WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he has directed the Defense Department to use “all available funds” to ensure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-pay-government-shutdown-congress-trump-e2eabd75a923a7a6feaeeb4af1854054">U.S. troops are paid</a>&nbsp;Wednesday despite the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>.

Trump said in a social media post that he was acting because “our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th.”

The Republican president's action removes one of the pressure points that could have forced Congress into action, likely ensuring that the shutdown -- now in its 11th day and counting — extends into a third week and possibly beyond. But no similar action seems forthcoming for federal workers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">thousands of whom are now being laid off</a>&nbsp;during the lapse in government operations. The White House budget office started that process on Friday.

Trump blamed Democrats and said he was exercising his authority as commander in chief to direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth “to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th.” The Republican president added, "We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS.”

U.S service members were in danger of not receiving their next paycheck on Wednesday after the government shut down on Oct. 1, the start of the federal budget cycle. The U.S. has about 1.3 million active-duty service members, and the prospect of troops going without pay has been a focal point when lawmakers on Capitol Hill have discussed the shutdown’s negative impact.

Trump did not say where he's getting the money from but it likely will be funded by the billions of dollars that were pumped into the Defense Department under Trump's big tax and spending cut bill that he signed in the summer. The Congressional Budget Office said such a move was possible.

“The Administration also could decide to use mandatory funding provided in the 2025 reconciliation act or other sources of mandatory funding to continue activities financed by those direct appropriations at various agencies,” CBO said.

The CBO cited the Department of Defense, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of Management and Budget as among the departments that received specific funds under the law.

Some of the Pentagon's money "could be used to pay active-duty personnel during a shutdown, thus reducing the number of excepted workers who would receive delayed compensation,” CBO wrote in a letter responding to questions raised by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.

The White House did not immediately respond to an email request for details on the president's announcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760115585607.png" alt="File photo President Trump speaking to reporters on Friday -from White House video" />
 <figcaption>File photo President Trump speaking to reporters on Friday -from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he has directed the Defense Department to use “all available funds” to ensure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-pay-government-shutdown-congress-trump-e2eabd75a923a7a6feaeeb4af1854054">U.S. troops are paid</a>&nbsp;Wednesday despite the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump delivers for the troops. <a href="https://t.co/iZOvn2GULG">pic.twitter.com/iZOvn2GULG</a>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1977066803601031594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump said in a social media post that he was acting because “our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th.”The Republican president's action removes one of the pressure points that could have forced Congress into action, likely ensuring that the shutdown -- now in its 11th day and counting — extends into a third week and possibly beyond. But no similar action seems forthcoming for federal workers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">thousands of whom are now being laid off</a>&nbsp;during the lapse in government operations. The White House budget office started that process on Friday.Trump blamed Democrats and said he was exercising his authority as commander in chief to direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth “to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th.” The Republican president added, "We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS.”U.S service members were in danger of not receiving their next paycheck on Wednesday after the government shut down on Oct. 1, the start of the federal budget cycle. The U.S. has about 1.3 million active-duty service members, and the prospect of troops going without pay has been a focal point when lawmakers on Capitol Hill have discussed the shutdown’s negative impact.Trump did not say where he's getting the money from but it likely will be funded by the billions of dollars that were pumped into the Defense Department under Trump's big tax and spending cut bill that he signed in the summer. The Congressional Budget Office said such a move was possible.“The Administration also could decide to use mandatory funding provided in the 2025 reconciliation act or other sources of mandatory funding to continue activities financed by those direct appropriations at various agencies,” CBO said.The CBO cited the Department of Defense, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of Management and Budget as among the departments that received specific funds under the law.Some of the Pentagon's money "could be used to pay active-duty personnel during a shutdown, thus reducing the number of excepted workers who would receive delayed compensation,” CBO wrote in a letter responding to questions raised by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.The White House did not immediately respond to an email request for details on the president's announcement.

Trump identifies funds to ensure troops are paid despite shutdown

LOS ANGELES (AP) — <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/diane-keaton">Diane Keaton</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/celebrity-7b88f078ab8348ef9393f68ea73823e8">Oscar-winning star of “Annie Hall,”</a>&nbsp;“The Godfather” films and “Father of the Bride,” whose quirky, vibrant manner and depth made her one of the most singular actors of a generation, has died. She was 79.

People Magazine reported Saturday that she died in California with loved ones, citing a family spokesperson. No other details were immediately available, and representatives for Keaton did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press.

The unexpected news was met with shock around the world.

“She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star,” Bette Midler said in an Instagram post. She and Keaton co-starred in “The First Wives Club.”

Keaton was the kind of actor who helped make films iconic and timeless, from her “La-dee-da, la-dee-da” phrasing as Annie Hall, bedecked in that necktie, bowler hat, vest and khakis, to her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f570e17767a44ef392ea92fa70b3a64d">heartbreaking turn as Kay Adams,</a>&nbsp;the woman unfortunate enough to join the Corleone family.

Her star-making performances in the 1970s, many of which were in Woody Allen films, were not a flash in the pan and she would continue to charm new generations for decades thanks in part to a longstanding collaboration with filmmaker Nancy Meyers.

She played a businessperson who unexpectedly inherits an infant in “Baby Boom,” the mother of the bride in the beloved remake of “Father of the Bride,” a newly single woman in “The First Wives Club,” and a divorced playwright who gets involved with Jack Nicholson's womanizing music executive in “Something's Gotta Give.”

Keaton won an Oscar for “Annie Hall” and would go on to be nominated three more times, for “Reds,” “Marvin's Room," and “Something's Gotta Give.

In her very Keaton way, upon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQKuNHhX8Js">accepting her Oscar in 1978</a>&nbsp;she laughed and said, “This is something.”

Keaton was born Diane Hall in January 1946 in Los Angeles. Her mother was a homemaker and photographer, and her father was in real estate and civil engineering, and both would inspire her love in the arts, from fashion to architecture.

Keaton was drawn to theater and singing while in school in Santa Ana, California, and she dropped out of college after a year to make a go of it in Manhattan. Actors’ Equity already had a Diane Hall in their ranks, and she took Keaton, her mother’s maiden name, as her own.

She studied under Sanford Meisner in New York and has credited him with giving her the freedom to “chart the complex terrain of human behavior within the safety of his guidance. It made playing with fire fun.”

She started on the stage as an understudy in the Broadway production for “Hair,” and in Allen’ s “Play It Again, Sam” in 1968, for which she would receive a Tony nomination.

Keaton made her film debut in the 1970 romantic comedy “Lovers and Other Strangers,” but her big breakthrough would come a few years later when she was cast in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather,” which won best picture and become one of the most beloved films of all time

The 1970s were an incredibly fruitful time for Keaton thanks in part to her ongoing collaboration with Allen in both comedic and dramatic roles. She appeared in “Sleeper,” “Love and Death,” “Interiors,” Manhattan,” and the film version of “Play it Again, Sam.” The 1977 crime-drama “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” also earned her raves.

Allen and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marshall-brickman-woody-allen-annie-hall-writer-c659b98efb8502dd3f99ea2c406f43ab">late Marshall Brickman</a>&nbsp;gave Keaton one of her most iconic roles in “Annie Hall,” the infectious woman from Chippewa Falls whom Allen’s Alvy Singer cannot get over. The film is considered one of the great romantic comedies of all time, with Keaton’s eccentric, self-deprecating Annie at its heart.

Keaton and Allen were also in a romantic relationship, from about 1968, when she met him while auditioning for his play, until about 1974. Afterward they remained collaborators and friends.

“He was so hip, with his thick glasses and cool suits,” Keaton wrote in her memoir. “But it was his manner that got me, his way of gesturing, his hands, his coughing and looking down in a self-deprecating way while he told jokes.”

She was also romantically linked to Pacino, who played her husband in “The Godfather,” and Warren Beatty who directed her and whom she co-starred with in “Reds.” She never married but did adopt two children when she was in her 50s: a daughter, Dexter, and a son, Duke.

In 1987 she began another long-standing collaboration with Nancy Meyers, which would result in four beloved films starting with “Baby Boom,” directed by Charles Shyer.

Their next team-up would be in the remake of “Father of the Bride,” which Shyer directed and co-wrote with Meyers. She and Steve Martin played the flustered parents to the bride which would become a big hit and spawn a sequel.

In 2003, Meyers would direct her in the romantic comedy “Something’s Gotta Give.” Her character Erica Barry, with her beautiful Hamptons home and ivory outfits was a key inspiration for the recent costal grandmother fashion trend. It earned her what would be her last Oscar nomination and, later, she’d call it her favorite film.

Keaton continued working steadily throughout the 2000s, with notable roles in “The Family Stone,” “Morning Glory,” and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/book-club-jane-fonda-candice-bergen-530734c7a1da99694f7b0d01d3ff8ec2">“Book Club” films.</a>

Keaton was celebrated with an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RzXuJAhb0k">AFI Life Achievement Award in 2017.</a>

“I feel like it’s the wedding I never had, or the big gathering I never had, or the retirement party I never had, or all these things that I always avoided — the big bash,” she told the AP. “It’s really a big event for me and I’m really, deeply grateful.”

