Editor's note: This is the first of a series of articles for Severe Weather Awareness Week.&nbsp;

As Kansas heads into the peak of spring severe weather season, the National Weather Service urges residents to review safety plans and prepare for the possibility of tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding.

Severe Storm Awareness Week serves as an annual reminder that Kansas sits in the heart of “Tornado Alley,” where rapidly changing weather conditions can produce dangerous storms with little warning.

Officials say preparation begins with understanding the risks. In addition to tornadoes, spring storms in Kansas frequently bring large hail capable of damaging homes and vehicles, straight-line winds exceeding 70 mph, and heavy rainfall that can quickly lead to flash flooding.

Residents are encouraged to identify a safe shelter location in advance. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or storm cellar. If those are not available, officials recommend moving to a small, interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, away from windows. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes, and occupants should seek alternative shelter when severe weather is forecast.

Officials also emphasize the importance of having multiple ways to receive warnings. A NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone weather alerts and local television and radio broadcasts can provide critical information when severe weather develops. Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside and should not be relied upon as the sole source of notification indoors.

Preparedness experts recommend assembling an emergency kit that includes bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications and important documents stored in a waterproof container. Families should also establish a communication plan in case household members are separated when storms strike.

Drivers are reminded never to attempt to outrun a tornado in congested areas and to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Just a few inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.

Schools, businesses and local governments across Kansas often use Severe Storm Awareness Week to conduct tornado drills and review emergency procedures.

Officials say taking time now to prepare can save lives later.

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Preparing for the storm

As March marks National Reading Month, United Way of Reno County reminds Kansans of the opportunity to build a free home library with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

By enrolling in this program, all young children (from newborns to age five) across the Sunflower State are eligible to receive one free, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home each month. There are no qualifications other than age and Kansas residency. Families do not need to meet income requirements or complete extensive paperwork. If a child is under five and lives in Kansas, they qualify.

Children enrolled from birth can receive up to 60 books by the time they are ready for kindergarten, and every eligible child in a household can be enrolled to receive their own books. While families may occasionally receive a duplicate title, new selections are regularly introduced to keep the reading experience fresh and engaging.

Recent research underscores the powerful impact of the program. A newly published international study found that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is linked to stronger early literacy outcomes and richer reading experiences at home. The study indicates the program helps close early literacy gaps by strengthening foundational skills, increasing how often children are read to, and boosting children’s interest and engagement during shared book reading. It also found that families participating in the program are more likely to develop positive reading habits and traditions, with caregivers engaging in meaningful interactions—creating a warm, consistent home literacy environment that supports long-term success.

“Our goal is simple: put books into the hands of children and help families build a culture of reading at home,” said Elizabeth Walton, Development Manager and Dolly Parton Imagination Library Manager at UWRC. “The recent study confirms what we see in our communities every day—when children receive books of their own, families read together more often, conversations grow richer, and kids develop stronger early literacy skills. This program is about more than books. It’s about creating joyful reading experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong learning.”

This reading month, UWRC encourages families and community members to sign up eligible children they might know and spread the word about this free community program supported by UWRC. For more information or to enroll a child, visit: <a href="http://www.uwrenocounty.org/free-kids-books">www.uwrenocounty.org/free-kids-books</a>.

Build a library at home for free

&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly,&nbsp;in accordance with&nbsp;Executive Order #20-30,&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;directed flags&nbsp;be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities&nbsp;effective&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;until sundown on the day of interment in honor of Kansas State Representative John Resman.

 He&nbsp;represented&nbsp;Kansas House District&nbsp;121&nbsp;since 2017.&nbsp;

“Representative Resman&nbsp;has a decorated history of serving&nbsp;his community, our state, and our country throughout his time in the Army, Kansas National Guard,&nbsp;the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Legislature,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends&nbsp;during this&nbsp;difficult time.&nbsp;

This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is&nbsp;determined.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff

Construction is underway at the Hutchinson Public Library as crews renovate much of the building’s basement, expand the Makerspace and add a new emergency exit.

