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Trump pushback, Biden 'disaster' and gender surprise: 5 key moments from Kansas Senate debate
Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton sparred over President Donald Trump, immigration, Iran, transgender athletes, artificial intelligence and personal controversies during a contentious Kansas Senate debate Wednesday night.
The hourlong showdown came less than two weeks before Election Day as Marshall seeks a second term and Hamilton, a longtime pastor, tries to become the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Kansas since 1932.
The race has drawn increased national attention as Republicans and Democrats battle for control of the Senate, with Trump traveling to Kansas earlier this week to campaign for Marshall.
Here are five moments that stood out from Wednesday night's debate.
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The debate wasted little time getting contentious, opening with questions about controversies that have fueled attacks against both candidates.
Marshall was confronted with a New York Times review that found his former medical practice sued more than 700 patients over unpaid bills.
"Every year we gave away $3 to $4 million of charity, but we also had a business," Marshall responded. "We had 300 employees, we had a mortgage payment, we had electric."
Hamilton, meanwhile, was questioned about his handling of allegations involving a volunteer at his church's summer camp who was accused of sexual abuse.
Hamilton acknowledged that he should have ensured the individual did not return to the camp following an initial investigation.
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"I should have checked to make sure that he wasn't going back," Hamilton said. "That was a mistake on my part."
Trump became part of the debate after moderators played footage from the president's campaign appearance for Marshall in Kansas earlier in the week.
"And at this election, I'm asking you to pretend, please, that I'm on the ballot. Just pretend," Trump told the crowd.
Marshall was then asked whether Trump's support meant Kansans should expect him to back every part of the president's agenda.
"No," Marshall responded, saying there had been "multiple times" when he objected to Trump.
Pressed to identify a specific disagreement, Marshall pointed to recent immigration enforcement in southwest Kansas and Trump's approach to beef imports.
"Just like with my wife, I can disagree with her. My wife is always right," Marshall joked. "And President Trump is not always right."
Marshall nevertheless urged Trump voters to turn out for him, arguing that electing Hamilton could help Democrats capture the Senate.
The two rivals found themselves in agreement when the moderator asked each candidate how many genders there are.
"There's two. There's a boy and there's a girl," Marshall said. "I delivered 5,000 of them and almost half were boys and half were girls."
"There are two genders, male and female," Hamilton responded.
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The candidates then turned to the debate over transgender participation in women's sports.
Hamilton said decisions over athletic eligibility should generally be made locally but was unequivocal about whether biological males should compete against females.
"I have a 12-year-old granddaughter. I don't want biological men or boys competing against her that could harm her," Hamilton said. "It's not a fair, fair fight."
Marshall argued that by high school, "boys need to be in boys sports, girls in girls sports," while accusing national Democrats of pushing "transgender ideology."
Hamilton later accused Marshall of using the issue to "pick on" and "bully" people.
Hamilton called for greater federal oversight of artificial intelligence and compared the emerging technology to the development of nuclear power and nuclear weapons.
"We developed a Nuclear Regulatory Commission. We need to do the same thing with AI," Hamilton said.
But when the moderator pressed him to identify specific federal regulations he would support, Hamilton acknowledged he did not yet have an answer.
"You know what? I'm not sure, to be honest," Hamilton said, arguing that even experts are struggling to understand the technology's potential dangers.
Marshall advocated a "light touch" approach focused on national security, transparency, protecting children and privacy, while slamming a one-size-fits-all global order for artificial intelligence advancement.
Hamilton pushed back sharply.
"This is an existential â potential existential threat to the human race," Hamilton said. "We can't just go with a light touch and hope everybody does their best."
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Hamilton sought to put distance between himself and former President Joe Biden when moderators challenged the Democrat over his claim that he would "lead from the middle."
The moderator pointed to Hamilton's past donations to Democrats, including Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris and Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., before asking him to identify a progressive policy he opposed.
"The Biden policies when it came to the border were a disaster," Hamilton responded. "I believe in strong and secure borders."
"I'm not somebody who favors the Socialist Party," Hamilton added. "I'm somebody who stands in the middle."
Hamilton also reiterated during the debate that he would not support Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for majority leader if Democrats capture control of the chamber.
Utah man charged with attempted hate crime after alleged threat to 'blow up' synagogue
A Utah man is facing several charges, including attempting to commit a hate crime, after he allegedly threatened to "blow up" a synagogue.
