ATLANTA (AP) — A key vaccine advisory committee met for the first time under new U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a leading voice in the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-measles-vaccine-rhetoric-19552867102b19e6df3ff14ed5030263">anti-vaccine movement</a>.

Tuesday’s meeting was, to some extent, business as usual, though with a major question looming: Who would evaluate the committee’s recommendations?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ two-day meeting took up vaccine policy questions that had been put on hold when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-cdc-rfk-trump-acip-74ad20e0a5430bfd6b48d35900c34d13">abruptly postponed</a>&nbsp;the panel’s February meeting.

“It will be striking” if the meeting is routine, given “signals and alarms” that suggest changes and perhaps reductions in federal vaccination efforts, said Jason Schwartz, a Yale University health policy researcher who studies government health agencies.

But Tuesday’s meeting started fairly routine, with most members joining through a webcast. They discussed an mpox vaccine and how the winter flu and COVID-19 seasons were going.

CDC official asks about COVID-19 vaccines

The conversation took a turn when a CDC official summarized a committee workgroup discussion about the waning COVID-19 pandemic, and asked whether the panel might consider changing vaccination recommendations. For example, instead of recommending seasonal shots for all Americans 6 months and older, should the recommendations be more focused — at least for certain age groups — on people with chronic illnesses or otherwise at higher risk?

“I guess I am surprised we’re considering a risk-based recommendation,” said committee member Dr. Denise Jamieson, dean of the University of Iowa’s medical school.

She worried it will be harder to implement, and may cause more headaches for patients who want to get shots and have them covered by insurance.

Dr. Jamie Loehr, a family medicine doctor in Itasca, New York, said he is happy the committee is considering a risk-based recommendation but also worried about feasibility and the message it would send.

“COVID is still a fairly dangerous disease and very, very common,” he said. “We are not talking about 10 cases of mpox. We are talking about thousands of hospitalizations and deaths.”

A vote on the idea could come at the next committee meeting, scheduled for June.

Who will take up the committee’s recommendations?

The 15-member panel of outside scientific experts, created in 1964, makes recommendations to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC directors almost always approve those recommendations on how Food and Drug Administration-cleared vaccines should be used. The CDC’s final recommendations are not binding, but for decades they have been widely heeded by doctors and determine the scope and funding of vaccination programs.

The committee was slated to vote Wednesday afternoon on whether to make new recommendations regarding three kinds of vaccines, including one for meningitis and another to prevent a mosquito-borne illness called chikungunya.

It’s not clear who would decide whether to accept those recommendations.

The Trump administration named Susan Monarez as acting CDC director in January, and last month picked her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-trump-nominee-susan-monarez-f132a3b1dae2b5d0a0dafdff02195980">to lead the agency</a>. But while she’s awaiting Senate confirmation, Monarez has essentially recused herself from regular director duties because of federal law around vacancies, said two CDC officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss agency matters and feared being fired.

That means any committee recommendations made Wednesday seems likely to fall to Kennedy. When an AP reporter asked an HHS spokesperson, he said he was looking into the question but did not immediately have an answer.

During his Senate confirmation hearings, Kennedy told lawmakers he is not “antivaccine.” But since taking office, he has promised to “investigate”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-vaccines-measles-fda-injury-marks-5eda3335bae9b8df88795c2d5e09ae69">children’s shots</a>&nbsp;and to take a new look at the possibility of links between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-robert-kennedy-vaccines-measles-steak-shake-9c970a1f6bdfd6ac4b4160480e996ac0">childhood vaccinations and autism</a>&nbsp;— a theory that has been debunked by a number of studies, including at least a dozen that involved CDC researchers.

The panel’s chair, Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University, said she didn’t know who would decide whether to sign off on any recommendations.

ATLANTA (AP) — A key vaccine advisory committee met for the first time under new U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a leading voice in the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-measles-vaccine-rhetoric-19552867102b19e6df3ff14ed5030263">anti-vaccine movement</a>.Tuesday’s meeting was, to some extent, business as usual, though with a major question looming: Who would evaluate the committee’s recommendations?The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ two-day meeting took up vaccine policy questions that had been put on hold when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-cdc-rfk-trump-acip-74ad20e0a5430bfd6b48d35900c34d13">abruptly postponed</a>&nbsp;the panel’s February meeting.“It will be striking” if the meeting is routine, given “signals and alarms” that suggest changes and perhaps reductions in federal vaccination efforts, said Jason Schwartz, a Yale University health policy researcher who studies government health agencies.But Tuesday’s meeting started fairly routine, with most members joining through a webcast. They discussed an mpox vaccine and how the winter flu and COVID-19 seasons were going.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today <a href="https://twitter.com/DrOzCMS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrOzCMS</a> and I visited <a href="https://twitter.com/GovBraun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovBraun</a> in Indiana to celebrate his Make Indiana Healthy Again agenda. Governor Braun is a champion of public health, signing nine MAHA executive orders, including removing sodas and candy from SNAP and encouraging fitness and health in schools. I… <a href="https://t.co/Q6HMXYWniE">pic.twitter.com/Q6HMXYWniE</a>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1912285788651274714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>CDC official asks about COVID-19 vaccines</h2>The conversation took a turn when a CDC official summarized a committee workgroup discussion about the waning COVID-19 pandemic, and asked whether the panel might consider changing vaccination recommendations. For example, instead of recommending seasonal shots for all Americans 6 months and older, should the recommendations be more focused — at least for certain age groups — on people with chronic illnesses or otherwise at higher risk?“I guess I am surprised we’re considering a risk-based recommendation,” said committee member Dr. Denise Jamieson, dean of the University of Iowa’s medical school.She worried it will be harder to implement, and may cause more headaches for patients who want to get shots and have them covered by insurance.Dr. Jamie Loehr, a family medicine doctor in Itasca, New York, said he is happy the committee is considering a risk-based recommendation but also worried about feasibility and the message it would send.“COVID is still a fairly dangerous disease and very, very common,” he said. “We are not talking about 10 cases of mpox. We are talking about thousands of hospitalizations and deaths.”A vote on the idea could come at the next committee meeting, scheduled for June.<h2>Who will take up the committee’s recommendations?</h2>The 15-member panel of outside scientific experts, created in 1964, makes recommendations to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC directors almost always approve those recommendations on how Food and Drug Administration-cleared vaccines should be used. The CDC’s final recommendations are not binding, but for decades they have been widely heeded by doctors and determine the scope and funding of vaccination programs.The committee was slated to vote Wednesday afternoon on whether to make new recommendations regarding three kinds of vaccines, including one for meningitis and another to prevent a mosquito-borne illness called chikungunya.It’s not clear who would decide whether to accept those recommendations.The Trump administration named Susan Monarez as acting CDC director in January, and last month picked her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-trump-nominee-susan-monarez-f132a3b1dae2b5d0a0dafdff02195980">to lead the agency</a>. But while she’s awaiting Senate confirmation, Monarez has essentially recused herself from regular director duties because of federal law around vacancies, said two CDC officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss agency matters and feared being fired.That means any committee recommendations made Wednesday seems likely to fall to Kennedy. When an AP reporter asked an HHS spokesperson, he said he was looking into the question but did not immediately have an answer.During his Senate confirmation hearings, Kennedy told lawmakers he is not “antivaccine.” But since taking office, he has promised to “investigate”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-vaccines-measles-fda-injury-marks-5eda3335bae9b8df88795c2d5e09ae69">children’s shots</a>&nbsp;and to take a new look at the possibility of links between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-robert-kennedy-vaccines-measles-steak-shake-9c970a1f6bdfd6ac4b4160480e996ac0">childhood vaccinations and autism</a>&nbsp;— a theory that has been debunked by a number of studies, including at least a dozen that involved CDC researchers.The panel’s chair, Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University, said she didn’t know who would decide whether to sign off on any recommendations.

