<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20CRARY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID CRARY AP National Writer</a>

One member of Rabbi David Wolpe’s diverse congregation left because Wolpe would not preach sermons criticizing Donald Trump. Scores of others left over resentment with the synagogue’s rules for combating COVID-19. But Wolpe remains steadfast in his resolve to avoid politics when he preaches at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles.

“It is not easy to keep people comfortable with each other and as part of one community,” he said. “A great failing of modern American society is that people get to know each other’s politics before they get to know their humanity.”

Wolpe -- whose congregation includes liberal Democrats and hundreds of conservative Iranian Americans -- is far from alone in facing such challenges. Though many congregations in the U.S. are relatively homogeneous, others are sharply divided. In some cases, divisions are becoming more pronounced as midterm election season heats up, leaving clergy to keep the peace while still meeting the spiritual needs of all of their members.

A Black pastor in Columbus, Ohio — Bishop Timothy Clarke of the First Church of God — says there are “deep divides” in his predominantly African American congregation of more than 2,000. He cited abortion as a particularly divisive topic in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling in June allowing states to ban the procedure.

“There are good people on both sides,” said Clarke, who addressed the congregation’s differences in a recent sermon.

“I talked about the fact God loves everybody, even those you disagree with,” he said.

The Rev. Paul Roberts, senior pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, said his congregation – like many others -- is dealing with one contentious issue after another.

“The whole thing with Trump, Black Lives Matter, the pandemic really has highlighted a sense of uneasiness when you’re covering all these different topics as a church,” he said. “It just seems there isn’t anything that doesn’t have tension over it.”

His church has about 140 regular attendees, a politically and theologically diverse group that’s about half Black and half white. He said a few people left the church over its support for the Black Lives Matter movement, but for the most part it has stayed together.

He attributes that in part to hours of patient dialogue over such issues as mask-wearing and vaccines, which some Black members were wary of because of the history of medical maltreatment of African Americans.

Rabbi Judith Siegal is asking members of her politically divided congregation in Coral Gables, Florida, to sign a code of ethics pledging to respect those with different views.

Newly displayed signs at the synagogue, Temple Judea, hammer home this message.

“No matter who you vote for, your skin color, where you are from, your faith, or who you love, we will be there for one another,” one sign says. “That’s what a community means.”

Siegal said she and her assistant rabbi, Jonathan Fisch, are often asked by members of the Reform congregation to address certain issues

“We’re careful about doing that in a way that’s value-driven, preaching from our tradition and our Torah,” she said. “For example, we know that welcoming immigrants is something that’s important to us as Jews -- but we’re never going to tell anyone how to vote.”

The Rev. Sarah Wilson said her congregation at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Cary, Illinois, includes Republican business leaders and liberal nurses and teachers. There are partisan differences, as well as conflicting views on abortion, but she aspires to keep political debate out of the church and avoid partisan rhetoric of her own.

“Politics are very important to me -- I vote in every election,” she said. “But I’m not here to tell a person how to vote or who to vote for. If people ask me, even for city council, I don’t do that.”

The congregation at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and its connected Catholic school community is diverse ethnically, economically, and politically, said the Rev. David Boettner, rector of the cathedral and vicar general of the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Mass is celebrated in five languages, and parishioners and student families speak more than a dozen at home; some are financially well off while others struggle to get by, he said.

“We’ve definitely got folks that belong to the Democratic Party and folks that belong to the Republican Party, and folks that probably don’t belong to either,” Boettner said.

Political issues crop up in conversations at church, but Boettner suspects members are less likely to share polarizing views with him because he is their priest. They share more freely on social media, and he has noticed an increase in political posts as the midterm elections approach. Abortion and religious liberty, including the recent Supreme Court rulings, are prominent, he said.

Boettner said he strives for consistency in preaching about the Catholic teachings on moral, social and economic justice issues, while steering clear of endorsing specific policies. Prayers are offered for all leaders, not just those from a particular party.

“The church is not partisan,” Boettner said. “The Catholic Church is probably a great example of a church that offends both Democrats and Republicans alike.”

