Kynan Gibson of B&amp;K Prescription Shop in Salina has been in various conversations with state representatives and senators about the negative effects Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have on local independent pharmacies and their consumers.

PBMs are&nbsp;a third-party administrator that acts as a "middleman" in the prescription drug supply chain, negotiating between drug manufacturers, pharmacies and insurance companies. 

They provide real-time prescription drug prices, that pharmacies communicate with their consumers. PBMs decide which medications are covered, controlling the negotiation of drug manufacturer rebates, development of pharmacy networks, creation of drug formularies and the processing of claims for insurers and employers.

PBMs started in the 1960s and was created for the purpose of assisting insurance companies and employers manage costs of prescription drugs.

However, PBMs have been criticized for taking advantage of patients by making profit for themselves. Not only that, but prescription drug prices have skyrocketed in the past.

According to <a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/prescription-drugs-other-medical-products/price-transparency#:~:text=Changes%20in%20the%20List%20Prices%20of%20Prescription%20Drugs%2C%202017%2D2023&amp;text=Drug%20manufacturers%20may%20change%20the,to%20$590%20per%20drug%20product.">price transparency from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services</a> ,&nbsp;Over the period from January 2022 to January 2023, more than 4,200 drug products had price increases, of which 46 percent were larger than the rate of inflation.&nbsp;The average drug price increase over the course of the period was 15.2 percent, which translates to $590 per drug product.

PMBs are known to make money by&nbsp;multiple&nbsp;ways which includes:

Senator Scott Hill (R-Salina) called it&nbsp;“unfair marketing”&nbsp;when PBMs initiate the pricing for prescription drugs. 

The big three PBMs include&nbsp;CVS Caremark, Express Scripts (Cigna), and OptumRx (UnitedHealth), as they control roughly 80-90% of of U.S. prescription drug claims.

PBMs are also known to partake in vertical integration, where they gain control over multiple aspects.

For example, CVS Health owns the insurer, (Aetna) PBM (CVS Caremark), which allows them to control formulary placement, negotiate manufacturer rebates and channel prescriptions to their own pharmacies.

Their control of rebate spread pricing, means they can collect $1,000 in rebates and only pass $500 to the payer or plan, as an example.

Gibson told Salina Post about a Kansas employer case study done by a pharmacist, Mike Burns who owns AuBurn pharmacies across the state, Oklahoma and Missouri. Burns a cancer patient, was told by his insurer he needed to go to their specialty pharmacy to get a drug in order for it to be covered. Burns however, knew he could have received that drug at a lower price at his own pharmacy for $2,300 for a 6 month supply, as opposed to the retailer which would have costed him $13,000 more.

“If you go to CVS or B&amp;K, what your insurance pays is different,” said Gibson. You can go to CVS and the PBM will pay the insurance company more money just because they are owned by CVS.”

Gibson stated he wants audits to be less evasive, being able to see how PBMs are charging insurers, reimbursements that is fair and be included in networks such as Express Scripts.

Kansas has had over 130 independent pharmacies close since 2015, with around 16 in 2025 alone due to low reimbursements.

End of February, a bipartisan majority in the Kansas Senate passed <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/supp_note_sb360_02_0000.pdf">SB 360</a> increasing oversight of prescription drug middlemen companies accused of manipulating lax regulations to promote anti-competitive practices, monopolize the market for maximum profit, undermine local pharmacies and raise costs for consumers.

According to Kansas Reflector, the bill would require transparency from PBMs in terms of pharmacy reimbursement and drug pricing. It would deal with PBMs giving their own retailers better deals by requiring all Kansas pharmacies to be reimbursed at or above the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost. A pharmacy dispensing fee would be implemented to better cover costs incurred by local or independent pharmacies, especially in rural communities.

