Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed a lawsuit against Snapchat, for violating the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch50/050_006_0023.html">Kansas Consumer Protection Act</a>&nbsp;(KCPA).&nbsp;

According to Kobach, the KCPA imposes civil penalties on companies that deceive Kansas consumers by marketing a product with deceptive intent. Kobach added that Snapchat is being marketed as 'safe for kids 12 and older.'&nbsp;

However, he wants to make that change from 12 and older, to 18+ due to the type of content the app portrays.

"There is just a continuous amount of information that has sexual content, nudity, profanity and drug selling on the platform," said Kobach. "I would argue that is not good for an 18-year old, but it is certainly not good for a 12-year old."

The lawsuit was officially filed on Tuesday, September 23 at the Washington County District Court. Kobach added the argument they are stating in court.

"The argument we are making in court is that Snapchat, has falsely advertised this as being safe for 12-year olds, when they know darn well that it is not safe for 12-year olds," he said.

According to <a href="https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/8961631424020-How-We-Rank-Content-on-Discover">Snapchat Support</a>&nbsp;and their <a href="https://values.snap.com/policy/policy-community-guidelines/sexual-content">Community guidelines</a>, the company 'strives to protect' consumers from&nbsp;unsolicited sexual content or abuse. In the case of violence, Snapchat takes 'all instances of threats, violence and harm seriously,' and 'does not allow content that encourages, threatens, or graphically depicts violent or dangerous behavior, or content that glorifies or encourages self-harm.'

One of their <a href="https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/8961631424020-How-We-Rank-Content-on-Discover">policies</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;"How we rank content on Discover," states the app is set up in a way that makes 'content age and language appropriate.'

The following is a statement from Snapchat Support over <a href="https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/8961631424020-How-We-Rank-Content-on-Discover#:~:text=4.,is%20localized%20to%20your%20location.">'content age and language appropriate</a>':

We want to make sure that the content you see is appropriate for your age and the language you speak. To do this, we look at your country, your language, the age you provided when you created an account, and the age we think you may be, based on your friends and your activity. We use this information to group you with similar users in your age group. This way we can identify content that is appropriate for you, in the language that you speak, and is localized to your location.

Kobach shared that he is concerned as parent for his children, especially for his youngest daughters that are 10 and 13. He commented that on the app store, Snapchat has an age rate of 12+ and he thinks that should not be the case.

"That little bit of information has huge consequences, because I, as the parent may be deceived in saying, this looks okay for you," he said. "The parent does not sit there looking over the shoulder of the kid, while their child is on it scrolling for an half an hour, hour, or an hour and a half. As a parent, our best place to protect our kids is before they download the app, after that it is very hard. This lawsuit is about making Snapchat be honest with people and allowing Kansas parents to better protect their kids."

KBI Director shares the dangers of Snapchat

KBI Director, Tony Mattivi shared points they know about the dangers of Snapchat, unrelated to the lawsuit.

According to Mattivi, the app is used as a 'primary mechanism,' by which fentanyl dealers are selling fentanyl to children.

"We know that fentanyl dealers are targeting children under 18, they are using social media to do it and primarily Snapchat," said Mattivi. "I can give you example after example, of Kansas teenagers who have used Snapchat to buy fake pills that had fentanyl and killed them."

Mattivi added the other way Snapchat is being used, is by the transmission of child sexual abuse materials.

"Our message has been simple to all Kansans, do not ever take a pill that you did not get from a doctor's office or a pharmacy," said Kobach. "We are doing everything we can to try and stop this...We are working hard to protect Kansas parents and their children."

"My main message to parents would be, if you did not get that pill from a pharmacist yourself, then do not take it and do not let your kids take it," said Mattivi. "You have to educate your kids on that, one pill really can kill and that is not an embellishment."

According to Mattivi, fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death for Americans under 40.

Kobach and Mattivi also shared that a KBI agent lost his son due to a fentanyl exchange through Snapchat.

