WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military to make fitness standards for all combat jobs gender neutral, formalizing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-standards-fitness-review-hegseth-99953e47d69d8e7077164bf48ccebdc4">a process that largely exists</a>&nbsp;for many of those jobs already.

In a new memo, Hegseth told leaders of the military services to distinguish which jobs are considered combat arms — such as special operations or infantry, and require “heightened entry level and sustained physical fitness” — and which are not.

The memo released Monday said all physical fitness requirements for those combat arms positions must be gender neutral, “based solely on the operational demands of the occupation and the readiness needed to confront any adversary.”

The new order expands on a memo Hegseth put out March 12 that said the undersecretary for personnel must gather information on military standards “pertaining to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, which includes but is not limited to beards.”

Both reflect Hegseth’s public complaints about fitness standards well before he took on the Pentagon job. While working as a Fox News commentator, Hegseth spoke about his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">opposition to women in combat jobs</a>&nbsp;and his belief that standards were lowered to accommodate women.

The order, however, could require some complicated assessments as all the services go through their jobs and determine which should be considered combat arms. For example, which sailors on a Navy warship deployed to the Middle East and being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-airstrikes-israel-hamas-war-1f8bbca1e301124d417678d8276e7cd9">fired on by the Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;should be considered in a combat post?

On smaller ships, it’s not unusual for sailors to perform a number of different tasks, including firing weapons. And, should intelligence officers, who often were on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, also count as combat arms?

The military has long had what is largely a two-part system for physical fitness standards:

— Routine annual fitness tests with different requirements based on gender and age.

— More grueling standards for specific combat, special operations, infantry, armor, pararescue jumpers and other jobs that are the same for everyone in that occupation, and are not adjusted for age or gender.

Hegseth’s memo appears to focus on the second grouping — arguing that combat jobs require more stringent fitness standards.

Already, however, specific military jobs like special operations, infantry, armor and pararescue require different, higher-level physical — and often mental and psychological — tests, requirements and qualification courses.

Those standards require everyone to meet the same requirements, regardless of their age or gender. For example, an Army soldier who wants to be a Green Beret or a Ranger, or a sailor who wants to be a Navy SEAL, must pass grueling monthslong qualification courses.

Also, after the Pentagon allowed women to be in all combat jobs, the Army set specific fitness standards for each military occupation that are the same regardless of age or gender.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7d7350b3fa2f447c86ec6e31e107ca23">Recruits who want to serve in an infantry</a>&nbsp;or armor job must pass a specific physical assessment that has higher, more significant demands in order to sign a contract for that specialty.

Similarly, Marines also require more extensive fitness standards for their special operations forces and combat jobs.

Hegseth’s memo mentions higher fitness requirements for special operations forces — which already exist. And it says Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal technicians also should be required to have proficiency in tasks such as water rescue and demolition, which they already do.

The order gives service leaders 60 days to provide their proposed changes. They have 30 days to provide an interim report.

“As the nature of warfare evolves and the demands on our service members grow more complex, it is imperative that we assess and refine the physical fitness standards that enable our readiness and lethality,” Hegseth said in the memo.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military to make fitness standards for all combat jobs gender neutral, formalizing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-standards-fitness-review-hegseth-99953e47d69d8e7077164bf48ccebdc4">a process that largely exists</a>&nbsp;for many of those jobs already.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For far too long, we have allowed standards to slip. We’ve had different standards for men/women serving in combat arms MOS’s and jobs…. That’s not acceptable, and it changes right now! <a href="https://t.co/Zn9OyBew6G">pic.twitter.com/Zn9OyBew6G</a>&mdash; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1906677003400442284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a new memo, Hegseth told leaders of the military services to distinguish which jobs are considered combat arms — such as special operations or infantry, and require “heightened entry level and sustained physical fitness” — and which are not.The memo released Monday said all physical fitness requirements for those combat arms positions must be gender neutral, “based solely on the operational demands of the occupation and the readiness needed to confront any adversary.”The new order expands on a memo Hegseth put out March 12 that said the undersecretary for personnel must gather information on military standards “pertaining to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, which includes but is not limited to beards.”Both reflect Hegseth’s public complaints about fitness standards well before he took on the Pentagon job. While working as a Fox News commentator, Hegseth spoke about his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">opposition to women in combat jobs</a>&nbsp;and his belief that standards were lowered to accommodate women.The order, however, could require some complicated assessments as all the services go through their jobs and determine which should be considered combat arms. For example, which sailors on a Navy warship deployed to the Middle East and being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-airstrikes-israel-hamas-war-1f8bbca1e301124d417678d8276e7cd9">fired on by the Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;should be considered in a combat post?On smaller ships, it’s not unusual for sailors to perform a number of different tasks, including firing weapons. And, should intelligence officers, who often were on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, also count as combat arms?The military has long had what is largely a two-part system for physical fitness standards:— Routine annual fitness tests with different requirements based on gender and age.— More grueling standards for specific combat, special operations, infantry, armor, pararescue jumpers and other jobs that are the same for everyone in that occupation, and are not adjusted for age or gender.Hegseth’s memo appears to focus on the second grouping — arguing that combat jobs require more stringent fitness standards.Already, however, specific military jobs like special operations, infantry, armor and pararescue require different, higher-level physical — and often mental and psychological — tests, requirements and qualification courses.Those standards require everyone to meet the same requirements, regardless of their age or gender. For example, an Army soldier who wants to be a Green Beret or a Ranger, or a sailor who wants to be a Navy SEAL, must pass grueling monthslong qualification courses.Also, after the Pentagon allowed women to be in all combat jobs, the Army set specific fitness standards for each military occupation that are the same regardless of age or gender.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7d7350b3fa2f447c86ec6e31e107ca23">Recruits who want to serve in an infantry</a>&nbsp;or armor job must pass a specific physical assessment that has higher, more significant demands in order to sign a contract for that specialty.Similarly, Marines also require more extensive fitness standards for their special operations forces and combat jobs.Hegseth’s memo mentions higher fitness requirements for special operations forces — which already exist. And it says Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal technicians also should be required to have proficiency in tasks such as water rescue and demolition, which they already do.The order gives service leaders 60 days to provide their proposed changes. They have 30 days to provide an interim report.“As the nature of warfare evolves and the demands on our service members grow more complex, it is imperative that we assess and refine the physical fitness standards that enable our readiness and lethality,” Hegseth said in the memo.

🎥Defense Sec. orders fitness standards to be gender neutral for combat jobs

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Trump administration is pulling back a final round of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemic-aid-public-school-funding-346d3d4b86f904184e357c34c9754800">federal pandemic aid</a>&nbsp;from schools across the country, saying the money wasn’t being spent on academic recovery.

