he’s going to make you pay in every part of your life.“Grocery and home prices are going up, not down — and he hasn’t laid out a credible plan to deal with either.”She also warned that democracy, which “has been the aspiration of the world,” is at risk.“It’s at risk when the president decides to pick and choose what rules you want to follow, when he ignores court orders and the Constitution itself, or when elected leaders stand by and just let it happen,” Slotkin said.Her team said her guest for the Trump address was Marine veteran Andrew Lennox, who recently spoke out after losing his job at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Ann Arbor due to cuts implemented by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, or DOGE, led by billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-emails-a3e7e9ab82f45bb15ef22bddab01f25e">Elon Musk</a>.The 48-year-old Slotkin is seen as a leading figure in the party’s next generation. She first ran for office in 2018, defeating a two-term incumbent Republican. After redistricting, she consistently won one of the nation’s most competitive House seats, earning a reputation as one of the party’s top fundraisers. In 2023, she announced a run for Michigan's open Senate seat after Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-politics-debbie-stabenow-michigan-afb0e42225f76bd8def5eab701ae1297">Debbie Stabenow</a>&nbsp;announced she would not seek a fifth term.

🎥Democrat response: Senator Slotkin assails Trump, offers a way to fight back

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;took credit for “swift and unrelenting action” in reorienting the nation’s economy, immigration and foreign policy Tuesday in an address to Congress and the American people about his turbulent first weeks in office, as Democratic legislators immediately registered their dissent with stone faces, placards calling out ’lies,” and one legislator’s ejection.

Trump's joint address to Congress was the latest marker in Trump’s takeover of the nation's capital, where the Republican-led House and Senate have done little to restrain the president as he and his allies work to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654">slash the size of the federal government</a>&nbsp;and remake America’s place in the world. With a tight grip on his party, Trump has been emboldened after overcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-impeachments-acquittals-320809e943345d0a9ce57314f93d94af">impeachments</a>&nbsp;in his first term and criminal prosecutions in between his two administrations to take sweeping actions that have featured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-reshaping-america-democracy-musk-executive-power-0e8b6724d45fcdb3e6f0cef05ae7b952">a dismantling of the federal government</a>, tensions with America’s allies and a trade war compounding economic uncertainty.

“It has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action,” Trump said of his opening weeks in office. “The people elected me to do the job, and I am doing it.”

Trump, who has billionaire adviser Elon Musk orchestrating his efforts to slash the size and scope of the federal government, said he is working to “reclaim democracy from this unaccountable bureaucracy" and threatened federal workers anew with firings if they resist his agenda.

Musk, who was seated in the House gallery, received a pair of standing ovations from Republicans in the chamber, as Trump exaggerated and shared false claims about alleged government “abuse” uncovered by the Tesla and SpaceX founder and his team of disrupters.

Trump repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-payments-deceased-false-claims-doge-ed2885f5769f368853ac3615b4852cf7">false claims</a>&nbsp;that tens of millions of dead people over 100 years old are receiving Social Security payments, prompting some Democrats to shout, “Not true!” and “Those are lies!”

Trump spoke at a critical juncture in his presidency, as voters who returned him to the White House on his promise to fix inflation are instead finding economic chaos. All the gains the S&amp;P 500 have made since Election Day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-tariffs-trump-1ca865fa6abcca716b5e7c9281ea6e07">are now gone</a>, while consumer sentiment surveys show the public sees inflation as worsening. For a president who believes that announcements of corporate investments can boost attitudes about the economy, the speech was suddenly a test of his ability to rebuild confidence in his economic leadership.

“Among my very highest priorities is to rescue our economy and get dramatic and immediate relief to working families,” Trump said. He promised to organize the federal government to lower costs on eggs and energy, blaming his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden for the situation and offering scant details of his own plans.

Trump also called for the extension of his first-term tax cuts and additional federal funding for his border crackdown, including for his promised efforts at “mass deportation” of people in the U.S. illegally.

The backdrop was the new economic uncertainty unleashed after the president opened the day by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-b19e004dddb579c373b247037e04424b">placing stiff tariffs</a>&nbsp;on imports from the country’s neighbors and closest trading partners. A 25% tax on goods from Canada and Mexico went into effect early Tuesday — ostensibly to secure greater cooperation to tackle fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trade-war-mexico-trump-9cefdded035a0b35e700a7ba0bfc34b4">triggering immediate retaliation</a>&nbsp;and sparking fears of a wider trade war. Trump also raised tariffs on goods from China to 20%.

Trump seemed prepared to double down on his trade war, which experts have warned will raise prices for consumers.

“Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. Whatever they tax us, we tax them,” Trump said.

Republicans were boisterous as Trump stepped to the lectern in the House, chanting “USA! USA!” as the president basked in the cheers. The GOP lawmakers were jubilant, having won a trifecta of the White House, Senate and House in the elections. However, they face a high-stakes task of delivering on Trump’s agenda as well as avoiding a government shutdown later this month.

Across the aisle, out-of-power Democrats set the tone early, with most remaining seated without applauding or making eye contact with Trump as he was introduced in the chamber.

After several interruptions, House Speaker Mike Johnson jumped in and called for decorum to be restored in the chamber as Republicans shouted “USA” to drown out the cries from the other side of the aisle. Johnson then ordered Texas Rep. Al Green removed from the chamber.

Other Democrats held up signs criticizing like “Save Medicaid” and “Protect Veterans” during Trump’s remarks, seeking to drive public awareness to elements of Trump’s agenda they believed might offer them a pathway back to the majority.

Other Democrats in attendance chose to highlight the impact of Trump's actions by inviting fired federal workers as guests, including a disabled veteran from Arizona, a health worker from Maryland and a forestry employee who worked on wildfire prevention in California. They also invited guests who would be harmed by steep federal budget cuts to Medicaid and other programs.

“It’s worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up” to Trump, Green told reporters after being thrown out of the chamber.

Trump used his speech to address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-misinformation-trump-ukraine-3bea1df50167ac0a91f8c419b58c4b97">his proposals</a>&nbsp;for fostering peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, where he has unceremoniously upended the policies of the Biden administration in a matter of just weeks. On Monday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-a15a459c9a3a393d040478ebbe250a9e">ordered a freeze to U.S.</a>&nbsp;military assistance to Ukraine, ending years of staunch American support for the country in fending off Russia’s invasion.

Trump was tightening the screws after his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-oval-office-ukraine-russia-blowup-8aa63e55c859e8fea963911478c376ee">explosive Oval Office meeting</a>&nbsp;Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the U.S. leader tries to pressure the erstwhile American ally to embrace peace talks with its invader.

Many Democratic lawmakers wore blue and yellow ties and scarves in a show of support for Ukraine.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, who was wearing a blue and yellow tie Tuesday, accused Trump and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vance-zelenskyy-ukraine-russia-war-c095188d261f33f8ec1034ab76d517d9">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;of “bullying a statesman last week on behalf of a thug.”

In the Middle East, negotiations to extend a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have stalled, with Trump floating the permanent displacement of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and a U.S. “takeover” of the territory, straining partnerships with countries in the region and undoing longtime American support for a two-state solution to end the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump were joined in the motorcade to the Capitol by billionaire presidential adviser Elon Musk, who is orchestrating Trump's efforts to slash the size and scope of the federal government. Musk was seated in the House gallery overlooking where Trump spoke.

The whole scene for Trump's speech was a marked contrast to his final State of the Union address in his first term. Five years ago, Trump delivered his annual address just after the Senate had acquitted him during his first impeachment trial and before the COVID-19 pandemic had taken root across society.

As he finished, then-House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-nancy-pelosi-ap-top-news-michael-pence-politics-f8edd0389a1a8ba41322e0e34098aafb">Nancy Pelosi</a>, a Democrat, stood and dramatically ripped up a copy of Trump's speech.

Trump's Tuesday’s address, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-it-not-state-of-union-3bf88c02395141a6d9148a8f7c1e6e78">not referred to as a State of the Union</a>&nbsp;because he is still in the first year of his new term, will be received very differently, said Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-budget-republicans-health-care-4a13fc3528d7bf20ea52db4a5551c8bf">Johnson</a>.

“We will not be ripping up the speech tonight," the Republican said. “I would like to frame it in gilded gold.”

