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

TOPEKA — Douglas County District Judge James McCabria declined Tuesday to pause enforcement of a new state law that invalidated driver’s licenses and criminalizes bathroom use for transgender residents, saying he doesn’t have enough information yet and that he believes Kansans are tolerant.

In a six-page ruling — which includes a section titled “Who to believe?” — McCabria said attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union and Attorney General Kris Kobach provided no examples to support their claims that the law will harm transgender people or that the law makes bathrooms more secure.

“In hearing the arguments of each side, the Court is struck by a basic assumption each side makes about the other — that our ‘lesser angels’ drive our choices,” McCabria wrote. “Yet, the very paucity of actual examples that&nbsp;either side&nbsp;has put forward in&nbsp;any&nbsp;of the arguments suggests the opposite — that the vast majority of Kansans are tolerant, understanding, accepting and generally supportive of each other and that the vast majority of transgender persons have experienced this as Kansans.”

Two transgender men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit Feb. 26</a>, the day the law took effect, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to due process, privacy, equality and expression. They also argue the law violates a constitutional requirement that bills passed by the Legislature contain only one subject.

Attorneys with the ACLU and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm represent the plaintiffs, who are identified by the pseudonyms Daniel Doe and Mathew Moe. They asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order, which would have paused enforcement of the law for 14 days, which a possible 14-day extension.

McCabria wrote in his decision that the request for a temporary restraining order requires plaintiffs to pass multiple legal tests: They have to demonstrate a likelihood of winning the case, show the law would cause immediate and irreparable harm, and show that a restraining order serves the public interest and no other remedy is available.

“The conclusion became self-evident — this Court simply does not have the information the law requires to enter a Temporary Restraining Order at this stage of the proceedings,” he wrote.

Plaintiffs can continue to provide evidence and arguments in support of an injunction, which would block enforcement of the law while the case is being litigated. McCabria scheduled a case management conference for March 18.

“This is a devastating, but hopefully temporary, setback for our clients and transgender people across the state of Kansas,” said Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU. “The harm of this law has already had sweeping impacts on the lives of transgender people like our clients, threatening their ability to hold a job, go to school, or go about their daily lives.”

The GOP-led Kansas Legislature this year fast-tracked&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, limiting public input and debate at every step. The Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the bill on Feb. 18, and the law took effect as soon as paperwork could be finalized.

Under the law, individuals in public buildings must use bathrooms and other private spaces, such as locker rooms, that align with their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender. It isn’t clear how governments, schools, universities, libraries and other entities are supposed to ensure proper bathroom use, but failure to do so will result in a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.

Individuals who use the “wrong” bathroom will receive a warning on first offense, a $1,000 fine for breaking the law on subsequent offenses, and be charged with a Class B misdemeanor crime on third and subsequent violations. They also are subject to civil lawsuits from anyone “aggrieved” by their bathroom choice.

Proponents said the law will make it safer for cisgender women to use the bathroom, even though there is no evidence to support the claim. They ignore the reality that the law now requires transgender men, who look and sound like men, to use the women’s bathroom.

In his ruling, McCabria said he rejected the assumption “that every restroom visit is fraught with the potential for violence or embarrassment if this law is not immediately suspended. Or, especially, to assume the Legislature intended to promote such negative experiences when the law was passed.”

The law also requires that gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates match an individual’s sex assigned at birth.

Shortly before the law took effect, the Kansas Department of Revenue sent letters to 275 residents who had changed their gender markers to let them know their driver’s licenses had been invalidated.

Kobach said during a court hearing Friday that 138 of the 275 individuals who were affected by the law had already gotten a new driver’s license.

“You can’t take it seriously, the impossibility of complying, when so many already have,” Kobach said.

Trans Liberty, a national advocacy group, announced Monday it was launching Operation Lifeboat to serve transgender Kansans who need support. The organization previously issued a statewide evacuation warning for transgender people.

Operation Lifeboat provides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.translifeboat.org/" target="_blank">an online portal</a>&nbsp;for trans people to request help with transportation, packing, hauling and getting settled somewhere else, breaking leases, emergency financial aid, legal guidance, DMV escorts and other assistance. Allies can offer to help as drivers, hosts, movers and donors.

“Our goal is to meet this moment with both urgency and compassion,” said Brandon Callahan, an incident commander for the operation. “This operation is built to provide real support to people who need it while coordinating the many individuals and organizations stepping forward to help.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773194309766.png" alt="Douglas County District Judge James McCabria listens to arguments during a March 6, 2026, hearing on a new law that requires transgender individuals to use bathrooms in government buildings and gender markers on driver’s licenses that match their sex assigned at birth. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Douglas County District Judge James McCabria listens to arguments during a March 6, 2026, hearing on a new law that requires transgender individuals to use bathrooms in government buildings and gender markers on driver’s licenses that match their sex assigned at birth. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Douglas County District Judge James McCabria declined Tuesday to pause enforcement of a new state law that invalidated driver’s licenses and criminalizes bathroom use for transgender residents, saying he doesn’t have enough information yet and that he believes Kansans are tolerant.In a six-page ruling — which includes a section titled “Who to believe?” — McCabria said attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union and Attorney General Kris Kobach provided no examples to support their claims that the law will harm transgender people or that the law makes bathrooms more secure.“In hearing the arguments of each side, the Court is struck by a basic assumption each side makes about the other — that our ‘lesser angels’ drive our choices,” McCabria wrote. “Yet, the very paucity of actual examples that&nbsp;either side&nbsp;has put forward in&nbsp;any&nbsp;of the arguments suggests the opposite — that the vast majority of Kansans are tolerant, understanding, accepting and generally supportive of each other and that the vast majority of transgender persons have experienced this as Kansans.”Two transgender men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit Feb. 26</a>, the day the law took effect, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to due process, privacy, equality and expression. They also argue the law violates a constitutional requirement that bills passed by the Legislature contain only one subject.Attorneys with the ACLU and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm represent the plaintiffs, who are identified by the pseudonyms Daniel Doe and Mathew Moe. They asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order, which would have paused enforcement of the law for 14 days, which a possible 14-day extension.McCabria wrote in his decision that the request for a temporary restraining order requires plaintiffs to pass multiple legal tests: They have to demonstrate a likelihood of winning the case, show the law would cause immediate and irreparable harm, and show that a restraining order serves the public interest and no other remedy is available.“The conclusion became self-evident — this Court simply does not have the information the law requires to enter a Temporary Restraining Order at this stage of the proceedings,” he wrote.Plaintiffs can continue to provide evidence and arguments in support of an injunction, which would block enforcement of the law while the case is being litigated. McCabria scheduled a case management conference for March 18.“This is a devastating, but hopefully temporary, setback for our clients and transgender people across the state of Kansas,” said Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU. “The harm of this law has already had sweeping impacts on the lives of transgender people like our clients, threatening their ability to hold a job, go to school, or go about their daily lives.”The GOP-led Kansas Legislature this year fast-tracked&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, limiting public input and debate at every step. The Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the bill on Feb. 18, and the law took effect as soon as paperwork could be finalized.Under the law, individuals in public buildings must use bathrooms and other private spaces, such as locker rooms, that align with their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender. It isn’t clear how governments, schools, universities, libraries and other entities are supposed to ensure proper bathroom use, but failure to do so will result in a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.Individuals who use the “wrong” bathroom will receive a warning on first offense, a $1,000 fine for breaking the law on subsequent offenses, and be charged with a Class B misdemeanor crime on third and subsequent violations. They also are subject to civil lawsuits from anyone “aggrieved” by their bathroom choice.Proponents said the law will make it safer for cisgender women to use the bathroom, even though there is no evidence to support the claim. They ignore the reality that the law now requires transgender men, who look and sound like men, to use the women’s bathroom.In his ruling, McCabria said he rejected the assumption “that every restroom visit is fraught with the potential for violence or embarrassment if this law is not immediately suspended. Or, especially, to assume the Legislature intended to promote such negative experiences when the law was passed.”The law also requires that gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates match an individual’s sex assigned at birth.Shortly before the law took effect, the Kansas Department of Revenue sent letters to 275 residents who had changed their gender markers to let them know their driver’s licenses had been invalidated.Kobach said during a court hearing Friday that 138 of the 275 individuals who were affected by the law had already gotten a new driver’s license.“You can’t take it seriously, the impossibility of complying, when so many already have,” Kobach said.Trans Liberty, a national advocacy group, announced Monday it was launching Operation Lifeboat to serve transgender Kansans who need support. The organization previously issued a statewide evacuation warning for transgender people.Operation Lifeboat provides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.translifeboat.org/" target="_blank">an online portal</a>&nbsp;for trans people to request help with transportation, packing, hauling and getting settled somewhere else, breaking leases, emergency financial aid, legal guidance, DMV escorts and other assistance. Allies can offer to help as drivers, hosts, movers and donors.“Our goal is to meet this moment with both urgency and compassion,” said Brandon Callahan, an incident commander for the operation. “This operation is built to provide real support to people who need it while coordinating the many individuals and organizations stepping forward to help.”

