DALLAS (AP) — The number of people with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles</a>&nbsp;in Texas increased to 146 in an outbreak that led this week to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">death of an unvaccinated school-aged child</a>, health officials said Friday.

The number of cases — Texas’ largest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mmr-vaccine-homeschooling-b29d08d53cf26704968e8c00dfa712ba">nearly 30 years</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">increased by 22</a>&nbsp;since Tuesday. The Texas Department of State Health Services said cases span over nine counties in Texas, including almost 100 in Gaines County, and 20 patients have been hospitalized.

The child who died Tuesday night in the outbreak is the first U.S. death from the highly contagious but preventable respiratory disease since 2015, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The child was treated at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, though the facility said the patient didn’t live in Lubbock County.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top health official and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccine-trump-science-autism-9b99621b01f11b7f0bdc81e5a0b82d2b">a vaccine critic,</a>&nbsp;said this week that the U.S. Department of the Health and Human Services was watching cases but dismissed the outbreak as “not unusual.”

The virus has largely spread through rural, oil rig-dotted West Texas, with cases concentrated in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-vaccinations-mennonites-4880035d6fd53cc029b531f5adda95ad">“close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community</a>, state health department spokesperson Lara Anton has said.

Gaines County has a strong homeschooling and private school community. It is also home to one of the highest rates of school-aged children in Texas who have opted out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14% skipping a required dose last school year.

Texas law allows children to get an exemption from school vaccines for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. Anton has said the number of unvaccinated kids in Gaines County is likely significantly higher because homeschooled children's data would not be reported.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing infection and severe cases. The first shot is recommended for children ages 12 to 15 months, and the second for ages 4 to 6 years. Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.

Vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, and most states are below the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners</a>&nbsp;— the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks.

The U.S. had considered measles, a respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours, eliminated in 2000, which meant there had been a halt in continuous spread of the disease for at least a year. Measles cases rose in 2024, including a Chicago outbreak that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60</a>.

Eastern New Mexico has nine cases of measles currently, but the state health department said there is no connection to the outbreak in West Texas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740774393942.png" alt="Image Texas Dept. of Health" />
 <figcaption>Image Texas Dept. of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — The number of people with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles</a>&nbsp;in Texas increased to 146 in an outbreak that led this week to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">death of an unvaccinated school-aged child</a>, health officials said Friday.The number of cases — Texas’ largest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mmr-vaccine-homeschooling-b29d08d53cf26704968e8c00dfa712ba">nearly 30 years</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">increased by 22</a>&nbsp;since Tuesday. The Texas Department of State Health Services said cases span over nine counties in Texas, including almost 100 in Gaines County, and 20 patients have been hospitalized.The child who died Tuesday night in the outbreak is the first U.S. death from the highly contagious but preventable respiratory disease since 2015, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The child was treated at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, though the facility said the patient didn’t live in Lubbock County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740584009532.png" alt="A sign warning of measles is posted on a glass door as a patient checks in for an appointment in the family medicine wing of at the Texas Tech Physicians of the Permian Basin Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Odessa, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>A sign warning of measles is posted on a glass door as a patient checks in for an appointment in the family medicine wing of at the Texas Tech Physicians of the Permian Basin Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Odessa, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top health official and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccine-trump-science-autism-9b99621b01f11b7f0bdc81e5a0b82d2b">a vaccine critic,</a>&nbsp;said this week that the U.S. Department of the Health and Human Services was watching cases but dismissed the outbreak as “not unusual.”The virus has largely spread through rural, oil rig-dotted West Texas, with cases concentrated in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-vaccinations-mennonites-4880035d6fd53cc029b531f5adda95ad">“close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community</a>, state health department spokesperson Lara Anton has said.Gaines County has a strong homeschooling and private school community. It is also home to one of the highest rates of school-aged children in Texas who have opted out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14% skipping a required dose last school year.Texas law allows children to get an exemption from school vaccines for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. Anton has said the number of unvaccinated kids in Gaines County is likely significantly higher because homeschooled children's data would not be reported.The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing infection and severe cases. The first shot is recommended for children ages 12 to 15 months, and the second for ages 4 to 6 years. Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.Vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, and most states are below the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners</a>&nbsp;— the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks.The U.S. had considered measles, a respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours, eliminated in 2000, which meant there had been a halt in continuous spread of the disease for at least a year. Measles cases rose in 2024, including a Chicago outbreak that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60</a>.Eastern New Mexico has nine cases of measles currently, but the state health department said there is no connection to the outbreak in West Texas.

Number of Texas measles cases grows in outbreak that led to a child's death

WASHINGTON (AP) —President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">cut short talks</a>&nbsp;with Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;after he and and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;berated the Ukraine’s leader in the Oval Office on Friday.

The breakdown of negotiations come at a pivotal and precarious moment for Ukraine as Zelenskyy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">sought security guarantees</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. and Trump’s administration seeks to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

President Trump and Vice President Vance berated Zelenskyy as Ukraine’s leader sought security guarantees as the U.S. tries to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. 

Trump told Zelenskyy he was being disrespectful as Zelenskky was pushing for U.S. security commitments to keep his country safe from further Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy told Trump that promises of peace from Vladimir Putin can’t be trusted, noting the Russian leader’s history of broken promises. Trump said Putin hasn’t broken agreements with him.

“You’ve got to be more thankful,” Trump told Zelenskyy. He said the Ukrainian leader is “gambling with World War III.”

Trump chided Zelenskyy after Vice President JD Vance, one of the administration’s most skeptical voices on Ukraine, said Zelenskyy was being disrespectful for debating Trump in the Oval Office in front of the American media.

“Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” Vance asked Zelenskyy.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump repeated that Zelenskyy was “disrespectful.”

“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump wrote. “I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”

“He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” he added.

Zelenskyy had been scheduled to have lunch with Trump and both leaders were going to sign a minerals deal during a joint news conference. Instead, Zelenskyy’s armored SUV abruptly pulled up to the door of the West Wing moments after Trump’s post.

Zelenskyy walked briskly to his armored vehicle and quickly climbed in, escorted by a protocol officer who saw him off.

A planned news conference and ceremony to sign a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal were canceled.

Meanwhile, the White House says it mistakenly let a reporter from the Russian news agency Tass into the Oval Office as Trump was meeting with Zelenskyy.

