The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department and The&nbsp;Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported Tuesday on&nbsp;a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated adult, according to a statement from the department. There&nbsp;has&nbsp;not&nbsp;been a case of measles in&nbsp;a&nbsp;Kansas City&nbsp;resident&nbsp;since 2018.&nbsp;

“Measles&nbsp;remains&nbsp;one of the most contagious diseases, with the potential for serious complications. The good news is that MMR vaccination is an effective way to prevent measles.”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“We are working swiftly to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;the source of exposure and notify anyone who may have been exposed. We urge residents to review their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they have symptoms such as fever,&nbsp;cough&nbsp;or rash.”&nbsp;

<b>Keep in mind this measles vaccination guidance:</b>&nbsp;

People who are at risk for measles infection are those who have not been vaccinated.&nbsp;

If you were born before 1957 or have been vaccinated with the MMR, you are unlikely to get measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure,&nbsp;call&nbsp;your healthcare provider or the Kansas City Health Department at 816-513-6152.&nbsp;

Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days&nbsp;after contact with the virus.&nbsp;Common symptoms include:&nbsp;

Anyone with measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting to avoid spreading the virus.&nbsp;

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The measles vaccines are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on measles, please visit:&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741908251964.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department and The&nbsp;Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported Tuesday on&nbsp;a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated adult, according to a statement from the department. There&nbsp;has&nbsp;not&nbsp;been a case of measles in&nbsp;a&nbsp;Kansas City&nbsp;resident&nbsp;since 2018.&nbsp;</p><p>“Measles&nbsp;remains&nbsp;one of the most contagious diseases, with the potential for serious complications. The good news is that MMR vaccination is an effective way to prevent measles.”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“We are working swiftly to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;the source of exposure and notify anyone who may have been exposed. We urge residents to review their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they have symptoms such as fever,&nbsp;cough&nbsp;or rash.”&nbsp;</p><p><b>Keep in mind this measles vaccination guidance:</b>&nbsp;</p><p>People who are at risk for measles infection are those who have not been vaccinated.&nbsp;</p><p>If you were born before 1957 or have been vaccinated with the MMR, you are unlikely to get measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure,&nbsp;call&nbsp;your healthcare provider or the Kansas City Health Department at 816-513-6152.&nbsp;</p><p>Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days&nbsp;after contact with the virus.&nbsp;Common symptoms include:&nbsp;</p><ul>
                        <li>High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)&nbsp;</li><li>Cough&nbsp;</li><li>Runny nose&nbsp;</li><li>Red, watery eyes&nbsp;</li><li>Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik spots)&nbsp;</li><li>Blotchy rash on the skin which spreads from head down to feet&nbsp;</li>
                    </ul><p>Anyone with measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting to avoid spreading the virus.&nbsp;</p><p>Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The measles vaccines are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>For more information on measles, please visit:&nbsp;</p><ul>
                        <li>Kansas City Health Department:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/measles">Protect Yourself and Our Community from Measles | CITY OF KANSAS CITY | OFFICIAL WEBSITE</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MODHSS):&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/measles/">Measles | Health &amp; Senior Services</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/">https://www.cdc.gov/measles/</a>&nbsp;</li>
                    </ul>

Measles reported in Kansas City

By JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING and SAMY MAGDY&nbsp;

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. sank an Iranian warship in international waters, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday, as it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">intensified its bombardment</a>&nbsp;with Israel of Iran's security forces and other symbols of power. Tehran vowed to completely destroy the Middle East's military and economic infrastructure — signaling the war was nowhere near over and could expand further.

The tempo of the strikes on Iran was so intense that state television announced the mourning ceremony for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, who was killed in the conflict, would be postponed. Millions attended the funeral of his predecessor Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.

In addition to striking Tehran on the fifth day of the conflict, Israel hit the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, while Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">fired on Bahrain, Kuwait and Israel</a>. As the conflict spiraled, Turkey said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkey’s airspace.

The war has killed more than 1,000 people in Iran and dozens in Lebanon, while disrupting the supply of the world’s oil and gas, snarling international shipping, and stranding hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Middle East.

Both sides are unrelenting in their attacks

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a torpedo from a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship. He did not name the ship, but earlier an Iranian warship sank off the coast of Sri Lanka.

In a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said that the Tuesday night strike on an Iranian warship was the first such attack on an enemy since World War II.

“An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters,” Hegseth said. “Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo.”

Sri Lankan authorities said 32 people were rescued from the Iranian ship and that others died.

Israel said it hit buildings associated with Iran's Basij, the all-volunteer force of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard that conducted a bloody crackdown on protesters in January that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands detained in the country.

The Israeli military also said it hit buildings associated with Iran’s internal security command, which also has suppressed demonstrations in the past. It also pounded towns near Beirut.

Israel and the U.S. have said they want to see the Iranian public overthrow the country's theocracy, and strikes against counterprotest forces are likely part of that effort.

Iranian state television showed the ruins of buildings in the center of the capital of Tehran, with interviewees saying the attacks damaged their homes. Strikes have also been reported in the holy Shiite seminary city of Qom, targeting a building associated with a clerical panel set to pick Iran’s next supreme leader. Iranian media said it was empty at the time.

State TV has begun calling the conflict the “Ramadan war,” a reference to the holy Muslim fasting month currently taking place. But that term also suggested leaders are trying to prepare the public for a protracted conflict.

Adm. Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, echoed that sentiment, saying: “We’ve just begun.”

Cooper said American forces have damaged Iran’s air defenses and taken out ballistic missiles, launchers and drones. Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said that such damage has led to a decline in launches from Iran.

Still, explosions echoed in the skies over Jerusalem on Wednesday, and Israel’s military said Iran had launched missiles toward the country, while Hezbollah sent rockets.

Iran has also struck around the region, and air sirens sounded Wednesday morning across Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.

At least 1,045 people have been killed in Iran, the country's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said Wednesday. Eleven people in Israel have been killed. More than 50 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">Six U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;have been killed.

A resident of Tehran, who runs a clothing shop, said he didn’t know how to protect himself from the bombing.

“It’s very difficult to decide what to do. If I leave the city, how am I supposed to earn money and survive?” said the man, who spoke on condition of anonymity for the fear of reprisals.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard issued its most-intense threat yet.

“The continued mischief and deception by the United States in the region will come at the cost of the complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure,” it said in a statement issued via Iranian state television.

With Iranian attacks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-supply-chain-disruption-8f262bb210710b7509221a3dccf787c9">disrupting tanker movement</a>&nbsp;through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-hormuz-iran-energy-war-5b60e82ef2fc68e2b43aa570a32404dd">Strait of Hormuz</a>, the narrow mouth of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/persian-gulf">Persian Gulf</a>&nbsp;through which about a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped, Brent crude prices hit $84 a barrel, up more than 15% since the start of the conflict and at its highest price since July 2024.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-iran-oil-trump-c9a42448cbc7afc35e959dd444614aa0">Global stock markets</a>&nbsp;have been hammered over worries that the spike in oil prices may grind down the world economy and sap corporate profits.

Iran’s clerics are choosing a new supreme leader

Iran’s leaders are scrambling to replace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">Khamenei</a>, who ruled the country for 37 years, and was killed on the first day of strikes.

It’s only the second time since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-revolution-anniversary-us-nuclear-talks-protests-4ffab53ef628073ca90b9c8707485577">the 1979 Islamic Revolution</a>&nbsp;that a new supreme leader is being chosen.

Potential candidates range from hard-liners committed to confrontation with the West to reformists who seek diplomatic engagement.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-mojtaba-khamenei-supreme-leader-ee527a73689fb718be316cc2997694ea">Mojtaba Khamenei</a>, Khamenei’s son, has long been considered among them — despite the fact he’s has never been elected or appointed to a government position.

In a sign that Iran’s leadership will only seek to consolidate its power as it faces its biggest crisis in decades, the head of the judiciary warned Wednesday that “those who cooperate with the enemy in any way will be considered an enemy.”

Israel’s defense minister, meanwhile, threatened whoever Iran picks to be the country’s next supreme leader.

“Every leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people — will be a target for elimination,” Israel Katz wrote on X.

It’s not clear how Washington will respond if a new leader in the mold of Khamenei is chosen. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the “worst case would be do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person.”

