The <a href="https://gscf.org/">Greater Salina Community Foundation</a>&nbsp;(GSCF)&nbsp;is set to host the 15th annual Match Madness, bringing in over 100 nonprofit and charitable organizations to participate.

Thursday, March 12 from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Match Madness will be held at the Salina Fieldhouse (140 N. 5th St.)&nbsp;there are $315,000 in matching funds, thanks to the generosity of private donors.

All donations will be matched up to 50% by a $315,000 match pool.&nbsp;

According to GSCF there will be 106 nonprofits participating, with 79 at the Fieldhouse for the event.

Food trucks&nbsp;will be at the Fieldhouse from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Donate online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.matchmadnessgscf.org">www.matchmadnessgscf.org</a>&nbsp;– 12:00 am to 11:59 pm.

Mail cash or check donations (with a completed donation form) to the community foundation at PO Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-2876. 

These must be postmarked March 12.

Cheer on representatives from each Saline County Elementary School as they participate in a free throw contest to earn bonus grants for their school from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm (Sponsored by Salina Regional Health Foundation).

Cheer on your favorite nonprofits as they participate in a free throw and half court shot contest to earn bonus grants.

Free throw contest is from 10:30 am - 5:15 pm (Sponsored by Bennington State Bank).

Half court shot contest starts at 5:30 pm (Sponsored by BE Wealth). Free throw contest is from 10:30 am - 5:15 pm (Sponsored by Bennington State Bank). Half court shot contest starts at 5:30 pm (Sponsored by BE Wealth).

15th annual Match Madness set for Thursday

The KWU String&nbsp;Orchestra&nbsp;concert will help shake off the winter doldrums as it dances into spring. 

The concert will start at 7:00 pm Thursday, March 12, in Sams Chapel on the Kansas Wesleyan campus.&nbsp;

The lilting, lyrical concert will feature the Waltz from “Masquerade Suite” by Aram Khachaturian, “Choreography” by Norman Dello Joio and “Book Green Suite” by Gustav Holst. Audiences will recognize the lush melodies of “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot” and Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughn Williams.

The spring&nbsp;orchestra&nbsp;concert is led by Henry Littich. 

It is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

KWU resuming on campus concert schedule Thursday

Kansas Department of Transportation&nbsp;

Beginning Thursday, March 12, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin repairs on the K-4 bridge over the Smoky Hill River.

During bridge repair, temporary traffic signals will direct one lane of traffic through construction at a reduced speed. Motorists should anticipate delays of up to 15 minutes.

Sporer Land Development Inc., of Oakley, is the primary contractor for the $23.9 million realignment project and has scheduled this bridge repair part of the project to be completed by this fall 2026.

KDOT urges all motorists to stay alert and follow all posted signs when approaching and driving through a work zone. To stay aware of all highway construction projects across Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019cdd32e77a-88953463-fc2b-4982-a2e0-5f450878c37c-000000/aWkwplMqWQeTUbm0_sOUdM1dFeHBsrtwG-XMImJEQIk=448">kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 511.

K-4 bridge repair to begin Thursday over Smoky Hill River

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Chambers,Tristan Gerald

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circumstance; Poss of marijuana; Taxation; Cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and tobacco unlawful acts

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator; No Proof Of Insurance

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation&nbsp;

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 11

The Salina Public Library is inviting the community to help finish the final chapter of its&nbsp;Re-Imagining Our Library: Youth Services&nbsp;project through a special fundraising opportunity called “Bookend the Campaign.”

Supporters who donate $200 between now and May 1 will be honored with a limited-edition, custom-engraved wooden bookend that will be used to display materials throughout the library’s newly renovated youth department. Each bookend will feature an engraved name, whether it’s the donor’s or someone they wish to honor, paired with a short message selected from a set of meaningful phrases celebrating the community members who helped bring the project to completion.

The renovated youth department is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage a love of reading and learning, and provide welcoming spaces for children and families. Through the Bookend the Campaign initiative, donors will leave a visible legacy in a space built to serve young readers for years to come.

“Each bookend represents a community member who believes in the power of stories and access to learning,” Head of Fundraising Allyson Walker said. “It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the final stretch of our campaign.”

All Bookend the Campaign donations are 100% tax-deductible and will also be recognized on the library’s donor wall at the Contributor level. 

