WASHINGTON (AP) — Since becoming defense secretary, Pete Hegseth has found no shortage of ways to bring his strand of conservative evangelicalism into the Pentagon.

He hosts monthly Christian worship services for employees. His department’s promotional videos have displayed Bible verses alongside military footage. In speeches and interviews, he often argues the U.S. was founded as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-founders-christian-nation-conservative-beliefs-4ea388e8d80c54016a6a4460cbef9b82">Christian nation</a>&nbsp;and troops should embrace God, potentially risking the military’s secular mission and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-defense-secretary-us-military-religion-diversity-3d21528cb5041eb4c5119d979b09af10">hard-won pluralism</a>.

Now the defense secretary’s Christian rhetoric has taken on new meaning after the U.S. and Israel went to war with Iran, an Islamic theocracy.

“The mullahs are desperate and scrambling,” he said at a recent Pentagon press briefing, referring to Iran’s Shiite Muslim clerics. He later recited Psalm 144, a passage of Scripture that Jews and Christians share: “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.”

Hegseth has a history of defending the Crusades, the brutal medieval wars that pitted Christians against Muslims. In his 2020 book “American Crusade,” he wrote that those who enjoy Western civilization should “thank a crusader.”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-defense-department-pentagon-hegseth-fox-news-8cd9f065e54a7cbbaceeec8bae9261a6">Two of his tattoos</a>&nbsp;draw from crusader imagery: the Jerusalem Cross and the phrase “Deus Vult,” or “God wills it,” which Hegseth has called “the rallying cry of Christian knights as they marched to Jerusalem.”

Matthew D. Taylor, a visiting scholar at Georgetown who studies religious extremism and has been a frequent Hegseth critic, said, “The U.S. voluntarily going to war against a Muslim country with the military under the leadership of Pete Hegseth is exactly the kind of scenario that people like me were warning about before the election and throughout his appointment process.”

Taylor said Hegseth’s rhetoric and leadership “can only inflame and reinforce the fears and deep animosity that the regime in Iran has towards the U.S.”

When asked whether Hegseth views the war in Iran in religious terms, a Defense Department spokesperson pointed to a recent CBS interview in which Hegseth seemed to confirm as much.

“We’re fighting religious fanatics who seek a nuclear capability in order for some religious Armageddon,” Hegseth said of Iranian leaders. “But from my perspective, I mean, obviously I’m a man of faith who encourages our troops to lean into their faith, rely on God.”

Allegations US military commanders cited biblical prophecies remain unverified

Generations of evangelicals have been influenced by their own version of Armageddon and the end of the world, circulated by books like the “Left Behind” series and “The Late Great Planet Earth,” or the horror film “A Thief in the Night.” Some evangelicals espouse prophecies in which warfare involving Israel is key to bringing about the return of Jesus.

Christian Zionist pastor John Hagee, head of Christians United for Israel, said of the Iran war, “Prophetically, we’re right on cue.”

The co-founder of Hegseth’s denomination, however, does not teach this theology. Pastor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conservative-christian-right-washington-doug-wilson-8eb7a46747301dd939df18ba64ac5577">Doug Wilson</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-crec-church-christian-nationalism-wilson-e71c3ea072fa959b5bee09a4d2093f1a">Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches</a>&nbsp;identifies as a postmillennialist, meaning he believes most of the apocalyptic events of the Bible have already happened, paving the way for the gradual Christianization of the world before Christ’s return.

Hegseth has not said the Iran war is part of Christian prophecy. Yet days after the conflict began, claims went viral that U.S. military commanders were telling troops the war fulfilled biblical prophecies around Armageddon and the return of Christ.

The Associated Press has not been able to verify these claims, which stem from one source: Mikey Weinstein, the head of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a watchdog group. Based on allegations Weinstein said he received from hundreds of troops, 30 Democratic members of Congress asked the Pentagon inspector general to investigate.

In an interview with the AP, Weinstein declined to provide documentation or the original emails he received from service members. He said troops were afraid of retaliation, so they would not speak to the media, even if their identities remained protected.

Three major religion watchdog groups — the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the Anti-Defamation League and the Council on American-Islamic Relations — said they have not received similar complaints. The Pentagon declined to comment on the allegations.

Hegseth wants to reform the military chaplain corps

Hegseth’s church network, the CREC, preaches a patriarchal form of Christianity, where women cannot serve in leadership, and pastors argue that homosexuality should be criminalized. Hegseth last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/women-hegseth-defense-secretary-religion-d962f472910fb47a0c66cd37b01f550d">reposted a video</a>&nbsp;in which a CREC pastor opposed women's right to vote. Wilson, its most prominent leader, identifies as a Christian nationalist and preached at the Pentagon in February at Hegseth’s invitation.

Both Wilson and Hegseth have questioned Muslim immigration to the United States. Wilson argues the country should restrict Muslim immigration in order to remain predominantly Christian. In “American Crusade,” Hegseth lamented growing Muslim birth rates and that Muhammad was a popular boys’ name in the U.S.

As head of the armed forces, Hegseth has overseen changes that are in line with his conservative Christian worldview, including banning transgender troops, curtailing diversity initiatives and reviewing women in combat roles.

Youssef Chouhoud, a political scientist at Christopher Newport University, said, “The intrusion of Christian nationalist policy, not just Christian nationalist rhetoric … that is what’s troubling.”

Hegseth has pledged to reform the military’s chaplain corps, which provides spiritual care to troops of any faith and no faith at all. He scrapped the 2025 U.S. Army Spiritual Fitness Guide and wants to renew chaplains’ religious focus, which he said in a December video message has been minimized “in an atmosphere of political correctness and secular humanism.”

Rabbi Laurence Bazer, a retired U.S. Army colonel and chaplain, said it risks making service members feel like outsiders when the language of military leadership draws exclusively from one faith tradition.

“The U.S. military reflects the full diversity of this country — people of every faith step forward to serve,” Bazer said in a statement. “That diversity is a strength worth protecting.”

