Editor's note: This is the first of a series of articles for Severe Weather Awareness Week.&nbsp;

As Kansas heads into the peak of spring severe weather season, the National Weather Service urges residents to review safety plans and prepare for the possibility of tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding.

Severe Storm Awareness Week serves as an annual reminder that Kansas sits in the heart of “Tornado Alley,” where rapidly changing weather conditions can produce dangerous storms with little warning.

Officials say preparation begins with understanding the risks. In addition to tornadoes, spring storms in Kansas frequently bring large hail capable of damaging homes and vehicles, straight-line winds exceeding 70 mph, and heavy rainfall that can quickly lead to flash flooding.

Residents are encouraged to identify a safe shelter location in advance. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or storm cellar. If those are not available, officials recommend moving to a small, interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, away from windows. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes, and occupants should seek alternative shelter when severe weather is forecast.

Officials also emphasize the importance of having multiple ways to receive warnings. A NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone weather alerts and local television and radio broadcasts can provide critical information when severe weather develops. Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside and should not be relied upon as the sole source of notification indoors.

Preparedness experts recommend assembling an emergency kit that includes bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications and important documents stored in a waterproof container. Families should also establish a communication plan in case household members are separated when storms strike.

Drivers are reminded never to attempt to outrun a tornado in congested areas and to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Just a few inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.

Schools, businesses and local governments across Kansas often use Severe Storm Awareness Week to conduct tornado drills and review emergency procedures.

Officials say taking time now to prepare can save lives later.

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Preparing for the storm

MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after noon Monday in McPherson County, according to a media release from McPherson Police.

A witness told police a van was eastbound in 800 Block of East 1st Street. The vehicle traveled off the road, crossed oncoming westbound traffic and onto the grass and struck a tree at the southeast entrance of the McPherson High School parking lot.&nbsp; The driver identified as 62-year-old James Willis of McPherson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident remains under investigation.

Kansas man dies after crash near McPherson High School

As March marks National Reading Month, United Way of Reno County reminds Kansans of the opportunity to build a free home library with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

By enrolling in this program, all young children (from newborns to age five) across the Sunflower State are eligible to receive one free, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home each month. There are no qualifications other than age and Kansas residency. Families do not need to meet income requirements or complete extensive paperwork. If a child is under five and lives in Kansas, they qualify.

Children enrolled from birth can receive up to 60 books by the time they are ready for kindergarten, and every eligible child in a household can be enrolled to receive their own books. While families may occasionally receive a duplicate title, new selections are regularly introduced to keep the reading experience fresh and engaging.

Recent research underscores the powerful impact of the program. A newly published international study found that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is linked to stronger early literacy outcomes and richer reading experiences at home. The study indicates the program helps close early literacy gaps by strengthening foundational skills, increasing how often children are read to, and boosting children’s interest and engagement during shared book reading. It also found that families participating in the program are more likely to develop positive reading habits and traditions, with caregivers engaging in meaningful interactions—creating a warm, consistent home literacy environment that supports long-term success.

“Our goal is simple: put books into the hands of children and help families build a culture of reading at home,” said Elizabeth Walton, Development Manager and Dolly Parton Imagination Library Manager at UWRC. “The recent study confirms what we see in our communities every day—when children receive books of their own, families read together more often, conversations grow richer, and kids develop stronger early literacy skills. This program is about more than books. It’s about creating joyful reading experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong learning.”

This reading month, UWRC encourages families and community members to sign up eligible children they might know and spread the word about this free community program supported by UWRC. For more information or to enroll a child, visit: <a href="http://www.uwrenocounty.org/free-kids-books">www.uwrenocounty.org/free-kids-books</a>.

Build a library at home for free

&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly,&nbsp;in accordance with&nbsp;Executive Order #20-30,&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;directed flags&nbsp;be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities&nbsp;effective&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;until sundown on the day of interment in honor of Kansas State Representative John Resman.

 He&nbsp;represented&nbsp;Kansas House District&nbsp;121&nbsp;since 2017.&nbsp;

“Representative Resman&nbsp;has a decorated history of serving&nbsp;his community, our state, and our country throughout his time in the Army, Kansas National Guard,&nbsp;the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Legislature,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends&nbsp;during this&nbsp;difficult time.&nbsp;

This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is&nbsp;determined.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff

Construction is underway at the Hutchinson Public Library as crews renovate much of the building’s basement, expand the Makerspace and add a new emergency exit.