Trump said he had ended a “weaponized government” that he said Democrats had wielded against him, referring to his legal troubles over the years, claiming they were political persecution.

The president also used his high-profile moment to press his efforts to reshape the country’s approach to social issues, as he looked to continue to eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the country and to roll back some public accommodations for transgender individuals.

Trump said he ended the “tyranny” of diversity, equity and inclusion policies that he rolled back for the federal government and military, along with pushing similar moves in the private sector. “Our country will be woke no longer,” he declared.

Watching from the gallery with the first lady were guests including 15-year-old Elliston Berry, of Aledo, Texas, who was the victim of an explicit deepfake image sent to classmates.

Other White House guests included Stephanie Diller, the widow of New York Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop in March 2024; Marc Fogel, the Pennsylvania teacher who came home last month after years of detention in Russia, and his 95-year-old mother, Malphine; and relatives of Corey Comperatore, the former Pennsylvania fire chief who was killed as he protected his family during an assassination attempt on Trump last summer.

Trump was also expected to recognize additional guests in the room.

The Democrats' guests also include at least one government watchdog dismissed by Trump in his bid to emplace loyalists across positions of influence.

Republicans lawmakers, too, are trying to make a point with their invited guests.

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa hosted Scott Root, father of the late Sarah Root, who died on the night of her 2016 college graduation in a vehicle crash involving an immigrant who was in the country without legal authority.

Outside Washington, the latest round of public protest against Trump and his administration also unfolded Tuesday. Loosely coordinated groups held demonstrations at parks, statehouses and public grounds as protesters gathered in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

They condemned his presidency as dangerous and un-American, though they cited a wide variety of actions they wanted to push back against, including the government cuts, Trump's tariffs and his stance on Ukraine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741141522647.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;took credit for “swift and unrelenting action” in reorienting the nation’s economy, immigration and foreign policy Tuesday in an address to Congress and the American people about his turbulent first weeks in office, as Democratic legislators immediately registered their dissent with stone faces, placards calling out ’lies,” and one legislator’s ejection.&nbsp; Click below to watch the replay.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump Addresses Joint Session of Congress, March 4, 2025 <a href="https://t.co/5NSLncn9nK">https://t.co/5NSLncn9nK</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1897105699085410663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump's joint address to Congress was the latest marker in Trump’s takeover of the nation's capital, where the Republican-led House and Senate have done little to restrain the president as he and his allies work to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654">slash the size of the federal government</a>&nbsp;and remake America’s place in the world. With a tight grip on his party, Trump has been emboldened after overcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-impeachments-acquittals-320809e943345d0a9ce57314f93d94af">impeachments</a>&nbsp;in his first term and criminal prosecutions in between his two administrations to take sweeping actions that have featured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-reshaping-america-democracy-musk-executive-power-0e8b6724d45fcdb3e6f0cef05ae7b952">a dismantling of the federal government</a>, tensions with America’s allies and a trade war compounding economic uncertainty.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741138448346.png" alt="President Trump and the First lady leave the White House for the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and the First lady leave the White House for the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>“It has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action,” Trump said of his opening weeks in office. “The people elected me to do the job, and I am doing it.”Trump, who has billionaire adviser Elon Musk orchestrating his efforts to slash the size and scope of the federal government, said he is working to “reclaim democracy from this unaccountable bureaucracy" and threatened federal workers anew with firings if they resist his agenda.Musk, who was seated in the House gallery, received a pair of standing ovations from Republicans in the chamber, as Trump exaggerated and shared false claims about alleged government “abuse” uncovered by the Tesla and SpaceX founder and his team of disrupters.Trump repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-payments-deceased-false-claims-doge-ed2885f5769f368853ac3615b4852cf7">false claims</a>&nbsp;that tens of millions of dead people over 100 years old are receiving Social Security payments, prompting some Democrats to shout, “Not true!” and “Those are lies!”Trump spoke at a critical juncture in his presidency, as voters who returned him to the White House on his promise to fix inflation are instead finding economic chaos. All the gains the S&amp;P 500 have made since Election Day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-tariffs-trump-1ca865fa6abcca716b5e7c9281ea6e07">are now gone</a>, while consumer sentiment surveys show the public sees inflation as worsening. For a president who believes that announcements of corporate investments can boost attitudes about the economy, the speech was suddenly a test of his ability to rebuild confidence in his economic leadership.“Among my very highest priorities is to rescue our economy and get dramatic and immediate relief to working families,” Trump said. He promised to organize the federal government to lower costs on eggs and energy, blaming his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden for the situation and offering scant details of his own plans.Trump also called for the extension of his first-term tax cuts and additional federal funding for his border crackdown, including for his promised efforts at “mass deportation” of people in the U.S. illegally.The backdrop was the new economic uncertainty unleashed after the president opened the day by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-b19e004dddb579c373b247037e04424b">placing stiff tariffs</a>&nbsp;on imports from the country’s neighbors and closest trading partners. A 25% tax on goods from Canada and Mexico went into effect early Tuesday — ostensibly to secure greater cooperation to tackle fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trade-war-mexico-trump-9cefdded035a0b35e700a7ba0bfc34b4">triggering immediate retaliation</a>&nbsp;and sparking fears of a wider trade war. Trump also raised tariffs on goods from China to 20%.Trump seemed prepared to double down on his trade war, which experts have warned will raise prices for consumers.“Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. Whatever they tax us, we tax them,” Trump said.Republicans were boisterous as Trump stepped to the lectern in the House, chanting “USA! USA!” as the president basked in the cheers. The GOP lawmakers were jubilant, having won a trifecta of the White House, Senate and House in the elections. However, they face a high-stakes task of delivering on Trump’s agenda as well as avoiding a government shutdown later this month.Across the aisle, out-of-power Democrats set the tone early, with most remaining seated without applauding or making eye contact with Trump as he was introduced in the chamber.After several interruptions, House Speaker Mike Johnson jumped in and called for decorum to be restored in the chamber as Republicans shouted “USA” to drown out the cries from the other side of the aisle. Johnson then ordered Texas Rep. Al Green removed from the chamber.Other Democrats held up signs criticizing like “Save Medicaid” and “Protect Veterans” during Trump’s remarks, seeking to drive public awareness to elements of Trump’s agenda they believed might offer them a pathway back to the majority.Other Democrats in attendance chose to highlight the impact of Trump's actions by inviting fired federal workers as guests, including a disabled veteran from Arizona, a health worker from Maryland and a forestry employee who worked on wildfire prevention in California. They also invited guests who would be harmed by steep federal budget cuts to Medicaid and other programs.“It’s worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up” to Trump, Green told reporters after being thrown out of the chamber.Trump used his speech to address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-misinformation-trump-ukraine-3bea1df50167ac0a91f8c419b58c4b97">his proposals</a>&nbsp;for fostering peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, where he has unceremoniously upended the policies of the Biden administration in a matter of just weeks. On Monday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-a15a459c9a3a393d040478ebbe250a9e">ordered a freeze to U.S.</a>&nbsp;military assistance to Ukraine, ending years of staunch American support for the country in fending off Russia’s invasion.Trump was tightening the screws after his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-oval-office-ukraine-russia-blowup-8aa63e55c859e8fea963911478c376ee">explosive Oval Office meeting</a>&nbsp;Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the U.S. leader tries to pressure the erstwhile American ally to embrace peace talks with its invader.Many Democratic lawmakers wore blue and yellow ties and scarves in a show of support for Ukraine.Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, who was wearing a blue and yellow tie Tuesday, accused Trump and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vance-zelenskyy-ukraine-russia-war-c095188d261f33f8ec1034ab76d517d9">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;of “bullying a statesman last week on behalf of a thug.”In the Middle East, negotiations to extend a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have stalled, with Trump floating the permanent displacement of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and a U.S. “takeover” of the territory, straining partnerships with countries in the region and undoing longtime American support for a two-state solution to end the Israel-Palestinian conflict.Trump and first lady Melania Trump were joined in the motorcade to the Capitol by billionaire presidential adviser Elon Musk, who is orchestrating Trump's efforts to slash the size and scope of the federal government. Musk was seated in the House gallery overlooking where Trump spoke.The whole scene for Trump's speech was a marked contrast to his final State of the Union address in his first term. Five years ago, Trump delivered his annual address just after the Senate had acquitted him during his first impeachment trial and before the COVID-19 pandemic had taken root across society.As he finished, then-House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-nancy-pelosi-ap-top-news-michael-pence-politics-f8edd0389a1a8ba41322e0e34098aafb">Nancy Pelosi</a>, a Democrat, stood and dramatically ripped up a copy of Trump's speech.Trump's Tuesday’s address, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-it-not-state-of-union-3bf88c02395141a6d9148a8f7c1e6e78">not referred to as a State of the Union</a>&nbsp;because he is still in the first year of his new term, will be received very differently, said Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-budget-republicans-health-care-4a13fc3528d7bf20ea52db4a5551c8bf">Johnson</a>.“We will not be ripping up the speech tonight," the Republican said. “I would like to frame it in gilded gold.”Trump said he had ended a “weaponized government” that he said Democrats had wielded against him, referring to his legal troubles over the years, claiming they were political persecution.The president also used his high-profile moment to press his efforts to reshape the country’s approach to social issues, as he looked to continue to eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the country and to roll back some public accommodations for transgender individuals.Trump said he ended the “tyranny” of diversity, equity and inclusion policies that he rolled back for the federal government and military, along with pushing similar moves in the private sector. “Our country will be woke no longer,” he declared.Watching from the gallery with the first lady were guests including 15-year-old Elliston Berry, of Aledo, Texas, who was the victim of an explicit deepfake image sent to classmates.Other White House guests included Stephanie Diller, the widow of New York Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop in March 2024; Marc Fogel, the Pennsylvania teacher who came home last month after years of detention in Russia, and his 95-year-old mother, Malphine; and relatives of Corey Comperatore, the former Pennsylvania fire chief who was killed as he protected his family during an assassination attempt on Trump last summer.Trump was also expected to recognize additional guests in the room.The Democrats' guests also include at least one government watchdog dismissed by Trump in his bid to emplace loyalists across positions of influence.Republicans lawmakers, too, are trying to make a point with their invited guests.Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa hosted Scott Root, father of the late Sarah Root, who died on the night of her 2016 college graduation in a vehicle crash involving an immigrant who was in the country without legal authority.Outside Washington, the latest round of public protest against Trump and his administration also unfolded Tuesday. Loosely coordinated groups held demonstrations at parks, statehouses and public grounds as protesters gathered in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.They condemned his presidency as dangerous and un-American, though they cited a wide variety of actions they wanted to push back against, including the government cuts, Trump's tariffs and his stance on Ukraine.