Key vaccine committee meets for the first time under RFK Jr.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The baby boom continues at the Sedgwick County Zoo. On Tuesday, the zoo announced the safe arrival of another African elephant calf, just four days after the birth of Bomani on April 10, according to a statement from the zoo.

On Monday Xolani delivered a male calf, named Kijani, in the supportive presence of other members of the herd - including Bomani and his mother, Talia.

 Both mother and baby are doing well, showing positive signs of bonding with one another. Xolani, a first-time mother, is learning how to care for her new calf. The elephant care team is keeping a close watch while giving her the time and space necessary to gain confidence as a new mom.

Both calves and moms will remain behind the scenes for a short time to allow for the observation of bonding, nursing, and positive herd behaviors as they are introduced to other members of the elephant family.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see Kijani and Bomani soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744399597402.png" alt="Bomani photo couresy Sedgwick County Zoo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bomani photo couresy Sedgwick County Zoo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The baby boom continues at the Sedgwick County Zoo. On Tuesday, the zoo announced the safe arrival of another African elephant calf, just four days after the birth of Bomani on April 10, according to a statement from the zoo.On Monday Xolani delivered a male calf, named Kijani, in the supportive presence of other members of the herd - including Bomani and his mother, Talia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744749396036.png" alt="Kijani -photo courtesyi Sedgwick County Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Kijani -photo courtesyi Sedgwick County Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure> Both mother and baby are doing well, showing positive signs of bonding with one another. Xolani, a first-time mother, is learning how to care for her new calf. The elephant care team is keeping a close watch while giving her the time and space necessary to gain confidence as a new mom.Both calves and moms will remain behind the scenes for a short time to allow for the observation of bonding, nursing, and positive herd behaviors as they are introduced to other members of the elephant family.Visitors will have the opportunity to see Kijani and Bomani soon.

Kansas zoo celebrates birth of 2nd baby elephant in past week

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations in connection with a domestic incident in Hutchinson.

Just after 4p.m. Tuesday officers with the Hutchinson Police Department, along with members of multiple Reno County law enforcement agencies, responded to the area of 17th Avenue and Plum Street for a domestic disturbance involving an armed subject, according to a media release.

After arriving on scene, officers located a female victim at Kwik Shop.&nbsp; She was evaluated by Reno County EMS and transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for her injuries.

 Other officers went to a nearby residence where the male suspect, 23-year-old Damon Cantu of Hutchinson, was thought to be located.&nbsp;

A perimeter was established at the suspect’s location. Officers tried to contact Cantu inside but never received a response. The Reno County S.W.A.T. team responded and attempted to contact Cantu as well. He was given multiple commands and opportunities to cooperate with law enforcement but never responded. After multiple unsuccessful attempts at contacting the suspect, the S.W.A.T. team made entry into the residence and took Cantu into custody. 

Cantu is being held on requested charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Battery – Strangulation, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Threat, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, Endangerment, , Criminal Damage, and Disorderly Conduct.

We would like to thank the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, South Hutchinson Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Reno County EMS for their assistance with this incident.

This case is still under investigation. If you have information regarding it, please contact Reno County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, use your P3Tips App on your smartphone, text RENOKS to 738477 to receive a link to our anonymous tip form, or call the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816 and reference case number 2025-15291. Any further inquiries about this case should be directed to the Reno County District Attorney’s Office at 620-694-2715. All suspects are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744810777150.png" alt="Cantu photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Cantu photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations in connection with a domestic incident in Hutchinson.Just after 4p.m. Tuesday officers with the Hutchinson Police Department, along with members of multiple Reno County law enforcement agencies, responded to the area of 17th Avenue and Plum Street for a domestic disturbance involving an armed subject, according to a media release.After arriving on scene, officers located a female victim at Kwik Shop.&nbsp; She was evaluated by Reno County EMS and transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for her injuries. Other officers went to a nearby residence where the male suspect, 23-year-old Damon Cantu of Hutchinson, was thought to be located.&nbsp;A perimeter was established at the suspect’s location. Officers tried to contact Cantu inside but never received a response. The Reno County S.W.A.T. team responded and attempted to contact Cantu as well. He was given multiple commands and opportunities to cooperate with law enforcement but never responded. After multiple unsuccessful attempts at contacting the suspect, the S.W.A.T. team made entry into the residence and took Cantu into custody. Cantu is being held on requested charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Battery – Strangulation, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Threat, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, Endangerment, , Criminal Damage, and Disorderly Conduct.We would like to thank the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, South Hutchinson Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Reno County EMS for their assistance with this incident.This case is still under investigation. If you have information regarding it, please contact Reno County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, use your P3Tips App on your smartphone, text RENOKS to 738477 to receive a link to our anonymous tip form, or call the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816 and reference case number 2025-15291. Any further inquiries about this case should be directed to the Reno County District Attorney’s Office at 620-694-2715. All suspects are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Police: Kansas man jailed for violent attack on a woman 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Hyundai Sonata driven by&nbsp; Jacob Robert Thomas Rhodes, 21, Shawnee,&nbsp;was northbound on Interstate 435&nbsp; in the far-right lane. The car veered over to the two lane, traveled all the way back over to the one lane, into the median and struck the bridge pillar.

Rhodes was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744797229055.png" alt="First responders at the crash scene photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the crash scene photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Hyundai Sonata driven by&nbsp; Jacob Robert Thomas Rhodes, 21, Shawnee,&nbsp;was northbound on Interstate 435&nbsp; in the far-right lane. The car veered over to the two lane, traveled all the way back over to the one lane, into the median and struck the bridge pillar.Rhodes was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after car strikes bridge pillar

By STEVE PEOPLES and FATIMA HUSSEIN&nbsp;

CHICAGO (AP) — Former President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that President Donald Trump has "taken a hatchet" to Social Security, weighing in on a critical issue for millions of Americans as the 82-year-old Democrat briefly returned to the national stage.

Biden, who has largely avoided speaking publicly since leaving the White House in January, gave an evening speech at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago. The former president was speaking as Democrats across the nation offered similar warnings for what they described as a Social Security Day of Action.

"In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It's kind of breathtaking," Biden charged during a speech that spanned just under a half-hour. "They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration."

It was no coincidence that Tuesday's appearance, which marked Biden's first major event since leaving office, was focused on Social Security. Democrats have increasingly focused on Trump's turbulent leadership over the popular government agency that provides benefits to more than 70 million Americans.

Both parties expect Social Security to emerge as a key issue in next year's midterm elections.

Speaking before a crowd of roughly 200 people, Biden largely stuck to his prepared remarks but also rambled at times as he told stories about growing up with working-class people.

