A Hutchinson mail carrier is being hailed as a hero after
she helped rescue a woman who fell in her apartment.&nbsp; 

Mail Carrier Misty Hernandez was on her route on Thursday
when she heard the faint cries of a resident in one of the apartments at the
Sentney Lofts at Second Avenue and Popular Street.&nbsp;
She explains that it was like any normal day. 

“Well, I mean, it's sort of just like any other day, normal,
average day. And then I get to the apartment building, go in, I go to the
mailboxes, and on, opening and closing them, and they're kind of noisy. They're
metal doors so and that's when I heard her say, is anybody there? Well, I
thought maybe she was talking on the phone, so I kind of played, you know, just
let it go and I'm continuing delivering” said Hernandez. 

Hernandez said that she went to the woman’s door and I asked
if she was okay.&nbsp; 

Hernandez added, “she said, No, I need help. Can you call
911, and I said, Can I come in? And she said, Yes. So luckily, Her door was
unlocked, so I went in, and I went around the corner, and she was laying on the
floor, and she told me that she fell, and she's been laying there for three
days because she didn't have anybody to help her.”

Hernandez said that she didn’t move her, but she gave her
some water and placed a pillow under her head to make her comfortable and
called 911. She asked her why she didn’t holler. 

I asked her about stories of other delivery drivers finding
injured people, “Yeah, any, anybody that's out and about, DoorDash drivers,
UPS, FedEx, everybody you know. You just never know” Hernandez added. 

Hernandez said, “I had started to wonder, because she still
had three packages in her box that and she's, she's right by the mailboxes. So
I was like starting to wonder, but that was the day that I heard her yelling.”

Hernandez said that at the end of the day she is just proud
to be delivering for America every day.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743298777973.png" alt="Hutchinson Post Office - Google Image" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Post Office - Google Image</figcaption>
 </figure>A Hutchinson mail carrier is being hailed as a hero after
she helped rescue a woman who fell in her apartment.&nbsp; Mail Carrier Misty Hernandez was on her route on Thursday
when she heard the faint cries of a resident in one of the apartments at the
Sentney Lofts at Second Avenue and Popular Street.&nbsp;
She explains that it was like any normal day. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmrshernandez3%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0aqpkHPwkFtJFq78SWTpf1v4AkhrpDGhD5aV8Wsou2FLsj4NKCiqNKK6HAdnhU8Gil&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="304" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>“Well, I mean, it's sort of just like any other day, normal,
average day. And then I get to the apartment building, go in, I go to the
mailboxes, and on, opening and closing them, and they're kind of noisy. They're
metal doors so and that's when I heard her say, is anybody there? Well, I
thought maybe she was talking on the phone, so I kind of played, you know, just
let it go and I'm continuing delivering” said Hernandez. Hernandez said that she went to the woman’s door and I asked
if she was okay.&nbsp; Hernandez added, “she said, No, I need help. Can you call
911, and I said, Can I come in? And she said, Yes. So luckily, Her door was
unlocked, so I went in, and I went around the corner, and she was laying on the
floor, and she told me that she fell, and she's been laying there for three
days because she didn't have anybody to help her.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743298709294.png" alt="Sentney Lofts Google image" />
 <figcaption>Sentney Lofts Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Hernandez said that she didn’t move her, but she gave her
some water and placed a pillow under her head to make her comfortable and
called 911. She asked her why she didn’t holler. I asked her about stories of other delivery drivers finding
injured people, “Yeah, any, anybody that's out and about, DoorDash drivers,
UPS, FedEx, everybody you know. You just never know” Hernandez added. Hernandez said, “I had started to wonder, because she still
had three packages in her box that and she's, she's right by the mailboxes. So
I was like starting to wonder, but that was the day that I heard her yelling.”Hernandez said that at the end of the day she is just proud
to be delivering for America every day.&nbsp;

Kansas mail carrier helps rescue injured woman

JOHNSON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly fire in Johnson County.

Just before 7:30p.m. Friday, crews&nbsp;responded to an apartment fire in the 6500 block of Barton Circle in the city of Shawnee, according to a media release.

&nbsp;Crews encountered fire coming from one unit and worked quickly to bring the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby units. First responders discovered an injured individual and provided medical treatment outside the affected apartment. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the name of the victim or the cause of death.

The Shawnee Police Department, Shawnee Fire Department, Overland Park Fire Department, Consolidated Fire District No. 2, and Johnson County MED-ACT worked the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743335634041.png" alt="Photo Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly fire in Johnson County.Just before 7:30p.m. Friday, crews&nbsp;responded to an apartment fire in the 6500 block of Barton Circle in the city of Shawnee, according to a media release.&nbsp;Crews encountered fire coming from one unit and worked quickly to bring the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby units. First responders discovered an injured individual and provided medical treatment outside the affected apartment. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the name of the victim or the cause of death.The Shawnee Police Department, Shawnee Fire Department, Overland Park Fire Department, Consolidated Fire District No. 2, and Johnson County MED-ACT worked the fire.

Police: One dead after fire at Kansas apartment 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Suspected U.S. airstrikes pounded Yemen overnight into Saturday, reportedly killing at least one person as the American military acknowledged earlier bombing a major military site in the heart of Sanaa controlled by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi rebels</a>.

The full extent of the damage and possible casualties wasn’t immediately clear. The attacks followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/611420fcfcfe5649937e19b6c2a316e8">night of airstrikes early Friday</a>&nbsp;that appeared particularly intense compared to other days in the campaign that began March 15.

<a href="https://apnews.com/278d07bc5aad75bb32e57f99a78cbe88">An Associated Press review</a>&nbsp;has found the new American operation under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;appears&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3WJ-C2gpDA">more extensive</a>&nbsp;than those under former President Joe Biden, as the U.S. moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel as well as dropping bombs in cities.

Meanwhile, satellite photos analyzed by the AP show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mysterious-air-base-volcanic-island-yemen-c8cb2018c07bb5b63e1a43ff706b007b">a mysterious airstrip just off Yemen</a>&nbsp;in a key maritime chokepoint now appears ready to accept flights and B-2 bombers within striking distance of the country Saturday.

New strikes come as US releases video of one bombing

The strikes into Saturday targeted multiple areas in Yemen under the control of the Iranian-backed Houthis, including the capital, Sanaa, and in the governorates of al-Jawf and Saada, rebel-controlled media reported. The strikes in Saada killed one person and wounded four others, the Houthi-run SABA news agency said.

SABA identified the person killed as a civilian. Houthi fighters and their allies often aren’t in uniform. However, analysts believe the rebels may be undercounting the fatalities given the strikes have been targeting military and intelligence sites run by the rebels. Many of the strikes haven't been fully acknowledged by the Houthis — or the U.S. military — while the rebels also tightly control access on the ground.

One strike early Friday, however, has been confirmed by the U.S. military's Central Command, which oversees its Mideast operations. It posted&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/1905716545667617196/video/1">a black-and-white video</a>&nbsp;early Saturday showing an airstrike targeting a site in Yemen. While it didn't identify the location, an AP analysis of the footage's details corresponds to a known strike Friday in Sanaa. The footage shows the bomb striking the military's general command headquarters held by the Houthis, something the rebels have not reported.

The Houthi-controlled Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry in Sanaa separately said U.S. strikes Friday destroyed “broadcasting stations, communication towers and the messaging network” in Amran and Saada governorates. The strikes in Amran around the Jebel Aswad, or “Black Mountain,” had appeared particularly intense.

US campaign follows Houthi shipping threats

The new campaign of airstrikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-strikes-iran-447f4abb39cc12c7f2f5596f0e33407b">which the Houthis now say have killed at least 58 people</a>, started after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">the rebels threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships</a>&nbsp;again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip. The rebels in the past have had a loose definition of what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning other vessels could be targeted as well.

The Houthis had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sinking two vessels</a>&nbsp;and killing four sailors during their campaign targeting ships from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships, though none have been hit so far.

The attacks greatly raised the Houthis’ profile as they faced economic problems and launched a crackdown targeting any dissent and aid workers at home amid Yemen’s decadelong stalemated war that has torn apart the Arab world’s poorest nation.

The Houthis have begun threatening both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two American allies in the region, over the U.S. strikes. That's even as the nations, which have sought a separate peace with the Houthis, have stayed out of the new U.S. airstrike campaign.

An AP analysis of satellite photos from Saturday shows the American military has moved at least four long-range stealth B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean — a base far outside of the range of the rebels that avoids using allies’ Mideast bases. Three had been earlier seen there this week.

That means a fourth of all the nuclear-capable B-2s that America has in its arsenal are now deployed to the base.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-airstrikes-yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-99721f7f952d66d6da27e24dc3c189c3">The Biden administration used the B-2 with conventional bombs</a>&nbsp;against Houthi targets last year.

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has launched attacks from the Red Sea and the American military plans to bring the carrier USS Carl Vinson from Asia as well.

Meanwhile, France said its sole aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, was in Djibouti, an East African nation on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The French have shot down Houthi drones in the past, but they are not part of the American campaign there.

Mysterious airstrip in Bab el-Mandeb appears ready

Satellite images Friday from Planet Labs PBC show an airstrip now appears ready on Mayun Island, a volcanic outcropping in the center of the Bab el-Mandeb. The images showed the airstrip had been painted with the designation markings “09” and “27” to the airstrip’s east and west respectively.

A Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis had acknowledged having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-middle-east-f32db56ac3bbd56b1425647e13c2d392">“equipment” on Mayun</a>, also known as Perim. However, air and sea traffic to Mayun has linked the construction to the UAE, which backs a secessionist force in Yemen known as the Southern Transitional Council.

World powers have recognized the island’s strategic location for hundreds of years, especially with the opening of the Suez Canal linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

The work on Mayun follows the completion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-island-airstrip-houthis-israel-hamas-war-gaza-8f1e8b70ddff7ca25842509ca7f0f2b0">a similar airstrip likely constructed by the UAE on Abd al-Kuri Island</a>, which rises out of the Indian Ocean near the mouth of the Gulf of Aden.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Suspected U.S. airstrikes pounded Yemen overnight into Saturday, reportedly killing at least one person as the American military acknowledged earlier bombing a major military site in the heart of Sanaa controlled by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi rebels</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CENTCOM Forces Attack Houthi Positions...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HouthisAreTerrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HouthisAreTerrorists</a> <a href="https://t.co/6pOZhOmTp6">pic.twitter.com/6pOZhOmTp6</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1905716545667617196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The full extent of the damage and possible casualties wasn’t immediately clear. The attacks followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/611420fcfcfe5649937e19b6c2a316e8">night of airstrikes early Friday</a>&nbsp;that appeared particularly intense compared to other days in the campaign that began March 15.<a href="https://apnews.com/278d07bc5aad75bb32e57f99a78cbe88">An Associated Press review</a>&nbsp;has found the new American operation under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;appears&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3WJ-C2gpDA">more extensive</a>&nbsp;than those under former President Joe Biden, as the U.S. moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel as well as dropping bombs in cities.Meanwhile, satellite photos analyzed by the AP show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mysterious-air-base-volcanic-island-yemen-c8cb2018c07bb5b63e1a43ff706b007b">a mysterious airstrip just off Yemen</a>&nbsp;in a key maritime chokepoint now appears ready to accept flights and B-2 bombers within striking distance of the country Saturday.<h2>New strikes come as US releases video of one bombing</h2>The strikes into Saturday targeted multiple areas in Yemen under the control of the Iranian-backed Houthis, including the capital, Sanaa, and in the governorates of al-Jawf and Saada, rebel-controlled media reported. The strikes in Saada killed one person and wounded four others, the Houthi-run SABA news agency said.SABA identified the person killed as a civilian. Houthi fighters and their allies often aren’t in uniform. However, analysts believe the rebels may be undercounting the fatalities given the strikes have been targeting military and intelligence sites run by the rebels. Many of the strikes haven't been fully acknowledged by the Houthis — or the U.S. military — while the rebels also tightly control access on the ground.One strike early Friday, however, has been confirmed by the U.S. military's Central Command, which oversees its Mideast operations. It posted&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/1905716545667617196/video/1">a black-and-white video</a>&nbsp;early Saturday showing an airstrike targeting a site in Yemen. While it didn't identify the location, an AP analysis of the footage's details corresponds to a known strike Friday in Sanaa. The footage shows the bomb striking the military's general command headquarters held by the Houthis, something the rebels have not reported.The Houthi-controlled Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry in Sanaa separately said U.S. strikes Friday destroyed “broadcasting stations, communication towers and the messaging network” in Amran and Saada governorates. The strikes in Amran around the Jebel Aswad, or “Black Mountain,” had appeared particularly intense.<h2>US campaign follows Houthi shipping threats</h2>The new campaign of airstrikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-strikes-iran-447f4abb39cc12c7f2f5596f0e33407b">which the Houthis now say have killed at least 58 people</a>, started after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">the rebels threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships</a>&nbsp;again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip. The rebels in the past have had a loose definition of what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning other vessels could be targeted as well.The Houthis had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sinking two vessels</a>&nbsp;and killing four sailors during their campaign targeting ships from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships, though none have been hit so far.The attacks greatly raised the Houthis’ profile as they faced economic problems and launched a crackdown targeting any dissent and aid workers at home amid Yemen’s decadelong stalemated war that has torn apart the Arab world’s poorest nation.The Houthis have begun threatening both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two American allies in the region, over the U.S. strikes. That's even as the nations, which have sought a separate peace with the Houthis, have stayed out of the new U.S. airstrike campaign.An AP analysis of satellite photos from Saturday shows the American military has moved at least four long-range stealth B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean — a base far outside of the range of the rebels that avoids using allies’ Mideast bases. Three had been earlier seen there this week.That means a fourth of all the nuclear-capable B-2s that America has in its arsenal are now deployed to the base.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-airstrikes-yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-99721f7f952d66d6da27e24dc3c189c3">The Biden administration used the B-2 with conventional bombs</a>&nbsp;against Houthi targets last year.The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has launched attacks from the Red Sea and the American military plans to bring the carrier USS Carl Vinson from Asia as well.Meanwhile, France said its sole aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, was in Djibouti, an East African nation on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The French have shot down Houthi drones in the past, but they are not part of the American campaign there.<h2>Mysterious airstrip in Bab el-Mandeb appears ready</h2>Satellite images Friday from Planet Labs PBC show an airstrip now appears ready on Mayun Island, a volcanic outcropping in the center of the Bab el-Mandeb. The images showed the airstrip had been painted with the designation markings “09” and “27” to the airstrip’s east and west respectively.A Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis had acknowledged having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-middle-east-f32db56ac3bbd56b1425647e13c2d392">“equipment” on Mayun</a>, also known as Perim. However, air and sea traffic to Mayun has linked the construction to the UAE, which backs a secessionist force in Yemen known as the Southern Transitional Council.World powers have recognized the island’s strategic location for hundreds of years, especially with the opening of the Suez Canal linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas.The work on Mayun follows the completion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-island-airstrip-houthis-israel-hamas-war-gaza-8f1e8b70ddff7ca25842509ca7f0f2b0">a similar airstrip likely constructed by the UAE on Abd al-Kuri Island</a>, which rises out of the Indian Ocean near the mouth of the Gulf of Aden.

New deadly US strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen

STAFFORD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegaions after a drug bust in Stafford County.

Just after 10a.m. Friday, the&nbsp;Stafford County Kansas Sheriff's Office initiated a search warrant at 117 N Spickard Avenue in Macksville, Kansas, according to a media release. Deputies took 47-year-old Jeremy Luce and 37-year-old Desiree Parks.

 During the search Law Enforcement recovered firearms, ammunition, explosives, crossbows, fentanyl, methamphetamine,&nbsp; marijuana, drug paraphernalia, electronic devices, 17 dogs, 3 pigs, 2 pythons, and a salamander from inside the home.

Deputies transported both to Barton County Jail. Luce is being held on a $200,000 bond on requested charges that include&nbsp; Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Child Endangerment, Animal Abuse, Possession of Explosives, Identity Theft, Distribution of Stimulants within 1000 feet of a school and Possession of Marijuana

&nbsp;Parks is being held on a $150,000 bond on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia,&nbsp; Child Endangerment, Animal Abuse, Identity theft, Distribution of Stimulants within 1000 feet of a school and Possession of Marijuana.

Residents in Stafford County helped with the animals involved, according to the sheriff's office. In December, deputies in Osage County arrested Luce on drug distribution allegations, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

