&nbsp; The Junction City Boys Wrestling team competed at the 6A KSHSAA Regional Wrestling Championships at Wichita North High School this past Saturday. The boys brought 12 wrestlers and qualified 6 to move on to the State Championship.&nbsp; 

The #8 ranked Blue Jay team finished 8th out of 18 teams. The Boys will travel to the Advent Center in Kansas City to compete for the State Championship on February 27 and 28th.

-- Riley Luckenbill&nbsp; 113 lbs. - finished in 6th place (28-9)

-- Jayden Melton 126 lbs. - finished in 8th place (34-9)

-- Cody Owens 165 lbs. - finished in 3rd place (28-12)

--Christian Simmers 190 lbs. - finished in 4th place (35-7)

-- Chris Coy 215 lbs. - finished in 5th place (27-7)

--Avery Florence 285 lbs. - finished in 3rd place (23-15).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Six Blue Jay Wrestlers Qualify for State Wrestling Tournament

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday March 8

Daylight Savings Time Nears

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just after 9a.m.&nbsp; February 20, police arrested 27-year-old Tyrea Stewart of Junction City in the 100 block of Courthouse Plaza in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. 

Stewart is being without bond for two Riley County District Court warrants for probation violation. The arrest stems from original charges of endangering a child, driving under the influence, improper child passenger safety restraint and transportation of liquor in an open container.&nbsp;

RCPD: Junction City man accused of DUI with child in the car

Main Street Monday | Downtown JC Happenings | Feb 23 - Mar 01, 2026

●<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1AKEF62JRy/"> St. Patty’s Bar Crawl Coming to Downtown JC on Saturday, March 14th starting at Noon! </a>Get ready to Sham-rock your weekend in Downtown JC! Join us for a St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl packed with green beer, Irish cheer, drink specials and prizes. Wear your green, grab your friends, and crawl your way through downtown. Hunt for hidden four leaf clovers at each participating location - find them all for a chance to win big! Participating locations include Blu, Coyotes Saloon, Highwind Brewing, Rosebuds, The Loft, The Spot Karaoke.

●<a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/event/cups-of-culture/"> Cups of Culture: Great American Sip Trip | Buy Your Tickets Here! </a>Cheers to 250 years! In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Cups of Culture: Great American Sip Trip 2026 turns Downtown JC into a coast-to-coast tasting experience, with small businesses serving drinks and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the flavors and traditions that shape our nation. Stroll downtown, shop local, and sip your way across the country as we celebrate America’s past, present, and future- perfect for date night, friends, or a group outing. This event is for guests 21 and older.

● <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/event/taste-of-jc/">Taste of JC: Food Tour | Tickets on Sale Now!</a> Come hungry and explore on Saturday, May 2nd from 9AM-1PM! Join Junction City Main Street for Taste of JC, a community food stroll showcasing the flavors that make our town unique. Grab a passport and sample tasting portions from local favorites and new vendors as you snack your way through downtown, discover new go-to spots, and shop local along the way. All you need to bring is an appetite for good food and good company.

<a href="https://godfreystactical.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNHs4pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3azdKYjl2RWk5ZmtmZXd1AR7vhwSejcARqGfdIgGQkNIKI-9W1f8wAp9LA6zYmUh9BA_zvjKanVPtC7NwRw_aem_f0i9mu0uejSZDFi2oo4DVA">Did you know?</a>: Every Wednesday is Ladies Night at Godfrey’s Indoor Ranges and Tactical Supply! And Fridays are Free Rental Friday!

<a href="https://junctioncityartscouncil.org/new-art-class-schedule-jan-feb-2026/">Junction City Arts Council: Reserve your spot today!</a>

● Join JCAC for the first seminar in their new JC Arts Talks series featuring abstract painter Travis Marak. Travis will share how he approaches abstract art, builds layers, and turns emotion into composition, plus a live Q&amp;A.


○ Register Here: <a>https://junction-city-arts-council.checkoutpage.com/jc-arts-talks-featuring-travis-marak</a>

○ March 21, 2026 2:00 PM at the Munson Arts Education Building (131 W. 7th Street, Junction City, KS)

<a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/flag-fundraiser/">Flags of Geary County:</a> “Proudly United, Community Ignited”

2026 is America’s 250th birthday! To celebrate, Junction City Main Street invites you to take part in the Flag Project supporting multiple local organizations. For a small donation, Main Street will place and remove a leased 3x5 ft U.S. flag on a 10 ft pole in front of your home or business on seven major holidays, throughout the year. Flags will not be displayed in the event of rain.