In Bluefield, West Virginia, the Rev. Frederick Brown said he has sought “the middle of the road” during nearly three decades as pastor of a diverse but collegial congregation at Faith Center Church.

“Staying in the middle of the road means God thinks it’s all important,” he said. “When you vote, you can vote your convictions -- but don’t attack anyone else’s convictions because they’re different from yours.”

At Sinai Temple, Rabbi Wolpe strives to encourage mutual respect within his congregation. He cites the men’s book club as a positive example: In a recent initiative, it alternated reading a book by a left-of-center author, then a book by a conservative.

Yet Wolpe, 64, says political divisions have become deeply entrenched.

“When I was born, people objected to their children marrying someone from another race but didn’t object to marrying someone from a different political party,” he said. “Now it’s the reverse.”

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20CRARY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID CRARY AP National Writer</a>One member of Rabbi David Wolpe’s diverse congregation left because Wolpe would not preach sermons criticizing Donald Trump. Scores of others left over resentment with the synagogue’s rules for combating COVID-19. But Wolpe remains steadfast in his resolve to avoid politics when he preaches at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles.“It is not easy to keep people comfortable with each other and as part of one community,” he said. “A great failing of modern American society is that people get to know each other’s politics before they get to know their humanity.”Wolpe -- whose congregation includes liberal Democrats and hundreds of conservative Iranian Americans -- is far from alone in facing such challenges. Though many congregations in the U.S. are relatively homogeneous, others are sharply divided. In some cases, divisions are becoming more pronounced as midterm election season heats up, leaving clergy to keep the peace while still meeting the spiritual needs of all of their members.A Black pastor in Columbus, Ohio — Bishop Timothy Clarke of the First Church of God — says there are “deep divides” in his predominantly African American congregation of more than 2,000. He cited abortion as a particularly divisive topic in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling in June allowing states to ban the procedure.“There are good people on both sides,” said Clarke, who addressed the congregation’s differences in a recent sermon.“I talked about the fact God loves everybody, even those you disagree with,” he said.The Rev. Paul Roberts, senior pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, said his congregation – like many others -- is dealing with one contentious issue after another.“The whole thing with Trump, Black Lives Matter, the pandemic really has highlighted a sense of uneasiness when you’re covering all these different topics as a church,” he said. “It just seems there isn’t anything that doesn’t have tension over it.”His church has about 140 regular attendees, a politically and theologically diverse group that’s about half Black and half white. He said a few people left the church over its support for the Black Lives Matter movement, but for the most part it has stayed together.He attributes that in part to hours of patient dialogue over such issues as mask-wearing and vaccines, which some Black members were wary of because of the history of medical maltreatment of African Americans.Rabbi Judith Siegal is asking members of her politically divided congregation in Coral Gables, Florida, to sign a code of ethics pledging to respect those with different views.Newly displayed signs at the synagogue, Temple Judea, hammer home this message.“No matter who you vote for, your skin color, where you are from, your faith, or who you love, we will be there for one another,” one sign says. “That’s what a community means.”Siegal said she and her assistant rabbi, Jonathan Fisch, are often asked by members of the Reform congregation to address certain issues“We’re careful about doing that in a way that’s value-driven, preaching from our tradition and our Torah,” she said. “For example, we know that welcoming immigrants is something that’s important to us as Jews -- but we’re never going to tell anyone how to vote.”The Rev. Sarah Wilson said her congregation at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Cary, Illinois, includes Republican business leaders and liberal nurses and teachers. There are partisan differences, as well as conflicting views on abortion, but she aspires to keep political debate out of the church and avoid partisan rhetoric of her own.“Politics are very important to me -- I vote in every election,” she said. “But I’m not here to tell a person how to vote or who to vote for. If people ask me, even for city council, I don’t do that.”The congregation at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and its connected Catholic school community is diverse ethnically, economically, and politically, said the Rev. David Boettner, rector of the cathedral and vicar general of the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee.Mass is celebrated in five languages, and parishioners and student families speak more than a dozen at home; some are financially well off while others struggle to get by, he said.“We’ve definitely got folks that belong to the Democratic Party and folks that belong to the Republican Party, and folks that probably don’t belong to either,” Boettner said.Political issues crop up in conversations at church, but Boettner suspects members are less likely to share polarizing views with him because he is their priest. They share more freely on social media, and he has noticed an increase in political posts as the midterm elections approach. Abortion and religious liberty, including the recent Supreme Court rulings, are prominent, he said.Boettner said he strives for consistency in preaching about the Catholic teachings on moral, social and economic justice issues, while steering clear of endorsing specific policies. Prayers are offered for all leaders, not just those from a particular party.“The church is not partisan,” Boettner said. “The Catholic Church is probably a great example of a church that offends both Democrats and Republicans alike.”In Bluefield, West Virginia, the Rev. Frederick Brown said he has sought “the middle of the road” during nearly three decades as pastor of a diverse but collegial congregation at Faith Center Church.“Staying in the middle of the road means God thinks it’s all important,” he said. “When you vote, you can vote your convictions -- but don’t attack anyone else’s convictions because they’re different from yours.”At Sinai Temple, Rabbi Wolpe strives to encourage mutual respect within his congregation. He cites the men’s book club as a positive example: In a recent initiative, it alternated reading a book by a left-of-center author, then a book by a conservative.Yet Wolpe, 64, says political divisions have become deeply entrenched.“When I was born, people objected to their children marrying someone from another race but didn’t object to marrying someone from a different political party,” he said. “Now it’s the reverse.”___