The entry and search in Macksville were conducted by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Macksville Police Department,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SJPDKS?__cft__[0]=AZXRSAIEIlnsyAlTaj1QJ5J0TIRnDR6CUk0hpUrBVvblU-kdYa0f_8T9hso438ogCBlvRpoGVghGLPnntl4xI3eSp64uFYBKXRSRUrNBVMCe7hsVpDse_K8IcWU_DltMaI6aSU0rOCDw-1T6wc1PPMjEvnuKfl39HHnxhRTWzdGKqxIfj7kdqtFEcCy5mHE6hm_V4X0hphEMrI8lpEki88U13-f0v38rN6DUdJeOQSt4XA&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">St. John, Kansas Police Department</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/StaffordKSPD?__cft__[0]=AZXRSAIEIlnsyAlTaj1QJ5J0TIRnDR6CUk0hpUrBVvblU-kdYa0f_8T9hso438ogCBlvRpoGVghGLPnntl4xI3eSp64uFYBKXRSRUrNBVMCe7hsVpDse_K8IcWU_DltMaI6aSU0rOCDw-1T6wc1PPMjEvnuKfl39HHnxhRTWzdGKqxIfj7kdqtFEcCy5mHE6hm_V4X0hphEMrI8lpEki88U13-f0v38rN6DUdJeOQSt4XA&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Stafford Police Department</a>, Stafford K9 Unit, Kansas Highway Patrol, KHP K9 Unit, Kansas Wildlife &amp; Parks and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559058190464&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXRSAIEIlnsyAlTaj1QJ5J0TIRnDR6CUk0hpUrBVvblU-kdYa0f_8T9hso438ogCBlvRpoGVghGLPnntl4xI3eSp64uFYBKXRSRUrNBVMCe7hsVpDse_K8IcWU_DltMaI6aSU0rOCDw-1T6wc1PPMjEvnuKfl39HHnxhRTWzdGKqxIfj7kdqtFEcCy5mHE6hm_V4X0hphEMrI8lpEki88U13-f0v38rN6DUdJeOQSt4XA&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Stafford County</a>&nbsp;Communications Tactical Unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743263249357.png" alt="Parks photo Stafford Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Parks photo Stafford Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>STAFFORD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegaions after a drug bust in Stafford County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743263336306.png" alt="Luce photo Stafford Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Luce photo Stafford Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10a.m. Friday, the&nbsp;Stafford County Kansas Sheriff's Office initiated a search warrant at 117 N Spickard Avenue in Macksville, Kansas, according to a media release. Deputies took 47-year-old Jeremy Luce and 37-year-old Desiree Parks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743263985474.png" alt="Photo Stafford Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Stafford Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure> During the search Law Enforcement recovered firearms, ammunition, explosives, crossbows, fentanyl, methamphetamine,&nbsp; marijuana, drug paraphernalia, electronic devices, 17 dogs, 3 pigs, 2 pythons, and a salamander from inside the home.Deputies transported both to Barton County Jail. Luce is being held on a $200,000 bond on requested charges that include&nbsp; Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Child Endangerment, Animal Abuse, Possession of Explosives, Identity Theft, Distribution of Stimulants within 1000 feet of a school and Possession of Marijuana&nbsp;Parks is being held on a $150,000 bond on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia,&nbsp; Child Endangerment, Animal Abuse, Identity theft, Distribution of Stimulants within 1000 feet of a school and Possession of Marijuana.Residents in Stafford County helped with the animals involved, according to the sheriff's office. In December, deputies in Osage County arrested Luce on drug distribution allegations, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.The entry and search in Macksville were conducted by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Macksville Police Department,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SJPDKS?__cft__[0]=AZXRSAIEIlnsyAlTaj1QJ5J0TIRnDR6CUk0hpUrBVvblU-kdYa0f_8T9hso438ogCBlvRpoGVghGLPnntl4xI3eSp64uFYBKXRSRUrNBVMCe7hsVpDse_K8IcWU_DltMaI6aSU0rOCDw-1T6wc1PPMjEvnuKfl39HHnxhRTWzdGKqxIfj7kdqtFEcCy5mHE6hm_V4X0hphEMrI8lpEki88U13-f0v38rN6DUdJeOQSt4XA&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">St. John, Kansas Police Department</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/StaffordKSPD?__cft__[0]=AZXRSAIEIlnsyAlTaj1QJ5J0TIRnDR6CUk0hpUrBVvblU-kdYa0f_8T9hso438ogCBlvRpoGVghGLPnntl4xI3eSp64uFYBKXRSRUrNBVMCe7hsVpDse_K8IcWU_DltMaI6aSU0rOCDw-1T6wc1PPMjEvnuKfl39HHnxhRTWzdGKqxIfj7kdqtFEcCy5mHE6hm_V4X0hphEMrI8lpEki88U13-f0v38rN6DUdJeOQSt4XA&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Stafford Police Department</a>, Stafford K9 Unit, Kansas Highway Patrol, KHP K9 Unit, Kansas Wildlife &amp; Parks and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559058190464&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXRSAIEIlnsyAlTaj1QJ5J0TIRnDR6CUk0hpUrBVvblU-kdYa0f_8T9hso438ogCBlvRpoGVghGLPnntl4xI3eSp64uFYBKXRSRUrNBVMCe7hsVpDse_K8IcWU_DltMaI6aSU0rOCDw-1T6wc1PPMjEvnuKfl39HHnxhRTWzdGKqxIfj7kdqtFEcCy5mHE6hm_V4X0hphEMrI8lpEki88U13-f0v38rN6DUdJeOQSt4XA&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Stafford County</a>&nbsp;Communications Tactical Unit.

Deputies found explosives, fentanyl and pythons at Kansas home

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Saturday made his clearest commitment to not fire anyone over an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">embarrassing accidental leak</a>&nbsp;of his administration’s plans for an airstrike against the Houthis in Yemen.

“I don’t fire people because of fake news and because of witch hunts,” Trump said in an interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker.

<a href="https://mimoo.github.io/houthi_signal/">Click here to read the</a>&nbsp;controversial text chat&nbsp;

He also said that he had confidence in Mike Waltz, his national security adviser, and Pete Hegseth, his Pentagon chief.

Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic magazine, to a group text using the Signal encrypted messaging service where top officials were discussing plans to attack the Houthis.

During the chat, Hegseth included details on how the strike would unfold before it took place.

Afterwards, The Atlantic published an article on the internal exchange, shocking the national security establishment.

Trump is eager to avoid repeating some of the turnover that characterized his first term. Mike Flynn, his first national security adviser, was pushed out after only a few weeks during the early phase of the Russia investigation. He’s also shown resistance to bowing to outside pressure, especially if it comes from the news media.

Asked if there were conversations about firing Waltz, Trump insisted, “I’ve never heard that. And nobody else makes that decision but me, and I’ve never heard it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743296067182.png" alt="President Trump and Alexander Stub, President of Finland on the golf course Saturday- image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Alexander Stub, President of Finland on the golf course Saturday- image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Saturday made his clearest commitment to not fire anyone over an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">embarrassing accidental leak</a>&nbsp;of his administration’s plans for an airstrike against the Houthis in Yemen.“I don’t fire people because of fake news and because of witch hunts,” Trump said in an interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker.<a href="https://mimoo.github.io/houthi_signal/">Click here to read the</a>&nbsp;controversial text chat&nbsp;He also said that he had confidence in Mike Waltz, his national security adviser, and Pete Hegseth, his Pentagon chief.Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic magazine, to a group text using the Signal encrypted messaging service where top officials were discussing plans to attack the Houthis.During the chat, Hegseth included details on how the strike would unfold before it took place.Afterwards, The Atlantic published an article on the internal exchange, shocking the national security establishment.Trump is eager to avoid repeating some of the turnover that characterized his first term. Mike Flynn, his first national security adviser, was pushed out after only a few weeks during the early phase of the Russia investigation. He’s also shown resistance to bowing to outside pressure, especially if it comes from the news media.Asked if there were conversations about firing Waltz, Trump insisted, “I’ve never heard that. And nobody else makes that decision but me, and I’ve never heard it.”

Trump says he won't 'fire people' over Signal group chat leak

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Topeka.

The accident involving two motor vehicles occurred near SW 21st and SW College Avenue, according to Topeka Police  LT Kerry Connel. 

One person was transported to a local area hospital and pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation. Police did not release the name of the victim.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Topeka.The accident involving two motor vehicles occurred near SW 21st and SW College Avenue, according to Topeka Police LT Kerry Connel. One person was transported to a local area hospital and pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation. Police did not release the name of the victim.

One dead after 2-vehicle Kansas crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp;– The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in solving the 1988 murder of 19-year-old Michael J. Fowler. Fowler was found deceased in the early morning hours of Sept. 14, 1988, in the 9000 block of North Oliver Street in Wichita.

Fowler was discovered lying along the side of the road with multiple gunshot wounds. As part of the investigation, detectives determined that the last known person to see Fowler alive was Eddie Jason Coolinge, also known as Eddie Hale or Jason Hale.

Detectives also identified a mutual acquaintance, 19-year-old Daryl Weaver, who was associated with both Fowler and Hale. The three men were known to frequent parks in the Riverside area and the adult video store, Circle Cinema. They were also known to engage in social and intimate encounters within the local homosexual community. Their gatherings often took place in discreet locations with like-minded individuals seeking connection.

Both Hale and Weaver have since passed away—Hale in 2000 and Weaver in 2014. Despite extensive investigative efforts, Fowler’s murder remains unsolved.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is now asking for the public’s help. Anyone who knew Michael J. Fowler,&nbsp;<a>Eddie Jason Coolinge (aka Eddie Hale/Jason Hale</a>), or Daryl Weaver and may have information related to this case is urged to contact Detective Cody Rexroat or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743024508020.png" alt="Eddie Jason Coolinge&nbsp;aka Eddie Hale/Jason Hale" />
 <figcaption>Eddie Jason Coolinge&nbsp;aka Eddie Hale/Jason Hale</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp;– The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in solving the 1988 murder of 19-year-old Michael J. Fowler. Fowler was found deceased in the early morning hours of Sept. 14, 1988, in the 9000 block of North Oliver Street in Wichita.Fowler was discovered lying along the side of the road with multiple gunshot wounds. As part of the investigation, detectives determined that the last known person to see Fowler alive was Eddie Jason Coolinge, also known as Eddie Hale or Jason Hale.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743024445425.png" alt="Michael Fowler" />
 <figcaption>Michael Fowler</figcaption>
 </figure>Detectives also identified a mutual acquaintance, 19-year-old Daryl Weaver, who was associated with both Fowler and Hale. The three men were known to frequent parks in the Riverside area and the adult video store, Circle Cinema. They were also known to engage in social and intimate encounters within the local homosexual community. Their gatherings often took place in discreet locations with like-minded individuals seeking connection.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743024624074.png" alt="Daryl Weaver" />
 <figcaption>Daryl Weaver</figcaption>
 </figure>Both Hale and Weaver have since passed away—Hale in 2000 and Weaver in 2014. Despite extensive investigative efforts, Fowler’s murder remains unsolved.The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is now asking for the public’s help. Anyone who knew Michael J. Fowler,&nbsp;<a>Eddie Jason Coolinge (aka Eddie Hale/Jason Hale</a>), or Daryl Weaver and may have information related to this case is urged to contact Detective Cody Rexroat or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.

