A timeline of the rise and fall of George Santos — 10:08 p.m.
By the New York Times
The unraveling of George Santos began on Long Island nearly three years ago.
He seemed, at first, to be a fresh voice in the Republican Party, campaigning for Congress as a successful striver with Wall Street credentials and compelling personal connections to national tragedies.
He fashioned himself an enthusiastic supporter of Donald Trump and cut an unusual figure among Long Island Republicans as a young, gay son of Brazilian immigrants. But before he was even sworn in, much of his background was revealed to have been fabricated.
In the years that followed, a pugnacious Santos often seemed to bask in his notoriety — first insisting on his innocence before finally pleading guilty to a range of crimes last year. In between, he became the sixth member in the history of Congress to be expelled from the House of Representatives. In April, Santos was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for financial fraud. And on Friday, President Trump commuted his sentence.
Here’s a look back at his rise and fall.
Protesters called for Santos to be blocked from assuming office, outside the county courthouse in Garden City, N.Y., in December 2022.DAVE SANDERS/NYT‘No Kings’ protests return in Boston and across US, as organizers say Trump ramps up authoritarian practices — 9:37 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Big crowds are expected in thousands of places around the country Saturday in protests against what some are characterizing as increasingly authoritarian practices by the president.
It’s the second “No Kings” protest and the third mass movement against the administration this year, and it comes amid an intensifying conflict between federal law enforcement and protesters nationwide.
Some conservative critics have condemned the protests as “Hate America” rallies, while supporters say they represent a “patriotic” fight for First Amendment rights.
Here’s what to know, and see where rallies are taking place in Greater Boston.
Trump dropped an F-bomb. It wasn’t the first time, and the White House has embraced it online. — 9:08 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president talks plainly, bluntly, often even coarsely. But it’s rare he drops an actual f-bomb as cameras are rolling.
He did so Friday, when a journalist asked him about reports that Venezuela’s president offered concessions to try to reduce bilateral tensions.
“He has offered everything,” Trump responded. “He offered everything. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to f— around with the United States.”
It didn’t take long for the White House to promote Trump’s curse words, which helped underscore his administration’s hard-line stance toward Venezuela and the Maduro regime.
The administration’s rapid response account on the social platform X quickly pushed out a video of the f-bomb, accompanied by three fire emoji. It’s now the pinned post on the “RapidResponse47” account.
The official White House account, meanwhile, posted it with the acronym “FAFO,” meaning “f— around and find out.”
Vermont state senator to resign over offensive messages in GOP chat — 8:48 p.m.
By Paul Heintz, Globe Correspondent
A Vermont state senator who took part in a controversial group chat among fellow young Republicans said Friday he would resign his legislative seat early next week.
In a lengthy written statement, Senator Samuel Douglass, an Orleans County Republican, defended his actions but said the blowback he’d faced had imperiled the safety and wellbeing of his family. He said he also hoped to honor Republican Governor Phil Scott’s call for him to step down.
“I know that this decision will upset many, and delight others, but in this political climate I must keep my family safe,” Douglass wrote. “And if my Governor asks me to do something, I will act, because I believe in what he’s trying to do for the state of Vermont.”
Douglass had faced bipartisan calls for his resignation since Tuesday, when Politico published a story featuring the leaked messages of young Republican leaders who took part in a private chat group. Many of those messages included racist, sexist, and antisemitic language.
Vermont State Senator Samuel Douglass.Vermont General Assembly
US and UN sanction former Haitian security head, gang leader — 8:38 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The sanctions on Dimitri Herard and Kempes Sanon are for their roles in criminal gang activities that have destabilized the impoverished Caribbean nation.
The U.S. Treasury Department said the two supported a coalition of gangs that the Trump administration designated as a foreign terrorist organization this year.
The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution hours later ordering all 193 U.N. member nations to freeze the men’s assets and impose a travel ban. The resolution also imposes an arms embargo on Haiti.
Herard was head of presidential security when President Jovenal Moise was assassinated in 2021. He was imprisoned in connection with the assassination. After escaping in 2024, he “colluded” with Haiti’s most powerful gang coalition, Viv Ansanm, Treasury said in a statement.
