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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHICAGO (AP) — From former presidents to an NBA Hall of Famer to prominent pastors, stories of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-dies-43abb84d2ffc76d967f9a5596ebd0be1">the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.’s</a>&nbsp;influence on politics, corporate boardrooms and picket lines loomed large Friday at a celebration honoring the late civil rights leader.

<p>CHICAGO (AP) — From former presidents to an NBA Hall of Famer to prominent pastors, stories of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-dies-43abb84d2ffc76d967f9a5596ebd0be1">the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.’s</a>&nbsp;influence on politics, corporate boardrooms and picket lines loomed large Friday at a celebration honoring the late civil rights leader.</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MpazVi_oedI?si=lNy9yNE9jJK1OVhS" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former Vice President <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> gives remarks at memorial service for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson: &quot;Rev. Jackson reminded us that the many fights for freedom are interconnected…That was Jesse&#39;s rainbow, and he continued to grow it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/foGqQdBznx">pic.twitter.com/foGqQdBznx</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2030036434493583825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former President Biden at the memorial service for late Rev. Jesse Jackson: &quot;Jesse kept hope alive for us in his lifetime. And we&#39;ve got to continue to do it in our lifetime, for our children. Because there&#39;s nothing beyond our capacity when we work together. So stand up!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rZua027Uk1">pic.twitter.com/rZua027Uk1</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2030031923360247841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former President <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarackObama</a> at memorial service for late Rev. Jesse Jackson: &quot;&quot;Each today we&#39;re told by those in high office to fear each other…This man, Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, inspires us to take a harder path. His voice calls on each of us to be heralds of change.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/HwAnbC9lOK">pic.twitter.com/HwAnbC9lOK</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2030020208228745564?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I’d also like to honor the 5 presidents who are sitting here today… President Harris, President [Hillary] Clinton, President Bill Clinton, President Biden, and President Obama.”<br><br>I KNOW THAT’S RIGHT!!!!! <a href="https://t.co/M2rpO8WxdK">pic.twitter.com/M2rpO8WxdK</a></p>&mdash; rese (@ATTYHARRIS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATTYHARRIS/status/2030001732038660605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Biden, Obama, Harris remember the late Rev. Jesse Jackson 

On Thursday, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby testified on the U.S. National Defense Strategy before the House Armed Services Committee.

During questioning, Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon said about President Trump. "He treats Putin with velvet gloves, but he gives Zelensky the old boxing glove treatment, and I don't get it. There's like a moral blindness in this administration when it comes to Russia."

<p>On Thursday, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby testified on the U.S. National Defense Strategy before the House Armed Services Committee.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepDonBacon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepDonBacon</a> (R-NE) on President Trump: &quot;He treats Putin with velvet gloves, but he gives Zelensky the old boxing glove treatment, and I don&#39;t get it. There&#39;s like a moral blindness in this administration when it comes to Russia.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/5BGmZftNzf">pic.twitter.com/5BGmZftNzf</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2029605090126893421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>During questioning, Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon said about President Trump. "He treats Putin with velvet gloves, but he gives Zelensky the old boxing glove treatment, and I don't get it. There's like a moral blindness in this administration when it comes to Russia."</p>

🎥Neb. Congressman slams President Trump on treatment of Russia

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

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

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

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

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

<b>Properties Included In Transaction</b>

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

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

Worlds of Fun sold as part of $342 million deal

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



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

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772675869202.png" alt="Department of State" />
                        <figcaption>Department of State</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>On Wednesday, a Department of State charter flight of American citizens departed the Middle East in route to the United States, as part of our ongoing efforts to assist Americans return home.
</p><p>
Additional flights will be surged across the region and American citizens in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel interested in the Department's charter flight or ground transportation options, should complete the Crisis Intake Form at <a href="https://t.co/ZUvr9gptAQ" target="_blank">http://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake</a> or contact the State Department's 24/7 Task Force at +1-202-501-4444.</p>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

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

Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz dead at 89

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

🎥 Details on US submarine torpedo attack on Iranian warship

The Department of War on Tuesday announced the names of four Army Reserve Soldiers who were supporting Operation Epic Fury, according to a media release.

Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Neb.; Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minn.; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, died on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system attack. 

All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa. The incident is under investigation.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772586386971.png" alt="Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens-photo U.S. Army Reserve" />
                        <figcaption>Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens-photo U.S. Army Reserve</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Department of War on Tuesday announced the names of four Army Reserve Soldiers who were supporting Operation Epic Fury, according to a media release.</p><p>Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Neb.; Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minn.; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, died on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system attack. </p><p>All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa. The incident is under investigation.</p>

Soldier from Nebraska among those killed in Iran conflict 

Subject: Security Alert - Shelter in Place - U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (Mar. 3, 2026)

Avoid the Embassy until further notice due to an attack on the facility. We continue to limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region.

The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has issued a shelter in place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran and are limiting non-essential travel to any military installations in the region – we recommend American citizens in the Kingdom to shelter in place immediately.

