WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans voted down an effort Wednesday to halt President Donald Trump’s war against Iran, demonstrating early support for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East with no clear U.S. exit strategy.

The legislation, known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>, failed on a 47-53 vote tally. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the resolution.

The vote gave lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The vote forced them to take a stand on a war shaping the fate of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region.

Underscoring the gravity of the moment, Democratic senators filled the Senate chamber and sat at their desks as the voting got underway. Typically, senators step into the chamber to cast their vote, then leave.

“Today every senator — every single one — will pick a side," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said before the vote. “Do you stand with the American people who are exhausted with forever wars in the Middle East or stand with Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth as they bumble us headfirst into another war?”

Sen. John Barrasso, second in Senate Republican leadership, said during the debate that GOP senators would send a message that Democrats are wrong for forcing a vote on the war powers resolution.

“Democrats would rather obstruct Donald Trump than obliterate Iran’s national nuclear program,” he added.

Trump administration scrambles for congressional support

After launching a surprise attack against Iran on Saturday, Trump has scrambled to win support for a conflict that Americans of all political persuasions were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-trump-iran-israel-nuclear-41f4f308683c2ee10420225e1380cf21">already wary of entering</a>. Trump administration officials have been a frequent presence on Capitol Hill this week as they try to reassure lawmakers that they have the situation under control.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that the war could extend eight weeks, a longer time frame than has previously been floated by the Trump administration. He also acknowledged that Iran is still able to carry out missile attacks even as the U.S. tries to control the country's airspace.

U.S. service members “remain in harm’s way, and we must be clear-eyed that the risk is still high,” Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the same press conference.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">Six U.S. military members were killed</a>&nbsp;over the weekend in a drone strike in Kuwait.

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa acknowledged the human costs of the war in her floor speech.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">One of the soldiers killed</a>&nbsp;Sunday was from Iowa and a National Guard unit from her state was also attacked in Syria in December, resulting in the deaths of two other soldiers.

“But now is our opportunity to bring an end to the decades of chaos,” said Ernst, who herself served as an officer in the Iowa National Guard for two decades.

Trump has also not ruled out deploying U.S. ground troops. He has said he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-02-2026-cb42936de1d8c261be8f30f11c6665fa">hoping to end the bombing campaign</a>&nbsp;within a few weeks, but his goals for the war have shifted from regime change to stopping Iran from developing nuclear capabilities to crippling its navy and missile programs.

The votes in Congress this week represented potentially consequential markers of just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">where lawmakers stand on the war</a>&nbsp;as they look ahead to midterm elections and the consequences of the conflict.

“Nobody gets to hide and give the president an easy pass or an end-run around the Constitution,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, the Virginia Democrat leading the war powers resolution. “Everybody's got to declare whether they're for this war or against it.”

Republican leaders have successfully, though narrowly, defeated a series of war powers resolutions pertaining to several other conflicts that Trump has entered or threatened to enter. This one, however, was different.

Unlike Trump's military campaigns against alleged drug boats or even Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the attack on Iran represents an open-ended conflict that is already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-war-israel-strait-or-hormuz-deaths-f1619c6bfbbd5fe10857ff0af073aa0e">ricocheting across the region</a>. For Republicans who are used to operating in a political party dominated by Trump and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-war-mideast-america-first-23737d6fee8ae5aaf5a06627fd85a076">promises of keeping the U.S. out of foreign entanglements</a>, the moment represented a bit of whiplash.

“War is ugly, it always has been ugly, but we're taking out a regime that has been trying to attack us for quite some time,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican.

Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who has long pushed Trump to engage overseas, argued that the widening conflict represented an opportunity for Arab and European countries to join in the fight against Iran and the militant groups it supports.

“I don’t mind people being on record as to whether or not they think this is a good idea,” he told reporters, but also argued that too much power over the military was ceded to Congress in the War Powers Act, which mandates that presidents must withdraw troops from a conflict within 90 days if there is no congressional authorization.

On the other side of the Capitol, an intense debate over the war unfolded before a vote Thursday. The House first debated a resolution presented by GOP leadership affirming that Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism.

Rep. Brian Mast, the GOP chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, publicly thanked Trump for taking action against Iran, saying the president is using his own constitutional authority to defend the U.S. against the “imminent threat” of Iran.

Mast, an Army veteran who worked as a bomb disposal expert in Afghanistan, said the Democratic resolution was effectively asking “that the president do nothing.”

Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs panel, said before the debate that the hardest votes he has taken in Congress have been to decide whether to send U.S. troops to war. “Our young men and women’s lives are on the line,” he said, his voice showing emotion as he emerged from a closed-door briefing late Tuesday with Trump officials.

At a news conference Wednesday, several Democratic members who are also veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars spoke about the heavy costs of those conflicts.

One of them was Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo. “I learned when I was fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, that when elites in Washington bang the war drums, pound their chest, talk about the costs of war and act tough, they're not talking about them doing it, they're not talking about their kids,” Crow said. “They're talking about working class kids like us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772661453181.png" alt="Underscoring the gravity of the moment, Democratic senators filled the Senate chamber and sat at their desks as the voting got underway. Typically, senators step into the chamber to cast their vote, then leave." />
 <figcaption>Underscoring the gravity of the moment, Democratic senators filled the Senate chamber and sat at their desks as the voting got underway. Typically, senators step into the chamber to cast their vote, then leave.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans voted down an effort Wednesday to halt President Donald Trump’s war against Iran, demonstrating early support for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East with no clear U.S. exit strategy.The legislation, known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>, failed on a 47-53 vote tally. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the resolution.The vote gave lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The vote forced them to take a stand on a war shaping the fate of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Capitol Police were attempting to remove an unhinged protestor from the Armed Services hearing. He was fighting back. I decided to help out and deescalate the situation. This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one. I hope he gets the help he… <a href="https://t.co/MU1THo8fKA">https://t.co/MU1THo8fKA</a>&mdash; Tim Sheehy (@TimSheehyMT) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimSheehyMT/status/2029308818933596356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Underscoring the gravity of the moment, Democratic senators filled the Senate chamber and sat at their desks as the voting got underway. Typically, senators step into the chamber to cast their vote, then leave.“Today every senator — every single one — will pick a side," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said before the vote. “Do you stand with the American people who are exhausted with forever wars in the Middle East or stand with Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth as they bumble us headfirst into another war?”Sen. John Barrasso, second in Senate Republican leadership, said during the debate that GOP senators would send a message that Democrats are wrong for forcing a vote on the war powers resolution.“Democrats would rather obstruct Donald Trump than obliterate Iran’s national nuclear program,” he added.<h2>Trump administration scrambles for congressional support</h2>After launching a surprise attack against Iran on Saturday, Trump has scrambled to win support for a conflict that Americans of all political persuasions were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-trump-iran-israel-nuclear-41f4f308683c2ee10420225e1380cf21">already wary of entering</a>. Trump administration officials have been a frequent presence on Capitol Hill this week as they try to reassure lawmakers that they have the situation under control.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that the war could extend eight weeks, a longer time frame than has previously been floated by the Trump administration. He also acknowledged that Iran is still able to carry out missile attacks even as the U.S. tries to control the country's airspace.U.S. service members “remain in harm’s way, and we must be clear-eyed that the risk is still high,” Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the same press conference.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">Six U.S. military members were killed</a>&nbsp;over the weekend in a drone strike in Kuwait.Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa acknowledged the human costs of the war in her floor speech.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">One of the soldiers killed</a>&nbsp;Sunday was from Iowa and a National Guard unit from her state was also attacked in Syria in December, resulting in the deaths of two other soldiers.“But now is our opportunity to bring an end to the decades of chaos,” said Ernst, who herself served as an officer in the Iowa National Guard for two decades.“The sooner the better,” she added.Trump has also not ruled out deploying U.S. ground troops. He has said he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-02-2026-cb42936de1d8c261be8f30f11c6665fa">hoping to end the bombing campaign</a>&nbsp;within a few weeks, but his goals for the war have shifted from regime change to stopping Iran from developing nuclear capabilities to crippling its navy and missile programs.<h2>Lawmakers go on record</h2>The votes in Congress this week represented potentially consequential markers of just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">where lawmakers stand on the war</a>&nbsp;as they look ahead to midterm elections and the consequences of the conflict.“Nobody gets to hide and give the president an easy pass or an end-run around the Constitution,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, the Virginia Democrat leading the war powers resolution. “Everybody's got to declare whether they're for this war or against it.”Republican leaders have successfully, though narrowly, defeated a series of war powers resolutions pertaining to several other conflicts that Trump has entered or threatened to enter. This one, however, was different.Unlike Trump's military campaigns against alleged drug boats or even Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the attack on Iran represents an open-ended conflict that is already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-war-israel-strait-or-hormuz-deaths-f1619c6bfbbd5fe10857ff0af073aa0e">ricocheting across the region</a>. For Republicans who are used to operating in a political party dominated by Trump and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-war-mideast-america-first-23737d6fee8ae5aaf5a06627fd85a076">promises of keeping the U.S. out of foreign entanglements</a>, the moment represented a bit of whiplash.“War is ugly, it always has been ugly, but we're taking out a regime that has been trying to attack us for quite some time,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican.Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who has long pushed Trump to engage overseas, argued that the widening conflict represented an opportunity for Arab and European countries to join in the fight against Iran and the militant groups it supports.“I don’t mind people being on record as to whether or not they think this is a good idea,” he told reporters, but also argued that too much power over the military was ceded to Congress in the War Powers Act, which mandates that presidents must withdraw troops from a conflict within 90 days if there is no congressional authorization.<h2>House vote looms</h2>On the other side of the Capitol, an intense debate over the war unfolded before a vote Thursday. The House first debated a resolution presented by GOP leadership affirming that Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism.Rep. Brian Mast, the GOP chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, publicly thanked Trump for taking action against Iran, saying the president is using his own constitutional authority to defend the U.S. against the “imminent threat” of Iran.Mast, an Army veteran who worked as a bomb disposal expert in Afghanistan, said the Democratic resolution was effectively asking “that the president do nothing.”Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs panel, said before the debate that the hardest votes he has taken in Congress have been to decide whether to send U.S. troops to war. “Our young men and women’s lives are on the line,” he said, his voice showing emotion as he emerged from a closed-door briefing late Tuesday with Trump officials.At a news conference Wednesday, several Democratic members who are also veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars spoke about the heavy costs of those conflicts.One of them was Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo. “I learned when I was fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, that when elites in Washington bang the war drums, pound their chest, talk about the costs of war and act tough, they're not talking about them doing it, they're not talking about their kids,” Crow said. “They're talking about working class kids like us.”