Sanon heads the Bel Air gang, one of many groups in Viv Ansanm. Treasury and the U.N. also accused him of extortion, kidnapping, illicit taxation and human rights violations.
By the Associated Press
The White House joined the social media platform of choice for many in the left-leaning online world Friday.
In its inaugural post, it offered a sizzle reel of administration memes, trolls and messages from President Trump’s nine months since returning to office. The post appeared aimed at tweaking liberals who are not his fans.
It included mentions of the administration’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico; a doctored image of Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries with a sombrero and faux mustache standing beside Sen. Chuck Schumer; and photos and video from other moments in Trump’s second term.
“What’s up, Bluesky?” the White House said in a message accompanying the video. ”We thought you might’ve missed some of our greatest hits, so we put this together for you. Can’t wait to spend more quality time together!”
Trump offers US automakers additional relief from his tariffs on auto parts — 7:53 p.m.
By the Associated Press
He is extending what was supposed to be a short-term rebate until 2030. It’s part of a proclamation signed Friday that also made official a 25% import tax on medium and heavy duty trucks, starting Nov. 1.
The action reflects administration efforts to use tariffs to promote American manufacturing while also trying to shield the auto sector from higher costs that Trump’s import taxes have created for parts and raw materials.
The rebate initially announced in April had been set to be lowered and then expire in 2027. At the time Trump described it as short-term aid “during this little transition” with the expectation that automakers would move production lines back to the U.S.
The extension and adjustments came after conversations with the industry, senior administration officials said. The goal is to expand domestic production and make it more competitive. The officials insisted on anonymity as a condition for talking to reporters ahead of the signing.
Trump: Santos ‘a rogue’ but sentence overly harsh — 7:21 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue,’” the president said of the former congressman from New York, who pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
He added, “but there are many rogues throughout our Country that aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison.”
The remark came Friday on Trump’s social media platform as he announced the commutation of Santos’ sentence.
Trump urges Ukraine and Russia to stop war ‘immediately,’ implies Moscow keeping territory it has taken — 7:19 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Not long after hosting Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and his team for talks, Trump posted online: “Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts.”
He added, “They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”
Later, after arriving in Florida for the weekend, Trump urged both sides to “stop the war immediately” and implied that Moscow would keep territory taken from Kyiv.
“You go by the battle line wherever it is — otherwise it’s too complicated,” Trump told reporters.
In recent weeks he had shown growing impatience with Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed greater openness to helping Ukraine win the war.
But with his latest comments, he appeared to be edging back in the direction of pressing Ukraine to give up on retaking land lost to Russia.
Memphis Democratic officials sue Tennessee governor over National Guard deployment — 7:05 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The lawsuit was filed by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and other officials. It argues that Gov. Bill Lee unilaterally sending the troops into the city at Trump’s request violated the state constitution.
The lawsuit cites the state constitution, which says the guard “shall not be called into service except in case of rebellion or invasion, and then only when the General Assembly shall declare, by law, that the public safety requires it.” The General Assembly is the state Legislature.
Lee and state Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti are named as defendants. They did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Trump announced last month that the guard would be combat crime in Memphis alongside authorities from federal agencies as part of a Memphis Safe Task Force.
The governor recently praised the task force ands said Memphis was in a unique spot to have the resources available “to remove the crime element.”
Santos lawyer: ‘very, very happy with the decision’ to commute sentence — 6:44 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“The defense team applauds President Trump for doing the right thing,” Andrew Mancilla said by phone. “The sentence was far too long.”
He added that it is unclear at this point when Santos will be released.
By the Associated Press
Former U.S. Rep. Santos appealed to the administration within hours of receiving his sentence, insisting in social media posts and interviews that it was overly harsh and politically motivated.
A prominent former colleague, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, also urged the White House to commute his sentence, saying in a letter days into his prison term that it was “a grave injustice” and a product of judicial overreach.
Santos was serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges.
The judge in Santos’ case agreed with prosecutors that a stiffer sentence was warranted because he did not seem remorseful, despite what he and his lawyers claimed.
