Word around Salina has been spread about a Central High School student-led, anti-ICE protest/walkout.

According to a social media account on Instagram "ice.out.3.4.26" on February 14, a post announced that Salina Central High School's local Youth Protection Alliance will be hosting a walkout against ICE at 12:40 pm, March 4.

The most recent post was published on Tuesday, which announce an "alternative" for those who were not able to attend the protest. The post encouraged those who were unable to attend are to "wear the color red to school to show your support in the matter."

Salina Post reached out to USD 305 for a comment and gave a statement issued by the instititution.

Below is the following statement by USD 305:

Salina Public Schools is aware of recent social media posts and emails circulating regarding a potential student walkout.

These messages did not originate from official district communications channels and were not approved by the district. Salina Public Schools is not sponsoring, organizing or endorsing any walkout activities.

Salina Public Schools values and respects student perspectives and recognizes students’ constitutional right to express their views in a lawful and peaceful manner. However, walkouts are not sponsored, organized or endorsed by any member of the staff, school or district. Our staff’s role remains neutral, with a focus on supporting student safety and maintaining a quality educational environment.

Salina Public Schools will continue to abide by all state and federal laws and Board of Education policies. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority as we maintain a safe, quality learning environment and protect instructional time. The school day will proceed as usual and SPS expects all students to attend class, adhering to our attendance policy.

We encourage families to have thoughtful, open conversations with their students about civic engagement and expectations surrounding school attendance. We thank our parents, guardians and community for their partnership in maintaining a safe, conducive learning environment that supports student success.

Central high school students organize and plan anti-ICE walkout

All games are LIVE and FREE to watch.

UPCOMING GAMES:&nbsp;&nbsp;All games are live and free to watch Wed. 3/4 6PM - Sacred Heart Boys vs Bennington &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - SES Girls vs Caney Valley &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Salina Central Girls vs Salina South

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

1510 E Iron Ave, Salina – Great location with convenient access and visibility. Office space available for immediate lease. Ideal for professional services, medical, or administrative use. Close to Indian Rock Park and USD 305 offices.

For Information Contact: Jeff Maes or Mike Wilson at (785) 493-8500, <a href="mailto:jeffm@comprorealty.com">jeffm@comprorealty.com</a>&nbsp;or <a href="mailto:mwilson@comprorealty.com">mwilson@comprorealty.com</a>

Salina man with outstanding warrants rides bike on wrong side of road and gives false name before arrest

A woman was scammed to send over $500 by an individual acting as an employee from a law enforcement agency.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday at around 9:00 am, a 36-year old female living outside city limits reported the incident.

SPD reported the woman stated that a known associate had been arrested on February 28. Later that same day she received a phonecall from an individual with a foreign accent, who claimed to be from the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

The caller indicated her associate, who was released from jail, "needed to obtain an ankle monitor and send money."

The woman then sent $300 to the caller via Venmo, but the individual stated the amount was not enough.

 She then sent an additional amount of $769 in gift cards to the caller.

SPD is reminding the public the Sheriff's Office will never ask or demand for a monetary transaction over the phone. If you receive a call like this, IT IS A SCAM.

Police: Bad actor scams woman to send over $500 over phone

An investigation is ongoing as two juveniles are suspects in damaging convenience stores and stealing over $1,000 worth of items.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday at around 11:00 pm, an officer on patrol received reports about two Rod's convenience stores being damaged, with one being being burglarized.

Reportedly, the glass door at Rod's 5 (680 S. Phillips) was damaged, but no entry was made.

However, the same incident occured at Rod's 1 (1401 S. Santa Fe) but was burglarized as $1,200 worth of vapes were stolen.

SPD has looked into surveillance video and determined two juveniles that committed the crimes.

Investigation ongoing: Two convenience stores damaged and over $1,000 of vapes stolen

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;Failure to appear; Battery; Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke; Agg intimidation of witness/victim; Threat; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Stalking; After served a protection order prohibiting contact; 2nd or subs; Viol protection order; Abuse order

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Magee,Louis Norman Charles

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Smith,Brittney Cheyenne

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct; Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Distribute marijuana; &lt; 25 grams; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 3.5 - &lt; 100 grams; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 3

Statistics say colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer found in both men and women. But fortunately, colorectal cancer found early is often highly curable.

In recognition of national Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the Tammy Walker Cancer Center at Salina Regional Health Center is leading an initiative to provide 800 free colorectal cancer screening kits to anyone ages 45 to 75. 

