The Saline County Sheriff's Office has released Salina's Most Wanted list for March 2026.&nbsp;

The current number arrested is&nbsp;3,968.&nbsp;

All photos provided are courtesy of the Saline County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Agg. DV / DV

NAME:&nbsp;Bowser, Greg Lewis&nbsp;

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Crim. Threat / DV Batt. / Theft / Intimidation of Witness/Victim

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Poss. Opiate / Felon in Poss. Of Weapon / Crim. Use of Weapon x2 / Agg. Weapon Viol. By Felon / Poss. Para.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Poss Opiate

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Poss Meth / Poss Para

NAME:&nbsp;Greer, Annie Laura Love

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Theft x3 / Interfere w/ LEO x2

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Att Distribution of Methamphetamine / Paraphernalia / Possess Hydrocodone / Possess Marijuana / Use of cell phone in\ Felony / No drug tax stamp

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Forgery / Att. Forgery / Theft / Att. Theft

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Criminal Threat / DV

NAME:&nbsp;Lopez Ramirez, Jorge Javier

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate / DV

NAME:&nbsp;Martinez, Aaliyah Nichole

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Flee &amp; Elude

NAME:&nbsp;Martinez, Amanda Nicole

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss Opiate

NAME:&nbsp;McMillin, Shane Douglas

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Flee &amp; Elude x2 / Poss. Opiate

&nbsp;NAME:&nbsp;Owens, Ashley Renee

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Poss Opiates

NAME:&nbsp;Peterson, Guage Michaels

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Interfere w/ LEO / Theft x2 / FTA x2

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate / Interfere w/ LEO

NAME:&nbsp;Stebbins, Christopher Joel

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Burglary / Theft / Crim. Damage to Property

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Theft

Saline County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted — March 2026

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

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

For the latest forecast updates, visit&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 9 - March 11

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

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

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

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact (2); Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

NAME:&nbsp;Williams,Marcus Anthony

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 8

The City of Salina will host Free Landfill Day on Saturday, April 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill&nbsp;(4292 S. Burma Road).

Saline County residents with a Saline County license plate may dispose of normal household trash at no charge. 

Vehicles from other counties will be charged standard tipping fees. 

Commercial haulers are welcome; standard commercial rates apply, and they will receive priority access.

A large turnout is expected, and delays are possible. Visitors are asked to follow staff directions, obey posted signage, remain on approved roadways, and use caution. Removing landfill property, including items disposed of by others, is strictly prohibited.

The landfill will not accept automobiles, batteries, corrosive, explosive, flammable, hazardous, liquid (including paint), reactive, or toxic waste; machinery; storage tanks; vehicle or equipment wreckage; or items containing Freon.

The following items will be accepted but are subject to standard tipping fees for both residential and commercial customers:

· Brick, concrete, rock, and other aggregates

· Roofing and other construction materials

· Waste requiring a Special Waste Permit from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)

A complete list of fees is available at <a href="http://salina-ks.gov/sw-landfill-fees">salina-ks.gov/sw-landfill-fees</a>.

The landfill will close promptly at 2:00 p.m., and no vehicles will be permitted entry after closing, even if a line remains. Normal business hours and fees will resume on Monday, April 20.

For more information, contact the landfill at (785) 826-7395.

City of Salina hosting free landfill day in April

All games are LIVE and FREE to watch.

UPCOMING GAMES: Saturday 3/7 at 5PM - SES Girls vs Hesston &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Sacred Heart Boys vs Classical School of Wichita

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Abuse order; ; Assault; Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm; Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+

NAME:&nbsp;Garcia,Wilfredo Waldmar

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DWS; 3rd or subs conv; Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation&nbsp;

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;McDowell,Tristian Pacey

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear; Fishing licenses required; Flee or attempt to elude;Commission of any felony

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 7

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Ted Bush, president of the Wichita Firefighters Union, on the recent southwest Kansas fires.

🎥 Forward Ever: Firefighters union president on southwest Kansas fires

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating five suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust in Huthinson.

On Thursday, March 5th, 2026, members of the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations Unit, Repeat Offender Unit, and Investigations Division served a search warrant related to suspected drug distribution at 2620 East 2nd Avenue in Hutchinson, according to a media release.

 As a result of the investigation, officers seized approximately 302 grams of methamphetamine, 239 grams of marijuana, 56 grams of THC wax, 14 pills, THC cartridges, one firearm, and U.S. currency. One juvenile was placed into police protective custody.