Want to receive these weekly Main Street Mondays through email? Sign up to be on our mailing list here: <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/latest-news/">https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/latest-news/</a>

<a href="https://prod3.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=987512">Buy Your Tickets Now for Uptown - A night of Motown &amp; Soul Coming to the C.L. Hoover Opera House on Friday, March 6th at 7PM!</a> Straight from New York City, the epicenter of contemporary pop and soul, Uptown brings the heat with a bold, modern take on Motown that is smooth, sexy, and full of energy. Blending the iconic vocals of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye with Bruno Mars–level stage presence and Jackson 5–style choreography, this show delivers old school soul for a new generation.

Each member of the group is a standout soloist, bringing fresh flavor, undeniable charisma, and nonstop energy to the stage. From classic Motown hits to modern soul favorites, this is Motown remixed, a high-energy celebration that will have you dancing, singing, and feeling the groove all night long.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555597640369&amp;sk=events">Blu Restaurant and Bar Weekly Events:</a> Margarita Monday, Taco ‘Bout a Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, Cheers to the Weekend on Fridays.

Dinner for a Cause: Support United Way of Junction City-Geary County! From 6PM–8PM on Tuesday, February 24th at Blu Restaurant and Bar, 20% of all sales will be donated to support the local United Way program! Bring your friends, enjoy amazing food and drinks, and make a difference while you dine!

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086549072848&amp;sk=events">Highwind events: </a>Seafood Night, Tuesday @ 4-9PM | Trivia Night, Wednesday @ 6:30PM | Adult Coloring Night, Thursday @ 6:30 PM | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1aHtyKNgsf/">Adult Spelling Bee, Saturday @ 6PM</a> | Brunch, Sunday @ 9:30AM-2PM

The karaoke bug is going around and The Spot Karaoke is the place to be! Pick from 4 private karaoke suites, all with different themes, and enjoy a private jam session with you + 11 other people per room. Check them out and reserve a karaoke suite here: <a href="https://thespot785.com/">https://thespot785.com/</a>

Got a sweet tooth? Get your fix of delicious treats, coffee, dirty sodas and more at Celestial Sweets. Located at 725 N Washington St., <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CelestialSweetsJC">Celestial Sweets</a> has something for everyone! Open Wednesday-Saturday, 11AM-8PM!

Follow<a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/"> Junction City Main Street</a> for event updates and more.

Support local. Stay connected. Love where you live.

Main Street Monday | Downtown JC Happenings | Feb 23 - Mar 01, 2026

Faith Lutheran Church will host a Soup Supper on Saturday, February 28, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the church, located at 212 N. Eisenhower Dr. in Junction City.

The evening will feature a wide variety of homemade soups, including baked potato, broccoli cheese, chicken noodle, chili, ravioli, and vegetable beef. Crackers, carrots, and celery will also be served. Guests can also enjoy desserts such as cookies, cinnamon rolls, and brownies.

The event is a free will donation, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Camp Tomah Shinga.

Community members are invited to attend for food, fellowship, and support of a good cause.

Faith Lutheran Church to Host Soup Supper February 28

More than 1,100 students completed degree requirements from Kansas State University in fall 2025. KSU announced&nbsp; that the university awarded approximately 800 bachelor's degrees, 250 master's degrees and 50 doctorates. Several students earned multiple degrees.For outstanding academic performance, more than 681 students earned graduation honors.

Kansas State University students earn fall 2025 degrees, graduation honors

The Geary Sheriff's deprtment said at 0411 a.m. Sunday Deputies responded to US-77 Highway mile marker 148 for a single vehicle injury accident. Diane Massey of Herington was traveling northbound in a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze when she slid off the roadway and struck a mailbox and culvert causing the airbags to deploy. Massey was transported by the Junction City Fire Department to Stormont Vail-Flint Hills for evaluation. The vehicle was removed by Renegade Wrecker Service.

Deputies respond to injury accident

There will be a Restaurant night fundraiser for United Way from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Blu Restaurant. twenty of the proceeds go to United Way&nbsp; of Junction City Geary County.

United Way will have a Restaurant Night

State wildlife officials are giving Kansans a chance to enjoy the outdoors at no cost this year, announcing free fishing and free state park entrance days for 2026.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks said in a news release that residents and visitors can take advantage of designated Free Fishing Days and Free Entrance Days at all 28 Kansas state parks.

According to KDWP spokeswoman Laura Clawson, Free Fishing Days will be held Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7. On those dates, anglers will not need a Kansas fishing license to fish in public waters.

All other regulations will remain in effect, however. Participants must still follow established length limits, creel limits and other fishing rules.

In addition, all Kansas state parks will offer free entrance on Wednesday, April 22. While vehicle entrance fees will be waived that day, camping fees and other associated charges will still apply.

“These free days are a great opportunity for Kansans and visitors alike to get outside and enjoy Kansas’ natural resources,” KDWP Secretary Chris Kennedy said in a statement. “Whether you’re fishing, hiking, picnicking, or simply spending time outdoors, we hope these days encourage people to connect with nature and with each other.”

