SUMNER COUNTY —The National Weather Service reported several tornadoes across portions of southern Kansas Thursday night and early Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The tornadoes were reported eight miles south of Milan, west of Corbin, south of Mayfield and near 8th Road and South Bluff Road in rural Sumner County.&nbsp; The National Weather Service will meet with emergency managers in Sumner County to evaluate damage from the storms.

Severe weather in Major County, Oklahoma also killed a mother and her daughter Thursday night. Major County is approximately 140 miles south of Wichita.

The National Weather Service reported at least four tornadoes touched down in Grant and Alfalfa counties in western Oklahoma causing damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772807972865.png" alt="-Fairview, Oklahoma Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>-Fairview, Oklahoma Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —The National Weather Service reported several tornadoes across portions of southern Kansas Thursday night and early Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F2339659506542956%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1206 AM Friday -- Spotters continue to report a tornado just south of Mayfield in Sumner County. Those in and near Mayfield need to be taking your tornado precautions. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/2029801030184042511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">11:40 PM Thursday -- A Tornado is ongoing in southwest Sumner County (roughly 7 miles northwest of Caldwell. This tornado is moving to northeast at 30 MPH. Seek shelter if you&#39;re in the path of this storm! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/2029794406530785634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1152 PM -- A new tornado has developed roughly 5 miles west of Corbin. This tornado is moving in the general direction of Mayfield. Seek shelter! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/2029797475532390721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The tornadoes were reported eight miles south of Milan, west of Corbin, south of Mayfield and near 8th Road and South Bluff Road in rural Sumner County.&nbsp; The National Weather Service will meet with emergency managers in Sumner County to evaluate damage from the storms.Severe weather in Major County, Oklahoma also killed a mother and her daughter Thursday night. Major County is approximately 140 miles south of Wichita.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Severe weather struck Major County last night and tragically claimed the lives of a mother and daughter. I am praying for the family as they grieve this tragic loss, as well as all those impacted by the storms. More weather risks are expected across Oklahoma this weekend.…&mdash; Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovStitt/status/2029897251951198613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The National Weather Service reported at least four tornadoes touched down in Grant and Alfalfa counties in western Oklahoma causing damage.

NWS reported several tornadoes in southern Kansas 

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

Just after 4:30pm Thursday were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment building in the 1200 block of Askew in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers were led into an apartment inside the building. There they located a shooting victim unresponsive. Officers called for EMS into the scene who declared the man deceased.&nbsp;

 Preliminary investigation indicates that a caller responded to the apartment and observed the victim injured and unresponsive inside. The caller then called 911 for police and ambulance. There are not any suspects in custody at this time.&nbsp;If anyone was in the area around the building 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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772764543505.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 4:30pm Thursday were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment building in the 1200 block of Askew in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Officers were led into an apartment inside the building. There they located a shooting victim unresponsive. Officers called for EMS into the scene who declared the man deceased.&nbsp; Preliminary investigation indicates that a caller responded to the apartment and observed the victim injured and unresponsive inside. The caller then called 911 for police and ambulance. There are not any suspects in custody at this time.&nbsp;If anyone was in the area around the building 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: Shooting victim found dead in apartment

President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homeland-security-noem-mullin-38c583b3cef97b4ef60d84b8f8b5961a">fired his embattled</a>&nbsp;Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and says he’ll nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-hes-replacing-homeland-security-secretary-noem-with-gop-sen-markwayne-mullin-8ffbe0a80ca2446b8fea706eac40f42f">Sen. Markwayne Mullin.</a>

Trump made the announcement on social media on Thursday, two days after Noem faced a grilling on Capitol Hill from GOP members as well as Democrats. Watch below.

Trump says he’ll make Noem a “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” a new security initiative that he said would focus on the Western Hemisphere.

Noem is the first Cabinet secretary to leave during Trump’s second term. Noem’s departure caps a tumultuous tenure overseeing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-border-security-deportations-c06c989b1b1e85522c0d44c4d36fd9fb">immigration enforcement</a>&nbsp;tactics that have been met with protests and lawsuits.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744140809307.png" alt="Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem-Photo DHS video" />
 <figcaption>Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem-Photo DHS video</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homeland-security-noem-mullin-38c583b3cef97b4ef60d84b8f8b5961a">fired his embattled</a>&nbsp;Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and says he’ll nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-hes-replacing-homeland-security-secretary-noem-with-gop-sen-markwayne-mullin-8ffbe0a80ca2446b8fea706eac40f42f">Sen. Markwayne Mullin.</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> Trump for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and…&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/2029647010002055467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kristi Noem’s termination is welcome and overdue news. She should next face prosecution for mass violations of constitutional and human rights.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/2029637616023290155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>(one of Noem's expensive TV ads)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Kristi Noem is out at DHS. Here&#39;s a TV commercial of her on a horse, filmed five months ago at Mount Rushmore, for an ad campaign that cost more than $200 million <a href="https://t.co/U1RtvlYc4w">pic.twitter.com/U1RtvlYc4w</a>&mdash; Drew Harwell (@drewharwell) <a href="https://twitter.com/drewharwell/status/2029639059929243954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772752370201.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Trump made the announcement on social media on Thursday, two days after Noem faced a grilling on Capitol Hill from GOP members as well as Democrats. Watch below.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Sen. Kennedy on Kristi Noem: &quot;I heard the secretary say that she went to the president and said, &#39;I proposed to spend a quarter of $1 billion on tv ads in which I am the star&#39;…Her version of the truth and the president&#39;s version of the truth are decidedly different.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0CiJMAAdRd">pic.twitter.com/0CiJMAAdRd</a>&mdash; The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulwarkOnline/status/2029655541497110759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 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">This exchange two days ago is the reason Noem was fired. Remember, Kennedy is GOP. This is proof that GOP members of Congress can, and have a duty to, exercise influence to hold bad members of this administration accountable. No more excuses for being lackeys. <a href="https://t.co/422lckj77N">pic.twitter.com/422lckj77N</a>&mdash; Rogue POTUS Staff (@RoguePOTUSStaff) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoguePOTUSStaff/status/2029663243141271851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to my friend and colleague <a href="https://twitter.com/SenMullin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenMullin</a> on his nomination. Markwayne will carry out President Trump’s agenda to secure our homeland and strengthen the agencies that protect the American people. I look forward to supporting his confirmation.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/2029649004351349177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump says he’ll make Noem a “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” a new security initiative that he said would focus on the Western Hemisphere.Noem is the first Cabinet secretary to leave during Trump’s second term. Noem’s departure caps a tumultuous tenure overseeing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-border-security-deportations-c06c989b1b1e85522c0d44c4d36fd9fb">immigration enforcement</a>&nbsp;tactics that have been met with protests and lawsuits.-The Associated Press contributed to this report

KCMO mayor and more comment on firing of DHS Secretary

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

A silver Subaru Forrester driven by 45-year-old&nbsp;Opia L.Muntagim, and a silver Ford Escape were both stopped for the red traffic control signal on the exit ramp from northbound 71 Highway to Meyer Boulevard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