Executive Director Greg Wamsley said the highly visible “pile of dirt” on the north side of the building is tied to the installation of a new emergency exit. The addition will provide a more direct evacuation route from the basement level, improving safety for patrons and staff.

Inside, approximately two-thirds of the basement is being renovated. The project includes expanded space for the library’s Makerspace and redesigned staff areas.

The updated Makerspace will feature additional computing stations and roughly double the number of 3D printers currently available. The library also plans to install a larger-format CNC cutting machine capable of handling a full sheet of plywood, as well as new laser engraving equipment — a service patrons have requested for years.

Wamsley said the lasers will require users to complete training before operating them. The library will offer certification-style classes designed to teach the basics of each machine. Because the Makerspace is staffed full time, employees will be available to assist patrons as they gain experience and take on more complex projects.

During construction, the Makerspace has been temporarily relocated to an upstairs meeting room. While space and equipment availability are limited, core services — including 3D printing — remain available. Access to the Makerspace continues to operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wamsley said the renovation is expected to be completed this fall. Once construction wraps up and equipment is installed, the library plans to host a public open house to showcase the upgraded space.

Although much of the work is not visible from the street, Wamsley said the improvements are designed to enhance safety, expand creative opportunities and better serve the community.

Makerspace renovation underway at Hutchinson Public Library

The Kansas State Fair has announced rising country music star Russell Dickerson as the latest addition to its 2026 grandstand concert lineup.

Dickerson is scheduled to perform Friday, Sept. 18, at the Kansas Star Casino Grandstand in Hutchinson. Fair officials said they are still working to secure an opening act.

Dickerson, known for hits including “Yours,” “Every Little Thing,” “Love You Like I Used To” and “God Gave Me a Girl,” has emerged as one of country music’s fast-rising performers. He is preparing to launch a European tour this spring, with stops in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said the booking reflects an effort to blend established favorites with newer artists gaining national and international attention.

Tickets for the Sept. 18 concert range from $35 for general admission grandstand seating to $110 for VIP deck standing room, which includes two beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Reserved VIP tables for six are available for $835. Track seating is priced at $85, and reserved grandstand seats are $55.

Presale access begins Thursday for customers who have signed up for the fair’s email list. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday morning at kansasstatefair.gov or through the fair’s ticket office at 2000 N. Poplar in Hutchinson.

Officials urged buyers to purchase tickets only through the fair’s official website or ticket office to avoid third-party resellers and potential scams. Gate admission is included in the ticket price.

Russell Dickerson to appear at Kansas State Fair

Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 2-6. The Evergy service area experiences a wide variety of severe weather during the spring and summer seasons including tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding.

Evergy’s ongoing work to upgrade and modernize the power grid helps reduce outages, which is especially important during severe weather events. Recent Evergy investments include:

Evergy prioritizes investments where they most effectively improve reliability and reduce long-term costs. In 2025, Evergy performed well during storms, with customers being out of power for shorter durations.

"We've been on a great trend for the last several years, and that trend includes having fewer outages that our customers actually experience, whether it's on a stormy day or a blue-sky day. And then we continue to get better and better at our response to outages when they occur," said Ryan Mulvany, Evergy vice president, power delivery. “People don't think about [it] or they don't notice when they drive by our crews every day, but they certainly experience the outcomes of those [investments] when our system withstands weather or withstands wind and their lights stay on.”

Even with greater resiliency, extreme weather can result in power outages. Evergy encourages customers to be prepared and to prioritize safety during severe weather. Here are a few ways to be ready for spring storm season:

Download Evergy’s mobile app to easily report and track outages. Customers can also report outages at evergy.com/outages, and monitor Evergy’s outage map.

Check your communications preferences in your Evergy online account. Evergy sends emails and text messages to share information about severe weather and outages with customers.

