WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Police have released the names of the victims in Sunday’s early morning two-vehicle crash at 10th and Quindaro.

Tiera Laster, 30 and Ashli McGough, 37, both residents of Kansas City, Kan., died from their injuries, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas Police.

Based on video obtained from the scene, the driver of the eastbound vehicle on Quindaro Boulevard crossed the double yellow line into the west bound lane and struck the vehicle driven by Laster. The driver and sole occupant of the eastbound vehicle and three passengers from Laster’s vehicle remain hospitalized in serious to critical condition.

This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division. 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Police have released the names of the victims in Sunday’s early morning two-vehicle crash at 10th and Quindaro.Tiera Laster, 30 and Ashli McGough, 37, both residents of Kansas City, Kan., died from their injuries, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas Police.Based on video obtained from the scene, the driver of the eastbound vehicle on Quindaro Boulevard crossed the double yellow line into the west bound lane and struck the vehicle driven by Laster. The driver and sole occupant of the eastbound vehicle and three passengers from Laster’s vehicle remain hospitalized in serious to critical condition.This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division.

Police ID two Kansas women who died in wrong-way crash

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

LAWRENCE — Attorneys will argue Friday in court over whether a judge should delay enforcement of a state law that invalidates driver’s licenses and birth certificates for those who changed their gender marker and restricts bathroom use based on sex assigned at birth.

Two trans men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit last week</a>&nbsp;in Douglas County District Court to challenge&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, which took effect Feb. 26. The unnamed plaintiffs say the law violates constitutional rights to personal autonomy, privacy, equity, due process and expression, could subject them to harassment and violence, and would jeopardize their mental health and employment.

Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm, which represent the plaintiffs, appeared by Zoom for a scheduling conference Tuesday in Douglas County District Court with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and other attorneys for the state. Journalists from Kansas Reflector and the Kansas City Star and an attorney from the University of Kansas observed the hearing from an otherwise empty courtroom.

Douglas County District Judge James McCabria told attorneys they needed to find a time this week to hold oral arguments on a motion by plaintiffs for a temporary restraining order, which would block enforcement of the law. He set the hearing for Friday afternoon.

McCabria could rule quickly on the motion. He acknowledged a restraining order would be an “extraordinary remedy” for a law that has “broad application.” He noted the ruling would not be “a determination of final merits” in the case, and that he could continue to “weigh things later.”

The plaintiffs in the case are identified in court documents as Daniel Doe and Matthew Moe. During Tuesday’s hearing, the judge questioned Kobach about the use of pseudonyms. Kobach said it wasn’t typical but that he wouldn’t object, “just to make this thing move along.”

McCabria, who was appointed to the bench by Gov. Sam Brownback in 2014, said the use of pseudonyms “raises some questions,” and that he was concerned about the public’s right to know. He said he would wait until Friday to see if a news outlet objects to the plaintiffs’ request to proceed unnamed.

“I do see a reasonable and articulated reason for the request,” McCabria said.

The GOP-led Legislature fast-tracked passage of the law this year while bending rules to avoid public input and silence debate. Every Republican except Emporia Rep. Mark Schreiber voted to pass the law and to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto, despite objections from Democrats about the cost to local governments, harm to transgender people, unclear provisions in the law, and constitutional problems.

Republicans argued, without evidence, that the bathroom provision of the law was necessary to ensure the safety of women. They ignored the reality that the law now requires trans men to use women’s facilities.

The law contains a bounty-style provision that allows individuals who feel “aggrieved” by someone’s bathroom use to sue the individuals for monetary gain. Any public entity that fails to properly police bathrooms could be subject to a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.

The Kansas Department of Revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/26/trans-kansans-struggle-with-reality-of-legislatures-cruelty-as-drivers-licenses-are-invalidated/">sent a letter to trans people</a>&nbsp;shortly before the law took effect to inform them their driver’s licenses were invalid. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehandbasket.co/p/kansas-republicans-sb-244-trans-drivers-licenses" target="_blank">independent journalist Marisa Kabas</a>&nbsp;reported&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ejihld4sywvvqwe67cdkn4jq/post/3mfucyhno7s2z" target="_blank">an internal KDOR memo</a>&nbsp;to DMVs says no records have been invalidated.

The memo also says the agency sent a letter to 300 Kansans, although the agency has publicly said 1,700 records were affected.

Zach Denney, a KDOR spokesman, told Kansas Reflector that while the new law invalidates licenses immediately,&nbsp;agency employees must look at each record to determine why the gender marker was changed, as some could have been changed because of data entry errors. He encouraged individuals to check their status on the KDOR website.

“The KDOR driver’s license status check page accurately reflects KDOR’s internal system, and what law enforcement entities will see if they check a license,” he said. “The system is being updated, and as it is, the status check website will reflect changes made within the system.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772563967974.png" alt=" A group of people walk Feb. 6, 2026, through the Statehouse in Topeka, demonstrating opposition to a recently passed bathroom ban. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> A group of people walk Feb. 6, 2026, through the Statehouse in Topeka, demonstrating opposition to a recently passed bathroom ban. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — Attorneys will argue Friday in court over whether a judge should delay enforcement of a state law that invalidates driver’s licenses and birth certificates for those who changed their gender marker and restricts bathroom use based on sex assigned at birth.Two trans men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit last week</a>&nbsp;in Douglas County District Court to challenge&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, which took effect Feb. 26. The unnamed plaintiffs say the law violates constitutional rights to personal autonomy, privacy, equity, due process and expression, could subject them to harassment and violence, and would jeopardize their mental health and employment.Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm, which represent the plaintiffs, appeared by Zoom for a scheduling conference Tuesday in Douglas County District Court with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and other attorneys for the state. Journalists from Kansas Reflector and the Kansas City Star and an attorney from the University of Kansas observed the hearing from an otherwise empty courtroom.Douglas County District Judge James McCabria told attorneys they needed to find a time this week to hold oral arguments on a motion by plaintiffs for a temporary restraining order, which would block enforcement of the law. He set the hearing for Friday afternoon.McCabria could rule quickly on the motion. He acknowledged a restraining order would be an “extraordinary remedy” for a law that has “broad application.” He noted the ruling would not be “a determination of final merits” in the case, and that he could continue to “weigh things later.”The plaintiffs in the case are identified in court documents as Daniel Doe and Matthew Moe. During Tuesday’s hearing, the judge questioned Kobach about the use of pseudonyms. Kobach said it wasn’t typical but that he wouldn’t object, “just to make this thing move along.”McCabria, who was appointed to the bench by Gov. Sam Brownback in 2014, said the use of pseudonyms “raises some questions,” and that he was concerned about the public’s right to know. He said he would wait until Friday to see if a news outlet objects to the plaintiffs’ request to proceed unnamed.“I do see a reasonable and articulated reason for the request,” McCabria said.The GOP-led Legislature fast-tracked passage of the law this year while bending rules to avoid public input and silence debate. Every Republican except Emporia Rep. Mark Schreiber voted to pass the law and to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto, despite objections from Democrats about the cost to local governments, harm to transgender people, unclear provisions in the law, and constitutional problems.Republicans argued, without evidence, that the bathroom provision of the law was necessary to ensure the safety of women. They ignored the reality that the law now requires trans men to use women’s facilities.The law contains a bounty-style provision that allows individuals who feel “aggrieved” by someone’s bathroom use to sue the individuals for monetary gain. Any public entity that fails to properly police bathrooms could be subject to a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.The Kansas Department of Revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/26/trans-kansans-struggle-with-reality-of-legislatures-cruelty-as-drivers-licenses-are-invalidated/">sent a letter to trans people</a>&nbsp;shortly before the law took effect to inform them their driver’s licenses were invalid. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehandbasket.co/p/kansas-republicans-sb-244-trans-drivers-licenses" target="_blank">independent journalist Marisa Kabas</a>&nbsp;reported&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ejihld4sywvvqwe67cdkn4jq/post/3mfucyhno7s2z" target="_blank">an internal KDOR memo</a>&nbsp;to DMVs says no records have been invalidated.The memo also says the agency sent a letter to 300 Kansans, although the agency has publicly said 1,700 records were affected.Zach Denney, a KDOR spokesman, told Kansas Reflector that while the new law invalidates licenses immediately,&nbsp;agency employees must look at each record to determine why the gender marker was changed, as some could have been changed because of data entry errors. He encouraged individuals to check their status on the KDOR website.“The KDOR driver’s license status check page accurately reflects KDOR’s internal system, and what law enforcement entities will see if they check a license,” he said. “The system is being updated, and as it is, the status check website will reflect changes made within the system.”