Executive Director Greg Wamsley said the highly visible “pile of dirt” on the north side of the building is tied to the installation of a new emergency exit. The addition will provide a more direct evacuation route from the basement level, improving safety for patrons and staff.

Inside, approximately two-thirds of the basement is being renovated. The project includes expanded space for the library’s Makerspace and redesigned staff areas.

The updated Makerspace will feature additional computing stations and roughly double the number of 3D printers currently available. The library also plans to install a larger-format CNC cutting machine capable of handling a full sheet of plywood, as well as new laser engraving equipment — a service patrons have requested for years.

Wamsley said the lasers will require users to complete training before operating them. The library will offer certification-style classes designed to teach the basics of each machine. Because the Makerspace is staffed full time, employees will be available to assist patrons as they gain experience and take on more complex projects.

During construction, the Makerspace has been temporarily relocated to an upstairs meeting room. While space and equipment availability are limited, core services — including 3D printing — remain available. Access to the Makerspace continues to operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wamsley said the renovation is expected to be completed this fall. Once construction wraps up and equipment is installed, the library plans to host a public open house to showcase the upgraded space.

Although much of the work is not visible from the street, Wamsley said the improvements are designed to enhance safety, expand creative opportunities and better serve the community.

Makerspace renovation underway at Hutchinson Public Library

The Kansas State Fair has announced rising country music star Russell Dickerson as the latest addition to its 2026 grandstand concert lineup.

Dickerson is scheduled to perform Friday, Sept. 18, at the Kansas Star Casino Grandstand in Hutchinson. Fair officials said they are still working to secure an opening act.

Dickerson, known for hits including “Yours,” “Every Little Thing,” “Love You Like I Used To” and “God Gave Me a Girl,” has emerged as one of country music’s fast-rising performers. He is preparing to launch a European tour this spring, with stops in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said the booking reflects an effort to blend established favorites with newer artists gaining national and international attention.

Tickets for the Sept. 18 concert range from $35 for general admission grandstand seating to $110 for VIP deck standing room, which includes two beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Reserved VIP tables for six are available for $835. Track seating is priced at $85, and reserved grandstand seats are $55.

Presale access begins Thursday for customers who have signed up for the fair’s email list. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday morning at kansasstatefair.gov or through the fair’s ticket office at 2000 N. Poplar in Hutchinson.

Officials urged buyers to purchase tickets only through the fair’s official website or ticket office to avoid third-party resellers and potential scams. Gate admission is included in the ticket price.

Russell Dickerson to appear at Kansas State Fair

Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 2-6. The Evergy service area experiences a wide variety of severe weather during the spring and summer seasons including tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding.

Evergy’s ongoing work to upgrade and modernize the power grid helps reduce outages, which is especially important during severe weather events. Recent Evergy investments include:

Evergy prioritizes investments where they most effectively improve reliability and reduce long-term costs. In 2025, Evergy performed well during storms, with customers being out of power for shorter durations.

"We've been on a great trend for the last several years, and that trend includes having fewer outages that our customers actually experience, whether it's on a stormy day or a blue-sky day. And then we continue to get better and better at our response to outages when they occur," said Ryan Mulvany, Evergy vice president, power delivery. “People don't think about [it] or they don't notice when they drive by our crews every day, but they certainly experience the outcomes of those [investments] when our system withstands weather or withstands wind and their lights stay on.”

Even with greater resiliency, extreme weather can result in power outages. Evergy encourages customers to be prepared and to prioritize safety during severe weather. Here are a few ways to be ready for spring storm season:

Download Evergy’s mobile app to easily report and track outages. Customers can also report outages at evergy.com/outages, and monitor Evergy’s outage map.

Check your communications preferences in your Evergy online account. Evergy sends emails and text messages to share information about severe weather and outages with customers.

If you see downed power lines or another hazardous situation, stay at least 30 feet away. Stay in your car or home if you safely can. DO NOT TOUCH THE LINES. First call 911, then call Evergy at 800-544-4852 in the Evergy Kansas Central service area or 888-544-4852 in the Evergy Metro or Missouri West service areas.

Find more preparation and safety tips on our Preparing for Outages page.

The National Weather Service will conduct a tornado drill at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 4. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill by practicing seeking secure, safe shelter from a tornado.