Kansas judge rejects attempt to block law that restricts bathroom use, invalidates driver’s licenses

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges for a 2023 murder in Kansas City, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2819/Canady-RED-COMPLAINT-TC">Terry W. Canady</a>, 33,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Shooting at a Person and Exhibiting), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2820/Canady-RED-PC-TCRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on March 31, 2023, and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Video footage captured two suspects, one later identified as Canady approaching the victim near a vehicle. One of the suspects had their arms extended, holding a firearm. A flash was observed between Canady and the victim and then gunfire was exchanged as both suspects fled. A dark-colored Chevrolet Traverse was observed driving away from the crime scene at a high rate of speed.&nbsp;

Canady later arrived at a hospital in a black Chevrolet Traverse with a gunshot wound. Detectives collected a buccal swab from Canady and it matched the blood found at the crime scene.&nbsp;

Detectives are working to identify the second suspect.

A Jackson County judge set Canady's bond to $150,000 cash only.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772576985947.png" alt="Canady-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Canady-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges for a 2023 murder in Kansas City, Missouri.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2819/Canady-RED-COMPLAINT-TC">Terry W. Canady</a>, 33,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Shooting at a Person and Exhibiting), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2820/Canady-RED-PC-TCRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on March 31, 2023, and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.Video footage captured two suspects, one later identified as Canady approaching the victim near a vehicle. One of the suspects had their arms extended, holding a firearm. A flash was observed between Canady and the victim and then gunfire was exchanged as both suspects fled. A dark-colored Chevrolet Traverse was observed driving away from the crime scene at a high rate of speed.&nbsp;Canady later arrived at a hospital in a black Chevrolet Traverse with a gunshot wound. Detectives collected a buccal swab from Canady and it matched the blood found at the crime scene.&nbsp;Detectives are working to identify the second suspect.A Jackson County judge set Canady's bond to $150,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Hospital swab linked suspect to Kansas City killing 

WICHITA, Kan. —&nbsp;Stephen R. Langa was sentenced Friday in Sedgwick County District Court for a series of robberies that targeted the community over a five-day period in late 2024.

District Judge Sean Hatfield sentenced Langa to 198 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, followed by 24 months of post-release supervision.

The sentencing follows a conviction on seven counts of robbery, each classified as a severity level 5 person felony. The charges stemmed from incidents occurring between Sept. 24, 2024, and Sept. 28, 2024. During this window, the defendant engaged in a series of robberies that prompted an intensive investigation by the Wichita Police Department.

Prosecutors argued that the frequency and nature of the crimes warranted a significant prison term to ensure public safety and provide justice for the victims involved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772894083589.png" alt="Langa photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Langa photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. —&nbsp;Stephen R. Langa was sentenced Friday in Sedgwick County District Court for a series of robberies that targeted the community over a five-day period in late 2024.District Judge Sean Hatfield sentenced Langa to 198 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, followed by 24 months of post-release supervision.The sentencing follows a conviction on seven counts of robbery, each classified as a severity level 5 person felony. The charges stemmed from incidents occurring between Sept. 24, 2024, and Sept. 28, 2024. During this window, the defendant engaged in a series of robberies that prompted an intensive investigation by the Wichita Police Department.Prosecutors argued that the frequency and nature of the crimes warranted a significant prison term to ensure public safety and provide justice for the victims involved.

Lengthy prison sentence for 5-day Kansas robbery spree

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run and have made an arrest.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a report of an injury accident at the intersection of SW 6th Street and SW Horne Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

Officers learned that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police did not release the name of the pedestrian.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the incident involved a hit-and-run crash. The vehicle driver, Elizabeth A. Neal, 38, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and remains jailed on requested charges of Driving While License Suspended, Failure to Stop at an Accident Resulting in Death, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence, Vehicular Homicide

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773175192479.png" alt="Neal-Photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Neal-Photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run and have made an arrest.Just after 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a report of an injury accident at the intersection of SW 6th Street and SW Horne Street in Topeka, according to a media release.Officers learned that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police did not release the name of the pedestrian.As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the incident involved a hit-and-run crash. The vehicle driver, Elizabeth A. Neal, 38, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and remains jailed on requested charges of Driving While License Suspended, Failure to Stop at an Accident Resulting in Death, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence, Vehicular Homicide

Kansas woman accused of hit-and-run that killed pedestrian

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Rabbi Moti Rieber sat on the tiled floor, legs akimbo, in front of the arched passage leading to the Kansas Senate chamber with at least 20 people behind him and more lining the walls with handmade signs.

“We are here because when injustice becomes law, then resistance is necessary,” Rieber said. “We are here as moral witnesses.”

Clergy members led a sit-in protest Tuesday in opposition to a recently passed anti-trans law. The Republican-controlled Legislature used tactics to avoid public input and overrode the governor’s veto to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, requiring people in public buildings to use the bathroom that coincides with their biological sex and also mandating driver’s licenses include a person’s biological sex instead of their gender.

Sergeants-at-arms looked on from behind the group, and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers soon joined. But it wasn’t until the group prevented Sen. Tim Shallenburger, R-Baxter Springs, from entering the chamber that troopers grabbed people by the arms to clear a path.

As troopers hoisted activists up from their seats, encouraging them to disperse, the group sang in harmony: “No one is getting left behind this time. No one is getting left behind. No one is getting left behind this time. We get there together or never get there at all.”

At one point, a trooper knocked a woman to the ground as she tried to pass through the crowd, appearing to mistake her as part of the demonstration. Protesters responded with chants of “Shame!”

The woman declined to be identified or comment but told Kansas Reflector she was OK.

Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, said while sitting on the floor, addressing the crowd, that the process to pass SB 244 was “crooked.”

The law has already been challenged in Douglas County District Court, and a judge’s decision on pausing the order was expected as soon as Tuesday. The state sent letters to 275 Kansans shortly before the law went into effect, telling them their driver’s licenses were invalid. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/05/new-kansas-bathroom-law-likely-to-harm-mental-health-increase-risks-for-trans-people-experts-say/">experts say laws targeting trans people can harm</a>&nbsp;their mental health and increase the likelihood of discrimination.

The Rev. Mandy Todd, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, said SB 244 is hurtful, targeted and part of a culture war. She said the group is “disgusted by this Legislature’s treatment of trans people.”

The bill stokes fear and anxiety, she said.

Todd, the director of engagement for Kansas Interfaith Action, said trans people in her community have felt the immediate effects of SB 244. The closest driver’s license office is in the next town, which Todd said has hamstrung one Lindsborg woman, who now cannot legally drive to sort out her invalid license.

Pastor Charles McKinzie II of Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield is confident the law, which he said was flawed in process and in substance, will make its way to the Kansas Supreme Court to be overturned.

“In the meantime, people are hurting, and people need to know that they are seen,” McKinzie said.

Conversations about the effects of SB 244 aren’t limited to a courtroom. They are taking place in churches, synagogues and other small group settings across the state, McKinzie said, and the sit-in was meant as a show of nonviolence “to shed light on a violent system.”

