As the House continues its work after last week's "Turnover" deadline, I cast several high-profile votes to protect the free market and the pockets of Kansas taxpayers. While some bills are framed as "economic development," the reality is often a shift toward state-managed economies that favor the well-connected.

HB 2434: A Budget of Misplaced Priorities

I voted No on the state budget for fiscal years 2026–2028. While this bill adds significant new spending, it fails in two critical areas:

· Ignoring Special Education (SPED): The budget continues to underfund our statutory obligations to SPED. We cannot justify a record-breaking budget that leaves our school districts and most vulnerable students behind.

· Expanding State Bureaucracy into Private Malls: Hidden within the budget language is a major policy shift: It authorizes the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA) to issue bonds for private development projects, including "dilapidated malls." Historically, the KDFA has primarily focused on state projects (office buildings), public infrastructure (water/wastewater), and specific statutory programs like higher education facilities. Using this authority for private retail ventures is a dangerous expansion of state power.

I voted No on the extension of the STAR Bond program. My "No" vote is supported by objective data from the Kansas Legislative Post Audit, which found that only a minority of STAR Bond districts actually met the state’s own tourism benchmarks. A 2021 audit found that for 81% of these projects, the development simply "shifted" existing economic activity from one part of Kansas to another rather than bringing in new out-of-state revenue.

Explanation of Vote submitted to the House Journal:

“I vote NO on SB 197. Economic development deals often exist not to create jobs, but to convince voters that politicians are responsible for them. By using tools like STAR Bonds, the government picks winners and losers, distorts the free market, and unnecessarily expands its own reach. These deals prioritize political optics over sound economics. I support limited government and a true free-market economy; therefore, I trust the market—not politicians—to drive sustainable growth.”

I voted against this property tax "lid" because it is a hollow promise to working families.

· The Issue: It creates a 3% cap for counties but provides zero state-level incentives to help them achieve it.

· The Stand: Without real state support, this bill is a "one-size-fits-all" mandate that doesn't provide the structural relief or transparency that Kansas homeowners actually need to make ends meet.

My ultimate goal on taxes is to eliminate special interest tax credits and exemptions so we can lower rates for everyone. Whether it is using the KDFA to fund private malls in the budget bill or expanding STAR Bonds, the current system rewards those who can afford a lobbyist. I believe tax relief should be a right for every Kansan, not a reward for the well-connected. If we clean up the code and stop these carve-outs, we can provide true, broad-based relief for every kitchen table in our district.

While I voted against HB 2434 and HB 2745, both bills passed the House and have advanced to the Senate for further consideration. Regarding SB 197, since it was amended by the House, it will now return to the Senate. The Senate will then decide whether to concur (agree) with our amendments or non-concur and request a conference committee to negotiate the final language.

Thank you to the many constituents who have reached out to share their thoughts on these crucial issues. Hearing from you helps me as I work to represent over 23,000 people from the 71st District in your Kansas House of Representatives. Whether it is keeping our tax code fair or ensuring our state budget reflects our shared priorities, your feedback is invaluable.

Rep. Steven Howe provides legislative update

In celebration of National Fair Housing Month, the City of Salina’s Community Relations Division will hold its Annual Fair Housing Seminar on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at OCCK, Inc., 1710 W. Schilling Rd., Salina, KS.&nbsp;

The Fair Housing Seminar is a full-day educational opportunity for tenants, landlords, property managers, realtors, attorneys, social workers, service providers and all other individuals interested in learning about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. 

- Nick Blessing, Staff Attorney for Kansas Legal Services.

- Michelle Ewert, Professor and Director of Law Clinic at Washburn Law.

- Ruth Glover, Executive Director of Kansas Human Rights Commission.

- Nate Johnson, Assistant City Attorney for the City of Wichita.

- Don Crutcher, Building Official for the City of Salina. 

- Kansas Residential Landlord Tenant Act.

- Code Enforcement and Property Maintenance.

The Fair Housing Seminar is pending accreditation for continuing education credits for attorneys, social workers, and realtors. 

To view the status of available credits, visit the <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/FairHousingSeminar">Fair Housing Seminar website</a> or call the Community Relations Division. CEU credits for social workers have an additional fee of $20. There are no additional fees for continuing educational credits for attorneys and realtors.

The registration fee is $30 per attendee with lunch provided.

Registration forms are available online or in person at the Community Relations Division office in the City-County Building. Completed registration forms and payments should be mailed or dropped off by April 17, 2026, to the Salina Community Relations Division, 300 W. Ash, Room 101, Salina, KS 67401.