Sheriff asks for help solving Kansas cold case killing

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alexa-st-john">ALEXA ST. JOHN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;PAUL WISEMAN

DETROIT (AP) — President Donald Trump’s 25% tax on imported cars, light trucks and auto parts is likely to drive up prices at a time when many Americans already struggle to afford a new set of wheels. The tariffs will also force car companies to rethink what cars they make and where they make them.

Trump has been itching to tax foreign autos for years. In his first term, he declared auto imports a threat to national security, which gave him the authority to impose tariffs on them. On Wednesday, he went ahead and imposed the levies. They take effect midnight April 3.

It’s the latest in a number of auto industry maneuvers by Trump during his first weeks back in the White House. Auto companies are also navigating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-trump-mpg-fuel-economy-standards-automakers-0ef9147a0c3874a50a194e439f604261">the reversal of fuel economy standards</a>, dialed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epa-zeldin-deregulation-plans-list-actions-5fb7fc1d24f54f193d585643c8fba79f">down greenhouse gas emission standards</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-trump-electric-vehicles-pollution-standards-ae3a35faa376630e494765175aee2c28">host of electric vehicle policy rollbacks</a>.

Some of the details of Trump’s auto tariffs have yet to be worked out.

For example, it’s unclear whether the new auto tariffs would stack on top of 25% import taxes set to be levied next week on all goods from Canada and Mexico. That would mean cars from Canada and Mexico could potentially face new tariffs of 50%.

And for now, the Trump administration is exempting from the tariffs cars, light trucks and auto parts that qualify for duty-free treatment under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a regional trade pact the president negotiated five years ago. Trump intends to narrow that exemption to content made in the United States, not Canada or Mexico. But that will require setting up processes to determine what qualifies as U.S.-made — something that could take weeks or months.

The White House also said the import tax would apply to “key’’ auto parts, including engines, transmissions, powertrain parts and electrical components. And it could expand the tariffs to other auto parts “if necessary.’’

Why are tariffs so challenging for the auto industry?

As automakers expanded globally, they created complicated and efficient supply chains that spanned countries. In North America, for instance, Mexico supplies low-wage labor and makes smaller, less expensive cars and trucks while Canada and the United States provide more skilled labor and technological know-how.

Trump’s tariffs are intended to bring auto manufacturing back to the United States. But it won’t be easy.

Rerouting the sourcing of thousands of parts that are imported to the U.S. and uprooting assembly operations would take years.

“It adds to the uncertainty facing all automakers as the industry’s supply chain is inherently global and has optimized around moving components across national borders where free trade agreements have existed in the past,” said John Paul MacDuffie, professor of management at the University of Pennsylvania.

Sam Fiorani, analyst at AutoForecast Solutions, notes that while European makers of luxury vehicles and their buyers can afford some price adjustments, “it’s the companies like Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru who import large percentages of their fleets that will take a beating.”

“Throwing tariffs on the parts of vehicles built in Mexico and Canada that aren’t sourced from the United States will hurt the profits of General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford over the next few quarters, costing them billions,” he added.

Trump’s tariffs — which he insists are permanent — will force companies to make hard choices.

“It’s going to have the effect of forcing companies to increase U.S. content’’ if they want to dodge the import taxes, said Richard Mojica, a trade attorney with Miller &amp; Chevalier.

And even though Vanessa Miller, chair of the automotive team at the law firm Foley &amp; Lardner, acknowledges that some companies will be able to pivot operations to the U.S., others are too tied to factories in Mexico or elsewhere to make the move anytime soon.

Automakers might have to stop making some vehicles because they won’t be profitable with the tariffs in place. The tariffs hit “everyone in a manner that makes them rethink everything,’’ said Ivan Drury of the automotive website Edmunds. “This is around at least three or four years. We’re not looking at something you can just ride out.’’

What does this mean for car buyers and new car prices?

Beata Caranci and Andrew Foran of TD Economics estimate that the tariffs could raise the average price of cars and light trucks in the United States — which totaled more than $47,000 last month — by up to $5,000 if automakers pass along the entire cost to consumers. That price hike could go higher – to as much as $10,000 – if the Trump administration applies the tax full to cars made in Mexico and Canada.

Automakers and their suppliers are only now recovering from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-business-prices-b920de128360fe95314907b0f04013ef">years of instability</a>&nbsp;brought on by pandemic-forced production halts, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prices-vehicle-sales-2371370d81e50f7521fe4cbec73e720d">sweeping semiconductor shortage</a>&nbsp;and low inventory on dealership lots. That meant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prices-inflation-coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-c6f8a2a7cf916cbda0d5f112b1260997">prices were sky-high, incentives were low and few deals were to be had</a>.

During the peak of the pandemic, consumers still bought vehicles at high prices. But the piled-on tariffs could put new vehicles out of reach for many would-be buyers, especially given rising indications of potentially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-economy-inflation-bd6ece8784efff205e2ab922bcb86958">broader inflation ahead throughout the economy</a>.

“Starting almost immediately, consumers will see their already expensive new vehicles cost hundreds to thousands more and those prices will escalate even more when the supplies of many key vehicles dwindle,” Fiorani said. “Imagine the price rises during the semiconductor shortage and stretch it out across every brand and manufacturer. The trickle-down effect will put smaller suppliers out of business and send many workers onto unemployment.”

By raising new vehicle prices, tariffs will likely send buyers to the used market. But with limited used inventory, an influx of buyers could rock used car prices, too. And they already average $25,000.

Lease penetration, or the number of vehicle transactions that are leases, has averaged around 30% or so over the past 10 years, according to Edmunds data.

But the industry saw low rates of leasing — nearly half the norm — particularly between May 2022 and January 2023. Fewer leased vehicles typically means fewer two- or three-year-old vehicles being put on the used-car market.

So there is likely to be a shortage of used cars just as more buyers start shopping for them.

Governor Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents U.S. automakers, said that manufacturers supported Trump’s efforts to boost domestic auto manufacturing. But he cautioned that “it is critical that tariffs are implemented in a way that avoids raising prices for consumers and that preserves the competitiveness of the integrated North American automotive sector.

The United Auto Workers labor union applauded the tariffs. “Ending the race to the bottom in the auto industry starts with fixing our broken trade deals, and the Trump administration has made history with today’s actions,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement. “These tariffs are a major step in the right direction for autoworkers and blue-collar communities across the country, and it is now on the automakers, from the Big Three to Volkswagen and beyond, to bring back good union jobs to the U.S.”

But Jennifer Safavian, president and CEO of Autos Drive America, which represents international auto manufacturers, denounced the tariffs: “The tariffs imposed today will make it more expensive to produce and sell cars in the United States, ultimately leading to higher prices, fewer options for consumers, and fewer manufacturing jobs in the U.S.”

Wiseman reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Josh Boak contributed to this story.

Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate reporter. Follow her on X:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/alexa_stjohn" target="_blank">@alexa_stjohn</a>. Reach her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ast.john@ap.org" target="_blank">ast.john@ap.org</a>.

