&nbsp;State Senator Michael Murphy is calling for a temporary halt on new data center development in parts of south-central Kansas, citing concerns about water use, energy demand and long-term infrastructure impacts.

Murphy, a Republican from Sylvia representing the 34th District, issued a statement Monday urging county commissions in Reno, Kingman and Barber counties to adopt a three-year moratorium on new data center projects.

“While large-scale data centers may come with some enticing incentives, they also bring some very well-known, and unknown, problems,” Murphy said in the release. He pointed to the significant water consumption required to operate such facilities and the strain they can place on local electric grids.

Murphy said data centers “use huge amounts of water, water we do not have to spare,” and argued that a single facility could consume more electricity than a new power plant planned for Reno County could produce.

The senator also raised questions about transparency and long-term impacts, including who would bear the cost of increased power demand and the potential health effects of exposure to infrasound. He said residents have expressed concerns that have not been fully addressed.

“Before we bring these centers to our counties, we need some answers to these questions and more, data driven from serious studies, not just answers to placate the people,” Murphy said.

Murphy called on county officials in the three counties to enact a three-year pause on new data center development to allow time for scientific study and public review. He said such a moratorium would provide an opportunity for “meaningful, thorough scientific studies” and help restore public confidence.

The 34th District includes portions of Reno, Kingman and Barber counties.

Murphy also referenced comments by Senate Majority Leader Blasi, saying that if local moratoriums are not adopted, he would support the introduction of state legislation to address the issue.

“I hope we can continue the good relationship between the state and the district and look forward to working together in the best interests of our citizens and communities,” Murphy said.

Murphy calls for halt on data center development

Dear Dave, I’m 50 years old, and through a series of bad life decisions, I have nothing set aside for retirement. Now that I’m finally in a better place financially, I’m getting to the age where people say to invest conservatively.

Because of this, I’m afraid to invest in anything aggressive, and that makes me feel like I’ll never be able to have a decent retirement. I’ve put aside $20,000 in a savings account so far. Any advice you have would be appreciated. —Jack

First of all, you’re not at the age where you need to be investing conservatively. I don’t know where you heard this or who told you it was a good idea, but they’re wrong. You’re only 50. I’m not investing conservatively, and I’m 63. I’m investing in good, growth stock mutual funds that are growing like weeds. And you should be too.

Listen, I’m not saying you need to shift into panic mode. But you do need to get moving on this retirement thing today. It’s great that you’ve started saving money, but I’d be pretty nervous if all I had to my name at age 50 was $20,000. At this point, you should have something like $250,000.

You mentioned being afraid to invest more aggressively. I’ve learned over the years there are two situations where fear can be a positive thing. The first is being afraid of things we don’t understand. One day when I was 12, my dad told me to move the car. I didn’t understand you weren’t supposed to stomp the gas pedal all the way to the floor. That little episode scared us both silly, and I spun almost all the gravel out of our driveway. Now, with years of practice and understanding, I’m a better driver. Being behind the wheel doesn’t scare me at all.

The other positive type of fear is being afraid of things that can legitimately hurt us — like standing in the middle of the highway. If you do this, you should be afraid an 18-wheeler will come flying down the road and turn you into a pancake.

But when you’re afraid of something just because you don’t know how to do it — like you are with investing — you can dispel that fear with knowledge and wisdom. That’s why I want you to find a good investment professional. I’m talking about someone with the heart of a teacher, who will help you learn the ins and outs of investing and take away the fear you feel. If you do this, your confidence, and your knowledge, will begin to grow. Once that happens, you’ll start to feel comfortable pouring into good retirement investments.

Get to it, Jack. You can make this happen!

You can hear Dave Ramsey, Monday through Friday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. on KWBW, unless it is preempted by sports coverage.&nbsp;

Dave says: When it comes to investing, knowledge and wisdom dispel fear

The Hutchinson High School Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for its annual Wall of Honor award, recognizing outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions in their professions, communities, and beyond.

To be eligible, nominees must be graduates of Hutchinson High School and must have graduated at least 10 years prior to nomination. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of achievement in one or more of the following areas:

The Wall of Honor selection process does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, sex, nationality, disability, economic status, or marital status. Individuals may be nominated posthumously.