For more information, call (785) 309-5745 or visit <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/fairhousingseminar">www.salina-ks.gov/fairhousingseminar</a>.

For needed accommodations, please call the Community Relations Division between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities with at least 5 business days notice prior to the event.

Educational event in Salina to discuss fair housing, tenant rights/responsibilities and section 8 housing

The Smoky Hill Museum is one of the first venues in the country to host Americans, a new Smithsonian traveling exhibition touring the nation.

Based on an exhibition of the same name at the National Museum of the American Indian and curated by Paul Chaat Smith (Comanche) and Cécile R. Ganteaume, the Americans exhibition uncovers the many ways American Indian images, names, and stories have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began.

American Indians are less than one percent of the population, yet images of American Indians are everywhere. From imagery on commercial products and professional and high school sports mascots, to classic Westerns and episodes of Seinfeld and South Park, we are surrounded by American Indian imagery. American Indian names are everywhere, too, from state, city, and street names to the Tomahawk missile.

Americans uses historical photographs and objects representative of those in the Smithsonian's collection to tell their stories and it explores the lasting legacies of Pocahontas, the 1830 Indian Removal Act, and the 1876 Battle of Little Big Horn.

In addition, “The Americans tour provides an opportunity for Kansans to tell their stories alongside a dynamic national exhibition from the Smithsonian,” said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas executive director. At the Smoky Hill Museum, we will be telling the story of the Battle of Indian Rock in conjunction with the Americans.

The Smithsonian exhibition comes to Kansas through an exclusive partnership between Humanities Kansas and the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program.

The Kansas tour of “Americans” is made possible by support from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation and the Sunflower Foundation. Special thanks to our generous local sponsors: Dean and Debra Lewis

Smoky Hill Museum presents Americans: A Smithsonian traveling exhibit

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Liquor; Purch/poss/consume 18-20 yrs; unkn conv; Poss of marijuana; Reckless Driving

NAME:&nbsp;Cervantes,Brandon Carmen

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Probation Violation (2)

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown; Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

NAME:&nbsp;Michaelis,Charles Herbert Shane

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher; Improper driving on laned roadway; Circumvention of Ignition Interlock device

*No image available for&nbsp;Ramirez,Maurscso (21)*

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 100 grams - &lt; 1 kilogram; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; No Proof Of Insurance; Poss of marijuana; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

NAME:&nbsp;Ramirez-Valdiviezo,Guillermo Alejandro

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 28

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Saturday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Explorer driven by Richelle N.&nbsp;Howard, 36, New Cambria, was northbound on Niles Road at E. Shipton Road. The SUV veered to the left side of the road and the driver corrected. The SUV crossed Niles Road, traveled off the west side of the road and rolled onto the passenger side.

EMS transported&nbsp;Howard to Salina Regional Health Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Saline County woman injured in rollover accident

Salina Vortex Corporation (aka Vortex Companies) has announced it has officially changed its corporate name to Velocity Flow Technologies. 

The new name reflects the company’s evolution from a single-brand manufacturer into a multi-disciplinary industrial platform offering engineered products and manufacturing capabilities that support customers across dry bulk material handling, process equipment, and related industrial applications.

“Over the last decade-plus, we’ve deliberately expanded our capabilities through acquisition, product development, and investment in engineering and manufacturing,” said Travis Young, CEO. “The Salina Vortex name carries tremendous legacy, but our company today is bigger than one brand and broader than one product category. Velocity Flow Technologies better represents who we are now—and where we’re going.”

Velocity Flow Technologies has broadened its operating footprint through a series of strategic moves over the past 12 years, including:

- PMC (2013), now operating as Vortex Loading Solutions

- Kasa Fab (2018), now operating as Spectrum Metalcraft

- Abrasive Blast Systems (2024), now operating as Fortress Blast Systems

These additions complement the organization’s established strengths in proprietary equipment design, engineering, programming, and highly customized made-to-order manufacturing.

The corporate name change to Velocity Flow Technologies does not change the company’s ownership, leadership, customer commitments, or day-to-day operations. Existing contracts, warranties, purchase orders, and customer relationships remain in place without interruption.

“Our customers count on us for responsiveness, engineering depth, and reliable delivery,” said Young. “This name change is about clarity and alignment—not changing what works. We’re continuing to build a company that earns trust by living our values and solving hard problems for customers.”