Following completion of the investigation, five were arrested.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Travis R. Boyd, 42,&nbsp; Hutchinson, is in custody on requested charges of Distribution of Opiates x2, Distribution of Hallucinogenic, Aggravated Endangering a Child, Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Opiates x2, Arrange Sale/Purchase of Controlled Substance Using a Communication Facility, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Jessica H. Ramey, 27,&nbsp; Salina, was arrested on requested charges of Possession of a Stimulant with 1 Prior Conviction, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Mark D. Benewiat, 57,&nbsp; Hutchinson, was arrested on requested charges of Distribution of Opiates, Arrange Sale/Purchase of Controlled Substance Using a Communication Facility, Possession of Opiates, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving While License Suspended.

Ashlynn N. Hamby Raya, 23, Great Bend, was arrested on requested charges of Distribution of Opiates, Distribution of Hallucinogenic, Sell/Distribute/Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Opiates, Possession of Marijuana with 1 Prior Conviction, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Rhyen J. Naab, 31, Hesston, was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Stimulants with 1 Prior Conviction, Possession of Marijuana with 2 Prior Convictions, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Salina woman among 5 jailed after drug bust

This week in Topeka was a heavy one. We were deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague, Rep. John Resman. It was a sobering reminder that while the bills we debate are important, our highest calling is simply to love one another and cherish the gift of life.

Here is a quick look at three major votes from the House floor and a peek at what’s coming next week:

Supporting Our Military Families (HB 2767)

I voted YES to establish the Kansas Military Affairs Commission. This ensures Kansas remains a top-tier home for the armed forces and their families. Having worked for two members of Congress, I’ve seen how vital a unified state and federal effort is - it’s how we brought the "Big Red One" back to Fort Riley.

Our state is home to a massive community of heroes. As of late 2025/early 2026:

· 15,133 National Guard and Reserve Members.

· 40,000+ Military spouses and children living in our communities.

Strengthening Oversight, Not Bureaucracy (Sub for HB 2427)

I voted NO on a bill to create new "Fiscal Integrity Auditor" positions.

· The Cost: This would add $227,500 in new state spending for FY 2027.

· The Issue: I believe it’s the Legislature’s job to do the "deep dive" into the budget ourselves. We shouldn't outsource our constitutional responsibility to unelected auditors whose recommendations can simply be ignored.

I voted NO on the new gaming compact with the Wyandotte Nation. 

My vote was based on principle: I am concerned about the societal impact of gambling and believe we should focus on policies that promote genuine wealth creation for the working class.

A Bill to Watch: Protecting Kids Online (SB 372)

Next week, we start work on a bill to protect children from harmful content on mobile apps. I want to protect our kids, but I want to get the "how" right.

Thank you to the many constituents who have reached out to share their thoughts on these crucial issues. Hearing from you helps me as I work to represent over 23,000 people from the 71st District in your Kansas House of Representatives.

Rep. Steven Howe gives legislative update: Day 54 of 90

The Kansas Masonic Foundation has selected the state winners of their annual essay contest. Two of the state winners were from this area. 

Grant Rice, senior at Minneapolis Jr./Sr. High School placed fourth, and Ellie Riekhof, a senior at Salina Central High School, received an honorable mention.

The students and their parents were honored at an awards dinner at the Salina Lodge #60 on March 2nd.

Bob Shively, CAE, CFRE, the Executive Director of The Kansas Masonic Foundation, told the group, “The Essay Contest has been in existence for 60 years. The contest is open to juniors and seniors in Kansas tax-supported public high schools. Each year, the Masonic Foundation donates $12,000 to deserving high school students for their essays.”

The theme for 2025 was to write about what it means to be a Mason. The students had to interview a Mason and write about what they learned. Both students read their essays for the ceremony.

Grant Rice, son of Jamie and Dana Rice, talked about the brotherhood of Masonry. He has played basketball and baseball for four years and lettered all four years. For six years, he has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and served on the Leadership Team for four years. He was a member of Future Farmers of America for four years and participated in Extemporaneous Speaking contests. He played summer baseball and coached a youth summer travel baseball team. Grant plans to attend Fort Hays State University and get a degree in Applied Technology for business and industry. He was presented with a $1,000 check.

Ellie Riekhof, daughter of John and Dr. Alison Riekhof, discussed the Masons’ charitable work. She has been involved with the book club, softball, choir, and orchestra for four years. She is a soprano and has been involved with several of the Salina Center for Theatre Arts productions. At the 2025 Kansas Thespian Festival, she received an Excellent Thespys rating in the solo musical contest. Recently, she and several Central High students performed at Carnegie Hall. She plays first base and right field in softball. Ellie plans to attend St. Olaf College in Minnesota to pursue softball and choir. She was presented with a $500 check.

Lincoln Wilson, Kansas Masonic Foundation President, told the group that the essay contest is the organization’s effort to let the next generation learn about Masonry.

Last December, the Minneapolis Lodge consolidated with the Salina Lodge. One of their upcoming joint events will be sponsoring Free Cancer Screenings. They will work KU Medical Center and the Tammy Walker Center to provide these free screenings on October 10th and October 17th.

