Community members will have an opportunity to learn about the growing role of data centers and digital infrastructure during a public forum scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, at the Stringer Fine Arts Center.

The event, titled “Trends in Data Center Development,” will begin at 11 a.m. at the Stringer Fine Arts Center, 600 E. 11th Ave. in Hutchinson. The program will feature a panel of industry leaders discussing the future of data center development and its potential impact on communities like Hutchinson and the broader region.

Featured speakers include Paul Hughes, Headquarters and Megaprojects Business Development for the Kansas Department of Commerce; Sergi Gerasymovych, founder of Ramiform AI; Jason Klindt, senior director of external affairs for Evergy; Don Whitman, president and CEO of Superior Boiler LLC; and Dwayne Corcoran, vice president of operations and co-founder of Cormor Inc.

The discussion will focus on trends shaping the rapidly growing data center industry, including infrastructure needs, energy demands, economic development opportunities and how communities can prepare for potential projects.

The program will conclude with an interactive question-and-answer session moderated by the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, allowing attendees to engage directly with the panelists.

Organizers say the forum is designed to help local residents, business leaders and policymakers better understand how data center development could influence the region’s economic future.

Panelists named for data center development forum

Kansas lawmakers heard testimony this week on a proposal that would eventually eliminate property taxes statewide and replace them with a new surcharge on retail purchases.

The Kansas Senate Tax Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 488, known as the Kansas Property Tax Freedom Act of 2026, which would phase out property taxes over several years and replace lost revenue through a statewide “fair share purchase surcharge.”

Under the proposal, property tax mill levies would be cut in half in 2026 and reduced to 25% of current levels in 2027. Beginning in 2028, property taxes on real and personal property would be eliminated entirely if voters approve a related constitutional amendment.

To offset the loss of property tax revenue, the bill proposes a new surcharge beginning in 2027. Purchases under $20 would be subject to a 7.6% surcharge, while purchases of $20 or more would carry a flat $1.60 fee per transaction. Retailers would collect the surcharge at the point of sale and remit it to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Revenue from the surcharge would be distributed among several recipients, including 48% to school districts, 35% to cities, counties and other local governments, 12% to the state general fund, and 5% to a new Property Tax Freedom Reserve Fund. The reserve fund would help offset revenue losses during the transition and could eventually provide rebate payments to Kansas taxpayers if the fund exceeds $500 million.

Sen. Michael Murphy, a proponent of the bill, told committee members property taxes remain one of the most common concerns he hears from constituents.

“Every time I knock doors, property tax is a problem,” Murphy said. “I think we need to get out of the box and look at something that goes forward.”

Murphy acknowledged the proposal is not finalized but said the bill is intended to spark discussion on ways to provide meaningful property tax relief.

Several citizens and former lawmakers testified in support of the concept, arguing that rising property valuations and tax bills are putting financial pressure on homeowners and farmers.

Former state Rep. Carrie Barth told the committee property taxes are one of the biggest affordability issues facing Kansans.

“Property tax is the number one issue for our state,” Barth said. “People should not be taxed out of their homes.”

Other supporters said eliminating property taxes could attract new residents and businesses to Kansas while lowering the cost of homeownership.

Opponents and neutral conferees raised concerns about the proposal’s financial impact and implementation. Dave Trabert of the Kansas Policy Institute said the bill would require significant changes to the state’s school finance system and could reduce funding for local governments.

Trabert also noted the state lacks the transaction data needed to determine whether the proposed surcharge would generate enough revenue to replace property taxes.

Committee Chair Sen. Caryn Tyson said the proposal appears to require more development before moving forward. Lawmakers did not take immediate action on the bill following the hearing.

For the proposal to take effect, Kansas voters would first need to approve a constitutional amendment prohibiting property taxes, which could appear on the ballot in a future statewide election.

Lawmakers hear testimony on property tax bill

 Area students will have an opportunity this summer to complete driver’s education through a program offered by Buhler USD 313.

The USD 313 Summer Driver’s Education course will run June 1 through June 30, with online coursework completed during that time and behind-the-wheel driving scheduled throughout June and July.

The program is open to all area students, not just those enrolled in Buhler USD 313 Schools.

To participate, students must be at least 14 years old and must either already have a valid instructional permit or take the permit test through the program.

