By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Great Bend man was arrested Oct. 8 in Hays after an alleged string of thefts that trace back to central Kansas.

Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers arrested 37-year-old Mark Allen Ray after he allegedly stole $655.11 in merchandise from Walmart. Greenwood said Ray was later located on Interstate 70, where he was allegedly uncooperative with law enforcement.

Hays police, assisted by the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Ellis County Sheriff's Department, performed a high-risk stop, directing Ray to exit the vehicle from a safe distance.

Greenwood said once Ray was taken into custody, officers allegedly found drugs and paraphernalia in his possession. He added Ray had prior open cases for similar alleged thefts in Hutchinson and McPherson, which elevated this case to a felony theft involving a common scheme.

Ray faces charges of alleged felony theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760608775173.png" alt="Ray photo Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Ray photo Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Great Bend man was arrested Oct. 8 in Hays after an alleged string of thefts that trace back to central Kansas.Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers arrested 37-year-old Mark Allen Ray after he allegedly stole $655.11 in merchandise from Walmart. Greenwood said Ray was later located on Interstate 70, where he was allegedly uncooperative with law enforcement.Hays police, assisted by the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Ellis County Sheriff's Department, performed a high-risk stop, directing Ray to exit the vehicle from a safe distance.Greenwood said once Ray was taken into custody, officers allegedly found drugs and paraphernalia in his possession. He added Ray had prior open cases for similar alleged thefts in Hutchinson and McPherson, which elevated this case to a felony theft involving a common scheme.Ray faces charges of alleged felony theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property and interference with law enforcement.

Great Bend man arrested in Hays for alleged string of thefts 

Alan
Louis Gottschalk, 78, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, October 11,
2025, at Hays Medical Center. He was born March 18, 1947, in Denver, Colorado,
to Albert Elmer and Cora Louise (Meier) Gottschalk.




Alan was a 1965 graduate of St. Joseph’s Military Academy. In high school, he
played baseball for the Hays American Legion, he played the saxophone for the
Cadet Concert Band, and he was also a member of the Sportsmen, the school pep
band. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army,
where he trained as a medic in San Antonio, TX, and was briefly stationed at
Ft. Hood, TX. He bravely served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade in
Vietnam, where he was wounded in May 1968. His distinguished service was
recognized with both the Purple Heart and the Combat Medical Badge — an honor
awarded only to medics who perform their duties in combat under enemy fire.




Following his honorable discharge and retirement from the Army, Alan earned his
bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University
and began a long and successful career with Philip Morris as a sales
representative for western Kansas, retiring in 2005.




A proud and devoted veteran, Alan was deeply committed to the Hays VFW Post
9076. He was the Post Commander from 1973 to 1974. His dedication to honoring
veterans was evident each Memorial Day as he helped place American flags on the
graves of veterans at St Joseph’s Cemetery. He was instrumental in launching
the popular Stars and Stripes Breakfasts in Hays, serving the community while
raising funds for various local causes. Alan was one of the original and
remaining members of the VFW Honor Guard funeral detail, where he played the
bugle and called orders at military funerals across western Kansas.

 


Alan was also an avid golfer—proudly achieving a hole-in-one—and enjoyed
cheering for K-State football, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City
Royals.&nbsp; He cherished his long-lasting friendships, going on many trips,
traveling to concerts, and always enjoying a cold beer. Friends and loved ones
alike know him for his wry sense of humor and hearty laugh. He was
quick-witted, but always loving.




A man of strong Catholic faith, he believed in sacrifice and commitment to his
family and country. During his time overseas while in the Army, he snuck a
personal effect, a rosary, that he wore around his neck during the entirety of
his active duty. 




Above all, Alan was a proud father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is
survived by his son, Garrett Gottschalk and wife Emily Tamblyn, and their son
Louis, all of Chicago, Illinois; his daughter, Megan Standefer and husband
Ryan, and their children, twins Henry and Willa, and Audrey, all of Prairie
Village, Kansas; sisters Susie Malone and husband Mike of Topeka, Kansas, and
Karla Ackerman and husband Mark of Olathe, Kansas; his brother Ken Gottschalk
and wife Lorrie of Paola, Kansas; sister-in-law Debbie Gottschalk of Topeka,
Kansas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.




He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wayne Galen
Gottschalk.




Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. Burial with full military honors, provided by
the Hays VFW Honor Guard, will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.




Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to
9:30 AM, all at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel, 2509
Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601.




A combined parish vigil and rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Friday at Brock’s
Chapel. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hays VFW or the Hays VFW Honor
Guard.


Condolences and memories may be shared on Alan’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760549375956.jpeg" alt="Alan Louis Gottschalk" />
 <figcaption>Alan Louis Gottschalk</figcaption>
 </figure>Alan
Louis Gottschalk, 78, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, October 11,
2025, at Hays Medical Center. He was born March 18, 1947, in Denver, Colorado,
to Albert Elmer and Cora Louise (Meier) Gottschalk.


Alan was a 1965 graduate of St. Joseph’s Military Academy. In high school, he
played baseball for the Hays American Legion, he played the saxophone for the
Cadet Concert Band, and he was also a member of the Sportsmen, the school pep
band. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army,
where he trained as a medic in San Antonio, TX, and was briefly stationed at
Ft. Hood, TX. He bravely served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade in
Vietnam, where he was wounded in May 1968. His distinguished service was
recognized with both the Purple Heart and the Combat Medical Badge — an honor
awarded only to medics who perform their duties in combat under enemy fire.


Following his honorable discharge and retirement from the Army, Alan earned his
bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University
and began a long and successful career with Philip Morris as a sales
representative for western Kansas, retiring in 2005.


A proud and devoted veteran, Alan was deeply committed to the Hays VFW Post
9076. He was the Post Commander from 1973 to 1974. His dedication to honoring
veterans was evident each Memorial Day as he helped place American flags on the
graves of veterans at St Joseph’s Cemetery. He was instrumental in launching
the popular Stars and Stripes Breakfasts in Hays, serving the community while
raising funds for various local causes. Alan was one of the original and
remaining members of the VFW Honor Guard funeral detail, where he played the
bugle and called orders at military funerals across western Kansas. 


Alan was also an avid golfer—proudly achieving a hole-in-one—and enjoyed
cheering for K-State football, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City
Royals.&nbsp; He cherished his long-lasting friendships, going on many trips,
traveling to concerts, and always enjoying a cold beer. Friends and loved ones
alike know him for his wry sense of humor and hearty laugh. He was
quick-witted, but always loving.


A man of strong Catholic faith, he believed in sacrifice and commitment to his
family and country. During his time overseas while in the Army, he snuck a
personal effect, a rosary, that he wore around his neck during the entirety of
his active duty. 


Above all, Alan was a proud father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is
survived by his son, Garrett Gottschalk and wife Emily Tamblyn, and their son
Louis, all of Chicago, Illinois; his daughter, Megan Standefer and husband
Ryan, and their children, twins Henry and Willa, and Audrey, all of Prairie
Village, Kansas; sisters Susie Malone and husband Mike of Topeka, Kansas, and
Karla Ackerman and husband Mark of Olathe, Kansas; his brother Ken Gottschalk
and wife Lorrie of Paola, Kansas; sister-in-law Debbie Gottschalk of Topeka,
Kansas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wayne Galen
Gottschalk.


Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. Burial with full military honors, provided by
the Hays VFW Honor Guard, will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.


Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to
9:30 AM, all at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel, 2509
Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601.


A combined parish vigil and rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Friday at Brock’s
Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hays VFW or the Hays VFW Honor
Guard.


Condolences and memories may be shared on Alan’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Alan Louis Gottschalk

Shirley Catherine Weigel, age 87, of Victoria, Kansas entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Hays Medical Center.  She was a cherished sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, and friend.  Her presence will be missed.

She was born March 29, 1938, on the family farm South of Victoria, Kansas to Joseph C. and Catherine (Paul) Weigel.

Shirley attended school in Victoria, and graduating from Victoria High School in 1956.  She started working at Brungardt’s I G A Store in Victoria, then was a bookkeeper at Ben Dreiling Motors for a few years.  She then was a bookkeeper for Dr. Applegate, Siler and Watts at Eye Specialists in Hays for over 25 years.

She was a Faithful member of The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, a passed Eucharistic, Homebound Minister, and Eucharistic adorer.  She was a member of  St. Fidelis Daughters of Isabella, St, Fidelis Christian Mothers, and Victoria V.F.W. Post #1751 Auxiliary.

Shirley enjoyed cooking, traveling, good food, game shows, Dances with the Stars, bowling, bingo, sports, her family and friends. She was an avid fan of the KC Chiefs, Royals, Jayhawks, and always coaching from her recliner. 

