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.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060389411.png" alt=" Five Democratic candidates running to flip U.S. Senator Roger Marshall’s seat blue spoke March 8, 2026, at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention. From left, Jason Hart, Christy Cauble Davis, Sandy Spidel Neumann, Anne Parelkar and Erik Murray. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Five Democratic candidates running to flip U.S. Senator Roger Marshall’s seat blue spoke March 8, 2026, at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention. From left, Jason Hart, Christy Cauble Davis, Sandy Spidel Neumann, Anne Parelkar and Erik Murray. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060355661.png" alt="Democrat Sandy Spidel Neumann shares her thoughts on her run for the U.S. Senate at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention on March 8 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democrat Sandy Spidel Neumann shares her thoughts on her run for the U.S. Senate at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention on March 8 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Immigration</h2>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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060323828.png" alt="Democratic candidate Jason Hart, an assistant U.S. attorney, shares his thoughts on what needs to happen in Washington, D.C., at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic candidate Jason Hart, an assistant U.S. attorney, shares his thoughts on what needs to happen in Washington, D.C., at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Reproductive rights</h2>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.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060290995.png" alt="Democratic candidate Christy Cauble Davis talks about the importance of rural communities at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention on March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic candidate Christy Cauble Davis talks about the importance of rural communities at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention on March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Working across the aisle</h2>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.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060249595.png" alt="Democratic candidate Erik Murray shares his views on what Kansans want from their Washington politicians at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. He is running for Sen. Roger Marshall’s seat. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic candidate Erik Murray shares his views on what Kansans want from their Washington politicians at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. He is running for Sen. Roger Marshall’s seat. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rural Kansas</h2>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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060207013.png" alt="Democratic candidate Anne Parelkar states her point about Kansans needing better representation in Washington, D.C., at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic candidate Anne Parelkar states her point about Kansans needing better representation in Washington, D.C., at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“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

On March 8, at the direction of the U.S. Souther Command Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a social media report the U.S. Southern Command.

 Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Six male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.

The death toll is now 157 people since the U.S. military began targeting&nbsp; “narcoterrorists” in small vessels in September 2025.

On March 8, at the direction of the U.S. Souther Command Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a social media report the U.S. Southern Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On March 8, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOUTHCOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOUTHCOM</a> commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known… <a href="https://t.co/hIXMDeDKK5">pic.twitter.com/hIXMDeDKK5</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2030800534052196608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Six male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.The death toll is now 157 people since the U.S. military began targeting&nbsp; “narcoterrorists” in small vessels in September 2025.

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

Kansas City—Authorities are investigating the cause an apartment fire in Kansas City.

Just after 7a.m. Saturday Kansas City Fire Department companies were dispatched to&nbsp;a reported fire in the 3700 block of Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

On arrival, crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a 3-story apartment and initiated an offensive fire attack. Multiple hose lines were advanced into the structure to fight the fire.

Searches throughout the structure were performed and reported all clear. The fire was brought under control&nbsp;at&nbsp; 7:43 a.m.

No injuries have been reported from this incident .Dangerous Buildings and City Planning have been requested to the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772902746524.png" alt="Photo KC Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City—Authorities are investigating the cause an apartment fire in Kansas City.Just after 7a.m. Saturday Kansas City Fire Department companies were dispatched to&nbsp;a reported fire in the 3700 block of Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.On arrival, crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a 3-story apartment and initiated an offensive fire attack. Multiple hose lines were advanced into the structure to fight the fire.Searches throughout the structure were performed and reported all clear. The fire was brought under control&nbsp;at&nbsp; 7:43 a.m.No injuries have been reported from this incident .Dangerous Buildings and City Planning have been requested to the scene.

Fire at 3-story apartment building in Kansas City

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a violent knife attack and have made an arrest.

Just after 5:30p.m. March 5, police responded to a call at the intersection of SW 17th Street and SW Washburn Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;

Officers located a man with multiple stab wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the investigation, Kevin E. Hill, 54, Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and was booked on requested charges of Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause great body harm/disfigure/death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772832960996.png" alt="Hill photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Hill photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a violent knife attack and have made an arrest.Just after 5:30p.m. March 5, police responded to a call at the intersection of SW 17th Street and SW Washburn Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;Officers located a man with multiple stab wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.As a result of the investigation, Kevin E. Hill, 54, Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and was booked on requested charges of Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause great body harm/disfigure/death.

Kansas man accused of violent knife attack

KANSAS CITY —Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD) received a call of a potential device inside the Kansas City international Airport (MCI) terminal Sunday Morning, as well in the parking garage.

Airport police and other law enforcement, including the FBI, worked quickly to evaluate the situation and ensure the safety of everyone. 

As part of that process, KCAD staff evacuated travelers from the terminal and held inbound flights on the taxiway away from the gates during the event.

Law Enforcement was able to determine no credible threat to the Airport or those inside the terminal. Once that determination was made, KCAD has started working to resume normal operations and minimize disruptions. ​The evacuation lasted approximately two hours.

During the sweep of the garage, a vehicle on the top floor was identified by K9 units as suspicious. As protocol, KCPD Bomb and Arson were called in to investigate and the garage was kept closed for an additional three hours.

Bomb and Arson investigated the vehicle and was able to determine that there was no threat.

As always, the KCAD and FBI encourage anyone who becomes aware of anything suspicious or concerning to report that to law enforcement.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement including the FBI forced the evacuation of portions of Kansas City International Airport terminal Sunday afternoon due to a threat.

On their social media page, the airport wrote, "The Kansas City Aviation Department is aware of a situation at Kansas City International Airport (MCI). As a precaution, the department has evacuated sections of the Airport Terminal."

"Airport Police are working with the FBI to substantiate any potential threat."

FBI Director Kash Patrol wrote on social media, "The FBI&nbsp;and our law enforcement partners quickly responded to the scene and secured the area. The threat was reviewed and determined not to be credible. Terminal has been swept, cleared, and normal operations resumed." 

"Thank you to our federal partners at U. S. Department of Transportation and Secretary Duffy for the coordination and quick response. 

Threats like these are a federal crime. FBI and law enforcement partners will fully investigate and bring to justice anyone responsible."