Clergy strive to reconcile politically divided congregations

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and ARLEIGH RODGERS

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Sixteen-year-old Adismarys Abreu had been discussing a long-lasting birth control implant with her mother for about a year as a potential solution to increasing menstrual pain.

Then Roe v. Wade was overturned, and Abreu joined the throng of teens rushing to their doctors as states began to ban or severely limit abortion.

“I’m definitely not ready to be pregnant,” said Abreu, who had Nexplanon — a reversible, matchstick-sized contraceptive — implanted in her arm in August. Her home state of Florida&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-florida-government-and-politics-e8bdb85e6736085606ba2661c186a1d5">bans most abortions after 15 weeks</a>, and not having that option is “such a scary thought,” she said.

Experts say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling</a>&nbsp;appears to be accelerating a trend of increased birth control use among teens, including long-acting reversible forms like intrauterine devices and implants. Appointments have surged and Planned Parenthood has been flooded with questions as doctors report demand even among teens who aren’t sexually active.

Some patients are especially fearful because the new abortion laws in several states don’t include exceptions for sexual assault.

“Please, I need some birth control in case I get raped,” patients tell Dr. Judith Simms-Cendan, a pediatric-adolescent gynecologist in Miami, where state law does not provide exceptions for rape or incest after 15 weeks.

Simms-Cendan, the president-elect of the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, said parents who might have been hesitant in the past now want to discuss birth control.

“It’s a sea change of, ‘I don’t have room to play. We have got to get my child on something,’” she said.

Teens already were shifting to more effective long-acting forms of birth control, which have similar or even lower failure rates than sterilization, said Laura Lindberg, a professor at Rutgers University’s School of Public Health in New Jersey. Her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590151621000113" target="_blank">research</a>&nbsp;found the number of 15- to 19-year-olds using those methods rose to 15% during the period 2015 to 2019, up from 3% during the 2006 to 2010 period.

No national data is available for the months since Roe was overturned, said Lindberg, who previously worked for nearly two decades at the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

But she said “major ripple effects” have to be expected from the loss of abortion access and noted that it wouldn’t be the first time politics have led to a shift in birth control usage.

In the weeks after former President Donald Trump’s election, as women raised concerns online that the Affordable Care Act would be repealed, demand for long-acting birth control rose by nearly 22% across all age groups, according to a 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2723071" target="_blank">research letter</a>&nbsp;published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

In Ohio, where a judge this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-ohio-mike-dewine-government-and-politics-43558a59477f0260f7eec6db33fd30f4">blocked a ban on virtually all abortions</a>, patients — both male and female — now listen with rapt attention to the contraception talk that Dr. Peggy Stager has long made a part of routine appointments at her pediatric practice in Cleveland.

