WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is showing little urgency to broker a compromise that would end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>, even as Democrats insist no breakthrough is possible without his direct involvement.

Three weeks in, Congress is at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-congress-02382f77ea1ba72896148555a75dc075">standstill</a>. The House hasn’t been in session for a month, and senators left Washington on Thursday frustrated by the lack of progress. Republican leaders are refusing to negotiate until a short-term funding bill to reopen the government is passed, while Democrats say they won’t agree without guarantees on extending health insurance subsidies.

For now, Trump appears content to stay on the sidelines.

He spent the week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-trump-b86ea472e290947b98976eb9b7ef6994">celebrating</a>&nbsp;an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal he led, hosted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-presidential-medal-of-freedom-f895a361c5c1d2663cacd64082bb5ed7">remembrance event</a>&nbsp;for conservative activist Charlie Kirk and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-putin-russia-ukraine-e3a1d62d2a24f459aa6dbbfa940e1067">refocused attention</a>&nbsp;on the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, his administration has been managing the shutdown in unconventional ways, continuing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-pay-troops-government-shutdown-8601ea092fe746cc35b88076e70c4598">pay the troops</a>&nbsp;while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">laying off</a>&nbsp;other federal employees.

Asked Thursday whether he was willing to deploy his dealmaking background on the shutdown, Trump seemed uninterested.

“Well, look, I mean, all we want to do is just extend. We don’t want anything, we just want to extend, live with the deal they had,” he said in an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office. Later Thursday, he criticized Democratic health care demands as “crazy,” adding, “We’re just not going to do it.”

Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Democrats must first vote to reopen the government, “then we can have serious conversations about health care.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune echoed that approach before leaving for the weekend, saying Trump is “ready to weigh in and sit down with the Democrats or whomever, once the government opens up.”

Thune said he'd also be willing to talk, but only after the shutdown ends.

“I am willing to sit down with Democrats,” Thune posted on social media Friday.

“But there’s one condition: End the Schumer Shutdown. I will not negotiate under hostage conditions, nor will I pay a ransom,” he added.

Frustration is beginning to surface among rank-and-file Republicans, with bipartisan conversations breaking out on the Senate floor as members look for ways to move things forward. Still, even those Republicans admit little happens in Congress without Trump's direction.

Leaving the Capitol on Thursday, GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski said, “We’re not making much headway this week.” For things to progress, Murkowski acknowledged Trump may need to get more involved: “I think he’s an important part of it.”

“I think there are some folks in his administration that are kind of liking the fact that Congress really has no role right now,” she added. “I don’t like that. I don’t like that at all.”

Trump has not been slowed by the shutdown

While Congress has been paralyzed by the shutdown, Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-government-shutdown-russ-vought-project-2025-bf3ecd1f7cd765c9e125d7d7179c8b39">moved rapidly</a>&nbsp;to enact his vision of the federal government.

He has called budget chief Russ Vought the “grim reaper,” and Vought has taken the opportunity to withhold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-new-york-rail-projects-money-withheld-ada494e08ae9ae5269c6ce554ecdbd43">billions of dollars for infrastructure projects</a>&nbsp;and lay off thousands of federal workers, signaling that workforce reductions could become even more drastic.

At the same time, the administration has acted unilaterally to fund Trump’s priorities, including paying the military this week, easing pressure on what could have been one of the main deadlines to end the shutdown.

Some of these moves, particularly the layoffs and funding shifts, have been criticized as illegal and are facing court challenges. A federal judge on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-layoffs-trump-unions-b312b3ca77cbdbc72e778ece3b2cbffc">temporarily blocked</a>&nbsp;the administration from firing workers during the shutdown, ruling that the cuts appeared politically motivated and were carried out without sufficient justification.

And with Congress focused on the funding fight, lawmakers have had little time to debate other issues.

In the House, Johnson has said the House won’t return until Democrats approve the funding bill and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adelita-grijalva-swear-congress-epstein-files-25636fec1d99960a5fb11501ac86cc69">refused to swear in</a>&nbsp;Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. Democrats say the move is to prevent her from becoming the 218th signature on a discharge petition aimed at forcing a vote on releasing documents related to the sex trafficking investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>.

So far, the shutdown has shown little impact on public opinion.

An AP-NORC poll&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-government-shutdown-blame-trump-republicans-democrats-12c01432bbb43746b6d8d32390c959f4">released Thursday</a>&nbsp;found that 3 in 10 U.S. adults have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of the Democratic Party, similar to an AP-NORC poll from September. Four in 10 have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of the Republican Party, largely unchanged from last month.

Democrats want Trump at the table. Republicans would rather he stay out

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have said Republicans have shown little seriousness in negotiating an end to the shutdown.

“Leader Thune has not come to me with any proposal at this point,” Schumer said Thursday.

Frustrated with congressional leaders, Democrats are increasingly looking to Trump.

At a CNN town hall Wednesday night featuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, both repeatedly called for the president’s involvement when asked why negotiations had stalled.

“President Trump is not talking. That is the problem,” Sanders said.

Ocasio-Cortez added that Trump should more regularly “be having congressional leaders in the White House.”

Democrats’ focus on Trump reflects both his leadership style — which allows little to happen in Congress without his approval — and the reality that any funding bill needs the president’s signature to become law.

This time, however, Republican leaders who control the House and Senate are resisting any push for Trump to intervene.

“You can’t negotiate when somebody’s got a hostage,” said South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, who added that Trump getting involved would allow Democrats to try the same tactic in future legislative fights.

Trump has largely followed that guidance. After previously saying he would be open to negotiating with Democrats on health insurance subsidies, he walked it back after Republican leaders suggested he misspoke.

And that's unlikely to change for now. Trump has no plans to personally intervene to broker a deal with Democrats, according to a senior White House official granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. The official added that the only stopgap funding bill that Democrats can expect is the one already on the table.

“The President is happy to have a conversation about health care policy, but he will not do so while the Democrats are holding the American people hostage,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said Thursday.

A product of the Congress Trump has molded

In his second term, Trump has taken a top-down approach, leaving little in Congress to move without his approval.

“What’s obvious to me is that Mike Johnson and John Thune don't do much without Donald Trump telling them what to do,” said Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona.

His hold is particularly strong in the GOP-led House, where Speaker Mike Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mike-johnson-trump-mccarthy-0e0b5613f1d39f4e1405a475fdfea8ea">effectively</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-johnson-speaker-vote-house-freedom-caucus-be61b59070a468862119799e847ae8d8">owes his job</a>&nbsp;to Trump, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-congress-compliant-ceding-power-republicans-4508b5e6f893da17e9064426e6fefc6c">relies</a>&nbsp;on his influence to power through difficult legislative fights.

When Republicans have withheld votes on Trump’s priorities in Congress, he’s called them on the phone or summoned them to his office to directly sway them. When that doesn’t work, he has vowed to unseat them in the next election. It’s led many Democrats to believe the only path to an agreement runs through the White House and not through the speaker’s office.

Democrats also want assurances from the White House that they won't backtrack on an agreement. The White House earlier this year cut out the legislative branch entirely with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-aid-pocket-rescission-374c63e6b4004e819a657e33b76f502e">$4.9 billion cut to foreign aid</a>&nbsp;in August through a legally dubious process known as a “pocket rescission.” And before he even took office late last year, Trump and ally Elon Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-elon-budget-house-republican-05481374b154949c3fe1270141a02918">blew up</a>&nbsp;a bipartisan funding agreement that both parties had negotiated.

“I think we need to see ink on paper. I think we need to see legislation. I think we need to see votes,” said Ocasio-Cortez. “I don’t accept pinky promises. That’s not the business that I’m in.”

Both parties also see little reason to fold under public pressure, believing they are winning the messaging battle.

“Everybody thinks they’re winning,” Murkowski said. “Nobody is winning when everybody’s losing. And that’s what’s happening right now. The American public is losing.”