Kansas judge orders Friday hearing on whether to tap brakes on anti-trans law

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused of sexually assaulting a teen while she was waiting for a school bus in Wichita is due back in court Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Gonzalo Ramirez, 31, will appear in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney' office.

He was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent solicitation of a child..&nbsp; The judge will determine if there is evidence to move the case forward.

Just before 6a.m. on Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a report of a sexual assault of a minor that occurred in the 1500 block of South Kansas in Wichita, according to a media release.

The investigation revealed that a minor was waiting for the school bus when they were approached by a 31-year-old male suspect, not known to her.&nbsp; The suspect, identified according to Sedgwick County booking records as Gonzalo Ramirez, lured the minor into a vehicle and committed the assault.

Officers quickly located Ramirez who was taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; He remains in custody on a $500,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758056137846.png" alt="Ramirez-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ramirez-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused of sexually assaulting a teen while she was waiting for a school bus in Wichita is due back in court Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;Gonzalo Ramirez, 31, will appear in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney' office.He was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent solicitation of a child..&nbsp; The judge will determine if there is evidence to move the case forward.Just before 6a.m. on Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a report of a sexual assault of a minor that occurred in the 1500 block of South Kansas in Wichita, according to a media release.The investigation revealed that a minor was waiting for the school bus when they were approached by a 31-year-old male suspect, not known to her.&nbsp; The suspect, identified according to Sedgwick County booking records as Gonzalo Ramirez, lured the minor into a vehicle and committed the assault.Officers quickly located Ramirez who was taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; He remains in custody on a $500,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

Preliminary hearing for suspect in Kan. school bus stop sex assault

WINDER, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia man who gave his teenage son the gun he's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-high-school-lockdown-3969d34cf6a7adc787facf21c469ef4d">accused of using to kill two students and two teachers</a>&nbsp;at a high school was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday.

Jurors took less than two hours to find Colin Gray guilty of all charges in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, northeast of Atlanta. Gray now joins a growing number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-parents-charged-bbe07bf6f882fd44f893639dc36c0825">parents being held responsible in court after children were accused</a>&nbsp;in shootings across the country.

Colin Gray was found guilty of second-degree murder in the deaths of two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo. Georgia law defines second-degree murder as causing the death of a child by committing the crime of cruelty to children. Gray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the killings of teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53.

Another teacher and eight other students were wounded. Gray was also convicted of multiple counts of reckless conduct and cruelty to children.

He showed little emotion as the verdict was read and each juror was polled by the judge. Deputies then handcuffed him behind his back as he stood at the defense table, consulting with his lawyer. He will be sentenced at a later date. Second-degree murder is punishable by at least 10 but no more than 30 years in prison, while involuntary manslaughter carries a penalty of one to 10 years in prison.

Some relatives of victims wept as the verdicts were read. They declined to comment after court. Gray’s defense lawyers left without speaking to reporters.

“We talk a lot about rights in our country,” Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith said after the verdict. “But God gave us a duty to protect our children, and I hope that we remember that, as parents, as community members, to protect our children because that is our God-given duty.”

The teen's mother, Marcee Gray, wasn't charged.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-school-shooting-trial-colin-gray-82af44f531a374c3480b4fd6aaac6454">She testified that she had urged her estranged husband</a>&nbsp;to take any guns and lock them inside his truck so they would not be not accessible to their son. She and Colin Gray were separated in the months leading up to the shooting, and Colt lived mostly with his father during that time. She declined to comment when reached by phone after the verdict.

Prosecutors said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apalachee-high-school-colin-colt-gray-04346f61a8fc8cba2520343866c56eb6">Gray gave his son, Colt, the gun as a Christmas gift</a>&nbsp;and allowed him access to it along with ammunition despite the boy's deteriorating mental health. They said he had “sufficient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger” other people.

Fourteen at the time of the shooting, Colt Gray pleaded not guilty to a total of 55 counts, including murder. His judge set a status hearing for mid-March.

Investigators said Colt Gray carefully planned the Sept. 4, 2024, shooting at the school attended by 1,900 students.

He boarded the school bus with a semiautomatic, assault-style rifle in his book bag, the barrel sticking out and wrapped in poster board, investigators said. He left his second-period class and emerged from a bathroom with the gun and then shot people in a classroom and hallways, investigators said.

Colin Gray knew his son was obsessed with school shooters, even having a shrine in his bedroom to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikolas-cruz">Nikolas Cruz</a>, the shooter in the 2018 massacre at Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, prosecutors said.

“It wasn’t like one parent missed one warning,” Smith told reporters. “This was multiple warnings over a lengthy period of time and, like we said, you just had to do one thing — take that rifle away and this would have been prevented.”

Jennifer and James Crumbley, the first U.S. parents held criminally responsible for a mass school shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pontiac-michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-crime-shootings-ff69e26f96bb07af5dcb76bddc650bb4">committed by a child,</a>&nbsp;are serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-crumbley-jennifer-crumbley-oxford-school-shooting-e5888f615c76c3b26153c34dc36d5436">10-year prison terms</a>&nbsp;for involuntary manslaughter after their son Ethan killed four students and wounded others in Michigan in 2021.

Colin Gray was the first such parent to be charged in Georgia. Smith said Marcee Gray had seen what happened in Michigan and asked her husband to remove the weapons as a result. “So Michigan was able to move the needle to the point that it almost stopped this tragedy,” he said. “We hope we’ve moved the needle a little further.”