Rising reported from Bangkok, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writer Elena Becatoros in Athens, Greece; Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel; Bassem Mroue in Beirut; Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok; Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan, Bharatha Mallawarachi in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Giovanna Dell'Orto in Miami contributed to this report.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772631693206.png" alt="Secretary of War and&nbsp;Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine during the Wednesday morning briefing-image from DOW video" />
                        <figcaption>Secretary of War and&nbsp;Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine during the Wednesday morning briefing-image from DOW video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING and SAMY MAGDY&nbsp;</p><p>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. sank an Iranian warship in international waters, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday, as it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">intensified its bombardment</a>&nbsp;with Israel of Iran's security forces and other symbols of power. Tehran vowed to completely destroy the Middle East's military and economic infrastructure — signaling the war was nowhere near over and could expand further.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/PiqQpVIrMu">https://t.co/PiqQpVIrMu</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wc1e0B0um7">pic.twitter.com/Wc1e0B0um7</a></p>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/2029193757162139762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> &quot;Last night, we sunk their prize ship — the Soleimani. Looks like <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> got him twice.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/vEX5MjpBs0">pic.twitter.com/vEX5MjpBs0</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2029188047229575327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The tempo of the strikes on Iran was so intense that state television announced the mourning ceremony for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, who was killed in the conflict, would be postponed. Millions attended the funeral of his predecessor Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine gives an update on Operation Epic Fury. <a href="https://t.co/gdrYxAI3Sw">pic.twitter.com/gdrYxAI3Sw</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2029188674613555613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Secretary Pete Hegseth on Operation Epic Fury: &quot;America is winning decisively, devastatingly and without mercy...This is not a Mission Accomplished situation. This is simply a reality check...The terms of this war will be set by us at every step.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BAwTFEvIii">pic.twitter.com/BAwTFEvIii</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2029188426990280704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>In addition to striking Tehran on the fifth day of the conflict, Israel hit the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, while Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">fired on Bahrain, Kuwait and Israel</a>. As the conflict spiraled, Turkey said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkey’s airspace.</p><p>The war has killed more than 1,000 people in Iran and dozens in Lebanon, while disrupting the supply of the world’s oil and gas, snarling international shipping, and stranding hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Middle East.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The First 100 Hours. <a href="https://t.co/uz8YOzgDPc">pic.twitter.com/uz8YOzgDPc</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2029195619248816565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Both sides are unrelenting in their attacks</h2><p>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a torpedo from a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship. He did not name the ship, but earlier an Iranian warship sank off the coast of Sri Lanka.</p><p>In a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said that the Tuesday night strike on an Iranian warship was the first such attack on an enemy since World War II.</p><p>“An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters,” Hegseth said. “Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo.”</p><p>Sri Lankan authorities said 32 people were rescued from the Iranian ship and that others died.</p><p>Israel said it hit buildings associated with Iran's Basij, the all-volunteer force of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard that conducted a bloody crackdown on protesters in January that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands detained in the country.</p><p>The Israeli military also said it hit buildings associated with Iran’s internal security command, which also has suppressed demonstrations in the past. It also pounded towns near Beirut.</p><p>Israel and the U.S. have said they want to see the Iranian public overthrow the country's theocracy, and strikes against counterprotest forces are likely part of that effort.</p><p>Iranian state television showed the ruins of buildings in the center of the capital of Tehran, with interviewees saying the attacks damaged their homes. Strikes have also been reported in the holy Shiite seminary city of Qom, targeting a building associated with a clerical panel set to pick Iran’s next supreme leader. Iranian media said it was empty at the time.</p><p>State TV has begun calling the conflict the “Ramadan war,” a reference to the holy Muslim fasting month currently taking place. But that term also suggested leaders are trying to prepare the public for a protracted conflict.</p><p>Adm. Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, echoed that sentiment, saying: “We’ve just begun.”</p><p>Cooper said American forces have damaged Iran’s air defenses and taken out ballistic missiles, launchers and drones. Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said that such damage has led to a decline in launches from Iran.</p><p>Still, explosions echoed in the skies over Jerusalem on Wednesday, and Israel’s military said Iran had launched missiles toward the country, while Hezbollah sent rockets.</p><p>Iran has also struck around the region, and air sirens sounded Wednesday morning across Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.</p><p>At least 1,045 people have been killed in Iran, the country's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said Wednesday. Eleven people in Israel have been killed. More than 50 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">Six U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;have been killed.</p><h2>Those in Tehran are unsure of what to do</h2><p>A resident of Tehran, who runs a clothing shop, said he didn’t know how to protect himself from the bombing.</p><p>“It’s very difficult to decide what to do. If I leave the city, how am I supposed to earn money and survive?” said the man, who spoke on condition of anonymity for the fear of reprisals.</p><h2>Energy supplies in the crosshairs</h2><p>Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard issued its most-intense threat yet.</p><p>“The continued mischief and deception by the United States in the region will come at the cost of the complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure,” it said in a statement issued via Iranian state television.</p><p>With Iranian attacks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-supply-chain-disruption-8f262bb210710b7509221a3dccf787c9">disrupting tanker movement</a>&nbsp;through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-hormuz-iran-energy-war-5b60e82ef2fc68e2b43aa570a32404dd">Strait of Hormuz</a>, the narrow mouth of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/persian-gulf">Persian Gulf</a>&nbsp;through which about a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped, Brent crude prices hit $84 a barrel, up more than 15% since the start of the conflict and at its highest price since July 2024.</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-iran-oil-trump-c9a42448cbc7afc35e959dd444614aa0">Global stock markets</a>&nbsp;have been hammered over worries that the spike in oil prices may grind down the world economy and sap corporate profits.</p><h2>Iran’s clerics are choosing a new supreme leader</h2><p>Iran’s leaders are scrambling to replace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">Khamenei</a>, who ruled the country for 37 years, and was killed on the first day of strikes.</p><p>It’s only the second time since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-revolution-anniversary-us-nuclear-talks-protests-4ffab53ef628073ca90b9c8707485577">the 1979 Islamic Revolution</a>&nbsp;that a new supreme leader is being chosen.</p><p>Potential candidates range from hard-liners committed to confrontation with the West to reformists who seek diplomatic engagement.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-mojtaba-khamenei-supreme-leader-ee527a73689fb718be316cc2997694ea">Mojtaba Khamenei</a>, Khamenei’s son, has long been considered among them — despite the fact he’s has never been elected or appointed to a government position.</p><p>In a sign that Iran’s leadership will only seek to consolidate its power as it faces its biggest crisis in decades, the head of the judiciary warned Wednesday that “those who cooperate with the enemy in any way will be considered an enemy.”</p><p>Israel’s defense minister, meanwhile, threatened whoever Iran picks to be the country’s next supreme leader.</p><p>“Every leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people — will be a target for elimination,” Israel Katz wrote on X.</p><p>It’s not clear how Washington will respond if a new leader in the mold of Khamenei is chosen. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the “worst case would be do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person.”</p><p>___</p><p>Rising reported from Bangkok, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writer Elena Becatoros in Athens, Greece; Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel; Bassem Mroue in Beirut; Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok; Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan, Bharatha Mallawarachi in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Giovanna Dell'Orto in Miami contributed to this report.</p>

🎥 Details on US submarine torpedo attack on Iranian warship

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/election-primary-3-3-2026">midterms</a>&nbsp;are here. The 2026 campaign kicked off Tuesday with high-profile primary elections in Texas, where Republican Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-cornyn">John Cornyn</a>&nbsp;is heading toward a runoff vote against state attorney general&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ken-paxton">Ken Paxton</a>. Democrats chose state Rep. James Talarico over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett to be their candidate.

For all the focus on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-primary-senate-cornyn-paxton-hunt-crockett-talarico-121c1591bb8406d3edfdb63a2c0c3ab8">Texas</a>, elections in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-primary-senate-house-007a4f9cff708d441b79e20f089c6306">North Carolina</a>&nbsp;could have a bigger impact on which party ultimately wins the Senate majority in the fall.

In the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-cornyn-talarico-paxton-crockett-iran-27689b2580fc24517ab12db8d7f110a5">first election</a>&nbsp;since President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;joined Israel in launching dramatic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">attacks on Iran</a>, there were also contests in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-primary-huckabee-sanders-cotton-24c6f499359b9c3d19a15a118ac4ede5">Arkansas</a>.

Here are some takeaways from Tuesday night.

By rallying behind Talarico, the party sided with someone who pledged to change Washington while finding consensus.

The 36-year-old state representative’s win over Crockett cements his status as a rising star and will likely make him one of Democrats’ most prominent candidates this year. He campaigned with denunciations of “politics as a blood sport” and an insistence that people want “a return to more timeless values of sincerity and honesty and compassion and respect.”

That was in contrast to Crockett, who gained national fame with her fiery style and unabashed antagonism of Trump and other Republicans.

Indeed, the biggest differences between Talarico and Crockett largely hinged on style rather than policy.

Crockett argued that Democrats need to focus on energizing their base, betting that motivated voters in metropolises like Houston and Dallas could swamp Republicans. Talarico’s campaign, meanwhile, took a more expansive approach, often highlighting his faith in ways that could appeal beyond diehard Democrats.