If you see downed power lines or another hazardous situation, stay at least 30 feet away. Stay in your car or home if you safely can. DO NOT TOUCH THE LINES. First call 911, then call Evergy at 800-544-4852 in the Evergy Kansas Central service area or 888-544-4852 in the Evergy Metro or Missouri West service areas.

Find more preparation and safety tips on our Preparing for Outages page.

The National Weather Service will conduct a tornado drill at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 4. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill by practicing seeking secure, safe shelter from a tornado.

Evergy prepares for severe weather with year round investments

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

David	Wayne	Pederson		3/1/2026 1:56&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Darrian	Michael	Holland		3/1/2026 6:45&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction, Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance, Registration Violation; Display or Possess a False, Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked Title, Plate, Decal, Placard

Shanna	Lynn	Henry		3/2/2026 2:15&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher					Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case Execution of Misd Warrant, Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO, Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance,					Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty

Daily Bookings

ELLSWORTH COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend crash and fire.

According to the Ellsworth County Sheriff, the late Saturday evening call about a vehicle on fire in the 2500 Block of Avenue T resulted in the arrest of a Kansas man for leaving the scene and failing to report a motor vehicle accident. Additional charges of illegal tag, no proof of liability insurance and Interference / Obstruction are pending.

As it turned out, the driver of the burning vehicle struck a concrete guardrail on a County bridge.&nbsp; The vehicle went flying for quite some  distance, and then landed on its wheels about 200 feet west of the point of impact and caught fire.

There was  significant damage to both the bridge and vehicle.  The driver was located about 1/2 mile west of the accident scene, watching emergency crews work to extinguish the blaze.

The sheriff office thanked the Marquette Fire and EMS crews, along with the McPherson Fire Department, who were sending additional resources out to the location to help us look for "possible" injured persons from this crash.

The sheriff's office reminded, "The Bottom Line here, if you crash your car....you call the Law.....because that is the law."

Sheriff: Kansas driver arrested after he left a crash and fire

The Hutchinson Community Foundation has awarded an $8,000 grant to the Buhler Public Library to support a community improvement project aimed at enhancing the library’s visibility and appeal.

The funding was provided through the Fund for Reno County under the foundation’s Community and Economic Development grant program as part of the 2025 Impact Cycle 2.

Library officials plan to use the funds to install a fun, interactive wall mural inside the facility and update the building’s exterior appearance with a new awning along Main Street. The improvements are designed to make the library a destination that visitors will want to return to while increasing awareness of the services it offers.

Foundation representatives said the grant reflects an ongoing investment in projects that strengthen communities across Reno County. By supporting enhancements at the Buhler Public Library, the foundation aims to contribute to local economic vitality and community engagement.

Library leaders said their goal is to emphasize that the library is a welcoming and enjoyable place for residents of all ages — both inside and out.

HCF awards $8K grant to Buhler Public Library

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info 7-day forecast.&nbsp;</a>

Three-day Outlook

MARION COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Sunday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Mustang driven by Sheldon Edward Cook, 19, Wamego, was northbound on U.S. 77. two miles north of U.S. 50.

The driver lost control of the car while crossing the bridge. The vehicle crossed the center line, struck the west edge of the bridge barrier, bounced off and struck a southbound 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Logan Joseph&nbsp;Wakefield, 29, El Dorado.&nbsp;

EMS transported Cook to&nbsp;St Lukes Hospital. Wakefield and four passengers in the SUV were not injured. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen hospitalized after car, SUV crash on a bridge

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Cowley County have released the name of the victim as Kasey Joe Barclay, 32, formerly of Ponca City, Oklahoma, according to Cowley County Undersheriff Christina McDonald.

Just before 7:30p.m. Saturday, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to an injury accident involving a vehicle versus a pedestrian on US 77 Highway at 242nd Road, according to Undersheriff Christina McDonald.