Kennedy has also designated several additional Free Entrance Days from April through October. Many of those dates coincide with special events and programs aimed at encouraging more people to explore Kansas state parks.

State officials say the annual initiative is designed to introduce new visitors to Kansas’ outdoor recreation opportunities while giving longtime park users another reason to plan a trip.

KDWP announces free fishing, park entry days

This year’s Freedom Fest JC celebration in Heritage Park, downtown, Junction City, Kansas is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5.

It all starts at 5:15 P.M. with Patriotic Sing, where community kids sing 5 Patriotic songs.

Then Freedom Sings will honor veterans through song.

At 6:30, we start our 2026 journey by pulling anchor and setting sail with The Old No. 5s, led by Adam Watson, who grew up here in Junction City. Then, be prepared to get “Ship Rocked” singing the best of Yacht Rock music for the rest of the night.

Day 2-Thursday 7/2 -Throwback Thursday

Come party to classic rock anthems starting at 6:00 with Private Eyes (Hall and Oates Tribute) followed by Doubte Vision (Tribute to Foreigner). Arena Rock Giants will bring down the house, playing from 9:00-10:30.

Our Magical Night of Entertainment begins with The Electrifying Magic of Jay Matiolli on the big stage from 6:00-6:30, followed by Almost Kiss at 7:00.

At 9:00, Draw the Line, the only “Officially endorsed Aerosmith Tribute Show” takes the stage. You don’t want to miss this band. Aerosmith’s lead singer, Steven Tyler, singled out Draw the Line as the Best of the Aerosmith tribute bands. They’re the only tribute band that has been featured on Aerosmith’s website.

Day 4- Saturday 7/4 - 4th&nbsp;of July!

A bright and early start for the Freedom Run at 7:30, followed by our Freedom Parade down 6th street, from Eisenhower to Adams at 10:00.

We have our Veterans Ceremony, carnival, and car show beginning at 12:00, followed by The Tiger Encounter, The Electrifying Magic of Jay Matiolli, and a foam zone.

Saturday night, you’re in for some great, high energy Southern, Bluesy Rock entertainment — starting with the Sunset Sinners at 5:00.
At 6:30, we’re excited to have Anthony Gomes rockin’ our stage. He’s shared a stage with musical greats like B. B. King, Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sammy Hagar, and Heart. If you haven’t heard of him, check him out. He guarantees you won't forget him!
At 8:30, come on down to the front of the stage to dance to the tunes of Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars with JAM, Jackson and Mars, A Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars Tribute Band. We’re going to “Rock With You” and create some “24K Magic”!

We end the night with our Fireworks Extravaganza at 10:00, with some extra BANGS and BOOMS added to the finale to celebrate America’s 250" birthday.

Sunday is still coming together. We’ll let you know as soon as we do!

*To check out the full detailed event schedule and all other Freedom Fest news, <a href="https://freedomfestjc.com/schedule/">visit their website here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Their Facebook Page is Freedom Fest JC.

Freedom Fest 2026 Schedule is Officially Announced

Manhattan High School was the site of the rivalry between Junction City and Manhattan on Friday night. Both games featured a very close first half, then a near 20-point victory in each game, as the teams split the doubleheader in the final matchups of this season.

Girls recap - Manhattan 66, Junction City 46

This is the closest this game has been in a long time. Even a 20-point win by the Manhattan Lady Indians does not describe how good of a game this was for the first couple of quarters.

In the first quarter, Manhattan jumped out to a lead, as senior Kat Ball scored the first six points for Manhattan. The Lady Indians led by five after one, at 14-9. Junction City stayed in the game thanks to back-to-back threes by sophomore Isabel Pruitt.

In second-quarter action, Manhattan expanded its lead to 12, leading 24-12 with four minutes to go in the half. Then, back-to-back three-pointers by sophomore Taliyah Campbell cut the deficit to six, with MHS leading 24-18. That was the closest it would be the rest of the half. The Lady Indians ended the first half on a 13-0 run and led 37-18.

In the second half, Manhattan stretched its lead to 25 a couple of times, but the Lady Jays cut it to 17 twice. Manhattan led 53-30 after three quarters and won the game 66-46.

Each team had two players score in double digits. For Manhattan, Kat Ball scored 21 points, and Jorryn Hall added 10. For Junction City, Laniyah Warmack scored 14 points, and Isabel Pruitt added 12.

Manhattan improves to 16-5 on the year, while Junction City falls to 2-18.

Boys recap - Junction City 73, Manhattan 54

Manhattan senior Will Carpenter scored the first basket of the game, and then Junction City's Brody Boeckman answered with his own basket, and the game was off and running in a packed Manhattan High School gym. That early lead was the only lead Manhattan held all night. This game was all about Junction City's Brody Boeckman and Lovell Autry. Boeckman scored 11 points in the first quarter, and JCHS led 19-12 after one.

