Saline County Sheriff, Roger Soldan has given his comments and clarification after signing an agreement with ICE's<a href="https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g"> 287(g) program</a>.

According to Soldan on September 11, 2025, the Sheriff's Office signed the agreement with ICE's program, that authorizes the federal agency to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers, the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under the agency’s direction and oversight.

According to ICE, the <a href="https://www.ice.gov/287g">program&nbsp;consists of three models/programs</a>&nbsp;local and state law enforcement agencies can choose from (agencies can opt to choose all three):

- Identify and process removable aliens with pending or active criminal charges (Jail Enforcement Model).

- Enforce limited immigration authorities with ICE oversight during routine duties (Task Force Model).

- Serve and execute administrative warrants on removable aliens within the state or local jail (Warrant Service Officer Program).

Soldan told Salina Post, when the Sheriff's Office signed the agreement, it was only for the&nbsp;Warrant Service Officer Program.

"This option doesn't make any significant changes to the relationship the Sheriff's Office has with ICE," said Soldan. "The Sheriff's Office has always honored ICE detainers that are placed on inmates already in our jail."

Under the Warrant Service Officer Program, ICE trains, certifies and authorizes local and state officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on aliens currently in custody.

Soldan stated ICE is completely funding the training for the deputies, and that no county dollars are being used.

He also explained the process of what happens when inmates are brought into the jail system within the county, and what happens if ICE were to request a detainer.

"All inmates brought into the jail for local charges are fingerprinted and the personal information and charges are electronically transmitted. Should any outside agency, including ICE request a hold on the inmate we place a hold on them and once they are done with the local charges, that agency is notified to come and pick up their detainee, provided a confirmation of the warrant has been sent to us prior to our releasing the inmate."

In the context of ICE, the federal officers have 48 hours to pick up the detainee once done with local requested charges. If they do not, then the Sheriff's Office will release the inmate from custody.

"In the case of ICE, they have 48 hours to come and pick up the inmate from the point we are done with local charges. (Excluding Weekends and Holidays) If they do not arrive in time, the inmate is released from custody," said Soldan.

Soldan said, the Sheriff's Office has no immigration enforcement authority and they do not report any encounters to ICE.

Furthermore, Soldan stated ICE has picked up detainees from the county jail for several years in the past. He also stated that it is not his job to figure out whether someone is in the country illegally or not.&nbsp;

"I don't decide who they want to hold and I am not making the call," he said.

Soldan said the agreement was between the Sheriff's Office and ICE alone, and there is no financial reimbursement being made to the deputies.

According to ICE, as of November 21, the federal agency has signed 1,189 Memorandums of Agreement for 287(g) programs covering 40 states. 

These agreements include&nbsp;Jail Enforcement Model&nbsp;agreements with 140 law enforcement agencies in 31 states, 287(g) Warrant Service Officer agreements with 428 law enforcement agencies in 36 states, and 287(g) Task Force Model agreements with 621 agencies in 34 states.

The 287 (g) agreement does not have a set expiration date, and any state or local law enforcement agency can terminate their signed agreement at any time.&nbsp;

For more information about the 287(g) program, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g">https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g</a>

Saline Co. Sheriff clarifies and comments over signing agreement with ICE's 287(g) program

The City of Salina's City Commission set the date for the upcoming special ballot concerning the amendment of the breed-specific ordinance.&nbsp;

The Commission voted to hold the special ballot though mail-in ballots which would be sent out to the citizens of Salina. While the city government works on establishing a timeline for voters, the vote shall be held on Febuary 24, 2026.&nbsp;

"This is an issue that will effect the entire community," said Commissioner Hoppock, "I think the higher turnout we can get, the more beneficial it would be."

The County Clerk's office will manage the ballots with a budget of $90,000. Citizens would not need to pay postage on the ballots. Any member of the public casting their vote will simply deposit their ballot at a mailbox or post office in town.&nbsp;

Salina Post will continue to update you as more updates emerge.