States were notified Friday that the Education Department will not disburse the remainder of the federal aid passed by Congress, although the vast majority has already been sent to schools.

The department didn’t say how much money is left of the total $189 billion approved by Congress, though officials said it’s in the billions. As of Feb. 19, the department said there was $4.4 billion left, or about 2%.

A senior department official said the money was being misused on costs including astroturf fields and “sets of bouncy glow balls.” The agency said it will consider requests for individual projects related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-school-closure-education-recovery-scorecard-c828144e18a02a1e45841c4dd07f05cb">pandemic recovery</a>.

Schools were supposed to spend the last of the relief by January, but the Biden administration allowed schools to request extensions.

The Council of Chief State School Officers urged the department to rethink the decision, saying schools have already spent the money for pandemic recovery efforts and were promised reimbursement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741729690736.png" alt="Photo AP" />
 <figcaption>Photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Trump administration is pulling back a final round of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemic-aid-public-school-funding-346d3d4b86f904184e357c34c9754800">federal pandemic aid</a>&nbsp;from schools across the country, saying the money wasn’t being spent on academic recovery.States were notified Friday that the Education Department will not disburse the remainder of the federal aid passed by Congress, although the vast majority has already been sent to schools.The department didn’t say how much money is left of the total $189 billion approved by Congress, though officials said it’s in the billions. As of Feb. 19, the department said there was $4.4 billion left, or about 2%.A senior department official said the money was being misused on costs including astroturf fields and “sets of bouncy glow balls.” The agency said it will consider requests for individual projects related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-school-closure-education-recovery-scorecard-c828144e18a02a1e45841c4dd07f05cb">pandemic recovery</a>.Schools were supposed to spend the last of the relief by January, but the Biden administration allowed schools to request extensions.The Council of Chief State School Officers urged the department to rethink the decision, saying schools have already spent the money for pandemic recovery efforts and were promised reimbursement.

Some schools won’t get the last of their federal COVID relief funds

SHAWNEE COUNTY —&nbsp; Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend crash released the name of the victim.

Benjamin Edwards, 40, Topeka, died just after 3p.m. Saturday in a crash involving two motor vehicles that occurred near SW 21st and SW College Avenue, according to Dan Garrett, City of Topeka spokesman.

Edwards was transported to a local area hospital and pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Monday afternoon.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —&nbsp; Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend crash released the name of the victim.Benjamin Edwards, 40, Topeka, died just after 3p.m. Saturday in a crash involving two motor vehicles that occurred near SW 21st and SW College Avenue, according to Dan Garrett, City of Topeka spokesman.Edwards was transported to a local area hospital and pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Monday afternoon.

Police: Kansas man died in 2-vehicle weekend crash

DOUGLAS COUNTY – The Lawrence Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Lawrence woman, according to a media release from police.

The whereabouts of 74-year-old Wanda Dyer are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her. The Lawrence Police Department issued a local alert for Dyer over one week ago and she has not been located. She is believed to be on foot and may be heading east towards Eudora and Kansas City.

Dyer is a black female who is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 117 pounds. She has brown eyes and grey hair. Dyer was last seen wearing a black coat with a pink lining, a hoodie, multi-colored pants, and a backpack. Dyer experiences confusion and memory issues.

If you see Wanda Dyer, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Douglas County dispatch at 785-843-0250.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743454360019.png" alt="Photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY – The Lawrence Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Lawrence woman, according to a media release from police.The whereabouts of 74-year-old Wanda Dyer are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her. The Lawrence Police Department issued a local alert for Dyer over one week ago and she has not been located. She is believed to be on foot and may be heading east towards Eudora and Kansas City.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Based on new information that a missing Lawrence woman may have been seen heading out of the Lawrence area, the Lawrence Police Department is now expanding the search and issuing a Silver Alert for Wanda Dyer. Lawrence Police have conducted an extensive search throughout the… <a href="https://t.co/RWRXRgWNXK">pic.twitter.com/RWRXRgWNXK</a>&mdash; Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1904723186198913380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Dyer is a black female who is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 117 pounds. She has brown eyes and grey hair. Dyer was last seen wearing a black coat with a pink lining, a hoodie, multi-colored pants, and a backpack. Dyer experiences confusion and memory issues.If you see Wanda Dyer, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Douglas County dispatch at 785-843-0250.

Silver Alert: Kansas woman missing for over a week

TOPEKA (AP) —At least five states have active&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles outbreaks</a>&nbsp;as of Friday, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas'</a>&nbsp;is the largest with 400 cases.

Already, the U.S. has more measles cases this year than in all of 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">Other states with outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— defined as three or more cases — include Kansas, New Mexico,&nbsp;Ohio and Oklahoma. Since February, two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.

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

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

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

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

Texas' outbreak began two months ago. State health officials said Friday there were 73 new cases of measles since Tuesday, bringing the total to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">400 across 17 counties</a>&nbsp;— most in West Texas. Forty-one people have been hospitalized since the outbreak began, and Andrews and Midland counties were new to the list.

New Mexico announced one new case Friday, bringing the state’s total to 44. New Mexico health officials say the cases are linked to Texas' outbreak based on genetic testing. Most are in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, and two are in Eddy County.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">school-age child died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February, and New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;on March 6.

Kansas has 23 cases in six counties in the southwest part of the state. Kiowa and Stevens counties have six cases each, while Grant, Morton, Haskell and Gray counties have five or fewer.

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

Oklahoma stayed steady at nine cases this week — seven confirmed and two probable cases. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.

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

Ohio has 10 cases of measles in Ashtabula County in the northeast corner of the state, nine of those newly reported this week. The first case was in an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.

And in central Ohio, Knox County officials are tracing exposures from person who visited while contagious with measles. A measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85 in 2022.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A doctor can order a lab test called an MMR titer to check your levels of measles antibodies, but health experts don't always recommend this route and insurance coverage can vary.

Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says.

People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.

Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.

The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.

Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.

There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.

In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called “herd immunity.”

But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.