AP National Writer Hillel Italie in New York contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760210901320.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/diane-keaton">Diane Keaton</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/celebrity-7b88f078ab8348ef9393f68ea73823e8">Oscar-winning star of “Annie Hall,”</a>&nbsp;“The Godfather” films and “Father of the Bride,” whose quirky, vibrant manner and depth made her one of the most singular actors of a generation, has died. She was 79.People Magazine reported Saturday that she died in California with loved ones, citing a family spokesperson. No other details were immediately available, and representatives for Keaton did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press.The unexpected news was met with shock around the world.“She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star,” Bette Midler said in an Instagram post. She and Keaton co-starred in “The First Wives Club.”Keaton was the kind of actor who helped make films iconic and timeless, from her “La-dee-da, la-dee-da” phrasing as Annie Hall, bedecked in that necktie, bowler hat, vest and khakis, to her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f570e17767a44ef392ea92fa70b3a64d">heartbreaking turn as Kay Adams,</a>&nbsp;the woman unfortunate enough to join the Corleone family.Her star-making performances in the 1970s, many of which were in Woody Allen films, were not a flash in the pan and she would continue to charm new generations for decades thanks in part to a longstanding collaboration with filmmaker Nancy Meyers.She played a businessperson who unexpectedly inherits an infant in “Baby Boom,” the mother of the bride in the beloved remake of “Father of the Bride,” a newly single woman in “The First Wives Club,” and a divorced playwright who gets involved with Jack Nicholson's womanizing music executive in “Something's Gotta Give.”Keaton won an Oscar for “Annie Hall” and would go on to be nominated three more times, for “Reds,” “Marvin's Room," and “Something's Gotta Give.In her very Keaton way, upon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQKuNHhX8Js">accepting her Oscar in 1978</a>&nbsp;she laughed and said, “This is something.”Keaton was born Diane Hall in January 1946 in Los Angeles. Her mother was a homemaker and photographer, and her father was in real estate and civil engineering, and both would inspire her love in the arts, from fashion to architecture.Keaton was drawn to theater and singing while in school in Santa Ana, California, and she dropped out of college after a year to make a go of it in Manhattan. Actors’ Equity already had a Diane Hall in their ranks, and she took Keaton, her mother’s maiden name, as her own.She studied under Sanford Meisner in New York and has credited him with giving her the freedom to “chart the complex terrain of human behavior within the safety of his guidance. It made playing with fire fun.”She started on the stage as an understudy in the Broadway production for “Hair,” and in Allen’ s “Play It Again, Sam” in 1968, for which she would receive a Tony nomination.Keaton made her film debut in the 1970 romantic comedy “Lovers and Other Strangers,” but her big breakthrough would come a few years later when she was cast in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather,” which won best picture and become one of the most beloved films of all timeThe 1970s were an incredibly fruitful time for Keaton thanks in part to her ongoing collaboration with Allen in both comedic and dramatic roles. She appeared in “Sleeper,” “Love and Death,” “Interiors,” Manhattan,” and the film version of “Play it Again, Sam.” The 1977 crime-drama “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” also earned her raves.Allen and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marshall-brickman-woody-allen-annie-hall-writer-c659b98efb8502dd3f99ea2c406f43ab">late Marshall Brickman</a>&nbsp;gave Keaton one of her most iconic roles in “Annie Hall,” the infectious woman from Chippewa Falls whom Allen’s Alvy Singer cannot get over. The film is considered one of the great romantic comedies of all time, with Keaton’s eccentric, self-deprecating Annie at its heart.Keaton and Allen were also in a romantic relationship, from about 1968, when she met him while auditioning for his play, until about 1974. Afterward they remained collaborators and friends.“He was so hip, with his thick glasses and cool suits,” Keaton wrote in her memoir. “But it was his manner that got me, his way of gesturing, his hands, his coughing and looking down in a self-deprecating way while he told jokes.”She was also romantically linked to Pacino, who played her husband in “The Godfather,” and Warren Beatty who directed her and whom she co-starred with in “Reds.” She never married but did adopt two children when she was in her 50s: a daughter, Dexter, and a son, Duke.In 1987 she began another long-standing collaboration with Nancy Meyers, which would result in four beloved films starting with “Baby Boom,” directed by Charles Shyer.Their next team-up would be in the remake of “Father of the Bride,” which Shyer directed and co-wrote with Meyers. She and Steve Martin played the flustered parents to the bride which would become a big hit and spawn a sequel.In 2003, Meyers would direct her in the romantic comedy “Something’s Gotta Give.” Her character Erica Barry, with her beautiful Hamptons home and ivory outfits was a key inspiration for the recent costal grandmother fashion trend. It earned her what would be her last Oscar nomination and, later, she’d call it her favorite film.Keaton continued working steadily throughout the 2000s, with notable roles in “The Family Stone,” “Morning Glory,” and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/book-club-jane-fonda-candice-bergen-530734c7a1da99694f7b0d01d3ff8ec2">“Book Club” films.</a>Keaton was celebrated with an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RzXuJAhb0k">AFI Life Achievement Award in 2017.</a>“I feel like it’s the wedding I never had, or the big gathering I never had, or the retirement party I never had, or all these things that I always avoided — the big bash,” she told the AP. “It’s really a big event for me and I’m really, deeply grateful.”___AP National Writer Hillel Italie in New York contributed.

Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning star, has died at 79

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of a new phase of treating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-prostate-be18c98abe341cd91277e1d3b75d5cd5">aggressive form of prostate cancer</a>&nbsp;he was diagnosed with after leaving office, a spokesperson said Saturday.

“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” said Biden aide Kelly Scully.

The 82-year-old Democrat left office in January after he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">dropped his bid for reelection</a>&nbsp;six months earlier following a disastrous debate against Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;amid concerns about Biden's age, health and mental fitness.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-day-trump-harris-white-house-83c8e246ab97f5b97be45cdc156af4e2">Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris</a>, who was Biden's vice president.

In May, Biden's postpresidential office announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that it had spread to his bone. The discovery came after he reported urinary symptoms.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-prostate-cancer-2acca9da55ea0f0a09546cd918437444">Prostate cancers</a>&nbsp;are graded for aggressiveness using what is known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-cancer-prostate-cc8e4fce80a0a6d531370a7e1ba0b8ae">Gleason score</a>. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.

Last month, Biden had surgery to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-skin-cancer-surgery-mohs-forehead-a9a10a03c713d817b85e28b6132ae86a">remove skin cancer lesions</a>&nbsp;from his forehead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748627322356.png" alt="File photo -Former President Joe Biden meeting with reporters this summer Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Former President Joe Biden meeting with reporters this summer Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of a new phase of treating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-prostate-be18c98abe341cd91277e1d3b75d5cd5">aggressive form of prostate cancer</a>&nbsp;he was diagnosed with after leaving office, a spokesperson said Saturday.“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” said Biden aide Kelly Scully.The 82-year-old Democrat left office in January after he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">dropped his bid for reelection</a>&nbsp;six months earlier following a disastrous debate against Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;amid concerns about Biden's age, health and mental fitness.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-day-trump-harris-white-house-83c8e246ab97f5b97be45cdc156af4e2">Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris</a>, who was Biden's vice president.In May, Biden's postpresidential office announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that it had spread to his bone. The discovery came after he reported urinary symptoms.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-prostate-cancer-2acca9da55ea0f0a09546cd918437444">Prostate cancers</a>&nbsp;are graded for aggressiveness using what is known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-cancer-prostate-cc8e4fce80a0a6d531370a7e1ba0b8ae">Gleason score</a>. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.Last month, Biden had surgery to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-skin-cancer-surgery-mohs-forehead-a9a10a03c713d817b85e28b6132ae86a">remove skin cancer lesions</a>&nbsp;from his forehead.

Biden receiving radiation and hormone therapy to treat his cancer

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 20-year-old&nbsp; Za’marion V. Taylor, according to&nbsp;KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

Just before 6p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a convenience store in the 1300 block of Bannister Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.

On arrival officers were directed to a shooting victim, later identified as Taylor, unresponsive on the ground next to the business. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS who responded and declared him deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives responded to&nbsp; the scene and canvassed for any witnesses.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Taylor had an interaction with an unknown suspect in the parking lot of the business that escalated to gunfire which struck him. Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760098963045.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 20-year-old&nbsp; Za’marion V. Taylor, according to&nbsp;KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.Just before 6p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a convenience store in the 1300 block of Bannister Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.On arrival officers were directed to a shooting victim, later identified as Taylor, unresponsive on the ground next to the business. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS who responded and declared him deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives responded to&nbsp; the scene and canvassed for any witnesses.Preliminary investigation indicates that Taylor had an interaction with an unknown suspect in the parking lot of the business that escalated to gunfire which struck him. Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Police ID victim in KC business parking lot killing

WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Melania Trump says eight Ukrainian children have been reunited with their families after ongoing talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Melania Trump in August wrote a letter to Putin and had her husband hand-deliver it during his meeting with the Russian president in Alaska.