Master Trooper Scott Whitsell said Tuesday afternoon, about an hour after the protest, that no one from the group had been cited or arrested to his knowledge. The only law the protestors broke was blocking an entryway, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773183932273.png" alt=" Rabbi Moti Rieber watches law enforcement as they confront protesters March 10, 2026, outside the Senate chamber in the Kansas Statehouse. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rabbi Moti Rieber watches law enforcement as they confront protesters March 10, 2026, outside the Senate chamber in the Kansas Statehouse. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Rabbi Moti Rieber sat on the tiled floor, legs akimbo, in front of the arched passage leading to the Kansas Senate chamber with at least 20 people behind him and more lining the walls with handmade signs.“We are here because when injustice becomes law, then resistance is necessary,” Rieber said. “We are here as moral witnesses.”Clergy members led a sit-in protest Tuesday in opposition to a recently passed anti-trans law. The Republican-controlled Legislature used tactics to avoid public input and overrode the governor’s veto to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, requiring people in public buildings to use the bathroom that coincides with their biological sex and also mandating driver’s licenses include a person’s biological sex instead of their gender.Sergeants-at-arms looked on from behind the group, and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers soon joined. But it wasn’t until the group prevented Sen. Tim Shallenburger, R-Baxter Springs, from entering the chamber that troopers grabbed people by the arms to clear a path.As troopers hoisted activists up from their seats, encouraging them to disperse, the group sang in harmony: “No one is getting left behind this time. No one is getting left behind. No one is getting left behind this time. We get there together or never get there at all.”At one point, a trooper knocked a woman to the ground as she tried to pass through the crowd, appearing to mistake her as part of the demonstration. Protesters responded with chants of “Shame!”The woman declined to be identified or comment but told Kansas Reflector she was OK.Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, said while sitting on the floor, addressing the crowd, that the process to pass SB 244 was “crooked.”The law has already been challenged in Douglas County District Court, and a judge’s decision on pausing the order was expected as soon as Tuesday. The state sent letters to 275 Kansans shortly before the law went into effect, telling them their driver’s licenses were invalid. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/05/new-kansas-bathroom-law-likely-to-harm-mental-health-increase-risks-for-trans-people-experts-say/">experts say laws targeting trans people can harm</a>&nbsp;their mental health and increase the likelihood of discrimination.The Rev. Mandy Todd, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, said SB 244 is hurtful, targeted and part of a culture war. She said the group is “disgusted by this Legislature’s treatment of trans people.”The bill stokes fear and anxiety, she said.Todd, the director of engagement for Kansas Interfaith Action, said trans people in her community have felt the immediate effects of SB 244. The closest driver’s license office is in the next town, which Todd said has hamstrung one Lindsborg woman, who now cannot legally drive to sort out her invalid license.Pastor Charles McKinzie II of Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield is confident the law, which he said was flawed in process and in substance, will make its way to the Kansas Supreme Court to be overturned.“In the meantime, people are hurting, and people need to know that they are seen,” McKinzie said.Conversations about the effects of SB 244 aren’t limited to a courtroom. They are taking place in churches, synagogues and other small group settings across the state, McKinzie said, and the sit-in was meant as a show of nonviolence “to shed light on a violent system.”Master Trooper Scott Whitsell said Tuesday afternoon, about an hour after the protest, that no one from the group had been cited or arrested to his knowledge. The only law the protestors broke was blocking an entryway, he said.Sherman Smith contributed to this story.

Clergy-led activists block entry into Kansas Senate in protest over bathroom law

By&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/konstantin-toropin">KONSTANTIN TOROPIN</a> Associated Press

The Pentagon says about 140 U.S. service members have been wounded in conflict with Iran.

“The vast majority of these injuries have been minor, and 108 service members have already returned to duty,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in an emailed statement. Eight are currently “severely injured,” Parnell added.

These numbers are the first insight into the broader toll of injuries sustained by U.S. troops after a barrage of retaliatory rocket and drone strikes from Iran that also killed seven soldiers in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773170283735.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/konstantin-toropin">KONSTANTIN TOROPIN</a> Associated PressThe Pentagon says about 140 U.S. service members have been wounded in conflict with Iran.“The vast majority of these injuries have been minor, and 108 service members have already returned to duty,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in an emailed statement. Eight are currently “severely injured,” Parnell added.These numbers are the first insight into the broader toll of injuries sustained by U.S. troops after a barrage of retaliatory rocket and drone strikes from Iran that also killed seven soldiers in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Pentagon:  About 140 US troops wounded in Iran war, 8 severely

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Several people including two police officers were injured after an overnight house fire in Bonner Springs.

Late Monday, Kansas City, Kansas fire crews responded on automatic aid to assist the Bonner Springs Fire Department with a house fire in the 500 block of Allcutt Avenue, according to a media release.

Bonner Springs Police officers were the first to arrive and immediately entered the home after learning people were still inside. They assisted in removing the occupants until firefighters arrived.

Two patients were transported in critical condition, and a citizen who stopped to help is listed in stable condition. Two Bonner Springs Police officers were also treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

Situations like this are exactly why regional cooperation between public safety agencies exists. Last night could have been much worse without the quick actions of officers, firefighters, and citizens working together.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Several people including two police officers were injured after an overnight house fire in Bonner Springs.Late Monday, Kansas City, Kansas fire crews responded on automatic aid to assist the Bonner Springs Fire Department with a house fire in the 500 block of Allcutt Avenue, according to a media release.Bonner Springs Police officers were the first to arrive and immediately entered the home after learning people were still inside. They assisted in removing the occupants until firefighters arrived.Two patients were transported in critical condition, and a citizen who stopped to help is listed in stable condition. Two Bonner Springs Police officers were also treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.Situations like this are exactly why regional cooperation between public safety agencies exists. Last night could have been much worse without the quick actions of officers, firefighters, and citizens working together.

Two hospitalized after fire at Kansas home

Sen. Caryn Tyson apologizes for misrepresenting amendment, opposes repeal

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

TOPEKA — Sen. Caryn Tyson, who labels herself “Tax Cutting Tyson,” successfully pitched to fellow senators a budget amendment creating a state revenue lockbox dedicated to reducing the property tax mill levy supporting K-12 public schools.

No one in the Kansas Senate inquired about details of her amendment, which was quickly approved last week amid debate on two dozen ideas for tweaking&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/sb315_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Senate Bill 315</a>. The special account would allow the Legislature to chip away at the 20-mill annual property tax for schools, she said.

“We’re going to establish a property tax relief fund,” said Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the Senate’s tax committee. “There’s no money in it. So, there’s no fiscal cost.”

The Senate agreed without objection to drop her proposal into the bill.

That’s the way things stood for 2½ hours until Sen. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, surprised senators with his discovery that Tyson’s amendment earmarked millions of dollars in online state lottery revenue for the new property tax fund. Tyson’s amendment actually reappropriated lottery revenue that was promised for care of mentally ill adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the frail and elderly population.

“We often hear in here there’s no such thing as a simple bill,” Owens said. “Well, it turns out there is no such thing as a simple amendment.”

Owens said he regretted not pressing Tyson for details of the amendment embedding a property tax relief fund in the state budget. He blamed his passivity on an inherent trust in a legislative process obligating lawmakers to present accurate information about proposed amendments.

Unbeknownst to senators when they voted to pass Tyson’s amendment, the measure required all state iLottery proceeds above $80 million per year to be deposited in the special fund to replace property taxes collected to fund schools.

“I do think we need to have an open and transparent discussion about where those funds are coming from and where they’re being redirected,” Owens said.

Throughout Owens’ remarks, Tyson stood at her desk on the Senate floor waiting to speak. She apologized in her speech for failing to accurately describe the amendment that had won Senate approval.

“I would never try to mislead this body — ever,” Tyson said. “I grabbed the wrong amendment. I thought that I had the amendment that was only going to establish the property tax relief fund.”

Tyson said she inadvertently presented the Senate with a more ambitious amendment that withdrew millions of dollars from safety net programs. She said her intent was to merely create an account for property tax buydowns. She planned to propose later in the legislative session a series of amendments that transferred state dollars, including iLottery revenue, to the fund for property tax relief.

