ABILENE - The former Director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library &amp; Museum, Todd Arrington has resigned after refusing to gift a sword to the Trump administration.

After President Trump's recent visit to London on Wednesday, September 17, where he visited&nbsp;Britain's King Charles III, Trump wanted to gift King Charles III a sword from the museum.&nbsp;The sword in particular belonged to former 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower that was meant to symbolize the US-UK relationship and highlight the two countries’ collaboration in WWII. 

Reportedly, the US Department of State Officials asked Arrington to gift the sword, but he advised that he could not because it is a historical artifact and part of 'gifts that belonged to the American people.'

Arrington was then told he needed to either "resign or be fired." 

On Thursday he officially resigned from being Director at the museum.

Arrington was a veteran of the United States Army and holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He received a master of arts in history from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor of arts in history from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

Arrington officially became Director on <a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/press-releases/todd-arrington-appointed-director-dwight-d-eisenhower-presidential-library-and#:~:text=National%20Public%20Radio.-,Dr.,from%20Mansfield%20University%20of%20Pennsylvania.">June 2024</a>.

Former Eisenhower Library & Museum Director resigns after refusing to gift historic sword to Trump administration 

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center.

🎤 Forward Ever: Craig Poe of High Plains Mental Health Center

The newly <a href="https://bgchutch.com/s/salina">Boys &amp; Girls Club of Salina</a> (BGCS) is anticipating and preparing for their own building that is expected to come in 2027.

BGCS Director, Heather Neuhofel-Tracy stated the organization plans on establishing the facility at the Bondy field complex, specifically at the northwest corner and south of Sunset Park.&nbsp;

With the proposed property being City owned, BGCS will receive support from the City of Salina such as, establishment of a long-term lease agreement for the portion, just south of Sunset Park. Platting and rezoning of the property. Extension of water and sewer services to the property line. Grounds maintenance and snow removal. Formal partnership to guide the collaborative agreement.

On Thursday, October 9 at 5:30 pm,&nbsp;BGCS will hold a community meeting at the Friendship Center (746 Commanche Ave)&nbsp;to discuss the project and receive feedback from the public.

Neuhofel-Tracy stated the goal for groundbreaking is for Spring 2026.

Summer 2027 is the goal for the facility to open.

The organization is expected to start an after school services/programs by the end of this year. Once they start, BGCS will temporarily operate inside Oakdale Elementary serving 3rd - 5th graders.&nbsp;

The programs will include academic enrichment, health &amp; wellness, sports, recreational activities and more.&nbsp;

Completion of the new facility will expand service opportunities to middle and high school aged youth.

BGCS are actively fundraising for this project and from now until the end of the year. Every dollar given toward their endowment at Greater Salina Community Foundation, will be matched for operations by the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7e1ae6a9-a421-4d7e-8bca-786ca8519788">Ted and Almita Augustine Donor Advised Fund</a> with a goal of getting $500,000 in matching funds to support this project.

To donate go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bgcsalina.com/">bgcsalina.com</a>.

Boys & Girls Club of Salina announces new facility and plans before launching

Mahaska is hiring for full-time positions across our company. If you’re looking for a career with stability, excellent benefits, and a supportive work environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Why Work with Us? We value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package, company perks, and opportunities for growth.

- Health, Prescription, and Dental Insurance

- Company-Paid Life Insurance (with options for additional, spouse, and child coverage)

- Benefits eligibility begins the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment

- After one year, you’ll meet with our third-party financial advisors to support your long-term financial planning

- On site Market with discounted company products

- College scholarships available for employees and dependents

At Mahaska, we believe in investing in our team and providing an environment where you can succeed both professionally and personally. 

To apply <a href="https://mahaska.com/application/">https://mahaska.com/application/</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 3 - October 5

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

ABILENE - The Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is proud to represent Abilene at the "TBEX Summit America 2025," the world’s largest conference for travel bloggers, content creators and tourism professionals, held October 3-4&nbsp;in Wichita.

This marks the first time TBEX has been hosted in Kansas, creating a unique opportunity to showcase the Sunflower State and connect with creators who may not have otherwise visited Kansas—or Abilene.

Following the conference,&nbsp;three groups of content creators will visit Abilene&nbsp;October 5-7&nbsp;as part of Kansas Tourism-guided familiarization (FAM) tours. 

Each tour highlights a distinct theme:

These tours will allow content creators to experience Abilene’s award-winning attractions firsthand, from the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum to Old Abilene Town, the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, the Greyhound Hall of Fame and Dickinson County Heritage Center, the World’s Largest Belt Buckle, and other great attractions.