🎥 President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two Indiana men on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Shortly before 9p.m. Feb. 28, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2016 Ford F-150 pickup for a traffic infraction near 134th on U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kameron Lee Chapman, 25, of South Bend, Indiana. &nbsp;The passenger was identified as Sean Austin Rader, 26, of Mishawaka, Indiana. Following a probable cause search of the vehicle both subjects were arrested.

&nbsp;Chapman was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia. Rader was arrested, and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741005658928.png" alt="Rader photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rader photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two Indiana men on drug allegations.&nbsp;Shortly before 9p.m. Feb. 28, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2016 Ford F-150 pickup for a traffic infraction near 134th on U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741005617784.png" alt="Chapman photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Chapman photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kameron Lee Chapman, 25, of South Bend, Indiana. &nbsp;The passenger was identified as Sean Austin Rader, 26, of Mishawaka, Indiana. Following a probable cause search of the vehicle both subjects were arrested.&nbsp;Chapman was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia. Rader was arrested, and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Two from Indiana caught transporting illegal drugs in Kansas

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

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas students are grappling with the decision to end gender-inclusive housing assignments at a campus scholarship hall.

Grace Pearson residents and other KU students protested last week outside of Strong Hall with signs that read “We’re All Jayhawks” and “Keep Inclusivity Affordable.” The group also launched a petition against the change in policy, and decorated windows with Post-its and signs that the university&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansan.com/news/grace-pearson-residents-ordered-to-take-down-decorations-supporting-gender-inclusion/article_bcb6088c-f57f-11ef-b35d-7327303c6ace.html" target="_blank">requested they remove.</a>&nbsp;

KU notified residents of Grace Pearson Hall on Feb. 5 that floors will be segregated by gender in the next school year. That means transgender and nonbinary students who want a gender-inclusive assignment, or GIA, will need to relocate.

“There’s stuff going on on campus like this. Usually you can go home and feel better about it or distract yourself. But with this, it’s like we’re living in this space where it’s happening. There is no escape,” said five-year resident Rhoswyn Hicks. “Seeing a community that really had trans joy within student housing falling apart has been really difficult.”

On Monday, students spoke at the Higher Learning Commission accreditation during an open forum for students to voice their concerns.&nbsp;

“The university has a responsibility to respect and care for students regardless of their gender identity,” Hicks said. “We would be happy to see the other students in this room take up arms with us and help us in our cause.”

In the initial email sent to residents, KU Housing said communal bathrooms would become gender-segregated and that gender-inclusive housing assignments would no longer be available. Residents were given two options: either stay and select living on a male or female floor, or request GIA housing elsewhere. Other options include living in the Rainbow Community, which offers suites that are significantly more expensive than scholarship halls. K.K. Amani Hall would have “some” GIA rooms available, according to KU Housing.

Residents were given five days to make the decision.&nbsp;

“It feels like there’s no space for me,” said resident Simon Davis. “It feels as though they don’t care that I’m here because I am nonbinary. I don’t like being assigned or shoved into a category, which is kind of what I have to deal with. I don’t like being categorized as a woman, but I care a lot about GP’s community, so I will stay. It sucks though.”

On Feb. 13, KU Housing sent a follow-up email to residents to clarify reasons for the changes. According to the email sent by Sarah Waters, executive director of Housing and Residence Life, multi-stalled bathrooms in residential dormitory buildings are required by&nbsp;<a href="https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2018/chapter-29-plumbing-systems" target="_blank">International Building Code</a>&nbsp;to have separate facilities based on sex.

“We understand the impact this change has on the community,” Waters said in the email. “We will continue to support our residents in navigating this change to meet their housing needs.”

The email goes on to say that residents who observe other residents using the incorrect bathroom or housing assignment should report the issue. Residents were recommended to apply for GIA housing at K.K. Amani Hall, which costs $518 more per academic year.

Directors at Grace Pearson and Amani halls did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Resident assistant Anthony Alvarez has lived in Grace Pearson for three years and been an RA for two. He became an RA to be a friend to those throughout the hall. He said he intended not to enforce the changes with his residents to the best of his ability.&nbsp;

“If you were a staff member, you would be looking to enforce that and we don’t know what that looks like,” said Alvarez. “The most they told us would be an incident report and policy. If you get a certain amount of incident reports, you could get kicked out. However, your job as an RA ties you to the building, your housing and your job. If they fire you, you don’t have a place to live.”

Residents of Grace Pearson plan to continue spreading awareness to fellow students.&nbsp;

