The 2025 Fall Homecoming Royalty was announced on Friday night at halftime of the varsity football game. The class winners are listed below.&nbsp;

The Freshman Prince is Andrew Moreno.&nbsp;

The Freshman Princess is Lilliona Martinez.

The 2025 Fall Homecoming King is Julian Bateast.

The 2025 Fall Homecoming Queen is Alana Gaytan.&nbsp;

-- The homecoming dance on Saturday night will cap off homecoming week activities at Junction City High School.&nbsp;

-- The Blue Jays won the varsity homecoming football game 35-20 over Washburn Rural.&nbsp;

Fall 2025 Homecoming Royalty Crowned on Friday night

On homecoming night, in front of a packed crowd at Blue Jay Stadium, the Junction City Blue Jays beat the Washburn Rural Junior Blues 35-20 on Friday night.

The Junction City offense took the field to begin the game on Friday night, looking to build off its 44-point performance in week six at Topeka High. The Blue Jays wasted no time and got into a rhythm right away, running and throwing the ball. JC took five and a half minutes off the clock on the opening drive of the game and scored on a four-yard jet sweep play to senior Lovell Autry. (The Blue Jays actually got in the wildcat formation for this play, with junior linebacker Khaliel Walker taking the snap and giving it off to Autry, who scored when he ran from left to right into the end zone.) JC led 7-0 after the opening drive.

Washburn Rural, like they always do, responded with a nice drive of their own. After picking up a quick first down to begin their drive, running back Jayden Baum broke free from the Blue Jay defense and scored on a 51-yard run to tie the game at 7-7 with 5:08 to go in the first quarter. 7-7 was the score at the end of the first quarter.

On the first play of the second quarter, on third-and-four from the Junior Blue five-yard line, senior quarterback Conrad Gomez hit senior receiver Lovell Autry in the end zone for his second touchdown of the game. JC took a 14-7 lead into halftime.

To begin the second half, Washburn Rural had a backup quarterback in the game after their starter, John Hoytal, was carted off the field on a stretcher late in the first half. Credit to the Junior Blues and backup QB Gavin Vantuyl, who scored on a 31-yard quarterback keeper on a run-pass-option (RPO) play early in the third quarter.

Then, the game changed. For the first time this season, the special teams unit for Junction City put a touchdown on the board.

Tied at 14 with 8:56 to go in the third, Washburn Rural kicked it deep, and Kingston Timms caught the punt at his own five-yard line. Timms returned the ball up the sideline, cut back into the middle of the field, and they did not catch him. A 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown put the Blue Jays back in front by a touchdown, and JC led 21-14 with 8:43 to go in the third quarter.

The Blue Jays tacked on two more touchdowns in the third quarter, one a pass from Gomez to junior Brody Boeckman, and the other a wildcat rushing touchdown by junior Khaliel Walker. JC led 35-14 at the end of the third quarter.

Washburn Rural added a touchdown with four minutes to go in the game, but the extra point was blocked, and JCHS held on to win 35-20.

With the win, the Blue Jays improve to 5-2 on the year and host Emporia next Friday night for senior night. (If Junction City wins, they will win the Centennial League outright.)

Washburn Rural falls to 5-2 and hosts Manhattan next Friday night.

Blue Jays Beat Washburn Rural, Clinch at Least a Share of the Centennial League Title

Tonight is the Homecoming game at Junction City High School! 

The Junction City Blue Jays (4-2) welcome in the Washburn Rural Junior Blues (5-1) into Blue Jay Stadium.&nbsp;

You can Listen Live on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio or <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">by clicking here.</a>

You can<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/cUED28aTwWI?si=iWOVmolSdojN1N3m"> Watch Live here&nbsp;on YouTube.</a>

Pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m., and kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m.&nbsp;

The crowing of homecoming royalty will be done at halftime. 

**The winner of tonight's game will win at least a share of the Centennial League Title.&nbsp;

WATCH/LISTEN LIVE: Junction City Football vs. Washburn Rural

Junction City Commissioners are in session at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 701 North Jeffeson.

-- Proclamation declaring November 2025 as Hunger &amp; Homelessness Awareness Month. 

--Request by Pawnee Mental Health Services, Inc. to use City Opiod Funds in the amount of $119,012.&nbsp;

--Consideration of the Dangerous and Unsafe Structure located at 338 West 15th Street.&nbsp;

-- Consideration of the Dangerous and Unsafe Structure located at 432 West 12th Street.

--Request to accept the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant to purchase vehicle extraction equipment in the amount of $30,446.&nbsp;

-- Consideration of the annual update for the JCFD's Billing &amp; Coding Compliance Program for 2025. 