Nomination forms are available online at:<a target="_blank" href="https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.RcwPaJjKaE88gUN1WQFO7UMK6mfYcuUw9TGIRugPWEl44KFBTm5shkSyhcN1YjMW8U4t_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb3qf6C5g5e5laW239ACX56VvHVTfUlNgaRPg9VSuOEk5j1BOHZOEnIQaBw3-2FtPy2YMRzfv2j33amVTCA5VgYcqFQxDMwAD3x7tvwPNVO4FpdWTUG7zBSmiSsotKQFNQeZMdxxhkRbD-2FTe-2FqBLBGAF-2FuWgdlXDQcVvHdcXo5YlyTZ3G5RCJKGZ6eiSSyncqWdnbKdIC4fQCx97PAnrx6Rs-2BRmoNlhpZ1XaYOtKKQAfgbe8x4q1AarSvN54l7u7GcwqOPILKWFLmdoE11SYQwVCSU-3D"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.RcwPaJjKaE88gUN1WQFO7UMK6mfYcuUw9TGIRugPWEl44KFBTm5shkSyhcN1YjMWfRfP_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb3qf6C5g5e5laW239ACX56VvHVTfUlNgaRPg9VSuOEk5j1BOHZOEnIQaBw3-2FtPy2YMRzfv2j33amVTCA5VgYcqFQxDMwAD3x7tvwPNVO4FpdWTUG7zBSmiSsotKQFNQeZMdxxhkRbD-2FTe-2FqBLBGAF-2FtC-2FY2s5OEXFPxh7ktLZKbVcuWNu3YI0-2BxklUftiT-2BBfeE8w9DrRYVsf1AEoY4VNlLpmwv7-2BEkXfT16P0cxhZEGhGhVn8pjBuU9uJptZkqRI1ttWJwOUdfrlPBd45Tt4-2Bc-3D">https://bit.ly/HutchWallOfHonor</a> or at the Hutchinson High School office, 810 E. 13th Avenue.

The nomination form requires basic biographical information, including volunteer activities, special honors and awards, and any supporting documentation such as newspaper clippings. Nominators must also submit a brief paragraph explaining why the individual deserves to be recognized.

A selection committee made up of three students, three teachers, and three members of the Alumni Association will select three honorees. All submitted nominations will remain on file and eligible for consideration for two years.

The 2026 Wall of Honor inductees will be recognized during a series of events held in conjunction with the HHS Homecoming football game on October 2. Honorees residing outside the area will be responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements.

Each recipient will receive a personal plaque, and an additional plaque will be permanently displayed inside Hutchinson High School in recognition of their achievements.

Completed nominations and questions may be directed to Hutchinson High School, Attn: Marci Malashchuk, or emailed to <a href="mailto:malashchuk.marci@usd308.com">malashchuk.marci@usd308.com</a>.

Nominations open for HHS Wall of Honor 

Curious George is a bright-eyed, always-on-the-move pup with a nose for adventure and a heart that wants to be everyone's friend. This 52lb Beagle mix is true to his&nbsp;name,&nbsp;&nbsp;

George is happiest when&nbsp;he's&nbsp;investigating new sights and smells, learning what routines mean, and figuring out how to earn extra treats.&nbsp;He's&nbsp;a social, people-focused dog who enjoys attention, gentle praise, and having a job to do-especially anything that involves exploring the yard, going for walks, or working on basic manners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

George would do best with an adopter who can provide regular exercise, a consistent daily schedule, and a little patience while he settles in and learns the house rules. In return, he offers enthusiasm, affection, and plenty of&nbsp;entertaining&nbsp;"what's over here?" moments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If&nbsp;you're&nbsp;looking for a fun companion who will keep you smiling and motivated to get outside, Curious George may be your perfect match.&nbsp;

To adopt&nbsp;Curious George, contact The Hutchinson Animal Shelter at&nbsp;<a href="tel:620-694-1924" target="_blank">620-694-1924</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hutchinson Animal shelter is&nbsp;located&nbsp;at 1501 South Severance Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

🐶 Adopt a Furry Friend: Curious George

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. ——————————————

Cynthia	Elaine	Reyes		2/27/2026 10:58&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Michelle	Lynn	Caldwell		2/27/2026 1:53&nbsp;PM	Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

Cody	James	Looney		2/27/2026 12:00&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Tarrant	Clay	Young		2/27/2026 4:35&nbsp;PM	DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Joseph	Mackencie Tyler	Morin		2/27/2026 4:36&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Dustin	Robert	Lytle		2/27/2026 5:01&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Stephen	Joseph	Bonnar		2/27/2026 6:26&nbsp;PM	DWS; 1st conviction