TASS was not on the approved media list, according to the White House, and when the press office learned the reporter was in the Oval Office, he was escorted out by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Regional officials in Ukraine express support for Zelenskyy

Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv region which borders Russia, praised President Zelenskyy after his tense exchange with Trump and Vance in the Oval Office.

“Our leader, despite the pressure, stands firm in defending the interests of Ukraine and Ukrainians,” Syniehubov said.

From the Donetsk region, which has seen the most intense fighting, regional head Vadym Filashkin said victory for Ukraine was “victory for all democracies and the entire civilized world.”

And regional head Oleksandr Prokudin from the the southern Kherson region, which was mostly occupied in 2022 and then partially liberated by Ukrainian forces, acknowledged the support from other European nations, adding that three years of war had hardened Ukrainians.

“We know what pressure is—on the front lines, in politics, in daily struggle,” Prokudin said. “It has made us stronger. It has made the President stronger. Determination is the force that drives us forward. And I am confident that we will endure this time as well.”

Italy’s premier proposes ‘immediate summit’ between the US and Europe

Giorgia Meloni says he wants leaders to be able “to speak frankly about how we intend to face today’s great challenges, starting with Ukraine.”

In a statement following the open clash between Trump and Zelenskyy, Meloni urged the West to stay united.

“Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization,” she said. “A division would not benefit anyone.”

Zelenskyy says ‘thank you’ to European leaders on X

European leaders across the continent echoed their loyalty to Ukraine in posts on X, prompting Zelenskyy to reply “thank you for your support” to each — likely a dig at the Trump administration.

During the extraordinary meeting Friday in Washington, Trump chided Zelenskyy after Vance, one of the administration’s most skeptical voices on Ukraine, said Zelenskyy was being disrespectful for debating Trump in the Oval Office in front of the American media.

Canadian foreign minister addresses ‘unpredictability’ and ‘chaos’

“We believe in supporting Ukraine,” Mélanie Joly said. “Clearly the Russians are noting the interaction that happened today. Our goal is to make sure we can continue to support Ukrainians and keep strong G-7 unity amidst all this unpredictability and sometimes even chaos.”

Hungarian prime minister praises Trump for his conduct in the Oval Office

Viktor Orbán also cast Zelenskyy as working against peace in his own country.

“Strong men make peace, weak men make war,” Orbán wrote on X. “Today President Donald Trump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!”

Orbán is a consistent backer of the Kremlin and has been outspokenly antagonistic against neighboring Ukraine. After winning the last Hungarian elections in 2022, less than six weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion, he cited Zelenskyy as one of the opponents he had defeated in the campaign.

Zelenskyy cancels think tank appearance after tumultuous meeting with Trump

Zelenskyy canceled a planned appearance at a Washington think tank after his tumultuous meeting with Trump.

An audience of diplomats, journalists and others already had filed in at the Hudson Institute when the research center’s executive vice president, Joel Scanlon, announced that Ukrainian officials were cancelling. Scanlon soon after took a call on speaker saying the Ukrainians were “wavering” about appearing after all, but announced a half-hour later Zelenskyy’s appearance was definitely off.

Placards on the seats indicated Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, was among those expected to attend.

US treasury secretary criticizes Zelenskyy after heated meeting

Speaking to Bloomberg, Scott Bessent, who took a lead role in negotiating the critical minerals deal the two leaders were set to sign on Friday before Trump directed Zelenskyy to be shown the door early, claimed Zelenskyy showed “disrespect of the American people.”

“You don’t do a negotiation with the President of the United States in public like this,” Bessent said, saying Zelenskyy could have raised issues of disagreement in private with Trump over a planned lunch. “He chose to let things go into a downward spiral on worldwide television.”

“We’ll see if there’s any coming back” for Zelenskyy, Bessent added.

Cheney: Trump and Vance ‘abandoned all we stand for’

“Today, Donald Trump and JD Vance attacked Zelenskyy and pressured him to surrender the freedom of his people to the KGB war criminal who invaded Ukraine,” former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Liz_Cheney/status/1895543534377152668">wrote on X</a>, referencing Putin’s early career as a Soviet intelligence officer. “History will remember this day— when an American President and Vice President abandoned all we stand for.”

Cheney famously lost her seat in Congress to a Trump-backed challenger after she was fiercely critical of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Top Democrat on House Foreign Affairs Committee calls Trump a ‘laughingstock’

Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York also said the president was “an existential danger” following his testy exchange with Zelenskyy in the White House.

“He is both a petulant child that demands displays of loyalty in court, and a tyrant with sympathies for autocrats and dictators, so long as they stroke his ego or enrich him and his family,” Meeks said in a statement.

“Trump’s actions today undermined U.S. leadership, emboldened our adversaries, humiliated both himself and his Republican Party, and insulted the generations of Americans who fought and died to build America’s standing in the world,” he said.

Russian lawmaker calls outcome of meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy ‘brilliant’

Longtime Russian lawmaker Andrei Klishas hailed the outcome of the contentious Oval Office meeting as “a brilliant result” in a social media post on Friday.

Klishas called Zelenskyy a “clown” in the post on the messaging app Telegram, a derogatory term Russian officials often use in regards to Ukraine’s president, and said he “played his role of a ‘president’ poorly in the White House and was thrown out for bad behavior and disrespect towards the U.S.”

Another lawmaker, Alexei Zhuravlev, told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti that while Zelenskyy “may have lost the trust of the United States completely, ... this doesn’t mean that the war will end.”

‘Without real security guarantees, war will return,’ Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff says

Ukraine’s head of the President’s Office who is part of the Ukrainian delegation in the U.S. said that “security is more than just a word — without real guarantees, war will return.”

“Security is not just a word. It means life, a future without sirens, without losses, without fear for our loved ones,” Andriy Yermak wrote on Telegram.

He added that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to fight for those defending a just and lasting peace. Yermak also thanked those who recognize that Ukraine is more than just a point on the map.

“We are deeply grateful to the American people for their support. It brings us closer to the day when war will be just a memory,” he wrote.

Russian drone attacks target multiple regions across Ukraine

Russian strikes continue across Ukraine, with multiple regions affected.

Ukraine’s Air Force has warned of a Russian strike drone operating over the country’s northern, eastern, and southern regions. In Mykolaiv, local officials reported explosions in the city, while in Odesa, the mayor urged residents to take shelter.

Russian drones attack Ukrainian cities every night, hitting areas across the country.