Friday’s commutation is Trump’s latest high-profile act of clemency for former Republican politicians. Others include pardons for former Rep. Michael Grimm and former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland.
Trump says he has commuted the sentence of former US representative George Santos in federal fraud case — 6:15 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president made the announcement Friday regarding George Santos, who is serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges.
The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people — including his own family members — to make donations to his campaign.
He reported to Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, in southern New Jersey, on July 25 and is being housed in a minimum-security prison camp with fewer than 50 other inmates.
“I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump posted on his social media platform
Wall Street rises to finish its best week in 2 months after bank stocks stabilize — 6:00 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The S&P 500 rose 0.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 238 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.5%.
The gains capped the best week for the S&P 500 since early August, but it was a roller-coaster ride. Indexes careened through several jarring swings as worries built about the financial health of small and midsized banks as well as the souring trade relationship between the United States and China.
Some of the nervousness around those trade tensions eased Friday after Trump said the very high tariffs he threatened for Chinese imports are not sustainable.
Trump also told Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” that he would meet with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, at an upcoming conference in South Korea. That was counter to an earlier, angry post he made on social media in which he said there seemed to be “no reason” for such a meeting.
Zelensky cautiously responds to Trump’s call for Ukraine and Russia to end war now — 5:37 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Zelenskyy told reporters after the meeting that it is time for a ceasefire and negotiations. He appeared to stop short of embracing Trump’s call for an immediate end to the war and for the two sides to “stop where they are.”
“The president is right, we have to stop where we are, and then to speak,” Zelenskyy said.
Trump said again Friday that Putin and Zelenskyy feel hatred toward each other, making direct negotiations difficult.
“It’s not about feelings, to me or any other Ukrainian,” Zelenskyy said. “They attacked us, so they are an enemy for us. They don’t intend to stop. So they are an enemy. It is not about someone just hating someone else. Although, undoubtedly, we hate the enemy. Undoubtedly.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to reporters in Lafayette Park across the street from the White House, following a meeting with President Donald Trump, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Washington.Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated PressTrump calls on Kyiv and Moscow to ‘stop where they are’ and end the war — 5:01 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts,” Trump said in a Truth Social post following his meeting with Zelenskyy. “They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide.”
Catholic bishops denounce Trump administration IVF initiative — 4:19 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Three bishops who chair important committees for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops assailed new moves by the Trump administration to reduce the cost of in vitro fertilization.
“We strongly reject the promotion of procedures like IVF that instead freeze or destroy precious human beings and treat them like property,” the bishops said Friday.
“Without diminishing the dignity of people born through IVF, we must recognize that children have a right to be born of a natural and exclusive act of married love, rather than a business’s technological intervention,” their statement said. “And harmful government action to expand access to IVF must not also push people of faith to be complicit in its evils.”
The bishops were Robert Barron, chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; Kevin Rhoades, chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty; and Daniel Thomas, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow deployment of National Guard in Chicago area — 4:13 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Trump administration’s request Friday escalates the president’s conflict with Democratic governors over using the military on US soil.
The emergency appeal to the high court came after a judge prevented, for at least two weeks, the deployment of Guard members from Illinois and Texas to assist immigration enforcement.
Illinois State Police move protesters back after declaring an unlawful assembly outside the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. Adam Gray/Associated PressZelensky and Trump have finished their meeting — 4:07 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The two spent more than two hours with top advisers.
The lunch meeting went much longer than planned, according to a senior Ukrainian official who was not authorized to talk to the media and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Bessent to speak and later meet Chinese counterpart, as trade tensions de-escalate — 3:28 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he will speak with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Friday evening and that the delegations led by the two men will meet in Malaysia “probably a week from tomorrow” to prepare for a leaders summit.
“I think that things have de-escalated,” Bessent said Friday in the White House.
Tensions flared last week when Beijing expanded export controls on rare earths materials, a move Bessent called an “unprovoked escalation.” In response, Trump threatened to impose a new 100 percent tariff on China.
