JERUSALEM (AP) Hamas says it is willing to return all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the bodies of the dead in accordance with President Donald&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hamas-israel-gaza-war-mideast-bba524e6ac9cc9877e71fefc804cb602">Trump’s peace plan</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">Under the plan</a>, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages — around 20 of them believed to be alive — within three days. It would also give up power and disarm.

In delivering its response to Trump’s plan, the militant group said it was ready to release the hostages and give up power but made no reference to disarming and made clear there was still much more to negotiate.

Israel said on Saturday that it would start preparations for implementation of the first phase of Trump’s plan and the hostages’ release.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages in the Oct. 7 attack. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">ensuing war</a>&nbsp;has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Saturday. The ministry doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Total hostages captured during Oct. 7 attack: 251

Hostages taken before the Oct. 7 attack: four (two who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015 and the bodies of two soldiers killed in the 2014 war)

Hostages released in exchanges or other deals: 148, of whom eight were dead

Bodies of hostages retrieved by Israeli forces: 51

Hostages still in captivity: 48, of which the Israeli military believes 20 are still alive

Non-Israeli hostages in captivity: four (two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-thai-dccc8d8da8c56d5122a21a6b89c7175d">Thai</a>&nbsp;nationals and one Tanzanian who have been confirmed dead, and one Nepalese national)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740236871145.png" alt="Hostage and Missing Families Forum" />
 <figcaption>Hostage and Missing Families Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) Hamas says it is willing to return all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the bodies of the dead in accordance with President Donald&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hamas-israel-gaza-war-mideast-bba524e6ac9cc9877e71fefc804cb602">Trump’s peace plan</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/jWKQTWMdAQ">pic.twitter.com/jWKQTWMdAQ</a>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1974496709985161556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">Under the plan</a>, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages — around 20 of them believed to be alive — within three days. It would also give up power and disarm.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a> on the Hamas response to President Trump&#39;s peace plan: &quot;They have said, basically, that they agree to his proposal and the framework for releasing the hostages. That&#39;s an enormous achievement... There&#39;s a lot of international pressure on Hamas to make this happen.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/WkSJ41qEiD">pic.twitter.com/WkSJ41qEiD</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1974828315484848176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In delivering its response to Trump’s plan, the militant group said it was ready to release the hostages and give up power but made no reference to disarming and made clear there was still much more to negotiate.Israel said on Saturday that it would start preparations for implementation of the first phase of Trump’s plan and the hostages’ release.Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages in the Oct. 7 attack. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">ensuing war</a>&nbsp;has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Saturday. The ministry doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants.Here are details on the hostages:Total hostages captured during Oct. 7 attack: 251Hostages taken before the Oct. 7 attack: four (two who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015 and the bodies of two soldiers killed in the 2014 war)Hostages released in exchanges or other deals: 148, of whom eight were deadBodies of hostages retrieved by Israeli forces: 51Hostages rescued alive: eightHostages still in captivity: 48, of which the Israeli military believes 20 are still aliveNon-Israeli hostages in captivity: four (two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-thai-dccc8d8da8c56d5122a21a6b89c7175d">Thai</a>&nbsp;nationals and one Tanzanian who have been confirmed dead, and one Nepalese national)

A look at the hostages taken to Gaza, by the numbers

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Kansas' defense came up with two decisive plays near the goal line, setting up the Jayhawks' go-ahead touchdown with a strip sack and fumble recovery to stop UCF on three consecutive plays from the 1 with less than two minutes remaining to help Kansas beat the Knights 27-20 on Saturday night.

Kansas' Trey Lathan recovered a fumble at the 2 late in the third quarter off a strip sack from Jalen Dye, setting up the go-ahead 2-yard touchdown run from Leshon Williams. Lathan then tackled Cam Fancher on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 1:47 to secure the victory.

“You are expecting to lose in that situation,” Lathan said. “But when you come out with a W, it’s a great feeling.”

Kansas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) lost last week’s game to Cincinnati after a goal line battle, ending with a Bearcats' 2-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds remaining.

UCF drove to the Kansas 22 after getting the ball back, but four straight incompletions that included a pass breakup in the end zone by Austin Alexander, ended the Knights' final threat.

Kansas erased an early 14-0 lead from UCF (3-2, 0-2) after Myles Montgomery and the Knights ran all over the Jayhawks in the first half.

Jalon Daniels led the charge for Kansas, throwing for 235 yards on 18-for-26 passing. Williams rushed for 58 yards and three touchdowns for the Jayhawks.

“These guys are growing,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “I think this can be a big one for them to gain some confidence.”

Montgomery rushed for 99 of his 110 yards in the first half, scoring two touchdowns to stake the Knights to an early lead.

UCF’s Tayven Jackson finished with 97 yards on 14-for-23 passing. He left the game after his turnover and came out of the locker room with his left arm in a sling. Coach Scott Frost said X-rays on his shoulder were negative.

Fancher, who started UCF’s opening game against Jacksonville State before leaving with an injury, completed 8 of 14 passes for 79 yards.

The Knights could not find answers in the second half and lost for the second straight game.

“I think we're one of the most talented teams in the Big 12, we've just got to finish,” UCF receiver Duane Thomas Jr. said. “We have to play a complete football game. We can't go out the first two quarters and lay down the next two.”

Part of the shift in the game came from Kansas linebacker Bangally Kamara, who was coming off suspension in the first half after a second-half targeting penalty last week against Cincinnati. Kamara finished with four tackles and provided a boost for the Jayhawks' defense.

Both teams stayed on the field after pregame warmups for a moment of silence to recognize UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Clark passed away Sept. 21. He joined UCF's staff after five years as the head coach at Appalachian State.

Several players for Kansas were fighting through injury, including Williams. The biggest was to kicker Laith Marjan, who made two field goals. His 41-yarder in the third quarter just made it over the crossbar, clipping it before going through.

Leipold admitted Marjan was probably a bit fatigued after he kicked the ensuing kickoff out of bounds following the short field goal.

Kansas: The Jayhawks have been known for their offense throughout the season, but their defense stepped up in a big way to stymie the Knights.

UCF: The Knights will again face quarterback questions after Jackson left the game with an injury. Jackson left last week's game with a shoulder injury. Backup quarterback Jacurri Brown also missed the game with a shoulder injury.

Kansas travels to face No. 11 Texas Tech on Saturday.

UCF hits the road to face Cincinnati on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759633370385.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Kansas' defense came up with two decisive plays near the goal line, setting up the Jayhawks' go-ahead touchdown with a strip sack and fumble recovery to stop UCF on three consecutive plays from the 1 with less than two minutes remaining to help Kansas beat the Knights 27-20 on Saturday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">KANSAS HOLDS. <a href="https://t.co/VMCa14Tca4">pic.twitter.com/VMCa14Tca4</a>&mdash; Kansas Football (@KU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/KU_Football/status/1974668305681301514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas' Trey Lathan recovered a fumble at the 2 late in the third quarter off a strip sack from Jalen Dye, setting up the go-ahead 2-yard touchdown run from Leshon Williams. Lathan then tackled Cam Fancher on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 1:47 to secure the victory.“You are expecting to lose in that situation,” Lathan said. “But when you come out with a W, it’s a great feeling.”Kansas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) lost last week’s game to Cincinnati after a goal line battle, ending with a Bearcats' 2-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds remaining.UCF drove to the Kansas 22 after getting the ball back, but four straight incompletions that included a pass breakup in the end zone by Austin Alexander, ended the Knights' final threat.Kansas erased an early 14-0 lead from UCF (3-2, 0-2) after Myles Montgomery and the Knights ran all over the Jayhawks in the first half.Jalon Daniels led the charge for Kansas, throwing for 235 yards on 18-for-26 passing. Williams rushed for 58 yards and three touchdowns for the Jayhawks.“These guys are growing,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “I think this can be a big one for them to gain some confidence.”Montgomery rushed for 99 of his 110 yards in the first half, scoring two touchdowns to stake the Knights to an early lead.UCF’s Tayven Jackson finished with 97 yards on 14-for-23 passing. He left the game after his turnover and came out of the locker room with his left arm in a sling. Coach Scott Frost said X-rays on his shoulder were negative.Fancher, who started UCF’s opening game against Jacksonville State before leaving with an injury, completed 8 of 14 passes for 79 yards.The Knights could not find answers in the second half and lost for the second straight game.“I think we're one of the most talented teams in the Big 12, we've just got to finish,” UCF receiver Duane Thomas Jr. said. “We have to play a complete football game. We can't go out the first two quarters and lay down the next two.”<h2>Off Suspension</h2>Part of the shift in the game came from Kansas linebacker Bangally Kamara, who was coming off suspension in the first half after a second-half targeting penalty last week against Cincinnati. Kamara finished with four tackles and provided a boost for the Jayhawks' defense.<h2>Memorializing Coach Clark</h2>Both teams stayed on the field after pregame warmups for a moment of silence to recognize UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Clark passed away Sept. 21. He joined UCF's staff after five years as the head coach at Appalachian State.<h2>Fighting through injury</h2>Several players for Kansas were fighting through injury, including Williams. The biggest was to kicker Laith Marjan, who made two field goals. His 41-yarder in the third quarter just made it over the crossbar, clipping it before going through.Leipold admitted Marjan was probably a bit fatigued after he kicked the ensuing kickoff out of bounds following the short field goal.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Kansas: The Jayhawks have been known for their offense throughout the season, but their defense stepped up in a big way to stymie the Knights.UCF: The Knights will again face quarterback questions after Jackson left the game with an injury. Jackson left last week's game with a shoulder injury. Backup quarterback Jacurri Brown also missed the game with a shoulder injury.<h2>Up Next</h2>Kansas travels to face No. 11 Texas Tech on Saturday.UCF hits the road to face Cincinnati on Saturday.