According to program information, the course will feature fully online classroom instruction, allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere. Participants will also receive private driving instruction as part of the program.

Enrollment forms are available in school offices at Buhler High School, Prairie Hills Middle School, Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson Middle School–8, Trinity Catholic Jr/Sr High School, and Central Christian School.

Parents or students seeking more information can contact Abby Thompson at <a>athompson@usd313.org</a> or by phone at (620) 662-6027

USD 313 to offer summer drivers education

KWBW is experiencing issues with our AM transmitter.&nbsp; Because of that the over the air signal at 1450 AM is off the air.&nbsp;

Engineers are working to restore the signal, but in the meantime you can still hear KWBW over the air at 98.5 FM or via our KWBW app available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.&nbsp;&nbsp;

You can also hear it at <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBWRadio.com</a>.

Transmitter issues cause loss of KWBW AM signal 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will begin an overlay project on K-251 in Sedgwick County the week of March 16, conditions permitting. The project will improve the road surface, extending the pavement’s service life.

Work will take place on the entire length of K-251, a little less than 4 miles. K-251 runs between U.S. 54/400 and Cheney Lake State Park. Traffic will be guided through the area with flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop and expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

Pearson Construction, of Wichita, is the prime contractor on the $3.4 million project. The project is expected to be completed by the end of summer, conditions permitting. For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019cd9b10960-07e736e9-e657-462f-a5ea-7c2c3082ecc4-000000/d6bkXvWLfAZBQ5jOj0tX2oTYsQ4qI--I9-But0-blIM=448">kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 511. For updates on construction projects in South Central Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Fsouthcentralnews%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019cd9b10960-07e736e9-e657-462f-a5ea-7c2c3082ecc4-000000/xVUIS4tdU8xHIJKm0UT6Yg_pfTsnrb0NwNgkHH43eQo=448">ksdot.gov/southcentralnews</a>.

KDOT to begin overlay work at Cheney Lake

A night of stand-up comedy and music is coming to Hutchinson later this month as organizers prepare for “Haha Hutch,” a comedy event featuring Hutchinson native Brett Riley.

The show is scheduled for Friday, March 27, and will be held at the 1861 Club as part of the venue’s Liquid Aloha concert series. Organizers say Riley, a Hutchinson High School graduate, has been building a following on the West Coast comedy circuit and will be returning home for what is believed to be his first performance in Hutchinson.

Riley will headline the evening with a stand-up performance, and the entertainment will continue after the show with a DJ providing music for the remainder of the night. Organizers say the goal is to create a full evening of entertainment where attendees can enjoy comedy and stay afterward to socialize and enjoy the music.

Tickets for “Haha Hutch” are available online through the 1861 Club website at 1861club.com, which links to the same ticketing platform used for Kansas State Fair events.

“Haha Hutch” is expected to draw both comedy fans and community members interested in supporting a hometown performer returning to the stage in Hutchinson.

'Haha Hutch' to feature Hutchinson native

The second Legislative Forum of the 2026 Kansas legislative session is scheduled for Saturday, March. 14, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Hutchinson Community College Stringer Fine Arts Center, 600 E. 11th Ave.

Reno County legislators invited to participate include Sen. Michael Murphy, Rep. Joe Seiwert, Rep. Paul Waggoner, Rep. Kyler Sweely and Rep. Kevin Schwertfeger.

Written questions will be accepted the morning of the forum. Questions may also be submitted in advance through the advocacy page of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce website.

The forum is presented by AT&amp;T, with supporting sponsorship from Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, and is organized by the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee.

There is no cost to attend. Chamber members and the general public are encouraged to participate.

Second legislative forum to be held Saturday

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries">Click&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners</a>.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

Recent obituaries and service times

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. ——————————————

Cole	Alexander	3/10/2026 3:45&nbsp;PM	Robbins		Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Poss of marijuana; 1 prior conviction,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Joshua	Aaron	3/10/2026 6:37&nbsp;PM	Milleson		Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction),					Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest,					Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest

Stephen	Gilmore	3/10/2026 8:17&nbsp;PM	Washington		Failure to Appear

Joshua	Adam	3/10/2026 9:03&nbsp;PM	Boyd		Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction)

Michael	David	Cunningham		3/10/2026 11:05&nbsp;PM	DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+,					Poss of marijuana,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant,					Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Possession of a Firearm Under the Influence

Kelly	Lynette	Pitchford		3/10/2026 11:29&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

In a post on its Facebook page, Uptown Hutch announced the interior portion of the mall will close beginning March 23 as the property transitions to what it described as a “new shopping experience.”

