NEW YORK (AP) — A judge ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House.

Judge Arthur Engoron, ruling in a civil lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, found that the former president and his company deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing loans.

Engoron ordered that some of Trump’s business licenses be rescinded as punishment, making it difficult or impossible for them to do business in New York, and said he would continue to have an independent monitor oversee Trump Organization operations.

Trump's lawyer, Christopher Kise, said they intend to appeal the decision, calling it a “miscarriage of justice” and “completely disconnected from the facts and governing law.”

“The decision seeks to nationalize one of the most successful corporate empires in the United States and seize control of private property all while acknowledging there is zero evidence of any default, breach, late payment or any complaint of harm," Kise said.

Trump has long insisted he did nothing wrong. His son, Eric, said Engoron's ruling was “an attempt to destroy my father and kick him out of New York.”

“Today, I lost all faith in the New York legal system,” Eric Trump, a Trump Organization executive and lawsuit defendant, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Never before have I seen such hatred toward one person by a judge — a coordinated effort with the Attorney General to destroy a man’s life, company and accomplishments.”

Engoron's decision, days before the start of a non-jury trial in James’ lawsuit, is the strongest repudiation yet of Trump’s carefully coiffed image as a wealthy and shrewd real estate mogul turned political powerhouse.

Beyond mere bragging about his riches, Trump, his company and key executives repeatedly lied about them on his annual financial statements, reaping rewards such as favorable loan terms and lower insurance costs, Engoron found.

Those tactics crossed a line and violated the law, the judge said, rejecting Trump’s contention that a disclaimer on the financial statements absolved him of any wrongdoing.

“In defendants’ world: rent regulated apartments are worth the same as unregulated apartments; restricted land is worth the same as unrestricted land; restrictions can evaporate into thin air; a disclaimer by one party casting responsibility on another party exonerates the other party’s lies," Engoron wrote in his 35-page ruling. "That is a fantasy world, not the real world.”

Manhattan prosecutors had looked into bringing criminal charges over the same conduct but declined to do so, leaving James to sue Trump and seek penalties that aim to disrupt his and his family’s ability to do business in the state.

Engoron’s ruling, in a phase of the case known as summary judgment, resolves the key claim in James’ lawsuit, but several others remain. He'll decide on those claims and James' request for $250 million in penalties at a trial starting Oct. 2. Trump’s lawyers have asked an appeals court for a temporary delay.

“Today, a judge ruled in our favor and found that Donald Trump and the Trump Organization engaged in years of financial fraud," James said in a statement. "We look forward to presenting the rest of our case at trial.”

Trump’s lawyers, in their own summary judgment bid, had asked the judge to throw out the case.

They argued James wasn’t legally allowed to file the lawsuit because there wasn’t any evidence that the public was harmed by Trump’s actions. They also argued that many of the allegations in the lawsuit were barred by the statute of limitations.

Engoron, noting that he had “emphatically rejected” those arguments earlier in the case, equated them to the plot of the film "Groundhog Day." He fined five defense lawyers $7,500 each as punishment for “engaging in repetitive, frivolous” arguments, but denied James' request to sanction Trump and other defendants.

James, a Democrat, sued Trump and the Trump Organization a year ago, alleging a pattern of duplicity she dubbed “the art of the steal,” a twist on the title of Trump’s 1987 business memoir “The Art of the Deal.”

The lawsuit accused Trump and his company of routinely inflating the value of assets like skyscrapers, golf courses and his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, padding his bottom line by billions.

Engoron found that Trump consistently overvalued Mar-a-Lago, inflating its value on one financial statement by 2,300%. The judge also rebuked Trump for lying about the size of his Manhattan apartment. Trump claimed his three-story Trump Tower penthouse was nearly three times its actual size, valuing it at $327 million.

“A discrepancy of this order of magnitude, by a real estate developer sizing up his own living space of decades, can only be considered fraud," Engoron wrote.

On X in the wake of the ruling, Eric Trump insisted his father's claims about Mar-a-Lago were correct, writing that the Palm Beach estate is “speculated to be worth well over a billion dollars making it arguably the most valuable residential property in the country.”

Trump argued in sworn testimony for the case that the values on his financial statements didn't matter because the forms have a disclaimer that says they shouldn’t be trusted. Trump argued that banks “made a lot of money” from him and didn't object to the valuations.

James’ lawsuit is one of several legal headaches for Trump, the Republican front-runner in next year's election. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-investigations-other-charges-b8b064a00caad4306fb54d2f6a320468">has been indicted four times</a>&nbsp;in the last six months — accused in Georgia and Washington, D.C., of plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss, in Florida of hoarding classified documents, and in Manhattan of falsifying business records related to hush money paid on his behalf.

The Trump Organization was convicted of tax fraud last year in an unrelated criminal case for helping executives dodge taxes on perks such as apartments and cars. The company was fined $1.6 million. One executive, Trump’s longtime finance chief Allen Weisselberg, pleaded guilty and served five months in jail. He is also a defendant in James’ lawsuit.

James’ lawsuit does not carry the potential of prison time, but could complicate Trump's ability to transact real estate deals. It could also stain his legacy as a developer.

James, who campaigned for office as a Trump critic and watchdog, started scrutinizing his business practices in March 2019 after his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen testified to Congress that Trump exaggerated his wealth on financial statements while trying to buy the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

James’ office previously sued Trump for misusing his charitable foundation to further his political and business interests. Trump was ordered to give $2 million to charity as a fine while his own charity, the Trump Foundation, was shut down.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695772535120.png" alt="Former President Trump at a campaign rally in South Carolina on Monday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Trump at a campaign rally in South Carolina on Monday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A judge ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In an attempt to destroy my father and kick him out of New York, a Judge just ruled that Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach Florida, is only worth approximate “$18 Million dollars”… Mar-a-Lago is speculated to be worth we’ll over a billion dollars making it arguably the most valuable… <a href="https://t.co/b0U6J5ykWJ">pic.twitter.com/b0U6J5ykWJ</a>&mdash; Eric Trump (@EricTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricTrump/status/1706795629505114508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Judge Arthur Engoron, ruling in a civil lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, found that the former president and his company deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing loans.Engoron ordered that some of Trump’s business licenses be rescinded as punishment, making it difficult or impossible for them to do business in New York, and said he would continue to have an independent monitor oversee Trump Organization operations.Trump's lawyer, Christopher Kise, said they intend to appeal the decision, calling it a “miscarriage of justice” and “completely disconnected from the facts and governing law.”“The decision seeks to nationalize one of the most successful corporate empires in the United States and seize control of private property all while acknowledging there is zero evidence of any default, breach, late payment or any complaint of harm," Kise said.Trump has long insisted he did nothing wrong. His son, Eric, said Engoron's ruling was “an attempt to destroy my father and kick him out of New York.”“Today, I lost all faith in the New York legal system,” Eric Trump, a Trump Organization executive and lawsuit defendant, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Never before have I seen such hatred toward one person by a judge — a coordinated effort with the Attorney General to destroy a man’s life, company and accomplishments.”Engoron's decision, days before the start of a non-jury trial in James’ lawsuit, is the strongest repudiation yet of Trump’s carefully coiffed image as a wealthy and shrewd real estate mogul turned political powerhouse.Beyond mere bragging about his riches, Trump, his company and key executives repeatedly lied about them on his annual financial statements, reaping rewards such as favorable loan terms and lower insurance costs, Engoron found.Those tactics crossed a line and violated the law, the judge said, rejecting Trump’s contention that a disclaimer on the financial statements absolved him of any wrongdoing.“In defendants’ world: rent regulated apartments are worth the same as unregulated apartments; restricted land is worth the same as unrestricted land; restrictions can evaporate into thin air; a disclaimer by one party casting responsibility on another party exonerates the other party’s lies," Engoron wrote in his 35-page ruling. "That is a fantasy world, not the real world.”Manhattan prosecutors had looked into bringing criminal charges over the same conduct but declined to do so, leaving James to sue Trump and seek penalties that aim to disrupt his and his family’s ability to do business in the state.Engoron’s ruling, in a phase of the case known as summary judgment, resolves the key claim in James’ lawsuit, but several others remain. He'll decide on those claims and James' request for $250 million in penalties at a trial starting Oct. 2. Trump’s lawyers have asked an appeals court for a temporary delay.“Today, a judge ruled in our favor and found that Donald Trump and the Trump Organization engaged in years of financial fraud," James said in a statement. "We look forward to presenting the rest of our case at trial.”Trump’s lawyers, in their own summary judgment bid, had asked the judge to throw out the case.They argued James wasn’t legally allowed to file the lawsuit because there wasn’t any evidence that the public was harmed by Trump’s actions. They also argued that many of the allegations in the lawsuit were barred by the statute of limitations.Engoron, noting that he had “emphatically rejected” those arguments earlier in the case, equated them to the plot of the film "Groundhog Day." He fined five defense lawyers $7,500 each as punishment for “engaging in repetitive, frivolous” arguments, but denied James' request to sanction Trump and other defendants.James, a Democrat, sued Trump and the Trump Organization a year ago, alleging a pattern of duplicity she dubbed “the art of the steal,” a twist on the title of Trump’s 1987 business memoir “The Art of the Deal.”The lawsuit accused Trump and his company of routinely inflating the value of assets like skyscrapers, golf courses and his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, padding his bottom line by billions.Engoron found that Trump consistently overvalued Mar-a-Lago, inflating its value on one financial statement by 2,300%. The judge also rebuked Trump for lying about the size of his Manhattan apartment. Trump claimed his three-story Trump Tower penthouse was nearly three times its actual size, valuing it at $327 million.“A discrepancy of this order of magnitude, by a real estate developer sizing up his own living space of decades, can only be considered fraud," Engoron wrote.On X in the wake of the ruling, Eric Trump insisted his father's claims about Mar-a-Lago were correct, writing that the Palm Beach estate is “speculated to be worth well over a billion dollars making it arguably the most valuable residential property in the country.”Trump argued in sworn testimony for the case that the values on his financial statements didn't matter because the forms have a disclaimer that says they shouldn’t be trusted. Trump argued that banks “made a lot of money” from him and didn't object to the valuations.James’ lawsuit is one of several legal headaches for Trump, the Republican front-runner in next year's election. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-investigations-other-charges-b8b064a00caad4306fb54d2f6a320468">has been indicted four times</a>&nbsp;in the last six months — accused in Georgia and Washington, D.C., of plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss, in Florida of hoarding classified documents, and in Manhattan of falsifying business records related to hush money paid on his behalf.The Trump Organization was convicted of tax fraud last year in an unrelated criminal case for helping executives dodge taxes on perks such as apartments and cars. The company was fined $1.6 million. One executive, Trump’s longtime finance chief Allen Weisselberg, pleaded guilty and served five months in jail. He is also a defendant in James’ lawsuit.James’ lawsuit does not carry the potential of prison time, but could complicate Trump's ability to transact real estate deals. It could also stain his legacy as a developer.James, who campaigned for office as a Trump critic and watchdog, started scrutinizing his business practices in March 2019 after his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen testified to Congress that Trump exaggerated his wealth on financial statements while trying to buy the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.James’ office previously sued Trump for misusing his charitable foundation to further his political and business interests. Trump was ordered to give $2 million to charity as a fine while his own charity, the Trump Foundation, was shut down.