🏈 KU holds UCF scoreless in the 2nd half to escape with a win

BETHANY, Okla. — Fort Hays State secured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory at Southern Nazarene on Saturday. The No. 13 ranked Tigers improved to 7-0-2 overall and 3-0 in the GAC with the win. The Crimson Storm went to 4-3-2 overall and 2-1-1 in GAC play.

Southern Nazarene's only goal came in the 29th minute on a penalty kick. However, the Tigers were able to erase the misfortune about four minutes later when Tadhg Walsh leveled the match off assists from Elias Ovelar Semeniuk and Joseph Street. The Tigers were awarded a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, which Ovelar Semeniuk converted to put the Tigers on top. It was his eighth goal of the season. The Tigers dominated the shot count in the first half 10-3.

Fort Hays State went on to win the overall shot battle for the game 17-8. Payton Roehrich had to make two second-half saves to keep the Tigers on top. The Tigers had eight corner kick opportunities compared to none for the Crimson Storm. The match saw 11 cards issued, which included a red on the SNU bench, but FHSU had seven yellows throughout the match.

Fort Hays State returns home for its next three matches. Next up is Harding University on Thursday, October 9 at FHSU Soccer Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759639786805.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsBETHANY, Okla. — Fort Hays State secured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory at Southern Nazarene on Saturday. The No. 13 ranked Tigers improved to 7-0-2 overall and 3-0 in the GAC with the win. The Crimson Storm went to 4-3-2 overall and 2-1-1 in GAC play.Southern Nazarene's only goal came in the 29th minute on a penalty kick. However, the Tigers were able to erase the misfortune about four minutes later when Tadhg Walsh leveled the match off assists from Elias Ovelar Semeniuk and Joseph Street. The Tigers were awarded a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, which Ovelar Semeniuk converted to put the Tigers on top. It was his eighth goal of the season. The Tigers dominated the shot count in the first half 10-3.Fort Hays State went on to win the overall shot battle for the game 17-8. Payton Roehrich had to make two second-half saves to keep the Tigers on top. The Tigers had eight corner kick opportunities compared to none for the Crimson Storm. The match saw 11 cards issued, which included a red on the SNU bench, but FHSU had seven yellows throughout the match.Fort Hays State returns home for its next three matches. Next up is Harding University on Thursday, October 9 at FHSU Soccer Stadium.

⚽ No. 13 Tigers men get past Crimson Storm in Oklahoma

WACO, Texas (AP) — Connor Hawkins kicked a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds left after Jacob Redding's go-ahead 66-yard interception return for a touchdown as Baylor rallied twice in the fourth quarter for a 35-34 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.

Hawkins matched the longest kick of his career after Luis Rodriguez had put the Wildcats in front with a 22-yard field goal with 1:48 remaining. Kansas State (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) had to settle for the kick after having a first down at the Baylor 2-yard line.

Rodriguez had a chance for a game-winner from 56 yards, but 6-foot-4 defensive end Cooper Lanz blocked it with 2 seconds to go. The Bears (4-2, 2-1) held on two weeks after losing to Arizona State on a game-ending field goal in their previous home game.

“It’s a roller coaster for sure, an emotional roller coaster,” Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson said. “I remember sitting in here a couple of weeks ago and saying that I know one thing for sure, we’re going to fight to the very end. Because of that, we put ourselves in a position to win.”

Michael Trigg had career highs with eight catches for 155 yards and sparked Baylor's rally from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter with a 42-yard grab a play before making a spectacular one-handed catch while getting one foot down on the sideline, gaining another 29 yards.

Robertson's 11-yard scoring pass to Bryson Washington came on the next play, and Robertson’s 2-point conversion run cut Baylor's deficit to 31-25.

Avery Johnson, who threw for 339 yards and two TDs and ran for a score, had kept a potential clock-killing drive alive with two third-down conversions but he threw into traffic on first down in Baylor territory with the six-point lead.

Redding picked off the pass, ran left up the sideline and cut back inside with the speedy Johnson pursuing to finish off the score untouched. Hawkins' PAT kick put Baylor ahead 32-31 with less than five minutes to go.

“I’d be lying if I said a couple of years ago that I’d be in this position,” Redding said. “I was running, I was like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’ And then I scored and I was like, ‘No flags?’ This is a dream come true.”

Johnson's 12-yard scoring pass to Jayce Brown broke a 17-17 halftime tie, and the Wildcats went up two touchdowns on Dylan Edwards' 5-yard run late in the third quarter.

“We did things well enough to win, but we didn’t earn the win,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That’s why we’re walking out of here with a one-point loss and a lot of woulda, shoulda, couldas.”

Kansas State: It's the third time this season the Wildcats have led or been tied in the fourth quarter of a loss. They've had a one-score margin a nation-leading five times in six games. Three of the losses are by three points or fewer.

Baylor: Robertson had two TD tosses, ending his streak of consecutive games with at least three scoring passes at five. It was the longest since Kyler Murray had eight in a row with Oklahoma in 2018. His 345 yards passing were almost right on his nation-leading average.

The temperature approach 90 degrees late in the game on the first Saturday in October in Texas. It was on Klieman's mind. “We played a lot of guys because we had guys injured. Plus, it was hot,” the coach said.

Besides the one-handed grab, Trigg had a leaping catch over the middle in the first half on a drive that appeared to end with him making another athletic catch in the back of the end zone. It was overturned on review, apparently because he didn't have full control. “We knew we had a mismatch nightmare on the kid,” Klieman said.