&nbsp;Deputies determined that a silver Nissan Rogue driven by&nbsp;Stacy Gisick, 62, of Wichita, was&nbsp;northbound on US 77 and struck Barclay who was walking in the roadway. Barclay sustained critical injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Gisick remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff IDs woman who died after struck by SUV in Kansas

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The war in the Middle East spiraled further Monday as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-us-israel-hezbollah-strikes-03-02-2026">Israel and the United States pounded</a>&nbsp;Iran in a campaign that U.S. President Donald Trump said would likely take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-trump-israel-war-where-things-stand-e3c003aef4479cd179967a63bb1236f4">several weeks</a>. Tehran and its allies hit back against Israel, Gulf states and targets critical to the world’s energy production.

The intensity of the attacks, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, and the lack of any apparent exit plan set the stage for a prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-dubai-emirates-tourism-attack-b256f514b290c987b3004cc87744f038">Safe havens in the Mideast</a>&nbsp;like Dubai have seen incoming fire; hundreds of thousands of airline passengers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-travel-airlines-mideast-flights-93f2559eb57f05989fb1de8fda7f21ec">are stranded around the globe</a>; oil prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-prices-iran-us-hormuz-tanker-8a6d6fb35c89d9b0db4c4846f290c2c3">shot up</a>; and U.S. allies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-reactions-03-01-2026-961f288c645f6cbc7fa9d63e0502df36">pledged to help</a>&nbsp;stop Iranian missiles and drones.

With no sign of the conflict abating anytime soon, Trump said operations are likely to last four to five weeks but that he was prepared “to go far longer than that.”

He said U.S. forces were determined to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, wipe out its naval capacity, stop the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that Iran cannot continue to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-proxies-us-israel-hezbollah-war-b0f919b657bb33c464f6d943d7142464">support allied groups</a>&nbsp;like Lebanon's Hezbollah, which fired missiles at Israel, drawing retaliatory airstrikes.

"This was our last, best chance to strike -- what we’re doing right now -- and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime,” Trump said.

The chaos of the conflict became apparent when the U.S. military said Kuwait had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jets-downed-kuwait-friendly-fire-iran-f15-1151e092db4597e93e83c04f3b44bddc">“mistakenly shot down”</a>&nbsp;three American F-15E Strike Eagles while Iran was attacking with aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones. U.S. Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely and are in stable condition.

As several airstrikes hit Iran’s capital of Tehran, the top security official Ali Larijani vowed on X: “We will not negotiate with the United States.”

The death toll grew on all sides. The Iranian Red Crescent Society said that the U.S.-Israeli operation has killed at least 555 people. In Israel, where several locations were hit by Iranian missiles, 11 people were killed. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group also targeted Israel, which responded with strikes on Lebanon, killing more than two dozen people. Meanwhile, four American troops have been killed, and three people were reported killed in the United Arab Emirates and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Iran expands attacks to regional oil infrastructure

With world markets already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-gold-iran-trump-25fd9bfa1b20549a6cbbdee61b2ea05f">rattled by the fighting</a>, QatarEnergy said it would stop its production of liquefied natural gas, taking one of the world’s top suppliers off the market. It offered no timeline for restoring its production. European natural gas prices surged by 40% in response.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery came under attack from drones, with defenses downing the incoming aircraft, a military spokesman told the state-run Saudi Press Agency. The refinery has a capacity of over half a million barrels of crude oil a day.

Several ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strait-hormuz-us-protests-persian-gulf-db7159d715453977279ab9cfd918e6e4">a fifth of all oil trade passes</a>&nbsp;and where Iran has threatened attacks.

The Gulf state of Qatar said its air force had shot down two Iranian Sukhoi Su-24 bombers.

“The attack on Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery marks a significant escalation, with Gulf energy infrastructure now squarely in Iran’s sights,” said Torbjorn Soltvedt, an analyst at the risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. “An extended period of uncertainty lies ahead.”