Trump team responds to judge's ruling he committed fraud and lied 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Leaders of Hollywood’s writers union declared their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">nearly five-month-old strike</a>&nbsp;over Tuesday after board members approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-deal-hollywood-wga-3336824c06795931845c889f1e08b3ff">contract agreement with studios</a>.

The governing boards of the eastern and western branches of the Writers Guild of America both voted to accept the deal, and afterward declared that the strike would be over and writers would be free to work starting at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

The writers still have to vote to ratify the contract themselves, but lifting the strike will allow them to work during that process, the Writers Guild told members in an email.

Hollywood actors remain on strike with no talks yet on the horizon.

A new spirit of optimism animated actors who were picketing Tuesday for the first time since writers reached their tentative deal Sunday night.

“For a hot second, I really thought that this was going to go on until next year,” said Marissa Cuevas, an actor who has appeared on the TV series “Kung Fu” and “The Big Bang Theory.” “Knowing that at least one of us has gotten a good deal gives a lot of hope that we will also get a good deal.”

Writers’ picket lines have been suspended, but they were encouraged to walk in solidarity with actors, and many were on the lines Tuesday, including “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner, who picketed alongside friend and “ER” actor Noah Wyle as he has throughout the strikes.

“We would never have had the leverage we had if SAG had not gone out,” Weiner said. “They were very brave to do it.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">Striking actors</a>&nbsp;voted to expand their walkout to include the lucrative video game market, a step that could put new pressure on Hollywood studios to make a deal with the performers who provide voices and stunts for games.

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists announced the move late Monday, saying that 98% of its members voted to go on strike against video game companies if ongoing negotiations are not successful. The announcement came ahead of more talks planned for Tuesday.

Acting in video games can include a variety of roles, from voice performances to motion capture work as well as stunts. Video game actors went on strike in 2016 in a work stoppage that lasted nearly a year.

Some of the same issues are at play in the video game negotiations as in the broader actors strike that has shut down Hollywood for months, including wages, safety measures and protections on the use of artificial intelligence. The companies involved include gaming giants Activision, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Take 2 Productions as well as Disney and Warner Bros.′ video game divisions.

“It’s time for the video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.

Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for video game producers, said they are “continuing to negotiate in good faith” and have reached tentative agreements on more than half of the proposals on the table.

So far this year, U.S. consumers have spent $34.9 billion on video games, consoles and accessories, according to market research group Circana.

The threat of a video game strike emerged as Hollywood writers were on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-deal-hollywood-wga-3336824c06795931845c889f1e08b3ff">verge of getting back to work</a>&nbsp;after months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">on the picket lines</a>.

The alliance of studios, streaming services and producers has chosen to negotiate only with the writers so far, and has made no overtures yet toward restarting talks with SAG-AFTRA. That will presumably change soon.

SAG-AFTRA leaders have said they will look closely at the writers' agreement, which includes many of the same issues, but it will not effect their demands.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Leaders of Hollywood’s writers union declared their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">nearly five-month-old strike</a>&nbsp;over Tuesday after board members approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-deal-hollywood-wga-3336824c06795931845c889f1e08b3ff">contract agreement with studios</a>.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWGAWest%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0TAGL8yR5CpxRCtdYzGUvvyhv2574Nto8DCdviSqpZ8WWwvXAwrTr3zduz8s2wFPpl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="668" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The governing boards of the eastern and western branches of the Writers Guild of America both voted to accept the deal, and afterward declared that the strike would be over and writers would be free to work starting at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.The writers still have to vote to ratify the contract themselves, but lifting the strike will allow them to work during that process, the Writers Guild told members in an email.Hollywood actors remain on strike with no talks yet on the horizon.A new spirit of optimism animated actors who were picketing Tuesday for the first time since writers reached their tentative deal Sunday night.“For a hot second, I really thought that this was going to go on until next year,” said Marissa Cuevas, an actor who has appeared on the TV series “Kung Fu” and “The Big Bang Theory.” “Knowing that at least one of us has gotten a good deal gives a lot of hope that we will also get a good deal.”Writers’ picket lines have been suspended, but they were encouraged to walk in solidarity with actors, and many were on the lines Tuesday, including “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner, who picketed alongside friend and “ER” actor Noah Wyle as he has throughout the strikes.“We would never have had the leverage we had if SAG had not gone out,” Weiner said. “They were very brave to do it.”<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">Striking actors</a>&nbsp;voted to expand their walkout to include the lucrative video game market, a step that could put new pressure on Hollywood studios to make a deal with the performers who provide voices and stunts for games.The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists announced the move late Monday, saying that 98% of its members voted to go on strike against video game companies if ongoing negotiations are not successful. The announcement came ahead of more talks planned for Tuesday.Acting in video games can include a variety of roles, from voice performances to motion capture work as well as stunts. Video game actors went on strike in 2016 in a work stoppage that lasted nearly a year.Some of the same issues are at play in the video game negotiations as in the broader actors strike that has shut down Hollywood for months, including wages, safety measures and protections on the use of artificial intelligence. The companies involved include gaming giants Activision, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Take 2 Productions as well as Disney and Warner Bros.′ video game divisions.“It’s time for the video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for video game producers, said they are “continuing to negotiate in good faith” and have reached tentative agreements on more than half of the proposals on the table.So far this year, U.S. consumers have spent $34.9 billion on video games, consoles and accessories, according to market research group Circana.The threat of a video game strike emerged as Hollywood writers were on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-deal-hollywood-wga-3336824c06795931845c889f1e08b3ff">verge of getting back to work</a>&nbsp;after months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">on the picket lines</a>.The alliance of studios, streaming services and producers has chosen to negotiate only with the writers so far, and has made no overtures yet toward restarting talks with SAG-AFTRA. That will presumably change soon.SAG-AFTRA leaders have said they will look closely at the writers' agreement, which includes many of the same issues, but it will not effect their demands.

Hollywood writers strike over; boards vote to approve contract with studios

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A privately owned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/highspeed-rail-trains-brightline-florida-ac55cc43685666ae10ef3307512d5f33">high-speed passenger train service</a>&nbsp;launched Friday between Florida's two biggest tourist hubs.

The Brightline train is a $5 billion bet by owner Fortress Investment Group that eventually 8 million people annually will take the 3.5-hour, 235-mile (378-kilometer) trip between Miami and Orlando — about 30 minutes less than the average drive.

The company is charging single riders $158 round-trip for business class and $298 for first-class, with families and groups able to buy four round-trip tickets for $398. Thirty-two trains will run daily.

Brightline, which began running its neon-yellow trains the 70 miles (112 kilometers) between Miami and West Palm Beach in 2018, is the first private intercity passenger service to begin U.S. operations in a century.

Friday's launch of the Miami-Orlando line was marred by the death of a pedestrian who was hit in South Florida on a section of track served by the new route.

The unidentified pedestrian was struck before dawn in Delray Beach by a southbound Brightline train, according to Ted White, a public safety officer with the Delray Beach Police Department.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the train was part of the Miami-Orlando service.