For more information on the pitbull ban, visit our previous article by clicking <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/2cc3dd3c-dcd2-4f4e-a5d9-9b9c2e99ab65">here</a>.&nbsp;

City Commission sets date for Pitbull ballot

Salina Police are currently investigating a burglary that occurred at Valmont after business hours.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Sunday at around 6:00 am, officers were dispatched to Valmont (1100 N. Ohio) for the report of burglary.

SPD stated that employees of Valmont reported when they arrived to the business, a burglary evidently occurred.&nbsp;

SPD determined at approximately 3:00 am, a man with a mask entered the business and began collecting tools and various items, which he loaded into a company white Ford F150, attached with a black metal and wood trailer with a welder attached to the trailer, before leaving the area.

It is believed the truck possibly has a Nebraska tag.

The type of company car and additional details of the truck are unknown at this time.

Reportedly, there was no forced entry and the business is still determining what exactly was taken. 

Salina Police investigating Valmont burglary that occurred after business hours

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Klenda, Daniel Patrick

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 24

A female victim of a scam was convinced to send over $9,000 in Bitcoin, after receiving an email from what it perceived to be a legitimate company.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday, a 72-year-old female reported she received an email from PayPal, which indicated she had spent $399 in Bitcoin purchases on October 29, 2025. There was a number attached to email indicating if she did not make the purchase, to call the number provided. 

The victim then called and spoke with a male individual, who asked for access to their computer, in which she granted. The suspect advised she had been hacked and that he needed to fix the account. 

Shortly after, the victim received an email stating the $399 was being returned but they had accidently sent $40,000 to her account. 

When the victim looked at her checking account she noticed the $40,000. The email asked her to return the money. 

According to SPD, the suspect asked for a “good faith” payment of $20,000. The victim refused, but the suspect asked for $9,900. 

Furthermore, the suspect told her to download Whatsapp and the Bitcoin app for communication purposes. Additionally, the victim also sent pictures of her driver’s license and provided her social security number. 

The suspect then told the victim drive to Snak Attack (1619 W. Magnolia) and was able to convince her to deposit $9,900 inside the store's Bitcoin machine. The suspect was on the phone with the victim the entire time. 

SPD determined the suspect had been able to access the victim’s bank account and move funds to make it look like $40,000 had been transferred into her account. 

SPD wants to remind the public to not allow anyone to access your computer or provide personal information. If you receive suspicious emails, please DO NOT reply or call the numbers attached to the emails. If you have any concerns please call your local police department or contact your bank directly.

Salina woman scammed after being convinced to send over $9,000 in Bitcoin 

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="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@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;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

<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, November 24 - November 26

K-State Extension – Central Kansas District Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent

As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of Americans prepare to cook the centerpiece of the holiday meal: the turkey. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides essential guidance on thawing a turkey safely to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure a delicious, stress-free holiday. 

· Safest Method: This method ensures a consistent, safe temperature throughout the thawing process.

· Time: Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.

· Process: Place the turkey, still in its original wrapping, on a tray in the refrigerator to catch any drips.

· Faster than Refrigerator Thawing: This method is quicker but requires more attention.

· Time: Allow about 30 minutes per pound of turkey.

· Process: Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes to maintain a cold temperature.

· Quickest Method: Best for smaller portions or specific cuts of turkey.

· Process: Follow the specific instructions on your microwave. Cook the thawed turkey immediately.

The USDA advises against thawing a turkey on the countertop, in hot water, or outdoors (e.g., in the garage or on the porch.) These methods can lead to bacterial growth and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

If you’re short on time, cooking a turkey directly from the frozen state is an option. Allow about 50% more cooking time.