She said another idea for generating cash for property tax relief would be a new state tax on production of renewable energy, such as wind or solar.

“We’re actually going to have a tax trailer bill, if you will, that would compel the buydown,” Tyson said.

Sen. Rick Billinger, a Goodland Republican and chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said he opposed Tyson’s proposal to alter appropriations of iLottery revenue.

He said the first $8 million above the $80 million iLottery baseline would support a voluntary network of support for adults with serious mental illness. He said the Senate bill would free up $10 million to reserve 240 beds at six hospitals for patients with mental disorders.

In addition, Billinger said, the bill depended on iLottery dollars to help people with disabilities land jobs. The bill set aside cash to provide in-home care for frail or elderly people so they had a greater chance of avoiding placement in a nursing home, he said.

“What we were trying to do here was use the excess lottery (for) good intentions,” Billinger said.

Tyson responded to Billinger by arguing against Owens’ bid to repeal the amendment she had submitted in error. Tyson said the Legislature should take the unexpected opportunity to begin building the property tax fund. She said every $45 million set aside in the account could eliminate 1 mill of the state property tax for schools.

“It’s these feel-good funds that were just talked about versus actual property tax relief to buy down the 20 mill. This is real relief for your constituents,” Tyson said.

The Senate passed Owens’ motion to strike Tyson’s amendment from the bill. He said taking iLottery revenue from Kansans reliant on safety net programs wasn’t the way to address property taxes.

“From my perspective, I would not balance the budget or reduce property taxes on their backs,” Owens said.

Before the Senate completed work on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/04/kansas-senate-budget-seeks-to-pry-state-funding-from-wine-and-cheese-crowd/">the budget bill</a>, Tyson proposed and the Senate accepted an amendment that merely established the property tax fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773164717534.png" alt="Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, says she mistakenly submitted an amendment shifting millions of dollars in safety net funding earmarked for Kansans with mental illnesses and disabilities as well as the frail elderly to a new fund to buy down property taxes used to finance public schools. The Senate approved the amendment after she promised the amendment didn’t appropriate state dollars to the property tax fund. She is seen here during a Feb. 2, 2026, committee hearing. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, says she mistakenly submitted an amendment shifting millions of dollars in safety net funding earmarked for Kansans with mental illnesses and disabilities as well as the frail elderly to a new fund to buy down property taxes used to finance public schools. The Senate approved the amendment after she promised the amendment didn’t appropriate state dollars to the property tax fund. She is seen here during a Feb. 2, 2026, committee hearing. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Sen. Caryn Tyson apologizes for misrepresenting amendment, opposes repeal</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Sen. Caryn Tyson, who labels herself “Tax Cutting Tyson,” successfully pitched to fellow senators a budget amendment creating a state revenue lockbox dedicated to reducing the property tax mill levy supporting K-12 public schools.No one in the Kansas Senate inquired about details of her amendment, which was quickly approved last week amid debate on two dozen ideas for tweaking&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/sb315_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Senate Bill 315</a>. The special account would allow the Legislature to chip away at the 20-mill annual property tax for schools, she said.“We’re going to establish a property tax relief fund,” said Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the Senate’s tax committee. “There’s no money in it. So, there’s no fiscal cost.”The Senate agreed without objection to drop her proposal into the bill.That’s the way things stood for 2½ hours until Sen. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, surprised senators with his discovery that Tyson’s amendment earmarked millions of dollars in online state lottery revenue for the new property tax fund. Tyson’s amendment actually reappropriated lottery revenue that was promised for care of mentally ill adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the frail and elderly population.“We often hear in here there’s no such thing as a simple bill,” Owens said. “Well, it turns out there is no such thing as a simple amendment.”<h2>Oops, wrong amendment</h2>Owens said he regretted not pressing Tyson for details of the amendment embedding a property tax relief fund in the state budget. He blamed his passivity on an inherent trust in a legislative process obligating lawmakers to present accurate information about proposed amendments.Unbeknownst to senators when they voted to pass Tyson’s amendment, the measure required all state iLottery proceeds above $80 million per year to be deposited in the special fund to replace property taxes collected to fund schools.“I do think we need to have an open and transparent discussion about where those funds are coming from and where they’re being redirected,” Owens said.Throughout Owens’ remarks, Tyson stood at her desk on the Senate floor waiting to speak. She apologized in her speech for failing to accurately describe the amendment that had won Senate approval.“I would never try to mislead this body — ever,” Tyson said. “I grabbed the wrong amendment. I thought that I had the amendment that was only going to establish the property tax relief fund.”Tyson said she inadvertently presented the Senate with a more ambitious amendment that withdrew millions of dollars from safety net programs. She said her intent was to merely create an account for property tax buydowns. She planned to propose later in the legislative session a series of amendments that transferred state dollars, including iLottery revenue, to the fund for property tax relief.She said another idea for generating cash for property tax relief would be a new state tax on production of renewable energy, such as wind or solar.“We’re actually going to have a tax trailer bill, if you will, that would compel the buydown,” Tyson said.<h2>‘Good intentions’</h2>Sen. Rick Billinger, a Goodland Republican and chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said he opposed Tyson’s proposal to alter appropriations of iLottery revenue.He said the first $8 million above the $80 million iLottery baseline would support a voluntary network of support for adults with serious mental illness. He said the Senate bill would free up $10 million to reserve 240 beds at six hospitals for patients with mental disorders.In addition, Billinger said, the bill depended on iLottery dollars to help people with disabilities land jobs. The bill set aside cash to provide in-home care for frail or elderly people so they had a greater chance of avoiding placement in a nursing home, he said.“What we were trying to do here was use the excess lottery (for) good intentions,” Billinger said.Tyson responded to Billinger by arguing against Owens’ bid to repeal the amendment she had submitted in error. Tyson said the Legislature should take the unexpected opportunity to begin building the property tax fund. She said every $45 million set aside in the account could eliminate 1 mill of the state property tax for schools.“It’s these feel-good funds that were just talked about versus actual property tax relief to buy down the 20 mill. This is real relief for your constituents,” Tyson said.The Senate passed Owens’ motion to strike Tyson’s amendment from the bill. He said taking iLottery revenue from Kansans reliant on safety net programs wasn’t the way to address property taxes.“From my perspective, I would not balance the budget or reduce property taxes on their backs,” Owens said.Before the Senate completed work on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/04/kansas-senate-budget-seeks-to-pry-state-funding-from-wine-and-cheese-crowd/">the budget bill</a>, Tyson proposed and the Senate accepted an amendment that merely established the property tax fund.

Kansas Senate reverses self to kill budget proviso using safety net funds for property tax cuts

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement in Salina are investigating a shooting have made an arrest.

Just before 5p.m. Monday, police responded to the 1100 block of W. Republic in Salina after reports of 10-20 shots had been fired, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Lt. Andrew Ziegler.

Witnesses saw a gray Dodge Charger fleeing the scene. A tag for that vehicle was developed, and the FLOCK System was utilized. It was determined the vehicle was near 9th Street and Interstate 70.

Saline County Deputies arrived in the area and located the vehicle at the Pilot Gas Station, 1944 N 9th. Street.

The driver of that vehicle, 26-year-old Alex Ramos-Guebara of Salina, was taken into custody without incident.

The victim, a 21-year-old man, who was an occupant of a residence in the 1100 block of W. Republic was transported to the Salina Regional Health Center by private vehicle for treatment of two non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his lower body.

Police with the assistance of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office were able to determine through the course of the investigation that Ramos-Guebara arrived at the residence, where he kicked in the door.

The victim, who does not live at the residence, along with other occupants pushed Ramos-Guebara out of the residence.&nbsp; Ramos-Guebara then retrieved a gun from his vehicle and approached the victim.

Ramos-Guebara began to aim the gun at the victim, who grabbed the gun as Ramos-Guebara began firing. The victim was shot twice in the lower body, as most of the shots went into the ground. Police recovered the&nbsp;gun at the scene.

Ramos-Guebara is being in the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Burglary.