The U.S. saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-cdc-outbreak-chicago-mmr-vaccine-7ecdfef41e6dbd659c7ac8b80d5de38f">a rise in measles cases in 2024</a>, including an outbreak in Chicago that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740583865667.png" alt="A sign is seen outside a clinic with the South Plains Public Health District Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Brownfield, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>A sign is seen outside a clinic with the South Plains Public Health District Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Brownfield, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) —At least five states have active&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles outbreaks</a>&nbsp;as of Friday, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas'</a>&nbsp;is the largest with 400 cases.Already, the U.S. has more measles cases this year than in all of 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">Other states with outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— defined as three or more cases — include Kansas, New Mexico,&nbsp;Ohio and Oklahoma. Since February, two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">1/ DSHS continues to track the measles outbreak in the South Plains and Panhandle. As of today, 400 cases have been identified since late January. Immunization with two doses of MMR vaccine protects you from getting sick and stops the outbreak from spreading. <a href="https://t.co/wDh9ka04dV">pic.twitter.com/wDh9ka04dV</a>&mdash; Texas DSHS (@TexasDSHS) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasDSHS/status/1905684947383267517?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 outbreaks confirm health experts' fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">could stretch on for a year</a>. The World Health Organization said this week cases in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561">Mexico</a>&nbsp;are linked to the Texas outbreak.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a><h2>How many measles cases are there in Texas and New Mexico?</h2>Texas' outbreak began two months ago. State health officials said Friday there were 73 new cases of measles since Tuesday, bringing the total to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">400 across 17 counties</a>&nbsp;— most in West Texas. Forty-one people have been hospitalized since the outbreak began, and Andrews and Midland counties were new to the list.New Mexico announced one new case Friday, bringing the state’s total to 44. New Mexico health officials say the cases are linked to Texas' outbreak based on genetic testing. Most are in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, and two are in Eddy County.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">school-age child died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February, and New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;on March 6.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743449255257.png" alt="Image Kansas Department of Health" />
 <figcaption>Image Kansas Department of Health</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How many cases are there in Kansas?</h2>Kansas has 23 cases in six counties in the southwest part of the state. Kiowa and Stevens counties have six cases each, while Grant, Morton, Haskell and Gray counties have five or fewer.The state's first reported case, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing, a state health department spokesperson said. But health officials have not determined how the person was exposed.<h2>How many cases are there in Oklahoma?</h2>Oklahoma stayed steady at nine cases this week — seven confirmed and two probable cases. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.A state health department spokesperson said measles exposures were confirmed in Tulsa and Rogers counties, but wouldn't say which counties had cases.<h2>How many cases are there in Ohio?</h2>Ohio has 10 cases of measles in Ashtabula County in the northeast corner of the state, nine of those newly reported this week. The first case was in an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.And in central Ohio, Knox County officials are tracing exposures from person who visited while contagious with measles. A measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85 in 2022.<h2>Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?</h2>Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. The agency counted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/">five clusters</a>&nbsp;that qualified as outbreaks in 2025 as of Friday.In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are generally traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles.<h2>Do you need an MMR booster?</h2>The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;(MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.People at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or being born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.A doctor can order a lab test called an MMR titer to check your levels of measles antibodies, but health experts don't always recommend this route and insurance coverage can vary.Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says.People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.<h2>What are the symptoms of measles?</h2>Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.<h2>How can you treat measles?</h2>There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.<h2>Why do vaccination rates matter?</h2>In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called “herd immunity.”But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.The U.S. saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-cdc-outbreak-chicago-mmr-vaccine-7ecdfef41e6dbd659c7ac8b80d5de38f">a rise in measles cases in 2024</a>, including an outbreak in Chicago that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60.</a>___

Kansas among 5 states with an active measles outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) —The State Department said in a statement Monday that they were removed Sunday night and that the group included murderers and rapists.

The statement didn’t give nationalities, but the office of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said Salvadorans and Venezuelans were among the prisoners.

The men were transported to El Salvador’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-trump-prison-immigrants-4ab3fc3c0474efb308084604b61f8a37">maximum security prison</a>, where they changed into the standard white T-shirts and shorts and had their heads shaved. Hundreds of migrants facing deportation were sent there earlier this month.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The State Department said in a statement Monday that they were removed Sunday night and that the group included murderers and rapists.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Last night, in a joint military operation with our allies from the United States, we transferred 17 extremely dangerous criminals linked to Tren de Aragua and MS-13. All individuals are confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders, including six child rapists. This operation… <a href="https://t.co/Tk1Xq7vnuB">pic.twitter.com/Tk1Xq7vnuB</a>&mdash; Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) <a href="https://twitter.com/nayibbukele/status/1906703745158660177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The statement didn’t give nationalities, but the office of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said Salvadorans and Venezuelans were among the prisoners.The men were transported to El Salvador’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-trump-prison-immigrants-4ab3fc3c0474efb308084604b61f8a37">maximum security prison</a>, where they changed into the standard white T-shirts and shorts and had their heads shaved. Hundreds of migrants facing deportation were sent there earlier this month.

🎥US deports more alleged gang members to El Salvador

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly weekend shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 56-year-old Pamela&nbsp;Ahmed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just before 7p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of E 29th street on a reported shooting.

Upon arrival officers were directed to the front yard of a residence on 29th street. They located a Ahmed suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.

Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743440746210.png" alt="Police on the scene Saturday -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene Saturday -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly weekend shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 56-year-old Pamela&nbsp;Ahmed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just before 7p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of E 29th street on a reported shooting.Upon arrival officers were directed to the front yard of a residence on 29th street. They located a Ahmed suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Police ID Kansas City woman killed in shooting

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Three of the U.S. Army soldiers who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-pabrade-us-soldiers-military-training-c89957fc6a62da8624202095920630e1">went missing in Lithuania</a>&nbsp;have been found dead in their armored vehicle that was pulled from a swampy area early Monday, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command. Another soldier is still missing.

The bodies of the three soldiers were recovered after a massive six-day effort by U.S., Polish and Lithuanian armed forces and authorities to dig the M88 Hercules vehicle out of a peat bog at the expansive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė.

The soldiers were on a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle were reported missing early Tuesday, the Army said.

The command in a statement said the identities of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division soldiers are being withheld pending family notifications.

“We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commander. "But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home. Words cannot express our gratitude to those still working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to rest until all are found.”

Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missing-us-soldiers-swamp-lithuania-drain-f82b38c4598044f2b7f3800ad17013f7">took part in the search</a>&nbsp;through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The armored vehicle was discovered on Wednesday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.

Lithuanian armed forces provided military helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and search and rescue personnel. They brought in additional excavators, sluice and slurry pumps, other heavy construction equipment, technical experts and several hundred tons of gravel and earth to help the recovery.

U.S. Navy divers were able to maneuver through thick layers of mud, clay and sediment “with zero visibility” to reach the 63-ton vehicle Sunday evening and find two points to attach steel cables, according to the command.

The command said that during the effort to pull out the vehicle, it began to lose traction, so additional heavy dozers were brought in and attached to provide additional grip. The vehicle was pulled free after about two hours, the command said.

“The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work,” Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.

The Navy dive team is now searching the area using radar for the fourth soldier who is still missing.

Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, thanked the “heroic efforts” of those involved in the search and recovery. The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating what caused the incident.

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — A U.S. armored vehicle that went missing in Lithuania has been retrieved from a swamp after a six-day search but there is still no information about the fate of the four American soldiers who were on board, Lithuanian officials said Monday.