According to the post, exterior storefronts will remain open and accessible to customers during the transition. Management said shoppers will still be able to visit the retailers located on the outside of the property.

Two merchants that were in the interior of the mall have relocated to locations on the outside of the mall on the west side.&nbsp; Bath and Body Works had their opening on Feb. 27, and most recently Buckle opened on the exterior on March 9.&nbsp; Maurices is scheduled to close on the interior of the mall on March 21 and will reopen on the exterior west side on March 28.&nbsp;

Famous Footwear will be closing on March 21 and will not reopen. Their closest location is in Newton. Another merchant Selectell Wireless has relocated to downtown Hutchinson.&nbsp;

Uptown Hutch interior to close March 23

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info forecast.</a>

Three-day Outlook

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LEAVENWORTH — CoreCivic will reopen its private prison in Leavenworth to house immigration detainees after city commissioners approved the company’s special use permit on Tuesday, the result of a process one commissioner called “agonizing.”

One person was arrested and multiple people were ejected as they shouted profanity during an hour of public comments and 30 minutes of discussion before the city commission voted 4 to 1 to approve the permit.

CoreCivic and the city of Leavenworth have been fighting for a year as the company sought to reopen the prison it closed in 2021. With&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/30/corecivic-inks-new-contract-with-ice-while-awaiting-legal-decisions-on-kansas-prison/">a $60 million</a>&nbsp;U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement annual contract in hand, the Nashville-based private prison company tried through the courts to reopen without going through the city’s development process.

Brian Todd, a CoreCivic spokesman, said in a statement that ICE officials would decide when the Midwest Regional Reception Center will begin housing detainees.

“As we have from the start, CoreCivic remains committed to operating a safe, transparent and accountable facility,” he said. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the city and to the benefits the MRRC will bring to Leavenworth and the surrounding communities.”

The vote was a second — and final — consideration of CoreCivic’s special use permit, which sets regulations for how the prison will operate and oversight the city will provide.

Commissioner Rebecca Hollister was the sole vote against the permit, as she was during the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/after-marathon-meeting-corecivic-moves-closer-to-reopening-leavenworth-prison/">first consideration on Feb. 24</a>.

Hollister said specific issues outlined in the permit caused her to vote no, including a clause that requires breaches of the agreement to continue for 30 days after a notice before termination could occur.

“There have been valid concerns regarding potential violations that occur intermittently, but not necessarily for 30 days continuously,” she said.

Hollister said CoreCivic officials answered her questions and invited her into the facility, but that she believes the company’s promise of transparency and cooperation “requires a high level of trust” that is difficult for her to have, especially given the company’s problems at other facilities.

“With the knowledge I have right now, I just do not have sufficient faith that their operation would meet all the ‘golden factors’ in development regulations,” she said. “I hope to be wrong, and I think that’s possible based on my last positive conversations with staff.”

Two commissioners made it clear their positive votes swung on fiscal responsibility.

“This has been an agonizing process,” said Commissioner Joe Wilson. “Everybody wants to make this morality over fiduciary responsibility, but I think there is a real risk to the future of the city, based on how the vote turns out that has to be considered, that could have long-term ramifications for our children, for our tax base, for our law enforcement and our firefighters and the services that we can provide.”

Commissioner Holly Pittman agreed, saying leadership doesn’t mean choosing an easy path.

She was mayor last year for much of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/23/federal-government-accuses-kansas-town-of-aggressive-and-unlawful-interference-in-corecivic-operations/">city’s court fights</a>&nbsp;with CoreCivic and was the subject of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/16/dark-money-ads-target-kansas-mayor-after-town-pushed-back-against-private-prison/">dark-money political ads</a>&nbsp;accusing her of holding back progress by forcing CoreCivic to go through the special permit process.

Pittman said the vote wasn’t about immigration policy or national politics, or whether she or anyone else dislikes CoreCivice.

“It is a land use decision governed by law and by the constraints of our political authority,” she said. “After reviewing all the legal framework, the zoning standards and the court rulings, I believe denying this permit would expose our taxpayers to a significant financial risk, and I will not gamble the financial stability of this city.”