Evergy prepares for severe weather with year round investments

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

David	Wayne	Pederson		3/1/2026 1:56&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Darrian	Michael	Holland		3/1/2026 6:45&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction, Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance, Registration Violation; Display or Possess a False, Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked Title, Plate, Decal, Placard

Shanna	Lynn	Henry		3/2/2026 2:15&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher					Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case Execution of Misd Warrant, Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO, Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance,					Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty

Daily Bookings

ELLSWORTH COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend crash and fire.

According to the Ellsworth County Sheriff, the late Saturday evening call about a vehicle on fire in the 2500 Block of Avenue T resulted in the arrest of a Kansas man for leaving the scene and failing to report a motor vehicle accident. Additional charges of illegal tag, no proof of liability insurance and Interference / Obstruction are pending.

As it turned out, the driver of the burning vehicle struck a concrete guardrail on a County bridge.&nbsp; The vehicle went flying for quite some  distance, and then landed on its wheels about 200 feet west of the point of impact and caught fire.

There was  significant damage to both the bridge and vehicle.  The driver was located about 1/2 mile west of the accident scene, watching emergency crews work to extinguish the blaze.

The sheriff office thanked the Marquette Fire and EMS crews, along with the McPherson Fire Department, who were sending additional resources out to the location to help us look for "possible" injured persons from this crash.

The sheriff's office reminded, "The Bottom Line here, if you crash your car....you call the Law.....because that is the law."

Sheriff: Kansas driver arrested after he left a crash and fire

The Hutchinson Community Foundation has awarded an $8,000 grant to the Buhler Public Library to support a community improvement project aimed at enhancing the library’s visibility and appeal.

The funding was provided through the Fund for Reno County under the foundation’s Community and Economic Development grant program as part of the 2025 Impact Cycle 2.

Library officials plan to use the funds to install a fun, interactive wall mural inside the facility and update the building’s exterior appearance with a new awning along Main Street. The improvements are designed to make the library a destination that visitors will want to return to while increasing awareness of the services it offers.

Foundation representatives said the grant reflects an ongoing investment in projects that strengthen communities across Reno County. By supporting enhancements at the Buhler Public Library, the foundation aims to contribute to local economic vitality and community engagement.

Library leaders said their goal is to emphasize that the library is a welcoming and enjoyable place for residents of all ages — both inside and out.

HCF awards $8K grant to Buhler Public Library

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info 7-day forecast.&nbsp;</a>

Three-day Outlook

SEDGWICK—A man accused of in the deadly shooting of his mother-in-law in front of his 8-year-old son was back in court last week.

On Friday, Stephen Rogers entered a guilty plea to charges of second-degree murder and child endangerment in a hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Rousch, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Rogers was originally charged with first-degree murder.

In July, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 49-year-old Sharmaine Marlene Burke, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. Burke reported that her son-in-law, 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers of Wichita, was drunk and had threatened to shoot her. She also stated that her eight-year-old grandson, Rogers’ son, was inside the home at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park near Derby.&nbsp;

The 911 call-taker stayed on the line as deputies responded. A few minutes into the call, gunshots were heard, and the line went silent.

Deputies arrived at 11:41 p.m. and found Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Deputies and Sedgwick County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Burke succumbed to her injuries at 11:57 p.m.

Rogers and his son were not at the scene when deputies arrived. An immediate search for both the suspect and the child began. Deputies obtained critical information, including a description of Rogers’ vehicle, and shared it with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Rogers was found with his son in Butler County and arrested. His son was not injured.&nbsp; Rogers' sentencing is scheduled for May 8, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. man who killed his mother-in-law in front of 8-year-old enters plea

The U.S. Department of State urges Americans to depart now from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks. 

Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). ENROLL in <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcTuHc" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a> to get the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Americans urged to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations&nbsp;

On the evening of April 25, 2025 an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 200 block North 4th Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver, 29-year-old Adrian Duran, was taken into custody for giving the officer false information on his identity. He was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl.

On Feb. 28, police arrested Duran in the 700 block North 10th Street on a District Court warrant for possession of fentanyl, interference with law enforcement and defective tail lamps.&nbsp;

Kansas man caught with fentanyl gave police a fake name

WASHINGTON (AP) — Videos of former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bill-clinton">Bill Clinton</a>&nbsp;and former Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-hillary-bill-clinton-deposition-house-investigation-299d82e8549f4d994dcb081c3876585c">Hillary Clinton</a>&nbsp;answering questions about convicted sex offender&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;were released Monday by a House committee investigating the late financier.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-clinton-jeffrey-epstein-deposition-congress-9ea23ac5a5ffd1c7b9511e46308e8b21">recordings of the depositions</a>, which spanned hours over two days last week, were expected to show how both Clintons distanced themselves from Epstein. Bill Clinton told the committee that he had ended his relationship with Epstein years before the financier entered a guilty plea in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.