“It looks like outreach getting more people to know about what’s going on,” Hicks said. “I guess if housing continues to not respond, likely more protests where we feel we will reach the best audience, or larger audience for this issue.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741134701079.png" alt="Residents of the Grace Pearson scholarship hall and other students protest Feb. 26, 2025, outside of Strong Hall in support of gender-inclusive housing. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Residents of the Grace Pearson scholarship hall and other students protest Feb. 26, 2025, outside of Strong Hall in support of gender-inclusive housing. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">MAYA SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a> LAWRENCE — University of Kansas students are grappling with the decision to end gender-inclusive housing assignments at a campus scholarship hall.Grace Pearson residents and other KU students protested last week outside of Strong Hall with signs that read “We’re All Jayhawks” and “Keep Inclusivity Affordable.” The group also launched a petition against the change in policy, and decorated windows with Post-its and signs that the university&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansan.com/news/grace-pearson-residents-ordered-to-take-down-decorations-supporting-gender-inclusion/article_bcb6088c-f57f-11ef-b35d-7327303c6ace.html" target="_blank">requested they remove.</a>&nbsp;KU notified residents of Grace Pearson Hall on Feb. 5 that floors will be segregated by gender in the next school year. That means transgender and nonbinary students who want a gender-inclusive assignment, or GIA, will need to relocate.“There’s stuff going on on campus like this. Usually you can go home and feel better about it or distract yourself. But with this, it’s like we’re living in this space where it’s happening. There is no escape,” said five-year resident Rhoswyn Hicks. “Seeing a community that really had trans joy within student housing falling apart has been really difficult.”On Monday, students spoke at the Higher Learning Commission accreditation during an open forum for students to voice their concerns.&nbsp;“The university has a responsibility to respect and care for students regardless of their gender identity,” Hicks said. “We would be happy to see the other students in this room take up arms with us and help us in our cause.”In the initial email sent to residents, KU Housing said communal bathrooms would become gender-segregated and that gender-inclusive housing assignments would no longer be available. Residents were given two options: either stay and select living on a male or female floor, or request GIA housing elsewhere. Other options include living in the Rainbow Community, which offers suites that are significantly more expensive than scholarship halls. K.K. Amani Hall would have “some” GIA rooms available, according to KU Housing.Residents were given five days to make the decision.&nbsp;“It feels like there’s no space for me,” said resident Simon Davis. “It feels as though they don’t care that I’m here because I am nonbinary. I don’t like being assigned or shoved into a category, which is kind of what I have to deal with. I don’t like being categorized as a woman, but I care a lot about GP’s community, so I will stay. It sucks though.”On Feb. 13, KU Housing sent a follow-up email to residents to clarify reasons for the changes. According to the email sent by Sarah Waters, executive director of Housing and Residence Life, multi-stalled bathrooms in residential dormitory buildings are required by&nbsp;<a href="https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2018/chapter-29-plumbing-systems" target="_blank">International Building Code</a>&nbsp;to have separate facilities based on sex.“We understand the impact this change has on the community,” Waters said in the email. “We will continue to support our residents in navigating this change to meet their housing needs.”The email goes on to say that residents who observe other residents using the incorrect bathroom or housing assignment should report the issue. Residents were recommended to apply for GIA housing at K.K. Amani Hall, which costs $518 more per academic year.Directors at Grace Pearson and Amani halls did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;Resident assistant Anthony Alvarez has lived in Grace Pearson for three years and been an RA for two. He became an RA to be a friend to those throughout the hall. He said he intended not to enforce the changes with his residents to the best of his ability.&nbsp;“If you were a staff member, you would be looking to enforce that and we don’t know what that looks like,” said Alvarez. “The most they told us would be an incident report and policy. If you get a certain amount of incident reports, you could get kicked out. However, your job as an RA ties you to the building, your housing and your job. If they fire you, you don’t have a place to live.”Residents of Grace Pearson plan to continue spreading awareness to fellow students.&nbsp;“It looks like outreach getting more people to know about what’s going on,” Hicks said. “I guess if housing continues to not respond, likely more protests where we feel we will reach the best audience, or larger audience for this issue.”

University of Kansas students protest decision to end gender-inclusive housing in scholarship hall

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The State of Kansas ends February 2025 with total tax collections at $548.2 million. That is $121.9 million, or 28.6%, above the estimate. Total tax collections are up 5.1% from February 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F03%2F03%2Ffile_attachments%2F3181019%2F08_February_Revenue_FY2025_03-03-2025_Final.pdf/1/010101955dc3715c-bd709104-57d7-4f3e-ad05-81d3564ecc82-000000/3uTrW9PVn5mxCHvPwFLmKpMc550s_07Bh1-90FfOhxQ=394">here</a>&nbsp;to view the February 2025 revenue numbers.&nbsp;

“While our tax collections this month highlight the strength of Kansas' economy, we must continue to exercise caution and uphold fiscal responsibility to ensure long-term financial stability and prosperity for all Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;

Individual income tax collections were $239.4 million. That is $149.4 million, or 166.0% above the estimate, and up 37.9% from February 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $16.3 million. That is $3.7 million, or 18.7% below the estimate, and down 22.8% from February 2024.&nbsp;

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $247.1 million, which is $1.1 million, or 0.4% above the estimate, and down $5.5 million, or 2.2%, from February 2024.  &nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The State of Kansas ends February 2025 with total tax collections at $548.2 million. That is $121.9 million, or 28.6%, above the estimate. Total tax collections are up 5.1% from February 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F03%2F03%2Ffile_attachments%2F3181019%2F08_February_Revenue_FY2025_03-03-2025_Final.pdf/1/010101955dc3715c-bd709104-57d7-4f3e-ad05-81d3564ecc82-000000/3uTrW9PVn5mxCHvPwFLmKpMc550s_07Bh1-90FfOhxQ=394">here</a>&nbsp;to view the February 2025 revenue numbers.&nbsp;“While our tax collections this month highlight the strength of Kansas' economy, we must continue to exercise caution and uphold fiscal responsibility to ensure long-term financial stability and prosperity for all Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;Individual income tax collections were $239.4 million. That is $149.4 million, or 166.0% above the estimate, and up 37.9% from February 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $16.3 million. That is $3.7 million, or 18.7% below the estimate, and down 22.8% from February 2024.&nbsp;Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $247.1 million, which is $1.1 million, or 0.4% above the estimate, and down $5.5 million, or 2.2%, from February 2024.  &nbsp;

 Kansas February total tax collections far surpass estimate

BUTLER COUNTY—Friends have established an online fundraiser the assist the family of two boys who died Saturday in a house explosion and fire in rural Butler County Missouri.&nbsp; The home was a total loss.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-aid-for-young-boys-lost-in-fire?attribution_id=sl%3A69ab4617-59e3-4b8e-bdbf-d4e80ca7a7cd&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&amp;utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t1&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=native_options&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawIyqAJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcEiuidldQtwvkh_JpRNp97VPeAJVkmgfSROrEqVGGHlaT04WqIVV76nRg_aem_M1RMug4iKV-hzOu1a1N8Kg">Click here to view</a> the online fundraiser

Authorities continue investigating the cause of the fatal home explosion and fire.

Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a 911 call of a home explosion and fire, according to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office.

First responders were met with a fully engulfed home. Five people were reported to be living at the residence.&nbsp; Three of the five occupants were able to make it out of the house. Two children both age 2 were not able to be immediately rescued. 

Fire units arrived on scene and requested assistance from additional agencies. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful due to the heavy fire in the residence. 

 Both children were eventually pronounced deceased by the Bates County Coroner on scene.   The three people that were able to make it out of the house were transported to the hospital for treatment.   The fire is being investigated by the Bates County Sheriffs Office and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740963768094.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—Friends have established an online fundraiser the assist the family of two boys who died Saturday in a house explosion and fire in rural Butler County Missouri.&nbsp; The home was a total loss.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-aid-for-young-boys-lost-in-fire?attribution_id=sl%3A69ab4617-59e3-4b8e-bdbf-d4e80ca7a7cd&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&amp;utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t1&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=native_options&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawIyqAJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcEiuidldQtwvkh_JpRNp97VPeAJVkmgfSROrEqVGGHlaT04WqIVV76nRg_aem_M1RMug4iKV-hzOu1a1N8Kg">Click here to view</a> the online fundraiser<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741038954219.png" alt="Photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities continue investigating the cause of the fatal home explosion and fire.Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a 911 call of a home explosion and fire, according to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office.First responders were met with a fully engulfed home. Five people were reported to be living at the residence.&nbsp; Three of the five occupants were able to make it out of the house. Two children both age 2 were not able to be immediately rescued. Fire units arrived on scene and requested assistance from additional agencies. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful due to the heavy fire in the residence. Both children were eventually pronounced deceased by the Bates County Coroner on scene. The three people that were able to make it out of the house were transported to the hospital for treatment. The fire is being investigated by the Bates County Sheriffs Office and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Online fundraiser after 2 boys killed in house explosion, fire

NEW YORK (AP) —Stocks racked up more losses on Wall Street Tuesday as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china-643086a6dc7ff716d876b3c83e3255b0">trade war</a>&nbsp;between the U.S. and its key trading partners escalated, wiping out all the gains since Election Day for the S&amp;P 500.

The Trump administration imposed tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting Tuesday and doubled tariffs against imports from China. All three countries announced retaliatory actions, sparking worries about a slowdown in the global economy.