The death is the privately owned railroad’s 12th in 2023 and its 98th since July 2017. That’s one death for approximately every 33,000 miles its trains travel, the worst death rate among the nation’s more than 800 railroads,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-us-news-ap-top-news-transportation-technology-florida-0973281682ed4cc9bbd33a5fd569d5d5">an ongoing Associated Press analysis</a>&nbsp;that began in 2019 shows.

A Brightline spokesperson didn't immediately respond to messages for comment.

None of Brightline’s deaths have been found to be the railroad’s fault. Most have been suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of the train, or drivers who maneuvered around crossing gates rather than wait.

Brightline also is building a line connecting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bullet-train-vegas-los-angeles-nevada-california-e6ac480fd784e2947dba49304cb4fe20">Southern California and Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;that it hopes to open in 2027 with trains that will reach 190 mph (305 kph). The only other U.S. high-speed line is Amtrak’s Acela service between Boston and Washington, D.C., which began in 2000. Amtrak is owned by the federal government.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A privately owned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/highspeed-rail-trains-brightline-florida-ac55cc43685666ae10ef3307512d5f33">high-speed passenger train service</a>&nbsp;launched Friday between Florida's two biggest tourist hubs.The Brightline train is a $5 billion bet by owner Fortress Investment Group that eventually 8 million people annually will take the 3.5-hour, 235-mile (378-kilometer) trip between Miami and Orlando — about 30 minutes less than the average drive.The company is charging single riders $158 round-trip for business class and $298 for first-class, with families and groups able to buy four round-trip tickets for $398. Thirty-two trains will run daily.Brightline, which began running its neon-yellow trains the 70 miles (112 kilometers) between Miami and West Palm Beach in 2018, is the first private intercity passenger service to begin U.S. operations in a century.Friday's launch of the Miami-Orlando line was marred by the death of a pedestrian who was hit in South Florida on a section of track served by the new route.The unidentified pedestrian was struck before dawn in Delray Beach by a southbound Brightline train, according to Ted White, a public safety officer with the Delray Beach Police Department.It wasn’t immediately clear whether the train was part of the Miami-Orlando service.The death is the privately owned railroad’s 12th in 2023 and its 98th since July 2017. That’s one death for approximately every 33,000 miles its trains travel, the worst death rate among the nation’s more than 800 railroads,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-us-news-ap-top-news-transportation-technology-florida-0973281682ed4cc9bbd33a5fd569d5d5">an ongoing Associated Press analysis</a>&nbsp;that began in 2019 shows.A Brightline spokesperson didn't immediately respond to messages for comment.None of Brightline’s deaths have been found to be the railroad’s fault. Most have been suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of the train, or drivers who maneuvered around crossing gates rather than wait.Brightline also is building a line connecting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bullet-train-vegas-los-angeles-nevada-california-e6ac480fd784e2947dba49304cb4fe20">Southern California and Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;that it hopes to open in 2027 with trains that will reach 190 mph (305 kph). The only other U.S. high-speed line is Amtrak’s Acela service between Boston and Washington, D.C., which began in 2000. Amtrak is owned by the federal government.

High-speed trains begin making trip between Orlando and Miami

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Police are investigating the death of former NFL player&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-williams-dead-buccaneers-bills-construction-accident-b98f516885cca803b39887991833df84">Mike Williams</a>&nbsp;in Tampa after getting information that he may have received unprescribed drugs from someone while hospitalized after a construction site accident.

The Tampa Police Department said in an email Tuesday that the probe involves “unprescribed narcotics by an outside party.” Williams died Sept. 12 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa at age 36, two weeks after he was injured in a construction accident that left him partially paralyzed.

“We take all allegations of criminal activity seriously, and detectives are working tirelessly on this active investigation,” the Tampa police email said. The investigation was first reported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/tampa/2023/09/26/police-investigating-circumstances-nfl-bucs-star-mike-williams-death/">Tampa Bay Times</a>.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's office is also investigating the death.

Williams was a fourth-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010 following a standout college career at Syracuse. He had 65 receptions for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie and started 52 of the 54 games he appeared in over four seasons with Tampa Bay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695757677142.jpeg" alt="Mike Williams of the Buffalo Bills NFL football team is photographed on June 17, 2014. Police are investigating the death of the former NFL player Williams in Tampa, Florida after receiving information that he may have received unprescribed drugs from someone while hospitalized after a construction site accident. The Tampa Police Department said in an email Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, that the probe involves “unprescribed narcotics by an outside party.” (AP Photo, File)" />
 <figcaption>Mike Williams of the Buffalo Bills NFL football team is photographed on June 17, 2014. Police are investigating the death of the former NFL player Williams in Tampa, Florida after receiving information that he may have received unprescribed drugs from someone while hospitalized after a construction site accident. The Tampa Police Department said in an email Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, that the probe involves “unprescribed narcotics by an outside party.” (AP Photo, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Police are investigating the death of former NFL player&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-williams-dead-buccaneers-bills-construction-accident-b98f516885cca803b39887991833df84">Mike Williams</a>&nbsp;in Tampa after getting information that he may have received unprescribed drugs from someone while hospitalized after a construction site accident.The Tampa Police Department said in an email Tuesday that the probe involves “unprescribed narcotics by an outside party.” Williams died Sept. 12 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa at age 36, two weeks after he was injured in a construction accident that left him partially paralyzed.“We take all allegations of criminal activity seriously, and detectives are working tirelessly on this active investigation,” the Tampa police email said. The investigation was first reported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/tampa/2023/09/26/police-investigating-circumstances-nfl-bucs-star-mike-williams-death/">Tampa Bay Times</a>.The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's office is also investigating the death.Williams was a fourth-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010 following a standout college career at Syracuse. He had 65 receptions for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie and started 52 of the 54 games he appeared in over four seasons with Tampa Bay.

Police are investigating if unprescribed drugs factored into death of ex-NFL player Mike Williams

BALTIMORE (AP) — Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, whose deft glovework and folksy manner made him one of the most beloved and accomplished athletes in Baltimore history, has died. He was 86.

The Orioles announced his death in a joint statement with Robinson's family Tuesday. The statement did not say how Robinson died.

The Orioles held a moment of silence before their game against the Washington Nationals, and the teams lined up outside their dugouts to pay their respects. Also before the game, fans gathered around the 9-foot bronze statue of Robinson inside Camden Yards.

“Great player, great guy on the field, great guy off,” said fellow Orioles Hall of Famer Jim Palmer, who was overcome with emotion. “Respectful, kind. And you don’t meet too many guys like that. Brooks was a genuine person. There was no acting. Brooks was just a genuine person.”

Coming of age before the free agent era, Robinson spent his entire 23-year career with the Orioles. He almost single-handedly helped Baltimore defeat Cincinnati in the 1970 World Series and homered in Game 1 of the Orioles' 1966 sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers for their first crown.

Robinson participated in 18 All-Star Games, won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves and earned the 1964 AL Most Valuable Player award after batting .318 with 28 home runs and a league-leading 118 RBIs.

“An integral part of our Orioles Family since 1955, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community, and the sport of baseball,” the team said.

He finished with 268 homers, drove in 1,357 runs and batted a respectable .267 in 2,896 career games. Not bad for ol’ No. 5, the boy from Arkansas.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred described Robinson as “one of the greats of our National Pastime.”

“Brooks stood among the greatest defensive players who have ever lived,” Manfred said in a statement. “... He was a model of excellence, durability, loyalty and winning baseball for the Orioles.

“I will always remember Brooks as a true gentleman who represented our game extraordinarily well on and off the field all his life.”

Robinson will be forever remembered for his work ethic and the skill he displayed at the hot corner, where he established himself as one of the finest fielding third baseman in baseball history, whether charging slow rollers or snaring liners down the third-base line.

“Brooks was maybe the last guy to get into the clubhouse the day of the game, but he would be the first guy on the field,” former Orioles manager Earl Weaver said. “He’d be taking his groundballs, and we’d all go, ‘Why does Brooks have to take any groundballs?’

“I wouldn’t expect anything else from Brooks. Seeing him work like that meant a lot of any young person coming up. He was so steady, and he steadied everybody else.”

Robinson arrived in Baltimore in September 1955 as an 18-year-old after spending most of his first professional season in baseball with Class B York. He went 2 for 22 with the Orioles and struck out 10 times.

He jockeyed between the majors and minors until July 1959, when he stuck around in Baltimore for good.

“I think maybe he always knew what it’s like to be in the big leagues at 19. And then I think when you get to the big leagues, you get here, you got to stay here, you got to figure out how to get better," Palmer said. “You have to decide who you want to be like. I think for all of us who knew him … he was the best.”

Brooks Calbert Robinson Jr. was born in Little Rock on May 18, 1937. He eventually made Baltimore his home but never really lost his southern twang, which was just fine with fans in blue-collar Baltimore, who appreciated his homespun charm and unassuming demeanor.

Dubbed “Mr. Oriole,” he was a sports hero in Charm City, in the pantheon with former Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas and Orioles infielder Cal Ripken, who performed for a different generation.

Many Orioles rooters who never got to see Robinson play still were able to enjoy his observations as he was part of team broadcasts.

Ripken was known as The Iron Man because he played in 2,632 consecutive games, but Robinson wasn’t fond of sitting on the bench, either. From 1960-1975, he played in at least 152 games in 14 seasons and in 144 games the other two years.