Hillary Clinton said she never even recalled meeting Epstein.

Still, they faced hours of questioning under oath from lawmakers who are searching for accountability for anyone who was aware or ignored Epstein's abuse of underage girls.

🎥 Under oath: Bill and Hillary Clinton's testimony on Jeffrey Epstein

On Monday, President Trump at a White House ceremony&nbsp;presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to&nbsp;three U.S. Army soldiers for extraordinary valor.

Among the honorees was Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Terry P. Richardson of Fort Riley, who was awarded the nation’s highest military decoration for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War on September 14, 1968. On that day, his courage and decisive leadership under enemy fire saved the lives of 85 fellow soldiers.

🎥Fort Riley’s 39th Medal of Honor recipient recognized at White House

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting that sent a Kansas man to the hospital in critical condition have tracked down a suspect.

At about 12:15 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a reported shooting in the 400 block of N. Clara Street in Wichita, according to a media release. Officers arrived and found a 38-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers provided medical aid until EMS arrived.

EMS transported the victim to a local hospital in critical condition. He is expected to survive his injuries.&nbsp;

The incident started as an argument between the 38-year-old victim and a 21-year-old suspect identified in county booking records as Damien Michael Farias,&nbsp;while they sat in their vehicles outside the home of a 25-year-old Wichita woman.&nbsp;

The argument continued after both men got out of their vehicles. Farias pulled a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim and a nearby residence, then left the scene before officers arrived.

Farias, the victim, and the woman knew each other.

&nbsp;Wichita Police Community Response Teams, the K-9 Unit and patrol officers began working to locate Farias.

At 7a.m. Sunday officers located Farias at a residence in north Wichita. He was taken into custody without incident. Officers also located the suspect’s vehicle in the 100 block of S. Sheridan. With assistance from a K-9, officers found a firearm in the area.&nbsp;

Police, K9 unit capture Kansas shooting suspect

By&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ben-finley">BEN FINLEY</a> Associated Press

The U.S. military on Monday announced the deaths of two more American service members during the operations against Iran, bringing the total death toll to six people.

U.S. Central Command stated in a post on X that U.S. forces “recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran’s initial attacks in the region.”

The post did not state where two service members were killed. Their identities are being withheld until 24 hours after their families are notified, the military said.

US military: Death toll from Iran operation has risen to 6

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Cowley County have released the name of the victim as Kasey Joe Barclay, 32, formerly of Ponca City, Oklahoma, according to Cowley County Undersheriff Christina McDonald.

Just before 7:30p.m. Saturday, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to an injury accident involving a vehicle versus a pedestrian on US 77 Highway at 242nd Road, according to Undersheriff Christina McDonald.

&nbsp;Deputies determined that a silver Nissan Rogue driven by&nbsp;Stacy Gisick, 62, of Wichita, was&nbsp;northbound on US 77 and struck Barclay who was walking in the roadway. Barclay sustained critical injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Gisick remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff IDs woman who died after struck by SUV in Kansas

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The war in the Middle East spiraled further Monday as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-us-israel-hezbollah-strikes-03-02-2026">Israel and the United States pounded</a>&nbsp;Iran in a campaign that U.S. President Donald Trump said would likely take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-trump-israel-war-where-things-stand-e3c003aef4479cd179967a63bb1236f4">several weeks</a>. Tehran and its allies hit back against Israel, Gulf states and targets critical to the world’s energy production.

The intensity of the attacks, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, and the lack of any apparent exit plan set the stage for a prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-dubai-emirates-tourism-attack-b256f514b290c987b3004cc87744f038">Safe havens in the Mideast</a>&nbsp;like Dubai have seen incoming fire; hundreds of thousands of airline passengers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-travel-airlines-mideast-flights-93f2559eb57f05989fb1de8fda7f21ec">are stranded around the globe</a>; oil prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-prices-iran-us-hormuz-tanker-8a6d6fb35c89d9b0db4c4846f290c2c3">shot up</a>; and U.S. allies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-reactions-03-01-2026-961f288c645f6cbc7fa9d63e0502df36">pledged to help</a>&nbsp;stop Iranian missiles and drones.