That style is why many Republicans are worried about Talarico’s candidacy. Though a Democrat hasn’t won a statewide race in Texas since 1994, Talarico’s campaign could prove potent depending on who emerges from the Republican runoff.

The election isn’t over for Republicans in Texas

Cornyn and Paxton will keep fighting for the Republican nomination through a May 26 runoff.

For Cornyn, the results keep alive his hopes of remaining in the Senate. But it’s still a sign of vulnerability that he couldn’t win the race outright.

Although Cornyn has expressed occasional skepticism of Trump, he has been a reliable ally to the president. Paxton, however, claimed he was more aligned with Trump’s Make America Great Again movement, pulling away support that may have otherwise gone to Cornyn.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-texas-cornyn-paxton-hunt-gop-primary-cd31dbec10c54ce230ae915e51cbccf0">didn’t endorse</a>&nbsp;either candidate during the primary, but the results may raise pressure on him to take a side. Republicans in Washington have expressed concern that Paxton, who has well-documented political baggage, may be a weaker candidate in the general election.

Regardless of what happens, expect more cash to be pumped into the race. Cornyn and well-funded allied groups spent at least $64 million in television advertising alone since July.

While the race goes on, one person will be missing:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-hunt-paxton-cornyn-c89ebc6ca776bf5793b73913550d92c6">Wesley Hunt</a>. The congressman was a late entry into what had been a head-on contest between Cornyn and Paxton. His presence in the race further divided Republicans, making the runoff harder to avoid.

The first elections of the year weren’t entirely smooth sailing

In two major Texas counties — Dallas and Williamson — there was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-midterms-voters-polls-democrats-republicans-5ffabf9d6b60d42d4fc84b9c06d93ae4">significant confusion</a>&nbsp;over where voters could cast their ballot. For years, they could vote anywhere in the county. But for this primary, the local Republican parties opted against countywide voting.

With state law mandating that both parties have to agree to use the countywide system, voters could only vote at their assigned precinct — forcing many to figure out where exactly that was.

Things quickly turned messy, with lawsuits, changes to voting hours and Democrats calling foul. Crockett called the rule change an “effort to suppress the vote.” Talarico’s campaign said it was “deeply concerned.”

Political parties run their own primaries in Texas, meaning a repeat of Tuesday’s confusion is unlikely to repeat in November.

But this isn’t happening in a vacuum. Texas is central to Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/redistricting">redistricting</a>&nbsp;effort to protect Republicans’ narrow majority in the House.

The party has also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-gop-save-act-midterm-election-voting-a9a4f256fef5b1c9899f74abc5fddafa">pushed legislation</a>&nbsp;that would impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements. The bill is a long shot in the Senate but serves as another reminder of Republican efforts to change election rules heading into November.

In addition, any raw feelings could complicate Democrats’ chances later this year. Crockett’s campaign has said she’ll sue over voting problems, and her accusations of voter suppression are important in a state where Black voters are central to any Democratic candidate’s success.

If Talarico has a shot, he will likely need Crockett’s help in encouraging her disappointed supporters to back him.

A critical Senate race takes shape in North Carolina

One of this year’s marquee Senate contests was practically a done deal heading into Tuesday.

Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/roy-cooper">Roy Cooper</a>&nbsp;will face Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-north-carolina-whatley-senate-cooper-cb3b4109f85bf2f23fee93f05f253d7b">Michael Whatley</a>&nbsp;in a race that’s critical to deciding control of the Senate in November.

Both parties have reason to feel confident about their chances in the general election.

For Democrats, Cooper is an ideal candidate in one of the most politically competitive states. A former two-term governor, he has proved that he can win statewide elections.

Republicans, meanwhile, are going into the campaign with a candidate who is backed by Trump, an endorsement that could help energize voters during an otherwise challenging year. And as the former chair of the Republican National Committee, Whatley is familiar with party resources and how they can be deployed during a tough campaign.

Still, each candidate must overcome notable challenges. While Democrats like Cooper have been successful in races for governor, they’ve struggled in Senate contests. Whatley will also need to make inroads with moderate or independent voters that may not view Trump’s endorsement as a reason to turn out in November. Trump is the reason this is an open Senate contest in the first place. His disagreements with the incumbent Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/thom-tillis">Thom Tillis</a>, prompted the two-term senator to decide against reelection.

Get ready for what could be a messy race to November — one where spending could hit $1 billion.

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/election-primary-3-3-2026">midterms</a>&nbsp;are here. The 2026 campaign kicked off Tuesday with high-profile primary elections in Texas, where Republican Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-cornyn">John Cornyn</a>&nbsp;is heading toward a runoff vote against state attorney general&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ken-paxton">Ken Paxton</a>. Democrats chose state Rep. James Talarico over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett to be their candidate.</p><p>For all the focus on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-primary-senate-cornyn-paxton-hunt-crockett-talarico-121c1591bb8406d3edfdb63a2c0c3ab8">Texas</a>, elections in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-primary-senate-house-007a4f9cff708d441b79e20f089c6306">North Carolina</a>&nbsp;could have a bigger impact on which party ultimately wins the Senate majority in the fall.</p><p>In the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-cornyn-talarico-paxton-crockett-iran-27689b2580fc24517ab12db8d7f110a5">first election</a>&nbsp;since President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;joined Israel in launching dramatic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">attacks on Iran</a>, there were also contests in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-primary-huckabee-sanders-cotton-24c6f499359b9c3d19a15a118ac4ede5">Arkansas</a>.</p><p>Here are some takeaways from Tuesday night.</p><h2>Democrats choose their fighter in Texas</h2><p>By rallying behind Talarico, the party sided with someone who pledged to change Washington while finding consensus.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Talarico Primary Night Remarks: &quot;Tonight our campaign is shocking the nation. We are still waiting for an official call but we are confidant in this movement we&#39;ve built together.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/9jvnUH26IR">pic.twitter.com/9jvnUH26IR</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2029079083385008321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The 36-year-old state representative’s win over Crockett cements his status as a rising star and will likely make him one of Democrats’ most prominent candidates this year. He campaigned with denunciations of “politics as a blood sport” and an insistence that people want “a return to more timeless values of sincerity and honesty and compassion and respect.”</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rep. Jasmine Crockett Primary Night Remarks: &quot;We&#39;re about to file a lawsuit to keep the voting polls open...I can tell you now that people have been disenfranchised&quot; <a href="https://t.co/oMIawFgFOl">pic.twitter.com/oMIawFgFOl</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2029052274320761343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>That was in contrast to Crockett, who gained national fame with her fiery style and unabashed antagonism of Trump and other Republicans.</p><p>Indeed, the biggest differences between Talarico and Crockett largely hinged on style rather than policy.</p><p>Crockett argued that Democrats need to focus on energizing their base, betting that motivated voters in metropolises like Houston and Dallas could swamp Republicans. Talarico’s campaign, meanwhile, took a more expansive approach, often highlighting his faith in ways that could appeal beyond diehard Democrats.</p><p>That style is why many Republicans are worried about Talarico’s candidacy. Though a Democrat hasn’t won a statewide race in Texas since 1994, Talarico’s campaign could prove potent depending on who emerges from the Republican runoff.</p><h2>The election isn’t over for Republicans in Texas</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sen. John Cornyn Primary Night Remarks: &quot;We did very well as expected and we are on to the runoff.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/oxnJz8LMDx">pic.twitter.com/oxnJz8LMDx</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2029055951379030303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Cornyn and Paxton will keep fighting for the Republican nomination through a May 26 runoff.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ken Paxton Election Night Remarks: &quot;As votes continue to be counted, it looks like we&#39;re headed to a runoff...the people of Texas made your voices heard. After all the personal attacks...after all the lies you listened to what John Cornyn was selling and you weren&#39;t buying.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8NFxCo6ig2">pic.twitter.com/8NFxCo6ig2</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2029052044300947765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>For Cornyn, the results keep alive his hopes of remaining in the Senate. But it’s still a sign of vulnerability that he couldn’t win the race outright.</p><p>Although Cornyn has expressed occasional skepticism of Trump, he has been a reliable ally to the president. Paxton, however, claimed he was more aligned with Trump’s Make America Great Again movement, pulling away support that may have otherwise gone to Cornyn.</p><p>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-texas-cornyn-paxton-hunt-gop-primary-cd31dbec10c54ce230ae915e51cbccf0">didn’t endorse</a>&nbsp;either candidate during the primary, but the results may raise pressure on him to take a side. Republicans in Washington have expressed concern that Paxton, who has well-documented political baggage, may be a weaker candidate in the general election.</p><p>Regardless of what happens, expect more cash to be pumped into the race. Cornyn and well-funded allied groups spent at least $64 million in television advertising alone since July.</p><p>While the race goes on, one person will be missing:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-hunt-paxton-cornyn-c89ebc6ca776bf5793b73913550d92c6">Wesley Hunt</a>. The congressman was a late entry into what had been a head-on contest between Cornyn and Paxton. His presence in the race further divided Republicans, making the runoff harder to avoid.</p><h2>The first elections of the year weren’t entirely smooth sailing</h2><p>In two major Texas counties — Dallas and Williamson — there was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-midterms-voters-polls-democrats-republicans-5ffabf9d6b60d42d4fc84b9c06d93ae4">significant confusion</a>&nbsp;over where voters could cast their ballot. For years, they could vote anywhere in the county. But for this primary, the local Republican parties opted against countywide voting.</p><p>With state law mandating that both parties have to agree to use the countywide system, voters could only vote at their assigned precinct — forcing many to figure out where exactly that was.</p><p>Things quickly turned messy, with lawsuits, changes to voting hours and Democrats calling foul. Crockett called the rule change an “effort to suppress the vote.” Talarico’s campaign said it was “deeply concerned.”</p><p>Political parties run their own primaries in Texas, meaning a repeat of Tuesday’s confusion is unlikely to repeat in November.</p><p>But this isn’t happening in a vacuum. Texas is central to Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/redistricting">redistricting</a>&nbsp;effort to protect Republicans’ narrow majority in the House.</p><p>The party has also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-gop-save-act-midterm-election-voting-a9a4f256fef5b1c9899f74abc5fddafa">pushed legislation</a>&nbsp;that would impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements. The bill is a long shot in the Senate but serves as another reminder of Republican efforts to change election rules heading into November.</p><p>In addition, any raw feelings could complicate Democrats’ chances later this year. Crockett’s campaign has said she’ll sue over voting problems, and her accusations of voter suppression are important in a state where Black voters are central to any Democratic candidate’s success.</p><p>If Talarico has a shot, he will likely need Crockett’s help in encouraging her disappointed supporters to back him.</p><h2>A critical Senate race takes shape in North Carolina</h2><p>One of this year’s marquee Senate contests was practically a done deal heading into Tuesday.</p><p>Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/roy-cooper">Roy Cooper</a>&nbsp;will face Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-north-carolina-whatley-senate-cooper-cb3b4109f85bf2f23fee93f05f253d7b">Michael Whatley</a>&nbsp;in a race that’s critical to deciding control of the Senate in November.</p><p>Both parties have reason to feel confident about their chances in the general election.</p><p>For Democrats, Cooper is an ideal candidate in one of the most politically competitive states. A former two-term governor, he has proved that he can win statewide elections.</p><p>Republicans, meanwhile, are going into the campaign with a candidate who is backed by Trump, an endorsement that could help energize voters during an otherwise challenging year. And as the former chair of the Republican National Committee, Whatley is familiar with party resources and how they can be deployed during a tough campaign.</p><p>Still, each candidate must overcome notable challenges. While Democrats like Cooper have been successful in races for governor, they’ve struggled in Senate contests. Whatley will also need to make inroads with moderate or independent voters that may not view Trump’s endorsement as a reason to turn out in November. Trump is the reason this is an open Senate contest in the first place. His disagreements with the incumbent Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/thom-tillis">Thom Tillis</a>, prompted the two-term senator to decide against reelection.</p><p>Get ready for what could be a messy race to November — one where spending could hit $1 billion.</p>