Charles	Joseph Bryant	Adams		2/27/2026 6:27&nbsp;PM	DWS; 1st conviction

Michael	Paul	Batchelor		2/27/2026 7:31&nbsp;PM	DWS; 1st conviction

Dakota	Cejay	Shrader		2/27/2026 9:40&nbsp;PM	Direct Contempt,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant

Charles	Devonte	Norman	III	2/27/2026 10:09&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant,					Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty

Daily Bookings

Leadership is often defined not during easy seasons, but in moments of uncertainty, loss, and change. For Erica Rivera, resilience has become a defining characteristic of her six years as Executive Director of Beyond Barriers and her 19-year commitment to the organization overall.

Headquartered in Hutchinson with offices in Dodge City and Pratt, Beyond Barriers provides employment services, independent living resources, vision services, advocacy, and education. All services are free of charge. The organization believes individuals are healthiest and happiest when they are connected to and contributing within their communities.

Rivera stepped into executive leadership following a season of profound transition. The organization had experienced the retirement of its longtime Executive Director and the sudden passing of Assistant Director Andy Reichart, leaving both emotional and operational gaps.

“Loss changes you,” Rivera said. “It reminds you how important people are — the staff you work beside and the consumers you serve. It strengthened my resolve to lead with heart and purpose.” 

Her leadership has been marked not only by professional challenges, \but deeply personal highs and lows as well, including battling cancer \and welcoming a grandchild.

Those experiences shaped her leadership philosophy: steady, compassionate, and grounded in perspective.

“Over the past six years, I have grown in confidence and leadership. Stepping into the Executive Director role challenged me in new ways and helped me learn how to make difficult decisions, manage responsibilities, and lead with purpose. I have learned to trust myself more and believe in my ability to lead. I am still learning every day, but I am proud of how far I have come and how much I have grown both personally and professionally,” said Rivera. 

Colleagues describe Rivera as someone who blends institutional wisdom with courage. Having served in multiple roles over 19 years, she understands the organization from the inside out, from direct consumer services to strategic oversight. At the same time, she has not hesitated to innovate.

Under her leadership, Beyond Barriers has:

Rivera’s willingness to try new ideas, combined with her deep loyalty to the organization’s mission, has positioned Beyond Barriers for long-term success.

For Rivera, leadership is not about titles or timelines. It is about people. “It’s important to stay connected to the individuals we serve,” she said. “If we lose sight of that, we lose sight of everything.”

Six years into her executive role and 19 years after first walking \through the doors as a young professional, Rivera’s commitment remains clear: remove barriers, strengthen communities, and ensure every individual has the opportunity to live independently and contribute fully.

Rivera marks six years guiding Beyond Barriers

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

Three-day Outlook

By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Crispy, hand-breaded chicken fingers, house-made sauces and a full lineup of combo meals are coming to Hutchinson this spring.

The Coop Chicken Fingers plans to open at 420 E. 30th Ave., in the former Taco John’s building, with a target launch in early May. The Hutchinson store will mark the company’s first Kansas location, with a Wichita site expected to follow later this summer.

The concept centers on made-to-order chicken served in three, four and five-finger combos, along with a Coop sandwich combo and a grilled cheese combo. Each meal comes with fries and a drink.

“We care about serving food fast, serving fresh food fast,” co-owner Eliot McDonald said. “If you have good speed of service but the food’s not fresh, what’s the point?”

McDonald has spent nearly a decade in the chicken finger industry. Most recently, he served as director of operations for a national chicken chain, where he worked alongside current business partner Henry Panameño.

Panameño was McDonald’s third hire at that former brand in 2019, and the two have worked together for seven years.

“We know what each other’s strengths and shortcomings are,” McDonald said. “We complement each other well and raise each other up.”

After exploring franchising opportunities that did not materialize, the pair decided to launch their own brand.

“We decided we were going to start our own brand,” McDonald said. “So we started The Coop Chicken Fingers just this past year.”

The company opened its first location in November 2025 in Ames, Iowa, directly across from Iowa State University.

“It’s been a huge success so far,” McDonald said. “Students love it, people that live in the town love it. We do have a very good product.”