Associated Press writer Kate Brumback in Atlanta contributed reporting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725585758159.png" alt="Colt Gray -photo Barrow County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Colt Gray -photo Barrow County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jeff MartinWINDER, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia man who gave his teenage son the gun he's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-high-school-lockdown-3969d34cf6a7adc787facf21c469ef4d">accused of using to kill two students and two teachers</a>&nbsp;at a high school was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725622947526.png" alt="Colin Gray-photo&nbsp;photo Barrow County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Colin Gray-photo&nbsp;photo Barrow County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>Jurors took less than two hours to find Colin Gray guilty of all charges in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, northeast of Atlanta. Gray now joins a growing number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-parents-charged-bbe07bf6f882fd44f893639dc36c0825">parents being held responsible in court after children were accused</a>&nbsp;in shootings across the country.Colin Gray was found guilty of second-degree murder in the deaths of two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo. Georgia law defines second-degree murder as causing the death of a child by committing the crime of cruelty to children. Gray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the killings of teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53.Another teacher and eight other students were wounded. Gray was also convicted of multiple counts of reckless conduct and cruelty to children.He showed little emotion as the verdict was read and each juror was polled by the judge. Deputies then handcuffed him behind his back as he stood at the defense table, consulting with his lawyer. He will be sentenced at a later date. Second-degree murder is punishable by at least 10 but no more than 30 years in prison, while involuntary manslaughter carries a penalty of one to 10 years in prison.Some relatives of victims wept as the verdicts were read. They declined to comment after court. Gray’s defense lawyers left without speaking to reporters.“We talk a lot about rights in our country,” Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith said after the verdict. “But God gave us a duty to protect our children, and I hope that we remember that, as parents, as community members, to protect our children because that is our God-given duty.”The teen's mother, Marcee Gray, wasn't charged.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-school-shooting-trial-colin-gray-82af44f531a374c3480b4fd6aaac6454">She testified that she had urged her estranged husband</a>&nbsp;to take any guns and lock them inside his truck so they would not be not accessible to their son. She and Colin Gray were separated in the months leading up to the shooting, and Colt lived mostly with his father during that time. She declined to comment when reached by phone after the verdict.Prosecutors said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apalachee-high-school-colin-colt-gray-04346f61a8fc8cba2520343866c56eb6">Gray gave his son, Colt, the gun as a Christmas gift</a>&nbsp;and allowed him access to it along with ammunition despite the boy's deteriorating mental health. They said he had “sufficient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger” other people.Fourteen at the time of the shooting, Colt Gray pleaded not guilty to a total of 55 counts, including murder. His judge set a status hearing for mid-March.Investigators said Colt Gray carefully planned the Sept. 4, 2024, shooting at the school attended by 1,900 students.He boarded the school bus with a semiautomatic, assault-style rifle in his book bag, the barrel sticking out and wrapped in poster board, investigators said. He left his second-period class and emerged from a bathroom with the gun and then shot people in a classroom and hallways, investigators said.Colin Gray knew his son was obsessed with school shooters, even having a shrine in his bedroom to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikolas-cruz">Nikolas Cruz</a>, the shooter in the 2018 massacre at Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, prosecutors said.“It wasn’t like one parent missed one warning,” Smith told reporters. “This was multiple warnings over a lengthy period of time and, like we said, you just had to do one thing — take that rifle away and this would have been prevented.”Jennifer and James Crumbley, the first U.S. parents held criminally responsible for a mass school shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pontiac-michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-crime-shootings-ff69e26f96bb07af5dcb76bddc650bb4">committed by a child,</a>&nbsp;are serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-crumbley-jennifer-crumbley-oxford-school-shooting-e5888f615c76c3b26153c34dc36d5436">10-year prison terms</a>&nbsp;for involuntary manslaughter after their son Ethan killed four students and wounded others in Michigan in 2021.Colin Gray was the first such parent to be charged in Georgia. Smith said Marcee Gray had seen what happened in Michigan and asked her husband to remove the weapons as a result. “So Michigan was able to move the needle to the point that it almost stopped this tragedy,” he said. “We hope we’ve moved the needle a little further.”____Associated Press writer Kate Brumback in Atlanta contributed reporting.

History: Father who gave gun to school shooting suspect convicted of murder

NEW YORK (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elections">2026 midterm season</a>&nbsp;begins in earnest on Tuesday with two of the nation's most consequential Senate primaries playing out in Texas, a political behemoth that Democrats have been fighting to flip for decades.

Is this the year? Republican leaders in Washington openly fret that a victory by conservative firebrand Ken Paxton over four-term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn would give Democrats a rare shot of winning the seat come November. The contest has already cost Republicans tens of millions of dollars, and there will be much more spent ahead of a May 26 runoff if no one gets 50% in the three-way primary that also includes Rep. Wesley Hunt.

Democrats, meanwhile, are picking between two rising stars with conflicting styles. There's U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who made a name for herself through confrontation, and state Rep. James Talarico, a former middle school teacher who is working toward a divinity degree.

Primaries are also taking place in North Carolina and Arkansas. Voting comes just days after President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;launched a major&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">military campaign against Iran</a>, injecting an urgent foreign policy component in races otherwise focused on domestic issues.

Is the Democrats’ Texas threat for real this time?

Democrats have been raising the prospect of a Texas upset for decades. And yet the party hasn't won a Senate race there since Lloyd Bentsen's reelection in 1988.

Both sides believe this could be the year that things change. But much depends on Tuesday's results.

Some Republican leaders in Washington, including key allies of Trump, warn that a victory by Paxton, who has well-documented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ken-paxton-impeachment-texas-547f46284c7858905b067fefa2c48f0b">personal baggage</a>, would undermine their chances in November. If he's the nominee, the party would need to divert tens of millions of dollars from other states to protect the seat.

Paxton could finish first on Tuesday, although he's not expected to earn the 50% needed to avoid a May 26 runoff election against the second-place finisher. For now, Cornyn is most likely to claim that position, while Hunt has made an aggressive case as well.

The runoff could get even uglier for a party that has already spent more than $100 million on the nomination fight, making it the most expensive primary in state history.

Democrats have a tough choice on their side as they decide what kind of fighter it wants to run against Trump's Republican Party.

Privately, Republicans say they're most worried about Talarico. The 36-year-old Democrat blends progressive politics with biblical fluency in a way that is uncommon among many national Democratic figures.

Talarico denounces “politics as a blood sport” and says people want “a return to more timeless values of sincerity and honesty and compassion and respect.”

On the other side is 44-year-old Crocket, a former civil rights attorney who has feuded with Republicans and drawn Trump's scorn. One of her advertisements boasts that she “drives the president crazy.” Another has the tagline “Crockett fights for us.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris backed Crockett in a recorded call that went out across the state over the weekend.

“Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate,” Harris said.

The primary elections come just three days after the U.S., in coordination with Israel, launched a major attack against Iran. Trump has suggested the military campaign could take at least four weeks. At least six U.S. soldiers have already been killed and the president predicts more deaths.

Foreign policy rarely shapes U.S. elections, although the timing of the conflict could certainly help shift voters' attention in primaries that have largely focused on issues at home. Texas, after all, is home to many military families.

The Republican candidates have overwhelmingly aligned themselves with Trump and his “America First” movement. The president's aggressive interventions overseas could complicate that message and force his allies to answer difficult questions.

So far,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-cornyn">Cornyn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ken-paxton">Paxton</a>&nbsp;have been quick to line up behind Trump. “Hopefully lives will not be lost needlessly, but this always entails risk,” Cornyn said Saturday.

The president sits at the very center of Tuesday's contests whether he is on the ballot or not.

Trump visited Texas on Friday and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-texas-cornyn-paxton-hunt-gop-primary-cd31dbec10c54ce230ae915e51cbccf0">dangled a potential endorsement</a>&nbsp;in the Senate race. But on the eve of the primary, he had yet to make a pick.

All of the Republican candidates have worked to convince voters they are aligned with Trump, who remains overwhelmingly popular among the primary electorate. Former Trump campaign chief Chris LaCivita is on the Cornyn payroll as well.