Moran, Marshall help Senate reject effort to block war with Iran 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/eric-olson">ERIC OLSON</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;TOM COYNE Associated Press

Lou Holtz, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">College Football</a>&nbsp;Hall of Fame coach who led&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/notre-dame-fighting-irish-football">Notre Dame</a>&nbsp;to the 1988 national championship and won 249 games over 33 seasons at six schools, has died. He was 89.

Notre Dame announced on Wednesday that Holtz died in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by his family. Spokeswoman Katy Lonergan said a cause of death was not provided by the family.

Holtz became the first and so far only coach to lead six different teams to bowl games during a career in which he compiled a record of 249-132-7. He still ranks 10th all-time in career victories by a Football Bowl Subdivision coach, eighth all-time with 388 games coached.

At Notre Dame, he went 100-30-2 in 11 seasons producing both the third-highest win total in school history and the second-highest loss total.

Holtz won at every stop — except for a brief stint in the NFL.

He didn’t just win games, either. The diminutive coach captivated fans with his occasionally fiery sideline demeanor, his self-deprecating wit and folksy phrases all while demanding excellence, on and off the field, from his much larger players.

Holtz became such a popular personality that after coaching his last game, in 2004 with South Carolina, he parlayed that into a broadcasting career and motivational speaking.

On their social media page the University of Notre Dame&nbsp; President Rev. Robert A. Dowd wrote, “Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather."

"Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime. In the years since leaving the head football coach position, Lou, together with his beloved wife, Beth, supported Notre Dame in innumerable ways, among them making possible the refurbishment of four residence hall chapels and the construction of the Beth and Lou Holtz Grand Reading Room on the first floor of Hesburgh Library — tangible signs of their great love for their Catholic faith and the mission of Our Lady’s University. Whenever Notre Dame called to ask for his help, Lou answered with his characteristic generosity, and he will be sorely missed. The prayers of the entire Notre Dame community are with his family and many friends in this time of sorrow. May he rest in the peace and love of Christ.”