European leaders pledge to stand by Ukraine in the wake of the contentious Oval Office meeting

Prime ministers, presidents and foreign ministers across the continent issued statements or took to social platform X to express their support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine.

The strongest comments so far have come from French President Emmanuel Macron, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the foreign minister from Estonia, which borders Russia.

“The only obstacle to peace is the decision by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to continue his war of aggression,” Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a statement. “If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonia’s support for Ukraine remains unwavering. It is time for Europe to step up. We do not need to wait for something else to happen; Europe has enough resources, including Russia’s frozen assets, to enable Ukraine to continue fighting.”

Officials from Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany and Poland also offered their support to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister: ‘Zelenskyy has the bravery and strength to stand up for what Is right’

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on X that “President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has the bravery and strength to stand up for what is right.”

“He stands up for Ukraine and the goal of a just and lasting peace. We have always been and will continue to be grateful to America for its support,” he wrote.

Sen. Lindsay Graham questions whether the US can continue to work with Zelenskyy

“What I saw in the Oval office was disrespectful and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again,” Graham told reporters outside the West Wing.

He said Zelenskyy has “made it almost impossible to sell to the American people that he’s a good investment.”

Graham called the meeting a “complete, utter disaster” and said he’s “never been more proud” of Trump.

Asked whether Zelenskyy should step aside, Graham responded: “He either needs to resign or send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change.”

Senator insists ‘strong bipartisan coalition’ in Congress stands with Ukraine

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who was among about 10 senators meeting with Zelenskyy earlier Friday morning, remained hopeful the situation at the White House wouldn’t derail U.S. support for the ally as it battles the Russian invasion.

“My strong and passionate hope is that the talks can be resumed or restored, and this event won’t derail continued support,” the senator told The Associated Press.

The morning meeting with Republican and Democratic senators, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, was “enthusiastically positive and upbeat,” he said. They even spoke about a potential U.S. treaty or memorandum of understanding of U.S. support for Ukraine, he said.

“I have very strong hopes that the coalition we have in Congress — and it is a very strong bipartisan coalition — will be persuasive to the administration and others that we have a long-term national security interest in Ukraine prevailing over Putin’s brazen aggression.”

After Oval Office meeting, an attempt was made to get things back on track, official says

After the contentious meeting, Zelenskyy and his delegation moved to a different room and the Ukrainian leader made an effort to try to reset and get the visit back on track, according to a White House official.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversations, said National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated to the Ukrainians that Trump wanted Zelenskyy to leave the White House immediately.

Some Republican supporters of Ukraine lamented his meeting with Trump descending into open debate

In a statement, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said it was “A bad day for America’s foreign policy.”

“Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom,” Bacon said.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., called the meeting “a missed opportunity for both the United States and Ukraine” on X and added that “Having this spill out into public view was a disaster — especially for Ukraine.”

Zelenskyy had met with a bipartisan group of senators before his White House meeting, including GOP Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Neither immediately commented on the Oval Office meeting.

🎥 No peace deal: Trump, Zelenskyy have heated Oval Office meeting

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement have submitted a new charging affidavit to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office requesting charges be filed against Mark Gridley to increase the total to 8 victims, according to a statement from Lawrence Police.

 All allegations made against Gridley thus far reportedly occurred at Prairie Park Elementary School over a two-day period from February 6th to February 7th. The victims range in age from six to eleven years old.

Since being notified of the first allegations on February 8th, the Lawrence Police Department has dedicated every available resource to investigate this case, to include the entire investigations division, all of the department's School Resource Officers, and numerous officers from the patrol division. Other local and federal law enforcement agencies and USD 497 have also assisted.

 The experts at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County have been instrumental in this investigation with their expertise in not only interviewing children but also in providing the needed support services for the victims and their families. Police have also worked very closely each step of the way with Douglas County District Attorney Dakota Loomis and his staff.

Every person involved in this investigation is committed to seeking truth and justice for the children and their families, while being cognizant that the work they are doing is on behalf of the most vulnerable members of the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739224850023.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement have submitted a new charging affidavit to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office requesting charges be filed against Mark Gridley to increase the total to 8 victims, according to a statement from Lawrence Police. All allegations made against Gridley thus far reportedly occurred at Prairie Park Elementary School over a two-day period from February 6th to February 7th. The victims range in age from six to eleven years old.Since being notified of the first allegations on February 8th, the Lawrence Police Department has dedicated every available resource to investigate this case, to include the entire investigations division, all of the department's School Resource Officers, and numerous officers from the patrol division. Other local and federal law enforcement agencies and USD 497 have also assisted. The experts at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County have been instrumental in this investigation with their expertise in not only interviewing children but also in providing the needed support services for the victims and their families. Police have also worked very closely each step of the way with Douglas County District Attorney Dakota Loomis and his staff.Every person involved in this investigation is committed to seeking truth and justice for the children and their families, while being cognizant that the work they are doing is on behalf of the most vulnerable members of the community.

More victims: Speech pathologist at Kan. school accused of child sex crimes

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The leases of roughly 120 Internal Revenue Service offices across the country will be terminated or allowed to expire, including sites that provide taxpayer services, according to a person familiar with the closures who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The latest plan to end leases of IRS offices — which include public-facing taxpayer service centers— comes in the middle of tax season, when the IRS expects more than 140 million tax returns to be filed by the April 15 deadline.

Last week, roughly 7,000 probationary IRS employees — who largely worked in compliance — were laid off in a move that experts and former workers say will likely mean reduced customer service and the end of the agency’s plan to go after high-wealth tax dodgers.

Some of the office closures are detailed on the DOGE website. The site states that leases for IRS sites in Knoxville, Tennessee; Beaumont, Texas; Sioux City, Iowa; Bend, Oregon; Salem, Oregon; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Brattleboro, Vermont; Hilo, Hawaii; and Lowell, Massachusetts have been or will be ended.n

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The leases of roughly 120 Internal Revenue Service offices across the country will be terminated or allowed to expire, including sites that provide taxpayer services, according to a person familiar with the closures who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.The latest plan to end leases of IRS offices — which include public-facing taxpayer service centers— comes in the middle of tax season, when the IRS expects more than 140 million tax returns to be filed by the April 15 deadline.Last week, roughly 7,000 probationary IRS employees — who largely worked in compliance — were laid off in a move that experts and former workers say will likely mean reduced customer service and the end of the agency’s plan to go after high-wealth tax dodgers.Some of the office closures are detailed on the DOGE website. The site states that leases for IRS sites in Knoxville, Tennessee; Beaumont, Texas; Sioux City, Iowa; Bend, Oregon; Salem, Oregon; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Brattleboro, Vermont; Hilo, Hawaii; and Lowell, Massachusetts have been or will be ended.n

The IRS will end leases or close offices at 120 sites, source says

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge in San Francisco on Thursday found that the mass firings of probationary employees were likely unlawful, granting temporary relief to a coalition of labor unions and organizations that has sued to stop the Trump administration’s massive dismantling of the federal workforce.