Trump stars in the Democratic primary as well, where Crockett, far more than Talarico, has grown a national brand based on her fierce opposition to Trump.

Depending on Tuesday's results, Texas may play a prominent role in the balance of power in Congress for the last two years of Trump's term. And he certainly doesn't want to be known as the Republican president who presided over Texas' shift blue.

Texas may dominate the chattering class, but North Carolina may be just as important — if not more — for the makeup of the Senate come November.

Even before Republican Sen. Thom Tillis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tillis-senate-north-carolina-trump-reelection-republicans-382f72ff5228d864b38009904cbc4e6b">announced his retirement</a>&nbsp;last June, North Carolina presented Democrats with one of few opportunities to flip a Republican-held seat in an otherwise difficult electoral map.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-senate-roy-cooper-tillis-49e7b69b20db803f75a1893e1e890f18">Former two-term Gov. Roy Cooper</a>&nbsp;is the dominant figure in the six-person Democratic field. The most prominent name in the Republican field is Michael Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chair who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-north-carolina-whatley-senate-cooper-cb3b4109f85bf2f23fee93f05f253d7b">Trump’s backing</a>.

A more competitive primary is expected in North Carolina's 4th District, where incumbent Rep. Valerie Foushee, 69, is facing progressive Nida Allam, 32, who has endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., among other progressives.

Allam, a county commissioner and the first Muslim woman ever elected to public office in North Carolina, is campaigning on a message of a “brighter future.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765248170711.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett- from her social media page&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett- from her social media page&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elections">2026 midterm season</a>&nbsp;begins in earnest on Tuesday with two of the nation's most consequential Senate primaries playing out in Texas, a political behemoth that Democrats have been fighting to flip for decades.Is this the year? Republican leaders in Washington openly fret that a victory by conservative firebrand Ken Paxton over four-term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn would give Democrats a rare shot of winning the seat come November. The contest has already cost Republicans tens of millions of dollars, and there will be much more spent ahead of a May 26 runoff if no one gets 50% in the three-way primary that also includes Rep. Wesley Hunt.Democrats, meanwhile, are picking between two rising stars with conflicting styles. There's U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who made a name for herself through confrontation, and state Rep. James Talarico, a former middle school teacher who is working toward a divinity degree.Primaries are also taking place in North Carolina and Arkansas. Voting comes just days after President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;launched a major&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">military campaign against Iran</a>, injecting an urgent foreign policy component in races otherwise focused on domestic issues.Here's what to watch for on Tuesday.<h2>Is the Democrats’ Texas threat for real this time?</h2>Democrats have been raising the prospect of a Texas upset for decades. And yet the party hasn't won a Senate race there since Lloyd Bentsen's reelection in 1988.Both sides believe this could be the year that things change. But much depends on Tuesday's results.Some Republican leaders in Washington, including key allies of Trump, warn that a victory by Paxton, who has well-documented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ken-paxton-impeachment-texas-547f46284c7858905b067fefa2c48f0b">personal baggage</a>, would undermine their chances in November. If he's the nominee, the party would need to divert tens of millions of dollars from other states to protect the seat.Paxton could finish first on Tuesday, although he's not expected to earn the 50% needed to avoid a May 26 runoff election against the second-place finisher. For now, Cornyn is most likely to claim that position, while Hunt has made an aggressive case as well.The runoff could get even uglier for a party that has already spent more than $100 million on the nomination fight, making it the most expensive primary in state history.<h2>What kind of fighter do Dems want?</h2>Democrats have a tough choice on their side as they decide what kind of fighter it wants to run against Trump's Republican Party.Privately, Republicans say they're most worried about Talarico. The 36-year-old Democrat blends progressive politics with biblical fluency in a way that is uncommon among many national Democratic figures.Talarico denounces “politics as a blood sport” and says people want “a return to more timeless values of sincerity and honesty and compassion and respect.”On the other side is 44-year-old Crocket, a former civil rights attorney who has feuded with Republicans and drawn Trump's scorn. One of her advertisements boasts that she “drives the president crazy.” Another has the tagline “Crockett fights for us.”Former Vice President Kamala Harris backed Crockett in a recorded call that went out across the state over the weekend.“Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate,” Harris said.<h2>Does war with Iran change anything?</h2>The primary elections come just three days after the U.S., in coordination with Israel, launched a major attack against Iran. Trump has suggested the military campaign could take at least four weeks. At least six U.S. soldiers have already been killed and the president predicts more deaths.Foreign policy rarely shapes U.S. elections, although the timing of the conflict could certainly help shift voters' attention in primaries that have largely focused on issues at home. Texas, after all, is home to many military families.The Republican candidates have overwhelmingly aligned themselves with Trump and his “America First” movement. The president's aggressive interventions overseas could complicate that message and force his allies to answer difficult questions.So far,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-cornyn">Cornyn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ken-paxton">Paxton</a>&nbsp;have been quick to line up behind Trump. “Hopefully lives will not be lost needlessly, but this always entails risk,” Cornyn said Saturday.<h2>What's at stake for Trump?</h2>The president sits at the very center of Tuesday's contests whether he is on the ballot or not.Trump visited Texas on Friday and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-texas-cornyn-paxton-hunt-gop-primary-cd31dbec10c54ce230ae915e51cbccf0">dangled a potential endorsement</a>&nbsp;in the Senate race. But on the eve of the primary, he had yet to make a pick.All of the Republican candidates have worked to convince voters they are aligned with Trump, who remains overwhelmingly popular among the primary electorate. Former Trump campaign chief Chris LaCivita is on the Cornyn payroll as well.Trump stars in the Democratic primary as well, where Crockett, far more than Talarico, has grown a national brand based on her fierce opposition to Trump.Depending on Tuesday's results, Texas may play a prominent role in the balance of power in Congress for the last two years of Trump's term. And he certainly doesn't want to be known as the Republican president who presided over Texas' shift blue.<h2>Don't sleep on North Carolina</h2>Texas may dominate the chattering class, but North Carolina may be just as important — if not more — for the makeup of the Senate come November.Even before Republican Sen. Thom Tillis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tillis-senate-north-carolina-trump-reelection-republicans-382f72ff5228d864b38009904cbc4e6b">announced his retirement</a>&nbsp;last June, North Carolina presented Democrats with one of few opportunities to flip a Republican-held seat in an otherwise difficult electoral map.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-senate-roy-cooper-tillis-49e7b69b20db803f75a1893e1e890f18">Former two-term Gov. Roy Cooper</a>&nbsp;is the dominant figure in the six-person Democratic field. The most prominent name in the Republican field is Michael Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chair who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-north-carolina-whatley-senate-cooper-cb3b4109f85bf2f23fee93f05f253d7b">Trump’s backing</a>.A more competitive primary is expected in North Carolina's 4th District, where incumbent Rep. Valerie Foushee, 69, is facing progressive Nida Allam, 32, who has endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., among other progressives.Allam, a county commissioner and the first Muslim woman ever elected to public office in North Carolina, is campaigning on a message of a “brighter future.”

A mess in Texas? What to watch in Tuesday's primaries

Washington&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, is urgently calling on any Kansan currently in the Middle East — or anyone with a loved one there — to evacuate immediately. His office is actively assisting with departures. Anyone needing assistance should email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov">EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 829-9000.