AP reporter Konstantin Toropin contributed to this report. AP reporter Peter Smith contributed from Pittsburgh.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774010282854.png" alt="Secretary of War Pete Hegseth from Pentagon video" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of War Pete Hegseth from Pentagon video</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIFFANY STANLEYWASHINGTON (AP) — Since becoming defense secretary, Pete Hegseth has found no shortage of ways to bring his strand of conservative evangelicalism into the Pentagon.He hosts monthly Christian worship services for employees. His department’s promotional videos have displayed Bible verses alongside military footage. In speeches and interviews, he often argues the U.S. was founded as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-founders-christian-nation-conservative-beliefs-4ea388e8d80c54016a6a4460cbef9b82">Christian nation</a>&nbsp;and troops should embrace God, potentially risking the military’s secular mission and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-defense-secretary-us-military-religion-diversity-3d21528cb5041eb4c5119d979b09af10">hard-won pluralism</a>.Now the defense secretary’s Christian rhetoric has taken on new meaning after the U.S. and Israel went to war with Iran, an Islamic theocracy.“The mullahs are desperate and scrambling,” he said at a recent Pentagon press briefing, referring to Iran’s Shiite Muslim clerics. He later recited Psalm 144, a passage of Scripture that Jews and Christians share: “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.”Hegseth has a history of defending the Crusades, the brutal medieval wars that pitted Christians against Muslims. In his 2020 book “American Crusade,” he wrote that those who enjoy Western civilization should “thank a crusader.”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-defense-department-pentagon-hegseth-fox-news-8cd9f065e54a7cbbaceeec8bae9261a6">Two of his tattoos</a>&nbsp;draw from crusader imagery: the Jerusalem Cross and the phrase “Deus Vult,” or “God wills it,” which Hegseth has called “the rallying cry of Christian knights as they marched to Jerusalem.”Matthew D. Taylor, a visiting scholar at Georgetown who studies religious extremism and has been a frequent Hegseth critic, said, “The U.S. voluntarily going to war against a Muslim country with the military under the leadership of Pete Hegseth is exactly the kind of scenario that people like me were warning about before the election and throughout his appointment process.”Taylor said Hegseth’s rhetoric and leadership “can only inflame and reinforce the fears and deep animosity that the regime in Iran has towards the U.S.”When asked whether Hegseth views the war in Iran in religious terms, a Defense Department spokesperson pointed to a recent CBS interview in which Hegseth seemed to confirm as much.“We’re fighting religious fanatics who seek a nuclear capability in order for some religious Armageddon,” Hegseth said of Iranian leaders. “But from my perspective, I mean, obviously I’m a man of faith who encourages our troops to lean into their faith, rely on God.”<h2>Allegations US military commanders cited biblical prophecies remain unverified</h2>Generations of evangelicals have been influenced by their own version of Armageddon and the end of the world, circulated by books like the “Left Behind” series and “The Late Great Planet Earth,” or the horror film “A Thief in the Night.” Some evangelicals espouse prophecies in which warfare involving Israel is key to bringing about the return of Jesus.Christian Zionist pastor John Hagee, head of Christians United for Israel, said of the Iran war, “Prophetically, we’re right on cue.”The co-founder of Hegseth’s denomination, however, does not teach this theology. Pastor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conservative-christian-right-washington-doug-wilson-8eb7a46747301dd939df18ba64ac5577">Doug Wilson</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-crec-church-christian-nationalism-wilson-e71c3ea072fa959b5bee09a4d2093f1a">Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches</a>&nbsp;identifies as a postmillennialist, meaning he believes most of the apocalyptic events of the Bible have already happened, paving the way for the gradual Christianization of the world before Christ’s return.Hegseth has not said the Iran war is part of Christian prophecy. Yet days after the conflict began, claims went viral that U.S. military commanders were telling troops the war fulfilled biblical prophecies around Armageddon and the return of Christ.The Associated Press has not been able to verify these claims, which stem from one source: Mikey Weinstein, the head of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a watchdog group. Based on allegations Weinstein said he received from hundreds of troops, 30 Democratic members of Congress asked the Pentagon inspector general to investigate.In an interview with the AP, Weinstein declined to provide documentation or the original emails he received from service members. He said troops were afraid of retaliation, so they would not speak to the media, even if their identities remained protected.Three major religion watchdog groups — the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the Anti-Defamation League and the Council on American-Islamic Relations — said they have not received similar complaints. The Pentagon declined to comment on the allegations.<h2>Hegseth wants to reform the military chaplain corps</h2>Hegseth’s church network, the CREC, preaches a patriarchal form of Christianity, where women cannot serve in leadership, and pastors argue that homosexuality should be criminalized. Hegseth last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/women-hegseth-defense-secretary-religion-d962f472910fb47a0c66cd37b01f550d">reposted a video</a>&nbsp;in which a CREC pastor opposed women's right to vote. Wilson, its most prominent leader, identifies as a Christian nationalist and preached at the Pentagon in February at Hegseth’s invitation.Both Wilson and Hegseth have questioned Muslim immigration to the United States. Wilson argues the country should restrict Muslim immigration in order to remain predominantly Christian. In “American Crusade,” Hegseth lamented growing Muslim birth rates and that Muhammad was a popular boys’ name in the U.S.As head of the armed forces, Hegseth has overseen changes that are in line with his conservative Christian worldview, including banning transgender troops, curtailing diversity initiatives and reviewing women in combat roles.Youssef Chouhoud, a political scientist at Christopher Newport University, said, “The intrusion of Christian nationalist policy, not just Christian nationalist rhetoric … that is what’s troubling.”Hegseth has pledged to reform the military’s chaplain corps, which provides spiritual care to troops of any faith and no faith at all. He scrapped the 2025 U.S. Army Spiritual Fitness Guide and wants to renew chaplains’ religious focus, which he said in a December video message has been minimized “in an atmosphere of political correctness and secular humanism.”Rabbi Laurence Bazer, a retired U.S. Army colonel and chaplain, said it risks making service members feel like outsiders when the language of military leadership draws exclusively from one faith tradition.“The U.S. military reflects the full diversity of this country — people of every faith step forward to serve,” Bazer said in a statement. “That diversity is a strength worth protecting.”___AP reporter Konstantin Toropin contributed to this report. AP reporter Peter Smith contributed from Pittsburgh.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Pete Hegseth’s Christian rhetoric draws renewed scrutiny after war with Iran

WASHINGTON (AP) — Robert S. Mueller III, the FBI director who transformed the nation's premier law enforcement agency into a terrorism-fighting force after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and who later became special counsel in charge of investigating ties between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, has died. He was 81.

“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away” on Friday night, his family said in a statement Saturday. “His family asks that their privacy be respected.”

At the FBI, Mueller set about almost immediately overhauling the bureau’s mission to meet the law enforcement needs of the 21st century, beginning his 12-year tenure just one week before the Sept. 11 attacks and serving across presidents of both political parties. He was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush.

The cataclysmic event instantaneously switched the bureau’s top priority from solving domestic crime to preventing terrorism, a shift that imposed an almost impossibly difficult standard on Mueller and the rest of the federal government: preventing 99 out of 100 terrorist plots wasn’t good enough.

Later, he was special counsel in the Justice Department’s investigation into whether the Trump campaign illegally coordinated with Russia to sway the outcome of the 2016 presidential race. Mueller was a patrician Princeton graduate and Vietnam veteran who walked away from a lucrative midcareer job to stay in public service, and his old-school, buttoned-down style made him an anachronism during a social media-saturated era.

Trump posted on social media after the announcement of Mueller's death: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead.” The Republican president added, “He can no longer hurt innocent people!”

The FBI did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. The FBI Agents Association cited Mueller's "commitment to public service and to the FBI’s mission.“

A second act as an investigator of a sitting president

The second-longest-serving director in FBI history, behind only J. Edgar Hoover, Mueller held the job until 2013 after agreeing to Democratic President Barack Obama’s request to stay on even after his 10-year term was up.

After several years in private practice, Mueller was asked by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to return to public service as special counsel in the Trump-Russia inquiry.

Mueller’s stern visage and taciturn demeanor matched the seriousness of the mission, as his team spent nearly two years quietly conducting one of the most consequential, yet divisive, investigations in Justice Department history. He held no news conferences and made no public appearances during the investigation, remaining quiet despite attacks from Trump and his supporters and creating an aura of mystery around his work.

All told, Mueller brought criminal charges against six of the president’s associates, including his campaign chairman and first national security adviser.

His 448-page report released in April 2019 identified substantial contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia but did not allege a criminal conspiracy. Mueller laid out damaging details about Trump's efforts to seize control of the investigation, and even shut it down, though he declined to decide whether Trump had broken the law, in part because of department policy barring the indictment of a sitting president.

But, in perhaps the most memorable language of the report, Mueller pointedly noted: “If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment.”

The nebulous conclusion did not deliver the knockout punch to the administration that some Trump opponents had hoped for, nor did it trigger a sustained push by House Democrats to impeach the president -- though he was later tried and acquitted on separate allegations related to Ukraine.

The outcome also left room for Attorney General William Barr to insert his own views. He and his team made their own determination that Trump did not obstruct justice, and he and Mueller privately tangled over a four-page summary letter from Barr that Mueller felt did not adequately capture his report’s damaging conclusion.

Mueller deflated Democrats during a highly anticipated congressional hearing on his report when he offered terse, one-word answers and appeared uncertain in his testimony. Frequently, he seemed to waver on details of his investigation. It was hardly the commanding performance many had expected from Mueller, who had a towering reputation in Washington.

