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.

Government shutdown: Mass firings of federal workers begins

LONDON (AP) — John Lodge, the singer and bassist of British rock band The Moody Blues for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82.

<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/john-lodge-obituary?pid=210066954">Click here to read the full obituary</a>

In a statement Friday, his family said “with the deepest sadness” that Lodge died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” It added that Lodge “peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”

Birmingham-born Lodge joined the band in 1966, two years after its formation, along with fellow singer Justin Hayward, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. He remained with it until it stopped performing live in 2018.

Lodge featured on some of the band’s best-known work, including 1967’s psychedelic album “Days Of Future Passed,” which is widely regarded as one of rock’s first concept albums, and its follow-up a year later, “In Search Of The Lost Chord.”

Lodge also featured on the 1977 album “Octave,” which saw The Moody Blues embrace a more pop-oriented sound.

He continued to make records with the group until their final studio album in 2003, “December,” a collection of Christmas songs.

The group continued to perform live until 2018, the same year the band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760111237015.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — John Lodge, the singer and bassist of British rock band The Moody Blues for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82.<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/john-lodge-obituary?pid=210066954">Click here to read the full obituary</a>In a statement Friday, his family said “with the deepest sadness” that Lodge died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” It added that Lodge “peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”Birmingham-born Lodge joined the band in 1966, two years after its formation, along with fellow singer Justin Hayward, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. He remained with it until it stopped performing live in 2018.Lodge featured on some of the band’s best-known work, including 1967’s psychedelic album “Days Of Future Passed,” which is widely regarded as one of rock’s first concept albums, and its follow-up a year later, “In Search Of The Lost Chord.”Lodge also featured on the 1977 album “Octave,” which saw The Moody Blues embrace a more pop-oriented sound.He continued to make records with the group until their final studio album in 2003, “December,” a collection of Christmas songs.The group continued to perform live until 2018, the same year the band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Moody Blues singer and bassist John Lodge dead at 82

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — University of Kansas indigenous studies director Alex Red Corn said a $1.5 million grant would allow a five-year collaboration with tribal nations and school districts in three states to broaden the pipeline of K-12 teachers working in schools serving Native American students.

The difficulty of attracting and retaining teachers to serve Native American students has been fueled from insufficient funding, isolation of rural communities and lack of job-market recruiting.

KU was awarded the grant from the Office of Indian Education in the U.S. Department of Education. The program involves&nbsp;the Southern Plains American Indian Teaching Pathways Project, which is a partnership that included Haskell Indian Nations University, or HINU, in Lawrence.

The goal is to work with Native Nations and school districts in Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma to prepare and mentor 15 teachers in elementary or secondary education.

“We look forward to getting started recruiting folks from Native communities and offer them a funded pathway to full teacher licensure through&nbsp;KU&nbsp;and Haskell and continuing to grow our longstanding partnership with Haskell in new and exciting ways,” said Red Corn, an Osage member, the lead principal investigator on the project and a KU associate professor.

Under the program, researchers plan to recruit individuals who earned or were approaching completion of an associate’s degree and want to pursue teaching certification by earning a bachelor’s degree at HINU or KU.

Upon graduation, these certified teachers would be required to work in Native-serving schools, where they would receive career mentorship from experienced teachers and cultural leaders.

KU officials said students involved in the program would be eligible for financial support in the form of tuition and fees, monthly living stipends, books, laptops and academic conference travel.

“We’re very appreciative of this opportunity from the Office of Indian Education, which is such a critical resource for tribal nations looking to advance sovereignty in education,” Red Corn said.

He said tribe and school partners in the region were eager to participate in work on a sustained program to bolster the teacher-development pipeline.

Project partners on the grant application included HINU, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Osage Nation, Quapaw Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

Other partners in the teacher development effort would be&nbsp;Royal Valley Schools and South Brown County Schools as well as Daposka Ahnkodapi (Osage Nation School), Darlington Public Schools, Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Public School and the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760110637518.png" alt="The University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University is collaborating with tribes and schools on a $1.5 million, five-year program to educate and support 15 teachers who would be obligated to teach in Native-serving schools. This image is of a statue on the HINU campus in Lawrence, Kansas, depicting an Apache hoop and pole game player. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University is collaborating with tribes and schools on a $1.5 million, five-year program to educate and support 15 teachers who would be obligated to teach in Native-serving schools. This image is of a statue on the HINU campus in Lawrence, Kansas, depicting an Apache hoop and pole game player. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — University of Kansas indigenous studies director Alex Red Corn said a $1.5 million grant would allow a five-year collaboration with tribal nations and school districts in three states to broaden the pipeline of K-12 teachers working in schools serving Native American students.The difficulty of attracting and retaining teachers to serve Native American students has been fueled from insufficient funding, isolation of rural communities and lack of job-market recruiting.KU was awarded the grant from the Office of Indian Education in the U.S. Department of Education. The program involves&nbsp;the Southern Plains American Indian Teaching Pathways Project, which is a partnership that included Haskell Indian Nations University, or HINU, in Lawrence.The goal is to work with Native Nations and school districts in Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma to prepare and mentor 15 teachers in elementary or secondary education.“We look forward to getting started recruiting folks from Native communities and offer them a funded pathway to full teacher licensure through&nbsp;KU&nbsp;and Haskell and continuing to grow our longstanding partnership with Haskell in new and exciting ways,” said Red Corn, an Osage member, the lead principal investigator on the project and a KU associate professor.Under the program, researchers plan to recruit individuals who earned or were approaching completion of an associate’s degree and want to pursue teaching certification by earning a bachelor’s degree at HINU or KU.Upon graduation, these certified teachers would be required to work in Native-serving schools, where they would receive career mentorship from experienced teachers and cultural leaders.KU officials said students involved in the program would be eligible for financial support in the form of tuition and fees, monthly living stipends, books, laptops and academic conference travel.“We’re very appreciative of this opportunity from the Office of Indian Education, which is such a critical resource for tribal nations looking to advance sovereignty in education,” Red Corn said.He said tribe and school partners in the region were eager to participate in work on a sustained program to bolster the teacher-development pipeline.Project partners on the grant application included HINU, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Osage Nation, Quapaw Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.Other partners in the teacher development effort would be&nbsp;Royal Valley Schools and South Brown County Schools as well as Daposka Ahnkodapi (Osage Nation School), Darlington Public Schools, Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Public School and the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly.&nbsp;

University of Kansas collaborates on $1.5M grant to train teachers for Native-serving schools

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A teen murder suspect, captured on June 17, after hiding from police for weeks will will return to court Friday.

Jaden Watts, 19, is scheduled for an arraignment hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He may be asked to enter a plea for charges of second-degree murder in the March shooting death of 24-year-old Demarc Burgess.

In August, Judge Tyler Roush rejected a motion from Watt's attorney to dismiss the case because the fatal shooting was in self defense, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In March, police issued a felony pick-up for Watts in connection with the shooting of Burgess&nbsp;at a residence in the 14000 block of E. Twinlake Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Reboledo.&nbsp; EMS transported Burgess to a local hospital where he died.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred during a gathering at the residence, where a disturbance broke out between Watts and Burgess, which ultimately led to the shooting.&nbsp; 

Wichita police and U.S. Marshals took Watts into custody June 17 in the area of 700 S Hunter in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police. He remains jailed&nbsp;on bonds totaling over $500,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750260517323.png" alt="Watts photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Watts photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A teen murder suspect, captured on June 17, after hiding from police for weeks will will return to court Friday.Jaden Watts, 19, is scheduled for an arraignment hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He may be asked to enter a plea for charges of second-degree murder in the March shooting death of 24-year-old Demarc Burgess.In August, Judge Tyler Roush rejected a motion from Watt's attorney to dismiss the case because the fatal shooting was in self defense, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;In March, police issued a felony pick-up for Watts in connection with the shooting of Burgess&nbsp;at a residence in the 14000 block of E. Twinlake Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Reboledo.&nbsp; EMS transported Burgess to a local hospital where he died.Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred during a gathering at the residence, where a disturbance broke out between Watts and Burgess, which ultimately led to the shooting.&nbsp; Wichita police and U.S. Marshals took Watts into custody June 17 in the area of 700 S Hunter in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police. He remains jailed&nbsp;on bonds totaling over $500,000.