Just before 2p.m. the Airport terminal re-opened.&nbsp;

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote, "The security incident at Kansas City&nbsp;is now clear and normal operations are resuming. I want to thank law enforcement including the FBI for their timely response.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751290936220.png" alt="File photo courtesy KCI" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy KCI</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD) received a call of a potential device inside the Kansas City international Airport (MCI) terminal Sunday Morning, as well in the parking garage.Airport police and other law enforcement, including the FBI, worked quickly to evaluate the situation and ensure the safety of everyone. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773005842451.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>As part of that process, KCAD staff evacuated travelers from the terminal and held inbound flights on the taxiway away from the gates during the event.Law Enforcement was able to determine no credible threat to the Airport or those inside the terminal. Once that determination was made, KCAD has started working to resume normal operations and minimize disruptions. ​The evacuation lasted approximately two hours.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An update on the earlier threat at Kansas City International Airport:<a href="https://twitter.com/FBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBI</a> and our law enforcement partners quickly responded to the scene and secured the area. The threat was reviewed and determined not to be credible. Terminal has been swept, cleared, and normal operations…&mdash; FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2030735034735304837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>During the sweep of the garage, a vehicle on the top floor was identified by K9 units as suspicious. As protocol, KCPD Bomb and Arson were called in to investigate and the garage was kept closed for an additional three hours.Bomb and Arson investigated the vehicle and was able to determine that there was no threat.As always, the KCAD and FBI encourage anyone who becomes aware of anything suspicious or concerning to report that to law enforcement.-----------KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement including the FBI forced the evacuation of portions of Kansas City International Airport terminal Sunday afternoon due to a threat.On their social media page, the airport wrote, "The Kansas City Aviation Department is aware of a situation at Kansas City International Airport (MCI). As a precaution, the department has evacuated sections of the Airport Terminal.""Airport Police are working with the FBI to substantiate any potential threat."FBI Director Kash Patrol wrote on social media, "The FBI&nbsp;and our law enforcement partners quickly responded to the scene and secured the area. The threat was reviewed and determined not to be credible. Terminal has been swept, cleared, and normal operations resumed." "Thank you to our federal partners at U. S. Department of Transportation and Secretary Duffy for the coordination and quick response. 

Threats like these are a federal crime. FBI and law enforcement partners will fully investigate and bring to justice anyone responsible."Just before 2p.m. the Airport terminal re-opened.&nbsp;U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote, "The security incident at Kansas City&nbsp;is now clear and normal operations are resuming. I want to thank law enforcement including the FBI for their timely response.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

New details on KCI terminal evacuation during threat investigation

On Saturday night, a U.S. service member passed away from injuries received during the Iranian regime’s initial attacks across the Middle East, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The service member was seriously wounded at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 1.

This is the seventh service member killed in action during Operation Epic Fury. Major combat operations continue. The identity of the fallen warrior will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.

A U.S. National Guard Soldier also died in a health-related incident in Kuwait on March 6 during a medical emergency, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The exact cause of death is under review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772408102033.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday night, a U.S. service member passed away from injuries received during the Iranian regime’s initial attacks across the Middle East, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The service member was seriously wounded at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 1.This is the seventh service member killed in action during Operation Epic Fury. Major combat operations continue. The identity of the fallen warrior will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.A U.S. National Guard Soldier also died in a health-related incident in Kuwait on March 6 during a medical emergency, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The exact cause of death is under review.

U.S. military reports more service member deaths in Iran conflict

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City man faces charges in&nbsp;connection with the fatal shooting of a teenage girl that occurred in Independence in June 2021.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2821/Finch-Redacted-Complaint">Justin Finch</a>, 21,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Burglary.&nbsp;

Finch was a juvenile at the time of the homicide. Last week, a Family Court judge certified him to stand trial as an adult.&nbsp;

“Justice does not have an expiration date. Homicide cases are among the most complex our office handles and when the suspect is also a juvenile at the time of the offense, the legal process becomes much more intricate, moving through Family Court first, under a completely different system,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said.&nbsp;“That process takes time, but that does not mean we’ve forgotten our obligation to victims. Our office will pursue accountability and justice for all victims no matter how long it takes.”

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2822/Finch-Redacted-Probable-Cause">According to court records</a>, Independence police responded to a residence on June 23, 2021, and located the victim deceased in her bedroom with an apparent injury to her face and head. A single spent shell casing was recovered under the victim’s bed.&nbsp;

Witnesses reported Finch and the victim were in a relationship and not getting along. The defendant had been seen with firearms in the past and had sent photos and videos of firearms to the victim.&nbsp;

The defendant’s DNA was present in the scrapings from both the victim’s hands. He had also been observed at the victim’s bedroom window the day of the homicide.&nbsp;

In July 2023, Finch had a pre-trial conference with Family Court but failed to appear. After investigators and different law enforcement agencies attempted to locate Finch, he was arrested on Jan. 6 for the warrant.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $350,000 cash only.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772667093720.png" alt="Finch -photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Finch -photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City man faces charges in&nbsp;connection with the fatal shooting of a teenage girl that occurred in Independence in June 2021.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2821/Finch-Redacted-Complaint">Justin Finch</a>, 21,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Burglary.&nbsp;Finch was a juvenile at the time of the homicide. Last week, a Family Court judge certified him to stand trial as an adult.&nbsp;“Justice does not have an expiration date. Homicide cases are among the most complex our office handles and when the suspect is also a juvenile at the time of the offense, the legal process becomes much more intricate, moving through Family Court first, under a completely different system,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said.&nbsp;“That process takes time, but that does not mean we’ve forgotten our obligation to victims. Our office will pursue accountability and justice for all victims no matter how long it takes.”<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2822/Finch-Redacted-Probable-Cause">According to court records</a>, Independence police responded to a residence on June 23, 2021, and located the victim deceased in her bedroom with an apparent injury to her face and head. A single spent shell casing was recovered under the victim’s bed.&nbsp;Witnesses reported Finch and the victim were in a relationship and not getting along. The defendant had been seen with firearms in the past and had sent photos and videos of firearms to the victim.&nbsp;The defendant’s DNA was present in the scrapings from both the victim’s hands. He had also been observed at the victim’s bedroom window the day of the homicide.&nbsp;In July 2023, Finch had a pre-trial conference with Family Court but failed to appear. After investigators and different law enforcement agencies attempted to locate Finch, he was arrested on Jan. 6 for the warrant.&nbsp;A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $350,000 cash only.

KC man will stand trial as an adult for killing girl in her bedroom

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kevinhardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>

Online prediction markets allow users to put money on the outcome of almost anything — this weekend’s NBA game between the Warriors and the Thunder, the next supreme leader of Iran, whether the government will confirm the existence of aliens.

But those markets have no state oversight and operate even in states that ban gambling.

The platforms are raising bipartisan alarms, especially related to sports gambling. As states have legalized sports betting in recent years, they’ve required legal sportsbooks to jump through multiple hoops — from age verification procedures to protections for gambling addiction to tax collections. Online prediction markets circumvent all those rules.

Platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket say they are offering contracts similar to commodity markets that speculate on the future price of corn or oil — not outright gambling. But a growing number of states are rejecting those justifications, arguing the platforms are offering a backdoor to skirt state gambling regulations, particularly on sports.

The issue has sparked action from state regulators, new legislation, and lawsuits from both states and prediction markets. Complicating matters are the federal government’s moves to block state regulation of prediction markets, which see more than&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/everything-can-be-a-bet-now-the-rise-and-risks-of-prediction-markets-276464" target="_blank">$13 billion</a>&nbsp;in transactions each month.