Stager said her practice’s dedicated spots for insertion of the Nexplanon implant are consistently filled, and requests for contraceptive refills have increased 30% to 40% since Roe was overturned. Recently, she talked to a college-bound student who wasn’t sexually active but decided to get an IUD anyway.

“She was real clear: ‘I want to have a great four years without any worry,’” recalled Stager, who is the chair of the section on adolescent health at the American Academy of Pediatrics. “And that’s a change.”

In Missouri, among the first states in the country with a trigger law in effect to ban abortions at any point in pregnancy, Dr. David Eisenberg also has seen a similar sense of urgency from college-bound teens to choose the most effective option.

“Fear is an amazing motivator,” said Eisenberg, an associate professor at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who performs abortions in neighboring Illinois. “They understand the consequence of a contraceptive failure might mean they become a parent because they might not be able to access an abortion.”

Interest is also high at the contraception clinic that Dr. Elise Berlan oversees in Columbus, Ohio. Before the Supreme Court’s decision, the clinic booked appointments for new patients within a week or two.

Now, they are booking several months out for first appointments, said Berlan, an adolescent medicine specialist who sees mothers and daughters in tears in her exam room. She said the demand is so high they are adding a provider.

On the day the Supreme Court ruled against Roe, twice as many birth control questions as normal poured into Roo, Planned Parenthood’s online chatbot aimed at teens.

Online birth control appointments also skyrocketed that day — up 150% from a typical day, with an even-larger 375% surge for IUD-seekers, said Julia Bennett, director of digital education and learning strategy for Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

By mid-July, several weeks after the ruling, birth control appointments remained up about 20%, although the data isn’t broken down by age group.

The growing interest exists even in states like North Carolina, where abortion remains legal but the Legislature is conservative.

Dr. Kavita Arora, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Chapel Hill, said she saw maybe one teen a month before the ruling. Now, she said, she sees them at each clinic session.

“They’re aware that this is an incredibly fluid situation, and what is allowed at one moment may not be allowed a week or a month later,” said Arora, the chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Ethics.

That uncertain future is part of what motivated Abreu, the Florida teen, whose implant will prevent pregnancy for up to five years.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with the laws in that time period,” said Abreu, who was using a short-acting form of birth control before switching. “Having this already in my arm, it makes me feel so much safer.”

Her mother, Maribys Lorenzo, said in Spanish that she, too, is a little more at peace knowing her daughter cannot get pregnant and said she would recommend the implant because it does not require her daughter to remember to take a contraceptive pill.

She said she is not worried, any more or less, that her daughter will become sexually active because of the implant. But if it happens, she will be protected, Lorenzo said.

“I don’t think that’s fair to me or my family to not have abortion as an option,” said her daughter, Abreu.