Local pharmacy speaks on negative effects of PBMs, Senate Bill passes requiring transparency from "middlemen"

Kansas Trails Inc. (KTI), the statewide leader in trail development, coordination, and advocacy, invites Kansans from across the state to celebrate Trail Appreciation Day at the Kansas State Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Trail Appreciation Day is a day-long celebration of the people, places, and partnerships that make trails a vital part of Kansas communities. Trail advocates, enthusiasts, local organizations, and policymakers will come together to highlight how trails support health, economic development, tourism, and quality of life across the state.

The event will feature interactive exhibits from trail systems and trail organizations representing communities throughout Kansas, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about trail projects, success stories, and future plans. The program will also include a keynote presentation by Kansas State Representative Tobias Schlingensiepen, along with visits from Kansas State Senators and Representatives who support outdoor recreation and community infrastructure.

“Trails connect more than places- they connect people, communities, and opportunities,” said Mike Scanlon, Executive Director of Kansas Trails Inc. “Trail Appreciation Day is a chance to showcase the incredible work happening across Kansas and to elevate the importance of continued investment in trails for generations to come.”

Trail Appreciation Day is open to the public, but registration is required. 

Community members, trail users, nonprofit organizations, planners, elected officials, and anyone passionate about trails are encouraged to attend.

Kansas Trails to host Trail Appreciation Day at State Capitol, featuring interactive exhibits and keynote speaker

ABILENE -&nbsp;Memorial Hospital&nbsp;is pleased to announce that the Memorial Hospital Wound Center is a dual recipient of RestorixHealth’s Clinical Distinction and Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Awards. 

Recipients of these awards meet or exceed national quality benchmarks over a set period.

RestorixHealth’s Clinical Distinction Award recognizes wound centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by meeting or exceeding clinical benchmarks, while the Excellence in&nbsp;Patient Satisfaction Award recognizes wound centers that have demonstrated superior performance in overall patient satisfaction.

“The Memorial Hospital Wound Center is pleased to be recognized for our dedication not only to healing but also to patient satisfaction,” said Dr. William Short, MD. “We are proud to be a recipient of an award that recognizes the work of our staff as both a health care team and patient champions.”

The&nbsp;Memorial Hospital Wound Center&nbsp;is dedicated to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in patients with non-healing wounds. Their approach to wound care is comprehensive, coordinating traditional and advanced therapies that aid and accelerate the healing process.

<a>The center is staffed with clinicians who have advanced training in wound care.&nbsp;Integrating a team of wound care professionals optimizes patient care while offering the most advanced healing options for hard-to-heal wounds.</a>

The Memorial Hospital Wound Center is located at 511 NE 10th&nbsp;Street and is open Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, please call 785-571-1070 or visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.caringforyou.org/">www.CaringForYou.org</a>.

Committed to excellence in wound care, RestorixHealth is&nbsp;the&nbsp;wound care solutions company providing programs, services, products and education across the care continuum. From developing and operating wound centers in partnership with hospitals, through delivering professional wound care in nursing facilities and in-home settings, to supporting patients through the coordination of wound supplies, RestorixHealth’s solutions increase access to care, reduce hospital admissions and most importantly, improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.restorixhealth.com/">www.RestorixHealth.com</a>.

Abilene hospital wound center receives award meeting, exceeding clinical benchmarks

Law enforcement arrested a man who had a warrant for his arrest after a conducted traffic stop.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Friday at around 3:00 pm, an officer on patrol in the area of north 9th street discovered a male individual that had a warrant for their arrest.

The individual was on his bicycle and the officer conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of north Broadway.

The officer arrested 35-year old, Zachariah&nbsp;Behling and located more than a gram of&nbsp;methamphetamine in his possession.

He was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of: Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and the warrant out of Saline County District Court.