Velocity Flow Technologies will continue operating its portfolio of businesses and product lines, with each maintaining its market-facing identity while leveraging shared resources and best practices across the platform.

The Velocity Flow Technologies name is intended to better support the company’s long-term strategy: investing in people and engineering talent, expanding product capabilities, pursuing disciplined growth, and building an enduring organization rooted in the company’s core values of Passion, Humility, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy. 

You can learn more at <a href="http://www.velocityflowtech.com">www.velocityflowtech.com</a>.

Salina Vortex renames company to Velocity Flow Technologies, reflecting evolution

DICKINSON COUNTY -&nbsp;More than 200 business leaders, nonprofit partners, elected officials, and community members gathered February 21 at Sand Springs Venue for Driving Dickinson County’s 2026 Annual Gala &amp; Best of the Best Awards, a sold-out event recognizing excellence across the region.

With 76 nominees across 11 award categories, the evening honored individuals, organizations, and businesses helping drive economic growth and community impact throughout Dickinson County.

The following businesses and individuals were recognized at the 2026 Annual Gala: 

· Business of the Year: Almost Home Realty 

· Community Catalyst of the Year: Ross Taplin 

· Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Chris Krenzin, 7-Ate-5 

· Best Professional Business: State Farm – Amanda West 

· Best Non-Profit / Government Organization: The Hope Center 

· Best Customer Service: Abilene Animal Hospital 

Almost Home Realty owner Shelly Crane said the recognition represents more than business success.

“Every home purchase or sale represents someone choosing to live, work, and invest in Dickinson County,” Crane said. “We view this recognition not as a finish line, but as encouragement to continue raising the standard of service and helping our community grow.”

The Gala marked CEO Natalie Muruato’s first as leader of the organization.

“The energy in the room reflected a community that is engaged, collaborative, and proud of the progress happening across Dickinson County,” Muruato said. “When we publicly recognize excellence, we strengthen visibility, confidence, and long-term economic momentum for our region.”

Board Chair Kenny Roelofsen emphasized the broader significance of the awards.

“The caliber of this year’s nominees and recipients speaks volumes about the strength of our local business climate,” Roelofsen said. “Collaboration between private business, nonprofit organizations, and community partners drives sustainable growth.”

The evening also included the unveiling of Driving Dickinson County’s refreshed brand identity — a milestone underscoring the organization’s continued focus on forward direction and regional collaboration.

“This wasn’t just about modernizing a logo,” said Jackie Hynes, Events &amp; Marketing Director. “It was about visually capturing who we are and where we’re headed — intentionally, collaboratively, and with purpose.”

The 2026 Gala was made possible through the support of community partners and sponsors, including Twin Valley, Holm Automotive, Lucinda’s Katering, Michela Brown Photography, The Renaissance Jazz Group, and Don’s Tires, which provided decorative elements reflecting the event’s “Driving” theme.

For a full recap and photo gallery, visit: <a href="https://www.dkedc.com/business/2025-business-best-of-the-best">https://www.dkedc.com/business/2025-business-best-of-the-best</a>

Driving Dickinson County celebrates excellence at 2026 Best of the Best Award

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent, Central Kansas District Kansas State University

Walk Kansas 2026 is just around the corner. This popular wellness program is also a perfect fit for workplace wellness initiatives. 

Now in it’s 26th year, Walk Kansas is built around the nationally-recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and makes it easy for employees to reach that goal through walking and other forms of movement – because all activity counts. The program runs March 22 – May 16, with registration opening March 1.

The participation fee is $10 per person, with teams encouraged (4-6 members per team is ideal, but teams can be smaller or larger.)

For more information, contact Lisa Newman at lmnewman@ksu.edu or call:&nbsp;785-309-5850. Visit <a href="https://www.walkkansasonline.org">https://www.walkkansasonline.org</a> to register.

Why Walk Kansas as a Workplace Wellness Program? 

Workplace wellness initiatives have become increasingly common and valued by employers because they support both employee health and organizational success. Research and public health guidance show that promoting physical activity and healthy habits in work environments can: 

Improve employee health behaviors – Programs that encourage regular activity have been shown to increase physical activity and weight management efforts among participants.

Reduce absenteeism and increase productivity – Healthier, more active employees tend to take fewer sick days and bring higher energy and engagement at work.

Enhance morale, recruitment and retention – Employers that support wellness often see improved workplace culture, increased morale, and better ability to attract and retain talent.

Provide economic value over time – Evidence suggests that well-designed wellness efforts can offer a positive return on investment by improving health outcomes and lowering long-term costs.