Over the next months, Barr made clear his own disagreements with the foundations of the Russia investigation, moving to dismiss a false-statements prosecution that Mueller had brought against former national security adviser Michael Flynn, even though that investigation ended in a guilty plea.

Mueller’s tenure as special counsel was the capstone of a career spent in government.

FBI transformed into a national security agency

His time as FBI director was defined by the Sept. 11 attacks and its aftermath, as an FBI granted broad new surveillance and national security powers scrambled to confront an ascendant al-Qaida and interrupt plots and take terrorists off the street before they could act.

It was a new model of policing for an FBI that had long been accustomed to investigating crimes that had already occurred.

When he became FBI director, “I had expected to focus on areas familiar to me as a prosecutor: drug cases, white-collar criminal cases and violent crime,” Mueller told a group of lawyers in October 2012.

Instead, “we had to focus on long-term, strategic change. We had to enhance our intelligence capabilities and upgrade our technology. We had to build upon strong partnerships and forge new friendships, both here at home and abroad.”

In response, the FBI shifted 2,000 of the total 5,000 agents in the bureau’s criminal programs to national security.

In hindsight, the transformation was a success. At the time, there were problems, and Mueller said as much. In a speech near the end of his tenure, Mueller recalled “those days when we were under attack by the media and being clobbered by Congress; when the attorney general was not at all happy with me.”

Among the issues: The Justice Department’s inspector general found that the FBI circumvented the law to obtain thousands of phone call records for terrorism investigations.

Mueller decided that the FBI would not take part in abusive interrogation techniques of suspected terrorists, but the policy was not effectively communicated down the line for nearly two years. In an effort to move the FBI into a paperless environment, the bureau spent over $600 million on two computer systems -- one that was 2½ years overdue and a predecessor that was only partially completed and had to be scrapped after consultants declared it obsolete and riddled with problems.

For the nation’s top law enforcement agency, it was a rocky trip through rough terrain.

But there were many successes as well, including thwarted terror plots and headline-making criminal cases like the one against fraudster Bernie Madoff. The Republican also cultivated an apolitical reputation on the job, nearly quitting in a clash with the Bush administration over a surveillance program that he and his successor, James Comey, considered unlawful.

He famously stood alongside Comey, then deputy attorney general, during a dramatic 2004 hospital standoff over federal wiretapping rules. The two men planted themselves at the bedside of the ailing Attorney General John Ashcroft to block Bush administration officials from making an end run to get Ashcroft’s permission to reauthorize a secret no-warrant wiretapping program.

In an extraordinary vote of confidence, Congress, at the Obama administration’s request, approved a two-year extension for Mueller to remain at his post.

A Marine who served in Vietnam before becoming a prosecutor

Mueller was born in New York City and grew up in a well-to-do suburb of Philadelphia.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton and a master’s degree in international relations from New York University. He then joined the Marines, serving for three years as an officer during the Vietnam War. He led a rifle platoon and was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and two Navy Commendation Medals. Following his military service, Mueller earned a law degree from the University of Virginia.

Mueller became a federal prosecutor and relished the work of handling criminal cases. He rose quickly through the ranks in U.S. attorneys’ offices in San Francisco and Boston from 1976 to 1988. Later, as head of the Justice Department’s criminal division in Washington, he oversaw a range of high-profile prosecutions that chalked up victories against targets as varied as Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega and New York crime boss John Gotti.

In a mid-career switch that shocked colleagues, Mueller threw over a job at a prestigious Boston law firm to join the homicide division of the U.S. attorney’s office in the nation's capital. There, he immersed himself as a senior litigator in a bulging caseload of unsolved drug-related murders in a city rife with violence.

Mueller was driven by a career-long passion for the painstaking work of building successful criminal cases. Even as head of the FBI, he would dig into the details of investigations, some of them major cases but others less so, sometimes surprising agents who suddenly found themselves on the phone with the director.

“The management books will tell you that as the head of an organization, you should focus on the vision,” Mueller once said. But “for me there were and are today those areas where one needs to be substantially personally involved,” especially in regard to “the terrorist threat and the need to know and understand that threat to its roots.”

Two terrorist attacks occurred toward the end of Mueller’s watch: the Boston Marathon bombing and the Fort Hood shootings in Texas. Both weighed heavily on him, he acknowledged in an interview two weeks before his departure.

