BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Five years ago, Lee Norman was trying to dissuade Kansans from ingesting chemical cleaners to prevent COVID-19, preparing for the end of a statewide stay-at-home order and deciding whether to send tests for everyone in long-term care facilities and prisons.

Norman, then secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, jokes that reflecting on those years is like taking “a walk down bad memory lane.”

“We were meeting 24/7, 365,” Norman said on the Kansas Reflector podcast. “And trying to figure out — without having enough resources, without having (a) vaccine, without having any medications and without having any testing — what the heck we were going to do with this lethal virus that has now landed in the United States.”

Within two years of the first cases in Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/19/lee-norman-steps-down-as-kansas-health-secretary-months-after-internal-dispute/">Norman stepped down from his cabinet post</a>&nbsp;at the request of Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration.

The first case was recorded March 7, 2020, and about a week later, Kelly declared a state of emergency.

Less than a week after that, she ordered K-12 schools closed.

By the end of the month, national case counts inched toward 100,000, deaths reached 1,000, President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion stimulus bill and Kelly issued a stay-at-home order for the entire state.

The first four weeks went “swimmingly well,” even amid uncertainty and shock, Norman said.

But, he said, things quickly became contentious as executive action from the governor, public health recommendations and attempts at understanding a brand new virus unfolded.

“You know, four weeks was pretty unusual to have that kind of engagement,” he said. “And after that, it became distinctly unfun.”

He admitted public health was slow to address the social and psychological impacts of the pandemic. But by the point he and other public health officials realized that, he said, resistance to following public health guidance had already begun to take shape.

The politicization that crept into Norman’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic still exists in public health today. The 2025 Kansas Legislature passed bills in April that hinder the governor’s authority to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/10/kansas-legislature-votes-to-remove-county-health-officials-power-to-ban-public-gatherings/">limit public gatherings</a>&nbsp;and pare back vaccination requirements for children.

Norman, who now works in the private sector, said investing in public health infrastructure is key for preparing for future health crises.

As Kansans faced last year a spike in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/31/tuberculosis-toll-in-kansas-city-kansas-area-rises-to-nearly-70-active-cases/">tuberculosis cases</a>&nbsp;and more recently a growing&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/02/vaccination-rates-down-in-most-kansas-counties-where-measles-cases-occurring/">measles outbreak</a>, Norman emphasized the importance of vaccinations and adhering to public health guidance.

The governor signed into law in April modifications to vaccine requirements for children that make it easier for parents to claim religious exemptions as justification for their unvaccinated children. The governor vetoed another piece of legislation that created a pathway for people to sue state and county health officials for their decisions about quarantines and other public health guidance. The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto, making the change law.

Masks and limiting large gatherings work, Norman said. They have for centuries, he added.

“Half of everybody, kind of wants to undo the benefits of public health, and mock it even, which is particularly hurtful,” Norman said. “I think that the Legislature needs to, one, respect personal autonomy and responsibility, and then secondly, if people are want to have more autonomy, I think they have to listen to very, very good guidance.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610057767019.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman during a press conference with Gov.&nbsp; Kelly -image from governor's weekly media briefing in 2020" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman during a press conference with Gov.&nbsp; Kelly -image from governor's weekly media briefing in 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Five years ago, Lee Norman was trying to dissuade Kansans from ingesting chemical cleaners to prevent COVID-19, preparing for the end of a statewide stay-at-home order and deciding whether to send tests for everyone in long-term care facilities and prisons.Norman, then secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, jokes that reflecting on those years is like taking “a walk down bad memory lane.”“We were meeting 24/7, 365,” Norman said on the Kansas Reflector podcast. “And trying to figure out — without having enough resources, without having (a) vaccine, without having any medications and without having any testing — what the heck we were going to do with this lethal virus that has now landed in the United States.”Within two years of the first cases in Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/19/lee-norman-steps-down-as-kansas-health-secretary-months-after-internal-dispute/">Norman stepped down from his cabinet post</a>&nbsp;at the request of Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration.The first case was recorded March 7, 2020, and about a week later, Kelly declared a state of emergency.Less than a week after that, she ordered K-12 schools closed.By the end of the month, national case counts inched toward 100,000, deaths reached 1,000, President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion stimulus bill and Kelly issued a stay-at-home order for the entire state.The first four weeks went “swimmingly well,” even amid uncertainty and shock, Norman said.But, he said, things quickly became contentious as executive action from the governor, public health recommendations and attempts at understanding a brand new virus unfolded.“You know, four weeks was pretty unusual to have that kind of engagement,” he said. “And after that, it became distinctly unfun.”He admitted public health was slow to address the social and psychological impacts of the pandemic. But by the point he and other public health officials realized that, he said, resistance to following public health guidance had already begun to take shape.The politicization that crept into Norman’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic still exists in public health today. The 2025 Kansas Legislature passed bills in April that hinder the governor’s authority to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/10/kansas-legislature-votes-to-remove-county-health-officials-power-to-ban-public-gatherings/">limit public gatherings</a>&nbsp;and pare back vaccination requirements for children.Norman, who now works in the private sector, said investing in public health infrastructure is key for preparing for future health crises.As Kansans faced last year a spike in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/31/tuberculosis-toll-in-kansas-city-kansas-area-rises-to-nearly-70-active-cases/">tuberculosis cases</a>&nbsp;and more recently a growing&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/02/vaccination-rates-down-in-most-kansas-counties-where-measles-cases-occurring/">measles outbreak</a>, Norman emphasized the importance of vaccinations and adhering to public health guidance.The governor signed into law in April modifications to vaccine requirements for children that make it easier for parents to claim religious exemptions as justification for their unvaccinated children. The governor vetoed another piece of legislation that created a pathway for people to sue state and county health officials for their decisions about quarantines and other public health guidance. The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto, making the change law.Masks and limiting large gatherings work, Norman said. They have for centuries, he added.“Half of everybody, kind of wants to undo the benefits of public health, and mock it even, which is particularly hurtful,” Norman said. “I think that the Legislature needs to, one, respect personal autonomy and responsibility, and then secondly, if people are want to have more autonomy, I think they have to listen to very, very good guidance.”

Kansas’ former top public health official reflects on five years since COVID-19

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A local man is trying to gather youth for a mountain bike team based in Hays.

A national mountain bike league has opportunities to expand in western Kansas.

Keith Gustin, a mountain bike enthusiast, is serving as a league volunteer.

Gustin is seeking youth in sixth through 12th grades who are interested in competing, donors to support the team, volunteer coaches and assistance in building mountain bike trails in Ellis County.

The trails are a minimum of four miles of single track. It's usually a loop.&nbsp;

The<a href="https://nationalmtb.org/"> National Interscholastic Cycling Association</a> has teams in 32 states. This is the fifth season Kansas has had a competitive league, with 11 teams in the state.

The mission of the organization is to "Build strong minds, bodies, character and community through cycling."

The association conducted a bike race at Wilson Lake on April 6.

Other Kansas courses are in Manhattan, Topeka, Lawrence and Louisburg, which is south of Kansas City.

There is usually travel involved in the races. Most events are two days. Gustin said there are often camping opportunities for families hoping to save money on travel costs.

Gustin said he is researching race courses and practice locations for a potential team.

Gustin said parents often serve as coaches and ride with the youth during practice.&nbsp;

Most youth own their bikes. However, the league doesn't want ownership of a bike to be a barrier to participation, Gustin said.

Youth can ride entry-level bikes purchased from a bike shop, which typically cost between $400 and $600. A street bike from a big box store probably would not hold up to the rigors of the sport, he said.

The league has scholarships to help with expenses, Gustin said.

The season starts in January with students learning basic bike safety skills before they hit the courses.