"People ask me all the time, what is the biggest myth about fentanyl? It is actually three. Can't happen in my community, can't happen to my family and can't happen to me," said Mattivi. "If we can have a career drug agent (KBI) lose their child to fentanyl poisoning, it can happen to anybody."&nbsp;

Kansas, now the 4th state to sue Snapchat

Following the lawsuit from the AG, Kansas is not first state to sue Snapchat. Kobach said states such as Utah, Florida and New Mexico have sued the social media company in the past.

Kobach said the lawsuit also seeks financial penalties. 

The KCPA allows Kansas to recover up to $10,000 per incident.&nbsp;

Snapchat facing lawsuit after violating Kansas Consumer Protection Act 

Victim of fraud recovers over $7,000 before nearly losing the amount by a scammer.&nbsp;

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday, a 74-year old woman was on her computer at home, when suddenly a fraudulent pop-up came across her browser. She then clicked on the pop-up and was provided a phone number to contact.

Afterwards, the woman contacted the phone number and connected with someone claiming they were from the "FDIC fraud division from Sunflower Bank." The caller advised that she needed to go to her bank, take $7,400 from her checking/savings account and transfer the amount over to the scammer.

The scammer gave instructions to the victim to say to the banktellers, she is needing the cash to "take a trip to Jamaica," if they expressed concerns of fraud. The victim then said the statement to the tellers and withdrew the full amount.

Furthermore, the scammer told the victim to turn the cash into Bitcoin. She then was able transfer the amount through Bitcoin Depot, which the funds were placed into a Bitcoin wallet.

Shortly after, the victim contacted SPD about concerns of her being scammed.

SPD was then able to contact Bitcoin Depot to freeze the victim's account, before the money was fully transferred.

The victim successfully recovered the full amount.

SPD Lt. Zeigler warned the public that it is a scam, if people tell you to lie to the bank and say you taking a trip somewhere you are not.

Fraud victim recovers over $7,000 before nearly losing the amount by a scammer

Two juveniles were arrested after committing multiple thefts at Target.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), security of the Target store on 2939 Market Pl., detained two female juveniles ages 14 and 16 for shoplifting.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Target has been aware of the shoplifting since September 17 where the juveniles stole $96.99 of items. Moreover, on the 20th the juveniles stole $17 worth of items and on the 23rd, they stole $186.46 of items from the store.

Then on Monday, September 29 they stole a total of $66 of items.

SPD apprehended the juveniles from Target security and transported them to the Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City.

Furthermore, SPD added a third female suspect aged 13, was part of the shoplifting crimes, but was not present during the time of the arrest of the other two juveniles.&nbsp;

According to SPD Lt. Zeigler, the crimes are a Felony Theft.

Multiple Target store thefts results in two juvenile arrests

Salina authorities are investigating a theft of a pickup truck that was stolen from a car dealership.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) from Saturday, September 27 at 4:00 pm - the morning of Monday, September 29, Salina Used Cars (833 E. Crawford) reported a pickup truck was stolen from the business.

Employees reported a white 2017 Chevy Silverado, no tag with&nbsp;a distinctive bedliner was stolen from the lot.

The truck is&nbsp;and&nbsp;valued&nbsp;at $24,900.

Investigation ensues after stolen pickup truck from car dealership in East Salina

The Salina Police Department (SPD) has provided a full report regarding the suspect who burglarized the VFW Post 1432.

ORIGINAL:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c298e4b4-6190-41a1-861e-3cbe8a4d26d5">VFW Post 1432 burglarized, investigation ongoing</a>

According to SPD, at around 1:00 am on Monday a male suspect broke into VFW Post 1432. The suspect reportedly broke into 3 gaming machines, an electronic dart machine and stole a safe. He also attempted to break into an ATM machine.

The suspect stole a total of over $5,000 in cash.

UPDATE: SPD gives full report regarding VFW burglary

This fall, Kansans for Life launched AFTERMATH, a first-of-its-kind traveling memorial that is now making its way through communities across Kansas.