“You sit down with victims’ families, you see the pain they go through and you always wonder whether there isn’t something more” that could have been done, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774115836713.png" alt="Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller provided an opening statement during his testimony before the House Judiciary and House Intelligence Committees on the Russia investigation and the published report released by his office.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller provided an opening statement during his testimony before the House Judiciary and House Intelligence Committees on the Russia investigation and the published report released by his office.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Robert S. Mueller III, the FBI director who transformed the nation's premier law enforcement agency into a terrorism-fighting force after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and who later became special counsel in charge of investigating ties between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, has died. He was 81.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 BREAKING: President Trump celebrates the death of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who investigated him in the Trump-Russia hoax WOW &quot;Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/yjEvWUNW1e">pic.twitter.com/yjEvWUNW1e</a>&mdash; Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2035408654111764955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/sd3OJOQybo">pic.twitter.com/sd3OJOQybo</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2035415101809803744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away” on Friday night, his family said in a statement Saturday. “His family asks that their privacy be respected.”At the FBI, Mueller set about almost immediately overhauling the bureau’s mission to meet the law enforcement needs of the 21st century, beginning his 12-year tenure just one week before the Sept. 11 attacks and serving across presidents of both political parties. He was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush.The cataclysmic event instantaneously switched the bureau’s top priority from solving domestic crime to preventing terrorism, a shift that imposed an almost impossibly difficult standard on Mueller and the rest of the federal government: preventing 99 out of 100 terrorist plots wasn’t good enough.Later, he was special counsel in the Justice Department’s investigation into whether the Trump campaign illegally coordinated with Russia to sway the outcome of the 2016 presidential race. Mueller was a patrician Princeton graduate and Vietnam veteran who walked away from a lucrative midcareer job to stay in public service, and his old-school, buttoned-down style made him an anachronism during a social media-saturated era.Trump posted on social media after the announcement of Mueller's death: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead.” The Republican president added, “He can no longer hurt innocent people!”The FBI did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. The FBI Agents Association cited Mueller's "commitment to public service and to the FBI’s mission.“<h2>A second act as an investigator of a sitting president</h2>The second-longest-serving director in FBI history, behind only J. Edgar Hoover, Mueller held the job until 2013 after agreeing to Democratic President Barack Obama’s request to stay on even after his 10-year term was up.After several years in private practice, Mueller was asked by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to return to public service as special counsel in the Trump-Russia inquiry.Mueller’s stern visage and taciturn demeanor matched the seriousness of the mission, as his team spent nearly two years quietly conducting one of the most consequential, yet divisive, investigations in Justice Department history. He held no news conferences and made no public appearances during the investigation, remaining quiet despite attacks from Trump and his supporters and creating an aura of mystery around his work.All told, Mueller brought criminal charges against six of the president’s associates, including his campaign chairman and first national security adviser.His 448-page report released in April 2019 identified substantial contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia but did not allege a criminal conspiracy. Mueller laid out damaging details about Trump's efforts to seize control of the investigation, and even shut it down, though he declined to decide whether Trump had broken the law, in part because of department policy barring the indictment of a sitting president.But, in perhaps the most memorable language of the report, Mueller pointedly noted: “If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment.”The nebulous conclusion did not deliver the knockout punch to the administration that some Trump opponents had hoped for, nor did it trigger a sustained push by House Democrats to impeach the president -- though he was later tried and acquitted on separate allegations related to Ukraine.The outcome also left room for Attorney General William Barr to insert his own views. He and his team made their own determination that Trump did not obstruct justice, and he and Mueller privately tangled over a four-page summary letter from Barr that Mueller felt did not adequately capture his report’s damaging conclusion.Mueller deflated Democrats during a highly anticipated congressional hearing on his report when he offered terse, one-word answers and appeared uncertain in his testimony. Frequently, he seemed to waver on details of his investigation. It was hardly the commanding performance many had expected from Mueller, who had a towering reputation in Washington.Over the next months, Barr made clear his own disagreements with the foundations of the Russia investigation, moving to dismiss a false-statements prosecution that Mueller had brought against former national security adviser Michael Flynn, even though that investigation ended in a guilty plea.Mueller’s tenure as special counsel was the capstone of a career spent in government.<h2>FBI transformed into a national security agency</h2>His time as FBI director was defined by the Sept. 11 attacks and its aftermath, as an FBI granted broad new surveillance and national security powers scrambled to confront an ascendant al-Qaida and interrupt plots and take terrorists off the street before they could act.It was a new model of policing for an FBI that had long been accustomed to investigating crimes that had already occurred.When he became FBI director, “I had expected to focus on areas familiar to me as a prosecutor: drug cases, white-collar criminal cases and violent crime,” Mueller told a group of lawyers in October 2012.Instead, “we had to focus on long-term, strategic change. We had to enhance our intelligence capabilities and upgrade our technology. We had to build upon strong partnerships and forge new friendships, both here at home and abroad.”In response, the FBI shifted 2,000 of the total 5,000 agents in the bureau’s criminal programs to national security.In hindsight, the transformation was a success. At the time, there were problems, and Mueller said as much. In a speech near the end of his tenure, Mueller recalled “those days when we were under attack by the media and being clobbered by Congress; when the attorney general was not at all happy with me.”Among the issues: The Justice Department’s inspector general found that the FBI circumvented the law to obtain thousands of phone call records for terrorism investigations.Mueller decided that the FBI would not take part in abusive interrogation techniques of suspected terrorists, but the policy was not effectively communicated down the line for nearly two years. In an effort to move the FBI into a paperless environment, the bureau spent over $600 million on two computer systems -- one that was 2½ years overdue and a predecessor that was only partially completed and had to be scrapped after consultants declared it obsolete and riddled with problems.For the nation’s top law enforcement agency, it was a rocky trip through rough terrain.But there were many successes as well, including thwarted terror plots and headline-making criminal cases like the one against fraudster Bernie Madoff. The Republican also cultivated an apolitical reputation on the job, nearly quitting in a clash with the Bush administration over a surveillance program that he and his successor, James Comey, considered unlawful.He famously stood alongside Comey, then deputy attorney general, during a dramatic 2004 hospital standoff over federal wiretapping rules. The two men planted themselves at the bedside of the ailing Attorney General John Ashcroft to block Bush administration officials from making an end run to get Ashcroft’s permission to reauthorize a secret no-warrant wiretapping program.In an extraordinary vote of confidence, Congress, at the Obama administration’s request, approved a two-year extension for Mueller to remain at his post.<h2>A Marine who served in Vietnam before becoming a prosecutor</h2>Mueller was born in New York City and grew up in a well-to-do suburb of Philadelphia.He received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton and a master’s degree in international relations from New York University. He then joined the Marines, serving for three years as an officer during the Vietnam War. He led a rifle platoon and was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and two Navy Commendation Medals. Following his military service, Mueller earned a law degree from the University of Virginia.Mueller became a federal prosecutor and relished the work of handling criminal cases. He rose quickly through the ranks in U.S. attorneys’ offices in San Francisco and Boston from 1976 to 1988. Later, as head of the Justice Department’s criminal division in Washington, he oversaw a range of high-profile prosecutions that chalked up victories against targets as varied as Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega and New York crime boss John Gotti.In a mid-career switch that shocked colleagues, Mueller threw over a job at a prestigious Boston law firm to join the homicide division of the U.S. attorney’s office in the nation's capital. There, he immersed himself as a senior litigator in a bulging caseload of unsolved drug-related murders in a city rife with violence.Mueller was driven by a career-long passion for the painstaking work of building successful criminal cases. Even as head of the FBI, he would dig into the details of investigations, some of them major cases but others less so, sometimes surprising agents who suddenly found themselves on the phone with the director.“The management books will tell you that as the head of an organization, you should focus on the vision,” Mueller once said. But “for me there were and are today those areas where one needs to be substantially personally involved,” especially in regard to “the terrorist threat and the need to know and understand that threat to its roots.”Two terrorist attacks occurred toward the end of Mueller’s watch: the Boston Marathon bombing and the Fort Hood shootings in Texas. Both weighed heavily on him, he acknowledged in an interview two weeks before his departure.“You sit down with victims’ families, you see the pain they go through and you always wonder whether there isn’t something more” that could have been done, he said.

President celebrates death of Special Counsel who investigated Trump-Russia hoax

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 CHARGES:&nbsp;Violation of restrictions on driver's license or permit; Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator; No Proof Of Insurance

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

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES: Criminal sodomy; Cause child &gt;14&lt;16 with person/animal; Indecent liberties with child; 14 &lt; 16 YOA; Lewd fondling

*No image available for&nbsp;Mayta, Sara (27)*

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Improper driving on laned roadway; Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Return for court testimony; Aggravated sexual battery; Force or fear; Rape; Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force

NAME:&nbsp;Trevino,Thomandrea Elizabeth

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator; No Proof Of Insurance; Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774109230495.jpeg" alt="Carlson,Matthew Jon (57)" />
 <figcaption>Carlson,Matthew Jon (57)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Carlson,Matthew JonREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Violation of restrictions on driver's license or permit; Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator; No Proof Of Insurance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774109282361.jpeg" alt="Eklund,Chad Richard (53)" />
 <figcaption>Eklund,Chad Richard (53)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Eklund,Chad RichardREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774109320294.jpeg" alt="Haymond,Shaun Barry (48)" />
 <figcaption>Haymond,Shaun Barry (48)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Haymond,Shaun BarryREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774109374911.jpeg" alt="Kulas,Gage Riley Adams (33)" />
 <figcaption>Kulas,Gage Riley Adams (33)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Kulas,Gage Riley AdamsREQUESTED CHARGES: Criminal sodomy; Cause child &gt;14&lt;16 with person/animal; Indecent liberties with child; 14 &lt; 16 YOA; Lewd fondling*No image available for&nbsp;Mayta, Sara (27)*NAME:&nbsp;Mayta, SaraREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Improper driving on laned roadway; Transporting an open container<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774109511260.jpeg" alt="Peet,Donavon Angelo (32)" />
 <figcaption>Peet,Donavon Angelo (32)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Peet,Donavon AngeloREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Return for court testimony; Aggravated sexual battery; Force or fear; Rape; Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774109557461.jpeg" alt="Trevino,Thomandrea Elizabeth (46)" />
 <figcaption>Trevino,Thomandrea Elizabeth (46)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Trevino,Thomandrea ElizabethREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator; No Proof Of Insurance; Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 21

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-earnings-fourth-quarter-f4cfda9dd8ee6e2cdfcfcd90265cf0bb">Amazon</a>&nbsp;announced it has started offering faster U.S. deliveries of selected products for a fee, including pantry staples, clothing, over-the-counter medications, cleaning supplies and electronics.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/e-commerce">e-commerce</a>&nbsp;colossus said customers in more than 2,000 cities, towns and suburban areas can now choose to have orders from its speedy-shipment inventory of 90,000 items delivered in three hours. The charge is $4.99 for Amazon Prime members and $14.99 for nonmembers.

