Kansas Senate voted this week to require written parental consent for any students who want to participate in school protests and imposing penalties on districts involved in any organization of it.

This vote occurred at the State Capitol on Tuesday and just a day later, Central High School students <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e361e834-22e0-404e-8c33-c5c04e6a26dd">participated in an anti-ICE walkout during school hours</a>, which was not endorsed by USD 305.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e361e834-22e0-404e-8c33-c5c04e6a26dd">Read more about the walkout here.</a>

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20260303165354_925742/" target="_blank">Senate passed the amendment 21-18</a>, with the majority comprised exclusively of GOP senators. The amendment was inserted into Senate Bill 315, and&nbsp;the Kansas State Board of Education would assume responsibility for handling all disputes about reports of walkout or protest misconduct by students, teachers or administrators.

Fines would also take place if school staff or administrators were apart of any organization of a student protest.

Those fines to the school district would range more than $100,000&nbsp;every single day that walkout occurs.

The House must accept the amendment before it is executed.

KS Senate votes to require written parental consent if students wish to be in protest

The Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers on Crawford street has reportedly closed.

This location was built on May 2021 as its first walk-up and drive-thru prototype.

According to JRI Hospitality which is Freddy's largest franchisee, employees were advised 2 weeks in advance before the closing took place. Each employee was offered a chance to apply at any of their other franchise locations in the Salina.

The company also confirmed that one of the driving factors in placing this drive-thru only prototype was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drive-thru restaurants soared in sales during that time and JRI stated they saw a huge increase in their drive-thru revenue.

But now the Crawford location was "not sustainable" in sales according to JRI.

Moreover, JRI stated there is talk about a Boba Tea or dirty soda shop that could take place of the former Freddy's location.

The Freddy's location on 9th Street is still in operation and is in no way affected by this.

According to a <a href="https://jriusa.com/jri-hospitality-freddys-frozen-custard-steakburgers-largest-franchisee-adds-43-freddys-locations/">news release from JRI Hospitality,</a>&nbsp;the company has acquired the restaurant operations of&nbsp;<a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4629783-1&amp;h=1553905592&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcihospitality.com%2F&amp;a=HCI+Hospitality" target="_blank">HCI Hospitality</a>, a multi-brand company providing homegrown Midwest hospitality out of Manhattan, KS.&nbsp;This acquisition includes HCI’s Freddy’s restaurant portfolio of 43 units, bringing JRI’s total number of Freddy’s from 88+ units across 15 states to 130+ operations across 18 states.

Freddy's prototype on Crawford closes after 2021 establishment: "Not sustainable"

Project Salina board members will be contacting local businesses in the coming weeks. You can wait for their call and/or simply reply to their email with the information below. Keeping our contact information updated is essential so we can stay in touch about the food collection campaign.

· Business name, address, and phone number.

· Contact person’s name, phone number, and email.

· Are you receiving Project Salina emails? If not, what email(s) should we add/delete?

· Will your business participate in Project Salina this year?

· Will you attend the&nbsp;Kickoff Lunch on April 15 at 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;at&nbsp;Sunrise Presbyterian Church (825 E. Beloit) and how many will attend

· How many posters and brochures would you like?

Kickoff Lunch –&nbsp;Wednesday, April 15&nbsp;@ 11:00 a.m.

The&nbsp;2026 Project Salina campaign officially begins May 1,&nbsp;but we invite you to join us for our&nbsp;Kickoff Lunch on&nbsp;Wednesday, April 15&nbsp;at 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;at&nbsp;Sunrise Presbyterian Church.&nbsp;Lunch will be served promptly at 11:00 a.m. so everyone can return to work quickly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Salina Rescue Mission&nbsp;and Project Salina will provide a free meal while you learn more about our mission and the impact it has on families in need. Attendees will receive posters, brochures, and other materials for their food drive and hear from board members and participating agencies.

RSVP by April 13&nbsp;with the number of people attending from your organization.

