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.

"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 collapsed

Satellite 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.

China 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.

<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.

Hundreds dead from massive quake in Myanmar and Thailand

CHASE COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to ticket drivers traveling far above the posted speed limit.

On March 24, a Deputy pulled over a vehicle traveling&nbsp; 113mph in a 65mph zone on US Hwy 50, according to a social media report from the Chase County Sheriff.

By following speed limits, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create safer roads for everyone. This is a crucial step towards building a culture of road safety and responsibility. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/slowdown?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVWrsdNAjXutSi0H276qHNkjmYT_OPL6l9kbF2gMW26A9wkeWegq9BFFlyRp6XpZaXBD02dl6q1dizdwl6oqnkNQVNuIu4DC2ahv-tEe_vzQMLE8PEMUVoVlYhEU2-S_LlpnV5HH4mFmVslWcy4QuW8aImbLpngG3sD63OlsWXdnQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#SlowDown</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/accidentshappeninseconds?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVWrsdNAjXutSi0H276qHNkjmYT_OPL6l9kbF2gMW26A9wkeWegq9BFFlyRp6XpZaXBD02dl6q1dizdwl6oqnkNQVNuIu4DC2ahv-tEe_vzQMLE8PEMUVoVlYhEU2-S_LlpnV5HH4mFmVslWcy4QuW8aImbLpngG3sD63OlsWXdnQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#accidentshappeninseconds</a>

On Friday, officers worked a traffic complaint in the area of W. 135th and Lamar in Overland Park. An officer issued a driver a citation for speeding, 104 in a 45mph zone, according to the social media report.

Earlier this week, a Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy clocked a Dodge Challenger going 122mph in a 60mph zone near Kellogg and Meridian in Wichita, according to a social media report.

That’s more than double the posted speed limit.

"Let’s be clear: This is not just speeding, this is reckless and it puts lives at risk. At those speeds, there is no room for error—for the driver, for other motorists."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743168251019.png" alt="Photo Chase Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Chase Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHASE COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to ticket drivers traveling far above the posted speed limit.On March 24, a Deputy pulled over a vehicle traveling&nbsp; 113mph in a 65mph zone on US Hwy 50, according to a social media report from the Chase County Sheriff. By following speed limits, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create safer roads for everyone. This is a crucial step towards building a culture of road safety and responsibility. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/slowdown?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVWrsdNAjXutSi0H276qHNkjmYT_OPL6l9kbF2gMW26A9wkeWegq9BFFlyRp6XpZaXBD02dl6q1dizdwl6oqnkNQVNuIu4DC2ahv-tEe_vzQMLE8PEMUVoVlYhEU2-S_LlpnV5HH4mFmVslWcy4QuW8aImbLpngG3sD63OlsWXdnQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#SlowDown</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/accidentshappeninseconds?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVWrsdNAjXutSi0H276qHNkjmYT_OPL6l9kbF2gMW26A9wkeWegq9BFFlyRp6XpZaXBD02dl6q1dizdwl6oqnkNQVNuIu4DC2ahv-tEe_vzQMLE8PEMUVoVlYhEU2-S_LlpnV5HH4mFmVslWcy4QuW8aImbLpngG3sD63OlsWXdnQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#accidentshappeninseconds</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743172364294.png" alt="photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, officers worked a traffic complaint in the area of W. 135th and Lamar in Overland Park. An officer issued a driver a citation for speeding, 104 in a 45mph zone, according to the social media report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743195010738.png" alt="photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier this week, a Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy clocked a Dodge Challenger going 122mph in a 60mph zone near Kellogg and Meridian in Wichita, according to a social media report.That’s more than double the posted speed limit."Let’s be clear: This is not just speeding, this is reckless and it puts lives at risk. At those speeds, there is no room for error—for the driver, for other motorists."

More drivers in Kansas caught traveling over 100mph

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court for permission to resume deportations of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-el-salvador-immigration-dd4f61999f85c4dd8bcaba7d4fc7c9af">Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador</a>&nbsp;under an 18th century wartime law, while a court fight continues.

The emergency appeal to the high court follows a rejection of the Republican administration’s plea to the federal appeals court in Washington. By a 2-1 vote, a panel of appellate judges left in place an order temporarily prohibiting deportations of the migrants under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act

The Justice Department argued in court papers that federal courts shouldn’t interfere with sensitive diplomatic negotiations. It also claimed that migrants should make their case in a federal court in Texas, where they are being detained.

The order temporarily blocking the deportations was issued by U.S. District Judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-judge-boasberg-venezuela-supreme-court-ccc7e61ccf8e8062d7075b617c87cdb5">James E. Boasberg</a>, the chief judge at the federal couhouse in Washington.