The USDA recommends that the internal temperature of the turkey reach 165°F. Use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For the whole turkey, measure in three areas: thickest part of the breast, innermost part of the wing, and the innermost part of the thigh.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and delicious Thanksgiving feast. USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline is staffed with food safety specialists who are equipped to answer questions about safe food handling, primarily for meat, poultry, and egg products. The Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10 am-6 pm ET (except for Federal Holidays). The Hotline is open on Thanksgiving Day from 8 am-2 pm to help with any Turkey Day questions!

Phone: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) Email: MPHotline@usda.gov Live Chat: www.ask.usda.gov

To learn more about resources made available by K-State Extension – Central Kansas District, check out their website here (<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu">https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu</a>)

K-State Extension provides USDA methods on how to safely thaw a turkey for your Thanksgiving meal

Kansas hospital sues family over $230 medical bill. Some patients went to court for less

NAME:&nbsp;Chavez, Daniel Alberto

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct

NAME:&nbsp;Escalante, Christopher Everick&nbsp;

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Steele, Philip Riley Williams

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; No Proof Of Insurance

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 23

Join Editors Leslie VonHolten and Tom Averill as they discuss their new book,&nbsp;Kansas Matters: 21st-Century Writers on the Sunflower State.&nbsp;

This anthology expands our state's stories through 35 poems, essays, and short fiction that explore the beauty of the land and the fight for its preservation, the division of identity and the belonging of home, the context of our history and our hopes for the future.

It is a complex, emotional, and inspiring assertion of why Kansas matters. 

Joining Leslie and Tom, are contributors Rex Buchanan, Wes Jackson, Rolf Potts, and Josh Svaty.&nbsp;

This event will take place at Red Fern Booksellers (106 S. Santa&nbsp;Fe) on&nbsp;Sunday, December 7 at&nbsp;2:00 pm.

Thomas Averill is professor emeritus of English at Washburn University&nbsp;in Topeka, Kansas, where he taught creative writing and Kansas studies.He is an O. Henry Award short-story winner and author of ten books.His introduction to&nbsp;What Kansas Means to Me: Twentieth Century Writerson the Sunflower State&nbsp;(1991) was titled “Afflicted with Affection,” and he&nbsp;remains so. In 2010 he created the Thomas Fox Averill Kansas Studies Collection&nbsp;at Washburn’s Mabee Library.

Leslie VonHolten writes about land and culture in the prairie and Great&nbsp;Plains regions. She is a 2022 Tallgrass Artist Residency fellow and long-time&nbsp;commentator on High Plains Public Radio in Garden City, Kansas. Her recent&nbsp;essays have been published in&nbsp;The New Territory,&nbsp;Literary Landscapes,and&nbsp;The Dark Mountain Project. She lives in Lawrence, Kansas.

Rolf Potts&nbsp;is the author of five books, including the bestseller&nbsp;Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel&nbsp;(Random House, 2003). His essays and reportage have appeared in the likes of&nbsp;National Geographic Traveler, Outside, The New Yorker, Sports Illustrated,&nbsp;National Public Radio, and the Travel Channel. He is based in north-central Kansas, where he keeps a small farmhouse on 30 acres with his wife, Kansas-born actress Kristen Bush.

Rex Buchanan&nbsp;grew up in Rice County, Kansas, on the edge of the Smoky Hills. He is director emeritus of the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas. He is the editor or co-author of five books, including&nbsp;Roadside Kansas, Kansas Geology,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills,&nbsp;all published by the University Press of Kansas. He does occasional commentaries for Kansas Public Radio.

Joshua Svaty&nbsp;is a former legislator and State Secretary of Agriculture from rural Ellsworth, Kansas, where he and his family have been farming since the 1860s. He is married to Kimberly and they raise their four children in Topeka, where Joshua works with his wife in her firm, Gencur Svaty Public Affairs. Svaty speaks and advises nationally and internationally on matters related to agriculture, energy, and natural resources.