Bookends will remain the property of the library and will be displayed throughout the youth department. Supporters will receive a certificate and a photo of their engraved bookend once it is installed.

Community members can participate by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://salinapubliclibrary.org/bookend-the-campaign">salinapubliclibrary.org/bookend-the-campaign</a>&nbsp;or contacting Allyson Walker at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:giving@salinapublic.org">giving@salinapublic.org</a>.

Salina Public Library invites community to “Bookend” the Youth Services Fundraising Campaign

<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&nbsp;the&nbsp;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 11 - March 13

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

Kansas lawmakers have approved legislation that would require schools across the state to limit student cell phone use during the school day.

The Kansas House on Tuesday passed House Bill 2299 by a vote of 84–39. The Kansas Senate previously approved the measure March 5 on a 32–4 vote. The bill now heads to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for consideration.

If signed into law, the legislation would require Kansas school districts and accredited private schools to adopt policies restricting student cell phone use during school hours. Supporters say the move is aimed at reducing classroom distractions and improving student focus.

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Sedgwick County, said the legislation is intended to address growing concerns about the impact smartphones and social media have on students’ learning and mental health.

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, a Republican from Johnson County, also voiced support for the bill, calling cell phone use a significant challenge for educators.

However, some lawmakers questioned whether the issue should be handled at the state level.

Rep. Jerry Stogsdill, a Democrat from Overland Park, said many school districts have already begun addressing student cell phone use through local policies.

Gov. Kelly can sign the bill into law, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature. If she vetoes the measure, lawmakers would need a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers to override the veto.

The proposal reflects a broader national trend as states and school districts consider stricter rules on student smartphone use in classrooms. Supporters say the policies help restore focus to learning environments, while critics argue local districts should retain flexibility in determining how to manage devices in schools.

Legislature sends school cell phone use bill to governor's desk

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The 33-year old woman who was arrested for fatally crashing <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3e716804-4732-43e4-a3cf-086e2bdc9859">head-on to a couple on August 2025</a>, appeared in court Tuesday.

Kayla Errebo (33) along with her attorneys appeared at the&nbsp;Salina-Saline County building&nbsp;(300 W Ash St)&nbsp;on Tuesday in room #301 for a preliminary hearing.

A&nbsp;preliminary hearing&nbsp;(or preliminary examination) is a court proceeding, where a judge determines if there is enough evidence or "probable cause" to believe a crime was committed by the defendant and therefore justifying a trial.&nbsp;

Errebo was arrested back on Friday, August 8 for a&nbsp;head-on collision&nbsp;into Mark Sommerfeld (61) and Deanna Sommerfeld (55) on a rural Saline County road.&nbsp;

Deanna Sommerfeld&nbsp;was pronounced dead at the scene.

Errebo is booked into the Saline County Jail and is currently facing requested charges of:

Murder in the second degree, Failure to report an injury accident, Circumvention of ignition interlock device and Probation violation.

Errebo also plead guilty back on October 2024 for&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fca0f97b-593e-429a-8d0d-ebba84210fe7">fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving under the influence (DUI) and leaving the scene of an accident.</a>

Woman facing second degree murder charge after fatal crash appears in court

Saline County Emergency Management

Saline County Emergency Management has notified the public of potential severe weather on Tuesday.

According to the US National Weather Service in Wichita, they are monitoring the potential for severe storms across central Kansas Tuesday afternoon and evening. 

Storms may begin developing after 4:00 pm, with more widespread activity possible after 7:00 pm and continuing overnight.&nbsp;

Storms may become strong, bringing up to golf ball-sized hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain.

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/0b463edf-523b-41ba-8837-207de1fd27db.pdf?rdr=true">Click here for more information about safety tips and helpful information.&nbsp;</a>

Weather: Severe storms expected throughout central Kansas Tuesday 

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 9 - March 11

The National Weather Service in Wichita reports that multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected to move through Kansas today, with a higher risk of severe weather developing later this afternoon and evening.

A few storms may develop during the morning and early afternoon hours. 

These storms could produce wind gusts up to 50 mph, dime-size hail, and periods of heavy rainfall.

The main concern for Saline County arrives later today. 

