By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/former-kansas-gop-governor-hayden-endorses-reelection-of-democrat-kelly/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Enrollment at state universities, community colleges and technical colleges in Kansas this fall semester dwindled 1% to accentuate a five-year decline in student headcount of more than 9%, officials said Thursday.

The Kansas Board of Regents, which has oversight roles among seven universities, 19 community colleges and seven technical colleges, reported 165,198 students enrolled at start of the 2022 academic year. Collectively, these higher education institutions lost 1,677 students from 2021.

The report indicated headcount at the six state universities fell by 1,333 students or 1.5%; Washburn University in Topeka slipped by 283 or 4.1%; community colleges declined by 630 or 1%; and technical colleges expanded by 569 or 6% over last year’s enrollment totals.

“The preliminary fall enrollment numbers show a continued trend of decreasing enrollment for many Kansas colleges and universities,” said Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents. “Our system is taking decisive action to reverse declining enrollments, better serve students and ensure that our state has the workforce needed to grow the Kansas economy.”

During the past five years, here are the enrollment trends by category: six universities, down 6%; Washburn, down 18.3%; community colleges, down 15.5%; and technical colleges, down 9.2%. The total stood at 182,010 in fall 2017, but has constricted to 165,198 to mirror national trends.

The University of Kansas recruited the largest freshman class in 14 years. Enrollment of 4,457 freshmen at KU constituted the second-largest such class in university history. In addition, the grade-point average of these freshmen was a record 3.66 and minority students represented 28.5% of those incoming students.

“While we are pleased with this year’s freshman class, we must continue our efforts to recruit and retain top students and create a university they want to attend,” said Doug Girod, KU’s chancellor. “The reality is, college enrollment continues to decline across the nation, and we continue to face flat population trends here in the Midwest.”

KU attributed the increase in first-time freshmen to the profile of KU athletics, including a national championship in basketball, as well as the university’s targeted recruiting, academic reputation and the influence of alumni.

Overall, KU enrollment on the Lawrence campus this fall went down 0.4%. The tally over five years has decreased 4.1%. Enrollment at the KU Medical Center was up 1% this fall and has risen 5.9% over five years.

“Getting students to KU is important, but equally important is ensuring they earn their degree in a timely fashion,” Girod said.

Enrollment of freshmen at Kansas State University climbed 2.9% and new student transfers went up by 1.3% on the main campus in Manhattan. Over the past five years, Kansas State enrollment has fallen 13.9%. That included an overall drop at Kansas State of 2.6% compared to 2021.

“The growth in our new student enrollment is significant,” said Karen Goos, KSU vice provost for enrollment management. “This is one of our highest priorities at the university and is a sign that our strategic enrollment management efforts have us headed in the right direction.”

Enrollment among Black students at Kansas State increased 14%, while the headcount among Hispanic students went up 6%.

Here are 2022 headcount figures for the four other state universities: Emporia State, down 5.2% compared to 2021 and 7.1% from 2017; Fort Hays State, down 8.2% from 2021 and 14.2% from 2017; Pittsburg State, down 2.6% from 2021 and 15.2% since 2017; and Wichita State, up 5.1% since 2021 and up 12.2% since 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/KU-basketball-Senate-3-1024x768.jpg" alt="University of Kansas attracted the second-largest freshman class in the university’s history on heels of KU basketball coach Bill Self and the Jayhawks winning the NCAA Tournament championship. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>University of Kansas attracted the second-largest freshman class in the university’s history on heels of KU basketball coach Bill Self and the Jayhawks winning the NCAA Tournament championship. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/former-kansas-gop-governor-hayden-endorses-reelection-of-democrat-kelly/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Enrollment at state universities, community colleges and technical colleges in Kansas this fall semester dwindled 1% to accentuate a five-year decline in student headcount of more than 9%, officials said Thursday.The Kansas Board of Regents, which has oversight roles among seven universities, 19 community colleges and seven technical colleges, reported 165,198 students enrolled at start of the 2022 academic year. Collectively, these higher education institutions lost 1,677 students from 2021.The report indicated headcount at the six state universities fell by 1,333 students or 1.5%; Washburn University in Topeka slipped by 283 or 4.1%; community colleges declined by 630 or 1%; and technical colleges expanded by 569 or 6% over last year’s enrollment totals.“The preliminary fall enrollment numbers show a continued trend of decreasing enrollment for many Kansas colleges and universities,” said Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents. “Our system is taking decisive action to reverse declining enrollments, better serve students and ensure that our state has the workforce needed to grow the Kansas economy.”During the past five years, here are the enrollment trends by category: six universities, down 6%; Washburn, down 18.3%; community colleges, down 15.5%; and technical colleges, down 9.2%. The total stood at 182,010 in fall 2017, but has constricted to 165,198 to mirror national trends.The University of Kansas recruited the largest freshman class in 14 years. Enrollment of 4,457 freshmen at KU constituted the second-largest such class in university history. In addition, the grade-point average of these freshmen was a record 3.66 and minority students represented 28.5% of those incoming students.“While we are pleased with this year’s freshman class, we must continue our efforts to recruit and retain top students and create a university they want to attend,” said Doug Girod, KU’s chancellor. “The reality is, college enrollment continues to decline across the nation, and we continue to face flat population trends here in the Midwest.”KU attributed the increase in first-time freshmen to the profile of KU athletics, including a national championship in basketball, as well as the university’s targeted recruiting, academic reputation and the influence of alumni.Overall, KU enrollment on the Lawrence campus this fall went down 0.4%. The tally over five years has decreased 4.1%. Enrollment at the KU Medical Center was up 1% this fall and has risen 5.9% over five years.“Getting students to KU is important, but equally important is ensuring they earn their degree in a timely fashion,” Girod said.Enrollment of freshmen at Kansas State University climbed 2.9% and new student transfers went up by 1.3% on the main campus in Manhattan. Over the past five years, Kansas State enrollment has fallen 13.9%. That included an overall drop at Kansas State of 2.6% compared to 2021.“The growth in our new student enrollment is significant,” said Karen Goos, KSU vice provost for enrollment management. “This is one of our highest priorities at the university and is a sign that our strategic enrollment management efforts have us headed in the right direction.”Enrollment among Black students at Kansas State increased 14%, while the headcount among Hispanic students went up 6%.Here are 2022 headcount figures for the four other state universities: Emporia State, down 5.2% compared to 2021 and 7.1% from 2017; Fort Hays State, down 8.2% from 2021 and 14.2% from 2017; Pittsburg State, down 2.6% from 2021 and 15.2% since 2017; and Wichita State, up 5.1% since 2021 and up 12.2% since 2017.

Kansas public university, community and technical college headcount declines 1%

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ketanji-brown-jackson">Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson</a>&nbsp;made her first appearance on the Supreme Court bench in a brief courtroom ceremony Friday, three days before the start of the high court's new term.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their spouses attended the invitation-only ceremonial investiture for Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice John Roberts wished the 52-year-old Jackson a “long and happy career in our common calling,” the traditional welcome for a new justice.

She took her place at the far end of the bench to Roberts' left, just next to Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The justices are seated by seniority.

During the ceremony Jackson also followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-donald-trump-amy-coney-barrett-courts-elections-7928bf10a8925811a923b5c7c9682102">the custom of every other new justice since 1972</a>&nbsp;and sat in a chair that once belonged to John Marshall, who served as chief justice for 34 years in the early 1800s.

Marshall also was a slaveholder, perhaps adding a special poignancy to Jackson taking her place in his onetime possession. She is only the third Black justice in the court's history, along with her new colleague Justice Clarence Thomas and the late Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Friday's ceremony included the reading of the commission appointing Jackson to the court. She also repeated the oath she took when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-swearing-in-5a5115f58e163789dfda5a8af0b14221">she formally joined the court in June</a>, just after the retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer.

Breyer was among a courtroom filled with dignitaries, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Speaker Paul Ryan, a Jackson relative through marriage.

Jackson's parents, daughters, brother and in-laws had a front-row seat.

Several wives of current and former justices also attended, including Virginia “Ginni” Thomas. Thomas was interviewed Thursday by the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-confirmation-f39263cdbb0c59c8a20a48edf9b6786e">Jackson was confirmed in April on a 53-47 vote in the Senate</a>, with three Republican senators joining all Democrats to support her.

Biden had pledged during his presidential campaign that he would nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court.

Biden, Harris, first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff spent a few minutes with the justices before the court convened, court spokeswoman Patricia McCabe said.

The president said nothing during the five-minute, tightly scripted courtroom ceremony.

Back at the White House, Biden tweeted in praise of Jackson's “brilliant legal mind” and touted his record on filling judgeships.

“In fact, we’ve appointed 84 federal judges so far. No group of that many judges has been appointed as quickly, or been that diverse,” Biden said.

Jackson and Roberts walked down the 36 front steps of the court for photos following the ceremony. They chatted briefly on the court plaza, and when Roberts departed, the justice's husband, Dr. Patrick Jackson, joined her.