This year’s program includes a refreshed online platform, making sign-up and tracking easier than ever for both individual participants and teams. Step-by-step instructions are available to help employers and employees register with confidence. 

Community partners such as the Salina Family YMCA and the Ottawa County Health Center Wellness Center are also supporting Walk Kansas participants by providing spaces and resources to be active throughout the 8-week program.

Walk Kansas is a K-State Extension health initiative that promotes personal health and well-being by helping participants adopt healthful lifestyle habits.&nbsp;

Walk Kansas 2026: A fun and affordable workplace wellness opportunity for local employers

Two fires were reported to have occurred in Saline County.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office, on Thursday there were fires that happened at 2:15 pm and 10:39 pm.

The afternoon fire occurred south of Burma road, where a pasture fire started by a failed bearing in a Land Pride mower deck.

Rural Fire District (RFD) #2, 3 &amp; 6 responded and extinguished the fire.

Loss and damage was listed as&nbsp;$3,000.

The evening fire was a grass fire that occurred in a walk-in-hunting area on the NE corner of Magnolia and Simpson. 

RFD #5 responded and extinguished the fire, which was suspicious in nature. 

Sheriff: Two fires reported in Saline County, mower deck and grassland incidents

A man was arrested for setting a truck on fire in a north Salina neighborhood.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Thursday at around 9:45 am, an officer on patrol in the area of the 700 block of N. 9th observed a 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 truck parked in a driveway of what seemed to have a fire underneath the vehicle.

The officer then discovered 42-year old, David Garrett in the driveway during the fire. Garrett then left the scene and shortly after, first responders arrived to the scene and extinguished the fire.

After the fire was extinguished, Garrett was then seen around the area walking with gas cans. Shortly after, another report was made that the same truck was fully engulfed in flames.

First responders then arrived to the scene to extinguished the fire and law enforcement located Garrett running away.

An on foot pursuit ensued and Garrett was taken into custody.

He was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:&nbsp;

Criminal Use of explosives, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, Endangerment (6), Maintaining a Public Nuisance, Motor Vehicle Abandoned on a public highway (street) and Opening/burning prohibited.

According to SPD, the motor vehicle abandoned on a public highway and maintaining a public nuisance charges were placed because the truck rolled onto the street in the area from the driveway while it was engulfed, as this could have caused harm to the public.

Man sets truck on fire before arrest in north Salina neighborhood

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 27 - March 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 25 - February 27

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 23 - February 25

According to the US National Weather Service, light snow will impact much of the central Kansas area Friday evening.&nbsp;Between 1-2 inches of snow is expected across central Kansas, with locally higher amounts possible.&nbsp;

Salina is in the area where it could receive 1 - 2 inches of snow. 

Use extra caution if traveling tonight as slick spots are possible, especially on elevated surfaces.

Additionally, wind chills are are expected to be in the single digits across central Kansas. 

Salina's chills could get as low as 5, with a 23 degree low temperature.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Single digit wind chills, light snow across central Kansas Friday evening 

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 20 - February 22

Thursday's cold front is expected to cause flurries and wintry mix for Friday across Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, light snow or flurries will impact central Kansas Friday night with a rain/snow mix further south. 

Snow accumulations up to a dusting are possible as well.

Furthermore, the cold front that moved across the region Thursday will lead to much cooler temperatures and even a chance for some light snow. Friday's highs will generally be in the 40s and lows in the upper teens and 20s.

Weather: Cold front expected to cause flurries and wintry mix across Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 18 - February 20

Gusty winds and dry conditions throughout central Kansas resulting in extreme grassland fire danger on Tuesday

According to the US National Weather Service, these gusty southwest winds will result in extreme grassland fire danger in the afternoon and evening throughout central Kansas.

Salina is in the area of the extreme grassland fire danger.

West winds are expected to increase late in the day gusting to around 45 mph at times in the region. 

However, clouds may limit fire weather concerns further east in south central and southeast Kansas although a very high grassland fire danger is still expected.

Gusty winds and dry conditions causing extreme grassland fire danger in central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 16 - February 18

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 13 - February 15

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran vowed revenge Sunday after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">killing of its supreme leader</a>&nbsp;and traded strikes with Israel as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/us-israel-strikes-iran-khamenei-03-01-2026">widening war</a>&nbsp;prompted by a surprise U.S. and Israeli bombardment. The U.S. military said three service members have been killed, the first known American casualties from the conflict.