But tensions appear to have eased this week. Trump on Friday said he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in “a couple of weeks” in South Korea.
Bessent said he and He, when meeting in Malaysia, will prepare for the two presidents to meet. “I am confident that President Trump, because of his relationship with President Xi, will be able to get things back on a good course,” Bessent said.
Trump budget chief announces pause on several Corps of Engineers projects — 3:20 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump budget chief Russ Vought says that as part of the government shutdown the US Army Corps of Engineers will pause more than $11 billion in “lower-priority projects” and consider them for cancellation.
He specifically blamed Democrats for the shutdown and listed New York City, San Francisco, Boston and Baltimore as locations where projects would be paused.
He said more information would come from the Corps, which maintains waterways to support navigation, helps communities protect against storm damage and cleans sites with hazardous materials.
Vought’s announcement on X follows the administration’s announcement that it would put on hold roughly $18 billion in transportation funding for the New York City area and the cancellation of $7.6 billion in grants for clean energy projects in 16 states, all of which voted for Democrat Kamala Harris in last year’s presidential election.
The Democrat shutdown has drained the Army Corps of Engineers’ ability to manage billions of dollars in projects. The Corps will be immediately pausing over $11 billion in lower-priority projects & considering them for cancellation, including projects in New York, San Francisco,…
— Russ Vought (@russvought) October 17, 2025
Supreme Court will close to public until shutdown ends — 3:18 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The building will remain open for official business and the justices’ work will be unaffected, court spokeswoman Patricia McCabe said Friday.
But beginning Monday, visitors to Washington will no longer have access to the 90-year-old courthouse atop Capitol Hill while the government remains shut down.
The next round of arguments, including a big test of President Donald Trump’s authority to levy tariffs, takes place the first week of November. Those arguments will take place as scheduled, even if the government hasn’t reopened, McCabe said.
House pro-forma session passes without swearing in for Arizona congresswoman-elect — 2:51 p.m.
By the Associated Press
In a pro-forma session, the House is briefly opened but legislative business is not typically conducted. Republicans closed another such session Friday without allowing the swearing in of Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election last month.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to allow Grijalva to take her office while he keeps the House out of Washington during the shutdown. Grijalva would also provide the last signature needed to force a vote on a bill to make the Department of Justice release case files on Jeffrey Epstein — legislation that Johnson opposes.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said earlier that the Arizona attorney general would take legal action against Johnson if Grijalva was not sworn in Friday.
With no takers yet, White House holds meeting with colleges weighing ‘compact’ — 2:44 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The White House asked five universities to join a Friday call to discuss the offer, which would provide favorable access to federal funding in return for commitments in line with Trump’s priorities.
It follows rejections from four of the nine universities invited to sign on. The White House asked college leaders to provide initial feedback by Oct. 20, yet so far none have agreed to the deal.
Those that have not yet announced a decision are Dartmouth College, the University of Arizona, the University of Texas, the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University.
The compact has stirred a wave of pushback from critics who say it would restrict free speech and cede sweeping control to the government.
With cameras rolling live, Trump again drops an F-bomb — 2:37 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump was asked about reports that the Venezuelan government offered a plan rejected by the U.S. in which President Nicolás Maduro would agree to eventually leave power.
“He’s offered everything, Trump said. He added, “Because he doesn’t want to f— around with the United States.”
In June, when Trump was frustrated with Israel and Iran attacking each other after a ceasefire, he told a group of reporters that the countries had “been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f— they’re doing.”
Trump confirms US strike on alleged ‘drug-carrying submarine’ in the Caribbean — 2:25 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“We attacked a submarine, and that was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs” Trump said while hosting the Ukrainian president at the White House.
Secretary of State Rubio did not dispute that there were survivors, but he repeatedly said details would be forthcoming.
FEMA staff protest cuts outside agency headquarters — 2:09 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Current and former staff of the Federal Emergency Management Agency demonstrated against workforce and program cuts during a “FEMA Solidarity Rally” on Friday, a potentially risky act of protest because some of the same staffers were placed on leave after signing a public dissent letter in August.
