Trump Orders Pentagon to Prioritize Troop Pay During Federal Shutdown
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
WASHINGTON (Oct. 19, 2025) — As the federal government shutdown entered its second week, President Donald Trump on Saturday directed the Department of Defense to use “all available funds” to ensure that U.S. military personnel continue receiving their paychecks without interruption.
In a statement from the White House, Trump said the order was issued to “guarantee that no member of our Armed Forces faces financial hardship because Congress failed to act.” The move comes as lawmakers remain deadlocked over a funding package that would reopen much of the federal government.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the directive during a press briefing at the Pentagon, saying the department would comply immediately. “The President has instructed us to identify all legally available funding sources to maintain pay for active-duty, reserve, and National Guard service members,” Austin said. “Our commitment to those who serve our nation will not waver during this period of uncertainty.”
While the order ensures continued military pay, it does not extend to the hundreds of thousands of civilian employees who work for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Many of those workers have been furloughed or are working without pay until Congress passes a new budget.
According to defense budget analysts, the Pentagon has limited flexibility to redirect funds under existing statutes. “This is a temporary solution,” said Mark Reynolds, a senior policy expert at the Brookings Institution. “The department can shift certain appropriations for a short period, but without congressional authorization, those funds will eventually run out.”
The shutdown, which began on Oct. 10, stems from a standoff between the House and Senate over spending priorities, including border security, energy policy, and domestic programs. Negotiations stalled late Friday despite marathon sessions aimed at finding a compromise.
In Louisiana and across the Ark-La-Tex region, the decision to continue military pay was welcomed by families connected to nearby installations such as Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City and Fort Polk near Leesville. “This brings some relief,” said Sgt. First Class Amanda Harris, stationed at Fort Johnson. “Even with a shutdown, our bills don’t stop, so this order makes a real difference for us.”
The White House did not specify how long the Pentagon could sustain troop pay under the directive, though administration officials indicated they are exploring additional measures to protect essential services. “We are continuing to evaluate funding options and remain hopeful Congress will reach an agreement soon,” a senior defense official said.
For now, U.S. troops will continue to receive their pay on schedule, even as most other parts of the federal government remain frozen. Negotiations on Capitol Hill are expected to resume Monday in an effort to end the shutdown.
Federal Workers Denounce Shutdown Fallout, Say They Are Being “Used as Political Pawns”
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
WASHINGTON (Oct. 19, 2025) — As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second week, frustration is mounting among more than 750,000 furloughed federal workers who say they are being “used as political pawns” amid growing uncertainty about when, or if, they will be paid.
The tension escalated after administration officials suggested that not all employees might receive full back pay once the shutdown ends, despite legal precedents guaranteeing retroactive compensation. The statements, which circulated late Friday, prompted outrage from federal unions and employees who have been without pay since Oct. 10.
“This is beyond frustrating. We show up for our country, and now we’re being told our livelihoods depend on political games,” said Dana Ellis, an Environmental Protection Agency employee furloughed in Dallas. “Families are missing rent and mortgage payments while Washington points fingers.”
The Office of Personnel Management has not issued an official statement confirming any changes to back pay policy. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, federal workers affected by a lapse in appropriations are entitled to retroactive pay once funding is restored. However, administration officials said Saturday that “fiscal conditions” could influence how and when those payments are processed.
Union leaders have pushed back sharply. “The law is clear, every furloughed worker is guaranteed back pay,” said Everett Miles, president of the American Federation of Government Employees. “Any attempt to withhold that is not only illegal but morally indefensible.”
The shutdown, now entering its tenth day, stems from a standoff between the White House and Congress over government spending priorities, including border security and energy funding. Negotiations remain stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.
In Louisiana and neighboring states, the effects have rippled through local economies. Federal offices in Shreveport, Texarkana, and Little Rock have shuttered, while airport security lines have grown longer as Transportation Security Administration staff continue working without pay. “We’ve seen this before, but the anxiety feels worse this time,” said Marcus Dunn, a TSA agent based in Little Rock. “People are running out of savings.”
Economists warn that the shutdown’s impact could expand if it persists into November, delaying loan processing, business permits, and housing assistance across the Ark-La-Tex region. “These shutdowns always have a cascading effect on regional economies that rely on federal activity,” said Dr. Lila Hart, an economist at Louisiana Tech University.
Talks are expected to resume on Capitol Hill early next week, though no compromise appears imminent. For now, furloughed workers continue to wait, uncertain when they will return to work or see their next paycheck.