Associated Press reporter Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759369156073.png" alt="File photo-House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., left, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speak to reporters outside the White House-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo-House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., left, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speak to reporters outside the White House-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is showing little urgency to broker a compromise that would end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>, even as Democrats insist no breakthrough is possible without his direct involvement.Three weeks in, Congress is at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-congress-02382f77ea1ba72896148555a75dc075">standstill</a>. The House hasn’t been in session for a month, and senators left Washington on Thursday frustrated by the lack of progress. Republican leaders are refusing to negotiate until a short-term funding bill to reopen the government is passed, while Democrats say they won’t agree without guarantees on extending health insurance subsidies.For now, Trump appears content to stay on the sidelines.He spent the week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-trump-b86ea472e290947b98976eb9b7ef6994">celebrating</a>&nbsp;an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal he led, hosted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-presidential-medal-of-freedom-f895a361c5c1d2663cacd64082bb5ed7">remembrance event</a>&nbsp;for conservative activist Charlie Kirk and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-putin-russia-ukraine-e3a1d62d2a24f459aa6dbbfa940e1067">refocused attention</a>&nbsp;on the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, his administration has been managing the shutdown in unconventional ways, continuing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-pay-troops-government-shutdown-8601ea092fe746cc35b88076e70c4598">pay the troops</a>&nbsp;while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">laying off</a>&nbsp;other federal employees.Asked Thursday whether he was willing to deploy his dealmaking background on the shutdown, Trump seemed uninterested.“Well, look, I mean, all we want to do is just extend. We don’t want anything, we just want to extend, live with the deal they had,” he said in an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office. Later Thursday, he criticized Democratic health care demands as “crazy,” adding, “We’re just not going to do it.”Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Democrats must first vote to reopen the government, “then we can have serious conversations about health care.”Senate Majority Leader John Thune echoed that approach before leaving for the weekend, saying Trump is “ready to weigh in and sit down with the Democrats or whomever, once the government opens up.”Thune said he'd also be willing to talk, but only after the shutdown ends.“I am willing to sit down with Democrats,” Thune posted on social media Friday.“But there’s one condition: End the Schumer Shutdown. I will not negotiate under hostage conditions, nor will I pay a ransom,” he added.Frustration is beginning to surface among rank-and-file Republicans, with bipartisan conversations breaking out on the Senate floor as members look for ways to move things forward. Still, even those Republicans admit little happens in Congress without Trump's direction.Leaving the Capitol on Thursday, GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski said, “We’re not making much headway this week.” For things to progress, Murkowski acknowledged Trump may need to get more involved: “I think he’s an important part of it.”“I think there are some folks in his administration that are kind of liking the fact that Congress really has no role right now,” she added. “I don’t like that. I don’t like that at all.”<h2>Trump has not been slowed by the shutdown</h2>While Congress has been paralyzed by the shutdown, Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-government-shutdown-russ-vought-project-2025-bf3ecd1f7cd765c9e125d7d7179c8b39">moved rapidly</a>&nbsp;to enact his vision of the federal government.He has called budget chief Russ Vought the “grim reaper,” and Vought has taken the opportunity to withhold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-new-york-rail-projects-money-withheld-ada494e08ae9ae5269c6ce554ecdbd43">billions of dollars for infrastructure projects</a>&nbsp;and lay off thousands of federal workers, signaling that workforce reductions could become even more drastic.At the same time, the administration has acted unilaterally to fund Trump’s priorities, including paying the military this week, easing pressure on what could have been one of the main deadlines to end the shutdown.Some of these moves, particularly the layoffs and funding shifts, have been criticized as illegal and are facing court challenges. A federal judge on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-layoffs-trump-unions-b312b3ca77cbdbc72e778ece3b2cbffc">temporarily blocked</a>&nbsp;the administration from firing workers during the shutdown, ruling that the cuts appeared politically motivated and were carried out without sufficient justification.And with Congress focused on the funding fight, lawmakers have had little time to debate other issues.In the House, Johnson has said the House won’t return until Democrats approve the funding bill and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adelita-grijalva-swear-congress-epstein-files-25636fec1d99960a5fb11501ac86cc69">refused to swear in</a>&nbsp;Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. Democrats say the move is to prevent her from becoming the 218th signature on a discharge petition aimed at forcing a vote on releasing documents related to the sex trafficking investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>.So far, the shutdown has shown little impact on public opinion.An AP-NORC poll&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-government-shutdown-blame-trump-republicans-democrats-12c01432bbb43746b6d8d32390c959f4">released Thursday</a>&nbsp;found that 3 in 10 U.S. adults have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of the Democratic Party, similar to an AP-NORC poll from September. Four in 10 have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of the Republican Party, largely unchanged from last month.<h2>Democrats want Trump at the table. Republicans would rather he stay out</h2>Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have said Republicans have shown little seriousness in negotiating an end to the shutdown.“Leader Thune has not come to me with any proposal at this point,” Schumer said Thursday.Frustrated with congressional leaders, Democrats are increasingly looking to Trump.At a CNN town hall Wednesday night featuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, both repeatedly called for the president’s involvement when asked why negotiations had stalled.“President Trump is not talking. That is the problem,” Sanders said.Ocasio-Cortez added that Trump should more regularly “be having congressional leaders in the White House.”Democrats’ focus on Trump reflects both his leadership style — which allows little to happen in Congress without his approval — and the reality that any funding bill needs the president’s signature to become law.This time, however, Republican leaders who control the House and Senate are resisting any push for Trump to intervene.“You can’t negotiate when somebody’s got a hostage,” said South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, who added that Trump getting involved would allow Democrats to try the same tactic in future legislative fights.Trump has largely followed that guidance. After previously saying he would be open to negotiating with Democrats on health insurance subsidies, he walked it back after Republican leaders suggested he misspoke.And that's unlikely to change for now. Trump has no plans to personally intervene to broker a deal with Democrats, according to a senior White House official granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. The official added that the only stopgap funding bill that Democrats can expect is the one already on the table.“The President is happy to have a conversation about health care policy, but he will not do so while the Democrats are holding the American people hostage,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said Thursday.<h2>A product of the Congress Trump has molded</h2>In his second term, Trump has taken a top-down approach, leaving little in Congress to move without his approval.“What’s obvious to me is that Mike Johnson and John Thune don't do much without Donald Trump telling them what to do,” said Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona.His hold is particularly strong in the GOP-led House, where Speaker Mike Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mike-johnson-trump-mccarthy-0e0b5613f1d39f4e1405a475fdfea8ea">effectively</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-johnson-speaker-vote-house-freedom-caucus-be61b59070a468862119799e847ae8d8">owes his job</a>&nbsp;to Trump, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-congress-compliant-ceding-power-republicans-4508b5e6f893da17e9064426e6fefc6c">relies</a>&nbsp;on his influence to power through difficult legislative fights.When Republicans have withheld votes on Trump’s priorities in Congress, he’s called them on the phone or summoned them to his office to directly sway them. When that doesn’t work, he has vowed to unseat them in the next election. It’s led many Democrats to believe the only path to an agreement runs through the White House and not through the speaker’s office.Democrats also want assurances from the White House that they won't backtrack on an agreement. The White House earlier this year cut out the legislative branch entirely with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-aid-pocket-rescission-374c63e6b4004e819a657e33b76f502e">$4.9 billion cut to foreign aid</a>&nbsp;in August through a legally dubious process known as a “pocket rescission.” And before he even took office late last year, Trump and ally Elon Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-elon-budget-house-republican-05481374b154949c3fe1270141a02918">blew up</a>&nbsp;a bipartisan funding agreement that both parties had negotiated.“I think we need to see ink on paper. I think we need to see legislation. I think we need to see votes,” said Ocasio-Cortez. “I don’t accept pinky promises. That’s not the business that I’m in.”Both parties also see little reason to fold under public pressure, believing they are winning the messaging battle.“Everybody thinks they’re winning,” Murkowski said. “Nobody is winning when everybody’s losing. And that’s what’s happening right now. The American public is losing.”—Associated Press reporter Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

Democrats say Trump needs to be involved in shutdown talks

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (AP) — A California engineer and gardening enthusiast won the top prize at an annual pumpkin-weighing contest in Northern California after growing a giant jack-o’-lantern gourd weighing 2,346 pounds (1,064 kilograms).

Brandon Dawson, of Santa Rosa, California, clinched the victory at the 52nd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco.

Dawson pumped his arms in the air and sat his two children on top of the giant pumpkin — roughly the same weight as a small sedan or a large bison — after being crowned this year’s winner.

“My mind is kind of racing because I was in this position last year when I lost by 6 pounds (3 kilograms),” he said in an interview.

Dawson, a manufacturing engineer at electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive, said he has been growing massive pumpkins for five years. Precision skills acquired at his job helped him with the right watering and sunlight to help his gourd grow, he said.

He said he enjoys getting his children involved in the process.

“We like to spend time out in the patch and watch the thing grow,” Dawson said about his 2-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.

“My 4-year-old now can really pay attention to the growing process,” especially since the giant pumpkins can grow by 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kilograms) a day, he added.

The pumpkin champ won a $20,000 prize for growing the biggest pumpkin.

Dawson’s pumpkin was the runner up in last year’s contest at Half Moon Bay when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-giant-pumpkin-winner-71cc6201bb732f057261d452bdf97ba5">the winning gourd grown</a>&nbsp;by Minnesota horticulture teacher Travis Gienger came in at 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms).