A few dozen people gathered outside the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., calling on Trump to stop dismantling the agency and for its acting chief, David Richardson, to resign, among other demands.
The agency has been in upheaval since January, with some states waiting nearly two months for disaster declarations to be approved and huge cuts to resilience and preparedness funding. About 18 percent of the agency’s permanent full-time employees had departed as of June, including 24 senior-level staffers.
Trump says Putin was ‘very generous’ praising him for peacemaking efforts — 2:07 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president said his Russian counterpart was speaking on their call Thursday about Trump’s efforts to solve global conflicts and “said it was amazing.”
Trump then again complained that he didn’t get the Nobel Peace Prize this year, saying, “Somebody got it who’s a very nice woman.”
Despite his complaint, he then insisted he was unbothered.
“I don’t care about all that stuff. I just care about saving lives,” he said.
Zelensky suggests he’s interested in trading Ukrainian military drones for Tomahawk missiles — 2:00 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Ukrainian leader said that while his country has thousands of military drones, they don’t have the strong missiles that the US makes and suggested both countries can work together for their military goals.
Trump, when asked if the US was interested in such a deal, said, “We are.”
He said that drone warfare has “really come to the fore” over the last few years because of the Russia-Ukraine war.
US President Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 17, 2025. TOM BRENNER/AFP via Getty ImagesTrump says he understands why Hungary still buys Russian oil, despite his calls to cut off purchases — 1:57 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump has long said he would place tariffs to stop Russia’s war in Ukraine, so long as other countries in NATO stopped importing Russian oil. But while meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump seemed to defend Hungary’s purchases of Russian oil.
“Hungary is sort of stuck because they have one pipeline that’s been there for years and years and years, and they’re inland,” Trump said. “I spoke with the very great leader of Hungary, and they are, you know, it’s very hard for them to get oil. I understand it.”
Trump plans to meet with Putin in Budapest, Hungary, saying he agreed to the location because he likes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
The US president repeated his previous claims that India will not be purchasing oil from Russia at some point in the future, saying that the country has “already deescalated.”
It’s not clear whether Zelensky will join Trump’s meeting in Hungary with Putin — 1:55 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“To be determined” Trump said as he met with Zelensky in the Cabinet room at the White House.
He said it most likely will be a “double meeting,” but that Zelensky would be in touch throughout.
Trump said there is “bad blood” between Putin and Zelensky.
“These two leaders do not like each other and we want to make it comfortable for everybody,” he said.
Zelensky congratulates Trump over landing last week’s ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza — 1:53 p.m.
By the Associated Press
At the start of his talks with Trump, Zelensky said the US president now has “momentum” to stop the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“President Trump now has a big chance to finish this war,” Zelensky added.
Zelensky arrives at White House to meet with Trump — 1:35 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Ukrainian president arrived at the White House at 1:25 pm EDT on Friday, greeted by members of the US military holding state flags.
It’s the fourth meeting between Zelensky and Trump as they’ve sought to resolve Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump spoke separately on Thursday by phone with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and plans to meet with him in roughly two weeks in Budapest, Hungary.
President Trump, left, greets Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/Associated PressFederal courts are being forced to cut back because of the shutdown — 1:29 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Beginning Monday, courts around the country will maintain limited operations, the federal judiciary said Friday.
Federal judges will continue to serve and be paid, but other court employees will work without pay for now, or be furloughed. Decisions are being made by courthouse by courthouse.
Zelensky wants to interest Trump in an energy deal with Ukraine — 1:27 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Ukrainian president isn’t just coming to the White House in search of military aid. He also has a business pitch for Trump that revolves around fossil fuels.
Ukrainian officials have indicated that Zelensky is looking to offer to store US liquefied natural gas in Ukraine’s gas storage facilities, which would allow for American presence in the European energy market.
Zelensky previewed the strategy Thursday in meetings with Energy Secretary Chris Wright and the heads of American energy companies. Zelensky posted pictures of the meeting on X and said that it is important to restore Ukraine’s energy infrastructure after Russian attacks and expand “the presence of American businesses in Ukraine.”
Trump meets with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli — 1:19 p.m.