“We just want to do our jobs,” Ellis said. “But right now, it feels like we’re the collateral damage of politics.”
Trump Declares Inflation “Defeated” Despite Rising Consumer Prices
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
WASHINGTON (Oct. 19, 2025) — President Donald Trump declared Saturday that inflation in the United States has been “defeated,” crediting his administration’s economic policies and recent Federal Reserve rate cuts. However, official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows prices have continued to rise modestly over the past several months, signaling that inflation pressures persist.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said the country’s economy is “stronger than ever” and that “inflation is no longer a problem for American families.” He pointed to the Federal Reserve’s recent quarter-point interest rate reduction as evidence that “the fight against inflation has been won.”
“The American people can see the results for themselves,” Trump said. “We’ve restored stability, cut taxes, and brought jobs back. Inflation is defeated because our policies work.”
Yet, economists and federal data tell a different story. The Consumer Price Index, released last week, showed overall prices rose 0.4 percent in September, with increases in housing, energy, and food costs contributing to an annual inflation rate of 3.5 percent. That figure is higher than the Federal Reserve’s long-term target of 2 percent.
“The data does not support the claim that inflation has been defeated,” said Dr. Paul Henderson, a senior economist at the University of Texas at Dallas. “While inflation has cooled compared to 2022 and 2023, prices are still rising faster than wages for many middle-income households.”
The Federal Reserve has maintained a cautious tone, suggesting it will evaluate future rate changes based on incoming data. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said earlier this month that the central bank remains “committed to price stability” and that it is “too soon to declare victory.”
In the Ark-La-Tex region, residents continue to feel the impact of higher grocery and housing costs. “Everything’s gone up, eggs, milk, rent,” said Shreveport resident Karen Matthews. “It doesn’t feel like inflation is under control when your paycheck buys less every month.”
Republican lawmakers have praised the President’s optimism, while Democrats accused the administration of ignoring working families’ struggles. “Declaring victory doesn’t change the facts,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) in a statement. “People are still paying more for basics.”
Economic analysts say it will take several more months of sustained price stability before inflation can be considered truly subdued. For now, many Americans remain cautious about their finances even as the White House projects confidence.
“Inflation doesn’t disappear because a president says so,” Dr. Henderson said. “It takes consistent policy and time.”
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White House Weighs Use of Insurrection Act Amid Nationwide Unrest
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
WASHINGTON (Oct. 19, 2025) — Vice President JD Vance confirmed Saturday that the Trump administration is formally discussing whether to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807, a rarely used federal law that would permit the deployment of active-duty U.S. military forces within the country to respond to domestic unrest.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Vance described the conversations as “serious and ongoing,” though he emphasized that no final decision has been made. “The President’s top priority is the safety and stability of the American people,” Vance said. “We are evaluating all lawful options, including the Insurrection Act, to restore order where necessary.”
The Insurrection Act allows the President to deploy military personnel to enforce federal law or suppress civil disorder when state or local authorities are unable or unwilling to do so. It has been invoked sparingly in U.S. history, most notably during the civil rights era and the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
Recent demonstrations in several major cities have intensified over the past week, fueled by disputes over federal labor policy and the ongoing government shutdown. Protests in Washington, Dallas, and Atlanta turned tense Friday night, with police reporting multiple injuries and property damage. According to early reports, several state governors have requested additional federal support to manage large-scale gatherings.
Pentagon officials have reportedly been briefed on possible scenarios but have not received operational orders. “The Department of Defense remains in a planning and advisory role at this time,” said Maj. Gen. Robert McAllister, a Pentagon spokesperson. “No active-duty troops have been mobilized for domestic deployment.”
Civil liberties organizations have voiced strong opposition to any use of the Insurrection Act, warning that deploying the military on U.S. soil could inflame tensions. “This would represent an extreme and unnecessary escalation,” said Andrea Wells, senior counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union. “Civilian law enforcement and the National Guard are already equipped to handle public demonstrations.”
In Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, local law enforcement agencies are monitoring developments closely but report no major disturbances. “We’re maintaining a steady presence and focusing on de-escalation,” said Lt. Carl Roberson of the Shreveport Police Department. “Our goal is to keep the peace without outside intervention.”
White House officials said the President will meet with security advisers and key governors early next week before making a final determination. “The administration is committed to restoring calm and ensuring lawful order across the nation,” Vance said.
If invoked, the Insurrection Act could mark one of the most significant domestic military deployments in decades. For now, the administration insists it is treating the measure as a last resort.