The region is also a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-travel-airlines-mideast-flights-93f2559eb57f05989fb1de8fda7f21ec">hub for air travel</a>, and passengers have been stranded around the world as carriers based in the Gulf grounded flights. Long-haul carriers Etihad and Emirates restarted limited flights Monday.

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

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

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

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

Hezbollah fires on Israel, prompting massive response

Hezbollah said it fired missiles on Israel early Monday in response to Khamenei’s killing and “repeated Israeli aggressions.” It was the first time in more than a year that the militant group has claimed an attack.

There were no reports of injuries or damage.

Israel retaliated with strikes on Lebanon, killing at least 31 people and wounding 149 others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Associated Press journalists in Beirut were jolted awake by loud explosions that shook buildings and shattered windows.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Israeli army chief of staff, said the military would not end its offensive against Hezbollah “before the threat from Lebanon is eliminated.”

An Israeli airstrike in the Lebanese capital heavily damaged a building, as the military said it targeted a senior Hezbollah official.

In Iraq, the Iran-allied militia Saraya Awliya al-Dam claimed a drone attack Monday targeting U.S. troops at the airport in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. It claimed another drone attack on Sunday against a U.S. air base in Iraq’s north.

No end in sight to the US-Israeli campaign

The U.S. military said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-b2-bombers-missouri-446725660815e45bb1b9a787a324e71f">B-2 stealth bombers</a>&nbsp;struck Iran’s ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. Trump said on social media on Sunday that nine Iranian warships had been sunk and that the Iranian navy’s headquarters was “largely destroyed.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday that the U.S. is not engaged in a nation-building effort in Iran, and there is a clear mission. “This is not Iraq. This is not endless,” Hegseth said.

It’s not completely clear what the U.S. objectives are. In announcing the initial strikes, Trump referred to the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. But he also listed various grievances dating back to Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution and urged Iranians to “take over” their government.

There have been no signs yet of any such uprising.

Trump, however, has also signaled he would be open to dialogue with Iran's new leadership —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-war-khamenei-successor-supreme-leader-f7b8be4a356b449b591492ff9d57661c">which could be chosen soon</a>.

In an indication that the conflict could draw in other nations, Britain, France and Germany said Sunday they were ready to work with the U.S. to help stop Iran’s attacks.

Tehran’s streets have been largely deserted with people sheltering during airstrikes.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-middle-east-577c596775fb9a78d78107004d29d0f9">The paramilitary Basij</a>&nbsp;force, which has played a central role in crushing recent nationwide protests, set up checkpoints across the city, witnesses said.

In the northern Iranian city of Babol, a student, speaking anonymously over concerns of retribution, told the AP that armed riot police were on the streets Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday after the death of Khamenei.

“We don’t know whether to be happy about the elimination of the criminals who oppress us or to remain silent in the face of the U.S. and Israel’s war against the country and its interests and the terror that is taking place,” he said.

Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.

🎥President Trump updates timeline of Iran campaign 

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City, Missouri woman pleaded guilty to attempted bank fraud last week for altering and depositing stolen checks into her bank account. At the time of the fraud, she was employed by the United States Postal Service, according to the United State's Attorney.

Shawneasha L. Watson, 30, participated in a scheme to defraud a credit union by allowing the use of her account to deposit stolen checks. She provided both her debit card and her PIN to another individual to facilitate the deposit. In June 2023, the individual deposited checks that had been altered to show her name in the payee line and were endorsed with a signature bearing her name. The credit union flagged the deposits as fraudulent and froze the account before any withdrawals or transfers could be made. The victims all stated they had placed these checks into United States Postal Service blue collection boxes for mailing. The checks were originally intended to pay various bills including one intended for medical expenses and another for a monthly mortgage payment.