Mountain biking is an Olympic sport with a national team. Colleges around the country also have teams with some opportunities for scholarships, Gustin said.

Gustin's son is too young to compete yet, but Gustin and his family are passionate about cycling.

"It's a great activity. It's a good way to get outdoors. It's great exercise. The team, there's a community element to it," Gustin said.

He said he thought establishing trails in Ellis County could attract events to Hays and have a positive impact on economic development.

"You go camp out at the roundabouts, and you see a lot of people passing through on I-70, and a lot of them have bikes. Those are not cheap bikes," he said.

For more information, contact Keith Gustin at 785-259-9456.

You can also fill out an interest form at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://forms.gle/7tsFaMLxbz8L6AhE8">https://forms.gle/7tsFaMLxbz8L6AhE8</a>

<a href="https://kansasmtb.org/">Kansas NICA</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745865154161.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA local man is trying to gather youth for a mountain bike team based in Hays.A national mountain bike league has opportunities to expand in western Kansas.Keith Gustin, a mountain bike enthusiast, is serving as a league volunteer.Gustin is seeking youth in sixth through 12th grades who are interested in competing, donors to support the team, volunteer coaches and assistance in building mountain bike trails in Ellis County.The trails are a minimum of four miles of single track. It's usually a loop.&nbsp;The<a href="https://nationalmtb.org/"> National Interscholastic Cycling Association</a> has teams in 32 states. This is the fifth season Kansas has had a competitive league, with 11 teams in the state.The mission of the organization is to "Build strong minds, bodies, character and community through cycling."The association conducted a bike race at Wilson Lake on April 6.Other Kansas courses are in Manhattan, Topeka, Lawrence and Louisburg, which is south of Kansas City.The season runs from April through May.There is usually travel involved in the races. Most events are two days. Gustin said there are often camping opportunities for families hoping to save money on travel costs.Gustin said he is researching race courses and practice locations for a potential team.Gustin said parents often serve as coaches and ride with the youth during practice.&nbsp;Most youth own their bikes. However, the league doesn't want ownership of a bike to be a barrier to participation, Gustin said.Youth can ride entry-level bikes purchased from a bike shop, which typically cost between $400 and $600. A street bike from a big box store probably would not hold up to the rigors of the sport, he said.The league has scholarships to help with expenses, Gustin said.Safety equipment is also required.The season starts in January with students learning basic bike safety skills before they hit the courses.Mountain biking is an Olympic sport with a national team. Colleges around the country also have teams with some opportunities for scholarships, Gustin said.Gustin's son is too young to compete yet, but Gustin and his family are passionate about cycling."It's a great activity. It's a good way to get outdoors. It's great exercise. The team, there's a community element to it," Gustin said.He said he thought establishing trails in Ellis County could attract events to Hays and have a positive impact on economic development."You go camp out at the roundabouts, and you see a lot of people passing through on I-70, and a lot of them have bikes. Those are not cheap bikes," he said.For more information, contact Keith Gustin at 785-259-9456.You can also fill out an interest form at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://forms.gle/7tsFaMLxbz8L6AhE8">https://forms.gle/7tsFaMLxbz8L6AhE8</a><a href="https://kansasmtb.org/">Kansas NICA</a>

Riders sought for youth mountain bike team in Hays

HAYS
- Great Bend raced out to an early 8-0 lead then held off a late Hays High
comeback bid and beat the Indians softball team 13-7 Monday at the Bickle-Schmidt
Sports Complex, handing Hays their sixth-straight loss. The game was the conclusion
of a doubleheader which started on Thursday but was postponed due to weather.

The
Panthers scored three in the first and five in the second and built an early
8-0 lead. The Indians (9-7) answered with two in the bottom the second on an
Avery Solida home run and Brynlee Rupp groundout, but the Panthers struck for two
more in the top of the third then added another run in the fourth to go up
11-2.

Down
13-2, the Indians rallied with five in the bottom of the seventh. With one out,
Lauren Klein singled to center which scored Brooklynn Dinkel. Brynlee Brous drove
in a run with a bases loaded, Solida added a sac fly and Katie Klein an RBI single.
Two more walks loaded the bases with two outs but Rupp grounded out to end the
game.

Lauren
Klein and Avery Solida both had two of Hays High’s six hits with Solida driving
in two.

Riley
Dreher allowed eight runs (six earned) on eight hits with one walk and one strikeout
over two innings and took the loss. Lanie Becker gave up five runs on seven
hits with one strikeout and no walks over the final five innings of relief.

The
Indians host TMP-Marian Thursday at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

Hays Post SportsHAYS
- Great Bend raced out to an early 8-0 lead then held off a late Hays High
comeback bid and beat the Indians softball team 13-7 Monday at the Bickle-Schmidt
Sports Complex, handing Hays their sixth-straight loss. The game was the conclusion
of a doubleheader which started on Thursday but was postponed due to weather.The
Panthers scored three in the first and five in the second and built an early
8-0 lead. The Indians (9-7) answered with two in the bottom the second on an
Avery Solida home run and Brynlee Rupp groundout, but the Panthers struck for two
more in the top of the third then added another run in the fourth to go up
11-2.Down
13-2, the Indians rallied with five in the bottom of the seventh. With one out,
Lauren Klein singled to center which scored Brooklynn Dinkel. Brynlee Brous drove
in a run with a bases loaded, Solida added a sac fly and Katie Klein an RBI single.
Two more walks loaded the bases with two outs but Rupp grounded out to end the
game.Lauren
Klein and Avery Solida both had two of Hays High’s six hits with Solida driving
in two.Riley
Dreher allowed eight runs (six earned) on eight hits with one walk and one strikeout
over two innings and took the loss. Lanie Becker gave up five runs on seven
hits with one strikeout and no walks over the final five innings of relief.UP
NEXTThe
Indians host TMP-Marian Thursday at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

🥎 Indians drop finale with Great Bend

HAYS
– The TMP-Marian baseball team bounced back from their first losses of the season
with a pair of 15-0 run-rule wins over Decatur Community Monday. 

Caden Dinkel
and Adler Brown combined on a 2-hitter in the opener that went only four
innings. Ian Nehls had three hits and Connor Breit drove in three runs. The Monarchs
(14-2) scored five in the first, three in the second then six in the third. The
game ended when the plated a run in the fourth.

Austin
Gilbert allowed only one hit over three innings in game two. Jacob Seib had two
of TMP”s six hits. Easton Werth, Trevor Fabrizius and Derek Becker each drove
in three runs. TMP scored four in the first, eight in the second and three in the
third.

The
Monarchs host Russell/Victoria in a doubleheader Friday beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Hays Post SportsHAYS
– The TMP-Marian baseball team bounced back from their first losses of the season
with a pair of 15-0 run-rule wins over Decatur Community Monday. Caden Dinkel
and Adler Brown combined on a 2-hitter in the opener that went only four
innings. Ian Nehls had three hits and Connor Breit drove in three runs. The Monarchs
(14-2) scored five in the first, three in the second then six in the third. The
game ended when the plated a run in the fourth.Austin
Gilbert allowed only one hit over three innings in game two. Jacob Seib had two
of TMP”s six hits. Easton Werth, Trevor Fabrizius and Derek Becker each drove
in three runs. TMP scored four in the first, eight in the second and three in the
third.UP
NEXTThe
Monarchs host Russell/Victoria in a doubleheader Friday beginning at 4:00 p.m.

⚾ Monarchs cruise past Decatur Community

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Monday opened a weeklong celebration of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;first 100 days in office by focusing on his border crackdown, an area of relative strength for the president at a time when there are red flags for him in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-immigration-trade-100-days-poll-625efe6128d5f2e90e04bcc7f30479eb">the latest round of polling.</a>

Yard signs with mugshots of immigrants who have been accused of crimes like rape and murder were posted across the White House lawn, positioned so they would be in the background of television broadcasts outside the West Wing. Tom Homan, Trump's top border adviser, told reporters that there has been “unprecedented success" on the border effort and "we’re going to keep doing it, full speed ahead.”