The screening is recommended for those who have not had a recent colonoscopy. Kits can be picked up at all Salina, Abilene, Concordia, Minneapolis and Lindsborg pharmacies while supplies last.

“The screening uses an advanced fecal blood test that requires only one sample and has no food or drug restrictions,” said Daniel Craig, cancer outreach coordinator at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center. “Once completed, the samples can then be mailed to the Cancer Center for lab analysis using a pre-paid postage envelope provided. Results of the test will be returned to both the patient and their primary care physician.”

Participants in the screening should return their samples for analysis by May 30. Health officials recommend all men and women have a colonoscopy at age 45 to screen for colorectal cancer. Between colonoscopies patients can screen with a fecal blood test. 

Other tests may also be recommended by your physician. Those with a family history of the disease should consider screening at a younger age. African-Americans are also known to be at an increased risk for colorectal cancer.

Pharmacies distributing the screening kits include:

B&amp;K Prescription Shop, CVS Pharmacy, Dillons Pharmacy-Crawford Street, Dillons Pharmacy-Planet Avenue, Dillons Pharmacy-Cloud Street, Patterson Key Rexall, Sam's Club Pharmacy, Walgreens Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy, Salina Regional Health Center Pharmacy and Salina Family Healthcare Pharmacy. 

Auburn Pharmacy, Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy and Harvey Drug. 

The screening kits also can be picked up at the Saline County Health Department. Grant funding from the Salina Charities League and Salina Regional Health Foundation is helping to underwrite the screening.

For more information about the free colorectal cancer screening kits contact Daniel Craig by calling (785) 452-4848 or email dacraig@srhc.com. Kits can also be mailed to interested participants by contacting Craig.

Free colorectal cancer screening kits available in March throughout central Kansas

Salina Presbyterian Manor has proudly received a generous equipment donation from Jeff Bieber, providing meaningful support to campus operations and resident services—especially during the community’s ongoing renovation project.

Jeff personally funded the purchase of a customized John Deere Gator utility vehicle for the community. He collaborated closely with Prairieland Partners John Deere, including Sales Representative Wyatt Travnicek, and the Presbyterian Manor team to ensure the vehicle was tailored to meet the specific needs of the campus.

The new utility vehicle will support daily grounds maintenance, transportation across campus, and essential operational needs. With construction currently underway, the Gator will be especially valuable for navigating work zones while maintaining safety and efficiency.

Matt, the community’s groundskeeper, plays a vital role in creating and maintaining a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents. This new equipment will significantly enhance his ability to continue that work during this important season of growth.

“Jeff’s generosity comes at a pivotal time for our community,” said Melissa Brumbaugh, Executive Director of Salina Presbyterian Manor. “As we work through renovations, this gift allows our team to move efficiently and safely throughout campus. It directly supports the work our staff does every day to make sure our residents receive the highest quality of care, and we are deeply grateful.”

Jenni Jones, Director of Giving, also shared her appreciation.

 “We are truly thankful to Jeff Bieber for this thoughtful gift. The John Deere Gator is more than just a vehicle—it strengthens our ability to care for our beautiful campus and the residents who call it home. This donation meets a real and meaningful need, and it reflects the spirit of compassion and community that makes Salina so special.”

Prairieland Partners John Deere proudly serves communities across Kansas with 15 locations, offering equipment, parts, and expert service to customers statewide.

Presbyterian Manor receives generous gift meeting essential maintenance needs

Starting March 7 the Stutzmans gardening show will be back live on 910 AM/107.5 FM KINA.

Every Saturday starting March 7 from 7:30 am - 8:00 am, this 30 minute live show will provide each listener with essential information and tips on gardening throughout the season.&nbsp;

"This has been a wonderful program for us and you can look at this show as a information highway for gardening," said Ben Miller, owner of Stutzmans. "You are dealing with the number one hobby in the world."

Furthermore, the Stutzmans gardening store in Salina is set to open at the Central Mall this upcoming April.

Tune in this Saturday, March 7 on 910 AM/107.5 FM KINA,

<a href="https://910kina.com/">Click here to listen live on your digital device.</a>

Stutzmans live gardening show back on KINA providing essential info and tips throughout the season

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

<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

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/election-primary-3-3-2026">midterms</a>&nbsp;are here. The 2026 campaign kicked off Tuesday with high-profile primary elections in Texas, where Republican Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-cornyn">John Cornyn</a>&nbsp;is heading toward a runoff vote against state attorney general&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ken-paxton">Ken Paxton</a>. Democrats chose state Rep. James Talarico over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett to be their candidate.