Skyler AJ Rose, 22, of Ogden, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday, on multiple federal charges, including possession of an unregistered destructive device, threatening to kill or injure people and destroy a building with an explosive, and attempting to commit a hate crime, among other offenses, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah.
"There is no place for hate motivated violence—attempts or otherwise—in our communities. A place of worship should be a refuge of safety, not fear," U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah said in a statement. "Thanks to the dedicated work of the FBI and the outstanding efforts of our local police partners, these alleged threats were identified and stopped before anyone was harmed. Let these charges serve as a clear warning: if you attack or attempt to attack a place of worship, you will face the full force of the federal government."
On Dec. 23, 2025, Rose allegedly made multiple threatening posts on social media, according to court documents.
"I wanna blow up a synagogue," one of the posts read, according to prosecutors.
An investigation was launched and authorities learned that the posts were made from an IP address tracing back to Rose's home. The FBI then contacted the Ogden City Police Department to assist, with a home visit where authorities said they confirmed the social media handle belonged to Rose.
Investigators executed a search warrant and recovered six improvised explosive pipe bombs and one inert device, explosive precursors and components that officials say could be used to construct further improvised explosive pipe bombs, a black Samsung cellphone and two rifles with accompanying magazines and ammunition, prosecutors said.
A subsequent search of Rose’s cellphone revealed that Rose searched online for a synagogue near him in November 2025.
"Today’s indictment stops in its tracks an alleged plan to carry out a violent attack on a synagogue," Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said in a statement. "The Department of Justice will take decisive action to protect American worshippers from violent threats, no matter where they occur."
Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI added that "no one should have to fear for their safety because of their faith."
"Every person deserves to worship freely, without threats, intimidation, or fear," Bohls said. "The FBI takes every threat seriously. Thanks to the swift, seamless collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we were able to address the threat and protect lives from potential physical harm."
The investigation also allegedly revealed evidence of child sexual abuse material on Rose's cellphone, including hundreds of cached images and screenshots depicting child sexual abuse material, according to prosecutors. Rose was also indicted on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography.
Rose's initial appearance is scheduled for Oct. 23 in federal court in Salt Lake City.
Rhamondre Stevenson's miraculous 48-yard touchdown stuns Bears as clock expires in first half
The final play of the first half between the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears on "Thursday Night Football" was the definition of: "What in the world did we just watch?"
After Luther Burden III scored for the Bears on third-and-17 near the red zone, Chicago went up 20-7 in the waning seconds of the second quarter. With the Bears getting the ball to start the third quarter, it would’ve been the perfect ending to the first half at home.
Keyword "would’ve."
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The Patriots took over with just 14 seconds left to play, but quarterback Drake Maye didn’t just kneel the clock out and head to the locker room. Instead, the Patriots were going to at least take a shot to get some points back before going to halftime.
After A.J. Brown hauled in his first catch of the night for 18 yards, the Patriots were near midfield for what should’ve been a Hail Mary attempt. But when Maye dumped the ball off to running back Rhamondre Stevenson, it seemed no points were coming the Patriots way in the end.
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But Stevenson found some space and waited for his teammates to make a couple of blocks. Then, the Bears defenders, who didn’t seem to have urgency to bring Stevenson down, over-pursued the veteran back, and he found a crease toward the end zone.
Stevenson sprinted into the end zone for a 48-yard score as the clock expired, shocking the entire Soldier Field crowd as the Bears were only up 20-14.
NextGenStats found that Stevenson only had a 4.3% chance of scoring once the ball hit his hands.
We’ll see if this miraculous touchdown will come back to haunt the Bears, who are playing their first home game since the passing of legendary coach Mike Ditka. The night began with a moment of silence for the Super Bowl-winning coach, while fans were given fake mustaches to replicate his iconic look.
But the Patriots came into this road game in primetime hoping to keep their momentum going, as they have now won three straight games.
Todd Benzinger, who caught the final out of the Reds' 1990 World Series sweep, dead at 63
Todd Benzinger, the first baseman who caught the final out of the Cincinnati Reds’ 1990 World Series sweep, died Wednesday at age 63. His cause of death has not been released.