According to jail records, Behling was arrested back on <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a5747ab1-f060-4b78-b14e-ba8d519329f2">August 2022 for stealing an electric bicycle and bike trailer.</a>

Police: Traffic stop leads to arrest of suspect with warrant

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 CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Abuse order

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

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

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant; Poss of marijuana; Failure to appear (2)

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 2

<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, March 2 - March 4

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

You can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NAME:&nbsp;Castro Diaz,Jorge Arturo

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty; Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DWS; 1st conviction; Unsafe turning or stopping - Fail to Signal; No Proof Of Insurance; Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Improper driving on laned roadway

NAME:&nbsp;Rivas Martinez,Jose Miguel

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Failure to appear; No Proof Of Insurance; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Poss of marijuana; Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 1

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Sunday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Toyota Camry driven by&nbsp; Mason Edward Smith, 19, Minneapolis, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles northwest of Salina. The Toyota rear-ended a 2014 Jeep Cherokee driven by Sara Kay&nbsp;Wellbrock, 32, Russell, who lost control of the vehicle as she was merging onto westbound Interstate 70 from the northbound Interstate 135 on ramp. Then a 2008 Ford F350 driven by&nbsp; Michael Alan&nbsp; Rider, 24, Malvern, Arkansas, rear-ended the Toyota.

EMS transported&nbsp;Wellbrock to Salina Regional Health Center. Smith and Rider were not injured. All three drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP. The KHP temporarily shut down westbound I-70 following the crash.

Kan. woman hospitalized in Salina after 3-vehicle crash

In celebration of National Fair Housing Month, the City of Salina’s Community Relations Division will hold its Annual Fair Housing Seminar on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at OCCK, Inc., 1710 W. Schilling Rd., Salina, KS.&nbsp;

The Fair Housing Seminar is a full-day educational opportunity for tenants, landlords, property managers, realtors, attorneys, social workers, service providers and all other individuals interested in learning about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. 

- Nick Blessing, Staff Attorney for Kansas Legal Services.

- Michelle Ewert, Professor and Director of Law Clinic at Washburn Law.

- Ruth Glover, Executive Director of Kansas Human Rights Commission.

- Nate Johnson, Assistant City Attorney for the City of Wichita.

- Don Crutcher, Building Official for the City of Salina. 

- Kansas Residential Landlord Tenant Act.

- Code Enforcement and Property Maintenance.

The Fair Housing Seminar is pending accreditation for continuing education credits for attorneys, social workers, and realtors. 

To view the status of available credits, visit the <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/FairHousingSeminar">Fair Housing Seminar website</a> or call the Community Relations Division. CEU credits for social workers have an additional fee of $20. There are no additional fees for continuing educational credits for attorneys and realtors.

The registration fee is $30 per attendee with lunch provided.

Registration forms are available online or in person at the Community Relations Division office in the City-County Building. Completed registration forms and payments should be mailed or dropped off by April 17, 2026, to the Salina Community Relations Division, 300 W. Ash, Room 101, Salina, KS 67401.

For more information, call (785) 309-5745 or visit <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/fairhousingseminar">www.salina-ks.gov/fairhousingseminar</a>.

For needed accommodations, please call the Community Relations Division between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities with at least 5 business days notice prior to the event.

Educational event in Salina to discuss fair housing, tenant rights/responsibilities and section 8 housing

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

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

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

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

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

Sheriff IDs woman who died after struck by SUV in Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iran expands attacks to regional oil infrastructure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hezbollah fires on Israel, prompting massive response

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

There were no reports of injuries or damage.

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

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

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

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

No end in sight to the US-Israeli campaign

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

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

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

There have been no signs yet of any such uprising.

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎥President Trump updates timeline of Iran campaign 

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

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

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

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

Former KC postal worker admits to stolen checks fraud scheme 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rising country music star to appear at Kansas State Fair

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The two online bookies who financed the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/opponents-of-missouri-sports-betting-amendment-pull-tv-ads-in-campaigns-homestretch/">campaign to legalize sports wagering</a>&nbsp;in Missouri have won $120 million from bets placed in the state but so far have not had to pay any tax on those profits.