For all the focus on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-primary-senate-cornyn-paxton-hunt-crockett-talarico-121c1591bb8406d3edfdb63a2c0c3ab8">Texas</a>, elections in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-primary-senate-house-007a4f9cff708d441b79e20f089c6306">North Carolina</a>&nbsp;could have a bigger impact on which party ultimately wins the Senate majority in the fall.

In the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-cornyn-talarico-paxton-crockett-iran-27689b2580fc24517ab12db8d7f110a5">first election</a>&nbsp;since President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;joined Israel in launching dramatic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">attacks on Iran</a>, there were also contests in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-primary-huckabee-sanders-cotton-24c6f499359b9c3d19a15a118ac4ede5">Arkansas</a>.

Here are some takeaways from Tuesday night.

By rallying behind Talarico, the party sided with someone who pledged to change Washington while finding consensus.

The 36-year-old state representative’s win over Crockett cements his status as a rising star and will likely make him one of Democrats’ most prominent candidates this year. He campaigned with denunciations of “politics as a blood sport” and an insistence that people want “a return to more timeless values of sincerity and honesty and compassion and respect.”

That was in contrast to Crockett, who gained national fame with her fiery style and unabashed antagonism of Trump and other Republicans.

Indeed, the biggest differences between Talarico and Crockett largely hinged on style rather than policy.

Crockett argued that Democrats need to focus on energizing their base, betting that motivated voters in metropolises like Houston and Dallas could swamp Republicans. Talarico’s campaign, meanwhile, took a more expansive approach, often highlighting his faith in ways that could appeal beyond diehard Democrats.

That style is why many Republicans are worried about Talarico’s candidacy. Though a Democrat hasn’t won a statewide race in Texas since 1994, Talarico’s campaign could prove potent depending on who emerges from the Republican runoff.

The election isn’t over for Republicans in Texas

Cornyn and Paxton will keep fighting for the Republican nomination through a May 26 runoff.

For Cornyn, the results keep alive his hopes of remaining in the Senate. But it’s still a sign of vulnerability that he couldn’t win the race outright.

Although Cornyn has expressed occasional skepticism of Trump, he has been a reliable ally to the president. Paxton, however, claimed he was more aligned with Trump’s Make America Great Again movement, pulling away support that may have otherwise gone to Cornyn.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-texas-cornyn-paxton-hunt-gop-primary-cd31dbec10c54ce230ae915e51cbccf0">didn’t endorse</a>&nbsp;either candidate during the primary, but the results may raise pressure on him to take a side. Republicans in Washington have expressed concern that Paxton, who has well-documented political baggage, may be a weaker candidate in the general election.

Regardless of what happens, expect more cash to be pumped into the race. Cornyn and well-funded allied groups spent at least $64 million in television advertising alone since July.

While the race goes on, one person will be missing:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-hunt-paxton-cornyn-c89ebc6ca776bf5793b73913550d92c6">Wesley Hunt</a>. The congressman was a late entry into what had been a head-on contest between Cornyn and Paxton. His presence in the race further divided Republicans, making the runoff harder to avoid.

The first elections of the year weren’t entirely smooth sailing

In two major Texas counties — Dallas and Williamson — there was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-midterms-voters-polls-democrats-republicans-5ffabf9d6b60d42d4fc84b9c06d93ae4">significant confusion</a>&nbsp;over where voters could cast their ballot. For years, they could vote anywhere in the county. But for this primary, the local Republican parties opted against countywide voting.

With state law mandating that both parties have to agree to use the countywide system, voters could only vote at their assigned precinct — forcing many to figure out where exactly that was.

Things quickly turned messy, with lawsuits, changes to voting hours and Democrats calling foul. Crockett called the rule change an “effort to suppress the vote.” Talarico’s campaign said it was “deeply concerned.”

Political parties run their own primaries in Texas, meaning a repeat of Tuesday’s confusion is unlikely to repeat in November.

But this isn’t happening in a vacuum. Texas is central to Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/redistricting">redistricting</a>&nbsp;effort to protect Republicans’ narrow majority in the House.

The party has also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-gop-save-act-midterm-election-voting-a9a4f256fef5b1c9899f74abc5fddafa">pushed legislation</a>&nbsp;that would impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements. The bill is a long shot in the Senate but serves as another reminder of Republican efforts to change election rules heading into November.

In addition, any raw feelings could complicate Democrats’ chances later this year. Crockett’s campaign has said she’ll sue over voting problems, and her accusations of voter suppression are important in a state where Black voters are central to any Democratic candidate’s success.