“I’m a guy who just wanted to see his name in the lineup everyday,” he said. “To me, baseball was a passion to the point of obsession.”

Robinson retired in 1977 after batting only .149 in 24 games. His jersey was retired that year.

Robinson’s most memorable performance came as MVP of the 1970 World Series, when the Orioles bounced back from their stunning defeat to the New York Mets the year before and Robinson redeemed himself after batting just 1 for 19 in that series. Because he was so sensational in the field during Baltimore’s five-game triumph over the Reds, few remember he hit .429 and homered twice and drove in six runs — or that he made an error on his first play in the field.

In Game 1, Robinson delivered the tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning. One inning earlier, he made a sensational backhanded grab of a hard grounder hit down the line by Lee May, spun around in foul territory and somehow threw out the runner.

Robinson contributed an RBI single in the second game and became forever a part of World Series lore with his standout performance in Game 3. He made a tremendous, leaping grab of a grounder by Tony Perez to start a first-inning double play; charged a slow roller in the second inning and threw out Tommy Helms; then capped his memorable afternoon with a diving catch of a liner by Johnny Bench. The Series ended, fittingly, with a ground out to Robinson in Game 5, a 9-3 Orioles win.

“I’m beginning to see Brooks in my sleep,” Reds manager Sparky Anderson said during the Series. “If I dropped this paper plate, he’d pick it up on one hop and throw me out at first.”

Anderson also said, “He can throw his glove out there and it will start 10 double plays by itself.”

Palmer and other teammates would say that the country got to see what Robinson did routinely during the regular season. Robinson used to blush when asked to recall his heroics in October 1970.

“I tell people that I played 23 seasons and I never did have five games in a row like I did in that World Series,” he said. “It was a once in a lifetime five-game series for me, and it just happened to be in a World Series.”

His legacy in Maryland continued long after his retirement.

There’s a Brooks Robinson Drive in Pikesville, and the annual state high school All-Star game played at Camden Yards is named in his honor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695767288471.png" alt="The Orioles announced his death in a joint statement with Robinson's family Tuesday. The statement did not say how Robinson died." />
 <figcaption>The Orioles announced his death in a joint statement with Robinson's family Tuesday. The statement did not say how Robinson died.</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, whose deft glovework and folksy manner made him one of the most beloved and accomplished athletes in Baltimore history, has died. He was 86.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Statement from the Orioles on the passing of Hall of Famer and Orioles Legend Brooks Robinson: <a href="https://t.co/pJygtizIck">pic.twitter.com/pJygtizIck</a>&mdash; Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) <a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1706797286615818604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Orioles announced his death in a joint statement with Robinson's family Tuesday. The statement did not say how Robinson died.The Orioles held a moment of silence before their game against the Washington Nationals, and the teams lined up outside their dugouts to pay their respects. Also before the game, fans gathered around the 9-foot bronze statue of Robinson inside Camden Yards.“Great player, great guy on the field, great guy off,” said fellow Orioles Hall of Famer Jim Palmer, who was overcome with emotion. “Respectful, kind. And you don’t meet too many guys like that. Brooks was a genuine person. There was no acting. Brooks was just a genuine person.”Coming of age before the free agent era, Robinson spent his entire 23-year career with the Orioles. He almost single-handedly helped Baltimore defeat Cincinnati in the 1970 World Series and homered in Game 1 of the Orioles' 1966 sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers for their first crown.Robinson participated in 18 All-Star Games, won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves and earned the 1964 AL Most Valuable Player award after batting .318 with 28 home runs and a league-leading 118 RBIs.“An integral part of our Orioles Family since 1955, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community, and the sport of baseball,” the team said.He finished with 268 homers, drove in 1,357 runs and batted a respectable .267 in 2,896 career games. Not bad for ol’ No. 5, the boy from Arkansas.MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred described Robinson as “one of the greats of our National Pastime.”“Brooks stood among the greatest defensive players who have ever lived,” Manfred said in a statement. “... He was a model of excellence, durability, loyalty and winning baseball for the Orioles.“I will always remember Brooks as a true gentleman who represented our game extraordinarily well on and off the field all his life.”Robinson will be forever remembered for his work ethic and the skill he displayed at the hot corner, where he established himself as one of the finest fielding third baseman in baseball history, whether charging slow rollers or snaring liners down the third-base line.“Brooks was maybe the last guy to get into the clubhouse the day of the game, but he would be the first guy on the field,” former Orioles manager Earl Weaver said. “He’d be taking his groundballs, and we’d all go, ‘Why does Brooks have to take any groundballs?’“I wouldn’t expect anything else from Brooks. Seeing him work like that meant a lot of any young person coming up. He was so steady, and he steadied everybody else.”Robinson arrived in Baltimore in September 1955 as an 18-year-old after spending most of his first professional season in baseball with Class B York. He went 2 for 22 with the Orioles and struck out 10 times.He jockeyed between the majors and minors until July 1959, when he stuck around in Baltimore for good.“I think maybe he always knew what it’s like to be in the big leagues at 19. And then I think when you get to the big leagues, you get here, you got to stay here, you got to figure out how to get better," Palmer said. “You have to decide who you want to be like. I think for all of us who knew him … he was the best.”Brooks Calbert Robinson Jr. was born in Little Rock on May 18, 1937. He eventually made Baltimore his home but never really lost his southern twang, which was just fine with fans in blue-collar Baltimore, who appreciated his homespun charm and unassuming demeanor.Dubbed “Mr. Oriole,” he was a sports hero in Charm City, in the pantheon with former Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas and Orioles infielder Cal Ripken, who performed for a different generation.Many Orioles rooters who never got to see Robinson play still were able to enjoy his observations as he was part of team broadcasts.Ripken was known as The Iron Man because he played in 2,632 consecutive games, but Robinson wasn’t fond of sitting on the bench, either. From 1960-1975, he played in at least 152 games in 14 seasons and in 144 games the other two years.“I’m a guy who just wanted to see his name in the lineup everyday,” he said. “To me, baseball was a passion to the point of obsession.”Robinson retired in 1977 after batting only .149 in 24 games. His jersey was retired that year.Robinson’s most memorable performance came as MVP of the 1970 World Series, when the Orioles bounced back from their stunning defeat to the New York Mets the year before and Robinson redeemed himself after batting just 1 for 19 in that series. Because he was so sensational in the field during Baltimore’s five-game triumph over the Reds, few remember he hit .429 and homered twice and drove in six runs — or that he made an error on his first play in the field.In Game 1, Robinson delivered the tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning. One inning earlier, he made a sensational backhanded grab of a hard grounder hit down the line by Lee May, spun around in foul territory and somehow threw out the runner.Robinson contributed an RBI single in the second game and became forever a part of World Series lore with his standout performance in Game 3. He made a tremendous, leaping grab of a grounder by Tony Perez to start a first-inning double play; charged a slow roller in the second inning and threw out Tommy Helms; then capped his memorable afternoon with a diving catch of a liner by Johnny Bench. The Series ended, fittingly, with a ground out to Robinson in Game 5, a 9-3 Orioles win.“I’m beginning to see Brooks in my sleep,” Reds manager Sparky Anderson said during the Series. “If I dropped this paper plate, he’d pick it up on one hop and throw me out at first.”Anderson also said, “He can throw his glove out there and it will start 10 double plays by itself.”Palmer and other teammates would say that the country got to see what Robinson did routinely during the regular season. Robinson used to blush when asked to recall his heroics in October 1970.“I tell people that I played 23 seasons and I never did have five games in a row like I did in that World Series,” he said. “It was a once in a lifetime five-game series for me, and it just happened to be in a World Series.”His legacy in Maryland continued long after his retirement.There’s a Brooks Robinson Drive in Pikesville, and the annual state high school All-Star game played at Camden Yards is named in his honor.

Hall of Fame 3B, Orioles legend Brooks Robinson dies at 86

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/25/nu-regent-dismisses-rumor-that-he-is-interested-in-top-job-at-university-of-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The current chairman of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Monday dismissed rumors that he was interested in applying to become NU’s next president.

Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln said he won’t be a candidate, but will be heading up a search advisory committee that will provide input on qualities needed in a new university leader.

“I’m working hard to attract the best president we can possibly attract,” Clare told the Examiner.

“If we can attract the right visionary leader, we can do some amazing things at the university,” he added.

Clare, an attorney, has served on the NU Board of Regents since being elected in 2008. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2020. Clare has been the subject of rumors in the past concerning higher political office, particularly governor, but has no academic experience besides his service as a Regent.

Some NU observers expressed concern that if Clare was interested in the job, it would discourage others from applying.

A month ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-focused-on-picking-search-firm-and-committee-helping-find-next-president/#:~:text=By%3A%20Aaron%20Sanderford%20%2D%20August%2025%2C%202023%205%3A43%20pm&amp;text=LINCOLN%20%E2%80%94%20The%20University%20of%20Nebraska,lead%20The%20Ohio%20State%20University.">in a surprise announcement,</a>&nbsp;current NU President Ted Carter announced that he was leaving to take the top job at Ohio State University.