A Cincinnati-area native, Benzinger was drafted out of high school by the Boston Red Sox in 1981. After two seasons in Boston, he was traded to his hometown Reds ahead of the 1989 season. His defining career moment came on Oct. 20, 1990, when he caught the game-ending out in foul territory against the Oakland Athletics, securing Cincinnati's most recent title.
The Reds posted on X:
"The Cincinnati Reds are saddened by the passing of former first baseman and 1990 World Series champion Todd Benzinger. Todd will be remembered with great affection and gratitude for his place in one of the most memorable chapters in Reds history. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, former teammates and all who knew and loved him."
The Reds traded Benzinger to the Kansas City Royals in 1991. He retired after the 1995 season, finishing a nine-year major league career with a .257 batting average, 733 hits, and 376 RBIs over 924 games.
Benzinger stayed active in local baseball after his playing days, managing Cincinnati's Class-A affiliate, the Dayton Dragons, from 2009 to 2010.
"Todd will forever be remembered by Reds fans for catching the final out of the 1990 World Series, but those of us who had the privilege of knowing him will remember so much more," said Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.
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"Todd remained close to the Cincinnati community and was a tremendous friend to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, generously participating in our events and sharing his time with fans. We will miss his friendship, his kindness and his presence in our community."
For Reds fans, Benzinger's glove reaching into the foul territory at the Oakland Coliseum remains the definitive image of Cincinnati's crowning baseball moment.
Rest in Peace.
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Super Bowl champion Marshall Faulk says he is living with Parkinson's disease
Super Bowl champion and Southern University football coach Marshall Faulk is facing a personal battle off the field. The Pro Football Hall of Famer announced Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Faulk, 53, said during an appearance on "The Caring Neurologist" podcast that medication has helped limit his symptoms to hand rigidity. He added that he believes the rigidity has not worsened during the year and a half he has been dealing with the disease because of his treatment. Faulk also said he has experienced "little tremors."
Faulk told host Dr. Sandeep Thakkar that he hopes speaking publicly about his diagnosis will help others. "I want to help as many people as I can," he said.
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Faulk initially dismissed the hand rigidity he experienced while golfing as normal nerves but grew concerned when it continued even when he was not competing.
"I just thought it was normal nerves when putting and stuff like that," he said. "But it started to be times where ... I was playing, but I wasn't in a match, and it would still do that. And I was like, 'Wow, is that something -- is that normal?' And the doctor was -- he literally was like, 'You need to go get checked.'"
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Faulk’s outlook was shaped in part by a dinner with Muhammad Ali, who also had Parkinson’s. He left that interaction thinking, "He’s all there," and said the diagnosis did not make him believe his life was over.
"So, knowing that, I didn't look at it like if I got a diagnosis, life was going to end," Faulk said. "I treat it like -- I've had a bunch of surgeries on my right knee. There's some parts in it that aren't mine, that aren't original. My back, you know, it hurts every once in a while."
Faulk was selected No. 2 overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1994 NFL Draft. The standout running back spent his first five NFL seasons in Indianapolis before joining the St. Louis Rams, where he played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl run during the 1999 season. Faulk was named NFL MVP the following year.
Faulk last played in an NFL game in 2005. He is a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Faulk was named Southern University’s head coach in November 2025 after serving as Colorado’s running backs coach under Deion Sanders earlier that year. Southern is 3-4 so far in Faulk's debut season.
NBA legend Charles Barkley says he won't 'burn every bridge' like Aaron Rodgers as he considers retirement
Charles Barkley is ready to pull the plug on television soon, and he wants zero part of the Aaron Rodgers farewell playbook.
During an appearance on SiriusXM, the 11-time NBA All-Star and 2006 Hall of Fame inductee laughed off any comparison between his own planned exit and the veteran quarterback's messy final tour.
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"But I tell you what though, I'm not gonna bury everybody going out the door like Aaron," Barkley said, roasting the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer. "I'm not gonna burn every bridge and talk bad about all my exes on my way out the door like he's doing."
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Barkley took aim at Rodgers' appearance on the Not Just Football podcast, where the quarterback focused heavily on his bitter family rift. Between jabs at exes and former teammates, Rodgers rehashed a decade of bad blood with his parents and brothers, Luke and Jordan. That feud went public during Jordan's 2016 stint on The Bachelorette, kicking off years of familial cold-shouldering and skipped family weddings.