The case is still under investigation. More arrests are possible, according to Ziegler.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773153110835.png" alt="Ramos-Guebara photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Ramos-Guebara photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement in Salina are investigating a shooting have made an arrest.Just before 5p.m. Monday, police responded to the 1100 block of W. Republic in Salina after reports of 10-20 shots had been fired, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Lt. Andrew Ziegler.Witnesses saw a gray Dodge Charger fleeing the scene. A tag for that vehicle was developed, and the FLOCK System was utilized. It was determined the vehicle was near 9th Street and Interstate 70.Saline County Deputies arrived in the area and located the vehicle at the Pilot Gas Station, 1944 N 9th. Street.The driver of that vehicle, 26-year-old Alex Ramos-Guebara of Salina, was taken into custody without incident.The victim, a 21-year-old man, who was an occupant of a residence in the 1100 block of W. Republic was transported to the Salina Regional Health Center by private vehicle for treatment of two non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his lower body.Police with the assistance of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office were able to determine through the course of the investigation that Ramos-Guebara arrived at the residence, where he kicked in the door.The victim, who does not live at the residence, along with other occupants pushed Ramos-Guebara out of the residence.&nbsp; Ramos-Guebara then retrieved a gun from his vehicle and approached the victim.Ramos-Guebara began to aim the gun at the victim, who grabbed the gun as Ramos-Guebara began firing. The victim was shot twice in the lower body, as most of the shots went into the ground. Police recovered the&nbsp;gun at the scene.Ramos-Guebara is being in the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Burglary.The case is still under investigation. More arrests are possible, according to Ziegler.

Police: Suspect kicked in door of Kansas home, shot victim

Charges have been filed in connection with a fatal rollover crash north of Hutchinson that left a 19-year-old man dead last year.

According to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, along with the Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County EMS and the Kansas Highway Patrol, were dispatched at approximately 3:06 p.m. on Aug. 27 to the 6100 block of North Plum Street for a report of a single-vehicle rollover crash with entrapment.

First responders located a 2010 Chevrolet Corvette in the east ditch after it had struck a tree and overturned. The driver, identified as Kaden J. Marcum, 19, of Hutchinson, was trapped inside the vehicle.

Emergency crews extricated Marcum and began life-saving measures before transporting him to a Wichita hospital in critical condition. Marcum later died from his injuries.

Investigators determined a second vehicle, a 2012 Dodge Charger driven by 20-year-old Ethan Kellen Goble of Plevna, was also involved in the crash. Goble sustained minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

Authorities said both vehicles were traveling north on Plum Street when the Charger attempted to overtake the Corvette. The vehicles collided, causing the Corvette to leave the roadway, strike a tree and overturn. Investigators believe speed was a factor in the crash.

On Jan. 2, 2026, the Reno County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Goble, including involuntary manslaughter, a level 5 felony, and reckless driving, a misdemeanor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773154560599.jpeg" alt="Ethan Goble -Reno County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Ethan Goble -Reno County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostCharges have been filed in connection with a fatal rollover crash north of Hutchinson that left a 19-year-old man dead last year.According to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, along with the Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County EMS and the Kansas Highway Patrol, were dispatched at approximately 3:06 p.m. on Aug. 27 to the 6100 block of North Plum Street for a report of a single-vehicle rollover crash with entrapment.First responders located a 2010 Chevrolet Corvette in the east ditch after it had struck a tree and overturned. The driver, identified as Kaden J. Marcum, 19, of Hutchinson, was trapped inside the vehicle.Emergency crews extricated Marcum and began life-saving measures before transporting him to a Wichita hospital in critical condition. Marcum later died from his injuries.Investigators determined a second vehicle, a 2012 Dodge Charger driven by 20-year-old Ethan Kellen Goble of Plevna, was also involved in the crash. Goble sustained minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.Authorities said both vehicles were traveling north on Plum Street when the Charger attempted to overtake the Corvette. The vehicles collided, causing the Corvette to leave the roadway, strike a tree and overturn. Investigators believe speed was a factor in the crash.On Jan. 2, 2026, the Reno County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Goble, including involuntary manslaughter, a level 5 felony, and reckless driving, a misdemeanor.

Kansas man charged in fatal crash that killed teen

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s attacks on regional oil infrastructure and pledges to choke off maritime traffic left markets on edge Tuesday as the United States promised blistering new strikes. The war entered its 11th day with no end in sight as its effects were felt across the region and beyond.

Both sides sharpened their rhetoric as they dug in, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth again promising the most intense strikes yet, while Iran's leaders ruled out talks and directly threatened U.S. President Donald Trump.

Iran launched new attacks Israel and Gulf Arab countries, and Israel — America’s key ally in the fight — launched more airstrikes on Tehran and in Lebanon, where it is battling the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

At the Pentagon, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that Tuesday “will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran: The most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes, intelligence more refined and better than ever.” He said “the last 24 hours have seen Iran fire the lowest amount of missiles they have fired yet.”

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces hit more than 5,000 targets, and that their objectives included striking “deeper into Iran's military and industrial base.”

Witnesses reported hearing several explosions in Tehran in the afternoon as Israel commenced a new wave of airstrikes. Many shops were shuttered.

Iran's leaders have remained defiant after days of heavy strikes targeting the country's leadership, military, ballistic missiles and disputed nuclear program. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said on X that Iran was “definitely not looking for a ceasefire.”

“We believe that the aggressor should be punched in the mouth so that he learns a lesson so that he will never think of attacking our beloved Iran again,” he said.

A top Iranian security official, Ali Larijani, appeared to threaten Trump himself, writing on X that “Iran doesn’t fear your empty threats. Even those bigger than you couldn’t eliminate Iran. Be careful not to get eliminated yourself.” Iran has been accused of plotting attempts to kill Trump in the past.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s attacks on regional oil infrastructure and pledges to choke off maritime traffic left markets on edge Tuesday as the United States promised blistering new strikes. The war entered its 11th day with no end in sight as its effects were felt across the region and beyond.Both sides sharpened their rhetoric as they dug in, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth again promising the most intense strikes yet, while Iran's leaders ruled out talks and directly threatened U.S. President Donald Trump.Iran launched new attacks Israel and Gulf Arab countries, and Israel — America’s key ally in the fight — launched more airstrikes on Tehran and in Lebanon, where it is battling the Iran-backed Hezbollah.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The First Ten Days of Operation Epic Fury <a href="https://t.co/gCmTckaP6Z">pic.twitter.com/gCmTckaP6Z</a>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/2031358170136781257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At the Pentagon, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that Tuesday “will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran: The most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes, intelligence more refined and better than ever.” He said “the last 24 hours have seen Iran fire the lowest amount of missiles they have fired yet.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> “The mullahs are desperate and SCRAMBLING. Like the terrorist cowards they are, they fire missiles from schools and hospitals, deliberately targeting innocents because they know their military is being systematically DEGRADED AND ANNIHILATED. Iran’s neighbors—and in… <a href="https://t.co/eTFsP4TGyi">pic.twitter.com/eTFsP4TGyi</a>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2031343088577216841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> “On day 10 of Operation Epic Fury: We are WINNING, with an overwhelming and unrelenting focus on our objectives... They are straightforward, and we are executing them with ruthless precision: 1) DESTROY their missile stockpiles, their missile launchers, and their… <a href="https://t.co/p5dAP1N151">pic.twitter.com/p5dAP1N151</a>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2031344038788370558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces hit more than 5,000 targets, and that their objectives included striking “deeper into Iran's military and industrial base.”Witnesses reported hearing several explosions in Tehran in the afternoon as Israel commenced a new wave of airstrikes. Many shops were shuttered.Iran's leaders have remained defiant after days of heavy strikes targeting the country's leadership, military, ballistic missiles and disputed nuclear program. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said on X that Iran was “definitely not looking for a ceasefire.”“We believe that the aggressor should be punched in the mouth so that he learns a lesson so that he will never think of attacking our beloved Iran again,” he said.A top Iranian security official, Ali Larijani, appeared to threaten Trump himself, writing on X that “Iran doesn’t fear your empty threats. Even those bigger than you couldn’t eliminate Iran. Be careful not to get eliminated yourself.” Iran has been accused of plotting attempts to kill Trump in the past.