In the second quarter, Junction City continued its fast start, scoring at will. Boeckman added six more points, and senior Lovell Autry began heating up. The Blue Jays led 29-17 with two minutes to go in the half. Manhattan head coach Benji George called a timeout, and it worked. The Indians ended the quarter on a 10-0 run and trailed by only two, at 29-27.

Third-quarter action featured the teams trading baskets early in the period. Then Autry got going for Junction City, and the Blue Jays extended their lead back to nine, at 40-31. Manhattan responded with a small run and then capped the period off with quite the highlight. Senior Will Carpenter sent a three-quarter-court heave flying and nailed it (the shot was from the opposite free-throw line). Manhattan had the momentum, now down just four, with Junction City leading 48-44.

Despite the incredible shot by Carpenter, it was Junction City that blasted out of the timeout and took control. Junction City started the quarter on a 13-6 run. It was back-to-back three-point plays by junior Khaliel Walker and Autry to give JC the lead at 61-50. On Autry's basket, he officially passed the 1,000-point mark for his four-year career at Junction City High School. From that point forward, Junction City cruised to victory, and the Blue Jays won 73-54.

Two Blue Jay players outscored Manhattan as a team. Brody Boeckman scored a career-high 31 points, and Lovell Autry added 25 points. The two combined for 56 points.

The leading scorers for Manhattan were Will Carpenter with 15 and Sawyer Newton with 11 points.

Junction City improves to 11-9 on the year, while Manhattan falls to 13-7.

Manhattan High travels to Emporia High on Tuesday, while Junction City returns home to host Topeka Hayden.

Rivals Split - Manhattan Girls, Junction City Boys Win Big on Friday

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks slumped Monday after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariff-truth-social-872c8f04112a8991d8aa6ae5005767b6">ramped up his newest tariffs</a>, while investors continued to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-fed-jobs-profit-45f8d8df807d4b7ed9127afc4b5809c9">punish companies</a>&nbsp;that could be losers in the artificial-intelligence revolution.

The S&amp;P 500 fell 1% after Trump said on Saturday that he would place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariff-truth-social-872c8f04112a8991d8aa6ae5005767b6">temporary 15% tariffs</a>&nbsp;on other countries. That’s up from the 10% rate he announced Friday following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-trump-0485fcda30a7310501123e4931dba3f9">a Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;that struck down his sweeping “reciprocal” taxes on imports from around the world.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 821 points, or 1.7%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 1.1%.

Trump’s quick move toward more aggressive tariffs shows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-tariff-trump-supreme-court-596a1adfee90975c018ca292f7e918f8">how much uncertainty still hangs</a>&nbsp;over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-china-trump-trade-supreme-court-fb8d38ae3664e845199d13113d03b471">global economy</a>, even after the Supreme Court said the president lacked the legal authority to institute his sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs.

Beyond a 15% tariff that could last for up to 150 days, unless Congress extends it further, Trump is moving forward on other avenues to place more permanent tariffs on countries and industries. That has trading partners uneasy. South Korea’s trade minister, Kim Jung-kwan, said Monday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-trump-china-eu-court-bessent-36c6951422ccd24f475429d4683e7e15">uncertainty may worsen</a>&nbsp;if the Trump administration continues imposing new tariffs under alternative laws.

To be sure, Monday’s moves for markets weren’t close to as bad as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-tariffs-52dbb020a4c41122e31669c2da236d67">the panic that swept the world in April,</a>&nbsp;when Trump initially announced his “Liberation Day” tariffs. U.S. stocks were modestly higher for a brief moment during the morning.

The U.S. dollar’s value edged lower against other currencies. Bitcoin briefly fell below $64,000 but remained above its low point reached earlier this month. Gold continued to rise thanks to its reputation as something safer to own during uncertain times.

Investors may be sensing it will take a long time, as well as more court battles, before more clarity comes about how global trade will look.

“Stocks got a boost Friday from the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling, but it quickly became clear that the decision was simply going to open a new chapter in the trade saga, not end it,” according to Chris Larkin, managing director, trading and investing, at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley.

On Wall Street, big losses hit companies under suspicion of getting undercut by AI-powered rivals. Investors have been sharply and suddenly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-fed-jobs-profit-45f8d8df807d4b7ed9127afc4b5809c9">punishing stocks of such companies</a>&nbsp;recently.

CrowdStrike fell 9.8% to widen its loss for the young year so far to 25.3%. A new tool from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/anthropic-claude-380b-valuation-openai-rivalry-ipo-65c08aa4fab90cde952f37d32625394a">Anthropic</a>&nbsp;that scans codebases for security vulnerabilities and suggests targeted software patches for human review has been hitting stocks across the cybersecurity industry.

AppLovin sank 9.1% and took its loss for the year to date to 43.5%. It’s among the software companies hurt by worries that AI competition will steal customers and fundamentally reset their industries.