Carter, who took the NU job in 2020, will officially leave the post Dec. 31. Per an amendment to his contract adopted last year by the Regents, he will receive a $340,000 bonus for every full calendar year he serves.

Clare said that the Board of Regents, at its next meeting on Oct. 5, plans to select a professional search firm and appoint an advisory committee to aid the search.

“We’re making good progress. I want this done by the end of the year,” Clare said.

He said that he’s already heard that “good names, some quality people” are inquiring about the NU opening.

“The search people are saying this is a good job,” Clare said. “And I think it is.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695739549167.jpeg" alt=" University of Nebraska Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln, the chair of the board, presides over the Board of Regents in May 31. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> University of Nebraska Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln, the chair of the board, presides over the Board of Regents in May 31. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/25/nu-regent-dismisses-rumor-that-he-is-interested-in-top-job-at-university-of-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The current chairman of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Monday dismissed rumors that he was interested in applying to become NU’s next president.Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln said he won’t be a candidate, but will be heading up a search advisory committee that will provide input on qualities needed in a new university leader.“I’m working hard to attract the best president we can possibly attract,” Clare told the Examiner.“If we can attract the right visionary leader, we can do some amazing things at the university,” he added.Clare, an attorney, has served on the NU Board of Regents since being elected in 2008. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2020. Clare has been the subject of rumors in the past concerning higher political office, particularly governor, but has no academic experience besides his service as a Regent.Some NU observers expressed concern that if Clare was interested in the job, it would discourage others from applying.A month ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nu-focused-on-picking-search-firm-and-committee-helping-find-next-president/#:~:text=By%3A%20Aaron%20Sanderford%20%2D%20August%2025%2C%202023%205%3A43%20pm&amp;text=LINCOLN%20%E2%80%94%20The%20University%20of%20Nebraska,lead%20The%20Ohio%20State%20University.">in a surprise announcement,</a>&nbsp;current NU President Ted Carter announced that he was leaving to take the top job at Ohio State University.Carter, who took the NU job in 2020, will officially leave the post Dec. 31. Per an amendment to his contract adopted last year by the Regents, he will receive a $340,000 bonus for every full calendar year he serves.Clare said that the Board of Regents, at its next meeting on Oct. 5, plans to select a professional search firm and appoint an advisory committee to aid the search.“We’re making good progress. I want this done by the end of the year,” Clare said.He said that he’s already heard that “good names, some quality people” are inquiring about the NU opening.“The search people are saying this is a good job,” Clare said. “And I think it is.”

NU regent dismisses rumor that he is interested in top job at University of Nebraska

NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has ruled that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House.

Judge Arthur Engoron, ruling Tuesday in a civil lawsuit brought by New York’s attorney general, found that the former president and his company deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing financing.

The decision, days before the start of a non-jury trial in Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit, is the strongest repudiation yet of Trump’s carefully coiffed image as a wealthy and shrewd real estate mogul turned political powerhouse.

Beyond mere bragging about his riches, Trump, his company and key executives repeatedly lied about them on his annual financial statements, reaping rewards such as favorable loan terms and lower insurance premiums, Engoron found.

Manhattan prosecutors had looked into bringing a criminal case over the same conduct but declined to do so, leaving James to sue Trump and seek penalties that could disrupt his and his family’s ability to do business in the state.

Engoron’s ruling, in a phase of the case known as summary judgment, resolves the key claim in James’ lawsuit, but six others remain.

Engoron is slated to hold a non-jury trial starting Oct. 2 before deciding on those claims and any punishments he may impose. James is seeking $250 million in penalties and a ban on Trump doing business in New York, his home state. The trial could last into December, Engoron has said.

Trump’s lawyers had asked the judge to throw out the case, which he denied. They contend that James wasn’t legally allowed to file the lawsuit because there isn’t any evidence that the public was harmed by Trump’s actions. They also argued that many of the allegations in the lawsuit were barred by the statute of limitations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695760955952.png" alt="Former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in South Carolina Monday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in South Carolina Monday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has ruled that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House.Judge Arthur Engoron, ruling Tuesday in a civil lawsuit brought by New York’s attorney general, found that the former president and his company deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing financing.The decision, days before the start of a non-jury trial in Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit, is the strongest repudiation yet of Trump’s carefully coiffed image as a wealthy and shrewd real estate mogul turned political powerhouse.Beyond mere bragging about his riches, Trump, his company and key executives repeatedly lied about them on his annual financial statements, reaping rewards such as favorable loan terms and lower insurance premiums, Engoron found.Those tactics crossed a line and violated the law, the judge said, rejecting Trump’s contention that a disclaimer on the financial statements absolved him of any wrongdoing.Manhattan prosecutors had looked into bringing a criminal case over the same conduct but declined to do so, leaving James to sue Trump and seek penalties that could disrupt his and his family’s ability to do business in the state.Engoron’s ruling, in a phase of the case known as summary judgment, resolves the key claim in James’ lawsuit, but six others remain.Engoron is slated to hold a non-jury trial starting Oct. 2 before deciding on those claims and any punishments he may impose. James is seeking $250 million in penalties and a ban on Trump doing business in New York, his home state. The trial could last into December, Engoron has said.Trump’s lawyers had asked the judge to throw out the case, which he denied. They contend that James wasn’t legally allowed to file the lawsuit because there isn’t any evidence that the public was harmed by Trump’s actions. They also argued that many of the allegations in the lawsuit were barred by the statute of limitations.

Judge: Donald Trump defrauded banks, insurers as he built empire

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Harvest is in full swing across Nebraska and the Nebraska State Patrol encourages all motorists to be aware of agriculture equipment traveling on roads throughout the state.

“Harvest is a busy season across Nebraska and our ag producers are on the move, so all motorists should stay alert for slow-moving ag implements,” said Captain Martin Denton, Commander of NSP Carrier Enforcement. “Due to their dimensions and loads, operator visibility is often reduced, so we urge drivers to be cautious when approaching, following, or attempting to pass farm vehicles.”

Ag producers across Nebraska utilize a harvest permit to move their products to market. There are a number of benefits with this permit, including an overweight allowance of up to 15 percent above state law. To utilize the harvest exemption, the product owner should provide the hauler with a signed statement of origin and destination,&nbsp;<a href="https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/form_for_overweight_exception_-_2022-23_revision.pdf" target="_blank">such as this example.</a>

Haulers should maintain the safety of their vehicle by conducting pre-trip inspections, voluntarily complying with traffic safety laws, displaying warning signs on machinery, using flashing yellow caution lights when traveling, and staying aware of vehicles that may be attempting to pass.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695741490466.jpeg" alt="9-26-Harvest/Photo provided by NSP" />
 <figcaption>9-26-Harvest/Photo provided by NSP</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasSEPTEMBER 26, 2023 (LINCOLN, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Harvest is in full swing across Nebraska and the Nebraska State Patrol encourages all motorists to be aware of agriculture equipment traveling on roads throughout the state.“Harvest is a busy season across Nebraska and our ag producers are on the move, so all motorists should stay alert for slow-moving ag implements,” said Captain Martin Denton, Commander of NSP Carrier Enforcement. “Due to their dimensions and loads, operator visibility is often reduced, so we urge drivers to be cautious when approaching, following, or attempting to pass farm vehicles.”Ag producers across Nebraska utilize a harvest permit to move their products to market. There are a number of benefits with this permit, including an overweight allowance of up to 15 percent above state law. To utilize the harvest exemption, the product owner should provide the hauler with a signed statement of origin and destination,&nbsp;<a href="https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/form_for_overweight_exception_-_2022-23_revision.pdf" target="_blank">such as this example.</a>Haulers should maintain the safety of their vehicle by conducting pre-trip inspections, voluntarily complying with traffic safety laws, displaying warning signs on machinery, using flashing yellow caution lights when traveling, and staying aware of vehicles that may be attempting to pass.

Drivers, Ag Producers Share the Road During Harvest Season

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;joined United Auto Workers strikers on their picket line Tuesday as their work stoppage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uaw-strike-ford-gm-stellantis-contract-offers-5dd4dee2056b7efe06d2a55433d8d13a">against major carmakers</a>&nbsp;hit day 12, a demonstration of support for organized labor apparently unparalleled in presidential history.

(Video courtesy Deputy White House press secretary)

“You deserve the significant raise you need," Biden said through a bullhorn while wearing a union baseball cap after arriving at a General Motors parts distribution warehouse located in a suburb west of Detroit.

He walked along the picket line, exchanging fist bumps with grinning workers.

He encouraged them to continue fighting for better wages despite concerns that a prolonged strike could damage the economy, saying “stick with it.”

He said “yes” when asked if UAW members deserved a 40% raise, one of the demands that the union has made.

“No deal, no wheels!” workers chanted as Biden arrived. “No pay, no parts!”

He was joined by UAW President Shawn Fain, who rode with him in the presidential limousine to the picket line.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for coming to stand up with us in our generation-defining moment," said Fain, who described the union as engaged in a “kind of war” against “corporate greed.”

“We do the heavy lifting. We do the real work," Fein said. "Not the CEOs.”

Labor historians say they cannot recall an instance when a sitting president has joined an ongoing strike, even during the tenures of the more ardent pro-union presidents such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Theodore Roosevelt invited labor leaders alongside mine operators to the White House amid a historic coal strike in 1902, a decision that was seen at the time as a rare embrace of unions as Roosevelt tried to resolve the dispute.