Plea hearing: Kan. murder suspect who hid from police for weeks

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, winning recognition as a woman “who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.”

The former opposition presidential candidate was lauded for being a “key, unifying figure” in the once deeply divided opposition to President Nicolás Maduro’s government, said Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee.

“In the past year, Ms. Machado has been forced to live in hiding,” Watne Frydnes said. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist.”

He told the AP that the committee was able to reach Machado just before the announcement and “it came as a surprise.”

Machado’s ally, Edmundo González, who lives in exile in Spain, posted a short video of himself speaking by phone with Machado.

“I am in shock,” she said, adding, “I cannot believe it.”

González celebrated Machado’s Nobel win in a post on X, calling it a “very well-deserved recognition for the long fight of a woman and of a whole people for our freedom and democracy.”

Maduro’s government has routinely targeted its real or perceived opponents.

Machado, who turned 58 this week, was set to run against Maduro, but the government disqualified her. González, who had never run for office before, took her place. The lead-up to the election saw widespread repression, including disqualifications, arrests and human rights violations.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-maduro-opposition-human-rights-abuses-dd6d0b103adbf88f00fe60b0d781a873">crackdown on dissent only increased</a>&nbsp;after the country’s National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Maduro loyalists, declared him the winner despite credible evidence to the contrary.

The election results announced by the Electoral Council sparked protests across the country to which the government responded with force that ended with more than 20 people dead. They also prompted an end to diplomatic relations between Venezuela and various foreign countries, including Argentina.

Machado went into hiding and has not been seen in public since January. A Venezuelan court issued an arrest warrant for González over the publication of election results. He went into exile in Spain and was granted asylum.

Before dawn in Caracas, with few vehicles out yet on the Venezuelan capital’s usually crowded streets, some people heading to work expressed disbelief at the news of Machado’s win.

“I don’t know what can be done to improve the situation, but she deserves it,” said Sandra Martínez, 32, as she waited at a bus stop. “She’s a great woman.”

Support for Machado and the opposition in general has decreased since the July 2024 election — particularly since January, when Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term and disappointment set in.

Last year, Machado and González were awarded the European Union’s top human rights honor, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eu-venezuela-opposition-human-rights-prize-sakharov-47257f5b05716e90c3eabdde3a1f17e6">Sakharov Prize</a>.

Machado becomes the 20th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, of the 112 individuals who have been honored.

Speculation about Trump’s Nobel chances

There had been persistent speculation ahead of the announcement about the possibility of the prize going to U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-misses-out-on-nobel-peace-prize-729973788d8953da9af1cbc136232e96">Donald Trump</a>, fueled in part by the president himself and amplified by this week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-trump-peace-plan-e3d0ce091be56cc29207e566ff1603af">approval of his plan</a>&nbsp;for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Asked about lobbying for and by Trump, Watne Frydnes said: “I think this committee has seen any type of campaign, media attention. We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say what for them leads to peace.

“This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates, and that room is filled with both courage and integrity. So we base only our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel.”

White House spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a post on X Friday morning that “President Trump will continue making peace deals around the world, ending wars, and saving lives.” He added that “the Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace.”

Last year’s award went to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norway-nobel-japan-peace-prize-nuclear-9f39bcd5d6035fb1e75ac2030cf5c009">Nihon Hidankyo</a>, a grassroots movement of Japanese atomic bombing survivors who have worked for decades to maintain a taboo around the use of nuclear weapons.

The peace prize is the only one of the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-announcements-peace-literature-medicine-cd572ef1c31ce39e3fa304468d445443">Nobel prizes</a>&nbsp;to be awarded in Oslo, Norway.

Four of the other prizes have already been awarded in the Swedish capital, Stockholm this week — in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-medicine-a68cf8a3b930570630168a949d277cde">medicine</a>&nbsp;on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-physics-e74ee2acf652259cf268cc1d48873e14">physics</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-chemistry-87dcb74eb01e3d5ba8efc32832e51ef6">chemistry</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-literature-25f9886d2c35dabfc6ab7936a8a159c0">literature</a>&nbsp;on Thursday. The winner of the prize in economics will be announced on Monday.

Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City and Moulson from Berlin. Jorge Rueda contributed from Caracas, Venezuela and Mike Corder from The Hague, Netherlands.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760094995508.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>OSLO, Norway (AP) — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, winning recognition as a woman “who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.”The former opposition presidential candidate was lauded for being a “key, unifying figure” in the once deeply divided opposition to President Nicolás Maduro’s government, said Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will. The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace. <a href="https://t.co/dwCEWjE0GE">https://t.co/dwCEWjE0GE</a>&mdash; Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) <a href="https://twitter.com/StevenCheung47/status/1976601157041856756?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 the Nobel Peace Prize: &quot;I&#39;ve stopped eight wars, so that&#39;s never happened before — but they&#39;ll have to do what they do. Whatever they do is fine. I know this: I didn&#39;t do it for that, I did it because I saved a lot of lives.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/TsfLdgmQXD">pic.twitter.com/TsfLdgmQXD</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1976370711750221828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“In the past year, Ms. Machado has been forced to live in hiding,” Watne Frydnes said. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist.”He told the AP that the committee was able to reach Machado just before the announcement and “it came as a surprise.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Oh my god… I have no words.” Listen to the emotional moment this year’s laureate Maria Corina Machado finds out she has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Kristian Berg Harpviken, Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, shared the news with her directly before it was… <a href="https://t.co/OCUpNz752k">pic.twitter.com/OCUpNz752k</a>&mdash; The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) <a href="https://twitter.com/NobelPrize/status/1976596971084247228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Exiled opposition candidate celebrates</h2>Machado’s ally, Edmundo González, who lives in exile in Spain, posted a short video of himself speaking by phone with Machado.“I am in shock,” she said, adding, “I cannot believe it.”González celebrated Machado’s Nobel win in a post on X, calling it a “very well-deserved recognition for the long fight of a woman and of a whole people for our freedom and democracy.”Maduro’s government has routinely targeted its real or perceived opponents.Machado, who turned 58 this week, was set to run against Maduro, but the government disqualified her. González, who had never run for office before, took her place. The lead-up to the election saw widespread repression, including disqualifications, arrests and human rights violations.<h2>Crackdown on dissent</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-maduro-opposition-human-rights-abuses-dd6d0b103adbf88f00fe60b0d781a873">crackdown on dissent only increased</a>&nbsp;after the country’s National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Maduro loyalists, declared him the winner despite credible evidence to the contrary.The election results announced by the Electoral Council sparked protests across the country to which the government responded with force that ended with more than 20 people dead. They also prompted an end to diplomatic relations between Venezuela and various foreign countries, including Argentina.Machado went into hiding and has not been seen in public since January. A Venezuelan court issued an arrest warrant for González over the publication of election results. He went into exile in Spain and was granted asylum.Before dawn in Caracas, with few vehicles out yet on the Venezuelan capital’s usually crowded streets, some people heading to work expressed disbelief at the news of Machado’s win.“I don’t know what can be done to improve the situation, but she deserves it,” said Sandra Martínez, 32, as she waited at a bus stop. “She’s a great woman.”Support for Machado and the opposition in general has decreased since the July 2024 election — particularly since January, when Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term and disappointment set in.Last year, Machado and González were awarded the European Union’s top human rights honor, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eu-venezuela-opposition-human-rights-prize-sakharov-47257f5b05716e90c3eabdde3a1f17e6">Sakharov Prize</a>.Machado becomes the 20th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, of the 112 individuals who have been honored.<h2>Speculation about Trump’s Nobel chances</h2>There had been persistent speculation ahead of the announcement about the possibility of the prize going to U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-misses-out-on-nobel-peace-prize-729973788d8953da9af1cbc136232e96">Donald Trump</a>, fueled in part by the president himself and amplified by this week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-trump-peace-plan-e3d0ce091be56cc29207e566ff1603af">approval of his plan</a>&nbsp;for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.Asked about lobbying for and by Trump, Watne Frydnes said: “I think this committee has seen any type of campaign, media attention. We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say what for them leads to peace.“This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates, and that room is filled with both courage and integrity. So we base only our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel.”White House spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a post on X Friday morning that “President Trump will continue making peace deals around the world, ending wars, and saving lives.” He added that “the Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace.”Last year’s award went to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norway-nobel-japan-peace-prize-nuclear-9f39bcd5d6035fb1e75ac2030cf5c009">Nihon Hidankyo</a>, a grassroots movement of Japanese atomic bombing survivors who have worked for decades to maintain a taboo around the use of nuclear weapons.The peace prize is the only one of the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-announcements-peace-literature-medicine-cd572ef1c31ce39e3fa304468d445443">Nobel prizes</a>&nbsp;to be awarded in Oslo, Norway.Four of the other prizes have already been awarded in the Swedish capital, Stockholm this week — in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-medicine-a68cf8a3b930570630168a949d277cde">medicine</a>&nbsp;on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-physics-e74ee2acf652259cf268cc1d48873e14">physics</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-chemistry-87dcb74eb01e3d5ba8efc32832e51ef6">chemistry</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-literature-25f9886d2c35dabfc6ab7936a8a159c0">literature</a>&nbsp;on Thursday. The winner of the prize in economics will be announced on Monday.___Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City and Moulson from Berlin. Jorge Rueda contributed from Caracas, Venezuela and Mike Corder from The Hague, Netherlands.