Gienger, of Anoka, Minnesota,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-giant-pumpkin-world-record-dbe2b22743e332998c204f2191b2a46f">set a world record</a>&nbsp;at the California contest in 2023 for the heaviest pumpkin when his giant jack-o’-lantern gourd weighed 2,749 pounds (1,247 kilograms). Gienger’s pumpkin was damaged earlier this season and he couldn’t enter this year’s contest in California.

Two brothers in England earlier this month broke Gienger’s record with a gourd that weighed 2,819 pounds (1,278kg).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760471418748.jpeg" alt="Brandon Dawson, center, celebrates after winning the Safeway 52nd annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Dawson, center, celebrates after winning the Safeway 52nd annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (AP) — A California engineer and gardening enthusiast won the top prize at an annual pumpkin-weighing contest in Northern California after growing a giant jack-o’-lantern gourd weighing 2,346 pounds (1,064 kilograms).Brandon Dawson, of Santa Rosa, California, clinched the victory at the 52nd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco.Dawson pumped his arms in the air and sat his two children on top of the giant pumpkin — roughly the same weight as a small sedan or a large bison — after being crowned this year’s winner.“My mind is kind of racing because I was in this position last year when I lost by 6 pounds (3 kilograms),” he said in an interview.Dawson, a manufacturing engineer at electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive, said he has been growing massive pumpkins for five years. Precision skills acquired at his job helped him with the right watering and sunlight to help his gourd grow, he said.He said he enjoys getting his children involved in the process.“We like to spend time out in the patch and watch the thing grow,” Dawson said about his 2-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.“My 4-year-old now can really pay attention to the growing process,” especially since the giant pumpkins can grow by 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kilograms) a day, he added.The pumpkin champ won a $20,000 prize for growing the biggest pumpkin.Dawson’s pumpkin was the runner up in last year’s contest at Half Moon Bay when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-giant-pumpkin-winner-71cc6201bb732f057261d452bdf97ba5">the winning gourd grown</a>&nbsp;by Minnesota horticulture teacher Travis Gienger came in at 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms).Gienger, of Anoka, Minnesota,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-giant-pumpkin-world-record-dbe2b22743e332998c204f2191b2a46f">set a world record</a>&nbsp;at the California contest in 2023 for the heaviest pumpkin when his giant jack-o’-lantern gourd weighed 2,749 pounds (1,247 kilograms). Gienger’s pumpkin was damaged earlier this season and he couldn’t enter this year’s contest in California.Two brothers in England earlier this month broke Gienger’s record with a gourd that weighed 2,819 pounds (1,278kg).

Biggest pumpkin in America, just in time for Halloween  

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry&nbsp;Moran – a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense – spoke on the Senate floor this week to reaffirm the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine and maintained pressure on Moscow in order to end Russia’s unjust war. 

Sen.&nbsp;Moran’s remarks were delivered following President Trump’s call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and ahead President Trump’s meeting Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Shortly before Sen.&nbsp;Moran’s remarks, the U.S. Senate voted on the FY2026 Appropriations bill to fund the U.S. military. Despite receiving bipartisan support in the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the bill did not receive the necessary votes to advance, failing 50-44.

“Last week, we witnessed the long-awaited peace agreement between Israel and Hamas come to fruition,”&nbsp;said Sen.&nbsp;Moran.&nbsp;“Thanks to the efforts of President Trump and his administration, a ceasefire is holding. Iran has been dealt a crippling blow that has weakened its hold on the region, and Hamas has released all living hostages who had been held captive for more than two years.”“Through strength, the U.S. brokered a peace deal that serves the security of Israel and the humanitarian needs of Gazans alike,”&nbsp;continued Sen.&nbsp;Moran.&nbsp;

“Now, as the conflict in Ukraine has surpassed the three-year mark, Putin remains undeterred in his mission to carry out his unjust war on the Ukrainian people. Each day this war continues, lives are lost, and the safety, economic stability and global leadership of the United States are threatened. This war must end.”

“To bring an end to this war, the United States and our allies must maintain pressure on Moscow, as was just seen we maintained pressure on Hamas. One recent and important development in this effort is the potential transfer of U.S. Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. This weaponry will strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory, deter further Russian aggression and help level the battlefield as negotiations hopefully move forward. By providing advanced, precision-strike systems, America demonstrates that our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty is backed not only by words, but by legitimate support that can alter the course of this war."

“Our adversaries, Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, are always looking for an opportunity to disrupt our alliances, weaken our resolve and disturb the free world,”&nbsp;concluded Sen.&nbsp;Moran.&nbsp;“It is imperative that the United States stands firm in its support for Ukraine and, in doing so, places significant pressure on Putin to show our adversaries that democracy will not go undefended.”