"The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work," Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.

The soldiers were on a training exercise at the massive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė when they and their vehicle were reported missing in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the U.S. army said.

"Until the investigators have more details, we need to stay calm and focused, and keep in mind the sensitivity of the situation and the concerns of the soldiers' families," Šakalienė posted on Facebook.

She made clear to reporters that the first information about fate of the soldiers will be delivered by the U.S. army.

The soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting tactical training when they went missing.

Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers took part in the search through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, which lies just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The M88 Hercules armored vehicle was discovered on Wedneday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.

A large-scale recovery operation got underway but "water, thick mud and soft ground around the site have complicated recovery efforts and have required specialized equipment to drain water from the side and stabilize the ground" in order to pull the 70-ton vehicle ashore, the army said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743415329786.png" alt="In this image provided by the U.S. Army, U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Lithuanian Army and emergency services personnel, discuss their plan to recover four U.S. soldiers in a U.S. Army M88 Hercules submerged under several meters of water in a swamp near a training area near Pabadre, Lithuania, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (Christopher Saundersn/U.S. Army via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this image provided by the U.S. Army, U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Lithuanian Army and emergency services personnel, discuss their plan to recover four U.S. soldiers in a U.S. Army M88 Hercules submerged under several meters of water in a swamp near a training area near Pabadre, Lithuania, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (Christopher Saundersn/U.S. Army via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LIUDAS DAPKUS Associated PressVILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Three of the U.S. Army soldiers who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-pabrade-us-soldiers-military-training-c89957fc6a62da8624202095920630e1">went missing in Lithuania</a>&nbsp;have been found dead in their armored vehicle that was pulled from a swampy area early Monday, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command. Another soldier is still missing.The bodies of the three soldiers were recovered after a massive six-day effort by U.S., Polish and Lithuanian armed forces and authorities to dig the M88 Hercules vehicle out of a peat bog at the expansive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė.The soldiers were on a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle were reported missing early Tuesday, the Army said.The command in a statement said the identities of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division soldiers are being withheld pending family notifications.“We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commander. "But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home. Words cannot express our gratitude to those still working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to rest until all are found.”Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missing-us-soldiers-swamp-lithuania-drain-f82b38c4598044f2b7f3800ad17013f7">took part in the search</a>&nbsp;through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The armored vehicle was discovered on Wednesday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.Lithuanian armed forces provided military helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and search and rescue personnel. They brought in additional excavators, sluice and slurry pumps, other heavy construction equipment, technical experts and several hundred tons of gravel and earth to help the recovery.U.S. Navy divers were able to maneuver through thick layers of mud, clay and sediment “with zero visibility” to reach the 63-ton vehicle Sunday evening and find two points to attach steel cables, according to the command.The command said that during the effort to pull out the vehicle, it began to lose traction, so additional heavy dozers were brought in and attached to provide additional grip. The vehicle was pulled free after about two hours, the command said.“The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work,” Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.The Navy dive team is now searching the area using radar for the fourth soldier who is still missing.Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, thanked the “heroic efforts” of those involved in the search and recovery. The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating what caused the incident.VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — A U.S. armored vehicle that went missing in Lithuania has been retrieved from a swamp after a six-day search but there is still no information about the fate of the four American soldiers who were on board, Lithuanian officials said Monday."The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work," Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.The soldiers were on a training exercise at the massive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė when they and their vehicle were reported missing in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the U.S. army said."Until the investigators have more details, we need to stay calm and focused, and keep in mind the sensitivity of the situation and the concerns of the soldiers' families," Šakalienė posted on Facebook.She made clear to reporters that the first information about fate of the soldiers will be delivered by the U.S. army.The soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting tactical training when they went missing.Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers took part in the search through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, which lies just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The M88 Hercules armored vehicle was discovered on Wedneday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.A large-scale recovery operation got underway but "water, thick mud and soft ground around the site have complicated recovery efforts and have required specialized equipment to drain water from the side and stabilize the ground" in order to pull the 70-ton vehicle ashore, the army said.

3 US soldiers found dead in armored vehicle in Lithuania; 1 still missing

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;gave out $1 million checks on Sunday to two Wisconsin voters, declaring them spokespeople for his political group, ahead of a Wisconsin Supreme Court election that the tech billionaire cast as critical to President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;agenda and “the future of civilization.”

Taking the stage in Green Bay wearing a yellow foam cheesehead hat, Musk painted the judicial race he has pumped more than $20 million into as pivotal for the country.

Noting the likelihood the state high court will take up redistricting that could give Democrats a chance at winning two additional U.S. House seats, Musk said, “The House majority is now razor thin.”

“And if the (Wisconsin) Supreme Court is able to redraw the districts, they will gerrymander the district and deprive Wisconsin of two seats on the Republican side,” Musk said. “Then they will try to stop all the government reforms we are getting done, for you the American people.”

A unanimous court on Sunday refused to hear a last-minute attempt by the state's Democratic attorney general to stop Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-petition-million-dollars-law-3501e3c50d6c55e585d67da6b5513208">from handing over the checks</a>&nbsp;to two voters, a ruling that came just minutes before the planned start of the rally.

Two lower courts had already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-million-dollar-checks-43fa79215e16c333a1079a86cb9aab08">rejected the legal challenge</a>&nbsp;by Democrat Josh Kaul, who argues that Musk's offer violates a state law. “Wisconsin law prohibits offering anything of value to induce anyone to vote,” Kaul argued in his filing. “Yet, Elon Musk did just that.”

But the state Supreme Court, which is currently controlled 4-3 by liberal justices, declined to take the case as an original action. The court gave no rationale for its decision.

Kaul had no immediate comment on the court's order.

Musk’s attorneys argued in filings with the court that Musk was exercising his free speech rights with the giveaways and any attempt to restrict that would violate both the Wisconsin and U.S. constitutions.

The payments are “intended to generate a grassroots movement in opposition to activist judges, not to expressly advocate for or against any candidate,” Musk’s attorneys argued in court filings.

Wisconsin’s tightly contested Supreme Court election, where ideological control of the court is at stake, is on Tuesday. Liberals currently hold a 4-3 majority.

The court's four liberal justices have endorsed Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate.

Musk’s attorneys, about four hours before the rally was to begin, asked that two liberal justices who have campaigned for Crawford — Jill Karofsky and Rebecca Dallet — recuse themselves from the case. His attorneys argued their work for Crawford creates “the specter of inappropriate bias.” If they did recuse, that would leave the court with a 3-2 conservative majority.

Both justices rejected the request and said they would spell out their reasons why at a later date.