Mayor Nancy Bauder said Leavenworth didn’t have a permit when CoreCivic was previously open and if the company violates it, the city can pull the permit.

Commissioner Samuel Maxwell declined to comment.

More than 115 people signed up to speak, but Bauder limited public comment to one hour, which allowed about 45 people to speak, three of whom were in favor of approving the special use permit.

At the February meeting, public comment lasted three hours.

Bauder said commissioners offered multiple opportunities for residents to share their views over the past year, and typically on second consideration of a special use permit, they don’t take public comment.

Many people ceded their time to others with simple statements asking the commissioners to vote against the permit. Others were passionate in their opinions about how CoreCivic and ICE’s presence would change Leavenworth.

“They drug you through the mud by the scalp face first for a year, and I will not see you bend a knee now,” said John Watt, of Junction City. “Stand up.”

Watt expressed a concern echoed by others that once the company is open and holding ICE detainees it will be difficult to enforce stipulations in the permit.

“Like a bloated tick, they’re going to get their head in and they’re going to swell up on those tax dollars and it will be very difficult to get them to move,” he said.

Some acknowledged the challenge facing commissioners.

“Unfortunately, CoreCivic has now put you in a position where your responsibilities to the city’s finances now lie in direct opposition to the responsibilities that you have as leaders to protect our people and our community,” said Daniel McIntosh, of Leavenworth.

The equation comes down to assessing risk, he said.

“If you vote yes, you lessen the risk to the immediate situation of the city’s finances, but you also place at risk the health, safety, welfare and liberty of individuals in that facility and outside,” McIntosh said. “While we appreciate the efforts you’ve taken to mitigate those risks, you run the risk that any oversight granted by this permit may not be enforceable at all.”

After the commission meeting ended, police took CreCivic officials and commissioners out through side doors to avoid the angry crowd of about 150 people who gathered outside, shouting “shame” repeatedly.

William Rogers, a former CoreCivic employee who has been active in protesting the company’s attempts to reopen, said before the commission meeting that he expected the permit to pass. He has little hope CoreCivic will treat incarcerated people better than in the past.

Rogers pointed to the recent death of Emmanuel Damas, an immigrant applying for asylum, who was arrested by ICE in Boston last year. Damas died from an infected tooth and the resulting sepsis infection after being held at the Florence Detention Center in Arizona, which is owned by CoreCivic.

Damas’ death reminded Rogers of the exact same situation that occurred when he was a prison guard at CoreCivic’s facility in Leavenworth. Rogers said he repeatedly sought medical treatment for a prisoner with an infected tooth and was ignored. He was off one day and returned to find the prisoner was in the hospital, near death from sepsis, Rogers said.

The prisoner lived, but Roger said he saw repeated instances like that while working at CoreCivic and that it makes him dread the future for the facility.

He also is concerned about the effects of a larger ICE presence in Leavenworth on people of different ethnicities.

“Let’s just call it what it is —- this is an attack on the brown people,” he said. “In the Hispanic community, people are afraid to come out. It doesn’t matter what their status is right now.”

Rogers said people who are doing everything they are supposed to and are here as asylum seekers are being put in jail by ICE.

At the gathering after the commission meeting, speakers stood to express their frustration but also to offer encouragement.

“Our work here, throughout the entire three years that we’ve been involved in this, is not in vain,” said Karla Juarez, executive director of Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation. “I see new faces. I see new people advocating. New people making public comments. New people, actually a lot of people who believed that CoreCivic should open, now on our side.”

Leavenworth officials approve permit for CoreCivic to reopen prison for ICE detainees

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 2p.m. Tuesday, officers executed a search warrant in the 1700 block of Winne Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

After their investigation, police arrested 25-year-old&nbsp;DeShell Patterson of Manhattan, was arrested at approximately 5:05 p.m. on requested charges that include three counts of possession of opiate/opium/narcotic or certain stimulant and one count each for distribution/possession with intent to distribute heroin/certain stimulants/fentanyl (3.5-100 grams), distribute material containing fentanyl, distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use, use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, and aggravated endangering of a child.

&nbsp;Patterson is being held on a bond of $75,000.

Kansas man accused of selling pills with fentanyl

JOHNSON COUNTY —Fire crews responded to a house fire during a hail storm Tuesday night.