He referred to the Republican president only as "this guy." Trump, by contrast, continues to blame Biden for many of the nation's problems and often attacks his predecessor by name.

Conservatives immediately seized upon a Biden reference to the country's political divisions as an attack on Trump supporters.

"We can't go on like this as a divided nation, as divided as we are," Biden said. "As I said, I've been doing this a long time. It's never been this divided. Granted, it's roughly 30%, but it's a 30% that has no heart."

A Biden spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for clarification about whom Biden was referencing.

Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt took a shot at the former president's age and fitness when asked about Biden's appearance.

"I'm shocked that he is speaking at nighttime," Leavitt said during Tuesday's White House press briefing. "I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight."

She said that Trump, who is 78 years old, would sign a presidential memorandum Tuesday afternoon "aimed at stopping illegal aliens, and other ineligible people, from obtaining" Social Security benefits. The memorandum will expand the Social Security Administration's fraud prosecutor program to at least 50 U.S. attorney offices, and establish Medicare and Medicaid fraud prosecution programs in 15 U.S. attorney offices, Leavitt said.

The Social Security Administration pushed back against Biden's remarks using its official X account.

"Former President Joe Biden is lying to Americans," the agency wrote.

Trump's moves on Social Security have stirred controversy

The Republican president almost immediately began slashing the government workforce upon his return to the White House, including thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration.

Along with a planned layoff of 7,000 workers and contentious plans to impose tighter identity-proofing measures for recipients, the SSA has been sued over a decision to allow Trump adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to access individuals' Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information.

Musk, the world's richest man and one of Trump's most influential advisers, has called Social Security "the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time."

At the same time, Social Security recipients have complained about long call wait times as the agency's "my Social Security" benefits portal has seen an increase in outages. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income, including disabled seniors and low-income adults and children, also reported receiving a notice that said they were "not receiving benefits."

The agency said the notice was a mistake. And the White House has vowed that it would not cut Social Security benefits, saying any changes are intended to reduce waste and fraud.

"They're shooting first and aiming later," Biden alleged. "They want to wreck it so they can rob it. Why do they want to rob it? In order to give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations."

Among the conference attendees was Michigan-based attorney Jason Turkish, who leads one of the country's largest disability law firms. He said Trump's presidency has caused anxiety for many of his 32,000 clients nationwide, who are worried about diminished benefits and uncertainty over agency changes.

"We go from Republican to Democrat, Democrat to Republican and there's always been a belief that Social Security is just something we do not touch," he said.

Still, he said there are signs that Social Security Administration officials are open to change. He cited how the agency partly backtracked on plans to require beneficiaries to go to a field office to verify their identity. Turkish is also optimistic about agency modernization efforts.

Biden is not expected to make frequent public appearances as he transitions into his post-presidential career. He still maintains an office in Washington, but has returned to Delaware as his regular home base. Trump has revoked his security clearances.

"This is an all hands on deck moment, which is why President Biden's voice in this moment is so important," Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a call with reporters ahead of Biden's address.

While Biden may be in a position to help his party with fundraising and messaging moving forward, he left the White House with weak approval ratings.

Biden also faces blame from some progressives who argue he shouldn't have sought a second term. Biden ended his reelection bid after his disastrous debate performance against Trump and made way for then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the fall.

Just 39% of Americans had a favorable opinion of Biden in January, according to a Gallup poll taken shortly after Trump's inauguration.

Views of the Democratic former president were essentially unchanged from a Gallup poll taken shortly after the November election. They broadly track with the steadily low favorability ratings that Biden experienced throughout the second half of his presidential term.

Indeed, while some Democratic leaders welcomed Biden's return this week, others were not pleased to see him.

"The best role that Biden could play going forward would be to stay off the public stage," said progressive activist Norman Solomon. "That might sound harsh, but frankly, his self-centered mentality has already done so much damage to the Democratic Party and the country that he certainly owes us some belated humility."

Peoples reported from New York. Associated Press writers Sophia Tareen, Will Weissert and Linley Sanders contributed to this report.

By STEVE PEOPLES and FATIMA HUSSEIN&nbsp;CHICAGO (AP) — Former President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that President Donald Trump has "taken a hatchet" to Social Security, weighing in on a critical issue for millions of Americans as the 82-year-old Democrat briefly returned to the national stage.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Biden: &quot;Look what&#39;s happened now, fewer than 100 days into this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It is kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UrggjUWvQJ">pic.twitter.com/UrggjUWvQJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1912284452794810763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden, who has largely avoided speaking publicly since leaving the White House in January, gave an evening speech at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago. The former president was speaking as Democrats across the nation offered similar warnings for what they described as a Social Security Day of Action."In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It's kind of breathtaking," Biden charged during a speech that spanned just under a half-hour. "They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration."It was no coincidence that Tuesday's appearance, which marked Biden's first major event since leaving office, was focused on Social Security. Democrats have increasingly focused on Trump's turbulent leadership over the popular government agency that provides benefits to more than 70 million Americans.Both parties expect Social Security to emerge as a key issue in next year's midterm elections.Speaking before a crowd of roughly 200 people, Biden largely stuck to his prepared remarks but also rambled at times as he told stories about growing up with working-class people.He referred to the Republican president only as "this guy." Trump, by contrast, continues to blame Biden for many of the nation's problems and often attacks his predecessor by name.Conservatives immediately seized upon a Biden reference to the country's political divisions as an attack on Trump supporters."We can't go on like this as a divided nation, as divided as we are," Biden said. "As I said, I've been doing this a long time. It's never been this divided. Granted, it's roughly 30%, but it's a 30% that has no heart."A Biden spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for clarification about whom Biden was referencing.Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt took a shot at the former president's age and fitness when asked about Biden's appearance.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a>: &quot;My first reaction when seeing Former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I&#39;m shocked that he is speaking at nighttime... I understand the topic of his speech is Social Security. Let me make it very clear... <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> is absolutely certain about protecting Social… <a href="https://t.co/0ElkJilupB">pic.twitter.com/0ElkJilupB</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1912205669387870338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"I'm shocked that he is speaking at nighttime," Leavitt said during Tuesday's White House press briefing. "I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight."She said that Trump, who is 78 years old, would sign a presidential memorandum Tuesday afternoon "aimed at stopping illegal aliens, and other ineligible people, from obtaining" Social Security benefits. The memorandum will expand the Social Security Administration's fraud prosecutor program to at least 50 U.S. attorney offices, and establish Medicare and Medicaid fraud prosecution programs in 15 U.S. attorney offices, Leavitt said.The Social Security Administration pushed back against Biden's remarks using its official X account."Former President Joe Biden is lying to Americans," the agency wrote.Trump's moves on Social Security have stirred controversyThe Republican president almost immediately began slashing the government workforce upon his return to the White House, including thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration.Along with a planned layoff of 7,000 workers and contentious plans to impose tighter identity-proofing measures for recipients, the SSA has been sued over a decision to allow Trump adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to access individuals' Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information.Musk, the world's richest man and one of Trump's most influential advisers, has called Social Security "the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time."At the same time, Social Security recipients have complained about long call wait times as the agency's "my Social Security" benefits portal has seen an increase in outages. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income, including disabled seniors and low-income adults and children, also reported receiving a notice that said they were "not receiving benefits."The agency said the notice was a mistake. And the White House has vowed that it would not cut Social Security benefits, saying any changes are intended to reduce waste and fraud."They're shooting first and aiming later," Biden alleged. "They want to wreck it so they can rob it. Why do they want to rob it? In order to give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations."Among the conference attendees was Michigan-based attorney Jason Turkish, who leads one of the country's largest disability law firms. He said Trump's presidency has caused anxiety for many of his 32,000 clients nationwide, who are worried about diminished benefits and uncertainty over agency changes."We go from Republican to Democrat, Democrat to Republican and there's always been a belief that Social Security is just something we do not touch," he said.Still, he said there are signs that Social Security Administration officials are open to change. He cited how the agency partly backtracked on plans to require beneficiaries to go to a field office to verify their identity. Turkish is also optimistic about agency modernization efforts.A return to the stage for BidenBiden is not expected to make frequent public appearances as he transitions into his post-presidential career. He still maintains an office in Washington, but has returned to Delaware as his regular home base. Trump has revoked his security clearances."This is an all hands on deck moment, which is why President Biden's voice in this moment is so important," Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a call with reporters ahead of Biden's address.While Biden may be in a position to help his party with fundraising and messaging moving forward, he left the White House with weak approval ratings.Biden also faces blame from some progressives who argue he shouldn't have sought a second term. Biden ended his reelection bid after his disastrous debate performance against Trump and made way for then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the fall.Just 39% of Americans had a favorable opinion of Biden in January, according to a Gallup poll taken shortly after Trump's inauguration.Views of the Democratic former president were essentially unchanged from a Gallup poll taken shortly after the November election. They broadly track with the steadily low favorability ratings that Biden experienced throughout the second half of his presidential term.Indeed, while some Democratic leaders welcomed Biden's return this week, others were not pleased to see him."The best role that Biden could play going forward would be to stay off the public stage," said progressive activist Norman Solomon. "That might sound harsh, but frankly, his self-centered mentality has already done so much damage to the Democratic Party and the country that he certainly owes us some belated humility."___Peoples reported from New York. Associated Press writers Sophia Tareen, Will Weissert and Linley Sanders contributed to this report.