Unlike many growing quick-service chains, The Coop Chicken Fingers is not a franchise. McDonald said maintaining ownership control is key to protecting standards.

“We want to control our product and our service,” he said.

The Ames store thrives on foot traffic from the university and does not have a drive-thru. But McDonald said that model would not translate as effectively to most standalone markets.

“These types of concepts do better in drive-thrus,” he said. “If you’re going into just a city that doesn’t have that foot traffic, you have to have a drive-thru.”

Kansas offered multiple second-generation restaurant sites with existing drive-thru infrastructure. McDonald and Panameño toured the Hutchinson property and several locations in Wichita before signing leases in both cities.

“We wanted to stay fairly close,” McDonald said. “We were looking predominantly in the Midwest and stumbled on the location in Hutchinson, also a few in Wichita. We felt that would be easiest for us to expand to and build a big footprint there.”

The location on East 30th Avenue stood out for its traffic volume and visibility.

“We really liked it. Love the traffic there,” McDonald said.&nbsp;

Exterior painting has begun at the Hutchinson site, and interior renovations are underway. Kitchen equipment has been ordered, and the company is working through permitting and signage approvals.

The Wichita location is expected to open in early July. McDonald said spacing the openings will allow the company to focus on execution.

“I really don’t want to open two stores two weeks apart,” he said. “If you give it two months apart, that gives you a lot more time and a lot more leeway.”

In addition to original chicken fingers, the restaurant offers a spicy option with the heat built directly into the breading rather than added after cooking.

“You have other brands where their spicy is something that goes on after it’s cooked,” McDonald said. “Ours is inside the breading. It’s just like eating a regular finger, but it has a very good kick to it.”

Sauces are central to the concept. The Hutchinson location will feature eight house-made options: Coop Sauce, which is a mustard-based smoky sauce; Fox Sauce, a ketchup-and-mayo-based peppery sauce; Buttermilk Ranch; Jalapeño Ranch; BBQ; Buffalo; Hot Honey; and Honey Mustard.

The company is also exploring adding gravy to the menu, as McDonald noted that would do well in the Hutchinson market.

The Coop expects to hire between 25 and 30 employees for the Hutchinson store, with hiring projected to begin in mid-April depending on permitting progress. Positions will include both part-time and full-time roles.

McDonald plans to relocate to Kansas within the next 30 days and will spend the majority of his time in Hutchinson and Wichita as the company builds its footprint in the state. He said finding a general manager with strong ties to the Hutchinson community is a priority.

Store hours are expected to run from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the possibility of extending to 11 p.m.

The Coop’s branding features orange and red tones and a fox mascot, a nod to the “fox in the henhouse” theme. Once renovations are complete, the Hutchinson building will feature a large neon fox outline on the exterior.

If construction and permitting remain on schedule, The Coop Chicken Fingers will open in early May along East 30th Avenue — the first step in what McDonald expects will be a significant Kansas expansion.

“We’re very optimistic about this market,” he said.

The Coop Chicken Fingers expands into Hutchinson and Wichita

Gov. Laura Kelly announced Friday that her administration has reached an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture to protect Kansans’ personal data from being shared with foreign governments and to ensure compliance with state and federal privacy laws governing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Under the agreement, the USDA will cancel its disallowance letter and end efforts to withhold Kansas’ SNAP administrative funding after the state shares data under terms negotiated by the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

“The USDA’s decision to adhere to the DCF’s terms ensures that Kansans’ private, personal information, including full Social Security numbers, will not be shared with foreign governments,” Kelly said in a statement. “Kansas has complied with federal and state laws throughout this entire process and all we have wanted is for the USDA to do the same.”

State officials said the agreement resolves a dispute that began after the USDA requested extensive personal information on Kansans who have received or applied for SNAP benefits during the past five years. According to the governor’s office, the original request included provisions that would have allowed personal information — including full Social Security numbers and dates of birth — to be shared with foreign governments.

Kelly and her administration maintained that Kansas could not legally comply with the request until concerns about data protection were addressed. State officials cited confidentiality requirements under the federal Food and Nutrition Act and the Kansas Cybersecurity Act.

After the USDA rejected DCF’s corrective action proposal in September 2025, the agency issued a disallowance letter seeking to withhold $10.4 million in SNAP administrative funding. DCF appealed the decision, a move that immediately prevented the funding from being withheld.

The state has not lost any SNAP administrative funding during the dispute, and the program has continued operating without interruption, officials said.