Sen.&nbsp;Moran’s full remarks as delivered:“As President Trump today spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and tomorrow, he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, I want to highlight how important it is, how critical it is, to securing a resolution to Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine.“I had intended to give remarks today on this topic, and I opened the Wall Street Journal this morning. And I was reading it, its top editorial on the editorial page deals with this topic, and I would recommend it to my colleagues. It expresses the views as I wish I could express them so clearly. I’m going to do so today right now.“Last week, we witnessed the long-awaited peace agreement between Israel and Hamas come to fruition. Thanks to the efforts of President Trump and his administration, a ceasefire is holding. Iran has been dealt a crippling blow that has weakened its hold on the region, and Hamas has released all living hostages who had been held captive for more than two years. While we recognize there are significant challenges that remain in the Middle East, this marks a critical step toward a just and lasting peace in the region.“This agreement would not have been possible without the strength of the United States military, our steadfast alliance with Israel and making it unequivocally clear to Hamas that the United States is willing and able to assist our ally in war. Through strength, the U.S. brokered a peace deal that serves the security of Israel and the humanitarian needs of Gazans alike.“Now, as the conflict in Ukraine has surpassed the three-year mark, Putin remains undeterred in his mission to carry out his unjust war on the Ukrainian people. Each day this war continues, lives are lost, and the safety, economic stability and global leadership of the United States are threatened. This war must end.“To bring an end to this war, the United States and our allies must maintain pressure on Moscow, as was just seen we maintained pressure on Hamas. One recent and important development in this effort is the potential transfer of U.S. Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. This weaponry will strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory, deter further Russian aggression and help level the battlefield as negotiations hopefully move forward. By providing advanced, precision-strike systems, America demonstrates that our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty is backed not only by words, but by legitimate support that can alter the course of this war.“I commend the administration for its efforts to facilitate this transfer and for leading discussions between Ukraine and Russia that hopefully will secure a durable and just peace.“The United States cannot act alone. Our NATO allies must also shoulder the burden. President Trump recently secured an agreement with our NATO allies to increase defense spending from two percent to five percent by 2035. This commitment is critical to maintaining the continued defense of Europe. Russia’s economy is already under strain, but their capacity to fund conflict will continue without enforcement of steady and severe global sanctions.“Before Congress, there’s legislation that has widespread support of more than 80 senators from both sides of the aisle. This legislation would deliver a severe blow to Russia’s economy and trade. By cutting off the resources that allow Putin to fund this war, we can hasten the path to success in finding peace.“Last week, we advanced the National Defense Authorization Act, but today, we failed to advance the appropriations bill to fund our military. We always should recognize that the world is watching. They’re watching us. Our adversaries pay attention, and our allies pay attention. We have to every day make clear the case that it is true: the United States is a stable and friendly supporter of our allies and a full-fledged adversary to those who wish to cause us harm.“Our adversaries, Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, are always looking for an opportunity to disrupt our alliances, weaken our resolve and disturb the free world. It is imperative that the United States stands firm in its support for Ukraine and, in doing so, places significant pressure on Putin to show our adversaries that democracy will not go undefended.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760736061957.png" alt="President Trump welcomes President Zelensky to the White House on Friday- image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump welcomes President Zelensky to the White House on Friday- image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry&nbsp;Moran – a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense – spoke on the Senate floor this week to reaffirm the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine and maintained pressure on Moscow in order to end Russia’s unjust war. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K_1lPe8PmC8?si=xkm9zORY3XzAYl95" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Sen.&nbsp;Moran’s remarks were delivered following President Trump’s call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and ahead President Trump’s meeting Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.Shortly before Sen.&nbsp;Moran’s remarks, the U.S. Senate voted on the FY2026 Appropriations bill to fund the U.S. military. Despite receiving bipartisan support in the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the bill did not receive the necessary votes to advance, failing 50-44.“Last week, we witnessed the long-awaited peace agreement between Israel and Hamas come to fruition,”&nbsp;said Sen.&nbsp;Moran.&nbsp;“Thanks to the efforts of President Trump and his administration, a ceasefire is holding. Iran has been dealt a crippling blow that has weakened its hold on the region, and Hamas has released all living hostages who had been held captive for more than two years.”“Through strength, the U.S. brokered a peace deal that serves the security of Israel and the humanitarian needs of Gazans alike,”&nbsp;continued Sen.&nbsp;Moran.&nbsp;“Now, as the conflict in Ukraine has surpassed the three-year mark, Putin remains undeterred in his mission to carry out his unjust war on the Ukrainian people. Each day this war continues, lives are lost, and the safety, economic stability and global leadership of the United States are threatened. This war must end.”“To bring an end to this war, the United States and our allies must maintain pressure on Moscow, as was just seen we maintained pressure on Hamas. One recent and important development in this effort is the potential transfer of U.S. Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. This weaponry will strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory, deter further Russian aggression and help level the battlefield as negotiations hopefully move forward. By providing advanced, precision-strike systems, America demonstrates that our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty is backed not only by words, but by legitimate support that can alter the course of this war."“Our adversaries, Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, are always looking for an opportunity to disrupt our alliances, weaken our resolve and disturb the free world,”&nbsp;concluded Sen.&nbsp;Moran.&nbsp;“It is imperative that the United States stands firm in its support for Ukraine and, in doing so, places significant pressure on Putin to show our adversaries that democracy will not go undefended.”-----------Sen.&nbsp;Moran’s full remarks as delivered:“As President Trump today spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and tomorrow, he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, I want to highlight how important it is, how critical it is, to securing a resolution to Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine.“I had intended to give remarks today on this topic, and I opened the Wall Street Journal this morning. And I was reading it, its top editorial on the editorial page deals with this topic, and I would recommend it to my colleagues. It expresses the views as I wish I could express them so clearly. I’m going to do so today right now.“Last week, we witnessed the long-awaited peace agreement between Israel and Hamas come to fruition. Thanks to the efforts of President Trump and his administration, a ceasefire is holding. Iran has been dealt a crippling blow that has weakened its hold on the region, and Hamas has released all living hostages who had been held captive for more than two years. While we recognize there are significant challenges that remain in the Middle East, this marks a critical step toward a just and lasting peace in the region.“This agreement would not have been possible without the strength of the United States military, our steadfast alliance with Israel and making it unequivocally clear to Hamas that the United States is willing and able to assist our ally in war. Through strength, the U.S. brokered a peace deal that serves the security of Israel and the humanitarian needs of Gazans alike.“Now, as the conflict in Ukraine has surpassed the three-year mark, Putin remains undeterred in his mission to carry out his unjust war on the Ukrainian people. Each day this war continues, lives are lost, and the safety, economic stability and global leadership of the United States are threatened. This war must end.“To bring an end to this war, the United States and our allies must maintain pressure on Moscow, as was just seen we maintained pressure on Hamas. One recent and important development in this effort is the potential transfer of U.S. Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. This weaponry will strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory, deter further Russian aggression and help level the battlefield as negotiations hopefully move forward. By providing advanced, precision-strike systems, America demonstrates that our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty is backed not only by words, but by legitimate support that can alter the course of this war.“I commend the administration for its efforts to facilitate this transfer and for leading discussions between Ukraine and Russia that hopefully will secure a durable and just peace.“The United States cannot act alone. Our NATO allies must also shoulder the burden. President Trump recently secured an agreement with our NATO allies to increase defense spending from two percent to five percent by 2035. This commitment is critical to maintaining the continued defense of Europe. Russia’s economy is already under strain, but their capacity to fund conflict will continue without enforcement of steady and severe global sanctions.“Before Congress, there’s legislation that has widespread support of more than 80 senators from both sides of the aisle. This legislation would deliver a severe blow to Russia’s economy and trade. By cutting off the resources that allow Putin to fund this war, we can hasten the path to success in finding peace.“Last week, we advanced the National Defense Authorization Act, but today, we failed to advance the appropriations bill to fund our military. We always should recognize that the world is watching. They’re watching us. Our adversaries pay attention, and our allies pay attention. We have to every day make clear the case that it is true: the United States is a stable and friendly supporter of our allies and a full-fledged adversary to those who wish to cause us harm.“Our adversaries, Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, are always looking for an opportunity to disrupt our alliances, weaken our resolve and disturb the free world. It is imperative that the United States stands firm in its support for Ukraine and, in doing so, places significant pressure on Putin to show our adversaries that democracy will not go undefended.”

🎥Kan. U.S Senator: U.S. must send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman who called 911 to report shooting her son in October of 2024 learned her fate on Friday.

On Friday, Judge Eric Williams sentenced&nbsp;Tesha Florence, 46, Wichita  to 194 months in prison with 36 months of post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She is also required to register as a violent offender.&nbsp;

In August, Florence pleaded no contest to charges of second degree murder,&nbsp; aggravated assault and aggravated burglary, according to the District Attorney's office.

On October 9, 2024, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from Florence reporting that she shot her son, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

First responders located a 16-year-old identified as Robert Florence inside an apartment in the 9100 Block of East Harry. He had a single gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was in extremely critical condition. He died two days later, according to Moses.

At the scene, officers detained&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">&nbsp;Florence,</a>&nbsp;the boy's mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the investigation into this case, detectives learned of a previously unreported incident from March 2024 where Florence threatened an ex-husband and his current girlfriend with a gun.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760697939930.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman who called 911 to report shooting her son in October of 2024 learned her fate on Friday.On Friday, Judge Eric Williams sentenced&nbsp;Tesha Florence, 46, Wichita to 194 months in prison with 36 months of post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She is also required to register as a violent offender.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760734884189.png" alt="Florence KBI Offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Florence KBI Offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>In August, Florence pleaded no contest to charges of second degree murder,&nbsp; aggravated assault and aggravated burglary, according to the District Attorney's office.On October 9, 2024, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from Florence reporting that she shot her son, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.First responders located a 16-year-old identified as Robert Florence inside an apartment in the 9100 Block of East Harry. He had a single gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was in extremely critical condition. He died two days later, according to Moses.At the scene, officers detained&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">&nbsp;Florence,</a>&nbsp;the boy's mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the investigation into this case, detectives learned of a previously unreported incident from March 2024 where Florence threatened an ex-husband and his current girlfriend with a gun.

Years in prison for Kansas mother who killed her teenage son

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

&nbsp;A 21-year-old Pratt man pleaded guilty this week and is expected to get probation in the violent attack of a Hays woman in August 2024.

Tucker Eisenhauer pleaded guilty in Ellis County District Court to aggravated battery, and as a result of the guilty plea, he had four other charges dropped.

According to court documents, on Aug. 25, 2024, Eisenhauer allegedly sexually assaulted the victim by holding her against her will. He was also charged with kidnapping for allegedly locking the victim in his pickup, aggravated battery for allegedly violently shaking her, causing her neck to pop, and criminal deprivation of property by allegedly taking the victim’s keys and phone during the altercation.

Eisenhauer does not have a criminal record, so under Kansas sentencing guidelines, the sentence would be presumptive probation with an underlying prison sentence if he violates his probation.

Court documents show both the state and defense will ask for eight months of jail time, but 12 months of probation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726060645545.png" alt="Eisenhauer-photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Eisenhauer-photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post&nbsp;A 21-year-old Pratt man pleaded guilty this week and is expected to get probation in the violent attack of a Hays woman in August 2024.Tucker Eisenhauer pleaded guilty in Ellis County District Court to aggravated battery, and as a result of the guilty plea, he had four other charges dropped.According to court documents, on Aug. 25, 2024, Eisenhauer allegedly sexually assaulted the victim by holding her against her will. He was also charged with kidnapping for allegedly locking the victim in his pickup, aggravated battery for allegedly violently shaking her, causing her neck to pop, and criminal deprivation of property by allegedly taking the victim’s keys and phone during the altercation.Eisenhauer does not have a criminal record, so under Kansas sentencing guidelines, the sentence would be presumptive probation with an underlying prison sentence if he violates his probation.Court documents show both the state and defense will ask for eight months of jail time, but 12 months of probation.Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 6.

Man enters plea to violent attack on a woman in NW Kansas 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Protesting the direction of the country under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>, people will gather Saturday in the nation’s capital and communities across the U.S. for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protests-trump-immigration-first-amendment-f04e7a4728c10b694f540bcef0646370">“No Kings”</a>&nbsp;demonstrations — what the president’s Republican Party is calling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7REVjTcBdc" target="_blank">“Hate America” rallies</a>.