US and Iranian leaders trade new threats

The NBA has canceled the Atlanta Hawks' plans for a celebration of the city's Magic City adult entertainment club, saying Monday that it was responding to concerns from many across the league.

The event was supposed to happen next Monday during a game against the Orlando Magic.

Atlanta announced the plan last month, calling it a tribute to an “iconic cultural institution” with food — including the club’s lemon pepper wings, a version of which is named for former Hawks guard Lou Williams — along with music and exclusive merchandise.

“While we are very disappointed in the NBA’s decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect its decision,” the Hawks said Monday. “As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta — with authenticity — in ways that continue to unite and bring us all together.”

Some elements of the plans for the night will remain, the Hawks said, including a halftime performance from rapper T.I. — and there are plans for lemon pepper wings to be sold.

But some plans for merchandise have been scrapped, as has a live recording of a podcast that was to feature Hawks primary owner Jami Gertz, T.I. and Magic City founder Michael Barney.

Plans for the celebration were met with mixed reactions — some for, some against. One NBA player, Luke Kornet of the San Antonio Spurs,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawks-magic-city-club-night-luke-kornet-spurs-e422f9344fc122168bd0ebafb3fe1e98">spoke out about the idea of promoting a strip club</a>&nbsp;and urged the parties involved to reconsider.

And the league evidently heard the same message from others.

“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees.

“I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”

The Hawks have ties to the club. Gertz was a producer for a five-part docuseries that explored the club's history, its place in Black and hip-hop culture and what it means to the city.

“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work that we did to put together ’Magic City: An American Fantasy,’” Gertz, who is also a filmmaker and actor, said when the promotion was announced. “The iconic Atlanta institution has made such an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773103475796.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TIM REYNOLDS &nbsp;Associated PressMagic City Night in Atlanta is off.The NBA has canceled the Atlanta Hawks' plans for a celebration of the city's Magic City adult entertainment club, saying Monday that it was responding to concerns from many across the league.The event was supposed to happen next Monday during a game against the Orlando Magic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773103748361.png" alt="Atlanta Hawks social media promotion" />
 <figcaption>Atlanta Hawks social media promotion</figcaption>
 </figure>Atlanta announced the plan last month, calling it a tribute to an “iconic cultural institution” with food — including the club’s lemon pepper wings, a version of which is named for former Hawks guard Lou Williams — along with music and exclusive merchandise.“While we are very disappointed in the NBA’s decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect its decision,” the Hawks said Monday. “As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta — with authenticity — in ways that continue to unite and bring us all together.”Some elements of the plans for the night will remain, the Hawks said, including a halftime performance from rapper T.I. — and there are plans for lemon pepper wings to be sold.But some plans for merchandise have been scrapped, as has a live recording of a podcast that was to feature Hawks primary owner Jami Gertz, T.I. and Magic City founder Michael Barney.Plans for the celebration were met with mixed reactions — some for, some against. One NBA player, Luke Kornet of the San Antonio Spurs,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawks-magic-city-club-night-luke-kornet-spurs-e422f9344fc122168bd0ebafb3fe1e98">spoke out about the idea of promoting a strip club</a>&nbsp;and urged the parties involved to reconsider.And the league evidently heard the same message from others.“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees.“I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”The Hawks have ties to the club. Gertz was a producer for a five-part docuseries that explored the club's history, its place in Black and hip-hop culture and what it means to the city.“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work that we did to put together ’Magic City: An American Fantasy,’” Gertz, who is also a filmmaker and actor, said when the promotion was announced. “The iconic Atlanta institution has made such an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”___

Why the NBA canceled a team's controversial promotion

ALLEN COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Humboldt Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff's Office are investigating a homicide that occurred in Humboldt, Kansas.

Just after 5p.m. on Sunday, Humboldt officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Sycamore Street, in Humboldt, according to a media release from the KBI.

Preliminary information indicates that a woman fled a residence during a domestic dispute with her boyfriend, Malachi I. Davis, 25, of Humboldt, and sought help at a neighbor’s house. The neighbor contacted a male subject, who arrived at the scene. The man, John P. Kent, 43, of Humboldt, became involved in a verbal altercation with Davis.

During the incident, Davis fired a single shot from his vehicle window, striking Kent, who was transported to Allen County Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Davis fled the scene following the shooting. The KBI identified Davis as the suspect and multiple law enforcement agencies began searching for him. At approximately 8:40 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted Davis and conducted a traffic stop in Allen County near La Harpe. Davis was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Allen County Jail for second-degree murder.&nbsp; He has a previous conviction for theft in 2022, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596032210664.png" alt="File photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>File photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>ALLEN COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Humboldt Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff's Office are investigating a homicide that occurred in Humboldt, Kansas.Just after 5p.m. on Sunday, Humboldt officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Sycamore Street, in Humboldt, according to a media release from the KBI.Preliminary information indicates that a woman fled a residence during a domestic dispute with her boyfriend, Malachi I. Davis, 25, of Humboldt, and sought help at a neighbor’s house. The neighbor contacted a male subject, who arrived at the scene. The man, John P. Kent, 43, of Humboldt, became involved in a verbal altercation with Davis.During the incident, Davis fired a single shot from his vehicle window, striking Kent, who was transported to Allen County Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.Davis fled the scene following the shooting. The KBI identified Davis as the suspect and multiple law enforcement agencies began searching for him. At approximately 8:40 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted Davis and conducted a traffic stop in Allen County near La Harpe. Davis was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Allen County Jail for second-degree murder.&nbsp; He has a previous conviction for theft in 2022, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time.

KBI: Good Samaritan killed in domestic incident 

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (AP) — Vice President JD Vance joined the grieving family of a Kentucky man who was the seventh U.S. service member to die in combat during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-khamenei-03-09-2026">Iran war</a>&nbsp;as his remains were brought back to the U.S. Monday evening.

The dignified transfer, a solemn event that honors U.S. service members killed in action, took place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky. He died Sunday after being wounded during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, a Pentagon statement said.

Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saluted alongside high ranking military officials as the transfer case draped with the American flag was carried from the military aircraft and into an awaiting vehicle.

Mike Bell, retired pastor of Glendale Christian Church, said he’d known Pennington since he was a toddler and got a call from Pennington's father when the soldier was hurt.

“I talked to Tim Saturday morning, and he was doing a little better, and they were talking about maybe moving him to Germany,” Bell said. Tim Pennington called again that evening, Bell said, to ask for prayers as his son's condition was worsening, and then later told him the soldier had succumbed to his injuries.

“He was just a quiet person,” said Bell, noting that Pennington attended the church’s after-school program. “I mean, he never attracted attention because he was just steady doing what he needed to do to do it.”

Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command based at Fort Carson, Colorado.

The unit’s mission focused on “missile warning, GPS, and long-haul satellite communications,” according to their website.

“This just breaks my heart,” Keith Taul, judge-executive of Hardin County, where Pennington was from, said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. “I have known the family for at least 30 years. I can’t imagine the pain and suffering they are experiencing.”

Glendale is an unincorporated town of about 300 residents south of the Hardin County seat of Elizabethtown.

In a statement posted on social media, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called Pennington “a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country.”

The other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-military-deaths-0a3f1532ec1953d51898e5b5e2b625d6">six service members killed</a>&nbsp;since the conflict began on Feb. 28 were Army reservists killed in Kuwait when an Iranian drone struck an operations center at a civilian port.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Saturday joined grieving families at Dover Air Force Base at the dignified transfer for those six U.S. soldiers.

The dignified transfer is considered one of the most somber duties of any commander in chief. During his first term, Trump said bearing witness to the transfer was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-ae37de2f1c6b450ab60ce236c8f04450">“the toughest thing I have to do”</a>&nbsp;as president.

Pennington graduated in 2017 from Central Hardin High School, where he was enrolled in the automotive technology pathway, district spokesman John Wright told the AP. Former automotive tech instructor Tom Pitt, who taught Pennington in 2017 at Hardin County Early College and Career Center, called him “an American hero.”

