LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ronald-reagan">Ronald Reagan</a>&nbsp;and a conservative commentator, has died. He was 80.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced his death in a post on the social platform X on Tuesday, calling him “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.”

“Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals,” the foundation said.

His cause of death was not immediately announced.

Reagan was a contributor to the conservative Newsmax television network and was known for his talk radio program, “The Michael Reagan Show.”

Reagan was born to Irene Flaugher in 1945 and adopted just hours after his birth by Ronald Reagan and his then-wife, actor Jane Wyman.

The young Reagan followed in his parents’ footsteps.

After attending Arizona State University and Los Angeles Valley College, Reagan took up acting, built his syndicated radio show and authored several books, including two about his personal journey titled “On the Outside Looking in” and “Twice Adopted.”

Throughout his life, Reagan also focused his time on several charities, raising money in powerboat racing and serving as chair of the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation board for three years.

Ronald Reagan, who was known for trying to scale back government and devoting his presidency to winning the Cold War, died in 2004 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Michael Reagan pushed his father’s ideas forward as chair of the Reagan Legacy Foundation.

Michael Reagan’s second marriage was to Colleen Stearns, with whom he had two children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767738434098.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ronald-reagan">Ronald Reagan</a>&nbsp;and a conservative commentator, has died. He was 80.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/2aNEKvNJDr">pic.twitter.com/2aNEKvNJDr</a>&mdash; Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation &amp; Institute (@RonaldReagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonaldReagan/status/2008669652575248459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced his death in a post on the social platform X on Tuesday, calling him “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/2aNEKvNJDr">pic.twitter.com/2aNEKvNJDr</a>&mdash; Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation &amp; Institute (@RonaldReagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonaldReagan/status/2008669652575248459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals,” the foundation said.His cause of death was not immediately announced.Reagan was a contributor to the conservative Newsmax television network and was known for his talk radio program, “The Michael Reagan Show.”Reagan was born to Irene Flaugher in 1945 and adopted just hours after his birth by Ronald Reagan and his then-wife, actor Jane Wyman.The young Reagan followed in his parents’ footsteps.After attending Arizona State University and Los Angeles Valley College, Reagan took up acting, built his syndicated radio show and authored several books, including two about his personal journey titled “On the Outside Looking in” and “Twice Adopted.”Throughout his life, Reagan also focused his time on several charities, raising money in powerboat racing and serving as chair of the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation board for three years.Ronald Reagan, who was known for trying to scale back government and devoting his presidency to winning the Cold War, died in 2004 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Michael Reagan pushed his father’s ideas forward as chair of the Reagan Legacy Foundation.Michael Reagan’s second marriage was to Colleen Stearns, with whom he had two children.

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, dies at 80

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission voted&nbsp;during its Tuesday meeting to return the preliminary plat for Big Creek Third Addition to the Joint Ellis County Planning Commission for further review.

The project proposed by Adam Pray would be north of Reservation Road and include 14 residential lots and one stormwater retention lot.

Commissioners cited unresolved concerns involving stormwater drainage, lot sizes and zoning compliance, many of which were also raised by county residents during public comments.

"There are some inaccuracies that need to go back to the zoning commission and be corrected or addressed one way or another," Commissioner Michael Berges said.

Justin Craig, county environmental services director, opened the discussion by outlining concerns about the preliminary plat. He said he is working to secure an agreement with the Big Creek Sewer District before submitting a final application, as there will be no water septic systems.

James Graham, a Big Creek Estates resident, echoed those concerns, questioning the availability of water in the area.

"Water has been a long contentious point regarding any further development within Big Creek Estates," Graham said. "We all rely on domestic water wells for our drinking water and there is no provision of a plan for Ellis County or the city of Hays to provide residents with water if something were to cause an issue with our supply."

Commissioner Neal Younger suggested Big Creek Estates residents explore forming a rural water district or seeking water from the city of Hays. Graham said the city has shown no interest in doing so, based on informal inquiries.

Graham added existing Big Creek Estate residents are already facing high sewer fees, and additional costs for rural water would not be feasible at this time.

Graham said he supports a stormwater retention lot but the proposed design does not comply with county drainage regulations.

"Storm runoff from just about every lot in this plan would have to travel more than 400 feet and cross at least four adjacent lots to reach the retention area," he said.

The proposed lots vary in size from about 12,200 to 25,500 square feet.

Graham also raised concerns about whether the proposed roadway would remain private or be transferred to the county. He noted the planned cul-de-sac radius falls 15 feet short of county standards.

Randy Purdue of Kaw Valley Engineering said the cul-de-sac radius can be adjusted to meet the 75-foot requirement, and the roadway would remain private, with maintenance handled by Pray.

Purdue also addressed concerns about double-fronted lots and said the plat will be revised to limit direct access to existing city roads, including Reservation Road and Logan Drive.

The commission unanimously voted to send the preliminary plat back to the planning and zoning commission, along with a list of issues to be addressed at its Jan. 28 meeting.

Commissioners emphasized they were not denying or approving the preliminary plat.

The Ellis County District Court received approval to transfer $9,600 from opioid settlement funds to purchase a one-year license for a phone application that would be used to monitor up to 30 individuals released on supervised bond.

The commission also approved a resolution formally establishing weight limits on certain county-maintained bridges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission voted&nbsp;during its Tuesday meeting to return the preliminary plat for Big Creek Third Addition to the Joint Ellis County Planning Commission for further review.The project proposed by Adam Pray would be north of Reservation Road and include 14 residential lots and one stormwater retention lot.Commissioners cited unresolved concerns involving stormwater drainage, lot sizes and zoning compliance, many of which were also raised by county residents during public comments."There are some inaccuracies that need to go back to the zoning commission and be corrected or addressed one way or another," Commissioner Michael Berges said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767371045038.png" alt="Preliminary plat for Big Creek Estates 3rd Addition" />
 <figcaption>Preliminary plat for Big Creek Estates 3rd Addition</figcaption>
 </figure>Justin Craig, county environmental services director, opened the discussion by outlining concerns about the preliminary plat. He said he is working to secure an agreement with the Big Creek Sewer District before submitting a final application, as there will be no water septic systems.James Graham, a Big Creek Estates resident, echoed those concerns, questioning the availability of water in the area."Water has been a long contentious point regarding any further development within Big Creek Estates," Graham said. "We all rely on domestic water wells for our drinking water and there is no provision of a plan for Ellis County or the city of Hays to provide residents with water if something were to cause an issue with our supply."Commissioner Neal Younger suggested Big Creek Estates residents explore forming a rural water district or seeking water from the city of Hays. Graham said the city has shown no interest in doing so, based on informal inquiries.Graham added existing Big Creek Estate residents are already facing high sewer fees, and additional costs for rural water would not be feasible at this time.Graham said he supports a stormwater retention lot but the proposed design does not comply with county drainage regulations."Storm runoff from just about every lot in this plan would have to travel more than 400 feet and cross at least four adjacent lots to reach the retention area," he said.The proposed lots vary in size from about 12,200 to 25,500 square feet.Graham also raised concerns about whether the proposed roadway would remain private or be transferred to the county. He noted the planned cul-de-sac radius falls 15 feet short of county standards.Randy Purdue of Kaw Valley Engineering said the cul-de-sac radius can be adjusted to meet the 75-foot requirement, and the roadway would remain private, with maintenance handled by Pray.Purdue also addressed concerns about double-fronted lots and said the plat will be revised to limit direct access to existing city roads, including Reservation Road and Logan Drive.The commission unanimously voted to send the preliminary plat back to the planning and zoning commission, along with a list of issues to be addressed at its Jan. 28 meeting.Commissioners emphasized they were not denying or approving the preliminary plat.<h2>Other business</h2>The Ellis County District Court received approval to transfer $9,600 from opioid settlement funds to purchase a one-year license for a phone application that would be used to monitor up to 30 individuals released on supervised bond.The commission also approved a resolution formally establishing weight limits on certain county-maintained bridges.

Ellis County Commission sends housing development plat back to planning commission

Fort Hays State (10-3, 2-2 MIAA) at Nebraska-Kearney (6-7, 0-4 MIAA) Tuesday, January 6 • 7:30 p.m. Kearney, Neb. • Health and Sports Center

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

Fort Hays State travels north to Kearney on Tuesday night for its first of two meetings in the regular season with Nebraska-Kearney. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Health and Sports Center. The Tigers enter on a five-game win streak with an overall record of 10-3 and MIAA mark of 2-2. UNK is 6-7 overall and 0-4 in the MIAA.

The Tigers are coming off a thrilling 67-65 win over Missouri Western on Saturday. Down 14 points in the second half, the Tigers chipped away and edged the Griffons late on a runner by Lucas Hammeke with four seconds to go. Dan Mukuna led the way for FHSU with 21 points, while Kyle Grill had 17, Jahvari Martino had 11, and Hammeke finished with 10. The result pulled the Tigers back to even in conference play and up to a tie for sixth in the conference standings, while handing the Griffons their first loss in conference play.

The Lopers are coming off a 100-94 loss to Northwest Missouri State back on Saturday and are still in search of their first win of the season. It was their closest result in MIAA play so far this season, but they are allowing 98.8 points per game in their four conference losses so far. The Lopers are 4-2 on their home floor so far this season, but three of the four wins have been by five points or less.

Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney split the regular season series in 2024-25 with both teams winning at home. The Tigers won 79-57 in Hays before the Lopers won 85-63 in Kearney, each team posting a 22-point win. The result in Kearney last year, which ended regular season play, snapped an 8-game win streak by the Tigers in the series which dated back to 2020-21. In that 8-game streak by the Tigers, they held the Lopers to 70 points or less in all eight games (under 60 six times), but saw that string also snapped in the loss in Kearney last year. FHSU had won three-straight meetings between the teams in Kearney prior to last season's loss.

The Tigers are 3-2 in road games so far this season, but all three wins were in non-conference play against RMAC teams. However, the two losses were to current No. 1 nationally ranked Washburn and a receiving votes Central Missouri team.

Fort Hays State has been playing its usual brand of tough defense and ranks second nationally in both scoring defense (58.6 ppg) and field goal percentage defense (.367). The Tigers rank sixth nationally in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.262). The Tigers have held seven of 13 opponents inside of 60 points this season.

Mukuna continues to lead the team in scoring (18.7 ppg) and rebounding (7.2 rpg). He has scored at least 20 points in four-straight games. He averaged 21.5 points per game in the two wins in Hays last week. Grill averages 13.6 points per game and Martino adds 11.4 per game. Martino has scored in double figures in five-straight games and reached 20 points twice in that span.

Ja'Bryant Hill leads the Lopers in scoring at 17.6 points per game, while adding 5.7 assists per game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767705128723.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (10-3, 2-2 MIAA) at Nebraska-Kearney (6-7, 0-4 MIAA) Tuesday, January 6 • 7:30 p.m. Kearney, Neb. • Health and Sports CenterRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State travels north to Kearney on Tuesday night for its first of two meetings in the regular season with Nebraska-Kearney. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Health and Sports Center. The Tigers enter on a five-game win streak with an overall record of 10-3 and MIAA mark of 2-2. UNK is 6-7 overall and 0-4 in the MIAA.The Tigers are coming off a thrilling 67-65 win over Missouri Western on Saturday. Down 14 points in the second half, the Tigers chipped away and edged the Griffons late on a runner by Lucas Hammeke with four seconds to go. Dan Mukuna led the way for FHSU with 21 points, while Kyle Grill had 17, Jahvari Martino had 11, and Hammeke finished with 10. The result pulled the Tigers back to even in conference play and up to a tie for sixth in the conference standings, while handing the Griffons their first loss in conference play.The Lopers are coming off a 100-94 loss to Northwest Missouri State back on Saturday and are still in search of their first win of the season. It was their closest result in MIAA play so far this season, but they are allowing 98.8 points per game in their four conference losses so far. The Lopers are 4-2 on their home floor so far this season, but three of the four wins have been by five points or less.Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney split the regular season series in 2024-25 with both teams winning at home. The Tigers won 79-57 in Hays before the Lopers won 85-63 in Kearney, each team posting a 22-point win. The result in Kearney last year, which ended regular season play, snapped an 8-game win streak by the Tigers in the series which dated back to 2020-21. In that 8-game streak by the Tigers, they held the Lopers to 70 points or less in all eight games (under 60 six times), but saw that string also snapped in the loss in Kearney last year. FHSU had won three-straight meetings between the teams in Kearney prior to last season's loss.The Tigers are 3-2 in road games so far this season, but all three wins were in non-conference play against RMAC teams. However, the two losses were to current No. 1 nationally ranked Washburn and a receiving votes Central Missouri team.Fort Hays State has been playing its usual brand of tough defense and ranks second nationally in both scoring defense (58.6 ppg) and field goal percentage defense (.367). The Tigers rank sixth nationally in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.262). The Tigers have held seven of 13 opponents inside of 60 points this season.Mukuna continues to lead the team in scoring (18.7 ppg) and rebounding (7.2 rpg). He has scored at least 20 points in four-straight games. He averaged 21.5 points per game in the two wins in Hays last week. Grill averages 13.6 points per game and Martino adds 11.4 per game. Martino has scored in double figures in five-straight games and reached 20 points twice in that span.Ja'Bryant Hill leads the Lopers in scoring at 17.6 points per game, while adding 5.7 assists per game.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: Tigers begin four-game road swing at Nebraska-Kearney Tuesday

<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-bauder">DAVID BAUDER</a> Associated Press

In the wake of last weekend’s U.S. military action in Venezuela, the news media got something it has seldom heard from the Trump administration: a “thank you.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio credited news organizations that had learned in advance about Saturday’s strike that led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328">capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;with not putting the mission in jeopardy by publicly reporting on it before it happened.

Rubio’s acknowledgment was particularly noteworthy because Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has cited a mistrust of journalists’ ability to responsibly handle sensitive information as one of the chief reasons for imposing restrictive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-press-access-hegseth-trump-restrictions-5d9c2a63e4e03b91fc1546bb09ffbf12">new press rules</a>&nbsp;on Pentagon reporters. Most mainstream news organizations have left posts in the Pentagon rather than agree to Hegseth’s policy.

Speaking on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, Rubio said the Republican administration withheld information about the mission from Congress ahead of time because “it will leak. It’s as simple as that.” But the primary reason was operational security, he said.

“Frankly, a number of media outlets had gotten leaks that this was coming and held it for that very reason,” Rubio said. “And we thank them for doing that or lives could have been lost. American lives.”

Semafor, citing “people familiar with communications between the administration and news organizations,” reported that The New York Times and The Washington Post had both learned of the raid in advance but held off reporting on it to avoid endangering U.S. military personnel. Representatives for both outlets declined to comment to The Associated Press on Monday.

Withholding information on a planned mission for that reason is routine for news organizations, said Dana Priest, a longtime national security reporter at the Post who now teaches at the University of Maryland. Even after the fact, the Post has asked government authorities about whether revealing certain details could endanger people, she said.

When The Atlantic magazine editor Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-signal-classified-information-308e7a81d70d6233c06a1f7330ae3004">included in a text chain</a>&nbsp;last spring where Hegseth revealed information about a military attack in Yemen, the journalist did not report on the events until well after U.S. personnel was out of danger and the information had been thoroughly checked out.

Most Americans learned of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e">the Venezuela attack</a>&nbsp;in the predawn hours of Saturday when President Donald Trump announced it on his Truth Social platform upon completion.

While The Associated Press did not have advance word that the operation would happen, its journalists in Venezuela heard and observed explosions taking place there, and that was reported on the news wire more than two hours before Trump’s announcement. The U.S. involvement was not made clear until Trump’s post, however.

Decisions on publication have many dimensions

Hegseth, in defending rules that restrict reporters’ movements and reporting in the Pentagon, told Fox News last year that “we have expectations that you’re not soliciting classified or sensitive information.” The Times last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-press-access-new-york-times-lawsuit-4902b47079139202a906921e6c685a80">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking to overturn the rules.

“What the so-called legacy Pentagon press corps has demonstrated is it can act responsibly, as it always has, to protect troops’ lives,” said Barbara Starr, a former CNN defense correspondent. “But even more important perhaps is it demonstrates the media makes every effort to continue to cover the news outside of Pete Hegseth’s control and endless message points.”

Decisions on whether to report information that could put lives or a mission in danger often involve high-level discussions between editors and government officials. But Priest stressed that in a country with freedom of the press, the ultimate decision on whether to report the information lies with the news organization.

Generations ago, President John F. Kennedy persuaded editors at the Times not to report when it learned in advance of a U.S.-backed attack by Cuban exiles on Fidel Castro’s forces at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba. The mission proved a monumental failure, and a Times editor, Bill Keller, later said that Kennedy expressed regret that the newspaper had not reported on what it had known because it could have prevented a fiasco.

Many mainstream journalists covering the military and national security have extensive experience dealing with sensitive issues, Priest said. But there’s a difference, she said, between reporting information that could put someone in danger and that which could prove embarrassing to an administration.

“The reporters are not going to be deterred by a ridiculously broad censorship edict by the Trump administration,” Priest said. “They’re going to dig in and work even harder. Their mission is not to curry favor with the Trump administration. It’s to report information to the public.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767463872878.png" alt="Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump during a press conference on Sunday -image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump during a press conference on Sunday -image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-bauder">DAVID BAUDER</a> Associated PressIn the wake of last weekend’s U.S. military action in Venezuela, the news media got something it has seldom heard from the Trump administration: a “thank you.”Secretary of State Marco Rubio credited news organizations that had learned in advance about Saturday’s strike that led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328">capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;with not putting the mission in jeopardy by publicly reporting on it before it happened.Rubio’s acknowledgment was particularly noteworthy because Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has cited a mistrust of journalists’ ability to responsibly handle sensitive information as one of the chief reasons for imposing restrictive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-press-access-hegseth-trump-restrictions-5d9c2a63e4e03b91fc1546bb09ffbf12">new press rules</a>&nbsp;on Pentagon reporters. Most mainstream news organizations have left posts in the Pentagon rather than agree to Hegseth’s policy.Speaking on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, Rubio said the Republican administration withheld information about the mission from Congress ahead of time because “it will leak. It’s as simple as that.” But the primary reason was operational security, he said.“Frankly, a number of media outlets had gotten leaks that this was coming and held it for that very reason,” Rubio said. “And we thank them for doing that or lives could have been lost. American lives.”<h2>Advance word got out</h2>Semafor, citing “people familiar with communications between the administration and news organizations,” reported that The New York Times and The Washington Post had both learned of the raid in advance but held off reporting on it to avoid endangering U.S. military personnel. Representatives for both outlets declined to comment to The Associated Press on Monday.Withholding information on a planned mission for that reason is routine for news organizations, said Dana Priest, a longtime national security reporter at the Post who now teaches at the University of Maryland. Even after the fact, the Post has asked government authorities about whether revealing certain details could endanger people, she said.When The Atlantic magazine editor Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-signal-classified-information-308e7a81d70d6233c06a1f7330ae3004">included in a text chain</a>&nbsp;last spring where Hegseth revealed information about a military attack in Yemen, the journalist did not report on the events until well after U.S. personnel was out of danger and the information had been thoroughly checked out.Most Americans learned of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e">the Venezuela attack</a>&nbsp;in the predawn hours of Saturday when President Donald Trump announced it on his Truth Social platform upon completion.While The Associated Press did not have advance word that the operation would happen, its journalists in Venezuela heard and observed explosions taking place there, and that was reported on the news wire more than two hours before Trump’s announcement. The U.S. involvement was not made clear until Trump’s post, however.<h2>Decisions on publication have many dimensions</h2>Hegseth, in defending rules that restrict reporters’ movements and reporting in the Pentagon, told Fox News last year that “we have expectations that you’re not soliciting classified or sensitive information.” The Times last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-press-access-new-york-times-lawsuit-4902b47079139202a906921e6c685a80">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking to overturn the rules.“What the so-called legacy Pentagon press corps has demonstrated is it can act responsibly, as it always has, to protect troops’ lives,” said Barbara Starr, a former CNN defense correspondent. “But even more important perhaps is it demonstrates the media makes every effort to continue to cover the news outside of Pete Hegseth’s control and endless message points.”Decisions on whether to report information that could put lives or a mission in danger often involve high-level discussions between editors and government officials. But Priest stressed that in a country with freedom of the press, the ultimate decision on whether to report the information lies with the news organization.Generations ago, President John F. Kennedy persuaded editors at the Times not to report when it learned in advance of a U.S.-backed attack by Cuban exiles on Fidel Castro’s forces at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba. The mission proved a monumental failure, and a Times editor, Bill Keller, later said that Kennedy expressed regret that the newspaper had not reported on what it had known because it could have prevented a fiasco.Many mainstream journalists covering the military and national security have extensive experience dealing with sensitive issues, Priest said. But there’s a difference, she said, between reporting information that could put someone in danger and that which could prove embarrassing to an administration.“The reporters are not going to be deterred by a ridiculously broad censorship edict by the Trump administration,” Priest said. “They’re going to dig in and work even harder. Their mission is not to curry favor with the Trump administration. It’s to report information to the public.”___

Trump admin. thanks the media for keeping quiet before the strike that captured Maduro

Nancy Gaines Holland, 85, of
Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 at her home with her sons
by her side.

Nancy was born January 2,
1941, in Joplin, Missouri to Eugene and Emma Gaines.&nbsp; She grew up in
Joplin alongside her twin brother, Gene, forming a close family bond that
remained important throughout her life.&nbsp; Nancy graduated from Joplin High
School in the Class of 1959.&nbsp; She then attended Kansas University where
she obtained a degree in education.

Nancy met, fell in love, and
was united in marriage to Michael Shaffer Holland on February 5, 1972 in Kansas
City, Kansas.&nbsp; This union was blessed with two sons; Michael II and
Gene.&nbsp; They made their home in Russell.&nbsp; Michael preceded her in
death on June 7, 2007.

Shortly after graduation from
KU, she taught elementary school in Kansas City, Kansas for four years before
moving to Russell. She resumed her teaching at the Trinity United Methodist
church as a Sunday school teacher in Russell and taught many children over the
years. 

Nancy’s professional career
included being the CEO of NGH Operations and Manager of Holland Farms. 

Her community was her main
focus in life, where she served on the Russell City Council for over 12
years.&nbsp; Nancy was a Co-Founder of Russell Main Street and lead the
revitalization of downtown and Lamp Post project. Nancy and Mike were lifelong
supporters of the Holland Fund for Russell Regional Hospital and she was a
Co-Chair of the Campaign for Excellence to build the Physicians Clinic. Founder
of the Friends of Deines Cultural Center nonprofit organization, as she
inspired many young artists with her own artistic talents she used throughout
the years in fine arts, architectural and landscape design. She served on the
Russell Community Theatre board and was a major sponsor of the Ad Astra Concert
Series. Nancy was active with the Post Rock Family Services and was a member of
the local P.E.O Chapter HD. She supported the Bronco Vocational Training Fund
with the Russell High School, the Nancy Holland Fund For The Arts with USD 407,
and was very active in the Russell County Area Community Foundation.&nbsp; She
served on the Russell County Hospital Board, the Russell Chamber of Commerce
board and received the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Nancy’s surviving family
include her two sons, Michael Shaffer Holland, II (Nadia) of Russell, Kansas
and Gene Gaines Holland (Mary) of Golden, Colorado; four grandchildren, Elsie
Holland, Cole Michael Holland, Zane Colvin and Jack Colvin.

Nancy was preceded in death
by her parents; husband Michael; and twin brother, Gene Gaines.

Nancy Gaines Holland will be
remembered for her loving spirit and unwavering commitment to her family and
community. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the
communities she strengthened, and the family she loved.

Celebration of Nancy’s Life
will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Trinity United Methodist
Church of Russell.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.&nbsp;
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with R.C.A.C.F.&nbsp;
Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary,
who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767713494763.jpeg" alt="Nancy Gaines Holland" />
 <figcaption>Nancy Gaines Holland</figcaption>
 </figure>Nancy Gaines Holland, 85, of
Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 at her home with her sons
by her side.Nancy was born January 2,
1941, in Joplin, Missouri to Eugene and Emma Gaines.&nbsp; She grew up in
Joplin alongside her twin brother, Gene, forming a close family bond that
remained important throughout her life.&nbsp; Nancy graduated from Joplin High
School in the Class of 1959.&nbsp; She then attended Kansas University where
she obtained a degree in education.Nancy met, fell in love, and
was united in marriage to Michael Shaffer Holland on February 5, 1972 in Kansas
City, Kansas.&nbsp; This union was blessed with two sons; Michael II and
Gene.&nbsp; They made their home in Russell.&nbsp; Michael preceded her in
death on June 7, 2007.Shortly after graduation from
KU, she taught elementary school in Kansas City, Kansas for four years before
moving to Russell. She resumed her teaching at the Trinity United Methodist
church as a Sunday school teacher in Russell and taught many children over the
years. Nancy’s professional career
included being the CEO of NGH Operations and Manager of Holland Farms. Her community was her main
focus in life, where she served on the Russell City Council for over 12
years.&nbsp; Nancy was a Co-Founder of Russell Main Street and lead the
revitalization of downtown and Lamp Post project. Nancy and Mike were lifelong
supporters of the Holland Fund for Russell Regional Hospital and she was a
Co-Chair of the Campaign for Excellence to build the Physicians Clinic. Founder
of the Friends of Deines Cultural Center nonprofit organization, as she
inspired many young artists with her own artistic talents she used throughout
the years in fine arts, architectural and landscape design. She served on the
Russell Community Theatre board and was a major sponsor of the Ad Astra Concert
Series. Nancy was active with the Post Rock Family Services and was a member of
the local P.E.O Chapter HD. She supported the Bronco Vocational Training Fund
with the Russell High School, the Nancy Holland Fund For The Arts with USD 407,
and was very active in the Russell County Area Community Foundation.&nbsp; She
served on the Russell County Hospital Board, the Russell Chamber of Commerce
board and received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Nancy’s surviving family
include her two sons, Michael Shaffer Holland, II (Nadia) of Russell, Kansas
and Gene Gaines Holland (Mary) of Golden, Colorado; four grandchildren, Elsie
Holland, Cole Michael Holland, Zane Colvin and Jack Colvin.Nancy was preceded in death
by her parents; husband Michael; and twin brother, Gene Gaines.Nancy Gaines Holland will be
remembered for her loving spirit and unwavering commitment to her family and
community. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the
communities she strengthened, and the family she loved.Celebration of Nancy’s Life
will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Trinity United Methodist
Church of Russell.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.&nbsp;
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with R.C.A.C.F.&nbsp;
Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary,
who is in charge of these arrangements.

Nancy Gaines Holland

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

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. flu infections surged over the holidays, and health officials are calling it a severe season that is likely to get worse.

New government&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-52.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;posted Monday — for flu activity through the week of Christmas — showed that by some measures this season is already surpassing the flu epidemic of last winter, one of the harshest in recent history.

The data was released the same day that the Trump administration said it will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccine-schedule-trump-rfk-hhs-9b8df9e2767c1261aaac4e2331e77fa3">no longer recommend</a>&nbsp;flu shots and some other types of vaccines for all children.

Forty-five states were reporting high or very high flu activity during the week of Christmas, up from 30 states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flu-subclade-k-cdc-vaccine-ca9bd270ca70602775168b0b651e3b2a">the week before</a>.

The higher numbers appear to be driven by the type of flu that’s been spreading, public health experts say.

One type of flu virus, called A H3N2, historically has caused the most hospitalizations and deaths in older people. So far this season, that’s the type most frequently reported. Even more concerning, more than 90% of the H3N2 infections analyzed were a new version — known as the subclade K variant — that differs from the strain in this year’s flu shots.

Flu seasons often don’t peak until January or February, so it’s too early to know how big a problem that mismatch will be.

“The fact that we’ve seen steady increases over the last several weeks without much of a decline or even a flattening would suggest to me that we’ve got the peak ahead of us,” said Dr. Robert Hopkins, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Last flu season was bad, with the overall flu hospitalization rate the highest since the H1N1 flu pandemic 15 years ago.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flu-deaths-children-cdc-e79b1e4169d629ad4bc1095d95d82110">Child flu deaths</a>&nbsp;reached 288, the worst recorded for regular U.S. flu season.

Nine pediatric flu deaths have been reported so far this season. For children, the percentage of emergency department visits due to flu has already surpassed the highest mark seen during the 2024-2025 season.

Hopkins said H3N2 typically hits older adults hardest, and rising rates among children and young adults suggest a severe flu season across all age groups.

Another ominous sign: The percentage of doctor’s office and medical clinic visits that were due to flu-like illness also was higher late last month than at any point during the previous flu season.

Deaths and hospitalizations have not reached last year’s levels, but those are lagging indicators, Hopkins noted.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths from flu have already occurred this season.

US government dials back vaccine recommendations

Public health experts recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual influenza vaccine.

But federal health officials on Monday announced they will no longer recommend flu vaccinations for U.S. children, saying it’s a decision parents and patients should make in consultation with their doctors.

However, flu vaccine will continue to be fully covered by private insurers and federal programs, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Vaccines for Children program, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said.

COVID-19 infections also have been rising,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/surveillance/index.html" target="_blank">other federal data</a>&nbsp;show, though so far this winter they remain less common than flu. The Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-pregnant-women-children-70c358cad726e57d680234c3ecdec926">stopped recommending</a>&nbsp;COVID-19 shots for healthy children last year.

Hopkins voiced concern about a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/sho25005.pdf" target="_blank">federal notice</a>&nbsp;posted last week that said government Medicaid programs, which pay for medical services for low-income families, will no longer have to report on immunization rates.

CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/dashboard/adult-coverage.html" target="_blank">survey data</a>&nbsp;suggests that U.S. flu vaccination rates are about the same as last year. But the Medicaid data — for flu as well as measles and other bugs — is a more comprehensive look at children who are at higher risk for many diseases, he said.

Federal health officials framed the move as part of an effort to distance how Medicaid doctors are rated and paid from how often they provided childhood vaccinations.

“Government bureaucracies should never coerce doctors or families into accepting vaccines or penalize physicians for respecting patient choice,” wrote Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-kennedy-trump-health-hhs-maha-5e1e9e3208c42b6a185facad26e3b457">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, who was a leading voice in the anti-vaccine community before President Donald Trump put him in charge of federal health agencies.

“That practice ends now,” Kennedy wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecKennedy/status/2006454741061038214?s=20" target="_blank">on social media</a>&nbsp;last week.

But Hopkins said the move will “eliminate a major source of data” that allows communities to assess efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

“This is a disastrous plan,” he added.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767660552159.png" alt="Most recent flu map from the CDC" />
 <figcaption>Most recent flu map from the CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mike-stobbe">MIKE STOBBE</a>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. flu infections surged over the holidays, and health officials are calling it a severe season that is likely to get worse.New government&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-52.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;posted Monday — for flu activity through the week of Christmas — showed that by some measures this season is already surpassing the flu epidemic of last winter, one of the harshest in recent history.The data was released the same day that the Trump administration said it will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccine-schedule-trump-rfk-hhs-9b8df9e2767c1261aaac4e2331e77fa3">no longer recommend</a>&nbsp;flu shots and some other types of vaccines for all children.Forty-five states were reporting high or very high flu activity during the week of Christmas, up from 30 states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flu-subclade-k-cdc-vaccine-ca9bd270ca70602775168b0b651e3b2a">the week before</a>.The higher numbers appear to be driven by the type of flu that’s been spreading, public health experts say.One type of flu virus, called A H3N2, historically has caused the most hospitalizations and deaths in older people. So far this season, that’s the type most frequently reported. Even more concerning, more than 90% of the H3N2 infections analyzed were a new version — known as the subclade K variant — that differs from the strain in this year’s flu shots.Flu seasons often don’t peak until January or February, so it’s too early to know how big a problem that mismatch will be.“The fact that we’ve seen steady increases over the last several weeks without much of a decline or even a flattening would suggest to me that we’ve got the peak ahead of us,” said Dr. Robert Hopkins, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.<h2>The second bad flu season in a row</h2>Last flu season was bad, with the overall flu hospitalization rate the highest since the H1N1 flu pandemic 15 years ago.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flu-deaths-children-cdc-e79b1e4169d629ad4bc1095d95d82110">Child flu deaths</a>&nbsp;reached 288, the worst recorded for regular U.S. flu season.Nine pediatric flu deaths have been reported so far this season. For children, the percentage of emergency department visits due to flu has already surpassed the highest mark seen during the 2024-2025 season.Hopkins said H3N2 typically hits older adults hardest, and rising rates among children and young adults suggest a severe flu season across all age groups.Another ominous sign: The percentage of doctor’s office and medical clinic visits that were due to flu-like illness also was higher late last month than at any point during the previous flu season.Deaths and hospitalizations have not reached last year’s levels, but those are lagging indicators, Hopkins noted.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths from flu have already occurred this season.<h2>US government dials back vaccine recommendations</h2>Public health experts recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual influenza vaccine.But federal health officials on Monday announced they will no longer recommend flu vaccinations for U.S. children, saying it’s a decision parents and patients should make in consultation with their doctors.However, flu vaccine will continue to be fully covered by private insurers and federal programs, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Vaccines for Children program, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said.COVID-19 infections also have been rising,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/surveillance/index.html" target="_blank">other federal data</a>&nbsp;show, though so far this winter they remain less common than flu. The Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-pregnant-women-children-70c358cad726e57d680234c3ecdec926">stopped recommending</a>&nbsp;COVID-19 shots for healthy children last year.<h2>US will stop collecting Medicaid data</h2>Hopkins voiced concern about a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/sho25005.pdf" target="_blank">federal notice</a>&nbsp;posted last week that said government Medicaid programs, which pay for medical services for low-income families, will no longer have to report on immunization rates.CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/dashboard/adult-coverage.html" target="_blank">survey data</a>&nbsp;suggests that U.S. flu vaccination rates are about the same as last year. But the Medicaid data — for flu as well as measles and other bugs — is a more comprehensive look at children who are at higher risk for many diseases, he said.Federal health officials framed the move as part of an effort to distance how Medicaid doctors are rated and paid from how often they provided childhood vaccinations.“Government bureaucracies should never coerce doctors or families into accepting vaccines or penalize physicians for respecting patient choice,” wrote Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-kennedy-trump-health-hhs-maha-5e1e9e3208c42b6a185facad26e3b457">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, who was a leading voice in the anti-vaccine community before President Donald Trump put him in charge of federal health agencies.“That practice ends now,” Kennedy wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecKennedy/status/2006454741061038214?s=20" target="_blank">on social media</a>&nbsp;last week.But Hopkins said the move will “eliminate a major source of data” that allows communities to assess efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.“This is a disastrous plan,” he added.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Kansas among states reporting high or very high flu activity

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

CASA of the High Plains has set a Neon Moon Sweetheart Country Prom for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.

The event will raise funds for the local Court Appointed Special Advocates program, which provides volunteers who give a voice to children in need of care in court.

The event's cocktail hour will start at 6 p.m., with a silent auction at 7 p.m. and a country-themed dance with a DJ at 8 p.m.

A cash bar will be offered. This is a 21-and-older event.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at <a href="https://casaofthehighplains.org/">casaofthehighplains.org</a>.

Tickets are $50 each or $90 per couple. Sponsorship packages are available, all of which include drinks and some offer discounted rooms at the Hilton.

These packages can be found on the <a href="https://casaofthehighplains.org/">CASA website</a>.

CASA is still accepting sponsorships for the event and donations for the silent auction. You can contact CASA at 785-628-8641&nbsp;or email&nbsp;info@casaofthehighplains.org&nbsp;for more information.

Traditionally, CASA had sponsored an annual Valentine's dinner fundraiser. However, the organization has not had that event for several years.

Jan Johnson, CASA director, said this event is a resurrection of the group's winter fundraiser.

Johnson said she imagines an '80s or '90s country theme, but she has friends coming in all sorts of attire, from boots and jeans to prom dresses.

CASA is a nonprofit organization and receives no federal funds. It receives two small state grants and a small annual grant from the county. The remainder of the organization's operating costs are funded through local donations.

CASA of the High Plains covers the four counties of the 23rd Judicial District: Gove, Trego, Rooks and Ellis counties, with the majority of cases originating from Ellis County.

Court Appointed Special Advocates serve as a voice for children in court. They are trained volunteers who meet with all of the parties involved when a child is in state custody.&nbsp;

After conducting an independent investigation, which includes building a relationship and speaking with the child, the advocate writes a report and submits a recommendation to the court regarding the child's custody.

"When you put it down in black and white and make a nice bullet point timeline, what has happened to this child since the case came into care, generally about the time they hit kindergarten ... especially if you can get a direct letter from the child about what their experience has been, it can really clear things up," Johnson said. "The CASA is the one who gets that done."

Johnson said some of the children who finally receive CASAs are teenagers and still in the system.

"Being a child, a teenager, is tough enough. It's a pretty rough time of life. Everything is happening to you. You aren't in charge of anything," Johnson said. "It truly does set the tone for the rest of your life. This is where and how changes get made."

In 2024, the latest year for which complete statistics are available, the 23rd Judicial District had 99 new child-in-need-of-care cases.

"Here all the time, 'Kids today, kids today.' But kids today are the direct result of adults today," she said. "There are so many people who are in positions to make a change for a kid, and they just don't.

"Something is holding them back from being the one to step up for a kid."

CASA's work was slowed during the pandemic.

However, CASA went from two cases two years ago to 26 cases during the last two years and 15 of those cases were resolved.

"Over and over on the cases we have closed, it was the CASA who made the difference in the case," Johnson said.

Johnson said the local CASA chapter has had a high rate of resolution for children, which she credited to the excellent volunteers working on those cases.

County attorneys, case workers and others will come and go, but the CASA is a consistent person in the child's life throughout the court case. The CASA maintains regular contact with the child even when the child is not in court, Johnson said.

The local CASA chapter is in need of more volunteers to work as advocate and in support roles, Johnson said.

The local CASA chapter has four advocates with three more in training.

You don't need any legal training to become a CASA. You have to submit to a background check and complete 35 to 40 hours of training.

When a volunteer first takes a case, they might volunteer 15 to 20 hours in a month. Later in the cases, volunteers may be needed for only three hours per month, Johnson said.

Volunteers can take breaks between cases.

Volunteers are also needed for the local CASA board and to serve on committees, which could include working on a single event.

The CASA board is planning another event in the spring based on Child Abuse Prevention Month.

You can donate to CASA&nbsp;at any time by visiting the&nbsp;<a href="https://casaofthehighplains.org/" target="_blank">CASA website</a>&nbsp;or by&nbsp;mailing checks to 107 W. 13th, Hays, KS 67601.

"Your dollar given goes directly to serving these kids," Johnson said. "This organization is on a shoestring. There's not a lot of overhead here."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767645227843.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostCASA of the High Plains has set a Neon Moon Sweetheart Country Prom for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.The event will raise funds for the local Court Appointed Special Advocates program, which provides volunteers who give a voice to children in need of care in court.The event's cocktail hour will start at 6 p.m., with a silent auction at 7 p.m. and a country-themed dance with a DJ at 8 p.m.A cash bar will be offered. This is a 21-and-older event.Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at <a href="https://casaofthehighplains.org/">casaofthehighplains.org</a>.Tickets are $50 each or $90 per couple. Sponsorship packages are available, all of which include drinks and some offer discounted rooms at the Hilton.These packages can be found on the <a href="https://casaofthehighplains.org/">CASA website</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693941063022.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CASA is still accepting sponsorships for the event and donations for the silent auction. You can contact CASA at 785-628-8641&nbsp;or email&nbsp;info@casaofthehighplains.org&nbsp;for more information.Traditionally, CASA had sponsored an annual Valentine's dinner fundraiser. However, the organization has not had that event for several years.Jan Johnson, CASA director, said this event is a resurrection of the group's winter fundraiser.Johnson said she imagines an '80s or '90s country theme, but she has friends coming in all sorts of attire, from boots and jeans to prom dresses.CASA is a nonprofit organization and receives no federal funds. It receives two small state grants and a small annual grant from the county. The remainder of the organization's operating costs are funded through local donations.CASA of the High Plains covers the four counties of the 23rd Judicial District: Gove, Trego, Rooks and Ellis counties, with the majority of cases originating from Ellis County.Court Appointed Special Advocates serve as a voice for children in court. They are trained volunteers who meet with all of the parties involved when a child is in state custody.&nbsp;After conducting an independent investigation, which includes building a relationship and speaking with the child, the advocate writes a report and submits a recommendation to the court regarding the child's custody."When you put it down in black and white and make a nice bullet point timeline, what has happened to this child since the case came into care, generally about the time they hit kindergarten ... especially if you can get a direct letter from the child about what their experience has been, it can really clear things up," Johnson said. "The CASA is the one who gets that done."Johnson said some of the children who finally receive CASAs are teenagers and still in the system."Being a child, a teenager, is tough enough. It's a pretty rough time of life. Everything is happening to you. You aren't in charge of anything," Johnson said. "It truly does set the tone for the rest of your life. This is where and how changes get made."In 2024, the latest year for which complete statistics are available, the 23rd Judicial District had 99 new child-in-need-of-care cases."Here all the time, 'Kids today, kids today.' But kids today are the direct result of adults today," she said. "There are so many people who are in positions to make a change for a kid, and they just don't."Something is holding them back from being the one to step up for a kid."CASA's work was slowed during the pandemic.However, CASA went from two cases two years ago to 26 cases during the last two years and 15 of those cases were resolved."Over and over on the cases we have closed, it was the CASA who made the difference in the case," Johnson said.Johnson said the local CASA chapter has had a high rate of resolution for children, which she credited to the excellent volunteers working on those cases.County attorneys, case workers and others will come and go, but the CASA is a consistent person in the child's life throughout the court case. The CASA maintains regular contact with the child even when the child is not in court, Johnson said.The local CASA chapter is in need of more volunteers to work as advocate and in support roles, Johnson said.The local CASA chapter has four advocates with three more in training.You don't need any legal training to become a CASA. You have to submit to a background check and complete 35 to 40 hours of training.When a volunteer first takes a case, they might volunteer 15 to 20 hours in a month. Later in the cases, volunteers may be needed for only three hours per month, Johnson said.Volunteers can take breaks between cases.Volunteers are also needed for the local CASA board and to serve on committees, which could include working on a single event.The CASA board is planning another event in the spring based on Child Abuse Prevention Month.You can donate to CASA&nbsp;at any time by visiting the&nbsp;<a href="https://casaofthehighplains.org/" target="_blank">CASA website</a>&nbsp;or by&nbsp;mailing checks to 107 W. 13th, Hays, KS 67601."Your dollar given goes directly to serving these kids," Johnson said. "This organization is on a shoestring. There's not a lot of overhead here."

CASA sets Sweetheart Country Prom fundraiser to support advocacy for children

NEW YORK (AP) — A defiant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-trump-military-operation-85041a1ec03bafe839b785a95169d694">Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;declared himself "the president of my country” as he protested his capture and pleaded not guilty Monday to federal drug trafficking charges that the Trump administration used to justify removing him from power in Venezuela.

“I was captured,” Maduro said in Spanish as translated by a courtroom reporter before being cut off by the judge. Asked later for his plea to the charges, he stated: "I’m innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country.”

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1422326/dl">Click here to read the new indictment</a>&nbsp;against Maduro and his wife

The courtroom appearance, Maduro's first since he and his wife were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-presidential-palace-blowtorches-7969152ae48510003fe9cbde92f3c102">seized from their home</a>&nbsp;in a stunning middle-of-the-night military operation, kicked off the U.S. government’s most consequential prosecution in decades of a foreign head of state. The criminal case in Manhattan is unfolding against a broader diplomatic backdrop of an audacious U.S.-engineered regime change that President Donald Trump has said will enable his administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-trump-military-operation-85041a1ec03bafe839b785a95169d694">to “run” the South American country.</a>Pro

Maduro was led into court along with his co-defendant wife just before noon for the brief legal proceeding. Both put on headsets to hear the English-language proceeding as it was translated into Spanish.

The couple was transported to the Manhattan courthouse under armed guard early Monday from the Brooklyn jail where they've been detained since arriving in the U.S. on Saturday.

As a criminal defendant in the U.S. legal system, Maduro will have the same rights as any other person accused of a crime — including the right to a trial by a jury of regular New Yorkers. But he’ll also be nearly — but not quite — unique.

The stakes were made clear from the outset as Maduro, who took copious notes throughout the proceedings and wished a Happy New Year to reporters in court, repeatedly pressed his case that he had been unlawfully abducted.

“I am here kidnapped," Maduro said. “I was captured at my home in Caracas.”

U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a 92-year-old jurist who was appointed to the federal bench in 1998 by Bill Clinton, interrupted him, saying: “There will be time and place to go through all of this." Hellerstein added that Maduro’s attorney could do so later.

“At this time, I just want to know if you are Nicolás Maduro Moros,” which Maduro confirmed that he was.

Maduro’s lawyers are expected to contest the legality of his arrest, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as head of state. Barry Pollack, a prominent Washington lawyer whose clients have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/julian-assange">included WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange</a>, said Maduro is "head of a sovereign state and entitled to the privilege” that the status ensures. He also said the defense would raise “questions about the legality of his military abduction.”

Panamanian strongman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3fe8263a03504924b32f09b7fb0db0e6">Manuel Noriega</a>&nbsp;unsuccessfully&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-noriega-prosecution-legal-immunity-venezuela-panama-c0df9b1ecda36e9e1912729fa7ebf9e4">tried the same immunity defense</a>&nbsp;after the U.S. captured him in a similar military invasion in 1990. But the U.S. doesn’t recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate head of state — particularly after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-presidential-election-maduro-machado-edmundo-5ce255ae90614162590bfe1207d2e1d0">much-disputed 2024 reelection</a>.

Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty on Monday. She had bandages on her forehead and right temple, and her lawyer said had she suffered “significant injuries” during her capture.

<a href="https://apnews.com/interactive/us-indicts-venezuela-maduro/">A 25-page indictment</a>&nbsp;accuses Maduro and others of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-indictment-justice-department-trump-bondi-25a6fbd922472296c744eb5111cd914c">thousands of tons of cocaine</a>&nbsp;into the U.S. They could face life in prison if convicted.

Among other things, the indictment accuses Maduro and his wife of ordering kidnappings, beatings and murders of those who owed them drug money or undermined their drug trafficking operation. That included a local drug boss’ killing in Caracas, the indictment said.

Outside the courthouse, police separated protesters of the U.S. military action from pro-intervention demonstrators. Inside the courtroom, as Maduro stood to leave with federal officers, a man in the audience stood and began speaking forcefully at him in Spanish, calling him an “illegitimate” president.

The man, 33-year-old Pedro Rojas, said later that he had been imprisoned by the Venezuelan regime. As deputy U.S. marshals led Maduro from the courtroom, the deposed leader looked directly at the man and shot back in Spanish: “I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war.”

The U.S. seized Maduro and his wife in a military operation early Saturday, capturing them in their home on a military base. Trump said Saturday the U.S. would “run” Venezuela temporarily and reiterated Sunday night that “we're in charge,” telling reporters aboard Air Force One that “we're going to run it, fix it.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had tried to strike a more cautious tone on Sunday morning talk shows, saying the U.S. would not govern the country day-to-day other than enforcing an existing ”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-oil-tankers-625a7c9a3106e316c97ceb68a42a1cb5">oil quarantine</a>.”

Before his capture, Maduro and his allies claimed U.S. hostility was motivated by lust for Venezuela’s rich oil and mineral resources.

Trump has suggested that removing Maduro would enable more oil to flow out of Venezuela, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-venezuela-trump-gas-67c87db7e47d15e3bf01df7fe4d560b2">oil prices</a>&nbsp;rose a bit more than 1% in Monday morning trading to roughly $58 a barrel. There are uncertainties about how fast oil production can be ramped up in Venezuela after years of neglect, as well as questions about governance and oversight of the sector.

Venezuela’s new interim leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-interim-president-rodriguez-maduro-chavez-b352b5af17deb0ab78684b8398045179">Delcy Rodríguez</a>, has demanded that the U.S. return Maduro, who long denied any involvement in drug trafficking — although late Sunday she also struck a more conciliatory tone in a social media post, inviting collaboration with Trump and “respectful relations” with the U.S.

Rodríguez was sworn in on Monday by her brother, National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez.

“I come with sorrow for the suffering inflicted upon the Venezuelan people following an illegitimate military aggression against our homeland,” she said with her right hand up. “I come with sorrow for the kidnapping of two heroes."

Maduro’s son and Venezuelan congressman Nicolás Maduro Guerra warned on Monday that his father's capture could set a dangerous precedent globally and demanded that his parents be returned.

“If we normalize the kidnapping of a head of state, no country is safe. Today it’s Venezuela. Tomorrow it could be any nation that refuses to submit. This is not a regional problem. It is a direct threat to global political stability,” Maduro Guerra said

Also Monday, the United Nations Security Council&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-united-nations-maduro-trump-waltz-1433e10bbb800fb41b21a70c7501ad88">held an emergency meeting</a>, with the top U.N. official warning that America may have violated international law with its unilateral action. The world body also spotlighted the profound humanitarian needs in Venezuela. Its people have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-black-friday-maduro-trump-drug-strikes-dcca2242e7326865419d45eb48a0ca1b">endured a yearslong, complex economic crisis</a>.

Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, Megan Janetsky in Mexico City, Farnoush Amiri and Jennifer Peltz at the United Nations, Josh Boak in Baltimore, Maryland, Darlene Superville aboard Air Force One and Joshua Goodman in Miami contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767635791159.png" alt="Nicolas Maduro escorted into court -image courtesy CSPAN via WABC TV" />
 <figcaption>Nicolas Maduro escorted into court -image courtesy CSPAN via WABC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A defiant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-trump-military-operation-85041a1ec03bafe839b785a95169d694">Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;declared himself "the president of my country” as he protested his capture and pleaded not guilty Monday to federal drug trafficking charges that the Trump administration used to justify removing him from power in Venezuela.“I was captured,” Maduro said in Spanish as translated by a courtroom reporter before being cut off by the judge. Asked later for his plea to the charges, he stated: "I’m innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country.”<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1422326/dl">Click here to read the new indictment</a>&nbsp;against Maduro and his wifeThe courtroom appearance, Maduro's first since he and his wife were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-presidential-palace-blowtorches-7969152ae48510003fe9cbde92f3c102">seized from their home</a>&nbsp;in a stunning middle-of-the-night military operation, kicked off the U.S. government’s most consequential prosecution in decades of a foreign head of state. The criminal case in Manhattan is unfolding against a broader diplomatic backdrop of an audacious U.S.-engineered regime change that President Donald Trump has said will enable his administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-trump-military-operation-85041a1ec03bafe839b785a95169d694">to “run” the South American country.</a>Pro<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767635764793.png" alt="Protestors outside the courtroom in New York -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Protestors outside the courtroom in New York -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Maduro was led into court along with his co-defendant wife just before noon for the brief legal proceeding. Both put on headsets to hear the English-language proceeding as it was translated into Spanish.The couple was transported to the Manhattan courthouse under armed guard early Monday from the Brooklyn jail where they've been detained since arriving in the U.S. on Saturday.<h2>A legal fight begins</h2>As a criminal defendant in the U.S. legal system, Maduro will have the same rights as any other person accused of a crime — including the right to a trial by a jury of regular New Yorkers. But he’ll also be nearly — but not quite — unique.The stakes were made clear from the outset as Maduro, who took copious notes throughout the proceedings and wished a Happy New Year to reporters in court, repeatedly pressed his case that he had been unlawfully abducted.“I am here kidnapped," Maduro said. “I was captured at my home in Caracas.”U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a 92-year-old jurist who was appointed to the federal bench in 1998 by Bill Clinton, interrupted him, saying: “There will be time and place to go through all of this." Hellerstein added that Maduro’s attorney could do so later.“At this time, I just want to know if you are Nicolás Maduro Moros,” which Maduro confirmed that he was.Maduro’s lawyers are expected to contest the legality of his arrest, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as head of state. Barry Pollack, a prominent Washington lawyer whose clients have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/julian-assange">included WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange</a>, said Maduro is "head of a sovereign state and entitled to the privilege” that the status ensures. He also said the defense would raise “questions about the legality of his military abduction.”Panamanian strongman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3fe8263a03504924b32f09b7fb0db0e6">Manuel Noriega</a>&nbsp;unsuccessfully&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-noriega-prosecution-legal-immunity-venezuela-panama-c0df9b1ecda36e9e1912729fa7ebf9e4">tried the same immunity defense</a>&nbsp;after the U.S. captured him in a similar military invasion in 1990. But the U.S. doesn’t recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate head of state — particularly after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-presidential-election-maduro-machado-edmundo-5ce255ae90614162590bfe1207d2e1d0">much-disputed 2024 reelection</a>.Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty on Monday. She had bandages on her forehead and right temple, and her lawyer said had she suffered “significant injuries” during her capture.<a href="https://apnews.com/interactive/us-indicts-venezuela-maduro/">A 25-page indictment</a>&nbsp;accuses Maduro and others of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-indictment-justice-department-trump-bondi-25a6fbd922472296c744eb5111cd914c">thousands of tons of cocaine</a>&nbsp;into the U.S. They could face life in prison if convicted.Among other things, the indictment accuses Maduro and his wife of ordering kidnappings, beatings and murders of those who owed them drug money or undermined their drug trafficking operation. That included a local drug boss’ killing in Caracas, the indictment said.Outside the courthouse, police separated protesters of the U.S. military action from pro-intervention demonstrators. Inside the courtroom, as Maduro stood to leave with federal officers, a man in the audience stood and began speaking forcefully at him in Spanish, calling him an “illegitimate” president.The man, 33-year-old Pedro Rojas, said later that he had been imprisoned by the Venezuelan regime. As deputy U.S. marshals led Maduro from the courtroom, the deposed leader looked directly at the man and shot back in Spanish: “I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war.”<h2>Demands for Maduro's return</h2>The U.S. seized Maduro and his wife in a military operation early Saturday, capturing them in their home on a military base. Trump said Saturday the U.S. would “run” Venezuela temporarily and reiterated Sunday night that “we're in charge,” telling reporters aboard Air Force One that “we're going to run it, fix it.”Secretary of State Marco Rubio had tried to strike a more cautious tone on Sunday morning talk shows, saying the U.S. would not govern the country day-to-day other than enforcing an existing ”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-oil-tankers-625a7c9a3106e316c97ceb68a42a1cb5">oil quarantine</a>.”Before his capture, Maduro and his allies claimed U.S. hostility was motivated by lust for Venezuela’s rich oil and mineral resources.Trump has suggested that removing Maduro would enable more oil to flow out of Venezuela, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-venezuela-trump-gas-67c87db7e47d15e3bf01df7fe4d560b2">oil prices</a>&nbsp;rose a bit more than 1% in Monday morning trading to roughly $58 a barrel. There are uncertainties about how fast oil production can be ramped up in Venezuela after years of neglect, as well as questions about governance and oversight of the sector.Venezuela’s new interim leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-interim-president-rodriguez-maduro-chavez-b352b5af17deb0ab78684b8398045179">Delcy Rodríguez</a>, has demanded that the U.S. return Maduro, who long denied any involvement in drug trafficking — although late Sunday she also struck a more conciliatory tone in a social media post, inviting collaboration with Trump and “respectful relations” with the U.S.Rodríguez was sworn in on Monday by her brother, National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez.“I come with sorrow for the suffering inflicted upon the Venezuelan people following an illegitimate military aggression against our homeland,” she said with her right hand up. “I come with sorrow for the kidnapping of two heroes."Maduro’s son and Venezuelan congressman Nicolás Maduro Guerra warned on Monday that his father's capture could set a dangerous precedent globally and demanded that his parents be returned.“If we normalize the kidnapping of a head of state, no country is safe. Today it’s Venezuela. Tomorrow it could be any nation that refuses to submit. This is not a regional problem. It is a direct threat to global political stability,” Maduro Guerra saidAlso Monday, the United Nations Security Council&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-united-nations-maduro-trump-waltz-1433e10bbb800fb41b21a70c7501ad88">held an emergency meeting</a>, with the top U.N. official warning that America may have violated international law with its unilateral action. The world body also spotlighted the profound humanitarian needs in Venezuela. Its people have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-black-friday-maduro-trump-drug-strikes-dcca2242e7326865419d45eb48a0ca1b">endured a yearslong, complex economic crisis</a>.___Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, Megan Janetsky in Mexico City, Farnoush Amiri and Jennifer Peltz at the United Nations, Josh Boak in Baltimore, Maryland, Darlene Superville aboard Air Force One and Joshua Goodman in Miami contributed to this report.

What Maduro and wife told the judge during court appearance

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department will attempt to downgrade Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly’s retirement rank and pay, seeking to punish him for making a video along with other Democrats in Congress, who told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth originally threatened to recall Kelly from military retirement and court-martial him for his participation in the video, but announced Monday that the department would instead try to downgrade his rank of captain as well as his retirement pay.&nbsp;

“Captain Kelly has been provided notice of the basis for this action and has thirty days to submit a response,” Hegseth wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecWar/status/2008189258528665898" target="_blank">a social media post</a>. “The retirement grade determination process directed by Secretary Hegseth will be completed within forty five days.”

Hegseth added that Kelly’s “status as a sitting United States Senator does not exempt him from accountability, and further violations could result in further action.”

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2008215189275963870" target="_blank">wrote in a social media post</a>&nbsp;that he planned to challenge Hegseth’s attempt to alter his retirement rank and pay, arguing it’s an attempt to punish him for challenging the Trump administration.&nbsp;

“My rank and retirement are things that I earned through my service and sacrifice for this country. I got shot at. I missed holidays and birthdays. I commanded a space shuttle mission while my wife Gabby recovered from a gunshot wound to the head– all while proudly wearing the American flag on my shoulder,” Kelly wrote. “Generations of servicemembers have made these same patriotic sacrifices for this country, earning the respect, appreciation, and rank they deserve.”

Kelly added that Hegseth’s goal with the process is to “send the message to every single retired servicemember that if they say something he or Donald Trump doesn’t like, they will come after them the same way. It’s outrageous and it is wrong. There is nothing more un-American than that.”

Members of Congress are generally protected under&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S6-C1-3-1/ALDE_00013300/" target="_blank">the speech and debate clause</a>&nbsp;of the U.S. Constitution, which states that unless a lawmaker is involved in treason, felony and breach of the peace, they are “privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.”

The Defense Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26456656-secwar-letter-05jan26/#document/p1" target="_blank">letter of censure</a>&nbsp;to Kelly alleged that his participation in the video undermined the military chain of command, counseled disobedience, created confusion about duty, brought discredit upon the Armed Forces and included conduct unbecoming of an officer.&nbsp;

Hegseth wrote in that letter that if Kelly continues “to engage in conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, you may subject yourself to criminal prosecution or further administrative action.”

The Department of Defense posted in late November that officials were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">looking into</a>&nbsp;“serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly for appearing in the video.&nbsp;

It didn’t detail how Kelly might have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice but stated that “a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;

Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">referred</a>&nbsp;the issue to Navy Secretary John Phelan for any “review, consideration, and disposition” he deemed appropriate. Hegseth then asked for a briefing on the outcome of the review “by no later than December 10.”

Kelly said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-kelly-vows-stay-outspoken-despite-threats-over-illegal-order-video" target="_blank">during a press conference</a>&nbsp;in early December the military’s investigation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-threatened-trump-over-video-say-theyre-now-being-probed-fbi" target="_blank">a separate one</a>&nbsp;by the FBI were designed to intimidate the six lawmakers in the video from speaking out against Trump.&nbsp;

The lawmakers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948" target="_blank">video</a>, who have backgrounds in the military or intelligence agencies, told members of those communities they “can” and “must refuse illegal orders.”

“No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant,” they said. “But whether you’re serving in the CIA, in the Army, or Navy, or the Air Force, your vigilance is critical.”

The other Democrats in the video — Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander — are not subject to the military justice system.&nbsp;

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-accuses-6-democratic-lawmakers-seditious-behavior-punishable-death" target="_blank">railed against the video</a>&nbsp;a couple of days after it posted, saying the statements represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764097679232.png" alt="Image from the controversial video" />
 <figcaption>Image from the controversial video</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — The Defense Department will attempt to downgrade Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly’s retirement rank and pay, seeking to punish him for making a video along with other Democrats in Congress, who told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Six weeks ago, Senator Mark Kelly — and five other members of Congress — released a reckless and seditious video that was clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline. As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he…&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/2008189258528665898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth originally threatened to recall Kelly from military retirement and court-martial him for his participation in the video, but announced Monday that the department would instead try to downgrade his rank of captain as well as his retirement pay.&nbsp;“Captain Kelly has been provided notice of the basis for this action and has thirty days to submit a response,” Hegseth wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecWar/status/2008189258528665898" target="_blank">a social media post</a>. “The retirement grade determination process directed by Secretary Hegseth will be completed within forty five days.”Hegseth added that Kelly’s “status as a sitting United States Senator does not exempt him from accountability, and further violations could result in further action.”Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2008215189275963870" target="_blank">wrote in a social media post</a>&nbsp;that he planned to challenge Hegseth’s attempt to alter his retirement rank and pay, arguing it’s an attempt to punish him for challenging the Trump administration.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Over twenty-five years in the U.S. Navy, thirty-nine combat missions, and four missions to space, I risked my life for this country and to defend our Constitution – including the First Amendment rights of every American to speak out. I never expected that the President of the…&mdash; Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2008215189275963870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“My rank and retirement are things that I earned through my service and sacrifice for this country. I got shot at. I missed holidays and birthdays. I commanded a space shuttle mission while my wife Gabby recovered from a gunshot wound to the head– all while proudly wearing the American flag on my shoulder,” Kelly wrote. “Generations of servicemembers have made these same patriotic sacrifices for this country, earning the respect, appreciation, and rank they deserve.”Kelly added that Hegseth’s goal with the process is to “send the message to every single retired servicemember that if they say something he or Donald Trump doesn’t like, they will come after them the same way. It’s outrageous and it is wrong. There is nothing more un-American than that.”<h2>Constitutional protection</h2>Members of Congress are generally protected under&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S6-C1-3-1/ALDE_00013300/" target="_blank">the speech and debate clause</a>&nbsp;of the U.S. Constitution, which states that unless a lawmaker is involved in treason, felony and breach of the peace, they are “privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.”The Defense Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26456656-secwar-letter-05jan26/#document/p1" target="_blank">letter of censure</a>&nbsp;to Kelly alleged that his participation in the video undermined the military chain of command, counseled disobedience, created confusion about duty, brought discredit upon the Armed Forces and included conduct unbecoming of an officer.&nbsp;Hegseth wrote in that letter that if Kelly continues “to engage in conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, you may subject yourself to criminal prosecution or further administrative action.”<h2>Allegations of misconduct</h2>The Department of Defense posted in late November that officials were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">looking into</a>&nbsp;“serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly for appearing in the video.&nbsp;It didn’t detail how Kelly might have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice but stated that “a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">referred</a>&nbsp;the issue to Navy Secretary John Phelan for any “review, consideration, and disposition” he deemed appropriate. Hegseth then asked for a briefing on the outcome of the review “by no later than December 10.”Kelly said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-kelly-vows-stay-outspoken-despite-threats-over-illegal-order-video" target="_blank">during a press conference</a>&nbsp;in early December the military’s investigation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-threatened-trump-over-video-say-theyre-now-being-probed-fbi" target="_blank">a separate one</a>&nbsp;by the FBI were designed to intimidate the six lawmakers in the video from speaking out against Trump.&nbsp;The lawmakers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948" target="_blank">video</a>, who have backgrounds in the military or intelligence agencies, told members of those communities they “can” and “must refuse illegal orders.”“No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant,” they said. “But whether you’re serving in the CIA, in the Army, or Navy, or the Air Force, your vigilance is critical.”The other Democrats in the video — Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander — are not subject to the military justice system.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-accuses-6-democratic-lawmakers-seditious-behavior-punishable-death" target="_blank">railed against the video</a>&nbsp;a couple of days after it posted, saying the statements represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

Pentagon tries to penalize Sen. Mark Kelly for illegal orders video

Hays reached a record high of 74 degrees Sunday, with a low of 28, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

Exactly one year ago, the high was 26 and the low was 10. Hays has received 0 inches of moisture year-to-date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763393715450.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays reached a record high of 74 degrees Sunday, with a low of 28, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.Exactly one year ago, the high was 26 and the low was 10. Hays has received 0 inches of moisture year-to-date.On average, Hays receives .47 inches of rain in January and .47 inches of moisture year-to-date by the end of January.The forecast for today is mostly sunny, with a high of 63 and a low of 36. Highs are expected to stay in the low 60s through Thursday, with a chance of showers that day.&nbsp;