Just after 9p.m. firefighters at a “lightning strike investigation” found a fire in the basement near 172nd Place and Hall Street in Olathe, according to a social media report.

 The fire was quickly stopped. Damage to the home’s electrical system is significant. There were no injuries. Two people and their dogs are temporarily displaced.

🎥Crews fight Kansas house fire during hail storm

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man was taken into custody on Wednesday after driving his van into a security barrier outside the White House, authorities said.

The Secret Service said the man crashed into the temporary security barrier just before 6:30 a.m. He was immediately arrested by officers from the Secret Service’s uniformed division, the agency said.

The man, whose identity was not immediately released, was being interviewed by investigators. Criminal charges were pending, the Secret Service said.

A police bomb squad was called to the scene, checked the vehicle and determined it to be safe.

Van crashed into security gate outside White House, driver arrested

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

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the area of 55th and Chestnut Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

When officers arrived, they located a man lying in a grassy area, unresponsive, and suffering from gunshot trauma. The victim was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officers on scene were updated later he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives continue working to determine what led up to the shooting. Police have not reported an arrest and did not release the name of the victim.

&nbsp;This incident is being investigated as a homicide at this time and is ongoing.&nbsp;

If anyone was in the area 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 looking for witnesses in man's shooting death

WASHINGTON (AP) — Majority Leader John Thune said Tuesday that the Senate will consider a bill to impose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/midterms-voting-laws-photo-id-citizenship-republicans-feecb51a6efa41cf32d18fe4b15c08ce">strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements</a>&nbsp;in elections, but says “the votes aren’t there” to pass it through a marathon talking filibuster sought by President Donald Trump.

Trump has said he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gop-save-bill-citizenship-id-filibuster-744071b0a3c86ef64aa19aeb3b552509">won’t sign any other legislation</a>&nbsp;until the bill — known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-save-act-citizenship-voting-elections-a37c139461d11eb5f82086680b67ffe7">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility</a>&nbsp;or SAVE America Act — is passed. But it faces unified opposition from Democrats, meaning that the Senate can’t pass it unless Republicans change the rules and eliminate the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-filibuster-shutdown-congress-2b46e610460d1c2448c3c7c816454de6">filibuster</a>.

Thune has said there aren’t enough votes to do that, or to launch a talking filibuster that would force Democrats to hold the floor indefinitely to block the bill.

“That is just a function of math,” Thune told reporters on Tuesday, making his strongest statements yet after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-bill-citizenship-senate-thune-trump-3709f2bd02d2c841e16d501529ec9198">weeks of discussions</a>&nbsp;among GOP senators. “For better or worse, I’m the one who has to be a clear-eyed realist about what we can achieve here.”

Republican senators are discussing, instead, voting on the legislation as soon as next week under regular procedure — meaning it will likely fail. Thune said that Republicans are “going to have a fight on the floor” and will force Democrats to vote on “whether they think noncitizens should vote in American elections.”

Trump’s aggressive effort to dictate Senate procedure has put Thune in an awkward position as he has tried to appease the president and increasingly angry base voters who have called for Republicans to do whatever they can to pass it ahead of the midterm elections. But most Republican senators appear to be backing Thune’s approach.

“There’s been enough dithering,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La.. “It’s time to go and let the chips fall where they may.”

Trump has made the SAVE America Act a priority ahead of the midterm elections, arguing that Republicans need it to win — even as his party&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-election-certification-capitol-b8284b9b6b22f78ab7f23f8c8b3c3da3">won the presidency</a>&nbsp;and congressional majorities in 2024 without it. Federal law already requires that voters in national elections be U.S. citizens.

“It’ll guarantee the midterms,” he told House Republicans Monday at their annual retreat at his Florida golf club. “If you don’t get it, big trouble.”

But Trump's push is running into the realities of the Senate, where minority Democrats can filibuster any piece of legislation and force Republicans to find 60 votes when they only hold 53 seats. Democrats uniformly oppose the legislation, arguing that it would disenfranchise some 20 million American voters who don’t have birth certificates or other documents readily available.

Republicans could change the rules and eliminate the filibuster to pass it, or they could attempt the talking filibuster. But Thune says they don’t have enough support within the GOP conference to do either.

Even if they did, a talking filibuster would not guarantee passage. Supporters of that approach say that Democrats would eventually tire of speaking or allow the legislation to pass. But Democrats would also be allowed to bring up an indefinite number of amendments on any subject, forcing Republicans to take hard votes in an election year and delaying the process even more.