“I'm so proud of you,” Dr. Jackson said, as they embraced in front of a gathering of reporters and well-wishers.

Jackson is the first justice appointed by a Democratic president since Justice Elena Kagan joined the court in 2010. Kagan was appointed by former President Barack Obama, who also appointed Justice Sonia Sotomayor in 2009.

It appeared Obama would get a third high court pick when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-elections-courts-presidential-elections-gun-politics-0a5453e54bb848fd8858124e7a80dfec">Justice Antonin Scalia died</a>&nbsp;in February 2016. But Senate Republicans refused to take up Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland, then serving as a federal appeals court judge. Garland, now Attorney General, also participated in Friday's ceremony.

Former President Donald Trump eventually chose Justice Neil Gorsuch, the first of his three Supreme Court appointees, to fill Scalia's seat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664554125166.png" alt="President Biden and Vice President Harris spent a few minutes with the justice before the court convened, court spokeswoman Patricia McCabe said. Ketanji Brown Jackson -Photo Credit- Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and Vice President Harris spent a few minutes with the justice before the court convened, court spokeswoman Patricia McCabe said. Ketanji Brown Jackson -Photo Credit- Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ketanji-brown-jackson">Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson</a>&nbsp;made her first appearance on the Supreme Court bench in a brief courtroom ceremony Friday, three days before the start of the high court's new term.President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their spouses attended the invitation-only ceremonial investiture for Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court.Chief Justice John Roberts wished the 52-year-old Jackson a “long and happy career in our common calling,” the traditional welcome for a new justice.She took her place at the far end of the bench to Roberts' left, just next to Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The justices are seated by seniority.During the ceremony Jackson also followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-donald-trump-amy-coney-barrett-courts-elections-7928bf10a8925811a923b5c7c9682102">the custom of every other new justice since 1972</a>&nbsp;and sat in a chair that once belonged to John Marshall, who served as chief justice for 34 years in the early 1800s.Marshall also was a slaveholder, perhaps adding a special poignancy to Jackson taking her place in his onetime possession. She is only the third Black justice in the court's history, along with her new colleague Justice Clarence Thomas and the late Justice Thurgood Marshall.Friday's ceremony included the reading of the commission appointing Jackson to the court. She also repeated the oath she took when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-swearing-in-5a5115f58e163789dfda5a8af0b14221">she formally joined the court in June</a>, just after the retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer.Breyer was among a courtroom filled with dignitaries, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Speaker Paul Ryan, a Jackson relative through marriage.Jackson's parents, daughters, brother and in-laws had a front-row seat.Several wives of current and former justices also attended, including Virginia “Ginni” Thomas. Thomas was interviewed Thursday by the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-confirmation-f39263cdbb0c59c8a20a48edf9b6786e">Jackson was confirmed in April on a 53-47 vote in the Senate</a>, with three Republican senators joining all Democrats to support her.Biden had pledged during his presidential campaign that he would nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court.Biden, Harris, first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff spent a few minutes with the justices before the court convened, court spokeswoman Patricia McCabe said.The president said nothing during the five-minute, tightly scripted courtroom ceremony.Back at the White House, Biden tweeted in praise of Jackson's “brilliant legal mind” and touted his record on filling judgeships.“In fact, we’ve appointed 84 federal judges so far. No group of that many judges has been appointed as quickly, or been that diverse,” Biden said.Jackson and Roberts walked down the 36 front steps of the court for photos following the ceremony. They chatted briefly on the court plaza, and when Roberts departed, the justice's husband, Dr. Patrick Jackson, joined her.“I'm so proud of you,” Dr. Jackson said, as they embraced in front of a gathering of reporters and well-wishers.Jackson is the first justice appointed by a Democratic president since Justice Elena Kagan joined the court in 2010. Kagan was appointed by former President Barack Obama, who also appointed Justice Sonia Sotomayor in 2009.It appeared Obama would get a third high court pick when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-elections-courts-presidential-elections-gun-politics-0a5453e54bb848fd8858124e7a80dfec">Justice Antonin Scalia died</a>&nbsp;in February 2016. But Senate Republicans refused to take up Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland, then serving as a federal appeals court judge. Garland, now Attorney General, also participated in Friday's ceremony.Former President Donald Trump eventually chose Justice Neil Gorsuch, the first of his three Supreme Court appointees, to fill Scalia's seat.

Justice Jackson makes Supreme Court debut in brief ceremony

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/tenemos-derechos-and-other-public-messaging-welcomes-immigrant-nebraskans/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Drivers cruising through 
Fremont, Grand Island, Lexington and South Omaha will notice billboards 
aimed at telling Nebraska’s immigrant populations: All of us have rights
 and all of us belong.

The messages are part of a newly launched campaign by the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska.&nbsp;

Billboards will be displayed through 
this year with messages in Arabic, English, Mandarin, Somali, Spanish 
and Vietnamese, the ACLU said. Radio ads are running on Fiesta 94.5 and 
Lobo 97.7. Staffers also have been handing out multilingual information 
on immigrant rights at community events.

The campaign points people to a section of the local <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/immigrants-rights-nebraska">ACLU’s website</a> for information regarding rights to housing, the workplace and interactions with police or immigration officials.

ACLU’s senior legal and policy 
counsel Rose Godinez said the goal is to ensure that immigrants in 
Nebraska feel welcomed and well informed.

“It is important that immigrant 
Nebraskans understand they are essential to the fabric of our 
communities and that their rights must be respected and defended,” 
Godinez said. “We will continue to make sure that all 140,000 immigrants
 who call Nebraska home truly feel at home and know that the ACLU of 
Nebraska is dedicated to ensuring they feel protected and respected.”

Immigrant rights are a major focus 
area for the Nebraska chapter of the ACLU. In recent years, the civil 
rights organization has investigated <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/press-releases/new-report-nebraska-law-enforcement-agencies-need-improve-language-access">language accessibility</a> in police agencies, pushed for more pandemic assistance for immigrants, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclunebraska.org/sites/default/files/case_law_snapshot_final.pdf">published a report</a> of case law affecting local immigrants and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATURXL882XW4x2peUNeE4-2FktI-2FFyWVtRuSmLxbDB3X3pfPfPEuwOF3W5pRbqo-2BJHye6P9QYHbBILmgUJMiweqK2-2FALgfv8nxLywt3-2B7ipA-2BaGWzJE7g2iIE1pE2iv-2B54olhQ-3D-3DgT0B_PuhDybjF8jeSuwfVVqpP8rEUmzQRjil2yMB0cDFgGQ40rV43n520uYvetV1mUXsxr-2FOQyKJMoHVtoZCgO2hz6EGLW7GCa0aW2dGERRhV3VioNe065YDbY7Dsunka8APLpoKzsVEB1zXSyEIhAo5ISi3eD9Ayto-2Bcjh-2FkiDZtOqbBR9BFrQ0L8PYmyAuOVqMLbvSYGZf5678hz1JenRNPmq5IAmUd7i3GpGPse2n6-2BvTgxkwchQZojNI1vvrBY0CZsx0ENomNOUO1VBnSJZ6DXgBKlcMOxcX9S-2F9uJA2kkEPusfKCcYi1vavh0YC9dagVc8qxNvDWD6kmvFz-2FKTSoXr8DR9qdchEwN9YLx2BMfbw-3D">filed a lawsuit</a> for access to Department of Homeland Security records on a Nebraska immigration raid.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664545476773.png" alt="ACLU immigrant rights campaign (Courtesy of ACLU Nebraska)" />
 <figcaption>ACLU immigrant rights campaign (Courtesy of ACLU Nebraska)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/tenemos-derechos-and-other-public-messaging-welcomes-immigrant-nebraskans/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Drivers cruising through 
Fremont, Grand Island, Lexington and South Omaha will notice billboards 
aimed at telling Nebraska’s immigrant populations: All of us have rights
 and all of us belong.The messages are part of a newly launched campaign by the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska.&nbsp;Billboards will be displayed through 
this year with messages in Arabic, English, Mandarin, Somali, Spanish 
and Vietnamese, the ACLU said. Radio ads are running on Fiesta 94.5 and 
Lobo 97.7. Staffers also have been handing out multilingual information 
on immigrant rights at community events.The campaign points people to a section of the local <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/immigrants-rights-nebraska">ACLU’s website</a> for information regarding rights to housing, the workplace and interactions with police or immigration officials.ACLU’s senior legal and policy 
counsel Rose Godinez said the goal is to ensure that immigrants in 
Nebraska feel welcomed and well informed.“It is important that immigrant 
Nebraskans understand they are essential to the fabric of our 
communities and that their rights must be respected and defended,” 
Godinez said. “We will continue to make sure that all 140,000 immigrants
 who call Nebraska home truly feel at home and know that the ACLU of 
Nebraska is dedicated to ensuring they feel protected and respected.”Immigrant rights are a major focus 
area for the Nebraska chapter of the ACLU. In recent years, the civil 
rights organization has investigated <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/press-releases/new-report-nebraska-law-enforcement-agencies-need-improve-language-access">language accessibility</a> in police agencies, pushed for more pandemic assistance for immigrants, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclunebraska.org/sites/default/files/case_law_snapshot_final.pdf">published a report</a> of case law affecting local immigrants and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATURXL882XW4x2peUNeE4-2FktI-2FFyWVtRuSmLxbDB3X3pfPfPEuwOF3W5pRbqo-2BJHye6P9QYHbBILmgUJMiweqK2-2FALgfv8nxLywt3-2B7ipA-2BaGWzJE7g2iIE1pE2iv-2B54olhQ-3D-3DgT0B_PuhDybjF8jeSuwfVVqpP8rEUmzQRjil2yMB0cDFgGQ40rV43n520uYvetV1mUXsxr-2FOQyKJMoHVtoZCgO2hz6EGLW7GCa0aW2dGERRhV3VioNe065YDbY7Dsunka8APLpoKzsVEB1zXSyEIhAo5ISi3eD9Ayto-2Bcjh-2FkiDZtOqbBR9BFrQ0L8PYmyAuOVqMLbvSYGZf5678hz1JenRNPmq5IAmUd7i3GpGPse2n6-2BvTgxkwchQZojNI1vvrBY0CZsx0ENomNOUO1VBnSJZ6DXgBKlcMOxcX9S-2F9uJA2kkEPusfKCcYi1vavh0YC9dagVc8qxNvDWD6kmvFz-2FKTSoXr8DR9qdchEwN9YLx2BMfbw-3D">filed a lawsuit</a> for access to Department of Homeland Security records on a Nebraska immigration raid.