Biden arrived one day before former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination, goes to Detroit to hold his own event in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/labor-union-auto-workers-trump-strike-dfcb805fd4e749b13aaf827e1463da73">an attempt to woo auto workers</a>&nbsp;even though union leaders say he's no ally.

Lawmakers often appear at strikes to show solidarity with unions, and Biden joined picket lines with casino workers in Las Vegas and auto workers in Kansas City while seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.

But sitting presidents, who have to balance the rights of workers with disruptions to the economy, supply chains and other facets of everyday life, have long wanted to stay out of the strike fray — until Biden.

“This is absolutely unprecedented. No president has ever walked a picket line before,” said Erik Loomis, a professor at the University of Rhode Island and an expert on U.S. labor history. Presidents historically “avoided direct participation in strikes. They saw themselves more as mediators. They did not see it as their place to directly intervene in a strike or in labor action.”

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Michigan that “Biden is fighting to ensure that the cars of the future will be built in America by unionized American workers in good-paying jobs, instead of being built in China.”

Biden's trip to join a picket line in the suburbs of Detroit is the most significant demonstration of his pro-union bona fides, a record that includes vocal support for unionization efforts at Amazon.com facilities and executive actions that promoted worker organizing. He also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-unions-democrats-presidential-campaign-8242bafc4e61ed88f7f211c621132102">earned a joint endorsement of major unions</a>&nbsp;earlier this year and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-broadway-fundraiser-new-york-fc92b7f04ad2ac20c119e60337da5cfb">has avoided southern California for high-dollar fundraisers</a>&nbsp;amid the writers' and actors' strikes in Hollywood.

During the ongoing UAW strike, Biden has argued that the auto companies have not gone far enough, although White House officials have repeatedly declined to say whether the president endorses specific UAW demands such as a 40% hike in wages and full-time pay for a 32-hour work week.

“I think the UAW gave up an incredible amount back when the automobile industry was going under. They gave everything from their pensions on, and they saved the automobile industry,” Biden said Monday from the White House. He said workers should benefit from carmakers' riches “now that the industry is roaring back.”

Biden and other Democrats are more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-unions-reelection-campaign-2024-04b89292c9c41f35a127f2458d90a610">aggressively touting the president's pro-labor credentials</a>&nbsp;at a time when Trump is trying to make inroads in critical swing states where unions remain influential, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. Biden is leaning on his union support at a time when labor enjoys broad support from the public, with 67% of Americans approving of labor unions in an August Gallup poll.

The United Farm Workers announced their endorsement of Biden on Tuesday, calling him “an authentic champion for workers and their families, regardless of their race or national origin.” Biden's campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, is the granddaughter of Cesar Chavez, the union's co-founder.

The UAW has not endorsed Biden. Asked about that after landing in Michigan, Biden told reporters that “I’m not worried about that."

Trump is skipping the second Republican primary debate on Wednesday and will meet with striking autoworkers in Michigan, seeking to capitalize on discontent over the state of the economy and anger over the Biden administration's push for more electric vehicles — a key component of its clean-energy agenda.

“If it wasn’t for President Trump, Joe Biden would be giving autoworkers the East Palestine treatment and saying that his schedule was too busy," said Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller, referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/east-palestine-train-derailment-norfolk-southern-biden-875699405d37cacbb5dd958dafb18071">small Ohio town that is still grappling</a>&nbsp;with the aftermath of a February train derailment. Biden said he would visit the community but so far has not.

White House officials dismissed the notion that Trump forced their hand and noted that Biden was headed to Michigan at the request of UAW President Shawn Fain, who last week invited the sitting president to join the strikers.

“He is pro-UAW, he is pro-workers, that is this president,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. “He stands by union workers, and he is going to stand with the men and women of the UAW.”

Yet the UAW strike,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uaw-ford-stellantis-general-motors-strike-labor-4132aa222c9a4456415af480d6fafa98">which expanded into 20 states last week</a>, remains a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-electric-cars-uaw-strike-d73f259bf5e9242340e912ad1e9b4aa9">dilemma for the Biden administration</a>&nbsp;since a part of the workers' grievances include concerns about a broader transition to electric vehicles. The shift away from gas-powered vehicles has worried some autoworkers because electric versions require fewer people to manufacture and there is no guarantee that factories that produce them will be unionized.

Carolyn Nippa, who was walking the picket line Monday at the GM parts warehouse in Van Buren Township, Michigan, was ambivalent about the president’s advocacy for electric vehicles, even as she said Biden was a better president than Trump for workers. She said it was “great that we have a president who wants to support local unions and the working class.”

“I know it’s the future. It’s the future of the car industry,” Nippa said of electric vehicles. “I’m hoping it doesn’t affect our jobs.”

Still, other pickets remained more skeptical about Biden's visit Tuesday.

Dave Ellis, who stocks parts at the distribution center, said he’s happy Biden wants to show people he’s behind the middle class. But he said the visit is just about getting more votes.

“I don’t necessarily believe that it’s really about us," said Ellis, who argued that Trump would be a better president for the middle class than Biden because Trump is a businessman.

The Biden administration has no formal role in the negotiations, and the White House pulled back a decision from the president earlier this month to send two key deputies to Michigan after determining it would be more productive for the advisers, Gene Sperling and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, to monitor talks from Washington.

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;joined United Auto Workers strikers on their picket line Tuesday as their work stoppage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uaw-strike-ford-gm-stellantis-contract-offers-5dd4dee2056b7efe06d2a55433d8d13a">against major carmakers</a>&nbsp;hit day 12, a demonstration of support for organized labor apparently unparalleled in presidential history.(Video courtesy Deputy White House press secretary)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/UAW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UAW</a> President Shawn Fain: &quot;This is a historic moment: the 1st time in our country&#39;s history that a sitting USA President has came out and stood on the picket line.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/CNouiVuRlH">pic.twitter.com/CNouiVuRlH</a>&mdash; Andrew Bates (@AndrewJBates46) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewJBates46/status/1706719414845161823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“You deserve the significant raise you need," Biden said through a bullhorn while wearing a union baseball cap after arriving at a General Motors parts distribution warehouse located in a suburb west of Detroit.He walked along the picket line, exchanging fist bumps with grinning workers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, for the first time in history, the President of the United States joined a picket line. This is a major testament to the strength and resurgence of the labor movement. Let’s go!<a href="https://t.co/bv3RAP2hkK">pic.twitter.com/bv3RAP2hkK</a>&mdash; Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlhanMN/status/1706722423255580925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He encouraged them to continue fighting for better wages despite concerns that a prolonged strike could damage the economy, saying “stick with it.”He said “yes” when asked if UAW members deserved a 40% raise, one of the demands that the union has made.“No deal, no wheels!” workers chanted as Biden arrived. “No pay, no parts!”He was joined by UAW President Shawn Fain, who rode with him in the presidential limousine to the picket line.“Thank you, Mr. President, for coming to stand up with us in our generation-defining moment," said Fain, who described the union as engaged in a “kind of war” against “corporate greed.”“We do the heavy lifting. We do the real work," Fein said. "Not the CEOs.”Labor historians say they cannot recall an instance when a sitting president has joined an ongoing strike, even during the tenures of the more ardent pro-union presidents such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Theodore Roosevelt invited labor leaders alongside mine operators to the White House amid a historic coal strike in 1902, a decision that was seen at the time as a rare embrace of unions as Roosevelt tried to resolve the dispute.Biden arrived one day before former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination, goes to Detroit to hold his own event in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/labor-union-auto-workers-trump-strike-dfcb805fd4e749b13aaf827e1463da73">an attempt to woo auto workers</a>&nbsp;even though union leaders say he's no ally.Lawmakers often appear at strikes to show solidarity with unions, and Biden joined picket lines with casino workers in Las Vegas and auto workers in Kansas City while seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.But sitting presidents, who have to balance the rights of workers with disruptions to the economy, supply chains and other facets of everyday life, have long wanted to stay out of the strike fray — until Biden.“This is absolutely unprecedented. No president has ever walked a picket line before,” said Erik Loomis, a professor at the University of Rhode Island and an expert on U.S. labor history. Presidents historically “avoided direct participation in strikes. They saw themselves more as mediators. They did not see it as their place to directly intervene in a strike or in labor action.”White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Michigan that “Biden is fighting to ensure that the cars of the future will be built in America by unionized American workers in good-paying jobs, instead of being built in China.”Biden's trip to join a picket line in the suburbs of Detroit is the most significant demonstration of his pro-union bona fides, a record that includes vocal support for unionization efforts at Amazon.com facilities and executive actions that promoted worker organizing. He also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-unions-democrats-presidential-campaign-8242bafc4e61ed88f7f211c621132102">earned a joint endorsement of major unions</a>&nbsp;earlier this year and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-broadway-fundraiser-new-york-fc92b7f04ad2ac20c119e60337da5cfb">has avoided southern California for high-dollar fundraisers</a>&nbsp;amid the writers' and actors' strikes in Hollywood.During the ongoing UAW strike, Biden has argued that the auto companies have not gone far enough, although White House officials have repeatedly declined to say whether the president endorses specific UAW demands such as a 40% hike in wages and full-time pay for a 32-hour work week.“I think the UAW gave up an incredible amount back when the automobile industry was going under. They gave everything from their pensions on, and they saved the automobile industry,” Biden said Monday from the White House. He said workers should benefit from carmakers' riches “now that the industry is roaring back.”Biden and other Democrats are more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-unions-reelection-campaign-2024-04b89292c9c41f35a127f2458d90a610">aggressively touting the president's pro-labor credentials</a>&nbsp;at a time when Trump is trying to make inroads in critical swing states where unions remain influential, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. Biden is leaning on his union support at a time when labor enjoys broad support from the public, with 67% of Americans approving of labor unions in an August Gallup poll.The United Farm Workers announced their endorsement of Biden on Tuesday, calling him “an authentic champion for workers and their families, regardless of their race or national origin.” Biden's campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, is the granddaughter of Cesar Chavez, the union's co-founder.The UAW has not endorsed Biden. Asked about that after landing in Michigan, Biden told reporters that “I’m not worried about that."Trump is skipping the second Republican primary debate on Wednesday and will meet with striking autoworkers in Michigan, seeking to capitalize on discontent over the state of the economy and anger over the Biden administration's push for more electric vehicles — a key component of its clean-energy agenda.“If it wasn’t for President Trump, Joe Biden would be giving autoworkers the East Palestine treatment and saying that his schedule was too busy," said Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller, referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/east-palestine-train-derailment-norfolk-southern-biden-875699405d37cacbb5dd958dafb18071">small Ohio town that is still grappling</a>&nbsp;with the aftermath of a February train derailment. Biden said he would visit the community but so far has not.White House officials dismissed the notion that Trump forced their hand and noted that Biden was headed to Michigan at the request of UAW President Shawn Fain, who last week invited the sitting president to join the strikers.“He is pro-UAW, he is pro-workers, that is this president,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. “He stands by union workers, and he is going to stand with the men and women of the UAW.”Yet the UAW strike,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uaw-ford-stellantis-general-motors-strike-labor-4132aa222c9a4456415af480d6fafa98">which expanded into 20 states last week</a>, remains a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-electric-cars-uaw-strike-d73f259bf5e9242340e912ad1e9b4aa9">dilemma for the Biden administration</a>&nbsp;since a part of the workers' grievances include concerns about a broader transition to electric vehicles. The shift away from gas-powered vehicles has worried some autoworkers because electric versions require fewer people to manufacture and there is no guarantee that factories that produce them will be unionized.Carolyn Nippa, who was walking the picket line Monday at the GM parts warehouse in Van Buren Township, Michigan, was ambivalent about the president’s advocacy for electric vehicles, even as she said Biden was a better president than Trump for workers. She said it was “great that we have a president who wants to support local unions and the working class.”“I know it’s the future. It’s the future of the car industry,” Nippa said of electric vehicles. “I’m hoping it doesn’t affect our jobs.”Still, other pickets remained more skeptical about Biden's visit Tuesday.Dave Ellis, who stocks parts at the distribution center, said he’s happy Biden wants to show people he’s behind the middle class. But he said the visit is just about getting more votes.“I don’t necessarily believe that it’s really about us," said Ellis, who argued that Trump would be a better president for the middle class than Biden because Trump is a businessman.The Biden administration has no formal role in the negotiations, and the White House pulled back a decision from the president earlier this month to send two key deputies to Michigan after determining it would be more productive for the advisers, Gene Sperling and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, to monitor talks from Washington.