Immigration is Trump's leading issue in public opinion surveys, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a morning briefing the administration is in "the beginning stages of carrying out the largest deportation campaign in American history.”

About 139,000 people have been removed so far, according to the White House. Deportations have occasionally lagged behind Democrat President Joe Biden’s numbers, but Trump officials reject the comparison as not “apples to apples” because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-100-days-immigration-000001967735d2ebabdf7777546a0000">so many fewer people</a>&nbsp;are crossing the border now.

Later on Monday, Leavitt held a second briefing exclusively for “new media,” where Trump-aligned social media influencers asked friendly questions and applauded at the end.

Tuesday will be Trump's 100th day in office, and the Republican president plans to mark the day in Michigan, where he will hold&nbsp;<a href="https://known%20as%20an%20automotive%20hub./">a rally in Macomb County</a>, an automotive hub north of Detroit. After relatively little travel so far in his term, Trump will also deliver a commencement address Thursday at the University of Alabama.

Trump is also doing a number of interviews timed to the 100-day mark, including an Oval Office interview with ABC News that is to air Tuesday night. He's also talked with journalists from The Atlantic magazine, a publication that he's frequently attacked for its critical reporting.

<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/06/trump-second-term-comeback/682573/">Trump told The Atlantic</a>&nbsp;that he feels more powerful in his second turn in the White House. His administration is stocked with loyalists, and he's become even more confrontational with a judicial system that at times&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-constitution-courts-lawsuits-796543ab4a3d5589f47fd66fd9d6bfef">serves as a check</a>&nbsp;on his agenda.

“The first time, I had two things to do — run the country and survive; I had all these crooked guys,” he said. “And the second time, I run the country and the world.”

Presidents have marked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-100-days-promises-inflation-tariffs-deportations-970c837dada26ad5f6baaa6019131cf5">the initial 100 days</a>&nbsp;of their terms since Franklin Delano Roosevelt moved swiftly to counter the Great Depression after taking office in 1933.

Trump wasn't so bullish about the idea during his first term, when he was plagued by setbacks, investigations and turnover in his ranks, at that time calling the 100-day mark "&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/205ad54dc72e4ab69b3a214c96eeb9ce">an artificial barrier</a>."

But now he's trying to harness the moment to mark the ambitious agenda he's pursued in his first months. Leavitt said Trump had already signed almost as many executive orders as Biden did during his entire term.

But many Americans believe Trump has mostly been focused on the wrong priorities.

Americans are nearly twice as likely to say Trump has been mostly focusing on the wrong priorities as to say he has been focusing on the right ones, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/projects/100-days-in-and-the-public-feels-trumps-presidency-is-proceeding-mostly-as-expected/">an AP-NORC survey</a>, and only about half of Republicans say he’s mostly had the right focus. Another one-quarter of Republicans say it’s been about an even mix of right and wrong priorities, and about 1 in 10 say he’s focusing on the wrong things.

And among Trump's own supporters, the share of Republicans who say he has been at least a “good” president has fallen about 10 percentage points since January.

Other polls conducted in recent weeks have found similar levels of dissatisfaction with Trump’s first few months, particularly with his economic policies and approach to tariffs.

Trump lashed out at the results on social media as “FAKE POLLS FROM FAKE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS.”

As he's pushed to crack down on illegal immigration, Trump has drawn criticism as he has strained the limits of executive power, attacked judges who've ruled against him, sent hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members to a mega-prison in El Salvador in defiance of a court order and balked at a Supreme Court order that his administration must facilitate the return&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Kilmar Abrego Garcia</a>, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.

His plans to carry out a mass deportation have not yet shaped up, but the White House is ramping up efforts to encourage people who are in the country illegally to “self-deport,” with actions that include stiffer fines and incentives to leave, including airfare and stipends.

His administration has pointed to the steep drop in the number of illegal border crossings as an early and significant sign of success.

Trump planned to sign at least two executive orders later Monday related to immigration, including one directing state and federal officials to publish a list of “sanctuary city” jurisdictions.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Monday opened a weeklong celebration of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;first 100 days in office by focusing on his border crackdown, an area of relative strength for the president at a time when there are red flags for him in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-immigration-trade-100-days-poll-625efe6128d5f2e90e04bcc7f30479eb">the latest round of polling.</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Under Joe Biden, criminal illegal aliens called the shots. Under President Trump, it’s a new dawn, a new day, a new life for America — and we&#39;re feeling good. 🎶 <a href="https://t.co/pD7hf1A07G">pic.twitter.com/pD7hf1A07G</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1916870056413192618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Yard signs with mugshots of immigrants who have been accused of crimes like rape and murder were posted across the White House lawn, positioned so they would be in the background of television broadcasts outside the West Wing. Tom Homan, Trump's top border adviser, told reporters that there has been “unprecedented success" on the border effort and "we’re going to keep doing it, full speed ahead.”Immigration is Trump's leading issue in public opinion surveys, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a morning briefing the administration is in "the beginning stages of carrying out the largest deportation campaign in American history.”About 139,000 people have been removed so far, according to the White House. Deportations have occasionally lagged behind Democrat President Joe Biden’s numbers, but Trump officials reject the comparison as not “apples to apples” because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-100-days-immigration-000001967735d2ebabdf7777546a0000">so many fewer people</a>&nbsp;are crossing the border now.Later on Monday, Leavitt held a second briefing exclusively for “new media,” where Trump-aligned social media influencers asked friendly questions and applauded at the end.Tuesday will be Trump's 100th day in office, and the Republican president plans to mark the day in Michigan, where he will hold&nbsp;<a href="https://known%20as%20an%20automotive%20hub./">a rally in Macomb County</a>, an automotive hub north of Detroit. After relatively little travel so far in his term, Trump will also deliver a commencement address Thursday at the University of Alabama.Trump is also doing a number of interviews timed to the 100-day mark, including an Oval Office interview with ABC News that is to air Tuesday night. He's also talked with journalists from The Atlantic magazine, a publication that he's frequently attacked for its critical reporting.<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/06/trump-second-term-comeback/682573/">Trump told The Atlantic</a>&nbsp;that he feels more powerful in his second turn in the White House. His administration is stocked with loyalists, and he's become even more confrontational with a judicial system that at times&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-constitution-courts-lawsuits-796543ab4a3d5589f47fd66fd9d6bfef">serves as a check</a>&nbsp;on his agenda.“The first time, I had two things to do — run the country and survive; I had all these crooked guys,” he said. “And the second time, I run the country and the world.”Presidents have marked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-100-days-promises-inflation-tariffs-deportations-970c837dada26ad5f6baaa6019131cf5">the initial 100 days</a>&nbsp;of their terms since Franklin Delano Roosevelt moved swiftly to counter the Great Depression after taking office in 1933.Trump wasn't so bullish about the idea during his first term, when he was plagued by setbacks, investigations and turnover in his ranks, at that time calling the 100-day mark "&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/205ad54dc72e4ab69b3a214c96eeb9ce">an artificial barrier</a>."But now he's trying to harness the moment to mark the ambitious agenda he's pursued in his first months. Leavitt said Trump had already signed almost as many executive orders as Biden did during his entire term.But many Americans believe Trump has mostly been focused on the wrong priorities.Americans are nearly twice as likely to say Trump has been mostly focusing on the wrong priorities as to say he has been focusing on the right ones, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/projects/100-days-in-and-the-public-feels-trumps-presidency-is-proceeding-mostly-as-expected/">an AP-NORC survey</a>, and only about half of Republicans say he’s mostly had the right focus. Another one-quarter of Republicans say it’s been about an even mix of right and wrong priorities, and about 1 in 10 say he’s focusing on the wrong things.And among Trump's own supporters, the share of Republicans who say he has been at least a “good” president has fallen about 10 percentage points since January.Other polls conducted in recent weeks have found similar levels of dissatisfaction with Trump’s first few months, particularly with his economic policies and approach to tariffs.Trump lashed out at the results on social media as “FAKE POLLS FROM FAKE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS.”As he's pushed to crack down on illegal immigration, Trump has drawn criticism as he has strained the limits of executive power, attacked judges who've ruled against him, sent hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members to a mega-prison in El Salvador in defiance of a court order and balked at a Supreme Court order that his administration must facilitate the return&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Kilmar Abrego Garcia</a>, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.His plans to carry out a mass deportation have not yet shaped up, but the White House is ramping up efforts to encourage people who are in the country illegally to “self-deport,” with actions that include stiffer fines and incentives to leave, including airfare and stipends.His administration has pointed to the steep drop in the number of illegal border crossings as an early and significant sign of success.Trump planned to sign at least two executive orders later Monday related to immigration, including one directing state and federal officials to publish a list of “sanctuary city” jurisdictions.