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/standards-for-working-with-outside-groups/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/discover/Supporting-AP" target="_blank">AP.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743182072104.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alexa-st-john">ALEXA ST. JOHN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;PAUL WISEMANDETROIT (AP) — President Donald Trump’s 25% tax on imported cars, light trucks and auto parts is likely to drive up prices at a time when many Americans already struggle to afford a new set of wheels. The tariffs will also force car companies to rethink what cars they make and where they make them.Trump has been itching to tax foreign autos for years. In his first term, he declared auto imports a threat to national security, which gave him the authority to impose tariffs on them. On Wednesday, he went ahead and imposed the levies. They take effect midnight April 3.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;What we&#39;re going to be doing is a 25% tariff on all cars that are not made in the United States... business is coming back to the United States so that they don&#39;t have to pay tariffs... This will continue to spur growth like you haven&#39;t seen before.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/GaMESdhpmE">pic.twitter.com/GaMESdhpmE</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1905008349961486825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It’s the latest in a number of auto industry maneuvers by Trump during his first weeks back in the White House. Auto companies are also navigating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-trump-mpg-fuel-economy-standards-automakers-0ef9147a0c3874a50a194e439f604261">the reversal of fuel economy standards</a>, dialed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epa-zeldin-deregulation-plans-list-actions-5fb7fc1d24f54f193d585643c8fba79f">down greenhouse gas emission standards</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-trump-electric-vehicles-pollution-standards-ae3a35faa376630e494765175aee2c28">host of electric vehicle policy rollbacks</a>.Some of the details of Trump’s auto tariffs have yet to be worked out.For example, it’s unclear whether the new auto tariffs would stack on top of 25% import taxes set to be levied next week on all goods from Canada and Mexico. That would mean cars from Canada and Mexico could potentially face new tariffs of 50%.And for now, the Trump administration is exempting from the tariffs cars, light trucks and auto parts that qualify for duty-free treatment under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a regional trade pact the president negotiated five years ago. Trump intends to narrow that exemption to content made in the United States, not Canada or Mexico. But that will require setting up processes to determine what qualifies as U.S.-made — something that could take weeks or months.The White House also said the import tax would apply to “key’’ auto parts, including engines, transmissions, powertrain parts and electrical components. And it could expand the tariffs to other auto parts “if necessary.’’Here’s what else to know:<h2>Why are tariffs so challenging for the auto industry?</h2>As automakers expanded globally, they created complicated and efficient supply chains that spanned countries. In North America, for instance, Mexico supplies low-wage labor and makes smaller, less expensive cars and trucks while Canada and the United States provide more skilled labor and technological know-how.Trump’s tariffs are intended to bring auto manufacturing back to the United States. But it won’t be easy.Rerouting the sourcing of thousands of parts that are imported to the U.S. and uprooting assembly operations would take years.“It adds to the uncertainty facing all automakers as the industry’s supply chain is inherently global and has optimized around moving components across national borders where free trade agreements have existed in the past,” said John Paul MacDuffie, professor of management at the University of Pennsylvania.Sam Fiorani, analyst at AutoForecast Solutions, notes that while European makers of luxury vehicles and their buyers can afford some price adjustments, “it’s the companies like Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru who import large percentages of their fleets that will take a beating.”“Throwing tariffs on the parts of vehicles built in Mexico and Canada that aren’t sourced from the United States will hurt the profits of General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford over the next few quarters, costing them billions,” he added.Trump’s tariffs — which he insists are permanent — will force companies to make hard choices.“It’s going to have the effect of forcing companies to increase U.S. content’’ if they want to dodge the import taxes, said Richard Mojica, a trade attorney with Miller &amp; Chevalier.And even though Vanessa Miller, chair of the automotive team at the law firm Foley &amp; Lardner, acknowledges that some companies will be able to pivot operations to the U.S., others are too tied to factories in Mexico or elsewhere to make the move anytime soon.Automakers might have to stop making some vehicles because they won’t be profitable with the tariffs in place. The tariffs hit “everyone in a manner that makes them rethink everything,’’ said Ivan Drury of the automotive website Edmunds. “This is around at least three or four years. We’re not looking at something you can just ride out.’’<h2>What does this mean for car buyers and new car prices?</h2>Beata Caranci and Andrew Foran of TD Economics estimate that the tariffs could raise the average price of cars and light trucks in the United States — which totaled more than $47,000 last month — by up to $5,000 if automakers pass along the entire cost to consumers. That price hike could go higher – to as much as $10,000 – if the Trump administration applies the tax full to cars made in Mexico and Canada.Automakers and their suppliers are only now recovering from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-business-prices-b920de128360fe95314907b0f04013ef">years of instability</a>&nbsp;brought on by pandemic-forced production halts, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prices-vehicle-sales-2371370d81e50f7521fe4cbec73e720d">sweeping semiconductor shortage</a>&nbsp;and low inventory on dealership lots. That meant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prices-inflation-coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-c6f8a2a7cf916cbda0d5f112b1260997">prices were sky-high, incentives were low and few deals were to be had</a>.During the peak of the pandemic, consumers still bought vehicles at high prices. But the piled-on tariffs could put new vehicles out of reach for many would-be buyers, especially given rising indications of potentially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-economy-inflation-bd6ece8784efff205e2ab922bcb86958">broader inflation ahead throughout the economy</a>.“Starting almost immediately, consumers will see their already expensive new vehicles cost hundreds to thousands more and those prices will escalate even more when the supplies of many key vehicles dwindle,” Fiorani said. “Imagine the price rises during the semiconductor shortage and stretch it out across every brand and manufacturer. The trickle-down effect will put smaller suppliers out of business and send many workers onto unemployment.”<h2>What about used cars?</h2>By raising new vehicle prices, tariffs will likely send buyers to the used market. But with limited used inventory, an influx of buyers could rock used car prices, too. And they already average $25,000.Lease penetration, or the number of vehicle transactions that are leases, has averaged around 30% or so over the past 10 years, according to Edmunds data.But the industry saw low rates of leasing — nearly half the norm — particularly between May 2022 and January 2023. Fewer leased vehicles typically means fewer two- or three-year-old vehicles being put on the used-car market.So there is likely to be a shortage of used cars just as more buyers start shopping for them.<h2>How has the industry responded?</h2>Governor Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents U.S. automakers, said that manufacturers supported Trump’s efforts to boost domestic auto manufacturing. But he cautioned that “it is critical that tariffs are implemented in a way that avoids raising prices for consumers and that preserves the competitiveness of the integrated North American automotive sector.The United Auto Workers labor union applauded the tariffs. “Ending the race to the bottom in the auto industry starts with fixing our broken trade deals, and the Trump administration has made history with today’s actions,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement. “These tariffs are a major step in the right direction for autoworkers and blue-collar communities across the country, and it is now on the automakers, from the Big Three to Volkswagen and beyond, to bring back good union jobs to the U.S.”But Jennifer Safavian, president and CEO of Autos Drive America, which represents international auto manufacturers, denounced the tariffs: “The tariffs imposed today will make it more expensive to produce and sell cars in the United States, ultimately leading to higher prices, fewer options for consumers, and fewer manufacturing jobs in the U.S.”<h2>___</h2>Wiseman reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Josh Boak contributed to this story.<h2>___</h2>Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate reporter. Follow her on X:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/alexa_stjohn" target="_blank">@alexa_stjohn</a>. Reach her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ast.john@ap.org" target="_blank">ast.john@ap.org</a>.<h2>___</h2>The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/standards-for-working-with-outside-groups/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/discover/Supporting-AP" target="_blank">AP.org</a>.

Trump’s auto tariffs explained: What car buyers should know this year

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 4a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 4300 block of North Corrington regarding a follow up to a missing persons investigation, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

First respondes were directed to a motel room where they located a man and woman. Both were suffering from gun shot wounds and were pronounced deceased on scene.

This is being investigated as a double-homicide. Detectives are working to determine what led up to the incident, canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage. Crime scene technicians are processing the scene for physical evidence.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743274559576.png" alt="Photo courtesy Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City.Just before 4a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 4300 block of North Corrington regarding a follow up to a missing persons investigation, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.First respondes were directed to a motel room where they located a man and woman. Both were suffering from gun shot wounds and were pronounced deceased on scene.This is being investigated as a double-homicide. Detectives are working to determine what led up to the incident, canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage. Crime scene technicians are processing the scene for physical evidence.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Double-homicide: Man and woman found dead in KC motel room

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration’s use of a popular messaging app to discuss sensitive military plans — with a journalist on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">the text chain</a>&nbsp;— is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-signal-yemen-atlantic-group-chat-31f3701b5c7254cda8297558c50cfd98">raising questions</a>&nbsp;about security and the importance of safeguarding the nation’s secrets.

It’s also highlighting the differences between classified and public information, and demonstrating that even encrypted apps like Signal can lead to embarrassing leaks if the humans doing the texting don’t follow basic security tips.

What’s the difference between ‘classified’ and ‘top secret’?

President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-signal-classified-information-308e7a81d70d6233c06a1f7330ae3004">administration says no classified material was leaked</a>&nbsp;when senior officials used Signal to discuss upcoming attack plans against the Houthi rebels in Yemen — even though a journalist was on the chat.

But even if the information had been declassified by the Pentagon, it contained details that would have been highly valuable to the Houthis or other adversaries, showing how sometimes the decision of what to classify is a judgment call.

The federal government routinely classifies vast amounts of information pertaining to military and intelligence operations. The material ranges from top secret nuclear programs or the identities of undercover agents all the way to mundane records that would be of little interest to anyone, let alone America’s adversaries. In 2011, for example, the CIA finally declassified its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cia.gov/stories/story/secret-writing-cias-oldest-classified-documents/" target="_blank">recipe for invisible ink</a>&nbsp;— from 1917.

Advocates for open government have long complained that the push for secrecy goes too far, by protecting information that could shine a light on government activities or matters of public interest, including about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ufos-uaps-congress-whistleblower-spy-aliens-ba8a8cfba353d7b9de29c3d906a69ba7">UFO sightings</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jfk-files-trump-release-381cd547e10e4f41d27a8e020bb6a435">60-year-old presidential assassination</a>.

While the public typically calls any information withheld by the government “classified,” that term only refers to the three broad categories used to “classify” information based on the need for secrecy: confidential, secret and top secret.

While files marked “confidential” contain information that’s not meant to be released, the need for security or access restrictions isn’t as great as for material considered “top secret,” which includes the nation’s nuclear secrets and other material that, if released, could pose a grave danger to national security.

While the Pentagon hasn’t offered classification details about the information in the Signal chats, information about upcoming military strikes is typically tightly guarded to ensure adversaries don’t have advance warning that could jeopardize the mission or put American service members at risk.

The Pentagon closely guards even some publicly available information. Material categorized as “controlled unclassified information,” while not secret, is still considered sensitive enough that military service members are prohibited from discussing it on unsecured devices like personal phones.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe were asked about that policy during a Senate hearing this week as they were grilled over the Signal chat. Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona noted that Department of Defense policy “prohibits discussion of even what is called controlled unclassified information on unsecured devices,” and asked if Ratcliffe and Gabbard, who oversees the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies, were aware of that rule.

“I haven’t read that policy,” Gabbard said.

“I’m not familiar with the DOD policy,” Ratcliffe said.

Who decides to classify or declassify something?

The power to classify or declassify lies in the hands of top federal officials, including the president and Cabinet secretaries. For military information like the attack plans discussed over Signal, the power lies with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has faced demands that he resign over the leak.

The president’s ability to declassify information has been invoked when presidents have been accused of mishandling secrets. Trump ally Kash Patel, now the FBI director, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-8a51290da3e8f59c83edbfc2898f547d">said he witnessed Trump declassify material</a>&nbsp;that was taken after his first term to the president’s Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, but no evidence has emerged to support that claim.