One-hour delivery slots are available in hundreds of places, including major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, and smaller cities such as Des Moines, Iowa and Boise, Idaho, the company said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-prime-ftc-bezos-online-shopping-a3aa849de1279e3675a162ec6815de84">Prime members</a>&nbsp;will get charged $9.99 for the service, which costs nonmembers $19.99, Amazon said

The Seattle-based company said it started testing the express delivery service late last year and expanding it this month.

“We saw an opportunity to use our unique operational expertise and delivery network to help make customers’ lives a little easier while unlocking even more value for Prime members,” Udit Madan, senior vice president of worldwide operations at Amazon, said in a statement.

Amazon launched its Prime program in 2005, offering members free two-day delivery on a selection of 1 million items, primarily DVDs, CDs, and books. Prime members now have access to over 300 million items across 35 categories, and tens of millions of products are available for free&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-prime-delivery-fast-shipping-92fde83b689060a48965003e7c5db5f3">same-day or next day</a>&nbsp;deliveries.

The company has used robotics and artificial intelligence technology to speed up order fulfillment. Regionalizing its U.S. delivery network into eight areas also has helped reduce delivery times, Amazon said.

Amazon is testing an ultra-fast service for deliveries in 30 minutes or less. Amazon Now is available in various cities in India, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates and is being tested in several communities in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, according to the company.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771587343545.png" alt="Amazon Drone deliveries in Kansas -image from KCK Police video" />
 <figcaption>Amazon Drone deliveries in Kansas -image from KCK Police video</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-earnings-fourth-quarter-f4cfda9dd8ee6e2cdfcfcd90265cf0bb">Amazon</a>&nbsp;announced it has started offering faster U.S. deliveries of selected products for a fee, including pantry staples, clothing, over-the-counter medications, cleaning supplies and electronics.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F943669828014069%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/e-commerce">e-commerce</a>&nbsp;colossus said customers in more than 2,000 cities, towns and suburban areas can now choose to have orders from its speedy-shipment inventory of 90,000 items delivered in three hours. The charge is $4.99 for Amazon Prime members and $14.99 for nonmembers.One-hour delivery slots are available in hundreds of places, including major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, and smaller cities such as Des Moines, Iowa and Boise, Idaho, the company said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-prime-ftc-bezos-online-shopping-a3aa849de1279e3675a162ec6815de84">Prime members</a>&nbsp;will get charged $9.99 for the service, which costs nonmembers $19.99, Amazon saidThe Seattle-based company said it started testing the express delivery service late last year and expanding it this month.“We saw an opportunity to use our unique operational expertise and delivery network to help make customers’ lives a little easier while unlocking even more value for Prime members,” Udit Madan, senior vice president of worldwide operations at Amazon, said in a statement.Amazon launched its Prime program in 2005, offering members free two-day delivery on a selection of 1 million items, primarily DVDs, CDs, and books. Prime members now have access to over 300 million items across 35 categories, and tens of millions of products are available for free&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-prime-delivery-fast-shipping-92fde83b689060a48965003e7c5db5f3">same-day or next day</a>&nbsp;deliveries.The company has used robotics and artificial intelligence technology to speed up order fulfillment. Regionalizing its U.S. delivery network into eight areas also has helped reduce delivery times, Amazon said.Amazon is testing an ultra-fast service for deliveries in 30 minutes or less. Amazon Now is available in various cities in India, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates and is being tested in several communities in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, according to the company.

Amazon offering faster deliveries for US customers willing to pay extra 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Sheriff's deputies have&nbsp;arrested a Wichita man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred March 15, and claimed the life of 29-year-old Adam Wayne Condit.

On Friday, March 20, detectives arrested Andrew Eugene Fibert, 21, of Wichita in connection with the crash, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Branden Stitt.

At 5:49 p.m., Fibert was booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility on one count of failure to stop at an accident resulting in death.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement have released the name of the pedestrian who died in a hit-and-run crash early Sunday morning near the Sedgwick County Zoo.

Adam Wayne Condit, 29, of Wichita, died after he was struck by a pickup truck shortly after midnight March 15 in the 5800 block of West Windmill Road, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.

The pickup truck deputies were seeking has now been identified. Detectives are continuing to work to identify the driver. No arrests have been made.

The Sheriff’s Office thanks members of the public for the tips that helped investigators identify the vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Condit

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774051884079.png" alt="Fibert -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Fibert -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Sheriff's deputies have&nbsp;arrested a Wichita man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred March 15, and claimed the life of 29-year-old Adam Wayne Condit.On Friday, March 20, detectives arrested Andrew Eugene Fibert, 21, of Wichita in connection with the crash, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Branden Stitt.At 5:49 p.m., Fibert was booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility on one count of failure to stop at an accident resulting in death.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.------------SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement have released the name of the pedestrian who died in a hit-and-run crash early Sunday morning near the Sedgwick County Zoo.Adam Wayne Condit, 29, of Wichita, died after he was struck by a pickup truck shortly after midnight March 15 in the 5800 block of West Windmill Road, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.The pickup truck deputies were seeking has now been identified. Detectives are continuing to work to identify the driver. No arrests have been made.The Sheriff’s Office thanks members of the public for the tips that helped investigators identify the vehicle.The Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Condit

Sheriff: Suspect arrested in deadly Kansas hit-and-run

Chuck Norris, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-karate-b54fe367687bdd0ce8e172ff4f0e0a60">martial arts grandmaster</a>&nbsp;and action star whose roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy — sparking internet parodies and adoration from presidents — has died at 86.

Norris died Thursday, in what his family described as a “sudden passing.”

“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the family said in a statement posted to social media.

Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts. He became a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He also founded his own Korean-based American hard style of karate known sometimes as Chun Kuk Do and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide. Black Belt magazine ultimately credited Norris in its hall of fame with holding a 10th degree black belt, the highest possible honor.

Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, he grew up poor. At age 12, he moved with his family to Torrance, California, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.war.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/3705404/actor-chuck-norris-was-in-the-air-force-during-the-cold-war/">joined the U.S. Air Force</a>&nbsp;after high school, in 1958. It was during a deployment to Korea that he started training in martial arts, including judo and Tang Soo Do.

“I went out for gymnastics and football at North Torrance high,” he told The Associated Press in 1982. “I played some football, but I also spent a lot of time on the bench. I was never really athletic until I was in the service in Korea.”

After he was honorably discharged in 1962, he worked as a file clerk for Northrop Aircraft and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/72315/veteranoftheday-air-force-veteran-chuck-norris/">applied to be a police officer</a>, but was put on a waitlist. Meanwhile, he opened a martial arts studio, which expanded to a chain, with students including such stars as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-barker-dead-f47644de8696496b980306f4cd6907f4">Bob Barker,</a>&nbsp;Priscilla Presley, Donnie and Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen, whom he later credited with encouraging him to get into acting.

Norris made his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the 1968 movie “The Wrecking Crew,” which included a fight with Dean Martin. He had also crossed paths with Bruce Lee in martial arts circles. Their friendship — sometimes, as sparring partners — led to an iconic faceoff in the 1972 movie “Return of the Dragon,” in which Lee fights and kills Norris' character in Rome's Colosseum.

He went on to act in more than 20 movies, such as “Missing in Action,” “The Delta Force” and “Sidekicks.”

“I wanted to project a certain image on the screen of a hero. I had seen a lot of anti-hero movies in which the lead was neither good nor bad. There was no one to root for,” Norris said in 1982.

In 1993, he took on his most famed role, as a crime-fighting lawman in TV's “Walker, Texas Ranger.” The show ran for nine seasons, and in 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the title of honorary Texas Ranger. The Texas Senate later named him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/celebrity-general-news-ab4fccbcf4724c45964bbeae1c655269">an honorary Texan.</a>

“It’s not violence for violence’s sake, with no moral structure,” Norris told the AP in 1996, speaking about the show. “You try to portray the proper meaning of what it’s about — fighting injustice with justice, good vs. bad. … It’s entertaining for the whole family.”