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and ARLEIGH RODGERSKANSAS CITY (AP) —Sixteen-year-old Adismarys Abreu had been discussing a long-lasting birth control implant with her mother for about a year as a potential solution to increasing menstrual pain.Then Roe v. Wade was overturned, and Abreu joined the throng of teens rushing to their doctors as states began to ban or severely limit abortion.“I’m definitely not ready to be pregnant,” said Abreu, who had Nexplanon — a reversible, matchstick-sized contraceptive — implanted in her arm in August. Her home state of Florida&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-florida-government-and-politics-e8bdb85e6736085606ba2661c186a1d5">bans most abortions after 15 weeks</a>, and not having that option is “such a scary thought,” she said.Experts say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling</a>&nbsp;appears to be accelerating a trend of increased birth control use among teens, including long-acting reversible forms like intrauterine devices and implants. Appointments have surged and Planned Parenthood has been flooded with questions as doctors report demand even among teens who aren’t sexually active.Some patients are especially fearful because the new abortion laws in several states don’t include exceptions for sexual assault.“Please, I need some birth control in case I get raped,” patients tell Dr. Judith Simms-Cendan, a pediatric-adolescent gynecologist in Miami, where state law does not provide exceptions for rape or incest after 15 weeks.Simms-Cendan, the president-elect of the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, said parents who might have been hesitant in the past now want to discuss birth control.“It’s a sea change of, ‘I don’t have room to play. We have got to get my child on something,’” she said.Teens already were shifting to more effective long-acting forms of birth control, which have similar or even lower failure rates than sterilization, said Laura Lindberg, a professor at Rutgers University’s School of Public Health in New Jersey. Her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590151621000113" target="_blank">research</a>&nbsp;found the number of 15- to 19-year-olds using those methods rose to 15% during the period 2015 to 2019, up from 3% during the 2006 to 2010 period.No national data is available for the months since Roe was overturned, said Lindberg, who previously worked for nearly two decades at the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.But she said “major ripple effects” have to be expected from the loss of abortion access and noted that it wouldn’t be the first time politics have led to a shift in birth control usage.In the weeks after former President Donald Trump’s election, as women raised concerns online that the Affordable Care Act would be repealed, demand for long-acting birth control rose by nearly 22% across all age groups, according to a 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2723071" target="_blank">research letter</a>&nbsp;published in JAMA Internal Medicine.In Ohio, where a judge this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-ohio-mike-dewine-government-and-politics-43558a59477f0260f7eec6db33fd30f4">blocked a ban on virtually all abortions</a>, patients — both male and female — now listen with rapt attention to the contraception talk that Dr. Peggy Stager has long made a part of routine appointments at her pediatric practice in Cleveland.Stager said her practice’s dedicated spots for insertion of the Nexplanon implant are consistently filled, and requests for contraceptive refills have increased 30% to 40% since Roe was overturned. Recently, she talked to a college-bound student who wasn’t sexually active but decided to get an IUD anyway.“She was real clear: ‘I want to have a great four years without any worry,’” recalled Stager, who is the chair of the section on adolescent health at the American Academy of Pediatrics. “And that’s a change.”In Missouri, among the first states in the country with a trigger law in effect to ban abortions at any point in pregnancy, Dr. David Eisenberg also has seen a similar sense of urgency from college-bound teens to choose the most effective option.“Fear is an amazing motivator,” said Eisenberg, an associate professor at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who performs abortions in neighboring Illinois. “They understand the consequence of a contraceptive failure might mean they become a parent because they might not be able to access an abortion.”Interest is also high at the contraception clinic that Dr. Elise Berlan oversees in Columbus, Ohio. Before the Supreme Court’s decision, the clinic booked appointments for new patients within a week or two.Now, they are booking several months out for first appointments, said Berlan, an adolescent medicine specialist who sees mothers and daughters in tears in her exam room. She said the demand is so high they are adding a provider.On the day the Supreme Court ruled against Roe, twice as many birth control questions as normal poured into Roo, Planned Parenthood’s online chatbot aimed at teens.Online birth control appointments also skyrocketed that day — up 150% from a typical day, with an even-larger 375% surge for IUD-seekers, said Julia Bennett, director of digital education and learning strategy for Planned Parenthood Federation of America.By mid-July, several weeks after the ruling, birth control appointments remained up about 20%, although the data isn’t broken down by age group.The growing interest exists even in states like North Carolina, where abortion remains legal but the Legislature is conservative.Dr. Kavita Arora, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Chapel Hill, said she saw maybe one teen a month before the ruling. Now, she said, she sees them at each clinic session.“They’re aware that this is an incredibly fluid situation, and what is allowed at one moment may not be allowed a week or a month later,” said Arora, the chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Ethics.That uncertain future is part of what motivated Abreu, the Florida teen, whose implant will prevent pregnancy for up to five years.“I don’t know what’s going to happen with the laws in that time period,” said Abreu, who was using a short-acting form of birth control before switching. “Having this already in my arm, it makes me feel so much safer.”Her mother, Maribys Lorenzo, said in Spanish that she, too, is a little more at peace knowing her daughter cannot get pregnant and said she would recommend the implant because it does not require her daughter to remember to take a contraceptive pill.She said she is not worried, any more or less, that her daughter will become sexually active because of the implant. But if it happens, she will be protected, Lorenzo said.“I don’t think that’s fair to me or my family to not have abortion as an option,” said her daughter, Abreu.___

Teen interest in long lasting birth control soars after Roe

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Rescuers evacuated stunned survivors on a large barrier island cut off by Hurricane Ian and Florida’s death toll climbed sharply, as hundreds of thousands of people were still sweltering without power days after the monster storm rampaged from the state’s southwestern coast up to the Carolinas.