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

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

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

Muntagim and front seat passenger of the Subaru identified as 53-year-old Terri L. Glass were both pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the F150 was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Escape was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the GMC was uninjured in the collision. The driver of the F150 remains in critical condition and the driver of the Escape remains in stable condition. This is fatalities #12 and #13 compared to #9 at this time last year, according to Becchina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772505633291.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Two people died in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Monday in Kansas City.A silver Subaru Forrester driven by 45-year-old&nbsp;Opia L.Muntagim, and a silver Ford Escape were both stopped for the red traffic control signal on the exit ramp from northbound 71 Highway to Meyer Boulevard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772505663773.png" alt="photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure> A northbound black Ford F150 was traveling on the exit ramp at a high rate of speed. The F150 sideswiped the Escape and struck the rear end of the Subaru. The F150 pushed the Subaru northbound across the eastbound lanes of Meyer Boulevard, through the center median, and over a concrete wall. As the Subaru was being pushed over the wall, the vehicle overturned and landed in the westbound lanes of Meyer Boulevard. As the front of the F150 disengaged from the Subaru, the vehicle began to rotate across the westbound lanes of Meyer. The F150 then struck a westbound gray GMC Sierra on Meyer before coming to rest. Muntagim and front seat passenger of the Subaru identified as 53-year-old Terri L. Glass were both pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the F150 was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Escape was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the GMC was uninjured in the collision. The driver of the F150 remains in critical condition and the driver of the Escape remains in stable condition. This is fatalities #12 and #13 compared to #9 at this time last year, according to Becchina.

Police ID 2 who died after 4-vehicle crash in Kansas City

A former Kansas wrestling coach was charged through criminal complaint for allegedly creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) by clandestinely filming minors showering during a high school sporting event, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to court documents, Ryan Brungardt, 37, of Salina is charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.&nbsp;

Brungardt is a former employee at Lakewood Middle School and former wrestling coach for Salina Central High School in Salina. Brungardt is accused of using a cellphone to record three minors while they showered in a locker room during the Tournament of Champions, a wrestling tournament which was held at Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, in January 2024.&nbsp;

The defendant made his initial court appearance for the criminal complaint on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks G. Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Salina Police Department, and Newton Police Department are investigating the case.

Investigators are in the process of reviewing additional seized cellphone videos in this case that are suspected to have been recorded at wrestling meets and tournaments in Newton, Hays, Garden City and Salina, Kansas during the 2023-2024 wrestling season. Anyone who believes they witnessed crimes or any suspicious activity at these events is asked to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 600-8790 or report at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706618954662.jpeg" alt="Brungardt from arrest in 2024-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Brungardt from arrest in 2024-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>A former Kansas wrestling coach was charged through criminal complaint for allegedly creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) by clandestinely filming minors showering during a high school sporting event, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.According to court documents, Ryan Brungardt, 37, of Salina is charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.&nbsp;Brungardt is a former employee at Lakewood Middle School and former wrestling coach for Salina Central High School in Salina. Brungardt is accused of using a cellphone to record three minors while they showered in a locker room during the Tournament of Champions, a wrestling tournament which was held at Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, in January 2024.&nbsp;The defendant made his initial court appearance for the criminal complaint on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks G. Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Salina Police Department, and Newton Police Department are investigating the case.Investigators are in the process of reviewing additional seized cellphone videos in this case that are suspected to have been recorded at wrestling meets and tournaments in Newton, Hays, Garden City and Salina, Kansas during the 2023-2024 wrestling season. Anyone who believes they witnessed crimes or any suspicious activity at these events is asked to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 600-8790 or report at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

Kan. high school coach accused of secretly filming minors in showers

BUTLER COUNTY —The bomb squad was called after an explosive device was found in a rural Kansas mobile home.

Just before 3p.m. March 4, Butler County 911 Communications dispatched deputies to a suspicious device located at 11000 block of SW Shumway Road in rural Augusta, according to Butler County Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff.

The Augusta Department of Public Safety Fire Division, BATF, FBI and Wichita Police Bomb Squad also responded to investigate.

The reporting party stated that she was cleaning out an old mobile home when she discovered a single stick of what was later identified as an old explosive material similar to dynamite. 

Deputies secured the area for safety for a brief time while the Wichita Bomb Squad removed the material to a facility for proper disposal. The individual believed to be the owner of the material had passed away previously and there&nbsp; is no criminal investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772726318814.png" alt="Google Map" />
 <figcaption>Google Map</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —The bomb squad was called after an explosive device was found in a rural Kansas mobile home.Just before 3p.m. March 4, Butler County 911 Communications dispatched deputies to a suspicious device located at 11000 block of SW Shumway Road in rural Augusta, according to Butler County Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff.The Augusta Department of Public Safety Fire Division, BATF, FBI and Wichita Police Bomb Squad also responded to investigate.The reporting party stated that she was cleaning out an old mobile home when she discovered a single stick of what was later identified as an old explosive material similar to dynamite. Deputies secured the area for safety for a brief time while the Wichita Bomb Squad removed the material to a facility for proper disposal. The individual believed to be the owner of the material had passed away previously and there&nbsp; is no criminal investigation.

Woman found explosive device in rural Kansas mobile home

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Topeka Fire Department on Thursday afternoon reported the cause of the fire was unattended cooking and not an electrical fire.

SHAWNEE COUNTY– One person died in an apartment fire in&nbsp; Topeka.

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

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

One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. 9 apartment units are displaced by the fire.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772710114626.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>EDITOR'S NOTE: The Topeka Fire Department on Thursday afternoon reported the cause of the fire was unattended cooking and not an electrical fire.SHAWNEE COUNTY– One person died in an apartment fire in&nbsp; Topeka.Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;responded to an apartment fire located at 715 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp; Crews reported on arrival that there was heavy smoke coming from the multi-family apartment complex. Firefighters began an aggressive interior attack on the fire from within the structure. Firefighters rescued several residents from the structure. Four people were transported to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. 9 apartment units are displaced by the fire.&nbsp;The preliminary cause of the fire was determined unattended cooking and not an accidental electrical fire.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details early Thursday.

New details: 1 dead, 4 hospitalized after Kansas apartment fire

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>McConnell Air Force Base’s aircraft are departing today, moving away from the waves of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/weatherstory">severe weather</a>&nbsp;which is forecasted for the Wichita area Thursday night and then again Friday night, according to a statement from the base.

That forecast calls for a slight to enhanced risk of severe storms with potential for severe winds, hail and the possibility of tornadoes.

Air Force active duty and reserve aircrews from the 22nd&nbsp;and 931st&nbsp;Air Refueling Wings are relocating the base’s KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft to several other military bases across the country. This will ensure the aircraft maintain full readiness as they continue to support tasked missions and be available for future taskings, while also avoiding any potential damage from the upcoming weather.

All remaining aircraft, undergoing various phases of maintenance, along with a range of flightline vehicles and equipment, are being stored in hangars as the base readies for the full range of potential weather outcomes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716646459018.png" alt="File image from video in 2024 provided by McConnell Air Force Base" />
 <figcaption>File image from video in 2024 provided by McConnell Air Force Base</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>McConnell Air Force Base’s aircraft are departing today, moving away from the waves of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/weatherstory">severe weather</a>&nbsp;which is forecasted for the Wichita area Thursday night and then again Friday night, according to a statement from the base.That forecast calls for a slight to enhanced risk of severe storms with potential for severe winds, hail and the possibility of tornadoes.Air Force active duty and reserve aircrews from the 22nd&nbsp;and 931st&nbsp;Air Refueling Wings are relocating the base’s KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft to several other military bases across the country. This will ensure the aircraft maintain full readiness as they continue to support tasked missions and be available for future taskings, while also avoiding any potential damage from the upcoming weather.All remaining aircraft, undergoing various phases of maintenance, along with a range of flightline vehicles and equipment, are being stored in hangars as the base readies for the full range of potential weather outcomes.