White House focuses on border crackdown as it marks 100 days for Trump's second term

GARDEN CITY - The Hays High boys tennis won Monday's Garden City Invitational. The Indians scored 124 points, six ahead of second place Dodge City.

Preston Parr and Mason Schleicher went 4-0 and finished first in doubles.&nbsp;Kale Schwien went 3-1 for a second-place singles finish. Ken Shaffer went 2-2 and finished fourth in singles. Christian Miller and Madox Zimmerman also went 2-2 and placed seventh in doubles.

Hays Post SportsGARDEN CITY - The Hays High boys tennis won Monday's Garden City Invitational. The Indians scored 124 points, six ahead of second place Dodge City.Preston Parr and Mason Schleicher went 4-0 and finished first in doubles.&nbsp;Kale Schwien went 3-1 for a second-place singles finish. Ken Shaffer went 2-2 and finished fourth in singles. Christian Miller and Madox Zimmerman also went 2-2 and placed seventh in doubles.

🎾 HHS boys win Garden City Invitational

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman is going to prison.

On Monday, Judge Seth Rundle sentenced Katelyn Barrioz, 24 of Wichita, to nearly 20-years in prison.  She was sentenced to 216 months for 2nd degree murder, 7 months for flee and elude, and 7 months for theft with 36 months post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offce. The judge ordered the sentences run consecutive.

On April 14, Barrioz pled guilty to the charges.

On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.

Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.

KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.

The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.

Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail later that week, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730458850794.png" alt="-The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash" />
 <figcaption>-The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman is going to prison.On Monday, Judge Seth Rundle sentenced Katelyn Barrioz, 24 of Wichita, to nearly 20-years in prison. She was sentenced to 216 months for 2nd degree murder, 7 months for flee and elude, and 7 months for theft with 36 months post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offce. The judge ordered the sentences run consecutive.On April 14, Barrioz pled guilty to the charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730284905956.png" alt="Barrioz photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Barrioz photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail later that week, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Prison for stolen van crash that killed Kansas woman

SALINA —Just after 9a.m. Monday, Salina 9-1-1 received calls from Salina South High School staff advising a possible person with a firearm was at South High School, 730 E Magnolia, according to a media release from police.

The school immediately locked down, and the SHS School Resource Officer, who was already on scene began a coordinated response. Numerous Officers and Detectives from the Salina Police Department responded, as did law enforcement officials from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol. The first Officers arrived at 9:15 AM and immediately began searching the school.

Simultaneously, officers began interviewing witnesses, staff, and reviewing surveillance video from the school. While on scene, Officers were made aware of a post by a student which showed the student with a gun, there were no threats attached to the picture.

 It was determined the post was made on April 3rd, 2025, and the photo was not taken at the school as is being reported on social media. This post was then shared with other students in a chat group. A student using a restroom on this date then heard a sound which they thought could possibly be a gun being “racked” and reported it to staff believing it was the student who made the post. 

It was determined from surveillance video, the student who made the post had not been in the restroom. The student who was observed leaving the restroom at the time was located and checked. This student indicated the sound was from him crushing a water bottle. The post made by the student is being investigated.

The investigation determined there was no firearm present or active threats.

The building clearing was completed at 10:12a.m. , and the school was released to the School Administration.

The Salina Police Department noted that parents responded and congregated in the parking lots, remaining calm and supportive. The staff and students secured themselves in the classrooms in which they were located, controlling their environments and allowing law enforcement to move swiftly to clear the enormous structure unobstructed. We applaud the staff, students, and parents for their conduct.

SALINA —On Monday morning, South High School administration,&nbsp; 730 E Magnolia Road, Salina, received a report of a gun in the building, according to a media release from USD 305. 

The school immediately went into lockdown and alerted law enforcement. Salina Police, Saline County Sheriff's office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Saline County Fire and rescue responded and searched the building. They determined that the school is secure and that there was no weapon and that no shots were fired.

The police turned the building back over to administration. The South High School administration will determine any adjustments to the schedule that are needed.&nbsp; The school day will resume as usual.

"We appreciate the quick response from the Salina Police Department and first responders. They have determined that there was no danger," according to USD 305.

SALINA— Law enforcement are on the scene of an incident at South High School,&nbsp;730 E Magnolia Road, Salina.&nbsp; There are unconfirmed reports the incident involved a gun. The school was on lock down status 

“Police were alerted and are on site at this time and are in charge of the situation. Students and staff remain locked in classrooms," according to a message sent to parents.

USD 305 is expected to release more information as it becomes available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police have not released details on their investigation.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745853925661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —Just after 9a.m. Monday, Salina 9-1-1 received calls from Salina South High School staff advising a possible person with a firearm was at South High School, 730 E Magnolia, according to a media release from police.The school immediately locked down, and the SHS School Resource Officer, who was already on scene began a coordinated response. Numerous Officers and Detectives from the Salina Police Department responded, as did law enforcement officials from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol. The first Officers arrived at 9:15 AM and immediately began searching the school.Simultaneously, officers began interviewing witnesses, staff, and reviewing surveillance video from the school. While on scene, Officers were made aware of a post by a student which showed the student with a gun, there were no threats attached to the picture. It was determined the post was made on April 3rd, 2025, and the photo was not taken at the school as is being reported on social media. This post was then shared with other students in a chat group. A student using a restroom on this date then heard a sound which they thought could possibly be a gun being “racked” and reported it to staff believing it was the student who made the post. It was determined from surveillance video, the student who made the post had not been in the restroom. The student who was observed leaving the restroom at the time was located and checked. This student indicated the sound was from him crushing a water bottle. The post made by the student is being investigated.The investigation determined there was no firearm present or active threats.The building clearing was completed at 10:12a.m. , and the school was released to the School Administration.The Salina Police Department noted that parents responded and congregated in the parking lots, remaining calm and supportive. The staff and students secured themselves in the classrooms in which they were located, controlling their environments and allowing law enforcement to move swiftly to clear the enormous structure unobstructed. We applaud the staff, students, and parents for their conduct.----------SALINA —On Monday morning, South High School administration,&nbsp; 730 E Magnolia Road, Salina, received a report of a gun in the building, according to a media release from USD 305. The school immediately went into lockdown and alerted law enforcement. Salina Police, Saline County Sheriff's office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Saline County Fire and rescue responded and searched the building. They determined that the school is secure and that there was no weapon and that no shots were fired.The police turned the building back over to administration. The South High School administration will determine any adjustments to the schedule that are needed.&nbsp; The school day will resume as usual."We appreciate the quick response from the Salina Police Department and first responders. They have determined that there was no danger," according to USD 305.----------SALINA— Law enforcement are on the scene of an incident at South High School,&nbsp;730 E Magnolia Road, Salina.&nbsp; There are unconfirmed reports the incident involved a gun. The school was on lock down status “Police were alerted and are on site at this time and are in charge of the situation. Students and staff remain locked in classrooms," according to a message sent to parents.USD 305 is expected to release more information as it becomes available.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police have not released details on their investigation.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police update details on investigation at high school in Salina

For the month of March 2025, the Ellis Police Department responded to 158 calls for service, conducted 31 traffic stops and issued three traffic citations. All three citations were for speeding, with the highest alleged speed being 25 mph over the posted limit.