Companies that have lent money to software companies whose revenues may be under threat also continued falling, and Blue Owl Capital fell 3.4% to bring its loss for the year so far to 30.1%.

More big moves may still be ahead for Wall Street this week, particularly with a profit report from Nvidia coming on Wednesday.

Worries are rising that companies like Alphabet and Amazon may be spending so much on Nvidia’s chips that they’ll never be able to recoup their investments through higher productivity and future profits.

Elsewhere on Wall Street, stocks of airlines fell after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-flight-cancellations-us-travel-54feed6ca0fb8e05c3b59326bd7ff24c">heavy snow and high winds canceled thousands of flights</a>&nbsp;across the busy Northeast.

United Airlines lost 5.2%, American Airlines fell 4.9% and Delta Air Lines sank 3.7%.

Novo Nordisk’s stock that trades in the United States tumbled 16.4% after the Danish drugmaker said a trial for its CagriSema drug showed people lost a smaller percentage of their weight after 84 weeks than with a similar one made by rival Eli Lilly. Eli Lilly rose 4.9%.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 71.76 points to 6,837.75. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 821.91 to 48,804.06, and the Nasdaq composite sank 258.80 to 22,627.27.

In stock markets abroad, indexes mostly fell in Europe. They had risen on Friday after the Supreme Court’s ruling.

In Asia, where markets got their first chance to react to the court’s ruling, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 2.5%, while South Korea’s Kospi rose a more modest 0.6%. Markets in Japan and mainland China were closed for holidays.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.03% from 4.08% late Friday.

A top official at the Federal Reserve said Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/waller-inflation-interest-rates-728aa0b00b5d3291169cb807472332d6">that it’s a “coin flip”</a>&nbsp;on whether the Fed will cut its main interest rate at its next meeting in March or stand pat again.

The comments from Fed. Gov. Christopher Waller were a notable shift from January, when he was one of the two Fed governors to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-powell-inflation-c13913c9e007981f075fb3b22d4a4cec">dissent against</a>&nbsp;the central bank’s decision to hold its key rate steady after three rate cuts at the end of last year.

Lower rates would give the economy a boost, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-subpoena-bf4fc6c690fa248fbc531bc9bc7f1758">Trump has been</a>&nbsp;lobbying angrily for them. But they also could risk worsening inflation.

US stocks drop after Trump ramps up new tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has ordered nonessential diplomats and their family members at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to leave Lebanon, a State Department official said Monday, as tensions over Iran rise with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f">the threat of a potentially imminent military strike</a>.

he official said a continuous assessment of the regional security environment determined it was “prudent” to draw down the U.S. Embassy’s footprint so that only essential personnel remain at their posts.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the move had not yet been formally announced, said that it is a temporary measure and that the embassy will remain operational.

Lebanon has been the site of numerous Iran-related retaliatory attacks against U.S. facilities, interests and personnel for decades given Tehran's support for and influence with the Hezbollah militant group, which is held responsible for the deadly bombings of the Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983 and an embassy annex in 1984.

As such, changes in the staffing status of the embassy in Beirut have often been seen as a bellwether for potential U.S. or Israeli military action in the region, particularly against Iran. A similar ordered departure was imposed for Beirut and other embassies in the region, including in Iraq, shortly before President Donald Trump ordered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579">military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities</a>&nbsp;last June.

It was unclear if other American embassies in the Middle East would implement similar orders.

Tensions have escalated between the U.S. and Iran as Trump has built up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-middle-east-iran-protests-b7a56659d708f2f11f66a18135f44c40">the largest military presence in the Middle East in decades</a>&nbsp;and repeatedly threatened action if Tehran does not negotiate a deal to constrain its nuclear program.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-aircraft-carrier-military-8db3fab10476949acda8b973be416204">A second aircraft carrier</a>&nbsp;is heading to the region to join a surge of other American warships and aircraft, offering the Republican president several options for a potential strike even as talks may continue.

Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said the U.S. and Iran plan to hold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-khamenei-universities-tehran-trump-military-dd81a3d1e464975c56f02b729e742014">their next round of nuclear talks</a>&nbsp;Thursday in Geneva.

Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, told CBS on Sunday that he expected to meet U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff then and said a “good chance” remained for a diplomatic solution on the nuclear issue.

Araghchi has said a proposed deal would be ready to share within days, and he told CBS that Iran was still working on it.

Asked Friday whether the U.S. could take limited military action as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-talks-iaea-dbed41b78ce2ddabc8a04349e72abeba">the countries negotiate</a>, Trump said, “I guess I can say I am considering that.” He also told reporters later that Iran “better negotiate a fair deal.”