“Hosting TBEX in Kansas is an incredible chance to share Abilene’s story on a global stage,” said&nbsp;Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “By welcoming content creators to experience our community, we’re building authentic connections that will inspire their audiences to visit Abilene.”

TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange) is the world’s premier conference for travel content creators and industry professionals. Attendees will:

- Improve skills in content creation, influencer, social media, and email marketing. 

- Meet top bloggers and travel creators from around the world. Network with industry professionals who share a passion for influencer marketing. 

- Learn about the latest social media platforms and trends. 

- Discover what works and what doesn’t in influencer marketing. 

- Gain insider knowledge to set their brand apart

Abilene CVB exhibits at TBEX Summit America 2025 conference in Wichita

The Salina Police Department (SPD) has informed the public they are seeking tips for the suspect who burglarized the VFW Post 1432.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1c9aebfe-9a5b-4e8f-b6a4-50febdb3e4f7">SPD gives full report regarding VFW burglary</a>

On the early morning hours of Monday, September 29, the suspect broke into the building and reportedly stole around $8,400.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS.

You can also make an online tip by clicking <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">here</a>.&nbsp;You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2025-26375.

🎥 UPDATE: Salina Police seeking tips for VFW suspect

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Rape; Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp;Smith, Brittney Cheyenne

NAME:&nbsp;Stapleton, Brandon Isaiah

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd

Saline County Jail Bookings, October 3

Male suspect faces rape charge after touching a female teenager inappropriately.&nbsp;

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Wednesday, a 17-year old woman reported she was walking in the 600 block of N. Sante Fe at around 8:30 pm, when a man suddenly approached her.

Both began a conversation as they walked, when eventually they went into a dark area in the 500 block of N. Santa Fe. The man then touched the woman&nbsp;inappropriately.&nbsp;

After the woman notified SPD about the incident, their investigation indicated the man as&nbsp;38-year-old, Johnny Baldwin. At around 4:45 pm the next day, Baldwin was located by officers in the 1000 block of S. Santa Fe and was taken into custody without incident.

Baldwin is facing the requested charge of one count of Rape and booked into the Saline County Jail.

Male suspect faces rape charge after touching teenager inappropriately

A Facebook ad that offered a cat for adoption, resulted in a woman losing $7,000.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Thursday, a 57-year old female reported that on Monday, September 29 she came across an ad on Facebook for a Maine Coon Cat that was available for adoption. The profile offering the cat was named "Nathan’s Free Kittens for Adoption and Rehoming.”

After the woman engaged with interest, she came in contact with an individual and agreed to pay $100 for the cat. She was advised to send the payment through a Walmart gift card. The scammer told the woman the cat was "being shipped through a company called Global Logistic out of Lincoln, NE."

Furthermore, she received a message from an individual claiming to be a "representative from Global Logistic," who indicated they needed $300 to cover a "pet carrier rental fee" and an additional $300 for "transportation fees."

The woman then paid the amount through&nbsp;prepaid Visa gift cards. Moreover, she received another message stating "a refundable $1000 for insurance was needed," which she again paid through a prepaid Visa card.&nbsp;

Shortly after she made the payment, the scammers informed her they needed an additional $1500 for a "transfer fee," which was required for the cat to leave Nebraska. The scammers added, the money would be "refunded upon delivery."

Additionally, the scammers told the woman a $1000 “nanny fee” was required for the company to continue care for the cat, which was also paid using a prepaid Visa gift card.

Moreover, the woman received a video of the cat and was told the cat was almost ready to be shipped but an additional transport and nanny fees were needed. The woman then sent an amount of $2,800 through gift cards.

Once this transaction was made, the woman became suspicious and texted the scammers, saying she contacted law enforcement.&nbsp;

The profile and post offering the cat was then removed.

The Salina Police Department wants to advise community members when on computers or using social media be very careful. DO NOT click on pop ups.

If you are having issues with your computer, take it to a reputable technician or someone you trust. Also DO NOT send money to someone you have never met online. If you are told to purchase gift cards or send money through Bitcoin DO NOT send it without speaking with a trusted relative, your bank, or law enforcement, it is going to be a scam. Once gift card numbers or account numbers are provided the money becomes nearly impossible to recover. Anytime a subject keeps adding additional “fees” or advises you not to tell anyone, not to tell your bank, or not to involve law enforcement, it is a scam.