🎥Takeaways from the first elections of the 2026 midterm campaigns

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 70th and Cleveland on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. On arrival officers located a vehicle stopped in the road at that location. Officers were directed inside the vehicle where they located an adult male shooting victim.

Officers rendered aid to the victim and called for EMS. EMS transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation along side of crime scene investigators.

A short time later detectives were notified the victim was pronounced deceased from his injuries at the hospital.

Preliminary information indicates the victim and multiple other people were at a location nearby on 71st Street. When they came in contact with one or more suspects. That interaction escalated to shots being fired and the victim was struck.

The victim and others entered a vehicle and left the scene and drove to the location where police contacted them on 70th and Cleveland

Police have not reported an arrest and did not release the victim's name.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772583937989.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 70th and Cleveland on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. On arrival officers located a vehicle stopped in the road at that location. Officers were directed inside the vehicle where they located an adult male shooting victim.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772583913006.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Officers rendered aid to the victim and called for EMS. EMS transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation along side of crime scene investigators.</p><p>A short time later detectives were notified the victim was pronounced deceased from his injuries at the hospital.</p><p>Preliminary information indicates the victim and multiple other people were at a location nearby on 71st Street. When they came in contact with one or more suspects. That interaction escalated to shots being fired and the victim was struck.</p><p>The victim and others entered a vehicle and left the scene and drove to the location where police contacted them on 70th and Cleveland</p><p>Police have not reported an arrest and did not release the victim's name.</p>

Homicide: Dispute led to deadly gunfire in Kansas City

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/stefanie-dazio">STEFANIE DAZIO</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matt-sedensky">MATT SEDENSKY</a><br>Associated Press

Frustrated and anxious travelers searched Tuesday for any way out of the Middle East and beyond as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">widening Iran war</a>&nbsp;choked off commercial air traffic through the region for a fourth straight day, stranding hundreds of thousands of people.

What began Saturday with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran quickly rippled far beyond the immediate conflict zone. With airspace closed or heavily restricted across much of the Gulf, passengers have been stranded not only in the region but also in cities far from the fighting after their connecting flights were canceled.

“They say ‘Get out,’ but how do you expect us to get out when airspaces are closed?” said Odies Turner, a 32-year-old chef from Dallas who was stuck in Doha, Qatar. “They just have been canceling every flight. I want to go home.”

The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-united-states-trump-strikes-6c602da7d44cb8c34fa1a9f85f352e4a">told American citizens</a>&nbsp;to leave more than a dozen countries&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-war-israel-strait-or-hormuz-deaths-f1619c6bfbbd5fe10857ff0af073aa0e">in the region</a>&nbsp;right away using any available commercial transportation. The countries include Iran and Israel, as well as Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, the Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

More than 19,000 of the roughly 51,600 flights scheduled into and out of the Middle East between the start of the war and Friday have been canceled, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/embassies-iran-state-department-strikes-travel-1ce7865cb17bf201025aab98a17afb74">The U.S. State Department</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday it was “actively securing” military and charter aircraft to fly Americans out of the region. It said it was in contact with nearly 3,000 citizens seeking assistance or information.

“We know that we’re going to be able to help them,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Tuesday, while cautioning that “it’s going to take a little time because we don’t control the airspace closures.”

Rubio urged stranded Americans to contact the State Department: “We need to know who you are.”

Earlier in the day, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem was “not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.” He provided information ”as a courtesy to those wishing to leave” about an Israeli government shuttle bus to Egypt that Americans could try “as you make your own security plans.”

Israel’s airspace has been closed since Saturday, although some land crossings remain open.

El Al, Israel’s flag carrier, said it was launching a large-scale “recovery operation.” Transportation Minister Miri Regev said Ben-Gurion Airport is preparing to gradually reopen for limited incoming flights starting early Thursday.

Under the plan, one passenger flight per hour will be allowed in the first 24 hours — totaling about 5,000 people — with more possible depending on security conditions. It is unclear whether only Israelis will be permitted on the flights, and no commercial departures leaving Israel have been approved.

Australia said a commercial flight from Dubai to Sydney was scheduled Wednesday to start repatriating 24,000 Australians stranded in the UAE.

“This is a consular crisis that dwarfs any that Australia has had to deal with in terms of numbers of people,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Across the Middle East, travelers waited in terminals and hotels, or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-6c73ef0f5836632a2d2b34145900c28b">stayed inside because of airstrikes</a>. Some cruise passengers were unable to disembark or reroute because ships could not&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-hormuz-iran-energy-war-5b60e82ef2fc68e2b43aa570a32404dd">sail through the Strait of Hormuz.</a>

Matt Carwell, an American staying in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-dubai-emirates-tourism-attack-b256f514b290c987b3004cc87744f038">Dubai</a>, was speaking with The Associated Press by phone from his hotel balcony when he suddenly stopped midsentence.

“Wow,” the 46-year-old said. “There was just a boom.” A fighter jet roared overhead moments later.

Carwell, who volunteers at a New Hampshire school, has flights booked and keeps waiting for one that doesn’t get canceled.

“Right now, we’re safe and comfortable,” he said, but not everyone is. “Just feel for them and feel for the people who have either lost their lives or lost someone they’re close to.”

Airspace across Iran, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Syria were still shut Tuesday, according to flight-tracking service Flightradar24. The UAE declared its airspace partially closed, and Jordan suspended flights daily from the mid-afternoon until 6 a.m. local time.