The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in one adult arrest.

The following adult was arrested in March by the Ellis Police Department:

On 03/30/2025, Victor Wente was arrested on suspicion of Possession of a Narcotic, Opiate, Opium, or Certain Stimulant, Interference with LEO; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence, and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

It is officially storm season! Kansas storms can get wild to say the least. Here are a few tips that can keep you and your loved ones safe and prepared for crazy Kansas weather!

· Make a plan: Know where you’ll shelter during severe weather

· Build an emergency kit: Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, and phone chargers

· Stay informed: Have MULTIPLE ways of receiving emergency alerts from the National Weather Service

· Shelter immediately: Don’t wait to get yourself to a safe place

· Stay away from windows: Needless to say, flying debris is exceptionally dangerous

· Don’t try to outrun a tornado: If you’re in a vehicle, find a low spot to shelter in place

· Be cautious of hazards: Downed power lines, unstable structures, and debris can severely injure you

The Ellis Police Department is still accepting applications for the position of Police Officer! (entry or lateral transfer) If you have any questions or want to obtain an application, you can either email me directly at asmith@cityofellisks.gov or visit the City’s Website at <a href="https://ellis.ks.us/contact-us/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUklPMWFiNzVoSmgxck5QNAEeVJfjmDTACEDZ_lvDzf_LT7XS1vVjPFszQ4SPQNX4IEEl0S_VUGsK2zPSM8Q_aem_c91BYugiEdDsGVtwmGUygQ">www.ellis.ks.us/contact-us/</a> and scroll to the employment opportunities section. The City of Ellis is an equal opportunity employer that offers great benefits, including KPERS and medical insurance!

We are always accepting photo submissions to be used for these monthly reports! Please email your photos to me at asmith@cityofellisks.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851700035.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>For the month of March 2025, the Ellis Police Department responded to 158 calls for service, conducted 31 traffic stops and issued three traffic citations. All three citations were for speeding, with the highest alleged speed being 25 mph over the posted limit.The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in one adult arrest.The following adult was arrested in March by the Ellis Police Department:On 03/30/2025, Victor Wente was arrested on suspicion of Possession of a Narcotic, Opiate, Opium, or Certain Stimulant, Interference with LEO; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence, and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.It is officially storm season! Kansas storms can get wild to say the least. Here are a few tips that can keep you and your loved ones safe and prepared for crazy Kansas weather!· Make a plan: Know where you’ll shelter during severe weather· Build an emergency kit: Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, and phone chargers· Stay informed: Have MULTIPLE ways of receiving emergency alerts from the National Weather Service· Shelter immediately: Don’t wait to get yourself to a safe place· Stay away from windows: Needless to say, flying debris is exceptionally dangerous· Don’t try to outrun a tornado: If you’re in a vehicle, find a low spot to shelter in place· Be cautious of hazards: Downed power lines, unstable structures, and debris can severely injure youThe Ellis Police Department is still accepting applications for the position of Police Officer! (entry or lateral transfer) If you have any questions or want to obtain an application, you can either email me directly at asmith@cityofellisks.gov or visit the City’s Website at <a href="https://ellis.ks.us/contact-us/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUklPMWFiNzVoSmgxck5QNAEeVJfjmDTACEDZ_lvDzf_LT7XS1vVjPFszQ4SPQNX4IEEl0S_VUGsK2zPSM8Q_aem_c91BYugiEdDsGVtwmGUygQ">www.ellis.ks.us/contact-us/</a> and scroll to the employment opportunities section. The City of Ellis is an equal opportunity employer that offers great benefits, including KPERS and medical insurance!We are always accepting photo submissions to be used for these monthly reports! Please email your photos to me at asmith@cityofellisks.gov.Thank you all for your support!-Chief Smith

Ellis Police Department March 2025 activity report

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matt-sedensky">MATT SEDENSKY</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Montgomery used to check the balance on his retirement account once a week and smile. But lately, not wanting to get upset and question if he could retire in a few years, there was only one solution.

“I’m not looking,” says the 66-year-old professor from Huntington Woods, Michigan.

As the White House simultaneously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-timeline-trade-war-trump-canada-mexico-china-a9d714eea677488ef9397547d838dbd0">injects turmoil into financial markets with its trade war</a>&nbsp;and dismisses fears of a downturn, retired and near-retired Americans are anxiously looking on, worried about outliving their savings or having to put off entries on their bucket lists.

Keeping logged off his account has made Montgomery’s days less worrisome. He and his wife adjusted their portfolio after Election Day, including moving more money into bonds. But he’s not sure what more he can do if the entire world economy can be affected by Washington’s decisions.

“I hope like hell I don’t lose all my retirement savings,” he says. “But where else could you put the money that these people could not disorder? They can’t get into your mattress but that’s about it.”

Many experts warned U.S. stocks were overpriced and due for a correction even before President Donald Trump reclaimed the Oval Office. But a historic blanket of tariffs have injected new uncertainty into the market.

Though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/market-rates-trump-tariffs-cd30ed61467eee2dc778006fa49924ee">stocks rallied this week</a>, the S&amp;P 500 is down 10% from an all-time high reached in February. Losses in the Nasdaq and among small-cap stocks are steeper. Even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasurys-bond-market-yield-tariff-46b4818710f01b8cc93fd002081167b0">bonds</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dollar-trump-tariffs-trade-safe-haven-china-c108fd36a3122f85872ad34ba5f5d977">the U.S. dollar</a>&nbsp;have been volatile. Many economists are warning of a possible recession.

It has 71-year-old Jeanne Oats Estridge feeling so “paranoid” she called her financial planner with an idea.

“How about we put it all in cash?” Oats Estridge asked.

“I just don’t advise it,” she heard back.

Oats Estridge, who lives in Dayton, Ohio, retired from a job in software engineering and now writes books, including her latest, on four octogenarian women kidnapped by sex-trafficking aliens. Her account is down more than $40,000 and she gets angry thinking about how some in Washington have reacted to the market volatility, including Trump’s recent market assessment that it was “a great time to buy.”

“Where am I supposed to come up with the money to buy? My underwear drawer?” Oats Estridge asks.

Earlier this month, the Cboe Volatility Index, considered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cboe.com/us/indices/dashboard/VIX/" target="_blank">a “fear gauge” of investor pessimism</a>, reached its highest level in five years. The index, known as VIX, has since retreated but is still in territory reflecting fearful investors. Another measure of market sentiment, the Cboe S&amp;P 500 Left Tail Volatility Index, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cboe.com/us/indices/dashboard/LTV/" target="_blank">tracks investor worry about so-called “black swan” events</a>&nbsp;such as the 2008 housing crash that spurred the Great Recession, likewise has backed off from highs but remains elevated.

Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114308258545250117" target="_blank">urged people to “be cool”</a>&nbsp;in assessing the impact of tariffs on their investments. Asked about his own savings earlier this month, he chuckled and replied:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwKczP3nhaY" target="_blank">“I haven’t checked my 401(k).”</a>

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, meantime, brushed off the possibility that some might need to delay retiring, saying people&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAsB3uCtEys" target="_blank">“don’t look at the day-to-day fluctuations of what’s happening.”</a>

That seeming nonchalance isn’t sitting well with some older investors.