One of the court's conservative justices has endorsed Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, who also has the backing of Trump and Musk. Schimel wore a “Make America Great Again" hat while campaigning Sunday.

Musk and groups he supports have spent more than $20 million to help Schimel get elected.

Schimel said in a national television interview that he does not control “any of the spending from any outside group, whether it’s Elon Musk or anyone else” and that all Trump asked was whether he would “reject activist judges" and follow the law.

“That’s exactly what I’ve committed to anybody, whether it’s President Trump, Elon Musk or any donors and donors or supporters or voters in Wisconsin. That’s my commitment,” Schimel told “Fox News Sunday.”

The contest has shattered national spending records for a judicial election, with more than $81 million in spending.

It comes as Wisconsin’s highest court is expected to rule on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-state-supreme-court-abortion-musk-0a7002302fde1604e5d35ad1b6da7b16">abortion rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-redistricting-congress-b2464b169c671ecf996de0b80005317a">congressional redistricting</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-election-unions-7efb8c9baf6fa2ae0be95ad765321186">union power</a>&nbsp;and voting rules that could affect the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election in the state.

Musk’s political action committee used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-1-million-giveaway-trump-voters-petition-b4e48acbfe04fde735e60b1911ad0197">a nearly identical tactic</a>&nbsp;before the presidential election last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-million-sweepstakes-lottery-pennsylvania-krasner-4f683c48eb7dcc57f183e54ef16e7320">offering to pay</a>&nbsp;$1 million a day to voters in Wisconsin and six other battleground states who signed a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments. A judge in Pennsylvania said prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-million-sweepstakes-lottery-pennsylvania-krasner-a84854e6397ac1440ffb54b13facacf2">failed to show</a>&nbsp;the effort was an illegal lottery and allowed it to continue through Election Day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743386540606.png" alt="Elon Musk as seen in a live stream of his talk on Sunday night" />
 <figcaption>Elon Musk as seen in a live stream of his talk on Sunday night</figcaption>
 </figure>GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;gave out $1 million checks on Sunday to two Wisconsin voters, declaring them spokespeople for his political group, ahead of a Wisconsin Supreme Court election that the tech billionaire cast as critical to President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;agenda and “the future of civilization.”Taking the stage in Green Bay wearing a yellow foam cheesehead hat, Musk painted the judicial race he has pumped more than $20 million into as pivotal for the country.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;Let me first hand out two $1 million checks in appreciation...Reason for the checks is that it&#39;s really just to get attention. It causes legacy media to like kind of lose their minds. Then they&#39;ll run it on every news channel.&quot; -- Elon Musk full video: <a href="https://t.co/MecfkoXYVg">https://t.co/MecfkoXYVg</a> <a href="https://t.co/AMKFahv236">pic.twitter.com/AMKFahv236</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1906681385575674264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Noting the likelihood the state high court will take up redistricting that could give Democrats a chance at winning two additional U.S. House seats, Musk said, “The House majority is now razor thin.”“And if the (Wisconsin) Supreme Court is able to redraw the districts, they will gerrymander the district and deprive Wisconsin of two seats on the Republican side,” Musk said. “Then they will try to stop all the government reforms we are getting done, for you the American people.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;Thanks for coming. What do you think of my hat?&quot; - Elon Musk in Wisconsin <a href="https://t.co/8LRD93ING5">pic.twitter.com/8LRD93ING5</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1906741983562838361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A unanimous court on Sunday refused to hear a last-minute attempt by the state's Democratic attorney general to stop Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-petition-million-dollars-law-3501e3c50d6c55e585d67da6b5513208">from handing over the checks</a>&nbsp;to two voters, a ruling that came just minutes before the planned start of the rally.Two lower courts had already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-million-dollar-checks-43fa79215e16c333a1079a86cb9aab08">rejected the legal challenge</a>&nbsp;by Democrat Josh Kaul, who argues that Musk's offer violates a state law. “Wisconsin law prohibits offering anything of value to induce anyone to vote,” Kaul argued in his filing. “Yet, Elon Musk did just that.”But the state Supreme Court, which is currently controlled 4-3 by liberal justices, declined to take the case as an original action. The court gave no rationale for its decision.Kaul had no immediate comment on the court's order.Musk’s attorneys argued in filings with the court that Musk was exercising his free speech rights with the giveaways and any attempt to restrict that would violate both the Wisconsin and U.S. constitutions.The payments are “intended to generate a grassroots movement in opposition to activist judges, not to expressly advocate for or against any candidate,” Musk’s attorneys argued in court filings.Wisconsin’s tightly contested Supreme Court election, where ideological control of the court is at stake, is on Tuesday. Liberals currently hold a 4-3 majority.The court's four liberal justices have endorsed Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate.Musk’s attorneys, about four hours before the rally was to begin, asked that two liberal justices who have campaigned for Crawford — Jill Karofsky and Rebecca Dallet — recuse themselves from the case. His attorneys argued their work for Crawford creates “the specter of inappropriate bias.” If they did recuse, that would leave the court with a 3-2 conservative majority.Both justices rejected the request and said they would spell out their reasons why at a later date.One of the court's conservative justices has endorsed Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, who also has the backing of Trump and Musk. Schimel wore a “Make America Great Again" hat while campaigning Sunday.Musk and groups he supports have spent more than $20 million to help Schimel get elected.Schimel said in a national television interview that he does not control “any of the spending from any outside group, whether it’s Elon Musk or anyone else” and that all Trump asked was whether he would “reject activist judges" and follow the law.“That’s exactly what I’ve committed to anybody, whether it’s President Trump, Elon Musk or any donors and donors or supporters or voters in Wisconsin. That’s my commitment,” Schimel told “Fox News Sunday.”The contest has shattered national spending records for a judicial election, with more than $81 million in spending.It comes as Wisconsin’s highest court is expected to rule on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-state-supreme-court-abortion-musk-0a7002302fde1604e5d35ad1b6da7b16">abortion rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-redistricting-congress-b2464b169c671ecf996de0b80005317a">congressional redistricting</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-election-unions-7efb8c9baf6fa2ae0be95ad765321186">union power</a>&nbsp;and voting rules that could affect the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election in the state.Musk’s political action committee used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-1-million-giveaway-trump-voters-petition-b4e48acbfe04fde735e60b1911ad0197">a nearly identical tactic</a>&nbsp;before the presidential election last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-million-sweepstakes-lottery-pennsylvania-krasner-4f683c48eb7dcc57f183e54ef16e7320">offering to pay</a>&nbsp;$1 million a day to voters in Wisconsin and six other battleground states who signed a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments. A judge in Pennsylvania said prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-million-sweepstakes-lottery-pennsylvania-krasner-a84854e6397ac1440ffb54b13facacf2">failed to show</a>&nbsp;the effort was an illegal lottery and allowed it to continue through Election Day.