“We can’t find a piece of legislation in history that’s been passed that way,” Thune said this week.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who has led the talking filibuster push with Trump, posted on X Tuesday that the “Senate should do everything it can in an effort to pass” the bill.

“While passage isn’t guaranteed, we can be certain that failure will be the outcome if we don’t try," Lee wrote.

But leaving a GOP conference meeting on Tuesday, several senators said it was time to move on the legislation, even if they couldn’t accommodate the president’s procedural demands.

“I think we just go ahead and try to get on the bill,” said Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas.

Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson suggested that they should debate the bill on the floor for an extended time. There should not be a “one and done vote,” he said.

“Our base would scream about that and that wouldn’t be smart,” Johnson said.

There was little anger at Thune, as many of his GOP colleagues agree that eliminating the filibuster would be unwise and the talking filibuster would be risky. Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-filibuster-resistance-senate-thune-shutdown-e2facc2a1a32811d294b1bd16853f307">long pushed back on efforts to “nuke” the filibuster</a>, arguing that minority rights need to be preserved for legislation.

“There’s a right way to do it, there’s a wrong way to do it,” said Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. “Nuking the filibuster doesn’t work. The talking filibuster would be a goat rodeo.”

Tillis said Thune “has the toughest job in Washington, D.C. He’s doing just fine. And he, quite honestly, has taken on a lot for the members.”

Trump said over the weekend that he also wants to add new priorities to the legislation, including a ban on mail-in ballots that he has pushed since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-fbi-seize-georgia-ballots-fulton-county-87300edb3ea86961c69132e6a2dfd6e8">losing the 2020 presidential election</a>. He said he also wants to add on two unrelated provisions around transgender rights issues — one that would ban those born as men from playing in women’s sports and another to block sex reassignment surgeries on some minors.

“Let’s go for the gold,” Trump told the House Republicans.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday at the Florida retreat that they are “looking at mechanisms” to do that, even though the House has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/midterms-voting-laws-photo-id-citizenship-republicans-feecb51a6efa41cf32d18fe4b15c08ce">passed the bill</a>&nbsp;and sent it to the Senate. But it’s unclear if a ban on mail-in ballots would pass the House, as they are popular in many states.

Thune said that the House would probably have to pass a new bill to add those issues.

“It would probably make sense for them to send over another version,” he said.

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Lisa Mascaro in Washington and Steven Sloan in Doral, Florida contributed to this report.

Senate to consider voting bill co-sponsored by Kan. U.S. Senator

LYON COUNTY —A Kansas Highway Trooper in southeast Kansas stopped a car for failing to maintain its lane, according to a social media report from the patrol

During the stop, he noticed blood on the outside of the bed of the truck and upon further investigation, located a deceased buck which had just been poached. 

The Trooper contacted Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks was to assist. The game warden seized 2 rifles and the poachers were given over $5,500 in fines.

Kansas game warden seized rifles and issued fines after traffic stop

SHAWNEE COUNTY. —Law enforcement are investigating a violent domestic incident and have made an arrest.

Just after 3:38 p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the 4200 block of SE 85th Street in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the incident, a 61-year-old man sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being physically assaulted by his daughter. During the disturbance, the suspect, later identified as 39-year-old&nbsp;Chelsea M. Sinning of Berryton, Kansas,&nbsp;also discharged a firearm in the victim’s direction, striking the cell phone he was holding.

Deputies responded to the area and began searching for Sinning. At approximately 4:42 p.m., Sinning was located and taken into custody in the 2100 block of SW 66th Street. The firearm involved was also recovered.

Deputies arrested Sinning and booked her into the Shawnee County

Department of Corrections on requested charges of Attempted murder in the 1st degree; intentional and premeditated, Aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon,&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal damage to property,&nbsp;&nbsp;Domestic battery, Possession of marijuana and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.

Kansas woman jailed for alleged violent attack on her father

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects involved in a chase and crash involving an SUV stolen from a dealership.

Just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday, Kansas City Police officers were pursuing a stolen blue Ford Explorer that was involved in numerous property crimes, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

The stolen Ford was traveling westbound on Independence Avenue at a high rate of speed. The driver attempted to make a left turn from Independence Avenue onto southbound Indiana. As the driver was making the turn, the SUV went into a slide and struck the curb. The Ford overturned, striking a wooden electrical pole and the east side of the building at&nbsp;3253 Independence Avenue. 