The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia continues to monitor the regional situation.

We encourage all travelers to review our most recentSecurity Alerts, review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions to keep themselves and their families safe.

We advise all U.S. citizens to maintain a personal safety plan. Crises can happen unexpectedly while traveling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios and determine in advance the best course of action.

·      Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts.

·      Enroll or re-enroll in the Department of State’sSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

·      Ensure you have a valid U.S. passport for short-notice travel; visit our website to schedule a passport appointment.

·      Avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings, and areas where there is a heavy police presence.

·      Monitor official information sources.

·      Follow the instructions of local authorities.

<p>Subject: Security Alert - Shelter in Place - U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (Mar. 3, 2026)</p><p>Avoid the Embassy until further notice due to an attack on the facility. We continue to limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region.</p><p>The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has issued a shelter in place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran and are limiting non-essential travel to any military installations in the region – we recommend American citizens in the Kingdom to shelter in place immediately.</p><p>The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia continues to monitor the regional situation.</p><p>We encourage all travelers to review our most recentSecurity Alerts, review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions to keep themselves and their families safe.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Americans abroad should enroll at <a href="https://t.co/HRh4GOwf9m">https://t.co/HRh4GOwf9m</a> to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Americans who need consular assistance can call 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). <a href="https://t.co/N79sllTo89">pic.twitter.com/N79sllTo89</a></p>&mdash; TravelGov (@TravelGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/2028547662941704226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>We advise all U.S. citizens to maintain a personal safety plan. Crises can happen unexpectedly while traveling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios and determine in advance the best course of action.</p><p>Actions to Take:</p><p>·      Shelter in place.</p><p>·      Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts.</p><p>·      Enroll or re-enroll in the Department of State’sSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.</p><p>·      Ensure you have a valid U.S. passport for short-notice travel; visit our website to schedule a passport appointment.</p><p>·      Be aware of your surroundings.</p><p>·      Avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings, and areas where there is a heavy police presence.</p><p>·      Monitor official information sources.</p><p>·      Follow the instructions of local authorities.</p><p>.</p>

Iranian drones hit US Embassy in Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Department of State urges Americans to depart now from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks. 

Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). ENROLL in <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcTuHc" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a> to get the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

<p>The U.S. Department of State urges Americans to depart now from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks. </p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772495225840.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). ENROLL in <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcTuHc" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a> to get the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.</p>

Americans urged to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772486005507.png" alt="Image from House Oversight video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from House Oversight video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rgJrYKAl6T0?si=UWqU85mp9doew-YM&amp;start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Q: &quot;When did you first learn of Jeffrey Epstein&#39;s crimes?&quot;<br> <br>Fmr. President Bill Clinton: &quot;In 2008, when he was prosecuted. I didn&#39;t—There&#39;s nothing that I saw when I was around him that made me realize he was trafficking women.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/NYZ5XIQ3JU">pic.twitter.com/NYZ5XIQ3JU</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028600004596690968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨WATCH🚨 <br><br> I asked former President Bill Clinton if his friend Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. <br><br>(his lawyers clearly didn’t want him to answer) <a href="https://t.co/XeYhQyLM3Z">pic.twitter.com/XeYhQyLM3Z</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBoebert/status/2028581495120531962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772486080524.png" alt="Image from House Oversight video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from House Oversight video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/siiAk6WXc0M?si=Wz53et56LpzLJUYa" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Q: &quot;When you saw photos of your husband in a hot tub…getting massaged by other women, and you knew that Jeffrey Epstein was involved…did it concern you?&quot;<br> <br>Hillary Clinton: &quot;I&#39;m here not to offer my opinions. I&#39;m here to answer specific questions to the best of my ability.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/wX3BJZ5suH">pic.twitter.com/wX3BJZ5suH</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028602186381345116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Q: &quot;When you saw photos of your husband in a hot tub…getting massaged by other women, and you knew that Jeffrey Epstein was involved…did it concern you?&quot;<br> <br>Hillary Clinton: &quot;I&#39;m here not to offer my opinions. I&#39;m here to answer specific questions to the best of my ability.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/wX3BJZ5suH">pic.twitter.com/wX3BJZ5suH</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028602186381345116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Under oath: Bill and Hillary Clinton's testimony on Jeffrey Epstein

WASHINGTON – As of 4 pm ET, March 2, six U.S. service members have been killed in action, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region.  

Major combat operations continue. The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772486725972.png" alt="File photo Operation Epic Fury -U..S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>File photo Operation Epic Fury -U..S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON – As of 4 pm ET, March 2, six U.S. service members have been killed in action, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.</p><p> U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region.  

Major combat operations continue. The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.</p>

US military: Death toll from Iran operation has risen to 6

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH IN FULL: President Trump provides an update on Operation Epic Fury.<br><br>&quot;Today, the U.S. military continues to carry out large-scale combat operations in Iran to eliminate the grave threats posed to America by this terrible terrorist regime...<br><br>The regime&#39;s conventional… <a href="https://t.co/Tp1BWzu4ff">pic.twitter.com/Tp1BWzu4ff</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2028517837770215436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump updates timeline of Iran 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).