Forecasters expect a second round of storms to redevelop across central Kansas during the afternoon and evening before moving southeast through the night. These storms could bring damaging winds up to 70 mph, hail as large as golf balls, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of a strong tornado.

Storms may begin impacting the area after 4 p.m. and could continue into the overnight hours.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions throughout the day and make preparations now in case warnings are issued.

- Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially if storms occur overnight.

- Review your shelter plan. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

- Secure outdoor items such as patio furniture and trash cans that could blow away in strong winds.

- Charge phones and devices so you can receive warnings and updates.

- Avoid travel during severe storms if possible.

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/09190bda-a7e3-40e0-b04b-c5f2b3aa3999.pdf?rdr=true">Click here to see the severe weather packet for more details on this weather report.</a>

Multiple rounds of t-storms expected in central Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 6 - March 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 4 - March 6

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

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man was taken into custody on Wednesday after driving his van into a security barrier outside the White House, authorities said.

The Secret Service said the man crashed into the temporary security barrier just before 6:30 a.m. He was immediately arrested by officers from the Secret Service’s uniformed division, the agency said.

The man, whose identity was not immediately released, was being interviewed by investigators. Criminal charges were pending, the Secret Service said.

A police bomb squad was called to the scene, checked the vehicle and determined it to be safe.

Van crashed into security gate outside White House, driver arrested

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the area of 55th and Chestnut Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

When officers arrived, they located a man lying in a grassy area, unresponsive, and suffering from gunshot trauma. The victim was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officers on scene were updated later he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives continue working to determine what led up to the shooting. Police have not reported an arrest and did not release the name of the victim.

&nbsp;This incident is being investigated as a homicide at this time and is ongoing.&nbsp;

If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

KCPD looking for witnesses in man's shooting death

WASHINGTON (AP) — Majority Leader John Thune said Tuesday that the Senate will consider a bill to impose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/midterms-voting-laws-photo-id-citizenship-republicans-feecb51a6efa41cf32d18fe4b15c08ce">strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements</a>&nbsp;in elections, but says “the votes aren’t there” to pass it through a marathon talking filibuster sought by President Donald Trump.

Trump has said he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gop-save-bill-citizenship-id-filibuster-744071b0a3c86ef64aa19aeb3b552509">won’t sign any other legislation</a>&nbsp;until the bill — known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-save-act-citizenship-voting-elections-a37c139461d11eb5f82086680b67ffe7">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility</a>&nbsp;or SAVE America Act — is passed. But it faces unified opposition from Democrats, meaning that the Senate can’t pass it unless Republicans change the rules and eliminate the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-filibuster-shutdown-congress-2b46e610460d1c2448c3c7c816454de6">filibuster</a>.

Thune has said there aren’t enough votes to do that, or to launch a talking filibuster that would force Democrats to hold the floor indefinitely to block the bill.

“That is just a function of math,” Thune told reporters on Tuesday, making his strongest statements yet after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-bill-citizenship-senate-thune-trump-3709f2bd02d2c841e16d501529ec9198">weeks of discussions</a>&nbsp;among GOP senators. “For better or worse, I’m the one who has to be a clear-eyed realist about what we can achieve here.”

Republican senators are discussing, instead, voting on the legislation as soon as next week under regular procedure — meaning it will likely fail. Thune said that Republicans are “going to have a fight on the floor” and will force Democrats to vote on “whether they think noncitizens should vote in American elections.”

Trump’s aggressive effort to dictate Senate procedure has put Thune in an awkward position as he has tried to appease the president and increasingly angry base voters who have called for Republicans to do whatever they can to pass it ahead of the midterm elections. But most Republican senators appear to be backing Thune’s approach.

“There’s been enough dithering,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La.. “It’s time to go and let the chips fall where they may.”

Trump has made the SAVE America Act a priority ahead of the midterm elections, arguing that Republicans need it to win — even as his party&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-election-certification-capitol-b8284b9b6b22f78ab7f23f8c8b3c3da3">won the presidency</a>&nbsp;and congressional majorities in 2024 without it. Federal law already requires that voters in national elections be U.S. citizens.

“It’ll guarantee the midterms,” he told House Republicans Monday at their annual retreat at his Florida golf club. “If you don’t get it, big trouble.”