Now in his 25th year on television, Chuck has built a beloved media career through brutal honesty.
Rodgers is currently grinding through his 22nd NFL season and is widely expected to finally hang 'em up once the season wraps.
Barkley's own retirement talk always comes with a massive grain of salt, as media peers routinely doubt whether he will actually follow through after teasing it for the better part of a decade.
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Still, after a quarter-century in the studio, Barkley insists his exit will be about gratitude, not grudges.
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'I basically snapped': New Jersey mayor charges at resident during chaotic council meeting
A New Jersey Republican mayor charged toward a resident during a chaotic township council meeting this week and had to be physically restrained as he shouted threats at the man, dramatic video shows.
Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini, a Republican, rushed toward the resident during Wednesday night's meeting before several people intervened and pulled him away.
The resident, Michael Sawka, is a vocal critic of the mayor, according to WPVI-TV.
"I'm getting you," Bianchini can be heard shouting.
Video of the meeting shows Bianchini lunging toward Sawka before being restrained by others in attendance.
As he was removed, Bianchini could be heard shouting additional threats at Sawka, including profanity.
Following the meeting, Bianchini admitted that he lost his temper.
"I just basically snapped," Bianchini told WPVI. "I hate to put it this way, but it's a long time coming."
The mayor acknowledged that his conduct was inappropriate.
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"I should not have said that," he told the station. "That was wrong. It was in the heat of the moment. I'm not gonna get anybody."
The confrontation happened while a recently fired township employee was addressing the council.
Bianchini and members of his family told WPVI that Sawka and another resident made rude comments toward the mayor's wife and daughter, who were seated in the room.
Sawka can be seen gesturing toward the back of the room before making an obscene gesture toward Bianchini, shortly before the mayor charged at him.
"Was it wrong? Absolutely. Was it justified? Absolutely. And I would do it again if I had to," Bianchini said.
He added, "Don't attack my family."
Sawka denied making comments directed at Bianchini's family and said he remained seated during the confrontation.
"I'm just sitting there. I never got up. I sat there the whole time. I was calm the whole time," he told WPVI.
Sawka filed a municipal court complaint Thursday seeking assault and terroristic threats charges against Bianchini, according to WPVI.
Police have not said whether they will pursue charges. Fox News Digital has reached out to Pemberton Township police for comment.
The Pemberton Township Democratic Club responded to the confrontation by saying the township deserves leaders who can "stay composed and professional" and urged residents to participate in the upcoming election, in which Bianchini is seeking to retain his position.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the mayor's office for comment.
Bears fans don Mike Ditka's famous mustache as franchise legend honored at first home game since death
For the first time since he passed away on Oct. 9, the Chicago Bears held a home game at Soldier Field, and it didn’t kick off until they honored their legendary coach on Thursday night.
Ditka, a Pro Football Hall of Famer as a tight end and a beloved Bears coach, died at age 86, and it hit the entire city of Chicago hard.
With their first home game back, it was expected that many Bears faithful would honor their former coach with his signature sweater, glasses and mustache combo.
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In fact, the Bears were handing out fake mustaches for fans to wear during the game – an ode to the most iconic facial hair in the city.
As fans showcased their love for Ditka with their attire and more, a moment of silence was held for him before kickoff.
"Tonight, we remember Mike Ditka, a Hall of Fame tight end and coach of the 1985 Super Bowl-champion Chicago Bears. Tough, strong and fearless, ‘Iron Mike’ will always belong to the Bears," the PA announcer said over the speakers.
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Before he led the Bears to a Super Bowl victory in 1985, he was a Super Bowl winner with the Dallas Cowboys as a player. But he was drafted by the Bears in 1961, becoming the first modern receiving tight end, while also being the first tight end selected to the Hall of Fame.
He won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1961, while making five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1961-65. He was also a five-time All-Pro.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," a statement from his family earlier this month read. "While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family.
"Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever."
After his illustrious playing career came to an end, Ditka worked his way into the head coaching role with the Bears, and he embodied everything the city and fan base was known for: no-nonsense, strong-willed people that showcased toughness and grit no matter the circumstances.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka," the Bears said in a statement. "Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable.
"His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations. We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka."
Ditka may, sadly, be gone, but his impact on the game, especially in Chicago, will live on forever.