You can download posters, brochures, and the collection sheet here:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.projectsalina.com/logo-brochure">https://www.projectsalina.com/logo-brochure</a>

Or email us to arrange delivery and include:

· Number of posters and brochures needed

· Business name and address (and which door to use)

· Contact person and phone number for delivery questions

Project Salina board members will pick up collected food and cash donations on&nbsp;Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5. Mark your calendars and more details will follow.

As of March 2026, Project Salina is still working to secure a new warehouse location. In the meantime, we have a plan in place to safely collect and store food so we can continue supporting our partner agencies. We will keep everyone updated as soon as a permanent space is secured.

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.projectsalina.com/">www.projectsalina.com</a>&nbsp;to learn more or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:projectsalina@gmail.com">projectsalina@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;if you would like to participate.

Project Salina to hold kickoff lunch before annual 2026 campaign

Former Lakewood Middle School teacher who was arrested two years ago, has been booked into the Sumner County Sheriff's Office for alleged child sex crimes

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Ryan Brungardt (37) was charged through criminal complaint for allegedly creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) by clandestinely filming minors showering during a high school sporting event.

He is facing two requested charges of production of child pornography and one requested charge of attempted production of child pornography.

According to <a href="https://www.sumnersheriff.net/agency-data/jail-roster/?wpv_view_count=285&amp;wpv_post_search=ryan+brungardt&amp;inmate-bookingnumber=&amp;wpv_filter_submit=Find">Sumner County housed inmates</a>, Brungardt is booked under a U.S. Marshals housing charge or hold. He was booked on Tuesday, March 3 at 8:33 pm.

The defendant made an initial court appearance for the criminal complaint on Wednesday, March 4, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks G. Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. 

A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 9.

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

Investigators are in the process of reviewing additional seized cellphone videos in this case that are suspected to have been recorded at wrestling meets and tournaments in Newton, Hays, Garden City and Salina, Kansas during the 2023-2024 wrestling season. 

Anyone who believes they witnessed crimes or any suspicious activity at these events is asked to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 600-8790 or report at <a href="http://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d7a148b2-ef1f-4831-b2a4-6e0558e7a427">Brungardt was arrested back on January 2024</a> after a search warrant conducted by law enforcement for cellphone belonging to him. Newton Police and Salina Police coordinated in the arrest.&nbsp;

Newton authorities were following up on a felony crime he allegedly committed in their area.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit <a href="https://www.justice.gov/psc">https://www.justice.gov/psc</a>.

A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Former Lakewood Middle teacher arrested for allged child sex crimes

Kansas Department of Insurance (KDOI) Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, released 2025 data on the amount paid by insurance companies for Kansas storm damage claims. 

In 2025, there were 82,498 total reported storm claims and the amount paid out on those claims by insurance companies was $879,074,368.54.

2025 claim amounts increased by 99% compared to 2023, which totaled 147,710 claims and paid out $442 million. In 2025, Sedgwick County saw the highest amount paid out at over $328 million, while Rush County saw the lowest at nearly $102 thousand.

Saline County had a total amount of&nbsp;$23,818.

A county-by-county breakdown of the data can be found on the <a href="https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4623">Department’s website</a>.&nbsp;

“These numbers serve as a reminder that severe storms happen right here in Kansas, and the damage is costly.” said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “Review your policy and check in with your insurance agent to make sure you are ready for this storm season.”

The Department collects yearly data from companies writing property and casualty insurance in Kansas to better understand the impact of storm events across the state and uses this data as a tool to monitor trends in the marketplace. This data includes the number of total claims as well as the amount paid for those claims across several types of storm losses including hail, wind, water damage, fire, and other weather-related claim losses for homeowners and automobile policies.&nbsp;

This storm season, if you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division at 785-296-3071, by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOI.complaints@ks.gov">KDOI.complaints@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/">insurance.kansas.gov</a>&nbsp;for any claims-related questions or concerns.