Salina student selected as state winner in Masonic Foundation's annual essay contest

Saline County Emergency Management

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

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

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <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 — Five Democratic candidates vying to unseat U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall told more than 150 people Sunday how they will deliver in Washington, D.C., if the state can flip the seat blue.

While sharing their experience and goals for Kansas, the five took a few shots at Marshall. They&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU4oovkjmWY" target="_blank">were on stage</a>&nbsp;during the closing day of the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual meeting, which began Friday at Townsite Topeka.

“I just want you to know I’m ready, willing and able to send Roger Marshall back to Florida for good,” said Sandy Spidel Neumann, who is challenging Marshall for his Senate seat.

Democrats have accused Marshall of living at his second residence in Florida more than his Kansas residence, an accusation Marshall denies.

Spidel Neumann said she made the decision to run, after a long career in financial services, after seeing Marshall storm out of a town hall.

“I saw Roger Marshall’s infamous town hall, and I saw him walk out on Kansans — people that reminded me of my cousins who voted for Trump and Marshall,” she said. “It was so bad that I thought, ‘Oh, hell to the no, you work for us, and we need somebody to fight for us.’ I’m that person.”

The five candidates talked about issues they’ve heard from Kansans as they’ve toured the state, echoing many of the same challenges other candidates spoke about at the convention: education, immigration, health care, tariffs and reproductive rights.

Erik Murray, a real estate developer, said the “politician-created problems,” such as tariffs and tax policies that benefit billionaires, “are tearing apart the fabric of our communities.”

“We know that this is a country of immigrants, and protecting and standing up for folks is what we believe in,” Murray said. “So we’ve got to restore our Kansas values in Washington.”

Anne Parelkar, an immigration attorney, called for a full investigation of what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been doing nationwide.&nbsp;

“The American people need and deserve to see everything that they have done and everything that has gone wrong,” she said. “We deserve the truth, and if that investigation shows us that there isn’t anything in that entity worth saving, then we abolish it, and we use that money for actual immigration reform that serves our people in our country.”

Spidel Neumann called for body cameras, the elimination of masks and better training.

“We need them to have the right goals,” she said, noting that ICE agents have goals set based on the number of arrests, rather than on convictions or other criteria.

Jason Hart, an assistant U.S. district attorney, said his job for 21 years has been “standing in the breach against bullies” for marginalized communities.

“You have to be there and be able to hold their hand, to meet them where they are, and show them that you care and that you are an ally,” he said.

Christy Cauble Davis, a fifth-generation Kansan, said about 20% of the voters in Chase County, where she lives, are registered Democrats. Even with those numbers, her county voted about 50-50 on protecting abortion in the Kansas Constitution.

“What that says to me is we can’t count rural Kansas out,” she said. “We need to work statewide.There are more people who agree on issues than disagree.”

Spidel Neumann said she couldn’t believe Kansas is still debating this issue.

“I am beyond floored by it,” she said. “I’m a pro-choice Catholic. I’m pro women making decisions that they need to make with their doctor, with their family. Politicians should not be involved, and they should stay away from our hoo-has.”

Across the board, the candidates supported women choosing what happens with their bodies.

“We have got to protect women’s rights to make their own decisions about their own bodies,” Murray said. “We do not need the same leaders in Washington that are screwing up everything in this world to be in our doctor’s offices and in our schools and in our hospitals trying to make decisions on behalf of women.”

Cauble Davis said she is used to working with hard-line Republicans to find solutions and drew laughter after a comment about Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican who is well-known for his conservative views.

“I’ve also navigated this landscape in my advocacy work in the state Legislature,” she said. “ I worked with Pat Proctor on an issue that we agreed on. If I’m able, as a woman and a leader, to work with Pat Proctor on issues, I can work with anyone.”

Parelkar said she’s modeling the idea of compromise throughout her campaign, where the idea is to “throw out the idea of an aisle.”

“At my community round tables, which we’re holding in every county in this state, we make it a point to invite everybody, not just the people who agree with us — Democrat, Republican, independent, inexperienced in politics,” she said. “I say throw out the old idea of us vs. them.”

Today, she said, it’s “us vs. the elite.”

It was a sentiment that brought Murray’s full agreement.&nbsp;

“We’re all struggling because of the actions that Washington is taking in our communities,” he said. “All of the lies, all of the division, it’s all a distraction from the grift, right? We need to come together as the 99% of Americans who are not part of that grift, not part of that hate, to realize that we need to work together on solutions.”

As an attorney, Hart said he is used to reaching agreement, and it’s all about the question you ask.