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukrainian-children-russia-7493cb22c9086c6293c1ac7986d85ef6">taking Ukrainian children</a>&nbsp;out of their country so that they can be raised as Russian.

The first lady, speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, said that Putin responded to her letter and after that, they had established an “open channel of communication” regarding the welfare of those children.

“We have agreed to cooperate with each other for the benefit of all people involved in this war,” she said.

The Associated Press documented the grabbing of Ukrainian children in 2022, after which the International Criminal Court said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253">had issued an arrest warrant</a>&nbsp;for Putin for war crimes, accusing him of personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine.

WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Melania Trump says eight Ukrainian children have been reunited with their families after ongoing talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Announcement by First Lady Melania Trump <a href="https://t.co/AAUwgylsgs">https://t.co/AAUwgylsgs</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1976665027336712480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Melania Trump in August wrote a letter to Putin and had her husband hand-deliver it during his meeting with the Russian president in Alaska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755386458134.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukrainian-children-russia-7493cb22c9086c6293c1ac7986d85ef6">taking Ukrainian children</a>&nbsp;out of their country so that they can be raised as Russian.The first lady, speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, said that Putin responded to her letter and after that, they had established an “open channel of communication” regarding the welfare of those children.“We have agreed to cooperate with each other for the benefit of all people involved in this war,” she said.The Associated Press documented the grabbing of Ukrainian children in 2022, after which the International Criminal Court said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253">had issued an arrest warrant</a>&nbsp;for Putin for war crimes, accusing him of personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine.

🎥First lady reveals talks with Putin over kidnapped Ukraine children

WASHINGTON (AP) —A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-wic-food-a6d66fa0ce3d02257b5b43a79355b1bf">food aid program</a>&nbsp;that supports millions of low-income mothers and their young children received a $300 million infusion from the Trump administration this week, alleviating some anxiety that it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wic-government-shutdown-food-aid-7b1d5fc317b25b79015ea335197f37bd">run out of money</a>&nbsp;during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children helps more than 6 million low-income mothers, young children and expectant parents to purchase nutritious staples like fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and infant formula. The program, known as WIC, was at risk of running out of money this month because of the government shutdown, which occurred right before it was slated to receive its annual appropriation.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said this week in a post&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PressSec/status/1975642840416780535">on the social platform X</a>&nbsp;that the White House had found “a creative solution” to use tariff revenues to keep the program afloat. By Thursday at least some states were receiving WIC money. Alaska and Washington said they received enough federal funds to keep their programs running until at least the end of October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702818385771.png" alt="&nbsp;Photo by Clara Bates/Missouri Independent" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo by Clara Bates/Missouri Independent</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-wic-food-a6d66fa0ce3d02257b5b43a79355b1bf">food aid program</a>&nbsp;that supports millions of low-income mothers and their young children received a $300 million infusion from the Trump administration this week, alleviating some anxiety that it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wic-government-shutdown-food-aid-7b1d5fc317b25b79015ea335197f37bd">run out of money</a>&nbsp;during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>.The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children helps more than 6 million low-income mothers, young children and expectant parents to purchase nutritious staples like fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and infant formula. The program, known as WIC, was at risk of running out of money this month because of the government shutdown, which occurred right before it was slated to receive its annual appropriation.White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said this week in a post&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PressSec/status/1975642840416780535">on the social platform X</a>&nbsp;that the White House had found “a creative solution” to use tariff revenues to keep the program afloat. By Thursday at least some states were receiving WIC money. Alaska and Washington said they received enough federal funds to keep their programs running until at least the end of October.

WIC food program receives $300M to keep running during gov't shutdown

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita have arrested a suspect.

A 52-year-old male from Wichita is in custody following a deadly shooting Thursday evening at the American Legion located at 1335 N. Hydraulic in Wichita.

Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a shooting inside the American Legion, 1135 North Hydraulic in Wichita, according t a media release.&nbsp;

First responders found 55-year-old Anthony Grayson from Wichita unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:55 p.m.

A second victim, a 56-year-old man, arrived at a hospital by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was reported in serious but stable condition late Friday.

Investigators confirmed that the suspect identified from Sedgwick County booking records as Darrell E. Buckner, Jr., and Grayson were involved in a fight inside the bar. Buckner then left, retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, and returned. Employees attempted to prevent him from reentering, but he pushed past them and went back inside, where another fight broke out. During the altercation, Buckner fired the gun, striking Grayson and the second victim, who was attempting to intervene.

The suspect was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.

“This is deeply frustrating,” said Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. “Once again, someone has lost their life, not because of a stranger, but because an argument between friends turned violent. Every act of violence begins with a choice. When someone decides to bring a gun into an argument, that is an intentional act, and that choice destroys lives, families, and neighborhoods.”

Chief Sullivan added that while the department continues to use technology and community partnerships to identify suspects and solve cases quickly, the broader fight against violence requires shared responsibility.

“We have a 96% homicide clearance rate, overall part 1 crime arrests are up 12% compared to this time last year. This reflects our ongoing commitment to victims of violent crimes. But it doesn’t prevent a homicide when the people involved already know each other,” Sullivan said.

“Law enforcement cannot be everywhere,” he continued. “Families, friends, neighbors, and other law enforcement partners all play a role in stopping violence before it happens. When someone decides that they are going out to drink and brings a gun with them, that is an intentional act. That is a choice they made that creates a potential for tragedy."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760102689111.png" alt="Buckner photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Buckner photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita have arrested a suspect.A 52-year-old male from Wichita is in custody following a deadly shooting Thursday evening at the American Legion located at 1335 N. Hydraulic in Wichita.Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a shooting inside the American Legion, 1135 North Hydraulic in Wichita, according t a media release.&nbsp;First responders found 55-year-old Anthony Grayson from Wichita unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:55 p.m.A second victim, a 56-year-old man, arrived at a hospital by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was reported in serious but stable condition late Friday.Investigators confirmed that the suspect identified from Sedgwick County booking records as Darrell E. Buckner, Jr., and Grayson were involved in a fight inside the bar. Buckner then left, retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, and returned. Employees attempted to prevent him from reentering, but he pushed past them and went back inside, where another fight broke out. During the altercation, Buckner fired the gun, striking Grayson and the second victim, who was attempting to intervene.The suspect was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.“This is deeply frustrating,” said Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. “Once again, someone has lost their life, not because of a stranger, but because an argument between friends turned violent. Every act of violence begins with a choice. When someone decides to bring a gun into an argument, that is an intentional act, and that choice destroys lives, families, and neighborhoods.”Chief Sullivan added that while the department continues to use technology and community partnerships to identify suspects and solve cases quickly, the broader fight against violence requires shared responsibility.“We have a 96% homicide clearance rate, overall part 1 crime arrests are up 12% compared to this time last year. This reflects our ongoing commitment to victims of violent crimes. But it doesn’t prevent a homicide when the people involved already know each other,” Sullivan said.“Law enforcement cannot be everywhere,” he continued. “Families, friends, neighbors, and other law enforcement partners all play a role in stopping violence before it happens. When someone decides that they are going out to drink and brings a gun with them, that is an intentional act. That is a choice they made that creates a potential for tragedy."

Kansas man jailed for deadly fight at American Legion Hall

Representative Sharice Davids hosted an online meeting alongside Kansans whose industries have been directly affected by the government shutdown. Those participants shared personal and professional stories, including how the shutdown impacts mental health services and infrastructure projects at home. 

According to a statement from her office, Davids has&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-statement-consequential-government-shutdown">repeatedly</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepDavids/status/1976034161975755107" target="_blank">advocated</a>&nbsp;for a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepDavids/status/1973457458971771127" target="_blank">bipartisan solution</a>&nbsp;to reopen the government and safeguard the livelihoods of Kansans.&nbsp;

“This shutdown is a devastating blow to our economy and represents real consequences for hardworking Kansans,” said&nbsp;Davids. “I’m committed to working with both parties to find a commonsense, bipartisan solution to reopen the government and ensure Kansans are protected from skyrocketing health care costs. As we heard today, there’s too much at stake for this to go on any longer.”

At today’s press conference, Davids was joined by Tim DeWeese of Johnson County Mental Health Center, Haley Kottler of Kansas Appleseed, Keely Schneider of Workforce Partnership, and Sarah White of the Missouri &amp; Associated Rivers Coalition (MOARC) to highlight how the ongoing government shutdown is affecting Kansans. Mental health services face delays and reduced access, workforce training and small business support are stalled, vital river and infrastructure projects are slowed, and nutrition assistance programs like SNAP and WIC are at risk — putting families, workers, and communities across the state in jeopardy.

Davids is pushing for a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and protect Kansans from the consequences of partisan gridlock in D.C. She recently announced her support for two bills: one to guarantee pay for&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-backs-effort-keep-air-travel-safe-employees-paid-during-government">aviation workers</a>&nbsp;and another to ensure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5401/cosponsors" target="_blank">active-duty service members</a>&nbsp;continue receiving their paychecks. Kansas is home to more than&nbsp;<a href="https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-civilian-jobs-are-in-the-us-federal-government/state/kansas/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">25,000</a>&nbsp;federal employees and more than&nbsp;<a href="https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2020-demographics-report.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">21,000</a>&nbsp;active-duty service members.