- University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772661637315.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/eric-olson">ERIC OLSON</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;TOM COYNE Associated PressLou Holtz, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">College Football</a>&nbsp;Hall of Fame coach who led&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/notre-dame-fighting-irish-football">Notre Dame</a>&nbsp;to the 1988 national championship and won 249 games over 33 seasons at six schools, has died. He was 89.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very… <a href="https://t.co/dM53csuvJ0">https://t.co/dM53csuvJ0</a>&mdash; University of Notre Dame (@NotreDame) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotreDame/status/2029313919567946016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Notre Dame announced on Wednesday that Holtz died in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by his family. Spokeswoman Katy Lonergan said a cause of death was not provided by the family.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From the family of Lou Holtz <a href="https://t.co/aYWiXYVnLq">pic.twitter.com/aYWiXYVnLq</a>&mdash; The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) <a href="https://twitter.com/FightingIrish/status/2029308530398724260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Holtz became the first and so far only coach to lead six different teams to bowl games during a career in which he compiled a record of 249-132-7. He still ranks 10th all-time in career victories by a Football Bowl Subdivision coach, eighth all-time with 388 games coached.At Notre Dame, he went 100-30-2 in 11 seasons producing both the third-highest win total in school history and the second-highest loss total.Holtz won at every stop — except for a brief stint in the NFL.He didn’t just win games, either. The diminutive coach captivated fans with his occasionally fiery sideline demeanor, his self-deprecating wit and folksy phrases all while demanding excellence, on and off the field, from his much larger players.Holtz became such a popular personality that after coaching his last game, in 2004 with South Carolina, he parlayed that into a broadcasting career and motivational speaking.___Football coach Lou Holtz has died.On their social media page the University of Notre Dame&nbsp; President Rev. Robert A. Dowd wrote, “Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather.""Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime. In the years since leaving the head football coach position, Lou, together with his beloved wife, Beth, supported Notre Dame in innumerable ways, among them making possible the refurbishment of four residence hall chapels and the construction of the Beth and Lou Holtz Grand Reading Room on the first floor of Hesburgh Library — tangible signs of their great love for their Catholic faith and the mission of Our Lady’s University. Whenever Notre Dame called to ask for his help, Lou answered with his characteristic generosity, and he will be sorely missed. The prayers of the entire Notre Dame community are with his family and many friends in this time of sorrow. May he rest in the peace and love of Christ.”- University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz dead at 89

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market rebounded Wednesday from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-iran-energy-oil-trump-75edbda5b8fa3038b47f143cc16855f0">two days</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-gold-iran-trump-25fd9bfa1b20549a6cbbdee61b2ea05f">punishing swings</a>&nbsp;after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-oil-gas-gallon-aaa-e2daee318b8e3e6a1124713909a410e4">oil prices</a>&nbsp;stopped spiking and reports gave encouraging updates on the economy.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.8% and made back most of its losses since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-04-2026-e1c316da4ce809407122590a6872aa85">war with Iran</a>&nbsp;began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 238 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%.

The strength followed a scary start to Wednesday, when South Korea’s Kospi stock index plunged 12.1% for its worst loss in history. Uncertainty about the war has sent prices in financial markets careening up and down this week, with most taking their cues from what the price of oil is doing.

Oil prices moderated as trading moved westward from Asia to Europe and across the Atlantic. After briefly topping $84 per barrel, the price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, settled at $81.40, back to where it was a day earlier. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 0.1% to $74.66.

Stocks also got a boost from signs of strength for the U.S. economy.

One report said growth for U.S. businesses in the real estate, finance and other services industries accelerated last month at the fastest pace since the summer of 2022. Encouragingly for inflation, it also said prices for such businesses are increasing at a slower rate, at least before the war with Iran began.

A second report suggested U.S. employers outside of the government picked up their hiring last month. That could be a hopeful signal for the more comprehensive report coming Friday from the U.S. government about the overall job market.

In financial markets, worries are centered on how long the war with Iran could last, how high inflation will go because of more expensive oil and how much corporate profits will sink because of it.

The U.S. stock market has a history of shaking off military conflicts in the Middle East relatively quickly, though that comes with the caveat that oil prices don’t jump too high. That has some professional investors suggesting patience through the volatility, at least when it comes to financial markets.

“I think the Iran situation is getting out of hand, and I think that U.S. President Donald Trump miscalculated enormously,” said Francis Lun, CEO of Venturesmart Asia. “The situation is very grim.”

On Wall Street, a mix of companies helped drive Wednesday’s rise.

Stocks enmeshed in the crypto industry climbed as bitcoin’s price rebounded back above $73,000. Coinbase Global jumped 14.6%, and Robinhood Markets rallied 8.1%.

Retailers and travel companies strengthened with hopes that a solid economy and an easing for jumps in gasoline prices will mean their customers may have more to spend.

Ross Stores climbed 8% after reporting better profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected and saying it’s entering 2026 with “solid momentum.” Expedia Group rose 3.1%.