Baylor: Off next week, then at TCU on Oct. 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759614275873.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WACO, Texas (AP) — Connor Hawkins kicked a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds left after Jacob Redding's go-ahead 66-yard interception return for a touchdown as Baylor rallied twice in the fourth quarter for a 35-34 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.Hawkins matched the longest kick of his career after Luis Rodriguez had put the Wildcats in front with a 22-yard field goal with 1:48 remaining. Kansas State (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) had to settle for the kick after having a first down at the Baylor 2-yard line.Rodriguez had a chance for a game-winner from 56 yards, but 6-foot-4 defensive end Cooper Lanz blocked it with 2 seconds to go. The Bears (4-2, 2-1) held on two weeks after losing to Arizona State on a game-ending field goal in their previous home game.“It’s a roller coaster for sure, an emotional roller coaster,” Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson said. “I remember sitting in here a couple of weeks ago and saying that I know one thing for sure, we’re going to fight to the very end. Because of that, we put ourselves in a position to win.”Michael Trigg had career highs with eight catches for 155 yards and sparked Baylor's rally from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter with a 42-yard grab a play before making a spectacular one-handed catch while getting one foot down on the sideline, gaining another 29 yards.Robertson's 11-yard scoring pass to Bryson Washington came on the next play, and Robertson’s 2-point conversion run cut Baylor's deficit to 31-25.Avery Johnson, who threw for 339 yards and two TDs and ran for a score, had kept a potential clock-killing drive alive with two third-down conversions but he threw into traffic on first down in Baylor territory with the six-point lead.Redding picked off the pass, ran left up the sideline and cut back inside with the speedy Johnson pursuing to finish off the score untouched. Hawkins' PAT kick put Baylor ahead 32-31 with less than five minutes to go.“I’d be lying if I said a couple of years ago that I’d be in this position,” Redding said. “I was running, I was like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’ And then I scored and I was like, ‘No flags?’ This is a dream come true.”Johnson's 12-yard scoring pass to Jayce Brown broke a 17-17 halftime tie, and the Wildcats went up two touchdowns on Dylan Edwards' 5-yard run late in the third quarter.“We did things well enough to win, but we didn’t earn the win,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That’s why we’re walking out of here with a one-point loss and a lot of woulda, shoulda, couldas.”<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas State: It's the third time this season the Wildcats have led or been tied in the fourth quarter of a loss. They've had a one-score margin a nation-leading five times in six games. Three of the losses are by three points or fewer.Baylor: Robertson had two TD tosses, ending his streak of consecutive games with at least three scoring passes at five. It was the longest since Kyler Murray had eight in a row with Oklahoma in 2018. His 345 yards passing were almost right on his nation-leading average.<h2>Toasty fall Saturday</h2>The temperature approach 90 degrees late in the game on the first Saturday in October in Texas. It was on Klieman's mind. “We played a lot of guys because we had guys injured. Plus, it was hot,” the coach said.<h2>Coulda been more</h2>Besides the one-handed grab, Trigg had a leaping catch over the middle in the first half on a drive that appeared to end with him making another athletic catch in the back of the end zone. It was overturned on review, apparently because he didn't have full control. “We knew we had a mismatch nightmare on the kid,” Klieman said.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: TCU at home next Saturday.Baylor: Off next week, then at TCU on Oct. 18.

🏈 Baylor rallied twice in the 4th quarter for victory over K-State 

Beverly Louise McNeal was the 6th of 9 children born to Maurine (Hawkins) McNeal and Dennis McNeal.  Born July 6, 1951, she was raised on the family farm in Osborne county Kansas near Covert. She attended her first year of school (1st grade) in the two room school house in Covert. The following year the family changed schools to attend in Paradise as Covert did not have a high school. She graduated in 1969 from USD 399, Paradise, Kansas.

 She joined three other siblings at Kansas State University the following year, a favorite story being that when these four went to enroll, her brother, Albert, would say “McNeal A,B,C,D” (Albert, Beverly, Charles, Deanna). She graduated with a BS degree in Elementary Education in 1973.

 Her life led her down many paths. Work experiences included: Palo Alto Preschools, Affirmative Action for the state of Nebraska, Human Resources and Sales for Pitney Bowes Corporation, seminar leader for Fred Pryor Seminars, Business Development for Synergy BIS, Oak Tree Solutions and JANUS Associates, head of Strategy &amp; Development for Simon Computing developing software for the Department of Homeland Security. On 9/11 she was in the Department of Agriculture building when the Pentagon was attacked. 

In 1985 she received the “Woman of the Year “Award from the Omaha American Business Women’s Association and an “Honorary Commission”  in the Nebraska National Guard with the rank of Colonel.

 She actively participated in Al-anon for many years, wrote children’s stories and poetry, hosted annual soup suppers in her community, made Christmas loaves of bread for neighbors, and was active in politics, marching to support her beliefs, most recently in the No Kings Day. She had a great love for her family and was the proud Aunt to 100 plus nieces/nephews, great &amp; great great nieces/nephews. The family especially remembers her  talented flute playing and baton twirling. She had a great love of music and art, and loved to dance.

 She considered herself a  traveler having lived in Mesa, Az, Selma, Al, Texas, England, Omaha,  Kansas City,  Boston, Connecticut, and Alexandria.

 She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother. She will be missed by her 4 sisters and 3 brothers, many nieces and nephews, her Virginia community and her very special alanon family.

 She died in the home she loved in Alexandria, Va. on September 28, 2025.

 Her service will be held at St. Martin de Porres Olivet Campus on October 11, 2025 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boys Town of Omaha or a charity of your choosing

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759612169892.jpeg" alt="Beverly Louise McNeal" />
 <figcaption>Beverly Louise McNeal</figcaption>
 </figure>Beverly Louise McNeal was the 6th of 9 children born to Maurine (Hawkins) McNeal and Dennis McNeal. Born July 6, 1951, she was raised on the family farm in Osborne county Kansas near Covert. She attended her first year of school (1st grade) in the two room school house in Covert. The following year the family changed schools to attend in Paradise as Covert did not have a high school. She graduated in 1969 from USD 399, Paradise, Kansas. She joined three other siblings at Kansas State University the following year, a favorite story being that when these four went to enroll, her brother, Albert, would say “McNeal A,B,C,D” (Albert, Beverly, Charles, Deanna). She graduated with a BS degree in Elementary Education in 1973. Her life led her down many paths. Work experiences included: Palo Alto Preschools, Affirmative Action for the state of Nebraska, Human Resources and Sales for Pitney Bowes Corporation, seminar leader for Fred Pryor Seminars, Business Development for Synergy BIS, Oak Tree Solutions and JANUS Associates, head of Strategy &amp; Development for Simon Computing developing software for the Department of Homeland Security. On 9/11 she was in the Department of Agriculture building when the Pentagon was attacked. In 1985 she received the “Woman of the Year “Award from the Omaha American Business Women’s Association and an “Honorary Commission” in the Nebraska National Guard with the rank of Colonel. She actively participated in Al-anon for many years, wrote children’s stories and poetry, hosted annual soup suppers in her community, made Christmas loaves of bread for neighbors, and was active in politics, marching to support her beliefs, most recently in the No Kings Day. She had a great love for her family and was the proud Aunt to 100 plus nieces/nephews, great &amp; great great nieces/nephews. The family especially remembers her talented flute playing and baton twirling. She had a great love of music and art, and loved to dance. She considered herself a traveler having lived in Mesa, Az, Selma, Al, Texas, England, Omaha, Kansas City, Boston, Connecticut, and Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother. She will be missed by her 4 sisters and 3 brothers, many nieces and nephews, her Virginia community and her very special alanon family. She died in the home she loved in Alexandria, Va. on September 28, 2025. Her service will be held at St. Martin de Porres Olivet Campus on October 11, 2025 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boys Town of Omaha or a charity of your choosing

Beverly Louise McNeal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Party leaders in Congress have long criticized&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-government-chuck-schumer-8510b2fa4d40c4bbc058951c49c42468">government shutdowns</a>&nbsp;as toxic and destructive.

“Always a bad idea,” former Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-nate-morris-kentucky-senate-campaign-1df56e3f0680c3782ef014d8da0e6c9e">Mitch McConnell</a>, R-Ky., said of shutdowns in 2024. A potential “disaster,” Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-health-care-subsidies-schumer-6b0d64fe442fc4fa8a8daf283a30ce76">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;of New York said of the shutdown the country narrowly avoided when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-chuck-schumer-senate-democrats-2f5704bf28b9e8864a0cb1713592f8e2">voted with Republicans</a>&nbsp;to keep the government open in March.

“I don’t think shutdowns benefit anybody, least of all the American people,” Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-thune-ap-interview-omb-memo-6b79cd64987b6173f1b3295dc3505994">John Thune</a>, R-S.D., said last week.

Yet Congress often finds itself at the brink of one as the two major political parties’ differences grow more intractable with each passing year.&nbsp;

A look at some previous shutdowns and how they ended:

Two years into his first term, President Donald Trump led the country into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">its longest shutdown ever</a>&nbsp;with demands that Congress give him money for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. Similar to Republican leaders today, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, refused to negotiate unless Trump, a Republican, allowed the government to reopen. Democrats had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/democrats-seize-house-control-but-trumps-gop-holds-senate-c0be062914e048d79f70bcf120e1ccbb">won the House majority</a>&nbsp;in the 2018 election and took power in the middle of the partial shutdown.

Trump retreated after 35 days as intensifying delays at the nation’s airports and another missed payday for hundreds of thousands of federal workers brought new urgency to efforts to resolve the standoff.

The government shut down for three days as Democrats insisted that any budget measure come with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-donald-trump-immigration-bills-north-america-532fcd6149a34d488723517156c34a55">protections for young immigrants</a>&nbsp;known as “Dreamers.” Trump refused to negotiate until the government reopened, and the weekend shutdown ended after McConnell, then the Senate majority leader, promised a vote on the issue.

Democrats, led by Schumer, tried to lay blame on Trump. But Republicans said that it was Democrats who “caved” in the end.

The hard-right tea party faction of House Republicans, urged on by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-general-news-9f568e68401b4695ad8290e89169d9c2">shut the government down for 16 days</a>&nbsp;as they demanded that language to block implementation of President Barack Obama’s signature health care law be added to a spending bill.

The conflict escalated when House Republicans also blocked the needed approval for raising the amount of money the Treasury can borrow to pay U.S. bills, raising the specter of a catastrophic default. Obama, a Democrat, vowed repeatedly not to pay a “ransom” to get Congress to pass normally routine legislation.

Bipartisan negotiations in the Senate finally ended the shutdown, and Republicans did not win any major concessions on health care. “We fought the good fight. We just didn’t win,” then-House Speaker John Boehner conceded.

Intent on slashing the budget, Republicans led by then-Speaker Newt Gingrich forced a three-week shutdown from December 1995 to January 1996 in a bid to coerce President Bill Clinton to sign onto a balanced budget agreement. Republicans were saddled with the blame, and Clinton, a Democrat, was reelected that November.

Under Presidents Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, and Ronald Reagan, a Republican, there were short shutdowns almost every year. The longest was in 1978, for 17 days.

A series of legal opinions issued in 1980 and 1981 made shutdowns more impactful. Then-Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti determined that failure to pass new spending bills required government functioning to shut down in whole or in part. Earlier “shutdowns” did not always entail an actual stop to government functioning and often were simply funding gaps will little real-world effect.

Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759193358305.png" alt="The shutdown of 2016 photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The shutdown of 2016 photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Party leaders in Congress have long criticized&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-government-chuck-schumer-8510b2fa4d40c4bbc058951c49c42468">government shutdowns</a>&nbsp;as toxic and destructive.“Always a bad idea,” former Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-nate-morris-kentucky-senate-campaign-1df56e3f0680c3782ef014d8da0e6c9e">Mitch McConnell</a>, R-Ky., said of shutdowns in 2024. A potential “disaster,” Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-health-care-subsidies-schumer-6b0d64fe442fc4fa8a8daf283a30ce76">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;of New York said of the shutdown the country narrowly avoided when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-chuck-schumer-senate-democrats-2f5704bf28b9e8864a0cb1713592f8e2">voted with Republicans</a>&nbsp;to keep the government open in March.“I don’t think shutdowns benefit anybody, least of all the American people,” Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-thune-ap-interview-omb-memo-6b79cd64987b6173f1b3295dc3505994">John Thune</a>, R-S.D., said last week.Yet Congress often finds itself at the brink of one as the two major political parties’ differences grow more intractable with each passing year.&nbsp;A look at some previous shutdowns and how they ended:<h2>December 2018- January 2019</h2>Two years into his first term, President Donald Trump led the country into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">its longest shutdown ever</a>&nbsp;with demands that Congress give him money for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. Similar to Republican leaders today, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, refused to negotiate unless Trump, a Republican, allowed the government to reopen. Democrats had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/democrats-seize-house-control-but-trumps-gop-holds-senate-c0be062914e048d79f70bcf120e1ccbb">won the House majority</a>&nbsp;in the 2018 election and took power in the middle of the partial shutdown.Trump retreated after 35 days as intensifying delays at the nation’s airports and another missed payday for hundreds of thousands of federal workers brought new urgency to efforts to resolve the standoff.<h2>January 2018</h2>The government shut down for three days as Democrats insisted that any budget measure come with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-donald-trump-immigration-bills-north-america-532fcd6149a34d488723517156c34a55">protections for young immigrants</a>&nbsp;known as “Dreamers.” Trump refused to negotiate until the government reopened, and the weekend shutdown ended after McConnell, then the Senate majority leader, promised a vote on the issue.Democrats, led by Schumer, tried to lay blame on Trump. But Republicans said that it was Democrats who “caved” in the end.ADVERTISING<h2>October 2013</h2>The hard-right tea party faction of House Republicans, urged on by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-general-news-9f568e68401b4695ad8290e89169d9c2">shut the government down for 16 days</a>&nbsp;as they demanded that language to block implementation of President Barack Obama’s signature health care law be added to a spending bill.The conflict escalated when House Republicans also blocked the needed approval for raising the amount of money the Treasury can borrow to pay U.S. bills, raising the specter of a catastrophic default. Obama, a Democrat, vowed repeatedly not to pay a “ransom” to get Congress to pass normally routine legislation.Bipartisan negotiations in the Senate finally ended the shutdown, and Republicans did not win any major concessions on health care. “We fought the good fight. We just didn’t win,” then-House Speaker John Boehner conceded.<h2>December 1995-January 1996</h2>Intent on slashing the budget, Republicans led by then-Speaker Newt Gingrich forced a three-week shutdown from December 1995 to January 1996 in a bid to coerce President Bill Clinton to sign onto a balanced budget agreement. Republicans were saddled with the blame, and Clinton, a Democrat, was reelected that November.<h2>1970s and 1980s</h2>Under Presidents Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, and Ronald Reagan, a Republican, there were short shutdowns almost every year. The longest was in 1978, for 17 days.A series of legal opinions issued in 1980 and 1981 made shutdowns more impactful. Then-Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti determined that failure to pass new spending bills required government functioning to shut down in whole or in part. Earlier “shutdowns” did not always entail an actual stop to government functioning and often were simply funding gaps will little real-world effect.___Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report.<figure>
 <img src="https://ads.stickyadstv.com/auto-user-sync?gdpr=0&amp;gdpr_consent=null&amp;gpp_string=null&amp;gpp_sid=null" alt="" />
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 </figure>

A look at previous government shutdowns and how they ended

Cash Grab returns Monday as Eagle Media/Hull Broadcasting give you a chance to win $250 each Friday in October!

Keywords will be given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!

Be listening to your favorite radio station (94.3 FM/1400 KAYS, 99.5 KHAZ, 101.9 The Bull, Mix 103.3, 96.9 KFIX) on Monday morning at 9:00 for the first keyword!

Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and&nbsp;Vanderbilt’s of Hays.

Cash Grab returns Monday as Eagle Media/Hull Broadcasting give you a chance to win $250 each Friday in October!Keywords will be given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!Be listening to your favorite radio station (94.3 FM/1400 KAYS, 99.5 KHAZ, 101.9 The Bull, Mix 103.3, 96.9 KFIX) on Monday morning at 9:00 for the first keyword!Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and&nbsp;Vanderbilt’s of Hays.The countdown is on!<div><script src="https://xp.audience.io/widget.js"></script>
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💰 Cash Grab begins Monday!

RV/#21 Fort Hays State (3-2, 2-1 MIAA) at Missouri Southern (2-2, 0-2 MIAA) Saturday, October 4 ⦁ 1 p.m. Joplin, Mo. ⦁ Fred G. Hughes Stadium

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

Fort Hays State Football hits the road this week for a contest at Missouri Southern. The RV/No. 21 ranked Tigers enter the contest at 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA, while the Lions are 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the MIAA. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

Fort Hays State holds a 20-14-1 advantage in the all-time series with Missouri Southern. The Tigers have won 10 of the last 11 meetings and hold a 12-4 advantage against the Lions since joining the MIAA back in 2006. Head coach Chris Brown is 10-1 against the Lions while leading the Tigers.

Fort Hays State won last year's meeting by a score of 53-9 in Hays. The 44-point win margin was the largest in the all-time series with Missouri Southern. The Tigers have had success generating points against the Lions in the last 13 meetings, averaging 40.2 points per game in that span. The Tigers have won their last six meetings with the Lions in Joplin going back to 2009.

The Tigers are currently among a four-way cluster for third place in the MIAA standings at 2-1. Northwest Missouri State (3-0) and Central Missouri (2-0) are the only two teams remaining without a loss in MIAA play. Missouri Southern is among four teams in the MIAA looking for their first conference win of the season.

Fort Hays State scored at least 26 points in all three of its wins this season, but less than 20 in its two losses. The Tigers are still searching for their first game of 400 or more yards of total offense this season, with 396 as their season high at Pittsburg State.

The Fort Hays State defense is led by linebacker John Johnson, who leads the team and ranks third in the MIAA in tackles with 49. He has been the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week twice this season, the latest occurring this week after a career-high 16 tackles against Missouri Western last week. He has led the team in tackles in four of the five games and reached double figures in a game three times this season.

Gaven Haselhorst leads the Tigers in sacks with 3.0 and ranks second in the MIAA, only 0.5 sacks behind the lead. Jakolbi Wilson leads the Tigers in tackles for loss (4.5), while Michael Polley has two of the team's four interceptions this season.

Quarterback Caleb Heavner has 921 passing yards and a team-best 180 yards rushing. He is averaging 220.2 yards of total offense per game. Ryan Allen is his top receiving target with 19 catches for 202 yards so far this year. Outside of Heavner's 180 rushing yards, the Tigers have three running backs with over 100 yards rushing this season, which includes Travis Dixon, Joshua Clark, and Donavan Hunt. Curtis Douglas had a big game last week with 73 yards on just four carries.

Missouri Southern owns the best pass efficiency rating in the MIAA at 154.8. The Lions are averaging 16.3 yards per reception so far.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759489041062.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsRV/#21 Fort Hays State (3-2, 2-1 MIAA) at Missouri Southern (2-2, 0-2 MIAA) Saturday, October 4 ⦁ 1 p.m. Joplin, Mo. ⦁ Fred G. Hughes StadiumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State Football hits the road this week for a contest at Missouri Southern. The RV/No. 21 ranked Tigers enter the contest at 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA, while the Lions are 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the MIAA. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.Fort Hays State holds a 20-14-1 advantage in the all-time series with Missouri Southern. The Tigers have won 10 of the last 11 meetings and hold a 12-4 advantage against the Lions since joining the MIAA back in 2006. Head coach Chris Brown is 10-1 against the Lions while leading the Tigers.Fort Hays State won last year's meeting by a score of 53-9 in Hays. The 44-point win margin was the largest in the all-time series with Missouri Southern. The Tigers have had success generating points against the Lions in the last 13 meetings, averaging 40.2 points per game in that span. The Tigers have won their last six meetings with the Lions in Joplin going back to 2009.The Tigers are currently among a four-way cluster for third place in the MIAA standings at 2-1. Northwest Missouri State (3-0) and Central Missouri (2-0) are the only two teams remaining without a loss in MIAA play. Missouri Southern is among four teams in the MIAA looking for their first conference win of the season.Fort Hays State scored at least 26 points in all three of its wins this season, but less than 20 in its two losses. The Tigers are still searching for their first game of 400 or more yards of total offense this season, with 396 as their season high at Pittsburg State.The Fort Hays State defense is led by linebacker John Johnson, who leads the team and ranks third in the MIAA in tackles with 49. He has been the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week twice this season, the latest occurring this week after a career-high 16 tackles against Missouri Western last week. He has led the team in tackles in four of the five games and reached double figures in a game three times this season.Gaven Haselhorst leads the Tigers in sacks with 3.0 and ranks second in the MIAA, only 0.5 sacks behind the lead. Jakolbi Wilson leads the Tigers in tackles for loss (4.5), while Michael Polley has two of the team's four interceptions this season.Quarterback Caleb Heavner has 921 passing yards and a team-best 180 yards rushing. He is averaging 220.2 yards of total offense per game. Ryan Allen is his top receiving target with 19 catches for 202 yards so far this year. Outside of Heavner's 180 rushing yards, the Tigers have three running backs with over 100 yards rushing this season, which includes Travis Dixon, Joshua Clark, and Donavan Hunt. Curtis Douglas had a big game last week with 73 yards on just four carries.Missouri Southern owns the best pass efficiency rating in the MIAA at 154.8. The Lions are averaging 16.3 yards per reception so far.

🏈🎧 LISTEN: Tigers face Lions Saturday in Joplin

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses Kansas City's win over the Ravens and previews their Monday Night Football showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses Kansas City's win over the Ravens and previews their Monday Night Football showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%3Atracks%3A2181621499%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-ngz0SMxgQ0N&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/holthus-hotline-october-4-2025/s-ngz0SMxgQ0N" title="Holthus Hotline (October 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (October 4, 2025)</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus

WASHINGTON — Federal officials have approved another generic version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-makary-22576dbfafca1afe0146ee496540c9a4">abortion pill mifepristone</a>, a regulatory formality that quickly triggered pushback from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medicaid-trump-planned-parenthood-supreme-court-c512ec676b99d521d240bedeb7f85574">anti-abortion groups</a>&nbsp;and politicians aligned with the Trump administration.

Drugmaker Evita Solutions announced on its website that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-food-and-drug-administration">Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;signed off on its low-cost form of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-makary-22576dbfafca1afe0146ee496540c9a4">pill</a>, which is approved to end pregnancies through 10 weeks.

On his social media account, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Warning on abortion pills: 11% suffer hemorrhaging, infection, or sepsis; almost everyone endures brutal cramping. Skipping doctor visits means higher failures from undiagnosed gestational age—no ultrasound!"

"These are category X drugs and have high risk severe fetal anomalies if baby survives. Biden admin dismissed key research, allowing mail-order teratogens via Amazon. Every woman should always seek in-person medical advice from their doctor."

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri also criticized the move in a post on X, stating, “I have lost confidence in the leadership at FDA.”

Students for Life Action, which opposes abortion, in a statement called the approval “a stain on the Trump presidency and another sign that the deep state at the FDA must go.”

A spokesperson for the agency said the FDA “has very limited discretion in deciding whether to approve a generic drug," and added that FDA officials do not “endorse any product.”

The criticism comes as Republican President Donald Trump’s top health officials, including Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccines-food-additives-pharmaceuticals-trump-797750f5f141161778792e84602b57c8">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, face growing pressure from abortion opponents to reevaluate mifepristone, which was approved 25 years ago and has repeatedly been deemed safe and effective by FDA scientists.

In a letter to Republican attorneys general last month, Kennedy and FDA Commissioner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fda-commissioner-senate-vaccines-food-3a502dc95c7fe98db71f0a39969e17fd">Dr. Marty Makary</a>&nbsp;pledged to conduct a full review of the drug’s safety.

Under Makary and Kennedy, the FDA has repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccine-novavax-fda-trump-covid-study-4b4465ad77cfb0554b27b7d59c40ae32">delayed decisions on vaccines</a>, ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-rfk-kennedy-trump-covid-fda-novavax-b50f4d6fbcca378eb89b059bc8a91477">narrowing the terms of approval</a>&nbsp;for this year's COVID-19 shots. That type of political intervention was previously highly unusual at the FDA, where career scientists typically make such decisions.

The FDA approved the original version of mifepristone in 2000 and gradually eased access over time. That included approving the first generic pill, from drugmaker GenBioPro, in 2019.

In 2021, the FDA under Democratic President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-health-medication-a6634601a37fb048aecdd9f030e0863a">permitted online prescribing</a>&nbsp;and mail-order delivery of the drug, greatly expanding access. Abortion opponents have been fighting the change ever since.

Approval of generic drugs is typically a rote process at the FDA, with multiple copycat versions usually approved after the patent on the original drug expires. In most cases, generic drugmakers only need to show that their drug matches the ingredients and formula used in the original medication.

“This is exactly how our system is supposed to work, and it has worked this way for decades," said Mini Timmaraju of Reproductive Freedom for All. “Career scientists and civil servants at the FDA did their jobs.”

The FDA typically approves such applications within 10 months. But filing documents posted to the FDA’s website show that Evita Solutions filed its application to market mifepristone four years ago.

On its website, Evita states that it “believes that all people should have access to safe, affordable, high-quality, effective, and compassionate abortion care.”

The company said in an email that the drug is expected to launch in January of next year.

Approval of a second generic is unlikely to affect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifespristone-state-lawsuit-f03bfe0d9b9fc04e4c8b01a1c6d16851">access to the pill</a>, which is typically taken with another drug, misoprostol. The combination accounts for roughly two-thirds of all U.S. abortions. Mifepristone dilates the cervix and blocks the hormone progesterone, while misoprostol causes the uterus to cramp and contract.

Access to mifepristone is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-mifepristone-supreme-court-kansas-idaho-missouri-5cc89d289ced29a1274423b43789397f">restricted</a>&nbsp;across large sections of the country because of state laws that ban abortion — including medication abortion — or impose separate restrictions on the drug’s use. Those laws are subject to a number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">ongoing lawsuits</a>&nbsp;that are winding their way through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/supreme-court-mifepristone-ruling-abortion-pill-updates">the legal system.</a>

Restrictions on the pill are not supported by most major medical societies, including the American Medical Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967437018.png" alt="photo AP" />
 <figcaption>photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Federal officials have approved another generic version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-makary-22576dbfafca1afe0146ee496540c9a4">abortion pill mifepristone</a>, a regulatory formality that quickly triggered pushback from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medicaid-trump-planned-parenthood-supreme-court-c512ec676b99d521d240bedeb7f85574">anti-abortion groups</a>&nbsp;and politicians aligned with the Trump administration.Drugmaker Evita Solutions announced on its website that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-food-and-drug-administration">Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;signed off on its low-cost form of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-makary-22576dbfafca1afe0146ee496540c9a4">pill</a>, which is approved to end pregnancies through 10 weeks.On his social media account, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Warning on abortion pills: 11% suffer hemorrhaging, infection, or sepsis; almost everyone endures brutal cramping. Skipping doctor visits means higher failures from undiagnosed gestational age—no ultrasound!""These are category X drugs and have high risk severe fetal anomalies if baby survives. Biden admin dismissed key research, allowing mail-order teratogens via Amazon. Every woman should always seek in-person medical advice from their doctor."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The FDA has approved a new abortion drug, which may render its promised “safety study” of chemical abortions irrelevant. I want to know how this happened. <a href="https://t.co/DTd5LsiTKY">pic.twitter.com/DTd5LsiTKY</a>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1974199810761642419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri also criticized the move in a post on X, stating, “I have lost confidence in the leadership at FDA.”Students for Life Action, which opposes abortion, in a statement called the approval “a stain on the Trump presidency and another sign that the deep state at the FDA must go.”A spokesperson for the agency said the FDA “has very limited discretion in deciding whether to approve a generic drug," and added that FDA officials do not “endorse any product.”The criticism comes as Republican President Donald Trump’s top health officials, including Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccines-food-additives-pharmaceuticals-trump-797750f5f141161778792e84602b57c8">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, face growing pressure from abortion opponents to reevaluate mifepristone, which was approved 25 years ago and has repeatedly been deemed safe and effective by FDA scientists.In a letter to Republican attorneys general last month, Kennedy and FDA Commissioner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fda-commissioner-senate-vaccines-food-3a502dc95c7fe98db71f0a39969e17fd">Dr. Marty Makary</a>&nbsp;pledged to conduct a full review of the drug’s safety.Under Makary and Kennedy, the FDA has repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccine-novavax-fda-trump-covid-study-4b4465ad77cfb0554b27b7d59c40ae32">delayed decisions on vaccines</a>, ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-rfk-kennedy-trump-covid-fda-novavax-b50f4d6fbcca378eb89b059bc8a91477">narrowing the terms of approval</a>&nbsp;for this year's COVID-19 shots. That type of political intervention was previously highly unusual at the FDA, where career scientists typically make such decisions.The FDA approved the original version of mifepristone in 2000 and gradually eased access over time. That included approving the first generic pill, from drugmaker GenBioPro, in 2019.In 2021, the FDA under Democratic President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-health-medication-a6634601a37fb048aecdd9f030e0863a">permitted online prescribing</a>&nbsp;and mail-order delivery of the drug, greatly expanding access. Abortion opponents have been fighting the change ever since.Approval of generic drugs is typically a rote process at the FDA, with multiple copycat versions usually approved after the patent on the original drug expires. In most cases, generic drugmakers only need to show that their drug matches the ingredients and formula used in the original medication.“This is exactly how our system is supposed to work, and it has worked this way for decades," said Mini Timmaraju of Reproductive Freedom for All. “Career scientists and civil servants at the FDA did their jobs.”The FDA typically approves such applications within 10 months. But filing documents posted to the FDA’s website show that Evita Solutions filed its application to market mifepristone four years ago.On its website, Evita states that it “believes that all people should have access to safe, affordable, high-quality, effective, and compassionate abortion care.”The company said in an email that the drug is expected to launch in January of next year.Approval of a second generic is unlikely to affect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifespristone-state-lawsuit-f03bfe0d9b9fc04e4c8b01a1c6d16851">access to the pill</a>, which is typically taken with another drug, misoprostol. The combination accounts for roughly two-thirds of all U.S. abortions. Mifepristone dilates the cervix and blocks the hormone progesterone, while misoprostol causes the uterus to cramp and contract.Access to mifepristone is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-mifepristone-supreme-court-kansas-idaho-missouri-5cc89d289ced29a1274423b43789397f">restricted</a>&nbsp;across large sections of the country because of state laws that ban abortion — including medication abortion — or impose separate restrictions on the drug’s use. Those laws are subject to a number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">ongoing lawsuits</a>&nbsp;that are winding their way through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/supreme-court-mifepristone-ruling-abortion-pill-updates">the legal system.</a>Restrictions on the pill are not supported by most major medical societies, including the American Medical Association.___

Kan. U.S. Senator's warning on approval of another generic abortion pill

By&nbsp;TAMARA ROBERTSON Cottonwood Extension District

October marks the start of a new 4-H year, and with it comes National 4-H Week, which will be observed October 5–11. 4-H is the largest youth organization in the country, empowering young people to grow as leaders and active community members. 

In Ellis County, 4-H is thriving with seven clubs and more than 200 members actively participating in community and educational events.

4-H is for youth ages 7–18 and helps foster essential life skills. Children ages 5–6 can also get involved through the Cloverbud program, which introduces them to 4-H through fun, hands-on activities. With more than 45 projects to choose from, members can develop skills in areas ranging from traditional livestock showing to STEM, photography, and much more.

4-H members and leaders live across Kansas, in all 50 states, and in 82 other countries worldwide. In Kansas alone, there are more than 17,000 4-H members participating in community clubs, and Ellis County is excited to welcome new members and families to this dynamic program.

During National 4-H Week, members are encouraged to wear their club shirts, share information about their 4-H projects, and participate in “48 Hours of 4-H,” a state-wide community service initiative that encourages hands-on service in all communities. We invite everyone to join us in wearing green on Monday, October 6.

Some of the major community events hosted or supported by 4-H in Ellis County include the 4-H Food Challenge, 4-H Day, Ellis County Fair and various community service projects. 

During the 2025 4-H Day, over 30 entries were presented, featuring talent, music, demonstrations, project talks, poems, speeches, and the Cloverbud Show and Tell. 

At the 2025 Ellis County Fair, 862 entries were submitted by 4-H members. Many of these outstanding projects were also entered at the Kansas State Fair and will be on display in the Hays Arts Council Main Street window from October 1st through the 23rd.

The 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better,” is reflected in the organization’s continued efforts to grow and reach more youth. This year, the 4-H Promotional Committee sent flyers to all K–5th grade students in Ellis County to encourage new members to join—over 1,900 flyers in total. 

Beyond recruitment, Ellis County 4-H stays connected with the community through presentations to local clubs and outreach with students across the county.

4-H would not be possible without the support of the community. At its roots, 4-H is a family program where parents and family members help youth with project work and other activities. Volunteer leaders are also vital to the program. Each club needs two or more&nbsp;adult leaders who teach, organize, assist club officers, support meetings, and guide new families. Ellis County is fortunate to have more than 50 screened volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise, and the organization is always recruiting additional volunteers to help continue its mission.

Enroll in your child’s future today, with Ellis County 4-H!

Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with K-State Research and Extension, in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Tamara at tarobertson@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Ellis County Office at 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741105651681.jpeg" alt="Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;TAMARA ROBERTSON Cottonwood Extension DistrictOctober marks the start of a new 4-H year, and with it comes National 4-H Week, which will be observed October 5–11. 4-H is the largest youth organization in the country, empowering young people to grow as leaders and active community members. In Ellis County, 4-H is thriving with seven clubs and more than 200 members actively participating in community and educational events.4-H is for youth ages 7–18 and helps foster essential life skills. Children ages 5–6 can also get involved through the Cloverbud program, which introduces them to 4-H through fun, hands-on activities. With more than 45 projects to choose from, members can develop skills in areas ranging from traditional livestock showing to STEM, photography, and much more.4-H members and leaders live across Kansas, in all 50 states, and in 82 other countries worldwide. In Kansas alone, there are more than 17,000 4-H members participating in community clubs, and Ellis County is excited to welcome new members and families to this dynamic program.During National 4-H Week, members are encouraged to wear their club shirts, share information about their 4-H projects, and participate in “48 Hours of 4-H,” a state-wide community service initiative that encourages hands-on service in all communities. We invite everyone to join us in wearing green on Monday, October 6.Some of the major community events hosted or supported by 4-H in Ellis County include the 4-H Food Challenge, 4-H Day, Ellis County Fair and various community service projects. During the 2025 4-H Day, over 30 entries were presented, featuring talent, music, demonstrations, project talks, poems, speeches, and the Cloverbud Show and Tell. At the 2025 Ellis County Fair, 862 entries were submitted by 4-H members. Many of these outstanding projects were also entered at the Kansas State Fair and will be on display in the Hays Arts Council Main Street window from October 1st through the 23rd.The 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better,” is reflected in the organization’s continued efforts to grow and reach more youth. This year, the 4-H Promotional Committee sent flyers to all K–5th grade students in Ellis County to encourage new members to join—over 1,900 flyers in total. Beyond recruitment, Ellis County 4-H stays connected with the community through presentations to local clubs and outreach with students across the county.4-H would not be possible without the support of the community. At its roots, 4-H is a family program where parents and family members help youth with project work and other activities. Volunteer leaders are also vital to the program. Each club needs two or more&nbsp;adult leaders who teach, organize, assist club officers, support meetings, and guide new families. Ellis County is fortunate to have more than 50 screened volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise, and the organization is always recruiting additional volunteers to help continue its mission.Enroll in your child’s future today, with Ellis County 4-H!Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with K-State Research and Extension, in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Tamara at tarobertson@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Ellis County Office at 785-628-9430.

ROBERTSON: Celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 5-11

The Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, and Smoky Hill Chorale at Fort Hays State University will present their Fall Concert on Friday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall. The choirs are conducted by Dr. Terry Crull,  director of choral activities at FHSU.

The Smoky Hill Chorale will begin the concert, followed by the Fort Hays Singers, and the FHSU Concert Choir. Selections from folk songs, popular tunes, musical theater, and vocal jazz will be presented for a very entertaining concert.

The concert will last approximately 75 minutes, and is free of charge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700494618626.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, and Smoky Hill Chorale at Fort Hays State University will present their Fall Concert on Friday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall. The choirs are conducted by Dr. Terry Crull, director of choral activities at FHSU.The Smoky Hill Chorale will begin the concert, followed by the Fort Hays Singers, and the FHSU Concert Choir. Selections from folk songs, popular tunes, musical theater, and vocal jazz will be presented for a very entertaining concert.The concert will last approximately 75 minutes, and is free of charge.

Free fall choral concert presented Friday at FHSU 

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Saturday, October 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Missouri Southern State, 12:00pm KAYS: Kansas FB at UCF, 5:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Saturday, October 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Missouri Southern State, 12:00pm KAYS: Kansas FB at UCF, 5:00pmSunday, October 5
 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;Kevin Vester, a minimum-custody resident of the Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) has been apprehended.

Vester was taken into custody Friday night, October 3, 2025, by Wichita Police Department.

Vester was placed on escape status after not returning to the facility earlier in the afternoon.

ORIGINAL STORY WICHITA, Kan. – Kansas inmate Kevin Vester was placed on escape status at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Friday,&nbsp; after not returning to the facility from his work release job this evening, according to a statement from the&nbsp; Department of Corrections.

Vester, a 55 year old African American male, is currently at large. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of Wichita Work Release Facility.

Vester is described as five-feet, nine-inches tall, and weighs 170 pounds with a slim build. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black pants, a royal blue shirt with white writing on the front, black shoes, and a black cap with a white image and a blue bill. He is known to wear a black do-rag under his cap.

Vester was convicted in Sedgwick County of seven months of incarceration for criminal threat and 31 months of incarceration for criminal firearm discharge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759540026774.png" alt="Vester photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Vester photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;Kevin Vester, a minimum-custody resident of the Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) has been apprehended.Vester was taken into custody Friday night, October 3, 2025, by Wichita Police Department.Vester was placed on escape status after not returning to the facility earlier in the afternoon.---------------ORIGINAL STORY WICHITA, Kan. – Kansas inmate Kevin Vester was placed on escape status at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Friday,&nbsp; after not returning to the facility from his work release job this evening, according to a statement from the&nbsp; Department of Corrections.Vester, a 55 year old African American male, is currently at large. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of Wichita Work Release Facility.Vester is described as five-feet, nine-inches tall, and weighs 170 pounds with a slim build. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black pants, a royal blue shirt with white writing on the front, black shoes, and a black cap with a white image and a blue bill. He is known to wear a black do-rag under his cap.Vester was convicted in Sedgwick County of seven months of incarceration for criminal threat and 31 months of incarceration for criminal firearm discharge.

UPDATE: Kansas inmate who walked away from work release apprehended

WASHINGTON (AP) —The president released a video Friday evening from the Oval Office in which he credited allies for working to achieve a deal between Israel and Hamas for the return of hostages taken in the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.

“This is a big day,” Trump said. “We’ll see how it all turns out. We have to get the final word down in concrete.”

Trump said he looked forward to having the hostages, including those who were killed, be returned to their families. He thanked Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and “so many others.”

The president said “we’re very close to achieving” peace in the Middle East.

He ended the video by saying, “Everybody will be treated fairly.” It was unclear what Trump meant by that.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The president released a video Friday evening from the Oval Office in which he credited allies for working to achieve a deal between Israel and Hamas for the return of hostages taken in the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/JzeyA0pH3e">pic.twitter.com/JzeyA0pH3e</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1974246742355845367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“This is a big day,” Trump said. “We’ll see how it all turns out. We have to get the final word down in concrete.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/7vl4SXDHZt">pic.twitter.com/7vl4SXDHZt</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1974221685512458524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump said he looked forward to having the hostages, including those who were killed, be returned to their families. He thanked Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and “so many others.”The president said “we’re very close to achieving” peace in the Middle East.He ended the video by saying, “Everybody will be treated fairly.” It was unclear what Trump meant by that.

🎥Trump: Gaza hostage plan is a “big deal’ but still trying to get ‘final word’

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;said Friday that he ordered another strike on a small boat he accused of carrying drugs in the waters off Venezuela, expanding what the Trump administration has declared is an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with cartels</a>.

In a post on social media, Hegseth asserted that the “vessel was trafficking narcotics" and those aboard were “narco-terrorists.” He said the strike killed four men but offered no details on who they were or what group they belonged to, following the U.S. designation of several Latin American&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-foreign-terrorist-organizations-eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50">cartels as foreign terrorist organizations</a>.

President Donald Trump said in his own social media post that the boat was “loaded with enough drugs to kill 25 TO 50 THOUSAND PEOPLE” and implied it was “entering American Territory” while off the coast of Venezuela.

It is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strike-drug-smuggling-vessel-275ab9837373a928aa3376e50d8d39b0">fourth deadly strike in the Caribbean</a>&nbsp;and the latest since revelations that Trump told lawmakers he was treating drug traffickers as unlawful combatants and military force was required to combat them. That assertion of presidential war powers sets the stage for expanded action and raises&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-boat-strikes-warships-6ffd9e6f4eb738048c816c6d8257a6ef">questions about how far the administration will go</a>&nbsp;without&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-powers-act-trump-congress-9e6832fb5f5f844acf8992008d3a8d63">sign-off from Congress</a>.

“Blowing them up without knowing who’s on the boat is a terrible policy, and it should end,” said Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, a consistent and harsh critic of the U.S. strikes.

The Trump administration laid out its justification for the strikes in a memo obtained by The Associated Press this week.

“The President determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations,” according to the memo sent to Congress. Trump directed the Pentagon to “conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict,” the document says.

Sen. Jim Risch, Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the president had the authority to go after the cartels without further authorization from Congress under “his general powers under the Constitution as the commander in chief.”

“What could be a bigger defense of this country than keeping out this poison that’s killing thousands of Americans every year?” Risch said Friday.

Paul said only Congress has the authority to declare war and characterized the memo as “a way to pretend like” the administration is notifying lawmakers with a justification for the strikes.

“If they want to declare war, come to Congress and say they want to declare war,” he told AP. “But you can’t just say it yourself and say, Oh, well, we sent them a note and now we’re at war with unnamed people who we won’t even identify before we kill.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a leftist leader who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gustavo-petro-colombia-visa-trump-disobey-orders-ebca5169a8323ef087b709c5b8dc69b1">clashed with the Trump administration</a>, accused the U.S. of committing “murder” and urged the victims’ families to “join forces.”

“There are no narco-terrorists on the boats,” he posted on X after the strike was announced. “Drug traffickers live in the U.S., Europe and Dubai. On that boat are poor Caribbean youth.”

Video of Friday's strike posted online showed a small boat moving in open water when it suddenly explodes, with water splashing all around it. As the smoke from the explosion clears, the boat is visible, consumed with flames, floating motionless on the water.

With it, at least three of the strikes have now been carried out on vessels that U.S. officials said had originated from Venezuela. The strikes followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-destroyers-maduro-drug-cartels-9649e8282c061d9dad41a5dfb54431d4">buildup of U.S. maritime forces</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean unlike any seen in recent times.

The Navy’s presence in the region — eight warships with over 5,000 sailors and Marines — has been pretty stable for weeks, according to two defense officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing operations.

In a post about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-strike-rubio-trump-0f901b2a30ee20e314bcab1385ffb0c0">first strike last month</a>, Trump claimed the vessel was carrying members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-strike-caribbean-rubio-trump-tren-de-aragua-9e0dac7dee5a3fb14a16370508fc460d">Tren de Aragua gang</a>. Posts about all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-drug-cartels-05c5b0de282178419d46a3e93fbd2521">the subsequent strikes</a>, including Friday’s, have not provided any details about what organizations have been targeted. The four strikes have killed 21 people, the administration says.

Pentagon officials who briefed senators on the strikes this week could not provide a list of the designated terrorist organizations at the center of the conflict.

Officials in the Pentagon, when asked for more details about the strike, referred The Associated Press back to Hegseth’s post. The press office for Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest strike.

AP writer Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;said Friday that he ordered another strike on a small boat he accused of carrying drugs in the waters off Venezuela, expanding what the Trump administration has declared is an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with cartels</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier this morning, on President Trump&#39;s orders, I directed a lethal, kinetic strike on a narco-trafficking vessel affiliated with Designated Terrorist Organizations in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the… <a href="https://t.co/QpNPljFcGn">pic.twitter.com/QpNPljFcGn</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1974150886084485503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a post on social media, Hegseth asserted that the “vessel was trafficking narcotics" and those aboard were “narco-terrorists.” He said the strike killed four men but offered no details on who they were or what group they belonged to, following the U.S. designation of several Latin American&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-foreign-terrorist-organizations-eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50">cartels as foreign terrorist organizations</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📹 ON CAMERA: This morning, President Trump ordered a strike on a narco-trafficking vessel affiliated with Designated Terrorist Organizations headed to America and loaded with enough drugs to kill 25,000 to 50,000 PEOPLE off the Coast of Venezuela. BE WARNED! <a href="https://t.co/231ttj4q9P">pic.twitter.com/231ttj4q9P</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1974167658968068554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Donald Trump said in his own social media post that the boat was “loaded with enough drugs to kill 25 TO 50 THOUSAND PEOPLE” and implied it was “entering American Territory” while off the coast of Venezuela.It is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strike-drug-smuggling-vessel-275ab9837373a928aa3376e50d8d39b0">fourth deadly strike in the Caribbean</a>&nbsp;and the latest since revelations that Trump told lawmakers he was treating drug traffickers as unlawful combatants and military force was required to combat them. That assertion of presidential war powers sets the stage for expanded action and raises&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-boat-strikes-warships-6ffd9e6f4eb738048c816c6d8257a6ef">questions about how far the administration will go</a>&nbsp;without&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-powers-act-trump-congress-9e6832fb5f5f844acf8992008d3a8d63">sign-off from Congress</a>.“Blowing them up without knowing who’s on the boat is a terrible policy, and it should end,” said Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, a consistent and harsh critic of the U.S. strikes.The Trump administration laid out its justification for the strikes in a memo obtained by The Associated Press this week.“The President determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations,” according to the memo sent to Congress. Trump directed the Pentagon to “conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict,” the document says.Sen. Jim Risch, Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the president had the authority to go after the cartels without further authorization from Congress under “his general powers under the Constitution as the commander in chief.”“What could be a bigger defense of this country than keeping out this poison that’s killing thousands of Americans every year?” Risch said Friday.Paul said only Congress has the authority to declare war and characterized the memo as “a way to pretend like” the administration is notifying lawmakers with a justification for the strikes.“If they want to declare war, come to Congress and say they want to declare war,” he told AP. “But you can’t just say it yourself and say, Oh, well, we sent them a note and now we’re at war with unnamed people who we won’t even identify before we kill.”Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a leftist leader who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gustavo-petro-colombia-visa-trump-disobey-orders-ebca5169a8323ef087b709c5b8dc69b1">clashed with the Trump administration</a>, accused the U.S. of committing “murder” and urged the victims’ families to “join forces.”“There are no narco-terrorists on the boats,” he posted on X after the strike was announced. “Drug traffickers live in the U.S., Europe and Dubai. On that boat are poor Caribbean youth.”Video of Friday's strike posted online showed a small boat moving in open water when it suddenly explodes, with water splashing all around it. As the smoke from the explosion clears, the boat is visible, consumed with flames, floating motionless on the water.With it, at least three of the strikes have now been carried out on vessels that U.S. officials said had originated from Venezuela. The strikes followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-destroyers-maduro-drug-cartels-9649e8282c061d9dad41a5dfb54431d4">buildup of U.S. maritime forces</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean unlike any seen in recent times.The Navy’s presence in the region — eight warships with over 5,000 sailors and Marines — has been pretty stable for weeks, according to two defense officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing operations.In a post about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-strike-rubio-trump-0f901b2a30ee20e314bcab1385ffb0c0">first strike last month</a>, Trump claimed the vessel was carrying members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-strike-caribbean-rubio-trump-tren-de-aragua-9e0dac7dee5a3fb14a16370508fc460d">Tren de Aragua gang</a>. Posts about all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-drug-cartels-05c5b0de282178419d46a3e93fbd2521">the subsequent strikes</a>, including Friday’s, have not provided any details about what organizations have been targeted. The four strikes have killed 21 people, the administration says.Pentagon officials who briefed senators on the strikes this week could not provide a list of the designated terrorist organizations at the center of the conflict.Officials in the Pentagon, when asked for more details about the strike, referred The Associated Press back to Hegseth’s post. The press office for Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest strike.___AP writer Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report.

🎥.US conducts another lethal strike on an alleged drug- boat

October 12,&nbsp;9:30 AM Alton UMC Harvest Praise Service 408 Mill St., Alton 67623 Join us at 9:30 AM!

October 12, 11:30 AM-3:00 PM Fall Family Fun Day Roadside Park, Hwy. 24, Downs

Bring your lawn chairs, sit and chat, enjoy music and fun! Yard games, Kids games, Golf Cart Poker Run, and more! Enjoy the park amenities together as a community!

October 12, 5:00-7:00 PM Free Square Dancing Lessons Front Porch Event Center and Bakery, 602 Mill St., Alton, KS Sept. 28, Oct. 12, October 26, November 9, November 23, December 28 Graduation Party

&nbsp;These are free lessons with the hope of stress-free learning, entertainment, and fellowship. You are asked to bring a finger food each time for all to enjoy. For more information call Peg Anschutz at 785-483-0660.

SubmittedOSBORNE COUNTYOctober 12,&nbsp;9:30 AM Alton UMC Harvest Praise Service 408 Mill St., Alton 67623 Join us at 9:30 AM!October 12, 11:30 AM-3:00 PM Fall Family Fun Day Roadside Park, Hwy. 24, DownsBring your lawn chairs, sit and chat, enjoy music and fun! Yard games, Kids games, Golf Cart Poker Run, and more! Enjoy the park amenities together as a community!October 12, 5:00-7:00 PM Free Square Dancing Lessons Front Porch Event Center and Bakery, 602 Mill St., Alton, KS Sept. 28, Oct. 12, October 26, November 9, November 23, December 28 Graduation Party&nbsp;These are free lessons with the hope of stress-free learning, entertainment, and fellowship. You are asked to bring a finger food each time for all to enjoy. For more information call Peg Anschutz at 785-483-0660.October 18, 1:00-4:00 PM Annual Pumpkin Party Downs Community Garden, 1312 Kansas St. Downs, KSBring the whole family and enjoy an afternoon of games, crafts, and fun!October 25,&nbsp;5:00-9:00 PM Tangled Web Trick or Treat in the Park Lyman T. Earl Park, Alton, KSThere will be crafts, games and prizes!&nbsp;Any questions, call Robbin at 785-346-2128 Ext. 3October 31,&nbsp;3:30-5:00 PM Join us downtown Osborne as the chamber businesses pass out Halloween treats!