🎥Elon Musk hands out $1 million checks to voters ahead of important election

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 6p.m. March 27, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to check the welfare of two individuals sitting in a vehicle at the Dollar General store in Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the encounter, the deputies with the assistance of Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol found illegal drugs including fentanyl, controlled substances, THC and numerous drug paraphernalia items. 

Deputies&nbsp;arrested 31-year-old Cassidy Nicole Howland, of Lawrence on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.&nbsp; 

They also arrested 33-year-old Jonathan David King, of Lawrence on requested charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743162901122.png" alt="King photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>King photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 6p.m. March 27, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to check the welfare of two individuals sitting in a vehicle at the Dollar General store in Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743162814374.png" alt="Howland photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Howland photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the encounter, the deputies with the assistance of Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol found illegal drugs including fentanyl, controlled substances, THC and numerous drug paraphernalia items. Deputies&nbsp;arrested 31-year-old Cassidy Nicole Howland, of Lawrence on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.&nbsp; They also arrested 33-year-old Jonathan David King, of Lawrence on requested charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kan. couple caught with fentanyl outside Dollar General

BOSTON (AP) — Maxim Naumov came to a stop in the middle of the ice, looked up at the sky and patted his heart. Then he mouthed a few words, in Russian, to his parents:

“This is for you guys. You guys are with me. I love you both.”

Former world pairs champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova died in January when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-62adba7fb1f546b4cf1716e42b86482b">their plane crashed into a military helicopter</a>&nbsp;on approach to Washington, D.C., and fell into the icy Potomac River. A total of 67 people were killed, including more than two dozen who were returning from a development camp following the U.S. figure skating championships in Wichita, Kansas.

Maxim Naumov, who finished fourth at nationals, already had returned home. Since the crash, he has become in many ways the face of the tragedy — or at least its effect on the skating community.

“I don’t think I’ve walked through a hallway and haven’t given a hug since. And I feel that support and love,” he said Sunday. “It’s been beyond anything that I could have ever even imagined. And it helps so much to get through this day.

“It’s overwhelming,” he said. “But it makes my heart so full.”

Naumov, 23, skated in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-helicopter-jet-crash-figure-skaters-58511d50373d7c3910fea82edc676078">a benefit in Washington</a>&nbsp;earlier this month that raised more than $1.2 million for the victims’ families. Speaking to reporters Sunday after performing at the world championships gala, Naumov said the time that he is on the ice gives his mind a chance to escape the tragedy.

“As soon as I hit the ice, my brain just — I don’t know whether it’s focus or just calmness or stillness or what, but it feels like I tune everything out,” he said. “And I’m just talking with them, and they’re helping me.

“I don’t hear the crowd. I don’t hear the announcers, I don’t hear anything. I just have this internal dialogue and I’m just able to almost be calm and just be in my heart,” Naumov said. “And they’re always there, too. And every time I think of them, especially when I’m on the ice, it really, really helps me get through.”

The world championships, which had previously been scheduled at the home of Boston's Celtics and Bruins, brought renewed attention to the plane crash and&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/search/text?all=false&amp;endDate=2006-07-29T04:00:00.000Z&amp;sourceType=ap&amp;dateRangeType=live&amp;mediaSortType=newest&amp;pagesize=100&amp;viewType=conversation&amp;keyword=category:sports%20AND%20skating&amp;storyType=clean&amp;mediatype=text&amp;startDate=1996-06-29T04:00:00.000Z&amp;pagenumber=0">the century-old Skating Club of Boston</a>&nbsp;that has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-plane-crash-figure-skating-club-boston-a2f015f02dab4cc2c22146dc1758de5d">home for Olympians</a>&nbsp;and recreational skaters alike.

There was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/figure-skating-tribute-world-championships-e1476d61759f6a0aab01d2b1366b71f8">a tribute on Wednesday</a>, sandwiched between the day's two sessions, and frequent reminders of the tragedy.

Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, who finished sixth in pairs this weekend, held up pictures of the Boston club members who died in the crash: two young skaters, their mothers and the two coaches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/figure-skating-world-championships-amber-glenn-e0596b208d4a83141640dd364244be18">Reigning U.S. champion Amber Glenn</a>&nbsp;wore a T-shirt honoring the memory of all the young skaters who were lost.

Ilia Malinin, the “Quad God” who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/figure-skating-world-championships-usa-americans-2bdf829ff3ab3b2a3f11dc102fb0308d">won his second straight world championship</a>&nbsp;on Saturday night, finished the show on Sunday with a performance that he said was dedicated to the plane crash victims. He came to the end, red-eyed and choking back tears.

Naumov’s introduction on Sunday identified him as a member of the Boston club and included his three fourth-place finishes at nationals. It didn’t mention the crash, but many in the crowd surely knew his connection: He received not only the polite applause that greeted most of the other skaters, but a second wave, with individuals standing to cheer him on.

Wearing unadorned black pants and a sparkly black top, a gold chain flopping around his neck as he glided across the ice, Naumov gave a gala performance aimed more at emotion than proof of athletic prowess.

The choice of music, Mac Miller’s posthumous 2020 release “That’s on Me,” was intentional. Miller died of an accidental drug overdose in 2018.

“Lately, for some reason — well, not for some reason — but lately I’ve just been listening to Mac Miller’s album ‘Circles.’ Like just over and over and over,” Naumov said. “And knowing the unfortunate story about him as an artist, it’s been very relatable.

“I relate to it, and I feel really deeply and emotionally what he’s talking about in those songs. And it’s also been really helpful for me to almost get my emotions out in that way personally.”

When his&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/this-just-in.bsky.social/post/3llmjsm6iwk2o">skate was over</a>, Naumov took a deep breath, patted his heart again and waved in each direction. His bows were deep and poignant. Leaving the ice after a one-minute standing ovation, he made the sign of the cross.

“There’s a lot of emotions just right now, and it’s hard to even put a name to what I’m feeling currently," he said. "I just feel so much support, and it’s very overwhelming.