Indirect talks between the longtime adversaries in recent weeks have made little visible progress. Beyond the nuclear program, Iran has refused to discuss wider U.S. and Israeli&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-trump-netanyahu-nuclear-talks-fa5be8069deb4b1b01cdf30d3e3525e7">demands that it scale back its missile program</a>&nbsp;and sever ties to armed groups.

Tensions with Iran soar: U.S. orders some diplomats to leave Lebanon

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;said Monday that it will hear from oil and gas companies trying to block lawsuits seeking to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in damage linked to climate change.

The conservative-majority court agreed to take up a case from Boulder, Colorado, among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-climate-change-oil-gas-companies-7548dbfe5cb38a9174330602cbef42c2">a series of lawsuits</a>&nbsp;alleging the companies deceived the public about how fossil fuels contribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/climate-and-environment">climate change</a>.

Governments around the country have sought damages totaling billions of dollars, arguing it's necessary to help pay for rebuilding after wildfires, rising sea levels and severe storms worsened by climate change. The lawsuits come amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/youth-climate-change-lawsuit-montana-7c4b6261f610d504995743f7320533e8">a wave of legal actions</a>&nbsp;in states including California, Hawaii and New Jersey&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5534fe18ac5352ba43c74c9a64d6a20a">and worldwide</a>&nbsp;seeking to leverage action through the courts.

Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil appealed to the Supreme Court after Colorado’s highest court let the Boulder case proceed. The companies argue emissions are a national issue that should be heard in federal court, where similar suits have been tossed out.

“The use of state law to address global climate change represents a serious threat to one of our Nation’s most critical sectors,” attorneys wrote.

President Donald Trump's administration weighed in to support the companies and urge the justices to reverse the Colorado Supreme Court decision, saying it would mean “every locality in the country could sue essentially anyone in the world for contributing to global climate change.”

Trump, a Republican, has criticized the lawsuits in an executive order, and the Justice Department has sought to head some off in court.

Attorneys for Boulder had agued that the litigation is still in early stages and should stay in state court. “There is no constitutional bar to states addressing in-state harms caused by out-of-state conduct, be it the negligent design of an automobile or sale of asbestos,” they wrote.

Supreme Court to hear oil companies' plea to end climate change lawsuits

HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the man who died in a farming accident in Harvey County over the weekend.

Mark Klaassen, 37, of Newton, was shifting soybeans Saturday inside a grain bin on a farm in the 2100 block of South Spencer Road, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. The contents suddenly shifted, trapping and injuring Klaassen.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the incident at 2:30 p.m. Klaassen was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men were working alongside Klaassen. They did not request medical treatment. The death was ruled accidental.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in grain bin accident

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A man wanted in connection with the November shooting death of a 16-year-old Kansas boy is in custody. Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police booked 20-year-old&nbsp; Nassir Tiriq Gill into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not released details on the circumstances of his arrest.

On Friday, police asked the public for help to locate him in connection with the November killing of 16-year-old Kingston Scott.

Just before 1a.m. November 22, 2025,&nbsp; police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim later identified as Kingston Scott of Topeka was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

As a result of the investigation police have already arrested two 16-year-old boys from Topeka on&nbsp;&nbsp;charges including murder, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and Aggravated Assault; Use of a deadly weapon.

&nbsp;Gill is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Murder in the 1st degree; In the commission of a felony. Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle w great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt; $1000, according to online jail records.

Suspect in murder of 16-year-old Kan. boy is in custody

SOCORRO, Texas (AP) — In a Texas town at the edge of the Rio Grande and a tall metal border wall, rumors swirled that federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration</a>&nbsp;officials wanted to purchase three hulking warehouses to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigrant-detention-warehouses-ice-trump-51ad28e6b1e1c3fa60a38029d932aeeb">transform into a detention center.</a>

As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigrant-detention-warehouses-ice-trump-a4a71226409cd9fedc9aa5de5ec90654">local officials scrambled</a>&nbsp;to find out what was happening, a deed was filed showing the Department of Homeland Security had already inked a $122.8 million deal for the 826,000-square-foot (76,738-square-meter) warehouses in Socorro, a bedroom community of 40,000 people outside El Paso.

“Nobody from the federal government bothered to pick up the phone or even send us any type of correspondence letting us know what’s about to take place,” said Rudy Cruz Jr., the mayor of the predominantly Hispanic town of low-slung ranch homes and trailer parks, where orchards and irrigation ditches share the landscape with strip malls, truck stops, recycling plants and distribution warehouses.

Socorro is among at least 20 communities with large warehouses across the U.S. that have become stealth targets for Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s $45-billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-detention-louisiana-trump-3db72b138d1a6ee8a7bb5388669a1666">expansion of detention centers</a>.