The S&amp;P 500 fell 1.2%, with more than 80% of the stocks in the benchmark index closing lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.6%.

The Nasdaq composite slipped 0.4%. The tech-heavy index briefly reached a 10% decline from its most recent closing high, which is what the market considers a correction, but gains for Nvidia, Microsoft and other tech heavyweights helped pare those losses.

Financial stocks were among the heaviest weights on the S&amp;P 500 index. JPMorgan Chase fell 4% and Bank of America lost 6.3%.

Markets in Europe fell sharply, with Germany's DAX falling 3.5% as automakers saw sharp losses. Stocks in Asia saw more modest declines.

“The markets are having a tough time even setting expectations for what this trade war could look like,” said Ross Mayfield, investment strategy analyst at Baird. “This is clearly a level step higher than anything we saw during (Trump's) first term.”

The recent decline in U.S. stocks has wiped out all of the markets’ gains since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;election in November. That rally had been built largely on hopes for policies that would strengthen the U.S. economy and businesses. Worries about tariffs raising consumer prices and reigniting inflation have been weighing on both the economy and Wall Street.

The tariffs are prompting warnings from retailers, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-inflation-tariffs-economy-minnesota-345efc8c9edc03994f13dd6d624c719b">Target</a>&nbsp;and Best Buy, as they report their latest financial results. Target fell 3% despite beating Wall Street’s earnings forecasts, saying there will be “meaningful pressure” on its profits to start the year because of tariffs and other costs.

Best Buy plunged 13.3% for the biggest drop among S&amp;P 500 stocks after giving investors a weaker-than-expected earnings forecast and warning about tariff impacts.

“International trade is critically important to our business and industry,” said Best Buy CEO Corie Barry.

Barry said China and Mexico are the top two sources for products that Best Buy sells, and it also expects vendors to pass along tariff costs, which would make price increases for American consumers likely.

Imports from Canada and Mexico are now to be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties. The 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February was doubled to 20%.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-tariffs-farm-soy-trump-7442b02ac829347f0d4fc6ad0955d368">China</a>&nbsp;responded to new U.S. tariffs by announcing it will impose additional tariffs of up to 15% on imports of key U.S. farm products, including chicken, pork, soy and beef, and expanded controls on doing business with key U.S. companies. Canada plans on slapping tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods over the course of 21 days.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trade-war-mexico-trump-9cefdded035a0b35e700a7ba0bfc34b4">Mexico</a>&nbsp;also plans tariffs on goods imported from the U.S.

Companies in the S&amp;P 500 are wrapping up the latest round of quarterly financial reports. They've posted broad earnings growth of 18% for the fourth quarter. But Wall Street has already trimmed expectations for the current quarter to about 7% growth from just over forecasts of 11% at the beginning of the year.

“The hit to growth is more of the commentary that we’ll be looking for from companies,” said Kevin Gordon, senior investment strategist at Charles Schwab.

Concerns about profits follow a series of economic reports with worrisome signals that include U.S. households becoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-consumer-trump-tariffs-inflation-b8eacbe9b948af91a4efc97dd3f85cfa">more pessimistic</a>&nbsp;about inflation and pulling back on spending. Consumer spending has essentially driven U.S. economic growth in the face of high interest rates.

Wall Street has been hoping that the Federal Reserve would continue lowering interest rates in 2025. The central bank has signaled more caution, though, partly because of uncertainty surrounding the economic impact of tariffs. The Fed is expected to hold rates steady at its upcoming meeting later in March.

The Fed raised interest rates to their highest level in two decades in order to tame inflation. It started cutting its benchmark rate in 2024 as the rate of inflation moved closer to its target of 2%. But inflation remains stubbornly just above that target and tariffs threaten price increases that could fuel inflation.

In the bond market, Treasury yields were mixed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.20% from 4.16% late Monday. It’s still down sharply from last month, when it was approaching 4.80%, as worries have grown about where the strength of the U.S. economy.

“Because tariffs are in effect, and there’s no guarantee that they’re likely to be temporary, that’s filtering its way to the bond market and we’re seeing the threat of higher inflation eroding the value of the 10-year note,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA.

The yield on the 2-year Treasury held steady at 3.94%.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 71.57 points to 5,778.15. The Dow dropped 670 points to 42,520.99, and the Nasdaq shed 65.03 points to 18,285.16.

NEW YORK (AP) —Stocks racked up more losses on Wall Street Tuesday as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china-643086a6dc7ff716d876b3c83e3255b0">trade war</a>&nbsp;between the U.S. and its key trading partners escalated, wiping out all the gains since Election Day for the S&amp;P 500.The Trump administration imposed tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting Tuesday and doubled tariffs against imports from China. All three countries announced retaliatory actions, sparking worries about a slowdown in the global economy.The S&amp;P 500 fell 1.2%, with more than 80% of the stocks in the benchmark index closing lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.6%.The Nasdaq composite slipped 0.4%. The tech-heavy index briefly reached a 10% decline from its most recent closing high, which is what the market considers a correction, but gains for Nvidia, Microsoft and other tech heavyweights helped pare those losses.Financial stocks were among the heaviest weights on the S&amp;P 500 index. JPMorgan Chase fell 4% and Bank of America lost 6.3%.Markets in Europe fell sharply, with Germany's DAX falling 3.5% as automakers saw sharp losses. Stocks in Asia saw more modest declines.“The markets are having a tough time even setting expectations for what this trade war could look like,” said Ross Mayfield, investment strategy analyst at Baird. “This is clearly a level step higher than anything we saw during (Trump's) first term.”The recent decline in U.S. stocks has wiped out all of the markets’ gains since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;election in November. That rally had been built largely on hopes for policies that would strengthen the U.S. economy and businesses. Worries about tariffs raising consumer prices and reigniting inflation have been weighing on both the economy and Wall Street.The tariffs are prompting warnings from retailers, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-inflation-tariffs-economy-minnesota-345efc8c9edc03994f13dd6d624c719b">Target</a>&nbsp;and Best Buy, as they report their latest financial results. Target fell 3% despite beating Wall Street’s earnings forecasts, saying there will be “meaningful pressure” on its profits to start the year because of tariffs and other costs.Best Buy plunged 13.3% for the biggest drop among S&amp;P 500 stocks after giving investors a weaker-than-expected earnings forecast and warning about tariff impacts.“International trade is critically important to our business and industry,” said Best Buy CEO Corie Barry.Barry said China and Mexico are the top two sources for products that Best Buy sells, and it also expects vendors to pass along tariff costs, which would make price increases for American consumers likely.Imports from Canada and Mexico are now to be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties. The 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February was doubled to 20%.Retaliations were swift.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-tariffs-farm-soy-trump-7442b02ac829347f0d4fc6ad0955d368">China</a>&nbsp;responded to new U.S. tariffs by announcing it will impose additional tariffs of up to 15% on imports of key U.S. farm products, including chicken, pork, soy and beef, and expanded controls on doing business with key U.S. companies. Canada plans on slapping tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods over the course of 21 days.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trade-war-mexico-trump-9cefdded035a0b35e700a7ba0bfc34b4">Mexico</a>&nbsp;also plans tariffs on goods imported from the U.S.Companies in the S&amp;P 500 are wrapping up the latest round of quarterly financial reports. They've posted broad earnings growth of 18% for the fourth quarter. But Wall Street has already trimmed expectations for the current quarter to about 7% growth from just over forecasts of 11% at the beginning of the year.“The hit to growth is more of the commentary that we’ll be looking for from companies,” said Kevin Gordon, senior investment strategist at Charles Schwab.Concerns about profits follow a series of economic reports with worrisome signals that include U.S. households becoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-consumer-trump-tariffs-inflation-b8eacbe9b948af91a4efc97dd3f85cfa">more pessimistic</a>&nbsp;about inflation and pulling back on spending. Consumer spending has essentially driven U.S. economic growth in the face of high interest rates.Wall Street has been hoping that the Federal Reserve would continue lowering interest rates in 2025. The central bank has signaled more caution, though, partly because of uncertainty surrounding the economic impact of tariffs. The Fed is expected to hold rates steady at its upcoming meeting later in March.The Fed raised interest rates to their highest level in two decades in order to tame inflation. It started cutting its benchmark rate in 2024 as the rate of inflation moved closer to its target of 2%. But inflation remains stubbornly just above that target and tariffs threaten price increases that could fuel inflation.In the bond market, Treasury yields were mixed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.20% from 4.16% late Monday. It’s still down sharply from last month, when it was approaching 4.80%, as worries have grown about where the strength of the U.S. economy.“Because tariffs are in effect, and there’s no guarantee that they’re likely to be temporary, that’s filtering its way to the bond market and we’re seeing the threat of higher inflation eroding the value of the 10-year note,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA.The yield on the 2-year Treasury held steady at 3.94%.All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 71.57 points to 5,778.15. The Dow dropped 670 points to 42,520.99, and the Nasdaq shed 65.03 points to 18,285.16.___

Wall Street falls again: Losses wipe out all post-election gains for S&P 500

FINNEY COUNTY —The first winter storm of the month of March is bringing winds of over over 70 and 80 mph to southwest Kansas with blowing dust. Mad Dog Metals, a business west of Garden City, lost its roof in the storm, and debris was reported in the roadway blocking the road to Holcomb.