Blasts in Tehran sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky in an area of government buildings. Iranian authorities say more than 200 people have been killed since the start of the U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>&nbsp;and other senior leaders.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">Iran</a>&nbsp;fired missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states in retaliation while Israel pledged "non-stop" strikes against Iran's leaders and military.

In Israel,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-shelters-missiles-245b1675544434848160845a2e991b9d">loud explosions</a>&nbsp;caused by missile impacts or interceptions could be heard in Tel Aviv. Israel’s rescue services said nine people were killed and 28 wounded in a strike that hit a synagogue in the central town of Beit Shemesh, bringing the overall death toll in the country to 11. Eleven people were still missing after the strike, police said, as rescue crews combed the rubble.

The U.S. military, meanwhile, said B-2 stealth bombers have struck Iran’s ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. Ballistic missiles have been one of the concerns Trump had raised in the lead up to the attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump said the military had also sunk nine Iranian warships.

The strikes and counterattacks underscored how the killing of Khamenei, and Trump's calls for the overthrow of the decades-old Islamic Republic, carried the potential for a prolonged conflict that could envelop the Middle East. It also represents a startling show of military might for an American president who swept into office on an “America First” platform and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-strike-conflict-us-war-opposition-8fa7a441a4a696a8562de583395ab0bf">vowed to keep out of “forever wars.”</a>

In Tehran, there was little sign that Iranians had heeded Trump's call for an uprising against the government.

The streets were largely deserted as people sheltered during heavy airstrikes, witnesses told The Associated Press, speaking anonymously for fear of retribution.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-middle-east-577c596775fb9a78d78107004d29d0f9">The paramilitary Basij</a>, which has played a central role in crushing protests, has set up checkpoints across the city, they said.

In southern Iran, at least 165 people were killed when a girls’ school was struck, and dozens more were wounded, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. The Israeli military said it was not aware of strikes in the area. The U.S. military said it was looking into the reports.

The U.S. military said three service members were killed and five others seriously wounded, without providing further details. It said several others suffered minor injuries and concussions.

In the 12-day war last June, Israeli and American strikes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-fordo-us-strike-trump-israel-nuclear-sites-320a85327f94ed7496f09564261f3148">greatly weakened</a>&nbsp;Iran’s air defenses, military leadership and nuclear program. But the killing of Khamenei, who had ruled Iran for more than three decades, creates a leadership vacuum, increasing the risk of regional instability.

The CIA had been tracking the movements of senior Iranian leaders, including Khamenei, for months, according to a person familiar with the operation who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The intelligence was shared with Israeli officials, and the timing of the strikes was adjusted in part because of that information, the person said.

The New York Times earlier reported about the CIA’s efforts ahead of the Israeli-U.S. strikes.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a prerecorded message that a new leadership council had begun its work. The country's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said a new supreme leader would be chosen in “one or two days.”

A senior White House official said Sunday that “new potential leadership” in Iran has suggested they are open for talks with the United States. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration deliberations.

As word spread of Khamenei’s death, some in Tehran could be seen cheering from rooftops, witnesses said. Others mourned as a black flag was raised over the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad.

“You have crossed our red line and must pay the price,” Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address. “We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg.”

“THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT,” he said in a social media post. “IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!”

In a sign of how the attack could stoke regional unrest, hundreds of people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-protesters-attacked-us-consulate-karachi-iran-a3cc0c3c6f126cc54a657f61d312a203">stormed the U.S. Consulate</a>&nbsp;in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi. Police and paramilitary forces used batons and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, and at least nine people were killed in the clashes, authorities said.

Iran retaliates with missiles and drone attacks

As U.S. and Israeli strikes have pounded Iran, the Islamic Republic has retaliated with missiles and drone attacks on Israel and nearby Arab Gulf countries hosting U.S. forces.

The air war could rattle global markets, particularly if Iran makes the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial traffic.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strait-hormuz-us-protests-persian-gulf-db7159d715453977279ab9cfd918e6e4">Around 20% of the world's traded oil</a>&nbsp;passes through the vital waterway.

While Iran struck U.S. bases in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, the attacks have also hit outside of military installations, including a hotel in the Emirati city of Dubai, and Kuwait’s international airport. At least four people have been killed in strikes on Gulf countries.

Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, blamed such strikes on the U.S. and Israel for starting the war. He said he had spoken to his counterparts in the Gulf countries and urged them to pressure the U.S. and Israel to end it.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that Israel will have “a non-stop air train” of strikes against Iranian military and leadership targets. The U.S. military said it had struck an Iranian warship at a port on the Gulf of Oman that was now sinking.