Norris also made a surprise comedic appearance as a decisive judge in the final match of the 2004 movie “Dodgeball.” He only on occasion has taken acting roles in recent years, including 2012's “The Expendables 2” and the 2024 sci-fi action movie “Agent Recon.”

Chuck Norris: the man, the meme, the legend

It was around the time of “Dodgeball” that his toughman image became the stuff of legend, literally: “Chuck Norris Facts” went viral online with such wildly hyperbolic statements as, “Chuck Norris had a staring contest with the sun -- and won,” and, “They wanted to put Chuck Norris on Mt. Rushmore, but the granite wasn’t tough enough for his beard.”

Norris ultimately embraced the absurdity of the meme craze, putting together “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” which combined his favorites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by. He would also write books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, political takes, Civil War-era historical fiction and more.

“To some who know little of my martial arts or film careers but perhaps grew up with 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' it seems that I have become a somewhat mythical superhero icon,” Norris wrote in the forward to the fact book. “I am flattered and humbled.”

That book raised money for a nonprofit he founded with President George H.W. Bush that promoted martial arts instruction for kids.

The intentionally outlandish statements featured in the 2008 Republican presidential primary, when Norris endorsed Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and shot an ad playing on the “Chuck Norris facts.”

President Donald Trump's supporters later promoted Trump Facts in the same vein, and political pundits tried it as well, describing the commander-in-chief's decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-presidential-palace-blowtorches-7969152ae48510003fe9cbde92f3c102">seize Venezuela's sitting president, Nicolas Maduro,</a>&nbsp;as a “Chuck Norris Moment,” and its initial effect on oil prices a “Chuck Norris Premium.”

Norris was outspoken about his Christian beliefs and his support for gun rights, and backed political candidates for years — he even went skydiving with Bush for the former president's 80th birthday. As for Trump, Norris endorsed him in the 2016 general election and wrote guest columns praising him without explicitly endorsing him the in the days before the 2020 and 2024 elections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774017068577.png" alt="Chuck Norris embraced the absurdity of the meme craze, putting together “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” which combined his favorites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by. He would also write books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, political takes, Civil War-era historical fiction and more." />
 <figcaption>Chuck Norris embraced the absurdity of the meme craze, putting together “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” which combined his favorites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by. He would also write books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, political takes, Civil War-era historical fiction and more.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN MATTISE Associated PressChuck Norris, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-karate-b54fe367687bdd0ce8e172ff4f0e0a60">martial arts grandmaster</a>&nbsp;and action star whose roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy — sparking internet parodies and adoration from presidents — has died at 86.<div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWG8c5BAKPd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWG8c5BAKPd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWG8c5BAKPd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Chuck Norris (@chucknorris)</a></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>Norris died Thursday, in what his family described as a “sudden passing.”“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the family said in a statement posted to social media.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chuck Norris has died. He had 6 C-SPAN appearances, including one when he served as chairman of the Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation, with President George H.W. Bush. RIP. <a href="https://t.co/akgZinjmMN">pic.twitter.com/akgZinjmMN</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2034999623358542308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts. He became a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He also founded his own Korean-based American hard style of karate known sometimes as Chun Kuk Do and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide. Black Belt magazine ultimately credited Norris in its hall of fame with holding a 10th degree black belt, the highest possible honor.Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, he grew up poor. At age 12, he moved with his family to Torrance, California, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.war.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/3705404/actor-chuck-norris-was-in-the-air-force-during-the-cold-war/">joined the U.S. Air Force</a>&nbsp;after high school, in 1958. It was during a deployment to Korea that he started training in martial arts, including judo and Tang Soo Do.“I went out for gymnastics and football at North Torrance high,” he told The Associated Press in 1982. “I played some football, but I also spent a lot of time on the bench. I was never really athletic until I was in the service in Korea.”After he was honorably discharged in 1962, he worked as a file clerk for Northrop Aircraft and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/72315/veteranoftheday-air-force-veteran-chuck-norris/">applied to be a police officer</a>, but was put on a waitlist. Meanwhile, he opened a martial arts studio, which expanded to a chain, with students including such stars as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-barker-dead-f47644de8696496b980306f4cd6907f4">Bob Barker,</a>&nbsp;Priscilla Presley, Donnie and Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen, whom he later credited with encouraging him to get into acting.<h2>From one studio to another</h2>Norris made his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the 1968 movie “The Wrecking Crew,” which included a fight with Dean Martin. He had also crossed paths with Bruce Lee in martial arts circles. Their friendship — sometimes, as sparring partners — led to an iconic faceoff in the 1972 movie “Return of the Dragon,” in which Lee fights and kills Norris' character in Rome's Colosseum.He went on to act in more than 20 movies, such as “Missing in Action,” “The Delta Force” and “Sidekicks.”“I wanted to project a certain image on the screen of a hero. I had seen a lot of anti-hero movies in which the lead was neither good nor bad. There was no one to root for,” Norris said in 1982.In 1993, he took on his most famed role, as a crime-fighting lawman in TV's “Walker, Texas Ranger.” The show ran for nine seasons, and in 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the title of honorary Texas Ranger. The Texas Senate later named him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/celebrity-general-news-ab4fccbcf4724c45964bbeae1c655269">an honorary Texan.</a>“It’s not violence for violence’s sake, with no moral structure,” Norris told the AP in 1996, speaking about the show. “You try to portray the proper meaning of what it’s about — fighting injustice with justice, good vs. bad. … It’s entertaining for the whole family.”Norris also made a surprise comedic appearance as a decisive judge in the final match of the 2004 movie “Dodgeball.” He only on occasion has taken acting roles in recent years, including 2012's “The Expendables 2” and the 2024 sci-fi action movie “Agent Recon.”<h2>Chuck Norris: the man, the meme, the legend</h2>It was around the time of “Dodgeball” that his toughman image became the stuff of legend, literally: “Chuck Norris Facts” went viral online with such wildly hyperbolic statements as, “Chuck Norris had a staring contest with the sun -- and won,” and, “They wanted to put Chuck Norris on Mt. Rushmore, but the granite wasn’t tough enough for his beard.”Norris ultimately embraced the absurdity of the meme craze, putting together “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” which combined his favorites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by. He would also write books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, political takes, Civil War-era historical fiction and more.“To some who know little of my martial arts or film careers but perhaps grew up with 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' it seems that I have become a somewhat mythical superhero icon,” Norris wrote in the forward to the fact book. “I am flattered and humbled.”That book raised money for a nonprofit he founded with President George H.W. Bush that promoted martial arts instruction for kids.The intentionally outlandish statements featured in the 2008 Republican presidential primary, when Norris endorsed Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and shot an ad playing on the “Chuck Norris facts.”President Donald Trump's supporters later promoted Trump Facts in the same vein, and political pundits tried it as well, describing the commander-in-chief's decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-presidential-palace-blowtorches-7969152ae48510003fe9cbde92f3c102">seize Venezuela's sitting president, Nicolas Maduro,</a>&nbsp;as a “Chuck Norris Moment,” and its initial effect on oil prices a “Chuck Norris Premium.”Norris was outspoken about his Christian beliefs and his support for gun rights, and backed political candidates for years — he even went skydiving with Bush for the former president's 80th birthday. As for Trump, Norris endorsed him in the 2016 general election and wrote guest columns praising him without explicitly endorsing him the in the days before the 2020 and 2024 elections.