Peter Rost, 72, retired from his software development job last year and planned to start tapping his retirement savings to supplement Social Security. But he doesn’t want to bake in his losses.

“I’m looking to take $2,000 and meanwhile the account drops by $30,000,” he says.

He’s been through serious downturns before, but those were different.

“I had the time to be patient and let it work its way back,” says Rost, who lives in New Hartford, Connecticut, “but now I’m retired and I need money from that account.”

At his age, he says, there’s one goal: “Make sure I don’t run out of money before I die.”

Americans’ retirement savings totaled about $44 trillion at the end of 2024, according to the Investment Company Institute. The composition of those savings has shifted increasingly toward stocks in the last couple decades as the 401(k) has become employers’ typical offering.

Among fund giant Vanguard’s nearly 5 million accounts, for example, the average investor puts three-quarters of their savings in stocks. Even older investors are still heavily steeped in equities: People 55 to 64 have 64% in stocks at Vanguard; those 65 and older have 49% in stocks.

With that exposure, financial advisers are getting an influx of calls amid the recent market uncertainty.

Tj Binkowski, who runs Narrow Road Financial Planning in Clarksville, Tennessee, says some clients find themselves obsessively checking their accounts and feel the emotional strain of worrying about their money. A downturn, he says, hits an older investor much differently.

“When you’re retired, paper losses aren’t just on paper anymore,” says Binkowski. “You’re locking them in every month that you take money out.”

Paul Duesterhaus, a 68-year-old retiree from Quincy, Illinois, is passing up an IRA withdrawal this year to avoid selling at a low. Instead, the retired manager at an air compressor manufacturing company will put off buying a new car as planned and cut back on things like eating out.

Still, he can’t help but feel bigger impacts of a trade war are ahead.

“I think there’s going to be longer lasting effects that are going to affect every American,” he says.

That angst is more common among older adults than younger people. An April poll by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/projects/immigration-remains-one-of-trumps-strongest-issues/" target="_blank">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research</a>&nbsp;found just under half of U.S. adults ages 45 and older said their retirement savings are a “major” source of stress for them right now, compared to about one-third of younger people. Older Americans were also more likely to say they’re stressed about the stock market.

For now, many older investors are taking the advice of many experts, to fine-tune investments if necessary but avoid dramatic moves. But it can be hard advice to swallow.

“The more things go up and down, the more nervous you get,” says Steve Turner, a 74-year-old from Chesterfield, Missouri, who runs a small public relations business. He now finds himself anxious when he goes to log on to his retirement account, wondering, “Gee, do I want to press the button?”

“You worry that things may work themselves out in the long run, but you don’t have as long,” says Turner. “You’re not 30, you’re not 40, you’re not 50, you’re not even 60.”

Matt Sedensky can be reached at&nbsp;msedensky@ap.org&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/sedensky." target="_blank">https://x.com/sedensky.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722962507580.png" alt="File photo Specialist Patrick King, left, works at his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (AP Photo/Richard Drew)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Specialist Patrick King, left, works at his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (AP Photo/Richard Drew)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matt-sedensky">MATT SEDENSKY</a>NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Montgomery used to check the balance on his retirement account once a week and smile. But lately, not wanting to get upset and question if he could retire in a few years, there was only one solution.“I’m not looking,” says the 66-year-old professor from Huntington Woods, Michigan.As the White House simultaneously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-timeline-trade-war-trump-canada-mexico-china-a9d714eea677488ef9397547d838dbd0">injects turmoil into financial markets with its trade war</a>&nbsp;and dismisses fears of a downturn, retired and near-retired Americans are anxiously looking on, worried about outliving their savings or having to put off entries on their bucket lists.Keeping logged off his account has made Montgomery’s days less worrisome. He and his wife adjusted their portfolio after Election Day, including moving more money into bonds. But he’s not sure what more he can do if the entire world economy can be affected by Washington’s decisions.“I hope like hell I don’t lose all my retirement savings,” he says. “But where else could you put the money that these people could not disorder? They can’t get into your mattress but that’s about it.”Many experts warned U.S. stocks were overpriced and due for a correction even before President Donald Trump reclaimed the Oval Office. But a historic blanket of tariffs have injected new uncertainty into the market.Though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/market-rates-trump-tariffs-cd30ed61467eee2dc778006fa49924ee">stocks rallied this week</a>, the S&amp;P 500 is down 10% from an all-time high reached in February. Losses in the Nasdaq and among small-cap stocks are steeper. Even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasurys-bond-market-yield-tariff-46b4818710f01b8cc93fd002081167b0">bonds</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dollar-trump-tariffs-trade-safe-haven-china-c108fd36a3122f85872ad34ba5f5d977">the U.S. dollar</a>&nbsp;have been volatile. Many economists are warning of a possible recession.It has 71-year-old Jeanne Oats Estridge feeling so “paranoid” she called her financial planner with an idea.“How about we put it all in cash?” Oats Estridge asked.“I just don’t advise it,” she heard back.Oats Estridge, who lives in Dayton, Ohio, retired from a job in software engineering and now writes books, including her latest, on four octogenarian women kidnapped by sex-trafficking aliens. Her account is down more than $40,000 and she gets angry thinking about how some in Washington have reacted to the market volatility, including Trump’s recent market assessment that it was “a great time to buy.”“Where am I supposed to come up with the money to buy? My underwear drawer?” Oats Estridge asks.Earlier this month, the Cboe Volatility Index, considered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cboe.com/us/indices/dashboard/VIX/" target="_blank">a “fear gauge” of investor pessimism</a>, reached its highest level in five years. The index, known as VIX, has since retreated but is still in territory reflecting fearful investors. Another measure of market sentiment, the Cboe S&amp;P 500 Left Tail Volatility Index, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cboe.com/us/indices/dashboard/LTV/" target="_blank">tracks investor worry about so-called “black swan” events</a>&nbsp;such as the 2008 housing crash that spurred the Great Recession, likewise has backed off from highs but remains elevated.Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114308258545250117" target="_blank">urged people to “be cool”</a>&nbsp;in assessing the impact of tariffs on their investments. Asked about his own savings earlier this month, he chuckled and replied:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwKczP3nhaY" target="_blank">“I haven’t checked my 401(k).”</a>Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, meantime, brushed off the possibility that some might need to delay retiring, saying people&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAsB3uCtEys" target="_blank">“don’t look at the day-to-day fluctuations of what’s happening.”</a>That seeming nonchalance isn’t sitting well with some older investors.Peter Rost, 72, retired from his software development job last year and planned to start tapping his retirement savings to supplement Social Security. But he doesn’t want to bake in his losses.“I’m looking to take $2,000 and meanwhile the account drops by $30,000,” he says.He’s been through serious downturns before, but those were different.“I had the time to be patient and let it work its way back,” says Rost, who lives in New Hartford, Connecticut, “but now I’m retired and I need money from that account.”At his age, he says, there’s one goal: “Make sure I don’t run out of money before I die.”Americans’ retirement savings totaled about $44 trillion at the end of 2024, according to the Investment Company Institute. The composition of those savings has shifted increasingly toward stocks in the last couple decades as the 401(k) has become employers’ typical offering.Among fund giant Vanguard’s nearly 5 million accounts, for example, the average investor puts three-quarters of their savings in stocks. Even older investors are still heavily steeped in equities: People 55 to 64 have 64% in stocks at Vanguard; those 65 and older have 49% in stocks.With that exposure, financial advisers are getting an influx of calls amid the recent market uncertainty.Tj Binkowski, who runs Narrow Road Financial Planning in Clarksville, Tennessee, says some clients find themselves obsessively checking their accounts and feel the emotional strain of worrying about their money. A downturn, he says, hits an older investor much differently.“When you’re retired, paper losses aren’t just on paper anymore,” says Binkowski. “You’re locking them in every month that you take money out.”Paul Duesterhaus, a 68-year-old retiree from Quincy, Illinois, is passing up an IRA withdrawal this year to avoid selling at a low. Instead, the retired manager at an air compressor manufacturing company will put off buying a new car as planned and cut back on things like eating out.Still, he can’t help but feel bigger impacts of a trade war are ahead.“I think there’s going to be longer lasting effects that are going to affect every American,” he says.That angst is more common among older adults than younger people. An April poll by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/projects/immigration-remains-one-of-trumps-strongest-issues/" target="_blank">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research</a>&nbsp;found just under half of U.S. adults ages 45 and older said their retirement savings are a “major” source of stress for them right now, compared to about one-third of younger people. Older Americans were also more likely to say they’re stressed about the stock market.For now, many older investors are taking the advice of many experts, to fine-tune investments if necessary but avoid dramatic moves. But it can be hard advice to swallow.“The more things go up and down, the more nervous you get,” says Steve Turner, a 74-year-old from Chesterfield, Missouri, who runs a small public relations business. He now finds himself anxious when he goes to log on to his retirement account, wondering, “Gee, do I want to press the button?”“You worry that things may work themselves out in the long run, but you don’t have as long,” says Turner. “You’re not 30, you’re not 40, you’re not 50, you’re not even 60.”___Matt Sedensky can be reached at&nbsp;msedensky@ap.org&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/sedensky." target="_blank">https://x.com/sedensky.</a>