The Pentagon hasn’t said whether Hegseth declassified the attack plans before or after the Signal conversation, but Ratcliffe, Gabbard and the White House have all said the chats contained no classified information.

“I haven’t participated in any Signal group messaging that relates to any classified information at all,” Ratcliffe proclaimed at one point.

That explanation has failed to satisfy Democrats who say that plans for imminent military strikes are regularly classified. National security experts agree. They say it would be highly unusual for the Pentagon to publicize such information and that any lower-level officer caught leaking such material on Signal would face serious repercussions.

There’s secure, and then there’s secure enough for

For many consumers, encrypted apps like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/signal-app-atlantic-war-plans-32699da142c5209b845e57f690df4925">Signal</a>&nbsp;can offer greater protections for everyday conversations. But that doesn’t mean they’re secure enough for government secrets, or immune to human error, as the inclusion of a reporter on the text chain shows.

Senior federal officials who handle classified data receive extensive training about the need to use approved devices and platforms to discuss government secrets. Intelligence and national security agencies have whole departments devoted to cybersecurity and the protection of state secrets.

Government cybersecurity officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/guidance-mobile-communications-best-practices.pdf" target="_blank">recommended</a>&nbsp;that federal employees use encrypted apps like Signal, which can offer greater security for routine communication, and Ratcliffe said this week it was a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-signal-yemen-atlantic-group-chat-4b09973f4df3711d5d5ff88e8f9f96e0">permissible</a>&nbsp;” app for senior officials to use. But the app is only as secure as the device it’s downloaded onto.

The government’s most sensitive information is typically discussed in a facility known as a sensitive compartmented information facility, or SCIF, which is designed to allow officials to review or discuss secrets without fear of eavesdropping or cyber intrusion.

Any senior official using a personal device to discuss classified material could be at risk of cyberespionage, said Michael Williams, an expert on international relations and national security at Syracuse University.

“Signal may be encrypted, but it’s the devices that are really the issue,” Williams said. “All of these people are being targeted.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742932610024.png" alt="Members of President Trump's national security team during a hearing on Wednesday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Members of President Trump's national security team during a hearing on Wednesday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;DAVID KLEPPERWASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration’s use of a popular messaging app to discuss sensitive military plans — with a journalist on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">the text chain</a>&nbsp;— is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-signal-yemen-atlantic-group-chat-31f3701b5c7254cda8297558c50cfd98">raising questions</a>&nbsp;about security and the importance of safeguarding the nation’s secrets.It’s also highlighting the differences between classified and public information, and demonstrating that even encrypted apps like Signal can lead to embarrassing leaks if the humans doing the texting don’t follow basic security tips.<h2>What’s the difference between ‘classified’ and ‘top secret’?</h2>President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-signal-classified-information-308e7a81d70d6233c06a1f7330ae3004">administration says no classified material was leaked</a>&nbsp;when senior officials used Signal to discuss upcoming attack plans against the Houthi rebels in Yemen — even though a journalist was on the chat.But even if the information had been declassified by the Pentagon, it contained details that would have been highly valuable to the Houthis or other adversaries, showing how sometimes the decision of what to classify is a judgment call.The federal government routinely classifies vast amounts of information pertaining to military and intelligence operations. The material ranges from top secret nuclear programs or the identities of undercover agents all the way to mundane records that would be of little interest to anyone, let alone America’s adversaries. In 2011, for example, the CIA finally declassified its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cia.gov/stories/story/secret-writing-cias-oldest-classified-documents/" target="_blank">recipe for invisible ink</a>&nbsp;— from 1917.Advocates for open government have long complained that the push for secrecy goes too far, by protecting information that could shine a light on government activities or matters of public interest, including about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ufos-uaps-congress-whistleblower-spy-aliens-ba8a8cfba353d7b9de29c3d906a69ba7">UFO sightings</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jfk-files-trump-release-381cd547e10e4f41d27a8e020bb6a435">60-year-old presidential assassination</a>.While the public typically calls any information withheld by the government “classified,” that term only refers to the three broad categories used to “classify” information based on the need for secrecy: confidential, secret and top secret.While files marked “confidential” contain information that’s not meant to be released, the need for security or access restrictions isn’t as great as for material considered “top secret,” which includes the nation’s nuclear secrets and other material that, if released, could pose a grave danger to national security.While the Pentagon hasn’t offered classification details about the information in the Signal chats, information about upcoming military strikes is typically tightly guarded to ensure adversaries don’t have advance warning that could jeopardize the mission or put American service members at risk.The Pentagon closely guards even some publicly available information. Material categorized as “controlled unclassified information,” while not secret, is still considered sensitive enough that military service members are prohibited from discussing it on unsecured devices like personal phones.Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe were asked about that policy during a Senate hearing this week as they were grilled over the Signal chat. Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona noted that Department of Defense policy “prohibits discussion of even what is called controlled unclassified information on unsecured devices,” and asked if Ratcliffe and Gabbard, who oversees the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies, were aware of that rule.“I haven’t read that policy,” Gabbard said.“I’m not familiar with the DOD policy,” Ratcliffe said.<h2>Who decides to classify or declassify something?</h2>The power to classify or declassify lies in the hands of top federal officials, including the president and Cabinet secretaries. For military information like the attack plans discussed over Signal, the power lies with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has faced demands that he resign over the leak.The president’s ability to declassify information has been invoked when presidents have been accused of mishandling secrets. Trump ally Kash Patel, now the FBI director, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-8a51290da3e8f59c83edbfc2898f547d">said he witnessed Trump declassify material</a>&nbsp;that was taken after his first term to the president’s Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, but no evidence has emerged to support that claim.The Pentagon hasn’t said whether Hegseth declassified the attack plans before or after the Signal conversation, but Ratcliffe, Gabbard and the White House have all said the chats contained no classified information.“I haven’t participated in any Signal group messaging that relates to any classified information at all,” Ratcliffe proclaimed at one point.That explanation has failed to satisfy Democrats who say that plans for imminent military strikes are regularly classified. National security experts agree. They say it would be highly unusual for the Pentagon to publicize such information and that any lower-level officer caught leaking such material on Signal would face serious repercussions.<h2>There’s secure, and then there’s secure enough for</h2><h2>classified secrets</h2>For many consumers, encrypted apps like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/signal-app-atlantic-war-plans-32699da142c5209b845e57f690df4925">Signal</a>&nbsp;can offer greater protections for everyday conversations. But that doesn’t mean they’re secure enough for government secrets, or immune to human error, as the inclusion of a reporter on the text chain shows.Senior federal officials who handle classified data receive extensive training about the need to use approved devices and platforms to discuss government secrets. Intelligence and national security agencies have whole departments devoted to cybersecurity and the protection of state secrets.Government cybersecurity officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/guidance-mobile-communications-best-practices.pdf" target="_blank">recommended</a>&nbsp;that federal employees use encrypted apps like Signal, which can offer greater security for routine communication, and Ratcliffe said this week it was a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-signal-yemen-atlantic-group-chat-4b09973f4df3711d5d5ff88e8f9f96e0">permissible</a>&nbsp;” app for senior officials to use. But the app is only as secure as the device it’s downloaded onto.The government’s most sensitive information is typically discussed in a facility known as a sensitive compartmented information facility, or SCIF, which is designed to allow officials to review or discuss secrets without fear of eavesdropping or cyber intrusion.Any senior official using a personal device to discuss classified material could be at risk of cyberespionage, said Michael Williams, an expert on international relations and national security at Syracuse University.“Signal may be encrypted, but it’s the devices that are really the issue,” Williams said. “All of these people are being targeted.”

What is ‘classified’ information? What are ‘secure’ communications? Here’s a primer

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Tennessee man was convicted for running a Ponzi scheme that victimized individuals across the country.

According to court documents, Alcides Roman, 66, of Lebanon, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

While operating Remain in Control LLC, Roman defrauded a victim in Overland Park, Kansas, after offering investment opportunities and attractive returns.

<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home">Click here</a>&nbsp;if you believe you have been victimized by this defendant or call&nbsp; the Federal Bureau of Investigation by calling 816-512-8200

From June 2020 to October 2020, the victim made multiple wire transfers into Roman’s company bank account and subsequently received “returns” that were in reality partial amounts from the victim’s own investment funds. When the victim stopped receiving payments and inquired, Roman made excuses and sought to lull the victim into a false sense of security.

Other victims of Roman’s investment fraud scheme included individuals in New York, New York, Houston, Texas, and Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.

The total known loss, based on victims identified to date, is $1,977,857.88. Roman used funds from his schemes to pay for his personal living expenses, buy vehicles and land, send money to numerous foreign and domestic companies, and to make purported “returns” to other victim investors.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Tennessee man was convicted for running a Ponzi scheme that victimized individuals across the country.According to court documents, Alcides Roman, 66, of Lebanon, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.While operating Remain in Control LLC, Roman defrauded a victim in Overland Park, Kansas, after offering investment opportunities and attractive returns.<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home">Click here</a>&nbsp;if you believe you have been victimized by this defendant or call&nbsp; the Federal Bureau of Investigation by calling 816-512-8200From June 2020 to October 2020, the victim made multiple wire transfers into Roman’s company bank account and subsequently received “returns” that were in reality partial amounts from the victim’s own investment funds. When the victim stopped receiving payments and inquired, Roman made excuses and sought to lull the victim into a false sense of security.Other victims of Roman’s investment fraud scheme included individuals in New York, New York, Houston, Texas, and Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.The total known loss, based on victims identified to date, is $1,977,857.88. Roman used funds from his schemes to pay for his personal living expenses, buy vehicles and land, send money to numerous foreign and domestic companies, and to make purported “returns” to other victim investors.