Who won? White House responds to Nobel Peace Prize announcement

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

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

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

Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim had an interaction with an unknown suspect in the parking lot of the business that escalated to gunfire which struck the victim.&nbsp; Police did report the name of the victim or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760098922196.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just before 6p.m. Thursday, police o were dispatched to a shooting at a convenience store in the 1300 block of Bannister Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760098963045.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>On arrival officers were directed to a shooting victim unresponsive on the ground next to the business. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS who responded and declared the man deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives responded to&nbsp; the scene and canvassed for any witnesses. Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim had an interaction with an unknown suspect in the parking lot of the business that escalated to gunfire which struck the victim.&nbsp; Police did report the name of the victim or additional details.

Homicide: Man killed in KC convenience store parking lot

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement continue to investigate after a concerning social media post involving a weapon at Billy Mills Middle School, 2734 Louisiana Street in Lawrence, according to Lawrence Police.

On Thursday morning, Lawrence police, Douglas County Sheriff deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded and in conjunction with USD 497 officials locked down the school, evacuated students to the football field and worked to ensure no students were hiding in the building. Some students did hide when the school was placed on lockdown, according to police.

All students were required to leave personal items for clearance. Police&nbsp; called in a firearm detection dog to search and did not find a firearm.

Police have identified the circumstances that promoted the response and will complete a thorough investigation.

The original post came from Snapchat, and Detectives were working to contact Snapchat to get information on the post, but the person that allegedly posted it had not been identified. The person who reported the post did not know who made the post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760062315021.png" alt="Billy Mills Middle School Google image" />
 <figcaption>Billy Mills Middle School Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement continue to investigate after a concerning social media post involving a weapon at Billy Mills Middle School, 2734 Louisiana Street in Lawrence, according to Lawrence Police.On Thursday morning, Lawrence police, Douglas County Sheriff deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded and in conjunction with USD 497 officials locked down the school, evacuated students to the football field and worked to ensure no students were hiding in the building. Some students did hide when the school was placed on lockdown, according to police.All students were required to leave personal items for clearance. Police&nbsp; called in a firearm detection dog to search and did not find a firearm.Police have identified the circumstances that promoted the response and will complete a thorough investigation.The original post came from Snapchat, and Detectives were working to contact Snapchat to get information on the post, but the person that allegedly posted it had not been identified. The person who reported the post did not know who made the post.

Kansas middle school evacuated as police investigate social media threat 

KANSAS CITY —A tree trimmer injured in accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City, Missouri, remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

The Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to the reported high-angle rescue and possible electrocution in the 2400 block of Brighton, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. On arrival crews encountered a tree trimmer who had come in to contact with an overhead power line.

The patient was unconscious and suspended by his safety rope. The patient was lowered to the ground and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Kansas City police responded to the scene as part of protocol and is now investigating the incident due to the casualty, which is significant to the individual not by criminal means, according to Becchina.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759954466260.png" alt="photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A tree trimmer injured in accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City, Missouri, remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.The Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to the reported high-angle rescue and possible electrocution in the 2400 block of Brighton, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. On arrival crews encountered a tree trimmer who had come in to contact with an overhead power line.The patient was unconscious and suspended by his safety rope. The patient was lowered to the ground and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Kansas City police responded to the scene as part of protocol and is now investigating the incident due to the casualty, which is significant to the individual not by criminal means, according to Becchina.&nbsp;

Tree trimmer remains in KC hospital after contact with power line

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/thomas-beaumont">THOMAS BEAUMONT</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/laura-ungar">LAURA UNGAR</a> Associated Press

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tylenol-cause-autism-trump-kennedy-0847ee76eedecbd5e9baa6888b567d66">reasserted the unproven link</a>&nbsp;between the pain reliever Tylenol and autism, and suggested people who opposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/autism-trump-kennedy-tylenol-acetaminophen-7ebaf91e80b93f605899cefd66ac0eb2">the theory</a>&nbsp;were motivated by hatred for President Donald Trump.

During a meeting with Trump and the Cabinet, Kennedy reiterated the connection, even while noting there was no medical proof to substantiate the claim. He also mistakenly described a pregnant woman’s anatomy and linked autism to circumcision.

“Anybody who takes the stuff during pregnancy unless they have to is, is irresponsible,” Kennedy told Trump and fellow Cabinet members. “It is not proof. We’re doing the studies to make the proof.”

Kennedy has long espoused unconventional beliefs about public health, which have prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/doctor-expresses-concern-over-trump-administrations-autism-initiatives-a86baea3efd845a8860ad89f64191ecd">concern among medical experts</a>&nbsp;that, as health secretary,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-advisers-vaccines-hepatitis-b-covid19-a1fb61ef7e29d93d2828618d890cceb3">he could upend</a>&nbsp;the country’s evidence-based health policies.

Kennedy noted during the meeting that he had seen a TikTok video on Thursday, which he said featured a pregnant woman “gobbling Tylenol” and cursing Trump. “The level of Trump derangement syndrome has now left the political landscape and now in the realm of pathology,” he said. Kennedy also said the woman was taking Tylenol “with a baby in her placenta.”

A fetus develops in the uterus, not the placenta. The placenta is a temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and provides oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the growing fetus.

Kennedy’s statement came two weeks after he stood with Trump in the White House as the president used his office to promote unproven and, in some cases, discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism.

Kennedy also said Thursday that infant boys who are circumcised have double the rate of autism because they are given Tylenol after the procedure.

This claim seems to refer to a study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine from 2015, which looked at ritual circumcision and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in boys under the age of 10 in Denmark.

It found that those who had undergone the procedure, which involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis, were more likely to develop autism than other boys in the study. Researchers suggested a potential link might be due to the pain of the procedure. Researchers noted that they had no data on painkillers or anesthetics used, and thus couldn’t address whether Tylenol was linked to autism.