U.S. District Judge William Alsup ordered the Office of Personnel Management to inform certain federal agencies that it had no authority to order the firings of probationary employees, including at the Department of Defense.

“OPM does not have any authority whatsoever, under any statute in the history of the universe,” to hire or fire any employees but its own, Alsup said.

The complaint&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-employees-firing-lawsuit-trump-probation-unions-4a9384c21e408df85ca17dfac5b9dc93">filed</a>&nbsp;by five labor unions and five nonprofit organizations is among multiple lawsuits pushing back on the administration’s efforts to shrink a workforce that Trump has called bloated and sloppy. Thousands of probationary employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-workers-layoffs-doge-406752da1614755b8fabe9c94e0c71a8">have already been fired</a>, and his administration is now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elon-musk-federal-workers-layoffs-d295d4bb2cdd5023c27d9cb03754e81b">aiming at career officials</a>&nbsp;with civil service protection.

Lawyers for the government agree that the office has no authority to hire or fire employees in other agencies.

But they said the Office of Personnel Management asked agencies to review and determine whether employees on probation were fit for continued employment. They also said that probationary employees are not guaranteed employment and that only the highest performing and mission-critical employees should be hired.

“I think plaintiffs are conflating a request by OPM with an order by OPM,” said Kelsey Helland, an assistant U.S. attorney in court Thursday.

Attorneys for the coalition cheered the order, although it does not mean that fired employees will automatically be rehired or that future firings will not occur.

“What it means in practical effects is the agencies of the federal government should hear the court’s warning that that order was unlawful,” said Danielle Leonard, an attorney for the coalition, after the hearing.

Emails for comment to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Justice were not immediately returned Thursday.

Alsup ordered the personnel office to inform a limited number of federal agencies represented by the five nonprofits that are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which include veterans, parks, small businesses and defense. He seemed particularly troubled by firings expected at the Department of Defense.

He also ordered the acting head of the personnel office, Charles Ezell, to testify in court about the nature of a Feb. 13 phone call in which agency heads were told to fire probationary employees.

“The agencies could thumb their noses at OPM if they wanted to if it’s guidance, but if it’s an order, or cast as an order, the agencies may think they have to comply,” he said.

There are an estimated 200,000 probationary workers — generally employees who have less than a year on the job — across federal agencies. About 15,000 are employed in California, providing services ranging from fire prevention to veterans’ care, the complaint says.

Elon Musk has led the purge through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, roiling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-trump-federal-workers-firings-email-9785e7f74eb2a8b8fde5e01ff0c7717f">the workforce</a>&nbsp;with demands including a Saturday email sent through the personnel office ordering workers to list five things they did last week or risk getting fired. The Office of Personnel Management later said that the edict was voluntary, although workers could face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-federal-workers-b23b4752d56d5f969102f94afa5eb4b1">similar requests in the future.</a>

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

Probationary employees of the National Science Foundation, for example, were told by the foundation that it had decided to retain its workers but was overruled by the Office of Personnel Management, according to the complaint.

Unions have recently struck out with two other federal judges.

A judge in Washington, D.C., last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mass-firings-lawsuit-unions-17d1b0da62c7e0ccb62b7da5bdac210c">denied a motion from unions</a>&nbsp;to temporarily block layoffs because he found their complaint should be heard in federal labor court. Earlier this month, a judge in Massachusetts said unions suing over a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elon-musk-federal-workers-buyouts-e8cd4f40ac16220bd0a399a00c5b9f63">deferred resignation offer</a>&nbsp;weren’t directly affected and so lacked legal standing to challenge it.

Alsup said labor unions likely lack legal standing to sue, but the nonprofit organizations likely have cause because their members will be denied government services resulting from the loss of workers, such as the enjoyment of parks, mental health services for veterans and loans for small businesses.

He was appalled that probationary employees were fired with a mark against them for poor performance.

“Probationary employees are the lifeblood of our government,” he said, adding that they are younger employees who work their way up.

Alsup, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, has presided over many high-profile cases and is known for his blunt talk. He oversaw the criminal probation of Pacific Gas &amp; Electric, which he called a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-business-fires-crime-california-367cb44acf704920a0c2a72d60890bc5">continuing menace</a>&nbsp;to California.”