Investigators also discovered that Watson obtained a Pandemic Paycheck Protection loan under false pretenses in 2021 in the amount of $20,832.50. The loan application stated she was the sole proprietor of a men’s clothing business, and she needed the money to cover her payroll expenses. She later admitted that was false and she spent the money on herself. That loan was ultimately forgiven by the Small Business Administration.

Under federal statutes, Watson is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Former KC postal worker admits to stolen checks fraud scheme 

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The two online bookies who financed the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/opponents-of-missouri-sports-betting-amendment-pull-tv-ads-in-campaigns-homestretch/">campaign to legalize sports wagering</a>&nbsp;in Missouri have won $120 million from bets placed in the state but so far have not had to pay any tax on those profits.

FanDuel and DraftKings handled 73% of the $928 million wagered in Missouri during the first two months of legal sports wagering, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/SportsWagering/sw_financials/FY26_SWFinReport/01_Jan/SW%20Monthly%20Financials%200126.pdf" target="_blank">latest financial report</a>&nbsp;from the Missouri Gaming Commission. The two companies have 77% of the profits from those bets, but offset the entire amount won from players by deductions for promotional wagers and other costs.

Their winnings so far are about three times what it cost the companies in the 2024 election.

Missouri taxes the operator winnings of mobile platforms and casino-based retail sports at 10%, but the constitutional amendment passed in 2024 allows a write-off of all promotional costs, federal taxes and other business costs, from the taxable amount.

Sports wagering launched in Missouri on Dec. 1, and bettors&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/30/missouri-sports-betting-tops-543m-in-first-month-but-deductions-leave-state-with-only-521k/">placed $543 million in bets</a>. The total fell in January but in the two months combined, the eight mobile providers and the eight retail locations have netted $157.7 million from lost wagers, with 99% of the profits going to mobile platforms.

The state has received $659,196 in taxes over two months, or just less than one-half of 1% of the amount won by the online and retail bookmakers.

“The latest data shows more Missourians are ditching their bookies and illegal websites and enjoying the safeguards and convenience of placing sports bets legally,” Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Betting Alliance, said in a statement to The Independent. “This initial success is building a rock-solid foundation that will ensure Missouri receives the ongoing benefits of legal, regulated sports betting for decades to come, including millions in permanent, dedicated tax revenues.”

DraftKings and FanDuel are dominating the market.

The two companies are almost equal in their share so far. Players wagered $339.7 million on the DraftKings platform and $338.4 million on the FanDuel app. DraftKings reported it won $54.4 million over the first two months, while FanDuel won $65.6 million.

During the 2024 campaign, FanDuel and DraftKings each contributed $20 million for the $43 million effort. Major Missouri sports teams contributed the rest.

Other than licensing fees, neither company has paid the state any taxes.

DraftKings has $20.6 million in net write-offs it will carry forward before it has any tax due. FanDuel has $8.1 million.

The total amount of unrealized write-offs for all eight mobile bookmakers is $33.8 million.

FanDuel, DraftKings take Mo. profits nearly triple their cost for sports wagering campaign

U.S. embassies in the Middle East updated security advisories for Americans traveling and residing in these regions to exercise caution amid the ongoing Iran conflict, according to the&nbsp;Department of State Consular Affairs.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides detailed destination-specific travel and risk information to allow U.S. citizens to make informed international travel decisions. U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe provide services that support the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad.

<a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel.html">Click here</a> to get the latest updates and enroll to receive alerts directly at <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcSWRE" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a>. Americans who need consular help can reach help 24/7 by phone: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).

3 countries designated with a ‘Do Not Travel For Any Reason’ warning

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday spoke to widening concerns that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-02-2026-cb42936de1d8c261be8f30f11c6665fa">the U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran</a>&nbsp;could spiral into a protracted regional conflict by declaring, “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.”