With the new agreement in place, Kansas officials said data sharing can proceed under terms that safeguard personally identifiable information and comply with both state and federal law.

Kelly: Agreement reached with USDA over SNAP data

The City of Hutchinson is notifying residents and contractors of a recent scam attempt involving an individual impersonating Community Development Director Matt Williams.

The fraudulent message requested payment of an invoice via wire transfer. The City wants to make clear that this email did not originate from the City of Hutchinson, and there has been no compromise of City email systems or internal accounts.

Official City email addresses end in&nbsp;@hutchinsonks.gov.&nbsp;Residents and contractors are encouraged to carefully review the sender’s full email address before responding to any payment-related communication.

The City of Hutchinson will never request payment by wire transfer.

If you receive an email that appears suspicious or includes an unusual payment request, do not respond or send funds. Please contact the Community Development Department directly at&nbsp;620.694.2630&nbsp;with related questions.

Anyone who believes they may have received a fraudulent email related to this incident is asked to forward it to&nbsp;info@hutchinsonks.gov&nbsp;for review.

The Hutchinson Police Department is investigating the matter.

City warns of e-mail scam

Bath &amp; Body Works has opened in a new exterior location at Uptown Hutch Mall, marking another step in the transition away from the mall’s interior storefronts.

The national fragrance and personal care retailer relocated from its previous space inside the mall to a new storefront along the mall’s exterior. The move comes as remaining interior tenants prepare to shift locations or close as the interior portion of the mall begins to be remodeled.

Krista Johnson the manager for Bath &amp; Body Works tells us that she hopes that the outside exposure brings a lot more foot traffic.

Johnson said the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.&nbsp;

Buckle and Maurices are also relocating to exterior-facing spaces at the mall.

Buckle has announced plans to open its new location March 9. Maurices will close its interior store March 21 and reopen March 28 in a new exterior storefront located between Buckle and Bath &amp; Body Works.

However, one retailer will not be making the move.

Famous Footwear will close as a result of the interior mall shutdown. The store’s final day of sales will be March 21. Store management said they were unable to reach an agreement for a new location at the mall. The closest Famous Footwear location for area shoppers will be in Newton.

Another interior tenant, Selectel Wireless, is relocating outside the mall entirely. The business plans to move downtown to 325 N. Main.

The changes reflect a broader reconfiguration of Uptown Hutch Mall as they transition retailers from traditional indoor mall spaces to exterior storefronts or other locations within the community.

Hutch Post has reached out to mall management for more details but have not heard back.&nbsp;

Bath & Body Works opens at new location at Uptown Hutch Mall

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead, saying his passing is “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

The death occurred after a joint U.S. and Israeli aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites.

Trump in his post called Khamenei “one of the most evil people in history.”

Trump said that Khamenei “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.”

Dubai,UAE(AP)-Israeli officials told The Associated Press Saturday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ali-khamenei">Ali Khamenei</a>&nbsp;is dead. There was no immediate comment from the U.S. or Iran on his status.

The assassination of the second leader of the Islamic Republic, who had no designated successor, would throw its future into doubt.

In a nationally televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were “growing signs” that Khamenei had been killed when Israel struck his compound early Saturday.

Shortly after the address, two Israeli officials said Israel had confirmed his death. The officials both spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement and gave no further details.

Trump says Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead

&nbsp;The U.S. and Israel have launched a major attack on Iran. As of 12 noon CST Saturday, several members of the Kansas Congressional delegation used their social media accounts to comment on the military action.

Kansas lawmakers comment on U.S. military attack on Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump said in an 8-minute video posted on his Truth Social that the U.S. has begun “major combat operations in Iran.” He claimed Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program and plans to develop missiles to reach U.S. and appealed to the Iranian people to “take over your government.”

A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. A vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.

For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries. Among the regime’s very first acts was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days. In 1983, Iran’s proxies carried out the marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 American military personnel.

In 2000, they knew and were probably involved with the attack on the USS Cole. Many died. Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq. The regime’s proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as U.S. naval and commercial vessels and international shipping lines. It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to put up with it any longer.

From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained and funded terrorist militias that have soaked the earth with blood and guts. And it was Iran’s proxy, Hamas, that launched the monstrous Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, slaughtering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, while taking 12 of our citizens hostage. It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before.

Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terror, and just recently killed tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested. It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon. That is why in Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we obliterated the regime’s nuclear program at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. After that attack, we warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons, and we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried. They wanted to do it. They didn’t want to do it. Again they wanted to do it. They didn’t want to do it. They didn’t know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil. But Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades.

They’ve rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing the long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland. Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they ever had, and actually were armed with nuclear weapons as a means to deliver their message.

For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests. We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy. We’re going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces, and no longer use their IEDs, or roadside bombs as they are sometimes called, to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans. And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon.

This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces. I built and rebuilt our military in my first administration and there is no military on earth even close to its power, strength or sophistication. My administration is taking every possible step to minimize the risk to U.S. personnel in the region. Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future. And it is a noble mission. We pray for every service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure that Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. We ask God to protect all of our heroes in harm’s way. And we trust that with his help, the men and women of the armed forces will prevail. We have the greatest in the world, and they will prevail.

To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity. Or in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death. Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.

For many years, you have asked for America’s help. But you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny, and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.

May God bless the brave men and women of America’s armed forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all. Thank you.

Read President Trump’s statement on Iran in full

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://israel's%20defense%20minister%20says%20his%20country%20has%20attacked%20iran%20and%20declares%20a%20state%20of%20emergency/">Iran</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;urged the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny” by rising up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.

Some of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/live-updates-israel-iran-february-28-2026">the first strikes</a>&nbsp;on Iran appeared to hit near the offices of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ali-khamenei">Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>. Smoke rose from the capital as part of strikes that Iranian media said occurred nationwide. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old leader was in his offices when the attack occurred.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are alive “as far as I know,” and called the attack “unprovoked, illegal and absolutely illegitimate.”

In a video announcing the “major combat operations," Trump told Iranians that “when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that goal, called for “the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands."

The strikes during the holy fasting month of Ramadan opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran, and marked the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the Islamic Republic during talks over its nuclear program. Weeks earlier, a U.S. military operation captured Venezuela’s president,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-maduro-what-to-know-a57528ff315a7f70ed51a1721f5e0bc2">Nicolás Maduro</a>.

The targets included members of Iran's leadership, according to a U.S. official and another person briefed on the attacks who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing operation. There was no immediate information on whether top officials were killed.

Even if Iran's top leaders are killed, regime change is not guaranteed. Neither the U.S. nor Israel have articulated a vision for what new leadership might look like.

Democrats decried that Trump had taken action without congressional authorization. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the Trump administration had briefed several Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress in advance of the attack.

The U.N. Security Council said it would meet Saturday afternoon. In a letter to the council, Araghchi said “all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile forces in the region shall be regarded as legitimate military objectives.”

Iran also requested an urgent session of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors about “these threats to safeguarded nuclear facilities,” according to a letter posted by the semiofficial Tasnim news agency.

The U.N.’s nuclear watchdog said on X it was closely monitoring developments and had seen “no evidence of radiological impact.”

Tensions have soared in recent weeks as American warships moved into the region. Trump said he wanted a deal to constrain Iran’s nuclear program at a moment when the country is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-economy-prices-aa1c14906b39f79b88cdf47616a4a755">struggling at home</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-protests-students-nuclear-khamenei-096e7ede9bc9c1e7b889878af9d6e750">growing dissent</a>&nbsp;following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-memorials-chehelom-71e5db503a287126a2d31cb32a2809eb">nationwide protests</a>.

The immediate trigger for Saturday’s strikes appeared to be the unsuccessful latest round of nuclear talks. But they also reflected dramatic changes that have left Iran’s leadership in its weakest position since the Islamic Revolution nearly half a century ago.

Israeli and American strikes last June greatly weakened Iran’s air defenses, military leadership and nuclear program. A regionwide war, sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has left Iran’s network of proxies across the Middle East greatly weakened. U.S. sanctions and global isolation, meanwhile, have decimated Iran’s economy.

Iran responded to the latest strikes by launching missiles and drones targeting Israel and strikes targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.

Israel’s military said Iran fired “dozens” of missiles at Israel, with many intercepted and no serious injuries reported. Barrages continued after sundown.

In southern Iran, at least 57 people were reported killed after a girls’ school was struck, and dozens more were wounded, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. The White House and Israel's military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Flights across the Middle East were disrupted and air defense fire thudded over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates' commercial capital. Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the UAE capital killed one person, state media said.