President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act for the first time since World War II to justify the deportation of hundreds of people under a presidential proclamation calling the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tren-de-aragua-gang-venezuela-us-a12c8fee9dc4a0ca73769ea893e09e53">Tren de Aragua gang</a>&nbsp;an invading force.

“Here, the district court’s orders have rebuffed the President’s judgments as to how to protect the Nation against foreign terrorist organizations and risk debilitating effects for delicate foreign negotiations,” acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris wrote in the court filing.

Attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit on behalf of five Venezuelan noncitizens who were being held in Texas, hours after the proclamation was made public.

The court set a Tuesday deadline for a response from the ACLU.

The case has become a flashpoint amid escalating tension between the White House and the federal courts.

Boasberg imposed a temporary halt on deportations and ordered planeloads of Venezuelan immigrants to return to the U.S. That did not happen. The judge has since vowed to determine whether the government defied his order to turn the planes around. The administration has invoked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-state-secrets-trump-terrorism-05e19d6fede12c0d0f263e983d7f4ebc">“state secrets privilege”</a>&nbsp;and refused to give Boasberg any additional information about the deportations.

Trump and his allies have called for impeaching Boasberg. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-federal-judges-impeachment-29da1153a9f82106748098a6606fec39">a rare statement</a>, Chief Justice John Roberts said “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.”

The Alien Enemies Act allows noncitizens to be deported without the opportunity for a hearing before an immigration or federal court judge.

Boasberg ruled that immigrants facing deportation must get an opportunity to challenge their designations as alleged gang members.&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278436/gov.uscourts.dcd.278436.53.0.pdf">His ruling</a>&nbsp;said there is “a strong public interest in preventing the mistaken deportation of people based on categories they have no right to challenge.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743173991721.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court for permission to resume deportations of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-el-salvador-immigration-dd4f61999f85c4dd8bcaba7d4fc7c9af">Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador</a>&nbsp;under an 18th century wartime law, while a court fight continues.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">While you slept, your government sent three planes full of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 thugs to the beautiful prisons of El Salvador. Thanks to the leadership of this administration—and our friend <a href="https://twitter.com/nayibbukele?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nayibbukele</a>—America is safer today than it was yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/eO76KRqOuG">pic.twitter.com/eO76KRqOuG</a>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1901344554000793658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The emergency appeal to the high court follows a rejection of the Republican administration’s plea to the federal appeals court in Washington. By a 2-1 vote, a panel of appellate judges left in place an order temporarily prohibiting deportations of the migrants under the rarely used Alien Enemies ActThe Justice Department argued in court papers that federal courts shouldn’t interfere with sensitive diplomatic negotiations. It also claimed that migrants should make their case in a federal court in Texas, where they are being detained.The order temporarily blocking the deportations was issued by U.S. District Judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-judge-boasberg-venezuela-supreme-court-ccc7e61ccf8e8062d7075b617c87cdb5">James E. Boasberg</a>, the chief judge at the federal couhouse in Washington.President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act for the first time since World War II to justify the deportation of hundreds of people under a presidential proclamation calling the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tren-de-aragua-gang-venezuela-us-a12c8fee9dc4a0ca73769ea893e09e53">Tren de Aragua gang</a>&nbsp;an invading force.“Here, the district court’s orders have rebuffed the President’s judgments as to how to protect the Nation against foreign terrorist organizations and risk debilitating effects for delicate foreign negotiations,” acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris wrote in the court filing.Attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit on behalf of five Venezuelan noncitizens who were being held in Texas, hours after the proclamation was made public.The court set a Tuesday deadline for a response from the ACLU.The case has become a flashpoint amid escalating tension between the White House and the federal courts.Boasberg imposed a temporary halt on deportations and ordered planeloads of Venezuelan immigrants to return to the U.S. That did not happen. The judge has since vowed to determine whether the government defied his order to turn the planes around. The administration has invoked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-state-secrets-trump-terrorism-05e19d6fede12c0d0f263e983d7f4ebc">“state secrets privilege”</a>&nbsp;and refused to give Boasberg any additional information about the deportations.Trump and his allies have called for impeaching Boasberg. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-federal-judges-impeachment-29da1153a9f82106748098a6606fec39">a rare statement</a>, Chief Justice John Roberts said “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.”The Alien Enemies Act allows noncitizens to be deported without the opportunity for a hearing before an immigration or federal court judge.Boasberg ruled that immigrants facing deportation must get an opportunity to challenge their designations as alleged gang members.&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278436/gov.uscourts.dcd.278436.53.0.pdf">His ruling</a>&nbsp;said there is “a strong public interest in preventing the mistaken deportation of people based on categories they have no right to challenge.”