A shutdown has serious&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/democrats/issue-briefs/?id=B7FCE9F4-4DFE-495C-8263-AD277CE4716B" target="_blank">impacts</a>&nbsp;on Kansas families and the overall U.S. economy. Americans now face disruptions to important benefits, service members are not being compensated, many small businesses have altered their operations, and federal workers have been furloughed without pay. Specifically:&nbsp;

While Davids works to reopen the government, Kansans impacted by the shutdown can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/shutdown">davids.house.gov/shutdown</a>&nbsp;for resources that may help during this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Representative Sharice Davids hosted an online meeting alongside Kansans whose industries have been directly affected by the government shutdown. Those participants shared personal and professional stories, including how the shutdown impacts mental health services and infrastructure projects at home. According to a statement from her office, Davids has&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-statement-consequential-government-shutdown">repeatedly</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepDavids/status/1976034161975755107" target="_blank">advocated</a>&nbsp;for a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepDavids/status/1973457458971771127" target="_blank">bipartisan solution</a>&nbsp;to reopen the government and safeguard the livelihoods of Kansans.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MmZZj4qXKjM?si=nyh4bdcp2UPh0Bw5&amp;start=10" 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>“This shutdown is a devastating blow to our economy and represents real consequences for hardworking Kansans,” said&nbsp;Davids. “I’m committed to working with both parties to find a commonsense, bipartisan solution to reopen the government and ensure Kansans are protected from skyrocketing health care costs. As we heard today, there’s too much at stake for this to go on any longer.”At today’s press conference, Davids was joined by Tim DeWeese of Johnson County Mental Health Center, Haley Kottler of Kansas Appleseed, Keely Schneider of Workforce Partnership, and Sarah White of the Missouri &amp; Associated Rivers Coalition (MOARC) to highlight how the ongoing government shutdown is affecting Kansans. Mental health services face delays and reduced access, workforce training and small business support are stalled, vital river and infrastructure projects are slowed, and nutrition assistance programs like SNAP and WIC are at risk — putting families, workers, and communities across the state in jeopardy.Davids is pushing for a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and protect Kansans from the consequences of partisan gridlock in D.C. She recently announced her support for two bills: one to guarantee pay for&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-backs-effort-keep-air-travel-safe-employees-paid-during-government">aviation workers</a>&nbsp;and another to ensure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5401/cosponsors" target="_blank">active-duty service members</a>&nbsp;continue receiving their paychecks. Kansas is home to more than&nbsp;<a href="https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-civilian-jobs-are-in-the-us-federal-government/state/kansas/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">25,000</a>&nbsp;federal employees and more than&nbsp;<a href="https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2020-demographics-report.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">21,000</a>&nbsp;active-duty service members.A shutdown has serious&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/democrats/issue-briefs/?id=B7FCE9F4-4DFE-495C-8263-AD277CE4716B" target="_blank">impacts</a>&nbsp;on Kansas families and the overall U.S. economy. Americans now face disruptions to important benefits, service members are not being compensated, many small businesses have altered their operations, and federal workers have been furloughed without pay. Specifically:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>It’s estimated the five-week partial government shutdown in 2018-2019 reduced economic output by $11 billion in the following two quarters, and the 2013 full government shutdown reduced GDP growth by $20 billion.</li><li>Kansans receiving Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits are experiencing service delays, including disruptions to verifying benefits and the issuance of new cards.</li><li>There are currently more than 25,000 federal workers in Kansas who may have been furloughed.A bipartisan report found that the last three government shutdowns led to the equivalent of 56,940 years in lost productivity from federal workers.</li><li>A bipartisan report found that the last three government shutdowns led to the equivalent of 56,940 years in lost productivity from federal workers.</li><li>The distribution of important food assistance programs, including SNAP, has been disrupted, leaving some Kansans — including women, children, and the elderly — without nutritious food.</li><li>Small businesses are dealing with delays in receiving loans from the federal government.Moody’s Analytics estimated that the 2018-2019 shutdown delayed more than $2 billion in loans to small businesses.</li><li>Moody’s Analytics estimated that the 2018-2019 shutdown delayed more than $2 billion in loans to small businesses.</li><li>Travelers are seeing longer lines at airport security checkpoints and flight delays. They’re also dealing with delayed passport processing times.</li>
 </ul>While Davids works to reopen the government, Kansans impacted by the shutdown can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/shutdown">davids.house.gov/shutdown</a>&nbsp;for resources that may help during this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥Kan. Congresswoman met with Kansans affected by gov't shutdown 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is in “exceptional health,” his physician said Friday after he underwent a checkup that included lab tests and preventive health assessments at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Trump spent roughly three hours at the Bethesda, Maryland, hospital earlier Friday for what his doctor, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, called a “scheduled follow-up evaluation” that was a “part of his ongoing health maintenance plan.” While there, Trump also got his yearly flu shot, as well as a COVID-19 booster vaccine.

“President Donald J. Trump remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and physical performance,” Barbabella wrote in a one-page memo released Friday night by the White House. The doctor noted in the memo that the evaluation helped prepare for Trump’s upcoming overseas trips and included advanced imaging, lab testing and preventive health assessments.

The president is traveling to the Middle East this weekend and is scheduled to fly to Asia at the end of this month.

Barbabella also said he evaluated Trump’s cardiac age, which was about 14 years younger than his chronological age. Trump is 79 and was the oldest U.S. president at his inauguration.

The White House this week initially described Trump’s Walter Reed visit as a “routine yearly checkup,” although Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-physical-weight-loss-oldest-president-75913b1e114cec64ae0acab1389118b2">his annual physical</a>&nbsp;in April. The president then called it a “semiannual physical.”

Trump’s April physical found that he was “fully fit” to serve as commander in chief. The three-page summary of the exam done by Barbabella then said he had lost 20 pounds (9 kilograms) since a medical exam in June 2020 and said he has an “active lifestyle” that “continues to contribute significantly” to the well-being of the president.

In July, the White House announced that Trump had recently undergone a medical checkup after noticing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-swelling-legs-chronic-venous-insufficiency-health-40beb3c818cfb914645db9d1f143fdd8">“mild swelling” in his lower legs</a>&nbsp;and was found to have a condition common in older adults that causes blood to pool in his veins. Tests by the White House medical unit showed that Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chronic-venous-insufficiency-trump-c2e8884d5e5debd1a0c156cb0060928a">chronic venous insufficiency</a>, which occurs when little valves inside the veins that normally help move blood against gravity gradually lose the ability to work properly.

At the April physical, Trump also passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-cognitive-test-neurology-brain-memory-522ecf3c0d746f4105ce7d4416422ba6">a short screening test</a>&nbsp;to assess different brain functions.

Presidents have large discretion over what health information they choose to release to the public. Trump’s summary from his April exam included information about his weight, body mass index, past surgeries, mental health screenings, cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

When spokesperson Karoline Leavitt discussed the results of his chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis from the briefing room, she noted that the White House was disclosing details of the checkup to dispel rumors about Trump’s health. At the time, Trump was frequently observed with bruising on his hand.

The Republican president has also repeatedly used the issue of health as a political cudgel. He repeatedly questioned the mental and physical health of his Democratic predecessor, President Joe Biden, and pointed out that he has undergone cognitive testing that Biden hadn’t.