The geography of the war has magnified the disruption to air travel. Gulf airports connect Europe, Africa and Asia, and carriers routinely funnel long-haul passengers through hubs such as Dubai and Doha.

“Within the Middle East, an eight-hour flying distance covers two-thirds of the world population,” said Anita Mendiratta, an aviation and tourism consultant who was stranded in Bangkok. When that corridor is blocked, Mendiratta said, it forces planes far north or south, which “puts huge pressure on the airlines.”

Some of the aviation notices governing the closures allow authorities to reopen or restrict portions of airspace on short notice depending on security conditions, meaning flight schedules can change rapidly as the conflict continues to unfold.

Despite the uncertainty, some travelers have managed to catch flights.

Oman Airways advertised flights from Muscat International Airport for passengers able to reach the city from the UAE. Virgin Atlantic said it planned to resume limited service between London Heathrow and both Dubai and Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Oman’s airspace remained open, while Saudi Arabia kept most of its airspace operating despite partial closures near its border with Iraq and along the Persian Gulf — making Muscat and Riyadh key staging points for repatriation efforts.

Some wealthy travelers are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stranded-travelers-iran-war-gulf-charter-flights-9f2af0716bc72ad4a13d9d70f83b207b">paying large sums for luxury flights</a>&nbsp;to Europe, first traveling overland to Muscat or to Riyadh to reach airports considered safe from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-03-2026-8755877b603e46ed3df8107689c1ee23">Iranian drone and missile attacks</a>. Prices for charter flights have soared since the start of the war.

Emirates and Etihad operated a limited number of repatriation flights Tuesday, even as their regular commercial schedules remained suspended. Both carriers said the departures were focused on moving stranded passengers and operating cargo or repositioning flights with government approval.

“We called our children at 3 a.m. to ask forgiveness because we might die and to tell them we love them,” said Mariana Muicaru, one of hundreds of Romanian pilgrims who had been stranded on a church trip to Israel. She described watching rockets streak across the sky, before eventually reaching Bucharest on Tuesday.

In Germany, passengers arriving in Frankfurt from Dubai on Tuesday were asked by reporters if they were glad to be home.

“Yes, of course,” Wassim Mahlas said. “I’m breathing German air again.”

Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report, including Danica Kirka, Daniel Niemann, Kristen Grieshaber, Nicolae Dumitrache, Samy Magdy, Jovana Gec, Josh Funk, Julie Walker and Rod McGuirk.

<p>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/stefanie-dazio">STEFANIE DAZIO</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matt-sedensky">MATT SEDENSKY</a><br>Associated Press</p><p>Frustrated and anxious travelers searched Tuesday for any way out of the Middle East and beyond as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">widening Iran war</a>&nbsp;choked off commercial air traffic through the region for a fourth straight day, stranding hundreds of thousands of people.</p><p>What began Saturday with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran quickly rippled far beyond the immediate conflict zone. With airspace closed or heavily restricted across much of the Gulf, passengers have been stranded not only in the region but also in cities far from the fighting after their connecting flights were canceled.</p><p>“They say ‘Get out,’ but how do you expect us to get out when airspaces are closed?” said Odies Turner, a 32-year-old chef from Dallas who was stuck in Doha, Qatar. “They just have been canceling every flight. I want to go home.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772495225840.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-united-states-trump-strikes-6c602da7d44cb8c34fa1a9f85f352e4a">told American citizens</a>&nbsp;to leave more than a dozen countries&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-war-israel-strait-or-hormuz-deaths-f1619c6bfbbd5fe10857ff0af073aa0e">in the region</a>&nbsp;right away using any available commercial transportation. The countries include Iran and Israel, as well as Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, the Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.</p><p>But commercial options remained limited.</p><p>More than 19,000 of the roughly 51,600 flights scheduled into and out of the Middle East between the start of the war and Friday have been canceled, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.</p><h2>Governments explore repatriation flights</h2><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/embassies-iran-state-department-strikes-travel-1ce7865cb17bf201025aab98a17afb74">The U.S. State Department</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday it was “actively securing” military and charter aircraft to fly Americans out of the region. It said it was in contact with nearly 3,000 citizens seeking assistance or information.</p><p>“We know that we’re going to be able to help them,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Tuesday, while cautioning that “it’s going to take a little time because we don’t control the airspace closures.”</p><p>Rubio urged stranded Americans to contact the State Department: “We need to know who you are.”</p><p>Earlier in the day, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem was “not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.” He provided information ”as a courtesy to those wishing to leave” about an Israeli government shuttle bus to Egypt that Americans could try “as you make your own security plans.”</p><p>Israel’s airspace has been closed since Saturday, although some land crossings remain open.</p><p>El Al, Israel’s flag carrier, said it was launching a large-scale “recovery operation.” Transportation Minister Miri Regev said Ben-Gurion Airport is preparing to gradually reopen for limited incoming flights starting early Thursday.</p><p>Under the plan, one passenger flight per hour will be allowed in the first 24 hours — totaling about 5,000 people — with more possible depending on security conditions. It is unclear whether only Israelis will be permitted on the flights, and no commercial departures leaving Israel have been approved.</p><p>Australia said a commercial flight from Dubai to Sydney was scheduled Wednesday to start repatriating 24,000 Australians stranded in the UAE.</p><p>“This is a consular crisis that dwarfs any that Australia has had to deal with in terms of numbers of people,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong told Australian Broadcasting Corp.</p><h2>Waiting and watching</h2><p>Across the Middle East, travelers waited in terminals and hotels, or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-6c73ef0f5836632a2d2b34145900c28b">stayed inside because of airstrikes</a>. Some cruise passengers were unable to disembark or reroute because ships could not&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-hormuz-iran-energy-war-5b60e82ef2fc68e2b43aa570a32404dd">sail through the Strait of Hormuz.</a></p><p>Matt Carwell, an American staying in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-dubai-emirates-tourism-attack-b256f514b290c987b3004cc87744f038">Dubai</a>, was speaking with The Associated Press by phone from his hotel balcony when he suddenly stopped midsentence.</p><p>“Wow,” the 46-year-old said. “There was just a boom.” A fighter jet roared overhead moments later.</p><p>Carwell, who volunteers at a New Hampshire school, has flights booked and keeps waiting for one that doesn’t get canceled.</p><p>“Right now, we’re safe and comfortable,” he said, but not everyone is. “Just feel for them and feel for the people who have either lost their lives or lost someone they’re close to.”</p><p>Airspace across Iran, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Syria were still shut Tuesday, according to flight-tracking service Flightradar24. The UAE declared its airspace partially closed, and Jordan suspended flights daily from the mid-afternoon until 6 a.m. local time.</p><p>The geography of the war has magnified the disruption to air travel. Gulf airports connect Europe, Africa and Asia, and carriers routinely funnel long-haul passengers through hubs such as Dubai and Doha.</p><p>“Within the Middle East, an eight-hour flying distance covers two-thirds of the world population,” said Anita Mendiratta, an aviation and tourism consultant who was stranded in Bangkok. When that corridor is blocked, Mendiratta said, it forces planes far north or south, which “puts huge pressure on the airlines.”</p><p>Some of the aviation notices governing the closures allow authorities to reopen or restrict portions of airspace on short notice depending on security conditions, meaning flight schedules can change rapidly as the conflict continues to unfold.</p><h2>Some begin to leave</h2><p>Despite the uncertainty, some travelers have managed to catch flights.</p><p>Oman Airways advertised flights from Muscat International Airport for passengers able to reach the city from the UAE. Virgin Atlantic said it planned to resume limited service between London Heathrow and both Dubai and Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.</p><p>Oman’s airspace remained open, while Saudi Arabia kept most of its airspace operating despite partial closures near its border with Iraq and along the Persian Gulf — making Muscat and Riyadh key staging points for repatriation efforts.</p><p>Some wealthy travelers are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stranded-travelers-iran-war-gulf-charter-flights-9f2af0716bc72ad4a13d9d70f83b207b">paying large sums for luxury flights</a>&nbsp;to Europe, first traveling overland to Muscat or to Riyadh to reach airports considered safe from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-03-2026-8755877b603e46ed3df8107689c1ee23">Iranian drone and missile attacks</a>. Prices for charter flights have soared since the start of the war.</p><p>Emirates and Etihad operated a limited number of repatriation flights Tuesday, even as their regular commercial schedules remained suspended. Both carriers said the departures were focused on moving stranded passengers and operating cargo or repositioning flights with government approval.</p><p>“We called our children at 3 a.m. to ask forgiveness because we might die and to tell them we love them,” said Mariana Muicaru, one of hundreds of Romanian pilgrims who had been stranded on a church trip to Israel. She described watching rockets streak across the sky, before eventually reaching Bucharest on Tuesday.</p><p>In Germany, passengers arriving in Frankfurt from Dubai on Tuesday were asked by reporters if they were glad to be home.</p><p>“Yes, of course,” Wassim Mahlas said. “I’m breathing German air again.”</p><p>___</p><p>Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report, including Danica Kirka, Daniel Niemann, Kristen Grieshaber, Nicolae Dumitrache, Samy Magdy, Jovana Gec, Josh Funk, Julie Walker and Rod McGuirk.</p>

Travelers scramble as Iran war strands thousands across the Middle East

WICHITA —Voters in Wichita overwhelmingly rejected authorizing the city to levy a 1% sales tax, with a combined total rate of 8.5%, expiring on June 30, 2033, for&nbsp;public safety, housing services, convention center improvements, property tax relief, and a performing arts center.