This is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/no-kings-protest-trump-us-b5de52994b7c592034fb19b7d3e9d577">third mass mobilization</a>&nbsp;since Trump’s return to the White House and it is expected to be the largest. It comes against the backdrop of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;that not only has closed federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-food-aid-snap-november-417bd9a473701b6334491c9e6e28a1c4">programs and services,</a>&nbsp;but is testing the core balance of power as an aggressive executive confronts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-layoffs-trump-unions-b312b3ca77cbdbc72e778ece3b2cbffc">Congress and the courts</a>&nbsp;in ways that organizers warn is a slide toward American authoritarianism.

Trump himself is away from Washington at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.

“They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king,” Trump said in a Fox News interview airing early Friday, before he departed for a $1 million-per-plate MAGA Inc. super PAC fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago. Protests are expected nearby Saturday.

While the earlier protests this year —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-protests-hands-off-472c574303260cbac315367cc808960d">against Elon Musk’s cuts in spring,</a>&nbsp;then to counter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-army-parade-troops-tanks-birthday-protests-4cca4da0e89908d39c820240744375a1">Trump’s military parade</a>&nbsp;in June — drew crowds, organizers say this one is building a more unified opposition party movement. Top Democrats such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Senate Leader Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;and Independent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bernie-sanders">Sen. Bernie Sanders</a>&nbsp;are joining in what organizers view an antidote to Trump’s actions, from the administration’s clampdown on free speech to its military-style immigration raids.

“There is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power,” said Ezra Levin, a co-founder of Indivisible, among the key organizers.

As Republicans and the White House dismiss the protests as a rally of radicals, Levin said their own sign-up numbers are growing. More than 2,600 rallies are planned in cities large and small, organized by hundreds of coalition partners. They said rallies are being planned within a one-hour drive for most Americans.

Republicans have have sought to portray participants in Saturday’s rallies as far outside the mainstream of American politics, and a main reason for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7REVjTcBdc" target="_blank">prolonged government shutdown</a>, now in its 18th day.

From the White House to Capitol Hill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60epVqMtYPg" target="_blank">GOP leaders</a>&nbsp;disparaged the rallygoers as “communists” and “Marxists.”

They say Democratic leaders, including Schumer, are beholden to the far-left flank and willing to keep the government shut down to appease those liberal forces.

“I encourage you to watch — we call it the Hate America rally — that will happen Saturday,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson,</a>&nbsp;R-La.

“Let’s see who shows up for that,” Johnson said listing off groups including “antifa types,” people who “hate capitalism” and “Marxists in full display.”

Democrats have refused to vote on legislation that would reopen government as they demand funding for health care. Republicans say they are willing to discuss the issue later, only after government reopens.

But for many Democrats, the government closure is also a way to stand up to Trump, and try to push the presidency back to its place in the U.S. system as a co-equal branch of the government.

In a Facebook post, Sanders of Vermont, himself a former presidential contender, said, “It’s a love America rally.”

“It’s rally of millions of people all over this country who believe in our Constitution, who believe in American freedom and,” he said, pointing at the GOP leadership, “are not going to let you and Donald Trump turn this country into an authoritarian society.”

The situation is a potential turnaround from just six months ago, when Democrats and their allies were divided and despondent, unsure about how best to respond to Trump’s return to the White House. Schumer in particular was berated by his party for allowing an earlier government funding bill to sail through the Senate without using it to challenge Trump.

In April, the national march against Trump and Elon Musk had 1,300 registered locations. In June, for the first “No Kings” day, there were 2,100 registered locations. The march Saturday will have more than 2,600 registered locations, Levin said.

“What we are seeing from the Democrats is some spine,” Levin said. “The worst thing the Democrats could do right now is surrender.”

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he wasn’t sure if he would join the rallygoers Saturday, but he took issue with the Republicans’ characterization of the events.

“What’s hateful is what happened on January 6th,” he said, referring to the 2021 Capitol attack, as Trump’s supporters stormed the building to protest Joe Biden’s election victory. “What you’ll see this weekend is what patriotism looks like, people showing up to express opposition to the extremism that Donald Trump has been unleashing on the American people.”

Riddle reported from Montgomery, Ala. Associated Press writer Chris Megerian contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760736482929.jpeg" alt="Participants joined the No Kings rally in Fargo, North Dakota, on June 14 (Erin Hemme Froslie/North Dakota Monitor)." />
 <figcaption>Participants joined the No Kings rally in Fargo, North Dakota, on June 14 (Erin Hemme Froslie/North Dakota Monitor).</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Protesting the direction of the country under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>, people will gather Saturday in the nation’s capital and communities across the U.S. for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protests-trump-immigration-first-amendment-f04e7a4728c10b694f540bcef0646370">“No Kings”</a>&nbsp;demonstrations — what the president’s Republican Party is calling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7REVjTcBdc" target="_blank">“Hate America” rallies</a>.This is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/no-kings-protest-trump-us-b5de52994b7c592034fb19b7d3e9d577">third mass mobilization</a>&nbsp;since Trump’s return to the White House and it is expected to be the largest. It comes against the backdrop of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;that not only has closed federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-food-aid-snap-november-417bd9a473701b6334491c9e6e28a1c4">programs and services,</a>&nbsp;but is testing the core balance of power as an aggressive executive confronts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-layoffs-trump-unions-b312b3ca77cbdbc72e778ece3b2cbffc">Congress and the courts</a>&nbsp;in ways that organizers warn is a slide toward American authoritarianism.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760630223804.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Trump himself is away from Washington at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.“They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king,” Trump said in a Fox News interview airing early Friday, before he departed for a $1 million-per-plate MAGA Inc. super PAC fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago. Protests are expected nearby Saturday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In our country, the power is with the people. Tomorrow, October 18, I encourage you to join your neighbors in peaceful protest at a No Kings event. <a href="https://t.co/tAXlyqoamq">pic.twitter.com/tAXlyqoamq</a>&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1979392929388204241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While the earlier protests this year —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-protests-hands-off-472c574303260cbac315367cc808960d">against Elon Musk’s cuts in spring,</a>&nbsp;then to counter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-army-parade-troops-tanks-birthday-protests-4cca4da0e89908d39c820240744375a1">Trump’s military parade</a>&nbsp;in June — drew crowds, organizers say this one is building a more unified opposition party movement. Top Democrats such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Senate Leader Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;and Independent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bernie-sanders">Sen. Bernie Sanders</a>&nbsp;are joining in what organizers view an antidote to Trump’s actions, from the administration’s clampdown on free speech to its military-style immigration raids.“There is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power,” said Ezra Levin, a co-founder of Indivisible, among the key organizers.As Republicans and the White House dismiss the protests as a rally of radicals, Levin said their own sign-up numbers are growing. More than 2,600 rallies are planned in cities large and small, organized by hundreds of coalition partners. They said rallies are being planned within a one-hour drive for most Americans.Republicans have have sought to portray participants in Saturday’s rallies as far outside the mainstream of American politics, and a main reason for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7REVjTcBdc" target="_blank">prolonged government shutdown</a>, now in its 18th day.From the White House to Capitol Hill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60epVqMtYPg" target="_blank">GOP leaders</a>&nbsp;disparaged the rallygoers as “communists” and “Marxists.”They say Democratic leaders, including Schumer, are beholden to the far-left flank and willing to keep the government shut down to appease those liberal forces.“I encourage you to watch — we call it the Hate America rally — that will happen Saturday,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson,</a>&nbsp;R-La.“Let’s see who shows up for that,” Johnson said listing off groups including “antifa types,” people who “hate capitalism” and “Marxists in full display.”Democrats have refused to vote on legislation that would reopen government as they demand funding for health care. Republicans say they are willing to discuss the issue later, only after government reopens.But for many Democrats, the government closure is also a way to stand up to Trump, and try to push the presidency back to its place in the U.S. system as a co-equal branch of the government.In a Facebook post, Sanders of Vermont, himself a former presidential contender, said, “It’s a love America rally.”“It’s rally of millions of people all over this country who believe in our Constitution, who believe in American freedom and,” he said, pointing at the GOP leadership, “are not going to let you and Donald Trump turn this country into an authoritarian society.”The situation is a potential turnaround from just six months ago, when Democrats and their allies were divided and despondent, unsure about how best to respond to Trump’s return to the White House. Schumer in particular was berated by his party for allowing an earlier government funding bill to sail through the Senate without using it to challenge Trump.In April, the national march against Trump and Elon Musk had 1,300 registered locations. In June, for the first “No Kings” day, there were 2,100 registered locations. The march Saturday will have more than 2,600 registered locations, Levin said.“What we are seeing from the Democrats is some spine,” Levin said. “The worst thing the Democrats could do right now is surrender.”House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he wasn’t sure if he would join the rallygoers Saturday, but he took issue with the Republicans’ characterization of the events.“What’s hateful is what happened on January 6th,” he said, referring to the 2021 Capitol attack, as Trump’s supporters stormed the building to protest Joe Biden’s election victory. “What you’ll see this weekend is what patriotism looks like, people showing up to express opposition to the extremism that Donald Trump has been unleashing on the American people.”__Riddle reported from Montgomery, Ala. Associated Press writer Chris Megerian contributed.