Garden City is also reporting power outages.

On Tuesday morning crews were dispatched to Hwy 50 for a two vehicle collision, according to Kearney County Fire and Rescue. With the blowing dirt it made conditions hazardous.&nbsp;

Rescue crews have been paged out to multiple roll overs accidents. 

If you have to be out give your self extra time. Turn your headlights on and flashers while going through the blowing dirt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741118858361.png" alt="Photos Kearney County Fire Rescue" />
 <figcaption>Photos Kearney County Fire Rescue</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —The first winter storm of the month of March is bringing winds of over over 70 and 80 mph to southwest Kansas with blowing dust. Mad Dog Metals, a business west of Garden City, lost its roof in the storm, and debris was reported in the roadway blocking the road to Holcomb.Garden City is also reporting power outages.On Tuesday morning crews were dispatched to Hwy 50 for a two vehicle collision, according to Kearney County Fire and Rescue. With the blowing dirt it made conditions hazardous.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741119060079.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rescue crews have been paged out to multiple roll overs accidents. If you have to be out give your self extra time. Turn your headlights on and flashers while going through the blowing dirt.

Damaging winds and power outages reported in SW Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;is encouraging Republican lawmakers to skip town halls that have been filled with protesters decrying the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-address-congress-updates">Trump administration's</a>&nbsp;slashing of federal government, echoing the president's claims that the demonstration's are fueled by professional protesters.

The speaker's advice Tuesday comes as GOP lawmakers often find themselves at a loss to explain the cuts, led by billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-emails-a3e7e9ab82f45bb15ef22bddab01f25e">Elon Musk's</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, that are leaving federal workers suddenly out of jobs in communities from coast to coast. Democrats are jumping in to shine a bright light on what is happening.

“We’ve seen this movie before,” Johnson said at a news conference.

“They’re professional protesters,” Johnson added. “So why would we give them a forum to do that right now?”

Johnson was repeating President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;claim posted on social media on Monday that “Paid ‘troublemakers’” are filling the GOP town halls to which the House Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;responded: "We don’t need paid protestors. The American people are with us."

The Republicans are finding themselves in an unusual spot — defending the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnson-trump-republicans-budget-vote-tax-cuts-4cb74ca15f6a74a7344355e4507ab9fe">deep budget cuts they have campaigned on</a>&nbsp;for years, but have rarely been able to accomplish because the reductions cut into federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-work-requirements-congress-republicans-90ec1119f1d95de067c76f79eec7fa87">programs and services</a>&nbsp;Americans in their districts rely on.

Trump and Musk's DOGE have fired tens of thousands of federal workers as they tear through the federal government in search of what they call waste, fraud and abuse. It's spiraling at a pace the Republicans in Congress could only imagine when the party swept control of the White House, House and Senate.

Republicans are feeling the heat back home.

Republican Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-rioters-congress-republicans-police-15f121efe72c0ecea62eceeda0ebe89b">Roger Marshall</a>&nbsp;of Kansas was confronted over the week by spirited residents questioning him about the firings of veterans from the federal workforce.

Marshall, too, echoed claims of paid protesters. “Can confirm,” Marshall posted alongside Trump's comment.

The scenes at the town halls are reminiscent of past moments — from the Obama-era health care battles, when tea party Republicans fought against the Affordable Care Act, and also the George W. Bush era, when Democrats and others protested his proposed changes to Social Security.

But more immediately the town hall outbursts resemble the Trump-era protests of 2017 and 2018 when Republicans tried and failed to repeal Obamacare, and then approved sweeping GOP tax cuts — and Democrats campaign against them, sweeping the midterm elections and reclaiming control of the U.S. House.

The speaker protecting his thin-as-ever majority advised his lawmakers to choose other forums — smaller community gatherings or telephone town halls — to discuss the issues with voters.

“They’re running away from the people because they know how badly people have been hurt by what they’re doing,” said Senate Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/schumer-democrats-election-trump-7ee99496ac9f2a73493f1aa89a02a33d">Chuck Schumer</a>.

Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, and the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus said, “I think many House Republicans have to make a choice about whether they want to fulfill their job title as representative, where they can have a town hall and actually speak honestly to their constituents, or whether they want to change their job title to Elon Musk employee.”

As Trump and Musk bulldoze through the federal government, Republican leaders are looking to cut even further, enshrining the reductions and other changes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-budget-republicans-health-care-4a13fc3528d7bf20ea52db4a5551c8bf">Medicaid</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-cuts-candy-soda-food-stamps-b6351b86a17b281b67480fe2d24b54f4">food stamps</a>&nbsp;and other programs into law as part of the budget process. They are hoping to reach some $2 trillion in cuts to help finance some $4.5 trillion tax breaks.

Outside groups, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-musk-trump-protests-congress-ccb64f2889d31aad8c25d37686f62d7a">Indivisible</a>, which led powerful demonstrations during the first Trump turn, are organizing in communities nationwide as voters opposed to the president's agenda seeks ways to show their discontent.

It has all left rank-and-file Republicans struggling to keep pace with the onslaught.

Asked in recent days what they have to say to fired federal workers, the GOP lawmakers have not always had a ready response.

“No pain, no gain,” Marshall told the Associated Press last week.

Marshall the senator from Kansas said voters understand that the U.S. government is running a nearly $2 trillion deficit, piling onto the debt load and that changes need to be made.

“I think a lot of people understand that there’s going to be some short term pain for the opportunity for long term gain," he said. "I think people overall very happy to see the cut, in the federal spending.”

Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming said she's supportive of Musk and his team, “but I still feel sorry for people who are losing their jobs.”

Her message to those fired federal workers was to think about the other Americans who are also struggling to get by. “You’ve got to think about the people who are paying for all this government," she said. “We have too much government.”

Republican Sen. Rick Scott said, “That’s what President Trump got elected to do.”

Asked about his message to those who’ve been fired and are out of work, Scott said that “I'll do everything I can to be helpful to them.”

Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas said he supports DOGE, “as a concept." But he said, "I think you got to be careful as to how you do it.”

His advice to fired federal workers? "Just be patient.”