“A lot of times as a teacher, you have students who are smart, you have students who are charismatic, who are likable, dare I say, enchanting,” said Pitt, who called Pennington Nate. “Rarely do you have students who are all of those. And Ben Pennington was all of those. He was basically the quintessential all-American.”

Photos on his and family members' Facebook pages show that Pennington achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in August 2017. His Eagle project was the demolition of some old baseball dugouts in Glendale, said Darin Life, former committee chairman for Troop 221.

“If you look up Eagle Scout, his picture’s probably there,” said Life, who knew Pennington throughout his scouting career. “He loved his country. I would have expected nothing less of him than to lose his life protecting his country.”

A month after his Eagle ceremony, Pennington posted a photo of himself taking the oath of enlistment. He entered the service as a unit supply specialist and was assigned to the Space and Missile Command on June 10, 2025, the Army said in a release.

Among his awards and decorations were the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

“The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” said Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved.”

Col. Michael F. Dyer, 1st Space Brigade commander, described Pennington as “a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism and sense of duty.”

Pennington will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, the Pentagon said.

Associated Press reporters Konstantin Toropin in Washington, Hallie Golden in Seattle and Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773082135316.png" alt="Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington" />
 <figcaption>Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLEN G. BREED and DYLAN LOVAN&nbsp;ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (AP) — Vice President JD Vance joined the grieving family of a Kentucky man who was the seventh U.S. service member to die in combat during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-khamenei-03-09-2026">Iran war</a>&nbsp;as his remains were brought back to the U.S. Monday evening.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> attends the dignified transfer of Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, an Army Space and Missile Defense Command soldier killed in Operation Epic Fury. May God grant eternal rest to this American hero, be with his family, and forever bless the United States of America. <a href="https://t.co/mvdgIAIojg">pic.twitter.com/mvdgIAIojg</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2031180782518014446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The dignified transfer, a solemn event that honors U.S. service members killed in action, took place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky. He died Sunday after being wounded during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, a Pentagon statement said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773139493230.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saluted alongside high ranking military officials as the transfer case draped with the American flag was carried from the military aircraft and into an awaiting vehicle.Mike Bell, retired pastor of Glendale Christian Church, said he’d known Pennington since he was a toddler and got a call from Pennington's father when the soldier was hurt.“I talked to Tim Saturday morning, and he was doing a little better, and they were talking about maybe moving him to Germany,” Bell said. Tim Pennington called again that evening, Bell said, to ask for prayers as his son's condition was worsening, and then later told him the soldier had succumbed to his injuries.“He was just a quiet person,” said Bell, noting that Pennington attended the church’s after-school program. “I mean, he never attracted attention because he was just steady doing what he needed to do to do it.”<h2>State and local officials grieve</h2>Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command based at Fort Carson, Colorado.The unit’s mission focused on “missile warning, GPS, and long-haul satellite communications,” according to their website.“This just breaks my heart,” Keith Taul, judge-executive of Hardin County, where Pennington was from, said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. “I have known the family for at least 30 years. I can’t imagine the pain and suffering they are experiencing.”Glendale is an unincorporated town of about 300 residents south of the Hardin County seat of Elizabethtown.In a statement posted on social media, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called Pennington “a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country.”<h2>Six other soldiers killed</h2>The other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-military-deaths-0a3f1532ec1953d51898e5b5e2b625d6">six service members killed</a>&nbsp;since the conflict began on Feb. 28 were Army reservists killed in Kuwait when an Iranian drone struck an operations center at a civilian port.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Saturday joined grieving families at Dover Air Force Base at the dignified transfer for those six U.S. soldiers.The dignified transfer is considered one of the most somber duties of any commander in chief. During his first term, Trump said bearing witness to the transfer was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-ae37de2f1c6b450ab60ce236c8f04450">“the toughest thing I have to do”</a>&nbsp;as president.<h2>‘An American hero’</h2>Pennington graduated in 2017 from Central Hardin High School, where he was enrolled in the automotive technology pathway, district spokesman John Wright told the AP. Former automotive tech instructor Tom Pitt, who taught Pennington in 2017 at Hardin County Early College and Career Center, called him “an American hero.”“A lot of times as a teacher, you have students who are smart, you have students who are charismatic, who are likable, dare I say, enchanting,” said Pitt, who called Pennington Nate. “Rarely do you have students who are all of those. And Ben Pennington was all of those. He was basically the quintessential all-American.”Photos on his and family members' Facebook pages show that Pennington achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in August 2017. His Eagle project was the demolition of some old baseball dugouts in Glendale, said Darin Life, former committee chairman for Troop 221.“If you look up Eagle Scout, his picture’s probably there,” said Life, who knew Pennington throughout his scouting career. “He loved his country. I would have expected nothing less of him than to lose his life protecting his country.”<h2>Awards and decorations</h2>A month after his Eagle ceremony, Pennington posted a photo of himself taking the oath of enlistment. He entered the service as a unit supply specialist and was assigned to the Space and Missile Command on June 10, 2025, the Army said in a release.Among his awards and decorations were the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.“The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” said Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved.”Col. Michael F. Dyer, 1st Space Brigade commander, described Pennington as “a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism and sense of duty.”Pennington will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, the Pentagon said.___Associated Press reporters Konstantin Toropin in Washington, Hallie Golden in Seattle and Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, contributed to this report.

🎥Dignified transfer for 7th US service member to die in Iran conflict

WILSON COUNTY&nbsp;– Just a couple of hours after asking for help to located&nbsp; a missing teen on Monday, The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) canceled&nbsp; an endangered persons advisory for 17-year-old&nbsp; Alexandra R. Smith of Wichita who had been seen in Coyville.&nbsp;

Alexandra went missing from Wichita on July 6, 2025 when she was 16. She was last seen Sunday, March 8, at a residence in Wilson County community of Coyville.

Alexandra was a witness to a homicide, and authorities were concerned for her safety.&nbsp; The KBI did not release details on where they located the teen.

They did report that just after 7p.m. on Sunday, deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 2105 2nd&nbsp;Street in Coyville, after gunfire was reported.

Upon arrival deputies located Lucas R. Pickell, 37, of Fredonia, just outside a fifth-wheel RV on the property. Pickell had suffered a gunshot wound and died at the scene.

Witnesses were interviewed and evidence was examined and collected. Preliminary information indicates Pickell had been using drugs in the RV with a male subject and two female subjects. During the incident, 52-year-old William “Bud” Wescott, of Coyville, is suspected to have shot Pickell.

Wescott was arrested on requested of second-degree murder at the scene and booked into the Wilson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773090248934.png" alt="Alexandra Smith-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Smith-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WILSON COUNTY&nbsp;– Just a couple of hours after asking for help to located&nbsp; a missing teen on Monday, The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) canceled&nbsp; an endangered persons advisory for 17-year-old&nbsp; Alexandra R. Smith of Wichita who had been seen in Coyville.&nbsp;Alexandra went missing from Wichita on July 6, 2025 when she was 16. She was last seen Sunday, March 8, at a residence in Wilson County community of Coyville.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773085124320.png" alt="Wescott photo Wilson Co." />
 <figcaption>Wescott photo Wilson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Alexandra was a witness to a homicide, and authorities were concerned for her safety.&nbsp; The KBI did not release details on where they located the teen.They did report that just after 7p.m. on Sunday, deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 2105 2nd&nbsp;Street in Coyville, after gunfire was reported.Upon arrival deputies located Lucas R. Pickell, 37, of Fredonia, just outside a fifth-wheel RV on the property. Pickell had suffered a gunshot wound and died at the scene.Witnesses were interviewed and evidence was examined and collected. Preliminary information indicates Pickell had been using drugs in the RV with a male subject and two female subjects. During the incident, 52-year-old William “Bud” Wescott, of Coyville, is suspected to have shot Pickell.Wescott was arrested on requested of second-degree murder at the scene and booked into the Wilson County Jail.

Police found Kansas teen, a witness in a deadly shooting

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cara-anna">CARA ANNA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/sam-mednick">SAM MEDNICK</a>

EL AVIV, Israel (AP) — How long will the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">Iran war</a>&nbsp;last? What do all sides want to achieve? And how high will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/markets-oil-iran-trump-war-brent-72e8c9a29c2ba1fd761ee968f3d4e553">oil prices</a>&nbsp;go? Big questions remain as fighting enters week two.