Florida, with nearly four dozen reported dead, was hit hardest by the Category 4 hurricane, one of the strongest to make landfall in the United States. Flooded roadways and washed-out bridges to barrier islands left many people isolated, amid limited cellphone service and a lack of basic amenities such as water, electricity and the internet.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Saturday that multibillionaire businessman Elon Musk was providing some 120 Starlink satellites to “help bridge some of the communication issues.” Starlink, a satellite-based internet system created by Musk’s SpaceX, will provide high-speed connectivity.

Florida utilities were working to restore power. As of Saturday night, nearly 1 million homes and businesses were still without electricity, down from a peak of 2.67 million.

At least 54 people were confirmed dead:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-ian-live-updates-02202ebdebd898bb82ab0422f8c729cf">47 in Florida</a>, four in North Carolina and three in Cuba. The weakened storm was expected to dump rain Sunday on Virginia and West Virginia as it dissipates, according to the National Weather Service.

More than 1,000 people were rescued from flooded areas along Florida’s southwestern coast alone, Daniel Hokanson, a four-star general and head of the National Guard, told The Associated Press while airborne to Florida.

In Washington, the White House announced that President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden would travel to Florida on Wednesday. But a brief statement did not release any details of the planned visit.

The bridge to Pine Island, the largest barrier island off Florida’s Gulf Coast, was destroyed by the storm, leaving it accessible only by boat or air. The volunteer group Medic Corps, which responds to natural disasters worldwide with pilots, paramedics and doctors, went door-to-door asking residents if they wanted to be evacuated.

Relief and rescue continue after hurricane IanThe National Guard is distributing supplies to hundreds of southwest Floridians in the wake of dealdy Hurricane Ian.0 seconds of 1 minute, 33 secondsVolume 90%

Some flew out by helicopter, and people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricanes-floods-florida-natural-disasters-climate-and-environment-ed3995f063153573d0d16cf82efcc466">described the horror</a>&nbsp;of being trapped in their homes as water kept rising.

“The water just kept pounding the house and we watched, boats, houses — we watched everything just go flying by,” Joe Conforti said, fighting back tears. He said if it wasn’t for his wife, who suggested they get up on a table to avoid the rising water, he wouldn’t have made it: “I started to lose sensibility, because when the water’s at your door and it’s splashing on the door and you’re seeing how fast it’s moving, there’s no way you’re going to survive that.”

River flooding posed a major challenge at times to rescue and supply delivery efforts. The Myakka River washed over a stretch of Interstate 75, forcing a traffic-snarling highway closure for a while before officials said later Saturday that it could be reopened.

While swollen rivers have crested or are near cresting, the levels aren’t expected to drop significantly for days, National Weather Service meteorologist Tyler Fleming said.

Elsewhere, South Carolina’s Pawleys Island, a beach community roughly 75 miles (115 kilometers) up the coast from Charleston, was also hit hard. Power remained knocked out to at least half the island Saturday.

Eddie Wilder, who has been coming to Pawleys Island for more than six decades, said it was “insane” to see waves as high as 25 feet (7.6 meters) wash away a landmark pier near his home.

“We watched it hit the pier and saw the pier disappear,” he said. “We watched it crumble and and watched it float by with an American flag.”

Wilder’s house, located 30 feet (9 meters) above the shoreline, stayed dry inside.

In North Carolina, the storm downed trees and power lines. Two of the four deaths in the state were from storm-related vehicle crashes, and the others involved a man who drowned when his truck plunged into a swamp and another killed by carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator in a garage.

At Port Sanibel Marina in Fort Myers, Florida, the storm surge pushed several boats and a dock onshore. Charter captain Ryan Kane said his vessel was so badly damaged that he was unable to use it to help rescue people, and now it will be a long time before he can take clients fishing again.