Kan. Air Force base to relocate aircraft ahead of severe weather

&nbsp;Senate Republicans voted down an effort Wednesday to halt President Trump’s war against Iran, demonstrating early support for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East.

The legislation, known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>, failed on a 47-53 vote tally. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the resolution.

On social media, Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran explained his vote against the resolution. "The Iranian government has terrorized its own people, funded terror networks, threatened the security of our allies and called for the destruction of the U.S. Iran’s ambition to enrich uranium and acquire long-range missiles threatens the U.S. and the stability of the region.

Iran’s continued attacks on American troops, our embassies and consulates, and the bombardment of Israel, require vigilance and ongoing military action in the Middle East. Support for this resolution as written would constrain ongoing operations and potentially put American service members at greater risk. Congress must remain fully engaged through oversight and deliberation, and we must do so in a way that supports, not jeopardizes as this resolution would do, the men &amp; women carrying out their current mission. If military engagements become sustained or expanded, Congress must debate and authorize further use of force on behalf of the American people

On his social media account, Senator Marshall explained his no vote against the resolution. "I voted against the Democrats’ War Powers Resolution—a political ploy to undermine our military operations." 

"Our military’s strike against the Iranian regime was bold, necessary, and long overdue. Iran has spent decades killing Americans and pursuing a nuclear weapon. Praying for our troops and their families—and for a swift end to this conflict."

The vote on Thursday afternoon gave lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The vote forced them to take a stand on a war shaping the fate of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772661453181.png" alt="Underscoring the gravity of the moment, Democratic senators filled the Senate chamber and sat at their desks as the voting got underway. Typically, senators step into the chamber to cast their vote, then leave." />
 <figcaption>Underscoring the gravity of the moment, Democratic senators filled the Senate chamber and sat at their desks as the voting got underway. Typically, senators step into the chamber to cast their vote, then leave.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Senate Republicans voted down an effort Wednesday to halt President Trump’s war against Iran, demonstrating early support for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East.The legislation, known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>, failed on a 47-53 vote tally. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the resolution.On social media, Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran explained his vote against the resolution. "The Iranian government has terrorized its own people, funded terror networks, threatened the security of our allies and called for the destruction of the U.S. Iran’s ambition to enrich uranium and acquire long-range missiles threatens the U.S. and the stability of the region.Iran’s continued attacks on American troops, our embassies and consulates, and the bombardment of Israel, require vigilance and ongoing military action in the Middle East. Support for this resolution as written would constrain ongoing operations and potentially put American service members at greater risk. Congress must remain fully engaged through oversight and deliberation, and we must do so in a way that supports, not jeopardizes as this resolution would do, the men &amp; women carrying out their current mission. If military engagements become sustained or expanded, Congress must debate and authorize further use of force on behalf of the American peopleOn his social media account, Senator Marshall explained his no vote against the resolution. "I voted against the Democrats’ War Powers Resolution—a political ploy to undermine our military operations." "Our military’s strike against the Iranian regime was bold, necessary, and long overdue. Iran has spent decades killing Americans and pursuing a nuclear weapon. Praying for our troops and their families—and for a swift end to this conflict."The vote on Thursday afternoon gave lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The vote forced them to take a stand on a war shaping the fate of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region.-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kansas U.S. Senators explain their vote on War Powers Resolution

Concession companies at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) are gearing up for the FIFA 2026 World Cup by planning to increase staff. 

A hiring fair hosted by Vantage Group will be held on March 12 at the airport for various positions. Companies like Dunkin’ Donuts, Smoothie King, and others will be hiring immediately for open positions. Prospective employees are encouraged to bring resumes and valid identification to the fair, which aims to prepare for the influx of visitors expected in Kansas City during the World Cup. 

Free parking will be available for attendees at the event.

Concession companies at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) are gearing up for the FIFA 2026 World Cup by planning to increase staff. A hiring fair hosted by Vantage Group will be held on March 12 at the airport for various positions. Companies like Dunkin’ Donuts, Smoothie King, and others will be hiring immediately for open positions. Prospective employees are encouraged to bring resumes and valid identification to the fair, which aims to prepare for the influx of visitors expected in Kansas City during the World Cup. Free parking will be available for attendees at the event.

Kansas City Airport Concessions to Host Hiring Fair Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/" target="_blank">BUSINESS WIRE</a>

KANSAS CITY—-EPR Properties announced Thursday that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a portfolio of seven regional parks from Six Flags Entertainment Corporation for a gross transactional value of $342 million, of which the Company provided approximately $315 million and our operating tenants provided the balance, including funds for working capital and capital improvements. This transaction significantly expands the Company's attractions portfolio and represents its largest acquisition since 2017.

<a href="https://www.sixflags.com/blog/looking-forward-a-new-chapter-for-six-flags?fbclid=IwY2xjawQWihBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsYzZtakF3WTVuRkxQZXZac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkaAETJ4zMV0das0yoP6MkXkVMOgW3h5bzqF6ejIleo_FtIJzLiF41qZtpNt_aem_so5pEBI0IvQUgjNyUMGUwA">Click here for more detail</a>s on what the sale means for park guests

The seven parks comprise over 1,600 acres, featuring 418 attractions across five states and Canada, and drawing approximately 4.5 million annual attendees. The six regional parks that are located throughout the U.S. will be leased to and operated by Enchanted Parks (formerly Innovative Attraction Management) pursuant to a long-term master lease, and the one park located in Canada will be leased to and operated by La Ronde Operations, Inc. following the completion of the transaction. Both entities are proven operators with which the Company has an existing relationship.

"This strategic acquisition represents a compelling opportunity to expand our attractions portfolio with high-quality experiential real estate assets in established regional markets," said Gregory K. Silvers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPR Properties. "These properties embody the essential characteristics we seek: delivering stable, long-term cash flows, strong drive-to accessibility, multi-generational appeal, and significant underlying land value. This transaction aligns with our disciplined investment criteria and accelerates our strategic expansion into experiential properties that create enduring value for our shareholders.”