The U.S. State Department has advised any American currently in the following countries to depart immediately:

Senator Marshall strongly encourages all Americans abroad to enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive the latest security updates directly from the nearest U.S. embassy.

If you or a loved one needs assistance evacuating, contact Senator Marshall's office immediately by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov">EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov</a>&nbsp;or calling (785)829-9000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772495225840.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Washington&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, is urgently calling on any Kansan currently in the Middle East — or anyone with a loved one there — to evacuate immediately. His office is actively assisting with departures. Anyone needing assistance should email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov">EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 829-9000.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch my message to American citizens in Israel and be sure to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important security updates directly. &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/8fk1kydTB2">https://t.co/8fk1kydTB2</a> <a href="https://t.co/r4IV0WQFEk">pic.twitter.com/r4IV0WQFEk</a>&mdash; Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@USAmbIsrael) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIsrael/status/2028766418116714811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. State Department has advised any American currently in the following countries to depart immediately:<ul>
 <li>Bahrain</li><li>Egypt</li><li>Iran</li><li>Iraq</li><li>Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza</li><li>Jordan&nbsp;</li><li>Kuwait</li><li>Lebanon&nbsp;</li><li>Oman&nbsp;</li><li>Qatar</li><li>Saudi Arabia&nbsp;</li><li>Syria&nbsp;</li><li>United Arab Emirates&nbsp;</li><li>Yemen&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Senator Marshall strongly encourages all Americans abroad to enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive the latest security updates directly from the nearest U.S. embassy.If you or a loved one needs assistance evacuating, contact Senator Marshall's office immediately by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov">EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov</a>&nbsp;or calling (785)829-9000.

Kan. U.S. Senator's office assisting Kansans evacuate from Middle East

By&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/michelle-chapman">MICHELLE CHAPMAN</a> Associated Press

The average price for a gallon of gasoline jumped 11 cents overnight to about $3.11 in the U.S., according to motor club AAA.

Gas prices were already rising before the U.S. launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fc413267e23c8b36fd6521216033adaf">strikes on Iran</a>&nbsp;as refiners switch over to summer blends of fuel, but crude futures have risen sharply this week because of the war.

On Tuesday, oil futures soared to levels not seen in more than a year as Iran launched a series of retaliatory attacks, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-03-2026-8755877b603e46ed3df8107689c1ee23">drone strike&nbsp;</a>on the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Benchmark U.S. crude jumped 8.6% to $77.36 a barrel.

Brent crude, the international standard, added 6.7% to $81.29 a barrel. Global oil prices jumped to start the week over concerns that the war will clog the global flow of crude.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683569393523.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/michelle-chapman">MICHELLE CHAPMAN</a> Associated PressThe average price for a gallon of gasoline jumped 11 cents overnight to about $3.11 in the U.S., according to motor club AAA.Gas prices were already rising before the U.S. launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fc413267e23c8b36fd6521216033adaf">strikes on Iran</a>&nbsp;as refiners switch over to summer blends of fuel, but crude futures have risen sharply this week because of the war.On Tuesday, oil futures soared to levels not seen in more than a year as Iran launched a series of retaliatory attacks, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-03-2026-8755877b603e46ed3df8107689c1ee23">drone strike&nbsp;</a>on the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia.Benchmark U.S. crude jumped 8.6% to $77.36 a barrel.Brent crude, the international standard, added 6.7% to $81.29 a barrel. Global oil prices jumped to start the week over concerns that the war will clog the global flow of crude.

AAA: Average price for a gallon of gas jumped overnight 

Some of the United States' most important historical documents began a first-of-its kind journey Monday as part of the country's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/250th-anniversary-us-july-4-celebration-semiquincentennial-e35a3f57b952663f60056c24d0e6a7f0">250th anniversary</a>&nbsp;commemoration.

Typically housed in highly controlled vaults under the watch of preservation experts at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/america-250-declaration-of-independence-democracy-d49050f62425ed6ddecc5dfb42ba8a20">National Archives</a>, documents such as the 1783 Treaty of Paris that formally ended the Revolutionary War and the 1774 Articles of Association that urged colonists to boycott British goods are rarely moved.

But those documents, signed by George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and other American revolutionary leaders, will be making their way&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2026/nr26-1">across the country</a>&nbsp;and put on display for free at local museums.

“It's tangible history, and tangible history inspires,” said Jim Byron, senior adviser to the acting archivist of the United States. “These documents have not traveled, and they’ve certainly not traveled collectively, ever. They are here in vaults.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/company/about-bca/washington/boeing-backs-america--freedom-plane-to-touch-down-in-seattle">Boeing 737 “Freedom Plane”</a>&nbsp;transporting the documents is just one of many events and activities planned across the country to mark America's upcoming 250th anniversary celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. A congressionally chartered commission,&nbsp;<a href="https://america250.org/">America 250</a>, and a separate White House-led initiative, called&nbsp;<a href="https://freedom250.org/">Freedom 250</a>, are both coordinating events, an overlap that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/america-250-congress-spending-history-trump-9163856922b428f53a8e1a7c30a06a04">faced some criticism</a>&nbsp;in Washington.

Among the planned activities are a&nbsp;<a href="https://freedom250.org/events-calendar/freedom-truck-mobile-museums">fleet of mobile museums</a>&nbsp;driving across the country, a&nbsp;<a href="https://america250.org/our-american-story/">story collection initiative</a>&nbsp;and a Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump has even announced plans for a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-america-250th-birthday-iowa-e6fb5df832cdba107ae4e9c62f2577e9">Patriot Games</a>&nbsp;” sporting event featuring high school athletes and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-white-house-america-250-a9a819e6610a8390b5d1a794c276d03e">UFC mixed-martial arts fight</a>&nbsp;at the White House.

The “Freedom Plane" is scheduled to depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Monday and head to its first stop in Kansas City, Missouri, where the documents will be transferred to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theworldwar.org/">National WWI Museum and Memorial.</a>&nbsp;The records include a rare original engraving of the Declaration of Independence printed in 1823 from a copperplate of the original; the Oaths of Allegiance signed in 1778 by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and other officers of the Continental Army; and a rare draft copy of the U.S. Constitution that includes handwritten notes by the delegates.

Other planned stops will be in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, the Detroit suburb of Dearborn and Seattle.

“The reality that these documents are leaving D.C. and coming to the heartland is fantastic,” said Matt Naylor, president and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, where they will be on display for a little over two weeks starting Friday. “There's a lot of excitement about that and a lot of talk in and around the city about what that means.”

Naylor said the early response has been overwhelming. Local schools have already booked visits for more than 5,000 schoolchildren.

“That’s indicating that there’s a lot of enthusiasm for this,” he said.

The "Freedom Plane" tour was inspired in part by the “American Freedom Train” that toured 48 states in 1975 and 1976 as part of the country's bicentennial celebration. It carried various pieces of American history, including the original Louisiana Purchase documents, Judy Garland's dress from The Wizard of Oz and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jesse-owens-track-and-field-jennifer-song-michael-phelps-katie-ledecky-22ec8bac1a46e522d166eac63e3447a0">Jesse Owens'</a>&nbsp;gold medals from the 1936 Olympic Games.

By SEAN MURPHY Associated PressSome of the United States' most important historical documents began a first-of-its kind journey Monday as part of the country's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/250th-anniversary-us-july-4-celebration-semiquincentennial-e35a3f57b952663f60056c24d0e6a7f0">250th anniversary</a>&nbsp;commemoration.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F917118324255522%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Typically housed in highly controlled vaults under the watch of preservation experts at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/america-250-declaration-of-independence-democracy-d49050f62425ed6ddecc5dfb42ba8a20">National Archives</a>, documents such as the 1783 Treaty of Paris that formally ended the Revolutionary War and the 1774 Articles of Association that urged colonists to boycott British goods are rarely moved.But those documents, signed by George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and other American revolutionary leaders, will be making their way&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2026/nr26-1">across the country</a>&nbsp;and put on display for free at local museums.“It's tangible history, and tangible history inspires,” said Jim Byron, senior adviser to the acting archivist of the United States. “These documents have not traveled, and they’ve certainly not traveled collectively, ever. They are here in vaults.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/company/about-bca/washington/boeing-backs-america--freedom-plane-to-touch-down-in-seattle">Boeing 737 “Freedom Plane”</a>&nbsp;transporting the documents is just one of many events and activities planned across the country to mark America's upcoming 250th anniversary celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. A congressionally chartered commission,&nbsp;<a href="https://america250.org/">America 250</a>, and a separate White House-led initiative, called&nbsp;<a href="https://freedom250.org/">Freedom 250</a>, are both coordinating events, an overlap that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/america-250-congress-spending-history-trump-9163856922b428f53a8e1a7c30a06a04">faced some criticism</a>&nbsp;in Washington.Among the planned activities are a&nbsp;<a href="https://freedom250.org/events-calendar/freedom-truck-mobile-museums">fleet of mobile museums</a>&nbsp;driving across the country, a&nbsp;<a href="https://america250.org/our-american-story/">story collection initiative</a>&nbsp;and a Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump has even announced plans for a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-america-250th-birthday-iowa-e6fb5df832cdba107ae4e9c62f2577e9">Patriot Games</a>&nbsp;” sporting event featuring high school athletes and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-white-house-america-250-a9a819e6610a8390b5d1a794c276d03e">UFC mixed-martial arts fight</a>&nbsp;at the White House.The “Freedom Plane" is scheduled to depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Monday and head to its first stop in Kansas City, Missouri, where the documents will be transferred to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theworldwar.org/">National WWI Museum and Memorial.</a>&nbsp;The records include a rare original engraving of the Declaration of Independence printed in 1823 from a copperplate of the original; the Oaths of Allegiance signed in 1778 by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and other officers of the Continental Army; and a rare draft copy of the U.S. Constitution that includes handwritten notes by the delegates.Other planned stops will be in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, the Detroit suburb of Dearborn and Seattle.“The reality that these documents are leaving D.C. and coming to the heartland is fantastic,” said Matt Naylor, president and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, where they will be on display for a little over two weeks starting Friday. “There's a lot of excitement about that and a lot of talk in and around the city about what that means.”Naylor said the early response has been overwhelming. Local schools have already booked visits for more than 5,000 schoolchildren.“That’s indicating that there’s a lot of enthusiasm for this,” he said.The "Freedom Plane" tour was inspired in part by the “American Freedom Train” that toured 48 states in 1975 and 1976 as part of the country's bicentennial celebration. It carried various pieces of American history, including the original Louisiana Purchase documents, Judy Garland's dress from The Wizard of Oz and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jesse-owens-track-and-field-jennifer-song-michael-phelps-katie-ledecky-22ec8bac1a46e522d166eac63e3447a0">Jesse Owens'</a>&nbsp;gold medals from the 1936 Olympic Games.

Major historical documents start journey across US as part of nation's 250th anniversary celebration

KANSAS CiTY—Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 21-year-old Jalen S. Gilliam.

Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E 76th street in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they located two adult male victims inside a vehicle at the intersection of 76th and Lydia. One man, later identified as Gilliam, was suffering from gunshot wounds and officers immediately began performing life saving measures while ordering EMS. Gilliam was transported&nbsp; to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The other male victim sustained non life threatening gun shot wounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the course of the initial investigation officers located a possible subject of interest in a nearby residence. Officers surrounded the house and an Operation 100, a police stand off, was initiated. Trained negotiators and tactical officers were called in to the scene to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.&nbsp; Police ultimately determined the house was empty.

This is being investigated as a homicide, and no one is in custody at this point. Detectives are still working to determine what led to shots being fired and the victims being struck.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772451062466.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CiTY—Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 21-year-old Jalen S. Gilliam.Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E 76th street in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.As officers arrived they located two adult male victims inside a vehicle at the intersection of 76th and Lydia. One man, later identified as Gilliam, was suffering from gunshot wounds and officers immediately began performing life saving measures while ordering EMS. Gilliam was transported&nbsp; to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The other male victim sustained non life threatening gun shot wounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the course of the initial investigation officers located a possible subject of interest in a nearby residence. Officers surrounded the house and an Operation 100, a police stand off, was initiated. Trained negotiators and tactical officers were called in to the scene to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.&nbsp; Police ultimately determined the house was empty.This is being investigated as a homicide, and no one is in custody at this point. Detectives are still working to determine what led to shots being fired and the victims being struck.&nbsp;

Homicide: Police ID man shot in vehicle in Kansas City 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran struck the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital with a drone early Tuesday as it kept hitting targets around the region, while the United States and Israel pounded Iran with airstrikes in what U.S. President Donald Trump suggested was just the start of a relentless campaign that could last more than a month.

The attack from two drones on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh caused a “limited fire” and minor damage, according to Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry, and the embassy urged Americans to avoid the compound. It followed an attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-02-2026-cb42936de1d8c261be8f30f11c6665fa">the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait</a>, which announced Tuesday it had been closed until further notice. The U.S. State Department also ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family in Kuwait, as well as Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as a precaution.

The expanding conflict has so far killed hundreds of people, the vast majority in Iran.

Across Iran’s capital, explosions rang out throughout the night into Tuesday, with aircraft heard overhead. It was not immediately clear what had been hit. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site had sustained “some recent damage,” though there was “no radiological consequence expected.” Natanz earlier came under attack by the U.S. in the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June.

In Lebanon, Israel launched more strikes on Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group. Explosions could be heard and smoke seen in a southern suburb of Beirut. Israel also said its soldiers were “operating in southern Lebanon.” Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said the Lebanese army was evacuating some of its positions along the border.

The conflict could have far-reaching consequences

The expansion of Iranian retaliation across the Gulf and the intensity of the Israeli and American 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>&nbsp;and the lack of any apparent exit plan portend a possibly prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences.

Iran has hit many countries deemed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-dubai-emirates-tourism-attack-b256f514b290c987b3004cc87744f038">safe havens in the Mideast</a>&nbsp;in retaliation for the U.S. and Israeli strikes. Recent targets include two Amazon data centers in the UAE and a drone impact near another in Bahrain that caused damage, the company said Tuesday. Iran has also hit energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and attacked several ships 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 traded passes</a>, sending global oil and natural gas prices soaring.

“The Strait of Hormuz is closed,” declared Iranian Brig. Gen. Ebrahim Jabbari, an adviser to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, threatening to set fire to any ships attempting to transit. “Don’t come to this region.”

The U.S. State Department urged U.S. citizens to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to safety risks, as have many other countries, though with much of the airspace closed many remain stranded.

Trump said operations are likely to last four to five weeks but that he was prepared “to go far longer than that.” He later added that the U.S. had a “virtually unlimited supply” of munitions and pre-positioned “high grade weaponry.”