By the Associated Press
It wasn’t clear why Trump was holding the meeting at the White House shortly before he was due to meet with Ukraine’s president.
A White House aide posted a photo of Trump meeting with Bocelli in the Oval Office while Bocelli’s music blared from speakers in the Rose Garden.
The music could be heard on the North Lawn, where Zelensky was due to arrive any moment.
Friday’s arrests at Chicago-area ICE facility protest rises — 1:02 p.m.
By the Associated Press
As of midday, 11 people have been arrested outside the Broadview facility. Law enforcement is urging demonstrators to stay in designated “protest zones.”
The ICE facility has been the site of tense protests in recent weeks. Federal agents previously used tear gas and other chemical agents on protesters and journalists.
Illinois State Police said some protesters blocked a street outside the facility Friday and ignored requests to move to the designated protest area.
Kat Abughazaleh, a protester and congressional candidate, expressed outrage. “A free speech zone implies that everywhere else is not a free speech zone,” she said.
Abughazaleh said she was hit in the face with a baton Friday and saw a woman pushed to the ground by officers.
Police clash with demonstrators in the street outside of the “Free Speech Zone” near the immigrant processing and detention center on October 17, 2025 in Broadview, Illinois. Scott Olson/GettyTrump calls the 100% tariff on China ‘not sustainable’ — 12:46 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump said the new 100% tariff he’s threatened on Chinese goods is “not sustainable,” in an interview with Fox News that aired Friday.
The president said he was “forced” to consider the high tariff because of China’s new export controls on rare earths, used in products from smartphones to jet planes.
Trump said he hopes to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on an upcoming Asia trip, and played down further tensions with China. “I think we’re going to do fine with China,” Trump said.
Trump also blamed former President Richard Nixon for opening the floodgate to doing business with China. “He allowed this to happen. You know he was the one, he opened China,” Trump said. “He unleashed it. And we have a very strong adversary, and they only respect strength.”
Nixon helped establish communications between the two governments when he visited the communist country in 1972, which led to the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1979.
Bolton leaves courthouse after pleading not guilty — 12:28 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Bolton was ordered released from custody after making his appearance before a judge in the third Justice Department case brought in recent weeks against an adversary of the Republican president.
Nine protesters arrested outside Chicago-area ICE facility — 12:01 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Nine people were arrested Friday morning during protests at the west Chicago suburb of Broadview, where tense demonstrations have taken place for weeks outside an ICE facility.
Federal agents have previously used tear gas and other chemical agents on protesters and journalists in the area, leading to a lawsuit from a coalition of news outlets and protesters.
One person was arrested for obstructing or resisting officers while the others were still pending charges Friday morning, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s office.
US has seized survivors after strike on suspected drug-carrying vessel in Caribbean, AP source says — 11:52 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Two US officials have confirmed to The Associated Press that the US military has carried out a sixth, deadly strike in the Caribbean.
One of the officials said the strike, conducted on what is believed to be a semi-submersible or submersible vessel, killed at least one person and left behind at least two survivors. Both officials were granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
The investigation into Bolton began under the Biden administration — 11:46 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The investigation appears to have followed a more conventional path toward indictment than other recent cases against perceived Trump enemies, who were charged by Trump’s hand-picked US attorney in Virginia over the concerns of career prosecutors.
Bolton has signaled he will argue he is being targeted because of his criticism of the president, describing the charges as part of a Trump “effort to intimidate his opponents.”
Bolton pleads not guilty to charges of sharing classified information — 11:28 a.m.
By the Associated Press
John Bolton pleaded not guilty to charges accusing the former Trump national security adviser turned critic of emailing classified information to family members and keeping top secret documents at his Maryland home.
Bolton did not comment to reporters as he entered the courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, where he made his initial appearance before a judge on the 18-count indictment brought against him on Thursday.
It’s third criminal case brought in recent weeks by the Justice Department against a Trump adversary, and is unfolding against the backdrop of growing concerns that the Republican president is using the law enforcement agency to seek retribution against his perceived enemies.
As Trump puts his stamp on America’s 250th birthday, the party turns partisan — 11:20 a.m.