“I have so much gratitude," Naumov said. “And I’m thankful for each and every single one of those fans.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743382387471.png" alt="Flowers and remembrances are displayed for the six athletes, coaches and family members who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" />
 <figcaption>Flowers and remembrances are displayed for the six athletes, coaches and family members who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Maxim Naumov came to a stop in the middle of the ice, looked up at the sky and patted his heart. Then he mouthed a few words, in Russian, to his parents:“This is for you guys. You guys are with me. I love you both.”Former world pairs champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova died in January when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-62adba7fb1f546b4cf1716e42b86482b">their plane crashed into a military helicopter</a>&nbsp;on approach to Washington, D.C., and fell into the icy Potomac River. A total of 67 people were killed, including more than two dozen who were returning from a development camp following the U.S. figure skating championships in Wichita, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743425359637.png" alt="Max Naumov reacts after performing Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Washington at the Legacy on Ice event, a figure skating tribute to support the families and loved ones affected by the Jan. 29, 2025, aviation incident. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)" />
 <figcaption>Max Naumov reacts after performing Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Washington at the Legacy on Ice event, a figure skating tribute to support the families and loved ones affected by the Jan. 29, 2025, aviation incident. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)</figcaption>
 </figure>Maxim Naumov, who finished fourth at nationals, already had returned home. Since the crash, he has become in many ways the face of the tragedy — or at least its effect on the skating community.“I don’t think I’ve walked through a hallway and haven’t given a hug since. And I feel that support and love,” he said Sunday. “It’s been beyond anything that I could have ever even imagined. And it helps so much to get through this day.“It’s overwhelming,” he said. “But it makes my heart so full.”Naumov, 23, skated in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-helicopter-jet-crash-figure-skaters-58511d50373d7c3910fea82edc676078">a benefit in Washington</a>&nbsp;earlier this month that raised more than $1.2 million for the victims’ families. Speaking to reporters Sunday after performing at the world championships gala, Naumov said the time that he is on the ice gives his mind a chance to escape the tragedy.“As soon as I hit the ice, my brain just — I don’t know whether it’s focus or just calmness or stillness or what, but it feels like I tune everything out,” he said. “And I’m just talking with them, and they’re helping me.“I don’t hear the crowd. I don’t hear the announcers, I don’t hear anything. I just have this internal dialogue and I’m just able to almost be calm and just be in my heart,” Naumov said. “And they’re always there, too. And every time I think of them, especially when I’m on the ice, it really, really helps me get through.”The world championships, which had previously been scheduled at the home of Boston's Celtics and Bruins, brought renewed attention to the plane crash and&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/search/text?all=false&amp;endDate=2006-07-29T04:00:00.000Z&amp;sourceType=ap&amp;dateRangeType=live&amp;mediaSortType=newest&amp;pagesize=100&amp;viewType=conversation&amp;keyword=category:sports%20AND%20skating&amp;storyType=clean&amp;mediatype=text&amp;startDate=1996-06-29T04:00:00.000Z&amp;pagenumber=0">the century-old Skating Club of Boston</a>&nbsp;that has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-plane-crash-figure-skating-club-boston-a2f015f02dab4cc2c22146dc1758de5d">home for Olympians</a>&nbsp;and recreational skaters alike.There was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/figure-skating-tribute-world-championships-e1476d61759f6a0aab01d2b1366b71f8">a tribute on Wednesday</a>, sandwiched between the day's two sessions, and frequent reminders of the tragedy.Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, who finished sixth in pairs this weekend, held up pictures of the Boston club members who died in the crash: two young skaters, their mothers and the two coaches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/figure-skating-world-championships-amber-glenn-e0596b208d4a83141640dd364244be18">Reigning U.S. champion Amber Glenn</a>&nbsp;wore a T-shirt honoring the memory of all the young skaters who were lost.Ilia Malinin, the “Quad God” who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/figure-skating-world-championships-usa-americans-2bdf829ff3ab3b2a3f11dc102fb0308d">won his second straight world championship</a>&nbsp;on Saturday night, finished the show on Sunday with a performance that he said was dedicated to the plane crash victims. He came to the end, red-eyed and choking back tears.Naumov’s introduction on Sunday identified him as a member of the Boston club and included his three fourth-place finishes at nationals. It didn’t mention the crash, but many in the crowd surely knew his connection: He received not only the polite applause that greeted most of the other skaters, but a second wave, with individuals standing to cheer him on.Wearing unadorned black pants and a sparkly black top, a gold chain flopping around his neck as he glided across the ice, Naumov gave a gala performance aimed more at emotion than proof of athletic prowess.The choice of music, Mac Miller’s posthumous 2020 release “That’s on Me,” was intentional. Miller died of an accidental drug overdose in 2018.“Lately, for some reason — well, not for some reason — but lately I’ve just been listening to Mac Miller’s album ‘Circles.’ Like just over and over and over,” Naumov said. “And knowing the unfortunate story about him as an artist, it’s been very relatable.“I relate to it, and I feel really deeply and emotionally what he’s talking about in those songs. And it’s also been really helpful for me to almost get my emotions out in that way personally.”When his&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/this-just-in.bsky.social/post/3llmjsm6iwk2o">skate was over</a>, Naumov took a deep breath, patted his heart again and waved in each direction. His bows were deep and poignant. Leaving the ice after a one-minute standing ovation, he made the sign of the cross.“There’s a lot of emotions just right now, and it’s hard to even put a name to what I’m feeling currently," he said. "I just feel so much support, and it’s very overwhelming.“I have so much gratitude," Naumov said. “And I’m thankful for each and every single one of those fans.”

Skater, whose parents died on flight from Kansas, performs at gala

UPDATE: The hearing scheduled on March 31 was continued for the second time. According to court records, Barrioz's next court date is set for April 14.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman is due back in court Monday afternoon.

Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.

Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730458850794.png" alt="The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash" />
 <figcaption>The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The hearing scheduled on March 31 was continued for the second time. According to court records, Barrioz's next court date is set for April 14.SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman is due back in court Monday afternoon.Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730284905956.png" alt="Barrioz photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Barrioz photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

Plea hearing delayed for stolen vehicle crash that killed Kansas woman

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Sunday that “I’m not joking” about trying to serve a third term, the clearest indication he is considering ways to breach a constitutional barrier against continuing to lead the country after his second term ends at the beginning of 2029.

“There are methods which you could do it,” Trump said in a telephone interview with NBC News from Mar-a-Lago, his private club.

He elaborated later to reporters on Air Force One from Florida to Washington that "I have had more people ask me to have a third term, which in a way is a fourth term because the other election, the 2020 election was totally rigged.” Trump lost that election to Democrat Joe Biden.

Still, Trump added: “I don’t want to talk about a third term now because no matter how you look at it, we’ve got a long time to go.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-third-term-constitution-22nd-amendment-538c4e09fc2898c11a499513ee0d498c">The 22nd Amendment</a>, added to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R40864#:~:text=The%20Twenty%2DSecond%20Amendment%2C%20ratified,of%20the%20President%20they%20succeeded.">Constitution in 1951</a>&nbsp;after President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected four times in a row, says “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”

Any attempt to remain in office would be legally suspect and it is unclear how seriously Trump might pursue the idea. The comments nonetheless were an extraordinary reflection of the desire to maintain power by a president who had violated democratic traditions four years ago when he tried to overturn the election he lost to Biden.

