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"

One suspect connected to stealing a vehicle from the Goodwill parking lot has been identified and is scheduled to appear in court, who was also booked for stabbing a woman multiple times

Original: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/499cc210-11de-4144-a57e-9cf520d1e40b">Ongoing investigation: Salina woman missing personal belongings and vehicle since Jan. 11</a>

According to the Salina Police Department 42-year old, Alesha&nbsp;Martinez-Reavis has been has been identified to be connected in the vehicle theft of a 58-year old female victim back on January 11.

Martinez-Reavis was arrested on February 9 for the theft of the victim's vehicle. She is scheduled to appear in Saline County District Court on March 30 for the vehicle theft.

She was later then arrested on February 24 for allegedly stabbing a woman multiple times at her home.

A male is also a suspect in this case and has not yet been identified, according to SPD.&nbsp;

The search for the male suspect is currently ongoing, according to SPD.

Salina Post will continue to provide updates regarding this case.

UPDATE: One suspect to appear in court regarding vehicle theft from Goodwill parking lot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The conflict could have far-reaching consequences

The expansion of Iranian retaliation across the Gulf and the intensity of the Israeli and American attacks, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>&nbsp;and the lack of any apparent exit plan portend a possibly prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences.

Iran has hit many countries deemed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-dubai-emirates-tourism-attack-b256f514b290c987b3004cc87744f038">safe havens in the Mideast</a>&nbsp;in retaliation for the U.S. and Israeli strikes. Recent targets include two Amazon data centers in the UAE and a drone impact near another in Bahrain that caused damage, the company said Tuesday. Iran has also hit energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and attacked several ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strait-hormuz-us-protests-persian-gulf-db7159d715453977279ab9cfd918e6e4">a fifth of all oil traded passes</a>, sending global oil and natural gas prices soaring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Israel and US target nuclear facilities and missile infrastructure

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

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

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

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

Trump said the military campaign’s objectives are to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, wipe out its navy, prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that it cannot continue to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-proxies-us-israel-hezbollah-war-b0f919b657bb33c464f6d943d7142464">support allied groups</a>&nbsp;like Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which fired missiles at Israel on Monday.

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

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

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

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

Attacks on Iran have drawn in proxy forces from around region

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 dead after 4-vehicle crash in Kansas City

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

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

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

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

Kan. total tax collections in February down from 2025

SEDGWICK—A man accused of in the deadly shooting of his mother-in-law in front of his 8-year-old son was back in court last week.

On Friday, Stephen Rogers entered a guilty plea to charges of second-degree murder and child endangerment in a hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Rousch, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Rogers was originally charged with first-degree murder.

In July, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 49-year-old Sharmaine Marlene Burke, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. Burke reported that her son-in-law, 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers of Wichita, was drunk and had threatened to shoot her. She also stated that her eight-year-old grandson, Rogers’ son, was inside the home at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park near Derby.&nbsp;

The 911 call-taker stayed on the line as deputies responded. A few minutes into the call, gunshots were heard, and the line went silent.

Deputies arrived at 11:41 p.m. and found Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Deputies and Sedgwick County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Burke succumbed to her injuries at 11:57 p.m.

Rogers and his son were not at the scene when deputies arrived. An immediate search for both the suspect and the child began. Deputies obtained critical information, including a description of Rogers’ vehicle, and shared it with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Rogers was found with his son in Butler County and arrested. His son was not injured.&nbsp; Rogers' sentencing is scheduled for May 8, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. man who killed his mother-in-law in front of 8-year-old enters plea

The U.S. Department of State urges Americans to depart now from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks. 

Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). ENROLL in <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcTuHc" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a> to get the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Americans urged to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations&nbsp;

On the evening of April 25, 2025 an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 200 block North 4th Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver, 29-year-old Adrian Duran, was taken into custody for giving the officer false information on his identity. He was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl.