Storm season insurance claims nearly double in two years in 2025: Saline County upwards of $20,000

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance;&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation; Driving While Suspended

NAME:&nbsp;Juhl,Elizabeth Paige Marie

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Contempt of Court; Direct

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 5

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

TOPEKA — Kansans receiving food assistance can’t buy soda or candy with those dollars beginning in 2027, Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.fns.usda.gov%2Fsnap%2Fwaivers%2Ffoodrestriction/1/0101019cbab54047-08a03f0a-e32d-46c2-9b36-524fa331e2bb-000000/0T9ZyQ1ireBQHHUS257jy1tmZiFh3-HIbXcpR_BLOjY=447" target="_blank">approved a waiver</a>&nbsp;for the Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The state joins 21 other states in restricting candy and soda purchases with SNAP dollars, Kelly said in a news release. The Legislature passed a law last year requiring the administration to seek the waiver. Kelly vetoed the law but was overridden by GOP supermajorities in the House and Senate.

While the governor said she supports policies that incentivize healthy eating, Kelly encouraged the USDA to develop a strategy to implement such waivers that reduce “confusion and uncertainty” for retailers and recipients.

Kelly referred to confusion across the country about which products are considered candy and soda. Products people think of as candy may not meet the definition under the law, which has caused problems for retailers and recipients in other states. In Louisiana, for instance, soda made with&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2026/02/26/what-foods-are-forbidden-under-louisianas-new-snap-rules-take-our-quiz/" target="_blank">cane sugar is OK to purchase</a>, the Louisiana Illuminator reported.

The Kansas waiver goes into effect Feb. 15, 2027. Kelly’s news release said the state will use candy and soda definitions that are already set in the state’s food and sales tax laws:

Instituting the waiver requires four elements, including communication to retailers and recipients, as well as detailed evaluation, monitoring and compliance. The Kansas Department for Families and Children is seeking a contractor to help with implementation.

“Kansas is now a part of the MAHA (Make American Healthy Again) movement,” said Senate President Ty Masterson in a news release.

MAHA is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/maha/index.html" target="_blank">a movement</a>&nbsp;led by U.S. Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address the chronic disease epidemic and healthy eating habits.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the waiver approval was a “significant step toward ensuring taxpayer-funded food assistance programs prioritize nutrition and align with the original intent of the program.”

“I’m glad to see this waiver finally moving forward,” he said. “I’m all for helping someone who’s down on their luck but if taxpayer dollars are going toward food assistance, it only makes sense they should support real nutrition, not pop and candy.”

Kansans on food assistance can’t buy candy, soda beginning in February 2027

Salina Family Healthcare Center (SFHC) is set to undergo a significant expansion following the February 3rd, 2026 passage of the Department of Health and Human Services’ budget. 

The center has been awarded a congressionally directed spending request, thanks to advocacy efforts led by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), which will provide crucial funds for expanding both their facility and patient care services.

The funding will enable Salina Family Healthcare Center to increase its capacity to serve the community, broaden the scope of patient care, and enhance its rurally-focused healthcare training programs. This expansion is expected to address growing local health needs and create new opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Dr. Robert Kraft, CEO of Salina Family Healthcare Center, expressed his gratitude for the support.

 “We are extremely thankful for this congressional investment. It will allow us to better serve our patients and strengthen our commitment to training the next generation of healthcare providers.”

All SFHC service lines, including medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, and pharmacy services, will be housed under one roof in the new facility. 

By integrating these services, SFHC aims to improve the patient experience through enhanced accessibility and seamless care coordination. This unified approach will foster stronger teamwork among staff and providers, ensuring comprehensive, whole-person care for every patient.

“Rural health care providers play a critical role in supporting and providing care to individuals in small towns across Kansas,” said Sen. Moran. “This investment will help expand the Salina Family Healthcare Center and increase the services they are able to provide to patients. I’m pleased to support this center and its team in their efforts to improve patient outcomes, invest in new medical capabilities and bolster care for rural communities in our state.”

With this new funding, SFHC is poised to continue its mission of improving health outcomes and fostering workforce development throughout the region.

The expanded center will be located at the former Kansas ONEGas and Evergy site, 1001 Edison Place off Ohio Street in Salina, KS.

The existing structure will be completely demolished to make way for a brand-new facility that will face Ohio Street and eventually carry a new address. 

The anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony and the start of patient care delivery remain on track for Fall 2027, marking an exciting new chapter for SFHC and the community it serves.

Congressional support paves way for growth in patient services, healthcare training and SFHC expansion

All games are LIVE and FREE to watch.

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Students of Central High School conducted and participated in an anti-ICE walkout during school hours on Wednesday.

This walkout was organized by the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1cad3a04-b1e7-47af-a682-06ef517b2333">local&nbsp;Youth Protection Alliance</a>&nbsp;(YPA), which is the Salina chapter of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/youthprotectionalliance/">Global Youth Protection Alliance</a>.&nbsp;

The head organizer was a male Central student and told Salina Post, he and others students put this together because they are wanting to spread the message that what "ICE is doing is wrong."

"They are not on the right side of things," he said. "We hope to gain the attention from the school and those who are pro-ICE, by showing them we are not afraid in fighting for justice and against racism and discrimination."

According to the student, YPA protects the youth of Kansas by informing them of their rights.&nbsp;

"We inform them to fight for what they can have and what they do not have at the moment," he said."

He said the group received pushback from the community after word spread about the walkout and his response to those people is "they are on the wrong side of history."

A mother of one of the students participating was present during the walkout.&nbsp;

"I am here supporting my child and I want them to exercise their constitutional rights," she said.&nbsp;

She added she does not agree with how ICE is managing immigration, by saying they are "too violent."

"I know countries need to protect borders, but not in this way."

Other parents and adults were protesting alongside the students as well.

Jerry Hinrikus, host of <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=553a2d35-1eff-4d36-a710-8060bc8d8a0f&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p60579132=true&amp;relocateURL=true">KINA Coffee Talk</a> on 910 AM/107.5 FM was across the street during the walkout. He said the students should be in school and if they wanted to protest, that they should have done it after school hours.

"We pay taxpayer dollars and student's grades are not that high," he said. "They should be in class studying."

Many students during the protest were holding up signs that stated "defund, abolish and prosecute ICE." 

"You need to ask them, how many illegals have killed and sexually assaulted people? The numbers are staggering and these students don't even know that, which is the sad part."

Johnnie Keller who ran for City Commission during the 2025 general election, watched from across the street as well.

"To hear people say get rid of their organization, because they are enforcing the rule of law and then we have adults in this holding up the American flag upside down really frustrates me," said Keller. "We have kids waving a Mexican flag, so which country are you loyal to?"

Keller stated he is a retired teacher and thinks students are not being taught well, with teachers "indoctrinating" them.

"I think teaching should be about civics, math, english, history and even showing kids how to read and write in cursive," he said. "I would have never allowed my kids to participate in this."

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1cad3a04-b1e7-47af-a682-06ef517b2333">Salina USD 305 released a statement before the walkout happened:</a>

Salina Public Schools is aware of recent social media posts and emails circulating regarding a potential student walkout.

These messages did not originate from official district communications channels and were not approved by the district. Salina Public Schools is not sponsoring, organizing or endorsing any walkout activities.

Salina Public Schools values and respects student perspectives and recognizes students’ constitutional right to express their views in a lawful and peaceful manner. However, walkouts are not sponsored, organized or endorsed by any member of the staff, school or district. Our staff’s role remains neutral, with a focus on supporting student safety and maintaining a quality educational environment.

Salina Public Schools will continue to abide by all state and federal laws and Board of Education policies. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority as we maintain a safe, quality learning environment and protect instructional time. The school day will proceed as usual and SPS expects all students to attend class, adhering to our attendance policy.

We encourage families to have thoughtful, open conversations with their students about civic engagement and expectations surrounding school attendance. We thank our parents, guardians and community for their partnership in maintaining a safe, conducive learning environment that supports student success.

Salina students arrange anti-ICE walkout during school hours

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At Hinks we treat you like your part of the family, bringin' the heat and keepin' it kool

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 4 - March 6

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 2 - March 4

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 27 - March 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 25 - February 27

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 23 - February 25

According to the US National Weather Service, light snow will impact much of the central Kansas area Friday evening.&nbsp;Between 1-2 inches of snow is expected across central Kansas, with locally higher amounts possible.&nbsp;

Salina is in the area where it could receive 1 - 2 inches of snow. 