Properties Included In Transaction

The company has acquired the non-Six Flags branded property names as part of the transaction and acquired rights to the Six Flags brand through 2026. The transaction is expected to close toward the end of the first quarter or beginning of the second quarter, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions and third-party approvals. No significant impact on guests is expected during this transition. The parks will continue their regular operating schedules, and all season passes sold will be recognized through the 2026 operating season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698950143386.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.businesswire.com/" target="_blank">BUSINESS WIRE</a>KANSAS CITY—-EPR Properties announced Thursday that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a portfolio of seven regional parks from Six Flags Entertainment Corporation for a gross transactional value of $342 million, of which the Company provided approximately $315 million and our operating tenants provided the balance, including funds for working capital and capital improvements. This transaction significantly expands the Company's attractions portfolio and represents its largest acquisition since 2017.<a href="https://www.sixflags.com/blog/looking-forward-a-new-chapter-for-six-flags?fbclid=IwY2xjawQWihBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsYzZtakF3WTVuRkxQZXZac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkaAETJ4zMV0das0yoP6MkXkVMOgW3h5bzqF6ejIleo_FtIJzLiF41qZtpNt_aem_so5pEBI0IvQUgjNyUMGUwA">Click here for more detail</a>s on what the sale means for park guestsThe seven parks comprise over 1,600 acres, featuring 418 attractions across five states and Canada, and drawing approximately 4.5 million annual attendees. The six regional parks that are located throughout the U.S. will be leased to and operated by Enchanted Parks (formerly Innovative Attraction Management) pursuant to a long-term master lease, and the one park located in Canada will be leased to and operated by La Ronde Operations, Inc. following the completion of the transaction. Both entities are proven operators with which the Company has an existing relationship."This strategic acquisition represents a compelling opportunity to expand our attractions portfolio with high-quality experiential real estate assets in established regional markets," said Gregory K. Silvers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPR Properties. "These properties embody the essential characteristics we seek: delivering stable, long-term cash flows, strong drive-to accessibility, multi-generational appeal, and significant underlying land value. This transaction aligns with our disciplined investment criteria and accelerates our strategic expansion into experiential properties that create enduring value for our shareholders.”Properties Included In TransactionU.S. Parks – Enchanted Parks<ul>
 <li>Worlds of Fun – Amusement &amp; Waterpark – Kansas City, MO</li><li>Valleyfair – Amusement &amp; Waterpark – Minneapolis, MN</li><li>Six Flags St. Louis – Amusement &amp; Waterpark – St. Louis, MO</li><li>Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston – Waterpark – Galveston TX</li><li>Michigan’s Adventure – Amusement &amp; Waterpark – Grand Rapids, MI</li><li>Six Flags Great Escape – Amusement &amp; Waterpark - Queensbury, NY</li>
 </ul>Canadian Park<ul>
 <li>Six Flags La Ronde – Amusement Park - Montreal, QC</li>
 </ul>Investment Highlights<ul>
 <li>Properties Underwritten at a 2.0x Coverage</li><li>Compelling Valuation</li><li>New Focused Operators with Capital Infusion</li><li>High Quality Real Estate</li><li>Strong Master Lease</li>
 </ul>The company has acquired the non-Six Flags branded property names as part of the transaction and acquired rights to the Six Flags brand through 2026. The transaction is expected to close toward the end of the first quarter or beginning of the second quarter, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions and third-party approvals. No significant impact on guests is expected during this transition. The parks will continue their regular operating schedules, and all season passes sold will be recognized through the 2026 operating season.

Worlds of Fun sold as part of $342 million deal

SHAWNEE COUNTY– The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office recently assisted authorities in Trinity County, California, after receiving information related to a possible homicide involving two family members in Weaverville, California.

On Tuesday, a Shawnee County resident contacted the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office to report information regarding a possible homicide involving relatives who were reportedly living in Weaverville, California. Investigators with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division met with the reporting party and gathered information regarding the report.

Investigators relayed the information to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, which then initiated its investigation.

Based in part on the information received, investigators with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 3100 block of Bear Creek Road in Weaverville. During the search, investigators located the deceased body of Darren Jackson, 58, in a compost pile on the property. Multiple deceased puppies were also located.

Kevin Jackson, 54, the victim’s brother, was taken into custody in connection with the investigation and arrested on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder, Felon in possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Felon in possession of ammunition and animal cruelty.

SHAWNEE COUNTY– The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office recently assisted authorities in Trinity County, California, after receiving information related to a possible homicide involving two family members in Weaverville, California.On Tuesday, a Shawnee County resident contacted the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office to report information regarding a possible homicide involving relatives who were reportedly living in Weaverville, California. Investigators with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division met with the reporting party and gathered information regarding the report.Investigators relayed the information to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, which then initiated its investigation.Based in part on the information received, investigators with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 3100 block of Bear Creek Road in Weaverville. During the search, investigators located the deceased body of Darren Jackson, 58, in a compost pile on the property. Multiple deceased puppies were also located.Kevin Jackson, 54, the victim’s brother, was taken into custody in connection with the investigation and arrested on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder, Felon in possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Felon in possession of ammunition and animal cruelty.

Tip to Kan. sheriff helps in arrest of Calif. man for killing his brother

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Textron Aviation team is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Russell W. “Russ” Meyer Jr., the longtime chairman and CEO, and Chairman Emeritus, of Cessna Aircraft Company.

Mr. Meyer was an aviation legend, leading Cessna for nearly 30 years and overseeing the development and launch of Citation business jets. He played a key role in stabilizing the industry through the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, and earned top aviation awards including two Collier Trophies, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

He believed in using aviation to help others, founding the&nbsp;<a href="https://airlift.txtav.com/">Special Olympics Airlift</a>&nbsp;— which has transported athletes to the Games for forty years — and supporting workforce development by starting Wichita's 21st Street Training Program to create career opportunities for underserved residents. His passion for youth development extended to many important charitable organizations and causes.

“Russ was a remarkable human being and one of the most respected leaders I have ever known. I held Russ in the highest regard, not only for his extraordinary business acumen, but for the integrity, humility and genuine care he showed for people at every stage of his life. He led with conviction, compassion and an unwavering belief that leadership carries a responsibility to serve something greater than oneself,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “On behalf of the entire Textron Aviation team, I extend my deepest condolences to Russ’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. I was truly privileged to know Russ as a colleague, a mentor and a friend.”

Russ leaves an enduring legacy of innovation, advocacy and service. He shaped our company, our industry and the Wichita, Kansas, community in ways that will be felt for generations to come.&nbsp; For more on the li

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772709208520.png" alt="Russ Meyer and Arnold Palmer" />
 <figcaption>Russ Meyer and Arnold Palmer</figcaption>
 </figure>Textron AviationSEDGWICK COUNTY —The Textron Aviation team is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Russell W. “Russ” Meyer Jr., the longtime chairman and CEO, and Chairman Emeritus, of Cessna Aircraft Company.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772709096554.png" alt="Russ Meyer" />
 <figcaption>Russ Meyer</figcaption>
 </figure>Mr. Meyer was an aviation legend, leading Cessna for nearly 30 years and overseeing the development and launch of Citation business jets. He played a key role in stabilizing the industry through the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, and earned top aviation awards including two Collier Trophies, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.He believed in using aviation to help others, founding the&nbsp;<a href="https://airlift.txtav.com/">Special Olympics Airlift</a>&nbsp;— which has transported athletes to the Games for forty years — and supporting workforce development by starting Wichita's 21st Street Training Program to create career opportunities for underserved residents. His passion for youth development extended to many important charitable organizations and causes.“Russ was a remarkable human being and one of the most respected leaders I have ever known. I held Russ in the highest regard, not only for his extraordinary business acumen, but for the integrity, humility and genuine care he showed for people at every stage of his life. He led with conviction, compassion and an unwavering belief that leadership carries a responsibility to serve something greater than oneself,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “On behalf of the entire Textron Aviation team, I extend my deepest condolences to Russ’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. I was truly privileged to know Russ as a colleague, a mentor and a friend.”Russ leaves an enduring legacy of innovation, advocacy and service. He shaped our company, our industry and the Wichita, Kansas, community in ways that will be felt for generations to come.&nbsp; For more on the li

Aviation legend, former Cessna CEO has died

On Wednesday, a Department of State charter flight of American citizens departed the Middle East in route to the United States, as part of our ongoing efforts to assist Americans return home.