Public messaging welcomes immigrant Nebraskans

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/roger-welsch-spinner-of-tall-tales-about-nebraska-and-tractors-says-hes-entering-hospice/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Roger Welsch, a humorist and master spinner of tales about 
rural Nebraska life, announced Tuesday on Facebook that he’s entering a 
hospice program.

Welsch, in recent Facebook posts, had said that he was battling 
kidney problems and trips for dialysis and that he had had several bad 
falls.

In his post Tuesday he simply said his “deterioration” had progressed
 faster than expected, and he was entering a hospice program. This, he 
wrote, would be his last post “before I go to the great Facebook site 
over the Fourth Hill.”

Welsch, 85, is best known for his “Postcards from Nebraska” segments 
that he used to produce for the “Sunday Morning” show on CBS.

Known eventually as “Captain Nebraska,” he established a “Liars Hall 
of Fame” in his adopted hometown of Dannebrog and wrote several books 
about love, tractors, dogs and women, including “Everything I Learned 
about Women I Learned from Tractors.”

He first drew attention in 1974 when he ran for the weed control board in Lancaster County on a “pro-weed” platform.

That caught the attention of the legendary “On the Road” reporter for
 CBS, Charles Kuralt, who did a segment on Nebraska’s weed-loving 
humorist, which led to Welsch’s 13-year stint on “Sunday Morning.”

In 2007, Welsch donated his acreage near Dannebrog to the Pawnee 
Indian Tribe, the original inhabitants of that area of central Nebraska.

He was quoted by a Tulsa World reporter when the Pawnee accepted the 
deed: “These people are not guests on our land, but rather we are guests
 on their land.”

Welsch’s Facebook post asked that people not visit him, but donate to a local humane society. The post:

“It is said that every story has to have a beginning, middle, and 
end. We’ve been taking care of the first two, to a fare-thee-well, since
 I started telling stories around 1958. And the saga has taken one 
strange turn after another over the years, sometimes day by day, often 
to my total surprise.

“Those who write fiction know that the characters in a story wind up 
doing things that are not at all planned by the author. They just 
happen.

“And, my dear friends, that’s where I am now. As so often has been 
the case, it seems I am no longer making the decisions; decisions are 
being made for me.

“My deterioration has accelerated far faster than I ever thought it 
would. Linda says I too often seem cheery in these Facebook posts but 
this time there’s no avoiding the inevitable processes.

“I have a few days. I have entered a hospice process; this will be my
 final post before I go to the great Facebook site over the Fourth Hill.

“Thank you all for your patience and compassion. I wish I could 
notify all of you separately but there are too many other intervening 
factors at this point. They said the process would take 7 to 10 days but
 after the last couple of days, that seems to be unrealistic.

“I wish you all well and hope you enjoy at least half as many 
wonderful adventures as I have these past 85 years. You have been 
blessed with one life. Live it well.

“As my friend Vicki said it to me when my brother Chuck Trimble died, “Now he knows the answers.”

“I’ll let you know what I find out!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664545359808.png" alt="Dannebrog, Nebraska, is Roger Welsch’s adopted hometown,. (Courtesy of Dannebrog)" />
 <figcaption>Dannebrog, Nebraska, is Roger Welsch’s adopted hometown,. (Courtesy of Dannebrog)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/roger-welsch-spinner-of-tall-tales-about-nebraska-and-tractors-says-hes-entering-hospice/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Roger Welsch, a humorist and master spinner of tales about 
rural Nebraska life, announced Tuesday on Facebook that he’s entering a 
hospice program.Welsch, in recent Facebook posts, had said that he was battling 
kidney problems and trips for dialysis and that he had had several bad 
falls.In his post Tuesday he simply said his “deterioration” had progressed
 faster than expected, and he was entering a hospice program. This, he 
wrote, would be his last post “before I go to the great Facebook site 
over the Fourth Hill.”Welsch, 85, is best known for his “Postcards from Nebraska” segments 
that he used to produce for the “Sunday Morning” show on CBS.<h2>Liars Hall of Fame</h2>Known eventually as “Captain Nebraska,” he established a “Liars Hall 
of Fame” in his adopted hometown of Dannebrog and wrote several books 
about love, tractors, dogs and women, including “Everything I Learned 
about Women I Learned from Tractors.”He first drew attention in 1974 when he ran for the weed control board in Lancaster County on a “pro-weed” platform.That caught the attention of the legendary “On the Road” reporter for
 CBS, Charles Kuralt, who did a segment on Nebraska’s weed-loving 
humorist, which led to Welsch’s 13-year stint on “Sunday Morning.”In 2007, Welsch donated his acreage near Dannebrog to the Pawnee 
Indian Tribe, the original inhabitants of that area of central Nebraska.He was quoted by a Tulsa World reporter when the Pawnee accepted the 
deed: “These people are not guests on our land, but rather we are guests
 on their land.”<h2>‘One strange turn after another’</h2>Welsch’s Facebook post asked that people not visit him, but donate to a local humane society. The post:“It is said that every story has to have a beginning, middle, and 
end. We’ve been taking care of the first two, to a fare-thee-well, since
 I started telling stories around 1958. And the saga has taken one 
strange turn after another over the years, sometimes day by day, often 
to my total surprise.“Those who write fiction know that the characters in a story wind up 
doing things that are not at all planned by the author. They just 
happen.“And, my dear friends, that’s where I am now. As so often has been 
the case, it seems I am no longer making the decisions; decisions are 
being made for me.“My deterioration has accelerated far faster than I ever thought it 
would. Linda says I too often seem cheery in these Facebook posts but 
this time there’s no avoiding the inevitable processes.“I have a few days. I have entered a hospice process; this will be my
 final post before I go to the great Facebook site over the Fourth Hill.“Thank you all for your patience and compassion. I wish I could 
notify all of you separately but there are too many other intervening 
factors at this point. They said the process would take 7 to 10 days but
 after the last couple of days, that seems to be unrealistic.“I wish you all well and hope you enjoy at least half as many 
wonderful adventures as I have these past 85 years. You have been 
blessed with one life. Live it well.“As my friend Vicki said it to me when my brother Chuck Trimble died, “Now he knows the answers.”“I’ll let you know what I find out!”

Spinner of tall tales about Neb. and tractors entering hospice

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a short-term spending bill on Thursday that would avert a partial government shutdown when the current fiscal year ends at midnight Friday and provide another infusion of military and economic aid to Ukraine as it seeks to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">repel Russia's brutal invasion.</a>

The bill finances the federal government through Dec. 16 and buys lawmakers more time to agree on legislation setting spending levels for the 2023 fiscal year. It passed by a vote of 72-25. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse&nbsp; voted no.&nbsp;All of the no votes came from Republicans.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

As has become routine, lawmakers waited until the final hours before the shutdown deadline to act. But passage of a bill to fund the government was hardly in doubt, particularly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin</a>&nbsp;agreed to drop provisions designed to streamline the permitting process for energy projects and greenlight the approval of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mountains-virginia-roanoke-climate-and-environment-d7620fb1133254f39bc2162790177957">pipeline in his home state of West Virginia.</a>&nbsp;Those provisions had drawn opposition from both sides of the political aisle.

Still, the bill merely puts off for a few months the maneuvering that will be required after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm election</a>&nbsp;to pass a massive government funding package, as negotiators will have to bridge their differences over spending on hot-button issues such as abortion, border security and climate change.

