By ERIC TUCKER, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, Associated Press

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Former FBI Director James Comey is set to make his first court appearance Wednesday in a Justice Department criminal case accusing him of lying to Congress five years ago.

The arraignment is expected to be brief, but the moment is nonetheless loaded with historical significance given that the case has amplified concerns the Justice Department is being weaponized in pursuit of President Donald Trump’s political enemies and is operating at the behest of a White House determined to seek retribution.

Comey is expected to plead not guilty at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, kick-starting a process of legal wrangling in which defense lawyers will almost certainly move to get the indictment dismissed before trial, possibly by arguing the case amounts to a selective or vindictive prosecution.

The indictment two weeks ago followed an extraordinary chain of events that saw Trump publicly implore Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey and other perceived adversaries. The Republican president also replaced the veteran attorney who had been overseeing the investigation with Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide who had never previously served as a federal prosecutor. Halligan rushed to file charges before a legal deadline lapsed despite warnings from other lawyers in the office that the evidence was insufficient for an indictment.

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The two-count indictment alleges that Comey made a false statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 30, 2020, by denying he had authorized an associate to serve as an anonymous source to the news media and that he obstructed a congressional proceeding. Comey has denied any wrongdoing and has said he was looking forward to a trial. The indictment does not identify the associate or say what information may have been discussed with the media, making it challenging to assess the strength of the evidence or to even fully parse the allegations.

Though an indictment is typically just the start of a protracted court process, the Justice Department has trumpeted the development itself as something of a win, regardless of the outcome. Trump administration officials are likely to point to any conviction as proof the case was well-justified, but an acquittal or even dismissal may also be held up as further support for their long-running contention the criminal justice system is stacked against them.

The judge randomly assigned to the case, Michael Nachmanoff, is an appointee of President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration and a former chief federal defender. Known for methodical preparation and a cool temperament, the judge and his background have already drawn Trump’s attention, with the president deriding him as a “Crooked Joe Biden appointed Judge.”

The indictment was the latest chapter in a long-broken relationship between Trump and Comey.

Trump arrived in office in January 2017 as Comey, appointed to the FBI director job by President Barack Obama four years earlier, was overseeing an investigation into ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

The dynamic was fraught from the start, with Comey briefing Trump weeks before he took office on the existence of uncorroborated and sexually salacious gossip in a dossier of opposition research compiled by a former British spy.

In their first several private interactions, Comey would later reveal, Trump asked his FBI director to pledge his loyalty to him and to drop an FBI investigation into his administration’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn. Trump also asked Comey to publicly reveal that Trump himself was not under investigation as part of the broader inquiry into Russian election interference, something Comey opted not to do.

Comey was abruptly fired in May 2017 while at an event in Los Angeles, with Trump later saying he was thinking about “this Russia thing” when he decided to terminate him. The firing was investigated by Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller as an act of potential obstruction of justice.

Comey in 2018 published a memoir, “A Higher Loyalty,” that painted Trump in deeply unflattering ways, likening him to a mafia don and characterizing him as unethical and “untethered to truth.”

Trump, for his part, continued to angrily vent at Comey as the Russia investigation led by Mueller dominated headlines for the next two years and shadowed his first administration. On social media, he repeatedly claimed Comey should face charges for “treason” — an accusation Comey dismissed as “dumb lies” — and called him an “untruthful slime ball.”

Tucker reported from Washington.

As the Twins’ offseason gets underway, team president of baseball and business operations Derek Falvey, general manager Jeremy Zoll and company have their work cut out for them. There’s a coaching staff to build, starting with a managerial hire, and there’s a roster to reshape after a second consecutive losing season.

While it will still be some time before player movement — that won’t start until after the conclusion of the World Series — there’s still plenty to ponder early, especially after the Twins traded away many of their best players at the July 31 deadline.

Here are five questions facing the Twins this winter:

Who will manage the Twins?

This is likely the first question to be answered.

After seven seasons at the helm, Rocco Baldelli was relieved of his duties last Monday, the day after the Twins wrapped up a 92-loss season. The Twins already had picked up Baldelli’s option for the 2026 season, but after his team missed the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, Falvey said the organization felt it was “the right time for a new voice and a new direction.”

There’s no telling how long the process might take. The Texas Rangers already filled their manger vacancy, and when the Twins hired Baldelli in 2018, it was late October. If the top candidate is currently with a postseason team, that might extend the process.

Beyond that, there’s no telling what direction the Twins might take; Falvey was vague when asked about traits the club would be looking for in a manager, saying instead that the team is open-minded, and that he didn’t think there was “one size that fits the Twins.”

Once that hiring is in place, the front office and new manager will construct the coaching staff, starting with deciding how much — if any — of the 2025 staff will be retained.

What will the payroll situation look like?

The Twins started 2025 season with a payroll estimated around $142 million by Cot’s Baseball Contracts. They shed a considerable amount from that number at the deadline.

Though they’ll still be on the hook for a portion of Carlos Correa’s salary, getting his contract off the books for the next three seasons frees up money the Twins could theoretically reinvest in players. They could also go in the opposite direction.

The Twins’ payroll reached a franchise-high during the 2023 season, approximately $156 million for a team that won the American League Central and snapped an 18-game postseason losing streak that dated to 2003. While it doesn’t seem likely to return to those levels, this offseason should shed some light on the path the Twins are taking.

Asked about the payroll last week, Falvey said he didn’t “have that direction yet” but added it was a conversation he would need to have with the team-owning Pohlad family.

“I think that’s a conversation we’ll continue to have, certainly with the Pohlads and whatever conversation they’d like me to have with the limited partners,” he said last week.

The Pohlad family, which had been exploring a sale of the franchise, pulled the team off the market in August and announced that they were bringing on two limited partnership groups. Little is known about those groups and how they might affect spending, though bringing them on is expected to help the team reduce its significant debt.

Who will be in the rotation?

Much of this depends on what happens with the payroll, of course.

As it stands, Right-hander Pablo López projects to be the highest-paid player on the 2026 team. His salary — $21.5 million a year— is not unreasonable for a top starter, but if the Twins cut their payroll, he could be a trade candidate. So, too, could Joe Ryan, who will earn far less but could bring back a significant haul if the Twins opt to go that way.

Falvey said last week it was his “hope” and “expectation” that both will be on the team next year but acknowledged that that question “still requires some ongoing conversations with ownership.” If both remain, the Twins have a strong top of the rotation to build around. There’s also hope that an offseason to rest and recover will right-hander help Bailey Ober, who had a rocky 2026 season and will spend this winter trying to regain his velocity.

Beyond those three, the Twins have a number of young arms with varying levels of major league experience, from Taj Bradley and Mick Abel, both acquired at the trade deadline, to Zebby Matthews, Simeon Woods Richardson and David Festa. Festa missed the final two months of the season with a shoulder issue.

What will the Twins do with their position player core?

The Twins left much of their position player group mostly intact at the trade deadline. They dealt three impending free agents in Willi Castro, Harrison Bader and Ty France, but Correa was only player who was under contract for next season that was dealt away.

Much of that remaining group underperformed, and there’s a question as to whether the Twins will try to break up their core or how they might supplement it. If not, what can they do to get the most of their young hitters, many of whom were first-round picks?

Under Baldelli’s watch, the Twins transitioned to a new, more aggressive style of play during the final months of the season, which provided some positive signs. Could the Twins target more athletic players who fit that style of play either in trades or free agency?

How do the Twins build their bullpen?

Jhoan Duran, Caleb Thielbar and Louie Varland are pitching in the playoffs. Brock Stewart would be, too, if not for a shoulder injury. Griffin Jax and Danny Coulombe also were also dealt to teams in playoff contention as the Twins stripped down their bullpen at the trade deadline.

The results were predictable.

The Twins have a club option on Justin Topa that they must make a decision on. Cole Sands should have a role in next year’s bullpen. Left-hander Kody Funderburk pitched well enough down the stretch to warrant a look, too. Beyond that, it’s mostly question marks.

This front office has not invested heavily in free agent relievers but has made some low-cost additions such as lefty Coulombe, who was terrific after signing a one-year, $3 million deal last season. There are also some young, internal arms who should get a look. The Twins have had success in recent years converting starters like Jax and Varland into dependable relievers, and it feels likely that is a path they could follow with some of their prospects.

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Millions of folks wager their lunch money every week on NFL proposition bets. And you can bet not a single one correctly picked who would be the fantasy football standout of Week 5.

Say hello to Rico Dowdle, who you might be surprised to learn rushed for 1,079 yards last season in Dallas. Not too shabby, but in no way an indicator of the huge day he had running free through the meager Miami defense.

After 26 touches, Dowdle had 234 total yards and a touchdown. With Chuba Hubbard likely to miss at least another week, Dowdle is a must start this week against Dallas.

Dowdle wasn’t the only candidate for most valuable backup the past couple of weeks. He had company:

Kendrick Bourne (49ers WR) — San Francisco’s healthiest receiver had a banner night last Thursday at SoFi. Ten catches for 142 yards. With Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings still iffy for this week against Tampa Bay, Bourne could have another big game.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs in front of Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Rachaad White (Buccaneers RB) — The former starter had 18 touches for 72 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday in place of injured Bucky Irving. The latter is pretty banged up, so you can count on White having his old job back for at least another week.

Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by Josh Jobe #29 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field on Oct. 05, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

Michael Carter (Cardinals RB) — He led Arizona backs with 23 touches for 73 yards and a TD against Tennessee. And considering backfield mate Emeri Demercado’s epic drop-fail at the goal line, Carter will be getting even more touches in the coming weeks.

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans linebacker Cedric Gray (33) and linebacker Cody Barton (50) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers RB) — The former Eagles backup may have taken the Pittsburgh starting job from Jaylen Warren with his Week 4 production: 25 touches for 134 yards and two scores against the Jets.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) scores a touchdown as he flips over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (2) during an NFL football game at Croke Park in Dublin, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for the NFL)

Mac Jones (49ers QB) — San Francisco has hardly missed Brock Purdy. Jones has averaged more than 300 yards passing and two touchdowns in his three weeks, proving that almost any QB can thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Sitting stars

Baltimore’s offense is a mess, so it’s actually possible you might not want to start RB Derrick Henry against the Rams. … You also don’t want to start Jets RB Breece Hall against Denver’s defense. … Neither Bengals RB Chase Brown nor all-pro wideout Ja’Marr Chase will do much against Green Bay, at least until Garbage Time. … Tampa Bay is barely using oft-injured WR Chris Godwin. … And two quarterbacks who will be kept in check this week are Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers versus the Browns and Chicago’s Caleb Williams against Washington.

Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled as he rushes with the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on Oct. 05, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Matchup game

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is now the unchallenged RB1 in Washington, and he’ll run well versus Chicago. … Same goes for Denver RB J.K. Dobbins against the lowly Jets. … Seattle WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having an all-pro year, and he gets the Jaguars this week. … Tennessee WR Calvin Ridley woke up last week and will thrive against Las Vegas. … All new Miami tight end Darren Waller does is score touchdowns, and he’ll get another against the Chargers. … But Los Angeles QB Justin Herbert will make up for that by embarrassing the Dolphins’ secondary. … And New England’s hot combo of QB Drake Maye and WR Stefon Diggs will pad their stats against New Orleans.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt #22 of the Washington Commanders scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 05, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Injury watch

The big new absence is Chargers rookie RB Omarion Hampton, who will miss at least four weeks due to an ankle injury. That means L.A. is down to Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal. Neither too appealing, fantasy-wise. … Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson is still a couple weeks away. … Notables listed as questionable at midweek include two RBs (Eagles’ Saquon Barkley, Giants’ Tyrone Tracy), two WRs (Commanders’ Terry McLaurin, Atlanta’s Darnell Mooney), two TEs (Raiders’ Brock Bowers, Jaguars’ Brenton Strange) and two QBs (Arizona’s Kyler Murray, the Giants’ Jaxson Dart).

Omarion Hampton #8 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled during the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 05, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Deepest sleeper

Dallas wide receiver Ryan Flournoy more than doubled his career numbers in the Cowboys’ rout of the Jets in New Jersey. The second-year pro had nine catches for 114 yards, helping make up for the absence of injured CeeDee Lamb. The all-pro is expected back in the next two weeks, so it will likely be a brief starring role for the former Redhawk of Southeast Missouri State. But if you have Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison or Nico Collins on a bye this week, you could do worse on the waiver wire.

Dallas Cowboys’ Ryan Flournoy catches a pass in front of New York Jets’ Brandon Stephens during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

The Thursday pick

Eagles at Giants (+6½)
Pick: Eagles by 17

Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 20, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Thursdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X– @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.

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Today is Wednesday, Oct. 8, the 281st day of 2025. There are 84 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Oct. 8, 2005, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake on the Pakistan-India border killed an estimated 86,000 people.

Also on this date:

In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began; more than 300 people died and more than 17,000 structures were destroyed during the three-day blaze.

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In 1956, Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in a World Series as the New York Yankees beat the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 5, 2-0.

In 1997, scientists reported the Mars Pathfinder had yielded what could be the strongest evidence yet that Mars might once have been hospitable to life.

In 2002, a federal judge approved President George W. Bush’s request to reopen West Coast ports, ending a 10-day labor lockout that was costing the U.S. economy an estimated $1 billion to $2 billion a day.

In 2016, Donald Trump vowed to continue his campaign after many Republicans called on him to abandon his presidential bid in the wake of the release of a 2005 video in which he made lewd remarks about women and appeared to condone sexual assault.

In 2020, authorities in Michigan said six men had been charged with conspiring to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in reaction to what they viewed as her “uncontrolled power.”

In 2022, an explosion caused the partial collapse of a bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula with Russia, damaging an important supply artery for the Kremlin’s war effort in southern Ukraine.

In 2024, two pioneers of artificial intelligence — Canadian John Hopfield and American Geoffrey Hinton — won the Nobel Prize in physics for helping create the building blocks of machine learning that is revolutionizing the way people work and live.

Today’s Birthdays:

Actor Paul Hogan is 86.
Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson is 84.
Comedian Chevy Chase is 82.
Author R.L. Stine is 82.
Actor Sigourney Weaver is 76.
Musician Robert “Kool” Bell (Kool & the Gang) is 75.
Producer-director Edward Zwick is 73.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott is 70.
Comedian Darrell Hammond is 70.
Actor Kim Wayans is 64.
Gospel singer CeCe Winans is 61.
Olympic gold medal swimmer Matt Biondi is 60.
Actor Karyn Parsons is 59.
Singer-producer Teddy Riley is 58.
Actor Matt Damon is 55.
Actor-TV host Nick Cannon is 45.
Singer-songwriter Bruno Mars is 40.
Actor Angus T. Jones is 32.
Actor-singer Bella Thorne is 28.