Additional flights will be surged across the region and American citizens in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel interested in the Department's charter flight or ground transportation options, should complete the Crisis Intake Form at <a href="https://t.co/ZUvr9gptAQ" target="_blank">http://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake</a> or contact the State Department's 24/7 Task Force at +1-202-501-4444.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772675869202.png" alt="Department of State" />
 <figcaption>Department of State</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, a Department of State charter flight of American citizens departed the Middle East in route to the United States, as part of our ongoing efforts to assist Americans return home.

Additional flights will be surged across the region and American citizens in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel interested in the Department's charter flight or ground transportation options, should complete the Crisis Intake Form at <a href="https://t.co/ZUvr9gptAQ" target="_blank">http://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake</a> or contact the State Department's 24/7 Task Force at +1-202-501-4444.

US begins charter flights for stranded Americans wanting to leave the Middle East

KIOWA COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office detention officer Monday afternoon for child sex crimes.

On Monday, March 2, at 2:00 p.m., KBI agents arrested Dustin Dean Chartier, 36, of Greensburg, at the Kiowa County Courthouse, according to a media release from the KBI.

 Chartier was arrested on requested charges of rape, aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties with a child, lewd and lascivious behavior, and two counts of indecent solicitation of a child.

In December 2025, the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate allegations of sex abuse of a minor by a detention officer in 2021. Chartier was placed on administrative leave during the KBI investigation. While investigating the initial allegation, a second victim disclosed another sex abuse incident, prompting the KBI to open an additional investigation. The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office was fully cooperative with the investigation.

Following his arrest Chartier was booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772649725973.png" alt="Chartier-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Chartier-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>KIOWA COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office detention officer Monday afternoon for child sex crimes.On Monday, March 2, at 2:00 p.m., KBI agents arrested Dustin Dean Chartier, 36, of Greensburg, at the Kiowa County Courthouse, according to a media release from the KBI. Chartier was arrested on requested charges of rape, aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties with a child, lewd and lascivious behavior, and two counts of indecent solicitation of a child.In December 2025, the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate allegations of sex abuse of a minor by a detention officer in 2021. Chartier was placed on administrative leave during the KBI investigation. While investigating the initial allegation, a second victim disclosed another sex abuse incident, prompting the KBI to open an additional investigation. The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office was fully cooperative with the investigation.Following his arrest Chartier was booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility.Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

KBI: Two child victims report sex abuse involving Kan. jail deputy 

The Department of War announced the death of two more Army Reserve Soldiers who was supporting Operation Epic Fury.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Calif., was at the scene of the incident on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, and is believed to be the individual who perished at the scene, according to a statement from the DOW.

 Positive identification of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Marzan will be completed by the medical examiner.  The Soldier was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.

Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, died on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system attack. The Soldier was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772674192553.png" alt="Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan-photo U.S. Army Reserve" />
 <figcaption>Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan-photo U.S. Army Reserve</figcaption>
 </figure>The Department of War announced the death of two more Army Reserve Soldiers who was supporting Operation Epic Fury.Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Calif., was at the scene of the incident on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, and is believed to be the individual who perished at the scene, according to a statement from the DOW. Positive identification of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Marzan will be completed by the medical examiner. The Soldier was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772674257970.png" alt="Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien&nbsp;-photo U.S. Army Reserve" />
 <figcaption>Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien&nbsp;-photo U.S. Army Reserve</figcaption>
 </figure>Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, died on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system attack. The Soldier was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa. The incident is under investigation.

Pentagon releases names of 2 more U.S. soldiers killed in Iran conflict

On their social media page the University of Notre Dame&nbsp; President Rev. Robert A. Dowd wrote, “Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

"Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime. In the years since leaving the head football coach position, Lou, together with his beloved wife, Beth, supported Notre Dame in innumerable ways, among them making possible the refurbishment of four residence hall chapels and the construction of the Beth and Lou Holtz Grand Reading Room on the first floor of Hesburgh Library — tangible signs of their great love for their Catholic faith and the mission of Our Lady’s University. Whenever Notre Dame called to ask for his help, Lou answered with his characteristic generosity, and he will be sorely missed. The prayers of the entire Notre Dame community are with his family and many friends in this time of sorrow. May he rest in the peace and love of Christ.”

- University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772661637315.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Football coach Lou Holtz has died.On their social media page the University of Notre Dame&nbsp; President Rev. Robert A. Dowd wrote, “Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very… <a href="https://t.co/dM53csuvJ0">https://t.co/dM53csuvJ0</a>&mdash; University of Notre Dame (@NotreDame) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotreDame/status/2029313919567946016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From the family of Lou Holtz <a href="https://t.co/aYWiXYVnLq">pic.twitter.com/aYWiXYVnLq</a>&mdash; The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) <a href="https://twitter.com/FightingIrish/status/2029308530398724260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime. In the years since leaving the head football coach position, Lou, together with his beloved wife, Beth, supported Notre Dame in innumerable ways, among them making possible the refurbishment of four residence hall chapels and the construction of the Beth and Lou Holtz Grand Reading Room on the first floor of Hesburgh Library — tangible signs of their great love for their Catholic faith and the mission of Our Lady’s University. Whenever Notre Dame called to ask for his help, Lou answered with his characteristic generosity, and he will be sorely missed. The prayers of the entire Notre Dame community are with his family and many friends in this time of sorrow. May he rest in the peace and love of Christ.”- University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz dead at 89

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

Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 at 102nd Road on a Toyota Tacoma, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, cocaine, marijuana and open alcohol containers were found.

Francisco Ventura-Cabrales, 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container.

Hector David Cerillo-Ventura, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772416091883.png" alt="Cerillo-Ventura photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Cerillo-Ventura photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 at 102nd Road on a Toyota Tacoma, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, cocaine, marijuana and open alcohol containers were found.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772416063500.png" alt="Ventura-Cabrales-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Ventura-Cabrales-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>Francisco Ventura-Cabrales, 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container.Hector David Cerillo-Ventura, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for transporting an open container.

Sheriff: Kan. men were driving with cocaine, open containers

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert will retire later this month, an announcement from the court said.

Luckert&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/physicians-link-kansas-supreme-court-chief-justices-vehicle-accident-to-likely-stroke/">suffered a stroke</a>&nbsp;in October that led to a car accident. She relinquished public-facing duties before deciding in December to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/19/kansas-supreme-court-chief-justice-to-retire-by-early-february/">step down from her position as chief justice</a>. She will abdicate her seat on the court on March 28.

“It has been my profound honor to serve the people of Kansas as a district court judge and Supreme Court justice the last 34 years,” Luckert said in a Tuesday press release. “Growing up in Goodland, I did not imagine I would one day serve on our state’s highest court, and I hope the blessings in my life inspire young women to reach for goals that may seem unattainable.”

Luckert spent 23 years on the Kansas Supreme Court. She previously was a Shawnee County district judge and the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge. Former Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, and she became chief justice in 2019.