Most activity on those platforms revolves around sports. And in national ads, Kalshi even marketed itself as the first national legal sports betting platform — even though states approve and regulate sports gambling since a 2018 Supreme Court decision. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/research/state-of-play-map/" target="_blank">11 states,</a>&nbsp;sports gambling remains illegal.

“This is sports wagering. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably sports wagering, in this situation,” said Kentucky state Rep. Michael Meredith, a Republican.

Meredith, who sponsored a 2023 law that legalized sports betting in Kentucky, called for states to regulate prediction markets during a webinar hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures. That organization, representing state legislators across the country, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/resources/details/ncsl-urges-congress-to-address-unregulated-sports-betting-via-prediction-markets" target="_blank">urged Congress</a>&nbsp;“to act swiftly to address the rapid growth of unregulated sports‑related event contracts.”

State leaders argue their longstanding authority to oversee gambling should allow states to regulate or ban prediction market platforms. But those companies maintain they are not beholden to state regulations.

“I think it’s very clear that this authority should be vested in our state governments,” Meredith said last month.

In New York, lawmakers are considering&nbsp;<a href="https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&amp;leg_video=&amp;bn=A09251&amp;term=&amp;Summary=Y&amp;Actions=Y&amp;Text=Y" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that would ban prediction markets from offering contracts on sports events, in addition to natural disasters, acts of terrorism and deaths. In Nevada, where gambling and tourism are top economic drivers, regulators are involved in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nevadacurrent.com/2026/02/24/protracted-legal-fight-expected-in-nevada-v-kalshi/" target="_blank">protracted legal fight&nbsp;</a>after the state sought to stop prediction market activity on sports.

“To me, this is clearly gambling,” Thomas Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, which operates casinos and sports betting,&nbsp;said during a company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/02/17/caesars-czr-q4-2025-earnings-call-transcript/" target="_blank">earnings call</a>&nbsp;in January.

But states are also fighting an obscure federal agency seeking to protect the emerging marketplace. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which regulates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/derivative.asp" target="_blank">derivatives</a>&nbsp;such as futures contracts on stocks, has asserted it has “exclusive jurisdiction” over prediction markets and promised to fight state regulatory efforts in court.

The CTFC did not respond to Stateline’s request for comment. Neither did Kalshi or Polymarket, two of the leading prediction market companies.

Unless Congress passes legislation, experts say the courts will ultimately decide what role states can play in regulating prediction markets.

The standoff has led to litigation between the platforms and states in at least eight states, and officials in 11 states have sent cease and desist orders to prediction market companies, according to the American Gaming Association, an industry group representing casinos and sports books. A bipartisan group of attorneys general from 39 states and the District of Columbia recently urged a federal court to uphold state authority to regulate sports gambling.

The American Gaming Association says prediction markets should either get out of the sports betting business or follow the same regulations and rules that apply to sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel.

“They don’t want to pay the taxes, they don’t want to undergo the compliance and provide all of the consumer protections that are required by states of operators who operate legal sports betting,” said Tres York, the vice president of government relations for the association.

The organization estimates states have lost out on more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/sports-event-contracts/" target="_blank">$570 million</a>&nbsp;in sports gambling tax revenues since prediction markets began offering sports events contracts.

Many state leaders and experts are<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/12/05/growth-of-sports-betting-may-be-linked-to-financial-woes-new-studies-find/" target="_blank">&nbsp;already concerned</a>&nbsp;about the societal effects from the meteoric rise of sports gambling, which has transformed collegiate and professional sports, and the potential for&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/09/wagers-on-touchdowns-strikeouts-and-even-penalties-states-eye-limits-on-prop-bets/" target="_blank">manipulation</a>&nbsp;by players.

“If you already have what I would call an epidemic of sports betting addiction in this country when you have regulated sports betting, imagine what it’s going to be like when you have essentially unregulated sports betting,” said Benjamin Schiffrin, director of securities policy at Better Markets, a nonprofit watchdog group advocating for consumer and investor financial protections.

The wide range of available bets also is raising alarms over election integrity and insider trading. In addition to individual elections, prediction markets have allowed wagers on the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the timing of the U.S. strike on Iran. Last week, hundreds of thousands of dollars were bet the day before the Iranian strikes, and more than 100 accounts cashed in $10,000 or more from successful predictions, according to a New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/03/upshot/prediction-markets-iran-strikes.html" target="_blank">analysis</a>.

“It’s a huge change to all of a sudden allow betting on elections, and it really threatens the underpinnings of our democracy,” Schiffrin said. “It just seems like there’s tremendous potential for wrongdoing.”

On its&nbsp;<a href="https://news.kalshi.com/p/values-and-principles-for-prediction-markets" target="_blank">website</a>, Kalshi says it operates under a “strict regulatory framework” with a suite of market integrity, surveillance, financial safeguards, and anti-manipulation protections.

Citing what it called “an onslaught” of state litigation, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission last month filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9183-26" target="_blank">court brief&nbsp;</a>underscoring its authority to regulate prediction markets.

“To those who seek to challenge our authority in this space, let me be clear: We will see you in court,” Commissioner Mike Selig said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cftc.gov/Exit/index.htm?https://x.com/ChairmanSelig/status/2023744651216240966?s=20" target="_blank">video</a>&nbsp;posted on social media. Selig is the only member of the presidentially appointed commission, which currently has four vacancies.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, immediately vowed to oppose the federal agency and the prediction platforms in court. Gambling has been&nbsp;<a href="https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter9/76-9-S1402.html" target="_blank">banned</a>&nbsp;under the Utah Constitution since the state’s founding, and Cox posted on social media that prediction markets are “destroying the lives of families.”

Kalshi&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/24/kalshi-sues-utah-over-proposed-prop-betting-ban/" target="_blank">swiftly sued&nbsp;</a>the governor and the state in federal court in anticipation of enforcement efforts and pending legislation in Salt Lake City. The company’s lawsuit cited the governor’s post and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2026/02/22/utah-gambling-apps-prediciton-markets-harmful-dangerous/" target="_blank">column penned</a>&nbsp;by Republican Attorney General Derek Brown explaining why he joined Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, a Democrat, “in urging Congress to address offshore gambling operations that disregard state law and target young Americans.”

Utah Republican state Rep. Joseph Elison sponsored the&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/23/utah-legislature-advances-ban-on-proposition-betting/" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;cited in Kalshi’s lawsuit. The bill, which has passed both chambers, would expand the state’s definition of gambling to include&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/09/wagers-on-touchdowns-strikeouts-and-even-penalties-states-eye-limits-on-prop-bets/" target="_blank">proposition betting</a>&nbsp;— bets on the performance of an individual player or team that don’t necessarily affect the outcome of a competition. While Elison acknowledged the courts will ultimately determine the issue, he said prediction markets are essentially offering proposition betting without authorization.