As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-ice-minneapolis-deportation-42aff472ccf1ecd7b92ba0c90469c9e7">public support</a>&nbsp;for the agency and President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-republicans-minnesota-immigration-homeland-ice-5fe9c40236203703751c6274f8da435f">sags,</a>&nbsp;communities are objecting to mass detentions and raising concerns that the facilities could strain water supplies and other services while reducing local tax revenue. In many cases, mayors, county commissioners, governors and members of Congress learned about ICE’s ambitions only after the agency bought or leased space for detainees, leading to shock and frustration even in areas that have backed Trump.

“I just feel,” said Cruz, whose wife was born in Mexico, “that they do these things in silence so that they don’t get opposition.”

ICE, which is part of DHS, has purchased at least seven warehouses in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas, signed deeds show. Other deals have been announced but not yet finalized, though buyers scuttled sales in eight locations.

DHS objected to calling the sites warehouses, stressing in a statement that they would be “very well structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards.”

The process has been chaotic at times. ICE this past week acknowledged it made a “mistake” when it announced warehouse purchases in Chester, New York, and Roxbury, New Jersey. Roxbury then announced Friday that the sale there had closed.

DHS has confirmed it is looking for more detention space but hasn’t disclosed individual sites ahead of acquisitions. Some cities learned that ICE was scouting warehouses through reporters. Others were tipped off by a spreadsheet circulating online among activists whose source is unclear.

It wasn’t until Feb. 13 that the scope of the warehouse project was confirmed, when the governor’s office in New Hampshire, where there is backlash to a planned 500-bed processing center, released a document from ICE showing the agency plans to spend $38.3 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-detention-facilities-expansion-warehouses-c61c3e23c4246e94a760b4d979cb9c48">to boost detention capacity to 92,000 beds</a>.

Since Trump took office, the number of people detained by ICE has increased to 75,000 from 40,000, spread across more than 225 sites.

ICE could use the warehouses to consolidate and to increase capacity. The document describes a project that includes eight large-scale detention centers, capable of housing 7,000 to 10,000 detainees each, and 16 smaller regional processing centers. The document also refers to the acquisition of 10 existing “turnkey” facilities.

The project is funded through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sign-tax-cut-bill-july-4-3804df732e461a626fd8c2b43413c3f0">the big tax and spending cuts bill</a>&nbsp;passed by Congress last year that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-immigration-ice-deportation-budget-be983b14f60a5cdfc17af7cf0307f1c9">nearly doubled DHS’ budget.</a>&nbsp;To build the detention centers, the Trump administration is using military contracts.

Those contracts allow a lot of secrecy and for DHS to move quickly without following the usual processes and safeguards, said Charles Tiefer, a professor emeritus of law at the University of Baltimore Law School.

Socorro facility could be among the largest

In Socorro, the ICE-owned warehouses are so large that 4 1/2 Walmart Supercenters could fit inside, standing in contrast to the remnants of the austere Spanish colonial and mission architecture that defines the town.

At a recent City Council meeting, public comments stretched for hours. “I think a lot of innocent people are getting caught up in their dragnet,” said Jorge Mendoza, an El Paso County retiree whose grandparents immigrated from Mexico.

Many speakers invoked concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-immigration-detention-death-texas-f04b5cb76f175255e58b947f0e14bc12">three recent deaths</a>&nbsp;at an ICE detention facility at the nearby Fort Bliss Army base.

Even communities that backed Trump in 2024 have been caught off guard by ICE’s plans and have raised concerns.

In rural Pennsylvania’s Berks County, commissioner Christian Leinbach called the district attorney, the sheriff, the jail warden and the county’s head of emergency services when he first heard ICE might buy a warehouse in Upper Bern Township, 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from his home.

A few days later, a local official in charge of land records informed him that ICE had bought the building —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loopnet.com/viewer/pdf?file=https%3a%2f%2fimages1.loopnet.com%2fd2%2f7i2RZgAWTM0ps1PuIY386PsUTrc8NDygNcAeBSipteA%2fMarketing%2520BrochureFlyer.pdf" target="_blank">promoted</a>&nbsp;by developers as a “state-of-the art logistics center” — for $87.4 million.

“There was absolutely no warning,” Leinbach said during a meeting in which he raised concerns that turning the warehouse into a federal facility means a loss of more than $800,000 in local tax dollars.

ICE has touted the income taxes its workers would pay, though the facilities themselves will be exempt from property taxes.

A Georgia detention center could house twice the population of the city where it’s located

In Social Circle, Georgia, which also strongly supported Trump in 2024, officials were stunned by ICE’s plans for a facility that could hold 7,500 to 10,000 people after first learning about it through a reporter.

The city, which has a population of just 5,000 and worries about the infrastructure needs for such a detention center, only heard from DHS after the $128.6 million sale of a 1 million-square-foot (92,900-square-meter) warehouse was completed. Like Socorro and Berks County, Social Circle questioned whether the water and sewage system could keep up.