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge in San Francisco on Thursday found that the mass firings of probationary employees were likely unlawful, granting temporary relief to a coalition of labor unions and organizations that has sued to stop the Trump administration’s massive dismantling of the federal workforce.U.S. District Judge William Alsup ordered the Office of Personnel Management to inform certain federal agencies that it had no authority to order the firings of probationary employees, including at the Department of Defense.“OPM does not have any authority whatsoever, under any statute in the history of the universe,” to hire or fire any employees but its own, Alsup said.The complaint&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-employees-firing-lawsuit-trump-probation-unions-4a9384c21e408df85ca17dfac5b9dc93">filed</a>&nbsp;by five labor unions and five nonprofit organizations is among multiple lawsuits pushing back on the administration’s efforts to shrink a workforce that Trump has called bloated and sloppy. Thousands of probationary employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-workers-layoffs-doge-406752da1614755b8fabe9c94e0c71a8">have already been fired</a>, and his administration is now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elon-musk-federal-workers-layoffs-d295d4bb2cdd5023c27d9cb03754e81b">aiming at career officials</a>&nbsp;with civil service protection.Lawyers for the government agree that the office has no authority to hire or fire employees in other agencies.But they said the Office of Personnel Management asked agencies to review and determine whether employees on probation were fit for continued employment. They also said that probationary employees are not guaranteed employment and that only the highest performing and mission-critical employees should be hired.“I think plaintiffs are conflating a request by OPM with an order by OPM,” said Kelsey Helland, an assistant U.S. attorney in court Thursday.Attorneys for the coalition cheered the order, although it does not mean that fired employees will automatically be rehired or that future firings will not occur.“What it means in practical effects is the agencies of the federal government should hear the court’s warning that that order was unlawful,” said Danielle Leonard, an attorney for the coalition, after the hearing.Emails for comment to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Justice were not immediately returned Thursday.Alsup ordered the personnel office to inform a limited number of federal agencies represented by the five nonprofits that are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which include veterans, parks, small businesses and defense. He seemed particularly troubled by firings expected at the Department of Defense.He also ordered the acting head of the personnel office, Charles Ezell, to testify in court about the nature of a Feb. 13 phone call in which agency heads were told to fire probationary employees.“The agencies could thumb their noses at OPM if they wanted to if it’s guidance, but if it’s an order, or cast as an order, the agencies may think they have to comply,” he said.There are an estimated 200,000 probationary workers — generally employees who have less than a year on the job — across federal agencies. About 15,000 are employed in California, providing services ranging from fire prevention to veterans’ care, the complaint says.Elon Musk has led the purge through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, roiling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-trump-federal-workers-firings-email-9785e7f74eb2a8b8fde5e01ff0c7717f">the workforce</a>&nbsp;with demands including a Saturday email sent through the personnel office ordering workers to list five things they did last week or risk getting fired. The Office of Personnel Management later said that the edict was voluntary, although workers could face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-federal-workers-b23b4752d56d5f969102f94afa5eb4b1">similar requests in the future.</a>The plaintiffs said in their complaint that numerous agencies informed workers that the personnel office had ordered the terminations, with an order to use a template e-mail informing workers their firing was for performance reasons.Probationary employees of the National Science Foundation, for example, were told by the foundation that it had decided to retain its workers but was overruled by the Office of Personnel Management, according to the complaint.Unions have recently struck out with two other federal judges.A judge in Washington, D.C., last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mass-firings-lawsuit-unions-17d1b0da62c7e0ccb62b7da5bdac210c">denied a motion from unions</a>&nbsp;to temporarily block layoffs because he found their complaint should be heard in federal labor court. Earlier this month, a judge in Massachusetts said unions suing over a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elon-musk-federal-workers-buyouts-e8cd4f40ac16220bd0a399a00c5b9f63">deferred resignation offer</a>&nbsp;weren’t directly affected and so lacked legal standing to challenge it.Alsup said labor unions likely lack legal standing to sue, but the nonprofit organizations likely have cause because their members will be denied government services resulting from the loss of workers, such as the enjoyment of parks, mental health services for veterans and loans for small businesses.He was appalled that probationary employees were fired with a mark against them for poor performance.“Probationary employees are the lifeblood of our government,” he said, adding that they are younger employees who work their way up.Alsup, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, has presided over many high-profile cases and is known for his blunt talk. He oversaw the criminal probation of Pacific Gas &amp; Electric, which he called a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-business-fires-crime-california-367cb44acf704920a0c2a72d60890bc5">continuing menace</a>&nbsp;to California.”

Judge: Mass firings of federal probationary workers likely unlawful

On Thursday, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), declassified and publicly released files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls at his homes in New York and Florida, among other locations, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The first phase of declassified files largely contains documents that have been previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity by the U.S. Government.

“This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.&nbsp;“The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network and begins to provide the public with long overdue accountability.” &nbsp;

“The FBI is entering a new era—one that will be defined by integrity, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice,”&nbsp;said FBI Director Kash Patel.&nbsp;“There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned — and anyone from the prior or current Bureau who undermines this will be swiftly pursued. If there are gaps, we will find them. If records have been hidden, we will uncover them. And we will bring everything we find to the DOJ to be fully assessed and transparently disseminated to the American people as it should be. The oath we take is to the Constitution, and under my leadership, that promise will be upheld without compromise.”

Attorney General Bondi requested the full and complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein. In response, the Department received approximately 200 pages of documents, however, the Attorney General was later informed of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein that were not previously disclosed. The Attorney General has requested the FBI deliver the remaining documents to the Department by 8:00 AM on February 28 and has tasked FBI Director Kash Patel with investigating why the request for all documents was not followed.

The Department remains committed to transparency and intends to release the remaining documents upon review and redaction to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims.&nbsp; Click on the links below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740682539079.png" alt="Jack Posobiec hold up a binder with a cover titled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" at the White House, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)" />
 <figcaption>Jack Posobiec hold up a binder with a cover titled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" at the White House, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), declassified and publicly released files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls at his homes in New York and Florida, among other locations, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>The first phase of declassified files largely contains documents that have been previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity by the U.S. Government.“This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.&nbsp;“The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network and begins to provide the public with long overdue accountability.” &nbsp;“The FBI is entering a new era—one that will be defined by integrity, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice,”&nbsp;said FBI Director Kash Patel.&nbsp;“There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned — and anyone from the prior or current Bureau who undermines this will be swiftly pursued. If there are gaps, we will find them. If records have been hidden, we will uncover them. And we will bring everything we find to the DOJ to be fully assessed and transparently disseminated to the American people as it should be. The oath we take is to the Constitution, and under my leadership, that promise will be upheld without compromise.”Attorney General Bondi requested the full and complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein. In response, the Department received approximately 200 pages of documents, however, the Attorney General was later informed of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein that were not previously disclosed. The Attorney General has requested the FBI deliver the remaining documents to the Department by 8:00 AM on February 28 and has tasked FBI Director Kash Patel with investigating why the request for all documents was not followed.The Department remains committed to transparency and intends to release the remaining documents upon review and redaction to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims.&nbsp; Click on the links below.<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391271/dl?inline">A. Evidence List</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391276/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391281/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part1</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391291/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part2</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391296/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part3</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391301/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part4</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391306/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part5</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391311/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part6</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391321/dl?inline">C. Contact Book_Redacted</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391326/dl?inline">D. Masseuse List_Redacted</a></li>
 </ul>

Read phase 1 of the Epstein files released by the Dept. of Justice 

The Bethany College Board of Trustees announced Thursday the appointment of Dr. Laura Crawley as the 16th president of Bethany College.&nbsp;

Dr. Crawley, a distinguished leader in higher education, brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, student engagement, and institutional growth. Dr. Crawley joins Bethany College with an impressive career spanning more than two decades in higher education. 

Most recently, she served as Vice President of Mission, Engagement, and Innovation at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, where she spearheaded initiatives that strengthened student success, expanded community partnerships, and enhanced institutional mission alignment. Her leadership was instrumental in increasing student retention, securing significant endowment gifts, and developing innovative programs to support both traditional and non-traditional students.