Shirley cherished her nephew, nieces, and was very proud of their accomplishments, and achievements. She never missed baking a special birthday cake for anyone.  Another of her favorite things was the annual Christmas shopping trip with her sisters and their birthday lunches. Shirley had a smile for everyone and would have tears of joy because “Life was Good”

She is survived by her siblings, Velma Giebler, Hays, KS; Leona Kuhn, Hays, KS; Tony Weigel and his wife, Jan, Overland Park. KS; Doris Weigel, Victoria, KS; her nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Michael Weigel; Donald Weigel (Beverly); Robert Weigel (Flora); Joseph Weigel{died in Japan}; her sisters, Mary Jane Miller (Gilbert); Louise Weigel; and her brothers-in-law, Francis Giebler; and Clinton Kuhn.&nbsp;

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 17, 2025, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave, Victoria, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap.

Burial will be in Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Friday, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, A vigil service will be at 6:30 P.M. Thursday, followed by a Victoria V.F.W. Auxiliary Memorial Service, and a Victoria Christian Mothers /Daughters of Isabella Rosary all at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials made payable to: The Basilica of Saint Fidelis or Victoria V.F.W. Post #1751 in  care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671. 

 Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760484845486.jpeg" alt="Shirley Catherine Weigel" />
 <figcaption>Shirley Catherine Weigel</figcaption>
 </figure>Shirley Catherine Weigel, age 87, of Victoria, Kansas entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Hays Medical Center. She was a cherished sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, and friend. Her presence will be missed.She was born March 29, 1938, on the family farm South of Victoria, Kansas to Joseph C. and Catherine (Paul) Weigel.Shirley attended school in Victoria, and graduating from Victoria High School in 1956. She started working at Brungardt’s I G A Store in Victoria, then was a bookkeeper at Ben Dreiling Motors for a few years. She then was a bookkeeper for Dr. Applegate, Siler and Watts at Eye Specialists in Hays for over 25 years.She was a Faithful member of The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, a passed Eucharistic, Homebound Minister, and Eucharistic adorer. She was a member of St. Fidelis Daughters of Isabella, St, Fidelis Christian Mothers, and Victoria V.F.W. Post #1751 Auxiliary.Shirley enjoyed cooking, traveling, good food, game shows, Dances with the Stars, bowling, bingo, sports, her family and friends. She was an avid fan of the KC Chiefs, Royals, Jayhawks, and always coaching from her recliner. Shirley cherished her nephew, nieces, and was very proud of their accomplishments, and achievements. She never missed baking a special birthday cake for anyone. Another of her favorite things was the annual Christmas shopping trip with her sisters and their birthday lunches. Shirley had a smile for everyone and would have tears of joy because “Life was Good”She is survived by her siblings, Velma Giebler, Hays, KS; Leona Kuhn, Hays, KS; Tony Weigel and his wife, Jan, Overland Park. KS; Doris Weigel, Victoria, KS; her nephews and nieces.She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Michael Weigel; Donald Weigel (Beverly); Robert Weigel (Flora); Joseph Weigel{died in Japan}; her sisters, Mary Jane Miller (Gilbert); Louise Weigel; and her brothers-in-law, Francis Giebler; and Clinton Kuhn.&nbsp;A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 17, 2025, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave, Victoria, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap.Burial will be in Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Friday, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, A vigil service will be at 6:30 P.M. Thursday, followed by a Victoria V.F.W. Auxiliary Memorial Service, and a Victoria Christian Mothers /Daughters of Isabella Rosary all at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.The family suggests memorials made payable to: The Basilica of Saint Fidelis or Victoria V.F.W. Post #1751 in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671. Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Shirley Catherine Weigel

Senate president disavows both activists, attorney general fires Hendrix

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 — The chairman and vice chairman of the Kansas Young Republicans took part in encrypted chats with political peers that were laced with violent, racist and antisemitic rhetoric and blended with references to white supremacy and suppression of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

On Tuesday, the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/private-chat-among-young-gop-club-members-00592146" target="_blank">the Politico article</a>&nbsp;disclosing the commentary prompted immediate deactivation of the Kansas Young Republicans organization.

Politico, a digital news company specializing in coverage of U.S. politics, reported Kansas Young Republicans chair Alex Dwyer and vice chair William Hendrix took part in the Telegram group chat.

In 2,900 pages of chat text, Hendrix praised the Missouri Young Republicans because leaders in that state didn’t like LGBTQ+ people. He repeatedly used racial slurs to refer to Black people, including words such as “n–ga” and “n–guh.” In a July conversation in the thread about African-Americans, he said, “Bro is at a chicken restaurant ordering his food. Would he like some watermelon and Kool-Aid with that?”

He was fired from a communications job in the office of Attorney General Kris Kobach as Politico prepared its report on Hendrix’s role in the chat.

“The comments in the chat are inexcusable,” Kobach said. “As soon as the office learned of those messages, Will Hendrix’s employment was terminated.”

In the chat threads, Dwyer and others delved into discussions of how GOP operatives could tarnish a political candidate by linking the individual to white supremacists. The idea was dismissed, Politico said, because the plan could backfire in a place such as Kansas where “Young Republicans could end up becoming attracted to that opponent.” Subsequently, a person in the chat asked others to guess what room number they had a hotel.

Dwyer responded: “1488.” That figure is a form of shorthand among white supremacists when making reference to their beliefs. It refers to the 14 words of text in the slogan, “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.” The “88” stands for “Heil Hitler,” with the H marking the eighth letter of the alphabet.

At another juncture, Dwyer touched on controversy involving release of government files on Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have sought public release of files to either exonerate or incriminate President Donald Trump or other prominent individuals.

“Trumps too busy burning the Epstein files,” Dwyer wrote on Telegram.

Dwyer didn’t respond to a request for an interview. Hendrix, who ran unsuccessfully for Topeka City Council in 2021, couldn’t be reached for comment.

Before Politico’s disclosure of the Young Republicans’ commentary, Dwyer and Hendrix were photographed at a campaign event with Senate President Ty Masterson, the Andover Republican who is a 2026 candidate for governor. A social media post of the picture, taken at Masterson’s campaign announcement event, shows both of them holding signs touting Masterson’s campaign for governor.

The Masterson campaign released a statement after the Senate president landed in Washington, D.C., for meetings Wednesday with White House officials. In that statement, Masterson blamed political opponents for “shopping around a photo, with deceitful intentions, in efforts to disparage” him.

“I categorically deny any association with William Hendrix or Alex Dwyer, as neither is current, nor has ever been, on staff or volunteered for my campaign for governor,” Masterson said. “Anyone suggesting otherwise is either lying or misinformed.”

In addition, Masterson said, he was guided by deep Christian faith and possessed a record of condemning hateful and violent rhetoric.

“I am personally disgusted by the comments attributed to individuals in the article, as such behavior is utterly counter to Christ’s message that life is valuable and we are all equal in God’s eyes, and my unwavering commitment to these values has not changed,” the statement said.

A collection of Kansas Republicans and a Democratic candidate for governor denounced contents of this trove of Telegram messages logged under “RESTOREYR WAR ROOM,” or Restore Young Republicans.

The communications chronicled by Politico covered a period between January and August, and involved state Republican leaders in Kansas, Vermont, Arizona and New York. Included in the thousands of comments was this insight: “If we ever had a leak on this chat, we will be cooked.”

“The viewpoints expressed in this chat are not representative of Kansans. Period,” said former Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor. “Our state was founded on the belief that all of us are created equal under God — and anyone who mocks those principles dishonors the very spirit of Kansas.”

Vicki Schmidt, the state’s insurance commissioner and a Republican candidate for governor, said Dwyer and Hendrix should formally resign from their Young Republicans positions because “their actions are disgusting and disgraceful and they tarnish the reputation of Kansas nationally.”

Sen. Cindy Holscher, a Johnson County Democrat also running for governor, said she was disgusted by messages shared by Kansas GOP political operatives that promoted overt racism, extremism, antisemitism and sexual violence. She said the extremist language was encouraged from the top down by politicians who seek to divide voters rather than bring them together.

“Let’s be clear: These aren’t kids joking around,” Holscher said. “These are 20- and 30-something adults with leadership roles in the Republican Party. The chair of the Kansas Young Republicans, who participated in these messages, is nearly 30 years old. Unfortunately, this type of rhetoric is not isolated. For too long in Kansas, the Republican Party has been dominated by extremists who see no room for moderation or bipartisanship, let alone unity or mutual respect.”

Danedri Herbert, chair of the Kansas Republican Party, said the organization’s leadership was disgusted by comments by young Kansas Republicans contained in the Politico story. In March, Herbert was elected state party chair. She is Black.

“Their comments do not reflect the beliefs of Republicans and certainly not of Kansas Republicans at large,” she said. “Republicans believe that all people are created in the image of God.”

She said the state party platform stated: “We welcome Kansans of every ethnicity into our party as we work together to preserve our heritage of political equality, religious freedom and strong moral values. We strive to eliminate racism and we condemn all racist acts and groups.”

Michael Austin, chief executive of the Kansas Black Republican Council, said the organization unequivocally rebuked the behavior and language revealed in Politico’s report.

“Such conduct is not merely offensive. It is a betrayal of the very principles upon which our party was founded: the defense of liberty, the abolition of slavery and the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being,” Austin said. “Let there be no confusion. These few individuals do not represent Kansas, nor do they reflect the values of Kansas Republicans.”

He said all Republicans should in this moment “uphold the standard of integrity, moral courage and respect that has long defined our party’s proud history.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760540548577.png" alt=" Politico reports the chairman and vice chairman of Kansas Young Republicans participated in racist, antisemitic encrypted chats with GOP political peers. (Illustration by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Politico reports the chairman and vice chairman of Kansas Young Republicans participated in racist, antisemitic encrypted chats with GOP political peers. (Illustration by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Senate president disavows both activists, attorney general fires Hendrix</h2>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 — The chairman and vice chairman of the Kansas Young Republicans took part in encrypted chats with political peers that were laced with violent, racist and antisemitic rhetoric and blended with references to white supremacy and suppression of the Jeffrey Epstein files.On Tuesday, the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/private-chat-among-young-gop-club-members-00592146" target="_blank">the Politico article</a>&nbsp;disclosing the commentary prompted immediate deactivation of the Kansas Young Republicans organization.Politico, a digital news company specializing in coverage of U.S. politics, reported Kansas Young Republicans chair Alex Dwyer and vice chair William Hendrix took part in the Telegram group chat.In 2,900 pages of chat text, Hendrix praised the Missouri Young Republicans because leaders in that state didn’t like LGBTQ+ people. He repeatedly used racial slurs to refer to Black people, including words such as “n–ga” and “n–guh.” In a July conversation in the thread about African-Americans, he said, “Bro is at a chicken restaurant ordering his food. Would he like some watermelon and Kool-Aid with that?”He was fired from a communications job in the office of Attorney General Kris Kobach as Politico prepared its report on Hendrix’s role in the chat.“The comments in the chat are inexcusable,” Kobach said. “As soon as the office learned of those messages, Will Hendrix’s employment was terminated.”In the chat threads, Dwyer and others delved into discussions of how GOP operatives could tarnish a political candidate by linking the individual to white supremacists. The idea was dismissed, Politico said, because the plan could backfire in a place such as Kansas where “Young Republicans could end up becoming attracted to that opponent.” Subsequently, a person in the chat asked others to guess what room number they had a hotel.Dwyer responded: “1488.” That figure is a form of shorthand among white supremacists when making reference to their beliefs. It refers to the 14 words of text in the slogan, “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.” The “88” stands for “Heil Hitler,” with the H marking the eighth letter of the alphabet.At another juncture, Dwyer touched on controversy involving release of government files on Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have sought public release of files to either exonerate or incriminate President Donald Trump or other prominent individuals.“Trumps too busy burning the Epstein files,” Dwyer wrote on Telegram.Dwyer didn’t respond to a request for an interview. Hendrix, who ran unsuccessfully for Topeka City Council in 2021, couldn’t be reached for comment.Before Politico’s disclosure of the Young Republicans’ commentary, Dwyer and Hendrix were photographed at a campaign event with Senate President Ty Masterson, the Andover Republican who is a 2026 candidate for governor. A social media post of the picture, taken at Masterson’s campaign announcement event, shows both of them holding signs touting Masterson’s campaign for governor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760540483912.png" alt="An image from Senate President Ty Masterson’s announcement of his campaign for Kansas governor includes Kansas Young Republicans chair Alex Dwyer, far left, and vice chair William Hendrix, second from right. Politico reports Dwyer and Hendrix took part in a private Telegram chat with other state GOP leaders touting racist, violent and antisemitic ideas such as “I love Hitler” and “They love the watermelon people.” (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>An image from Senate President Ty Masterson’s announcement of his campaign for Kansas governor includes Kansas Young Republicans chair Alex Dwyer, far left, and vice chair William Hendrix, second from right. Politico reports Dwyer and Hendrix took part in a private Telegram chat with other state GOP leaders touting racist, violent and antisemitic ideas such as “I love Hitler” and “They love the watermelon people.” (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Masterson campaign released a statement after the Senate president landed in Washington, D.C., for meetings Wednesday with White House officials. In that statement, Masterson blamed political opponents for “shopping around a photo, with deceitful intentions, in efforts to disparage” him.“I categorically deny any association with William Hendrix or Alex Dwyer, as neither is current, nor has ever been, on staff or volunteered for my campaign for governor,” Masterson said. “Anyone suggesting otherwise is either lying or misinformed.”In addition, Masterson said, he was guided by deep Christian faith and possessed a record of condemning hateful and violent rhetoric.“I am personally disgusted by the comments attributed to individuals in the article, as such behavior is utterly counter to Christ’s message that life is valuable and we are all equal in God’s eyes, and my unwavering commitment to these values has not changed,” the statement said.A collection of Kansas Republicans and a Democratic candidate for governor denounced contents of this trove of Telegram messages logged under “RESTOREYR WAR ROOM,” or Restore Young Republicans.The communications chronicled by Politico covered a period between January and August, and involved state Republican leaders in Kansas, Vermont, Arizona and New York. Included in the thousands of comments was this insight: “If we ever had a leak on this chat, we will be cooked.”“The viewpoints expressed in this chat are not representative of Kansans. Period,” said former Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor. “Our state was founded on the belief that all of us are created equal under God — and anyone who mocks those principles dishonors the very spirit of Kansas.”Vicki Schmidt, the state’s insurance commissioner and a Republican candidate for governor, said Dwyer and Hendrix should formally resign from their Young Republicans positions because “their actions are disgusting and disgraceful and they tarnish the reputation of Kansas nationally.”Sen. Cindy Holscher, a Johnson County Democrat also running for governor, said she was disgusted by messages shared by Kansas GOP political operatives that promoted overt racism, extremism, antisemitism and sexual violence. She said the extremist language was encouraged from the top down by politicians who seek to divide voters rather than bring them together.“Let’s be clear: These aren’t kids joking around,” Holscher said. “These are 20- and 30-something adults with leadership roles in the Republican Party. The chair of the Kansas Young Republicans, who participated in these messages, is nearly 30 years old. Unfortunately, this type of rhetoric is not isolated. For too long in Kansas, the Republican Party has been dominated by extremists who see no room for moderation or bipartisanship, let alone unity or mutual respect.”Danedri Herbert, chair of the Kansas Republican Party, said the organization’s leadership was disgusted by comments by young Kansas Republicans contained in the Politico story. In March, Herbert was elected state party chair. She is Black.“Their comments do not reflect the beliefs of Republicans and certainly not of Kansas Republicans at large,” she said. “Republicans believe that all people are created in the image of God.”She said the state party platform stated: “We welcome Kansans of every ethnicity into our party as we work together to preserve our heritage of political equality, religious freedom and strong moral values. We strive to eliminate racism and we condemn all racist acts and groups.”Michael Austin, chief executive of the Kansas Black Republican Council, said the organization unequivocally rebuked the behavior and language revealed in Politico’s report.“Such conduct is not merely offensive. It is a betrayal of the very principles upon which our party was founded: the defense of liberty, the abolition of slavery and the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being,” Austin said. “Let there be no confusion. These few individuals do not represent Kansas, nor do they reflect the values of Kansas Republicans.”He said all Republicans should in this moment “uphold the standard of integrity, moral courage and respect that has long defined our party’s proud history.”

Kansas Young Republicans shut down after Politico report on racist, violent encrypted chat

It's a busy fall season for the Fort Hays State University Alumni Office. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Kim Cebula, alumni director, who has a review of Homecoming 2025 and looks ahead to events and activities coming up.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: FHSU Alumni Office" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=sz6ga-198b252-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>It's a busy fall season for the Fort Hays State University Alumni Office. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Kim Cebula, alumni director, who has a review of Homecoming 2025 and looks ahead to events and activities coming up.&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Alumni Office fall activities

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Volunteers across Hays knocked on doors to collect something sweeter than candy, donations to help feed local families in need.

The Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive took place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;Theresa Hill, executive director of the Community Assistance Center, said shelves were beginning to fill after being nearly empty.

"We always want to go at least over 20,000 food items," she said.

Hill said that higher food prices and an increase in the number of families moving into Ellis County have increased the pantry’s demand.

"We get about 5,000 people through here a year," Hill said. "They're large families and they can't afford this stuff like meat."

Hays High DECA organized this year’s food drive. Shaina Prough said 27 groups and organizations participated by collecting donations door-to-door and helping to sort and count nonperishable items at the center.

Hays High DECA hosted this year's food drive. Shaina Prough said a total of 27 groups or organizations were involved in going door to door to help count and organize nonperishable food items at the center.

Hill said she expects a total count of food items on Friday.

Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon Nov. 28.

If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E. 12th St. Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760494511877.jpeg" alt="Volunteers counting and organizing food items at the Community Assistance Center in Hays for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers counting and organizing food items at the Community Assistance Center in Hays for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostVolunteers across Hays knocked on doors to collect something sweeter than candy, donations to help feed local families in need.The Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive took place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;Theresa Hill, executive director of the Community Assistance Center, said shelves were beginning to fill after being nearly empty."We always want to go at least over 20,000 food items," she said.Hill said that higher food prices and an increase in the number of families moving into Ellis County have increased the pantry’s demand."We get about 5,000 people through here a year," Hill said. "They're large families and they can't afford this stuff like meat."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760494584709.jpeg" alt="A volunteer collecting food items for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A volunteer collecting food items for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760494595474.jpeg" alt="A volunteer with a bag of food for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A volunteer with a bag of food for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760494610622.jpeg" alt="A volunteer collecting food items for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A volunteer collecting food items for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High DECA organized this year’s food drive. Shaina Prough said 27 groups and organizations participated by collecting donations door-to-door and helping to sort and count nonperishable items at the center.Hays High DECA hosted this year's food drive. Shaina Prough said a total of 27 groups or organizations were involved in going door to door to help count and organize nonperishable food items at the center.Hill said she expects a total count of food items on Friday.Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon Nov. 28.If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E. 12th St. Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
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Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat stocks Hays food pantry

The five candidates for Hays USD 489 were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include: Kelly Ancar, Ken Brooks, Curt Vajnar and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp.

Three seats are available on the board. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Age: 72 Occupation: Retired teacher and principal

What do you think qualifies you to run for the school board?

Qualifications for the school board are wide-ranging, because I believe everybody in the school district could be on the school board, because everybody has an ownership in it.

But myself, I worked for the school district as a middle school principal for 21 years, an assistant principal for three years prior to that. My wife is a retired teacher from USD 489, so I get her views. I have just been involved with education all my life.

 I started years and years ago as a college student working for the school district as a bus driver, and so I've been a bus driver, a teacher, a principal and now a retired grandparent.

Do you have a child or grandchild currently attending Hays USD 489 schools or did any of your children attend in the past?

All of my children attended USD 489, and I have a grandchild who is an eighth-grader at Hays Middle School right now.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c83d9d32-2242-4092-8fa5-f0a1321bb826">Pallister has already served a term on the school board and narrowly missed reelection two years ago.</a>

I ran again because there have been so many good things in the four years that I was on the school board. This community worked so hard to pass the bond issue, and I've been observing the last two years off the board as that has progressed. We have Roosevelt and the Hays High projects done, but you have the new middle school, you have O' Loughlin, you have Wilson and you have the administration building. I want to be able to see all of these things come to a positive end.

Do you support the district's five-year capital improvement plan? And if not, is there anything that you would change about it?

The five-year capital plan is a changing document. Year one, year two, the closest ones are pretty much set, but year five can be changed as needs progress. Right now, I favor it.

 I've been following the school board actions for the last two years, and I think Mr. (Ron) Wilson, superintendent, and Mrs. Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, and all the schools have done a good job of looking at what their needs will be, but nobody is sure where you're going to be in five years.

Do you support the plans for the remaining bond projects? If not, is there anything that you would change about those projects?

I think the plan is there, and I don't see any changes, but I know as they get into the different buildings, the different locations, there will need to be changes. That is something that day-to-day administrators will be able to bring back to the board.

How would you view your role as a school board member, oversight with administrators and teachers handling day-to-day operations, or the board manages all aspects of operations?

Being on a board is a learning situation, and I learned a lot the four years I was on the board. I have been able to be on the other side as an administrator and as a teacher. The day by day, that is why the administrators and the teachers are hired for their positions. Board members are there to set policy and to bring the community in and be the community voice.

Do you think the district is adequately managing its budget? If not, what would you change or cut?

The budget is one of those things that starts at the board meeting right after you set the budget. At every meeting, you're working on the budget for the next year. Because if it's salaries, if it's teacher in-service projects, different things like that, it doesn't wait until the board meeting right before you set the new budget. The superintendent and all the schools, the administrators work on the budget all year.

Are there any policies that you think should be changed? How would you change those policies if you had the ability?

I don't have a district policy that I'm running for or against. I believe over the years, the board, the superintendents, have done a good job of looking at policy.

 I know we work through the Kansas Association of School Boards policies every year to make sure they are legal and to make sure that all of our policies are up to date. And that they are where we want them as a community. 

So I don't have one, because the board, that's part of their responsibility, is to look at the policies every year and see if they need updating.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I am very proud to just be in Hays. I moved to this community over 40 years ago now, and the schools are what brought us to Hays.

The city of Hays was so important in our bond issue; the mayor, the city commission, and everyone who worked so hard to get the sales tax, which was probably key to helping our schools.

You have the university and the medical and HaysMed being so supportive of the school district. I am just proud.

Somebody accused me of being on a thank-you campaign. It really is. I want to thank the community for what they do for our school district, and the biggest thank you goes to our teachers, our staff, our paras. Teaching and education gets harder every year.

 I visit with teachers, retired teachers, and those who are working harder now than they did five years ago, simply because of the various pressures associated with our kids and the numerous new things in education. 

If I get the privilege of being on the board again, I want to be able to make decisions based on 'How does it affect kids?' Every decision, if I vote on something as a board member, I want to think, in my mind, 'Is it good for kids? Will it make them more successful?'

As told to Cristina Janney/Hays Post

The five candidates for Hays USD 489 were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include: Kelly Ancar, Ken Brooks, Curt Vajnar and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp.Three seats are available on the board. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759940721126.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Age: 72 Occupation: Retired teacher and principalWhat do you think qualifies you to run for the school board?Qualifications for the school board are wide-ranging, because I believe everybody in the school district could be on the school board, because everybody has an ownership in it.But myself, I worked for the school district as a middle school principal for 21 years, an assistant principal for three years prior to that. My wife is a retired teacher from USD 489, so I get her views. I have just been involved with education all my life. I started years and years ago as a college student working for the school district as a bus driver, and so I've been a bus driver, a teacher, a principal and now a retired grandparent.Do you have a child or grandchild currently attending Hays USD 489 schools or did any of your children attend in the past?All of my children attended USD 489, and I have a grandchild who is an eighth-grader at Hays Middle School right now.Why are you running for election?<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c83d9d32-2242-4092-8fa5-f0a1321bb826">Pallister has already served a term on the school board and narrowly missed reelection two years ago.</a>I ran again because there have been so many good things in the four years that I was on the school board. This community worked so hard to pass the bond issue, and I've been observing the last two years off the board as that has progressed. We have Roosevelt and the Hays High projects done, but you have the new middle school, you have O' Loughlin, you have Wilson and you have the administration building. I want to be able to see all of these things come to a positive end.Do you support the district's five-year capital improvement plan? And if not, is there anything that you would change about it?The five-year capital plan is a changing document. Year one, year two, the closest ones are pretty much set, but year five can be changed as needs progress. Right now, I favor it. I've been following the school board actions for the last two years, and I think Mr. (Ron) Wilson, superintendent, and Mrs. Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, and all the schools have done a good job of looking at what their needs will be, but nobody is sure where you're going to be in five years.Do you support the plans for the remaining bond projects? If not, is there anything that you would change about those projects?I think the plan is there, and I don't see any changes, but I know as they get into the different buildings, the different locations, there will need to be changes. That is something that day-to-day administrators will be able to bring back to the board.How would you view your role as a school board member, oversight with administrators and teachers handling day-to-day operations, or the board manages all aspects of operations?Being on a board is a learning situation, and I learned a lot the four years I was on the board. I have been able to be on the other side as an administrator and as a teacher. The day by day, that is why the administrators and the teachers are hired for their positions. Board members are there to set policy and to bring the community in and be the community voice.Do you think the district is adequately managing its budget? If not, what would you change or cut?The budget is one of those things that starts at the board meeting right after you set the budget. At every meeting, you're working on the budget for the next year. Because if it's salaries, if it's teacher in-service projects, different things like that, it doesn't wait until the board meeting right before you set the new budget. The superintendent and all the schools, the administrators work on the budget all year.Are there any policies that you think should be changed? How would you change those policies if you had the ability?I don't have a district policy that I'm running for or against. I believe over the years, the board, the superintendents, have done a good job of looking at policy. I know we work through the Kansas Association of School Boards policies every year to make sure they are legal and to make sure that all of our policies are up to date. And that they are where we want them as a community. So I don't have one, because the board, that's part of their responsibility, is to look at the policies every year and see if they need updating.Is there anything else that you would like to add?I am very proud to just be in Hays. I moved to this community over 40 years ago now, and the schools are what brought us to Hays.The city of Hays was so important in our bond issue; the mayor, the city commission, and everyone who worked so hard to get the sales tax, which was probably key to helping our schools.You have the university and the medical and HaysMed being so supportive of the school district. I am just proud.Somebody accused me of being on a thank-you campaign. It really is. I want to thank the community for what they do for our school district, and the biggest thank you goes to our teachers, our staff, our paras. Teaching and education gets harder every year. I visit with teachers, retired teachers, and those who are working harder now than they did five years ago, simply because of the various pressures associated with our kids and the numerous new things in education. If I get the privilege of being on the board again, I want to be able to make decisions based on 'How does it affect kids?' Every decision, if I vote on something as a board member, I want to think, in my mind, 'Is it good for kids? Will it make them more successful?'As told to Cristina Janney/Hays Post

Hays USD 489 candidate Q&A: Craig Pallister

The citizens of Hays are facing a deep field of city commission candidates, the most in memorable history. This could be due to multiple issues our community is facing: affordable housing, economic development, increasing property taxes and other equally significant matters. Like others, I chose to throw my hat in the ring as well.

I've watched city commission activities since moving here in 1992. Good and great commissioners have led Hays to where we are today. Nov. 4 will direct where we choose to be in the future. I encourage citizens to become engaged with our commissioners, attend meetings when possible and watch streamed meetings at your convenience. All the links are available on the city of Hays website and in social media posts.

Reviewing the existing candidates and their varied positions on the issue, I feel that many of our concerns for the future of Hays are shared. I took a step back, evaluated my existing obligations and priorities, deciding that I would not be able to dedicate the time and energy into being the candidate our community deserves and needs. I wouldn't like to be seen as "phoning it in." It's a position that carries weight, serving present and future citizens and visitors alike.

Although my name will still appear on the Nov. 4th General Election ballot, I'm asking the citizens to consider voting for up to three of the other fine candidates that have nobly stepped up to commit themselves to serving Hays. Do your research, and remember you're voting for our future, based on yesterday's results and tomorrow's promises.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>The citizens of Hays are facing a deep field of city commission candidates, the most in memorable history. This could be due to multiple issues our community is facing: affordable housing, economic development, increasing property taxes and other equally significant matters. Like others, I chose to throw my hat in the ring as well.I've watched city commission activities since moving here in 1992. Good and great commissioners have led Hays to where we are today. Nov. 4 will direct where we choose to be in the future. I encourage citizens to become engaged with our commissioners, attend meetings when possible and watch streamed meetings at your convenience. All the links are available on the city of Hays website and in social media posts.Reviewing the existing candidates and their varied positions on the issue, I feel that many of our concerns for the future of Hays are shared. I took a step back, evaluated my existing obligations and priorities, deciding that I would not be able to dedicate the time and energy into being the candidate our community deserves and needs. I wouldn't like to be seen as "phoning it in." It's a position that carries weight, serving present and future citizens and visitors alike.Although my name will still appear on the Nov. 4th General Election ballot, I'm asking the citizens to consider voting for up to three of the other fine candidates that have nobly stepped up to commit themselves to serving Hays. Do your research, and remember you're voting for our future, based on yesterday's results and tomorrow's promises.&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp;Justin Choitz&nbsp;

LETTER: Hays City Commission candidate withdraws

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday posthumously awarded America's highest civilian honor to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Charlie Kirk</a>, the assassinated activist who inspired a generation of young conservatives and helped push the nation's politics further to the right.

Receiving the award on Kirk's behalf was his widow, Erika. Her voice cracking and often falling to a whisper as she wiped away tears, Erika Kirk talked about her late husband's life, political beliefs and legacy.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for honoring my husband, in such a profound and meaningful way. And thank you for making this event a priority," she said. “Your support of our family and the work that Charlie devoted his life to will be something I cherish forever.”

The ceremony coincided with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. It came about a month after the Turning Point USA founder was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">fatally shot</a>&nbsp;while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University.

In a sign of Kirk's close ties to the administration, he was the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Trump’s second term. The president also spoke at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-trump-memorial-service-b5469086954908b162f464da966cf238">Kirk’s funeral</a>&nbsp;in September, calling him a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom, while Vice President JD Vance accompanied his body home to Arizona on Air Force Two along with Erika Kirk.

“We’re here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I’ve ever seen before, and an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber," Trump said during the medal ceremony.

Of Kirk's killing, the president said, “He was assassinated in the prime of his life for boldly speaking the truth, for living his faith and relentless fighting for a better and stronger America."

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ben-carson-presidential-medal-96c072b07289f147a14ba6805681b6fa">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 for individuals making exceptional contributions “to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

Trump returned to the U.S. in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-egypt-6347e7da64f6c97b95109558096c0b6c">whirlwind trip to Israel and Egypt</a>&nbsp;to celebrate a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-10-14-2025-665a1cbe249f08c8513ceceaa04db201">ceasefire agreement</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza</a>&nbsp;that his administration was instrumental in brokering. The president joked that he almost requested to reschedule the ceremony because of the trip.

“I raced back halfway around the globe," Trump said. “I was going to call Erika and say, ‘Erika, could you maybe move it to Friday?' And I didn’t have the courage to call. But you know why I didn’t call? Because I heard today was Charlie’s birthday.”

Argentine President Javier Milei,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argentina-donald-trump-javier-milei-imf-c6f37a00c96f8aa321324ff443147b4e">who had been visiting with the president at the White House earlier,</a>&nbsp;stayed on to attend the ceremony.

Trump has awarded a string of presidential medals going back to his first term, including to golf legend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tiger-woods">Tiger Woods</a>, ex-football coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-college-football-donald-trump-nfl-football-982cc801d15e8a7209a0aafaedf40124">Lou Holtz</a>&nbsp;and conservative economist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-art-laffer-auto-tariff-warning-ba62f55af070e40e9d6eddf5d8433ad1">Arthur Laffer</a>&nbsp;as well as to Yankees Hall of Fame closer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/albert-pujols-mariano-rivera-baseball-alex-rodriguez-carlos-pena-812e5535ff74311f941b7b860610594a">Mariano Rivera</a>&nbsp;and conservative radio host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-talk-radio-politics-entertainment-d79a7eead68d6a304d38b665e6f89c2a">Rush Limbaugh</a>, the latter of which came during the 2020 State of the Union. He awarded posthumous medals to Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley.

This term, Trump has also announced his intentions to award the medals to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rudy-giuliani">Rudy Giuliani</a>, the former New York City mayor and a close former adviser, and to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ben-carson">Ben Carson</a>, who served as Trump's first-term secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and Trump praised him as one of the key reasons he was reelected last year.

But Kirk's politics were also often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">divisive</a>. He sharply criticized gay and transgender rights while inflaming racial tensions. Kirk also repeated Trump’s false claims that former Vice President Kamala Harris was responsible for policies that encouraged immigrants to come to the U.S. illegally and called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-floyd">George Floyd</a>, a Black man whose killing by a Minneapolis police officer sparked a national debate over racial injustice, a “scumbag.”

As Tuesday's ceremony was underway, the Trump administration said it had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlie-kirk-visas-revoked-455f43467c0c50e84d3857c1e9c81458">revoked the visas</a>&nbsp;of six foreigners who U.S. officials deemed had made derisive or mocking comments about Kirk’s assassination. The six who had their visas revoked were from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay and South Africa.

The move comes as the Trump administration and its supporters have zeroed in on people who made critical comments about Kirk, leading to firings and other discipline.

Trump wrote in a social media post hours before it started that he was moving the ceremony from the White House’s East Room to the Rose Garden to accommodate a crowd he said would be “so big and enthusiastic.”

Trump paved over the grass there and put in a patio area, and talked happily about the medal ceremony being one of the first major events in the new space. He noted how the weather had cleared up after it was expected to be raining, saying: “I was telling Erika, God was watching. And he didn’t want that for Charlie.”

Kirk’s widow said she asked their 3-year-old daughter what she might have given her father for his birthday, and she responded a stuffed animal and a cupcake while saying he hoped he'd get a birthday surprise. Erika Kirk said her husband was sometimes hard to buy presents for, but the medal was the perfect gift.

Erika Kirk said her husband might one day have run for president "but not out of ambition. He would only have done it if that was something that he believed that his country needed from his servant’s heart.”

She said God began a “mighty work” through her husband, and she intends to see it through. She finished her remarks by saying Charlie’s story reminds us that “to live free is the greatest gift but to die free is the greatest victory.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760477062621.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday posthumously awarded America's highest civilian honor to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Charlie Kirk</a>, the assassinated activist who inspired a generation of young conservatives and helped push the nation's politics further to the right.Receiving the award on Kirk's behalf was his widow, Erika. Her voice cracking and often falling to a whisper as she wiped away tears, Erika Kirk talked about her late husband's life, political beliefs and legacy.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump Participates in a Medal of Freedom Ceremony for Charlie Kirk <a href="https://t.co/KGAv0O6oTz">https://t.co/KGAv0O6oTz</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1978198302932742489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump and Erika Kirk arrive to the Medal of Freedom Ceremony for Charlie Kirk ❤️🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/6aRc4TOTRt">pic.twitter.com/6aRc4TOTRt</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1978200500035047809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 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>: &quot;Every single day of this administration, we will continue to carry out the mission for which he lived... In <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@charliekirk11</a>&#39;s honor, we will continue, like we have been, to Fight, Fight, Fight—and to WIN, WIN, WIN. We&#39;re gonna win SO MUCH.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/tLUvMHgtVQ">pic.twitter.com/tLUvMHgtVQ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978207602958864822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 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>: &quot;In the days since Charlie&#39;s killing, we&#39;ve seen exactly why our country so dearly needed his example. We&#39;ve watched legions of far-left radicals resort to desperate acts of violence and terror because they know that their ideas and arguments are persuading no one.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/A1IsbDrmpT">pic.twitter.com/A1IsbDrmpT</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978205826754973917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 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>: &quot;Charlie Kirk was a martyr for truth and for freedom, and from Socrates... to Saint Peter... those who change history the most, and he really did, have always risked their lives for causes they were put on earth to defend.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/SFK1OeuxPc">pic.twitter.com/SFK1OeuxPc</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978205271185850551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 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> presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded posthumously to the late Charlie Kirk, to his wife, Mrs. Erika Kirk 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/T28dH9Gk4S">pic.twitter.com/T28dH9Gk4S</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978209628627370054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 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/MrsErikaKirk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MrsErikaKirk</a>: &quot;If the moment had come, he probably would have run for president, but not out of ambition, He would only have done if it that was something that he believed his country needed.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/9DkGIaN4Wp">pic.twitter.com/9DkGIaN4Wp</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1978213900253376643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After the Medal of Freedom ceremony honoring <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@charliekirk11</a>, President Trump and Vice President Vance stood with Erika as Amazing Grace played ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/dWv9d4Z3WV">pic.twitter.com/dWv9d4Z3WV</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1978224055300804723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump signs a Proclamation declaring October 14 as the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk ❤️ President Trump recalls nights on the Mar-a-Lago patio listening to music with Charlie… “Remember Charlie on the patio…he could sit there all night long!” <a href="https://t.co/pDrEBWEdmV">pic.twitter.com/pDrEBWEdmV</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1978229151346597983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Thank you, Mr. President, for honoring my husband, in such a profound and meaningful way. And thank you for making this event a priority," she said. “Your support of our family and the work that Charlie devoted his life to will be something I cherish forever.”The ceremony coincided with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. It came about a month after the Turning Point USA founder was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">fatally shot</a>&nbsp;while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University.In a sign of Kirk's close ties to the administration, he was the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Trump’s second term. The president also spoke at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-trump-memorial-service-b5469086954908b162f464da966cf238">Kirk’s funeral</a>&nbsp;in September, calling him a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom, while Vice President JD Vance accompanied his body home to Arizona on Air Force Two along with Erika Kirk.“We’re here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I’ve ever seen before, and an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber," Trump said during the medal ceremony.Of Kirk's killing, the president said, “He was assassinated in the prime of his life for boldly speaking the truth, for living his faith and relentless fighting for a better and stronger America."The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ben-carson-presidential-medal-96c072b07289f147a14ba6805681b6fa">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 for individuals making exceptional contributions “to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”Trump returned to the U.S. in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-egypt-6347e7da64f6c97b95109558096c0b6c">whirlwind trip to Israel and Egypt</a>&nbsp;to celebrate a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-10-14-2025-665a1cbe249f08c8513ceceaa04db201">ceasefire agreement</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza</a>&nbsp;that his administration was instrumental in brokering. The president joked that he almost requested to reschedule the ceremony because of the trip.“I raced back halfway around the globe," Trump said. “I was going to call Erika and say, ‘Erika, could you maybe move it to Friday?' And I didn’t have the courage to call. But you know why I didn’t call? Because I heard today was Charlie’s birthday.”Argentine President Javier Milei,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argentina-donald-trump-javier-milei-imf-c6f37a00c96f8aa321324ff443147b4e">who had been visiting with the president at the White House earlier,</a>&nbsp;stayed on to attend the ceremony.Trump has awarded a string of presidential medals going back to his first term, including to golf legend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tiger-woods">Tiger Woods</a>, ex-football coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-college-football-donald-trump-nfl-football-982cc801d15e8a7209a0aafaedf40124">Lou Holtz</a>&nbsp;and conservative economist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-art-laffer-auto-tariff-warning-ba62f55af070e40e9d6eddf5d8433ad1">Arthur Laffer</a>&nbsp;as well as to Yankees Hall of Fame closer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/albert-pujols-mariano-rivera-baseball-alex-rodriguez-carlos-pena-812e5535ff74311f941b7b860610594a">Mariano Rivera</a>&nbsp;and conservative radio host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-talk-radio-politics-entertainment-d79a7eead68d6a304d38b665e6f89c2a">Rush Limbaugh</a>, the latter of which came during the 2020 State of the Union. He awarded posthumous medals to Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley.This term, Trump has also announced his intentions to award the medals to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rudy-giuliani">Rudy Giuliani</a>, the former New York City mayor and a close former adviser, and to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ben-carson">Ben Carson</a>, who served as Trump's first-term secretary of Housing and Urban Development.Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and Trump praised him as one of the key reasons he was reelected last year.But Kirk's politics were also often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">divisive</a>. He sharply criticized gay and transgender rights while inflaming racial tensions. Kirk also repeated Trump’s false claims that former Vice President Kamala Harris was responsible for policies that encouraged immigrants to come to the U.S. illegally and called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-floyd">George Floyd</a>, a Black man whose killing by a Minneapolis police officer sparked a national debate over racial injustice, a “scumbag.”As Tuesday's ceremony was underway, the Trump administration said it had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlie-kirk-visas-revoked-455f43467c0c50e84d3857c1e9c81458">revoked the visas</a>&nbsp;of six foreigners who U.S. officials deemed had made derisive or mocking comments about Kirk’s assassination. The six who had their visas revoked were from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay and South Africa.The move comes as the Trump administration and its supporters have zeroed in on people who made critical comments about Kirk, leading to firings and other discipline.Trump wrote in a social media post hours before it started that he was moving the ceremony from the White House’s East Room to the Rose Garden to accommodate a crowd he said would be “so big and enthusiastic.”Trump paved over the grass there and put in a patio area, and talked happily about the medal ceremony being one of the first major events in the new space. He noted how the weather had cleared up after it was expected to be raining, saying: “I was telling Erika, God was watching. And he didn’t want that for Charlie.”Kirk’s widow said she asked their 3-year-old daughter what she might have given her father for his birthday, and she responded a stuffed animal and a cupcake while saying he hoped he'd get a birthday surprise. Erika Kirk said her husband was sometimes hard to buy presents for, but the medal was the perfect gift.Erika Kirk said her husband might one day have run for president "but not out of ambition. He would only have done it if that was something that he believed that his country needed from his servant’s heart.”She said God began a “mighty work” through her husband, and she intends to see it through. She finished her remarks by saying Charlie’s story reminds us that “to live free is the greatest gift but to die free is the greatest victory.”___

🎥Trump posthumously awards Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-venezuela-drug-cartels-unlawful-combatants-1848b02febe08acacb82979d7da47dfb">struck another small boat</a>&nbsp;accused of carrying drugs in the waters off Venezuela, killing six people, President Donald Trump said Tuesday.

Those who died in the strike were aboard the vessel, and no U.S. forces were harmed, the Republican president said in a social media post. It’s the fifth deadly strike in the Caribbean as Trump's administration has asserted it's treating alleged drug traffickers as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">unlawful combatants</a>&nbsp;who must be met with military force.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the strike Tuesday morning, said Trump, who released a video of it, as he had in the past. Hegseth later shared the video in a post on X.

The black-and-white video showed a small boat that appeared stationary on the water. Seconds into the video, it is struck by a projectile from overhead and explodes. The boat is then seen floating aflame for several seconds.

Trump said the strike was conducted in international waters and “intelligence” confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with “narcoterrorist networks” and was on a known drug trafficking route.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking more information on the latest boat strike, but one defense official confirmed that the details in the social media post were accurate.

Frustration with the Trump administration has been growing on Capitol Hill among members of both major political parties. Some Republicans are seeking more information from the White House on the legal justification and details of the strikes. Democrats contend the strikes violate U.S. and international law.

The Senate last week voted on a war powers resolution that would have barred the Trump administration from conducting the strikes unless Congress specifically authorized them, but it failed to pass.

In a memo to Congress that was obtained by The Associated Press, the Trump administration said it had “determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations” and that Trump directed the Pentagon to “conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict.”

The Trump administration has yet to provide underlying evidence to lawmakers proving that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-strike-caribbean-drug-trafficking-trump-1061debe2f983ef7bc9666d3f002b3a0">the boats</a>&nbsp;targeted by the U.S. military in a series of fatal strikes were in fact carrying narcotics, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

California Sen. Adam Schiff, a Democrat who last week pushed the vote on the Venezuela resolution, said in a post on X that the president’s authority to respond to an armed attack or the threat of one was limited and did not apply.

“These continued strikes — 27 killed to date — risk getting the U.S. into a full fledged war,” Schiff said.

He said he would push for another vote if the strikes continue.

The strikes followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-destroyers-maduro-drug-cartels-9649e8282c061d9dad41a5dfb54431d4">a buildup of U.S. maritime forces</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean unlike any seen in recent times.

Last week, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino told military leaders that the U.S. government knows the drug-trafficking accusations used to support the recent actions in the Caribbean are false, with its true intent being to “force a regime change” in the South American country.

He added that the Venezuelan government does not see the deployment of the U.S. warships as a mere “propaganda-like action” and warned of a possible escalation.

“I want to warn the population: We have to prepare ourselves because the irrationality with which the U.S. empire operates is not normal,” Padrino said during the televised gathering. “It’s anti-political, anti-human, warmongering, rude, and vulgar.”

Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-venezuela-drug-cartels-unlawful-combatants-1848b02febe08acacb82979d7da47dfb">struck another small boat</a>&nbsp;accused of carrying drugs in the waters off Venezuela, killing six people, President Donald Trump said Tuesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/8DMrDfoSjF">pic.twitter.com/8DMrDfoSjF</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978155685150945357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Those who died in the strike were aboard the vessel, and no U.S. forces were harmed, the Republican president said in a social media post. It’s the fifth deadly strike in the Caribbean as Trump's administration has asserted it's treating alleged drug traffickers as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">unlawful combatants</a>&nbsp;who must be met with military force.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the strike Tuesday morning, said Trump, who released a video of it, as he had in the past. Hegseth later shared the video in a post on X.The black-and-white video showed a small boat that appeared stationary on the water. Seconds into the video, it is struck by a projectile from overhead and explodes. The boat is then seen floating aflame for several seconds.Trump said the strike was conducted in international waters and “intelligence” confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with “narcoterrorist networks” and was on a known drug trafficking route.The Pentagon did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking more information on the latest boat strike, but one defense official confirmed that the details in the social media post were accurate.Frustration with the Trump administration has been growing on Capitol Hill among members of both major political parties. Some Republicans are seeking more information from the White House on the legal justification and details of the strikes. Democrats contend the strikes violate U.S. and international law.The Senate last week voted on a war powers resolution that would have barred the Trump administration from conducting the strikes unless Congress specifically authorized them, but it failed to pass.In a memo to Congress that was obtained by The Associated Press, the Trump administration said it had “determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations” and that Trump directed the Pentagon to “conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict.”The Trump administration has yet to provide underlying evidence to lawmakers proving that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-strike-caribbean-drug-trafficking-trump-1061debe2f983ef7bc9666d3f002b3a0">the boats</a>&nbsp;targeted by the U.S. military in a series of fatal strikes were in fact carrying narcotics, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.California Sen. Adam Schiff, a Democrat who last week pushed the vote on the Venezuela resolution, said in a post on X that the president’s authority to respond to an armed attack or the threat of one was limited and did not apply.“These continued strikes — 27 killed to date — risk getting the U.S. into a full fledged war,” Schiff said.He said he would push for another vote if the strikes continue.The strikes followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-destroyers-maduro-drug-cartels-9649e8282c061d9dad41a5dfb54431d4">a buildup of U.S. maritime forces</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean unlike any seen in recent times.Last week, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino told military leaders that the U.S. government knows the drug-trafficking accusations used to support the recent actions in the Caribbean are false, with its true intent being to “force a regime change” in the South American country.He added that the Venezuelan government does not see the deployment of the U.S. warships as a mere “propaganda-like action” and warned of a possible escalation.“I want to warn the population: We have to prepare ourselves because the irrationality with which the U.S. empire operates is not normal,” Padrino said during the televised gathering. “It’s anti-political, anti-human, warmongering, rude, and vulgar.”___Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.

🎥6 killed after US strikes another drug boat off Venezuela 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved up to No. 6 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll released on Tuesday. It is the highest national ranking for the Tigers since 2019 when they started that season ranked No. 3 in the nation. It is the third-highest ranking the Tigers have ever held in the poll.

Fort Hays State remains unbeaten through 11 matches this season with a record of 9-0-2 overall. They are 5-0 so far in GAC play and reach the midway point of conference play this week when they host a receiving votes Newman squad on Thursday evening (Oct. 16). This is the longest unbeaten streak to start a season in program history and 11 matches is the third-longest unbeaten streak in program history at any point of a season. The program record is 16, set by the 2018 team that made the national semifinals.

Fort Hays State and Rogers State continued as the two teams from the GAC represented in the Top 25. The Hillcats are No. 14 in the latest poll. Newman was among the receiving votes list.

Fort Hays State was one of seven teams in the top 10 this week that remain unbeaten for the season. The nine wins by FHSU matches the most of any of the unbeaten teams in the national poll. There are nine total teams in the top 25 without a loss this season.

United Soccer Coaches Top 25 for October 14, 2025 Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	Lynn University	1	8-0-1 2	California State University Stanislaus	3	9-0-1 3	University of Charleston	4	9-0-3 4	Anderson University (S.C.)	6	6-0-4 5	Palm Beach Atlantic University	8	8-1-1 6	Fort Hays State University	7	9-0-2 7	Young Harris College	5	9-0-1 8	Cedarville University	10	8-0-3 9	Midwestern State University	22	7-2-3 10	Bentley University	NR	7-1-1 11	Point Loma Nazarene University	RV	6-2-1 12	Southern New Hampshire University	2	8-1-2 13	Bloomsburg University	19	4-0-5 14	Rogers State University	15	8-1-2 15	California State University-Los Angeles	RV	6-1-4 16	Florida Tech	14	5-1-4 17	Rockhurst University	NR	8-2-2 18	Fort Lewis College	9	4-2-4 19	University of West Florida	21	7-1-3 20	Lincoln University (Mo.)	20	7-0-3 21	Wilmington University	23	6-1-4 22	University of Colorado-Colorado Springs	NR	6-3-3 23	Colorado State University-Pueblo	11	4-1-7 24	University of Tampa	18	5-2-3 25	Cal Poly Pomona	16	5-2-4

Receiving votes: University of North Georgia, East Stroudsburg University, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Lander University, Post University, Gannon University, Tiffin University, Newman University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760472742922.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved up to No. 6 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll released on Tuesday. It is the highest national ranking for the Tigers since 2019 when they started that season ranked No. 3 in the nation. It is the third-highest ranking the Tigers have ever held in the poll.Fort Hays State remains unbeaten through 11 matches this season with a record of 9-0-2 overall. They are 5-0 so far in GAC play and reach the midway point of conference play this week when they host a receiving votes Newman squad on Thursday evening (Oct. 16). This is the longest unbeaten streak to start a season in program history and 11 matches is the third-longest unbeaten streak in program history at any point of a season. The program record is 16, set by the 2018 team that made the national semifinals.Fort Hays State and Rogers State continued as the two teams from the GAC represented in the Top 25. The Hillcats are No. 14 in the latest poll. Newman was among the receiving votes list.Fort Hays State was one of seven teams in the top 10 this week that remain unbeaten for the season. The nine wins by FHSU matches the most of any of the unbeaten teams in the national poll. There are nine total teams in the top 25 without a loss this season.United Soccer Coaches Top 25 for October 14, 2025 Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	Lynn University	1	8-0-1 2	California State University Stanislaus	3	9-0-1 3	University of Charleston	4	9-0-3 4	Anderson University (S.C.)	6	6-0-4 5	Palm Beach Atlantic University	8	8-1-1 6	Fort Hays State University	7	9-0-2 7	Young Harris College	5	9-0-1 8	Cedarville University	10	8-0-3 9	Midwestern State University	22	7-2-3 10	Bentley University	NR	7-1-1 11	Point Loma Nazarene University	RV	6-2-1 12	Southern New Hampshire University	2	8-1-2 13	Bloomsburg University	19	4-0-5 14	Rogers State University	15	8-1-2 15	California State University-Los Angeles	RV	6-1-4 16	Florida Tech	14	5-1-4 17	Rockhurst University	NR	8-2-2 18	Fort Lewis College	9	4-2-4 19	University of West Florida	21	7-1-3 20	Lincoln University (Mo.)	20	7-0-3 21	Wilmington University	23	6-1-4 22	University of Colorado-Colorado Springs	NR	6-3-3 23	Colorado State University-Pueblo	11	4-1-7 24	University of Tampa	18	5-2-3 25	Cal Poly Pomona	16	5-2-4Receiving votes: University of North Georgia, East Stroudsburg University, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Lander University, Post University, Gannon University, Tiffin University, Newman University.

⚽ FHSU men move up to No. 6 in United Soccer Coaches poll

By BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology Writer

Teenagers on Instagram will be restricted to seeing PG-13 content by default and won't be able to change their settings without a parent's permission, Meta announced on Tuesday.

This means kids using teen-specific accounts will see photos and videos on Instagram that are similar to what they would see in a PG-13 movie — no sex, drugs or dangerous stunts, among others.