“What are your interests, not your positions,” he said. “Because all we’ve been doing right now is arguing from the corners. Everybody’s staked out a position, and they can’t get in the middle. The middle is where you need to be standing in order to bridge the gap.”

Spidel Neumann said reversing some impacts of the “big abomination of a bill” that cut Medicaid would be a good first step because health care is a significant concern in rural Kansas. She also pointed out the need to get a Farm Bill passed and to stop using tariffs “willy-nilly.”&nbsp;

“That’s not economics. That’s market manipulation,” she said.

Cauble Davis said Democrats need to keep in mind that not everyone in rural communities are farmers or ranchers.

“Only 2% of the folks who live in rural America are engaged in production agriculture,” she said, and issues like health care, mental health care and education are critical in rural communities.

Hart said the most important thing is to show up for rural Kansans.

“How do you bring folks together? You go out and talk to them,” he said. “I ask people questions for a living, and that’s what we need more of, not talking at people. I listen to the experts, and the experts are our Kansas voters, our Kansas constituents, our Kansas communities that can tell us exactly what they need, and then take that and go to D.C. and advocate for them.”

Kansas Dems in U.S. Senate campaign focus on defeating GOP incumbent

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp; Police arrested a suspect after responding to an incident involving an 8-year-old girl in west Wichita.

Just before 11:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 2800 block of West Central in Wichita for a reported disturbance. The caller told police that their 8-year-old had left home and was walking in the 600 block of North Gordon when a man approached her and grabbed her.

The girl was able to break free and run to her grandparents' location, who called 911.

Officers arrived quickly, located the suspect, later identified in Sedgwick County booking records as 27-year-old Tanner J. Warren, near North Gordon, and detained him without incident.

Detectives with the Exploited and Missing Child Unit conducted the follow‑up investigation and arrested Warren. He was booked into Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping and child abuse.

Kansas man accused in attempted abduction of 8-year-old girl

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said it killed six men Sunday in a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">Trump administration’s campaign</a>&nbsp;against alleged traffickers.

Sunday's attack brought the death toll to at least 157 people since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists” in small vessels in early September.

As with most of the military’s statements on the more than 40 known strikes in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, U.S. Southern Command said it targeted alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The military did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. It posted a video on X that showed a small boat being blown up as it floated on the water.

President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in “armed conflict” with cartels in Latin America and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">justified the attacks</a>&nbsp;as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing “narcoterrorists.”

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-latin-america-china-d1cbf9af62f10e0644770f2e2b2bd791">meeting with Latin American leaders</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, Trump encouraged them to join the U.S. in taking military action against drug-trafficking cartels and transnational gangs, which he said pose an “unacceptable threat” to the region's national security.

To that end, Ecuador and the United States conducted military operations this past week against organized crime groups in the South American country.

With Saturday's gathering, Trump aimed to demonstrate that he remains committed to focusing U.S. foreign policy on the Western Hemisphere, even while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-8-2026-f0b20dbffaea9351ae1e54183ffe53ff">waging a war</a>&nbsp;on Iran that has had repercussions across the Middle East.

Critics&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-drugs-25000-lives-c6e4c750b0dc6f15d397d598c9bd169f">have questioned the overall legality</a>&nbsp;of the boat strikes as well as their effectiveness, in part because the fentanyl behind many fatal overdoses is typically trafficked to the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-drug-smuggling-cocaine-coast-guard-caribbean-e10930a4c7e48eeb23816867e7987bcc">over land from Mexico</a>, where it is produced with chemicals imported from China and India.

The boat strikes also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-venezuela-boat-strikes-trump-6eaa178757a39803f0d4b5324dd43c1f">drew intense criticism</a>&nbsp;following the revelation that the military killed survivors of the very first boat attack with a follow-up strike. The Trump administration and many Republican lawmakers said it was legal and necessary, while Democratic lawmakers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-survivors-hegseth-72b0a498ca08615b2589c772a1d9e642">legal experts said</a>&nbsp;the killings were murder, if not a war crime.

🎥US military kills 6 in new strike on drug boat in the Eastern Pacific

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-mojtaba-khamenei-supreme-leader-a2de686507c9179788d2a8793c8414a0">Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran's late supreme leader</a>, has been named his successor, Iranian state TV announced early Monday, as the war that began a little over a week ago with his father's killing took a dramatic turn.

The younger Khamenei, who had not been seen or heard from publicly since the war started, had long been considered a contender for the post, even before an Israeli strike killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, and despite never being elected or appointed to a government position.

His appointment came after signs of a rift among Iranian officials as the country awaited a decision by the Assembly of Experts, a group of clerics that selects the supreme leader. State TV read a statement from the assembly saying he was selected based on “strong” votes and urging the nation to unite behind him. The station broadcast scenes of people celebrating in parts of Tehran.

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