🎥Biden breaks silence, alleges Trump has 'taken a hatchet' to Social Security 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Charges have been filed in the April 5, drug deal shooting that took the lives of 19-year-old Javon Brown and 20-year-old Delorean Jackson both residents of Kansas City, Kansas.

Last week, 18-year-old Kenneth Flowers a resident of Kansas City, Kansas was charged with four felonies including first-degree murder; aggravated battery; criminal discharge of a firearm; and criminal damage to property. 

He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

Just before 9:p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 800 block of N. 70th Terrace, according to a media release. First responders discovered Brown and Jackson outside, both victims of apparent gunshot wounds.

During the incident two other victims were struck by gunfire and were transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

In addition, David Stephens, 56,&nbsp; Kansas City, Kan., has been charged with felony distribution of marijuana and felony possession of drug paraphernalia, according to KCK Police.&nbsp; He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744294077603.png" alt="Flowers photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Flowers photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Charges have been filed in the April 5, drug deal shooting that took the lives of 19-year-old Javon Brown and 20-year-old Delorean Jackson both residents of Kansas City, Kansas.Last week, 18-year-old Kenneth Flowers a resident of Kansas City, Kansas was charged with four felonies including first-degree murder; aggravated battery; criminal discharge of a firearm; and criminal damage to property. He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000 bond.Just before 9:p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 800 block of N. 70th Terrace, according to a media release. First responders discovered Brown and Jackson outside, both victims of apparent gunshot wounds.During the incident two other victims were struck by gunfire and were transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744294682991.png" alt="Stephens photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Stephens photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, David Stephens, 56,&nbsp; Kansas City, Kan., has been charged with felony distribution of marijuana and felony possession of drug paraphernalia, according to KCK Police.&nbsp; He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

Kan. boy accused of double-homicide 2 days after 18th birthday

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.

Just before 10p.m. April 10, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling over 100mph on U.S. 36 near mile marker 356, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;

After investigating, the deputy arrested 29-year-old Chelsea Cohara of St. Joseph, Missouri on requested charges of Felony DUI, Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked, Transporting Open Container, Speeding&nbsp; and No Proof of Insurance.&nbsp; She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744731748954.png" alt="Cohara photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Cohara photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.Just before 10p.m. April 10, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling over 100mph on U.S. 36 near mile marker 356, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;After investigating, the deputy arrested 29-year-old Chelsea Cohara of St. Joseph, Missouri on requested charges of Felony DUI, Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked, Transporting Open Container, Speeding&nbsp; and No Proof of Insurance.&nbsp; She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Woman with no license caught driving 100mph on Kan. highway

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Wink Martindale, the genial host of such hit game shows as "Gambit" and "Tic-Tac-Dough" who also did one of the first recorded television interviews with a young Elvis Presley, has died. He was 91.

Martindale died Tuesday at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California, according to his publicist Brian Mayes. Martindale had been battling lymphoma for a year.

"He was doing pretty well up until a couple weeks ago," Mayes said by phone from Nashville.

"Gambit" debuted on the same day in September 1972 as "The Price is Right" with Bob Barker and "The Joker's Wild" with Jack Barry.

"From the day it hit the air, 'Gambit' spelled winner, and it taught me a basic tenant of any truly successful game show: KISS! Keep It Simple Stupid," Martindale wrote in his 2000 memoir "Winking at Life." "Like playing Old Maids as a kid, everybody knows how to play 21, i.e. blackjack."

"Gambit" had been beating its competition on NBC and ABC for over two years. But a new show debuted in 1975 on NBC called "Wheel of Fortune." By December 1976, "Gambit" was off the air and "Wheel of Fortune" became an institution that is still going strong today.

Martindale bounced back in 1978 with "Tic-Tac-Dough," the classic X's and O's game on CBS that ran until 1985.

"Overnight I had gone from the outhouse to the penthouse," he wrote.

He presided over the 88-game winning streak of Navy Lt. Thom McKee, who earned over $300,000 in cash and prizes that included eight cars, three sailboats and 16 vacation trips. At the time, McKee's winnings were a record for a game show contestant.

"I love working with contestants, interacting with the audience and to a degree, watching lives change," Martindale wrote. "Winning a lot of cash can cause that to happen."

Martindale wrote that producer Dan Enright once told him that in the seven years he hosted "Tic-Tac-Dough" he gave away over $7 million in cash and prizes.

Martindale said his many years as a radio DJ were helpful to him as a game show host because radio calls for constant ad-libs and he learned to handle almost any situation in the spur of the moment. He estimated that he hosted nearly two dozen game shows during his career.

Martindale wrote in his memoir that the question he got asked most often was "Is Wink your real name?" The second was "How did you get into game shows?"

He got his nickname from a childhood friend. Martindale is no relation to University of Michigan defensive coordinator Don Martindale, whose college teammates nicknamed him Wink because of their shared last name.

Born Winston Conrad Martindale on Dec. 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, he loved radio since childhood and at age 6 would read aloud the contents of advertisements in Life magazine.

