HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Family Community Theatre is bringing a holiday favorite to the Flag Theatre stage as “A Christmas Story: The Musical” opens Nov. 28 in downtown Hutchinson. Performances run Nov. 28 through 30 and Dec. 4 through 7, with tickets available at <a href="http://familycommunitytheatre.org">familycommunitytheatre.org</a>.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 and 29. A 3 p.m. matinee will be held Nov. 30. The second weekend features shows at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, and a 3 p.m. matinee on Dec. 6.

Director Aaron Parker said the show carries personal significance.


“Well, being a Parker, it's kind of integrated into you, since the main characters are Parkers,” he said. “And my dad loved the show, and we kind of just grew up on it. So when I first joined FCT, I got pushed into being manager, a backstage manager, and this was actually my first show to backstage manage, about over 10 years ago, so it's kind of ironic now I'm directing that same play.”

Parker said he wants to give audiences something visually fresh.


“I'm trying to put a different spin on this one,” he said. “I mean, I'm not changing the original story or anything, but I'm trying to make it interesting for the audience, because different views. There's one view where you go from being outside, and then automatically, the way the set moves and the way people move, you're inside the store, looking out, and the people are looking at you, the actors. So that's just one of many scenes that I've got planned.”

The production is based on the long-running stage musical and includes fast-paced songs and the familiar storyline of Ralphie Parker’s quest for his prized Christmas gift.


“The songs are really catchy. They're really fast,” Parker said. “You get to cheer Ralphie on, and he, you know, he has his own little buddies that, you know, that they have to get in trouble too. So it's just kind of one of those things.”

Narrator Matt Christian plays Gene Shepard, the adult version of Ralphie.


“The character's name is actually Gene Shepard. He was an actual person. He was a radio personality,” Christian said. “Some people think that the stories that he wrote were semi-autobiographical, and I think we're kind of going with that in this show where he's reminiscing, even though his name is Gene Shepard and the little boy's name is Ralphie Parker, they are one in the same, or pretty darn close.”

One of the biggest challenges this year, Parker said, is the music.
“The music is really tough, and when it's hitting, it's great,” he said. “Truth is, the main character, Ralphie, has hardly any lines, because all his lines are in music.”

Maisie, who plays Schwartz, described the role simply: “Schwartz is like Ralphie's best friend, along with Flick.”

The cast totals 24 performers, ranging from age 7 to senior adults. Several families are performing together.
“We have several families that are acting,” Parker said. “What's so funny is we have people that are brand new to this stage, and they're older, while the younger people have been on the stage a lot.”

Assistant Director Sam Wilk encouraged the public to secure tickets early.
“They go to familycommunitytheatre.org, and you can purchase tickets directly from there,” Wilk said. “But don't wait to get them at the box office right before the show. Get them early. They are selling fast.”

Wilk said the cast has overcome early hurdles.
“You know, we had right off the cuff, our original music director couldn't continue with the rest of the show, so we were set back a couple weeks,” he said. “But I'll tell you what, we have an amazing cast, and they have handled it beautifully.”

Parker said the musical is a tradition that helps usher in the holiday season.
“One thing about us always doing FCT, doing something like this right after Thanksgiving, it's to get us in the Christmas spirit,” he said. “And I think ‘Christmas Story’ is one of the classics that can get everybody in the Christmas spirit and to cheer Ralphie on to getting his, what he used to, his prize, the Red Rider BB gun with the compass in the stock.”

Parker closed with a challenge in true “A Christmas Story” fashion:
“I think you should come. In fact, I triple dog dare you.”

Tickets are available at <a href="http://familycommunitytheatre.org">familycommunitytheatre.org</a>, Busy Bee Laundry, or at the box office prior to each show.

Family Community Theatre to present “A Christmas Story: The Musical”

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Beth Akins, Horizons Mental Health Center

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will meet at 9 a.m. today in the Veterans Room at the Reno County Courthouse, where commissioners are expected to work through a consent agenda filled with routine end-of-year financial transfers.

Commissioners will consider a series of resolutions authorizing fund transfers into reserve accounts, including the Economic Development Reserve Fund, Equipment Reserve Fund, Multi-Year Capital Improvement Reserve Fund, Special Highway Improvement Fund, Special Bridge Fund, Road and Bridge Special Machinery Fund, Noxious Weeds Capital Outlay Fund, and reserve funds for water and sewer districts.

The consent agenda also includes appointments or reappointments to the Reno County Public Building Commission and an appointment of one citizen to the Planning Commission.

During the business portion of the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to hear the annual reports from the County Clerk and County Treasurer, along with a joint memorandum of understanding involving the City of Hutchinson, City of South Hutchinson, Reno County, and Evergy Kansas Central.

Reno County Commission to review year-end fund transfers, annual reports

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County District Attorney’s Office will launch its 25th annual Toys for Tots Drive on Monday, Dec. 1, continuing a tradition that began with a single toy box in the courthouse and has grown into a countywide effort supporting local children during the holiday season. The drive runs through noon on Dec. 12.

The program began when District Attorney Tom Stanton attended an AMBUCS meeting in his first year with the office. After hearing a presentation on Toys for Tots, he brought one collection box back to the courthouse. It filled quickly, and each year the effort expanded. The office later added multiple collection sites and even held departmental competitions to boost donations during years when foot traffic at the courthouse slowed.

“Throughout the 25 years that we’ve been doing this, we’ve had several challenges, but the community has always stepped up,” said Deputy District Attorney Andrew Davidson. “Last year we collected 819 toys, plus cash donations and winter accessories for children.”

This year’s drive is already off to a fast start. A UTV ride through South Hutchinson held this past weekend brought in 396 toys. The event was organized by City of South Hutchinson Superintendent Matt Mock and his wife, Deana, who serves as office manager at the district attorney’s office.

“Since this is our 25th year, we’d like to collect 25 boxes of toys,” Mock said. “We collected 15 boxes during the UTV ride, so we are well on our way.”

The drive accepts new, unwrapped toys of all types, as well as cash donations that volunteers use to purchase additional items. Winter hats, gloves and scarves are also welcomed. Toys can be dropped off at multiple locations across the county, including the courthouse, Public Works, the Health Department, the Annex, the City of South Hutchinson and most Reno County departments.

Any toys collected will remain in Reno County. After the drive ends on Dec. 12, volunteers will sort the items and deliver them to local Toys for Tots coordinator Sandy Reger, who distributes them based on applications submitted by families.

“She looks at what children are needing or hoping for and makes sure they get something special for Christmas,” Mock said.

Davidson said the drive provides a bright spot for staff members who often work with people at difficult points in their lives.

“We deal with crime victims who have lost everything and people struggling with substance abuse,” he said. “When we get to serve our community this way, it brings some light into our office.”

The office is also handing out commemorative challenge coins this year. Anyone who donates a toy can receive a coin while supplies last, along with the traditional decorated sugar cookies made by staff.

Mock said the office sees enthusiasm from employees and the community every December.

“We get everything from Hot Wheels to bicycles to stuffed animals,” she said. “We need toys for all ages, from babies to teenagers, and the community always comes through.”

The District Attorney’s Office is already planning ahead. South Hutchinson has scheduled next year’s UTV ride for Nov. 21, 2026.

Although the official drive runs Dec. 1 through Dec. 12, Mock said donations are welcome year-round.

“If people collect toys throughout the year and want to drop them off, we’ll take them anytime,” she said.

For more information, residents can contact the Reno County District Attorney’s Office or visit any participating drop-off location.

Reno County’s Toys for Tots Drive begins Dec. 1 as 25th year kicks off with strong start

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the year winds down, Beyond Barriers is encouraging community members to make year-end contributions to support Kansans with disabilities and aging residents across the 60 counties it serves.

In 2025, the organization empowered 770 consumers, which is 45 more than in 2024, to overcome obstacles and live more independent lives. Donor support played a key role in helping clients increase their self-sufficiency.

Among those assisted was Steve, who is visually impaired and recently gained internet access at his rural home. He now uses an OrCam device, a voice-activated tool that helps him identify objects and navigate more safely. Trisha is learning to manage her medical appointments, budget and daily meals, giving her more control over her routines. Another consumer, Anna, said Beyond Barriers became her “second family.”

“There’s no judgment,” Anna said. “I was struggling to apply for Social Security and got rejected. I wanted to give up. They were patient, held my hand, and helped me appeal it. I would recommend them to anyone.”

Beyond Barriers provides free services to people with all types of disabilities regardless of diagnosis or status. The organization serves 15 Kansas counties and operates offices in Pratt, Dodge City and Hutchinson. Its programs include employment assistance, independent living support, blind and low vision services, and ADA compliance and community education.

“State funding covers only part of our costs,” said Executive Director Erica Rivera. “Community gifts ensure that anyone who needs our help can receive it, free of charge. Every dollar truly makes a difference.”

According to consumer surveys, nearly all respondents rate their experience with Beyond Barriers positively. More than 80 percent say their lives have improved because of its services, and nearly 100 percent would recommend the organization to others.

Donations support efforts to secure safe and accessible housing, expand employment and community engagement opportunities, and increase disability awareness and inclusion across the region.

Contributions can be made at BeyondBarriersKS.com/donate or mailed to 115 E. 4th Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67501.

“Together, we’re breaking barriers and building independence,” Rivera said. “A gift to Beyond Barriers helps Kansans live with greater freedom, dignity and connection.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

Beyond Barriers encourages year-end giving to support independence for Kansans with disabilities

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Nearly 80 Reno Co. students take part in Disability Mentoring Day in Hutchinson

By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler High School senior Hannah Khan has spent the past few days adjusting to life in a city that looks and feels nothing like home. The wide open skies of Reno County have been replaced by towering buildings and crowded sidewalks.

For Khan, it is all part of the whirlwind that comes with being selected to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She arrived in New York on Saturday and has spent the early part of the week in long rehearsals, uniform fittings and group activities with hundreds of student musicians from across the country. The moment still feels surreal.

“I think it is all finally sinking in now that I am here,” Khan said before she left for the trip. “I think it will be surreal to be a part of something so much larger than myself.”

Khan learned she had been selected in August after submitting an audition video on July 30. She filmed a YouTube performance that covered all required musical elements and sent it in without expecting much. 

She found out on the first day of school for freshmen, as she was helping new students find their classrooms.

“I just threw my phone across the room. I was so shocked,” she said. “I told Mr. Yates right away. I never expected to get in.”

Buhler Director of Bands Nathan Biggs said only about two students from each state are chosen each year. He called it one of the most significant accomplishments a high school musician can achieve. 

Khan is the second Buhler student to march in the parade, following tuba player Bryan Regier in 2022.

“We are very proud of her,” Biggs said. “She is well rounded, well spoken and involved in many activities. It is an awesome opportunity and she has earned it. I hope she absorbs everything she can from this experience.”

Khan and the rest of the selected musicians were fitted for their official Macy’s uniforms shortly after arriving Saturday. The red jackets and white pants will replace the traditional Buhler maroon on Thursday morning when the parade begins along Central Park West and makes its way toward Herald Square.

Rehearsals on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are long and detailed, designed to prepare the group for both the parade route and their performance in front of the cameras. The group had a sightseeing day on Sunday, giving Khan her first real taste of New York. Her mother and aunt are scheduled to join her later this week.

The parade itself is what she has been looking forward to most.

“I have watched it on TV my whole life,” Khan said. “Being in it is just crazy. I think being around the floats and all the other bands will be amazing.”

Khan has played mellophone since seventh grade, which grew out of her love for French horn. She began band in fifth grade on trumpet but planned from the start to switch.

“I picked trumpet because I knew I wanted to switch to French horn,” she said. “Playing mellophone for marching has been really cool. I have marched every year.”

Her classmates and friends at Buhler have been excited for her, though she admits she does not broadcast the news widely.

“I try to be humble about it,” she said. “The band knows, and a lot of people have told me they are going to watch and try to point me out on the screen.”

Representing Buhler at a national event is a responsibility she takes seriously.

“We get to show the small school spirit. We still have a lot to offer and can be successful,” she said. “There are misconceptions about small towns, so it is important to show that places like Buhler can produce successful musicians.”

Khan is also looking forward to meeting students from across the country. Her experience at ALA Girls Nation in Washington D.C. last summer sparked an interest in connecting with people from different backgrounds.

“Different towns are so different,” she said. “A lot of people come from big cities and I do not know what that is like. It is interesting to hear other people’s perspectives.”

She expects to spend part of this week describing Buhler to students from large metro areas who have never seen a field of crops or walked a dirt road at sunset.

“I love telling people about Buhler,” she said. “I talk about the dirt roads and the open sky and how everybody cares about each other. It is safe, and you are supported, and everybody knows everybody. That is what makes it special.”

As Thursday approaches, Biggs said he hopes Khan will come home with memories that last far beyond high school.

“I want her to enjoy the city, enjoy the parade and enjoy meeting new people,” he said. “Mostly, I want her to come back with stories she will remember forever.”

Khan will join more than 700 student musicians on Thursday morning as they step onto one of the nation’s most watched holiday stages. For the senior from Buhler, it will be a moment years in the making, one she once only pictured watching on television.

This year, she will be right there in the middle of it.

Buhler senior Hannah Khan set to march in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Improvements to the City of Sylvia’s water treatment plant have begun. The financing package from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will provide funding for new wells for blending, chlorination facility, waterline replacement and tower rehabilitation. The drinking water system serves a population of approximately 135.

Completion of this project will ensure the drinking water system remains in good operation for the long-term future.

Financing for the improvements to the City of Sylvia’s water system was made possible through a loan provided by KDHE with joint funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Using the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund (KPWSLF), KDHE has provided a $1,821,742 loan, of which $910,871 in principal will be forgiven.

The KPWSLF provides financing for municipal drinking water infrastructure at interest rates that are below market. Since 1997, the KPWSLF has provided more than $1.5 billion to 318 municipalities to finance drinking water infrastructure in Kansas.&nbsp; &nbsp;

KDHE provides financing for Sylvia's water system improvements

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Several city snow plows are sporting a new look this winter thanks to a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Hutchinson and USD 308 Hutchinson Public Schools.

For the first time, each plow was assigned to a different elementary school, including Graber, Faris, Lincoln McCandless, Allen STEM Magnet, Morgan and Wiley. Students at each site painted the equipment, transforming the traditionally plain plows into colorful rolling murals.

City officials said the project gives students a chance to showcase their creativity while helping brighten up the city’s streets during the winter months.

As the season’s first rounds of winter weather approach, residents are encouraged to watch for the newly decorated plows in their neighborhoods. Those who spot a plow featuring their school’s artwork are invited to take a photo and share it with the city.

Hutchinson students turn city snow plows into rolling murals

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

11/25/2025 4:11 AM – Macharia Maina Mwangi –
DUI; 1st Offense; Alcohol Concentration .08 or more shown by competent evidence

11/25/2025 3:40 AM – Killion Alisa –
Failure to Appear

11/24/2025 11:15 PM – Roberts Jeremy Lee –
Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact; 1st Offense

11/24/2025 8:19 PM – Doyle Preston Lee –
Violation of conditions of release; on parole, conditional release or post-release supervision

11/24/2025 6:35 PM – Rodriguez Jeffrey Alan –
Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist or Oppose; Misdemeanor warrant

11/24/2025 4:09 PM – Willard Nicole Ashley –
Pedestrian; Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs upon Roadway

11/24/2025 3:44 PM – Teeter Shaun Alan –
Probation Violation

11/24/2025 3:02 PM – Canady Alexus Ann –
Probation Violation

11/24/2025 2:54 PM – Wilson Christopher Terry –
Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist or Oppose; Misdemeanor warrant
Possession of marijuana; Two or more prior convictions
Interference with Law Enforcement; Knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle; Felony case
Use or possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body

11/24/2025 12:55 PM – Sanders Thomas Randolph –
Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede breathing by pressure to throat, neck or chest
Violate protection order; Pre-trial order
Probation Violation
Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting or angry manner

Daily Bookings

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

CEDAR CREST — The best gift Statehouse Republicans could give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly this holiday season is collaboration to resolve Kansas’ water issues, she said Tuesday at the annual Christmas tree donation at Cedar Crest.

“Recognizing that that is not a political win or loss for anybody, but absolutely essential for the future in this state,” Kelly said.&nbsp;

In August Kelly elevated water to her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/732/55" target="_blank">highest priority</a>. She’s concerned with creating a long-term sustainable strategy that recognizes the falling levels in the Ogallala Aquifer.&nbsp;

“I hadn’t really thought about what the Democrats themselves could give me,” Kelly said. “There’s probably not a lot in this upcoming session. What they could do is get some really good candidates for November 2026, break that supermajority so that regardless of who the next governor is there will be an absolute need to work together to get anything done.”&nbsp;

Republicans currently have a supermajority in both the House and Senate, enough to override the governor’s vetoes.

Charlotte Cooper, granddaughter of Dave Bruton — the Kansas Forest Service liaison with the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association — isn’t entirely sure what she wants this holiday season either. Lucky for Cooper, Santa’s elves encouraged him to make business cards, so her mom can e-mail Santa with her list. She even got the chance to talk to Santa at Tuesday’s event.&nbsp;

“This is a good group,” Santa said. “Santa always likes to reward the good people, and tell the others they have time —”

“Do you live in the North Pole?” Cooper interjected.&nbsp;

“Most of the time. When I’m not living down here, checking up on children,” Santa said.&nbsp;

Santa, Cooper and others rode in a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach up to the governor’s mansion to deliver the donated Christmas decorations.

Two six-year-old&nbsp;Percheron&nbsp;horses carried the stagecoach. They replaced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/24/one-kansas-tradition-goes-on-as-usual-this-year-bess-and-betty-do-their-job/">Bess and Betty</a>, who carried the stagecoach for years before. The ceremony was the horses’ first large crowd, and they acted “about what you would guess,” according to Robin Dunn of Dunn’s Landing farm near Wellsville.&nbsp;

When asked if the new horses would be able to replace Bess and Betty, Dunn responded with a swift “no.” Then she paused.&nbsp;

“Well, I don’t know,” Dunn said. “It’ll take about 15 years. In 15 years ask me that question again.”

On top of the stagecoach was an 8½-foot tall Scotch pine grown on the Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree&nbsp;Farm in Lawrence. Each year one farm from the Kansas Christmas Tree Association donates the tree.

According to Mark Walther, part of the family who runs Strawberry Hill, his late brother Mitch volunteered.

“Well, it’s kind of a sad story,” Walther said. “So Mitch stepped up and unfortunately passed away. So then it’s like, well, shoot, because he didn’t tell me which tree it was.”&nbsp;

Mitch died unexpectedly in July. When the time came, the family went to the field and chose the tree with the nicest height and shape.

This is the third year that Chris Seets from Chris’s Tree Lodge in Abilene presented a wreath.&nbsp;

“Hopefully, this is the first time I get to actually meet the governor. I’ve always handed it to lieutenant governors in the past,” Seets said shortly before the presentation.&nbsp;

Perhaps Santa overheard her comment, because Seets was called up to present her wreath to Kelly in front of the mansion.

“I was just so excited. I think I spoke to her. I don’t know, I’m not sure,” Seets said after.&nbsp;

After the carriage rolled in and Seets presented her wreath, the group entered the mansion to watch the tree be placed in a corner. Kelly adorned it with an ornament that recognized Charles Robinson, Kansas’ first governor.&nbsp;

Kelly thanked the farmers, volunteers, and families who made the event happen. Cooper responded with a toothless grin.&nbsp;

“When did you lose that?” Kelly asked.&nbsp;

“When my mom was out of town,” Cooper said.

Kansas governor’s holiday tradition comes with a push for water solutions 

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas school bus driver is in custody after an incident on Tuesday in Atchison.

Police were notified on Tuesday morning of an argument that had occurred between a bus driver identified as 68-year-old Paul G. Detherage of Atthison and a student on a school bus, according to. Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; During the argument, the bus driver allegedly made threatening statements. 

Just before 8a.m. Tuesday, police took Detherage into custody after he returned to the USD 409 school bus barn in the 2600 Block of Industrial Road, according to Wilson. He is being held on a requested charge of criminal threat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. school bus driver jailed for allegedly threatening student

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews, signaling a possible inquiry into the matter.

It would mark the second investigation tied to the video, coming a day after the Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-mark-kelly-troop-investigation-4882f76b05dcdfa3060c284c2c84dd12">said it was reviewing</a>&nbsp;Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over potential violations of military law. The FBI and Pentagon actions come after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-traitors-sedition-illegal-orders-c5fc3c5bd2fbc6b1204550e4203c24b2">accused the lawmakers of sedition</a>&nbsp;and said it is “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post.

Together, the inquiries mark an extraordinary escalation for federal law enforcement and military institutions that traditionally steer clear of partisan clashes. They also underscore the administration’s willingness to push legal limits against its critics, even when they are sitting members of Congress. Lawmakers in the video urge troops to reject any illegal orders from their superiors, something they are already duty-bound to do.

“President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,” a group of four Democratic House members said in a statement Tuesday. “Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews.”

Democrats call inquiry a ‘scare tactic’

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/slotkin-democratic-response-text-trump-congress-6ba1012264201e715c290da1b8f45bc4">Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin</a>, one of the six Democratic lawmakers in the video, told reporters Tuesday that “last night the counterterrorism division at the FBI sent a note to the members of Congress, saying they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us.” Slotkin called it a “scare tactic by” Trump.

“Whether you agree with the video or don’t agree with the video, the question to me is: is this the appropriate response for a president of the United States to go after and seek to weaponize the federal government against those he disagrees with?” said Slotkin.

The group of four Democratic House members said in their statement that “no amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”

All six of the Democratic lawmakers in the video have served in the military or intelligence community.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska criticized both inquiries on social media, saying that accusing the lawmakers “of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong.”

“The Department of Defense and FBI surely have more important priorities than this frivolous investigation,” wrote Murkowski.

FBI provides no insight into interview requests

The FBI went through the top security officials for the House and Senate to request interviews with each of the six lawmakers. The lawmakers said they had no further information and the FBI has not made clear on what basis they were seeking the interviews.

The FBI declined to comment Tuesday, but Director Kash Patel, in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge, described it as an “ongoing matter” in explaining why he could not discuss details.

Asked for his reaction to the video, Patel said, “What goes through my head is the same thing that goes through my head in any case: is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation, or is there not? And that decision will be made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI.”

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

After the Pentagon announced the investigation into Kelly on Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth referred it to the Navy on Tuesday and requested a briefing by Dec. 10.

The lawmakers didn’t mention specific circumstances in the video. But at an event Tuesday in Michigan, Slotkin pointed to the Trump administration ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the military to blow up small boats</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean accused of ferrying drugs and continued attempts at deploying National Guard troops into U.S. cities despite some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">legal setbacks</a>.

“It wasn’t that there was any one incident, it was the sheer number of people coming to us and saying, ‘I’m worried. I am being sent to Washington or I’m being sent to LA or Chicago, North Carolina now, and I’m concerned I’m going to be asked to do something that I don’t know if I should do,'” said Slotkin. “So that’s where it came from.”

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

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

Householder reported from Inkster, Michigan. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington also contributed to this report.

What Dem lawmakers are saying about FBI inquiry of their alleged sedition video 

KANSAS CITY —A family pet is safe after found during a house fire in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a house fire in the 8400 block of E 92nd&nbsp;Terrace in Kansas City Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

On arrival, crews reported light smoke showing from the front of a two-story residence. Interior operations were initiated, and companies found a fire in the kitchen area, which was quickly extinguished with a single hose line.&nbsp;

As searches of the structure were conducted, a dog was found in the basement. The rest of the search came back all clear. The fire was brought under control at 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;The dog did get out and is unharmed, according to Nolan.&nbsp; The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Family pet survives house fire in Kansas City

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 20-year-old Makih Franklin, according to a media release from Kansas City, Kansas police.

Just after 8:30p.m. November 20, police were dispatched&nbsp; to a shooting in the 400 block of Greeley Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.

First responders located Franklin outside a residence with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. 

Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Police ID 20-year-old Kansas shooting victim

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Police have identified a woman who died in an accident just after 7p.m. Monday in Douglas County.

Lawrence police reported a vehicle driven by&nbsp;75-year-old Bonnie Susan Hernandez of Lawrence was eastbound in the 1500 block of east 23rd Street, just west of 23rd and Harper. The vehicle crossed into the westbound lanes and struck an SUV nearly head-on.

Investigators believe Hernandez suffered a medical emergency just before the crash. Those in the SUV suffered minor injuries, but did not go to the hospital.&nbsp;

Kansas woman killed in near head-on crash

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City teen faces multiple allegations for a fatal shooting that occurred in April.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2753/Jacoway-RED-COMPLAINT-MJ">Martez Jacoway Jr.</a>, 19, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2754/Jacoway-RED-PC-MJRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on April 17 and found the victim in the front passenger seat of a white Ford Focus suffering from a single gunshot wound to his back. He was pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital.&nbsp;

Witnesses told detectives they saw a man wearing a black hoodie at the driver’s side window holding a rifle. The man fired several rounds toward the white Ford Focus. Surveillance footage captured muzzle flashes from the front driver’s side of a black vehicle directed at the victim’s vehicle.&nbsp;

Detectives used the Automated License Plate Recognition (APLR) system to track the suspect vehicle’s movements, which led to the identification of Jacoway. His cellphone records showed incoming and outgoing calls from areas that matched the black Nissan’s path on the day of the homicide, corroborating surveillance footage, city camera footage, and license plate reader data.

Jacoway had previously been identified by SAVE KC, but did not attend a call-in. He is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

Court records: KC teen used rifle in deadly drive-by shooting

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia has agreed to pay nearly $5.2 million in overdue personal taxes, the latest saga for the former billionaire who has been followed by a trail of financial challenges going back well over a decade.

An attorney for Justice and his wife, Cathy, entered into a joint motion for consent judgment with the federal government Monday, the same day that the government filed a lawsuit saying that the couple “have neglected or refused to make full payment” for the income taxes dating to 2009. An attorney for the U.S. Justice Department's tax division signed off on the agreement.

Justice had a fortune&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-39a131d2143b4f458fe6c50e8283e03f">estimated at $1.9 billion last decade</a>&nbsp;by Forbes magazine, which stripped his billionaire title in 2021, when Justice's worth had dwindled to an estimated $513 million. Earlier this year, Forbes estimated that Justice’s net worth had disintegrated to “less than zero” due to liabilities that far exceeded assets.

A spokesperson for Justice's office didn’t immediate respond to an email seeking comment Tuesday.

During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senator-jim-justice-debts-west-virginia-irs-f83649c701450b4a8e1077305760479a">a briefing with local media in October</a>, Justice asserted that his companies “are complicated and complex” and that his children “are doing a magnificent job” running them. He then repeated past assertions that collection efforts against him were politically motivated, before concluding:. “At the end of the day, I’d say just let it be and see how it all plays out.”

Justice, a former two-term Republican governor who owns dozens of businesses that include coal and agricultural operations,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-senate-justice-elliott-7376ed0ceb9bebd0766190fb14cc0e69">was elected last November to the Senate.</a>&nbsp;He took over the seat vacated by the retiring Joe Manchin, a Democrat who became an independent in 2024 near the end of his second full term.

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