FBI looking for more victims of multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-social-security-administration">Social Security Administration</a>&nbsp;is partially backtracking on a plan that would require all new and existing beneficiaries to travel to a Social Security field office to verify their identity.

The Social Security Administration this week said that people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income who are not able to use agency’s online portal, can complete their claim entirely over the phone instead of in person. Other SSA applicants will still be required to verify their identities at a field office.

The changes will apply to all beneficiaries beginning April 14th, instead of the previously announced date of March 31st.

“We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Lee Dudek, SSA’s acting commissioner of Social Security in a statement.

Dudek added that delaying the policy start date will help officials train employees on new procedures.

Last week SSA announced a plan to require&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-doge-fraud-services-35efe10cffa1ee40c1e9f12385b2cc35">in-person identity checks</a>&nbsp;for millions of new and existing recipients while simultaneously closing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-offices-closures-doge-trump-b2b1a5b2ba4fb968abc3379bf90715ff">47 field offices in 18 states</a>. The new requirements would have impacted anyone who needed to verify their bank information, as well as families with children who receive Social Security benefits and cannot verify certain information online.

The changes are intended to combat fraud and waste within the system, which President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-trump-ukraine-war-526c3976f1549400c7d5c27c18028ecb">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and officials in his administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-payments-deceased-false-claims-doge-ed2885f5769f368853ac3615b4852cf7">have claimed</a>&nbsp;are widespread.

The policy change has sparked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-doge-fraud-services-35efe10cffa1ee40c1e9f12385b2cc35">furor</a>&nbsp;among lawmakers, advocacy groups and program recipients who say the Trump administration is placing unnecessary barriers in front of an already vulnerable population.

AARP’s Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond said the Wednesday announcement “is a good first step by the Social Security Administration to respond to the concerns of AARP, our members, and older Americans everywhere about plans to discontinue phone service for critical Social Security customer service needs.”

“Merely delaying the implementation of this change is not enough, though,” she said. “SSA should take a deliberate approach to its proposed changes to customer service that seeks public input, follows a clear communication plan, and allows a reasonable timeframe for compliance.”

Roughly 72.5 million people, including retirees and children, receive Social Security benefits.

Trump’s nominee to lead the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-social-security-administration">SSA</a>&nbsp;faced questions Tuesday at his confirmation hearing about efforts by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-offices-closures-doge-trump-b2b1a5b2ba4fb968abc3379bf90715ff">close field offices</a>&nbsp;and cut back on phone service at the beleaguered agency.

Frank Bisignano, was called to account for recent upheaval at the SSA, which has taken center stage in the debate over the usefulness of DOGE cuts to taxpayer services and their effect on the social welfare program long regarded as the third rail of national politics.

A Wall Street veteran and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-2bb49cfbc4c14c208269d24267b5b943">one-time defender</a>&nbsp;of corporate policies to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination, Bisignano has since 2020 served as chairman of Fiserv, a payments and financial services tech firm. He told CNBC in February that he is “fundamentally a DOGE person” but “the objective isn’t to touch benefits.”

When asked during the hearing whether Social Security should be privatized, Bisignano responded: “I’ve never heard a word of it, and I’ve never thought about it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742575370069.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-social-security-administration">Social Security Administration</a>&nbsp;is partially backtracking on a plan that would require all new and existing beneficiaries to travel to a Social Security field office to verify their identity.The Social Security Administration this week said that people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income who are not able to use agency’s online portal, can complete their claim entirely over the phone instead of in person. Other SSA applicants will still be required to verify their identities at a field office.The changes will apply to all beneficiaries beginning April 14th, instead of the previously announced date of March 31st.“We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Lee Dudek, SSA’s acting commissioner of Social Security in a statement.Dudek added that delaying the policy start date will help officials train employees on new procedures.Last week SSA announced a plan to require&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-doge-fraud-services-35efe10cffa1ee40c1e9f12385b2cc35">in-person identity checks</a>&nbsp;for millions of new and existing recipients while simultaneously closing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-offices-closures-doge-trump-b2b1a5b2ba4fb968abc3379bf90715ff">47 field offices in 18 states</a>. The new requirements would have impacted anyone who needed to verify their bank information, as well as families with children who receive Social Security benefits and cannot verify certain information online.The changes are intended to combat fraud and waste within the system, which President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-trump-ukraine-war-526c3976f1549400c7d5c27c18028ecb">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and officials in his administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-payments-deceased-false-claims-doge-ed2885f5769f368853ac3615b4852cf7">have claimed</a>&nbsp;are widespread.The policy change has sparked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-doge-fraud-services-35efe10cffa1ee40c1e9f12385b2cc35">furor</a>&nbsp;among lawmakers, advocacy groups and program recipients who say the Trump administration is placing unnecessary barriers in front of an already vulnerable population.AARP’s Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond said the Wednesday announcement “is a good first step by the Social Security Administration to respond to the concerns of AARP, our members, and older Americans everywhere about plans to discontinue phone service for critical Social Security customer service needs.”“Merely delaying the implementation of this change is not enough, though,” she said. “SSA should take a deliberate approach to its proposed changes to customer service that seeks public input, follows a clear communication plan, and allows a reasonable timeframe for compliance.”Roughly 72.5 million people, including retirees and children, receive Social Security benefits.Trump’s nominee to lead the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-social-security-administration">SSA</a>&nbsp;faced questions Tuesday at his confirmation hearing about efforts by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-offices-closures-doge-trump-b2b1a5b2ba4fb968abc3379bf90715ff">close field offices</a>&nbsp;and cut back on phone service at the beleaguered agency.Frank Bisignano, was called to account for recent upheaval at the SSA, which has taken center stage in the debate over the usefulness of DOGE cuts to taxpayer services and their effect on the social welfare program long regarded as the third rail of national politics.A Wall Street veteran and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-2bb49cfbc4c14c208269d24267b5b943">one-time defender</a>&nbsp;of corporate policies to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination, Bisignano has since 2020 served as chairman of Fiserv, a payments and financial services tech firm. He told CNBC in February that he is “fundamentally a DOGE person” but “the objective isn’t to touch benefits.”When asked during the hearing whether Social Security should be privatized, Bisignano responded: “I’ve never heard a word of it, and I’ve never thought about it.”

Social Security Admin. backtracks on some ID requirements after backlash

WICHITA, KAN. – On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Wichita Police Department presented the results of the investigation into an allegation of intentional damage to a Tesla Model X that occurred on March 20, in northwest Wichita, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

After a full review of the investigation, the district attorney charged 30-year-old Johnathan F. Erhart of Jefferson County with one count of criminal damage to property, a severity level 9 non-person felony, in violation of K.S.A. 21-5813(a)(1)(c)(2).

Under Kansas law, severity level 9 felony carries a range of sentence of 5 to 17 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, depending on a defendant’s established criminal history (convictions, not arrests).

After arrest on a charged case, defendants face a “first appearance” before a judge of the District Court. At that hearing, the court will address issues related to appointment of counsel and will schedule the next court date.&nbsp; Earhart is no longer in custody in Jefferson County after meeting the requirement of a $2500 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743203584353.png" alt="Erhart was jailed in Jefferson County" />
 <figcaption>Erhart was jailed in Jefferson County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Wichita Police Department presented the results of the investigation into an allegation of intentional damage to a Tesla Model X that occurred on March 20, in northwest Wichita, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.After a full review of the investigation, the district attorney charged 30-year-old Johnathan F. Erhart of Jefferson County with one count of criminal damage to property, a severity level 9 non-person felony, in violation of K.S.A. 21-5813(a)(1)(c)(2).Under Kansas law, severity level 9 felony carries a range of sentence of 5 to 17 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, depending on a defendant’s established criminal history (convictions, not arrests).After arrest on a charged case, defendants face a “first appearance” before a judge of the District Court. At that hearing, the court will address issues related to appointment of counsel and will schedule the next court date.&nbsp; Earhart is no longer in custody in Jefferson County after meeting the requirement of a $2500 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man charged with intentionally damaging a Tesla

By DAVID RISING and JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI &nbsp;Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar's ruling military said Saturday on state television that the confirmed death toll from a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake rose to 1,644, as more bodies were pulled from the rubble of the scores of buildings that collapsed when it struck near the country's second-largest city.

The new total is a sharp rise compared to the 1,002 total announced just hours earlier, underlining the difficulty of confirming casualties over a widespread region and the likelihood that the numbers will continue to grow from Friday's quake. The number of injured increased to 3,408, while the missing figure rose to 139.

Rescue efforts are underway especially in the major stricken cities of Mandalay, the country's No. 2 city, and Naypyitaw, the capital. But even though teams and equipment have been flown in from other nations, they are hindered by the airports in those cities being damaged and apparently unfit to land planes.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is in the throes of a prolonged civil war, which is already responsible for a humanitarian crisis. It makes movement around the country both difficult and dangerous, complicating relief efforts and raising fears that the death toll could still rise precipitously.

The earthquake struck midday Friday with an epicenter not far from Mandalay, followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4. It sent buildings in many areas toppling to the ground, buckled roads, caused bridges to collapse and burst a dam.