Wes Jackson&nbsp;was born and raised on a farm near Topeka. He co-founded The Land Institute in 1976.&nbsp;Jackson is a 1992 MacArthur Fellow, renowned author, plant geneticist, and emeritus professor of Biology. He is widely recognized as one of the foremost figures in the international sustainable agriculture movement. He authored and co-authored numerous books, including the seminal&nbsp;New Roots for Agriculture, conceptualizing the idea of The Land Institute’s work on natural systems agriculture modeled on and inspired by the Kansas prairie. Jackson is also the author of the recent books&nbsp;Hogs Are Up: Stories of the Land, with Digressions, and&nbsp;An Inconvenient Apocalypse.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two editors to discuss new book centralized on the state of Kansas

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 21 - November 24

The US National Weather Service (USNWS) has issued Saline County a "Dense Fog" advisory until 11:00 am Wednesday morning.

The USNWS posted on Facebook&nbsp;a screenshot from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), of dense fog along I-70 near mile marker 229, at Lincoln Hill in central KS at 7:46 am (see above).

Please be cautious on the roads and drive safely during this advisory.

Saline County under "Dense Fog" advisory Wednesday morning

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 19 - November 21

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 17 - November 19

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 14 - November 17

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 12 - November 14

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 10 - November 12

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 7 - November 10

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 5 - November 7

Just after 3 p.m., November 17, police were dispatched to an a dispute at the the Salvation Army, 2545 10th&nbsp;Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.

Upon their arrival, they contacted Leslie DeWitt, 49, and learned that she had exhibited disruptive behavior in the business and had been asked several times by the store personnel to leave the property.

Officers informed DeWitt that she was no longer welcome on the business property and she entered her vehicle and drove away. A short time later, an officer observed DeWitt's vehicle back in the Salvation Army parking lot and observed DeWitt exiting the store. DeWitt entered her vehicle as the officer approached to detain her.&nbsp;

As the officer was standing between the open car door and the woman, DeWitt placed her vehicle in reverse and proceeded to back up, striking the officer with the door and briefly pulling him alongside the moving vehicle. 

DeWitt then drove eastbound on 10th Street at a high rate of speed. She was relocated and taken into custody a short time later.

After her arrest,&nbsp; K9 Niko was deployed and alerted to her vehicle. A search of DeWitt's vehicle was conducted and THC, opiates, and drug paraphernalia were located. During subsequent processing for DUI,&nbsp; DeWitt kicked, spit on, and attempted to bite members of the Great Bend Police Department.

DeWitt was booked into the Barton County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Battery on a law enforcement officer, Felony Interference, Felony DUI, Possession of THC, Possession of Opiates, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Assault on Law enforcement officer.

The GBPD was assisted on this call by the Barton County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Great Bend Fire Department.&nbsp;

Kansas woman accused of striking officer with her car

WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;on Monday welcomed this year’s official White House Christmas tree, a white fir from a farm in Michigan that arrived by horse-drawn carriage.

The tree, which came from Korson’s Tree Farms, arrived on the North Portico. It was delivered by a pair of Clydesdales named Logan and Ben in a carriage driven by one of three men, all wearing top hats, who were on board.

“It’s a beautiful tree,” the first lady said as she circled the carriage and posed for pictures.

Wearing a cream-colored overcoat and dark red gloves, she shook hands with one of the drivers and a woman who was standing with the horses.

The 18 1/2-foot tree will be displayed in the Blue Room.

Korson’s Tree Farms secured the honor by winning the National Christmas Tree Association’s national tree contest. The winner of that contest has produced the official White House Christmas tree since 1966.

🎥First lady welcomes Christmas tree to the White House

NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers coach and basketball Hall of Famer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trail-blazers-chauncey-billups-57c920d0fcace5dbce25cd474468cd40">Chauncey Billups</a>&nbsp;pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges he profited from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/betting-arrests-sports-gambling-poker-fa72cd1ced5bdaacfabe1688d873bf45">rigged poker games</a>&nbsp;involving several Mafia figures and at least one other former NBA player.