Under her guidance, the court prioritized collaboration among the three branches of government in addressing statewide issues such as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/13/leaders-of-kansas-three-government-branches-coalesce-behind-quest-to-fix-mental-health-crisis/">mental health crises</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/22/kansas-supreme-court-plans-child-welfare-summit-to-forge-better-paths-forward/">child welfare</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/01/kansas-supreme-court-justice-tackles-states-severe-shortage-of-rural-attorneys/">rural attorney shortages</a>.

She saw the court through a pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/computer-network-woes-force-kansas-courts-to-rely-on-old-school-methods-of-operation/">technology</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/10/kansas-chief-justice-blames-russian-ransomware-hackers-for-disabling-courts-electronic-systems/">woes</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">cyber attack</a>, and her court issued landmark decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/06/kansas-supreme-court-ends-five-year-hold-on-jurisdiction-of-public-school-funding-case/">education funding</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kill-an-ant-with-an-atom-bomb-kansas-supreme-court-talks-election-case/">voting rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/05/kansas-supreme-court-strikes-down-state-law-banning-second-trimester-abortion-procedure/">abortion</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/19/kansas-supreme-court-affirms-death-penalty-conviction-in-quadruple-murder-case/">death penalty</a>.

Justice Eric Rosen&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/08/kansas-supreme-court-justice-eric-rosen-sworn-in-as-chief-of-states-highest-court/">took her place as chief</a>&nbsp;in January.

Luckert is the second justice in the past year to leave the bench, following&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-supreme-court-justice-to-step-down-citing-lou-gehrigs-disease/">Justice Evelyn Wilson’s retirement</a>&nbsp;in July because of a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis. Justice Larkin Walsh took her place ahead in September and was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">formally sworn in</a>&nbsp;two months later.

Luckert’s replacement could be outgoing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s final appointment to the court before Kelly leaves office in early 2027. The governor has appointed four others to the court during her two terms.

The replacement process likely will precede&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/rivals-launch-fight-over-kansas-constitutional-amendment-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">an August ballot question</a>&nbsp;that will ask voters if they want to change the Kansas Supreme Court justice selection process from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">a merit-based application, nomination and appointment method</a>&nbsp;to a campaign-driven popular vote approach.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772643447262.png" alt=" Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert, left, suffered a stroke in October, leading to her impending retirement in March. She appears with Chief Justice Eric Rosen, who replaced her as chief justice at a swearing in ceremony on Jan. 8, 2026, at the Kansas Supreme Court building in Topeka. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert, left, suffered a stroke in October, leading to her impending retirement in March. She appears with Chief Justice Eric Rosen, who replaced her as chief justice at a swearing in ceremony on Jan. 8, 2026, at the Kansas Supreme Court building in Topeka. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert will retire later this month, an announcement from the court said.Luckert&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/physicians-link-kansas-supreme-court-chief-justices-vehicle-accident-to-likely-stroke/">suffered a stroke</a>&nbsp;in October that led to a car accident. She relinquished public-facing duties before deciding in December to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/19/kansas-supreme-court-chief-justice-to-retire-by-early-february/">step down from her position as chief justice</a>. She will abdicate her seat on the court on March 28.“It has been my profound honor to serve the people of Kansas as a district court judge and Supreme Court justice the last 34 years,” Luckert said in a Tuesday press release. “Growing up in Goodland, I did not imagine I would one day serve on our state’s highest court, and I hope the blessings in my life inspire young women to reach for goals that may seem unattainable.”Luckert spent 23 years on the Kansas Supreme Court. She previously was a Shawnee County district judge and the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge. Former Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, and she became chief justice in 2019.Under her guidance, the court prioritized collaboration among the three branches of government in addressing statewide issues such as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/13/leaders-of-kansas-three-government-branches-coalesce-behind-quest-to-fix-mental-health-crisis/">mental health crises</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/22/kansas-supreme-court-plans-child-welfare-summit-to-forge-better-paths-forward/">child welfare</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/01/kansas-supreme-court-justice-tackles-states-severe-shortage-of-rural-attorneys/">rural attorney shortages</a>.She saw the court through a pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/computer-network-woes-force-kansas-courts-to-rely-on-old-school-methods-of-operation/">technology</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/10/kansas-chief-justice-blames-russian-ransomware-hackers-for-disabling-courts-electronic-systems/">woes</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">cyber attack</a>, and her court issued landmark decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/06/kansas-supreme-court-ends-five-year-hold-on-jurisdiction-of-public-school-funding-case/">education funding</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kill-an-ant-with-an-atom-bomb-kansas-supreme-court-talks-election-case/">voting rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/05/kansas-supreme-court-strikes-down-state-law-banning-second-trimester-abortion-procedure/">abortion</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/19/kansas-supreme-court-affirms-death-penalty-conviction-in-quadruple-murder-case/">death penalty</a>.Justice Eric Rosen&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/08/kansas-supreme-court-justice-eric-rosen-sworn-in-as-chief-of-states-highest-court/">took her place as chief</a>&nbsp;in January.Luckert is the second justice in the past year to leave the bench, following&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-supreme-court-justice-to-step-down-citing-lou-gehrigs-disease/">Justice Evelyn Wilson’s retirement</a>&nbsp;in July because of a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis. Justice Larkin Walsh took her place ahead in September and was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">formally sworn in</a>&nbsp;two months later.Luckert’s replacement could be outgoing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s final appointment to the court before Kelly leaves office in early 2027. The governor has appointed four others to the court during her two terms.The replacement process likely will precede&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/rivals-launch-fight-over-kansas-constitutional-amendment-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">an August ballot question</a>&nbsp;that will ask voters if they want to change the Kansas Supreme Court justice selection process from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">a merit-based application, nomination and appointment method</a>&nbsp;to a campaign-driven popular vote approach.

Former Kansas Supreme Court chief justice to retire March 28

The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department and The&nbsp;Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported Tuesday on&nbsp;a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated adult, according to a statement from the department. There&nbsp;has&nbsp;not&nbsp;been a case of measles in&nbsp;a&nbsp;Kansas City&nbsp;resident&nbsp;since 2018.&nbsp;

“Measles&nbsp;remains&nbsp;one of the most contagious diseases, with the potential for serious complications. The good news is that MMR vaccination is an effective way to prevent measles.”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“We are working swiftly to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;the source of exposure and notify anyone who may have been exposed. We urge residents to review their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they have symptoms such as fever,&nbsp;cough&nbsp;or rash.”&nbsp;

Keep in mind this measles vaccination guidance:&nbsp;

People who are at risk for measles infection are those who have not been vaccinated.&nbsp;

If you were born before 1957 or have been vaccinated with the MMR, you are unlikely to get measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure,&nbsp;call&nbsp;your healthcare provider or the Kansas City Health Department at 816-513-6152.&nbsp;

Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days&nbsp;after contact with the virus.&nbsp;Common symptoms include:&nbsp;

Anyone with measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting to avoid spreading the virus.&nbsp;

