As the House continues its work after last week's "Turnover" deadline, I cast several high-profile votes to protect the free market and the pockets of Kansas taxpayers. While some bills are framed as "economic development," the reality is often a shift toward state-managed economies that favor the well-connected.

HB 2434: A Budget of Misplaced Priorities

I voted No on the state budget for fiscal years 2026–2028. While this bill adds significant new spending, it fails in two critical areas:

· Ignoring Special Education (SPED): The budget continues to underfund our statutory obligations to SPED. We cannot justify a record-breaking budget that leaves our school districts and most vulnerable students behind.

· Expanding State Bureaucracy into Private Malls: Hidden within the budget language is a major policy shift: It authorizes the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA) to issue bonds for private development projects, including "dilapidated malls." Historically, the KDFA has primarily focused on state projects (office buildings), public infrastructure (water/wastewater), and specific statutory programs like higher education facilities. Using this authority for private retail ventures is a dangerous expansion of state power.

I voted No on the extension of the STAR Bond program. My "No" vote is supported by objective data from the Kansas Legislative Post Audit, which found that only a minority of STAR Bond districts actually met the state’s own tourism benchmarks. A 2021 audit found that for 81% of these projects, the development simply "shifted" existing economic activity from one part of Kansas to another rather than bringing in new out-of-state revenue.

Explanation of Vote submitted to the House Journal:

“I vote NO on SB 197. Economic development deals often exist not to create jobs, but to convince voters that politicians are responsible for them. By using tools like STAR Bonds, the government picks winners and losers, distorts the free market, and unnecessarily expands its own reach. These deals prioritize political optics over sound economics. I support limited government and a true free-market economy; therefore, I trust the market—not politicians—to drive sustainable growth.”

I voted against this property tax "lid" because it is a hollow promise to working families.

· The Issue: It creates a 3% cap for counties but provides zero state-level incentives to help them achieve it.

· The Stand: Without real state support, this bill is a "one-size-fits-all" mandate that doesn't provide the structural relief or transparency that Kansas homeowners actually need to make ends meet.

My ultimate goal on taxes is to eliminate special interest tax credits and exemptions so we can lower rates for everyone. Whether it is using the KDFA to fund private malls in the budget bill or expanding STAR Bonds, the current system rewards those who can afford a lobbyist. I believe tax relief should be a right for every Kansan, not a reward for the well-connected. If we clean up the code and stop these carve-outs, we can provide true, broad-based relief for every kitchen table in our district.

While I voted against HB 2434 and HB 2745, both bills passed the House and have advanced to the Senate for further consideration. Regarding SB 197, since it was amended by the House, it will now return to the Senate. The Senate will then decide whether to concur (agree) with our amendments or non-concur and request a conference committee to negotiate the final language.

Thank you to the many constituents who have reached out to share their thoughts on these crucial issues. Hearing from you helps me as I work to represent over 23,000 people from the 71st District in your Kansas House of Representatives. Whether it is keeping our tax code fair or ensuring our state budget reflects our shared priorities, your feedback is invaluable.

Rep. Steven Howe provides legislative update

Salina Vortex Corporation (aka Vortex Companies) has announced it has officially changed its corporate name to Velocity Flow Technologies. 

The new name reflects the company’s evolution from a single-brand manufacturer into a multi-disciplinary industrial platform offering engineered products and manufacturing capabilities that support customers across dry bulk material handling, process equipment, and related industrial applications.

“Over the last decade-plus, we’ve deliberately expanded our capabilities through acquisition, product development, and investment in engineering and manufacturing,” said Travis Young, CEO. “The Salina Vortex name carries tremendous legacy, but our company today is bigger than one brand and broader than one product category. Velocity Flow Technologies better represents who we are now—and where we’re going.”

Velocity Flow Technologies has broadened its operating footprint through a series of strategic moves over the past 12 years, including:

- PMC (2013), now operating as Vortex Loading Solutions

- Kasa Fab (2018), now operating as Spectrum Metalcraft

- Abrasive Blast Systems (2024), now operating as Fortress Blast Systems

These additions complement the organization’s established strengths in proprietary equipment design, engineering, programming, and highly customized made-to-order manufacturing.