Big Tech stocks, meanwhile, were the strongest forces lifting the market. Amazon rose 3.9%, and Nvidia added 1.7%. Because they’re among the biggest stocks in the U.S. market in terms of total value, their movements carry more weight on the S&amp;P 500.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 52.87 points to 6,869.50. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 238.14 to 48,739.41, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 290.79 to 22,807.48.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in Europe following sharp drops in Asia. France’s CAC 40 climbed 0.8%, and Germany’s DAX returned 1.7%. That came after losses of 2% for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and 3.6% for Japan’s Nikkei 225, along with Seoul’s historic plunge.

In the bond market, Treasury yields ticked higher after jumping early in the week with worries about worsening inflation. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.09% from 4.06% late Tuesday.

Wednesday’s strong reports on the economy were welcome news for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-powell-inflation-c13913c9e007981f075fb3b22d4a4cec">the Federal Reserve</a>, whose job it is to keep the U.S. job market healthy and inflation low. The Fed’s job has become more difficult because of the jump in oil prices, which is pushing upward on already high inflation.

The Fed could keep interest rates high to keep a lid on inflation. But high interest rates would also keep it more expensive for U.S. households and companies to borrow money, grinding down on the economy.

The central bank had indicated it planned to resume its cuts to interest rates later this year, in hopes of giving a boost to the job market and economy. Because of the war and higher oil prices, traders have pushed their forecasts further into the summer for when the Fed could begin cutting rates again.

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market rebounded Wednesday from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-iran-energy-oil-trump-75edbda5b8fa3038b47f143cc16855f0">two days</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-gold-iran-trump-25fd9bfa1b20549a6cbbdee61b2ea05f">punishing swings</a>&nbsp;after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-oil-gas-gallon-aaa-e2daee318b8e3e6a1124713909a410e4">oil prices</a>&nbsp;stopped spiking and reports gave encouraging updates on the economy.The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.8% and made back most of its losses since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-04-2026-e1c316da4ce809407122590a6872aa85">war with Iran</a>&nbsp;began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 238 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%.The strength followed a scary start to Wednesday, when South Korea’s Kospi stock index plunged 12.1% for its worst loss in history. Uncertainty about the war has sent prices in financial markets careening up and down this week, with most taking their cues from what the price of oil is doing.Oil prices moderated as trading moved westward from Asia to Europe and across the Atlantic. After briefly topping $84 per barrel, the price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, settled at $81.40, back to where it was a day earlier. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 0.1% to $74.66.Stocks also got a boost from signs of strength for the U.S. economy.One report said growth for U.S. businesses in the real estate, finance and other services industries accelerated last month at the fastest pace since the summer of 2022. Encouragingly for inflation, it also said prices for such businesses are increasing at a slower rate, at least before the war with Iran began.A second report suggested U.S. employers outside of the government picked up their hiring last month. That could be a hopeful signal for the more comprehensive report coming Friday from the U.S. government about the overall job market.In financial markets, worries are centered on how long the war with Iran could last, how high inflation will go because of more expensive oil and how much corporate profits will sink because of it.The U.S. stock market has a history of shaking off military conflicts in the Middle East relatively quickly, though that comes with the caveat that oil prices don’t jump too high. That has some professional investors suggesting patience through the volatility, at least when it comes to financial markets.Not everyone is optimistic.“I think the Iran situation is getting out of hand, and I think that U.S. President Donald Trump miscalculated enormously,” said Francis Lun, CEO of Venturesmart Asia. “The situation is very grim.”On Wall Street, a mix of companies helped drive Wednesday’s rise.Stocks enmeshed in the crypto industry climbed as bitcoin’s price rebounded back above $73,000. Coinbase Global jumped 14.6%, and Robinhood Markets rallied 8.1%.Retailers and travel companies strengthened with hopes that a solid economy and an easing for jumps in gasoline prices will mean their customers may have more to spend.Ross Stores climbed 8% after reporting better profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected and saying it’s entering 2026 with “solid momentum.” Expedia Group rose 3.1%.Big Tech stocks, meanwhile, were the strongest forces lifting the market. Amazon rose 3.9%, and Nvidia added 1.7%. Because they’re among the biggest stocks in the U.S. market in terms of total value, their movements carry more weight on the S&amp;P 500.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 52.87 points to 6,869.50. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 238.14 to 48,739.41, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 290.79 to 22,807.48.In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in Europe following sharp drops in Asia. France’s CAC 40 climbed 0.8%, and Germany’s DAX returned 1.7%. That came after losses of 2% for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and 3.6% for Japan’s Nikkei 225, along with Seoul’s historic plunge.In the bond market, Treasury yields ticked higher after jumping early in the week with worries about worsening inflation. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.09% from 4.06% late Tuesday.Wednesday’s strong reports on the economy were welcome news for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-powell-inflation-c13913c9e007981f075fb3b22d4a4cec">the Federal Reserve</a>, whose job it is to keep the U.S. job market healthy and inflation low. The Fed’s job has become more difficult because of the jump in oil prices, which is pushing upward on already high inflation.The Fed could keep interest rates high to keep a lid on inflation. But high interest rates would also keep it more expensive for U.S. households and companies to borrow money, grinding down on the economy.The central bank had indicated it planned to resume its cuts to interest rates later this year, in hopes of giving a boost to the job market and economy. Because of the war and higher oil prices, traders have pushed their forecasts further into the summer for when the Fed could begin cutting rates again.___