Trump asks Supreme Court to allow deportations under Alien Enemies Act

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA Associated Press</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The leader of a small group of self-described satanists and at least one other person were arrested Friday following a scuffle inside the Kansas Statehouse arising from an effort by the group's leader to start a “Black Mass” in the rotunda.

About 30 members of the Kansas City-area Satanic Grotto, led by its president, Michael Stewart, rallied outside the Statehouse for the separation of church and state. The group also protested what members called the state's favoritism toward Christians in allowing events inside. Gov. Laura Kelly temporarily banned protests inside, just for Friday, weeks after Stewart's group scheduled its indoor ceremony.

The Satanic Grotto's rally outside drew hundreds of Christian counterprotesters because of the Grotto's satanic imagery, and its indoor ceremony included denouncing Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. About 100 Christians stood against yellow police tape marking the Satanic Grotto's area. The two groups yelled at each other while the Christians also sang and called on Grotto members to accept Jesus. Several hundred more Christians rallied on the other side of the Grotto's area, but further away.

Kelly issued her order earlier this month after Roman Catholic groups pushed her to ban any Satanic Grotto event. The state’s Catholic Bishops called what the group planned “a despicable act of anti-Catholic bigotry” mocking the Catholic Mass. Both chambers of the Legislature also approved resolutions condemning it.

“The Bible says Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy, so when we dedicate a state to Satan, we’re dedicating it to death," said Jeremiah Hicks, a pastor at the Cure Church in Kansas City, Kansas.

Satanic Grotto members, who number several dozen, said they hold a variety of beliefs. Some are atheists, some use the group to protest harm they suffered as church members, and others see Satan as a symbol of independence.

Amy Dorsey, a friend of Stewart's, said she rallied with the Satanic Grotto to support free speech rights and religious freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, in part because Christian groups are allowed to meet regularly inside the Statehouse for prayer or worship meetings.

Before his arrest, Stewart said his group scheduled its Black Mass for Friday because it thought the Kansas Legislature would be in session, though lawmakers adjourned late Thursday night for their annual spring break. Stewart said the group might come back next year.

“Maybe un-baptisms, right here in the Capitol,” he said.

Video shot by KSNT-TV showed that when Stewart tried to conduct his group's ceremony in the first-floor rotunda, a young man tried to snatch Stewart's script from his hands, and Stewart punched him. Several Kansas Highway Patrol troopers wrestled Stewart to the ground and handcuffed him. They led him through hallways on the ground floor below and into a room as he yelled, “Hail, Satan!”

Stewart’s wife, Maenad Bee, told reporters, “He’s only exercising his First Amendment rights.”

Online records showed that Stewart was jailed briefly Friday afternoon on suspicion of disorderly conduct and having an unlawful assembly, then released on $1,000 bond.

Witnesses and friends identified the young man trying to snatch away the script as Marcus Schroeder, who came to counterprotest with fellow members of a Kansas City-area church. Online records show Schroeder was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct, with his bond also set at $1,000.

Dorsey said two other Satanic Grotto members also were detained, but didn't have details. The Highway Patrol did not immediately confirm any arrests or detentions.

A friend of Schroeder's, Jonathan Storms, said he was trying to help a woman who also sought to snatch away Stewart's script and “didn't throw any punches.”

The woman, Karla Delgado, said she came to the Statehouse with her three youngest children to deliver a petition protesting the Black Mass to Kelly's office. Delgado said she approached Stewart because he was violating the governor's order and Highway Patrol troopers weren't immediately arresting him. She said in the ensuing confusion, her 4-year-old daughter was knocked to the ground.