“This is yet another escalation in his clear effort to take over the government and dismantle our democracy," said a statement from Rep. Daniel Goldman, a New York Democrat who served as lead counsel for Trump's first impeachment. "If Congressional Republicans believe in the Constitution, they will go on the record opposing Trump’s ambitions for a third term.”

Steve Bannon, a former Trump strategist who runs the right-wing “War Room” podcast, called for the president to run again during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month.

Kayla Thompson, a 30-year-old former paralegal in Wisconsin, said she would “absolutely” like Trump to serve another term.

“America needs him. America is headed in the right direction and, if he doesn’t do it, we’re probably headed backwards," said Thompson, who was attending a campaign event Sunday with Elon Musk in Green Bay for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-million-dollar-giveaway-cdea66e0dcbaa53dd183e1d10bee2b35">a state Supreme Court race.</a>

Jeremy Paul, a constitutional law professor at Boston’s Northeastern University, said "there are no credible legal arguments for him to run for a third term.”

NBC's Kristen Welker asked Trump if one potential avenue to a third term was having Vice President JD Vance run for the top job and “then pass the baton to you.”

“Well, that’s one,” Trump responded. “But there are others too. There are others.”

“Can you tell me another?” Welker asked.

Vance’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

Derek Muller, a professor of election law at Notre Dame, noted that the&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-12/">12th Amendment</a>, which was ratified in 1804, says “no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States.”

Muller said that indicates that if Trump is not eligible to run for president again because of the 22nd Amendment, he is not eligible to run for vice president, either.

“I don’t think there’s any ‘one weird trick’ to getting around presidential term limits,” Muller said.

In addition, pursuing a third term would require extraordinary acquiescence by federal and state officials, not to mention the courts and voters themselves.

He suggested that Trump is talking about a third term for political reasons to “show as much strength as possible.”

“A lame-duck president like Donald Trump has every incentive in the world to make it seem like he’s not a lame duck,” he said.

Trump, who would be 82 at the end of his second term, was asked whether he would want to keep serving in “the toughest job in the country” at that point.

“Well, I like working,” the president said.

Trump suggested that Americans would go along with a third term because of his popularity. He falsely claimed to have “the highest poll numbers of any Republican for the last 100 years.”

<a href="https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/presidential-job-approval-all-data">Gallup data</a>&nbsp;shows President George W. Bush reaching a 90% approval rating after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. His father, President George H.W. Bush, hit 89% following the Gulf War in 1991.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Sunday that “I’m not joking” about trying to serve a third term, the clearest indication he is considering ways to breach a constitutional barrier against continuing to lead the country after his second term ends at the beginning of 2029.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A third term for President Trump? He talks about it on Air Force One ... <a href="https://t.co/PIUhZgyICY">pic.twitter.com/PIUhZgyICY</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1906654188878106874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“There are methods which you could do it,” Trump said in a telephone interview with NBC News from Mar-a-Lago, his private club.He elaborated later to reporters on Air Force One from Florida to Washington that "I have had more people ask me to have a third term, which in a way is a fourth term because the other election, the 2020 election was totally rigged.” Trump lost that election to Democrat Joe Biden.Still, Trump added: “I don’t want to talk about a third term now because no matter how you look at it, we’ve got a long time to go.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-third-term-constitution-22nd-amendment-538c4e09fc2898c11a499513ee0d498c">The 22nd Amendment</a>, added to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R40864#:~:text=The%20Twenty%2DSecond%20Amendment%2C%20ratified,of%20the%20President%20they%20succeeded.">Constitution in 1951</a>&nbsp;after President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected four times in a row, says “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”Any attempt to remain in office would be legally suspect and it is unclear how seriously Trump might pursue the idea. The comments nonetheless were an extraordinary reflection of the desire to maintain power by a president who had violated democratic traditions four years ago when he tried to overturn the election he lost to Biden.“This is yet another escalation in his clear effort to take over the government and dismantle our democracy," said a statement from Rep. Daniel Goldman, a New York Democrat who served as lead counsel for Trump's first impeachment. "If Congressional Republicans believe in the Constitution, they will go on the record opposing Trump’s ambitions for a third term.”Steve Bannon, a former Trump strategist who runs the right-wing “War Room” podcast, called for the president to run again during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month."We want Trump in ’28," he said.Kayla Thompson, a 30-year-old former paralegal in Wisconsin, said she would “absolutely” like Trump to serve another term.“America needs him. America is headed in the right direction and, if he doesn’t do it, we’re probably headed backwards," said Thompson, who was attending a campaign event Sunday with Elon Musk in Green Bay for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-million-dollar-giveaway-cdea66e0dcbaa53dd183e1d10bee2b35">a state Supreme Court race.</a>Jeremy Paul, a constitutional law professor at Boston’s Northeastern University, said "there are no credible legal arguments for him to run for a third term.”NBC's Kristen Welker asked Trump if one potential avenue to a third term was having Vice President JD Vance run for the top job and “then pass the baton to you.”“Well, that’s one,” Trump responded. “But there are others too. There are others.”“Can you tell me another?” Welker asked.“No,” Trump replied.Vance’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.Derek Muller, a professor of election law at Notre Dame, noted that the&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-12/">12th Amendment</a>, which was ratified in 1804, says “no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States.”Muller said that indicates that if Trump is not eligible to run for president again because of the 22nd Amendment, he is not eligible to run for vice president, either.“I don’t think there’s any ‘one weird trick’ to getting around presidential term limits,” Muller said.In addition, pursuing a third term would require extraordinary acquiescence by federal and state officials, not to mention the courts and voters themselves.He suggested that Trump is talking about a third term for political reasons to “show as much strength as possible.”“A lame-duck president like Donald Trump has every incentive in the world to make it seem like he’s not a lame duck,” he said.Trump, who would be 82 at the end of his second term, was asked whether he would want to keep serving in “the toughest job in the country” at that point.“Well, I like working,” the president said.Trump suggested that Americans would go along with a third term because of his popularity. He falsely claimed to have “the highest poll numbers of any Republican for the last 100 years.”<a href="https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/presidential-job-approval-all-data">Gallup data</a>&nbsp;shows President George W. Bush reaching a 90% approval rating after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. His father, President George H.W. Bush, hit 89% following the Gulf War in 1991.Trump has maxed out at 47% in Gallup data during his second term, despite claiming to be "in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls.”Trump has mused before about serving longer than two terms before, generally with jokes to friendly audiences.“Am I allowed to run again?” he said during a House Republican retreat in January.Representatives for the congressional leadership — House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York — did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the AP.___Associated Press writers Tom Beaumont in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Gary Fields in Washington contributed to this report.