At each stop, visitors walk through a powerful display the size of a basketball court - 19,467 fetal models, each representing a child lost to abortion in Kansas in 2023. Visitors have described the memorial as sobering, emotional and unforgettable.

AFTERMATH was created in response to the surge of abortions in Kansas since the 2019 state Supreme Court ruling that declared abortion a constitutional right. That decision stripped away long-standing protections for women and their preborn children. The result has been devastating: thousands more abortions each year, families forever changed, and a human cost too often hidden from view. This memorial brings that reality into the light.

City after city, local churches and volunteers have stepped up to host, set up, greet visitors, and repack the display - making it possible for Kansans of every age and background to encounter the truth in a way statistics alone cannot express.

Beyond the display itself, the memorial gives visitors the chance to learn how Kansas arrived at this moment, reflect as they walk through, and respond. There will also be resources available for those who may have been personally impacted by abortion, as well as free pregnancy help across the state for families who need support.

And the journey is not finished. AFTERMATH will continue traveling in the weeks ahead, giving more Kansans the chance to walk through the memorial, reflect, and respond.

This Friday, October 3, AFTERMATH will be in Salina from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park. All are welcome to experience this powerful memorial.

Visit aftermathks.com for the upcoming tour schedule, volunteer opportunities, and resources to share with your church or community

AFTERMATH: Traveling memorial in response to abortions across Kansas arrives to Salina on Friday

Beginning this weekend, phones will be ringing across Salina USD 305 as a comprehensive survey of patrons’ opinion will begin.

School district officials say the survey will provide insight into what residents think about the district’s strengths, challenges and other important issues.

“This survey will give us an outstanding opportunity to hear from a cross-section of our patrons their opinions about our performance, and what they think about a variety of issues,” says Heath Hogan, superintendent. “We’ll hear from all geographic parts of the district, people of all different ages, and everyone from newcomers to long-term residents.”

The phone survey was designed by ExcellenceK12, a Kansas City-based market research firm that has worked with school districts across the Midwest.

The calling will be done by Market Research Associates, a Kansas City firm, which uses only professional researchers. Participants will be selected totally at random, and all responses will be kept completely confidential.

In general, calls will be placed between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on weekdays, and noon to 6:00 pm on Saturdays.

The caller ID may show “Market Research Associates,” or it may simply show an 816 or 913 area code, because the company uses calling facilities in both Missouri and Kansas.

For those who are not contacted at random on the phone, an online version of the survey will be available on the <a href="https://www.usd305.com/">district’s website</a>. The online surveys will be open from October 3 through 12:00 am on October 17.&nbsp;

The survey process will take about two weeks to complete, and the district is asking patrons to listen for their phones to ring.

“We are very fortunate to live and serve in a community that values our schools,” Hogan says. “If you get called for the survey, please answer and give your honest feedback.”

USD 305 seeking public feedback from survey by phone or online starting this weekend

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, 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;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; No Proof Of Insurance; Poss of marijuana; Poss of stolen property;Value less than $1,500; Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Abuse order

NAME:&nbsp;Kappelman, James Patrick

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 30

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $324,059.17 through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. 

Funds for the program are awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. According to the USDA, specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” Through a competitive application process, KDA has selected recipients to further utilize the funds.

The following is a list of Kansas projects that will be funded by the grant.

- Comprehensive Postharvest Hands-On Training for Kansas Specialty Crop Growers&nbsp;— Kansas State University will develop and deliver a tailored short course on postharvest management of specialty crops for Kansas growers. The overall goal of the project is to improve grower postharvest practices, reduce postharvest losses, and boost economic growth in the Kansas fruit and vegetable industry.

- Double Film Method for Large Scale Production of Vegetables in Winter Season Without Added Heat Source&nbsp;— Kansas State University will develop a method to grow vegetable crops in local subzero winter climate by studying a double layered low tunnel design using two films to control the micro climate of the inner tunnel. Temperature data will be recorded, and growth rates will be measured both in and out of the tunnels then detailed procedures including seeding, watering, fertilizing, growth duration and yield expectation will be formulated. The method will be further evaluated for its economic efficacy as well as food safety.