Facebook ad offering cat for adoption leads to woman losing $7,000

Salina man became a victim of fraud, losing over $25,000 after clicking on a fraudulent pop-up through his computer.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Thursday, a 76-year old male reported that last week he received a fraudulent pop-up on his computer. The pop-up indicated his computer had "contracted a virus" and that he needed to call Microsoft, as a phone number was provided.

The man then contacted the number and connected with an individual, who stated he needed to send money via Bitcoin to solve the issue. He also received a call from someone claiming to be from the "fraud department" of his bank. The scammer instructed him to send a total of $15,700 in bitcoin.

Furthermore, the man went to a convenient store in town and purchased the full amount in bitcoin. He then sent the amount to the scammer and was advised to send an additional $9,590, which he sent.

The scammer told the man not to connect with local law enforcement or his bank, as this was an "ongoing investigation."

Afterwards, the scammer told the man send $24,300 through a Wells Fargo wire transfer. The man attempted to do so, but was denied access as the transfer was flagged as fraud.

However, according to SPD the victim is currently out $25,290.

SPD wants to advise community members when on computers or using social media be very careful. DO NOT click on pop ups.

If you are having issues with your computer, take it to a reputable technician or someone you trust. Also, DO NOT send money to someone you have never met online. If you are told to purchase gift cards or send money through Bitcoin DO NOT send it without speaking with a trusted relative, your bank, or law enforcement, it is going to be a scam. Once gift card numbers or account numbers are provided the money becomes nearly impossible to recover. Anytime a subject keeps adding additional “fees” or advises you not to tell anyone, not to tell your bank, or not to involve law enforcement, it is a scam.

Salina man loses over $25,000 after clicking on fraudulent pop-up 

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 1 - October 3

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 29 - October 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 26 - September 28

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weathe</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 24 - September 26

As Tuesday morning's showers continue throughout Central Kansas,&nbsp; flooding remains a possibility.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) the severity remains low for these scattered showers and storms throughout the region on Tuesday. However, heavy rainfall amounts and flooding are a possibility.&nbsp;

Please stay alert on the roadways and be safe while driving.

Flooding remains possible with Tuesday morning's showers 

The US National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita forecasts severe thunderstorms are expected to develop after midnight tonight and continue into Tuesday morning across Central Kansas.

According to NWS Wichita, these storms are likely to produce high rainfall rates, which may lead to flooding. Storms are expected to move in from the west after midnights, with most locations in Saline County after 3:00 am. The heaviest rainfall is likely between 4:00 am and noon Tuesday.

Saline County Emergency Management stated there is slightly lower confidence on how large hailstones may get, but the confidence is in the heavy rainfall and flooding potential has been increasing.

Severe storms with heavy rainfall amounts expected after midnight in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 22 - September 24

Scattered storms are possible to develop this evening across Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), these storms have a chance of occurring late tonight with stronger storms capable of producing hail up to quarter size. However, the severity is marginal and chances are low throughout the region.

Scattered storms possible to occur late tonight in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 19 - September 21

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said that Hamas must agree to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">a proposed peace deal</a>&nbsp;for Gaza by Sunday evening and threatened that the group will face more attacks if it doesn't.

“An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time,” Trump wrote Friday on social media. “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”

The Republican president unveiled the plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week.

Trump’s proposal would place Gaza under control of a temporary governing committee led by Trump himself. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would be involved as well.

Civilians would not be required to evacuate the territory, something that Trump had floated before. Hamas would be required to disarm and release any remaining hostages. Surviving fighters would be allowed to leave.

Hamas said Tuesday that it would study the proposal. Trump told reporters then that Hamas would have “three or four days” to respond.

Trump has struggled to force an end to the conflict, which began when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023</a>. His latest post on social media is another attempt to increase pressure on Hamas.

“Most of the rest are surrounded and MILITARILY TRAPPED, just waiting for me to give the word, ‘GO,’ for their lives to be quickly extinguished," Trump said. "As for the rest, we know where and who you are, and you will be hunted down, and killed.”

Trump sets final deadline for Hamas to agree to peace deal

MIAMI COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement in a Kansas community are warning residents to be vigilant report of a rare venomous snake&nbsp;

On October 1, a citizen called in an animal complaint regarding a snake that was found moving from 4th Street into the City Park across from the 1st Baptist Church at 4th and Elm Street, according to the Louisburg Police Department.

 Officers responded and along with other City Public Works crew discovered the snake which turned out to be a mature Copperhead reptile that was handled and removed from the area. Checks were made to insure there were no other snakes of this variety still crawling about. While it is uncommon to find this type of snake in populated locations since they tend to avoid most people, they are native to the region and can occasionally turn up. Please be vigilant when out and about in our parks and other areas where trees and thicker foliage can be near the trails and equipment and structures. 

If you do observe a snake or other wild animal, please try to avoid it as most often it is not wanting to to be near you as well. And if you are just not sure, please reach out to the local animal control to handle the creature to insure that there are no issues that might be a safety concern. The local animal control in Louisburg is the Louisburg Police Department. To reach them, call Dispatch at 837-2300 and request an Officer to respond. Thanks.

Police warn Kan. residents after rare venomous snake reported

MIAMI COUNTY— One person died in an accident just before 10a.m. Thursday in rural Miami County.

The Miami County Sheriff’s Office reported a 2015 Ram 1500 was eastbound on 231st Street and failed to stop at a stop sign at Waverly Road. The pickup collided with a southbound&nbsp;2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The impact&nbsp; forced the Chevy off the roadway and into a tree. The pickup left the roadway and rolled.

EMS transported the man driving the Chevrolet Cruze to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. EMS also transported the pickup driver to a hospital for treatment of&nbsp; life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release names of the victims.

The crash remains under investigation, according to the sheriff's office.

Kansas man dies after crash pushed car into a tree

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins attends a Missouri Right to Life rally in March in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/SECOND%20REVISED%20SUMMARY%20STATEMENT%20FOR%20HJR%2073.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3687540" target="_blank">latest version</a>&nbsp;of ballot language for a proposed abortion ban states the amendment would repeal a 2024 amendment after a Cole County judge said he had to be more specific.

The portion revised under court order now reads:

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

The previous ballot language used the word “amend” rather than “repeal.”

On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Daniel Green said that Hoskins’ first attempt was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-judge-orders-revised-ballot-language-repeal-abortion-rights/">“insufficient and unfair”&nbsp;</a>because it didn’t make clear that a current constitutional amendment would be repealed. Hoskins was charged with rewriting the ballot language after Green ordered that the initial wording by lawmakers also did not alert voters that<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-orders-revisions-to-ballot-language-for-missouri-abortion-ban-proposal/">&nbsp;it would repeal the voter-approved amendment.</a>

Like the previous attempt, the language does not explicitly state what is in the section of the constitution to be repealed. That was a key point in the arguments filed over the first effort, with opponents of the amendment saying the ballot language should say it would reinstate a ban on most abortions and attorneys for Hoskins telling Green voters could easily look it up if they wanted to know more.

The<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">&nbsp;proposed amendment drafted by Republican lawmakers</a>&nbsp;will appear before voters in November 2026, two years after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">&nbsp;Missourians codified the right to reproductive health care&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;including abortions up until fetal viability —&nbsp;in the state constitution.

Green previously ruled that the remaining bullet points are now acceptable. Hoskins did not make any changes to the summaries, which read:&nbsp;

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Under a new law enacted this year and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/24/judge-rules-unconstitutional-law-missouri-attorney-general-special-appeal-power/">upheld in a separate case by Green</a>, Hoskins has three attempts to submit ballot language that satisfies the court. If after that, Green still finds the language insufficient, the judge will rewrite it himself.

Hoskins was also responsible for writing the fair ballot statement that appears in polling places and on the office’s website that summarize what both a “yes” and “no” vote mean.

Green previously told Hoskins to rewrite the “fair ballot language” summary posted to the secretary of state’s website, calling the old language misleading for also failing to state abortion would be banned in most cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoskins’ latest ballot statement makes just one change by again swapping “amend” out for “repeal.”

This latest summary also states that a “yes” vote would guarantee women’s medical care under specific scenarios, including ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages, and allow abortions in the first 12 weeks festation in cases of rape or incest. It would also ban gender-affirming health care for minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A “no” vote, Hoskins wrote, in part, would “limit abortion” to specific scenarios.

Prior to the passage of the 2024 abortion rights amendment, nearly all abortions were illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies. The new proposed ban would broader access slightly to also allow abortions for survivors or rape or incest up to 12 weeks gestation, though it’s not yet clear if or how a survivor would need to prove the assault in order to receive medical care.

Missouri secretary of state submits second attempt at abortion ban ballot language

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ali-swenson">ALI SWENSON</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Army veteran Samuel Port couldn’t believe what he was reading in his latest weekly newsletter emailed from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-republicans-shutdown-negotiations-votes-health-care-29b11579bfc694a52b9e8e272a47bb91">blamed Senate Democrats for the federal shutdown</a>, saying they were blocking a stopgap bill to fund the government “due to unrelated policy demands.” It then listed various disruptions to veterans’ resources.