The bill approved Thursday, with some exceptions, keeps spending at federal agencies at current levels through mid-December. The most notable of those exceptions is the more than $12 billion that will be provided to aid Ukraine, on top of more than $50 billion provided in two previous bills. The money will go to provide training, equipment and logistics support for the Ukraine military, help Ukraine's government provide basic services to its citizens and replenish U.S. weapons systems and munitions.

“Seven months since the conflict began, it's crystal clear that American assistance has gone a long way to helping the Ukrainian people resist (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's evil, vicious aggression," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “But the fight is far from over."

Republican leader Mitch McConnell also voiced support for the Ukraine aid, while admonishing the Biden administration to get it out the door more quickly.

“Assisting Ukraine is not some feel-good, symbolic gesture," McConnell said. “It's literally an investment in our own national security and that of our allies."

Disaster assistance was attached to the stopgap bill, including $2.5 billion to help New Mexico communities recover from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-new-mexico-climate-and-environment-e7df5c861f5ce7d0ab308d4f31c3452c">Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire,</a>&nbsp;the largest wildfire in the state’s history; $2 billion for a block grant program that aids the economic recovery of communities impacted by recent disasters and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-united-states-mississippi-jackson-climate-and-environment-8ece9ffd09635dfcec1a429bc354cc73">$20 million for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements previously authorized for Jackson, Mississippi.</a>

An additional $18.8 billion was included for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to respond to current and future disasters, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-ian-impact-path-d4db93bcac5af1134e31a3b7f2f694f0">Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida on Wednesday.</a>

The bill would provide an additional $1 billion for a program that helps low-income households heat their homes. And it would transfer $3 billion from a Pentagon aid program to the State Department for continued Afghan resettlement operations.

Lawmakers also included a reauthorization of the Food and Drug Administration's user fee agreements for five years, which ensures the agency can continue critical product safety reviews and won't need to issue pink slips for thousands of employees working on drug and medical device applications.

One thing missing from the bill is the billions of dollars in additional funding that President Joe Biden sought to aid the response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">monkeypox.</a>&nbsp;Republicans criticized the health spending as unnecessary. The White House said the money would have been used to accelerate the research and development of vaccines and therapeutics, prepare for future COVID variants and support the global response.

The bill's passage is the last must-do item on lawmakers' list before returning to their home states and districts to campaign before the mid-term elections that will determine which party controls the House and Senate over the next two years. Lawmakers were anxious to get out of Washington and focus on campaigning without the specter of a shutdown.

“The last thing the American people need right now is a pointless government shutdown," Schumer said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664502348903.png" alt="Counting votes Thursday in the U.S. Senate-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Counting votes Thursday in the U.S. Senate-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a short-term spending bill on Thursday that would avert a partial government shutdown when the current fiscal year ends at midnight Friday and provide another infusion of military and economic aid to Ukraine as it seeks to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">repel Russia's brutal invasion.</a>The bill finances the federal government through Dec. 16 and buys lawmakers more time to agree on legislation setting spending levels for the 2023 fiscal year. It passed by a vote of 72-25. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse&nbsp; voted no.&nbsp;All of the no votes came from Republicans.The bill now goes to the House for consideration.As has become routine, lawmakers waited until the final hours before the shutdown deadline to act. But passage of a bill to fund the government was hardly in doubt, particularly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin</a>&nbsp;agreed to drop provisions designed to streamline the permitting process for energy projects and greenlight the approval of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mountains-virginia-roanoke-climate-and-environment-d7620fb1133254f39bc2162790177957">pipeline in his home state of West Virginia.</a>&nbsp;Those provisions had drawn opposition from both sides of the political aisle.Still, the bill merely puts off for a few months the maneuvering that will be required after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm election</a>&nbsp;to pass a massive government funding package, as negotiators will have to bridge their differences over spending on hot-button issues such as abortion, border security and climate change.The bill approved Thursday, with some exceptions, keeps spending at federal agencies at current levels through mid-December. The most notable of those exceptions is the more than $12 billion that will be provided to aid Ukraine, on top of more than $50 billion provided in two previous bills. The money will go to provide training, equipment and logistics support for the Ukraine military, help Ukraine's government provide basic services to its citizens and replenish U.S. weapons systems and munitions.“Seven months since the conflict began, it's crystal clear that American assistance has gone a long way to helping the Ukrainian people resist (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's evil, vicious aggression," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “But the fight is far from over."Republican leader Mitch McConnell also voiced support for the Ukraine aid, while admonishing the Biden administration to get it out the door more quickly.“Assisting Ukraine is not some feel-good, symbolic gesture," McConnell said. “It's literally an investment in our own national security and that of our allies."Disaster assistance was attached to the stopgap bill, including $2.5 billion to help New Mexico communities recover from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-new-mexico-climate-and-environment-e7df5c861f5ce7d0ab308d4f31c3452c">Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire,</a>&nbsp;the largest wildfire in the state’s history; $2 billion for a block grant program that aids the economic recovery of communities impacted by recent disasters and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-united-states-mississippi-jackson-climate-and-environment-8ece9ffd09635dfcec1a429bc354cc73">$20 million for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements previously authorized for Jackson, Mississippi.</a>An additional $18.8 billion was included for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to respond to current and future disasters, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-ian-impact-path-d4db93bcac5af1134e31a3b7f2f694f0">Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida on Wednesday.</a>The bill would provide an additional $1 billion for a program that helps low-income households heat their homes. And it would transfer $3 billion from a Pentagon aid program to the State Department for continued Afghan resettlement operations.Lawmakers also included a reauthorization of the Food and Drug Administration's user fee agreements for five years, which ensures the agency can continue critical product safety reviews and won't need to issue pink slips for thousands of employees working on drug and medical device applications.One thing missing from the bill is the billions of dollars in additional funding that President Joe Biden sought to aid the response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/monkeypox">monkeypox.</a>&nbsp;Republicans criticized the health spending as unnecessary. The White House said the money would have been used to accelerate the research and development of vaccines and therapeutics, prepare for future COVID variants and support the global response.The bill's passage is the last must-do item on lawmakers' list before returning to their home states and districts to campaign before the mid-term elections that will determine which party controls the House and Senate over the next two years. Lawmakers were anxious to get out of Washington and focus on campaigning without the specter of a shutdown.“The last thing the American people need right now is a pointless government shutdown," Schumer said.

Fischer votes yes, Sasse no to avert shutdown, $12B more for Ukraine

Scammers have long used social media to impersonate people you know 
and trust, but recently they’ve been using a new tactic: text messages 
with a spoofed caller ID. This scam can be hard to spot at first glance,
 so watch out for the warning signs.

You get a text message that shows up in your phone as from “Mom” (or 
in other variations, “Dad.”) According to the message, “Mom” is at the 
store, but she left her credit card at home by accident. Could you send 
her $150 to finish her shopping? &nbsp;

The request seems harmless, but don’t do it! Scammers have spoofed 
caller ID to appear as “Mom” or “Dad.” They are relying on the fact that
 many people have "Dad" or "Mom" saved in their contacts list. Scammers 
hope you won’t think twice (or double-check the phone number) before 
sending help. If you do transfer money to a bank or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/13038-how-to-avoid-digital-wallet-scams-on-paypal-venmo-and-other-services">digital wallet</a> account, your money will be gone for good.

How to spot fake emergency text messages

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBScammers have long used social media to impersonate people you know 
and trust, but recently they’ve been using a new tactic: text messages 
with a spoofed caller ID. This scam can be hard to spot at first glance,
 so watch out for the warning signs.<h2>How the scam works</h2>You get a text message that shows up in your phone as from “Mom” (or 
in other variations, “Dad.”) According to the message, “Mom” is at the 
store, but she left her credit card at home by accident. Could you send 
her $150 to finish her shopping? &nbsp;The request seems harmless, but don’t do it! Scammers have spoofed 
caller ID to appear as “Mom” or “Dad.” They are relying on the fact that
 many people have "Dad" or "Mom" saved in their contacts list. Scammers 
hope you won’t think twice (or double-check the phone number) before 
sending help. If you do transfer money to a bank or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/13038-how-to-avoid-digital-wallet-scams-on-paypal-venmo-and-other-services">digital wallet</a> account, your money will be gone for good.<h2>How to spot fake emergency text messages </h2><ul>
 <li>If anything about a message is unusual, consider it a red flag.
 If your parents never send text messages, it’s probably not them 
texting now. On the other hand, if they text all the time but never ask 
for money, you’re probably dealing with an impersonator. </li><li>Look for a new message thread. If you text with 
your parents on a regular basis, you should be able to see previous 
messages from them. If you can’t see any of the earlier messages, it’s 
probably a scammer contacting you for the first time. </li><li>Double check the sender info. Click on the sender information to make sure the name matches your parent’s real phone number. </li><li>Call your parents to confirm the story. Look up their number in your contacts list and call them to confirm if the message really came from them. </li><li>Don’t be fooled if a scammer has personal information about you.
 Because of data breaches and social media posts, scammers may have 
their hands on some of your personal information, including your name 
and your parent’s name. </li><li>If you suspect a scam, don’t answer the message. 
Just block the number and delete the message. If you reply, scammers 
will know your number is active and could target you with scams in the 
future.</li>
 </ul>

Scam alert: How to spot an impersonator in your text messages

By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/biden-to-battered-florida-were-going-to-do-everything-we-can-for-you/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden 
addressed the nation Friday afternoon, focusing on uniting the country 
as Florida begins to survey the damage left by a Category 4 hurricane, 
while states further up the coast prepare for the impact from Hurricane 
Ian.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As you all know, the situation in 
Florida is far more devastating,” Biden said. “We’re just beginning to 
see the scale of that destruction.”&nbsp;

He did not take questions from the 
press or say if he would visit Florida, but he stressed the importance 
of the country coming together to help those affected by the hurricane. 
He mentioned he was in continuous contact with Republican Florida Gov. 
Ron DeSantis, as well as other coastal governors.