By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe Staff
The Instagram page for America250 was a haven of nonpartisan patriotism throughout the summer as it sought to build momentum for the nation’s milestone birthday bash on July 4, 2026.
The official account for the congressionally authorized commission organizing the commemoration highlighted notable anniversaries — Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech,” the creation of the National Park Service, the dates that half-a-dozen states joined the Union. It also tried to engage followers with quizzes and polls, such as choosing “the most American food ever” (winner: the hot dog).
Then on Sept. 11, a different kind of post appeared on the page.
“America is in mourning. God bless Charlie Kirk,” it read under a black-and-white photo of the conservative activist, who had beenassassinated the day before.
The reaction was immediate.
“Crazy political for America 250,” one commenter wrote. “What about the politicians in Minnesota and the countless souls lost in school shootings?” wrote another. While some people said they supported the post and it received more than 1,200 likes, the majority of the comments were negative. Numerous people vowed to unfollow the account.
A large banner of President Trump outside the Labor Department last month in Washington, D.C. Craig Hudson/For the Washington Post
US blocks global fee on shipping emission — 10:47 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The US has blocked a global fee on shipping emissions as an international maritime meeting ended Friday without adopting new regulations.
The world’s largest maritime nations had been discussing ways to move the shipping industry away from fossil fuels.
On Thursday, Trump urged countries to vote against the regulations. The International Maritime Organization adjourned its meeting Friday.
The proposed regulations would have set a marine fuel standard and imposed fees for emissions above allowable limits. Shipping emissions have grown to about 3 percent of the global total, prompting calls for action.
Trump says he expects more countries to join Abraham Accords ‘soon’ — 9:53 a.m.
By the Associated Press
With a cease-fire and hostage deal Israel and Hamas continuing to hold, Trump says he’s optimistic that more Middle East and Muslim countries will move to normalize relations with Israel.
The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco forged diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel through Trump’s first-term effort dubbed the Abraham Accords. Trump now wants to quickly build on that effort and believes that Saudi Arabia—the region’s biggest economic power—could now be amenable.
Trump in an interview with Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures added that Israel and US strikes earlier this year that set back Iran’s nuclear program could also inform Riyadh’s calculations about joining the accords.
“I hope to see Saudi Arabia go in, and I hope to see others go in,” Trump said. “I think when Saudi Arabia goes in, everybody goes in.”
By the Associated Press
Bolton did not comment to reporters as he entered the courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, where he is expected to make an initial appearance before a judge on the 18-count indictment brought against him on Thursday.
Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton, left, arrives for his arraignment at the Greenbelt Federal Courthouse in Greenbelt, Md.Rod Lamkey/Associated PressSenators introduce resolution to restrain US from attacking Venezuela — 9:02 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, along with Senators Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, and Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, will again test Senate Republicans’ willingness to put a check on President Donald Trump’s war powers, this time with a resolution that would prevent Trump from attacking Venezuela without congressional authorization.
Kaine argues that the US is engaged in hostilities with Venezuela and that the War Powers Resolution ”was designed specifically to enable Congress to try to stop a war.”
The senators can force a Senate vote on the resolution in the coming weeks. It’s meant to build political pushback on the Trump administration’s aggressions in the region.
John Bolton arrives at courthouse, accused of sharing classified information — 8:48 a.m.
By the Associated Press
John Bolton has arrived at a federal courthouse to surrender to authorities on charges accusing him of sharing classified information.
The former Trump administration national security adviser is accused of storing top secret records at home and sharing with relatives diary-like notes that contained classified information.
Bolton’s lawyer says Bolton “did not unlawfully share or store any information.” Bolton is expected to appear later Friday in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland. It’s the third case to be filed against a Trump adversary in the past month.
There are concerns that the Justice Department is pursuing the Republican president’s political enemies while at the same time sparing his allies from scrutiny.
Trump approval on Israel up after Gaza cease-fire, poll shows — 8:45 a.m.
By the Associated Press
A new AP-NORC poll finds that more US adults support Trump’s handling of the conflict in Israel after he brokered a cease-fire deal in Gaza, but his approval ratings on domestic issues remain weak.