”We’re 50 independent sovereigns that gave centralized government to the federal government to do certain things,” he told Stateline. “But the rest, we want those things to be under our purview. And this is one of those.”

In early rulings on the matter, courts have issued a mix of opinions: States have found initial success in state courts while results have been more mixed in federal courts, said Daniel Wallach, a gaming and sports gambling attorney tracking the issue.

But federal law has long affirmed state authority to oversee gambling, he said.

Despite attempts to cast transactions as investments, Wallach says courts will look at the substance of bets, which he said are almost indistinguishable from those made in state-regulated betting markets.

“The argument that this is investing rather than gambling is essentially elevating form over substance,” he said. “Plain and simple, this is wagering on the outcome of a sporting event.”

Wallach said state efforts such as cease and desist orders are counterproductive, as they essentially invite federal lawsuits from prediction market firms. He said states are better off pursuing gambling enforcement efforts in state courts, where several have won preliminary injunctions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/judge-bans-kalshi-offering-sports-events-contracts-massachusetts-30-days-2026-02-06/" target="_blank">halting operations&nbsp;</a>of the platforms temporarily.

For now, he said the federal agency has applied almost no scrutiny of the platforms, noting that the president’s family has a financial interest in the industry.

Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, has a business interest in two of the largest online prediction markets, and the president’s social media platform Truth Social announced it would start its own prediction market, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/15/us/politics/donald-trump-jr-prediction-markets.html" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>.

Journalist Dustin Gouker, who authors<a href="https://substack.com/@dustingouker" target="_blank">&nbsp;newsletters</a>&nbsp;on gambling and prediction markets, noted that the CFTC rules that currently regulate prediction markets were built for financial products — not gambling. He said prediction markets have moved into the gaming market because “nobody said no.”

“It’s a bit of a mess,” he said. “If we’re going to have betting in 50 states for everyone 18 and over, shouldn’t we have thought about that a little bit more?”

Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.&nbsp;