Biden has brushed aside those criticisms and said he was fit to serve, but he dropped out of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">the 2024 race</a>&nbsp;for the White House after a disastrous debate with Trump raised doubts about his fitness for office.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is in “exceptional health,” his physician said Friday after he underwent a checkup that included lab tests and preventive health assessments at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump Completes Comprehensive Follow-Up Evaluation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center <a href="https://t.co/OuB4whYm6K">pic.twitter.com/OuB4whYm6K</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1976812943770894826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump departs Walter Reed Medical Center ... <a href="https://t.co/Z6ttXFYq5m">pic.twitter.com/Z6ttXFYq5m</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1976710110471733661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump spent roughly three hours at the Bethesda, Maryland, hospital earlier Friday for what his doctor, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, called a “scheduled follow-up evaluation” that was a “part of his ongoing health maintenance plan.” While there, Trump also got his yearly flu shot, as well as a COVID-19 booster vaccine.“President Donald J. Trump remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and physical performance,” Barbabella wrote in a one-page memo released Friday night by the White House. The doctor noted in the memo that the evaluation helped prepare for Trump’s upcoming overseas trips and included advanced imaging, lab testing and preventive health assessments.The president is traveling to the Middle East this weekend and is scheduled to fly to Asia at the end of this month.Barbabella also said he evaluated Trump’s cardiac age, which was about 14 years younger than his chronological age. Trump is 79 and was the oldest U.S. president at his inauguration.The White House this week initially described Trump’s Walter Reed visit as a “routine yearly checkup,” although Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-physical-weight-loss-oldest-president-75913b1e114cec64ae0acab1389118b2">his annual physical</a>&nbsp;in April. The president then called it a “semiannual physical.”Trump’s April physical found that he was “fully fit” to serve as commander in chief. The three-page summary of the exam done by Barbabella then said he had lost 20 pounds (9 kilograms) since a medical exam in June 2020 and said he has an “active lifestyle” that “continues to contribute significantly” to the well-being of the president.In July, the White House announced that Trump had recently undergone a medical checkup after noticing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-swelling-legs-chronic-venous-insufficiency-health-40beb3c818cfb914645db9d1f143fdd8">“mild swelling” in his lower legs</a>&nbsp;and was found to have a condition common in older adults that causes blood to pool in his veins. Tests by the White House medical unit showed that Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chronic-venous-insufficiency-trump-c2e8884d5e5debd1a0c156cb0060928a">chronic venous insufficiency</a>, which occurs when little valves inside the veins that normally help move blood against gravity gradually lose the ability to work properly.At the April physical, Trump also passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-cognitive-test-neurology-brain-memory-522ecf3c0d746f4105ce7d4416422ba6">a short screening test</a>&nbsp;to assess different brain functions.Presidents have large discretion over what health information they choose to release to the public. Trump’s summary from his April exam included information about his weight, body mass index, past surgeries, mental health screenings, cholesterol levels and blood pressure.When spokesperson Karoline Leavitt discussed the results of his chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis from the briefing room, she noted that the White House was disclosing details of the checkup to dispel rumors about Trump’s health. At the time, Trump was frequently observed with bruising on his hand.The Republican president has also repeatedly used the issue of health as a political cudgel. He repeatedly questioned the mental and physical health of his Democratic predecessor, President Joe Biden, and pointed out that he has undergone cognitive testing that Biden hadn’t.Biden has brushed aside those criticisms and said he was fit to serve, but he dropped out of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">the 2024 race</a>&nbsp;for the White House after a disastrous debate with Trump raised doubts about his fitness for office.

Read the physician report from President Trump's checkup on Friday

LYON COUNTY–A juvenile is under investigation for setting a house fire in Emporia.

Just before 4:30pm Saturday, September 20, the Emporia Fire Department responded to a reported house fire in the 1100 block of Constitution Street in Emporia, according to a media release. Fire crews encountered an active fire within the home and acted swiftly to bring the incident under control.

After the fire was out, the&nbsp;Emporia Fire Department's Fire Investigators conducted a thorough investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. Based on evidence collected, the fire has been classified as incendiary, indicating it was intentionally set.

Intentionally set fires represent a significant threat to life, property, and public safety. The Emporia Fire Department remains committed to diligently investigating such incidents to identify those responsible and ensure public safety.

As a result of the investigation, a juvenile has been referred to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for possible charges. Due to the individual’s age, authorities released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760095702210.jpeg" alt="Photo by Chuck Sample courtesy KVOE" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Chuck Sample courtesy KVOE</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY–A juvenile is under investigation for setting a house fire in Emporia.Just before 4:30pm Saturday, September 20, the Emporia Fire Department responded to a reported house fire in the 1100 block of Constitution Street in Emporia, according to a media release. Fire crews encountered an active fire within the home and acted swiftly to bring the incident under control.After the fire was out, the&nbsp;Emporia Fire Department's Fire Investigators conducted a thorough investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. Based on evidence collected, the fire has been classified as incendiary, indicating it was intentionally set.Intentionally set fires represent a significant threat to life, property, and public safety. The Emporia Fire Department remains committed to diligently investigating such incidents to identify those responsible and ensure public safety.As a result of the investigation, a juvenile has been referred to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for possible charges. Due to the individual’s age, authorities released no additional details.

Juvenile faces charges for allegedly starting Kan. house fire

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After multiple posts made recently by Kansas Republican officials, Governor Laura Kelly released the below statement: <a href="https://t.co/ROdrkBkh2x">pic.twitter.com/ROdrkBkh2x</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1976767343289385227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Laura Kelly refuses to turn over SNAP data to the feds because she doesn’t want the feds to know exactly how much money in food stamps Kansas is giving to illegal aliens. Time to turn it over, Laura. Kansans first. 👉 <a href="https://t.co/JtpUuzYH2a">https://t.co/JtpUuzYH2a</a> <a href="https://t.co/JgtL6KiNut">pic.twitter.com/JgtL6KiNut</a>&mdash; Kansas GOP (@KansasGOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/KansasGOP/status/1974315116125704499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. governor responds to 'childish attacks from public officials'

DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is under investigation for allegedly selling drugs in Dickinson County.

In December of 2024, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into the distribution of Methamphetamine in Herington, according to a media release. The approximate ten-month long investigation, resulted in an arrest and a seizure of methamphetamine.

On Thursday, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 500 Block of South A Street in Herington. A search of the residence revealed Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, Cocaine, Marijuana and other controlled substances.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office also served arrest warrants with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Junction City Police Department and the Herington Police Department.

Charles Miller, 48, of Woodbine, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution of Controlled Substance using communication facility and No Drug Tax Stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760103494996.png" alt="Miller photo Dickinson County." />
 <figcaption>Miller photo Dickinson County.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is under investigation for allegedly selling drugs in Dickinson County.In December of 2024, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into the distribution of Methamphetamine in Herington, according to a media release. The approximate ten-month long investigation, resulted in an arrest and a seizure of methamphetamine.On Thursday, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 500 Block of South A Street in Herington. A search of the residence revealed Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, Cocaine, Marijuana and other controlled substances.The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office also served arrest warrants with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Junction City Police Department and the Herington Police Department.Charles Miller, 48, of Woodbine, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution of Controlled Substance using communication facility and No Drug Tax Stamp.

Sheriff: Investigation led to arrest of Kan. drug dealer

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;is the speaker of a House that is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">no longer in session</a>.

The Republican leader sent lawmakers home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">three weeks ago</a>&nbsp;after the House approved a bill to fund the federal government. They haven’t been back in working session since. And on Friday, his leadership team announced they won’t be returning next week either.

In the intervening time, the government has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-congress-138fd09f4476dcf142be6e9bbc42a592">shut down</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;began a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">mass firing of federal workers</a>. And a Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-congress-grijalva-butierez-1d9fe8fd6f0604f8064f67f6d8cfdca7">Adelita Grijalva</a>, won a special election in Arizona but has not been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-adelita-grijalva-arizona-congress-d52af4b1471a3ed6cd9f0803f711ed64">sworn into office</a>&nbsp;to take her seat in Congress.

“People are upset. I’m upset. I’m a very patient man, but I am angry right now,” Johnson said during one of his almost daily press conferences on the empty side of the Capitol.

“I’m doing our job. We passed the bill,” he said Friday, as he left the building. “It’s on the Senate. They’re the ones playing games. All the questions need to be for them.”

The House’s absence is creating a risky political dilemma for Johnson. It’s testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-johnson-trump-tax-bill-christian-prayer-f82ed140d9110d5cc7b4029b681ea9eb">his leadership</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mike-johnson-majority-trump-election-65d7217e4541cd314849c9a0da2b0081">his grip on the gavel</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">the legacy he will leave</a>&nbsp;as speaker of a House that is essentially writing itself off the page at a crucial moment in the national debate.

There are few easy choices on the schedule ahead. If the speaker calls lawmakers back to Washington, he opens the doors to a potentially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/senators-from-arizona-confront-speaker-johnson-about-not-swearing-in-democratic-colleague-c952e6858c52443fa0edd2fbd95cd16b">chaotic atmosphere</a>&nbsp;of anger, uncertainty and his own GOP defections and divisions as the shutdown drags on.

But by keeping the representatives away going on a fourth week, lawmakers risk being criticized for being absent during a crisis — “on vacation,” as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-jeffries-sombrero-hats-cb8281193a071b812020ba5dd1c3db78">House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;puts it — as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-pay-government-shutdown-congress-trump-e2eabd75a923a7a6feaeeb4af1854054">military goes without pay</a>&nbsp;and government services shut down.

Johnson’s initial strategy to avoid the government shutdown was a well-worn one — have the House pass its bill, leave town right before the deadline and force the Senate to accept it. Jamming the other chamber, as it’s often called. And it often works.

But this time, it’s a strategy that is failing.

As House skips town, blame falls to Senate

GOP senators have been unable to heave the House bill to passage,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-senate-schumer-thune-trump-health-care-b85fe6cdd5d8cdc3e3aa1f4ae889474f">blocked by most of the Democrats</a>, who are refusing to reopen the government as they demand health care funds for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-congress-shutdown-democrats-republicans-bb3464820a347fd2c0399e78e335881e">insurance subsidies</a>&nbsp;that will expire at year’s end if Congress fails to act.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-thune-ap-interview-omb-memo-6b79cd64987b6173f1b3295dc3505994">Senate Majority Leader John Thune</a>, R-S.D., has been trying, repeatedly, to peel off more Democratic support.

But after having called a vote more than a half-dozen times to pass the House’s bill out of the Senate, not enough Democrats have signed on. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;is holding out for a deal on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-tax-credits-health-insurance-trump-poll-obamacare-dab7b10bf13dec33a884df5f9fe343f6">the health care issue</a>.