In Naypyidaw, crews worked Saturday to repair damaged roads, while electricity, phone and internet services remained down for most of the city. The earthquake brought down many buildings, including multiple units that housed government civil servants, but that section of the city was blocked off by authorities on Saturday.

In neighboring Thailand, the quake rocked the greater Bangkok area, home to around 17 million people, and other parts of the country.

Bangkok city authorities said the number of confirmed dead was now 10, nine at the site of the collapsed high-rise under construction near the capital's popular Chatuchak market, while 78 people were still unaccounted for. Rescue efforrs were continuing in the hope of finding additional survivors.

On Saturday, more heavy equipment was brought in to move the tons of rubble, but hope was fading among friends and family members of the missing that they would be found alive.

"I was praying that that they had survived but when I got here and saw the ruin — where could they be? In which corner? Are they still alive? I am still praying that all six are alive," said 45-year-old Naruemol Thonglek, sobbing as she awaited news about her partner, who is from Myanmar, and five friends who worked at the site.

Waenphet Panta said she hadn't heard from her daughter Kanlayanee since a phone call about an hour before the quake. A friend told her Kanlayanee had been working high on the building on Friday.

"I am praying my daughter is safe, that she has survived and that she's at the hospital," she said, Kanlayanee's father sitting beside her.

Thai authorities said that the quake and aftershocks were felt in most of the country's provinces. Many places in the north reported damage to residential buildings, hospitals and temples, including in Chiang Mai, but the only casualties were reported in Bangkok

Earthquakes are rare in Bangkok, but relatively common in Myanmar. The country sits on the Sagaing Fault, a major north-south fault that separates the India plate and the Sunda plate.

Brian Baptie, a seismologist with the British Geological Survey, said that the quake caused intense ground shaking in an area where most of the population lives in buildings constructed of timber and unreinforced brick masonry.

"When you have a large earthquake in an area where there are over a million people, many of them living in vulnerable buildings, the consequences can often be disastrous," he said in a statement.

Myanmar's government said that blood was in high demand in the hardest-hit areas. In a country where prior governments sometimes have been slow to accept foreign aid, Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar was ready to accept outside assistance.

Myanmar's military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, and is now involved in a civil war with long-established militias and newly formed pro-democracy ones.

Military forces continued their attacks even after the quake, with three airstrikes in northern Kayin state, also called Karenni state, and southern Shan — both of which border Mandalay state, said Dave Eubank, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who founded the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian aid organization that has provided assistance to both combatants and civilians in Myanmar since the 1990s.

Eubank told The Associated Press that in the area he was operating in, most villages have already been destroyed by the military so the earthquake had little impact.

"People are in the jungle and I was out in the jungle when the earthquake hit — it was powerful, but the trees just moved, that was it for us, so we haven't had a direct impact other than that the Burma army keeps attacking, even after the quake," he said.

In northern Shan, an airstrike on a rebel-controlled village just minutes after the earthquake killed seven militia members and damaged five buildings, including a school, Mai Rukow, editor of a Shan-based online media Shwe Phee Myay News Agency, told the AP.

Government forces have lost control of much of Myanmar, and many places are incredibly dangerous or simply impossible for aid groups to reach. More than 3 million people have been displaced by the fighting and nearly 20 million are in need, according to the United Nations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743174433121.jpeg" alt="Rescuers work at the site a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)" />
 <figcaption>Rescuers work at the site a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID RISING and JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI &nbsp;Associated PressBANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar's ruling military said Saturday on state television that the confirmed death toll from a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake rose to 1,644, as more bodies were pulled from the rubble of the scores of buildings that collapsed when it struck near the country's second-largest city.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A powerful earthquake rocked Myanmar and neighboring Thailand on Friday, killing at least three people in Bangkok and burying dozens when a high-rise building under construction collapsed. <a href="https://t.co/wOb65quagE">pic.twitter.com/wOb65quagE</a>&mdash; The Associated Press (@AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AP/status/1905635759484198924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The new total is a sharp rise compared to the 1,002 total announced just hours earlier, underlining the difficulty of confirming casualties over a widespread region and the likelihood that the numbers will continue to grow from Friday's quake. The number of injured increased to 3,408, while the missing figure rose to 139.Rescue efforts are underway especially in the major stricken cities of Mandalay, the country's No. 2 city, and Naypyitaw, the capital. But even though teams and equipment have been flown in from other nations, they are hindered by the airports in those cities being damaged and apparently unfit to land planes.Myanmar, also known as Burma, is in the throes of a prolonged civil war, which is already responsible for a humanitarian crisis. It makes movement around the country both difficult and dangerous, complicating relief efforts and raising fears that the death toll could still rise precipitously.The earthquake struck midday Friday with an epicenter not far from Mandalay, followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4. It sent buildings in many areas toppling to the ground, buckled roads, caused bridges to collapse and burst a dam.In Naypyidaw, crews worked Saturday to repair damaged roads, while electricity, phone and internet services remained down for most of the city. The earthquake brought down many buildings, including multiple units that housed government civil servants, but that section of the city was blocked off by authorities on Saturday.More damage in ThailandIn neighboring Thailand, the quake rocked the greater Bangkok area, home to around 17 million people, and other parts of the country.Bangkok city authorities said the number of confirmed dead was now 10, nine at the site of the collapsed high-rise under construction near the capital's popular Chatuchak market, while 78 people were still unaccounted for. Rescue efforrs were continuing in the hope of finding additional survivors.On Saturday, more heavy equipment was brought in to move the tons of rubble, but hope was fading among friends and family members of the missing that they would be found alive."I was praying that that they had survived but when I got here and saw the ruin — where could they be? In which corner? Are they still alive? I am still praying that all six are alive," said 45-year-old Naruemol Thonglek, sobbing as she awaited news about her partner, who is from Myanmar, and five friends who worked at the site.Waenphet Panta said she hadn't heard from her daughter Kanlayanee since a phone call about an hour before the quake. A friend told her Kanlayanee had been working high on the building on Friday."I am praying my daughter is safe, that she has survived and that she's at the hospital," she said, Kanlayanee's father sitting beside her.Thai authorities said that the quake and aftershocks were felt in most of the country's provinces. Many places in the north reported damage to residential buildings, hospitals and temples, including in Chiang Mai, but the only casualties were reported in BangkokMyanmar sits on a major fault lineEarthquakes are rare in Bangkok, but relatively common in Myanmar. The country sits on the Sagaing Fault, a major north-south fault that separates the India plate and the Sunda plate.Brian Baptie, a seismologist with the British Geological Survey, said that the quake caused intense ground shaking in an area where most of the population lives in buildings constructed of timber and unreinforced brick masonry."When you have a large earthquake in an area where there are over a million people, many of them living in vulnerable buildings, the consequences can often be disastrous," he said in a statement.A natural disaster on top of a civil warMyanmar's government said that blood was in high demand in the hardest-hit areas. In a country where prior governments sometimes have been slow to accept foreign aid, Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar was ready to accept outside assistance.Myanmar's military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, and is now involved in a civil war with long-established militias and newly formed pro-democracy ones.Military forces continued their attacks even after the quake, with three airstrikes in northern Kayin state, also called Karenni state, and southern Shan — both of which border Mandalay state, said Dave Eubank, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who founded the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian aid organization that has provided assistance to both combatants and civilians in Myanmar since the 1990s.Eubank told The Associated Press that in the area he was operating in, most villages have already been destroyed by the military so the earthquake had little impact."People are in the jungle and I was out in the jungle when the earthquake hit — it was powerful, but the trees just moved, that was it for us, so we haven't had a direct impact other than that the Burma army keeps attacking, even after the quake," he said.In northern Shan, an airstrike on a rebel-controlled village just minutes after the earthquake killed seven militia members and damaged five buildings, including a school, Mai Rukow, editor of a Shan-based online media Shwe Phee Myay News Agency, told the AP.Government forces have lost control of much of Myanmar, and many places are incredibly dangerous or simply impossible for aid groups to reach. More than 3 million people have been displaced by the fighting and nearly 20 million are in need, according to the United Nations."Although a full picture of the damage is still emerging, most of us have never seen such destruction," said Haider Yaqub, Myanmar country director for the NGO Plan International, from Yangon.Control tower at Myanmar airport collapsedSatellite photos from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by the AP show the earthquake toppled the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport as if sheered from its base.Debris lay scattered from the top of the tower, which controlled all air traffic in the capital of Myanmar, the photos showed on Saturday.It wasn't immediately clear if there had been any injuries in the collapse, though the tower would have had staff inside of it at the time of the earthquake Friday.Rescue groups head to MyanmarChina and Russia are the largest suppliers of weapons to Myanmar's military, and were among the first to step in with humanitarian aid.China said it has sent more than 135 rescue personnel and experts along with supplies like medical kits and generators, and pledged around $13.8 million in emergency aid. Hong Kong sent a 51-member team to Myanmar.Russia's Emergencies Ministry said it had flown in 120 rescuers and supplies, and the country's Health Ministry said Moscow had sent a medical team to Myanmar.Other countries like India and South Korea are sending help, and the U.N. allocated $5 million to start relief efforts.U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington was going to help with the response, but some experts were concerned about this effort given his administration's deep cuts in foreign assistance.___Jerry Harmer and Grant Peck in Bangkok, Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Tong-hyung Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.