The survey reveals that Trump’s apparent success on the world stage has not improved his overall standing at home. Even some of those who voted for him believe he needs to do more to address issues such as the economy, health care and immigration.
The poll was conducted Oct. 9-13, after the ceasefire deal was announced. About 4 in 10 US adults approve of the way Trump is handling his job overall, unchanged from September.
Orbán celebrates Hungary’s host status for Trump-Putin meeting — 8:44 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has celebrated his country’s role as the host for upcoming talks between Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
The leaders are expected to discuss ending the war in Ukraine when they meet in Budapest. Trump said Thursday the meeting would take place in about two weeks. Orbán, a close ally of Trump and Putin, suggested Hungary’s opposition to Western military aid to Ukraine influenced the decision.
Hungary has refused to supply Ukraine with weapons and has resisted EU sanctions against Russia. The meeting’s location holds symbolic significance, as Budapest was where the 1994 agreement on Ukraine’s sovereignty was signed.
Former NSA adviser expected to appear in court — 8:39 a.m.
By the Associated Press
John Bolton, the former Trump administration national security adviser, is accused of storing top secret records at home and sharing with relatives diary-like notes that contained classified information. Bolton’s lawyer says Bolton “did not unlawfully share or store any information.”
John Bolton leaves his home on October 17, 2025 in Bethesda, Maryland. Alex Kent/Getty
Bolton is expected to appear later Friday in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland. It’s the third case to be filed against a Trump adversary in the past month. There are concerns that the Justice Department is pursuing the Republican president’s political enemies while at the same time sparing his allies from scrutiny.
Orbán celebrates Hungary as ‘the only place in Europe’ where a Trump-Putin meeting can be held — 3:32 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Friday celebrated his country’s status as the host of upcoming talks between President Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, a meeting where the two leaders are expected to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine.
Trump on Thursday announced his second meeting this year with Putin a day before he was to sit down with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. A date for the meeting has not been set, but Trump said it would take place in Hungary’s capital, Budapest, and suggested it could happen in about two weeks.
Speaking to state radio on Friday, Orbán, a close Trump ally and considered Putin’s closest partner in the European Union, suggested that his long-standing opposition to the West supplying Ukraine with military and financial aid to assist in its defense against Russia’s invasion had played a role in making Budapest the site of the talks.
Democrats say Trump needs to be involved in shutdown talks. He’s shown little interest in doing so. — 2:49 a.m.
By the Associated Press
President Trump is showing little urgency to broker a compromise that would end the government shutdown, even as Democrats insist no breakthrough is possible without his direct involvement.
Three weeks in, Congress is at a standstill. The House hasn’t been in session for a month, and senators left Washington on Thursday frustrated by the lack of progress. Republican leaders are refusing to negotiate until a short-term funding bill to reopen the government is passed, while Democrats say they won’t agree without guarantees on extending health insurance subsidies.
For now, Trump appears content to stay on the sidelines.
Ahead of Zelensky meeting, Trump shows signs he might not be ready to send Kyiv Tomahawk missiles — 1:27 a.m.
By the Associated Press
President Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for talks at the White House on Friday, with the US leader signaling he’s not ready to agree to sell Kyiv a long-range missile system that the Ukrainians say they desperately need.
Zelenskyy gets his one-on-one with Trump a day after the US president and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a lengthy phone call to discuss the conflict.
In recent days, Trump had shown openness to selling Ukraine long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, even as Putin warned that such a move would further strain the US-Russian relationship.
A war on drugs or a war on terror? Trump’s military pressure on Venezuela blurs the lines. — 12:18 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Under President Trump, the drug war is looking a lot like the war on terror.
To support strikes against Latin American gangs and drug cartels, the Trump administration is relying on a legal argument that gained traction after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, which allowed US authorities to use lethal force against al-Qaida combatants who attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
The criminal groups now being targeted by US strikes are a very different foe, however, spawned in the prisons of Venezuela, and fueled not by anti-Western ideology but by drug trafficking and other illicit enterprises.