'No Kings' protests planned nationwide, in what the GOP calls 'hate America' rallies

HUTCHINSON — A tragic case that shocked the community earlier this year reached a major turning point Friday when 37-year-old Wendell Payton pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges in connection with the February deaths of his wife and young daughter.

According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched to 1014 East 3rd Avenue in the early morning hours of February 1, 2025, after neighbors reported hearing screams and seeing smoke coming from the home. When officers arrived, they found a young girl outside the residence and observed an active fire. Firefighters from the Hutchinson Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the blaze.

Once the fire was under control, investigators discovered three people inside the home. Two of them—a four-year-old girl and an adult female identified as Kalsey Payton—were pronounced dead at the scene. Autopsies determined that the child died from blunt force trauma, while Kalsey Payton died from sharp force injuries. Both deaths were ruled homicides.

The third person in the home, Wendell Payton, was found alive with self-inflicted wounds from which he later recovered. Following an extensive investigation involving the Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County EMS, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Sedgwick County Fire Department, the Reno County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple charges against him in case number 25 CR 89.

On October 17, 2025, Payton pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional, premeditated first-degree murder, aggravated arson, aggravated endangering of a child, two counts of interference with law enforcement officers, and domestic battery against Kalsey Payton. Judge Daniel Gilligan accepted the pleas and found Payton guilty as charged.

Sentencing is set for December 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Reno County District Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760746534271.png" alt="Wendell Payton - Reno County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Wendell Payton - Reno County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — A tragic case that shocked the community earlier this year reached a major turning point Friday when 37-year-old Wendell Payton pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges in connection with the February deaths of his wife and young daughter.According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched to 1014 East 3rd Avenue in the early morning hours of February 1, 2025, after neighbors reported hearing screams and seeing smoke coming from the home. When officers arrived, they found a young girl outside the residence and observed an active fire. Firefighters from the Hutchinson Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the blaze.Once the fire was under control, investigators discovered three people inside the home. Two of them—a four-year-old girl and an adult female identified as Kalsey Payton—were pronounced dead at the scene. Autopsies determined that the child died from blunt force trauma, while Kalsey Payton died from sharp force injuries. Both deaths were ruled homicides.The third person in the home, Wendell Payton, was found alive with self-inflicted wounds from which he later recovered. Following an extensive investigation involving the Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County EMS, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Sedgwick County Fire Department, the Reno County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple charges against him in case number 25 CR 89.On October 17, 2025, Payton pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional, premeditated first-degree murder, aggravated arson, aggravated endangering of a child, two counts of interference with law enforcement officers, and domestic battery against Kalsey Payton. Judge Daniel Gilligan accepted the pleas and found Payton guilty as charged.Sentencing is set for December 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Reno County District Court.

Kan. man enters plea in murder of wife and daughter

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States took survivors into custody after its military struck a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean — the first attack that anyone escaped alive since President Donald Trump began launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">deadly strikes in the region</a>&nbsp;last month, a defense official and another person familiar with the matter said Friday.

“We attacked a submarine, and that was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs” Trump said while hosting the Ukrainian president at the White House.

Secretary of State Rubio did not dispute that there were survivors, but he repeatedly said details would be forthcoming.

The strike Thursday brought the death toll from the Trump administration’s military action against vessels in the region to at least 28.

It is believed to be at least the sixth strike in the waters off Venezuela since early September, and the first to result in survivors who were picked up by the U.S. military. It was not immediately clear what would be done with the survivors, who the people said were being held on a U.S. Navy vessel.

They confirmed the strike and the seizing of survivors on the condition of anonymity because the attack had not yet been publicly acknowledged by Trump’s administration.

Trump has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, relying on the same legal authority used by the Bush administration when it declared a war on terror after the Sept. 11 attacks. That includes the ability to capture and detain combatants and to use lethal force to take out their leadership.

Some legal experts have questioned the legality of the approach. The president's use of overwhelming military force to combat the cartels, along with his authorization of covert action inside Venezuela, possibly to oust President Nicolás Maduro, stretches the bounds of international law, legal scholars said this week.

Trump on Friday appeared to confirm reports that Maduro has offered a stake in Venezuela’s oil and other mineral wealth in recent months to try to stave off mounting pressure from the United States. The New York Times last week first reported about the effort by the Maduro government.

Venezuelan government officials have also floated a plan in which Maduro would eventually leave office, according to a former Trump administration official. That plan was also rejected by the White House, the AP reported.

“He’s offered everything,” Trump said in an exchange with reporters at the start of his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "You know why? Because he doesn’t want to f—- around with the United States.”

For the survivors of Thursday's strike, the saga is hardly over. They now face an unclear future and legal landscape, including questions about whether they are now considered to be prisoners of war or defendants in a criminal case. The White House did not comment on the strike.

Reuters was first to report news of the strike late Thursday.

The strikes in the Caribbean have caused unease among both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill, with some Republicans saying they have not received sufficient information on how the strikes are being conducted. A classified briefing for senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this month did not include representatives from intelligence agencies or the military command structure for South and Central America.

However, most Senate Republicans stood behind the administration last week when a vote on a War Powers Resolution was brought up, which would have required the administration to gain approval from Congress before conducting more strikes.

Their willingness to back the administration will be tested again. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, along with Sens. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, and Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, is bringing another resolution that would prevent Trump from outright attacking Venezuela without congressional authorization.

Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim and Aamer Madhani contributed reporting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759514395092.png" alt="File image from an earlier drug boat attack video" />
 <figcaption>File image from an earlier drug boat attack video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States took survivors into custody after its military struck a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean — the first attack that anyone escaped alive since President Donald Trump began launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">deadly strikes in the region</a>&nbsp;last month, a defense official and another person familiar with the matter said Friday.Trump later confirmed the attack.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We attacked a submarine. That was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs — just so you understand. This was not an innocent group of people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4dTsbysG3c">pic.twitter.com/4dTsbysG3c</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1979249508685885934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We attacked a submarine, and that was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs” Trump said while hosting the Ukrainian president at the White House.Secretary of State Rubio did not dispute that there were survivors, but he repeatedly said details would be forthcoming.The strike Thursday brought the death toll from the Trump administration’s military action against vessels in the region to at least 28.It is believed to be at least the sixth strike in the waters off Venezuela since early September, and the first to result in survivors who were picked up by the U.S. military. It was not immediately clear what would be done with the survivors, who the people said were being held on a U.S. Navy vessel.They confirmed the strike and the seizing of survivors on the condition of anonymity because the attack had not yet been publicly acknowledged by Trump’s administration.Trump has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, relying on the same legal authority used by the Bush administration when it declared a war on terror after the Sept. 11 attacks. That includes the ability to capture and detain combatants and to use lethal force to take out their leadership.Some legal experts have questioned the legality of the approach. The president's use of overwhelming military force to combat the cartels, along with his authorization of covert action inside Venezuela, possibly to oust President Nicolás Maduro, stretches the bounds of international law, legal scholars said this week.Trump on Friday appeared to confirm reports that Maduro has offered a stake in Venezuela’s oil and other mineral wealth in recent months to try to stave off mounting pressure from the United States. The New York Times last week first reported about the effort by the Maduro government.Venezuelan government officials have also floated a plan in which Maduro would eventually leave office, according to a former Trump administration official. That plan was also rejected by the White House, the AP reported.“He’s offered everything,” Trump said in an exchange with reporters at the start of his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "You know why? Because he doesn’t want to f—- around with the United States.”For the survivors of Thursday's strike, the saga is hardly over. They now face an unclear future and legal landscape, including questions about whether they are now considered to be prisoners of war or defendants in a criminal case. The White House did not comment on the strike.Reuters was first to report news of the strike late Thursday.The strikes in the Caribbean have caused unease among both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill, with some Republicans saying they have not received sufficient information on how the strikes are being conducted. A classified briefing for senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this month did not include representatives from intelligence agencies or the military command structure for South and Central America.However, most Senate Republicans stood behind the administration last week when a vote on a War Powers Resolution was brought up, which would have required the administration to gain approval from Congress before conducting more strikes.Their willingness to back the administration will be tested again. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, along with Sens. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, and Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, is bringing another resolution that would prevent Trump from outright attacking Venezuela without congressional authorization.___Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim and Aamer Madhani contributed reporting.

🎥US seized survivors after strike on another drug-carrying vessel 

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday he had commuted the sentence of former U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-santos">George Santos</a>, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-sentencing-prison-0961831af8870686853acb22d049c85e">was slated to serve</a>&nbsp;more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges.