Market turmoil has many afraid to check retirement savings

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

For decades, Lincoln Elementary in Hays was not just a school, but it was a place for family.

The school celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday as former and current staff, and students reflected on a century of education. Kerri Lacy, principal of Lincoln Elementary, has spent 10 years at the school and will retire at the end of the school year.

"Lincoln has been here since the very beginning... we are a nice little family school in the middle of town," she said.

Lacy said the community is losing a special place as the school prepares to close permanently on May 21. The school is closing as other schools in the district undergo renovation and expansion as part of bond projects.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bd7510a-797a-40e5-bc36-b81a6e848d8d">The school is under contract to a developer, who plans to renovate the school into apartments.</a>

 Just before its closure, attendees had the chance to view memorabilia and reunite with former teachers from years past.

Four retired faculty and staff members took a final walk through the school and its classrooms, reflecting on their years at Lincoln Elementary.

"I feel like it was the best job I've ever had. I loved going to work every day," Ross said.

Ross said they are still recognized by former students who now have children of their own. Weber said that although the building will soon close, Lincoln has made a lasting impact on the community over its 100-year history.

"It left its mark because there were four or five generations of parents who would send their kids here, then their kids would send their kids here. We were doing something right," Weber said.

The group of retirees observed changes in the school’s history, such as technology in classrooms, the implementation of maternity leave and an increase in student respect over the years.

They said the building itself remained largely unchanged during their time there, though Lincoln did undergo additions in 1951, 1955 and 2021.

The four retired around the same time in 2015 and 2016, and have stayed in touch since, meeting occasionally for coffee and dinner.

"We kind of joke that when Lincoln gets fixed into apartments, we're all going to get one," Ross said.&nbsp;

Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration included a wall of fame at its entrance, where former faculty and staff signed before viewing memorabilia from their time at the school.

Inside the school’s gym, attendees found old collections, including yearbooks and newspaper articles that highlighted big moments from Lincoln’s history.&nbsp;

In 2006, Emma Kolb was honored for 33 years of teaching, followed by 22 additional years of volunteering after her retirement. In 2016, Lincoln Elementary received $100,000 for a new playground through a Reading for Education program drawing.

Lacy said with so many retired instructors in attendance, the celebration went beyond the gym as teacher groups gathered for additional time together outside the school.

"It's a time to get together, reminisce, see old friends, laugh, cry and all that good stuff," she said.

Lacy said Lincoln had the largest Hispanic population among the district’s elementary schools and takes pride in the diverse cultures students experience. She said the school’s atmosphere was always family-oriented.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790032442.jpeg" alt="A banner outside of Lincoln Elementary in Hays for its centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A banner outside of Lincoln Elementary in Hays for its centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFor decades, Lincoln Elementary in Hays was not just a school, but it was a place for family.The school celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday as former and current staff, and students reflected on a century of education. Kerri Lacy, principal of Lincoln Elementary, has spent 10 years at the school and will retire at the end of the school year."Lincoln has been here since the very beginning... we are a nice little family school in the middle of town," she said.Lacy said the community is losing a special place as the school prepares to close permanently on May 21. The school is closing as other schools in the district undergo renovation and expansion as part of bond projects.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bd7510a-797a-40e5-bc36-b81a6e848d8d">The school is under contract to a developer, who plans to renovate the school into apartments.</a> Just before its closure, attendees had the chance to view memorabilia and reunite with former teachers from years past.Four retired faculty and staff members took a final walk through the school and its classrooms, reflecting on their years at Lincoln Elementary.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745780852184.jpeg" alt="(Left to right) Former physical education teacher Patty Weber, from 1998 to 2015, former paraeducator Linda Hammerschmidt, 1986 to 2015, former administrator Assistant Debbie Ross, 1990 to 2016 and former&nbsp;fourth grade teacher Mary Ann Coyne, from 1986 to 2016. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>(Left to right) Former physical education teacher Patty Weber, from 1998 to 2015, former paraeducator Linda Hammerschmidt, 1986 to 2015, former administrator Assistant Debbie Ross, 1990 to 2016 and former&nbsp;fourth grade teacher Mary Ann Coyne, from 1986 to 2016. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"I feel like it was the best job I've ever had. I loved going to work every day," Ross said.Ross said they are still recognized by former students who now have children of their own. Weber said that although the building will soon close, Lincoln has made a lasting impact on the community over its 100-year history."It left its mark because there were four or five generations of parents who would send their kids here, then their kids would send their kids here. We were doing something right," Weber said.The group of retirees observed changes in the school’s history, such as technology in classrooms, the implementation of maternity leave and an increase in student respect over the years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790109341.jpeg" alt="A Lincoln Elementary School classroom in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A Lincoln Elementary School classroom in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790131241.jpeg" alt="A Lincoln Elementary School classroom in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A Lincoln Elementary School classroom in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790163424.jpeg" alt="Instruments in the Lincoln Elementary School music classroom. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Instruments in the Lincoln Elementary School music classroom. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790195241.jpeg" alt="The Lincoln Elementary School library in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Lincoln Elementary School library in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>They said the building itself remained largely unchanged during their time there, though Lincoln did undergo additions in 1951, 1955 and 2021.The four retired around the same time in 2015 and 2016, and have stayed in touch since, meeting occasionally for coffee and dinner."We kind of joke that when Lincoln gets fixed into apartments, we're all going to get one," Ross said.&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration included a wall of fame at its entrance, where former faculty and staff signed before viewing memorabilia from their time at the school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790223527.jpeg" alt="Names of former faculty and staff on the wall of fame at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Names of former faculty and staff on the wall of fame at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790285613.jpeg" alt="Names of former faculty and staff on the wall of fame at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Names of former faculty and staff on the wall of fame at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790370959.jpeg" alt="School equipment such as a projectors and cameras on display at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>School equipment such as a projectors and cameras on display at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790342412.jpeg" alt="Newspaper articles and awards on display at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Newspaper articles and awards on display at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Inside the school’s gym, attendees found old collections, including yearbooks and newspaper articles that highlighted big moments from Lincoln’s history.&nbsp;In 2006, Emma Kolb was honored for 33 years of teaching, followed by 22 additional years of volunteering after her retirement. In 2016, Lincoln Elementary received $100,000 for a new playground through a Reading for Education program drawing.Lacy said with so many retired instructors in attendance, the celebration went beyond the gym as teacher groups gathered for additional time together outside the school."It's a time to get together, reminisce, see old friends, laugh, cry and all that good stuff," she said.Lacy said Lincoln had the largest Hispanic population among the district’s elementary schools and takes pride in the diverse cultures students experience. She said the school’s atmosphere was always family-oriented.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790460275.jpeg" alt="Past plaques of faculty and staff on display at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Past plaques of faculty and staff on display at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790573292.jpeg" alt="Attendees looking through a rack of shirts from throughout the years at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Attendees looking through a rack of shirts from throughout the years at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745809443894.jpeg" alt="A former teacher looking through an old year book at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A former teacher looking through an old year book at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790607760.jpeg" alt="Attendees looking through picture books and yearbooks at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Attendees looking through picture books and yearbooks at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790433629.jpeg" alt="Former faculty and staff catching up at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Former faculty and staff catching up at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745809557662.jpeg" alt="The Lincoln Elementary School building in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Lincoln Elementary School building in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Lincoln Elementary in Hays celebrates 100 years before closing