“This includes hiding or not recommending posts with strong language, certain risky stunts, and additional content that could encourage potentially harmful behaviors, such as posts showing marijuana paraphernalia,” Meta said in a blog post Tuesday, calling the update the most significant since it introduced teen accounts last year.

Anyone under 18 who signs up for Instagram is automatically placed into restrictive teen accounts unless a parent or guardian gives them permission to opt out. The teen accounts are private by default, have usage restrictions on them and already filter out more “sensitive” content — such as those promoting cosmetic procedures.

The company is also adding an even stricter setting that parents can set up for their children.

The changes come as the social media giant faces relentless criticism over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-teens-safety-meta-bejar-13276348cde2dcc1ee94c66227ea25dc">harms to children</a>. As it seeks to add safeguards for younger users, Meta has already promised it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-facebook-instagram-teens-suicide-eating-disorders-83dce63d9beed0a3ad0c53240077099f">wouldn’t show inappropriate content</a>&nbsp;to teens, such as posts about self-harm, eating disorders or suicide.

But this does not always work. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fairplayforkids.org/instagram-teen-accounts-fail-to-protect-children-safety-tools-testing-reveals/">recent report</a>, for instance, found that teen accounts researchers created were recommended age-inappropriate sexual content, including “graphic sexual descriptions, the use of cartoons to describe demeaning sexual acts, and brief displays of nudity.”

In addition, Instagram also recommended a “range of self-harm, self-injury, and body image content” on teen accounts that the report says “would be reasonably likely to result in adverse impacts for young people, including teenagers experiencing poor mental health, or self-harm and suicidal ideation and behaviors.”

Meta says the new restrictions go further than its previous safeguards. Teens will no longer be able to follow accounts that regularly share “age-inappropriate content” or if their name or bio contains something that isn't appropriate for teens, such as a link to an OnlyFans account. If teens already follow these accounts, they’ll no longer be able to see or interact with their content, send them messages, or see their comments under anyone’s posts, the company said. The accounts also won’t be able to follow teens, send them private messages or comment on their posts.

Meta said it already blocks certain search terms related to sensitive topics such as suicide and eating disorders, but the latest update will expand this to a broader range of terms, such as “alcohol” or “gore” — even if they are misspelled.

The PG-13 update will also apply artificial intelligence chats and experiences targeted to teens, Meta said, “meaning AIs should not give age-inappropriate responses that would feel out of place in a PG-13 movie.”

For parents who want an even stricter setting for their kids, Meta is also launching a “limited content” restriction that will block more content and remove teens’ ability to see, leave, or receive comments under posts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758981317980.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology WriterTeenagers on Instagram will be restricted to seeing PG-13 content by default and won't be able to change their settings without a parent's permission, Meta announced on Tuesday.This means kids using teen-specific accounts will see photos and videos on Instagram that are similar to what they would see in a PG-13 movie — no sex, drugs or dangerous stunts, among others.“This includes hiding or not recommending posts with strong language, certain risky stunts, and additional content that could encourage potentially harmful behaviors, such as posts showing marijuana paraphernalia,” Meta said in a blog post Tuesday, calling the update the most significant since it introduced teen accounts last year.Anyone under 18 who signs up for Instagram is automatically placed into restrictive teen accounts unless a parent or guardian gives them permission to opt out. The teen accounts are private by default, have usage restrictions on them and already filter out more “sensitive” content — such as those promoting cosmetic procedures.The company is also adding an even stricter setting that parents can set up for their children.The changes come as the social media giant faces relentless criticism over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-teens-safety-meta-bejar-13276348cde2dcc1ee94c66227ea25dc">harms to children</a>. As it seeks to add safeguards for younger users, Meta has already promised it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-facebook-instagram-teens-suicide-eating-disorders-83dce63d9beed0a3ad0c53240077099f">wouldn’t show inappropriate content</a>&nbsp;to teens, such as posts about self-harm, eating disorders or suicide.But this does not always work. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fairplayforkids.org/instagram-teen-accounts-fail-to-protect-children-safety-tools-testing-reveals/">recent report</a>, for instance, found that teen accounts researchers created were recommended age-inappropriate sexual content, including “graphic sexual descriptions, the use of cartoons to describe demeaning sexual acts, and brief displays of nudity.”In addition, Instagram also recommended a “range of self-harm, self-injury, and body image content” on teen accounts that the report says “would be reasonably likely to result in adverse impacts for young people, including teenagers experiencing poor mental health, or self-harm and suicidal ideation and behaviors.”Meta says the new restrictions go further than its previous safeguards. Teens will no longer be able to follow accounts that regularly share “age-inappropriate content” or if their name or bio contains something that isn't appropriate for teens, such as a link to an OnlyFans account. If teens already follow these accounts, they’ll no longer be able to see or interact with their content, send them messages, or see their comments under anyone’s posts, the company said. The accounts also won’t be able to follow teens, send them private messages or comment on their posts.Meta said it already blocks certain search terms related to sensitive topics such as suicide and eating disorders, but the latest update will expand this to a broader range of terms, such as “alcohol” or “gore” — even if they are misspelled.The PG-13 update will also apply artificial intelligence chats and experiences targeted to teens, Meta said, “meaning AIs should not give age-inappropriate responses that would feel out of place in a PG-13 movie.”For parents who want an even stricter setting for their kids, Meta is also launching a “limited content” restriction that will block more content and remove teens’ ability to see, leave, or receive comments under posts.

Big changes coming to Instagram to safeguard teens

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Heartland Community Foundation celebrated its second-annual Give Fest on Friday&nbsp;in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties.

During the 24-hour giving period, all donations made to participating nonprofits were matched from a $150,000 match pool, with $50,000 designated for each county.

Fifty-eight organizations participated in the event.

Every fifth grader in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties participated in the&nbsp;5th Grade Give Bucks initiative.

They received funds to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Ellis County students received $15, while Rooks and Trego County students received $10. 

Students visited the Give Fest events to meet nonprofits throughout the day, learn about their missions, and choose where to donate their Give Bucks. 

"This taught young people firsthand the joy and power of philanthropy," the Heartland Community Foundation said in a press release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760459473023.png" alt="A volunteer from STEM Harvest of Hays engages in a robot battle with a student from Holy Family Elementary School during the Heartland Community Foundation Give Fest on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A volunteer from STEM Harvest of Hays engages in a robot battle with a student from Holy Family Elementary School during the Heartland Community Foundation Give Fest on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Heartland Community Foundation celebrated its second-annual Give Fest on Friday&nbsp;in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties.During the 24-hour giving period, all donations made to participating nonprofits were matched from a $150,000 match pool, with $50,000 designated for each county.Fifty-eight organizations participated in the event.Every fifth grader in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties participated in the&nbsp;5th Grade Give Bucks initiative.They received funds to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Ellis County students received $15, while Rooks and Trego County students received $10. Students visited the Give Fest events to meet nonprofits throughout the day, learn about their missions, and choose where to donate their Give Bucks. "This taught young people firsthand the joy and power of philanthropy," the Heartland Community Foundation said in a press release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760459507923.png" alt="Jay Harris, K-State Extension district director, right, watches as a Holy Family Elementary School student make spin art during Give Fest on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jay Harris, K-State Extension district director, right, watches as a Holy Family Elementary School student make spin art during Give Fest on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760459551137.png" alt="Hays USD 489 students try on fire gear at the Heartland Community Foundation Give Fest Friday at the Hays Recreation Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 students try on fire gear at the Heartland Community Foundation Give Fest Friday at the Hays Recreation Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760459603612.png" alt="Hays USD 489 participate in a root beer stein holding contest sponsored by Oktoberfest at the Heartland Community Foundation Give Fest on Friday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 participate in a root beer stein holding contest sponsored by Oktoberfest at the Heartland Community Foundation Give Fest on Friday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760459675246.png" alt="Holy Family students learn about the Cancer Council from a volunteer on Friday at Give Fest.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Holy Family students learn about the Cancer Council from a volunteer on Friday at Give Fest.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760459741747.png" alt="United Way was one of the 58 organizations that participated in Give Fest on Friday. Fifth graders visiting the event and could play plinko with Bill Ring, interim executive director and other volunteers.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>United Way was one of the 58 organizations that participated in Give Fest on Friday. Fifth graders visiting the event and could play plinko with Bill Ring, interim executive director and other volunteers.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760459779714.png" alt="A student pets the Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services therapy dog, Fonzie, as executive director Jennifer Hecker, right, looks on Friday at Givefest.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A student pets the Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services therapy dog, Fonzie, as executive director Jennifer Hecker, right, looks on Friday at Givefest.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760459833744.png" alt="From left Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County volunteers Joyce Jilg, Marilyn Wood and Elaine Pfannenstiel staff a both at the Heartland Community Give Fest on Friday. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates homes for&nbsp;low-to-moderate income families.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>From left Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County volunteers Joyce Jilg, Marilyn Wood and Elaine Pfannenstiel staff a both at the Heartland Community Give Fest on Friday. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates homes for&nbsp;low-to-moderate income families.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>