ICE has said it did due diligence to ensure the sites don’t overwhelm city utilities. But Social Circle said the agency’s analysis relied on a yet-to-be built sewer treatment plant.

“To be clear, the City has repeatedly communicated that it does not have the capacity or resources to accommodate this demand, and no proposal presented to date has demonstrated otherwise,” the city said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.socialcirclega.gov/Home/Components/News/News/241/16" target="_blank">a statement</a>.

And in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise, officials sent a scathing letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after ICE without warning bought a massive warehouse in a residential area about a mile from a high school. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, raised the prospect of going to court to have the site declared a public nuisance.

Back in Socorro, people waiting to speak against the ICE facility spilled out of the City Council chambers, some standing beside murals paying tribute to the World War II-era Braceros Program that allowed Mexican farmworkers to be guest workers in the U.S. The program stoked Socorro’s economy and population before President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportations-immigration-gop-147d96fd00aa4c56e2cbe6074eceb874">in the 1950s</a>&nbsp;began mass deportations aimed at people who had crossed the border illegally.

Eduardo Castillo, formerly an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, told city officials it is intimidating but “not impossible” to challenge the federal government.

“If you don’t at least try,” he said, “you will end up with another inhumane detention facility built in your jurisdiction and under your watch.”

Hollingsworth reported from Kansas City, Missouri. Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, and Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, also contributed.

ICE quietly buying warehouses for detention centers and leaving local officials out of the loop

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred October 23 at Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichita.&nbsp; Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward in the case.  Police indicated they have only received very few tips on the investigation since the crime occurred.

At approximately 7:03 p.m. an off-duty WPD detective working secondary employment at&nbsp; the park heard multiple gunshots from another area of the park. The detective immediately ran toward the scene and found 32-year-old Travon Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds.

The detective called for backup and emergency medical services, then began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Stewart was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Preliminary findings indicate that around 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the football games. Stewart was at the park selling concessions as a fundraiser for a football team not affiliated with the Wichita Junior Football League.

Homicide investigators responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses who remained in the area. Detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and not connected to the youth football games.

Anyone who attended the games or may have information is urged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at 316-268-4407.&nbsp;

After 4 months, no arrest in deadly Kan. youth football game shooting

The security alert continues across Mexico. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran reminded Kansans his office is available to help.

On social media Moran wrote. "U.S. citizens in many cities in Mexico are being directed by the State Department to shelter in place due to cartel violence. If you’re a Kansan in Mexico in need of assistance, please reach out to my office&nbsp;by calling&nbsp;202-224-6521&nbsp;or emailing casework@moran.senate.gov "

The&nbsp;State Department also offers the Smart Travel Enrollment Program – a free service that allows U.S. citizens to enroll their trip abroad so the department can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.
&nbsp;
Learn more:&nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/oKOmlXDWSO" target="_blank">https://mx.usembassy.gov/security-alert-update-ongoing-security-operations-u-s-mission-mexico-february-22-2026/</a>

According to the alert from the U.S. State Deparatment, Broad areas, including the state of Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), the state of Baja California (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), the state of Quintana Roo (including Cancún, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), the state of Nayarit (including the Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area near Puerto Vallarta), Sinaloa (including Mazatlán), and areas of the states of Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Estado de México, Michoacán, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas.

Event: Due to ongoing security operations and resulting road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens located in various locations across Mexico are advised to shelter in place. U.S. government personnel in Guadalajara (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), Ciudad Guzmán (Jalisco), Cancún (Quintana Roo), Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo), Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Reynosa (Tamaulipas), Tijuana (Baja California), and Michoacán will shelter in place and work remotely on Monday, February 23, and U.S. citizens should do the same.



All U.S. government personnel at the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey have been instructed to remain within the Monterrey metropolitan area, and U.S. government personnel have been ordered not to travel to Mazatlán until Wednesday, February 25.

Although no airports have been closed, road blockages have impacted airline operations, and the majority of domestic and international flights have been canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. 

All transportation services in Puerto Vallarta have been suspended. Some businesses have suspended operations.

Mexican authorities announced on the afternoon of February 22 that toll highway operations in Puebla, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Nayarit, San Luis Potosí, Tijuana, Querétaro, Veracruz, and Mazatlán will be temporarily restricted due to blockages affecting motorists.

Actions to take: 
- Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary travel. 
- Avoid areas near police activity. 
- Check <a href="https://x.com/CAPUFE">@CAPUFE</a> on X for updates on road closures. 
- Monitor local media for updated information. 
- Follow the instructions of local authorities and, in case of emergency, call 911. 
- Keep family and friends informed of your location and well-being through phone calls, text messages, and social media.

Cartel violence: Senator Moran's office assisting Kansans in Mexico

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

&nbsp;just before 10:15p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4900 block of College Avenue, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

When officers arrived, they located a juvenile male victim later identified as 17-year-old Santino Gonzalez suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive. 

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