But Trump's push is running into the realities of the Senate, where minority Democrats can filibuster any piece of legislation and force Republicans to find 60 votes when they only hold 53 seats. Democrats uniformly oppose the legislation, arguing that it would disenfranchise some 20 million American voters who don’t have birth certificates or other documents readily available.

Republicans could change the rules and eliminate the filibuster to pass it, or they could attempt the talking filibuster. But Thune says they don’t have enough support within the GOP conference to do either.

Even if they did, a talking filibuster would not guarantee passage. Supporters of that approach say that Democrats would eventually tire of speaking or allow the legislation to pass. But Democrats would also be allowed to bring up an indefinite number of amendments on any subject, forcing Republicans to take hard votes in an election year and delaying the process even more.

“We can’t find a piece of legislation in history that’s been passed that way,” Thune said this week.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who has led the talking filibuster push with Trump, posted on X Tuesday that the “Senate should do everything it can in an effort to pass” the bill.

“While passage isn’t guaranteed, we can be certain that failure will be the outcome if we don’t try," Lee wrote.

But leaving a GOP conference meeting on Tuesday, several senators said it was time to move on the legislation, even if they couldn’t accommodate the president’s procedural demands.

“I think we just go ahead and try to get on the bill,” said Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas.

Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson suggested that they should debate the bill on the floor for an extended time. There should not be a “one and done vote,” he said.

“Our base would scream about that and that wouldn’t be smart,” Johnson said.

There was little anger at Thune, as many of his GOP colleagues agree that eliminating the filibuster would be unwise and the talking filibuster would be risky. Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-filibuster-resistance-senate-thune-shutdown-e2facc2a1a32811d294b1bd16853f307">long pushed back on efforts to “nuke” the filibuster</a>, arguing that minority rights need to be preserved for legislation.

“There’s a right way to do it, there’s a wrong way to do it,” said Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. “Nuking the filibuster doesn’t work. The talking filibuster would be a goat rodeo.”

Tillis said Thune “has the toughest job in Washington, D.C. He’s doing just fine. And he, quite honestly, has taken on a lot for the members.”

Trump said over the weekend that he also wants to add new priorities to the legislation, including a ban on mail-in ballots that he has pushed since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-fbi-seize-georgia-ballots-fulton-county-87300edb3ea86961c69132e6a2dfd6e8">losing the 2020 presidential election</a>. He said he also wants to add on two unrelated provisions around transgender rights issues — one that would ban those born as men from playing in women’s sports and another to block sex reassignment surgeries on some minors.

“Let’s go for the gold,” Trump told the House Republicans.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday at the Florida retreat that they are “looking at mechanisms” to do that, even though the House has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/midterms-voting-laws-photo-id-citizenship-republicans-feecb51a6efa41cf32d18fe4b15c08ce">passed the bill</a>&nbsp;and sent it to the Senate. But it’s unclear if a ban on mail-in ballots would pass the House, as they are popular in many states.

Thune said that the House would probably have to pass a new bill to add those issues.

“It would probably make sense for them to send over another version,” he said.

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Lisa Mascaro in Washington and Steven Sloan in Doral, Florida contributed to this report.

Senate to consider voting bill co-sponsored by Kan. U.S. Senator

LYON COUNTY —A Kansas Highway Trooper in southeast Kansas stopped a car for failing to maintain its lane, according to a social media report from the patrol

During the stop, he noticed blood on the outside of the bed of the truck and upon further investigation, located a deceased buck which had just been poached. 

The Trooper contacted Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks was to assist. The game warden seized 2 rifles and the poachers were given over $5,500 in fines.

Kansas game warden seized rifles and issued fines after traffic stop

SHAWNEE COUNTY. —Law enforcement are investigating a violent domestic incident and have made an arrest.

Just after 3:38 p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the 4200 block of SE 85th Street in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the incident, a 61-year-old man sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being physically assaulted by his daughter. During the disturbance, the suspect, later identified as 39-year-old&nbsp;Chelsea M. Sinning of Berryton, Kansas,&nbsp;also discharged a firearm in the victim’s direction, striking the cell phone he was holding.

Deputies responded to the area and began searching for Sinning. At approximately 4:42 p.m., Sinning was located and taken into custody in the 2100 block of SW 66th Street. The firearm involved was also recovered.