The five-time All Star, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, was arraigned in a federal court in New York City on money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges, both of which carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. Some of Billups’ co-defendants are also charged with running an illegal gambling business and engaging in an extortion conspiracy.

Chris Heywood, his attorney, has said Billups is a “man of integrity” and denies the charges.

“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood said after Billups appeared in federal court in Portland, Oregon, when prosecutors first announced the indictment on Oct. 23.

Billups wore a dark gray suit during the brief arraignment and spoke only to answer the judge’s yes or no questions. He has been free on bond since his initial court appearance in Oregon.

Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-terry-rozier-gambling-probe-de98ecb76bb8f13b85f4c5ac62f66221">federal takedown</a>&nbsp;of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. The other defendants were also expected to appear in the Brooklyn court for Monday's proceedings, in which the judge, prosecutors and defense lawyers will likely discuss next steps in the case.

Prosecutors say the 49-year-old Denver native, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-hall-of-fame-induction-6e9a225d4a29f9d13c35179d7f2b847c">inducted</a>&nbsp;into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame last year, was involved in a scheme to rig Mafia-backed illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.

Former NBA player and assistant coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rozier-billups-jones-betting-arrests-4241238cb43d998f1b9eac47b8d326a7">Damon Jones</a>&nbsp;was also nabbed in that alleged scheme, which prosecutors say utilized a range of sophisticated technology that allowed the gambling to be rigged, such as altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table to read cards.

Jones was also charged along with Miami Heat guard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/terry-rozier">Terry Rozier</a>&nbsp;in a separate scheme at the same time that allowed gamblers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prop-bets-nba-scandal-624ce04b410eb3e97806c3c011412476">exploit insider information</a>&nbsp;about players to win bets on NBA games.

Prosecutors say the poker scheme Billups was involved in defrauded victims of an estimated $7 million starting in at least 2019.

They say he served as a celebrity “face card” that could draw wealthy, unsuspecting players to the games. Prosecutors said during one game, the scheme’s organizers exchanged messages saying one of the victims “acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money” because he was “star struck.”

Prosecutors say Billups, who earned about $106 million from his playing days, received a portion of the ill-gotten gains. After one rigged game in October 2020, for example, they say he was directly wired $50,000.

The scheme organizers also had to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno mob families for operating within the illegal poker games run by the New York criminal enterprises, prosecutors said.

Mafia members, in turn, helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, they said.

Billups was selected as the third overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Boston Celtics after starring in college for the Colorado Buffaloes. He played 17 years in the NBA, with stints with the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

But he is perhaps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauncey-billups-arrest-65eb67f6a0ed283ca6dd011d70425df8">most beloved</a>&nbsp;in the Motor City, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for his knack of making clutch shots.

Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP during the Pistons' title run in 2004 and had his No. 1 jersey retired by the team.

After retiring in 2014, Billups embarked on a career as a TV analyst before pivoting to coaching.

He was hired as Portland’s coach in 2021 and signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trail-blazers-chauncey-billups-57c920d0fcace5dbce25cd474468cd40">multiyear extension</a>&nbsp;with the Trail Blazers earlier this year after the team missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2024. Billups previously served as an assistant coach on the Los Angeles Clippers.

After his arrest, he was placed on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/terry-rozier-salary-sports-betting-db662e66f4f56959ad4765d33cf5ced8">unpaid leave</a>&nbsp;and the Trail Blazers named assistant coach and former NBA player Tiago Splitter as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauncey-billups-trail-blazers-tiago-splitter-7a126fe382491a95a8d33d0d580ca399">interim coach</a>.

Former Big 12 star enters a plea in NBA gambling scandal 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon announced Monday it is investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over possible breaches of military law after the former Navy pilot joined a handful of other lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-traitors-sedition-illegal-orders-c5fc3c5bd2fbc6b1204550e4203c24b2">in a video</a>&nbsp;that called for troops to defy "illegal orders."