He began his career as a disc jockey at age 17 at WPLI in his hometown, earning $25 a week.

After moving to WTJS, he was hired away for double the salary by Jackson's only other station, WDXI. He next hosted mornings at WHBQ in Memphis while attending Memphis State. He was married and the father of two girls when he graduated in 1957.

Martindale was in the studio, although not working on-air that night, when the first Presley record "That's All Right" was played on WHBQ on July 8, 1954.

Martindale approached fellow DJ Dewey Phillips, who had given Presley an early break by playing his song, to ask him and Presley to do a joint interview on Martindale's TV show "Top Ten Dance Party" in 1956. By then, Presley had become a major star and agreed to the appearance.

Martindale and Presley stayed in touch on occasion through the years, and in 1959 he did a trans-Atlantic telephone interview with Presley, who was in the Army in Germany. Martindale's second wife, Sandy, briefly dated Presley after meeting him on the set of "G.I. Blues" in 1960.

In 1959, Martindale moved to Los Angeles to host a morning show on KHJ. That same year he reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with a cover version of "Deck of Cards," which sold over 1 million copies. He performed the spoken word wartime story with religious overtones on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

"I could easily have thought, 'Wow, this is easy! I come out here, go on radio and TV, make a record and everybody wants to buy it!" he wrote. "Even if I entertained such thoughts, they soon dissipated. I learned in due time that what had happened to me was far from the ordinary."

A year later he moved to the morning show at KRLA and to KFWB in 1962. Among his many other radio gigs were two separate stints at KMPC, owned by actor Gene Autry.

His first network hosting job was on NBC's "What's This Song?" where he was credited as Win Martindale from 1964-65.

He later hosted two Chuck Barris-produced shows on ABC: "Dream Girl '67" and "How's Your Mother-in-Law?" The latter lasted just 13 weeks before being canceled.

"I've jokingly said it came and went so fast, it seemed more like 13 minutes!" Martindale wrote, explaining that it was the worst show of his career.

Martindale later hosted a Las Vegas-based revival of "Gambit" from 1980-81.

He formed his own production company, Wink Martindale Enterprises, to develop and produce his own game shows. His first venture was "Headline Chasers," a coproduction with Merv Griffin that debuted in 1985 and was canceled after one season. His next show, "Bumper Stumpers," ran on U.S. and Canadian television from 1987-1990.

He hosted "Debt" from 1996-98 on Lifetime cable and "Instant Recall" on GSN in 2010.

Martindale returned to his radio roots in 2012 as host of the nationally syndicated "The 100 Greatest Christmas Hits of All Time." In 2021, he hosted syndicated program "The History of Rock 'n' Roll."

In 2017, Martindale appeared in a KFC ad campaign with actor Rob Lowe.

He is survived by Sandy, his second wife of 49 years, and children Lisa, Madelyn ad Laura and numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Wink Jr. Martindale's children are from his first marriage which ended in divorce in 1972.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744763451666.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BETH HARRIS&nbsp;LOS ANGELES (AP) — Wink Martindale, the genial host of such hit game shows as "Gambit" and "Tic-Tac-Dough" who also did one of the first recorded television interviews with a young Elvis Presley, has died. He was 91.Martindale died Tuesday at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California, according to his publicist Brian Mayes. Martindale had been battling lymphoma for a year."He was doing pretty well up until a couple weeks ago," Mayes said by phone from Nashville."Gambit" debuted on the same day in September 1972 as "The Price is Right" with Bob Barker and "The Joker's Wild" with Jack Barry."From the day it hit the air, 'Gambit' spelled winner, and it taught me a basic tenant of any truly successful game show: KISS! Keep It Simple Stupid," Martindale wrote in his 2000 memoir "Winking at Life." "Like playing Old Maids as a kid, everybody knows how to play 21, i.e. blackjack.""Gambit" had been beating its competition on NBC and ABC for over two years. But a new show debuted in 1975 on NBC called "Wheel of Fortune." By December 1976, "Gambit" was off the air and "Wheel of Fortune" became an institution that is still going strong today.Martindale bounced back in 1978 with "Tic-Tac-Dough," the classic X's and O's game on CBS that ran until 1985."Overnight I had gone from the outhouse to the penthouse," he wrote.He presided over the 88-game winning streak of Navy Lt. Thom McKee, who earned over $300,000 in cash and prizes that included eight cars, three sailboats and 16 vacation trips. At the time, McKee's winnings were a record for a game show contestant."I love working with contestants, interacting with the audience and to a degree, watching lives change," Martindale wrote. "Winning a lot of cash can cause that to happen."Martindale wrote that producer Dan Enright once told him that in the seven years he hosted "Tic-Tac-Dough" he gave away over $7 million in cash and prizes.Martindale said his many years as a radio DJ were helpful to him as a game show host because radio calls for constant ad-libs and he learned to handle almost any situation in the spur of the moment. He estimated that he hosted nearly two dozen game shows during his career.Martindale wrote in his memoir that the question he got asked most often was "Is Wink your real name?" The second was "How did you get into game shows?"He got his nickname from a childhood friend. Martindale is no relation to University of Michigan defensive coordinator Don Martindale, whose college teammates nicknamed him Wink because of their shared last name.Born Winston Conrad Martindale on Dec. 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, he loved radio since childhood and at age 6 would read aloud the contents of advertisements in Life magazine.He began his career as a disc jockey at age 17 at WPLI in his hometown, earning $25 a week.After moving to WTJS, he was hired away for double the salary by Jackson's only other station, WDXI. He next hosted mornings at WHBQ in Memphis while attending Memphis State. He was married and the father of two girls when he graduated in 1957.Martindale was in the studio, although not working on-air that night, when the first Presley record "That's All Right" was played on WHBQ on July 8, 1954.Martindale approached fellow DJ Dewey Phillips, who had given Presley an early break by playing his song, to ask him and Presley to do a joint interview on Martindale's TV show "Top Ten Dance Party" in 1956. By then, Presley had become a major star and agreed to the appearance.Martindale and Presley stayed in touch on occasion through the years, and in 1959 he did a trans-Atlantic telephone interview with Presley, who was in the Army in Germany. Martindale's second wife, Sandy, briefly dated Presley after meeting him on the set of "G.I. Blues" in 1960.In 1959, Martindale moved to Los Angeles to host a morning show on KHJ. That same year he reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with a cover version of "Deck of Cards," which sold over 1 million copies. He performed the spoken word wartime story with religious overtones on "The Ed Sullivan Show.""I could easily have thought, 'Wow, this is easy! I come out here, go on radio and TV, make a record and everybody wants to buy it!" he wrote. "Even if I entertained such thoughts, they soon dissipated. I learned in due time that what had happened to me was far from the ordinary."A year later he moved to the morning show at KRLA and to KFWB in 1962. Among his many other radio gigs were two separate stints at KMPC, owned by actor Gene Autry.His first network hosting job was on NBC's "What's This Song?" where he was credited as Win Martindale from 1964-65.He later hosted two Chuck Barris-produced shows on ABC: "Dream Girl '67" and "How's Your Mother-in-Law?" The latter lasted just 13 weeks before being canceled."I've jokingly said it came and went so fast, it seemed more like 13 minutes!" Martindale wrote, explaining that it was the worst show of his career.Martindale later hosted a Las Vegas-based revival of "Gambit" from 1980-81.He formed his own production company, Wink Martindale Enterprises, to develop and produce his own game shows. His first venture was "Headline Chasers," a coproduction with Merv Griffin that debuted in 1985 and was canceled after one season. His next show, "Bumper Stumpers," ran on U.S. and Canadian television from 1987-1990.He hosted "Debt" from 1996-98 on Lifetime cable and "Instant Recall" on GSN in 2010.Martindale returned to his radio roots in 2012 as host of the nationally syndicated "The 100 Greatest Christmas Hits of All Time." In 2021, he hosted syndicated program "The History of Rock 'n' Roll."In 2017, Martindale appeared in a KFC ad campaign with actor Rob Lowe.He is survived by Sandy, his second wife of 49 years, and children Lisa, Madelyn ad Laura and numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Wink Jr. Martindale's children are from his first marriage which ended in divorce in 1972.