Meanwhile voters in Hutchinson approved a proposed ¾-cent (0.75%) city sales tax in a closely contested special election. The increase will raise the total city sales tax rate from 8.25% to 9% and is for a limited 10-year period.

According to unofficial results from the Reno County Clerk’s Office, the measure passed with 2,316 votes in favor and 2,166 votes opposed, a margin of 150 votes. Just over 16 percent of the registered voters voted in the election.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772583718407.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WICHITA —Voters in Wichita overwhelmingly rejected authorizing the city to levy a 1% sales tax, with a combined total rate of 8.5%, expiring on June 30, 2033, for&nbsp;public safety, housing services, convention center improvements, property tax relief, and a performing arts center.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772593493126.png" alt="Sedgwick County Election Office" />
                        <figcaption>Sedgwick County Election Office</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Meanwhile voters in Hutchinson approved a proposed ¾-cent (0.75%) city sales tax in a closely contested special election. The increase will raise the total city sales tax rate from 8.25% to 9% and is for a limited 10-year period.</p><p>According to unofficial results from the Reno County Clerk’s Office, the measure passed with 2,316 votes in favor and 2,166 votes opposed, a margin of 150 votes. Just over 16 percent of the registered voters voted in the election.&nbsp;</p>

Wichita, Hutchinson voters go different directions on sales tax

LANSING, Kansas. –&nbsp;Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Raymond Michael Sanders, 32, died Tuesday afternoon, according to statement from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 Sanders was found unresponsive in his cell. Staff and Emergency Medical Service personnel administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Sanders was serving a 10-month sentence for parole violations. He previously served 33 months on four convictions of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer in Jefferson County, Kansas.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772585407204.png" alt="Sanders photo KDOC" />
                        <figcaption>Sanders photo KDOC</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LANSING, Kansas. –&nbsp;Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Raymond Michael Sanders, 32, died Tuesday afternoon, according to statement from the Kansas Department of Corrections.</p><p> Sanders was found unresponsive in his cell. Staff and Emergency Medical Service personnel administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.</p><p>Sanders was serving a 10-month sentence for parole violations. He previously served 33 months on four convictions of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer in Jefferson County, Kansas.</p><p>Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.</p>

Kan. inmate with conviction of assault on law enforcement officer found dead

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tensions flared as questions mounted at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">shifting rationale</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">war with Iran</a>&nbsp;as lawmakers demand answers over the strategy, exit plan and costs to Americans in lives and dollars for what is quickly becoming a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-war-israel-strait-or-hormuz-deaths-f1619c6bfbbd5fe10857ff0af073aa0e">widening Middle East conflict</a>.

Trump officials made their case at the Capitol during a second day of closed-door briefings, this time with all members of the House and Senate ahead of a looming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>&nbsp;vote intended to restrict Trump’s ability to continue the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-netanyahu-trump-support-ef032c6370bd31294cab5641a57ba8af">joint U.S.-Israel campaign</a>&nbsp;against Iran.

“The president determined we were not going to get hit first. It’s that simple,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a testy exchange with reporters at the Capitol.

Rubio pushed back on his own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">suggestion</a>&nbsp;a day earlier that Trump decided to strike Iran because Israel was ready to act first. Instead, he said Trump made the decision to attack this past weekend because it presented a unique opportunity with maximum chance for success.

“There is no way in the world that this terroristic regime was going to get nuclear weapons, not under Donald Trump’s watch,” he said.

The sudden pivot to a U.S. wartime footing has disrupted the political and policy agenda on Capitol Hill and raised uneasy questions about the risks ahead for a prolonged conflict and regime change after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>. At least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">six U.S. military service personnel have died</a>&nbsp;so far.

The situation has intensified the push in Congress for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-powers-act-trump-congress-9e6832fb5f5f844acf8992008d3a8d63">war powers resolution</a>&nbsp;— among the most consequential votes a lawmaker can take, with the war well underway — as administration officials are telling lawmakers they will likely need supplemental funds to pay for the conflict. It comes at the start of a highly competitive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/election-primary-3-3-2026">midterm election season</a>&nbsp;that will test Trump’s slim GOP control of Congress.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer left the closed hearing, saying he was concerned about “mission creep” in a long war.

Senators demand answers, and some cheer Trump on

Senators spent the morning grilling Trump officials during an Armed Services Committee hearing over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">Rubio’s claim</a>&nbsp;Monday that the president, believing that Israel was ready to act, decided it was better for the U.S. to launch a preemptive strike to prevent Iran’s potential retaliation on American military bases and interests abroad.

Sen. Angus King, the independent from Maine, said it’s “very disturbing” that Trump took the U.S. to war because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-netanyahu-trump-support-ef032c6370bd31294cab5641a57ba8af">Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;wanted to bomb Iran. Past U.S. presidents, he said, “have consistently said, ‘No.’”

Defense official Elbridge Colby told senators the president directed the military campaign to destroy Iranian missiles and deny the country nuclear weapons.

Trump himself disputed the idea that Israel had forced his hand. In his own Oval Office remarks, he said, “I might might have forced their hand.”

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Trump ally from Oklahoma, said the president “did the world a favor.”

“How about we say, ‘Thank you, Mr. President, for finally getting rid of this nuisance,’” he said.

But Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., demanded to know how this fits into Trump’s “America First” campaign promise not to commit U.S. troops to protracted military campaigns abroad.

Trump has suggested the war could drag on, and has not ruled out sending American troops into Iran.

“’America First’ and ‘peace through strength’ are served by rolling back — as the military campaign is designed to do — the threats posed,” Colby responded. “This is certainly not nation-building. This is not going to be endless.”

What’s next for the Iranian regime and its people

Questions are growing over who will lead Iran after the death of Khamenei, who has ruled the country for decades, and worries of a leadership vacuum that creates unrest.

Democrats warned against sending U.S. military troops into Iran after more than two decades of war in Iraq and Afghanistan in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

“I am more fearful than ever we may be putting boots on the ground,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., after the closed briefing.

And while House Republicans applauded in support of the Trump administration’s operations, warning signs flared.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said he supports the operation, for now. “My flag starts going up, the longer this goes, my flag starts going up, the more there’s boots on the ground,” he said.

Many lawmakers expressed concern over the number of Americans calling their offices seeking help evacuating from the region as the war spreads. “It’s getting worse, not better,” said Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger.

Trump, in calling for Iranians to seize this opportunity to take back their country, has acknowledged the uncertainty.

“Most of the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said Tuesday. He also panned the idea of elevating Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran’s last shah, to take over in Iran.

Republicans insist it’s not for the Americans to decide the future of Iran.

“That’s going to be largely up to the Iranian people,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said flatly, “We have no ability to get into the nation-building business.”

War powers resolutions become a consequential vote

Both the House and Senate are preparing to vote on war powers resolutions that would restrain Trump’s ability to continue waging war on Iran without approval from Congress.

Under the U.S. Constitution, it’s up to Congress, not the president, to decide when the country goes to war. But lawmakers often shirk that duty, enabling the executive branch to amass more power to send the military into combat without congressional approval.

“Why are we spending billions of dollars to bomb Iran?” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who said there would be strong support from Democrats for the resolution.

But Johnson has said it would be “frightening” and “dangerous” to tie the president’s hands at this time, when the U.S. is already engaged in combat.

Other lawmakers have suggested that if Congress does not vote to restrain Trump, it should next consider an Authorization of the Use of Military Force, which would require lawmakers to go on record with affirmative support for the Iran operation.

“The reason why there’s so much consternation on our side is because President Trump has not given us a clear reason why he is in Iran,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. “If he wants to declare war on Iran, that is the job and responsibility of Congress under the Constitution.”

Former President George W. Bush sought, and received, authorization from Congress to launch the post-9/11 wars.