Chuck Norris, martial arts and acting legend, has died 

NAME:&nbsp;Anariba-Reyes,Shelby Rae

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774014869352.jpeg" alt="Anariba-Reyes,Shelby Rae (49)" />
 <figcaption>Anariba-Reyes,Shelby Rae (49)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Anariba-Reyes,Shelby RaeREQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774014934119.jpeg" alt="Chappell,Justin Lane (35)" />
 <figcaption>Chappell,Justin Lane (35)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Chappell,Justin LaneREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774014983920.jpeg" alt="Davis,Timothy Dale (55)" />
 <figcaption>Davis,Timothy Dale (55)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Davis,Timothy DaleREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774015035520.jpeg" alt="Peterson,Kody Wayne (31)" />
 <figcaption>Peterson,Kody Wayne (31)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Peterson,Kody WayneREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1774015073203.jpeg" alt="Rowlison,Shailyn Renne (31)" />
 <figcaption>Rowlison,Shailyn Renne (31)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Rowlison,Shailyn RenneREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 20

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. – Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.

Just after 2:30 p.m. March 16, Sheriff's Deputies and Police served a search warrant at 415 Nebraska in the city of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse..&nbsp; The search warrant was served in reference to a multi-month drug investigation earlier this year in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. 

Deputies arrested 39-year-old Torrey Matthew Henry and 55-year-old Amie Danielle Althof, both of Holton.

Henry was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, use communication facility; in the commission of a felony drug violation, possession of methampehtamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Althof was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges ofpossession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773345755591.png" alt="Henry-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Henry-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. – Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.Just after 2:30 p.m. March 16, Sheriff's Deputies and Police served a search warrant at 415 Nebraska in the city of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse..&nbsp; The search warrant was served in reference to a multi-month drug investigation earlier this year in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. Deputies arrested 39-year-old Torrey Matthew Henry and 55-year-old Amie Danielle Althof, both of Holton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773345685124.png" alt="Althof photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Althof photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Henry was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, use communication facility; in the commission of a felony drug violation, possession of methampehtamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.Althof was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges ofpossession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: 2 arrested after meth was sold from Kansas home

A man was arrested after an alleged assault on a woman at a Salina motel.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Wednesday at 6:45 am, officers received report from a motel on 2110 W. Crawford regarding a man who assaulted a woman.

Reportedly, motel employees stated a 48-year old female victim and Ryan Mason (21) of Ulysses, got into a dispute outside of the motel area.

Mason allegedly assaulted the victim by kicking and hitting her on the ground. He also reportedly grabbed her phone and broke it.

Afterwards, Mason stole a set of keys and a bag from the victim, fleeing the area in his vehicle and headed west out of Salina.

Officers located Mason in the area of Crawford and Burma roads and conducted a traffic stop. He was then arrested and upon search of the vehicle, officers located illegal drugs.

He was then booked into the Saline County Jail for:

Robbery, Criminal damage to property, Domestic Battery, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of an opiate.

The victim suffered minor injuries to her face, head area and refused medical treatment.&nbsp;

Her keys and bag were recovered, according to SPD.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929407610.jpeg" alt="Mason,Ryan Keith (21) - Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Mason,Ryan Keith (21) - Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostA man was arrested after an alleged assault on a woman at a Salina motel.According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Wednesday at 6:45 am, officers received report from a motel on 2110 W. Crawford regarding a man who assaulted a woman.Reportedly, motel employees stated a 48-year old female victim and Ryan Mason (21) of Ulysses, got into a dispute outside of the motel area.Mason allegedly assaulted the victim by kicking and hitting her on the ground. He also reportedly grabbed her phone and broke it.Afterwards, Mason stole a set of keys and a bag from the victim, fleeing the area in his vehicle and headed west out of Salina.Officers located Mason in the area of Crawford and Burma roads and conducted a traffic stop. He was then arrested and upon search of the vehicle, officers located illegal drugs.He was then booked into the Saline County Jail for:Robbery, Criminal damage to property, Domestic Battery, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of an opiate.The victim suffered minor injuries to her face, head area and refused medical treatment.&nbsp;Her keys and bag were recovered, according to SPD.

Police: Salina motel assault results in arrest of man

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+; Unsafe turning or stopping - Fail to Signal

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Aggravated failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp;Hammon,Elijah Christopher

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct; Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving; Driving While Suspended; No Proof Of Insurance; Possess of firearm while under the influence

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Robbery

NAME:&nbsp;McMillan,Cerissa Lashon

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Driving while habitual violator; Poss of marijuana

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Driving While Suspended; Interfere w/ LEO; Conceal/destroy evidence; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Traffic contraband in corr/care facility; Intro item into facility to escape

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime; Agg intimidation of witness/victim; Threat; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant; Robbery

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929018133.jpeg" alt="Ardis,Brittany Nicole (31)" />
 <figcaption>Ardis,Brittany Nicole (31)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Ardis,Brittany NicoleREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929068264.jpeg" alt="Branfort,Aron Porter (57)" />
 <figcaption>Branfort,Aron Porter (57)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Branfort,Aron PorterREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+; Unsafe turning or stopping - Fail to Signal<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929112232.jpeg" alt="De La Cruz,Norberto (37)" />
 <figcaption>De La Cruz,Norberto (37)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;De La Cruz,NorbertoREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Aggravated failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929274980.jpeg" alt="Dixon,James Arnett (41)" />
 <figcaption>Dixon,James Arnett (41)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Dixon,James ArnettREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929319631.jpeg" alt="Hammon,Elijah Christopher (18)" />
 <figcaption>Hammon,Elijah Christopher (18)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hammon,Elijah ChristopherREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct; Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929364777.jpeg" alt="Mahoney,Sean Patrick (37)" />
 <figcaption>Mahoney,Sean Patrick (37)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Mahoney,Sean PatrickREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving; Driving While Suspended; No Proof Of Insurance; Possess of firearm while under the influence<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929407610.jpeg" alt="Mason,Ryan Keith (21)" />
 <figcaption>Mason,Ryan Keith (21)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Mason,Ryan KeithREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Robbery<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929450210.jpeg" alt="McMillan,Cerissa Lashon (33)" />
 <figcaption>McMillan,Cerissa Lashon (33)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;McMillan,Cerissa LashonREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Driving while habitual violator; Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929495127.jpeg" alt="Owens,Ashley Renee (36)" />
 <figcaption>Owens,Ashley Renee (36)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Owens,Ashley ReneeREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929563143.jpeg" alt="Snow,Bethany Ann (31)" />
 <figcaption>Snow,Bethany Ann (31)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Snow,Bethany AnnREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Driving While Suspended; Interfere w/ LEO; Conceal/destroy evidence; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Traffic contraband in corr/care facility; Intro item into facility to escape<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929613893.jpeg" alt="Trist,Maile Rose (23)" />
 <figcaption>Trist,Maile Rose (23)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Trist,Maile RoseREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773929649576.jpeg" alt="Woodring,Juan Manual (30)" />
 <figcaption>Woodring,Juan Manual (30)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Woodring,Juan ManualREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime; Agg intimidation of witness/victim; Threat; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant; Robbery

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 19

WYANDOTTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a former Bonner Springs Police Department (BSPD) detective Wednesday following a misconduct investigation.

Just before 2p.m., KBI agents executed an arrest warrant for Kyle P. Rector, 39, of Kansas City, Kansas, near Parallel Parkway and Village West Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas.

On Jan. 28, 2026, the BSPD requested the KBI investigate a former detective after he was suspected to have used department resources to monitor and stalk his spouse while on duty. Rector’s employment was terminated Jan. 26.

During the investigation, child sexual abuse material was also discovered.

Rector was arrested on charges of stalking, three counts of breach of privacy, five counts of sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of unlawful acts concerning computers, and five counts of official misconduct. Formal charges are pending.