🎥 Biden makes history, joins striking autoworkers on the picket line

Lincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;The deadline to register for the 22nd annual Pumpkin Run and still receive a shirt is 11:59 p.m. this Friday, Sep. 29.&nbsp;Those interested can register and find details, including the full schedule and course map, at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XlFRQqIUq4VN_5FeXBPQAUGRYSKakH7e7yW2NREKeeGFpX60cI0U_O9MvkhdMLylyx_p8auCTw7fuLmop1_0jtdcUjlnJcoIj_-NSgBiAaWLJS4suCLHiuOIgh7F012m1nDEoNxkQGCBYGaAu3b4aw==&amp;c=0qOxaAUB9URkIVMGNvZk1GsbyNg5Ku362LYuDwDuDXJV9M_G_08gPQ==&amp;ch=-tUMcxGM9XxXThk1nRe1rRpD4QBD0-KvwBNaWFBF40dRBUrPVlukww==" target="_blank">PumpkinRunLincoln.com</a>.

The Run takes place Sunday, Oct. 8th in the West Haymarket, beginning near Canopy and P Streets and ending in front of the Pinnacle Bank Arena main entrance.&nbsp;More than 4,000 runners from 50+ area elementary schools are expected to complete the one-mile course in what has become the largest youth-only fun run in the nation.

Heats will be held every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and are divided by grade. Each runner receives a 2023 Pumpkin Run medal and souvenir cup when they finish.&nbsp;Runners and their families are also invited to attend the vendor fair inside Pinnacle Bank Arena to enjoy giveaways and games from more than 20 local businesses and organizations following their heat.

The Pumpkin Run is conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council.&nbsp;Lincoln Pediatric Group, Home Real Estate and Complete Children’s Health are the presenting partners. Hohl Orthodontics is the medal sponsor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy and active lifestyle choices. Platinum Partners include Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, Nebraska Medical Association, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska and Nebraska Orthopedic Center.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XlFRQqIUq4VN_5FeXBPQAUGRYSKakH7e7yW2NREKeeGFpX60cI0U_GaLqd7b_aEECx-hHeq3N9yEf0aGNy5L6KNn8PBlGeVP4FLqD0u7VCUEboozRRJX4ggQ2Oa3afFtiucuPbH_TqCzqK5v0lVGWMu8fpLVYvKc&amp;c=0qOxaAUB9URkIVMGNvZk1GsbyNg5Ku362LYuDwDuDXJV9M_G_08gPQ==&amp;ch=-tUMcxGM9XxXThk1nRe1rRpD4QBD0-KvwBNaWFBF40dRBUrPVlukww==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;The deadline to register for the 22nd annual Pumpkin Run and still receive a shirt is 11:59 p.m. this Friday, Sep. 29.&nbsp;Those interested can register and find details, including the full schedule and course map, at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XlFRQqIUq4VN_5FeXBPQAUGRYSKakH7e7yW2NREKeeGFpX60cI0U_O9MvkhdMLylyx_p8auCTw7fuLmop1_0jtdcUjlnJcoIj_-NSgBiAaWLJS4suCLHiuOIgh7F012m1nDEoNxkQGCBYGaAu3b4aw==&amp;c=0qOxaAUB9URkIVMGNvZk1GsbyNg5Ku362LYuDwDuDXJV9M_G_08gPQ==&amp;ch=-tUMcxGM9XxXThk1nRe1rRpD4QBD0-KvwBNaWFBF40dRBUrPVlukww==" target="_blank">PumpkinRunLincoln.com</a>.The Run takes place Sunday, Oct. 8th in the West Haymarket, beginning near Canopy and P Streets and ending in front of the Pinnacle Bank Arena main entrance.&nbsp;More than 4,000 runners from 50+ area elementary schools are expected to complete the one-mile course in what has become the largest youth-only fun run in the nation.Heats will be held every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and are divided by grade. Each runner receives a 2023 Pumpkin Run medal and souvenir cup when they finish.&nbsp;Runners and their families are also invited to attend the vendor fair inside Pinnacle Bank Arena to enjoy giveaways and games from more than 20 local businesses and organizations following their heat.The Pumpkin Run is conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council.&nbsp;Lincoln Pediatric Group, Home Real Estate and Complete Children’s Health are the presenting partners. Hohl Orthodontics is the medal sponsor.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy and active lifestyle choices. Platinum Partners include Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, Nebraska Medical Association, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska and Nebraska Orthopedic Center.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XlFRQqIUq4VN_5FeXBPQAUGRYSKakH7e7yW2NREKeeGFpX60cI0U_GaLqd7b_aEECx-hHeq3N9yEf0aGNy5L6KNn8PBlGeVP4FLqD0u7VCUEboozRRJX4ggQ2Oa3afFtiucuPbH_TqCzqK5v0lVGWMu8fpLVYvKc&amp;c=0qOxaAUB9URkIVMGNvZk1GsbyNg5Ku362LYuDwDuDXJV9M_G_08gPQ==&amp;ch=-tUMcxGM9XxXThk1nRe1rRpD4QBD0-KvwBNaWFBF40dRBUrPVlukww==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pumpkin Run Shirt Deadline is this Friday

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">Striking actors</a>&nbsp;have voted to expand their walkout to include the lucrative video game market, a step that could put new pressure on Hollywood studios to make a deal with the performers who provide voices and stunts for games.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-agreement-what-happens-next-ba8290a5839cde352d594647199023e8">Crucial steps</a>&nbsp;remain for the writers, who technically remain on strike, and for other workers awaiting a return to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-update-shows-coming-back-2d433d9365e8fe20b17f5ca612599343">production of new shows</a>.

The next phase comes Tuesday, when the governing boards of the two branches of the Writers Guild of America are expected to vote on the tentative agreement reached by union negotiators with Hollywood studios.