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Tensions flared as questions mounted at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">shifting rationale</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">war with Iran</a>&nbsp;as lawmakers demand answers over the strategy, exit plan and costs to Americans in lives and dollars for what is quickly becoming a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-war-israel-strait-or-hormuz-deaths-f1619c6bfbbd5fe10857ff0af073aa0e">widening Middle East conflict</a>.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a>: &quot;It&#39;s been four days since the Trump administration launched the U.S. into a war most Americans oppose…I left the intelligence briefing more concerned than reassured.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/oKLEXN5tJn">pic.twitter.com/oKLEXN5tJn</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028926928846000413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Q: &quot;The President has not ruled out boots on the ground…When does Congress weigh in?&quot;<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeaderJohnThune</a>: &quot;The President has broad authorities under Article 2 of the Constitution when it comes to defending America&#39;s national security interests.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/W44e90s3zm">pic.twitter.com/W44e90s3zm</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028927309206475196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Q: &quot;Do you think…Congress would have to authorize any military action against Iran beyond the 60-day or 90-day window?&quot;<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeaderJohnThune</a>: &quot;No. I think the President has the authority that he needs to conduct the activities, the operations that are currently underway there.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MQPwOUKMRS">pic.twitter.com/MQPwOUKMRS</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028924606921294128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Trump officials made their case at the Capitol during a second day of closed-door briefings, this time with all members of the House and Senate ahead of a looming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>&nbsp;vote intended to restrict Trump’s ability to continue the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-netanyahu-trump-support-ef032c6370bd31294cab5641a57ba8af">joint U.S.-Israel campaign</a>&nbsp;against Iran.</p><p>“The president determined we were not going to get hit first. It’s that simple,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a testy exchange with reporters at the Capitol.</p><p>Rubio pushed back on his own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">suggestion</a>&nbsp;a day earlier that Trump decided to strike Iran because Israel was ready to act first. Instead, he said Trump made the decision to attack this past weekend because it presented a unique opportunity with maximum chance for success.</p><p>“There is no way in the world that this terroristic regime was going to get nuclear weapons, not under Donald Trump’s watch,” he said.</p><p>The sudden pivot to a U.S. wartime footing has disrupted the political and policy agenda on Capitol Hill and raised uneasy questions about the risks ahead for a prolonged conflict and regime change after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>. At least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">six U.S. military service personnel have died</a>&nbsp;so far.</p><p>The situation has intensified the push in Congress for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-powers-act-trump-congress-9e6832fb5f5f844acf8992008d3a8d63">war powers resolution</a>&nbsp;— among the most consequential votes a lawmaker can take, with the war well underway — as administration officials are telling lawmakers they will likely need supplemental funds to pay for the conflict. It comes at the start of a highly competitive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/election-primary-3-3-2026">midterm election season</a>&nbsp;that will test Trump’s slim GOP control of Congress.</p><p>Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer left the closed hearing, saying he was concerned about “mission creep” in a long war.</p><h2>Senators demand answers, and some cheer Trump on</h2><p>Senators spent the morning grilling Trump officials during an Armed Services Committee hearing over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">Rubio’s claim</a>&nbsp;Monday that the president, believing that Israel was ready to act, decided it was better for the U.S. to launch a preemptive strike to prevent Iran’s potential retaliation on American military bases and interests abroad.</p><p>Sen. Angus King, the independent from Maine, said it’s “very disturbing” that Trump took the U.S. to war because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-netanyahu-trump-support-ef032c6370bd31294cab5641a57ba8af">Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;wanted to bomb Iran. Past U.S. presidents, he said, “have consistently said, ‘No.’”</p><p>Defense official Elbridge Colby told senators the president directed the military campaign to destroy Iranian missiles and deny the country nuclear weapons.</p><p>Trump himself disputed the idea that Israel had forced his hand. In his own Oval Office remarks, he said, “I might might have forced their hand.”</p><p>Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Trump ally from Oklahoma, said the president “did the world a favor.”</p><p>“How about we say, ‘Thank you, Mr. President, for finally getting rid of this nuisance,’” he said.</p><p>But Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., demanded to know how this fits into Trump’s “America First” campaign promise not to commit U.S. troops to protracted military campaigns abroad.</p><p>Trump has suggested the war could drag on, and has not ruled out sending American troops into Iran.</p><p>“’America First’ and ‘peace through strength’ are served by rolling back — as the military campaign is designed to do — the threats posed,” Colby responded. “This is certainly not nation-building. This is not going to be endless.”</p><h2>What’s next for the Iranian regime and its people</h2><p>Questions are growing over who will lead Iran after the death of Khamenei, who has ruled the country for decades, and worries of a leadership vacuum that creates unrest.</p><p>Democrats warned against sending U.S. military troops into Iran after more than two decades of war in Iraq and Afghanistan in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.</p><p>“I am more fearful than ever we may be putting boots on the ground,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., after the closed briefing.</p><p>And while House Republicans applauded in support of the Trump administration’s operations, warning signs flared.</p><p>Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said he supports the operation, for now. “My flag starts going up, the longer this goes, my flag starts going up, the more there’s boots on the ground,” he said.</p><p>Many lawmakers expressed concern over the number of Americans calling their offices seeking help evacuating from the region as the war spreads. “It’s getting worse, not better,” said Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger.</p><p>Trump, in calling for Iranians to seize this opportunity to take back their country, has acknowledged the uncertainty.</p><p>“Most of the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said Tuesday. He also panned the idea of elevating Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran’s last shah, to take over in Iran.</p><p>Republicans insist it’s not for the Americans to decide the future of Iran.</p><p>“That’s going to be largely up to the Iranian people,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican.</p><p>House Speaker Mike Johnson said flatly, “We have no ability to get into the nation-building business.”</p><h2>War powers resolutions become a consequential vote</h2><p>Both the House and Senate are preparing to vote on war powers resolutions that would restrain Trump’s ability to continue waging war on Iran without approval from Congress.</p><p>Under the U.S. Constitution, it’s up to Congress, not the president, to decide when the country goes to war. But lawmakers often shirk that duty, enabling the executive branch to amass more power to send the military into combat without congressional approval.</p><p>“Why are we spending billions of dollars to bomb Iran?” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who said there would be strong support from Democrats for the resolution.</p><p>But Johnson has said it would be “frightening” and “dangerous” to tie the president’s hands at this time, when the U.S. is already engaged in combat.</p><p>Other lawmakers have suggested that if Congress does not vote to restrain Trump, it should next consider an Authorization of the Use of Military Force, which would require lawmakers to go on record with affirmative support for the Iran operation.</p><p>“The reason why there’s so much consternation on our side is because President Trump has not given us a clear reason why he is in Iran,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. “If he wants to declare war on Iran, that is the job and responsibility of Congress under the Constitution.”</p><p>Former President George W. Bush sought, and received, authorization from Congress to launch the post-9/11 wars.</p><p>___</p>

🎥Tensions flare: Lawmakers question Iran war’s costs, risks and strategy

MARION COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a teacher.

On February 23, the Marion County Sheriff's office Lt. Detective Aaron Christner received a report on inappropriate communication between a student and a teacher from Peabody-Burns High School, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

The investigation revealed the teacher had sexual contact with a student. With assistance from the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children's Task Force, further evidence was discovered. On Tuesday, 30-year-old Brett T.&nbsp; McGee was arrested. He was booked into jail just before noon Wednesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is listed as the&nbsp;Vocational Agriculture teacher at Peabody-Burns USD 398, according to the school web site.

The Marion County Sheriff asked that anyone with additional information on the case or any other mistreatment of a child to call them.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772568670541.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MARION COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a teacher.</p><p>On February 23, the Marion County Sheriff's office Lt. Detective Aaron Christner received a report on inappropriate communication between a student and a teacher from Peabody-Burns High School, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772568112207.png" alt="McGee photo McPherson County" />
                        <figcaption>McGee photo McPherson County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The investigation revealed the teacher had sexual contact with a student. With assistance from the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children's Task Force, further evidence was discovered. On Tuesday, 30-year-old Brett T.&nbsp; McGee was arrested. He was booked into jail just before noon Wednesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is listed as the&nbsp;Vocational Agriculture teacher at Peabody-Burns USD 398, according to the school web site.</p><p>The Marion County Sheriff asked that anyone with additional information on the case or any other mistreatment of a child to call them.</p>

Kansas teacher jailed for alleged sexual contact with a student

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

just after 2p.m. March 1, police arrested&nbsp;Steven L. Crockett, 70, Atchison, was arrested at 2:15PM on Sunday in the 300 block Santa Fe Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Crockett was arrested&nbsp;on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance this week, according to online jail records.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772463780952.png" alt="Crockett-photo Atchison County" />
                        <figcaption>Crockett-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.</p><p>just after 2p.m. March 1, police arrested&nbsp;Steven L. Crockett, 70, Atchison, was arrested at 2:15PM on Sunday in the 300 block Santa Fe Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.</p><p>Crockett was arrested&nbsp;on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance this week, according to online jail records.</p>

Police: Kan. man who skipped court was also carrying fentanyl

WASHINGTON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;defended her department’s immigration enforcement tactics in front of a Senate committee on Tuesday and pushed back against criticism from Democrats who say she wrongly disparaged two protesters killed by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year.