- Growing Community Through Kansas Specialty Crops&nbsp;— KC Farm School will increase awareness and consumption of Kansas-grown specialty crops through live farmers’ market cook-a-longs featuring specialty crops from regional farmers through their CSA co-op, Community Garden members, Let's Grow Wyandotte! members, the Wyandotte County Farmers Market Coalition, and the KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S Coalition.

- Increasing Consumption and Purchase of Specialty Crops Through the Expansion of Nutrition Education Programs to Children and Adults in Saline County&nbsp;— Prairieland Market will increase knowledge about the availability, purchase, preparation, cooking, and preservation of specialty crops by offering education programs to children and adults in Saline County. The classes will be promoted and offered twice per month to reach 60 children and 132 adults who will gain knowledge about specialty crops.

- Supporting Kansas Growers with Free Water Testing for Produce Safety Compliance&nbsp;— Kansas State University will provide free water testing for Kansas specialty crop growers to support compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule requirements. This work aims to address critical needs by continuing the free microbial testing of water samples for Kansas growers, a service that has been actively utilized since 2019. Offering free testing encourages growers to assess their water quality, thereby fostering a strong food safety culture.

- Weed Control in No-Till Dry Bean Production&nbsp;— Kansas State University will conduct research and develop recommendations for broadleaf weed control in pinto beans produced in no-till irrigated fields. They will communicate these recommendations to farmers and agronomy professionals through field days, grower meetings, and other outreach efforts.

In partnership with industry, the Kansas Department of Agriculture will also utilize Specialty Crop Block Grant funding to host a statewide conference in early 2027 focused on the business and production aspects of specialty crops in Kansas. The conference will be an educational event for specialty crop growers and stakeholders to gather, network, and grow in knowledge.

For more information, visit KDA’s Specialty Crop&nbsp;Block Grant webpage at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FSpecialtyCropBlockGrant%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019986a228b7-a9afb8f1-95db-4563-be39-ef8340ddc019-000000/MDuKsZr9lvgBL0h7mwp-Ys58RcgVLcSMyJwpESch3Fw=424">agriculture.ks.gov/SpecialtyCropBlockGrant</a>.

Department of Ag awarded over $300,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grants: Enhances competitiveness of specialty crops 

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee – and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) – a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee – introduced the&nbsp;Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act&nbsp;to help reduce burdensome regulations for seasonal agricultural drivers by allowing drivers to renew commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) online and updating classifications for farm equipment.

“Kansas farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers depend on reliable, efficient transportation to move harvested crops from the fields to grain elevators and markets,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Our legislation would modernize the requirements for seasonal agricultural commercial driver’s licenses, making it easier for producers to renew their CDL and safely transport farm equipment and machinery during harvest.”

“When harvest season comes around, our farmers have enough on their plates – they shouldn’t have to spend valuable time navigating bureaucratic red tape that hinders their work in the field and on the roads,”&nbsp;said Sen. Ernst.&nbsp;“My Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act would update outdated regulations by ensuring seasonal restricted CDL registrations and renewals can be filed online, and providing more flexibility for folks driving vehicles specifically designed for the farm. Let’s hit the gas and remove these regulatory speed bumps to ensure Iowa farmers and agricultural suppliers can easily transport what they need to operate effectively.”

"This legislation addresses challenges faced by Kansas farmers and agricultural service providers by providing necessary updates to modernize the Seasonal Ag commercial driver's license program that is heavily relied on during peak application and harvest seasons,”&nbsp;said Ronald Seeber, President and CEO, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association.&nbsp;“The proposed measures are critical to the continued success and viability of the agricultural industry."

“Kansas Farm Bureau believes making modern updates to the seasonal CDL program is sound government policy that recognizes the reality of what farmers and ranchers face every day trying to feed the country,” said Joe Newland, President, Kansas Farm Bureau.&nbsp;“I applaud Sen. Moran’s leadership in introducing this commonsense proposal to save time, cut costs and support smoother operations in rural Kansas and beyond.”