If Talarico has a shot, he will likely need Crockett’s help in encouraging her disappointed supporters to back him.

A critical Senate race takes shape in North Carolina

One of this year’s marquee Senate contests was practically a done deal heading into Tuesday.

Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/roy-cooper">Roy Cooper</a>&nbsp;will face Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-north-carolina-whatley-senate-cooper-cb3b4109f85bf2f23fee93f05f253d7b">Michael Whatley</a>&nbsp;in a race that’s critical to deciding control of the Senate in November.

Both parties have reason to feel confident about their chances in the general election.

For Democrats, Cooper is an ideal candidate in one of the most politically competitive states. A former two-term governor, he has proved that he can win statewide elections.

Republicans, meanwhile, are going into the campaign with a candidate who is backed by Trump, an endorsement that could help energize voters during an otherwise challenging year. And as the former chair of the Republican National Committee, Whatley is familiar with party resources and how they can be deployed during a tough campaign.

Still, each candidate must overcome notable challenges. While Democrats like Cooper have been successful in races for governor, they’ve struggled in Senate contests. Whatley will also need to make inroads with moderate or independent voters that may not view Trump’s endorsement as a reason to turn out in November. Trump is the reason this is an open Senate contest in the first place. His disagreements with the incumbent Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/thom-tillis">Thom Tillis</a>, prompted the two-term senator to decide against reelection.

Get ready for what could be a messy race to November — one where spending could hit $1 billion.

🎥Takeaways from the first elections of the 2026 midterm campaigns

WICHITA —Voters in Wichita overwhelmingly rejected authorizing the city to levy a 1% sales tax, with a combined total rate of 8.5%, expiring on June 30, 2033, for&nbsp;public safety, housing services, convention center improvements, property tax relief, and a performing arts center.

Meanwhile voters in Hutchinson approved a proposed ¾-cent (0.75%) city sales tax in a closely contested special election. The increase will raise the total city sales tax rate from 8.25% to 9% and is for a limited 10-year period.

According to unofficial results from the Reno County Clerk’s Office, the measure passed with 2,316 votes in favor and 2,166 votes opposed, a margin of 150 votes. Just over 16 percent of the registered voters voted in the election.&nbsp;

Wichita, Hutchinson voters go different directions on sales tax

LANSING, Kansas. –&nbsp;Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Raymond Michael Sanders, 32, died Tuesday afternoon, according to statement from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 Sanders was found unresponsive in his cell. Staff and Emergency Medical Service personnel administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Sanders was serving a 10-month sentence for parole violations. He previously served 33 months on four convictions of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer in Jefferson County, Kansas.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Kan. inmate with conviction of assault on law enforcement officer found dead

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tensions flared as questions mounted at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">shifting rationale</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">war with Iran</a>&nbsp;as lawmakers demand answers over the strategy, exit plan and costs to Americans in lives and dollars for what is quickly becoming a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-war-israel-strait-or-hormuz-deaths-f1619c6bfbbd5fe10857ff0af073aa0e">widening Middle East conflict</a>.

Trump officials made their case at the Capitol during a second day of closed-door briefings, this time with all members of the House and Senate ahead of a looming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>&nbsp;vote intended to restrict Trump’s ability to continue the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-netanyahu-trump-support-ef032c6370bd31294cab5641a57ba8af">joint U.S.-Israel campaign</a>&nbsp;against Iran.

“The president determined we were not going to get hit first. It’s that simple,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a testy exchange with reporters at the Capitol.

Rubio pushed back on his own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">suggestion</a>&nbsp;a day earlier that Trump decided to strike Iran because Israel was ready to act first. Instead, he said Trump made the decision to attack this past weekend because it presented a unique opportunity with maximum chance for success.

“There is no way in the world that this terroristic regime was going to get nuclear weapons, not under Donald Trump’s watch,” he said.

The sudden pivot to a U.S. wartime footing has disrupted the political and policy agenda on Capitol Hill and raised uneasy questions about the risks ahead for a prolonged conflict and regime change after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>. At least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">six U.S. military service personnel have died</a>&nbsp;so far.

The situation has intensified the push in Congress for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-powers-act-trump-congress-9e6832fb5f5f844acf8992008d3a8d63">war powers resolution</a>&nbsp;— among the most consequential votes a lawmaker can take, with the war well underway — as administration officials are telling lawmakers they will likely need supplemental funds to pay for the conflict. It comes at the start of a highly competitive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/election-primary-3-3-2026">midterm election season</a>&nbsp;that will test Trump’s slim GOP control of Congress.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer left the closed hearing, saying he was concerned about “mission creep” in a long war.