The corporate name change to Velocity Flow Technologies does not change the company’s ownership, leadership, customer commitments, or day-to-day operations. Existing contracts, warranties, purchase orders, and customer relationships remain in place without interruption.

“Our customers count on us for responsiveness, engineering depth, and reliable delivery,” said Young. “This name change is about clarity and alignment—not changing what works. We’re continuing to build a company that earns trust by living our values and solving hard problems for customers.”

Velocity Flow Technologies will continue operating its portfolio of businesses and product lines, with each maintaining its market-facing identity while leveraging shared resources and best practices across the platform.

The Velocity Flow Technologies name is intended to better support the company’s long-term strategy: investing in people and engineering talent, expanding product capabilities, pursuing disciplined growth, and building an enduring organization rooted in the company’s core values of Passion, Humility, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy. 

You can learn more at <a href="http://www.velocityflowtech.com">www.velocityflowtech.com</a>.

Salina Vortex renames company to Velocity Flow Technologies, reflecting evolution

DICKINSON COUNTY -&nbsp;More than 200 business leaders, nonprofit partners, elected officials, and community members gathered February 21 at Sand Springs Venue for Driving Dickinson County’s 2026 Annual Gala &amp; Best of the Best Awards, a sold-out event recognizing excellence across the region.

With 76 nominees across 11 award categories, the evening honored individuals, organizations, and businesses helping drive economic growth and community impact throughout Dickinson County.

The following businesses and individuals were recognized at the 2026 Annual Gala: 

· Business of the Year: Almost Home Realty 

· Community Catalyst of the Year: Ross Taplin 

· Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Chris Krenzin, 7-Ate-5 

· Best Professional Business: State Farm – Amanda West 

· Best Non-Profit / Government Organization: The Hope Center 

· Best Customer Service: Abilene Animal Hospital 

Almost Home Realty owner Shelly Crane said the recognition represents more than business success.

“Every home purchase or sale represents someone choosing to live, work, and invest in Dickinson County,” Crane said. “We view this recognition not as a finish line, but as encouragement to continue raising the standard of service and helping our community grow.”

The Gala marked CEO Natalie Muruato’s first as leader of the organization.

“The energy in the room reflected a community that is engaged, collaborative, and proud of the progress happening across Dickinson County,” Muruato said. “When we publicly recognize excellence, we strengthen visibility, confidence, and long-term economic momentum for our region.”

Board Chair Kenny Roelofsen emphasized the broader significance of the awards.

“The caliber of this year’s nominees and recipients speaks volumes about the strength of our local business climate,” Roelofsen said. “Collaboration between private business, nonprofit organizations, and community partners drives sustainable growth.”

The evening also included the unveiling of Driving Dickinson County’s refreshed brand identity — a milestone underscoring the organization’s continued focus on forward direction and regional collaboration.

“This wasn’t just about modernizing a logo,” said Jackie Hynes, Events &amp; Marketing Director. “It was about visually capturing who we are and where we’re headed — intentionally, collaboratively, and with purpose.”

The 2026 Gala was made possible through the support of community partners and sponsors, including Twin Valley, Holm Automotive, Lucinda’s Katering, Michela Brown Photography, The Renaissance Jazz Group, and Don’s Tires, which provided decorative elements reflecting the event’s “Driving” theme.

For a full recap and photo gallery, visit: <a href="https://www.dkedc.com/business/2025-business-best-of-the-best">https://www.dkedc.com/business/2025-business-best-of-the-best</a>

Driving Dickinson County celebrates excellence at 2026 Best of the Best Award

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent, Central Kansas District Kansas State University

Walk Kansas 2026 is just around the corner. This popular wellness program is also a perfect fit for workplace wellness initiatives. 