"This legislation, led by Senators Moran and Ernst, modernizes outdated regulations to help agricultural retailers operate more efficiently and strengthen the supply chain,”&nbsp;said Richard Gupton, Senior Vice President of Public Policy &amp; Counsel, Agricultural Retailers Association.&nbsp;“By allowing increased load capacities, it addresses driver shortages, reduces trips, and ensures timely delivery of essential goods—all while maintaining transportation safety."

The&nbsp;Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act&nbsp;is supported by a number of agricultural leaders, including the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Sorghum Producers and Kansas Soybean Association.

Specifically, the legislation would:

- Allow Online Renewal of Farm-Related Commercial Driver’s Licenses –&nbsp;The legislation would authorize online renewal for restricted CDLs for farm-related service industries, streamlining the renewal process, reducing administrative regulatory burdens for seasonal agricultural drivers and expanding accessibility for workers in rural communities who may face challenges with in-person CDL renewal.

- Update Classification of Agricultural Tools and Vehicles Specifically Designed for Farm Use –&nbsp;The legislation reduces unnecessary restrictions and penalties on ag-related equipment by making certain these pieces of farm equipment (known as “Implements of Husbandry”) are not classified as commercial motor vehicles and do not contribute to the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) or Gross Weight Rating (GWR).

Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), Ron Estes (R-KS-04) and others.

Full text of the legislation can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/9/2/92de6c4d-11ef-4c48-9ef0-02eaec1c4c54/2B5D8473C2931681212C925E518F759B8F38766E00E803977332BA5E0FEAE909.seasonal-agriculture-cdl-modernization-act.pdf">HERE</a>.

Sens. Moran, Ernst introduce bill to increase access to CDL's during harvest

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

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

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, September 29 - October 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 26 - September 28

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/">weathe</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 24 - September 26

As Tuesday morning's showers continue throughout Central Kansas,&nbsp; flooding remains a possibility.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) the severity remains low for these scattered showers and storms throughout the region on Tuesday. However, heavy rainfall amounts and flooding are a possibility.&nbsp;

Please stay alert on the roadways and be safe while driving.

Flooding remains possible with Tuesday morning's showers 

The US National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita forecasts severe thunderstorms are expected to develop after midnight tonight and continue into Tuesday morning across Central Kansas.

According to NWS Wichita, these storms are likely to produce high rainfall rates, which may lead to flooding. Storms are expected to move in from the west after midnights, with most locations in Saline County after 3:00 am. The heaviest rainfall is likely between 4:00 am and noon Tuesday.

Saline County Emergency Management stated there is slightly lower confidence on how large hailstones may get, but the confidence is in the heavy rainfall and flooding potential has been increasing.

Severe storms with heavy rainfall amounts expected after midnight in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 22 - September 24

Scattered storms are possible to develop this evening across Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), these storms have a chance of occurring late tonight with stronger storms capable of producing hail up to quarter size. However, the severity is marginal and chances are low throughout the region.

Scattered storms possible to occur late tonight in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 19 - September 21

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue today and into Thursday throughout the Central Kansas region.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms have impacted central and north-central Kansas this morning. Locally heavy rainfall will be the primary hazard. However, activity should tend to gradually dissipate as the morning progresses.

A few strong to marginally severe thunderstorms are possible after 4:00 pm today, mainly along the west of Flint Hills.&nbsp;

These showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Thursday.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue into Thursday, heavy rainfall anticipated

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 17 - September 19

QUANTICO, Va. (AP) — President Donald Trump revealed that he wants to use American cities as training grounds for the armed forces and joined Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday in declaring an end to “woke” culture before an unusual gathering of hundreds of top U.S. military officials who were abruptly summoned to Virginia from around the world.