With no sign of the conflict abating anytime soon, Trump said operations are likely to last four to five weeks but that he was prepared “to go far longer than that.”

He said U.S. forces were determined to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, wipe out its naval capacity, stop the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that Iran cannot continue to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-proxies-us-israel-hezbollah-war-b0f919b657bb33c464f6d943d7142464">support allied groups</a>&nbsp;like Lebanon's Hezbollah, which fired missiles at Israel, drawing retaliatory airstrikes.

"This was our last, best chance to strike -- what we’re doing right now -- and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime,” Trump said.

The chaos of the conflict became apparent when the U.S. military said Kuwait had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jets-downed-kuwait-friendly-fire-iran-f15-1151e092db4597e93e83c04f3b44bddc">“mistakenly shot down”</a>&nbsp;three American F-15E Strike Eagles while Iran was attacking with aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones. U.S. Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely and are in stable condition.

As several airstrikes hit Iran’s capital of Tehran, the top security official Ali Larijani vowed on X: “We will not negotiate with the United States.”

The death toll grew on all sides. The Iranian Red Crescent Society said that the U.S.-Israeli operation has killed at least 555 people. In Israel, where several locations were hit by Iranian missiles, 11 people were killed. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group also targeted Israel, which responded with strikes on Lebanon, killing more than two dozen people. Meanwhile, four American troops have been killed, and three people were reported killed in the United Arab Emirates and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Iran expands attacks to regional oil infrastructure

With world markets already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-gold-iran-trump-25fd9bfa1b20549a6cbbdee61b2ea05f">rattled by the fighting</a>, QatarEnergy said it would stop its production of liquefied natural gas, taking one of the world’s top suppliers off the market. It offered no timeline for restoring its production. European natural gas prices surged by 40% in response.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery came under attack from drones, with defenses downing the incoming aircraft, a military spokesman told the state-run Saudi Press Agency. The refinery has a capacity of over half a million barrels of crude oil a day.

Several ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strait-hormuz-us-protests-persian-gulf-db7159d715453977279ab9cfd918e6e4">a fifth of all oil trade passes</a>&nbsp;and where Iran has threatened attacks.

The Gulf state of Qatar said its air force had shot down two Iranian Sukhoi Su-24 bombers.

“The attack on Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery marks a significant escalation, with Gulf energy infrastructure now squarely in Iran’s sights,” said Torbjorn Soltvedt, an analyst at the risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. “An extended period of uncertainty lies ahead.”

The region is also a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-travel-airlines-mideast-flights-93f2559eb57f05989fb1de8fda7f21ec">hub for air travel</a>, and passengers have been stranded around the world as carriers based in the Gulf grounded flights. Long-haul carriers Etihad and Emirates restarted limited flights Monday.

Reza Najafi, Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, told reporters that airstrikes targeted the Natanz nuclear enrichment site on Sunday.

“Their justification that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie,” he said.

Israel and the U.S. have not acknowledged strikes at the site, which the U.S. bombed in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. Israel has said that it is targeting the “leadership and nuclear infrastructure.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-enrichment-c0079c38746a896e2967a9a9cc2799d5">Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June</a>, though it has maintained its right to do so while saying its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.

Hezbollah fires on Israel, prompting massive response

Hezbollah said it fired missiles on Israel early Monday in response to Khamenei’s killing and “repeated Israeli aggressions.” It was the first time in more than a year that the militant group has claimed an attack.

There were no reports of injuries or damage.

Israel retaliated with strikes on Lebanon, killing at least 31 people and wounding 149 others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Associated Press journalists in Beirut were jolted awake by loud explosions that shook buildings and shattered windows.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Israeli army chief of staff, said the military would not end its offensive against Hezbollah “before the threat from Lebanon is eliminated.”

An Israeli airstrike in the Lebanese capital heavily damaged a building, as the military said it targeted a senior Hezbollah official.

In Iraq, the Iran-allied militia Saraya Awliya al-Dam claimed a drone attack Monday targeting U.S. troops at the airport in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. It claimed another drone attack on Sunday against a U.S. air base in Iraq’s north.

No end in sight to the US-Israeli campaign

The U.S. military said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-b2-bombers-missouri-446725660815e45bb1b9a787a324e71f">B-2 stealth bombers</a>&nbsp;struck Iran’s ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. Trump said on social media on Sunday that nine Iranian warships had been sunk and that the Iranian navy’s headquarters was “largely destroyed.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday that the U.S. is not engaged in a nation-building effort in Iran, and there is a clear mission. “This is not Iraq. This is not endless,” Hegseth said.