Flights across the Middle East were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-flights-airspace-travel-0346e29ee99eaee2838c8e08f4facb78">disrupted</a>, and air defense fire thudded over Dubai. The United Arab Emirates’ commercial capital has long drawn business and expatriates by billing itself as a safe haven in a volatile region.

Iran forms council to govern until a new supreme leader is chosen

As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-khamenei-supreme-leader-nuclear-protests-military-487aa76fd32f398f2ca37d316e543760">supreme leader</a>, Khamenei had final say on all major policies since 1989. He led Iran’s clerical establishment and the Revolutionary Guard, the two main centers of power in the governing theocracy.

An Iranian medical professional in northern Iran said he and colleagues spent the early hours of Sunday celebrating Khamenei's death indoors because armed security forces are still heavily deployed in his city.

There were forces stopping and interrogating people celebrating in their cars but there was no gunfire, said the doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

“It was one of the best nights, if not the best night of our lives,” the doctor said in a voice message from the city of Rasht. In fact, “it was actually my first time ever smoking a cigarette. It was a very very nice time. We didn’t sleep at all. And we don’t even feel tired.”

Strikes were planned for months and feared for weeks

Tensions have escalated in recent weeks as the Trump administration built up the&nbsp;<a href="http://tensions%20have%20soared%20in%20recent%20weeks%20as%20american%20warships%20moved%20into%20the%20region./">largest force of American warships</a>&nbsp;and aircraft in the Middle East in decades. The president insisted he wanted a deal to constrain Iran’s nuclear program while the country struggled with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-protests-students-nuclear-khamenei-096e7ede9bc9c1e7b889878af9d6e750">growing dissent</a>&nbsp;following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-memorials-chehelom-71e5db503a287126a2d31cb32a2809eb">nationwide protests</a>.

Democrats decried that Trump had taken&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">action without congressional authorization</a>. The White House said it had briefed several Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress in advance.

Though Trump had pronounced the Iranian nuclear program obliterated in strikes last year, the country was rebuilding infrastructure that it had lost, according to a senior U.S. official who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss Trump’s decision-making process. The official said intelligence showed that Iran had developed the capability to produce its own high-quality centrifuges, an important step in developing the highly enriched uranium needed for weapons.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-enrichment-c0079c38746a896e2967a9a9cc2799d5">Iran has said it has not enriched since June</a>, though it has maintained its right to do so while saying its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. It has also blocked international inspectors from visiting the sites the U.S. bombed. Satellite photos analyzed by AP have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-nuclear-enrichment-satellite-d5c78b5fe974ec2fc338b8ad6d6a7d68">shown new activity at two of those sites</a>.

Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel; Boak from West Palm Beach, Florida; and Tucker from Washington. Associated Press writers Joe Federman in Jerusalem, Sarah El Deeb in Beirut, Amir Radjy in Cairo, Aamer Madhani, Konstantin Toropin and David Klepper in Washington, Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel, Farnoush Amiri in New York, David Rising in Bangkok and AP journalists around the world contributed to this report.

President Trump says 9 Iranian warships have been sunk

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Three American service members have been killed and five have been seriously wounded in military operations targeting Iran, the U.S. military said.

They are the first reported American casualties since the U.S. and Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran.

U.S. Central Command said Sunday in a post on X that several others “sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty.”

The post stated that major combat operations will continue. It did not provide further information about the casualties and described the situation as “fluid.”

3 US service members killed, 5 wounded in Iran operation

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — CoreCivic can’t house immigration detainees before reaching an agreement with the city of Leavenworth on reopening its private prison, the Kansas Court of Appeals ruled Friday when it upheld a lower court’s decision.

“There is nothing to suggest that CoreCivic is being singled out here,” the Court of Appeals decision said. “The City is merely attempting to enforce its zoning regulations that impose requirements on every entity regardless of its status as a contractor with the federal government.”

Nashville-based CoreCivic&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/10/corecivic-appeals-to-overturn-injunction-keeping-it-from-housing-ice-detainees/">appealed an injunction</a>&nbsp;by Leavenworth County District Court that banned it from beginning to take detainees to fulfill its U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement contract. The company announced in 2025 that it would reopen its closed prison as the Midwest Regional Reception Center.&nbsp;

Leavenworth officials said CoreCivic needed a special use permit to do so. The disagreement launched back-and-forth court cases, one of which spawned the injunction against housing detainees while the two worked it out.

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