US stocks rebound as oil prices stop spiking

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Four of the six U.S. soldiers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-03-2026-8755877b603e46ed3df8107689c1ee23">killed in the Iran war</a>&nbsp;were identified Tuesday by the Pentagon as members of the Army Reserve from different states who worked in logistics and kept troops supplied with food and equipment.

They died Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran. Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">responded by launching missiles</a>&nbsp;and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.

Those killed were Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist. No other names were released.

“These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said.

All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.

“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of deaths.

Amor was just a few days away from returning home to her husband and two children when she was killed.

“You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts,” Joey Amor, her husband, said Tuesday.

Amor was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsa from the peppers and tomatoes in her garden with her son, a senior in high school. She also enjoyed rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter.

“If you needed anything she would just take care of it for you," Joey Amor said. "She’s helped a lot of people through a lot of dark times, and brought a lot of light to this world.”

Coady's LinkedIn page said he was a student at Drake University and an information technology specialist with the Army Reserve.

He said he had learned how to "interact with countless different kinds of people from all different backgrounds” through his service.

Coady became an Eagle Scout in 2020, according to a Facebook post from his West Des Moines troop. An Iowa organization that helps homeless children said he made 12 Adirondack chairs for the group.

Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts said he and his wife are mourning Tietjens’ death and praying for his family.

“May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family,” Ricketts said.

Tietjens was married with a son, according to a Facebook page. A photo online shows the couple with their son wearing a martial arts uniform.

There are several family photos on Facebook pages belonging to Amor and her husband, Joey Amor, including some images with a teen son.

Last November, Joey wrote a post expressing his love for Nicole.

“Even while you are on the other side of the world you found a way to make my birthday special,” he said. “I love you!”

Associated Press writer Rebecca Boone contributed from Boise, Idaho.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772586254320.png" alt="Sgt. Declan Coady-photo&nbsp;U.S. Army Reserve Command" />
 <figcaption>Sgt. Declan Coady-photo&nbsp;U.S. Army Reserve Command</figcaption>
 </figure>By HANNAH FINGERHUT and REBECCA BOONEWEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Four of the six U.S. soldiers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-03-2026-8755877b603e46ed3df8107689c1ee23">killed in the Iran war</a>&nbsp;were identified Tuesday by the Pentagon as members of the Army Reserve from different states who worked in logistics and kept troops supplied with food and equipment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772586386971.png" alt="Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens-photo&nbsp;U.S. Army Reserve Command" />
 <figcaption>Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens-photo&nbsp;U.S. Army Reserve Command</figcaption>
 </figure>They died Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran. Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">responded by launching missiles</a>&nbsp;and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772586522853.png" alt="Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor-photo&nbsp;U.S. Army Reserve Command" />
 <figcaption>Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor-photo&nbsp;U.S. Army Reserve Command</figcaption>
 </figure>Those killed were Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist. No other names were released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772586582687.png" alt="Capt. Cody Khork-photo&nbsp;U.S. Army Reserve Command" />
 <figcaption>Capt. Cody Khork-photo&nbsp;U.S. Army Reserve Command</figcaption>
 </figure>“These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said.All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of deaths.Amor was just a few days away from returning home to her husband and two children when she was killed.“You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts,” Joey Amor, her husband, said Tuesday.Amor was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsa from the peppers and tomatoes in her garden with her son, a senior in high school. She also enjoyed rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter.“If you needed anything she would just take care of it for you," Joey Amor said. "She’s helped a lot of people through a lot of dark times, and brought a lot of light to this world.”Coady's LinkedIn page said he was a student at Drake University and an information technology specialist with the Army Reserve.He said he had learned how to "interact with countless different kinds of people from all different backgrounds” through his service.Coady became an Eagle Scout in 2020, according to a Facebook post from his West Des Moines troop. An Iowa organization that helps homeless children said he made 12 Adirondack chairs for the group.Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts said he and his wife are mourning Tietjens’ death and praying for his family.“May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family,” Ricketts said.Tietjens was married with a son, according to a Facebook page. A photo online shows the couple with their son wearing a martial arts uniform.There are several family photos on Facebook pages belonging to Amor and her husband, Joey Amor, including some images with a teen son.Last November, Joey wrote a post expressing his love for Nicole.“Even while you are on the other side of the world you found a way to make my birthday special,” he said. “I love you!”___Associated Press writer Rebecca Boone contributed from Boise, Idaho.