Prior to her role at Lenoir-Rhyne, Dr. Crawley held key leadership positions at the University of Georgia, including Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the Gwinnett Campus. She played a pivotal role in expanding graduate education, fostering economic development partnerships, and implementing strategic initiatives that positioned the university for sustained growth.&nbsp;

Additionally, her tenure as Director of the Executive MBA Program at Georgia State University saw a marked rise in national rankings and program expansion.

"I am truly excited and honored to join the Bethany College community," said Dr. Crawley. "The college's strong values of faith, service, and academic excellence deeply resonate with my commitment to supporting students and fostering growth. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and alumni as we build on Bethany’s proud history and look toward a bright future. I am also thrilled to become a part of the Lindsborg community, which has so much to offer in terms of culture and spirit."

Dr. Crawley holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Women’s Studies from Emory University and a B.A. with Honors in American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. A dedicated advocate for higher education and community engagement, she has served on numerous boards, facilitated leadership development programs, and contributed extensively to academic and professional conferences.

Bethany College, a distinguished liberal arts institution with a proud Lutheran heritage, has been shaping the lives of students since its founding in 1881. With Dr. Crawley at the helm, the college is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter, reinforcing its mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service at Bethany.

Dr. Crawley will assume her new role on May 1, 2025. A formal inauguration ceremony will be held later in the year, with details forthcoming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740748835434.jpeg" alt="Dr. Laura Crawley courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Laura Crawley courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Bethany CollegeThe Bethany College Board of Trustees announced Thursday the appointment of Dr. Laura Crawley as the 16th president of Bethany College.&nbsp;Dr. Crawley, a distinguished leader in higher education, brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, student engagement, and institutional growth. Dr. Crawley joins Bethany College with an impressive career spanning more than two decades in higher education. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Mission, Engagement, and Innovation at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, where she spearheaded initiatives that strengthened student success, expanded community partnerships, and enhanced institutional mission alignment. Her leadership was instrumental in increasing student retention, securing significant endowment gifts, and developing innovative programs to support both traditional and non-traditional students.Prior to her role at Lenoir-Rhyne, Dr. Crawley held key leadership positions at the University of Georgia, including Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the Gwinnett Campus. She played a pivotal role in expanding graduate education, fostering economic development partnerships, and implementing strategic initiatives that positioned the university for sustained growth.&nbsp;Additionally, her tenure as Director of the Executive MBA Program at Georgia State University saw a marked rise in national rankings and program expansion."I am truly excited and honored to join the Bethany College community," said Dr. Crawley. "The college's strong values of faith, service, and academic excellence deeply resonate with my commitment to supporting students and fostering growth. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and alumni as we build on Bethany’s proud history and look toward a bright future. I am also thrilled to become a part of the Lindsborg community, which has so much to offer in terms of culture and spirit."Dr. Crawley holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Women’s Studies from Emory University and a B.A. with Honors in American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. A dedicated advocate for higher education and community engagement, she has served on numerous boards, facilitated leadership development programs, and contributed extensively to academic and professional conferences.Bethany College, a distinguished liberal arts institution with a proud Lutheran heritage, has been shaping the lives of students since its founding in 1881. With Dr. Crawley at the helm, the college is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter, reinforcing its mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service at Bethany.Dr. Crawley will assume her new role on May 1, 2025. A formal inauguration ceremony will be held later in the year, with details forthcoming.

Bethany College names new president

KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Kansas City.

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, KCPD officers were notified of a domestic assault which occurred in the 7000 Block of North Robinhood lane, according to a media release from the patrol.&nbsp;

The female victim of the assault left the home where the assault occurred and met officers at a secondary location. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital. After speaking with the victim, police responded to the original residence to arrest the suspect just after 8:30p.m.&nbsp; Officers made contact with the 57-year-old suspect. 

The suspect exited the home armed with a large knife and advanced toward police. During the confrontation, one officer fired his duty weapon striking the suspect.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene. One officer received minor injuries during the altercation. The officer was treated at the scene and released. The Patrol released no additional details late Thursday including the name of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740743663867.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Kansas City.Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, KCPD officers were notified of a domestic assault which occurred in the 7000 Block of North Robinhood lane, according to a media release from the patrol.&nbsp;The female victim of the assault left the home where the assault occurred and met officers at a secondary location. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital. After speaking with the victim, police responded to the original residence to arrest the suspect just after 8:30p.m.&nbsp; Officers made contact with the 57-year-old suspect. The suspect exited the home armed with a large knife and advanced toward police. During the confrontation, one officer fired his duty weapon striking the suspect.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene. One officer received minor injuries during the altercation. The officer was treated at the scene and released. The Patrol released no additional details late Thursday including the name of the suspect.

Domestic assault suspect dead after KC officer-shooting

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage incident and have two suspects in custody.

Just before at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to what was believed to be an attempted armed carjacking in the 1900 block of W 75th Street in Prairie Village, according to a media release.

A motorist was stopped at the red light when two suspects pulled next to them on a motorcycle. The suspect passenger opened the victim’s driver’s side door. The victim was able to pull the door shut and drove west on W 75th Street. One suspect pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at the victim as they drove away.

 The suspects fled eastbound on W 75th Street into Missouri and were apprehended by Kansas City Missouri Police Officers after an accident. 

Both suspects were taken to the hospital. Police&nbsp;determined the shooting was attributed to a road rage incident not an attempted carjacking. The suspects remain in custody. Police did not release their names or possible charges.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage incident and have two suspects in custody.Just before at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to what was believed to be an attempted armed carjacking in the 1900 block of W 75th Street in Prairie Village, according to a media release.A motorist was stopped at the red light when two suspects pulled next to them on a motorcycle. The suspect passenger opened the victim’s driver’s side door. The victim was able to pull the door shut and drove west on W 75th Street. One suspect pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at the victim as they drove away. The suspects fled eastbound on W 75th Street into Missouri and were apprehended by Kansas City Missouri Police Officers after an accident. Both suspects were taken to the hospital. Police&nbsp;determined the shooting was attributed to a road rage incident not an attempted carjacking. The suspects remain in custody. Police did not release their names or possible charges.

Suspects arrested for Kansas road rage shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person was injured in a house fire Thursday in Topeka.

Just before 6:00 p.m., firefighters responded to a reported house fire at 1835 SW Lincoln in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, crews found a two-story house with smoke and flames on both floors. Two people were in the residence when the fire started and self-evacuated. One person was taken to the hospital for treatment&nbsp; of minor injuries. Crews extinguished the fire.

Investigators determined the&nbsp;cause of the fire was accidental, associated with a space heater. There were no working smoke detectors in the home, according to the fire department. Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740708752618.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person was injured in a house fire Thursday in Topeka.Just before 6:00 p.m., firefighters responded to a reported house fire at 1835 SW Lincoln in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, crews found a two-story house with smoke and flames on both floors. Two people were in the residence when the fire started and self-evacuated. One person was taken to the hospital for treatment&nbsp; of minor injuries. Crews extinguished the fire.Investigators determined the&nbsp;cause of the fire was accidental, associated with a space heater. There were no working smoke detectors in the home, according to the fire department. Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

One hospitalized after fire at two-story Kansas home

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 19-year-old&nbsp;Diego Lopez-Hernandez, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 2a.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 3700 block of St. John Avenue on a reported shooting.

Upon arrival, no shooting victims were immediately located at the scene. While officers were speaking with bystanders in the area, they were notified a shooting victim. later identified as Lopez-Hernandez, arrived by a private vehicle at an area hospital. The victim was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. 

Further investigation revealed the incident may have occurred at a separate location near Sunrise Drive and Cliff Drive Place.

Just after 6a.m. detectives were notified by hospital staff Lopez-Hernandez had been pronounced deceased. There is currently no preliminary information regarding what lead up to the shooting. A subject of interest has not been identified and no one is in custody at this time.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 19-year-old&nbsp;Diego Lopez-Hernandez, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just after 2a.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 3700 block of St. John Avenue on a reported shooting.Upon arrival, no shooting victims were immediately located at the scene. While officers were speaking with bystanders in the area, they were notified a shooting victim. later identified as Lopez-Hernandez, arrived by a private vehicle at an area hospital. The victim was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Further investigation revealed the incident may have occurred at a separate location near Sunrise Drive and Cliff Drive Place.Just after 6a.m. detectives were notified by hospital staff Lopez-Hernandez had been pronounced deceased. There is currently no preliminary information regarding what lead up to the shooting. A subject of interest has not been identified and no one is in custody at this time.

Police ID KC shooting victim who died after dropped off at hospital

NEW YORK (AP) — A grassroots organization is encouraging U.S. residents not to spend any money Friday as an act of “economic resistance” to protest what the group's founder sees as the malign&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trumps-cabinet-wealth-billionaires-0d5147df74c7f0a851df296aeab2e164">influence of billionaires</a>, big corporations and both major political parties on the lives of working Americans.

The People's Union USA calls the 24 hours of spending abstinence set to start at midnight an “economic blackout,” a term that has since been shared and debated on social media. The activist movement said it also plans to promote weeklong consumer boycotts of particular companies, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-dei-inclusion-diversity-34b06922e60e5116fe198696201ce4d9">Walmart</a>&nbsp;and Amazon.

Other activists, faith-based leaders and consumers already are organizing boycotts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-consumers-dei-buying-guide-naacp-34664d8af92e2dc1ba787a498348b7a4">to protest companies</a>&nbsp;that have scaled back their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and to oppose President Donald Trump's moves to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-executive-order-diversity-inclusion-f67ea86032986084dd71c5aa0c6b8d1d">abolish all federal DEI programs and policies</a>. Some faith leaders are encouraging their congregations to refrain from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-diversity-equity-inclusion-minneapolis-civil-rights-850701b0126bd9417dd488c72f5f8a81">shopping at Target</a>, one of the companies backing off DEI efforts, during the 40 days of Lent that begin Wednesday.

Here are some details about the various events and experts' thoughts on whether having consumers keep their wallets closed is an effective tool for influencing the positions corporations take.

Who's behind the ‘24-hour Economic Blackout?’

The People's Union USA, which takes credit for initiating the no-spend day, was founded by John Schwarz, a meditation teacher who lives near the Chicago area, according to his social media accounts.

The organization's website said it's not tied to a political party but stands for all people. Requests for comment sent to the group's email address this week did not receive a reply.

The planned blackout is scheduled to run from 12 a.m. EST through 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday. The activist group advised customers to abstain from making any purchases, whether in store or online, but particularly not from big retailers or chains. It wants participants to avoid fast food and filling their car gas tanks, and says shoppers with emergencies or in need of essentials should support a local small business and try not to use a credit or debit card.

People's Union plans another broad-based economic blackout on March 28, but it's also organizing boycotts targeting specific retailers — Walmart and Amazon — as well as global food giants Nestle and General Mills. For the boycott against Amazon, the organization is encouraging people to refrain from buying anything from Whole Foods, which the e-commerce company owns.

There are a number of boycotts being planned, particularly aimed at Target. The discounter, which has backed diversity and inclusion efforts aimed at uplifting Black and LGBTQ+ people in the past, announced in January&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-dei-supreme-court-diversity-7f068dfee61a68a9a1f82b94e135b323">it was rolling back its DEI initiatives.</a>

A labor advocacy group called We Are Somebody, led by Nina Turner, launched a boycott of Target on February 1 to coincide with Black History Month.

Meanwhile, an Atlanta-area pastor, the Rev. Jamal Bryant, organized a website called targetfast.org to recruit Christians for a a 40-day Target boycott starting March 5, which marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Other faith leaders have endorsed the protest.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, a civil rights organization, announced in late January it would identify two companies in the next 90 days that will be boycotted for abandoning their diversity, equity and inclusion pledges. The organization formed a commission to identify potential candidates.

"Donald Trump can cut federal DEI programs to the bone, he can claw back federal money to expand diversity, but he cannot tell us what grocery store we shop at,” Sharpton said in a statement posted on the National Action Network's website.

Some retailers may feel a slight pinch from Friday's broad “blackout,” which is taking place in a tough economic environment, experts said. Renewed inflation worries and Trump's threat of tariffs on imported goods already have had an effect on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-conference-board-economy-spending-4ec3430138e6d872a6dae273e212edd1">consumer sentiment</a>.