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;on Monday alleged a U.S. airstrike hit a prison holding African migrants, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others. The U.S. military had no immediate comment.

The strike in Yemen's Saada governorate, a stronghold for the Houthis, is the latest incident in the country's decadelong war&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-saudi-arabia-yemen-migrants-hrw-c6958c2593573c0c8fc64794a60f777c">to kill African migrants from Ethiopia and other nations</a>&nbsp;who risk crossing the nation for a chance to work in neighboring Saudi Arabia.

It also likely will renew questions from activists about the American campaign, known as “Operation Rough Rider,” which has been targeting the rebels as the Trump administration negotiates with their main benefactor, Iran, over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-talks-oman-f2e4ecf49c62c11a0240153d7f900d0d">Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>.

The U.S. military's Central Command, in a statement early Monday before news of the alleged strike broke, sought to defend its policy of offering no specific details of its extensive airstrike campaign. The strikes have drawn controversy in America over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-houthis-attack-8dbf9dd6c711796438a5c1c84831c40b">use of the unclassified Signal messaging app</a>&nbsp;to post sensitive details about the attacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745834468939.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;on Monday alleged a U.S. airstrike hit a prison holding African migrants, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others. The U.S. military had no immediate comment.The strike in Yemen's Saada governorate, a stronghold for the Houthis, is the latest incident in the country's decadelong war&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-saudi-arabia-yemen-migrants-hrw-c6958c2593573c0c8fc64794a60f777c">to kill African migrants from Ethiopia and other nations</a>&nbsp;who risk crossing the nation for a chance to work in neighboring Saudi Arabia.It also likely will renew questions from activists about the American campaign, known as “Operation Rough Rider,” which has been targeting the rebels as the Trump administration negotiates with their main benefactor, Iran, over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-talks-oman-f2e4ecf49c62c11a0240153d7f900d0d">Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>.The U.S. military's Central Command, in a statement early Monday before news of the alleged strike broke, sought to defend its policy of offering no specific details of its extensive airstrike campaign. The strikes have drawn controversy in America over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-houthis-attack-8dbf9dd6c711796438a5c1c84831c40b">use of the unclassified Signal messaging app</a>&nbsp;to post sensitive details about the attacks.“To preserve operational security, we have intentionally limited disclosing details of our ongoing or future operations,” Central Command said. “We are very deliberate in our operational approach, but will not reveal specifics about what we’ve done or what we will do.”It did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press about the alleged strike in Saada.<h2>Graphic footage shows aftermath of explosion</h2>Graphic footage aired by the Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel showed what appeared to be dead bodies and others wounded at the site. The Houthi-run Interior Ministry said some 115 migrants had been detained at the site.The rebels' Civil Defense organization said at least 68 people had been killed and 47 others wounded in the attack.Footage from the site analyzed by the AP suggested some kind of explosion took place there, with its cement walls seemingly peppered by debris fragments and the wounds suffered by those there.A woman's voice, soft in the footage, can be heard repeating the start of a prayer in Arabic: “In the name of God.” An occasional gunshot rang out as medics sought to help those wounded.<h2>African migrants caught in middle of Yemen's war</h2>Ethiopians and other African migrants for years have landed in Yemen, braving the war-torn nation to try and reach Saudi Arabia for work. The Houthi rebels allegedly make tens of thousands of dollars a week smuggling migrants over the border.Migrants from Ethiopia have found themselves detained, abused and even killed in Saudi Arabia and Yemen during the war. An Oct. 3, 2022, letter to the kingdom from the U.N. said its investigators “received concerning allegations of cross-border artillery shelling and small arms fire allegedly by Saudi security forces, causing the deaths of up to 430 and injuring 650 migrants.”Saudi Arabia has denied killing migrants.Monday's alleged strike recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-middle-east-sanaa-dubai-cfad87600e2c93ab9af22dc80ba27875">a similar strike by a Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis back in 2022</a>&nbsp;on the same compound, which caused a collapse killing 66 detainees and wounding 113 others, a United Nations report later said. The Houthis shot dead 16 detainees who fled after the strike and wounded another 50, the U.N. said. The Saudi-led coalition sought to justify the strike by saying the Houthis built and launched drones there, but the U.N. said it was known to be a detention facility.“The coalition should have avoided any attack on that facility,” the U.N. report added.That 2022 attack was one of the deadliest single attacks in the yearslong war between the coalition and the Houthi rebels and came after the Houthis struck inside the UAE twice with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dubai-united-arab-emirates-abu-dhabi-yemen-8bdefdf900ce46a6fd6c7bc685bf838a">killing three in a strike near Abu Dhabi's international airport</a>.<h2>US military says over 800 strikes conducted in campaign so far</h2>Meanwhile, U.S. airstrikes overnight targeting Yemen's capital killed at least eight people, the Houthis said. The American military acknowledged carrying out over 800 individual strikes in their monthlong campaign.The overnight statement from Central Command also said “Operation Rough Rider” had “killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders,” including those associated with its missile and drone program. It did not identify any of those officials.“Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis,” the statement said. “The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime.”"We will continue to ratchet up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region," it added.The U.S. is targeting the Houthis because of the group’s attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route, and on Israel. The Houthis are also the last militant group in Iran’s self-described “Axis of Resistance” that is capable of regularly attacking Israel.<h2>US discusses deadly port strike</h2>The U.S. is conducting strikes on Yemen from its two aircraft carriers in the region — the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea.On April 18,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-us-airstrikes-563f61bbd96e1f2de68373fdf76c8811">an American strike on the Ras Isa fuel port</a>&nbsp;killed at least 74 people and wounded 171 others in the deadliest-known attack of the American campaign. Central Command on Monday offered an explanation for why it hit the port.“U.S. strikes destroyed the ability of Ras Isa Port to accept fuel, which will begin to impact Houthi ability to not only conduct operations, but also to generate millions of dollars in revenue for their terror activities,” it said.Meanwhile, the Houthis have increasingly sought to control the flow of information from the territory they hold to the outside world. It issued a notice Sunday that all those holding Starlink satellite internet receivers should “quickly hand over” the devices to authorities.“A field campaign will be implemented in coordination with the security authorities to arrest anyone who sells, trades, uses, operates, installs or possesses these prohibited terminals,” the Houthis warned.Starlink terminals have been crucial for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-ukraine-starlink-russia-air-force-fde93d9a69d7dbd1326022ecfdbc53c2">Ukraine in fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion</a>&nbsp;and receivers also have been smuggled into Iran amid unrest there.