“Our hearts go out to all those folks
 whose lives have been absolutely devastated by this storm, America’s 
heart is literally breaking,” Biden said. “I just want the people of 
Florida to know we see what you’re going through, and we’re with you. 
We’re going to do everything we can for you.”

Hurricane Ian demolished Southwest Florida, leaving millions without power and damaging homes, businesses and bridges. On Thursday, <a target="_blank" href="https://floridaphoenix.com/blog/president-biden-approves-florida-disaster-declaration/">Biden declared Florida a major disaster area</a>, approving federal aid to help with local recovery efforts in areas affected by the hurricane.&nbsp;

On Friday he also declared the Commonwealth of Virginia as a major disaster area.

Biden said that Ian is likely to rank
 as the worst hurricane ever to hit&nbsp;Florida. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 is
 considered one of “the strongest and most devastating hurricane on record to hit southern Florida,” according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.noaa.gov/stories/hurricane-andrew-at-30-where-science-has-taken-us">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a>.&nbsp;

Hurricane Andrew was a Category 5 hurricane that hit Miami, <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/98bf59ecce8dd183a44bfac25ea35aaa">leaving 51 dead</a>. More than 50,000 homes were destroyed and the storm caused $27 billion in damage.

Biden said on Friday that it will take months and years for Florida to recover from Hurricane Ian.&nbsp;

After battering Florida for days, Hurricane Ian landed in South Carolina shortly after the president’s remarks. It’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov">currently</a> a Category 1 storm, a category that has maximum sustained winds of 95 miles per hour.&nbsp;

Biden said he also approved an emergency declaration for South Carolina, after Republican Gov. Henry Dargan McMaster requested the designation.

During his remarks, Biden urged the 
residents of South Carolina to listen to “all the warnings and 
directions from local officials and follow their instructions.”

In Florida, there is one confirmed 
death and 20 under investigation, and nearly 2 million homes and 
business are still without power, DeSantis and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said <a target="_blank" href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2022/09/30/one-confirmed-death-20-unconfirmed-from-hurricane-ian-1-9-million-still-without-power-in-fl/">during a news conference Friday</a>. Those deaths are unconfirmed, because it’s not known if they are storm-related or not.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said 
during a Friday press conference that “Congress pledges to be there for 
those who were affected now and in the future.”

By ARIANA FIGUEROA <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/biden-to-battered-florida-were-going-to-do-everything-we-can-for-you/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden 
addressed the nation Friday afternoon, focusing on uniting the country 
as Florida begins to survey the damage left by a Category 4 hurricane, 
while states further up the coast prepare for the impact from Hurricane 
Ian.&nbsp;&nbsp;“As you all know, the situation in 
Florida is far more devastating,” Biden said. “We’re just beginning to 
see the scale of that destruction.”&nbsp;He did not take questions from the 
press or say if he would visit Florida, but he stressed the importance 
of the country coming together to help those affected by the hurricane. 
He mentioned he was in continuous contact with Republican Florida Gov. 
Ron DeSantis, as well as other coastal governors.“Our hearts go out to all those folks
 whose lives have been absolutely devastated by this storm, America’s 
heart is literally breaking,” Biden said. “I just want the people of 
Florida to know we see what you’re going through, and we’re with you. 
We’re going to do everything we can for you.”Hurricane Ian demolished Southwest Florida, leaving millions without power and damaging homes, businesses and bridges. On Thursday, <a target="_blank" href="https://floridaphoenix.com/blog/president-biden-approves-florida-disaster-declaration/">Biden declared Florida a major disaster area</a>, approving federal aid to help with local recovery efforts in areas affected by the hurricane.&nbsp;On Friday he also declared the Commonwealth of Virginia as a major disaster area.Biden said that Ian is likely to rank
 as the worst hurricane ever to hit&nbsp;Florida. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 is
 considered one of “the strongest and most devastating hurricane on record to hit southern Florida,” according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.noaa.gov/stories/hurricane-andrew-at-30-where-science-has-taken-us">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a>.&nbsp;Hurricane Andrew was a Category 5 hurricane that hit Miami, <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/98bf59ecce8dd183a44bfac25ea35aaa">leaving 51 dead</a>. More than 50,000 homes were destroyed and the storm caused $27 billion in damage.Biden said on Friday that it will take months and years for Florida to recover from Hurricane Ian.&nbsp;After battering Florida for days, Hurricane Ian landed in South Carolina shortly after the president’s remarks. It’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov">currently</a> a Category 1 storm, a category that has maximum sustained winds of 95 miles per hour.&nbsp;Biden said he also approved an emergency declaration for South Carolina, after Republican Gov. Henry Dargan McMaster requested the designation.During his remarks, Biden urged the 
residents of South Carolina to listen to “all the warnings and 
directions from local officials and follow their instructions.”In Florida, there is one confirmed 
death and 20 under investigation, and nearly 2 million homes and 
business are still without power, DeSantis and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said <a target="_blank" href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2022/09/30/one-confirmed-death-20-unconfirmed-from-hurricane-ian-1-9-million-still-without-power-in-fl/">during a news conference Friday</a>. Those deaths are unconfirmed, because it’s not known if they are storm-related or not.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said 
during a Friday press conference that “Congress pledges to be there for 
those who were affected now and in the future.”

Biden to battered Florida: ‘We’re going to do everything we can for you’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden sought out deceased Rep. Jackie Walorski on Wednesday during remarks at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-philanthropy-9dc884edcdbce63c6df5f2337ff81922">hunger conference</a>, saying “Where’s Jackie?" The White House press secretary later said the congresswoman had been “top of mind” for the president at the time.

(Click below to watch the White House press secretary)

Karine Jean-Pierre did not acknowledge that Biden had misspoken during his remarks at the White House conference on hunger, nutrition and health when he looked around the room for Walorski, the Indiana congresswoman who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-legislature-south-bend-accidents-elkhart-31c849c90aff88a7cddc9e9a614a585f">died in an August car crash.</a>

Biden, in his remarks. praised bipartisan lawmakers who worked on addressing childhood hunger, including Rep. Jim McGovern, Sen. Mike Braun, Sen. Cory Booker and Walorski, who was seen as a leader on the issue before her death.

(Click below to watch the President's comments)

“Where’s Jackie?” Biden said, suggesting he expected her to be there.

Jean-Pierre faced repeated questioning during Wednesday's White House press briefing about Biden's flub, saying more than a dozen times that Walorski was "top of mind" for the president, who plans to meet with the congresswoman’s family at an event Friday when he signs a bill renaming a Veterans Affairs clinic in Indiana after her. She declined to say Biden had erred, nor did she issue an apology to the late lawmaker’s family.

“My answer is certainly not going to change," she told reporters. "All of you may have views on how I'm answering it, but I'm answering the question to the way that he saw it and to the way that we see it.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden sought out deceased Rep. Jackie Walorski on Wednesday during remarks at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-philanthropy-9dc884edcdbce63c6df5f2337ff81922">hunger conference</a>, saying “Where’s Jackie?" The White House press secretary later said the congresswoman had been “top of mind” for the president at the time.(Click below to watch the White House press secretary)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jcE9Hqc6l5c?start=680" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Karine Jean-Pierre did not acknowledge that Biden had misspoken during his remarks at the White House conference on hunger, nutrition and health when he looked around the room for Walorski, the Indiana congresswoman who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-legislature-south-bend-accidents-elkhart-31c849c90aff88a7cddc9e9a614a585f">died in an August car crash.</a>Biden, in his remarks. praised bipartisan lawmakers who worked on addressing childhood hunger, including Rep. Jim McGovern, Sen. Mike Braun, Sen. Cory Booker and Walorski, who was seen as a leader on the issue before her death.(Click below to watch the President's comments)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xfp9Cn5A5Mc?start=1049" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Where’s Jackie?” Biden said, suggesting he expected her to be there.Jean-Pierre faced repeated questioning during Wednesday's White House press briefing about Biden's flub, saying more than a dozen times that Walorski was "top of mind" for the president, who plans to meet with the congresswoman’s family at an event Friday when he signs a bill renaming a Veterans Affairs clinic in Indiana after her. She declined to say Biden had erred, nor did she issue an apology to the late lawmaker’s family.“My answer is certainly not going to change," she told reporters. "All of you may have views on how I'm answering it, but I'm answering the question to the way that he saw it and to the way that we see it.”