The driver of the Ford sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The front seat passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries but refused medical treatment/transport at the scene. 

The building and electrical pole sustained minor damage from the crash. The driver was reported in stable condition. There were no injuries to any of the involved officers and or uninvolved civilians as a result of the pursuit, according to&nbsp;Gonzalez.

KCPD: Driver hospitalized after police chase, crash with stolen SUV 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">took out multiple Iranian vessels</a>&nbsp;Tuesday as the Islamic Republic vowed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-gas-infrastructure-iran-war-persian-gulf-24c4b439d2c6a5b571fea90e4d1227d8">block the region's oil exports</a>&nbsp;and concerns grew about the country's threats to stop tankers from using a waterway through which 20% of the world’s oil is shipped.

The U.S. destroyed 16 mine-laying Iranian vessels, though President Donald Trump said in social media posts that there were no reports of Iran planting explosives in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strait-hormuz-us-protests-persian-gulf-db7159d715453977279ab9cfd918e6e4">Strait of Hormuz</a>.

The American military released the figure, along with unclassified footage of some of the vessels, after Trump earlier warned Iran against laying mines in the strait.

Both sides sharpened their rhetoric as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump--03-10-2026">the war entered its 11th day</a>&nbsp;with Trump threatening to hit Iran at “a level never seen before” if the country failed to immediately remove any mines it might have deployed in the channel.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised the most intense strikes yet while the Pentagon detailed the broader toll of injuries sustained by U.S. troops.

The conflict's effects rippled across the Middle East&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-oil-prices-gasoline-economy-consumers-a5b47c09f83406adf2a00616382003f6">and beyond</a>. Iranian leaders ruled out talks, threatened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;and launched new attacks against Israel and Gulf Arab countries.

In Iran, residents of Tehran said they experienced some of the war's heaviest strikes. A woman said she saw a residential building get hit. She and others reached by The Associated Press spoke on condition of anonymity to prevent reprisals. Tens of thousands of Iranians have sought shelter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iranians-fleeing-war-73ed7f61f88e411b5fb13a888eb45cb3">in the countryside</a>.

🎥New details as US strikes 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels

🎧🏀 KSHSAA state tournaments underway; 🏀 HutchCC women onto semis; ⚾ USA loses to Italy

Region 6 Tournament (Quarterfinal) FINAL: No. 13 Hutchinson 74, Colby 65

🎧🏀 Blue Dragon Rewind: HutchCC women vs. Colby (Region 6 Tournament - Quarterfinal)

🏀 Updated NJCAA Region 6 Tournament schedule and results

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — AJ Dybantsa had 40 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and No. 10 seed BYU use a big second-half run to break open a close game with No. 15 seed Kansas State and roll to a 105-91 victory in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday night.

Robert Wright III added 14 points and six assists, and Kennard Davis Jr. had 15 points for the Cougars (22-10), who set a single-game tournament scoring record while advancing to play seventh-seeded West Virginia on Wednesday night.

P.J. Haggerty matched Dybantsa into the second half and finished with 27 points for the Wildcats (12-20), who played their final game for interim coach Matthew Driscoll, who had taken control of the program after the firing of Jerome Tang last month.

Nate Johnson had 19 points for Kansas State. Khamari McGriff finished with 13.

The fact that BYU was playing at all Tuesday night was somewhat surprising.

Dybantsa could be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft this year. Wright has been a star in his own right. At one point early in the season, the Cougars were ranked seventh in the AP Top 25 and living up to the lofty expectations of their expensive lineup.

But things went sideways beginning with a four-game skid in January and February, and floor leader Richie Saunders was lost for the rest of the season to a torn ACL. The Cougars lost three of their last four games, and tiebreakers put them at the No. 10 seed.

They jumped out to a quick lead Tuesday night, though, as Haggerty and Dybantsa began to duel. And while they led just 50-49 at the break, the Cougars went on a 17-2 run beginning with about 9 1/2 minutes to play that allowed them to pull away.

The Cougars march on to face West Virginia, which beat them 79-71 a couple of weeks ago.

Kansas State turns its focus toward hiring its next permanent coach.

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