FanDuel and DraftKings handled 73% of the $928 million wagered in Missouri during the first two months of legal sports wagering, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/SportsWagering/sw_financials/FY26_SWFinReport/01_Jan/SW%20Monthly%20Financials%200126.pdf" target="_blank">latest financial report</a>&nbsp;from the Missouri Gaming Commission. The two companies have 77% of the profits from those bets, but offset the entire amount won from players by deductions for promotional wagers and other costs.

Their winnings so far are about three times what it cost the companies in the 2024 election.

Missouri taxes the operator winnings of mobile platforms and casino-based retail sports at 10%, but the constitutional amendment passed in 2024 allows a write-off of all promotional costs, federal taxes and other business costs, from the taxable amount.

Sports wagering launched in Missouri on Dec. 1, and bettors&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/30/missouri-sports-betting-tops-543m-in-first-month-but-deductions-leave-state-with-only-521k/">placed $543 million in bets</a>. The total fell in January but in the two months combined, the eight mobile providers and the eight retail locations have netted $157.7 million from lost wagers, with 99% of the profits going to mobile platforms.

The state has received $659,196 in taxes over two months, or just less than one-half of 1% of the amount won by the online and retail bookmakers.

“The latest data shows more Missourians are ditching their bookies and illegal websites and enjoying the safeguards and convenience of placing sports bets legally,” Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Betting Alliance, said in a statement to The Independent. “This initial success is building a rock-solid foundation that will ensure Missouri receives the ongoing benefits of legal, regulated sports betting for decades to come, including millions in permanent, dedicated tax revenues.”

DraftKings and FanDuel are dominating the market.

The two companies are almost equal in their share so far. Players wagered $339.7 million on the DraftKings platform and $338.4 million on the FanDuel app. DraftKings reported it won $54.4 million over the first two months, while FanDuel won $65.6 million.

During the 2024 campaign, FanDuel and DraftKings each contributed $20 million for the $43 million effort. Major Missouri sports teams contributed the rest.

Other than licensing fees, neither company has paid the state any taxes.

DraftKings has $20.6 million in net write-offs it will carry forward before it has any tax due. FanDuel has $8.1 million.

The total amount of unrealized write-offs for all eight mobile bookmakers is $33.8 million.

FanDuel, DraftKings take Mo. profits nearly triple their cost for sports wagering campaign

U.S. embassies in the Middle East updated security advisories for Americans traveling and residing in these regions to exercise caution amid the ongoing Iran conflict, according to the&nbsp;Department of State Consular Affairs.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides detailed destination-specific travel and risk information to allow U.S. citizens to make informed international travel decisions. U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe provide services that support the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad.

<a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel.html">Click here</a> to get the latest updates and enroll to receive alerts directly at <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcSWRE" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a>. Americans who need consular help can reach help 24/7 by phone: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).

3 countries designated with a ‘Do Not Travel For Any Reason’ warning

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday spoke to widening concerns that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-02-2026-cb42936de1d8c261be8f30f11c6665fa">the U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran</a>&nbsp;could spiral into a protracted regional conflict by declaring, “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.”

Hegseth, along with Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held the Trump administration's first news briefing since Saturday's strikes. President Donald Trump, while he’s conducted a few phone interviews with individual reporters, has not taken questions on camera and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-trump-address-f662a4f3378535d81197be699fb35a3e">only released two videos</a>&nbsp;since the operation began.

Hegseth said the operation had a “clear, devastating, decisive mission” to “destroy the missile threat” from Iran, destroy its navy and “no nukes.”

“No stupid rules of engagement, no nation building quagmire, no democracy building exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to win, and we don’t waste time or lives,” Hegseth said.

He also suggested the U.S. was not seeking to change the Iraninan regime with 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>,

“This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change and the world is better off for it,” Hegseth said.

The briefing comes as the conflict has intensified into a wider war in the region. Iran and its allied armed groups have launched missiles at Israel, Arab states and U.S. military targets in the Middle East.

Four American troops have been killed in action. Trump on Sunday predicted there would be more U.S. casualties.