Stalemated, quiet talks are underway, as small groups of lawmakers are privately trying to negotiate off-ramps.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has proposed keeping the health care subsidies in place for the next two years while instituting changes to the program. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., has a similar proposal, and GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has shared with leadership her own six-point plan.

“We’re making progress,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who is close to the Republican president. “I think we’re kind of starting to get to a place.”

Not since then-Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>, a Democrat, sent lawmakers home at the start of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-business-ap-top-news-steven-mnuchin-502a3b1afb9c5d1bc14e6af77d112207">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;in 2020 has the House been without its lawmakers for such an extended period of time outside of an August recess — but even then, leaders quickly stood up a new system of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/history-in-the-making-as-house-casts-proxy-votes-in-pandemic-6f6fb7ab7ca80360117e0664d4b45682">proxy voting</a>&nbsp;as legislative business continued.

In the Capitol’s empty halls, a few lawmakers linger. They have been filming social media posts as they narrate the inaction. They have created viral moments, including GOP Rep. Mike Lawler’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-business-ap-top-news-steven-mnuchin-502a3b1afb9c5d1bc14e6af77d112207">confrontation with Jeffries</a>. Some are simply giving tours to visiting constituents.

GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has been among the most outspoken critics of her party’s stance, saying Congress needs to address the health care subsidies.

And Grijalva is just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adelita-grijalva-swear-congress-epstein-files-25636fec1d99960a5fb11501ac86cc69">trying to go to work</a>.

The representative-elect won the special election to replace her father, veteran Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/raul-grijalva-death-obituary-9484cd0f4911430ef6ef01f9590402d5">Raul Grijalva</a>, who died earlier this year after his own career in Congress.

Her arrival would shrink Johnson’s already slim majority to paper thin, and she has said she would sign onto the legislation demanding the release of the files pertaining to the sex trafficking investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, providing the last signature needed to force a vote. Democrats have clamored for the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-senate-trump-1793c4c1c2f74f89b0cab9ecfd0cfcc8">the Epstein files</a>, looking to force Republicans to either join their push for disclosure or publicly oppose a cause many in the Republican base support.

Johnson, whose majority is among the most narrow in modern times, has refused to swear Grijalva into office.

The speaker has given shifting reasons for why he won’t allow Grijalva to take her seat, saying he’d do it whenever she wanted but also saying the shutdown needs to end first.

He said it has nothing to do with the Epstein files.

As questions mounted over the House’s next steps, so did the speaker’s exasperation.

“The reason the House isn’t here in regular session is because they turned the lights off,” he said during Thursday’s press conference. “I’m trying to muster every ounce of Christian charity that I can, but this is outrageous.”

He declined to say if or when the House would be called back to session.

“We’ll keep you posted,” he said. “And let’s pray this ends soon.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;is the speaker of a House that is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">no longer in session</a>.The Republican leader sent lawmakers home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">three weeks ago</a>&nbsp;after the House approved a bill to fund the federal government. They haven’t been back in working session since. And on Friday, his leadership team announced they won’t be returning next week either.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a>: “This is the last paycheck that 700,000 federal workers will see until Washington Democrats decide to do their job and open the government.” <a href="https://t.co/eYMnBqIVgh">pic.twitter.com/eYMnBqIVgh</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1976654308813820327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the intervening time, the government has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-congress-138fd09f4476dcf142be6e9bbc42a592">shut down</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;began a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">mass firing of federal workers</a>. And a Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-congress-grijalva-butierez-1d9fe8fd6f0604f8064f67f6d8cfdca7">Adelita Grijalva</a>, won a special election in Arizona but has not been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-adelita-grijalva-arizona-congress-d52af4b1471a3ed6cd9f0803f711ed64">sworn into office</a>&nbsp;to take her seat in Congress.“People are upset. I’m upset. I’m a very patient man, but I am angry right now,” Johnson said during one of his almost daily press conferences on the empty side of the Capitol.“I’m doing our job. We passed the bill,” he said Friday, as he left the building. “It’s on the Senate. They’re the ones playing games. All the questions need to be for them.”<h2>To stay or go, no easy choices ahead</h2>The House’s absence is creating a risky political dilemma for Johnson. It’s testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-johnson-trump-tax-bill-christian-prayer-f82ed140d9110d5cc7b4029b681ea9eb">his leadership</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mike-johnson-majority-trump-election-65d7217e4541cd314849c9a0da2b0081">his grip on the gavel</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">the legacy he will leave</a>&nbsp;as speaker of a House that is essentially writing itself off the page at a crucial moment in the national debate.There are few easy choices on the schedule ahead. If the speaker calls lawmakers back to Washington, he opens the doors to a potentially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/senators-from-arizona-confront-speaker-johnson-about-not-swearing-in-democratic-colleague-c952e6858c52443fa0edd2fbd95cd16b">chaotic atmosphere</a>&nbsp;of anger, uncertainty and his own GOP defections and divisions as the shutdown drags on.But by keeping the representatives away going on a fourth week, lawmakers risk being criticized for being absent during a crisis — “on vacation,” as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-jeffries-sombrero-hats-cb8281193a071b812020ba5dd1c3db78">House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;puts it — as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-pay-government-shutdown-congress-trump-e2eabd75a923a7a6feaeeb4af1854054">military goes without pay</a>&nbsp;and government services shut down.Johnson’s initial strategy to avoid the government shutdown was a well-worn one — have the House pass its bill, leave town right before the deadline and force the Senate to accept it. Jamming the other chamber, as it’s often called. And it often works.But this time, it’s a strategy that is failing.<h2>As House skips town, blame falls to Senate</h2>GOP senators have been unable to heave the House bill to passage,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-senate-schumer-thune-trump-health-care-b85fe6cdd5d8cdc3e3aa1f4ae889474f">blocked by most of the Democrats</a>, who are refusing to reopen the government as they demand health care funds for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-congress-shutdown-democrats-republicans-bb3464820a347fd2c0399e78e335881e">insurance subsidies</a>&nbsp;that will expire at year’s end if Congress fails to act.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-thune-ap-interview-omb-memo-6b79cd64987b6173f1b3295dc3505994">Senate Majority Leader John Thune</a>, R-S.D., has been trying, repeatedly, to peel off more Democratic support.But after having called a vote more than a half-dozen times to pass the House’s bill out of the Senate, not enough Democrats have signed on. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;is holding out for a deal on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-tax-credits-health-insurance-trump-poll-obamacare-dab7b10bf13dec33a884df5f9fe343f6">the health care issue</a>.Stalemated, quiet talks are underway, as small groups of lawmakers are privately trying to negotiate off-ramps.Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has proposed keeping the health care subsidies in place for the next two years while instituting changes to the program. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., has a similar proposal, and GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has shared with leadership her own six-point plan.“We’re making progress,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who is close to the Republican president. “I think we’re kind of starting to get to a place.”<h2>Empty halls and viral moments</h2>Not since then-Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>, a Democrat, sent lawmakers home at the start of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-business-ap-top-news-steven-mnuchin-502a3b1afb9c5d1bc14e6af77d112207">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;in 2020 has the House been without its lawmakers for such an extended period of time outside of an August recess — but even then, leaders quickly stood up a new system of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/history-in-the-making-as-house-casts-proxy-votes-in-pandemic-6f6fb7ab7ca80360117e0664d4b45682">proxy voting</a>&nbsp;as legislative business continued.In the Capitol’s empty halls, a few lawmakers linger. They have been filming social media posts as they narrate the inaction. They have created viral moments, including GOP Rep. Mike Lawler’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-business-ap-top-news-steven-mnuchin-502a3b1afb9c5d1bc14e6af77d112207">confrontation with Jeffries</a>. Some are simply giving tours to visiting constituents.GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has been among the most outspoken critics of her party’s stance, saying Congress needs to address the health care subsidies.And Grijalva is just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adelita-grijalva-swear-congress-epstein-files-25636fec1d99960a5fb11501ac86cc69">trying to go to work</a>.The representative-elect won the special election to replace her father, veteran Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/raul-grijalva-death-obituary-9484cd0f4911430ef6ef01f9590402d5">Raul Grijalva</a>, who died earlier this year after his own career in Congress.Her arrival would shrink Johnson’s already slim majority to paper thin, and she has said she would sign onto the legislation demanding the release of the files pertaining to the sex trafficking investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, providing the last signature needed to force a vote. Democrats have clamored for the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-senate-trump-1793c4c1c2f74f89b0cab9ecfd0cfcc8">the Epstein files</a>, looking to force Republicans to either join their push for disclosure or publicly oppose a cause many in the Republican base support.Johnson, whose majority is among the most narrow in modern times, has refused to swear Grijalva into office.<h2>House’s newest member waits and waits</h2>The speaker has given shifting reasons for why he won’t allow Grijalva to take her seat, saying he’d do it whenever she wanted but also saying the shutdown needs to end first.He said it has nothing to do with the Epstein files.As questions mounted over the House’s next steps, so did the speaker’s exasperation.“The reason the House isn’t here in regular session is because they turned the lights off,” he said during Thursday’s press conference. “I’m trying to muster every ounce of Christian charity that I can, but this is outrageous.”He declined to say if or when the House would be called back to session.“We’ll keep you posted,” he said. “And let’s pray this ends soon.”___

Speaker keeping House lawmakers out again next week

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man&nbsp; who admitted to vandalizing a&nbsp; church in Wichita learned his fate on Friday.