Now in it’s 26th year, Walk Kansas is built around the nationally-recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and makes it easy for employees to reach that goal through walking and other forms of movement – because all activity counts. The program runs March 22 – May 16, with registration opening March 1.

The participation fee is $10 per person, with teams encouraged (4-6 members per team is ideal, but teams can be smaller or larger.)

For more information, contact Lisa Newman at lmnewman@ksu.edu or call:&nbsp;785-309-5850. Visit <a href="https://www.walkkansasonline.org">https://www.walkkansasonline.org</a> to register.

Why Walk Kansas as a Workplace Wellness Program? 

Workplace wellness initiatives have become increasingly common and valued by employers because they support both employee health and organizational success. Research and public health guidance show that promoting physical activity and healthy habits in work environments can: 

Improve employee health behaviors – Programs that encourage regular activity have been shown to increase physical activity and weight management efforts among participants.

Reduce absenteeism and increase productivity – Healthier, more active employees tend to take fewer sick days and bring higher energy and engagement at work.

Enhance morale, recruitment and retention – Employers that support wellness often see improved workplace culture, increased morale, and better ability to attract and retain talent.

Provide economic value over time – Evidence suggests that well-designed wellness efforts can offer a positive return on investment by improving health outcomes and lowering long-term costs.

This year’s program includes a refreshed online platform, making sign-up and tracking easier than ever for both individual participants and teams. Step-by-step instructions are available to help employers and employees register with confidence. 

Community partners such as the Salina Family YMCA and the Ottawa County Health Center Wellness Center are also supporting Walk Kansas participants by providing spaces and resources to be active throughout the 8-week program.

Walk Kansas is a K-State Extension health initiative that promotes personal health and well-being by helping participants adopt healthful lifestyle habits.&nbsp;

Walk Kansas 2026: A fun and affordable workplace wellness opportunity for local employers

Two fires were reported to have occurred in Saline County.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office, on Thursday there were fires that happened at 2:15 pm and 10:39 pm.

The afternoon fire occurred south of Burma road, where a pasture fire started by a failed bearing in a Land Pride mower deck.

Rural Fire District (RFD) #2, 3 &amp; 6 responded and extinguished the fire.

Loss and damage was listed as&nbsp;$3,000.

The evening fire was a grass fire that occurred in a walk-in-hunting area on the NE corner of Magnolia and Simpson. 

RFD #5 responded and extinguished the fire, which was suspicious in nature. 

Sheriff: Two fires reported in Saline County, mower deck and grassland incidents

A man was arrested for setting a truck on fire in a north Salina neighborhood.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Thursday at around 9:45 am, an officer on patrol in the area of the 700 block of N. 9th observed a 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 truck parked in a driveway of what seemed to have a fire underneath the vehicle.

The officer then discovered 42-year old, David Garrett in the driveway during the fire. Garrett then left the scene and shortly after, first responders arrived to the scene and extinguished the fire.

After the fire was extinguished, Garrett was then seen around the area walking with gas cans. Shortly after, another report was made that the same truck was fully engulfed in flames.

First responders then arrived to the scene to extinguished the fire and law enforcement located Garrett running away.

An on foot pursuit ensued and Garrett was taken into custody.

He was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:&nbsp;

Criminal Use of explosives, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, Endangerment (6), Maintaining a Public Nuisance, Motor Vehicle Abandoned on a public highway (street) and Opening/burning prohibited.

According to SPD, the motor vehicle abandoned on a public highway and maintaining a public nuisance charges were placed because the truck rolled onto the street in the area from the driveway while it was engulfed, as this could have caused harm to the public.

Man sets truck on fire before arrest in north Salina neighborhood

An 18-year old illegally purchases over $1,000 of items by using a company credit card that belonged to a man.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Thursday at around 9:40 am, officers spoke with a 60-year old male who reported his company credit card had been accessed even though he was still in possession of it.

SPD, nor the victim was sure how the card could have been accessed by another individual.&nbsp;

Reportedly his card was used to purchase an online order that was over $1,000 for a watch and an Opticsplanet rifle scope. Officers determined the address and name where the items were to shipped.