--Consideration and approval of the Sewer Root Treatment award to Duke's Control in the amount of $39.883.98. (p.106)&nbsp;

City Commission meets Tuesday night

ABILENE, Kan. (October 2025) –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Commerce honored LeDuc Memorial Designs of Concordia with the 2025 Statewide Award for Manufacturing and Distribution at&nbsp;To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards&nbsp;ceremony held Thursday evening at Pittsburg State University.

LeDuc Memorial Designs, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and personalized memorials, recently expanded its presence in North Central Kansas with the purchase of Peterson Monuments in Abilene. This acquisition continues a long-standing tradition of excellence and service to families across the region.“We’re proud to continue serving Kansas families with care and artistry,” said the LeDuc family. “Expanding into Abilene allows us to honor more local legacies and preserve important stories in stone.”

Hosted by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the&nbsp;To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards&nbsp;celebrate businesses that contribute to the growth and vitality of their communities. Other Abilene&nbsp;honorees include:

LeDuc Memorial Design honored

Homecoming week has been celebrated this week at Junction City. Candidates/Royalty are pictured above.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Pictured are the following; Freshmen: Lilliona Martinez, Eliot Oentrich, Cade McCallum, Andrew Moreno, and Braxton Stroda. (Not in the picture is Ava Hammond).

Sophomores: Aliyah Brown, Heaven Horton, Annabelle Rios, Adrian Moreno, Brock Nabus, and Keith Thompson 

Juniors: Kieara Briley, Elizabeth Edgerton Diaz, Ryxsy Padilla, Trevon Briley, Christian Perry, and Anthony Testa 

Seniors: Alana Gaytan, Aubrey Goddard, Julian Bateast, and Keegan Mohammed. (Not pictured: Aniela Adjei and Kai Walsh.)

&nbsp;**(Photo and names courtesy of Junction City High School Facebook Page).&nbsp;

Junction City High School celebrates Fall Homecoming Week

The Greater Geary Community&nbsp; Match Day will be Tuesday, Oct. 21. The event supports 60 nonprofit organizations in Geary County.

--In-Person: 7am - 5:30 pm at the Junction City Municipal Building Auditorium (700 N. Jefferson Street) 

--By Mail: Donors may mail checks postmarked and received by October 21, 2025 to:P.O. Box 411, Junction City, KS 6644. You must include a giving form that indicates which organizations you are giving to and the amounts Please include only ONE check made out to GGCF for the total donation amount.

--Online:Made between 12:00 a.m. - 11:59 p.m. on October 21st here:<a href="http://www.gearymatchday.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZGdWVnJwMWlRM1hHNTgyRAEeMuxX7T3VRCx56lgYEnBLsTpZBq9bviT0PD8RnfnUcUFMNPhYtrXkz5nAPZg_aem_p9l7_yYsdcyWpOBkw-SLsQ" target="_blank">www.gearymatchday.com</a>

Donations will be accompanied by 50-cents on the dollar up to a maximum of $7,500 per organization. This year $165,000 is availabe in matching funds, up $3,000 from one year ago. Matching funds are being provided by the R2B4 Bramlage Foundation, Hoover-Koken Foundation, Crosby Family Foundation and Central Charities.

According to Greater Geary Community Foundation Chairman Calvin Pottberg in 2024 the public donated $443, 467 dollars with the match money totaling $162,000, bringing the overal total to just over $605,000 to 56 nonprofit organizations.

Match Day is next Tuesday

&nbsp;Geary County Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee members were uodated on multiple topics Wednesday.

--The CVB is interested in attracting World Soccer Cup fans to visit Geary County for a few days in July 2026..&nbsp;

--The CVB was asked to support the Junction City Wrestling Club annual tournament in January with a sponsorship. There was support during the meeting for a $1,000 sponsorship but that request goes to the Geary County Commission on Nov. 5.

The tournament will bring visitors to the county and will have the biggest benefit for restaurants and gas stations.

--The CVB has received sponsorship requests for fishing tournaments at Milford Lake including the Kansas Bass Nation state tournament, Catfish Chasers and Kansas Bass Network.&nbsp;

CVB News Notes

Downtown JC Happenings | Oct 13 - Oct 19, 2025

● Only 50 Tickets Left for Boos &amp; Brews! Don’t miss your chance to join Junction City Main Street for our Second Annual Boos and Brews on Friday, October 17 and Friday, October 24. This haunted history walking tour is like no other—filled with chilling tales, delightful ales, and frightful fun in the heart of Downtown Junction City. Each ticket includes a welcome drink, three complimentary themed beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available), and a spine-tingling guided tour through some of the city’s most storied locations. This is an 18+ event, and tickets are going fast—secure yours before they disappear into the night! <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/signature-events/2025boosandbrews/">https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/signature-events/2025boosandbrews/</a>.