The Pentagon’s statement, posted on social media, cited a federal law that allows retired service members to be recalled to active duty on orders of the defense secretary for possible court-martial or other measures.

It is extraordinary for the Pentagon, which until President Donald Trump's second term had usually gone out of its way to act and appear apolitical, to directly threaten a sitting member of Congress with investigation. It comes after Trump ramped up the rhetoric last week by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-traitors-sedition-illegal-orders-c5fc3c5bd2fbc6b1204550e4203c24b2">accusing the lawmakers of sedition</a>&nbsp;“punishable by DEATH” in a social media post days after the video was released.

In its statement Monday, the Pentagon suggested that Kelly’s statements in the video interfered with the “loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces” by citing the federal law that prohibits such actions.

“A thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures,” the statement said.

In the video posted last Tuesday, Kelly was one of six Democratic lawmakers who have served in the military or intelligence community to speak “directly to members of the military.” The other lawmakers are Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/slotkin-democratic-response-text-trump-congress-6ba1012264201e715c290da1b8f45bc4">Elissa Slotkin</a>&nbsp;and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan, who are seen as possible future aspirants for higher office and elevated their political profiles with the video's wide exposure.

Kelly, who was a fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and then retiring at the rank of captain, told troops that “you can refuse illegal orders,” while other lawmakers in the video said they needed troops to “stand up for our laws ... our Constitution.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kelly was facing investigation because he is the only one of the lawmakers who formally retired from the military and is still under the Pentagon’s jurisdiction.

“Kelly’s conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately," Hegseth said on his personal X account. Of the wider group, he added that “their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion — which only puts our warriors in danger.”

Kelly’s office did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment on the Pentagon investigation. Speaking Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Kelly said Trump’s words were “very serious” and “carry tremendous weight,” adding that “because of what he says there is now increased threats against us.”

His fellow Democratic Arizona senator, Ruben Gallego, decried the Trump administration for targeting Kelly after he “dedicated his life to serving this country with honor.”

“Mark told the truth — in America, we swear an oath to the Constitution, not wannabe kings,” Gallego posted on social media.

Kelly and the other lawmakers didn’t mention specific circumstances in the video last week, but its release comes as the Trump administration has ordered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the military to blow up small boats</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean accused of ferrying drugs and continues its attempts at deploying National Guard troops into U.S. cities despite some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">legal setbacks</a>.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said last week that “our military follows orders, and our civilians give legal orders."

Troops, especially uniformed commanders, do have specific obligations to reject orders that are unlawful, if they make that determination.

While commanders have military lawyers on their staffs to consult with in making such a determination, rank-and-file troops who are tasked with carrying out those orders are rarely in a similar position and often have to rely on their superiors.

Broad legal precedence also holds that just following orders — colloquially known as the “Nuremberg defense,” as it was used unsuccessfully by senior Nazi officials to justify their actions under Adolf Hitler — doesn’t absolve troops.

Yet, there has been little reaction online from troops to the lawmakers' video.

A former service member who helps run an online military forum and spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation said the lawmakers’ message is unlikely even to reach troops because the video was posted only on X and was far too long to be reposted on platforms like TikTok where troops actually consume information.

Pentagon investigates U.S. Senator for video urging troops defy ‘illegal orders’

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Police are investigating a shooting that left two dead in Topeka.&nbsp;

Just before 8:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting at McDonalds restaurant in the 1200 block of SW Gage Boulevard in Topeka, according to Topeka Police&nbsp; LT Jayme Green.

 At the scene, first responders located two victims who were&nbsp;deceased. EMS transported a third victim to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police did not release the name of the victims or any additional details on Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online

2 dead, 1 wounded in shooting at Kan. fast food restaurant

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in a 3-vehicle accident just before 5:30p.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.

&nbsp;The Segwick County sheriff's office reported three vehicles, an Amazon delivery van, a Dodge Ram pickup and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. were southbound on 135th Street West at 63rd Street South between K-42 Highway and Clearwater.