On Feb. 28, police arrested Duran in the 700 block North 10th Street on a District Court warrant for possession of fentanyl, interference with law enforcement and defective tail lamps.&nbsp;

Kansas man caught with fentanyl gave police a fake name

WASHINGTON (AP) — Videos of former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bill-clinton">Bill Clinton</a>&nbsp;and former Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-hillary-bill-clinton-deposition-house-investigation-299d82e8549f4d994dcb081c3876585c">Hillary Clinton</a>&nbsp;answering questions about convicted sex offender&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;were released Monday by a House committee investigating the late financier.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-clinton-jeffrey-epstein-deposition-congress-9ea23ac5a5ffd1c7b9511e46308e8b21">recordings of the depositions</a>, which spanned hours over two days last week, were expected to show how both Clintons distanced themselves from Epstein. Bill Clinton told the committee that he had ended his relationship with Epstein years before the financier entered a guilty plea in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.

Hillary Clinton said she never even recalled meeting Epstein.

Still, they faced hours of questioning under oath from lawmakers who are searching for accountability for anyone who was aware or ignored Epstein's abuse of underage girls.

🎥 Under oath: Bill and Hillary Clinton's testimony on Jeffrey Epstein

MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after noon Monday in McPherson County, according to a media release from McPherson Police.

A witness told police a van was eastbound in 800 Block of East 1st Street. The vehicle traveled off the road, crossed oncoming westbound traffic and onto the grass and struck a tree at the southeast entrance of the McPherson High School parking lot.&nbsp; The driver identified as 62-year-old James Willis of McPherson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident remains under investigation.

Kansas man dies after crash near high school

On Monday, President Trump at a White House ceremony&nbsp;presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to&nbsp;three U.S. Army soldiers for extraordinary valor.

Among the honorees was Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Terry P. Richardson of Fort Riley, who was awarded the nation’s highest military decoration for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War on September 14, 1968. On that day, his courage and decisive leadership under enemy fire saved the lives of 85 fellow soldiers.

🎥Fort Riley’s 39th Medal of Honor recipient recognized at White House

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting that sent a Kansas man to the hospital in critical condition have tracked down a suspect.

At about 12:15 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a reported shooting in the 400 block of N. Clara Street in Wichita, according to a media release. Officers arrived and found a 38-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers provided medical aid until EMS arrived.

EMS transported the victim to a local hospital in critical condition. He is expected to survive his injuries.&nbsp;

The incident started as an argument between the 38-year-old victim and a 21-year-old suspect identified in county booking records as Damien Michael Farias,&nbsp;while they sat in their vehicles outside the home of a 25-year-old Wichita woman.&nbsp;

The argument continued after both men got out of their vehicles. Farias pulled a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim and a nearby residence, then left the scene before officers arrived.

Farias, the victim, and the woman knew each other.

&nbsp;Wichita Police Community Response Teams, the K-9 Unit and patrol officers began working to locate Farias.

At 7a.m. Sunday officers located Farias at a residence in north Wichita. He was taken into custody without incident. Officers also located the suspect’s vehicle in the 100 block of S. Sheridan. With assistance from a K-9, officers found a firearm in the area.&nbsp;

Police, K9 unit capture Kansas shooting suspect

SURPRISE, Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals today announced they have signed outfielder&nbsp;Starling Marte&nbsp;to a one-year Major League contract. Marte will wear No. 0.

In a corresponding move,&nbsp;the Royals designated outfielder&nbsp;Dairon Blanco&nbsp;for assignment.

Marte, 37, has played 14 seasons in the Major Leagues with Pittsburgh (2012-19), Arizona (2020), Miami (2020-21), Oakland (2021) and the Mets (2022-25). He’s a career .285 hitter with a .781 OPS, and is one of only 19 players in Major League history —and the only active player —with at least 150 home runs and 350 stolen bases.

He is the Major League leader among active players in stolen bases (361), hit-by-pitches (166) and outfield assists (107), and his 55 career triples are tied with&nbsp;Mike Trout&nbsp;for the most among active players.

Marte was an All-Star with the Pirates in 2016 and with the Mets in 2022, and won a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award in back-to-back seasons with Pittsburgh from 2015-16.

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