● <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1ChAfN9AZF/">All Treats Day</a> is slotted for October 30th at 5:15PM! The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community for a fun evening of trick-or-treating downtown.

Squid Syndicate will also be hosting a trunk-or-treat that evening, in the grassy property at 901 N Washington St.

Mark Your Calendars for Match Day!

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, is Geary Community Match Day, a special opportunity to support local organizations that make a difference—including Junction City Main Street. All donations made through the Greater Geary Community Foundation that day will receive a 50% match, helping your gift go even further to strengthen our community.

We’ve been sharing some of our recent <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gzts4xcsX/">highlights on Facebook</a> to show the work and progress happening in our downtown—check them out here. To learn more about Match Day or make a donation, visit the <a href="https://www.gearymatchday.com/">general Match Day page here.</a>

Donations can be made in person from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Junction City Municipal Building Auditorium, by mail (postmarked by October 21), or online throughout the day. Please consider supporting Junction City Main Street and joining us in building a vibrant downtown that benefits us all.

<a href="https://godfreystactical.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNHs4pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3azdKYjl2RWk5ZmtmZXd1AR7vhwSejcARqGfdIgGQkNIKI-9W1f8wAp9LA6zYmUh9BA_zvjKanVPtC7NwRw_aem_f0i9mu0uejSZDFi2oo4DVA">Did you know?</a>: Every Wednesday is Ladies Night at Godfrey’s Indoor Ranges and Tactical Supply! And Fridays are Free Rental Friday!

This Week’s GEM Studios Art Classes - All classes are ticketed, reserve your spot here: <a href="https://www.gemstudiosjc.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM1GoFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWQmZ3dXd5SFRZN0w5V3liAR6yL9DKCuye9j8rwYNE1-V9DvrlAFfYO7Kl5TOdQl03NGdjfkoLOL51j88qgQ_aem_ek-3Q1Cmqw4GBYC2nKW6Eg">https://www.gemstudiosjc.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM1GoFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWQmZ3dXd5SFRZN0w5V3liAR6yL9DKCuye9j8rwYNE1-V9DvrlAFfYO7Kl5TOdQl03NGdjfkoL OL51j88qgQ_aem_ek-3Q1Cmqw4GBYC2nKW6Eg</a>

- Kids Wednesday Addams: Saturday, October 18th at 10AM

- Witchy Hat: Saturday, October 18th at 6PM

- Brushes and Booze: Mixed Media Paint Hocus Pocus: Sunday, October 14th at 12PM

<a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/flag-fundraiser/">Flags of Geary County</a>: “Proudly United, Community Ignited” 2026 is America’s 250th birthday! To celebrate, Junction City Main Street invites you to take part in the Flag Project supporting multiple local organizations. For a small donation, Main Street will place and remove a leased 3x5 ft U.S. flag on a 10 ft pole in front of your home or business on seven major holidays throughout the year. Flags will not be displayed in the event of rain.

<a href="https://junctioncityartscouncil.org/art-classes-for-adults-and-kids-sept-oct-2025/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMq8eNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6R0RpUnMyYmtEZEtpeEhjAR6wLe3Ym7QmV2br47ww1BrEGTClZBwj82SITnHCGJalXDv-9zmg2sXkAULYdQ_aem_pmbLu49swjlam765416_xA">Junction City Arts Council Classes</a>: Reserve your spot today!

Saturday, October 18th - Smiling Jack-O’-Lantern Art Class (Kinder-2nd Graders) at 12pm

Saturday, October 25th - Shadows of the Night - Acrylic Painting Class (Middle School) at 2PM

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555597640369&amp;sk=events">Blu Restaurant and Bar Weekly Events:</a> Margarita Monday, Taco ‘Bout a Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086549072848&amp;sk=events">Highwind events:</a> Steak Night, Tuesday | Music Bingo, Wednesday @ 6:30PM | New Fall Specials on Thursday | Karaoke Night, Saturday @ 7PM

The karaoke bug is going around and The Spot Karaoke is the place to be! Pick from 4 private karaoke suites, all with different themes, and enjoy a private jam session with you + 11 other people per room. Check them out and reserve a karaoke suite here: <a href="https://thespot785.com/">https://thespot785.com/</a>

Follow <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/">Junction City Main Street</a> for event updates and more.

Support local. Stay connected. Love where you live.