Ceasefire Declared After Gaza Peace Summit; Trump Hails “New Era” in Middle East
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
WASHINGTON (Oct. 19, 2025) — President Donald Trump and regional leaders announced a ceasefire agreement Sunday following a high-stakes peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, declaring what Trump called “a new era of peace in the Middle East.” The accord included the release of dozens of hostages and a pledge from both Israel and Hamas to halt attacks, though analysts warned that deep political and security divisions remain unresolved.
The summit, attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and representatives from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, concluded after two days of closed-door negotiations. Trump, speaking from Washington shortly after the signing, said the agreement marked “the dawn of stability” for the region.
“For the first time in years, Israelis and Palestinians have agreed to lay down arms and choose peace,” Trump said in prepared remarks. “This is not just a ceasefire. It is a commitment to a safer and stronger Middle East.”
According to officials at the summit, the ceasefire terms include the immediate release of civilian hostages held in Gaza, the reopening of humanitarian corridors, and a framework for continued talks on border security and reconstruction. Egyptian mediators played a key role in securing the deal, with Qatar facilitating communication between Hamas and Israeli negotiators.
Despite the announcement, violence briefly resumed Sunday morning when Israeli forces carried out targeted airstrikes in Gaza, which Israel described as “retaliatory measures” against rocket fire overnight. By late afternoon, both sides appeared to be observing the newly agreed truce. “The situation remains fragile, but channels of communication are open,” said Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Khatib, an Egyptian security official.
International reaction to the peace declaration was cautiously optimistic. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire as “a vital step toward lasting peace,” while European Union officials emphasized the need for sustained dialogue and humanitarian aid.
Middle East analysts, however, expressed skepticism that the ceasefire alone would resolve decades of conflict. “This agreement lowers the temperature, but it does not address the underlying political fractures,” said Dr. Lina Rahman, a regional studies scholar at Georgetown University. “Without progress on governance, security, and human rights, this peace could prove temporary.”
In the Ark-La-Tex region, local faith and community leaders gathered Sunday to pray for continued calm in the Middle East. “Peace anywhere is a blessing for all of us,” said Pastor Michael Jennings of Bossier City. “We can only hope this moment leads to something lasting.”
Negotiations between regional representatives are expected to continue in Cairo next month to finalize long-term security arrangements and humanitarian commitments. For now, the guns have fallen silent, at least for the moment, in a region long accustomed to conflict.
Major News Outlets Reject Pentagon Press Restrictions
By The Ark-La-Tex Gazette Staff
WASHINGTON, DC (Oct. 19, 2025) — Several of the nation’s largest media organizations are refusing to sign a new Pentagon policy agreement that would limit journalists’ access to defense information, calling the measure an overreach that threatens First Amendment protections.
According to statements from multiple news outlets, the Department of Defense recently proposed updated media guidelines requiring reporters covering military operations or defense affairs to pledge not to access or use “unauthorized” materials, including leaked documents. The policy also included provisions granting the Pentagon authority to revoke credentials for violations.
Editors and press advocates say the proposal crosses a line. “Requiring journalists to preemptively agree not to pursue certain information undermines the essential role of the press in holding government institutions accountable,” said Dana Whitmore, executive director of the Freedom of the Press Alliance, a nonprofit advocating for media transparency.
While the Pentagon argues the policy is intended to protect national security and classified materials, major networks including The Associated Press, The New York Times, and Reuters have declined to comply, citing conflicts with established press standards. A joint statement released Saturday said the policy “would give the government inappropriate control over independent reporting.”
Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Mark Jennings defended the measure, saying it was not designed to restrict legitimate journalism but to “ensure responsible handling of sensitive defense information.” He added that the Department is reviewing feedback from media representatives and remains “committed to balancing national security interests with the public’s right to know.”
Press freedom organizations have called for the Pentagon to withdraw the policy altogether, warning that it sets a precedent for future government overreach. “Once you require journalists to sign away their independence to maintain access, you erode the foundation of an open democracy,” said Georgetown University journalism professor Laura Chen.
The dispute comes amid heightened tension between government agencies and the press over classified disclosures, particularly following several high-profile leaks of defense-related documents in recent years.
As of Sunday, negotiations between Pentagon officials and representatives from major media outlets are ongoing. It remains unclear whether the Department will revise or abandon the proposed restrictions.
For now, news organizations say they will continue reporting on defense matters without agreeing to terms they view as incompatible with press freedom.
“The press must remain free to inform the public, not serve as an arm of the government,” Whitmore said.