🎥White House explains Biden flub, search for late congresswoman 

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/rep-don-bacon-recovering-from-emergency-appendectomy/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA
 — U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who represents the Omaha area, had an 
emergency appendectomy overnight Wednesday at Walter Reed National 
Military Medical Center in Maryland.

The congressman’s office confirmed 
the procedure to remove his swollen appendix. They said it was 
successful, and they expected Bacon to be released as early as Thursday 
afternoon.&nbsp;

“All good,” Bacon said Thursday. “An appendix can (go) north to south
 so quickly. I thought it was food poisoning. But as (the) day went on I
 realized it was more serious. I could hardly walk last night. Surgery 
worked magic!”

Bacon, 59, a retired Air Force 
brigadier general, went to Walter Reed Wednesday evening, after some 
meetings, staff said. They said his appendix was three times the normal 
size.&nbsp;

He thanked his doctors and nurses at Walter Reed for helping him and others and said&nbsp;he looks forward to getting out in a couple hours and “quickly returning to work.”

His office had no immediate word on how long Bacon might need to recover.&nbsp;They said they were working on plans to make sure he could vote by proxy if needed.&nbsp;Campaigning will be handled on a day-to-day basis. 

Bacon is running for a fourth term 
against Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas in Nebraska’s 2nd 
Congressional District. Election Day is Nov. 8.

Vargas, on Twitter, offered “prayers for a speedy recovery” and said he was glad the surgery was a success.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655824460624.jpeg" alt="U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. (Courtesy of U.S. House of Representatives)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. (Courtesy of U.S. House of Representatives)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/rep-don-bacon-recovering-from-emergency-appendectomy/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA
 — U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who represents the Omaha area, had an 
emergency appendectomy overnight Wednesday at Walter Reed National 
Military Medical Center in Maryland.The congressman’s office confirmed 
the procedure to remove his swollen appendix. They said it was 
successful, and they expected Bacon to be released as early as Thursday 
afternoon.&nbsp;“All good,” Bacon said Thursday. “An appendix can (go) north to south
 so quickly. I thought it was food poisoning. But as (the) day went on I
 realized it was more serious. I could hardly walk last night. Surgery 
worked magic!”Bacon, 59, a retired Air Force 
brigadier general, went to Walter Reed Wednesday evening, after some 
meetings, staff said. They said his appendix was three times the normal 
size.&nbsp;He thanked his doctors and nurses at Walter Reed for helping him and others and said&nbsp;he looks forward to getting out in a couple hours and “quickly returning to work.”His office had no immediate word on how long Bacon might need to recover.&nbsp;They said they were working on plans to make sure he could vote by proxy if needed.&nbsp;Campaigning will be handled on a day-to-day basis. Bacon is running for a fourth term 
against Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas in Nebraska’s 2nd 
Congressional District. Election Day is Nov. 8.Vargas, on Twitter, offered “prayers for a speedy recovery” and said he was glad the surgery was a success.

Neb. congressman recovering from emergency appendectomy

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/memorial-fund-established-for-legendary-promoter-of-the-outdoors/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Whether it was teaching hunters how to call-in turkeys, 
telling fishermen how to catch a catfish or explaining how to fashion 
ice-fishing gear out of everyday household items, Dick Turpin was always
 promoting Nebraska’s outdoors.

Now, Nebraskans can donate to continuing programs aimed at connecting young people and others to outdoor activities.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, where Turpin worked for 40 
years, announced this week the creation of the “Dick Turpin Outdoor 
Education Memorial Fund” to support hunter education and outdoor 
education programs across Nebraska.

Turpin, who died in February at age 84, worked in outdoor education 
for the game commission, as well as serving as a game warden and 
eventually, as head of the law enforcement division.

&nbsp;“If
 there was an outdoor education workshop, Turpin probably, over the 
years, did it,” said Greg Wagner, a senior public information officer 
for the commission based in Omaha.

And, Wagner said, workshops done by Turpin were usually filled up due to Turpin’s skill in spinning a yarn.

Jana McGuire, Turpin’s daughter, said the memorial fund will honor 
her father’s legacy by supporting activities he loved — education and 
events that got more families to enjoy Nebraska’s outdoors.

Wagner, who considered Turpin a mentor, said his old friend didn’t 
want a building named after him — “no one would come,” Turpin told 
Wagner.

Instead, he wanted something to continue hunter and outdoor education
 programs. Those include mentored youth hunts, opportunities for 
low-income families and scholarships for the “Becoming an 
Outdoors-Woman” workshops.

“Dick would be thrilled knowing the donations are providing 
opportunities for youth and adults of all ages and from all walks of 
life,” said Reenie Turpin, Dick’s wife.

To make a donation, visit the website <a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjguNjQzNjI0MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvdHVycGlubWVtb3JpYWxmdW5kLyJ9.f34jsWz2qeUX4yoLvxeFC7DPQsuq6IKTyx08p9xdzy8/s/2140351519/br/144859744196-l">Outdoornebraska.gov/turpinmemorialfund.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664484131902.png" alt="Dick Turpin, master storyteller and longtime outdoor educator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (Courtesy of the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home)" />
 <figcaption>Dick Turpin, master storyteller and longtime outdoor educator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (Courtesy of the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/memorial-fund-established-for-legendary-promoter-of-the-outdoors/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Whether it was teaching hunters how to call-in turkeys, 
telling fishermen how to catch a catfish or explaining how to fashion 
ice-fishing gear out of everyday household items, Dick Turpin was always
 promoting Nebraska’s outdoors.Now, Nebraskans can donate to continuing programs aimed at connecting young people and others to outdoor activities.The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, where Turpin worked for 40 
years, announced this week the creation of the “Dick Turpin Outdoor 
Education Memorial Fund” to support hunter education and outdoor 
education programs across Nebraska.Turpin, who died in February at age 84, worked in outdoor education 
for the game commission, as well as serving as a game warden and 
eventually, as head of the law enforcement division.&nbsp;“If
 there was an outdoor education workshop, Turpin probably, over the 
years, did it,” said Greg Wagner, a senior public information officer 
for the commission based in Omaha.And, Wagner said, workshops done by Turpin were usually filled up due to Turpin’s skill in spinning a yarn.Jana McGuire, Turpin’s daughter, said the memorial fund will honor 
her father’s legacy by supporting activities he loved — education and 
events that got more families to enjoy Nebraska’s outdoors.Wagner, who considered Turpin a mentor, said his old friend didn’t 
want a building named after him — “no one would come,” Turpin told 
Wagner.Instead, he wanted something to continue hunter and outdoor education
 programs. Those include mentored youth hunts, opportunities for 
low-income families and scholarships for the “Becoming an 
Outdoors-Woman” workshops.“Dick would be thrilled knowing the donations are providing 
opportunities for youth and adults of all ages and from all walks of 
life,” said Reenie Turpin, Dick’s wife.To make a donation, visit the website <a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjguNjQzNjI0MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL291dGRvb3JuZWJyYXNrYS5nb3YvdHVycGlubWVtb3JpYWxmdW5kLyJ9.f34jsWz2qeUX4yoLvxeFC7DPQsuq6IKTyx08p9xdzy8/s/2140351519/br/144859744196-l">Outdoornebraska.gov/turpinmemorialfund.</a>

Memorial established for legendary promoter of Neb. outdoors

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha were searching Thursday for a suspect or suspects in the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy near a city park.

The shooting happened late Wednesday night near Hanscom Park in southeast Omaha, police said. Officers responding to reports of shots fired in the area found Lenny Rodriguez, 13, with a gunshot wound.

Paramedics performed CPR on the boy and rushed him to an Omaha hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Rodriguez was an eighth grader at Ralston Middle School and the 22nd homicide victim in Omaha for the year, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/13-year-old-boy-found-near-29th-and-shirley-streets-dies-of-gunshot-wound/article_bf12f47e-3ff0-11ed-a586-d34fdf430ceb.html">the Omaha World-Herald</a>.

Police had not announced any arrests in the killing by early Thursday afternoon.

Anonymous tips leading to the arrest of a suspect are eligible for a $25,000 reward.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police in Omaha were searching Thursday for a suspect or suspects in the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy near a city park.The shooting happened late Wednesday night near Hanscom Park in southeast Omaha, police said. Officers responding to reports of shots fired in the area found Lenny Rodriguez, 13, with a gunshot wound.Paramedics performed CPR on the boy and rushed him to an Omaha hospital, where he later died from his injuries.Rodriguez was an eighth grader at Ralston Middle School and the 22nd homicide victim in Omaha for the year, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/13-year-old-boy-found-near-29th-and-shirley-streets-dies-of-gunshot-wound/article_bf12f47e-3ff0-11ed-a586-d34fdf430ceb.html">the Omaha World-Herald</a>.Police had not announced any arrests in the killing by early Thursday afternoon.Anonymous tips leading to the arrest of a suspect are eligible for a $25,000 reward.

Police say 13-year-old shot to death near Omaha park

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lincoln-plans-new-youth-baseball-softball-complex-with-nebraska-wesleyan-worth-up-to-27-million/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s Capitol City 
joined the regional arms race in youth sports Wednesday, announcing 
plans for a new venue with eight turf fields for baseball and softball.

The new <a target="_blank" href="https://lincolnyouthcomplex.com">Lincoln Youth Complex</a>
 is set to be built just north of the University of Nebraska’s Haymarket
 Park and Bowlin Stadium, near North 1st Street and Cornhusker Highway.

Other Nebraska cities planning large 
youth sports complexes include Grand Island, Valley and La Vista. Much 
of the building boom follows state tax breaks and an influx of federal 
funds.

Boosters expect the Lincoln project 
to cost up to $27 million, with most of the money coming from federal 
coronavirus recovery funds, private donors and the West Haymarket Joint 
Public Agency.&nbsp;

The complex is set to receive $4.5 
million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act from the City
 of Lincoln and $4 million in ARPA funds from Lancaster County.

Organizers say they have secured 
pledges of up to $10 million in private funds and will ask the West 
Haymarket JPA for $4.5 million, said Chris Whitney of the Lincoln 
Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

“There is a dire need to expand our 
youth sports facilities and provide a destination for more people than 
ever before,” said Jeff Maul, vice president of the Lincoln Chamber.

Two of the fields will be 
championship-caliber — one each for baseball and softball. They will 
become home fields for Nebraska Wesleyan University, which chipped in $2
 million.&nbsp;

Wesleyan’s baseball and softball teams currently play at city parks.

Nebraska Wesleyan’s president, Dr. 
Darrin Good, said the new complex would boost the experience for his 
school’s student athletes, as well as “athletes from across the region.”

Five of the fields will be playable 
as baseball or softball fields, as part of an effort to lure travel 
teams and their families to Lincoln, organizers said.

Each of the dual-use fields can be 
repurposed in the off-season for flag football, soccer, lacrosse and 
other sports, the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau said in a 
release.

Organizers said the eighth field will
 be built to give young people with mental and physical disabilities a 
field for outdoor sports, “a space for players of all backgrounds and 
abilities.”

The project will also include a 
playground and parking for more than 750 vehicles, the release said. The
 group expects construction to begin in spring 2023 and end in fall 
2024.

Nebraska Examiner Senior Reporter Paul Hammel contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664461930022.png" alt="The massive Lincoln Youth Complex bound for north of Haymarket Park will build near Oak Lake Park. The project aims to attract youth sports dollars reaching other communities, boosters said. (Courtesy of Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau)" />
 <figcaption>The massive Lincoln Youth Complex bound for north of Haymarket Park will build near Oak Lake Park. The project aims to attract youth sports dollars reaching other communities, boosters said. (Courtesy of Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/lincoln-plans-new-youth-baseball-softball-complex-with-nebraska-wesleyan-worth-up-to-27-million/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s Capitol City 
joined the regional arms race in youth sports Wednesday, announcing 
plans for a new venue with eight turf fields for baseball and softball.The new <a target="_blank" href="https://lincolnyouthcomplex.com">Lincoln Youth Complex</a>
 is set to be built just north of the University of Nebraska’s Haymarket
 Park and Bowlin Stadium, near North 1st Street and Cornhusker Highway.Other Nebraska cities planning large 
youth sports complexes include Grand Island, Valley and La Vista. Much 
of the building boom follows state tax breaks and an influx of federal 
funds.Boosters expect the Lincoln project 
to cost up to $27 million, with most of the money coming from federal 
coronavirus recovery funds, private donors and the West Haymarket Joint 
Public Agency.&nbsp;The complex is set to receive $4.5 
million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act from the City
 of Lincoln and $4 million in ARPA funds from Lancaster County.Organizers say they have secured 
pledges of up to $10 million in private funds and will ask the West 
Haymarket JPA for $4.5 million, said Chris Whitney of the Lincoln 
Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;“There is a dire need to expand our 
youth sports facilities and provide a destination for more people than 
ever before,” said Jeff Maul, vice president of the Lincoln Chamber.Two of the fields will be 
championship-caliber — one each for baseball and softball. They will 
become home fields for Nebraska Wesleyan University, which chipped in $2
 million.&nbsp;Wesleyan’s baseball and softball teams currently play at city parks.Nebraska Wesleyan’s president, Dr. 
Darrin Good, said the new complex would boost the experience for his 
school’s student athletes, as well as “athletes from across the region.”Five of the fields will be playable 
as baseball or softball fields, as part of an effort to lure travel 
teams and their families to Lincoln, organizers said.Each of the dual-use fields can be 
repurposed in the off-season for flag football, soccer, lacrosse and 
other sports, the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau said in a 
release.Organizers said the eighth field will
 be built to give young people with mental and physical disabilities a 
field for outdoor sports, “a space for players of all backgrounds and 
abilities.”The project will also include a 
playground and parking for more than 750 vehicles, the release said. The
 group expects construction to begin in spring 2023 and end in fall 
2024.Nebraska Examiner Senior Reporter Paul Hammel contributed to this report.

Lincoln, Neb., plans new $27M youth baseball, softball complex

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday warned oil and gas companies against increasing prices for consumers as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-ian-live-updates-6302894797cae989ff855030cf332a97">Hurricane Ian</a>&nbsp;lashed Florida’s southwest coast.

(Click below to watch the President's statement)

“Do not, let me repeat, do not use this as an excuse to raise gasoline prices or gouge the American people,” Biden said at the start of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-philanthropy-9dc884edcdbce63c6df5f2337ff81922">conference on hunger in America and just hours before the hurricane</a>&nbsp;made landfall as a massive Category 4 storm.

Biden said that the hurricane “provides no excuse for price increases at the pump” and if it happens, he will ask federal officials to determine ”whether price gauging is going on.”

“America is watching. The industry should do the right thing,” Biden added.

There are few signs that average gas prices have jumped significantly in Florida as the hurricane began to approach. AAA put the statewide average at just under $3.40 a gallon, six-tenths of a cent higher than a week ago.

A 99-day run of falling pump prices nationally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-issues-3c8e1dd27e93b995b930035a7ead3cb6">ended recently</a>, and the 14-week decline was the longest streak since 2015. The nationwide average price had risen past $5 a gallon — and $6 in California — in June as the economic recovery and an increase in travel boosted demand for gasoline and Russia’s war in Ukraine caused a spike in oil prices.

Gasoline prices mostly reflect trends in global oil prices, and crude — both the U.S. benchmark and the international Brent — has been slumping since mid-June on growing fears of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-covid-health-economy-d2fd0bbc09fbe98d8fdb4840be29e826">global recession</a>&nbsp;that would reduce demand for energy.

Many energy analysts believe prices are more likely to rise than fall in the next few months. But changes in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-consumer-confidence-264633cb0405d785e47ad81d6daafe28">sentiment about the economy</a>, Russia’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war against Ukraine</a>, and even hurricane season — always a threat to disrupt refineries along the Gulf Coast — make predictions uncertain.

A spokeswoman for the American Petroleum Institute, an oil industry group, said the industry is focused on “delivering fuels where they are needed most while ensuring the safety of our workforce’’ during the hurricane.

“Gasoline prices are determined by market forces -– not individual companies -- and claims that the price at the pump is anything but a function of supply and demand are false,” spokeswoman Andrea Woods said.

The hurricane was lashing the state with heavy rain and pushing a devastating storm surge after strengthening to the threshold of the most dangerous Category 5 status. Ian grew to a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane overnight with top winds of 155 mph (250 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center.

Before making its way through the Gulf of Mexico to Florida, Hurricane Ian tore into western Cuba on Tuesday, killing two people and bringing down the country’s electrical grid.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664394807506.png" alt="Radar image of Hurrixane Ian -National Hurricane Center&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Radar image of Hurrixane Ian -National Hurricane Center&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday warned oil and gas companies against increasing prices for consumers as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-ian-live-updates-6302894797cae989ff855030cf332a97">Hurricane Ian</a>&nbsp;lashed Florida’s southwest coast.(Click below to watch the President's statement)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xfp9Cn5A5Mc?start=900" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Do not, let me repeat, do not use this as an excuse to raise gasoline prices or gouge the American people,” Biden said at the start of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-philanthropy-9dc884edcdbce63c6df5f2337ff81922">conference on hunger in America and just hours before the hurricane</a>&nbsp;made landfall as a massive Category 4 storm.Biden said that the hurricane “provides no excuse for price increases at the pump” and if it happens, he will ask federal officials to determine ”whether price gauging is going on.”“America is watching. The industry should do the right thing,” Biden added.There are few signs that average gas prices have jumped significantly in Florida as the hurricane began to approach. AAA put the statewide average at just under $3.40 a gallon, six-tenths of a cent higher than a week ago.A 99-day run of falling pump prices nationally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-issues-3c8e1dd27e93b995b930035a7ead3cb6">ended recently</a>, and the 14-week decline was the longest streak since 2015. The nationwide average price had risen past $5 a gallon — and $6 in California — in June as the economic recovery and an increase in travel boosted demand for gasoline and Russia’s war in Ukraine caused a spike in oil prices.Gasoline prices mostly reflect trends in global oil prices, and crude — both the U.S. benchmark and the international Brent — has been slumping since mid-June on growing fears of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-covid-health-economy-d2fd0bbc09fbe98d8fdb4840be29e826">global recession</a>&nbsp;that would reduce demand for energy.Many energy analysts believe prices are more likely to rise than fall in the next few months. But changes in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-consumer-confidence-264633cb0405d785e47ad81d6daafe28">sentiment about the economy</a>, Russia’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war against Ukraine</a>, and even hurricane season — always a threat to disrupt refineries along the Gulf Coast — make predictions uncertain.A spokeswoman for the American Petroleum Institute, an oil industry group, said the industry is focused on “delivering fuels where they are needed most while ensuring the safety of our workforce’’ during the hurricane.“Gasoline prices are determined by market forces -– not individual companies -- and claims that the price at the pump is anything but a function of supply and demand are false,” spokeswoman Andrea Woods said.The hurricane was lashing the state with heavy rain and pushing a devastating storm surge after strengthening to the threshold of the most dangerous Category 5 status. Ian grew to a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane overnight with top winds of 155 mph (250 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center.Before making its way through the Gulf of Mexico to Florida, Hurricane Ian tore into western Cuba on Tuesday, killing two people and bringing down the country’s electrical grid.

🎥.Biden warns oil industry: Don't raise gas prices due to hurricane

MOSCOW (AP) — The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has issued another security alert for Americans in Russia, warning them to depart "immediately while limited commercial travel options remain."

<a href="https://ru.usembassy.gov/security-alert-for-u-s-citizens-in-russia/">Click here to read </a>the alert from the embassy

The embassy cited the ongoing partial mobilization in Russia for the war in Ukraine.

"Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, prevent their departure from Russia, and conscript dual nationals for military service," it said.

An Aug. 15 security alert from the embassy warned that Americans could be harassed in Russia and have difficulty obtaining consular assistance.

Tens of thousands of Russian men have fled in the week since President Vladimir Putin announced a mobilization to bolster&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox5dc.com/tag/russia-ukraine" target="_blank">struggling Russian forces in Ukraine.</a>&nbsp;Although Putin said the callup was "partial," aimed at calling up about 300,000 men with past military service, many Russians fear it will be much broader and more arbitrary than that. There are numerous reports of men with no military training and of all ages receiving draft notices.

Airline tickets to the limited number of countries still accepting flights from Russia sold out quickly despite steep prices, and long lines of Russians trying to escape continued to clog highways out of the country on Wednesday. Moscow reportedly set up draft offices at borders to intercept some of them.

The embassy warnings come as Russia moves to annex parts of Russian-occupied Ukraine that held Kremlin-orchestrated referendums on living under Moscow’s rule. Armed troops had gone door-to-door with election officials to collect ballots in five days of voting, a move that’s likely to prompt more sanctions from the West.

The Biden administration said Wednesday it will provide an additional $1.1 billion in aid to Ukraine, with funding for about 18 more advanced rocket systems and other weapons to counter drones that Russia has been using against Ukrainian troops. That brings the total of U.S. aid to Ukraine to nearly $17 billion since the Biden administration took office.

MOSCOW (AP) — The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has issued another security alert for Americans in Russia, warning them to depart "immediately while limited commercial travel options remain."<a href="https://ru.usembassy.gov/security-alert-for-u-s-citizens-in-russia/">Click here to read </a>the alert from the embassyThe embassy cited the ongoing partial mobilization in Russia for the war in Ukraine."Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, prevent their departure from Russia, and conscript dual nationals for military service," it said.An Aug. 15 security alert from the embassy warned that Americans could be harassed in Russia and have difficulty obtaining consular assistance.Tens of thousands of Russian men have fled in the week since President Vladimir Putin announced a mobilization to bolster&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox5dc.com/tag/russia-ukraine" target="_blank">struggling Russian forces in Ukraine.</a>&nbsp;Although Putin said the callup was "partial," aimed at calling up about 300,000 men with past military service, many Russians fear it will be much broader and more arbitrary than that. There are numerous reports of men with no military training and of all ages receiving draft notices.Airline tickets to the limited number of countries still accepting flights from Russia sold out quickly despite steep prices, and long lines of Russians trying to escape continued to clog highways out of the country on Wednesday. Moscow reportedly set up draft offices at borders to intercept some of them.The embassy warnings come as Russia moves to annex parts of Russian-occupied Ukraine that held Kremlin-orchestrated referendums on living under Moscow’s rule. Armed troops had gone door-to-door with election officials to collect ballots in five days of voting, a move that’s likely to prompt more sanctions from the West.The Biden administration said Wednesday it will provide an additional $1.1 billion in aid to Ukraine, with funding for about 18 more advanced rocket systems and other weapons to counter drones that Russia has been using against Ukrainian troops. That brings the total of U.S. aid to Ukraine to nearly $17 billion since the Biden administration took office.

U.S. Embassy: Americans urged to leave Russia ‘immediately'

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The two biggest U.S. railroad unions were working Wednesday ahead of key ratification votes to dispel rumors about the contract deals that averted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">a potentially devastating</a>&nbsp;nationwide strike.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663077336048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The two biggest U.S. railroad unions were working Wednesday ahead of key ratification votes to dispel rumors about the contract deals that averted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">a potentially devastating</a>&nbsp;nationwide strike.The unions have been fighting rumors on social media that they would impose the deals on workers if they vote to reject them. The rumors were sparked by a railroad trade publication suggesting that was possible in an article earlier this month.And some newly formed worker groups that helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strikes-government-and-politics-fce93ab9e273265ab2543d34b6f529ac">organize protests</a>&nbsp;at railyards across the country last week have been urging workers, some harboring deep resentment over how they've been treated by the railroads in recent years, to reject the proposed contracts.“The challenge is to first get past how angry they are,” said Dennis Pierce, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. “The education process we’re working through now is to try to get concentrating on the facts of the deal instead of the emotions of what they’ve been through. And that’s a heavy lift.”He added that there are some “out there from the outside and inside with their own agendas that are trying to keep everyone agitated.”The BLET and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers unions are instead emphasizing to their members the potential benefits of the five-year deals, which include 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. Union leaders are stressing that the only way a contract will be imposed on members is if Congress steps in to block a strike because so many businesses rely on railroads to deliver their raw materials and finished products.Workers were ready to strike until the Biden administration helped broker a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-economy-strikes-congress-94089be6a4f469444da99fec9dde1b3e">last-minute deal</a>&nbsp;that prevented a mid-September walkout at Union Pacific, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, CSX, Kansas City Southern and other railroads. But now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-33f95ad925d1a00b204c95a70c18db3c">all the unions,</a>&nbsp;which represent a total of 115,000 workers, must ratify their deals over the next six weeks to ensure there won't be a strike. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers voted Wednesday to join two smaller rail unions as the only ones to approve their deals so far.The financial terms of these deals closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;a special board of arbitrators Biden appointed made this summer, but that board didn't resolve all of the worker concerns about schedules and workloads after the major railroads&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">eliminated nearly one third</a>&nbsp;of their workforces over the past six years.Conductors and engineers have been especially upset about quality-of-life issues because they say the strict attendance policies railroads imposed to make sure they have enough crews make it hard to take any time off and keep them on call 24-7.The president of the SMART-TD union, Jeremy Ferguson, acknowledged in a video he sent out to his members that this deal “did not abolish the whole attendance policy like we asked” but he said it does include some key gains.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-worker-strike-negotiations-updates-83c0f51db4a87bf632dafe589b328f4a?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_2">concessions</a>&nbsp;the unions got include three unpaid leave days a year for medical appointments, although those must be scheduled 30 days ahead of time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. The railroads also promised not to dock workers when they are hospitalized and said they would negotiate at each railroad about ensuring workers have regularly scheduled days off.Pierce said the unions focused on time off for medical needs because that seemed to be where the greatest harm was being done. In one case highlighted by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/09/17/railroad-strike-attendance-workers/">Washington Post</a>, a BNSF engineer who skipped a doctor's appointment earlier this year because he was worried about being penalized under that railroad's attendance policy died on a train a few weeks later after suffering a heart attack.Ferguson also emphasized that the unions were able to protect two-person crews by preventing the railroads from forcing them into arbitration over their proposals to cut train crews down to one person. Unions have vehemently opposed that idea for years because of concerns about safety and protecting jobs.