Hegseth, along with Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held the Trump administration's first news briefing since Saturday's strikes. President Donald Trump, while he’s conducted a few phone interviews with individual reporters, has not taken questions on camera and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-trump-address-f662a4f3378535d81197be699fb35a3e">only released two videos</a>&nbsp;since the operation began.

Hegseth said the operation had a “clear, devastating, decisive mission” to “destroy the missile threat” from Iran, destroy its navy and “no nukes.”

“No stupid rules of engagement, no nation building quagmire, no democracy building exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to win, and we don’t waste time or lives,” Hegseth said.

He also suggested the U.S. was not seeking to change the Iraninan regime with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>,

“This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change and the world is better off for it,” Hegseth said.

The briefing comes as the conflict has intensified into a wider war in the region. Iran and its allied armed groups have launched missiles at Israel, Arab states and U.S. military targets in the Middle East.

Four American troops have been killed in action. Trump on Sunday predicted there would be more U.S. casualties.

Caine on Monday said the U.S. expected to have additional losses.

“We grieve with you, and we will never forget you," he said of the family members of those killed.

The latest sign of the escalating upheaval came when U.S. ally Kuwait “mistakenly shot down”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jets-downed-kuwait-friendly-fire-iran-f15-1151e092db4597e93e83c04f3b44bddc">three American fighter jets</a>&nbsp;during a combat mission as Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones were attacking. U.S. Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely from the American F-15E Strike Eagles and were in stable condition.

U.S. officials have not offered any exit plan or offered signs that the conflict would end anytime soon, and the Khamenei cast doubt on the future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">the Islamic Republic</a>&nbsp;and hurtled the region into broader instability.

In laying out a case for the strikes, Hegseth pointed to the Iranian regime as having started the conflict from its inception, declaring that for 47 years it has "waged a savage, one-sided war against America.”

“Their war on Americans has become our retribution against their Ayatolloah and his death cult,” he said.

He did not point to any threat of an imminent nuclear threat from Iran, and he said again that last summer’s strikes by the U.S. and Israel “obliterated their nuclear program to rubble.”

Instead, Hegseth pointed to threats from other weaponry such as ballistic missiles and drones that justified the operation.

“Iran was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions,” Hegseth said.

He said that during negotiations with U.S. officials leading up to the attack, Iranian officials were “stalling."

“The former regime had every chance to make a peaceful and sensible deal. But Tehran was not negotiating," Hegseth said.

Trump, in an interview Sunday with The New York Times, said the assault could last “four to five weeks.”

Hegseth dismissed questions about the time frame and said, “President Trump has all the latitude in the world to talk about how long it may or may not take. Four weeks, two weeks, six weeks. It could move up. It could move back.”

The Republican president said the U.S. and Israel had struck hundreds of targets already. That included Israel and the U.S. bombing Iranian missile sites and targeted its navy, claiming to have destroyed its headquarters and multiple warships.

Caine said that, as with the operation that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-trump-bomber-news-06-22-2025-c2baca52babe915e033ae175ce8b2687">dropped massive bunker-buster bombs</a>&nbsp;on Iranian nuclear facilities last year, Epic Fury also utilized B-2 stealth bombers, which the chairman said made a 37-hour round trip.

Caine several times referenced the use of cyber technologies in the strikes, which he said had “effectively disrupted communications and sensor networks,” leaving “the adversary without the ability to coordinate or respond effectively.”

Without giving specifics, Caine said the U.S. military “delivered synchronized and layered effects designed to disrupt, degrade, deny and destroy Iran’s ability to conduct and sustained combat operations on the U.S. side.”

The Iranian Red Crescent Society said at least 555 people have been killed in Iran so far by the U.S.-Israeli campaign. Eleven people have been killed in Israel and 31 in Lebanon, according to authorities there.

Associated Press writers Meg Kinnard in Charleston, S.C., David Klepper and Ben Finley in Washington and Farnoush Amiri in New York contributed to this report.