Attack was coordinated between Israel and US

The U.S. military has for weeks amassed forces in the region, even as U.S. and Iranian envoys held talks in Switzerland and Oman.

“Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined,” Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, key mediator, said on X. “Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this," he said.

Israel said the operation has been planned for months with the U.S. “Air Force pilots are striking hundreds of targets across Iran, at significant personal risk and in coordination with U.S. strikes,” Israeli military chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said in a statement.

Targets in the Israeli campaign included Iran’s military, symbols of government and intelligence targets, according to an official briefed on the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic information on the attack.

Trump, in seeking to justify the military action, claimed Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program, despite asserting last year the program had been “obliterated” by an earlier round of strikes. He acknowledged Saturday that there could be American casualties, saying “that often happens in war.”

It was a notable call from a U.S. leader who swept into office on an “America First” platform and vowed to keep out of “forever wars.”

Trump’s statement listed grievances beyond the nuclear program, stretching back to the beginning of the Islamic Republic, following a revolution in 1979 that turned Iran from an American ally into a fierce foe.

The U.S. president said he was aiming to “annihilate” the Iranian navy and destroy regional proxies supported by Tehran. He called on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to lay down arms, pledging members would be given immunity, while warning they would face “certain death” if they didn’t.

Trump had threatened military action, but held off, following Iran's recent crackdown on protests spurred by economic grievances that evolved into a nationwide, anti-government push against the ruling clerics.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency says it confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-campus-protests-crackdown-54149e9d49fe022d840f71eb5f5be106">more than 7,000 deaths</a>&nbsp;in the crackdown and is investigating thousands more. The government has acknowledged more than 3,000 killed.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-enrichment-c0079c38746a896e2967a9a9cc2799d5">Iran has said it hasn’t enriched uranium since June</a>, but it has blocked international inspectors from visiting the sites America bombed. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-nuclear-enrichment-satellite-d5c78b5fe974ec2fc338b8ad6d6a7d68">shown new activity at two of those sites</a>, suggesting Iran is trying to assess and potentially recover material there.

Iran said it hoped to avert a war, but maintained its right to enrich uranium. Its leaders did not want to discuss other issues, such as its long-range missile program or support for armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

The strikes could rattle global markets, particularly if Iran is able to make the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial traffic. A third of total worldwide oil exports transported by sea passed through the strait in 2025.

Saudi Arabia said in an announcement on state-run media that Iran had targeted its capital and its eastern region in an attack that was repelled.

Kuwait’s civil aviation authority said a drone targeted the main international airport, injuring several employees. Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom. Explosions could also be heard in Qatar. Jordan said it “dealt with” 49 drones and ballistic missiles.

The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel, according to two senior Houthi officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement.

U.S. embassies or consulates in Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Israel said staffers were told to shelter in place and recommended all Americans “do the same until further notice.”

Toropin and Madhani reported from Washington and Boak from West Palm Beach, Florida. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman and Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel, Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad, Samy Magdy in Cairo, and Farnoush Amiri in New York contributed to this report.

US and Israel launch major attack on Iran; Tehran hits American bases

KANSAS CITY —Four people including a police officer were injured in a drive-by shooting into a church during a funeral in Kansas City on Friday.

Just after 11a.m. officers were working in an off-duty capacity at New Beginning Apostolic Church  in the 200 block of North Bales, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; Officers were inside the church when shots were fired from the outside.&nbsp; Those gun shots came inside of the church.

As a result of the shots being fired an officer was injured. Late Friday it was unknown if the wound is a result of shattered glass, or a bullet graze.&nbsp; The officer was treated and released at the scene.

During the incident members of the congregation were gathered for a funeral.&nbsp; Two additional victims were struck by gunfire.&nbsp; An adult female and an adult male victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and responded to local hospitals for treatment.&nbsp; A third adult male victim was injured by unknown means with what are also considered non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

This is being investigated as an aggravated assault, according to DiMartino. Police have not reported an arrest.

KCPD: 4 injured including police officer after shooting at funeral

COWLEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Friday in Cowley County.

The Cowley County Sheriff reported a 2008 Volvo XC70 driven by Candice Bergeson, 43, Winfield was involved in a rollover accident in the 2000 block of US 160 Highway.&nbsp;The driver was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.

Witnesses who observed the accident immediately stopped and rendered aid until emergency personnel arrived.&nbsp;

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