Other researchers pointed out that the Denmark study looked at correlation, not causation. They also point to other studies that found no evidence to support a link between circumcision and autism.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/thomas-beaumont">THOMAS BEAUMONT</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/laura-ungar">LAURA UNGAR</a> Associated PressHealth Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tylenol-cause-autism-trump-kennedy-0847ee76eedecbd5e9baa6888b567d66">reasserted the unproven link</a>&nbsp;between the pain reliever Tylenol and autism, and suggested people who opposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/autism-trump-kennedy-tylenol-acetaminophen-7ebaf91e80b93f605899cefd66ac0eb2">the theory</a>&nbsp;were motivated by hatred for President Donald Trump.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">RFK: &quot;There&#39;s two studies which show children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism. It&#39;s highly likely because they were given Tylenol.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/HW8Q0KRuED">pic.twitter.com/HW8Q0KRuED</a>&mdash; The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulwarkOnline/status/1976332314159501389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>During a meeting with Trump and the Cabinet, Kennedy reiterated the connection, even while noting there was no medical proof to substantiate the claim. He also mistakenly described a pregnant woman’s anatomy and linked autism to circumcision.“Anybody who takes the stuff during pregnancy unless they have to is, is irresponsible,” Kennedy told Trump and fellow Cabinet members. “It is not proof. We’re doing the studies to make the proof.”Kennedy has long espoused unconventional beliefs about public health, which have prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/doctor-expresses-concern-over-trump-administrations-autism-initiatives-a86baea3efd845a8860ad89f64191ecd">concern among medical experts</a>&nbsp;that, as health secretary,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-advisers-vaccines-hepatitis-b-covid19-a1fb61ef7e29d93d2828618d890cceb3">he could upend</a>&nbsp;the country’s evidence-based health policies.Kennedy noted during the meeting that he had seen a TikTok video on Thursday, which he said featured a pregnant woman “gobbling Tylenol” and cursing Trump. “The level of Trump derangement syndrome has now left the political landscape and now in the realm of pathology,” he said. Kennedy also said the woman was taking Tylenol “with a baby in her placenta.”A fetus develops in the uterus, not the placenta. The placenta is a temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and provides oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the growing fetus.Kennedy’s statement came two weeks after he stood with Trump in the White House as the president used his office to promote unproven and, in some cases, discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism.Kennedy also said Thursday that infant boys who are circumcised have double the rate of autism because they are given Tylenol after the procedure.This claim seems to refer to a study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine from 2015, which looked at ritual circumcision and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in boys under the age of 10 in Denmark.It found that those who had undergone the procedure, which involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis, were more likely to develop autism than other boys in the study. Researchers suggested a potential link might be due to the pain of the procedure. Researchers noted that they had no data on painkillers or anesthetics used, and thus couldn’t address whether Tylenol was linked to autism.Other researchers pointed out that the Denmark study looked at correlation, not causation. They also point to other studies that found no evidence to support a link between circumcision and autism.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

🎥Kennedy cites a controversial link between circumcision and autism

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonel-aleccia">JONEL ALECCIA</a> Associated Press

A California company has recalled nearly 245000 pounds (111130.04 kilograms) of pre-cooked pasta linked to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/listeria-chicken-fettucine-alfredo-kroger-walmart-1c3544d1802d7594ca47a7219ffbb111">deadly listeria outbreak</a>&nbsp;and potential contamination of dozens of products sold at grocery stores nationwide.

Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California, recalled thousands of cases of linguine, fettucine, penne and other pastas sold to large producers of heat-and-eat meals and pasta salads on Sept. 25, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration notice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=97697" target="_blank">posted Thursday.</a>

The move came after tests showed that pasta made by Nate’s Fine Foods contained the same strain of listeria found in chicken fettucine Alfredo and meatball linguine products linked to an outbreak that has killed four people and sickened 20 since August 2024. The most recent illness reported&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-06-25/index.html" target="_blank">occurred on Sept. 11.</a>

FreshRealm, the San Clemente, California, company that produced those meals, used genetic sequencing to confirm the link to the outbreak.

Several grocery stores have recalled products made with pasta from Nate’s Fine Foods. The FDA and the U.S. Agriculture Department have warned consumers not to eat the foods and to discard them or return them to stores for refund.

1.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sprouts-farmers-market-recalling-smoked-mozzarella-pasta-salad-because-possible-health-risk" target="_blank">Sprouts Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad</a>&nbsp;sold from the deli service counter or Grab &amp; Go section with best-by dates from Oct. 10 to Oct. 29.

2.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/giant-eagle-recalls-smoked-mozzarella-pasta-salad-due-potential-listeria-monocytogenes-contamination" target="_blank">Giant Eagle</a>&nbsp;smoked mozzarella pasta salad — expiration dates Sept. 30 through Oct. 7.

3.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kroger-voluntarily-recalls-two-varieties-deli-pasta-salads-because-possible-health-risk" target="_blank">Kroger stores</a>&nbsp;recalled deli bowtie and penne pasta salads — sold Aug. 29 through Oct. 2.

4.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/demers-food-group-voluntarily-recalls-select-scott-jons-shrimp-scampi-linguini-bowls-due-ingredient" target="_blank">Scott &amp; Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls</a>&nbsp;9.6-oz — best if used by dates of March 12 and 13 and March 17 and 21 2027.

5.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-meals-containing-pasta-may-be-contaminated" target="_blank">Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettucine Alfredo</a>&nbsp;16-oz plastic tray packages with “best if used by” dates Sept. 20, Sept. 24, Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Oct. 1, Oct. 3, Oct. 5, Oct. 8 and Oct. 10.

6.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/update-albertsons-companies-voluntarily-recalls-select-store-made-deli-items-containing-bowtie-pasta" target="_blank">Albertsons stores</a>&nbsp;recalled store-made deli pasta salads — sell thru dates from Sept. 8 to Oct. 4.

7.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-meals-containing-pasta-may-be-contaminated" target="_blank">Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs &amp; Marinara Sauce</a>&nbsp;12-oz. — best-by dates of Sept. 22, Sept. 24, and 25 and Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.

8.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/freshrealm-recalls-chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-products-due-possible-listeria" target="_blank">Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine</a>&nbsp;12.3-oz – best-by date of June 26, 2025, or prior; and 32.8-oz — best-by date of June 27, 2025, or prior.

9.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/freshrealm-recalls-chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-products-due-possible-listeria" target="_blank">Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5-oz</a>&nbsp;— best-by date of June 19 or prior.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760060042421.png" alt="Image FDA" />
 <figcaption>Image FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonel-aleccia">JONEL ALECCIA</a> Associated PressA California company has recalled nearly 245000 pounds (111130.04 kilograms) of pre-cooked pasta linked to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/listeria-chicken-fettucine-alfredo-kroger-walmart-1c3544d1802d7594ca47a7219ffbb111">deadly listeria outbreak</a>&nbsp;and potential contamination of dozens of products sold at grocery stores nationwide.Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California, recalled thousands of cases of linguine, fettucine, penne and other pastas sold to large producers of heat-and-eat meals and pasta salads on Sept. 25, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration notice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=97697" target="_blank">posted Thursday.</a>The move came after tests showed that pasta made by Nate’s Fine Foods contained the same strain of listeria found in chicken fettucine Alfredo and meatball linguine products linked to an outbreak that has killed four people and sickened 20 since August 2024. The most recent illness reported&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-06-25/index.html" target="_blank">occurred on Sept. 11.</a>FreshRealm, the San Clemente, California, company that produced those meals, used genetic sequencing to confirm the link to the outbreak.Several grocery stores have recalled products made with pasta from Nate’s Fine Foods. The FDA and the U.S. Agriculture Department have warned consumers not to eat the foods and to discard them or return them to stores for refund.Here are the recalls to date:1.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sprouts-farmers-market-recalling-smoked-mozzarella-pasta-salad-because-possible-health-risk" target="_blank">Sprouts Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad</a>&nbsp;sold from the deli service counter or Grab &amp; Go section with best-by dates from Oct. 10 to Oct. 29.2.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/giant-eagle-recalls-smoked-mozzarella-pasta-salad-due-potential-listeria-monocytogenes-contamination" target="_blank">Giant Eagle</a>&nbsp;smoked mozzarella pasta salad — expiration dates Sept. 30 through Oct. 7.3.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kroger-voluntarily-recalls-two-varieties-deli-pasta-salads-because-possible-health-risk" target="_blank">Kroger stores</a>&nbsp;recalled deli bowtie and penne pasta salads — sold Aug. 29 through Oct. 2.4.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/demers-food-group-voluntarily-recalls-select-scott-jons-shrimp-scampi-linguini-bowls-due-ingredient" target="_blank">Scott &amp; Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls</a>&nbsp;9.6-oz — best if used by dates of March 12 and 13 and March 17 and 21 2027.5.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-meals-containing-pasta-may-be-contaminated" target="_blank">Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettucine Alfredo</a>&nbsp;16-oz plastic tray packages with “best if used by” dates Sept. 20, Sept. 24, Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Oct. 1, Oct. 3, Oct. 5, Oct. 8 and Oct. 10.6.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/update-albertsons-companies-voluntarily-recalls-select-store-made-deli-items-containing-bowtie-pasta" target="_blank">Albertsons stores</a>&nbsp;recalled store-made deli pasta salads — sell thru dates from Sept. 8 to Oct. 4.7.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-meals-containing-pasta-may-be-contaminated" target="_blank">Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs &amp; Marinara Sauce</a>&nbsp;12-oz. — best-by dates of Sept. 22, Sept. 24, and 25 and Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.8.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/freshrealm-recalls-chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-products-due-possible-listeria" target="_blank">Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine</a>&nbsp;12.3-oz – best-by date of June 26, 2025, or prior; and 32.8-oz — best-by date of June 27, 2025, or prior.9.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/freshrealm-recalls-chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-products-due-possible-listeria" target="_blank">Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5-oz</a>&nbsp;— best-by date of June 19 or prior.

Company recalls nearly 245,000 pounds of pasta tied to listeria outbreak

CHICAGO (AP) — Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the chaplain for the men’s basketball team at Loyola Chicago who became a beloved international celebrity during the school’s fairy-tale run to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament in 2018, has died, the university announced Thursday night. She was 106.

Health issues caused Sister Jean to step down from her role with the university in August, though the school said she remained as an adviser in the final months of her life.

“In many roles at Loyola over the course of more than 60 years, Sister Jean was an invaluable source of wisdom and grace for generations of students, faculty, and staff,” Loyola President Mark C. Reed said.

“While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy,” Reed said. ”Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives. In her honor, we can aspire to share with others the love and compassion Sister Jean shared with us.”

Sister Jean — born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, then taking the name Sister Jean Dolores in 1937 — became one of the most talked-about personalities during that 2018 NCAA Tournament. She did countless interviews and even was celebrated with a bobblehead in her likeness.

She published a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-parasports-jean-dolores-schmidt-chicago-06b8d438408e8e6abe08b395e3cd13d7">memoir</a>&nbsp;in 2023, “Wake Up with Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years,” sharing lessons she’d learned throughout her life and offering spiritual advice.

The basketball teams at Loyola already had learned many of those lessons. And when that run in 2018 ended with a 69-57 loss to Michigan in the national semifinals, players received immediate consolation from their biggest fan.

“Sister Jean just said it was a great season,” forward Aundre Jackson said after the loss. “She was so happy to be on this run with us and we should keep our heads high and be happy with what we accomplished.”

The players on that team, some of them 80 years younger than Sister Jean, made no secret of what she meant to them, to the program and to the university. And she was not just there to be there, either. The Ramblers insisted she was a real part of their success.

“Sister Jean, she has meant so much to me personally and obviously the team,” Loyola’s Donte Ingram said after hitting one of the biggest shots in school history, a 3-pointer that lifted the team past Miami 64-62 in the first round of the 2018 tournament.

“She is there before every game. She’s saying a prayer before every game. After the game, she sends a general email to the team. And then at the end of the email, it’ll be individualized: ‘Hey, Donte, you did this, you rebounded well tonight. Even though they were out there to get you, you still came through for the team.’ She’s just so special, her spirit. She’s just so bright, and she means so much to the city of Chicago and Loyola obviously and the team.”

Sister Jean’s news conference at that NCAA Tournament, she was told, had more journalists than Tom Brady drew at the Super Bowl. Her likeness appeared on everything from socks to a Lego statue at her gallery in Loyola’s art museum. She saw the attention as a holy opportunity to tell her story and share what she’s learned.

“I love life so much and enjoy being with young people,” Sister Jean told The Associated Press in 2023. “They’re the ones who keep me going because they bring such joy into my life -- and they keep you updated on what’s happening in their world.”

Loyola, which helped break down racial barriers by winning the 1963 national championship with four Black starters, had not played in the tournament since a Sweet 16 loss to Georgetown in 1985. But with a then-98-year-old nun providing a spiritual lift, the Ramblers captured the nation’s imagination.

“Prayers definitely mean a little bit extra when she prays for us,” Loyola guard Clayton Custer said during the tournament.

Sister Jean lived in the dorms on and off beginning in 1978, helping her maintain a strong relationship with the students. It was not unusual for her to sit with them in the student center during lunch, getting to know them and offer guidance. She led prayer groups in residence halls and established a program to connect students with residents at a retirement community.

Born in San Francisco in 1919, Sister Jean grew up in a devoutly Catholic family. She witnessed the impact of the Great Depression, World War II and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, which she recalls crossing on foot when it opened in 1937.

Her religious calling, she said, came at the age of 8. She was in third grade when she met a kind, joyful teacher who belonged to the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Brimming with admiration, she would pray every day: “Dear God, help me understand what I should do, but please tell me I should become a BVM sister,” she recounted in her memoir.

“I guess God listened to me on that one,” she wrote.

She followed her calling to the order’s motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa, where she made her vows. She went on to teach at Catholic schools in Chicago and Southern California, where she also coached girls’ basketball, before she ended at Mundelein College — on the Chicago lakefront — in the 1960s. The school became affiliated with Loyola in 1991, and Sister Jean was hired to help students with the transition.

In 1994, she was asked to help student basketball players boost their grades — “the booster shooter” she called herself, and later that year she was named chaplain of the men’s basketball team. The role, she wrote in her memoir, became “the most transformational and transcendent position” of her life.

“Sports are very important because they help develop life skills,” she said. “And during those life skills, you’re also talking about faith and purpose.”

Her celebrity continued to grow and her life continued to be celebrated in her final years. At 100, Sister Jean received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis. On her 103rd birthday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was among the political officials dedicating the day in her honor. On her 105th birthday, Sister Jean received a proclamation from President Joe Biden — who had sent her flowers on at least one previous occasion.

Biden’s message, in part, told Sister Jean, “You have shown us all that yours is a life well lived.”

The university said Sister Jean is survived by her sister-in-law, Jeanne Tidwell, and her niece, Jan Schmidt.

CHICAGO (AP) — Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the chaplain for the men’s basketball team at Loyola Chicago who became a beloved international celebrity during the school’s fairy-tale run to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament in 2018, has died, the university announced Thursday night. She was 106.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Loyola University Chicago is greatly saddened to confirm the death of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM. This is a tremendous loss of someone who touched the lives of so many people. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts &amp; prayers during this difficult time. Details to follow. <a href="https://t.co/zPiMY1MsIu">pic.twitter.com/zPiMY1MsIu</a>&mdash; Loyola University Chicago (@LoyolaChicago) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoyolaChicago/status/1976495097702162781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Health issues caused Sister Jean to step down from her role with the university in August, though the school said she remained as an adviser in the final months of her life.“In many roles at Loyola over the course of more than 60 years, Sister Jean was an invaluable source of wisdom and grace for generations of students, faculty, and staff,” Loyola President Mark C. Reed said.“While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy,” Reed said. ”Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives. In her honor, we can aspire to share with others the love and compassion Sister Jean shared with us.”Sister Jean — born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, then taking the name Sister Jean Dolores in 1937 — became one of the most talked-about personalities during that 2018 NCAA Tournament. She did countless interviews and even was celebrated with a bobblehead in her likeness.She published a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-parasports-jean-dolores-schmidt-chicago-06b8d438408e8e6abe08b395e3cd13d7">memoir</a>&nbsp;in 2023, “Wake Up with Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years,” sharing lessons she’d learned throughout her life and offering spiritual advice.The basketball teams at Loyola already had learned many of those lessons. And when that run in 2018 ended with a 69-57 loss to Michigan in the national semifinals, players received immediate consolation from their biggest fan.“Sister Jean just said it was a great season,” forward Aundre Jackson said after the loss. “She was so happy to be on this run with us and we should keep our heads high and be happy with what we accomplished.”The players on that team, some of them 80 years younger than Sister Jean, made no secret of what she meant to them, to the program and to the university. And she was not just there to be there, either. The Ramblers insisted she was a real part of their success.“Sister Jean, she has meant so much to me personally and obviously the team,” Loyola’s Donte Ingram said after hitting one of the biggest shots in school history, a 3-pointer that lifted the team past Miami 64-62 in the first round of the 2018 tournament.“She is there before every game. She’s saying a prayer before every game. After the game, she sends a general email to the team. And then at the end of the email, it’ll be individualized: ‘Hey, Donte, you did this, you rebounded well tonight. Even though they were out there to get you, you still came through for the team.’ She’s just so special, her spirit. She’s just so bright, and she means so much to the city of Chicago and Loyola obviously and the team.”Sister Jean’s news conference at that NCAA Tournament, she was told, had more journalists than Tom Brady drew at the Super Bowl. Her likeness appeared on everything from socks to a Lego statue at her gallery in Loyola’s art museum. She saw the attention as a holy opportunity to tell her story and share what she’s learned.“I love life so much and enjoy being with young people,” Sister Jean told The Associated Press in 2023. “They’re the ones who keep me going because they bring such joy into my life -- and they keep you updated on what’s happening in their world.”Loyola, which helped break down racial barriers by winning the 1963 national championship with four Black starters, had not played in the tournament since a Sweet 16 loss to Georgetown in 1985. But with a then-98-year-old nun providing a spiritual lift, the Ramblers captured the nation’s imagination.“Prayers definitely mean a little bit extra when she prays for us,” Loyola guard Clayton Custer said during the tournament.Sister Jean lived in the dorms on and off beginning in 1978, helping her maintain a strong relationship with the students. It was not unusual for her to sit with them in the student center during lunch, getting to know them and offer guidance. She led prayer groups in residence halls and established a program to connect students with residents at a retirement community.Born in San Francisco in 1919, Sister Jean grew up in a devoutly Catholic family. She witnessed the impact of the Great Depression, World War II and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, which she recalls crossing on foot when it opened in 1937.Her religious calling, she said, came at the age of 8. She was in third grade when she met a kind, joyful teacher who belonged to the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Brimming with admiration, she would pray every day: “Dear God, help me understand what I should do, but please tell me I should become a BVM sister,” she recounted in her memoir.“I guess God listened to me on that one,” she wrote.She followed her calling to the order’s motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa, where she made her vows. She went on to teach at Catholic schools in Chicago and Southern California, where she also coached girls’ basketball, before she ended at Mundelein College — on the Chicago lakefront — in the 1960s. The school became affiliated with Loyola in 1991, and Sister Jean was hired to help students with the transition.In 1994, she was asked to help student basketball players boost their grades — “the booster shooter” she called herself, and later that year she was named chaplain of the men’s basketball team. The role, she wrote in her memoir, became “the most transformational and transcendent position” of her life.“Sports are very important because they help develop life skills,” she said. “And during those life skills, you’re also talking about faith and purpose.”Her celebrity continued to grow and her life continued to be celebrated in her final years. At 100, Sister Jean received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis. On her 103rd birthday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was among the political officials dedicating the day in her honor. On her 105th birthday, Sister Jean received a proclamation from President Joe Biden — who had sent her flowers on at least one previous occasion.Biden’s message, in part, told Sister Jean, “You have shown us all that yours is a life well lived.”The university said Sister Jean is survived by her sister-in-law, Jeanne Tidwell, and her niece, Jan Schmidt.___Reynolds reported from Miami.___

Beloved March Madness icon Sister Jean dies at 106

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged romance scam involving a man in the Kansas City metro area.

Last week, deputies took a report of a man who has lost an estimated $120,000 since March in a romance scam, according to a statement from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

A woman who said her name was Lisa sent him a message on TikTok, and they began conversing. She eventually asked him to move the conversation to the Telegram messaging app. (Scammers commonly ask you to move to an encrypted app for messaging, where it's harder for law enforcement to get access to the conversations and track down the perpetrators.)

After she'd built a relationship, "Lisa" kept having "emergencies," such as needing car repairs and gas money. The victim sent her money via CashApp and then at Bitcoin machines in Kearney and Excelsior Springs. 

Finally, "Lisa" said she needed help paying back taxes on her mother's house so she could sell it. She said she would pay the victim back when it sold. When the victim told a family member about what was happening, she recognized it was a scam.

Victims of these scams are typically very secretive because they are emotionally invested in the relationship and don't want to lose that connection. Loved ones should keep an eye out for strange and excessive expenditures. "Never send money to someone you haven't met in person, even if it feels like you know them. With crypto-currency, it's almost impossible to get that money back."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670097767255.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged romance scam involving a man in the Kansas City metro area.Last week, deputies took a report of a man who has lost an estimated $120,000 since March in a romance scam, according to a statement from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.A woman who said her name was Lisa sent him a message on TikTok, and they began conversing. She eventually asked him to move the conversation to the Telegram messaging app. (Scammers commonly ask you to move to an encrypted app for messaging, where it's harder for law enforcement to get access to the conversations and track down the perpetrators.)After she'd built a relationship, "Lisa" kept having "emergencies," such as needing car repairs and gas money. The victim sent her money via CashApp and then at Bitcoin machines in Kearney and Excelsior Springs. Finally, "Lisa" said she needed help paying back taxes on her mother's house so she could sell it. She said she would pay the victim back when it sold. When the victim told a family member about what was happening, she recognized it was a scam.Victims of these scams are typically very secretive because they are emotionally invested in the relationship and don't want to lose that connection. Loved ones should keep an eye out for strange and excessive expenditures. "Never send money to someone you haven't met in person, even if it feels like you know them. With crypto-currency, it's almost impossible to get that money back."

Sheriff: Man lost $120,000 in romance scam

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in a 2-vehicle accident&nbsp; Wednesday in Wichita.

Just before 2p.m., police responded to the collision involving a semi pulling a trailer and a 2008 Saturn Vue at the intersection of North Goebel and East Central, according to a media release from Wichita Police.

First responders located the driver of the SUV, later identified as 82-year-old Sharon Ramsey of Andover, who sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital. She was pronounced deceased at 2:41 p.m. 

The driver of the semi, a 35-year-old man from Wichita, was not injured. The accident remains under investigation, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760043351411.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in a 2-vehicle accident&nbsp; Wednesday in Wichita.Just before 2p.m., police responded to the collision involving a semi pulling a trailer and a 2008 Saturn Vue at the intersection of North Goebel and East Central, according to a media release from Wichita Police.First responders located the driver of the SUV, later identified as 82-year-old Sharon Ramsey of Andover, who sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital. She was pronounced deceased at 2:41 p.m. The driver of the semi, a 35-year-old man from Wichita, was not injured. The accident remains under investigation, according to police.

Kansas woman dies after SUV, semi crash

A Kansas City woman and man remain in custody after they fled from police and fired at officers during a high-speed chase in late August.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2719/LandersSavannah---Signed-Complaint-Packet-redacted">Savannah Landers</a>, 19, is charged with Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention, 1st Degree Assault, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of Weapon, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2720/BrewerCyvauodis---Signed-Afterhours-Complaint-Packet-Redacted">Cyvauodis D. Brewer</a>, 36, is charged with 1st Degree Assault, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Aggravated Fleeing a Stop of Detention, Possession of a Controlled Substance. *

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2718/PC-Statement-Landers-Brewer-Redacted">According to court records</a>, an Independence, Mo. police officer attempted to stop a white Ford Escape for speeding in the area of Sterling Avenue and Lexington Avenue in Sugar Creek. The vehicle fled, reaching speeds up to 97 miles per hour and driving into oncoming traffic on Truman Road. During the chase, the passenger of the vehicle fired shots from the vehicle toward the pursuing officer. &nbsp;

The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle struck a curb, disabling the vehicle. Landers attempted to flee but was quickly taken into custody. Officers recovered two handguns and methamphetamine from the vehicle.

During an interview with detectives, Brewer admitted to firing shots into the air, however, investigators found multiple bullet strikes on the back of the Ford Escape. &nbsp;

The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Landers and the passenger as Brewer.&nbsp; He is being held on a $500,000 bond and she is being held on a&nbsp;250000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759960450283.png" alt="Brewer photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Brewer photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>A Kansas City woman and man remain in custody after they fled from police and fired at officers during a high-speed chase in late August.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2719/LandersSavannah---Signed-Complaint-Packet-redacted">Savannah Landers</a>, 19, is charged with Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention, 1st Degree Assault, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of Weapon, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759960209483.png" alt="Landers photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Landers photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2720/BrewerCyvauodis---Signed-Afterhours-Complaint-Packet-Redacted">Cyvauodis D. Brewer</a>, 36, is charged with 1st Degree Assault, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Aggravated Fleeing a Stop of Detention, Possession of a Controlled Substance. *<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2718/PC-Statement-Landers-Brewer-Redacted">According to court records</a>, an Independence, Mo. police officer attempted to stop a white Ford Escape for speeding in the area of Sterling Avenue and Lexington Avenue in Sugar Creek. The vehicle fled, reaching speeds up to 97 miles per hour and driving into oncoming traffic on Truman Road. During the chase, the passenger of the vehicle fired shots from the vehicle toward the pursuing officer. &nbsp;The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle struck a curb, disabling the vehicle. Landers attempted to flee but was quickly taken into custody. Officers recovered two handguns and methamphetamine from the vehicle.During an interview with detectives, Brewer admitted to firing shots into the air, however, investigators found multiple bullet strikes on the back of the Ford Escape. &nbsp;The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Landers and the passenger as Brewer.&nbsp; He is being held on a $500,000 bond and she is being held on a&nbsp;250000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

KC woman drove 97mph while passenger fired shots at police

WASHINGTON (AP) Israel's Cabinet early Friday approved the 'outline' of a deal to release hostages held by Hamas.

The move announced by Netanyahu's office early Friday marks a key step in implementing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip that was brokered by Trump.

The brief statement focused on the hostage release and made no mention of the other parts of Trump’s plan for ending the war. Israel is expected to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the remaining 48 hostages taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Around 20 of the hostages are believed to be alive.

Meanwhile, the United States is sending about 200 troops to Israel to help support and monitor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-trump-peace-plan-e3d0ce091be56cc29207e566ff1603af">the ceasefire deal in Gaza</a>&nbsp;as part of a team that includes partner nations, nongovernmental organizations and private sector players, U.S. officials said Thursday.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not authorized for release, said U.S. Central Command is going to establish a “civil-military coordination center” in Israel that will help facilitate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-gaza-humanitarian-aid-ceasefire-hunger-cb6b6bb55b9f6b93bf2f657605d39e2a">the flow of humanitarian aid</a>&nbsp;as well as logistical and security assistance into the territory wracked by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">two years of war</a>.

The remarks provide some of the first details on how the ceasefire deal would be monitored and that the U.S. military would have a role in that effort. After Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">Trump administration plan to halt the fighting</a>, a litany of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-ceasefire-peace-plan-next-steps-f9db8882e5e62c765d9e2924bf09e63b">questions remain on next steps</a>, including Hamas disarmament, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a future government in the territory.

One of the officials said the new team will help monitor implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the transition to a civilian government in Gaza.

The coordination center will be staffed by about 200 U.S. service members who have expertise in transportation, planning, security, logistics and engineering, said the official, who noted that no American troops will be sent into Gaza.

A second official said troops would come from U.S. Central Command as well as other parts of the globe. That official added that the troops already have begun arriving and will continue to travel to the region over the weekend to begin planning and efforts to establish the center.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-trump-peace-plan-e3d0ce091be56cc29207e566ff1603af">breakthrough deal</a>&nbsp;to pause the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-updates-10-9-2025">war in Gaza</a>&nbsp;was reached Wednesday after the United States and mediators in the region pressured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hamas-israel-gaza-war-mideast-bba524e6ac9cc9877e71fefc804cb602">both Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;to end the fighting that has devastated the Gaza Strip, killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/october-7-deaths-israel-hamas-war-707cd188234d3fa5bb3129426cf703c5">tens of thousands of Palestinians</a>, sparked other conflicts and isolated Israel.

That push sealed an agreement on a first phase that would free the remaining living&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-hostages-families-trump-4b3ba8bb55cf0e37739c9b1a57c10cf7">Israeli hostages</a>&nbsp;within days in exchange for the release of hundreds of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinian-prisoners-barghouti-ecd57941b935a88c1f560d35e25d0c1f">Palestinians imprisoned</a>&nbsp;by Israel.

WASHINGTON (AP) Israel's Cabinet early Friday approved the 'outline' of a deal to release hostages held by Hamas.The move announced by Netanyahu's office early Friday marks a key step in implementing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip that was brokered by Trump.The brief statement focused on the hostage release and made no mention of the other parts of Trump’s plan for ending the war. Israel is expected to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the remaining 48 hostages taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack.Around 20 of the hostages are believed to be alive.Meanwhile, the United States is sending about 200 troops to Israel to help support and monitor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-trump-peace-plan-e3d0ce091be56cc29207e566ff1603af">the ceasefire deal in Gaza</a>&nbsp;as part of a team that includes partner nations, nongovernmental organizations and private sector players, U.S. officials said Thursday.The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not authorized for release, said U.S. Central Command is going to establish a “civil-military coordination center” in Israel that will help facilitate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-gaza-humanitarian-aid-ceasefire-hunger-cb6b6bb55b9f6b93bf2f657605d39e2a">the flow of humanitarian aid</a>&nbsp;as well as logistical and security assistance into the territory wracked by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">two years of war</a>.The remarks provide some of the first details on how the ceasefire deal would be monitored and that the U.S. military would have a role in that effort. After Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">Trump administration plan to halt the fighting</a>, a litany of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-ceasefire-peace-plan-next-steps-f9db8882e5e62c765d9e2924bf09e63b">questions remain on next steps</a>, including Hamas disarmament, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a future government in the territory.One of the officials said the new team will help monitor implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the transition to a civilian government in Gaza.The coordination center will be staffed by about 200 U.S. service members who have expertise in transportation, planning, security, logistics and engineering, said the official, who noted that no American troops will be sent into Gaza.A second official said troops would come from U.S. Central Command as well as other parts of the globe. That official added that the troops already have begun arriving and will continue to travel to the region over the weekend to begin planning and efforts to establish the center.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-trump-peace-plan-e3d0ce091be56cc29207e566ff1603af">breakthrough deal</a>&nbsp;to pause the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-updates-10-9-2025">war in Gaza</a>&nbsp;was reached Wednesday after the United States and mediators in the region pressured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hamas-israel-gaza-war-mideast-bba524e6ac9cc9877e71fefc804cb602">both Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;to end the fighting that has devastated the Gaza Strip, killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/october-7-deaths-israel-hamas-war-707cd188234d3fa5bb3129426cf703c5">tens of thousands of Palestinians</a>, sparked other conflicts and isolated Israel.That push sealed an agreement on a first phase that would free the remaining living&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-hostages-families-trump-4b3ba8bb55cf0e37739c9b1a57c10cf7">Israeli hostages</a>&nbsp;within days in exchange for the release of hundreds of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinian-prisoners-barghouti-ecd57941b935a88c1f560d35e25d0c1f">Palestinians imprisoned</a>&nbsp;by Israel.

Israel cabinet OKs Gaza ceasefire; US sending troops to support and monitor 

WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/letitia-james">Letitia James</a>&nbsp;was charged Thursday as part of a mortgage fraud investigation aggressively pushed by the Trump administration, becoming the latest foe of the president to be prosecuted by his Justice Department.

James, who infuriated President Donald Trump by suing him and his company for fraud in a case that played out as he was running for office, was indicted on charges of bank fraud and false statements to a financial institution following a presentation to a grand jury in Virginia by a prosecutor who was hastily appointed last month amid Trump administration pressure to deliver criminal cases against his adversaries.

The indictment, two weeks after a separate criminal case charging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-comey-charged-lying-congress-a2c72e1a5bb73d588f3af7fdb56caa82">former FBI Director James Comey</a>&nbsp;with lying to Congress, is the latest indication of the Trump administration’s norm-busting determination to use the law enforcement powers of the Justice Department to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-comey-justice-department-james-schiff-309c573c2d9d16839afabb3af56ef2f8">pursue the president’s political foes</a>&nbsp;and public figures who once investigated him.

Both the Comey and James cases followed a strikingly unconventional paths toward indictment, with the Trump administration last month pushing out Erik Siebert, the veteran prosecutor who had overseen both investigations for months and had resisted pressure to file charges and replaced him with Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide who was once Trump’s personal lawyer but who had never previously worked as a federal prosecutor.

Halligan presented the case to the grand jury herself, as she did in the case against Comey, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

In a lengthy statement, James decried the indictment as “nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system.”

“These charges are baseless, and the president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost. The president’s actions are a grave violation of our Constitutional order and have drawn sharp criticism from members of both parties,” she added.

She called the decision to fire Siebert and replace him with a prosecutor who is “blindly loyal” to the president as “antithetical to the bedrock principles of our country,” and she said she stood by her investigation of Trump and his company as having been “based on the facts and evidence — not politics.”

“No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust,” Halligan said in a statement. “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”

Trump has been advocating charging James for months, posting on social media without citing any evidence that she’s “guilty as hell” and telling reporters at the White House, “It looks to me like she’s really guilty of something, but I really don’t know.”

Her lawyer has accused the Justice Department of concocting a bogus criminal case to settle Trump’s personal vendetta against James, who last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-civil-fraud-trial-feb0593a5bbd3837edc0db195554eda1">won a staggering judgment</a>&nbsp;against Trump and his companies in a lawsuit alleging he lied to banks and others about the value of his assets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760044412233.png" alt="File photo New York Attorney General Letitia James- courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo New York Attorney General Letitia James- courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/letitia-james">Letitia James</a>&nbsp;was charged Thursday as part of a mortgage fraud investigation aggressively pushed by the Trump administration, becoming the latest foe of the president to be prosecuted by his Justice Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708120507527.png" alt="Donald Trump's social media account referenced&nbsp;Letitia James in February 2024. In August of 2025, an appeals court threw out the massive civil fraud penalty" />
 <figcaption>Donald Trump's social media account referenced&nbsp;Letitia James in February 2024. In August of 2025, an appeals court threw out the massive civil fraud penalty</figcaption>
 </figure>James, who infuriated President Donald Trump by suing him and his company for fraud in a case that played out as he was running for office, was indicted on charges of bank fraud and false statements to a financial institution following a presentation to a grand jury in Virginia by a prosecutor who was hastily appointed last month amid Trump administration pressure to deliver criminal cases against his adversaries.The indictment, two weeks after a separate criminal case charging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-comey-charged-lying-congress-a2c72e1a5bb73d588f3af7fdb56caa82">former FBI Director James Comey</a>&nbsp;with lying to Congress, is the latest indication of the Trump administration’s norm-busting determination to use the law enforcement powers of the Justice Department to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-comey-justice-department-james-schiff-309c573c2d9d16839afabb3af56ef2f8">pursue the president’s political foes</a>&nbsp;and public figures who once investigated him.Both the Comey and James cases followed a strikingly unconventional paths toward indictment, with the Trump administration last month pushing out Erik Siebert, the veteran prosecutor who had overseen both investigations for months and had resisted pressure to file charges and replaced him with Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide who was once Trump’s personal lawyer but who had never previously worked as a federal prosecutor.Halligan presented the case to the grand jury herself, as she did in the case against Comey, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.In a lengthy statement, James decried the indictment as “nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system.”“These charges are baseless, and the president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost. The president’s actions are a grave violation of our Constitutional order and have drawn sharp criticism from members of both parties,” she added.She called the decision to fire Siebert and replace him with a prosecutor who is “blindly loyal” to the president as “antithetical to the bedrock principles of our country,” and she said she stood by her investigation of Trump and his company as having been “based on the facts and evidence — not politics.”“No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust,” Halligan said in a statement. “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”Trump has been advocating charging James for months, posting on social media without citing any evidence that she’s “guilty as hell” and telling reporters at the White House, “It looks to me like she’s really guilty of something, but I really don’t know.”Her lawyer has accused the Justice Department of concocting a bogus criminal case to settle Trump’s personal vendetta against James, who last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-civil-fraud-trial-feb0593a5bbd3837edc0db195554eda1">won a staggering judgment</a>&nbsp;against Trump and his companies in a lawsuit alleging he lied to banks and others about the value of his assets.The Justice Department has also been investigating mortgage-related allegations against Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook, using the probe to demand her ouster, and Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., whose lawyer called the allegations against him “transparently false, stale, and long debunked.”But James is a particularly personal target. As attorney general, she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-new-york-letitia-james-lawsuit-a3a2c2569440c24bd5c5262103cb8390">sued the Republican president and his administration</a>&nbsp;dozens of times and oversaw a lawsuit accusing him of defrauding banks by dramatically overstating the value of his real estate holdings on financial statements.An appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-civil-fraud-appeal-letitia-james-8bc9e5ea0affc635c731e96448f69642">overturned the fine</a>, which had ballooned to more than $500 million with interest, but upheld a lower court’s finding that Trump had committed fraud.The Justice Department probe began after Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte sent a letter in April to Attorney General Pam Bondi, asking her to investigate James over her role in the 2023 purchase of a house in Norfolk, Virginia.In seeking the investigation, Pulte cited a two-page power-of-attorney form that James signed on Aug. 17, 2023, which states, “I intend to occupy this property as my principal residence.” He speculated that claiming the house as her primary residence might have allowed James to avoid higher interest rates that often apply to second homes.James’ lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said the Democrat never misled anyone. James has said that she made an error while filling out a form related to the home purchase, but quickly rectified it and didn’t deceive the lender.