“Wars can be fought ‘forever,’ and very successfully, using just these supplies,” he wrote on social media.

Hundreds dead in Iran and dozens in Lebanon along with 11 in Israel

The Iranian Red Crescent Society said the U.S.-Israeli operation has killed at least 787 people. In Israel, where several locations were hit by Iranian missiles, 11 people were killed. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported airstrikes killed 13 Iranian troops in Kerman, 800 kilometers (500 miles) southeast of Iran’s capital, Tehran.

Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah killed 52 people in Lebanon.

“Military escalation would force more families from their homes and hit civilians hard,” said Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization on Migration, calling for the international community to press for de-escalation. “Millions are already displaced in the region.”

The U.S. military has confirmed six deaths of American service members. All six were Army soldiers in a logistics unit in Kuwait, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Three people were killed in the UAE, and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain.

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 fighter jets while Iran was attacking it with aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones. U.S. Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely.

Israel and US target nuclear facilities and missile infrastructure

Iranian state TV said strikes caused two explosions early Tuesday at a broadcasting facility in Tehran, but said no one was injured.

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 it is targeting the “leadership and nuclear infrastructure.”

Trump said the military campaign’s objectives are to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, wipe out its navy, prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that it 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 on Monday.

<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 and says its nuclear program is peaceful.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained, however, that Iran was rebuilding “new sites, new places” underground for making atomic bombs. He offered no evidence to support his claim.

“We had to take the action now and we did,” Netanyahu told Fox News Channel’s Hannity.

Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press showed limited activity at two nuclear sites in Iran before the war. Analysts said Tehran was likely assessing damage from the 2025 U.S. strikes and possibly salvaging what remained.

Attacks on Iran have drawn in proxy forces from around region

The conflict has also spread to Lebanon, where the Iranian-supported militant group Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on Monday, prompting Israel to retaliate.

At least 52 people have been killed and 154 wounded, Lebanese authorities said.

Israel hit Beirut with more airstrikes early Tuesday, saying it was targeting “Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities.”

Hezbollah also said it launched drones targeting an Israeli air base. The Israeli military said it downed two drones.

An Iranian-linked militant in Iraq has also claimed strikes on U.S. military facilities there. The Israeli military said its troops operating in southern Lebanon were positioned at several points near the border in what it described as a “forward defense posture.”

The army said there were no plans to evacuate Israeli residents of border areas.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran struck the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital with a drone early Tuesday as it kept hitting targets around the region, while the United States and Israel pounded Iran with airstrikes in what U.S. President Donald Trump suggested was just the start of a relentless campaign that could last more than a month.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Update | Security Alert: Shelter in Place - U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (Mar.3, 2026) The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has issued a shelter in place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran and are limiting non-essential travel to any military installations…&mdash; U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAinKSA/status/2028635716918329539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The attack from two drones on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh caused a “limited fire” and minor damage, according to Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry, and the embassy urged Americans to avoid the compound. It followed an attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-02-2026-cb42936de1d8c261be8f30f11c6665fa">the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait</a>, which announced Tuesday it had been closed until further notice. The U.S. State Department also ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family in Kuwait, as well as Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as a precaution.The expanding conflict has so far killed hundreds of people, the vast majority in Iran.Across Iran’s capital, explosions rang out throughout the night into Tuesday, with aircraft heard overhead. It was not immediately clear what had been hit. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site had sustained “some recent damage,” though there was “no radiological consequence expected.” Natanz earlier came under attack by the U.S. in the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June.In Lebanon, Israel launched more strikes on Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group. Explosions could be heard and smoke seen in a southern suburb of Beirut. Israel also said its soldiers were “operating in southern Lebanon.” Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said the Lebanese army was evacuating some of its positions along the border.<h2>The conflict could have far-reaching consequences</h2>The expansion of Iranian retaliation across the Gulf and the intensity of the Israeli and American 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>&nbsp;and the lack of any apparent exit plan portend a possibly prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences.Iran has hit many countries deemed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-dubai-emirates-tourism-attack-b256f514b290c987b3004cc87744f038">safe havens in the Mideast</a>&nbsp;in retaliation for the U.S. and Israeli strikes. Recent targets include two Amazon data centers in the UAE and a drone impact near another in Bahrain that caused damage, the company said Tuesday. Iran has also hit energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and attacked several ships 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 traded passes</a>, sending global oil and natural gas prices soaring.“The Strait of Hormuz is closed,” declared Iranian Brig. Gen. Ebrahim Jabbari, an adviser to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, threatening to set fire to any ships attempting to transit. “Don’t come to this region.”<h2>US citizens urged to leave</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772495225840.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. State Department urged U.S. citizens to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to safety risks, as have many other countries, though with much of the airspace closed many remain stranded.Trump said operations are likely to last four to five weeks but that he was prepared “to go far longer than that.” He later added that the U.S. had a “virtually unlimited supply” of munitions and pre-positioned “high grade weaponry.”“Wars can be fought ‘forever,’ and very successfully, using just these supplies,” he wrote on social media.<h2>Hundreds dead in Iran and dozens in Lebanon along with 11 in Israel</h2>The Iranian Red Crescent Society said the U.S.-Israeli operation has killed at least 787 people. In Israel, where several locations were hit by Iranian missiles, 11 people were killed. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported airstrikes killed 13 Iranian troops in Kerman, 800 kilometers (500 miles) southeast of Iran’s capital, Tehran.Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah killed 52 people in Lebanon.“Military escalation would force more families from their homes and hit civilians hard,” said Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization on Migration, calling for the international community to press for de-escalation. “Millions are already displaced in the region.”The U.S. military has confirmed six deaths of American service members. All six were Army soldiers in a logistics unit in Kuwait, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.Three people were killed in the UAE, and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain.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 fighter jets while Iran was attacking it with aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones. U.S. Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely.<h2>Israel and US target nuclear facilities and missile infrastructure</h2>Iranian state TV said strikes caused two explosions early Tuesday at a broadcasting facility in Tehran, but said no one was injured.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 it is targeting the “leadership and nuclear infrastructure.”Trump said the military campaign’s objectives are to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, wipe out its navy, prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that it 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 on Monday.<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 and says its nuclear program is peaceful.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained, however, that Iran was rebuilding “new sites, new places” underground for making atomic bombs. He offered no evidence to support his claim.“We had to take the action now and we did,” Netanyahu told Fox News Channel’s Hannity.Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press showed limited activity at two nuclear sites in Iran before the war. Analysts said Tehran was likely assessing damage from the 2025 U.S. strikes and possibly salvaging what remained.<h2>Attacks on Iran have drawn in proxy forces from around region</h2>The conflict has also spread to Lebanon, where the Iranian-supported militant group Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on Monday, prompting Israel to retaliate.At least 52 people have been killed and 154 wounded, Lebanese authorities said.Israel hit Beirut with more airstrikes early Tuesday, saying it was targeting “Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities.”Hezbollah also said it launched drones targeting an Israeli air base. The Israeli military said it downed two drones.An Iranian-linked militant in Iraq has also claimed strikes on U.S. military facilities there. The Israeli military said its troops operating in southern Lebanon were positioned at several points near the border in what it described as a “forward defense posture.”The army said there were no plans to evacuate Israeli residents of border areas.___

Iranian drones hit US Embassy in Saudi Arabia; hundreds are reported dead in Iran

KANSAS CITY—Two people died in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Monday in Kansas City.