🎥Pentagon officials answer questions on Iran strikes

WASHINGTON (AP) —A U.S. soldier has died during the war with Iran, the U.S. Central Command announced on Monday, bringing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-trump-us-military-troops-casualties-793c3ea29a399c9a405e70b14c548595">official tota</a>&nbsp;l to four.

The soldier was wounded during the initial stage of Operation Epic Fury and died on Monday, it said.

A total of four U.S. soldiers have been killed since Israel and the U.S. launched strikes against Iran on Saturday.

U.S. President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-there-will-likely-be-more-us-service-members-killed-in-iran-conflict-before-it-ends-a1dccc590afc4892b8c1becca337cbeb">said</a>&nbsp;in a video posted to his Truth Social platform on Sunday that “sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more, but we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”

Fourth US soldier dies in Operation Epic Fury

WASHINGTON —U.S. military officials are investigating a reported friendly fire incident in Operation Epic Fury.

At 11:03 p.m. ET, Sunday, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.

All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.The cause of the incident is under investigation.&nbsp;

The U.S. Central Command released no additional details early Monday.

US fighter jets shot down in friendly fire Incident in Kuwait

KANSAS CiTY—Law enforcement are investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E 76th street in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they located two adult male victims inside a vehicle at the intersection of 76th and Lydia. One man was suffering from gunshot wounds and officers immediately began performing life saving measures while ordering EMS. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The other male victim sustained non life threatening gun shot wounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the course of the initial investigation officers located a possible subject of interest in a nearby residence. Officers surrounded the house and an Operation 100, a police stand off, was initiated. Trained negotiators and tactical officers were called in to the scene to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.&nbsp; Police ultimately determined the house was empty.

This is being investigated as a homicide, and no one is in custody at this point. Detectives are still working to determine what led to shots being fired and the victims being struck.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

Homicide: Police end standoff in search for KC shooting suspect

WASHINGTON (AP) — Three American service members have been killed and five others seriously wounded during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c">U.S. attacks on Iran</a>, the military announced Sunday, marking the first American casualties in a major offensive that President Donald Trump said could likely lead to more losses in the coming weeks.

The three who were killed were U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Kuwait as part of a unit that oversees supplies and logistics, according to a person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The development was reported earlier by NBC News and The Washington Post.

U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, announced the deaths in a post on X but did not say when and where they occurred as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-01-2026-693bc30bbbc98660d81f4a13f65ca10f">the Islamic Republic retaliates</a>&nbsp;over the joint strikes by the U.S. and Israel. The post said “several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions” and were going to return to duty.

“We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen,” Trump said in a video posted to his Truth Social platform on Sunday afternoon. “And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more, but we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”

In the roughly six-minute video, Trump called those killed “true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.” He said the U.S. will avenge their deaths.

Trump earlier&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15604385/donald-trump-daily-mail-interview-iran.html" target="_blank">told the Daily Mail</a>&nbsp;in a phone interview Sunday that the U.S. troops who were killed were “great people.”

“You know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately,” Trump told the newspaper. “Could happen continuous — it could happen again.”

He also told the Daily Mail that he believes the conflict could last for “four weeks or so.”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-ayatollah-khamenei-ad853dc1d5606fd9202b65a75bdbfc2f">He had previously warned</a>&nbsp;that American troops could be killed or injured in the operation.

“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties,” the Republican president said in a video address released early Saturday. “That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future.”

Central Command, meanwhile, described the situation “as fluid” and said it would withhold the identities of the service members who were killed for 24 hours after their families were notified.

Following the U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>&nbsp;and other leaders, Iran’s counterattacks have struck U.S. bases in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

The U.S. military denied Iranian claims that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carrier-iran-protests-us-military-58e6da912f9167df94f913d7dafe5af4">the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier</a>&nbsp;was struck with ballistic missiles, saying on X that the “missiles launched didn’t even come close.”

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to launch its “most intense offensive operation” ever targeting Israeli and American military installations.

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