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said while government funding remains important in particular areas, for cancer research and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nih-medical-research-funding-cut-indirect-costs-a75b8d7d56a29f1e880859d79ef744e4">National Institutes of Health</a>, “I think Elon Musk’s leadership and Doge has been terrific."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740918399359.png" alt="Senator Marshall at a town hall in Oakley on Saturday-Image from the video by Colin McRoberts went viral" />
 <figcaption>Senator Marshall at a town hall in Oakley on Saturday-Image from the video by Colin McRoberts went viral</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;is encouraging Republican lawmakers to skip town halls that have been filled with protesters decrying the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-address-congress-updates">Trump administration's</a>&nbsp;slashing of federal government, echoing the president's claims that the demonstration's are fueled by professional protesters.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Must watch video: <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a> stands up and leaves his own town hall meeting today after being asked why Republicans think it’s acceptable for DOGE to be firing Veterans. <a href="https://t.co/ErNJbYPy1Z">pic.twitter.com/ErNJbYPy1Z</a>&mdash; Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattmfm/status/1895904839437316595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The speaker's advice Tuesday comes as GOP lawmakers often find themselves at a loss to explain the cuts, led by billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-emails-a3e7e9ab82f45bb15ef22bddab01f25e">Elon Musk's</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, that are leaving federal workers suddenly out of jobs in communities from coast to coast. Democrats are jumping in to shine a bright light on what is happening.“We’ve seen this movie before,” Johnson said at a news conference.“They’re professional protesters,” Johnson added. “So why would we give them a forum to do that right now?”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Can confirm. <a href="https://t.co/Ru9qbspeOY">pic.twitter.com/Ru9qbspeOY</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1896583775557243254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Johnson was repeating President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;claim posted on social media on Monday that “Paid ‘troublemakers’” are filling the GOP town halls to which the House Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;responded: "We don’t need paid protestors. The American people are with us."The Republicans are finding themselves in an unusual spot — defending the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnson-trump-republicans-budget-vote-tax-cuts-4cb74ca15f6a74a7344355e4507ab9fe">deep budget cuts they have campaigned on</a>&nbsp;for years, but have rarely been able to accomplish because the reductions cut into federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-work-requirements-congress-republicans-90ec1119f1d95de067c76f79eec7fa87">programs and services</a>&nbsp;Americans in their districts rely on.Trump and Musk's DOGE have fired tens of thousands of federal workers as they tear through the federal government in search of what they call waste, fraud and abuse. It's spiraling at a pace the Republicans in Congress could only imagine when the party swept control of the White House, House and Senate.Republicans are feeling the heat back home.Republican Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-rioters-congress-republicans-police-15f121efe72c0ecea62eceeda0ebe89b">Roger Marshall</a>&nbsp;of Kansas was confronted over the week by spirited residents questioning him about the firings of veterans from the federal workforce.Marshall, too, echoed claims of paid protesters. “Can confirm,” Marshall posted alongside Trump's comment.The scenes at the town halls are reminiscent of past moments — from the Obama-era health care battles, when tea party Republicans fought against the Affordable Care Act, and also the George W. Bush era, when Democrats and others protested his proposed changes to Social Security.But more immediately the town hall outbursts resemble the Trump-era protests of 2017 and 2018 when Republicans tried and failed to repeal Obamacare, and then approved sweeping GOP tax cuts — and Democrats campaign against them, sweeping the midterm elections and reclaiming control of the U.S. House.The speaker protecting his thin-as-ever majority advised his lawmakers to choose other forums — smaller community gatherings or telephone town halls — to discuss the issues with voters.“They’re running away from the people because they know how badly people have been hurt by what they’re doing,” said Senate Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/schumer-democrats-election-trump-7ee99496ac9f2a73493f1aa89a02a33d">Chuck Schumer</a>.Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, and the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus said, “I think many House Republicans have to make a choice about whether they want to fulfill their job title as representative, where they can have a town hall and actually speak honestly to their constituents, or whether they want to change their job title to Elon Musk employee.”As Trump and Musk bulldoze through the federal government, Republican leaders are looking to cut even further, enshrining the reductions and other changes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-budget-republicans-health-care-4a13fc3528d7bf20ea52db4a5551c8bf">Medicaid</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-cuts-candy-soda-food-stamps-b6351b86a17b281b67480fe2d24b54f4">food stamps</a>&nbsp;and other programs into law as part of the budget process. They are hoping to reach some $2 trillion in cuts to help finance some $4.5 trillion tax breaks.Outside groups, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-musk-trump-protests-congress-ccb64f2889d31aad8c25d37686f62d7a">Indivisible</a>, which led powerful demonstrations during the first Trump turn, are organizing in communities nationwide as voters opposed to the president's agenda seeks ways to show their discontent.It has all left rank-and-file Republicans struggling to keep pace with the onslaught.Asked in recent days what they have to say to fired federal workers, the GOP lawmakers have not always had a ready response.“No pain, no gain,” Marshall told the Associated Press last week.Marshall the senator from Kansas said voters understand that the U.S. government is running a nearly $2 trillion deficit, piling onto the debt load and that changes need to be made.“I think a lot of people understand that there’s going to be some short term pain for the opportunity for long term gain," he said. "I think people overall very happy to see the cut, in the federal spending.”Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming said she's supportive of Musk and his team, “but I still feel sorry for people who are losing their jobs.”Her message to those fired federal workers was to think about the other Americans who are also struggling to get by. “You’ve got to think about the people who are paying for all this government," she said. “We have too much government.”Republican Sen. Rick Scott said, “That’s what President Trump got elected to do.”Asked about his message to those who’ve been fired and are out of work, Scott said that “I'll do everything I can to be helpful to them.”Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas said he supports DOGE, “as a concept." But he said, "I think you got to be careful as to how you do it.”His advice to fired federal workers? "Just be patient.”Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said while government funding remains important in particular areas, for cancer research and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nih-medical-research-funding-cut-indirect-costs-a75b8d7d56a29f1e880859d79ef744e4">National Institutes of Health</a>, “I think Elon Musk’s leadership and Doge has been terrific."

Speaker Johnson tells GOP lawmakers to skip town halls after onslaught of protests

FRANKLIN COUNTY —A police officer was forced to shoot a dog during an incident on Monday in Ottawa.

Just after 2p.m. Monday&nbsp;a citizen reported a Pitbull running loose and being aggressive in the 700 block of S. Cypress Street in Ottawa, according to a media release from police.

Responding officers arrived and located the canine and it charged at them. Officers attempted to catch the dog but could not due to the aggressive behavior of the canine, and requested a unit with a tranquilizer gun respond. 

 Prior to the officer arriving with the tranquilizer gun the dog charged another officer who discharged their duty weapon striking the canine.  The dog retreated to a fenced in pen with another dog that was aggressive, which delayed medical treatment.  Officers were able to retrieve the injured canine, and it was immediately transported to a local veterinarian for emergency treatment.

No officers or citizens were injured during the incident.

Police issued citations to 61-year-old Floyd Atchison, a 61-year-old of Ottawa on following charges:  Keeping Vicious Animal; Animal At Large; Keeping Prohibited Pit Bull; No City Animal Registration and No Current Rabies Vaccination.

FRANKLIN COUNTY —A police officer was forced to shoot a dog during an incident on Monday in Ottawa.Just after 2p.m. Monday&nbsp;a citizen reported a Pitbull running loose and being aggressive in the 700 block of S. Cypress Street in Ottawa, according to a media release from police.Responding officers arrived and located the canine and it charged at them. Officers attempted to catch the dog but could not due to the aggressive behavior of the canine, and requested a unit with a tranquilizer gun respond. Prior to the officer arriving with the tranquilizer gun the dog charged another officer who discharged their duty weapon striking the canine. The dog retreated to a fenced in pen with another dog that was aggressive, which delayed medical treatment. Officers were able to retrieve the injured canine, and it was immediately transported to a local veterinarian for emergency treatment.No officers or citizens were injured during the incident.Police issued citations to 61-year-old Floyd Atchison, a 61-year-old of Ottawa on following charges: Keeping Vicious Animal; Animal At Large; Keeping Prohibited Pit Bull; No City Animal Registration and No Current Rabies Vaccination.

Kan. man issued citations after police respond, shoot aggressive dog

EDINA, Minn. (AP) — Joey Molland, a guitarist with the Welsh pop-rock band Badfinger that was known for such 1970s hits as “No Matter What” and “Day After Day,” has died at age 77.

Molland was the last to join and had been the last survivor from the most famous lineup of the group, which recorded for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beatles-artificial-intelligence-record-paul-mccartney-2dc3d8c818e12b708d4e9409cb7dc856">Beatles</a>&nbsp;’ Apple label. His death was confirmed Tuesday by Sam Sheffield-West, the funeral director at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels in Edina, Minnesota. Molland had lived in the state for decades. Additional details about his death weren't immediately available.

Badfinger was a quartet that also included singer-guitarist Pete Ham, bassist Tom Evans and drummer Tom Gibbins. They were among the first acts signed to Apple after the Beatles launched it in 1968 and would remain closely associated with the Beatles — not always to Badfinger's liking — throughout their brief years of success. Molland even grew up near Liverpool's Penny Lane, immortalized in the Beatles song of the same name.