It’s not completely clear what the U.S. objectives are. In announcing the initial strikes, Trump referred to the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. But he also listed various grievances dating back to Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution and urged Iranians to “take over” their government.

There have been no signs yet of any such uprising.

Trump, however, has also signaled he would be open to dialogue with Iran's new leadership —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-war-khamenei-successor-supreme-leader-f7b8be4a356b449b591492ff9d57661c">which could be chosen soon</a>.

In an indication that the conflict could draw in other nations, Britain, France and Germany said Sunday they were ready to work with the U.S. to help stop Iran’s attacks.

Tehran’s streets have been largely deserted with people sheltering during airstrikes.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-middle-east-577c596775fb9a78d78107004d29d0f9">The paramilitary Basij</a>&nbsp;force, which has played a central role in crushing recent nationwide protests, set up checkpoints across the city, witnesses said.

In the northern Iranian city of Babol, a student, speaking anonymously over concerns of retribution, told the AP that armed riot police were on the streets Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday after the death of Khamenei.

“We don’t know whether to be happy about the elimination of the criminals who oppress us or to remain silent in the face of the U.S. and Israel’s war against the country and its interests and the terror that is taking place,” he said.

Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.

🎥President Trump updates timeline of Iran campaign 

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City, Missouri woman pleaded guilty to attempted bank fraud last week for altering and depositing stolen checks into her bank account. At the time of the fraud, she was employed by the United States Postal Service, according to the United State's Attorney.

Shawneasha L. Watson, 30, participated in a scheme to defraud a credit union by allowing the use of her account to deposit stolen checks. She provided both her debit card and her PIN to another individual to facilitate the deposit. In June 2023, the individual deposited checks that had been altered to show her name in the payee line and were endorsed with a signature bearing her name. The credit union flagged the deposits as fraudulent and froze the account before any withdrawals or transfers could be made. The victims all stated they had placed these checks into United States Postal Service blue collection boxes for mailing. The checks were originally intended to pay various bills including one intended for medical expenses and another for a monthly mortgage payment.

Investigators also discovered that Watson obtained a Pandemic Paycheck Protection loan under false pretenses in 2021 in the amount of $20,832.50. The loan application stated she was the sole proprietor of a men’s clothing business, and she needed the money to cover her payroll expenses. She later admitted that was false and she spent the money on herself. That loan was ultimately forgiven by the Small Business Administration.

Under federal statutes, Watson is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Former KC postal worker admits to stolen checks fraud scheme 

🎧🏀 Dragon Talk with John Ontjes and Kyle Fisher

SURPRISE, Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals today announced they have signed outfielder&nbsp;Starling Marte&nbsp;to a one-year Major League contract. Marte will wear No. 0.

In a corresponding move,&nbsp;the Royals designated outfielder&nbsp;Dairon Blanco&nbsp;for assignment.

Marte, 37, has played 14 seasons in the Major Leagues with Pittsburgh (2012-19), Arizona (2020), Miami (2020-21), Oakland (2021) and the Mets (2022-25). He’s a career .285 hitter with a .781 OPS, and is one of only 19 players in Major League history —and the only active player —with at least 150 home runs and 350 stolen bases.

He is the Major League leader among active players in stolen bases (361), hit-by-pitches (166) and outfield assists (107), and his 55 career triples are tied with&nbsp;Mike Trout&nbsp;for the most among active players.

Marte was an All-Star with the Pirates in 2016 and with the Mets in 2022, and won a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award in back-to-back seasons with Pittsburgh from 2015-16.

He’s played in 25 postseason games over six different seasons, including his most recent postseason appearance in 2024 with the Mets, when he hit .277 (13-for-47) and had 9 RBI in 13 games.

Last season with the Mets, Marte hit .270 (79-for-293) with a .745 OPS in 98 games, and made starts at designated hitter (66), left field (6) and right field (2). He hit just .220 (22-for-100) over his 1st 41 games but batted .295 (57-for-193) in his last 57 games.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Royals sign Starling Marte to one-year deal

The Kansas City Chiefs have told right tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the NFL’s new league year begins March 11 unless a trade materializes, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Parting ways with Taylor will clear $20 million in salary cap space, allowing Kansas City to move under the cap ahead of the new league year. The decision is the latest in a series of financial moves by the Chiefs, who also cut veteran defensive end Mike Danna and reworked quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract last month.