Wink Martindale, iconic game-show host, dead at 91

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday in Shawnee&nbsp; County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Ranger driven by Ronald W. Heusted, 71, Topeka, was southbound on U.S. 75 just south of 94th Road. The pickup traveled off the road to the right, vaulted the ditch and came to rest in the creek bed.

Heusted was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Shawnee County Coroner's Office. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday in Shawnee&nbsp; County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Ranger driven by Ronald W. Heusted, 71, Topeka, was southbound on U.S. 75 just south of 94th Road. The pickup traveled off the road to the right, vaulted the ditch and came to rest in the creek bed.Heusted was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Shawnee County Coroner's Office. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup crash into creek bed

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays man was arrested after his roommate attempted to pay fines with cash that allegedly smelled like marijuana.

Hays Police Deputy Chief Tim Greenwood said the investigation began Monday after a records clerk reportedly smelled marijuana on the cash and alerted an officer, who confirmed the odor.

Another officer traced the cash to the woman’s residence in the 400 block of West Eighth Street.

Greenwood said an officer knocked on the door, where 28-year-old James Washington answered and admitted to possessing a small amount of marijuana, which he allegedly presented to the officer.

Washington denied the officer entry until a search warrant was obtained. Once executed, authorities allegedly discovered more than a pound of marijuana, THC vape cartridges and liquid wax, and two handguns, Greenwood said.

Washington was arrested on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Greenwood said the woman who paid the fine was not arrested or charged at that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744751863517.png" alt="Washington photo Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Washington photo Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays man was arrested after his roommate attempted to pay fines with cash that allegedly smelled like marijuana.Hays Police Deputy Chief Tim Greenwood said the investigation began Monday after a records clerk reportedly smelled marijuana on the cash and alerted an officer, who confirmed the odor.Another officer traced the cash to the woman’s residence in the 400 block of West Eighth Street.Greenwood said an officer knocked on the door, where 28-year-old James Washington answered and admitted to possessing a small amount of marijuana, which he allegedly presented to the officer.Washington denied the officer entry until a search warrant was obtained. Once executed, authorities allegedly discovered more than a pound of marijuana, THC vape cartridges and liquid wax, and two handguns, Greenwood said.Washington was arrested on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Greenwood said the woman who paid the fine was not arrested or charged at that time.

Kan. man jailed after roommate pays fine with marijuana-scented cash

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20A.%20LIEB%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID A. LIEB&nbsp;</a>

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s Republican-led House advanced a proposed constitutional amendment Tuesday asking voters to repeal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">an abortion-rights measure</a>&nbsp;they narrowly approved last year and instead ban most abortions with exceptions for rape and incest.

Democrats and abortion-rights activists denounced the public policy swing as an affront to the will of voters. But Republicans contend they are simply giving voters a second chance — and are confident they will change their minds.

“Missourians deserve to be presented with better options at the ballot box -- options that are more in line with their values,” said Republican Rep. Brian Seitz, who is handling the measure.

The abortion landscape across the U.S. has been shifting since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, ending a nationwide right to abortion and clearing the way for bans in Missouri and elsewhere to take effect.

Since then, Missouri is the only state where voters have overturned a law barring most abortions at all stages of pregnancy. A constitutional amendment, passed by about 52% in November, guarantees a right to abortion until fetal viability — generally considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">sometime past 21 weeks of pregnancy</a>&nbsp;— and allows later abortions to protect the life or health of pregnant women.

A limited number of surgical abortions have since occurred in Missouri, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-planned-parenthood-st-louis-975a18e93c90ae7037dbd359dd7aac18">medication abortions remain on hold</a>&nbsp;while Planned Parenthood wrangles with the state over abortion regulations.

In addition to repealing the abortion-rights amendment, the new measure would allow abortions only for a medical emergency or fetal anomaly, or in cases of rape or incest up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. It also would prohibit gender transition surgeries, hormone treatments and puberty blockers for minors, which already are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">barred under state law</a>.

The proposal won initial House approval by 94-50 vote, with House Speaker Jon Patterson among just two Republicans siding with Democrats in opposition. Another House vote is needed to send the measure to the Senate, where approval would place it on a future Missouri ballot.

Some Republican lawmakers assert that voters are opposed to most abortions but desire options for rape and incest and state regulations setting health and safety standards for abortion providers.

Democratic lawmakers read aloud the written testimony of numerous residents who came to the Capitol last week to testify against the measure but were denied an opportunity to speak during a House committee hearing.

"To repeal what they have already voted on is wrong,” Democratic Rep. Marla Smith said.

Tuesday’s debate came on the same day that a different House committee heard testimony on separate legislation that would allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-abolitionists-trump-roe-criminal-homicide-d6d5c7a05419fe9ded04271cb517b001">abortions to be prosecuted as homicide.</a>&nbsp;That bill did not advance, but it generated impassioned testimony.

“Our representatives seem to be sitting up here calling us stupid and saying our opinions don’t matter,” said Chloe Mix, a Springfield resident who backed last year’s abortion-rights amendment and opposes this year’s measures.

The Missouri House debate also came one day after the Legislature gave final approval to a bill limiting the courts' ability to rewrite summaries of ballot measures. That measure, which now goes to Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, was prompted by Republican frustration that a judge rewrote the original ballot summary prepared for last year’s abortion-rights amendment.

Last year, voters in six other states approved ballot measures to bolster abortion rights, and three rejected them. In Arizona, a judge this year permanently blocked enforcement of a ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, finding it violated the amendment adopted last year.

A ballot measure in Montana last year that ensured the right to abortion didn’t stop lawmakers from introducing several abortion measures this year. But none gained traction in the Legislature.

Associated Press writer Geoff Mulvihill contributed from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656080662104.png" alt="File photo-Abortion-rights activists rally outside the Supreme Court in Washington-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo-Abortion-rights activists rally outside the Supreme Court in Washington-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20A.%20LIEB%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID A. LIEB&nbsp;</a>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s Republican-led House advanced a proposed constitutional amendment Tuesday asking voters to repeal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">an abortion-rights measure</a>&nbsp;they narrowly approved last year and instead ban most abortions with exceptions for rape and incest.Democrats and abortion-rights activists denounced the public policy swing as an affront to the will of voters. But Republicans contend they are simply giving voters a second chance — and are confident they will change their minds.“Missourians deserve to be presented with better options at the ballot box -- options that are more in line with their values,” said Republican Rep. Brian Seitz, who is handling the measure.The abortion landscape across the U.S. has been shifting since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, ending a nationwide right to abortion and clearing the way for bans in Missouri and elsewhere to take effect.Since then, Missouri is the only state where voters have overturned a law barring most abortions at all stages of pregnancy. A constitutional amendment, passed by about 52% in November, guarantees a right to abortion until fetal viability — generally considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">sometime past 21 weeks of pregnancy</a>&nbsp;— and allows later abortions to protect the life or health of pregnant women.A limited number of surgical abortions have since occurred in Missouri, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-planned-parenthood-st-louis-975a18e93c90ae7037dbd359dd7aac18">medication abortions remain on hold</a>&nbsp;while Planned Parenthood wrangles with the state over abortion regulations.In addition to repealing the abortion-rights amendment, the new measure would allow abortions only for a medical emergency or fetal anomaly, or in cases of rape or incest up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. It also would prohibit gender transition surgeries, hormone treatments and puberty blockers for minors, which already are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">barred under state law</a>.The proposal won initial House approval by 94-50 vote, with House Speaker Jon Patterson among just two Republicans siding with Democrats in opposition. Another House vote is needed to send the measure to the Senate, where approval would place it on a future Missouri ballot.Some Republican lawmakers assert that voters are opposed to most abortions but desire options for rape and incest and state regulations setting health and safety standards for abortion providers.Democratic lawmakers read aloud the written testimony of numerous residents who came to the Capitol last week to testify against the measure but were denied an opportunity to speak during a House committee hearing."To repeal what they have already voted on is wrong,” Democratic Rep. Marla Smith said.Tuesday’s debate came on the same day that a different House committee heard testimony on separate legislation that would allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-abolitionists-trump-roe-criminal-homicide-d6d5c7a05419fe9ded04271cb517b001">abortions to be prosecuted as homicide.</a>&nbsp;That bill did not advance, but it generated impassioned testimony.“Our representatives seem to be sitting up here calling us stupid and saying our opinions don’t matter,” said Chloe Mix, a Springfield resident who backed last year’s abortion-rights amendment and opposes this year’s measures.The Missouri House debate also came one day after the Legislature gave final approval to a bill limiting the courts' ability to rewrite summaries of ballot measures. That measure, which now goes to Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, was prompted by Republican frustration that a judge rewrote the original ballot summary prepared for last year’s abortion-rights amendment.Last year, voters in six other states approved ballot measures to bolster abortion rights, and three rejected them. In Arizona, a judge this year permanently blocked enforcement of a ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, finding it violated the amendment adopted last year.A ballot measure in Montana last year that ensured the right to abortion didn’t stop lawmakers from introducing several abortion measures this year. But none gained traction in the Legislature.___Associated Press writer Geoff Mulvihill contributed from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Mo. lawmakers advance proposed repeal of abortion-rights measure approved by voters

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy suffered serious burns just before 7:30p.m. Monday after an inmate identified as 21-year-old James Edward Chavez launched a targeted attack inside the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.

The incident happened while the deputy was speaking with inmates in a housing pod.&nbsp; Chavez obtained a pot of boiling water and threw it on the deputy, causing second and third-degree burns to the back part of his body.

Sedgwick County EMS transported the deputy to a local hospital, where he was admitted to the Burn Unit. The 30-year-old deputy who has served with the Sheriff’s Office for nearly two years, remains hospitalized but is expected to fully recover.

Chavez was originally booked into the detention facility in March 2024 on pending juvenile charges and later faced an additional charge for trafficking contraband into a correctional facility He has had 39 documented disciplinary incidents since entering the facility.

Following the attack, a charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer has been added to Chavez’s current charges. Sheriff’s detectives are continuing the investigation and will present their findings to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.

Inmates have traditionally had access to hot water for preparing coffee, tea, and food items like Ramen noodles. The Sheriff’s Office is now reviewing that policy.

“Our office remains committed to the safety of our employees,” Sheriff Jeff Easter said. “We are in close contact with the deputy and his family, and we are praying for his speedy recovery. This type of violence will not be tolerated.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744743778023.png" alt="Chavez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Chavez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy suffered serious burns just before 7:30p.m. Monday after an inmate identified as 21-year-old James Edward Chavez launched a targeted attack inside the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.The incident happened while the deputy was speaking with inmates in a housing pod.&nbsp; Chavez obtained a pot of boiling water and threw it on the deputy, causing second and third-degree burns to the back part of his body.Sedgwick County EMS transported the deputy to a local hospital, where he was admitted to the Burn Unit. The 30-year-old deputy who has served with the Sheriff’s Office for nearly two years, remains hospitalized but is expected to fully recover.Chavez was originally booked into the detention facility in March 2024 on pending juvenile charges and later faced an additional charge for trafficking contraband into a correctional facility He has had 39 documented disciplinary incidents since entering the facility.Following the attack, a charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer has been added to Chavez’s current charges. Sheriff’s detectives are continuing the investigation and will present their findings to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.Inmates have traditionally had access to hot water for preparing coffee, tea, and food items like Ramen noodles. The Sheriff’s Office is now reviewing that policy.“Our office remains committed to the safety of our employees,” Sheriff Jeff Easter said. “We are in close contact with the deputy and his family, and we are praying for his speedy recovery. This type of violence will not be tolerated.”

Kan. jail deputy attacked with scalding water remains hospitalized

Texas health officials confirmed 20 more cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-day-care-lubbock-3d90c3ea9050c12dbc74a8f8142a6355">measles</a>&nbsp;in its nearly 3-month-old outbreak Tuesday, alongside five new cases in New Mexico and six in central Ohio.

Last week, U.S. measles cases topped 700 as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-new-mexico-vaccine-rfk-d5444b3397ac7c4034e63becc219aa33">Indiana</a>&nbsp;joined five others states with active outbreaks. Even as the virus continued to spread and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention redeployed a team to West Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/autism-kennedy-trump-vaccines-rfk-jr-cdc-b66251888f039c80b15beda23c279d5b">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;claimed in a televised Cabinet meeting Thursday that measles cases were plateauing nationally. The U.S. has more than double the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles cases</a>&nbsp;it saw in all of 2024.

Texas is reporting the majority of measles cases.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;died from measles-related illnesses near&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">the epicenter of the outbreak in rural West Texas</a>. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">adult in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;who was not vaccinated also died of a measles-related illness.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">Other states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— defined as three or more cases — include Indiana,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>, Oklahoma and Ohio.

The multistate outbreak confirms health experts' fears that the virus will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">take hold in other U.S. communities</a>&nbsp;with low vaccination rates and that the spread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">could stretch on for a year</a>. The World Health Organization has said cases in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561">Mexico</a>&nbsp;are linked to the Texas outbreak.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.

Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a>

How many measles cases are there in Texas and New Mexico?

Texas' outbreak began in late January. State health officials said Tuesday there were 20 new cases of measles since Friday, bringing the total to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">561 across 23 counties</a>&nbsp;— most of them in West Texas. Two more Texans were hospitalized, for a total of 58 throughout the outbreak, and Reeves County logged its first case.