Deputies arrested Sinning and booked her into the Shawnee County

Department of Corrections on requested charges of Attempted murder in the 1st degree; intentional and premeditated, Aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon,&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal damage to property,&nbsp;&nbsp;Domestic battery, Possession of marijuana and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.

Kansas woman jailed for alleged violent attack on her father

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects involved in a chase and crash involving an SUV stolen from a dealership.

Just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday, Kansas City Police officers were pursuing a stolen blue Ford Explorer that was involved in numerous property crimes, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

The stolen Ford was traveling westbound on Independence Avenue at a high rate of speed. The driver attempted to make a left turn from Independence Avenue onto southbound Indiana. As the driver was making the turn, the SUV went into a slide and struck the curb. The Ford overturned, striking a wooden electrical pole and the east side of the building at&nbsp;3253 Independence Avenue. 

The driver of the Ford sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The front seat passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries but refused medical treatment/transport at the scene. 

The building and electrical pole sustained minor damage from the crash. The driver was reported in stable condition. There were no injuries to any of the involved officers and or uninvolved civilians as a result of the pursuit, according to&nbsp;Gonzalez.

KCPD: Driver hospitalized after police chase, crash with stolen SUV 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">took out multiple Iranian vessels</a>&nbsp;Tuesday as the Islamic Republic vowed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-gas-infrastructure-iran-war-persian-gulf-24c4b439d2c6a5b571fea90e4d1227d8">block the region's oil exports</a>&nbsp;and concerns grew about the country's threats to stop tankers from using a waterway through which 20% of the world’s oil is shipped.

The U.S. destroyed 16 mine-laying Iranian vessels, though President Donald Trump said in social media posts that there were no reports of Iran planting explosives in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strait-hormuz-us-protests-persian-gulf-db7159d715453977279ab9cfd918e6e4">Strait of Hormuz</a>.

The American military released the figure, along with unclassified footage of some of the vessels, after Trump earlier warned Iran against laying mines in the strait.

Both sides sharpened their rhetoric as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump--03-10-2026">the war entered its 11th day</a>&nbsp;with Trump threatening to hit Iran at “a level never seen before” if the country failed to immediately remove any mines it might have deployed in the channel.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised the most intense strikes yet while the Pentagon detailed the broader toll of injuries sustained by U.S. troops.

The conflict's effects rippled across the Middle East&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-oil-prices-gasoline-economy-consumers-a5b47c09f83406adf2a00616382003f6">and beyond</a>. Iranian leaders ruled out talks, threatened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;and launched new attacks against Israel and Gulf Arab countries.

In Iran, residents of Tehran said they experienced some of the war's heaviest strikes. A woman said she saw a residential building get hit. She and others reached by The Associated Press spoke on condition of anonymity to prevent reprisals. Tens of thousands of Iranians have sought shelter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iranians-fleeing-war-73ed7f61f88e411b5fb13a888eb45cb3">in the countryside</a>.

🎥New details as US strikes 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal apartment fire in Topeka have&nbsp;identified the woman who died as Lynette Newman, 60, of Topeka, according to a statement released Tuesday from the Topeka Fire Department.

Just after 9p.m. March 4, crews&nbsp;responded to an apartment fire located at 715 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;

Crews reported on arrival that there was heavy smoke coming from the multi-family apartment complex. Firefighters began an aggressive interior attack on the fire from within the structure. Firefighters rescued several residents from the structure. Four people were transported to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.

Newman was pronounced deceased at the scene. 9 apartment units were displaced by the fire.

&nbsp;The preliminary cause of the fire was determined unattended cooking and not an accidental electrical fire.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details on Tuesday.

Kansas woman identified as victim in deadly apartment fire

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

TOPEKA — Douglas County District Judge James McCabria declined Tuesday to pause enforcement of a new state law that invalidated driver’s licenses and criminalizes bathroom use for transgender residents, saying he doesn’t have enough information yet and that he believes Kansans are tolerant.

In a six-page ruling — which includes a section titled “Who to believe?” — McCabria said attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union and Attorney General Kris Kobach provided no examples to support their claims that the law will harm transgender people or that the law makes bathrooms more secure.