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/03/06/kalshi-and-polymarket-are-skirting-laws-on-sports-betting-states-say/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772829738340.png" alt=" In this online ad, prediction market platform Kalshi advertises its sports betting products in California and Texas, both states that have not legalized sports gambling. States are increasingly targeting platforms like Kalshi, arguing they circumvent the protections and taxes of regulated gambling markets. (Image courtesy of Dustin Goucher/ Event Horizon newsletter)" />
 <figcaption> In this online ad, prediction market platform Kalshi advertises its sports betting products in California and Texas, both states that have not legalized sports gambling. States are increasingly targeting platforms like Kalshi, arguing they circumvent the protections and taxes of regulated gambling markets. (Image courtesy of Dustin Goucher/ Event Horizon newsletter)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kevinhardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>Online prediction markets allow users to put money on the outcome of almost anything — this weekend’s NBA game between the Warriors and the Thunder, the next supreme leader of Iran, whether the government will confirm the existence of aliens.But those markets have no state oversight and operate even in states that ban gambling.The platforms are raising bipartisan alarms, especially related to sports gambling. As states have legalized sports betting in recent years, they’ve required legal sportsbooks to jump through multiple hoops — from age verification procedures to protections for gambling addiction to tax collections. Online prediction markets circumvent all those rules.Platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket say they are offering contracts similar to commodity markets that speculate on the future price of corn or oil — not outright gambling. But a growing number of states are rejecting those justifications, arguing the platforms are offering a backdoor to skirt state gambling regulations, particularly on sports.The issue has sparked action from state regulators, new legislation, and lawsuits from both states and prediction markets. Complicating matters are the federal government’s moves to block state regulation of prediction markets, which see more than&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/everything-can-be-a-bet-now-the-rise-and-risks-of-prediction-markets-276464" target="_blank">$13 billion</a>&nbsp;in transactions each month.Most activity on those platforms revolves around sports. And in national ads, Kalshi even marketed itself as the first national legal sports betting platform — even though states approve and regulate sports gambling since a 2018 Supreme Court decision. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/research/state-of-play-map/" target="_blank">11 states,</a>&nbsp;sports gambling remains illegal.“This is sports wagering. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably sports wagering, in this situation,” said Kentucky state Rep. Michael Meredith, a Republican.Meredith, who sponsored a 2023 law that legalized sports betting in Kentucky, called for states to regulate prediction markets during a webinar hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures. That organization, representing state legislators across the country, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/resources/details/ncsl-urges-congress-to-address-unregulated-sports-betting-via-prediction-markets" target="_blank">urged Congress</a>&nbsp;“to act swiftly to address the rapid growth of unregulated sports‑related event contracts.”State leaders argue their longstanding authority to oversee gambling should allow states to regulate or ban prediction market platforms. But those companies maintain they are not beholden to state regulations.“I think it’s very clear that this authority should be vested in our state governments,” Meredith said last month.In New York, lawmakers are considering&nbsp;<a href="https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&amp;leg_video=&amp;bn=A09251&amp;term=&amp;Summary=Y&amp;Actions=Y&amp;Text=Y" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that would ban prediction markets from offering contracts on sports events, in addition to natural disasters, acts of terrorism and deaths. In Nevada, where gambling and tourism are top economic drivers, regulators are involved in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nevadacurrent.com/2026/02/24/protracted-legal-fight-expected-in-nevada-v-kalshi/" target="_blank">protracted legal fight&nbsp;</a>after the state sought to stop prediction market activity on sports.“To me, this is clearly gambling,” Thomas Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, which operates casinos and sports betting,&nbsp;said during a company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/02/17/caesars-czr-q4-2025-earnings-call-transcript/" target="_blank">earnings call</a>&nbsp;in January.But states are also fighting an obscure federal agency seeking to protect the emerging marketplace. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which regulates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/derivative.asp" target="_blank">derivatives</a>&nbsp;such as futures contracts on stocks, has asserted it has “exclusive jurisdiction” over prediction markets and promised to fight state regulatory efforts in court.The CTFC did not respond to Stateline’s request for comment. Neither did Kalshi or Polymarket, two of the leading prediction market companies.<h2>A new wave of betting</h2>Unless Congress passes legislation, experts say the courts will ultimately decide what role states can play in regulating prediction markets.The standoff has led to litigation between the platforms and states in at least eight states, and officials in 11 states have sent cease and desist orders to prediction market companies, according to the American Gaming Association, an industry group representing casinos and sports books. A bipartisan group of attorneys general from 39 states and the District of Columbia recently urged a federal court to uphold state authority to regulate sports gambling.The American Gaming Association says prediction markets should either get out of the sports betting business or follow the same regulations and rules that apply to sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel.“They don’t want to pay the taxes, they don’t want to undergo the compliance and provide all of the consumer protections that are required by states of operators who operate legal sports betting,” said Tres York, the vice president of government relations for the association.The organization estimates states have lost out on more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/sports-event-contracts/" target="_blank">$570 million</a>&nbsp;in sports gambling tax revenues since prediction markets began offering sports events contracts.Many state leaders and experts are<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/12/05/growth-of-sports-betting-may-be-linked-to-financial-woes-new-studies-find/" target="_blank">&nbsp;already concerned</a>&nbsp;about the societal effects from the meteoric rise of sports gambling, which has transformed collegiate and professional sports, and the potential for&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/09/wagers-on-touchdowns-strikeouts-and-even-penalties-states-eye-limits-on-prop-bets/" target="_blank">manipulation</a>&nbsp;by players.“If you already have what I would call an epidemic of sports betting addiction in this country when you have regulated sports betting, imagine what it’s going to be like when you have essentially unregulated sports betting,” said Benjamin Schiffrin, director of securities policy at Better Markets, a nonprofit watchdog group advocating for consumer and investor financial protections.The wide range of available bets also is raising alarms over election integrity and insider trading. In addition to individual elections, prediction markets have allowed wagers on the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the timing of the U.S. strike on Iran. Last week, hundreds of thousands of dollars were bet the day before the Iranian strikes, and more than 100 accounts cashed in $10,000 or more from successful predictions, according to a New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/03/upshot/prediction-markets-iran-strikes.html" target="_blank">analysis</a>.“It’s a huge change to all of a sudden allow betting on elections, and it really threatens the underpinnings of our democracy,” Schiffrin said. “It just seems like there’s tremendous potential for wrongdoing.”On its&nbsp;<a href="https://news.kalshi.com/p/values-and-principles-for-prediction-markets" target="_blank">website</a>, Kalshi says it operates under a “strict regulatory framework” with a suite of market integrity, surveillance, financial safeguards, and anti-manipulation protections.<h2>Federal-state conflict&nbsp;</h2>Citing what it called “an onslaught” of state litigation, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission last month filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9183-26" target="_blank">court brief&nbsp;</a>underscoring its authority to regulate prediction markets.“To those who seek to challenge our authority in this space, let me be clear: We will see you in court,” Commissioner Mike Selig said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cftc.gov/Exit/index.htm?https://x.com/ChairmanSelig/status/2023744651216240966?s=20" target="_blank">video</a>&nbsp;posted on social media. Selig is the only member of the presidentially appointed commission, which currently has four vacancies.Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, immediately vowed to oppose the federal agency and the prediction platforms in court. Gambling has been&nbsp;<a href="https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter9/76-9-S1402.html" target="_blank">banned</a>&nbsp;under the Utah Constitution since the state’s founding, and Cox posted on social media that prediction markets are “destroying the lives of families.”Kalshi&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/24/kalshi-sues-utah-over-proposed-prop-betting-ban/" target="_blank">swiftly sued&nbsp;</a>the governor and the state in federal court in anticipation of enforcement efforts and pending legislation in Salt Lake City. The company’s lawsuit cited the governor’s post and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2026/02/22/utah-gambling-apps-prediciton-markets-harmful-dangerous/" target="_blank">column penned</a>&nbsp;by Republican Attorney General Derek Brown explaining why he joined Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, a Democrat, “in urging Congress to address offshore gambling operations that disregard state law and target young Americans.”Utah Republican state Rep. Joseph Elison sponsored the&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/23/utah-legislature-advances-ban-on-proposition-betting/" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;cited in Kalshi’s lawsuit. The bill, which has passed both chambers, would expand the state’s definition of gambling to include&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/09/wagers-on-touchdowns-strikeouts-and-even-penalties-states-eye-limits-on-prop-bets/" target="_blank">proposition betting</a>&nbsp;— bets on the performance of an individual player or team that don’t necessarily affect the outcome of a competition. While Elison acknowledged the courts will ultimately determine the issue, he said prediction markets are essentially offering proposition betting without authorization.”We’re 50 independent sovereigns that gave centralized government to the federal government to do certain things,” he told Stateline. “But the rest, we want those things to be under our purview. And this is one of those.”<h2>The legal landscape&nbsp;</h2>In early rulings on the matter, courts have issued a mix of opinions: States have found initial success in state courts while results have been more mixed in federal courts, said Daniel Wallach, a gaming and sports gambling attorney tracking the issue.But federal law has long affirmed state authority to oversee gambling, he said.Despite attempts to cast transactions as investments, Wallach says courts will look at the substance of bets, which he said are almost indistinguishable from those made in state-regulated betting markets.“The argument that this is investing rather than gambling is essentially elevating form over substance,” he said. “Plain and simple, this is wagering on the outcome of a sporting event.”Wallach said state efforts such as cease and desist orders are counterproductive, as they essentially invite federal lawsuits from prediction market firms. He said states are better off pursuing gambling enforcement efforts in state courts, where several have won preliminary injunctions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/judge-bans-kalshi-offering-sports-events-contracts-massachusetts-30-days-2026-02-06/" target="_blank">halting operations&nbsp;</a>of the platforms temporarily.For now, he said the federal agency has applied almost no scrutiny of the platforms, noting that the president’s family has a financial interest in the industry.Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, has a business interest in two of the largest online prediction markets, and the president’s social media platform Truth Social announced it would start its own prediction market, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/15/us/politics/donald-trump-jr-prediction-markets.html" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>.Journalist Dustin Gouker, who authors<a href="https://substack.com/@dustingouker" target="_blank">&nbsp;newsletters</a>&nbsp;on gambling and prediction markets, noted that the CFTC rules that currently regulate prediction markets were built for financial products — not gambling. He said prediction markets have moved into the gaming market because “nobody said no.”“It’s a bit of a mess,” he said. “If we’re going to have betting in 50 states for everyone 18 and over, shouldn’t we have thought about that a little bit more?”Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.&nbsp;This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/03/06/kalshi-and-polymarket-are-skirting-laws-on-sports-betting-states-say/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.<figure>
 <img src="https://missouriindependent.com/wp-content/plugins/republisher/assets/img/ccwhite.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Kalshi and Polymarket are skirting laws on sports betting, states say

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

Just after 2a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the area of the 3900 Block of Baltimore on a sound of gunshots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.&nbsp;

First responders were led to the back parking lot of the apartment buildings where they located an adult male shooting victim unresponsive. 

EMS pronunced the victim deceased. Preliminary information indicates the shooting took place in the back parking lot of the apartments after the victim had an interaction with one or more suspects that led to gunfire.

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

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 2a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the area of the 3900 Block of Baltimore on a sound of gunshots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.&nbsp;First responders were led to the back parking lot of the apartment buildings where they located an adult male shooting victim unresponsive. EMS pronunced the victim deceased. Preliminary information indicates the shooting took place in the back parking lot of the apartments after the victim had an interaction with one or more suspects that led to gunfire.&nbsp;If anyone was in the area or in the apartment and heard or saw anything or has any information, they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

KCPD: Man shot, killed in parking lot of apartment complex

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</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 — The Kansas Republican Party plans to conduct a potential $100,000 fundraiser by raffling a firearm on 30 consecutive days in April.

Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas GOP, said tickets for the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansas.gop/30-guns-in-30-days/" target="_blank">daily prize drawing</a>&nbsp;would be sold at $50 a pop. The objective would be to generate money for the party’s campaign activities and to rally support for the constitutional right of individuals to possess firearms for self-defense, he said.

“April is going to be explosive for&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Republicans. We’re giving away 30 top-quality firearms — one every single day — to celebrate our unyielding defense of the 2nd Amendment,” Fillion said.

Precedent exists for Kansas Republican candidates or organizations to sponsor drawings of firearms, especially AR-15-style rifles, to raise voter interest and rally against gun-control proposals. In 2018, GOP congressional candidate Tyler Tannahill launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2018/02/15/kansas-congressional-candidate-tyler-tannahill-sparks-backlash-with-rifle-giveaway/14781928007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z11xx94v11xx94d--xx--b--xx--&amp;gca-ft=175&amp;gca-ds=sophi" target="_blank">a raffle for an AR-15</a>&nbsp;one day before that type of weapon was used in a massacre that killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida.

In 2026, the Kansas State Troopers Association has conducted weekly drawings on “Win a Weapon Wednesday” with tickets acquired by purchasing a $100 calendar. Ducks Unlimited Kansas organized a 50-gun raffle in February. The Knights of Columbus in Wichita has sponsored a “Gun-A-Week” raffle this year to raise money for charity by selling $60 tickets.

Fillion said the idea of the April fundraiser was to generate interest in electing “conservative leaders who will protect constitutional rights and advance&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;values.”

“This isn’t just about winning guns,” he said. “It’s about winning elections, mobilizing our base and sending a clear message that&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;stands firmly for freedom, self-defense and the right to keep and bear arms.”

The Kansas GOP’s raffle kicks off by giving away a Great Lakes 223 AR-15. The roster also included a Springfield Hellcat Pro 9 mm, Beretta 92XI 9 mm, Cobra III .410 shotgun, Raptor Camo CT-3, Kimber Custom LW 9 mm, Setter CT-5 shotgun, Browning Buck Mark Medallion 22LR, Henry Silver American Eagle 22, Kimber K6s .357 and Canix SFX Rival-S 9 mm.

All tickets sold for the Kansas GOP raffle would be eligible for all daily drawings conducted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansas.gop/" target="_blank">kansas.gop</a>&nbsp;from April 1 to April 30. A maximum of 2,000 tickets would be available and participants could buy multiple tickets, Fillion said.

Ticket purchasers and those claiming prizes must be 21 years of age and legally eligible to possess a firearm. Party officials planned to post results online and to notify winners by telephone. Individuals would have 30 days to claim a firearm. The formal transfer of guns must occur through a dealer with a federal firearms license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772932606250.png" alt="Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas Republican Party, said the organization would host a raffle in April that would offer participants the chance to win 30 firearms over a 30-day period. He said the event could generate up to $100,000 for the state party. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas Republican Party, said the organization would host a raffle in April that would offer participants the chance to win 30 firearms over a 30-day period. He said the event could generate up to $100,000 for the state party. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</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 — The Kansas Republican Party plans to conduct a potential $100,000 fundraiser by raffling a firearm on 30 consecutive days in April.Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas GOP, said tickets for the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansas.gop/30-guns-in-30-days/" target="_blank">daily prize drawing</a>&nbsp;would be sold at $50 a pop. The objective would be to generate money for the party’s campaign activities and to rally support for the constitutional right of individuals to possess firearms for self-defense, he said.“April is going to be explosive for&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Republicans. We’re giving away 30 top-quality firearms — one every single day — to celebrate our unyielding defense of the 2nd Amendment,” Fillion said.Precedent exists for Kansas Republican candidates or organizations to sponsor drawings of firearms, especially AR-15-style rifles, to raise voter interest and rally against gun-control proposals. In 2018, GOP congressional candidate Tyler Tannahill launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2018/02/15/kansas-congressional-candidate-tyler-tannahill-sparks-backlash-with-rifle-giveaway/14781928007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z11xx94v11xx94d--xx--b--xx--&amp;gca-ft=175&amp;gca-ds=sophi" target="_blank">a raffle for an AR-15</a>&nbsp;one day before that type of weapon was used in a massacre that killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida.In 2026, the Kansas State Troopers Association has conducted weekly drawings on “Win a Weapon Wednesday” with tickets acquired by purchasing a $100 calendar. Ducks Unlimited Kansas organized a 50-gun raffle in February. The Knights of Columbus in Wichita has sponsored a “Gun-A-Week” raffle this year to raise money for charity by selling $60 tickets.Fillion said the idea of the April fundraiser was to generate interest in electing “conservative leaders who will protect constitutional rights and advance&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;values.”“This isn’t just about winning guns,” he said. “It’s about winning elections, mobilizing our base and sending a clear message that&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;stands firmly for freedom, self-defense and the right to keep and bear arms.”The Kansas GOP’s raffle kicks off by giving away a Great Lakes 223 AR-15. The roster also included a Springfield Hellcat Pro 9 mm, Beretta 92XI 9 mm, Cobra III .410 shotgun, Raptor Camo CT-3, Kimber Custom LW 9 mm, Setter CT-5 shotgun, Browning Buck Mark Medallion 22LR, Henry Silver American Eagle 22, Kimber K6s .357 and Canix SFX Rival-S 9 mm.All tickets sold for the Kansas GOP raffle would be eligible for all daily drawings conducted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansas.gop/" target="_blank">kansas.gop</a>&nbsp;from April 1 to April 30. A maximum of 2,000 tickets would be available and participants could buy multiple tickets, Fillion said.Ticket purchasers and those claiming prizes must be 21 years of age and legally eligible to possess a firearm. Party officials planned to post results online and to notify winners by telephone. Individuals would have 30 days to claim a firearm. The formal transfer of guns must occur through a dealer with a federal firearms license.

Kansas Republican Party organizes April fundraiser to raffle 30 firearms in 30 days

KANSAS CITY—The survey of damage from the storm that struck the Kansas City area Friday night&nbsp;indicates the tornado was an F-0 in strength, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.

Shortly after 11:30pm on Friday, March 6, the EF-0 tornado occurred in a line of severe thunderstorms. According to the survey team, the tornado had a track of 7.97 miles and a maximum width of 50-yards. It began in Shawnee, Kansas and ended in Kansas City, Missouri shortly before Westport around 11:45pm. 

The majority of damage was done to trees. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772934186885.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—The survey of damage from the storm that struck the Kansas City area Friday night&nbsp;indicates the tornado was an F-0 in strength, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772934512235.png" alt="Photos NWS" />
 <figcaption>Photos NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>Shortly after 11:30pm on Friday, March 6, the EF-0 tornado occurred in a line of severe thunderstorms. According to the survey team, the tornado had a track of 7.97 miles and a maximum width of 50-yards. It began in Shawnee, Kansas and ended in Kansas City, Missouri shortly before Westport around 11:45pm. The majority of damage was done to trees. There were no injuries reported.