Israel and the United States keep pounding Iran. And Iran keeps carrying out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strategy-israel-drones-us-war-gulf-36a51df550a4bd766f8c83b8d8c0f701">retaliatory attacks</a>&nbsp;against Israel, U.S. military assets in the Middle East and its Arab neighbors.

Here’s what we know about the war, and don’t.

The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, and there is no sign of the fighting ending soon. Iran’s president has said mediation was underway, although he didn’t give details.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-united-states-israel-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-209cec036068b40fcfcba2be7ac7e2b0">Iran’s new supreme leader</a>&nbsp;is the son of the previous one and seen as more hard-line, with close ties to the Revolutionary Guard, the nation’s most powerful armed force. Mojtaba Khamenei worked closely with his father, who was killed in the war’s opening strikes along with the younger Khamenei’s wife. He has not been seen or heard publicly in his new role, making it difficult to know whether he has interest in talks or in defiance.

Iran’s war strategy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strategy-israel-drones-us-war-gulf-36a51df550a4bd766f8c83b8d8c0f701">causing regional chaos</a>&nbsp;shows no change. Persian Gulf countries still report areas being attacked, including oil facilities and airports, that are well away from U.S. military assets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772371332312.jpeg" alt="FILE Government supporters mourn during a gathering after state TV officially announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, shown in the poster, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)" />
 <figcaption>FILE Government supporters mourn during a gathering after state TV officially announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, shown in the poster, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cara-anna">CARA ANNA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/sam-mednick">SAM MEDNICK</a>EL AVIV, Israel (AP) — How long will the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">Iran war</a>&nbsp;last? What do all sides want to achieve? And how high will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/markets-oil-iran-trump-war-brent-72e8c9a29c2ba1fd761ee968f3d4e553">oil prices</a>&nbsp;go? Big questions remain as fighting enters week two.Israel and the United States keep pounding Iran. And Iran keeps carrying out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strategy-israel-drones-us-war-gulf-36a51df550a4bd766f8c83b8d8c0f701">retaliatory attacks</a>&nbsp;against Israel, U.S. military assets in the Middle East and its Arab neighbors.Here’s what we know about the war, and don’t.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Q: &quot;How long should Americans be prepared for this war to last for?&quot; President Trump: &quot;The big risk on that war has been over for three days…The rest is going to be a determination as to my attitude, as well as the people in the Trump administration.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8dVjp6eDTe">pic.twitter.com/8dVjp6eDTe</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2031135964135870833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>How long will the war last?</h2>The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, and there is no sign of the fighting ending soon. Iran’s president has said mediation was underway, although he didn’t give details.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-united-states-israel-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-209cec036068b40fcfcba2be7ac7e2b0">Iran’s new supreme leader</a>&nbsp;is the son of the previous one and seen as more hard-line, with close ties to the Revolutionary Guard, the nation’s most powerful armed force. Mojtaba Khamenei worked closely with his father, who was killed in the war’s opening strikes along with the younger Khamenei’s wife. He has not been seen or heard publicly in his new role, making it difficult to know whether he has interest in talks or in defiance.Iran’s war strategy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strategy-israel-drones-us-war-gulf-36a51df550a4bd766f8c83b8d8c0f701">causing regional chaos</a>&nbsp;shows no change. Persian Gulf countries still report areas being attacked, including oil facilities and airports, that are well away from U.S. military assets.The war’s length depends in part on Iran’s stockpile of missiles and drones and countries’ capability to deflect them. Israel’s military on Monday said Iran was firing barrages with dozens of missiles in the early days, but now there are less than 10 or 20 at a time.Israeli army spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said Iran still has “a significant amount” of missiles. Experts say Iran could be holding missiles in reserve, perhaps hoping that interceptors run low.Iran has not provided information about military losses. Israel says it is focused on destroying long-range missiles while the U.S. focuses on short-range ones threatening the Gulf. Israel estimates that 60% of both types of launchers have been destroyed.Israel’s military is bulking up. It said about 50 cargo aircraft carrying over 1,000 tons of weaponry, military equipment and munitions have landed in the past 10 days, and cited the U.S. and Germany as partners in an effort that is “expected to scale up.”Ahead of the attacks, the U.S. military built up its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-iran-buildup-nuclear-program-5663a8b0d81c8439adfaa010c59a36f5">largest force of warships and aircraft</a>&nbsp;in the Middle East in decades. The Central Command on Monday said “there is no shortage of American military will.”The Trump administration and Israel have said the war will go as long as needed, but public frustration over oil prices and other economic pain could intensify pressure to wind down the conflict.<h2>What do all sides want from the war?</h2>Iran has said it wants an end to the war, not a ceasefire.An official with knowledge of the war’s operations said Israel is not in charge of the postwar plan, but the goal is to remove the regime and let Iranians “grasp their fate.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Israel is also attacking Iranian-backed proxies like Hezbollah.U.S. President Donald Trump has made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-israel-changing-rationale-terrorism-missiles-1f3d3ace712d62c9fe46665ea5cf8df4">conflicting statements</a>. The war has been about Iran’s nuclear program and concerns that it could take a short technical step to enrich uranium to weapons grade. But it also has been about eradicating the threat from the country’s ballistic missiles, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. is “well on our way” to achieving.Trump has also said he doesn’t seek regime change, but prioritized taking out several layers of Iran’s top leadership and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-urges-iranians-to-take-over-your-government-as-us-and-israel-launch-attack-on-iran-b4a8dfc820254f05a6f4497d2e017a62">encouraged Iranians to “take over”</a>&nbsp;their government.There is no sign of that happening in Iran, with no strong organized opposition, evidence of high-level defections or street protests. Internet restrictions are complicating views of what’s happening.<h2>Will other countries join the fight?</h2>Saudi Arabia has issued a sharp statement saying Tehran would be the “biggest loser” if it continues to attack Arab states. Azerbaijan threatened “retaliatory measures” after it said Iranian drones hit its territory.There is big risk in joining the U.S. and Israel’s attacks, and no country has announced taking that step. Already, they have been targeted by hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones.Iran has exposed the fragility of the global economy by targeting key energy and other infrastructure. A drone strike on a desalination plant in Bahrain underscored the vulnerability of Gulf nations, which rely heavily on such facilities for drinking water.Meanwhile, France is sending military vessels to the Middle East to help deter Iran’s attacks. Britain and Germany also have said they would help reduce Iran’s ability to launch them. And Ukraine is sending experts to help in countering drones.<h2>How will it end?</h2>This is especially complicated, as both Israel and the United States have threatened whoever Iran puts in charge. Trump called the younger Khamenei “unacceptable” even before his elevation to supreme leader.It is not clear who would be acceptable, and negotiating the war’s end seems out of reach for now.Trust will be difficult, since this war and last year’s were launched during indirect talks between Iran and the United States.<h2>How high will oil prices go?</h2>As Iran announced its new supreme leader, crude oil prices were soaring above $100 a barrel. They spiked near $120 before falling Monday.The Strait of Hormuz off Iran is a choke point, with about 20% of the world’s oil supply normally transiting daily. Cargo ships are now backed up there.Saudi Arabia has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-gas-infrastructure-iran-war-persian-gulf-24c4b439d2c6a5b571fea90e4d1227d8">intercepted attacks</a>&nbsp;aimed at its vast Shaybah oil field. Bahrain’s national oil company has declared force majeure for shipments, unable to meet obligations because of extraordinary circumstances after an attack on its refinery complex. Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have cut oil production as storage tanks fill.Iran’s oil facilities are also targets. Israel struck depots over the weekend.Countries are scrambling. France, currently leading the Group of Seven nations, says they could dip into emergency stockpiles. South Korea says it will cap oil prices. China says everyone has a responsibility “to ensure stable and smooth energy supplies.”Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, said it “would not be surprising” if oil prices briefly push above $150 as early as next week.___Anna reported from Lowville, New York. Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York and Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed.