Brian Mann

When Santos was sentenced for his crimes in April, officials in Trump's Justice Department called it a victory, saying in a statement the former lawmaker was finally being held accountable for the mountain of lies, theft, and fraud he perpetrated.

DOJ officials also pointed to Santos' many victims, including Republican campaign donors, cheated by his schemes.

They described Santos' seven-year prison sentence as a signal public corruption wouldn't be tolerated.

But in a post on social media, Trump described Santos as a political ally, a man with, quote, the courage, conviction, and intelligence to always vote Republican.

He said Santos had been horribly mistreated and set him free.

This comes as Trump has directed the DOJ to aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals he views as political enemies.

Brian Mann, NPR News, New York.

Mamdani was the main target in the mayoral debate, facing blistering attacks from Cuomo, who's running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

They criticized Mamdani's membership in the Democratic Socialists of America and his past calls to defund the NYPD.

Cuomo described Mamdani as inexperienced.

This is no job for on-the-job training.

Mamdani kept his focus on pocketbook issues and the city's high prices.

With just over two weeks to go before Election Day, Mamdani has led in every poll by double digits.

Brian Mann, NPR News, New York.

Despite the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Indonesia is denying visas to gymnasts from Israel.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim country, and its government has been fiercely critical of Israel over the war in Gaza.

Six Israeli athletes and Israel's Gymnastics Federation called on the Court of Arbitration for Sport to intervene.

They argued the International Gymnastics Federation has an obligation to make sure all qualified gymnasts are able to compete or cancel the event.

In its ruling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said it's still reviewing the case, but no emergency action will be taken ahead of the competition.

The Artistic Gymnastics World Championships get underway October 19th in Jakarta.