Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is appealing a judge’s order that blocks him from punishing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot, for participating in a video that called on troops to resist unlawful orders.
Cristmas Liquor Cocktail in a Crystal Glass on a Reflective Table with Christmas Lights Out of Focus in the BackgroundBreeze adding daily nonstop flights between Jacksonville, Fort LauderdaleRead full article: ‘Teen takeover’ that sparked gun violence impacts Jacksonville Beach businesses Florida lawmakers have proposed a bill that could set tougher safety requirements for parents and drivers when driving with young children, including raising the age for children to be in booster seats from 5 to 8.
From left, Sen. Ruben Gallego D-Ariz., Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., join Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for a news conference as they criticize President Donald Trump's policies and agenda ahead of his State of the Union speech, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer Rauchet arrive before President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. From left, Sen. Ruben Gallego D-Ariz., Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., join Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for a news conference as they criticize President Donald Trump's policies and agenda ahead of his State of the Union speech, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Justice Department officials filed a notice that they wil ask a panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review the Feb. 12 ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon.Kelly, who represents Arizona, said in a social media post that the only reason for Hegseth to appeal is to “keep trampling on the free speech rights of retired veterans and silence dissent.”Hegseth had vowed to immediately appeal Leon’s decision. “Sedition is sedition, ‘Captain,’” he posted on his X account, referring to Kelly by his rank at retirement. In November, Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers appeared on a video in which they urged troops to uphold the Constitution and not to follow unlawful military directives from the Trump administration. Republican President Donald Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post days later.Leon ruled that Pentagon officials not only violated Kelly’s First Amendment free speech rights, but they also “threatened the constitutional liberties of millions of military retirees.” The judge invoked an old-fashioned rebuke -- “Horsefeathers!” -- in response to the government’s claim that Kelly is trying to exempt himself from the rules of military justice. “To say the least, our retired veterans deserve more respect from their Government, and our Constitution demands they receive it!” wrote Leon, who was nominated to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush. The 90-second video was first posted on a social media account belonging to Slotkin. Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania also appeared in the video. All of the participants are veterans of the armed services or intelligence agencies. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.‘Teen takeover’ that sparked gun violence impacts Jacksonville Beach businessesWe have sprouts! Tower Garden, Aeroponic GardeningWounded Warrior Project hosts events to help veterans in Jacksonville bondPolice now say 5 teens hit by gunfire during ‘takeover’ event in Jacksonville BeachHistoric Greenleaf building to reopen with dining, fitness and speakeasy in the heart of downtownJSO investigating deadly shooting in Northwest JacksonvilleCharlton County farmer videos massive blaze impacting farmFinding furever homes for dogs at Dogtopia Jax Beach BlvdCold cases of 2 Jacksonville men highlighted for Missing Adults Day at city hallJSO launches new investigation on TikTok account posting women, children without consent
Chris Deluzio Maggie Goodlander Pete Hegseth George W. Bush Jason Crow Richard J. Leon Washington News Mark Kelly Politics Donald Trump
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