US soldiers who died in Iran war remembered as devoted parents and reservists

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

Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 at 102nd Road on a Toyota Tacoma, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, cocaine, marijuana and open alcohol containers were found.

Francisco Ventura-Cabrales, 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container.

Hector David Cerillo-Ventura, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772416091883.png" alt="Cerillo-Ventura photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Cerillo-Ventura photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 at 102nd Road on a Toyota Tacoma, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, cocaine, marijuana and open alcohol containers were found.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772416063500.png" alt="Ventura-Cabrales-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Ventura-Cabrales-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>Francisco Ventura-Cabrales, 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container.Hector David Cerillo-Ventura, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for transporting an open container.

Sheriff: Kan. men were driving with cocaine, open containers

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 — Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert will retire later this month, an announcement from the court said.

Luckert&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/physicians-link-kansas-supreme-court-chief-justices-vehicle-accident-to-likely-stroke/">suffered a stroke</a>&nbsp;in October that led to a car accident. She relinquished public-facing duties before deciding in December to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/19/kansas-supreme-court-chief-justice-to-retire-by-early-february/">step down from her position as chief justice</a>. She will abdicate her seat on the court on March 28.

“It has been my profound honor to serve the people of Kansas as a district court judge and Supreme Court justice the last 34 years,” Luckert said in a Tuesday press release. “Growing up in Goodland, I did not imagine I would one day serve on our state’s highest court, and I hope the blessings in my life inspire young women to reach for goals that may seem unattainable.”

Luckert spent 23 years on the Kansas Supreme Court. She previously was a Shawnee County district judge and the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge. Former Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, and she became chief justice in 2019.

Under her guidance, the court prioritized collaboration among the three branches of government in addressing statewide issues such as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/13/leaders-of-kansas-three-government-branches-coalesce-behind-quest-to-fix-mental-health-crisis/">mental health crises</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/22/kansas-supreme-court-plans-child-welfare-summit-to-forge-better-paths-forward/">child welfare</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/01/kansas-supreme-court-justice-tackles-states-severe-shortage-of-rural-attorneys/">rural attorney shortages</a>.

She saw the court through a pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/computer-network-woes-force-kansas-courts-to-rely-on-old-school-methods-of-operation/">technology</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/10/kansas-chief-justice-blames-russian-ransomware-hackers-for-disabling-courts-electronic-systems/">woes</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">cyber attack</a>, and her court issued landmark decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/06/kansas-supreme-court-ends-five-year-hold-on-jurisdiction-of-public-school-funding-case/">education funding</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kill-an-ant-with-an-atom-bomb-kansas-supreme-court-talks-election-case/">voting rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/05/kansas-supreme-court-strikes-down-state-law-banning-second-trimester-abortion-procedure/">abortion</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/19/kansas-supreme-court-affirms-death-penalty-conviction-in-quadruple-murder-case/">death penalty</a>.

Justice Eric Rosen&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/08/kansas-supreme-court-justice-eric-rosen-sworn-in-as-chief-of-states-highest-court/">took her place as chief</a>&nbsp;in January.

Luckert is the second justice in the past year to leave the bench, following&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-supreme-court-justice-to-step-down-citing-lou-gehrigs-disease/">Justice Evelyn Wilson’s retirement</a>&nbsp;in July because of a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis. Justice Larkin Walsh took her place ahead in September and was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">formally sworn in</a>&nbsp;two months later.

Luckert’s replacement could be outgoing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s final appointment to the court before Kelly leaves office in early 2027. The governor has appointed four others to the court during her two terms.