“The (market share) pie is just so big,” Marshal Cohen, chief retail advisor at market research firm Circana, said. “You can’t afford to have your slices get smaller. Consumers are spending more money on food. And that means there’s more pressure on general merchandise or discretionary products.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740689484081.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A grassroots organization is encouraging U.S. residents not to spend any money Friday as an act of “economic resistance” to protest what the group's founder sees as the malign&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trumps-cabinet-wealth-billionaires-0d5147df74c7f0a851df296aeab2e164">influence of billionaires</a>, big corporations and both major political parties on the lives of working Americans.The People's Union USA calls the 24 hours of spending abstinence set to start at midnight an “economic blackout,” a term that has since been shared and debated on social media. The activist movement said it also plans to promote weeklong consumer boycotts of particular companies, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-dei-inclusion-diversity-34b06922e60e5116fe198696201ce4d9">Walmart</a>&nbsp;and Amazon.Other activists, faith-based leaders and consumers already are organizing boycotts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-consumers-dei-buying-guide-naacp-34664d8af92e2dc1ba787a498348b7a4">to protest companies</a>&nbsp;that have scaled back their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and to oppose President Donald Trump's moves to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-executive-order-diversity-inclusion-f67ea86032986084dd71c5aa0c6b8d1d">abolish all federal DEI programs and policies</a>. Some faith leaders are encouraging their congregations to refrain from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-diversity-equity-inclusion-minneapolis-civil-rights-850701b0126bd9417dd488c72f5f8a81">shopping at Target</a>, one of the companies backing off DEI efforts, during the 40 days of Lent that begin Wednesday.Here are some details about the various events and experts' thoughts on whether having consumers keep their wallets closed is an effective tool for influencing the positions corporations take.<h2>Who's behind the ‘24-hour Economic Blackout?’</h2>The People's Union USA, which takes credit for initiating the no-spend day, was founded by John Schwarz, a meditation teacher who lives near the Chicago area, according to his social media accounts.The organization's website said it's not tied to a political party but stands for all people. Requests for comment sent to the group's email address this week did not receive a reply.The planned blackout is scheduled to run from 12 a.m. EST through 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday. The activist group advised customers to abstain from making any purchases, whether in store or online, but particularly not from big retailers or chains. It wants participants to avoid fast food and filling their car gas tanks, and says shoppers with emergencies or in need of essentials should support a local small business and try not to use a credit or debit card.People's Union plans another broad-based economic blackout on March 28, but it's also organizing boycotts targeting specific retailers — Walmart and Amazon — as well as global food giants Nestle and General Mills. For the boycott against Amazon, the organization is encouraging people to refrain from buying anything from Whole Foods, which the e-commerce company owns.<h2>What other boycotts are being planned?</h2>There are a number of boycotts being planned, particularly aimed at Target. The discounter, which has backed diversity and inclusion efforts aimed at uplifting Black and LGBTQ+ people in the past, announced in January&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-dei-supreme-court-diversity-7f068dfee61a68a9a1f82b94e135b323">it was rolling back its DEI initiatives.</a>A labor advocacy group called We Are Somebody, led by Nina Turner, launched a boycott of Target on February 1 to coincide with Black History Month.Meanwhile, an Atlanta-area pastor, the Rev. Jamal Bryant, organized a website called targetfast.org to recruit Christians for a a 40-day Target boycott starting March 5, which marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Other faith leaders have endorsed the protest.The Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, a civil rights organization, announced in late January it would identify two companies in the next 90 days that will be boycotted for abandoning their diversity, equity and inclusion pledges. The organization formed a commission to identify potential candidates."Donald Trump can cut federal DEI programs to the bone, he can claw back federal money to expand diversity, but he cannot tell us what grocery store we shop at,” Sharpton said in a statement posted on the National Action Network's website.<h2>Will the events have any impact?</h2>Some retailers may feel a slight pinch from Friday's broad “blackout,” which is taking place in a tough economic environment, experts said. Renewed inflation worries and Trump's threat of tariffs on imported goods already have had an effect on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-conference-board-economy-spending-4ec3430138e6d872a6dae273e212edd1">consumer sentiment</a>.“The (market share) pie is just so big,” Marshal Cohen, chief retail advisor at market research firm Circana, said. “You can’t afford to have your slices get smaller. Consumers are spending more money on food. And that means there’s more pressure on general merchandise or discretionary products.”Still, Cohen thinks the overall impact may be limited, with any meaningful sales declines more likely to surface in liberal-leaning coastal regions and big cities.Anna Tuchman, a marketing professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, said she thinks the economic blackout will likely make a dent in daily retail sales but won't be sustainable.“I think this is an opportunity for consumers to show that they have a voice on a single day," she said. ”I think it’s unlikely that we would see long-run sustained decreases in economic activity supported by this boycott.”Other boycotts have produced different results.Target saw a drop in sales in the spring and summer quarter of 2023 that the discounter attributed in part to customer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-target-swimsuits-transgender-pride-collection-892500330955">backlash over a collection</a>&nbsp;honoring LGBTQ+ communities for Pride Month. As a result, Target&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/target-lgbtq-pride-667ab2f6545645f5f86ca76394e531d6">didn’t carry Pride</a>&nbsp;merchandise in all of its stores the following year.Tuchman studied the impact of a&nbsp;<a href="https://he%20ceo%20of%20food%20company%20goya%20is%20facing%20an%20uproar%20over%20his%20praise%20for%20president%20donald%20trump/">boycott against Goya Foods</a>&nbsp;during the summer of 2020 after the company's CEO praised Trump. But her study, based on sales from research firm Numerator, found the brand&nbsp;<a href="https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/company-boycott-buycott-impact">saw a sales increase</a>&nbsp;driven by first-time Goya buyers who were disproportionately from heavily Republican areas.However, the revenue bump proved temporary; Goya had no detectable sales increase after three weeks, Tuchman said.It was a different story for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bud-light-beer-dylan-mulvaney-transgender-d489fb60d04ebd02486f80169cfc4474">Bud Light</a>, which spent decades as America’s bestselling beer. Sales plummeted in 2023 after the brand sent a commemorative can to a transgender influencer. Bud Light’s sales still haven’t fully recovered, according to alcohol consulting company Bump Williams.Tuchman thinks a reason is because there were plenty of other beers that the brand’s mostly conservative customer base could buy to replace Bud Light.Afya Evans, a political and image consultant in Atlanta, said she would make a point of shopping on Friday but will focus on small businesses and Black-owned brands.Evans is aware of other boycotts but she said she liked this one because she believes it could have some effect on sales.“It’s a broader thing,” she said. “We want to see what the impact is. Let everybody participate. And plan from there.”___AP Business Writer Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit contributed to this report.