The name was identified as Daveon Davis (18).

An officer arrived to the home address and came in contact Davis. He then denied his identification.

The officer then left the scene and discovered SPD made previous contact with Davis in the past by reviewing body cam footage of a former encounter.

Officers then returned to the residence where Davis was located and advised he was under arrest. Davis then ran away and a foot pursuit happened, but he was eventually arrested.

Davis was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:

Criminal use of financial card (over $1,000 purchase) and Interference with Law Enforcement.

18-year old illegally purchases over $1,000 of items before arrest 

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Davis,Daevon Lamont Malcolm

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal use of financial card; W/o consent of owner $1000 to $25,000; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Endangerment; Recklessly expose to danger of great bodily harm or death; Criminal use of explosives; Introduce to building with another person; Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case; Municipal/County violation; Property offense; Prohibited Open Burning

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, February 27

Salina Police Department (SPD) are seeking tips regarding work tools that were stolen by an unknown suspect(s).

Original: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/216f129d-a0bb-4a65-93c0-af03aef6209d">Salina PD investigating two separate burglaries, carry-on trailer and work tools stolen</a>

According to SPD between Friday, February 20, and Monday, February 23, unknown suspect(s) cut a lock on a building being remodeled in the 100 block of Iowa and entered the building. 

Once in the building the suspect(s) then cut a lock on large toolbox and removed multiple Hilti power tools belonging to Hutton Construction. The type of tools stolen is still being determined but the loss is estimated to be over $1600.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call&nbsp;Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS.

<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">You can also make an online tip at by clicking here. </a>

You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2026-4386.

UPDATE: Tips sought for multiple work tools stolen from building

Here is the lineup for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA for&nbsp;February 28, 2026:

Familia Toys - Background and mission of toy store.

Teri Benfer&nbsp;- American Red Cross blood drive updates.

Jane Anderson -&nbsp;&nbsp;River Renewal Project updates.

Jason Graves - K-State Extension Office Agricultural agent, gardening tips.

Ben Miller - Stutzmans company background, upcoming garden radio show and new location.

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show lineup with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro, February 28, 2026

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 27 - March 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 25 - February 27

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 23 - February 25

According to the US National Weather Service, light snow will impact much of the central Kansas area Friday evening.&nbsp;Between 1-2 inches of snow is expected across central Kansas, with locally higher amounts possible.&nbsp;

Salina is in the area where it could receive 1 - 2 inches of snow. 

Use extra caution if traveling tonight as slick spots are possible, especially on elevated surfaces.

Additionally, wind chills are are expected to be in the single digits across central Kansas. 

Salina's chills could get as low as 5, with a 23 degree low temperature.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Single digit wind chills, light snow across central Kansas Friday evening 

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 20 - February 22

Thursday's cold front is expected to cause flurries and wintry mix for Friday across Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, light snow or flurries will impact central Kansas Friday night with a rain/snow mix further south. 

Snow accumulations up to a dusting are possible as well.

Furthermore, the cold front that moved across the region Thursday will lead to much cooler temperatures and even a chance for some light snow. Friday's highs will generally be in the 40s and lows in the upper teens and 20s.

Weather: Cold front expected to cause flurries and wintry mix across Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 18 - February 20

Gusty winds and dry conditions throughout central Kansas resulting in extreme grassland fire danger on Tuesday

According to the US National Weather Service, these gusty southwest winds will result in extreme grassland fire danger in the afternoon and evening throughout central Kansas.

Salina is in the area of the extreme grassland fire danger.

West winds are expected to increase late in the day gusting to around 45 mph at times in the region. 

However, clouds may limit fire weather concerns further east in south central and southeast Kansas although a very high grassland fire danger is still expected.

Gusty winds and dry conditions causing extreme grassland fire danger in central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 16 - February 18

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 13 - February 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read President Trump’s statement on Iran in full

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attack was coordinated between Israel and US

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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