Following his arrest, Rector was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773866396795.png" alt="Rector-photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Rector-photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a former Bonner Springs Police Department (BSPD) detective Wednesday following a misconduct investigation.Just before 2p.m., KBI agents executed an arrest warrant for Kyle P. Rector, 39, of Kansas City, Kansas, near Parallel Parkway and Village West Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas.On Jan. 28, 2026, the BSPD requested the KBI investigate a former detective after he was suspected to have used department resources to monitor and stalk his spouse while on duty. Rector’s employment was terminated Jan. 26.During the investigation, child sexual abuse material was also discovered.Rector was arrested on charges of stalking, three counts of breach of privacy, five counts of sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of unlawful acts concerning computers, and five counts of official misconduct. Formal charges are pending.Following his arrest, Rector was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center.

KBI: Kan. officer used department resources to stalk spouse

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Three suspects accused in the drug overdose death of a 15-year-old Kansas girl were back in court Monday for a preliminary hearing.

Judge Jeffrey Syrios ruled there is enough evidence for Danielle Wheeler, 53; Isaac L. Hord, 24 and Niklas Wiley, 24, to face a trial in the drug overdose death of 15-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/kennedy-herren" target="_blank">Kennedy Herren</a>, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In October, Wheeler was charged with&nbsp; involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in Herren's death. Hord and Wiley were both charged with first-degree murder and aggravated endangering a child. Wiley is also facing charges of criminal sodomy, sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the district attorney's office.

On September 14, police responded to the report of a deceased 15-year-old in Wichita, according to a media release from police. The investigation determined the death of Kennedy Herren was the result of a drug overdose.

Since then, Wichita police overdose analyst worked to pursue justice and ensure accountability for the people responsible for this senseless death.&nbsp;

On October 15,&nbsp;K-9 officers arrested 24-year-old Isaac L. Hord and on October 19 they arrested 24-year-old Niklas Wiley in connection with this case. Wheeler was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on October 22, according to online jail records. She met the requirement for bond and is no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760610637070.png" alt="Hord photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hord photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Three suspects accused in the drug overdose death of a 15-year-old Kansas girl were back in court Monday for a preliminary hearing.Judge Jeffrey Syrios ruled there is enough evidence for Danielle Wheeler, 53; Isaac L. Hord, 24 and Niklas Wiley, 24, to face a trial in the drug overdose death of 15-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/kennedy-herren" target="_blank">Kennedy Herren</a>, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In October, Wheeler was charged with&nbsp; involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in Herren's death. Hord and Wiley were both charged with first-degree murder and aggravated endangering a child. Wiley is also facing charges of criminal sodomy, sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the district attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761260796231.png" alt="Wheeler photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wheeler photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On September 14, police responded to the report of a deceased 15-year-old in Wichita, according to a media release from police. The investigation determined the death of Kennedy Herren was the result of a drug overdose.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761079684304.png" alt="-<a href="https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/kennedy-herren" target="_blank">Kennedy Herren</a>&nbsp;-photo courtesy Cozine Memorial Group" />
 <figcaption>-<a href="https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/kennedy-herren" target="_blank">Kennedy Herren</a>&nbsp;-photo courtesy Cozine Memorial Group</figcaption>
 </figure>Since then, Wichita police overdose analyst worked to pursue justice and ensure accountability for the people responsible for this senseless death.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761265375529.png" alt="Wiley-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wiley-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 15,&nbsp;K-9 officers arrested 24-year-old Isaac L. Hord and on October 19 they arrested 24-year-old Niklas Wiley in connection with this case. Wheeler was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on October 22, according to online jail records. She met the requirement for bond and is no longer in custody.

Judge: 3 will face arraignment for Kan. girl's overdose death 

A father and mother who were in the process of losing parental custody, illegally take their children before the arrest.&nbsp;

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office at around midnight on Wednesday, dispatch received a notification from Oklahoma City, OK regarding a father and mother who took their child from an Oklahoma City hospital.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services were in the process of removing the child along with two others from the parent's custody.

Reportedly, the parents then took 6-year old male, 8-year old female and a 2-year old female who was in the hospital. Once the parents took the children, they left OKC in a vehicle and headed northbound towards Kansas.

Oklahoma law enforcement pinged their location in Saline County on Milepost 87, just south of the Water Well exit.

Deputies of Saline County located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The parents were then taken into custody.&nbsp;

Arrested was Austin Kitchin (33) and Shaelynn Warren (28). Both are from Wyoming.

Both were booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charge of Aggravated Endangerment of child. 

More charges pending from Oklahoma.&nbsp;

According to Saline County Sheriff's Office, all three children are in protective custody and will be transported back to Oklahoma.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773856798170.png" alt="Austin Kitchin (33) and Shaelynn Warren (28) - Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Austin Kitchin (33) and Shaelynn Warren (28) - Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostA father and mother who were in the process of losing parental custody, illegally take their children before the arrest.&nbsp;According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office at around midnight on Wednesday, dispatch received a notification from Oklahoma City, OK regarding a father and mother who took their child from an Oklahoma City hospital.The Oklahoma Department of Human Services were in the process of removing the child along with two others from the parent's custody.Reportedly, the parents then took 6-year old male, 8-year old female and a 2-year old female who was in the hospital. Once the parents took the children, they left OKC in a vehicle and headed northbound towards Kansas.Oklahoma law enforcement pinged their location in Saline County on Milepost 87, just south of the Water Well exit.Deputies of Saline County located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The parents were then taken into custody.&nbsp;Arrested was Austin Kitchin (33) and Shaelynn Warren (28). Both are from Wyoming.Both were booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charge of Aggravated Endangerment of child. More charges pending from Oklahoma.&nbsp;According to Saline County Sheriff's Office, all three children are in protective custody and will be transported back to Oklahoma.

Sheriff: Father and mother losing parental custody illegally take children before arrest

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; One-way glass or sun screen device; &gt; 35%; Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of marijuana; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp;Guerra Duharte,Roberto Orlando

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; No seat belt (18+)

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Agg endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773842586687.jpeg" alt="Coats,Paul William (54)" />
 <figcaption>Coats,Paul William (54)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Coats,Paul William REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; One-way glass or sun screen device; &gt; 35%; Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773842641518.jpeg" alt="Dixon,James Arnett (41)" />
 <figcaption>Dixon,James Arnett (41)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Dixon,James ArnettREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of marijuana; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773842691169.jpeg" alt="Guerra Duharte,Roberto Orlando (34)" />
 <figcaption>Guerra Duharte,Roberto Orlando (34)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Guerra Duharte,Roberto OrlandoREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; No seat belt (18+)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773842735286.jpeg" alt="Kitchin,Austin Dave (33)" />
 <figcaption>Kitchin,Austin Dave (33)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Kitchin,Austin DaveREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Agg endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773842776321.jpeg" alt="Knopick,Leslie Renee (36)" />
 <figcaption>Knopick,Leslie Renee (36)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Knopick,Leslie ReneeREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773842820169.jpeg" alt="Mattox,Michael Paul (37)" />
 <figcaption>Mattox,Michael Paul (37)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Mattox,Michael PaulREQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Abuse order; Viol protection order; Pre-trial order<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773842881535.jpeg" alt="Stallworth,Jonathan Wedey (43)" />
 <figcaption>Stallworth,Jonathan Wedey (43)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Stallworth,Jonathan WedeyREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773842921953.jpeg" alt="Trower,Shawn Michael (51)" />
 <figcaption>Trower,Shawn Michael (51)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Trower,Shawn MichaelREQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773856679072.jpeg" alt="Warren,Shaelynn Rain (28)" />
 <figcaption>Warren,Shaelynn Rain (28)</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Warren,Shaelynn RainREQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Agg endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18