NWS confirms strength of tornado that hit NE Kansas

LYON COUNTY— The David Traylor Zoo in Emporia announced on Saturday that their adult male American bison, Bill, passed away at the age of 22, according to a statement from the zoo. At this age, Bill was considered geriatric for his species.

Following his passing, the Zoo’s veterinarian conducted an examination and determined that Bill died due to age-related health issues.

Bill was born at the David Traylor Zoo on April 22, 2003, and spent his entire life as a cherished member of our animal family. Over the years, he became a familiar and beloved presence for visitors and staff alike.

Zoo staff are closely monitoring our two remaining bison, Beulah and Ted, as they adjust to the loss of their herd’s dominant male. Animal care staff are providing additional observation and support during this transition period.

To allow time for both the animals and our staff to process this loss and make necessary adjustments within the habitat, the Zoo remained closed Saturday.

The David Traylor Zoo will return to normal operating hours Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772934758486.jpeg" alt="Bison Bill- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Bison Bill- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY— The David Traylor Zoo in Emporia announced on Saturday that their adult male American bison, Bill, passed away at the age of 22, according to a statement from the zoo. At this age, Bill was considered geriatric for his species.Following his passing, the Zoo’s veterinarian conducted an examination and determined that Bill died due to age-related health issues.Bill was born at the David Traylor Zoo on April 22, 2003, and spent his entire life as a cherished member of our animal family. Over the years, he became a familiar and beloved presence for visitors and staff alike.Zoo staff are closely monitoring our two remaining bison, Beulah and Ted, as they adjust to the loss of their herd’s dominant male. Animal care staff are providing additional observation and support during this transition period.To allow time for both the animals and our staff to process this loss and make necessary adjustments within the habitat, the Zoo remained closed Saturday.The David Traylor Zoo will return to normal operating hours Sunday.

Kansas zoo mourns the loss of popular bison 

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.

Last month, two individuals were taken into custody by Jackson County Sheriff Deputies near 4th&nbsp;and Arizona in the City of Holton. These arrests are a part of a multi-month drug investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine into Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Early this year, Sheriff Tim Morse initiated an investigation into potential methamphetamine sales in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. During this investigation, a series of undercover drug buys were made in Jackson County.

Early Thursday morning, deputies closed in on a pickup truck that had pulled into a local convenience store. The Sheriff’s Office believed that the suspects were allegedly bringing a delivery of methamphetamine to Jackson County from Topeka. &nbsp;Deputies took the occupants into custody at the scene and seized a quantity of methamphetamine.

The passenger of the vehicle, Jade Renee Graf, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include Distribute methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school; Taxation Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Possession of methamphetamine; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute methamphetamine; Taxation. Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Possession of methamphetamine; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body;Distribute methamphetamine 3.5 – &lt;100 grams;Taxation. Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Use communication facility. In the commission of a felony drug violation and a Probation Violation.

The driver of the vehicle, Gary Ray Hards, 26, of Denison, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine;&nbsp;Possession of marijuana and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office expects additional arrests and charges in connection with this investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772460740450.png" alt="Hards photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hards photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.Last month, two individuals were taken into custody by Jackson County Sheriff Deputies near 4th&nbsp;and Arizona in the City of Holton. These arrests are a part of a multi-month drug investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine into Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Early this year, Sheriff Tim Morse initiated an investigation into potential methamphetamine sales in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. During this investigation, a series of undercover drug buys were made in Jackson County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772460700700.png" alt="Graf photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Graf photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Early Thursday morning, deputies closed in on a pickup truck that had pulled into a local convenience store. The Sheriff’s Office believed that the suspects were allegedly bringing a delivery of methamphetamine to Jackson County from Topeka. &nbsp;Deputies took the occupants into custody at the scene and seized a quantity of methamphetamine.The passenger of the vehicle, Jade Renee Graf, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include Distribute methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school; Taxation Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Possession of methamphetamine; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute methamphetamine; Taxation. Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Possession of methamphetamine; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body;Distribute methamphetamine 3.5 – &lt;100 grams;Taxation. Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Use communication facility. In the commission of a felony drug violation and a Probation Violation.The driver of the vehicle, Gary Ray Hards, 26, of Denison, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine;&nbsp;Possession of marijuana and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human bodyThe Jackson County Sheriff’s Office expects additional arrests and charges in connection with this investigation.

Sheriff: Kansas couple jailed after series of undercover drug buys

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772898246523.png" alt="From top left Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor; Capt. Cody Khork; Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens; Sgt. Declan Coady and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan -photos U.S. Army Reserve Command" />
 <figcaption>From top left Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor; Capt. Cody Khork; Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens; Sgt. Declan Coady and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan -photos U.S. Army Reserve Command</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch in full: <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> attends the dignified transfer of the six American heroes killed in Operation Epic Fury🙏 🇺🇸Capt. Cody Khork 🇺🇸Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens 🇺🇸Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor 🇺🇸Sgt. Declan Coady 🇺🇸Maj. Jeffrey O&#39;Brien 🇺🇸Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan <a href="https://t.co/Tvhj5FfNuX">pic.twitter.com/Tvhj5FfNuX</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2030411518894805020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At Dover Air Force Base, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> witness the dignified transfer of the six American heroes killed in Operation Epic Fury 🙏🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/2xpi2RIhQY">pic.twitter.com/2xpi2RIhQY</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2030397716132491441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump and the First Lady honor the fallen at Dover Air Force Base 🙏 May God bless these brave heroes and their families 🇺🇸 Capt. Cody Khork Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor Sgt. Declan Coady Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien Chief Warrant Officer 3… <a href="https://t.co/pJiBXLuRMO">pic.twitter.com/pJiBXLuRMO</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2030385849431646222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📍 Dover Air Force Base<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> arrive for the dignified transfer of the six American heroes killed in Operation Epic Fury 🙏🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/r9bphnwpAG">pic.twitter.com/r9bphnwpAG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2030396007322718711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President attends dignified transfer of 6 Americans killed in Operation Epic Fury

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico —A woman identified as 63-year-old Deborah Rhinesmith of Wichita, according to New Mexico State Police, died after a small plane traveling from Kansas crashed on a golf course Friday in Albuquerque.&nbsp;

Just after 11:30a.m., Albuquerque Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the Los Altos Golf Course for a reported small plane that crash landed, according to&nbsp; the department's social media page.

 Engine 9 arrived within five minutes of dispatch and found the single-engine Cessna 400 Corvalis TT with&nbsp;Rhinesmith and one other person stuck inside. The aircraft was not on fire but had significant damage. 