&nbsp;Judge Tyler Roush sentenced Michael Gonzalez, 23, of Saline County,&nbsp;to 34 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp; for his role in the significant vandalism and criminal desecration at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In July Gonzalez pleaded guilty to felony charges: of burglary and criminal desecration and two misdemeanor charges of theft and criminal damage to property.

Just after 8:30a.m. March 15, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.

Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.

Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.

Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. March 16, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.

&nbsp;Gonzalez remains jailed on bonds totaling over $500,000, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742206082557.png" alt="GONZALEZ photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>GONZALEZ photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man&nbsp; who admitted to vandalizing a&nbsp; church in Wichita learned his fate on Friday.&nbsp;Judge Tyler Roush sentenced Michael Gonzalez, 23, of Saline County,&nbsp;to 34 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp; for his role in the significant vandalism and criminal desecration at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkscathconf%2Fposts%2Fpfbid026eKsJvXV69VEGsohrDBXEqgNBZTzKu7Cj7ps1ZDko1i6pe3eG8iNdZ1LAwzeXr4Cl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="819" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>In July Gonzalez pleaded guilty to felony charges: of burglary and criminal desecration and two misdemeanor charges of theft and criminal damage to property.Just after 8:30a.m. March 15, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. March 16, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.&nbsp;Gonzalez remains jailed on bonds totaling over $500,000, according to online jail records.

Prison time for extreme vandalism at Kansas church

NEW YORK (AP) — A monthslong calm on Wall Street shattered Friday, and U.S. stocks tumbled after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-china-cc47e258cfc6336dfddcc20fa67a3642">threatened to crank tariffs much higher</a>&nbsp;on China.

The S&amp;P 500 sank 2.7% in its worst day since April. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 878 points, or 1.9%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 3.6%.

Stocks had been heading for a slight gain in the morning, until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;took to his social media platform and said he’s considering “a massive increase of tariffs” on Chinese imports. He’s upset at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-earths-exports-trump-dad99d532f858f04d750d0b8c50e5ed6">restrictions China has placed on exports of its rare earths</a>, which are materials that are critical for the manufacturing of everything from consumer electronics to jet engines.

“We have been contacted by other Countries who are extremely angry at this great Trade hostility, which came out of nowhere,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He also said “now there seems to be no reason” to meet with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-tiktok-china-united-states-e6b6334aef2946b5b8c809be4240cad1">earlier agreeing to do so</a>&nbsp;as part of an upcoming trip to South Korea.

The ratchet higher in tensions between the world’s largest economies led to widespread drops across Wall Street, with roughly six out of every seven stocks within the S&amp;P 500 falling. Nearly everything weakened, from Big Tech companies like Nvidia and Apple to stocks of smaller companies looking to get past uncertainty about tariffs and trade.

The market may have been primed for a slide. U.S. stocks were already facing criticism that their prices had shot too high following the S&amp;P 500’s nearly relentless 35% run from a low in April. The index, which dictates the movements for many 401(k) accounts, is still near its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-gold-ai-yen-3b5d8a978d326c59cbf484a14868ce66">all-time high</a>&nbsp;set earlier in the week.

Critics say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-market-rates-records-shutdown-earnings-ai-251fefd075ac658ce498c9d1953efc70">the market looks too expensive</a>&nbsp;after prices rose much faster than corporate profits. Worries are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-bubble-warnings-bank-of-england-imf-b15e54f6d06992371ee39b27f4e6da3a">particularly high about companies in the artificial-intelligence industry</a>, where pessimists see echoes of the 2000 dot-com bubble that imploded. For stocks to look less expensive, either their prices need to fall, or companies’ profits need to rise.

Levi Strauss dropped 12.6% for one of the market’s larger losses, even though it reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

Its forecast for profit over the full year was also within range of Wall Street’s estimates, but the jeans and clothing company could simply be facing the challenge of heightened expectations after a big run. Its stock price came into the day with a surge of nearly 42% for the year so far.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 182.60 points to 6,552.51. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 878.82 to 45,479.60, and the Nasdaq composite sank 820.20 to 22,204.43.

Some of Friday’s strongest action was in the oil market, where the price of a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude sank 4.2% to $58.90.

It fell as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-shelling-ceasefire-israel-c832ff32cf332805ffb50bffa35e8220">ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect</a>&nbsp;in Gaza. An end to the war could remove worries about disruptions to oil supplies, which had kept crude’s price higher than it otherwise would have been.

Losses accelerated following Trump’s tariff threat, which could gum up global trade and lead the economy to burn less fuel. Brent crude, the international standard, dropped 3.8% to $62.73 per barrel.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury sank to 4.05% from 4.14% late Thursday.

It had already been lower before Trump made his threats, as a report from the University of Michigan suggested that sentiment among U.S. consumers remains in the doldrums.

“Pocketbook issues like high prices and weakening job prospects remain at the forefront of consumers’ minds,” according to Joanne Hsu, director of the Surveys of Consumers. “At this time, consumers do not expect meaningful improvement in these factors.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jobs-openings-unemployment-inflation-federal-reserve-60b8f481cdbc56f96829817a2992e508">job market has slowed so much</a>&nbsp;that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-powell-federal-reserve-jobs-da274909e44aed4ac4c78625db587026">Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;cut its main interest rate last month for the first time this year. Fed officials have penciled in more cuts through next year to give the economy additional breathing room. But Chair Jerome Powell has also said they may change course&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-trump-tariffs-prices-consumer-0a10b8f245eb90115c84026d7061d2b0">if inflation stays high</a>. That’s because lower interest rates can push inflation even higher.

One potentially encouraging signal from the University of Michigan’s preliminary survey said consumers’ expectations for inflation in the coming year edged down to 4.6% from 4.7% the month before. While that’s still high, the direction of change could help the Fed and limit upward pressure on inflation.

In stock markets abroad, indexes fell across much of Europe and Asia.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.7%, and France’s CAC 40 dropped 1.5% for two of the bigger moves. But South Korea’s Kospi leaped 1.7% after trading reopened following a holiday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722962507580.png" alt="File photo fFoor of the New York Stock Exchange (AP Photo/Richard Drew)" />
 <figcaption>File photo fFoor of the New York Stock Exchange (AP Photo/Richard Drew)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A monthslong calm on Wall Street shattered Friday, and U.S. stocks tumbled after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-china-cc47e258cfc6336dfddcc20fa67a3642">threatened to crank tariffs much higher</a>&nbsp;on China.The S&amp;P 500 sank 2.7% in its worst day since April. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 878 points, or 1.9%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 3.6%.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨Major New Statement from President Trump on China: <a href="https://t.co/qpAM0hkizx">https://t.co/qpAM0hkizx</a>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1976664518911840469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Stocks had been heading for a slight gain in the morning, until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;took to his social media platform and said he’s considering “a massive increase of tariffs” on Chinese imports. He’s upset at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-earths-exports-trump-dad99d532f858f04d750d0b8c50e5ed6">restrictions China has placed on exports of its rare earths</a>, which are materials that are critical for the manufacturing of everything from consumer electronics to jet engines.“We have been contacted by other Countries who are extremely angry at this great Trade hostility, which came out of nowhere,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He also said “now there seems to be no reason” to meet with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-tiktok-china-united-states-e6b6334aef2946b5b8c809be4240cad1">earlier agreeing to do so</a>&nbsp;as part of an upcoming trip to South Korea.The ratchet higher in tensions between the world’s largest economies led to widespread drops across Wall Street, with roughly six out of every seven stocks within the S&amp;P 500 falling. Nearly everything weakened, from Big Tech companies like Nvidia and Apple to stocks of smaller companies looking to get past uncertainty about tariffs and trade.The market may have been primed for a slide. U.S. stocks were already facing criticism that their prices had shot too high following the S&amp;P 500’s nearly relentless 35% run from a low in April. The index, which dictates the movements for many 401(k) accounts, is still near its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-gold-ai-yen-3b5d8a978d326c59cbf484a14868ce66">all-time high</a>&nbsp;set earlier in the week.Critics say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-market-rates-records-shutdown-earnings-ai-251fefd075ac658ce498c9d1953efc70">the market looks too expensive</a>&nbsp;after prices rose much faster than corporate profits. Worries are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-bubble-warnings-bank-of-england-imf-b15e54f6d06992371ee39b27f4e6da3a">particularly high about companies in the artificial-intelligence industry</a>, where pessimists see echoes of the 2000 dot-com bubble that imploded. For stocks to look less expensive, either their prices need to fall, or companies’ profits need to rise.Levi Strauss dropped 12.6% for one of the market’s larger losses, even though it reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.Its forecast for profit over the full year was also within range of Wall Street’s estimates, but the jeans and clothing company could simply be facing the challenge of heightened expectations after a big run. Its stock price came into the day with a surge of nearly 42% for the year so far.All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 182.60 points to 6,552.51. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 878.82 to 45,479.60, and the Nasdaq composite sank 820.20 to 22,204.43.Some of Friday’s strongest action was in the oil market, where the price of a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude sank 4.2% to $58.90.It fell as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-shelling-ceasefire-israel-c832ff32cf332805ffb50bffa35e8220">ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect</a>&nbsp;in Gaza. An end to the war could remove worries about disruptions to oil supplies, which had kept crude’s price higher than it otherwise would have been.Losses accelerated following Trump’s tariff threat, which could gum up global trade and lead the economy to burn less fuel. Brent crude, the international standard, dropped 3.8% to $62.73 per barrel.In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury sank to 4.05% from 4.14% late Thursday.It had already been lower before Trump made his threats, as a report from the University of Michigan suggested that sentiment among U.S. consumers remains in the doldrums.“Pocketbook issues like high prices and weakening job prospects remain at the forefront of consumers’ minds,” according to Joanne Hsu, director of the Surveys of Consumers. “At this time, consumers do not expect meaningful improvement in these factors.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jobs-openings-unemployment-inflation-federal-reserve-60b8f481cdbc56f96829817a2992e508">job market has slowed so much</a>&nbsp;that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-powell-federal-reserve-jobs-da274909e44aed4ac4c78625db587026">Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;cut its main interest rate last month for the first time this year. Fed officials have penciled in more cuts through next year to give the economy additional breathing room. But Chair Jerome Powell has also said they may change course&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-trump-tariffs-prices-consumer-0a10b8f245eb90115c84026d7061d2b0">if inflation stays high</a>. That’s because lower interest rates can push inflation even higher.One potentially encouraging signal from the University of Michigan’s preliminary survey said consumers’ expectations for inflation in the coming year edged down to 4.6% from 4.7% the month before. While that’s still high, the direction of change could help the Fed and limit upward pressure on inflation.In stock markets abroad, indexes fell across much of Europe and Asia.Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.7%, and France’s CAC 40 dropped 1.5% for two of the bigger moves. But South Korea’s Kospi leaped 1.7% after trading reopened following a holiday.___AP Writer Teresa Cerojano contributed.