Hegseth announced new directives for troops that include “gender-neutral” or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-military-fitness-infantry-special-operations-247fbd7a4f9d0ba79111194139208fa5">“male-level” standards</a>&nbsp;for physical fitness, while Trump bragged about U.S. nuclear capabilities and warned that “America is under invasion from within.”

“After spending trillions of dollars defending the borders of foreign countries, with your help we’re defending the borders of our country,” Trump said.

Hegseth had called military leaders to the Marine Corps base in Quantico, near Washington, without publicly revealing the reason until this morning. His address largely focused on his own long-used talking points that painted a picture of a military that has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-ends-trump-program-women-5c9e65044c33ff780440bd123e16d28e">hamstrung by “woke” policies</a>, and he said military leaders should “do the honorable thing and resign” if they don’t like his new approach.

Meetings between top military brass and civilian leaders are nothing new, but the gathering had fueled intense speculation about the summit’s purpose given the haste with which it was called and the mystery surrounding it.

Admirals and generals from conflict zones in the Middle East and elsewhere were summoned for a lecture on race and gender in the military, underscoring the extent to which the country’s culture wars have emerged as a front-and-center agenda item for Hegseth’s Pentagon, even at a time of broad national security concerns across the globe.

Trump is used to boisterous crowds of supporters who laugh at his jokes and applaud his boasts during his speeches. But he wasn't getting that kind of soundtrack from the generals and admirals in attendance.

In keeping with the nonpartisan tradition of the armed services, the military leaders sat mostly stone-faced through Trump’s politicized remarks, a contrast from when rank-and-file soldiers cheered during Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-fort-bragg-6df36485dec1df2350d5b7be0882a703">speech at Fort Bragg</a>&nbsp;this summer.

During his nearly hour-long speech, Hegseth said the U.S. military has promoted too many leaders for the wrong reasons based on race, gender quotas and “historic firsts.”

“The era of politically correct, overly sensitive don’t-hurt-anyone’s-feelings leadership ends right now at every level,” Hegseth said.

That was echoed by Trump, who said “the purposes of America military is not to protect anyone’s feelings. It’s to protect our republic.″

″We will not be politically correct when it comes to defending American freedom,” Trump said. “And we will be a fighting and winning machine.”

Hegseth said he is loosening disciplinary rules and weakening hazing protections, putting a heavy focus on removing many of the guardrails the military had put in place after numerous scandals and investigations

He said he was ordering a review of “the department’s definitions of so-called toxic leadership, bullying and hazing to empower leaders to enforce standards without fear of retribution or second guessing.”

The defense secretary called for “changes to the retention of adverse information on personnel records that will allow leaders with forgivable, earnest, or minor infractions to not be encumbered by those infractions in perpetuity.”

“People make honest mistakes, and our mistakes should not define an entire career,” Hegseth said. “Otherwise, we only try not to make mistakes.”

Bullying and toxic leadership has been the suspected and confirmed cause behind numerous military suicides over the past several years, including the very dramatic suicide of Brandon Caserta, a young sailor who was bullied into killing himself in 2018.

A Navy investigation found that Caserta’s supervisor’s “noted belligerence, vulgarity and brash leadership was likely a significant contributing factor in (the sailor)’s decision to end his own life.”

Hegseth used the platform to slam environmental policies and transgender troops while talking up his and Trump's focus on “the warrior ethos” and “peace through strength.”

Hegseth said the department has been told from previous administrations that “our diversity is our strength,” which he called an “insane fallacy.”

“They had to put out dizzying DEI and LGBTQE+ statements. They were told females and males are the same thing, or that males who think they’re females is totally normal,” he said, adding the use of electric tanks and the COVID vaccine requirements to the list as mistaken policies.

Hegseth said this is not about preventing women from serving.

“But when it comes to any job that requires physical power to perform in combat, those physical standards must be high and gender neutral,” he said. “If women can make it excellent, if not, it is what it is. If that means no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it. That is not the intent, but it could be the result.”