The replacement process likely will precede&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/rivals-launch-fight-over-kansas-constitutional-amendment-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">an August ballot question</a>&nbsp;that will ask voters if they want to change the Kansas Supreme Court justice selection process from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">a merit-based application, nomination and appointment method</a>&nbsp;to a campaign-driven popular vote approach.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772643447262.png" alt=" Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert, left, suffered a stroke in October, leading to her impending retirement in March. She appears with Chief Justice Eric Rosen, who replaced her as chief justice at a swearing in ceremony on Jan. 8, 2026, at the Kansas Supreme Court building in Topeka. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert, left, suffered a stroke in October, leading to her impending retirement in March. She appears with Chief Justice Eric Rosen, who replaced her as chief justice at a swearing in ceremony on Jan. 8, 2026, at the Kansas Supreme Court building in Topeka. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/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 — Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert will retire later this month, an announcement from the court said.Luckert&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/physicians-link-kansas-supreme-court-chief-justices-vehicle-accident-to-likely-stroke/">suffered a stroke</a>&nbsp;in October that led to a car accident. She relinquished public-facing duties before deciding in December to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/19/kansas-supreme-court-chief-justice-to-retire-by-early-february/">step down from her position as chief justice</a>. She will abdicate her seat on the court on March 28.“It has been my profound honor to serve the people of Kansas as a district court judge and Supreme Court justice the last 34 years,” Luckert said in a Tuesday press release. “Growing up in Goodland, I did not imagine I would one day serve on our state’s highest court, and I hope the blessings in my life inspire young women to reach for goals that may seem unattainable.”Luckert spent 23 years on the Kansas Supreme Court. She previously was a Shawnee County district judge and the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge. Former Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, and she became chief justice in 2019.Under her guidance, the court prioritized collaboration among the three branches of government in addressing statewide issues such as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/13/leaders-of-kansas-three-government-branches-coalesce-behind-quest-to-fix-mental-health-crisis/">mental health crises</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/22/kansas-supreme-court-plans-child-welfare-summit-to-forge-better-paths-forward/">child welfare</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/01/kansas-supreme-court-justice-tackles-states-severe-shortage-of-rural-attorneys/">rural attorney shortages</a>.She saw the court through a pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/computer-network-woes-force-kansas-courts-to-rely-on-old-school-methods-of-operation/">technology</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/10/kansas-chief-justice-blames-russian-ransomware-hackers-for-disabling-courts-electronic-systems/">woes</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">cyber attack</a>, and her court issued landmark decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/06/kansas-supreme-court-ends-five-year-hold-on-jurisdiction-of-public-school-funding-case/">education funding</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kill-an-ant-with-an-atom-bomb-kansas-supreme-court-talks-election-case/">voting rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/05/kansas-supreme-court-strikes-down-state-law-banning-second-trimester-abortion-procedure/">abortion</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/19/kansas-supreme-court-affirms-death-penalty-conviction-in-quadruple-murder-case/">death penalty</a>.Justice Eric Rosen&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/08/kansas-supreme-court-justice-eric-rosen-sworn-in-as-chief-of-states-highest-court/">took her place as chief</a>&nbsp;in January.Luckert is the second justice in the past year to leave the bench, following&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-supreme-court-justice-to-step-down-citing-lou-gehrigs-disease/">Justice Evelyn Wilson’s retirement</a>&nbsp;in July because of a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis. Justice Larkin Walsh took her place ahead in September and was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">formally sworn in</a>&nbsp;two months later.Luckert’s replacement could be outgoing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s final appointment to the court before Kelly leaves office in early 2027. The governor has appointed four others to the court during her two terms.The replacement process likely will precede&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/rivals-launch-fight-over-kansas-constitutional-amendment-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">an August ballot question</a>&nbsp;that will ask voters if they want to change the Kansas Supreme Court justice selection process from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">a merit-based application, nomination and appointment method</a>&nbsp;to a campaign-driven popular vote approach.

Former Kansas Supreme Court chief justice to retire March 28

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

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

Keep in mind this measles vaccination guidance:&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Measles reported in Kansas City

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

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

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

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

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

Both sides are unrelenting in their attacks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iran’s clerics are choosing a new supreme leader

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎥 Details on US submarine torpedo attack on Iranian warship

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

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

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

Here are some takeaways from Tuesday night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The election isn’t over for Republicans in Texas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A critical Senate race takes shape in North Carolina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎥Takeaways from the first elections of the 2026 midterm campaigns

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

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

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

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

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