The Amazon van’s driver began a U-turn at 63rd Street South in front of the Dodge Ram and the motorcycle, triggering a chain-reaction crash.

First responders found the motorcycle’s driver, 63-year-old Dwayne Wesley Evers of Clearwater, and his passenger, a 58-year-old Clearwater woman, with critical injuries.

Despite life-saving measures, Evers died at the scene. EMS transported the woman motorcycle passenger to a Wichita hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the Dodge Ram, a 70-year-old Clearwater man, was also taken by EMS to a Wichita hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening. The Amazon van’s driver, a 25-year-old Wichita man, was not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Investigators do not suspect speed or impairment as a cause of the accident.

After completing the reconstruction, the Sheriff’s Office will forward the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Kansas motorcyclist killed in crash with Amazon van, pickup

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump said he has accepted an invitation from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit Beijing and that he reciprocated by inviting Xi for a state visit to the U.S. later next year.

Trump made the announcement a few hours after speaking with Xi on the phone on Monday morning. He said the two men discussed issues including Ukraine, fentanyl, and soybeans. The phone call came nearly one month after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-trade-tiktok-tariffs-semiconductors-7934c7772af030ba246ba200adf7bf8b">the two met in person</a>&nbsp;in the South Korean city of Busan.

“Our relationship with China is extremely strong!” Trump said.

Beijing, which announced the phone call first, said nothing about the state visits but said the two leaders discussed trade, Taiwan and Ukraine.

President Trump says he will visit Beijing in April

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mike-stobbe">MIKE STOBBE</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/nicky-forster">NICKY FORSTER</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. flu season is starting slowly, and it’s unclear if it will be as bad as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-flu-season-cdc-a640e8fe0bffa4a8f6bdbd7ea8e5608a">last winter’s</a>, but some health experts are worried as U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Friday shows a new version of the virus has emerged.

An early analysis suggests current vaccines may still be somewhat effective against the new version of the flu, which has been the main driver of recent infections, CDC data shows.

Some scientists and medical professionals are more worried about disappointing vaccination rates, a main reason why flu hospitalizations and deaths were unusually bad during last year’s flu season — one of the deadliest this century.

“I think we’re going to see a really severe season,” said Asefeh Faraz Covelli of the George Washington University School of Nursing.

Last winter, the overall flu hospitalization rate was the highest seen since the H1N1 flu pandemic 15 years ago. Flu was the underlying or a contributing cause of more than 18,000 deaths, and one seven-day stretch early this year saw more than 1,800 deaths — the highest one-week spike in at least a decade.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flu-deaths-children-cdc-e79b1e4169d629ad4bc1095d95d82110">Child flu deaths</a>&nbsp;also were far higher than usual.

CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;posted Friday showed low flu activity so far, with only one state — Louisiana — reporting moderate activity. Most of the reported infections have been in children, said the CDC’s Alicia Budd, who tracks flu infections for the Atlanta-based agency.

Most also have been a new version of the type A H3N2 virus that historically has caused the most hospitalizations and deaths in older people. That type is responsible for most flu infections so far this year, and more than half have been a new subclade K variant that is different from the strain this year’s flu shots were built to fight.

A preliminary&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/691349457a0ccd6a3aad7fa9/_Flu_interimVE_2526_.pdf" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the United Kingdom suggests the shots do provide at least partial protection, although it will take some time for scientists to know exactly how effective they are. Experts say any protection that softens the blow of a flu infection is important to get.

Flu seasons tend to get bad between December and February, and illnesses likely will accelerate as people travel and gather for Thanksgiving, Covelli said.

“I think it’s going to start picking up here,” she said. “This is the ideal time to get vaccinated.”

Researchers this year have been facing an unusual struggle to get a handle on how respiratory infection and vaccination rates have been trending.

They usually rely on the CDC for data, but a recent government shutdown halted data collection and reporting just as respiratory infections started ramping up.

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