The two people were extricated from the plane and transported to&nbsp;The University of New Mexico Hospital where&nbsp;Rhinesmith was pronounced deceased. The State Patrol did not release the name of the other person on board.

On their social media page, Wichita Eisenhower Airport wrote, "We are aware that a small aircraft departing from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport this morning made an emergency landing in Albuquerque, NM. We are coordinating closely with local authorities and emergency responders Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted"

The aircraft was registered out of Wichita, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Flight radar indicated the plane took off from Wichita Friday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;The NTSB and FAA will continue to investigate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772835641193.png" alt="Rescue crews at the scene -photo Albuquerque Fire and Rescue" />
 <figcaption>Rescue crews at the scene -photo Albuquerque Fire and Rescue</figcaption>
 </figure>ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico —A woman identified as 63-year-old Deborah Rhinesmith of Wichita, according to New Mexico State Police, died after a small plane traveling from Kansas crashed on a golf course Friday in Albuquerque.&nbsp;Just after 11:30a.m., Albuquerque Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the Los Altos Golf Course for a reported small plane that crash landed, according to&nbsp; the department's social media page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772885407314.png" alt="Photo courtesy KRQE" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KRQE</figcaption>
 </figure> Engine 9 arrived within five minutes of dispatch and found the single-engine Cessna 400 Corvalis TT with&nbsp;Rhinesmith and one other person stuck inside. The aircraft was not on fire but had significant damage. The two people were extricated from the plane and transported to&nbsp;The University of New Mexico Hospital where&nbsp;Rhinesmith was pronounced deceased. The State Patrol did not release the name of the other person on board.On their social media page, Wichita Eisenhower Airport wrote, "We are aware that a small aircraft departing from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport this morning made an emergency landing in Albuquerque, NM. We are coordinating closely with local authorities and emergency responders Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted"The aircraft was registered out of Wichita, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Flight radar indicated the plane took off from Wichita Friday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;The NTSB and FAA will continue to investigate.

Police: Kan. woman died after small plane crash onto golf course

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred last month.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2817/Parris-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Tyler J. Parris</a>, 29, is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2818/Parris-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police received a call on Feb. 16 regarding a shooting victim who was dropped off at a hospital and did not survive his injuries. The shooting occurred outside a residence near East 31st Street and Brighton Avenue.&nbsp;

Based on witness reports, Parris was in his truck, arguing with the victim, who was standing outside the truck. The two were arguing about a stolen vehicle. The defendant then allegedly fired at the victim.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $200,000 cash only.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772553677262.png" alt="Parris-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Parris-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred last month.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2817/Parris-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Tyler J. Parris</a>, 29, is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2818/Parris-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police received a call on Feb. 16 regarding a shooting victim who was dropped off at a hospital and did not survive his injuries. The shooting occurred outside a residence near East 31st Street and Brighton Avenue.&nbsp;Based on witness reports, Parris was in his truck, arguing with the victim, who was standing outside the truck. The two were arguing about a stolen vehicle. The defendant then allegedly fired at the victim.&nbsp;A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $200,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Fight over stolen vehicle led to deadly KC killing

Public ownership of stadium shields bonds for project from federal income tax

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"></a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House introduced legislation Friday authorizing creation of a state sports authority to allow construction of a publicly owned stadium spectacular enough to persuade the Kansas City Chiefs to move from Missouri to Kansas.

Public ownership of the $3 billion stadium was viewed as a necessity because private ownership would make the $1.8 billion in state bonds issued for the project subject to federal income taxes.

Attorney Korb Maxwell told state lawmakers in January that failure to form a sports authority to allow stadium ownership by the state would likely kill the project.

Terms of the sports authority legislation involving the state of Kansas and owners of the Chiefs were outlined in an 11-page bill scheduled to be discussed Tuesday during a joint session of the House and Senate commerce committees.

The bill introduced by Rep. Sean Tarwater, a suburban Kansas City Republican, would need to be fast-tracked during the final two or three weeks of the 2026 session of the Legislature.

Under House Bill 2793, the nine voting members of the sports authority would have to be appointed by Aug. 31. Members of the board would be Kansas residents and chosen by the governor and leaders of the House and Senate. The group would include a representative of the Chiefs and the secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The bill would allow the sports authority to take possession of facilities other than the domed stadium constructed for the Chiefs. The authority would be authorized to sell real or personal property and be exempt from state property tax. In addition, the authority would be exempt from city, county and state sales taxes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766434608613.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Public ownership of stadium shields bonds for project from federal income tax</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</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><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"></a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House introduced legislation Friday authorizing creation of a state sports authority to allow construction of a publicly owned stadium spectacular enough to persuade the Kansas City Chiefs to move from Missouri to Kansas.Public ownership of the $3 billion stadium was viewed as a necessity because private ownership would make the $1.8 billion in state bonds issued for the project subject to federal income taxes.Attorney Korb Maxwell told state lawmakers in January that failure to form a sports authority to allow stadium ownership by the state would likely kill the project.Terms of the sports authority legislation involving the state of Kansas and owners of the Chiefs were outlined in an 11-page bill scheduled to be discussed Tuesday during a joint session of the House and Senate commerce committees.The bill introduced by Rep. Sean Tarwater, a suburban Kansas City Republican, would need to be fast-tracked during the final two or three weeks of the 2026 session of the Legislature.Under House Bill 2793, the nine voting members of the sports authority would have to be appointed by Aug. 31. Members of the board would be Kansas residents and chosen by the governor and leaders of the House and Senate. The group would include a representative of the Chiefs and the secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.The bill would allow the sports authority to take possession of facilities other than the domed stadium constructed for the Chiefs. The authority would be authorized to sell real or personal property and be exempt from state property tax. In addition, the authority would be exempt from city, county and state sales taxes.Purchases by the sports authority for contractual services, construction, repairs, supplies, equipment or furniture “shall not be subject to the competitive bidding requirements” of state law, the bill said.The deal would enable the Chiefs to engage in a lease agreement giving the franchise exclusive use of the stadium at agreed upon times and the right to retain some or all revenue from ticket sales, suite licenses, personalized seat licenses, concessions, advertising, naming rights, broadcast deals and other income tied to the stadium.The sports authority would be responsible for submitting annual reports to the Legislative Coordinating Council and the commerce committees of the House and Senate.The Legislature is taking up the House bill at a time when some lawmakers have expressed opposition to the incentive package for construction of a stadium and practice facility for the Chiefs.Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat seeking the party’s nomination for governor, said the stadium plan was a “raw deal for Kansans.”“At a time when our leaders should be laser focused on lowering costs for Kansans, instead they are delivering a massive giveaway to billionaires and asking us to foot the bill,” Holscher said. “The stadium deal makes big promises of nebulous economic growth, but risks blowing open our state budget.”The bill doesn’t outline boundaries of the STAR bond district in Johnson and Wyandotte counties that would generate sales tax revenue to pay for construction projects serving the Chiefs.