“When we saw that nobody was doing anything — I guess just in the moment of it — it was like, ‘He’s not supposed to be allowed to do this,’ so we tried to stop him," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743212422619.png" alt="Rally outside the Statehouse Friday Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Rally outside the Statehouse Friday Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA Associated Press</a>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The leader of a small group of self-described satanists and at least one other person were arrested Friday following a scuffle inside the Kansas Statehouse arising from an effort by the group's leader to start a “Black Mass” in the rotunda.About 30 members of the Kansas City-area Satanic Grotto, led by its president, Michael Stewart, rallied outside the Statehouse for the separation of church and state. The group also protested what members called the state's favoritism toward Christians in allowing events inside. Gov. Laura Kelly temporarily banned protests inside, just for Friday, weeks after Stewart's group scheduled its indoor ceremony.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743212382604.png" alt="Michael Stewart, Founder and President of the KC area Satanic Grotto spoke with reporters Friday -image courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Michael Stewart, Founder and President of the KC area Satanic Grotto spoke with reporters Friday -image courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The Satanic Grotto's rally outside drew hundreds of Christian counterprotesters because of the Grotto's satanic imagery, and its indoor ceremony included denouncing Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. About 100 Christians stood against yellow police tape marking the Satanic Grotto's area. The two groups yelled at each other while the Christians also sang and called on Grotto members to accept Jesus. Several hundred more Christians rallied on the other side of the Grotto's area, but further away.Kelly issued her order earlier this month after Roman Catholic groups pushed her to ban any Satanic Grotto event. The state’s Catholic Bishops called what the group planned “a despicable act of anti-Catholic bigotry” mocking the Catholic Mass. Both chambers of the Legislature also approved resolutions condemning it.“The Bible says Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy, so when we dedicate a state to Satan, we’re dedicating it to death," said Jeremiah Hicks, a pastor at the Cure Church in Kansas City, Kansas.Satanic Grotto members, who number several dozen, said they hold a variety of beliefs. Some are atheists, some use the group to protest harm they suffered as church members, and others see Satan as a symbol of independence.Amy Dorsey, a friend of Stewart's, said she rallied with the Satanic Grotto to support free speech rights and religious freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, in part because Christian groups are allowed to meet regularly inside the Statehouse for prayer or worship meetings.Before his arrest, Stewart said his group scheduled its Black Mass for Friday because it thought the Kansas Legislature would be in session, though lawmakers adjourned late Thursday night for their annual spring break. Stewart said the group might come back next year.“Maybe un-baptisms, right here in the Capitol,” he said.Video shot by KSNT-TV showed that when Stewart tried to conduct his group's ceremony in the first-floor rotunda, a young man tried to snatch Stewart's script from his hands, and Stewart punched him. Several Kansas Highway Patrol troopers wrestled Stewart to the ground and handcuffed him. They led him through hallways on the ground floor below and into a room as he yelled, “Hail, Satan!”Stewart’s wife, Maenad Bee, told reporters, “He’s only exercising his First Amendment rights.”Online records showed that Stewart was jailed briefly Friday afternoon on suspicion of disorderly conduct and having an unlawful assembly, then released on $1,000 bond.Witnesses and friends identified the young man trying to snatch away the script as Marcus Schroeder, who came to counterprotest with fellow members of a Kansas City-area church. Online records show Schroeder was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct, with his bond also set at $1,000.Dorsey said two other Satanic Grotto members also were detained, but didn't have details. The Highway Patrol did not immediately confirm any arrests or detentions.A friend of Schroeder's, Jonathan Storms, said he was trying to help a woman who also sought to snatch away Stewart's script and “didn't throw any punches.”The woman, Karla Delgado, said she came to the Statehouse with her three youngest children to deliver a petition protesting the Black Mass to Kelly's office. Delgado said she approached Stewart because he was violating the governor's order and Highway Patrol troopers weren't immediately arresting him. She said in the ensuing confusion, her 4-year-old daughter was knocked to the ground.“When we saw that nobody was doing anything — I guess just in the moment of it — it was like, ‘He’s not supposed to be allowed to do this,’ so we tried to stop him," she said.

Satanist leader's attempt to hold 'Black Mass' inside Kan. Statehouse sparks chaos, arrests

KANSAS CITY — A jury on Friday convicted a Kansas City man for a fatal shooting that took place last year in the North Town Fork Creek neighborhood, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

D’Aires Gadson, 29, was found guilty of 2nd Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. His sentencing is scheduled for June 5.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2555/Gadson-redacted-PC-Statement">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to East 55th Street and College Avenue on Oct. 3, 2024, on reports of a shooting. They located the victim lying in the street suffering from gunshot trauma and was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Surveillance footage showed the defendant pull out a firearm and start shooting at the victim. The victim ran toward his truck as the defendant continued shooting at him. Witnesses say the defendant went through the victim’s pockets and drove away with the victim’s truck.

The defendant was convicted in 2018 for 2nd Degree Robbery and Armed Criminal Action and was prohibited from possessing firearms.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742657630500.png" alt="Gadson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Gadson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A jury on Friday convicted a Kansas City man for a fatal shooting that took place last year in the North Town Fork Creek neighborhood, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.D’Aires Gadson, 29, was found guilty of 2nd Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. His sentencing is scheduled for June 5.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2555/Gadson-redacted-PC-Statement">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to East 55th Street and College Avenue on Oct. 3, 2024, on reports of a shooting. They located the victim lying in the street suffering from gunshot trauma and was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Surveillance footage showed the defendant pull out a firearm and start shooting at the victim. The victim ran toward his truck as the defendant continued shooting at him. Witnesses say the defendant went through the victim’s pockets and drove away with the victim’s truck.The defendant was convicted in 2018 for 2nd Degree Robbery and Armed Criminal Action and was prohibited from possessing firearms.&nbsp;Chief Trial Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jamie Hunt and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kendall Robbins prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.&nbsp;