In Port’s view, the finger-pointing was inappropriate from a federal agency and lacked the context that Republicans, too, could have taken steps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">to keep the government funded</a>. He said it wore away any trust he had left in the VA to offer services without a political agenda.

“This blatant propaganda being spat out was astonishing,” said Port, a Virginia-based volunteer for the progressive advocacy organization Common Defense. “Then the astonishment turned into just anger that we’re being politicized like this.”

Port is among a growing number of Americans whose routine interactions with the federal government this week have been met with partisan messaging. As a Senate deadlock keeps the federal government unfunded, with no end in sight, some traditionally apolitical federal agencies are using their official channels to spread a coordinated political message: It’s the Democrats’ fault.

The rhetoric, popping up in bright-red webpage banners, email autoreplies and social media posts, lays blame on the political party that is out of power in Washington when both sides are refusing to accommodate the other.

Democrats, who have minorities in both the U.S. Senate and House, have demanded that a set of expiring health insurance tax credits be extended before they sign on to any deal. Republicans, who need several Democratic votes in the Senate, said those negotiations should wait until after the funding measure passes.

Experts say the communication strategy from across the federal government reflects how aligned President Donald Trump’s entire administration has become in targeting his political opponents.

Far more partisan than the straightforward alerts that typically grace agency websites during shutdowns, the messages are in keeping with Trump’s pattern of requiring loyalty and obedience at all levels of government.

“There’s really been a consistent and sustained effort to try to pull the entire bureaucracy in sync with what the president wants,” said Don Kettl, a professor emeritus and former dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. “The big risk here is that it erodes the fundamental trust that people have in government’s ability to be impartial.”

Several government websites blame Democrats

Many internet users noticed the first political postings from government agencies on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-warning-democrats-hatch-act-hud-d21afb79d01007bdd39a9211af1e2b99">before the shutdown began.</a>&nbsp;The website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development displayed a message warning that “The Radical Left are going to shut down the government and inflict massive pain on the American people unless they get their $1.5 trillion wish list of demands.”

That afternoon, employees across the federal government reported receiving messages from their agencies noting Trump’s general opposition to a shutdown.

It’s difficult to know with certainty how many federal agencies and departments are promoting the partisan language across websites, social media accounts and email messages. Of the 15 executive departments in Trump’s Cabinet, at least 10 posted messages this week that blamed Democrats or the “radical left” for the shutdown on their official websites or social media accounts.

The website of the Small Business Administration placed its message in a red banner that took up the entire screen on a smartphone. It said actions from Senate Democrats are preventing the agency “from serving America’s 36 million small businesses.” Other websites, including that of the Food and Drug Administration, told visitors that mission-critical activities would continue “during the Democrat-led government shutdown.”

Several other federal agencies and departments maintained politically neutral messages, noting simply that there might be delays in services or updates because of the lapse in funding.

Employee out-of-office messages are changed

At the Department of Education, out-of-office email messages were reset Wednesday with language blaming Democrats for the shutdown.

“On September 19, 2025, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5371, a clean continuing resolution,” the message said. “Unfortunately, Democrat Senators are blocking passage of H.R. 5371 in the Senate which has led to a lapse in appropriations.”

Some employees tried to change it to something nonpartisan only to see it reverted, according to an employee who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.

The White House isn’t shying away from the politics, displaying a by-the-second ticker on its website adding up the length of time for which “Democrats Have Shut Down the Government.”

Concerned citizens calling the White House comment line on Wednesday also heard a political voicemail message. In the recording, press secretary Karoline Leavitt repeats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-government-shutdown-health-care-immigrant-11b3ec0066407a17b407bc8e43962fd9">Trump’s false claim</a>&nbsp;that Democrats forced the government shutdown fight because they want to fund health care for illegal immigrants.

Ethics watchdogs said the political messages from government agency websites and emails exceed the level of partisanship they have seen in the past from the civil service.

Multiple experts said the messages also violate a 1939 law called the Hatch Act, which restricts certain political activities by federal employees. Kathleen Clark, a government ethics lawyer and law professor at Washington University, said they are “aimed at pursuing partisan political advantages” and therefore violate the law.

On Thursday, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee sent a letter to the Office of Special Counsel calling for an investigation into the messages for “apparent violations of the Hatch Act.”