“In hearing the arguments of each side, the Court is struck by a basic assumption each side makes about the other — that our ‘lesser angels’ drive our choices,” McCabria wrote. “Yet, the very paucity of actual examples that&nbsp;either side&nbsp;has put forward in&nbsp;any&nbsp;of the arguments suggests the opposite — that the vast majority of Kansans are tolerant, understanding, accepting and generally supportive of each other and that the vast majority of transgender persons have experienced this as Kansans.”

Two transgender 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 Feb. 26</a>, the day the law took effect, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to due process, privacy, equality and expression. They also argue the law violates a constitutional requirement that bills passed by the Legislature contain only one subject.

Attorneys with the ACLU and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm represent the plaintiffs, who are identified by the pseudonyms Daniel Doe and Mathew Moe. They asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order, which would have paused enforcement of the law for 14 days, which a possible 14-day extension.

McCabria wrote in his decision that the request for a temporary restraining order requires plaintiffs to pass multiple legal tests: They have to demonstrate a likelihood of winning the case, show the law would cause immediate and irreparable harm, and show that a restraining order serves the public interest and no other remedy is available.

“The conclusion became self-evident — this Court simply does not have the information the law requires to enter a Temporary Restraining Order at this stage of the proceedings,” he wrote.

Plaintiffs can continue to provide evidence and arguments in support of an injunction, which would block enforcement of the law while the case is being litigated. McCabria scheduled a case management conference for March 18.

“This is a devastating, but hopefully temporary, setback for our clients and transgender people across the state of Kansas,” said Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU. “The harm of this law has already had sweeping impacts on the lives of transgender people like our clients, threatening their ability to hold a job, go to school, or go about their daily lives.”

The GOP-led Kansas Legislature this year fast-tracked&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, limiting public input and debate at every step. The Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the bill on Feb. 18, and the law took effect as soon as paperwork could be finalized.

Under the law, individuals in public buildings must use bathrooms and other private spaces, such as locker rooms, that align with their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender. It isn’t clear how governments, schools, universities, libraries and other entities are supposed to ensure proper bathroom use, but failure to do so will result in a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.

Individuals who use the “wrong” bathroom will receive a warning on first offense, a $1,000 fine for breaking the law on subsequent offenses, and be charged with a Class B misdemeanor crime on third and subsequent violations. They also are subject to civil lawsuits from anyone “aggrieved” by their bathroom choice.

Proponents said the law will make it safer for cisgender women to use the bathroom, even though there is no evidence to support the claim. They ignore the reality that the law now requires transgender men, who look and sound like men, to use the women’s bathroom.

In his ruling, McCabria said he rejected the assumption “that every restroom visit is fraught with the potential for violence or embarrassment if this law is not immediately suspended. Or, especially, to assume the Legislature intended to promote such negative experiences when the law was passed.”

The law also requires that gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates match an individual’s sex assigned at birth.

Shortly before the law took effect, the Kansas Department of Revenue sent letters to 275 residents who had changed their gender markers to let them know their driver’s licenses had been invalidated.

Kobach said during a court hearing Friday that 138 of the 275 individuals who were affected by the law had already gotten a new driver’s license.

“You can’t take it seriously, the impossibility of complying, when so many already have,” Kobach said.

Trans Liberty, a national advocacy group, announced Monday it was launching Operation Lifeboat to serve transgender Kansans who need support. The organization previously issued a statewide evacuation warning for transgender people.

Operation Lifeboat provides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.translifeboat.org/" target="_blank">an online portal</a>&nbsp;for trans people to request help with transportation, packing, hauling and getting settled somewhere else, breaking leases, emergency financial aid, legal guidance, DMV escorts and other assistance. Allies can offer to help as drivers, hosts, movers and donors.

“Our goal is to meet this moment with both urgency and compassion,” said Brandon Callahan, an incident commander for the operation. “This operation is built to provide real support to people who need it while coordinating the many individuals and organizations stepping forward to help.”

Kansas judge rejects attempt to block law that restricts bathroom use, invalidates driver’s licenses

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges for a 2023 murder in Kansas City, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2819/Canady-RED-COMPLAINT-TC">Terry W. Canady</a>, 33,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Shooting at a Person and Exhibiting), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2820/Canady-RED-PC-TCRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on March 31, 2023, and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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