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton moved to tears after long-awaited return from Achilles injury
Nearly 500 days had passed since Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton last played in a regular-season NBA game. On Wednesday, the two-time All-Star made his long-awaited return, scoring 23 points to help Indiana secure a 123-120 season-opening victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Haliburton was sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder went on to win the championship that year.
During Wednesday’s on-court postgame interview, the conversation took an emotional turn as Haliburton reflected on his long road back to the hardwood.
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Asked about his performance in the season opener and how much fun he had playing with his teammates, Haliburton became visibly emotional.
"It means a lot to be back out here," Haliburton said as he fought back tears.
"We've got a lot to pick up, the second quarter wasn't good. But, we're battle-tested so we finished this game the right way. Just really proud of this group."
Haliburton added: "... I’m just really thankful to be back out here."
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Haliburton came through in the closing minutes, making a key play that put the Pacers ahead for good after they had trailed by as many as 10 points.
Haliburton was particularly productive in the final quarter Wednesday, scoring 16 of his 23 points in that period.
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The Pacers experienced a significant drop-off without their star guard last season, finishing with just 19 wins. That was a far cry from the team that had come within one victory of winning an NBA championship the year before.
With Haliburton back, Indiana expects to contend in a competitive Eastern Conference. The Pacers host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday for their home opener.
Far-left podcaster calls for 'pistols firing' toward JD Vance, defeating him in 2028
Podcaster Jennifer Welch called for the defeat of Vice President JD Vance and urged people to keep "pistols firing" toward him, drawing criticism on social media Tuesday.
During a recent segment on the "I’ve Had It" podcast, Welch condemned Vance, arguing that, during his "woke era," he married second lady Usha Vance, an Indian American, and had children but now views his family as a burden as he seeks to portray himself as President Donald Trump's successor as leader of the MAGA movement.
"I don't know what Peter Thiel did to him. I can only imagine," she said of the billionaire megadonor who has been a longtime benefactor of Vance. "You can only imagine.
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"But he came out a complete antichrist-style sociopath," Welch continued.
"And considering that's all Peter Thiel talks about, the antichrist, when he himself acts like one and now his little protégé acts like one. JD Vance thinks two years from now he's going to be president of the United States, and we need to keep firing, pistols firing at all time towards this guy, because he is not fit to be a father.
"He's not fit to be a husband. He's not fit to be a vice president.
"He is a failed drag queen and a pathological liar to his core," she added. "And if he wants to inherit this cult, let him have it. Let him have it. And we will go to the polls and kick their a----."
The segment was widely shared on social media, drawing criticism from commentators.
Political rhetoric invoking violence, even when used metaphorically, has faced heightened scrutiny after the assassination attempts against President Donald Trump and the 2025 killing of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
Shortly after Kirk’s death in 2025, Welch laughed on her podcast as she shared footage of a "No Kings" protester celebrating Kirk’s death, adding that Democrats needed to cater to such voters going forward.
"So, listen up, Democratic establishment," Welch had said on her podcast. "You can either jump on board with this s---, or we're coming after you in the same way that we come after MAGA. Period."
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Elizabeth Pipko, host of "Made in America with Elizabeth Pipko" and a former Republican National Committee national spokesperson, spoke to Fox News Digital about the viral clip.
"The use of the word 'pistols' and the suggestion that people need to keep firing them at Vice President JD Vance is not just horrific and dangerous. It's the kind of rhetoric that raises serious questions about whether a threat has been made and whether authorities may need to investigate," Pipko said.
"But what makes these comments particularly disturbing is the context surrounding them," she continued. "Normally, when a public figure is condemned for inflammatory language, there's an argument that emotions got the better of them, that their words were taken out of context and that they never intended to suggest violence. Here, the rest of the statement strongly suggests otherwise.
"Jennifer Welch’s words show she knew what she was doing and saying and is proud of that, regardless of any potential risk to the vice president or his family," Pipko added. "And, frankly, I don't know where anyone finds the arrogance or cruelty to tell someone who they don’t know personally that they're unfit to be a husband or a father.
"Political disagreements are one thing. This is vile. You don't have to like JD Vance. You don't have to agree with a single policy he supports," she said.
"But condemning language that invokes violence against him should be the easiest thing in the world. And I sincerely hope that anyone on the left who encounters her or these comments chooses to speak out."
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The White House, Vance’s team and Peter Thiel did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.