Joseph Murray, one of Santos’ lawyers, told The Associated Press late Friday that the former lawmaker was released from the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, around 11 p.m., and was greeted outside the facility by his family.

The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people — including his own family members — to make donations to his campaign.

He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-prison-29cdb8a9e9dfe7283d53091a6e20b1ba">reported to</a>&nbsp;FCI Fairton on July 25 and was housed in a minimum security prison camp with fewer than 50 other inmates.

“George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue,’ but there are many rogues throughout our Country that aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison," Trump posted on his social media platform. He said he had “just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY.”

"Good luck George, have a great life!” Trump said.

Santos’ account on X, which has been active throughout his roughly 84 days in prison, reposted a screenshot of Trump’s Truth Social post Friday.

During his time behind bars, Santos has been writing regular dispatches in a local newspaper on Long Island, in which he mainly complained about the prison conditions.

In his latest letter, though, he pleaded to Trump directly, citing his fealty to the president's agenda and to the Republican Party.

“Sir, I appeal to your sense of justice and humanity — the same qualities that have inspired millions of Americans to believe in you," he&nbsp;<a href="https://southshorepress.com/stories/675756835-santos-in-solitary-a-passionate-plea-to-president-trump">wrote in The South Shore Press</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 13. "I humbly ask that you consider the unusual pain and hardship of this environment and allow me the opportunity to return to my family, my friends, and my community.”

Santos’ commutation is Trump’s latest high-profile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikola-trevor-milton-fraud-trump-pardon-3fcebb0a3820cecb205656f2dc3f6764">act of clemency</a>&nbsp;for former Republican politicians since retaking the White House in January.

In late May, he pardoned former U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-grimm">Michael Grimm</a>, a New York Republican who in 2014 pleaded guilty to underreporting wages and revenue at a restaurant he ran in Manhattan. He also pardoned former Connecticut Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/former-connecticut-governor-john-rowland-pardoned-trump-3f64b89567cb5f688808eb1b1ddd581f">John Rowland</a>, whose promising political career was upended by a corruption scandal and two federal prison stints.

But in granting clemency to Santos, Trump was rewarding a figure who has drawn scorn from within his own party.

After becoming the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress in 2022, Santos served less than a year after it was revealed that he had fabricated much of his life story.

On the campaign trail, Santos had claimed he was a successful business consultant with Wall Street cred and a sizable real estate portfolio. But when his resume came under scrutiny, Santos eventually admitted he had never graduated from Baruch College — or been a standout player on the Manhattan college’s volleyball team, as he had claimed. He had never worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.

He wasn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-business-bb455cc02b70e5366b9c5e347da8ad38">even Jewish</a>. Santos insisted he meant he was “Jew-ish” because his mother’s family had a Jewish background, even though he was raised Catholic.

In truth, the then-34-year-old was struggling financially and even faced eviction.

Santos was charged in 2023 with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-credit-card-fraud-f723e69a777b02a2e6b87595f45c21ce">stealing from donors and his campaign</a>, fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits and lying to Congress about his wealth.

Within months, he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-expulsion-vote-ethics-investigation-fd0f1524065883c6b2fe3e6f9afd84db">expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives</a>&nbsp;-- with 105 Republicans joining with Democrats to make Santos just the&nbsp;<a href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/">sixth member</a>&nbsp;in the chamber’s history to be ousted by colleagues..

Santos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-plea-court-new-york-90741d068fd94090419fc0fd79be30cc">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;as he was set to stand trial.

Still, a prominent former House colleague, U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marjorie-taylor-greene-republican-governor-georgia-3afd2ed330a227c42710ae664a12cf6a">Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>, urged the White House to commute Santos’ sentence, saying in a letter sent just days into his prison bid that the punishment was “a grave injustice” and a product of judicial overreach.

Greene was among those who cheered the announcement Friday. But U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, a Republican who represents part of Long Island and has been highly critical of Santos, said in a post on social media that Santos “didn’t merely lie” and his crimes “warrant more than a three-month sentence.”

“He should devote the rest of his life to demonstrating remorse and making restitution to those he wronged,” LaLota said.

Santos’ clemency appears to clear not just his prison term, but also any “further fines, restitution, probation, supervised release, or other conditions,” according to a copy of Trump’s order&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/EdMartinDOJ/status/1979311737943003393">posted on X</a>&nbsp;by Ed Martin, the Justice Department’s pardon attorney.

As part of his guilty plea, Santos had agreed to pay restitution of $373,750 and forfeiture of $205,003.

In explaining his reason for granting Santos clemency, Trump said the lies Santos told about himself were no worse than misleading statements U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal -- a Democrat and frequent critic of the administration -- had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-elections-politics-ct-state-wire-04d76dfc292548efb2d03b54c762a24b">made about his military record.</a>

Blumenthal apologized 15 years ago for implying that he served in Vietnam, when he was stateside in the Marine Reserve during the war.

“This is far worse than what George Santos did, and at least Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!” Trump wrote.

The president himself was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0">convicted in a New York court</a>&nbsp;last year in a case involving hush money payments. He derided the case as part of a politically motivated witch hunt.

Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak in New York and Susan Haigh in Connecticut contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636785376.png" alt="File photo Former Rep. George Santos" />
 <figcaption>File photo Former Rep. George Santos</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday he had commuted the sentence of former U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-santos">George Santos</a>, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-sentencing-prison-0961831af8870686853acb22d049c85e">was slated to serve</a>&nbsp;more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/RsKT1qVuOr">pic.twitter.com/RsKT1qVuOr</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1979307772563820927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Joseph Murray, one of Santos’ lawyers, told The Associated Press late Friday that the former lawmaker was released from the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, around 11 p.m., and was greeted outside the facility by his family.The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people — including his own family members — to make donations to his campaign.He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-fraud-prison-29cdb8a9e9dfe7283d53091a6e20b1ba">reported to</a>&nbsp;FCI Fairton on July 25 and was housed in a minimum security prison camp with fewer than 50 other inmates.“George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue,’ but there are many rogues throughout our Country that aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison," Trump posted on his social media platform. He said he had “just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY.”"Good luck George, have a great life!” Trump said.Santos’ account on X, which has been active throughout his roughly 84 days in prison, reposted a screenshot of Trump’s Truth Social post Friday.During his time behind bars, Santos has been writing regular dispatches in a local newspaper on Long Island, in which he mainly complained about the prison conditions.In his latest letter, though, he pleaded to Trump directly, citing his fealty to the president's agenda and to the Republican Party.“Sir, I appeal to your sense of justice and humanity — the same qualities that have inspired millions of Americans to believe in you," he&nbsp;<a href="https://southshorepress.com/stories/675756835-santos-in-solitary-a-passionate-plea-to-president-trump">wrote in The South Shore Press</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 13. "I humbly ask that you consider the unusual pain and hardship of this environment and allow me the opportunity to return to my family, my friends, and my community.”Santos’ commutation is Trump’s latest high-profile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikola-trevor-milton-fraud-trump-pardon-3fcebb0a3820cecb205656f2dc3f6764">act of clemency</a>&nbsp;for former Republican politicians since retaking the White House in January.In late May, he pardoned former U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-grimm">Michael Grimm</a>, a New York Republican who in 2014 pleaded guilty to underreporting wages and revenue at a restaurant he ran in Manhattan. He also pardoned former Connecticut Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/former-connecticut-governor-john-rowland-pardoned-trump-3f64b89567cb5f688808eb1b1ddd581f">John Rowland</a>, whose promising political career was upended by a corruption scandal and two federal prison stints.But in granting clemency to Santos, Trump was rewarding a figure who has drawn scorn from within his own party.After becoming the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress in 2022, Santos served less than a year after it was revealed that he had fabricated much of his life story.On the campaign trail, Santos had claimed he was a successful business consultant with Wall Street cred and a sizable real estate portfolio. But when his resume came under scrutiny, Santos eventually admitted he had never graduated from Baruch College — or been a standout player on the Manhattan college’s volleyball team, as he had claimed. He had never worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.He wasn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-business-bb455cc02b70e5366b9c5e347da8ad38">even Jewish</a>. Santos insisted he meant he was “Jew-ish” because his mother’s family had a Jewish background, even though he was raised Catholic.In truth, the then-34-year-old was struggling financially and even faced eviction.Santos was charged in 2023 with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-credit-card-fraud-f723e69a777b02a2e6b87595f45c21ce">stealing from donors and his campaign</a>, fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits and lying to Congress about his wealth.Within months, he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-expulsion-vote-ethics-investigation-fd0f1524065883c6b2fe3e6f9afd84db">expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives</a>&nbsp;-- with 105 Republicans joining with Democrats to make Santos just the&nbsp;<a href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/">sixth member</a>&nbsp;in the chamber’s history to be ousted by colleagues..Santos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-plea-court-new-york-90741d068fd94090419fc0fd79be30cc">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;as he was set to stand trial.Still, a prominent former House colleague, U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marjorie-taylor-greene-republican-governor-georgia-3afd2ed330a227c42710ae664a12cf6a">Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>, urged the White House to commute Santos’ sentence, saying in a letter sent just days into his prison bid that the punishment was “a grave injustice” and a product of judicial overreach.Greene was among those who cheered the announcement Friday. But U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, a Republican who represents part of Long Island and has been highly critical of Santos, said in a post on social media that Santos “didn’t merely lie” and his crimes “warrant more than a three-month sentence.”“He should devote the rest of his life to demonstrating remorse and making restitution to those he wronged,” LaLota said.Santos’ clemency appears to clear not just his prison term, but also any “further fines, restitution, probation, supervised release, or other conditions,” according to a copy of Trump’s order&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/EdMartinDOJ/status/1979311737943003393">posted on X</a>&nbsp;by Ed Martin, the Justice Department’s pardon attorney.As part of his guilty plea, Santos had agreed to pay restitution of $373,750 and forfeiture of $205,003.In explaining his reason for granting Santos clemency, Trump said the lies Santos told about himself were no worse than misleading statements U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal -- a Democrat and frequent critic of the administration -- had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-elections-politics-ct-state-wire-04d76dfc292548efb2d03b54c762a24b">made about his military record.</a>Blumenthal apologized 15 years ago for implying that he served in Vietnam, when he was stateside in the Marine Reserve during the war.“This is far worse than what George Santos did, and at least Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!” Trump wrote.The president himself was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0">convicted in a New York court</a>&nbsp;last year in a case involving hush money payments. He derided the case as part of a politically motivated witch hunt.__Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak in New York and Susan Haigh in Connecticut contributed to this report.