Donald K. Sherman, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said he doesn’t think the messages violate the Hatch Act because they discuss the Democratic Party related to a policy difference rather than an election or a candidate. Still, he said, the postings might violate other ethics laws and are “wildly inappropriate.”

Veterans Affairs spokesman Pete Kasperowicz defended his agency’s email message, saying it was “100% factual.”

HUD Secretary Scott Turner said in a Wednesday night interview with NewsNation that he’s not worried about the Hatch Act allegations against his agency. He called them a “distraction” to deflect from “irresponsible actions on the Hill” and how “Americans are being impacted greatly by this government shutdown.”

Asked about the HUD website banner Thursday morning, House Speaker Mike Johnson said it shared “the objective truth.”

“There are 44 Democrats in the Senate — and by the way every Democrat in the House except one — who voted to shut the government down,” Johnson said in a press conference outside his office. “They are the ones that made that decision. The White House, the executive branch, take no pleasure in this.”

Associated Press writers Collin Binkley, Joey Cappelletti and Gary Fields i

Blame game on at federal agencies; messages fault Dems for the shutdown

NEW YORK (AP) — Lights, camera, action.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift's</a>&nbsp;12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” has arrived. Are you ready for it?

Swift announced her latest era&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-new-album-life-of-showgirl-c4262686b5b68ee210f7571b8716ab51">back in August,</a>&nbsp;when she began teasing the release.

Here's everything you need to know: how to stream, which variants exist, and of course, how the album came together. Enjoy the show!

How to listen to Swift's “The Life of a Showgirl”

“The Life of a Showgirl” is streaming on all major platforms, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-spotify-payments-work-92fca085fb56b763de5a96913d77fc1c">Spotify,</a>&nbsp;Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Fans were able to pre-save the album ahead of its release on Oct. 3. Pre-saving ensures the new music automatically appears in a fan’s library the moment it is available. It is also a way for an artist to promote streams ahead of the drop date.

Spotify announced Monday that Swift's album surpassed five million pre-saves on their platform to become the most pre-saved album in its history. The previous title holder? Her 2024 album&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-tortured-poets-department-review-b24d2275df5cf78ffa9069c61b9825ec">“The Tortured Poets Department.”</a>

In addition to the many streaming options, there will also be a digital-download variant of “The Life of a Showgirl” available via iTunes, featuring a new cover image and a nearly three-minute “exclusive video from Taylor herself detailing inspirations behind the album" labeled “A Look Behind the Curtain.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/target-corp">Target</a>&nbsp;is once again a major partner with Swift. Their stores are carrying three CD variants, titled as "It’s Frightening," “It’s Rapturous” and “It’s Beautiful” editions. There is also an exclusive vinyl release, “The Crowd Is Your King” edition in “summertime spritz pink shimmer vinyl.” Many Target locations will remain open past midnight on the day of release for superfans to pick up in real time.

There are a number of other vinyl variants as well: “The Tiny Bubble in Champagne Collection,” which features two vinyl variants described as “under bright lights pearlescent vinyl" and “red lipstick &amp; lace transparent vinyl.”

There is also “The Baby That’s Show Business Collection,” in two colorways: “lovely bouquet golden vinyl” and “lakeside beach blue sparkle vinyl.”

Then there's “The Shiny Bug Collection” in “violet shimmer marbled vinyl” and “wintergreen and onyx marbled vinyl.”

And of course, there is the standard LP and cassette, in “sweat and vanilla perfume&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-life-showgirl-orange-color-0a7e40dd51b4aae99ca1a67fbb5e7f89">Portofino orange vinyl.”</a>

Swift partially announced her 12-track&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-new-album-life-of-showgirl-c4262686b5b68ee210f7571b8716ab51">new album “The Life of a Showgirl”</a>&nbsp;on the “New Heights” podcast hosted by Travis Kelce —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">Swift’s fiance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-kelce">Kansas City Chiefs tight end</a>&nbsp;— and his brother, Jason Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles center.

In the full episode, Swift revealed she worked on the album in Sweden while she was on the “Eras Tour” — flying between dates to record, truly embodying the album’s title, “The Life of a Showgirl.” The entire album was completed with producers Max Martin and Shellback, who Swift previously collaborated with on 2012's “Red,” 2014's “1989” and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/taylor-swift-music-arts-and-entertainment-c29acbc0b521419cb362e720b32ec018">2017's “Reputation.”</a>&nbsp;Her frequent producing partner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jack-antonoff">Jack Antonoff</a>&nbsp;was not mentioned.

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