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The measles vaccines are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on measles, please visit:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741908251964.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department and The&nbsp;Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported Tuesday on&nbsp;a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated adult, according to a statement from the department. There&nbsp;has&nbsp;not&nbsp;been a case of measles in&nbsp;a&nbsp;Kansas City&nbsp;resident&nbsp;since 2018.&nbsp;“Measles&nbsp;remains&nbsp;one of the most contagious diseases, with the potential for serious complications. The good news is that MMR vaccination is an effective way to prevent measles.”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“We are working swiftly to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;the source of exposure and notify anyone who may have been exposed. We urge residents to review their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they have symptoms such as fever,&nbsp;cough&nbsp;or rash.”&nbsp;Keep in mind this measles vaccination guidance:&nbsp;People who are at risk for measles infection are those who have not been vaccinated.&nbsp;If you were born before 1957 or have been vaccinated with the MMR, you are unlikely to get measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure,&nbsp;call&nbsp;your healthcare provider or the Kansas City Health Department at 816-513-6152.&nbsp;Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days&nbsp;after contact with the virus.&nbsp;Common symptoms include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)&nbsp;</li><li>Cough&nbsp;</li><li>Runny nose&nbsp;</li><li>Red, watery eyes&nbsp;</li><li>Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik spots)&nbsp;</li><li>Blotchy rash on the skin which spreads from head down to feet&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Anyone with measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting to avoid spreading the virus.&nbsp;Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The measles vaccines are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information on measles, please visit:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Kansas City Health Department:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/measles">Protect Yourself and Our Community from Measles | CITY OF KANSAS CITY | OFFICIAL WEBSITE</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MODHSS):&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/measles/">Measles | Health &amp; Senior Services</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/">https://www.cdc.gov/measles/</a>&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Measles reported in Kansas City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772631693206.png" alt="Secretary of War and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine during the Wednesday morning briefing-image from DOW video" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of War and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine during the Wednesday morning briefing-image from DOW video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/PiqQpVIrMu">https://t.co/PiqQpVIrMu</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wc1e0B0um7">pic.twitter.com/Wc1e0B0um7</a>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/2029193757162139762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> &quot;Last night, we sunk their prize ship — the Soleimani. Looks like <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> got him twice.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/vEX5MjpBs0">pic.twitter.com/vEX5MjpBs0</a>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2029188047229575327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine gives an update on Operation Epic Fury. <a href="https://t.co/gdrYxAI3Sw">pic.twitter.com/gdrYxAI3Sw</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2029188674613555613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Secretary Pete Hegseth on Operation Epic Fury: &quot;America is winning decisively, devastatingly and without mercy...This is not a Mission Accomplished situation. This is simply a reality check...The terms of this war will be set by us at every step.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BAwTFEvIii">pic.twitter.com/BAwTFEvIii</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2029188426990280704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Details on US submarine torpedo attack on Iranian warship

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 70th and Cleveland on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. On arrival officers located a vehicle stopped in the road at that location. Officers were directed inside the vehicle where they located a male shooting victim.

Officers rendered aid to him and called for EMS. EMS transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation along side of crime scene investigators.

A short time later detectives were notified the victim was pronounced deceased from his injuries at the hospital.

Preliminary information indicates the victim and multiple other people were at a location nearby on 71st Street. When they came in contact with one or more suspects. That interaction escalated to shots being fired and the victim was struck.

The victim and others entered a vehicle and left the scene and drove to the location where police contacted them on 70th and Cleveland

Police have not reported an arrest and did not release the victim's name.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772583913006.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 70th and Cleveland on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. On arrival officers located a vehicle stopped in the road at that location. Officers were directed inside the vehicle where they located a male shooting victim.Officers rendered aid to him and called for EMS. EMS transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation along side of crime scene investigators.A short time later detectives were notified the victim was pronounced deceased from his injuries at the hospital.Preliminary information indicates the victim and multiple other people were at a location nearby on 71st Street. When they came in contact with one or more suspects. That interaction escalated to shots being fired and the victim was struck.The victim and others entered a vehicle and left the scene and drove to the location where police contacted them on 70th and ClevelandPolice have not reported an arrest and did not release the victim's name.

Homicide: Dispute led to deadly gunfire in Kansas City

With bill sponsors seeking to protect women, some warn against ‘unintended consequences’

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

With blonde hair flowing over her shoulders and spilling onto a blousy blue mini dress, Landon Patterson sat in front of the Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee Monday.

The committee was debating bills that sought to separate public restrooms and changing rooms by sex as assigned at birth, rather than gender identity. The bills varied in scope, but they all would require Patterson to use the men’s restroom, which she hasn’t used in over a decade.

“It caused no harm (to use women’s facilities), not to my classmates, not to my school, not to my community,” she said. “It gave me dignity and allowed me to focus on my education instead of fighting to exist.”

The hearing came three days after lawmakers in neighboring Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/26/trans-kansans-struggle-with-reality-of-legislatures-cruelty-as-drivers-licenses-are-invalidated/" target="_blank">passed a law invalidating the licenses</a>&nbsp;of those who have changed their gender marker and barring transgender Kansans from using public restrooms that align with their gender identity.

Some worried that Missouri was pursuing the same kind of law, with one bill in particular that would create new definitions of “male” and “female” throughout state law. These definitions separate the sexes by whether their reproductive systems utilize eggs or sperm.

Keith Rose, who is a legal advocate with nonprofit law firm Center for Growing Justice, said this could affect whether Missourians can change gender markers on their birth certificates. Currently, the state requires proof of gender reassignment surgery or a court order to switch one’s gender marker — a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/19/missouri-agency-quietly-made-it-harder-to-change-gender-marker-on-drivers-licenses/">rule established in 2024</a>&nbsp;after lawmakers complained about a transgender woman using a dressing space at a private gym.

The bill, filed by Republican state Rep. Becky Laubinger of Park Hills, would require all public buildings to separate restrooms, changing rooms and sleeping areas by her proposed definition of sex.

It is a protective measure, she said, for spaces where people are “most vulnerable.” She gave a secondhand story about two men “who made no attempt to look female” who used a women’s restroom and claimed they identified as women.

As Democratic lawmakers on the committee pressed Laubinger about what danger her legislation seeks to protect people from, the two sides agreed. It wasn’t transgender people that were the problem, but predators who Laubinger described as “riding the coattails of people who are gender dysphoric.”

As long as places allow transgender people to use facilities aligning with their gender identity, she said, those seeking to do harm could claim to be transgender.

But Democrats and a majority of those who testified Monday said “bathroom bans” place targets on people’s backs rather than protect.

Stevie Miller, a West Plains resident, said his presence in a women’s room, as the bill would require, would undoubtedly make families uncomfortable.

“I’m scared of what will happen to me when someone sees me follow their little girl into the restroom, following the law,” he said. “I am supposed to go in that room.”

Other transgender Missourians posed similar hypotheticals: did lawmakers really want them in the other restroom? The transgender men, many bearded and broad shouldered, worried they would be unwelcome in the women’s room. Transgender women told the committee that the legislation would put them at greater risk of assault.

May Hall, a Columbia resident, said they use men’s facilities when a place is busy and there are enough people around. Hall, who usually banters through public testimony with a few quips and jabs, was unusually bleak.

“I’ve been grabbed. I’ve been groped. I’ve been called slurs. I’ve been cat-called,” Hall said. “It is not comfortable.”

Laubinger’s bill would be enforced through lawsuits, allowing those who witness someone in the opposite sex’s restrooms to sue the public entity operating the facilities.

A bill by state Rep. Brandon Phelps, a Warrensburg Republican, would withhold state funding when a violation occurs. While more narrow than Laubinger’s proposal, Phelps’ bill would create sex-designated restrooms for public buildings, K-12 schools and universities.