A silver Subaru Forrester and a silver Ford Escape were both stopped for the red traffic control signal on the exit ramp from northbound 71 Highway to Meyer Boulevard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

 A northbound black Ford F150 was traveling on the exit ramp at a high rate of speed. The F150 sideswiped the Escape and struck the rear end of the Subaru. 

The F150 pushed the Subaru northbound across the eastbound lanes of Meyer Boulevard, through the center median, and over a concrete wall. As the Subaru was being pushed over the wall, the vehicle overturned and landed in the westbound lanes of Meyer Boulevard.

 As the front of the F150 disengaged from the Subaru, the vehicle began to rotate across the westbound lanes of Meyer. The F150 then struck a westbound gray GMC Sierra on Meyer before coming to rest. 

The driver and front seat passenger of the Subaru were both pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the F150 was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Escape was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the GMC was uninjured in the collision. The driver of the F150 is currently in critical condition and the driver of the Escape is currently in stable condition. This is fatalities #12 and #13 compared to #9 at this time last year, according to Becchina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772505633291.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Two people died in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Monday in Kansas City.A silver Subaru Forrester and a silver Ford Escape were both stopped for the red traffic control signal on the exit ramp from northbound 71 Highway to Meyer Boulevard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772505663773.png" alt="Photo couresy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo couresy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure> A northbound black Ford F150 was traveling on the exit ramp at a high rate of speed. The F150 sideswiped the Escape and struck the rear end of the Subaru. The F150 pushed the Subaru northbound across the eastbound lanes of Meyer Boulevard, through the center median, and over a concrete wall. As the Subaru was being pushed over the wall, the vehicle overturned and landed in the westbound lanes of Meyer Boulevard. As the front of the F150 disengaged from the Subaru, the vehicle began to rotate across the westbound lanes of Meyer. The F150 then struck a westbound gray GMC Sierra on Meyer before coming to rest. The driver and front seat passenger of the Subaru were both pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the F150 was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Escape was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the GMC was uninjured in the collision. The driver of the F150 is currently in critical condition and the driver of the Escape is currently in stable condition. This is fatalities #12 and #13 compared to #9 at this time last year, according to Becchina.

2 dead after 4-vehicle crash in Kansas City

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The State of Kansas ends February 2026 with total tax collections at $506.3 million. That is $58.4 million, or 10.3%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 7.6% from February 2025. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2026%2F03%2F02%2Ffile_attachments%2F3570438%2F08_February_Revenue_FY2026_03-02-2026_Final.pdf/1/0101019cb0518ab4-97ef7441-9fb2-49be-9244-de2bcd1e2a54-000000/xXyXPk1ReYdX-EvbdoQNIFFA_dubUdMakw01mQUwfsQ=446">here</a>&nbsp;to view the February 2026 revenue numbers.&nbsp;

“February’s report reflects that revenues collected were down nearly $59 million, at the same time the Legislature is building their budget,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The Legislature should keep in mind the structural imbalance&nbsp;their past budget&nbsp;created and&nbsp;look to my budget for a path to rectify the unsustainable imbalance over time.”&nbsp;

Individual income tax collections were $205.7 million. That is $44.3 million, or 17.7% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections were down 14.1% from February 2025. Corporate income tax collections were negative $349,104. That is $15.3 million, or 102.3% below the estimate, and down 102.1% from February 2025.Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $253.4 million, which is $433,844, or 0.2% above the estimate, and up 2.6% from February 2025. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The State of Kansas ends February 2026 with total tax collections at $506.3 million. That is $58.4 million, or 10.3%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 7.6% from February 2025. &nbsp;&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2026%2F03%2F02%2Ffile_attachments%2F3570438%2F08_February_Revenue_FY2026_03-02-2026_Final.pdf/1/0101019cb0518ab4-97ef7441-9fb2-49be-9244-de2bcd1e2a54-000000/xXyXPk1ReYdX-EvbdoQNIFFA_dubUdMakw01mQUwfsQ=446">here</a>&nbsp;to view the February 2026 revenue numbers.&nbsp;“February’s report reflects that revenues collected were down nearly $59 million, at the same time the Legislature is building their budget,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The Legislature should keep in mind the structural imbalance&nbsp;their past budget&nbsp;created and&nbsp;look to my budget for a path to rectify the unsustainable imbalance over time.”&nbsp;Individual income tax collections were $205.7 million. That is $44.3 million, or 17.7% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections were down 14.1% from February 2025. Corporate income tax collections were negative $349,104. That is $15.3 million, or 102.3% below the estimate, and down 102.1% from February 2025.Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $253.4 million, which is $433,844, or 0.2% above the estimate, and up 2.6% from February 2025. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. total tax collections in February down from 2025

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754002321266.png" alt="Rogers photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Rogers photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>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.

The U.S. Department of State urges Americans to depart now from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772495225840.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772464087266.png" alt="Duran photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Duran photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772486005507.png" alt="Image from House Oversight video" />
 <figcaption>Image from House Oversight video</figcaption>
 </figure>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.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rgJrYKAl6T0?si=UWqU85mp9doew-YM&amp;start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;When did you first learn of Jeffrey Epstein&#39;s crimes?&quot; Fmr. President Bill Clinton: &quot;In 2008, when he was prosecuted. I didn&#39;t—There&#39;s nothing that I saw when I was around him that made me realize he was trafficking women.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/NYZ5XIQ3JU">pic.twitter.com/NYZ5XIQ3JU</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028600004596690968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨WATCH🚨 I asked former President Bill Clinton if his friend Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. (his lawyers clearly didn’t want him to answer) <a href="https://t.co/XeYhQyLM3Z">pic.twitter.com/XeYhQyLM3Z</a>&mdash; Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBoebert/status/2028581495120531962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772486080524.png" alt="Image from House Oversight Committee video" />
 <figcaption>Image from House Oversight Committee video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/siiAk6WXc0M?si=Wz53et56LpzLJUYa" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Hillary Clinton said she never even recalled meeting Epstein.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;When you saw photos of your husband in a hot tub…getting massaged by other women, and you knew that Jeffrey Epstein was involved…did it concern you?&quot; Hillary Clinton: &quot;I&#39;m here not to offer my opinions. I&#39;m here to answer specific questions to the best of my ability.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/wX3BJZ5suH">pic.twitter.com/wX3BJZ5suH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028602186381345116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hillary Clinton, upon being told of Rep. Lauren Boebert leaking photos of her during deposition: &quot;If you guys are doing that, I am done. You can hold me in contempt from now until the cows come home. This is just typical behavior! Oh, for heaven&#39;s sake!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/bL3BJdgR5L">pic.twitter.com/bL3BJdgR5L</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028600241021198745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;When you saw photos of your husband in a hot tub…getting massaged by other women, and you knew that Jeffrey Epstein was involved…did it concern you?&quot; Hillary Clinton: &quot;I&#39;m here not to offer my opinions. I&#39;m here to answer specific questions to the best of my ability.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/wX3BJZ5suH">pic.twitter.com/wX3BJZ5suH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028602186381345116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>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

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.

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 high school

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.

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.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump presents the Medal of Honor to Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson: <a href="https://t.co/VIepwESCPK">pic.twitter.com/VIepwESCPK</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028523414508507291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>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.