Badfinger's breakout hit, “Come and Get It,” was written and produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-mccartney">Paul McCartney</a>, and another top 10 single, “Day After Day,” was produced by George Harrison and featured Harrison's slide guitar. “No Matter What” was produced by Apple official/Beatles assistant Mal Evans, and another Badfinger song, “Without You,” became a hit for Beatles friend Harry Nilsson. Molland and his bandmates would also appear at Harrison's 1971 benefit concert for Bangladesh and provide backing on two Beatles member's solo albums: Harrison's “All Things Must Pass” and John Lennon's “Imagine.”

Critics could not stop likening Badfinger's catchy melodies, layered harmonies and tight arrangements to their benefactors: “It’s as if John, Paul, George, and Ringo had been reincarnated as Joey, Pete, Tom, and Mike of Badfinger," Rolling Stone wrote of them in 1970. Even the band's name originated from the Beatles. Badfinger had called itself the Ivies in the years preceding their joining Apple, but, at the suggestion of Apple official/Beatles assistant Neil Aspinall, agreed to change it to Badfinger. (The working title of the Beatles' “With a Little Help from My Friends” was “Bad Finger Boogie”).

Their time on top ended after 1972. Amid cutbacks at Apple and allegations of financial mismanagement, Badfinger left for Warner Bros., faded commercially and sustained a tragic loss when Ham took his life in 1975. After initially breaking up, the remaining members periodically reunited but never approached their early success.

Evans took his own life in 1983 and Gibbins died of a brain aneurysm in 2005.

Molland remained active well after Badfinger's prime, touring until his health began to fail last year and releasing such solo albums as “This Way Up” “After the Pearl” and “Be True To Yourself.”

“I was raised to go to work — to get up in the morning and go to work,” he told The Associated Press in 2001.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741106286479.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>EDINA, Minn. (AP) — Joey Molland, a guitarist with the Welsh pop-rock band Badfinger that was known for such 1970s hits as “No Matter What” and “Day After Day,” has died at age 77.Molland was the last to join and had been the last survivor from the most famous lineup of the group, which recorded for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beatles-artificial-intelligence-record-paul-mccartney-2dc3d8c818e12b708d4e9409cb7dc856">Beatles</a>&nbsp;’ Apple label. His death was confirmed Tuesday by Sam Sheffield-West, the funeral director at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels in Edina, Minnesota. Molland had lived in the state for decades. Additional details about his death weren't immediately available.Badfinger was a quartet that also included singer-guitarist Pete Ham, bassist Tom Evans and drummer Tom Gibbins. They were among the first acts signed to Apple after the Beatles launched it in 1968 and would remain closely associated with the Beatles — not always to Badfinger's liking — throughout their brief years of success. Molland even grew up near Liverpool's Penny Lane, immortalized in the Beatles song of the same name.Badfinger's breakout hit, “Come and Get It,” was written and produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-mccartney">Paul McCartney</a>, and another top 10 single, “Day After Day,” was produced by George Harrison and featured Harrison's slide guitar. “No Matter What” was produced by Apple official/Beatles assistant Mal Evans, and another Badfinger song, “Without You,” became a hit for Beatles friend Harry Nilsson. Molland and his bandmates would also appear at Harrison's 1971 benefit concert for Bangladesh and provide backing on two Beatles member's solo albums: Harrison's “All Things Must Pass” and John Lennon's “Imagine.”Critics could not stop likening Badfinger's catchy melodies, layered harmonies and tight arrangements to their benefactors: “It’s as if John, Paul, George, and Ringo had been reincarnated as Joey, Pete, Tom, and Mike of Badfinger," Rolling Stone wrote of them in 1970. Even the band's name originated from the Beatles. Badfinger had called itself the Ivies in the years preceding their joining Apple, but, at the suggestion of Apple official/Beatles assistant Neil Aspinall, agreed to change it to Badfinger. (The working title of the Beatles' “With a Little Help from My Friends” was “Bad Finger Boogie”).Their time on top ended after 1972. Amid cutbacks at Apple and allegations of financial mismanagement, Badfinger left for Warner Bros., faded commercially and sustained a tragic loss when Ham took his life in 1975. After initially breaking up, the remaining members periodically reunited but never approached their early success.Evans took his own life in 1983 and Gibbins died of a brain aneurysm in 2005.Molland remained active well after Badfinger's prime, touring until his health began to fail last year and releasing such solo albums as “This Way Up” “After the Pearl” and “Be True To Yourself.”“I was raised to go to work — to get up in the morning and go to work,” he told The Associated Press in 2001.

Joey Molland, guitarist with 70s Welsh pop-rock band Badfinger, dies at 77

WASHINGTON (AP) — Legislation that aimed to bar transgender women and girls nationwide from participating in school athletic competitions designated for female athletes failed to advance Monday night in a divided Senate as Democrats stood united against an issue that Republicans leveraged in last year’s elections.

A test vote on the bill failed to gain the 60 votes needed to advance in the chamber as senators stuck to party lines in a 51-45 vote tally.

The bill sought to determine Title IX protections “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” The vote came as Republicans have homed in repeatedly on the social cause, casting it as an issue of ensuring athletic fairness for women and girls. President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-transgender-athletes-3606411fc12efffec95a893351624e1b">signed an executive order</a>&nbsp;last month giving federal agencies wide latitude to ensure entities that receive federal funding abide by Title IX in alignment with the administration’s view, which interprets “sex” as the gender someone was assigned at birth.

Still, Republicans in Congress have set their sights on enshrining that policy into law by amending the 1972&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/title-ix">Title IX law</a>, which protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741059898703.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on the Senate floor during the vote count Monday night image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on the Senate floor during the vote count Monday night image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Legislation that aimed to bar transgender women and girls nationwide from participating in school athletic competitions designated for female athletes failed to advance Monday night in a divided Senate as Democrats stood united against an issue that Republicans leveraged in last year’s elections.A test vote on the bill failed to gain the 60 votes needed to advance in the chamber as senators stuck to party lines in a 51-45 vote tally.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741059669540.png" alt="These Senators voted against advancing the measure" />
 <figcaption>These Senators voted against advancing the measure</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill sought to determine Title IX protections “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” The vote came as Republicans have homed in repeatedly on the social cause, casting it as an issue of ensuring athletic fairness for women and girls. President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-transgender-athletes-3606411fc12efffec95a893351624e1b">signed an executive order</a>&nbsp;last month giving federal agencies wide latitude to ensure entities that receive federal funding abide by Title IX in alignment with the administration’s view, which interprets “sex” as the gender someone was assigned at birth.Still, Republicans in Congress have set their sights on enshrining that policy into law by amending the 1972&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/title-ix">Title IX law</a>, which protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.“Around the country we have seen men — biological men who identify as women — take up spaces and medals in athletics meant for actual women,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., adding, “This is a matter of fairness and equality.”The House had already passed similar legislation with only two Democrats in support, but the setback for the bill in the Senate showed the steep climb for any legislation that targets LGBTQ people. Democrats slammed the bill as both a distraction from more pressing issues and a federal overreach into local school decisions.“What Republicans are doing today is inventing a problem to stir up a culture war and divide people against each other,” Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said in a floor speech.Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said, “This is a decision for sports leagues to thoughtfully craft policy that actually takes seriously what is best for all players, not blanket mandates that will undoubtedly have unintended consequences for the safety of all students.”Still, Republicans nationwide appear determined to press the issue. During his presidential campaign, Trump found that the topic resonated beyond the usual party lines. More than half the voters surveyed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/votecast/">AP VoteCast</a>&nbsp;said support for transgender rights in government and society has gone too far.Following Trump’s executive order, the NCAA changed its participation policy for transgender athletes to limit competition in women’s sports to athletes who were assigned female at birth.In Minnesota Monday, the state House braced for a similar debate on a GOP-backed bill that would apply to primary and secondary schools. Ahead of the debate, several dozen supporters rallied on the steps of the state Capitol in St. Paul, framing the bill as protection for opportunities and safety for girls in sports, and ensuring that they have a level playing field.Democrats and LGBTQ+ rights activists denounced the measure as bullying.Following the Senate bill’s failure, Kelley Robinson, the president of Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement: “Every child should have the opportunity to experience the simple joys of being young and making memories with their friends. But bills like these send the message that transgender kids don’t deserve the same opportunities to thrive as their peers simply because of who they are.”<h2>___</h2>