Use extra caution if traveling tonight as slick spots are possible, especially on elevated surfaces.

Additionally, wind chills are are expected to be in the single digits across central Kansas. 

Salina's chills could get as low as 5, with a 23 degree low temperature.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Single digit wind chills, light snow across central Kansas Friday evening 

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 20 - February 22

Thursday's cold front is expected to cause flurries and wintry mix for Friday across Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, light snow or flurries will impact central Kansas Friday night with a rain/snow mix further south. 

Snow accumulations up to a dusting are possible as well.

Furthermore, the cold front that moved across the region Thursday will lead to much cooler temperatures and even a chance for some light snow. Friday's highs will generally be in the 40s and lows in the upper teens and 20s.

Weather: Cold front expected to cause flurries and wintry mix across Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 18 - February 20

Gusty winds and dry conditions throughout central Kansas resulting in extreme grassland fire danger on Tuesday

According to the US National Weather Service, these gusty southwest winds will result in extreme grassland fire danger in the afternoon and evening throughout central Kansas.

Salina is in the area of the extreme grassland fire danger.

West winds are expected to increase late in the day gusting to around 45 mph at times in the region. 

However, clouds may limit fire weather concerns further east in south central and southeast Kansas although a very high grassland fire danger is still expected.

Gusty winds and dry conditions causing extreme grassland fire danger in central Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday fired his embattled Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>, after mounting criticism over her leadership of the department, including the handling of the administration’s immigration crackdown and disaster response.

Trump, who said he would nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, made the announcement on social media on Thursday, two days after Noem faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-noem-immigration-trump-ice-b6cb7b575b01cd5325f1a3bd658b605a">a grilling on Capitol Hill</a>&nbsp;from GOP members as well as Democrats.

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

Noem, took the stage to address a Department of Homeland Security event moments after Trump’s announcement but made no immediate mention of her ouster. Instead, she read from prepared remarks, including reinforcing Trump’s message from the State of the Union last month.

Noem is the first Cabinet secretary to leave during Trump’s second term. Noem’s departure caps a tumultuous tenure overseeing immigration enforcement tactics that have been met with protests and lawsuits.

Noem’s tenure looked increasingly short-lived after hearings in Congress this week where she faced rare but blistering criticism from Republican lawmakers. One particular point of scrutiny was a $220 million ad campaign featuring Noem that encouraged people in the country illegally to leave voluntarily.

Noem told lawmakers that Trump was aware of the campaign in advance, but Trump disputed that in an interview Thursday with Reuters, saying he did not sign off on the ad campaign.

Her department, DHS, has also been shut down for 20 days, although many of the employees are continuing to work, often without pay.

Noem has faced waves of criticism as she’s overseen Trump’s immigration crackdown, especially since the shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-4d1499fc5962ab880f3816259e04bdbf">deaths of two protesters</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis at the hands of immigration enforcement officers. The former South Dakota governor was also criticized over the way her department has spent billions of dollars allocated to it by Congress.

Frustrations over Noem’s execution of the Republican president’s hard-line immigration agenda — particularly her leadership after the shooting deaths — as well as her handling of disaster response, paved the way for her downfall. She faced blistering criticism from Democrats, and some Republicans, in the Congress hearings this week.

Aside from immigration, Noem also faced criticism — including from Republicans — over the pace of emergency funding approved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and for the Trump administration’s response to disasters.

Mullin would need to be confirmed by the Senate, but under a federal law governing executive branch vacancies, he would be allowed to serve as an acting Homeland Security secretary as long as his nomination is formally pending.

Who President Trump named to replace fired DHS Secretary Noem

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon wounded by police following a domestic violence call to a home in Wichita will return to court Thursday.

Daniel James Gabor, 31, will attend a sentencing hearing in Judge Kevin Smith's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; In June, Gabor&nbsp;pleaded no contest to aggravated robbery, aggravated domestic battery and violating a protection order, according to the district attorney's office.

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