It would also bar multi-occupancy restrooms that don’t have male and female delineations, such as the all-gender facilities at the Kansas City Municipal Airport.

The logistics, though, drew questions. State Rep. Wick Thomas, a Kansas City Democrat and the House’s first nonbinary lawmaker, asked what someone would do if they think a transgender person is using the wrong restroom.

“You would call the police,” Phelps said. “Let them take care of it.”

Aro Royston, a LGBTQ+ advocate from St. Louis, said police presence “threatens (his) life” as a Black man.

“These bills create hostile environments that drive people away rather than drive people to strengthen communities, he said. “This bill also creates detrimental problems, and it is unenforceable without violating everyone’s privacy.”

The third bill heard Monday, filed by Republican state Rep. Wendy Hausman of St. Peters, takes a different approach to bathroom restrictions. The legislation would protect private schools from being sued for having sex-designated spaces.

In Missouri, a handful of cases have addressed public schools’ restrictions on transgender students’ use of restrooms. Last year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/10/missouri-supreme-court-rejects-transgender-students-sex-discrimination-claim/">state Supreme Court ruled against a former Blue Springs student</a>&nbsp;who alleged the school district discriminated against him on the basis of sex for preventing him from using locker rooms. The court’s decision, though, was based on a lack of evidence and did not seek to rule on the constitutionality of restroom restrictions.

Hausman, like the two other bills’ sponsors, said the legislation was a safeguard.

“It’s not an attack on any group of individuals,” she said. “This is just a protection for these private schools and what they would like to do.”

The committee did not take immediate action on the legislation, adjourning after five hours of testimony.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772623274017.png" alt=" Missouri lawmakers have filed bills seeking to restrict transgender people from using restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri lawmakers have filed bills seeking to restrict transgender people from using restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>With bill sponsors seeking to protect women, some warn against ‘unintended consequences’</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>With blonde hair flowing over her shoulders and spilling onto a blousy blue mini dress, Landon Patterson sat in front of the Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee Monday.The committee was debating bills that sought to separate public restrooms and changing rooms by sex as assigned at birth, rather than gender identity. The bills varied in scope, but they all would require Patterson to use the men’s restroom, which she hasn’t used in over a decade.“It caused no harm (to use women’s facilities), not to my classmates, not to my school, not to my community,” she said. “It gave me dignity and allowed me to focus on my education instead of fighting to exist.”The hearing came three days after lawmakers in neighboring Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/26/trans-kansans-struggle-with-reality-of-legislatures-cruelty-as-drivers-licenses-are-invalidated/" target="_blank">passed a law invalidating the licenses</a>&nbsp;of those who have changed their gender marker and barring transgender Kansans from using public restrooms that align with their gender identity.Some worried that Missouri was pursuing the same kind of law, with one bill in particular that would create new definitions of “male” and “female” throughout state law. These definitions separate the sexes by whether their reproductive systems utilize eggs or sperm.Keith Rose, who is a legal advocate with nonprofit law firm Center for Growing Justice, said this could affect whether Missourians can change gender markers on their birth certificates. Currently, the state requires proof of gender reassignment surgery or a court order to switch one’s gender marker — a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/19/missouri-agency-quietly-made-it-harder-to-change-gender-marker-on-drivers-licenses/">rule established in 2024</a>&nbsp;after lawmakers complained about a transgender woman using a dressing space at a private gym.The bill, filed by Republican state Rep. Becky Laubinger of Park Hills, would require all public buildings to separate restrooms, changing rooms and sleeping areas by her proposed definition of sex.It is a protective measure, she said, for spaces where people are “most vulnerable.” She gave a secondhand story about two men “who made no attempt to look female” who used a women’s restroom and claimed they identified as women.As Democratic lawmakers on the committee pressed Laubinger about what danger her legislation seeks to protect people from, the two sides agreed. It wasn’t transgender people that were the problem, but predators who Laubinger described as “riding the coattails of people who are gender dysphoric.”As long as places allow transgender people to use facilities aligning with their gender identity, she said, those seeking to do harm could claim to be transgender.But Democrats and a majority of those who testified Monday said “bathroom bans” place targets on people’s backs rather than protect.Stevie Miller, a West Plains resident, said his presence in a women’s room, as the bill would require, would undoubtedly make families uncomfortable.“I’m scared of what will happen to me when someone sees me follow their little girl into the restroom, following the law,” he said. “I am supposed to go in that room.”Other transgender Missourians posed similar hypotheticals: did lawmakers really want them in the other restroom? The transgender men, many bearded and broad shouldered, worried they would be unwelcome in the women’s room. Transgender women told the committee that the legislation would put them at greater risk of assault.May Hall, a Columbia resident, said they use men’s facilities when a place is busy and there are enough people around. Hall, who usually banters through public testimony with a few quips and jabs, was unusually bleak.“I’ve been grabbed. I’ve been groped. I’ve been called slurs. I’ve been cat-called,” Hall said. “It is not comfortable.”Laubinger’s bill would be enforced through lawsuits, allowing those who witness someone in the opposite sex’s restrooms to sue the public entity operating the facilities.A bill by state Rep. Brandon Phelps, a Warrensburg Republican, would withhold state funding when a violation occurs. While more narrow than Laubinger’s proposal, Phelps’ bill would create sex-designated restrooms for public buildings, K-12 schools and universities.It would also bar multi-occupancy restrooms that don’t have male and female delineations, such as the all-gender facilities at the Kansas City Municipal Airport.The logistics, though, drew questions. State Rep. Wick Thomas, a Kansas City Democrat and the House’s first nonbinary lawmaker, asked what someone would do if they think a transgender person is using the wrong restroom.“You would call the police,” Phelps said. “Let them take care of it.”Aro Royston, a LGBTQ+ advocate from St. Louis, said police presence “threatens (his) life” as a Black man.“These bills create hostile environments that drive people away rather than drive people to strengthen communities, he said. “This bill also creates detrimental problems, and it is unenforceable without violating everyone’s privacy.”The third bill heard Monday, filed by Republican state Rep. Wendy Hausman of St. Peters, takes a different approach to bathroom restrictions. The legislation would protect private schools from being sued for having sex-designated spaces.In Missouri, a handful of cases have addressed public schools’ restrictions on transgender students’ use of restrooms. Last year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/10/missouri-supreme-court-rejects-transgender-students-sex-discrimination-claim/">state Supreme Court ruled against a former Blue Springs student</a>&nbsp;who alleged the school district discriminated against him on the basis of sex for preventing him from using locker rooms. The court’s decision, though, was based on a lack of evidence and did not seek to rule on the constitutionality of restroom restrictions.Hausman, like the two other bills’ sponsors, said the legislation was a safeguard.“It’s not an attack on any group of individuals,” she said. “This is just a protection for these private schools and what they would like to do.”The committee did not take immediate action on the legislation, adjourning after five hours of testimony.

House committee debates restroom restrictions for transgender Missourians

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772585407204.png" alt="Sanders photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Sanders photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>LANSING, Kansas. –&nbsp;Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Raymond Michael Sanders, 32, died Tuesday afternoon, according to statement from the Kansas Department of Corrections. Sanders was found unresponsive in his cell. Staff and Emergency Medical Service personnel administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.Sanders was serving a 10-month sentence for parole violations. He previously served 33 months on four convictions of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer in Jefferson County, Kansas.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.