The Chiefs could free up additional cap room by releasing linebacker Drue Tranquill and tight end Noah Gray, and by restructuring the contracts of defensive standout Chris Jones and center Creed Humphrey. Kansas City began the offseason more than $57 million over the salary cap.

Taylor, 28, had one season left on his four-year, $80 million contract. Signed as a free agent in 2023, he helped solidify the offensive line during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run that season, when Kansas City became the first team in two decades to repeat as champions.

Although Taylor was effective in pass protection, penalties were an issue. He was flagged 49 times, with 41 accepted, over 45 games in a Chiefs uniform, the most among NFL linemen during that span.

🏈 Chiefs plan to release Jawaan Taylor in $20M cap move

🎧🏀 WSU wins fifth straight; 🏀 Dragon Talk finale this evening

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)

Hutch High Boys at Topeka West (Sub-State first round), 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) K-State MBB vs. West Virginia, 6 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

Hutch High Girls at Andover Central (Sub-State first round), 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) HutchCC WBB/MBB at Fort Hays Tech NW, 6:15 p.m. pregame, 6:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT)

HutchCC MBB at TBD (Region VI First Round), TBD (KHUT/KWBW) K-State MBB vs. KU, Noon pregame, 1 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

Eagle Media sports broadcast schedule for March 2-March 8

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Kenyon Giles scored 28 points and Wichita State cruised to an 84-67 victory over UTSA on Sunday night.

Giles went 11 of 27 from the field (6 for 15 from 3-point range) for the Shockers (20-10, 12-5 American Conference). Dillon Battie added 13 points and six rebounds. Will Berg scored 10.

Jamir Simpson and Baboucarr Njie both finished with 21 points and seven rebounds to lead the Roadrunners (5-24, 1-16) in a fourth straight loss. Daniel Akitoby pitched in with 16 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.

Wichita State took the lead with 16:01 remaining in the first half and did not trail again. Battie had 12 points to guide the Shockers to a 41-29 advantage at the break. Wichita State pulled away with a 12-0 run in the second half.

🏀 Kenyon Giles scores 28 to lead Wichita State over UTSA

<a href="https://www.axs.com/events/1223650/2026-big-12-women-s-basketball-tournament-tickets">BUY TICKETS HERE</a>

2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament Schedule

Game 1: No. 12 Kansas State vs. No. 13 Cincinnati – 11 a.m. CT (ESPN+)
Game 2: No. 9 BYU vs. No. 16 Houston – 1:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Game 3: No. 10 Arizona State vs. No. 15 Arizona – 5:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Game 4: No. 11 Kansas vs. No. 14 UCF – 8 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Game 5: No. 5 Texas Tech vs. Winner of Game 1 – 11 a.m. CT (ESPN+)
Game 6: No. 8 Utah vs. Winner of Game 2 – 1:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Game 7: No. 7 Iowa State vs. Winner of Game 3 – 5:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Game 8: No. 6 Colorado vs. Winner of Game 4 – 8 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Game 9: No. 4 Oklahoma State vs. Winner of Game 5 – 11 a.m. CT (ESPNU)
Game 10: No. 1 TCU vs. Winner of Game 6 – 1:30 p.m. CT (ESPNU)
Game 11: No. 2 West Virginia vs. Winner of Game 7 – 5:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Game 12: No. 3 Baylor vs. Winner of Game 8 – 8 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Game 13: Winner of Game 9 vs. Winner of Game 10 – 3 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Game 14: Winner of Game 11 vs. Winner of Game 12 – 5:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Game 15: Winner of Game 13 vs. Winner of Game 14 – 4 p.m. CT (ESPN)

*If BYU advances to the championship, the game will be played Monday, March 9 at 3 p.m. CT.

🏀 Big 12 releases women's tournament bracket

FINAL: No. 13 Hutchinson women 75, Pratt 34 FINAL: Hutchinson men 76, Pratt 63

🎧🏀 Blue Dragon Rewind: HutchCC vs. Pratt

MANHATTAN (AP) —Xavier Edmonds had 15 points, a career-high tying 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks on Saturday to help TCU beat Kansas State 77-68.

Tanner Toolson scored 14 points for TCU (19-10, 9-7 Big 12), David Punch added 13 and Liutauras Lelevicius 12.

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