Trump commutes former Rep. George Santos' 7-year fraud sentence

WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita police have arrested an 18-year-old from Wichita, in connection with a shooting that left four people wounded.

Just before 3a.m. on October 12,&nbsp; police responded to a local hospital regarding multiple walk-in shooting victims. Upon arrival, officers located several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

Preliminary investigation revealed the victims were inside a vehicle at the intersection of Clifton and Morris in Wichita when an unknown suspect fired multiple shots at them.

The victims included a&nbsp;22-year-old woman who sustained an injury to her lower leg and was in stable condition.; a 21-year-old man with an injury to his lower leg and was in stable condition; a 19-year-old man with an injury to his midsection and was in stable condition and a 26-year-old man wath a gunshot wound to his upper body and was in critical condition.

Through the use of technology, including FLOCK, surveillance cameras, and NIBIN, investigators were able to identify and apprehend the 18-year-old suspect identified in booking records as Diego Murdock.

He has been arrested and is in custody on requested charges that include four counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle resulting in great bodily harm.&nbsp;

This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.

&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at (316) 268-4407. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760696893152.png" alt="Murdock photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Murdock photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita police have arrested an 18-year-old from Wichita, in connection with a shooting that left four people wounded.Just before 3a.m. on October 12,&nbsp; police responded to a local hospital regarding multiple walk-in shooting victims. Upon arrival, officers located several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.Preliminary investigation revealed the victims were inside a vehicle at the intersection of Clifton and Morris in Wichita when an unknown suspect fired multiple shots at them.The victims included a&nbsp;22-year-old woman who sustained an injury to her lower leg and was in stable condition.; a 21-year-old man with an injury to his lower leg and was in stable condition; a 19-year-old man with an injury to his midsection and was in stable condition and a 26-year-old man wath a gunshot wound to his upper body and was in critical condition.Through the use of technology, including FLOCK, surveillance cameras, and NIBIN, investigators were able to identify and apprehend the 18-year-old suspect identified in booking records as Diego Murdock.He has been arrested and is in custody on requested charges that include four counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle resulting in great bodily harm.&nbsp;This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at (316) 268-4407. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.

 Kansas teen jailed for shooting that left woman, 3 men injured

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer

Ford is recalling more than 290,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the rearview camera system may not display images properly in certain lighting conditions, which could increase the risk of a crash.

The recall includes certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's safety recall report said that Ford reviewed customer complaint data and warranty information to understand customer occurrences. The automaker said that as of Sept. 20, it was aware of 10 reports, with the first report occurring on Jan. 20, 2022.

Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition.

The automaker's dealers will update the image processing module software of the impacted vehicles for free.

Interim letters are expected to be sent to vehicle owners on Oct. 20. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, which is anticipated for March 2026. Vehicle owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Individuals may also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business WriterFord is recalling more than 290,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the rearview camera system may not display images properly in certain lighting conditions, which could increase the risk of a crash.The recall includes certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's safety recall report said that Ford reviewed customer complaint data and warranty information to understand customer occurrences. The automaker said that as of Sept. 20, it was aware of 10 reports, with the first report occurring on Jan. 20, 2022.Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition.The automaker's dealers will update the image processing module software of the impacted vehicles for free.Interim letters are expected to be sent to vehicle owners on Oct. 20. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, which is anticipated for March 2026. Vehicle owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Individuals may also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Ford recalls 290,000 trucks due to issue with rearview camera system

It is not a year with presidential candidates, but the Alfred E. Smith&nbsp; Memorial Foundation dinner at the&nbsp;at Waldorf Astoria in New York City still raised a lot of fun and funds Thursday night.

Former Secretaries of State Mike Pompeo and&nbsp;Antony Blinken delivered lighthearted remarks.&nbsp;They shared their experiences working under different administrations and discussed many topics, including diplomacy, foreign policy, and the 2025 New York City Mayoral race. Pomopeo also discussed his weight loss.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/former-secretaries-of-state-blinken-pompeo-at-alfred-e-smith-dinner/667251">Click here to watch a replay</a> of the fun at the dinner.

The white-tie dinner raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted barbs, poke fun at themselves and pretend to get along.

Pompeo was the nation’s top diplomat from 2018 to 2021 in the administration of President Donald Trump. He was the GOP congressman from Wichita from 2011 to 2017.

It is not a year with presidential candidates, but the Alfred E. Smith&nbsp; Memorial Foundation dinner at the&nbsp;at Waldorf Astoria in New York City still raised a lot of fun and funds Thursday night.Former Secretaries of State Mike Pompeo and&nbsp;Antony Blinken delivered lighthearted remarks.&nbsp;They shared their experiences working under different administrations and discussed many topics, including diplomacy, foreign policy, and the 2025 New York City Mayoral race. Pomopeo also discussed his weight loss.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;I&#39;ve lost over 90 pounds since leaving office.&quot; -- Mike Pompeo ... Al Smith dinner <a href="https://t.co/e10kfcNYNu">pic.twitter.com/e10kfcNYNu</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1979207793082036425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/former-secretaries-of-state-blinken-pompeo-at-alfred-e-smith-dinner/667251">Click here to watch a replay</a> of the fun at the dinner.The white-tie dinner raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted barbs, poke fun at themselves and pretend to get along.Pompeo was the nation’s top diplomat from 2018 to 2021 in the administration of President Donald Trump. He was the GOP congressman from Wichita from 2011 to 2017.

🎥Former Kan. Congressman a keynote roaster at Alfred E. Smith dinner

COWLEY COUNTY—Police and fire officials are investigating the cause of house fire in Arkansas City.

Just after 10:30 a.m. Thursday, the Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department responded to a fire in a home in the 300 block of North 8th Street, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, crews found a working fire in the northwest corner of the home, with flames extending into the attic. Firefighters made a quick entry and had water on the fire within about one minute.

COWLEY COUNTY—Police and fire officials are investigating the cause of house fire in Arkansas City.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1140358971532443%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just after 10:30 a.m. Thursday, the Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department responded to a fire in a home in the 300 block of North 8th Street, according to a media release.Upon arrival, crews found a working fire in the northwest corner of the home, with flames extending into the attic. Firefighters made a quick entry and had water on the fire within about one minute.According to Fire Marshal Gary Bowker, the fire was contained within five minutes. Crews remained on scene through much of the afternoon to check for and extinguish hot spots in the attic area. A primary search confirmed that no one was inside the home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760652906655.png" alt="Image from the video" />
 <figcaption>Image from the video</figcaption>
 </figure>Neighbors indicated the house had been vacant for approximately two to three weeks. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The structure sustained heavy damage, estimated at more than 50 percent loss.The Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department is working closely with the Arkansas City Police Department as the investigation continues.