Main Street - Downtown JC Happenings

When night falls, Abilene’s Old West history takes a spooky turn during Haunted Old Town, held at Old Abilene Town, 200 SE 6th St., from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. ct. 17-18, 24-25 and on Oct. 31. Creepy characters, eerie effects, and unexpected scares are features. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Filo Foods Food Truck will be onsite, and on October 25, visitors are invited to stay for a Halloween Costume Party.

Haunted Old Town

MANHATTAN and SALINA, Kan. — Every student’s journey to a bachelor’s degree looks different — and sometimes, students need help finding their unique paths.That’s why&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/">Kansas State University</a>&nbsp;is partnering with technical colleges in two of its campus communities — Manhattan and Salina — to launch new programs that meet students where they are and ensure they have a pathway to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Under these new programs, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/undergrad/manhattan/apply/other-applicant/mhk-pathway/">MHK Pathway program</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/admissions/apply/sln-pathway.html">SLN Pathway program</a>, eligible students who do not meet the academic requirements for admission to K-State as degree-seeking freshmen will be able to live in a K-State residence hall, participate in university programming and experience K-State student life their first year, all while completing courses concurrently at either&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://manhattantech.edu/">Manhattan Area Technical College</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://salinatech.edu/">Salina Area Technical College</a>. Students will work toward K-State’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/undergrad/manhattan/apply/transfer/">transfer requirements</a>, ultimately continuing on at K-State with the completion of their bachelor’s degree within reach.

“The MHK and SLN Pathway programs are collectively just one way we demonstrate our commitment of educational access, as the programs have the potential to support hundreds of students each year who may not have believed a bachelor’s degree was within reach” said Jesse Perez Mendez, K-State provost and executive vice president. “This is all about creating opportunity, breaking down barriers and ensuring these students know their success matters to us.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State partnerships with Manhattan Tech, Salina Tech expand access for Kansas students

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The victim in an aggravated battery that occurred on September 23rd has died from his injuries, and the suspect has been arrested and charged in his death, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas Police.

At approximately 10:30p.m. Sept. 23, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 2300 block of Ridge Avenue regarding a physical altercation between two ment. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered 78-year-old Leroy Alexander lying outside his residence, unconscious and with apparent head trauma. He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries on September 30. 

Police arrested Perry Allen Tilghman, Jr., 31, Kansas City, Kansas,&nbsp; and he has been charged with second- degree murder in Alexander’s death. He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $150,000 bond.

Police: 74-year-old Kan. man died a week after violent altercation

DEKALB COUNTY, Mo. —Three juveniles were injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Saturday in DeKalb County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Freightliner Straight Truck driven by a 42-year-old Wichita man was southbound on MO 33 one mile north of Osborn. The driver attempted to travel through the intersection at U.S. 36 and continue southbound on Route M. The driver failed to yield to an eastbound 2018 School bus driven by a 64-year-old Burlington Junction woman.

The bus struck the rear passenger side of the truck. Three girls on the bus were transported for treatment of minor injuries.

A private vehicle transported a 15-year-old Maryville girl to Mosaic in St. Joseph and a 16-year-old Maryville girl to Cameron Regional Medical Center. DeKalb-Clinton Ambulance transported a 17-year-old Maryville girl to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The drivers were both properly restrained and not injured according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 girls injured after truck driven by Kan. man strikes a school bus

WASHINGTON (AP) — The two survivors of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-drug-smuggling-pentagon-strike-12820c173da3de80c1a7a559c252c743">American military strike</a>&nbsp;on a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean will be sent to Ecuador and Colombia, their home countries, President Donald Trump said Saturday.

The military rescued the pair after striking a submersible vessel Thursday, in what was at least the sixth such attack since early September.

“It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well known narcotrafficking transit route,” Trump said in a social media post. “U.S. Intelligence confirmed this vessel was loaded up with mostly Fentanyl, and other illegal narcotics.”

After Trump’s announcement, the Pentagon posted on X a brief black-and-white video of the strike. In the clip, a vessel can be seen moving through the waves, its front portion submerged inches below the water’s surface. Then, several explosions are seen, with at least one over the back of the vessel.

The Republican president said two people onboard were killed — one more than was previously reported — and the two who survived are being sent to their home countries “for detention and prosecution.”

However, the press office for Ecuador’s government said Saturday it was not aware of the plans for repatriation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the presidential press office in Colombia did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

With Trump’s statement on his Truth Social platform of the death toll, that would mean U.S. military action against vessels in the region have killed at least 29 people.

The president has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">engaged in an “armed conflict”</a>&nbsp;with drug cartels. He is relying on the same legal authority used by the George W. Bush administration when it declared a war on terrorism after the Sept. 11 attacks, and that includes the ability to capture and detain combatants and to use lethal force to take out their leadership. Trump is also treating the suspected traffickers as if they were enemy soldiers in a traditional war.