Hegseth's speech came as the country faces a potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-government-chuck-schumer-8510b2fa4d40c4bbc058951c49c42468">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;this week and as Hegseth, who has hammered home a focus on lethality, has taken several unusual and unexplained actions, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-pentagon-cuts-dd2107dff617951b0edf6ca86074d836">ordering cuts</a>&nbsp;to the number of general officers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-dia-iran-intelligence-trump-kruse-5cb1fb89b8f12c3b517f139f6d840b48">firings of other top military leaders</a>.

Hegseth has championed the military’s role in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-us-border-militarized-zones-arizona-trump-be3ee9f55a62c323ac5e03b5366f5d25">securing the U.S.-Mexico border</a>, deploying to American cities as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-chicago-portland-memphis-trump-arrests-b36199b00e0511e687c10fa83fd838b5">Trump’s law enforcement surges</a>, and carrying out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-boat-strikes-warships-6ffd9e6f4eb738048c816c6d8257a6ef">strikes on boats in the Caribbean</a>&nbsp;that the administration says targeted drug traffickers.

Finley and Toropin reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.

🎥Trump, Hegseth declare end to 'politically correct' leadership in US military

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Fort Hays State University assistant professor defended her Facebook posts about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted a TikTok video Monday saying she is being targeted online by Libs of TikTok, an X account with 4.4 million followers, and other online accounts.

On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Chance posted the following the same day:

"In my post, I just stated that there's karma," Chance said in the TikTok video. "There's irony associated with that, and that's by no means to celebrate someone's death."

Chance added when she thinks of karma and irony, she thinks of it in a scientific sense rather than a mythical one. Chance compared the death of Kirk to Newton's laws of physics, saying that energy is not destroyed.&nbsp;

"I believe that it's passed and transferred. The energy that one puts out, one receives," Chance said.

Chance also made the following post on her social media:

In her video response, she pointed out FBI statistics about the demographics of mass shooters.&nbsp;

"Not that I conclude that every single white American man is a terrorist or potentially violent. I mean, I come from a white home. I'm actually biracial, and I'm half white myself," Chance said.

Chance said that events like 9/11 and the Virginia Tech shooting have shaped her views on gun control and that they should not impact her work.

"Who I am as a person outside of my professional spaces should never be put under attack," she said. "The institution that I am an employee at has been put in a hard place. I'm black in America. I get hard places."

Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.

Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67bf5501-02df-472c-a43a-a4ff11ff5305">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU assistant professor under review for posts about Charlie Kirk</a>

"Although I am mentally exhausted, I realized that no one's going to speak up for you but yourself. You have to be your own advocate," Chance said. "I refuse to be anyone's victim."

Libs of TikTok, a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers, posted the following Sunday and tagged the FHSU X page.&nbsp;

The university also shared its press release on its X page, where Libs of TikTok responded with criticism.

"Sorry, but I don't have 'patience' for professors who call white Americans 'dangerous animals' and mock the murder of a young father. This statement says absolutely nothing," the X post said.

FHSU assistant professor under review for Charlie Kirk posts responds

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

Shortly after 8:30a.m. on Sept. 28, police responded to the area of 7th and R Street in Atchison to check the welfare of several people in and around a parked vehicle, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

One of those persons was&nbsp; 22-year-old Christian Tollett of Branson, Missouri, who was found to be in possession of illegal drugs.

Tollett is being held in the county jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Drug suspect jailed after welfare check on parked car

On Monday afternoon and overnight, members of the community left flowers, stuffed animals and other items at Police Sergeant Scott&nbsp;Heimann's patrol vehicle, which is parked in front of the Hays Police Department office on 12th Street in Hays.

Children have colored pictures among the many tribute items left as memorials.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d47e259b-e783-4435-9af2-c91b85b73b66">Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident on Sunday.</a>

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, at Gross Memorial Coliseum with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Scott-Heimann">Click here to read</a> the full obituary

Memorials are suggested for&nbsp;Heimann’s children’s education with checks payable to F.O.P. Lodge 48.

Funeral scheduled for fallen Kansas Police Sergeant 

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Johnson County.

Local

Region

Sports

Weather