Wall Street drops to its worst day since April 

MANHATTAN, KAN. – The Riley County Police Department executed a search warrant at Chill Vibez Smoke and Vape and made an arrest during its investigation on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in the 100 block of Sarber Lane in Manhattan, Pottawatomie County.

According to a media release from the RCPD, the warrant was issued as part of a larger overall investigation that began earlier this year into the distribution of illegal marijuana and THC products in Manhattan. This was an independent investigation by the RCPD and not currently linked to recent enforcement by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

MANHATTAN, KAN. – The Riley County Police Department executed a search warrant at Chill Vibez Smoke and Vape and made an arrest during its investigation on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in the 100 block of Sarber Lane in Manhattan, Pottawatomie County.According to a media release from the RCPD, the warrant was issued as part of a larger overall investigation that began earlier this year into the distribution of illegal marijuana and THC products in Manhattan. This was an independent investigation by the RCPD and not currently linked to recent enforcement by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

Police make arrest at smoke and vape shop in Manhattan

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House budget office said Friday that mass firings of federal workers have started in an attempt to exert more pressure on Democratic lawmakers in the ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">government shutdown</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doge-russell-vought-project-2025-f403174299933b7e3a3b6ebd779c146c">Russ Vought</a>, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said on the social media site X that the “RIFs have begun,” referring to reduction-in-force plans aimed at reducing the size of the federal government.

A spokesperson for the budget office said the reductions are “substantial” but did not offer more immediate details.

The Education Department is among the agencies hit by new layoffs, a department spokesperson said Friday without providing more details. The department had about 4,100 employees when Trump took office in January, but its workforce was nearly halved amid mass layoffs in the Republican administration’s first months. At the start of the shutdown, it had about 2,500 employees.

The White House previewed that it would pursue the aggressive layoff tactic shortly before the government shutdown began on Oct. 1, telling all federal agencies to submit their reduction-in-force plans to the budget office for its review. It said reduction-in-force plans could apply for federal programs whose funding would lapse in a government shutdown, are otherwise not funded and are “not consistent with the President’s priorities.”

This goes far beyond what usually happens in a government shutdown, which is that federal workers are furloughed but restored to their jobs once the shutdown ends.

Democrats have tried to call the administration’s bluff, arguing the firings could be illegal, and seemed bolstered by the fact the White House had yet to carry out the firings.

But President Donald Trump had said earlier this week that he would soon have more information about how many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-government-shutdown-firings-layoffs-vought-1fd57313272ec4db5984f653b095be33">federal jobs</a>&nbsp;would be eliminated.

“I’ll be able to tell you that in four or five days if this keeps going on,” he said Tuesday in the Oval Office as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-trump-carney-white-house-59b735b719247c7063777c1edcb10328">he met with Canada's prime minister</a>, Mark Carney. “If this keeps going on, it’ll be substantial, and a lot of those jobs will never come back.”

Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-government-shutdown-grijalva-526647b57faa2710382674646dfd2b37">the halls of the Capitol were quiet</a>&nbsp;on Friday, then 10th day of the shutdown, with both the House and the Senate out of Washington and both sides digging in for a protracted shutdown fight. Senate Republicans have tried repeatedly to cajole Democratic holdouts to vote for a stopgap bill to reopen the government, but Democrats have refused as they hold out for a firm commitment to extend health care benefits.

There was no sign that the top Democratic and Republican Senate leaders were even talking about a way to solve the impasse. Instead, Senate Majority Leader John Thune continued to try to peel away centrist Democrats who may be willing to cross party lines as the shutdown pain dragged on.

“It’s time for them to get a backbone,” Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said during a news conference.

AP Education Writer Collin Binkley contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738891651773.png" alt="File photo-Kansas U.S. Marshall Roger Marshall and&nbsp;Russ Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget during a meeting earlier this year" />
 <figcaption>File photo-Kansas U.S. Marshall Roger Marshall and&nbsp;Russ Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget during a meeting earlier this year</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House budget office said Friday that mass firings of federal workers have started in an attempt to exert more pressure on Democratic lawmakers in the ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">government shutdown</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The RIFs have begun.&mdash; Russ Vought (@russvought) <a href="https://twitter.com/russvought/status/1976686105199268177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on Tuesday: “If this keeps going on, it’ll be substantial — and a lot of those jobs will never come back.”<a href="https://t.co/O4Uj4BNo0l">pic.twitter.com/O4Uj4BNo0l</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hol5vCkRgP">https://t.co/Hol5vCkRgP</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1976692607750160778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doge-russell-vought-project-2025-f403174299933b7e3a3b6ebd779c146c">Russ Vought</a>, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said on the social media site X that the “RIFs have begun,” referring to reduction-in-force plans aimed at reducing the size of the federal government.A spokesperson for the budget office said the reductions are “substantial” but did not offer more immediate details.The Education Department is among the agencies hit by new layoffs, a department spokesperson said Friday without providing more details. The department had about 4,100 employees when Trump took office in January, but its workforce was nearly halved amid mass layoffs in the Republican administration’s first months. At the start of the shutdown, it had about 2,500 employees.The White House previewed that it would pursue the aggressive layoff tactic shortly before the government shutdown began on Oct. 1, telling all federal agencies to submit their reduction-in-force plans to the budget office for its review. It said reduction-in-force plans could apply for federal programs whose funding would lapse in a government shutdown, are otherwise not funded and are “not consistent with the President’s priorities.”This goes far beyond what usually happens in a government shutdown, which is that federal workers are furloughed but restored to their jobs once the shutdown ends.Democrats have tried to call the administration’s bluff, arguing the firings could be illegal, and seemed bolstered by the fact the White House had yet to carry out the firings.But President Donald Trump had said earlier this week that he would soon have more information about how many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-government-shutdown-firings-layoffs-vought-1fd57313272ec4db5984f653b095be33">federal jobs</a>&nbsp;would be eliminated.“I’ll be able to tell you that in four or five days if this keeps going on,” he said Tuesday in the Oval Office as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-trump-carney-white-house-59b735b719247c7063777c1edcb10328">he met with Canada's prime minister</a>, Mark Carney. “If this keeps going on, it’ll be substantial, and a lot of those jobs will never come back.”Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-government-shutdown-grijalva-526647b57faa2710382674646dfd2b37">the halls of the Capitol were quiet</a>&nbsp;on Friday, then 10th day of the shutdown, with both the House and the Senate out of Washington and both sides digging in for a protracted shutdown fight. Senate Republicans have tried repeatedly to cajole Democratic holdouts to vote for a stopgap bill to reopen the government, but Democrats have refused as they hold out for a firm commitment to extend health care benefits.There was no sign that the top Democratic and Republican Senate leaders were even talking about a way to solve the impasse. Instead, Senate Majority Leader John Thune continued to try to peel away centrist Democrats who may be willing to cross party lines as the shutdown pain dragged on.“It’s time for them to get a backbone,” Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said during a news conference.___AP Education Writer Collin Binkley contributed to this report.