The repatriation would avoid questions for the Trump administration about what the legal status of the two would have been in the U.S. justice system. It may also sidestep some of the legal issues that arose out of the detention of enemy combatants in the global war on terrorism as well as challenges to the constitutionality of the current operation.

To some legal scholars, Trump's use of such military force against suspect drug cartels, along with his authorization of covert action inside Venezuela, possibly to oust President Nicolás Maduro, stretches the bounds of international law.

On Friday, Trump seemed to confirm reports that Maduro has offered a stake in Venezuela’s oil and other mineral wealth in recent months to try to stave off mounting pressure from the United States. Venezuelan government officials have also floated a plan in which Maduro would eventually leave office, according to a former Trump administration official. That plan was also rejected by the White House, The Associated Press reported.

The strikes in the Caribbean have caused unease among members of Congress from both parties and complaints about receiving insufficient information on how the attacks are being conducted. But most Republican senators backed the administration last week on a measure that would have required Trump's team to get approval from Congress before more strikes.

Meanwhile, another resolution to be considered would prevent Trump from outright attacking Venezuela without congressional authorization.

Megerian reported from West Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump releases video of US drone strike on ‘drug-carrying submarine’

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/olga-r-rodriguez">OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ</a>

San Francisco (AP) — A Northern California aquarium has raised more than $2 million for sea otter conservation in just two days. All it took was Taylor Swift wearing a vintage T-shirt.

Swift wore a vintage Monterey Bay Aquarium otter conservation T-shirt in a release party movie for her new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-showgirl-eras-tour-disney-3a64afd94014fd6aa22436f5132acccc">“The Life of a Showgirl” album</a>, sending her ardent fans on a quest to buy the shirt last produced in the 1990s. After the aquarium was flooded with calls about buying the T-shirt showing two otters floating on their back, it decided to re-release the garment Thursday as part of a special campaign to raise $1.3 million, a nod to Swift’s favorite number, said Liz MacDonald, the aquarium’s director of content strategy.

The aquarium met and surpassed its goal to raise the funds for its sea otter conservation program in less than eight hours, averaging about $100,000 in sales every 15 minutes, MacDonald said. Donors who give at least $65.13 to its newest fundraising campaign to help injured and orphan otters will be mailed a T-shirt, MacDonald said.

“We definitely had a little Taylor Swift dance party in the office yesterday afternoon when we hit the goal,” she said.

The aquarium began accepting back-orders and by Friday afternoon it had raised more than $2 million, according to its website.

How Swift acquired the T-Shirt that was last produced more than 32 years ago — when she was just 3 years old — remains a mystery.

She and fiancé Travis Kelce have been documented visiting nearby Carmel, but MacDonald said the aquarium is not aware of the couple having been in their shop.

MacDonald said the staff has had fun speculating about Swift’s interest in the T-shirt.

When Taylor announced the release of her new album on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-heights-podcast-taylor-swift-kelce-e5b21dc74fdc8aebf04f383e5dc11b0b">Kelce’s podcast “New Heights”</a>&nbsp;a couple of weeks ago, the couple had a little banter about how he loves otters and loves sending her videos of the furry sea creatures.

“One of my favorite theories is that we have a sea otter on our exhibit whose name is Opal and she was named by the fans through an online poll, and I wonder if Taylor Swift may have been one of the people that voted for the name Opal,” MacDonald said, adding that opal is Kelce’s birthstone and that Opalite is the name of one of Swift’s songs.

Whatever the reason, the aquarium and Liberty Graphics, an employee-owned company printing the T-shirts, are reveling in the moment.

“They’re a company based in Maine who were as taken by surprise as us, but who are also as delighted to have this opportunity to be part of this amazing moment that does so much for sea otters and for ocean conservation,” MacDonald said.

Liberty Graphics will use 100% cotton in the T-shirts and water-based ink, which is more ocean-friendly and sustainable, she said.

“We’re also working to make sure that the packaging doesn’t use plastic,” she added.

The company of 50 employees normally produces 1,500 shirts a day, said Matt Enos, a company manager.

Enos said that beginning Monday the company will probably have to focus most of its resources on fulfilling T-shirt orders from Swifties.

“We definitely didn’t envision something this big but it’s a pretty good problem to have,” he said.

 T-shirt worn by Taylor Swift sparks a $2M windfall for sea otters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump has not been slowed by the shutdown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A product of the Congress Trump has molded

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Associated Press reporter Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

Democrats say Trump needs to be involved in shutdown talks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biggest pumpkin in America, just in time for Halloween  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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