“There’s a hole in the hull. It took water in the motors. It took water in everything,” he said, adding: “You know, boats are supposed to be in the water, not in parking lots.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664678976486.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Fort Myers Police" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Fort Myers Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Rescuers evacuated stunned survivors on a large barrier island cut off by Hurricane Ian and Florida’s death toll climbed sharply, as hundreds of thousands of people were still sweltering without power days after the monster storm rampaged from the state’s southwestern coast up to the Carolinas.Florida, with nearly four dozen reported dead, was hit hardest by the Category 4 hurricane, one of the strongest to make landfall in the United States. Flooded roadways and washed-out bridges to barrier islands left many people isolated, amid limited cellphone service and a lack of basic amenities such as water, electricity and the internet.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Saturday that multibillionaire businessman Elon Musk was providing some 120 Starlink satellites to “help bridge some of the communication issues.” Starlink, a satellite-based internet system created by Musk’s SpaceX, will provide high-speed connectivity.Florida utilities were working to restore power. As of Saturday night, nearly 1 million homes and businesses were still without electricity, down from a peak of 2.67 million.At least 54 people were confirmed dead:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-ian-live-updates-02202ebdebd898bb82ab0422f8c729cf">47 in Florida</a>, four in North Carolina and three in Cuba. The weakened storm was expected to dump rain Sunday on Virginia and West Virginia as it dissipates, according to the National Weather Service.More than 1,000 people were rescued from flooded areas along Florida’s southwestern coast alone, Daniel Hokanson, a four-star general and head of the National Guard, told The Associated Press while airborne to Florida.In Washington, the White House announced that President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden would travel to Florida on Wednesday. But a brief statement did not release any details of the planned visit.The bridge to Pine Island, the largest barrier island off Florida’s Gulf Coast, was destroyed by the storm, leaving it accessible only by boat or air. The volunteer group Medic Corps, which responds to natural disasters worldwide with pilots, paramedics and doctors, went door-to-door asking residents if they wanted to be evacuated.Relief and rescue continue after hurricane IanThe National Guard is distributing supplies to hundreds of southwest Floridians in the wake of dealdy Hurricane Ian.0 seconds of 1 minute, 33 secondsVolume 90%Some flew out by helicopter, and people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricanes-floods-florida-natural-disasters-climate-and-environment-ed3995f063153573d0d16cf82efcc466">described the horror</a>&nbsp;of being trapped in their homes as water kept rising.“The water just kept pounding the house and we watched, boats, houses — we watched everything just go flying by,” Joe Conforti said, fighting back tears. He said if it wasn’t for his wife, who suggested they get up on a table to avoid the rising water, he wouldn’t have made it: “I started to lose sensibility, because when the water’s at your door and it’s splashing on the door and you’re seeing how fast it’s moving, there’s no way you’re going to survive that.”River flooding posed a major challenge at times to rescue and supply delivery efforts. The Myakka River washed over a stretch of Interstate 75, forcing a traffic-snarling highway closure for a while before officials said later Saturday that it could be reopened.While swollen rivers have crested or are near cresting, the levels aren’t expected to drop significantly for days, National Weather Service meteorologist Tyler Fleming said.Elsewhere, South Carolina’s Pawleys Island, a beach community roughly 75 miles (115 kilometers) up the coast from Charleston, was also hit hard. Power remained knocked out to at least half the island Saturday.Eddie Wilder, who has been coming to Pawleys Island for more than six decades, said it was “insane” to see waves as high as 25 feet (7.6 meters) wash away a landmark pier near his home.“We watched it hit the pier and saw the pier disappear,” he said. “We watched it crumble and and watched it float by with an American flag.”Wilder’s house, located 30 feet (9 meters) above the shoreline, stayed dry inside.In North Carolina, the storm downed trees and power lines. Two of the four deaths in the state were from storm-related vehicle crashes, and the others involved a man who drowned when his truck plunged into a swamp and another killed by carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator in a garage.At Port Sanibel Marina in Fort Myers, Florida, the storm surge pushed several boats and a dock onshore. Charter captain Ryan Kane said his vessel was so badly damaged that he was unable to use it to help rescue people, and now it will be a long time before he can take clients fishing again.“There’s a hole in the hull. It took water in the motors. It took water in everything,” he said, adding: “You know, boats are supposed to be in the water, not in parking lots.”

Death toll escalates in Florida from Hurricane Ian

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)

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.”