State health officials estimated Tuesday that about 4% of cases — fewer than 25 — are actively infectious.

Sixty-five percent of Texas' cases are in Gaines County, population 22,892, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has logged 364 cases since late January — just over 1% of the county's residents.

The April 3 death in Texas was an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">8-year-old child,</a>&nbsp;according to Kennedy. Health officials in Texas said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child's doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” A unvaccinated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February — Kennedy said age 6.

New Mexico announced five new cases Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 63. Three more people are in the hospital, for a total of five since the outbreak started. Doña Ana County reported its first case. Most of the state's cases are in Lea County. Two are in Eddy County and one in Chaves County.

State health officials say the cases are linked to Texas’ outbreak based on genetic testing. New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;on March 6.

<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>&nbsp;has 32 cases in eight counties in the southwest part of the state, health officials announced Wednesday. Two of the counties, Finney and Ford, are new on the list and are major population centers in that part of the state. Haskell County has the most with eight cases, Stevens County has seven, Kiowa County has six, and the rest have five or fewer.

The state's first reported case, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing, a state health department spokesperson said. But health officials have not determined how the person was exposed.

Cases in Oklahoma remained steady at 12 total cases Tuesday: nine confirmed and three probable. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.

A state health department spokesperson said measles exposures were confirmed in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Rogers and Custer counties, but wouldn't say which counties had cases.

The Knox County outbreak in east-central Ohio has infected a total 20 people as of Tuesday, according to a news release from the county health department, but seven of them do not live in Ohio. In 2022, a measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85.

The Ohio Department of Health confirmed 20 measles cases in the state last week: 11 in Ashtabula County near Cleveland, seven in Knox County and one each in Allen and Holmes counties. The state updates its count on Thursdays, and it only includes Ohio residents.

The outbreak in Ashtabula County started with an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.

Indiana confirmed six connected cases of measles in Allen County in the northeast part of the state — four are unvaccinated minors and two are adults whose vaccination status is unknown.

The cases have no known link to other outbreaks, the Allen County Department of Health said Wednesday. The first case was confirmed Monday.

Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?

Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. The agency counted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/">seven clusters</a>&nbsp;that qualified as outbreaks in 2025 as of Friday.

In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are frequently traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles. So far in 2025, the CDC's count is 712.

The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;(MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.

People at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.

Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or being born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744745603893.png" alt="Image Texas DPH" />
 <figcaption>Image Texas DPH</figcaption>
 </figure>Texas health officials confirmed 20 more cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-day-care-lubbock-3d90c3ea9050c12dbc74a8f8142a6355">measles</a>&nbsp;in its nearly 3-month-old outbreak Tuesday, alongside five new cases in New Mexico and six in central Ohio.Last week, U.S. measles cases topped 700 as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-new-mexico-vaccine-rfk-d5444b3397ac7c4034e63becc219aa33">Indiana</a>&nbsp;joined five others states with active outbreaks. Even as the virus continued to spread and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention redeployed a team to West Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/autism-kennedy-trump-vaccines-rfk-jr-cdc-b66251888f039c80b15beda23c279d5b">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;claimed in a televised Cabinet meeting Thursday that measles cases were plateauing nationally. The U.S. has more than double the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles cases</a>&nbsp;it saw in all of 2024.Texas is reporting the majority of measles cases.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;died from measles-related illnesses near&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">the epicenter of the outbreak in rural West Texas</a>. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">adult in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;who was not vaccinated also died of a measles-related illness.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">Other states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— defined as three or more cases — include Indiana,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>, Oklahoma and Ohio.The multistate outbreak confirms health experts' fears that the virus will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">take hold in other U.S. communities</a>&nbsp;with low vaccination rates and that the spread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">could stretch on for a year</a>. The World Health Organization has said cases in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561">Mexico</a>&nbsp;are linked to the Texas outbreak.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743085628490.png" alt="Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How many measles cases are there in Texas and New Mexico?</h2>Texas' outbreak began in late January. State health officials said Tuesday there were 20 new cases of measles since Friday, bringing the total to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">561 across 23 counties</a>&nbsp;— most of them in West Texas. Two more Texans were hospitalized, for a total of 58 throughout the outbreak, and Reeves County logged its first case.State health officials estimated Tuesday that about 4% of cases — fewer than 25 — are actively infectious.Sixty-five percent of Texas' cases are in Gaines County, population 22,892, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has logged 364 cases since late January — just over 1% of the county's residents.The April 3 death in Texas was an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">8-year-old child,</a>&nbsp;according to Kennedy. Health officials in Texas said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child's doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” A unvaccinated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February — Kennedy said age 6.New Mexico announced five new cases Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 63. Three more people are in the hospital, for a total of five since the outbreak started. Doña Ana County reported its first case. Most of the state's cases are in Lea County. Two are in Eddy County and one in Chaves County.State health officials say the cases are linked to Texas’ outbreak based on genetic testing. New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;on March 6.<h2>How many cases are there in Kansas?</h2><a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>&nbsp;has 32 cases in eight counties in the southwest part of the state, health officials announced Wednesday. Two of the counties, Finney and Ford, are new on the list and are major population centers in that part of the state. Haskell County has the most with eight cases, Stevens County has seven, Kiowa County has six, and the rest have five or fewer.The state's first reported case, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing, a state health department spokesperson said. But health officials have not determined how the person was exposed.<h2>How many cases are there in Oklahoma?</h2>Cases in Oklahoma remained steady at 12 total cases Tuesday: nine confirmed and three probable. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.A state health department spokesperson said measles exposures were confirmed in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Rogers and Custer counties, but wouldn't say which counties had cases.<h2>How many cases are there in Ohio?</h2>The Knox County outbreak in east-central Ohio has infected a total 20 people as of Tuesday, according to a news release from the county health department, but seven of them do not live in Ohio. In 2022, a measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85.The Ohio Department of Health confirmed 20 measles cases in the state last week: 11 in Ashtabula County near Cleveland, seven in Knox County and one each in Allen and Holmes counties. The state updates its count on Thursdays, and it only includes Ohio residents.The outbreak in Ashtabula County started with an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.<h2>How many cases are there in Indiana?</h2>Indiana confirmed six connected cases of measles in Allen County in the northeast part of the state — four are unvaccinated minors and two are adults whose vaccination status is unknown.The cases have no known link to other outbreaks, the Allen County Department of Health said Wednesday. The first case was confirmed Monday.<h2>Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?</h2>Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. The agency counted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/">seven clusters</a>&nbsp;that qualified as outbreaks in 2025 as of Friday.In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are frequently traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles. So far in 2025, the CDC's count is 712.<h2>Do you need an MMR booster?</h2>The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;(MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.People at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or being born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.A doctor can order a lab test called an MMR titer to check your levels of measles antibodies, but experts don't always recommend it and health insurance plans may not cover it.Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says.People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.<h2>What are the symptoms of measles?</h2>Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.<h2>How can you treat measles?</h2>There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.<h2>Why do vaccination rates matter?</h2>In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called “herd immunity.”But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.The U.S. saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-cdc-outbreak-chicago-mmr-vaccine-7ecdfef41e6dbd659c7ac8b80d5de38f">a rise in measles cases in 2024</a>, including an outbreak in Chicago that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60.</a>___