It was Noem’s first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of the two protesters galvanized widespread opposition to how the Trump administration is executing its mass deportation agenda, a centerpiece policy of President Donald Trump’s second term. At the time, Noem portrayed the protesters, two U.S. citizens, as armed agitators, although accounts from local officials and bystander video contradicted assertions from her and other administration officials.

In the hearing, Noem defended her agency’s treatment of immigrants caught up in enforcement activities, and blamed activists and others for attacks against officers.

“I want to address the dangerous environment that our ICE officers face on the streets today,” Noem said. “They are facing a serious and escalating threat as a result of deliberate mischaracterizations of their heroic work and rhetoric that demonizes our law enforcement.”

Since the deaths in Minneapolis, the administration has taken steps meant to tone down tensions, including drawing down the operation there. But the administration has continued pressing restrictions against both legal and illegal immigration, has been buying up warehouses for immigration detention and persisting in federal enforcement in areas around the country. Noem said about 650 investigators remain in Minnesota as part of a broader fraud probe.

The immigration tactics of Noem’s department have triggered a clash in Congress over its routine funding, which remains unresolved, although a spending bill passed last year granted it a significant infusion of cash for the Republican administration’s mass deportation policy. Noem called the partial shutdown “reckless” and blamed Democrats for putting national security at risk.

Her appearance in front of the Judiciary Committee also comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-texas-bar-shooting-7690f931ba00f950c1828cef25399bb6">a weekend shooting</a>&nbsp;at a bar in Texas that is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, leading to concerns that the escalating conflict in Iran could have repercussions for security in the U.S.

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;defended her department’s immigration enforcement tactics in front of a Senate committee on Tuesday and pushed back against criticism from Democrats who say she wrongly disparaged two protesters killed by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem opening statement before Senate <a href="https://twitter.com/JudiciaryDems?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JudiciaryDems</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJudiciaryGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@senjudiciarygop</a>. <a href="https://t.co/a4aTo4UYM5">pic.twitter.com/a4aTo4UYM5</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028857980146290948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenBlumenthal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenBlumenthal</a> introduces U.S. citizens at hearing who were apprehended by ICE agents: &quot;Wouldn&#39;t&#39; you agree that shooting Marimar Martinez on her way to donate clothing at her church, a U.S citizen from Chicago, is wrong? <a href="https://t.co/ovFdDCozFE">pic.twitter.com/ovFdDCozFE</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028873152185454693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenAmyKlobuchar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenAmyKlobuchar</a> (D-MN): &quot;In one month in the city of Minneapolis, when you look at the three fatalities that were results of shooting, two of three were committed by federal agents. Are you aware of that?<br><br>Secretary Kristi Noem: &quot;Yes, I am.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/SN9R762SJd">pic.twitter.com/SN9R762SJd</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028862795614208244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJohnKennedy</a> grills DHS Secretary Noem: &quot;How do you square that concern with waste, which I share, with the fact that you have spent $220 million running television advertisements that feature you prominently?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/1zwl2wghyP">pic.twitter.com/1zwl2wghyP</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028862151146815690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorDurbin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorDurbin</a> asks DHS Secretary Noem on Renée Good, Alex Pretti and others: &quot;Do you retract these statement identifying these individuals as domestic terrorists?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8LGa7uZZed">pic.twitter.com/8LGa7uZZed</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028858460180250646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenBooker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenBooker</a>: &quot;This is a reckless and out of control agency that you are responsible for. You seem to have no situational awareness whatsoever... Either you are utterly incompetent or you are violating laws with impunity. You should step down from your position.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/IGXWpiabou">pic.twitter.com/IGXWpiabou</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028892329944215607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>It was Noem’s first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of the two protesters galvanized widespread opposition to how the Trump administration is executing its mass deportation agenda, a centerpiece policy of President Donald Trump’s second term. At the time, Noem portrayed the protesters, two U.S. citizens, as armed agitators, although accounts from local officials and bystander video contradicted assertions from her and other administration officials.</p><p>In the hearing, Noem defended her agency’s treatment of immigrants caught up in enforcement activities, and blamed activists and others for attacks against officers.</p><p>“I want to address the dangerous environment that our ICE officers face on the streets today,” Noem said. “They are facing a serious and escalating threat as a result of deliberate mischaracterizations of their heroic work and rhetoric that demonizes our law enforcement.”</p><p>Since the deaths in Minneapolis, the administration has taken steps meant to tone down tensions, including drawing down the operation there. But the administration has continued pressing restrictions against both legal and illegal immigration, has been buying up warehouses for immigration detention and persisting in federal enforcement in areas around the country. Noem said about 650 investigators remain in Minnesota as part of a broader fraud probe.</p><p>The immigration tactics of Noem’s department have triggered a clash in Congress over its routine funding, which remains unresolved, although a spending bill passed last year granted it a significant infusion of cash for the Republican administration’s mass deportation policy. Noem called the partial shutdown “reckless” and blamed Democrats for putting national security at risk.</p><p>Her appearance in front of the Judiciary Committee also comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-texas-bar-shooting-7690f931ba00f950c1828cef25399bb6">a weekend shooting</a>&nbsp;at a bar in Texas that is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, leading to concerns that the escalating conflict in Iran could have repercussions for security in the U.S.</p><h2>Noem blames chaotic situation for her characterization of killed protesters</h2><p>In what was initially billed as an effort to root out fraud in Minnesota, Homeland Security sent hundreds of officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection to the state. They were met by protesters who organized marches, patrolled neighborhoods for ICE activity with whistles and ferried food to immigrants too afraid to leave their homes.</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/video/the-family-of-renee-good-talk-about-her-life-more-than-a-month-after-she-was-killed-in-minneapolis-9539004139804334b833384fd0e4db28">Renee Good</a>, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Jan. 7, setting off intense protests demanding pushing an end to the operation. Then on Jan. 24, Customs and Border Protection officers opened fire on another Minnesota resident,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>, who had been filming enforcement operations.</p><p>Those deaths led to cries for accountability and transparency. Noem, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-alex-pretti-their-own-words-27b7233380c68306a64317b3bf2aa4a3">initial comments</a>&nbsp;portrayed both Good and Pretti as the aggressors, has come under withering criticism by Democrats and even some Republicans, who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-shootings-kristi-noem-ice-congress-add9ac7b90f5677621009e8a603c0141">called for her to resign</a>.</p><p>Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the committee, repeatedly questioned Noem about her initial comments and called on her to apologize.</p><p>“You and your agency rushed to brand these victims as, quote, domestic terrorists,” Durbin said. “We have ample video evidence and eyewitness testimony proving you are wrong. Your statements caused immeasurable pain to these families.”</p><p>Noem said she was relying on information from people on the scene and blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos officers encountered.</p><p>“I was getting reports from the ground from agents at the scene, and I would say that it was a chaotic scene, as you’ve seen in Minneapolis and St. Paul,” she said.</p><p>After public outrage over the deaths, Trump sent border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to take control of operations on the ground there. Homan has since announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homan-immigration-agents-minnesota-enforcement-operation-drawdown-5a7940eb9b5100d46efc33a97f524da0">a drawdown</a>&nbsp;of the ICE and CBP officers who had been sent to Minnesota to carry out what had been dubbed Operation Metro Surge, although he’s been adamant that the president’s mass deportation agenda will continue.</p><p>Republicans largely kept the focus on the large numbers of migrants who came into the country under former President Joe Biden, portraying Noem as cleaning up the former administration’s mess.</p><h2>Noem also faced some Republican criticism</h2><p>Noem did face sharp criticism from one Republican, Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana, who pushed her to explain why her department paid more than $200 million for an ad campaign she appeared in last year encouraging migrants to leave the country voluntarily and questioned whether Trump knew about the price tag ahead of time.</p><p>Noem defended those ads, saying they were effective and went through the regular department bidding process.</p><p>“Well, they were effective in your name recognition,” Kennedy said pointedly.</p><p>Homeland Security officials have often blamed conflicts in places where it’s carrying out immigration enforcement activities, like Minneapolis and Chicago, as the fault of Democratic politicians who, they say, encourage people to oppose officers as they try to make arrests.</p><p>Noem is also slated to appear Wednesday in front of a House committee.</p>