<p>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.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772466046062.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>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.</p><p><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).</p>

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

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chairman Caine provided an update on Operation Epic Fury. <a href="https://t.co/JmhJ25tAp1">pic.twitter.com/JmhJ25tAp1</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028465469514997881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Secretary Hegseth: &quot;We&#39;re hitting them surgically, overwhelmingly and unapologetically.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MGw83AJ0ZX">pic.twitter.com/MGw83AJ0ZX</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028459543940788629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Secretary Pete Hegseth: &quot;We didn&#39;t start this war, but under President Trump we are finishing it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Xbc0NsWMIZ">pic.twitter.com/Xbc0NsWMIZ</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028458036373725595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine: &quot;This is not a single, overnight operation...we expect to take additional losses...this is major combat operations...on February 28th the full strength of America&#39;s armed forces came together in a unified purpose against a capable and… <a href="https://t.co/ytRsEFAVwy">pic.twitter.com/ytRsEFAVwy</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028462455098065025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> “We are not going into the exercise of what we will and will not do…<br><br>President Trump ensures that our enemies understand we’ll go as far as we need to go to advance American interests, but we are not dumb about it!<br><br>You don’t have to roll two hundred thousand people in… <a href="https://t.co/gZx9IWFrar">pic.twitter.com/gZx9IWFrar</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028469636522500550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> “The President has been willing to make a deal… Radical Islamists can’t have a nuclear bomb that they wield against the world.<br><br>He gave them every single opportunity.” <a href="https://t.co/gDNjWl828B">pic.twitter.com/gDNjWl828B</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028467652193128934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> Direct Message to the Joint Force:<br><br>“This is your moment. This is the generational turning point America has waited for since 1979 — and since the rudderless wars of hubris my generation endured. Don’t listen to the noise; just stay focused. Our commander-in-chief is… <a href="https://t.co/0cyw3Hjtx2">pic.twitter.com/0cyw3Hjtx2</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028464733276279028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> “As the President warned, an effort of this scope will include casualties.<br><br>War is hell, and always will be.  A grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far – and those injured. The absolute best of America.<br><br>May we prosecute the remainder of this… <a href="https://t.co/kmhuEmT4hP">pic.twitter.com/kmhuEmT4hP</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028463102455333234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> &quot;The mission of OPERATION EPIC FURY is laser-focused...<br><br>With every passing day, our capabilities get stronger, and Iran’s get weaker. <br><br>We set the terms of this war, from start to finish.  Our ambitions are not utopian — they are realistic, scoped to our interests and… <a href="https://t.co/8s1kh961BC">pic.twitter.com/8s1kh961BC</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028462019913851040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Pentagon officials answer questions on Iran strikes

WASHINGTON. – As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries. 

Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772458022901.png" alt="File photo Operation Epic Fury -U..S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>File photo Operation Epic Fury -U..S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON. – As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.</p><p> The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries. 

Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.</p>

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.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772307720134.png" alt="File photo Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>File photo Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON —U.S. military officials are investigating a reported friendly fire incident in Operation Epic Fury.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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;</p><p>The U.S. Central Command released no additional details early Monday.</p>

US fighter jets shot down in friendly fire Incident in Kuwait

Three U.S. service members were killed in action and five&nbsp; seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. Central Command reported Sunday.

On social media Nebraska U.S. Senators issued statements on the death of U.S. Soldiers.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772408102033.png" alt="Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Three U.S. service members were killed in action and five&nbsp; seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. Central Command reported Sunday.</p><p>On social media Nebraska U.S. Senators issued statements on the death of U.S. Soldiers.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today we mourn the loss of three American heroes who valiantly gave their lives carrying out Operation Epic Fury. <br><br>Please join me in praying for their loved ones. May they rest in peace.</p>&mdash; Senator Deb Fischer (@SenatorFischer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorFischer/status/2028166315496575031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My prayers are with the families of these fallen heroes. I am also praying for the recovery of the five injured service members. <a href="https://t.co/OWn5kQNYd6">https://t.co/OWn5kQNYd6</a></p>&mdash; Senator Pete Ricketts (@SenatorRicketts) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorRicketts/status/2028179986448843237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Neb. lawmakers react to U.S. military deaths after attack on Iran

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Donald J. Trump provides an update on Operation Epic Fury: <a href="https://t.co/Vte8QKpISn">pic.twitter.com/Vte8QKpISn</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2028223915403669541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump warns more U.S. troops will "likely" die in Iran attacks

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772379670099.png" alt="Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/AeAfBbVaAq">pic.twitter.com/AeAfBbVaAq</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2028158948910776648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

President Trump says 9 Iranian warships have been sunk

As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772307892150.png" alt="Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.</p><p> Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.</p>