Senators demand answers, and some cheer Trump on

Senators spent the morning grilling Trump officials during an Armed Services Committee hearing over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-68d78b2215cc6c021937859ce852e1f2">Rubio’s claim</a>&nbsp;Monday that the president, believing that Israel was ready to act, decided it was better for the U.S. to launch a preemptive strike to prevent Iran’s potential retaliation on American military bases and interests abroad.

Sen. Angus King, the independent from Maine, said it’s “very disturbing” that Trump took the U.S. to war because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-netanyahu-trump-support-ef032c6370bd31294cab5641a57ba8af">Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;wanted to bomb Iran. Past U.S. presidents, he said, “have consistently said, ‘No.’”

Defense official Elbridge Colby told senators the president directed the military campaign to destroy Iranian missiles and deny the country nuclear weapons.

Trump himself disputed the idea that Israel had forced his hand. In his own Oval Office remarks, he said, “I might might have forced their hand.”

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Trump ally from Oklahoma, said the president “did the world a favor.”

“How about we say, ‘Thank you, Mr. President, for finally getting rid of this nuisance,’” he said.

But Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., demanded to know how this fits into Trump’s “America First” campaign promise not to commit U.S. troops to protracted military campaigns abroad.

Trump has suggested the war could drag on, and has not ruled out sending American troops into Iran.

“’America First’ and ‘peace through strength’ are served by rolling back — as the military campaign is designed to do — the threats posed,” Colby responded. “This is certainly not nation-building. This is not going to be endless.”

What’s next for the Iranian regime and its people

Questions are growing over who will lead Iran after the death of Khamenei, who has ruled the country for decades, and worries of a leadership vacuum that creates unrest.

Democrats warned against sending U.S. military troops into Iran after more than two decades of war in Iraq and Afghanistan in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

“I am more fearful than ever we may be putting boots on the ground,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., after the closed briefing.

And while House Republicans applauded in support of the Trump administration’s operations, warning signs flared.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said he supports the operation, for now. “My flag starts going up, the longer this goes, my flag starts going up, the more there’s boots on the ground,” he said.

Many lawmakers expressed concern over the number of Americans calling their offices seeking help evacuating from the region as the war spreads. “It’s getting worse, not better,” said Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger.

Trump, in calling for Iranians to seize this opportunity to take back their country, has acknowledged the uncertainty.

“Most of the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said Tuesday. He also panned the idea of elevating Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran’s last shah, to take over in Iran.

Republicans insist it’s not for the Americans to decide the future of Iran.

“That’s going to be largely up to the Iranian people,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said flatly, “We have no ability to get into the nation-building business.”

War powers resolutions become a consequential vote

Both the House and Senate are preparing to vote on war powers resolutions that would restrain Trump’s ability to continue waging war on Iran without approval from Congress.

Under the U.S. Constitution, it’s up to Congress, not the president, to decide when the country goes to war. But lawmakers often shirk that duty, enabling the executive branch to amass more power to send the military into combat without congressional approval.

“Why are we spending billions of dollars to bomb Iran?” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who said there would be strong support from Democrats for the resolution.

But Johnson has said it would be “frightening” and “dangerous” to tie the president’s hands at this time, when the U.S. is already engaged in combat.

Other lawmakers have suggested that if Congress does not vote to restrain Trump, it should next consider an Authorization of the Use of Military Force, which would require lawmakers to go on record with affirmative support for the Iran operation.

“The reason why there’s so much consternation on our side is because President Trump has not given us a clear reason why he is in Iran,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. “If he wants to declare war on Iran, that is the job and responsibility of Congress under the Constitution.”

Former President George W. Bush sought, and received, authorization from Congress to launch the post-9/11 wars.

🎥Tensions flare: Lawmakers question Iran war’s costs, risks and strategy

MARION COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a teacher.

On February 23, the Marion County Sheriff's office Lt. Detective Aaron Christner received a report on inappropriate communication between a student and a teacher from Peabody-Burns High School, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

The investigation revealed the teacher had sexual contact with a student. With assistance from the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children's Task Force, further evidence was discovered. On Tuesday, 30-year-old Brett T.&nbsp; McGee was arrested. He was booked into jail just before noon Wednesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is listed as the&nbsp;Vocational Agriculture teacher at Peabody-Burns USD 398, according to the school web site.

The Marion County Sheriff asked that anyone with additional information on the case or any other mistreatment of a child to call them.

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