Following approval from the union's boards — which is likely — comes a vote from the writers themselves, although the timing is uncertain.

The guild and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hollywood-strikes-lombardini-drescher-stutzman-iger-zaslav-00c17264129cebb17d10b80b9c51aa3e">Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers</a>, which represents studios, streaming services and production companies in the negotiations, were still finalizing contract language Monday.

That could prompt a delay of the voting and has kept union leaders from sharing with writers the details of what nearly five months of striking and hardship has earned them. The leaders have promised to hold a series of meetings later this week to share the terms of the deal regarding pay, show staffing and artificial intelligence.

The guild's leaders told them only that the agreement is “exceptional,” with gains for every member. A successful yes vote from the membership will finally, officially, bring the strike to an end.

Meanwhile, though their own pickets have been suspended, writers were encouraged to join actors in solidarity on their lines starting Tuesday, just as many actors did with writers in the two months before their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/actors-strike-explained-2607dd29da6c16c0a406359a7e86d7fb">own strike started in July</a>.

Among the unions on strike, the studio alliance has chosen to negotiate only with the writers so far, and has made no overtures yet toward restarting talks with SAG-AFTRA. That will presumably change soon.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">Striking actors</a>&nbsp;have voted to expand their walkout to include the lucrative video game market, a step that could put new pressure on Hollywood studios to make a deal with the performers who provide voices and stunts for games.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSAGAFTRA%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02n9sA9bFNZJyWWyvDFt4ofVXqtxdaxAsuPJogSvoDBWxdNEghhH35R9s29biyfe5Ll&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="584" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists announced the move late Monday, saying that 98% of its members voted to go on strike against video game companies if ongoing negotiations are not successful. The announcement came ahead of more talks planned for Tuesday.Acting in video games can include a variety of roles, from voice performances to motion capture work as well as stunts. Video game actors went on strike in 2016 in a work stoppage that lasted nearly a year.Some of the same issues are at play in the video game negotiations as in the broader actors strike that has shut down Hollywood for months, including wages, safety measures and protections on the use of artificial intelligence. The companies involved include gaming giants Activision, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Take 2 Productions as well as Disney and Warner Bros.′ video game divisions.“It’s time for the video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.The threat of a video game strike emerged as Hollywood writers were on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-deal-hollywood-wga-3336824c06795931845c889f1e08b3ff">verge of getting back to work</a>&nbsp;after months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">on the picket lines</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-agreement-what-happens-next-ba8290a5839cde352d594647199023e8">Crucial steps</a>&nbsp;remain for the writers, who technically remain on strike, and for other workers awaiting a return to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-update-shows-coming-back-2d433d9365e8fe20b17f5ca612599343">production of new shows</a>.The next phase comes Tuesday, when the governing boards of the two branches of the Writers Guild of America are expected to vote on the tentative agreement reached by union negotiators with Hollywood studios.Following approval from the union's boards — which is likely — comes a vote from the writers themselves, although the timing is uncertain.The guild and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hollywood-strikes-lombardini-drescher-stutzman-iger-zaslav-00c17264129cebb17d10b80b9c51aa3e">Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers</a>, which represents studios, streaming services and production companies in the negotiations, were still finalizing contract language Monday.That could prompt a delay of the voting and has kept union leaders from sharing with writers the details of what nearly five months of striking and hardship has earned them. The leaders have promised to hold a series of meetings later this week to share the terms of the deal regarding pay, show staffing and artificial intelligence.The guild's leaders told them only that the agreement is “exceptional,” with gains for every member. A successful yes vote from the membership will finally, officially, bring the strike to an end.Meanwhile, though their own pickets have been suspended, writers were encouraged to join actors in solidarity on their lines starting Tuesday, just as many actors did with writers in the two months before their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/actors-strike-explained-2607dd29da6c16c0a406359a7e86d7fb">own strike started in July</a>.Among the unions on strike, the studio alliance has chosen to negotiate only with the writers so far, and has made no overtures yet toward restarting talks with SAG-AFTRA. That will presumably change soon.SAG-AFTRA leaders have said they will look closely at the writers' agreement, which includes many of the same issues, but it will not effect their demands.

Striking actors vote to authorize new walkout against video game makers

RILEY COUNTY, Kansas —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered sex offender for alleged sex crimes in Manhattan.

Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, police arrested 24-year-old Nicholas A. Seeman of Lincoln Nebraska&nbsp; on a Riley County District Court warrant&nbsp; for multiple alleged sex crimes, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

He is being held on a $300,000 bond on requested charges that include rape; Offender is 18 or older and victim is &lt; 14, aggravated indecent liberties w child; Offender =&gt;18 fondle child &lt;14; aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Intercourse with child 14 &lt; 16 YOA; sexual exploitation of child; offender&gt;18 employment of child&lt;14; indecent solicitation of a child; Sex act with a child &gt;14&lt;16; aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Intercourse with child 14 &lt; 16 YOA; criminal sodomy; With a child &gt;14 YOA and &lt;16; sexual exploitation of a child; employment of child&lt;18 and aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Fondling a child 14&lt;16 YOA

The crimes were reported to RCPD in March 2023.&nbsp; &nbsp;Seeman was convicted of sexual assault and has been listed as a registered sex offender since September of 2022, according to the Nebraska sex offender registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695738943977.png" alt="Seeman photo Nebraska sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Seeman photo Nebraska sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY, Kansas —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered sex offender for alleged sex crimes in Manhattan.Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, police arrested 24-year-old Nicholas A. Seeman of Lincoln Nebraska&nbsp; on a Riley County District Court warrant&nbsp; for multiple alleged sex crimes, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.He is being held on a $300,000 bond on requested charges that include rape; Offender is 18 or older and victim is &lt; 14, aggravated indecent liberties w child; Offender =&gt;18 fondle child &lt;14; aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Intercourse with child 14 &lt; 16 YOA; sexual exploitation of child; offender&gt;18 employment of child&lt;14; indecent solicitation of a child; Sex act with a child &gt;14&lt;16; aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Intercourse with child 14 &lt; 16 YOA; criminal sodomy; With a child &gt;14 YOA and &lt;16; sexual exploitation of a child; employment of child&lt;18 and aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Fondling a child 14&lt;16 YOAThe crimes were reported to RCPD in March 2023.&nbsp; &nbsp;Seeman was convicted of sexual assault and has been listed as a registered sex offender since September of 2022, according to the Nebraska sex offender registry.

Nebraska sex offender jailed in Kansas for alleged sex crimes

BY:&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — As Congress barrels toward a partial government shutdown, the White House Monday warned that a program that helps millions of low income families afford healthy food could see substantial cuts.

The White House released a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/25/extreme-house-republicans-chaos-is-marching-america-toward-a-shutdown-that-would-jeopardize-vital-nutrition-assistance-for-nearly-7-million-vulnerable-moms-and-young-children/">state-by-state breakdown</a>, estimating that nearly 7 million people who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC, could be at risk of losing funds to purchase select food and receive vouchers for vegetables and fruit.

The program provides financial support for those who are low income and pregnant or nursing, as well as for children up to 5 years old. In Missouri, a government shutdown could impact benefits for 90,913 people.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said during a Monday White House briefing that WIC recipients could feel the impact of the shutdown within days.

“Millions of those moms, (babies) and young children would see a lack of nutrition assistance,” he said.

Vilsack, Iowa’s former governor, said some states have leftover WIC benefits and “could extend (WIC) for a week or so.”

BY:&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — As Congress barrels toward a partial government shutdown, the White House Monday warned that a program that helps millions of low income families afford healthy food could see substantial cuts.The White House released a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/25/extreme-house-republicans-chaos-is-marching-america-toward-a-shutdown-that-would-jeopardize-vital-nutrition-assistance-for-nearly-7-million-vulnerable-moms-and-young-children/">state-by-state breakdown</a>, estimating that nearly 7 million people who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC, could be at risk of losing funds to purchase select food and receive vouchers for vegetables and fruit.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Extreme House Republicans are demanding a devastating list of cuts to vital programs that hardworking Americans rely on. If they don’t get their way, they&#39;re threatening to shut down the government – putting nutrition assistance at risk for seven million women and children. <a href="https://t.co/pm6uyDGafk">pic.twitter.com/pm6uyDGafk</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1706398165845361129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The program provides financial support for those who are low income and pregnant or nursing, as well as for children up to 5 years old. In Missouri, a government shutdown could impact benefits for 90,913 people.U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said during a Monday White House briefing that WIC recipients could feel the impact of the shutdown within days.“Millions of those moms, (babies) and young children would see a lack of nutrition assistance,” he said.Vilsack, Iowa’s former governor, said some states have leftover WIC benefits and “could extend (WIC) for a week or so.”“The vast majority of WIC participants would see an immediate reduction and elimination of those benefits, which means the nutrition assistance that’s provided would not be available,” he said.For example, in Alabama, about 112,000 WIC recipients could lose their benefits, and in Florida, more than 421,000 as well. In Michigan, more than 207,000 recipients could lose their WIC benefits and in North Carolina, it’s more than 268,000 WIC recipients.Additionally, new eligible participants could face a backlog.“Without the urgent investment of additional funds, state WIC offices could soon be forced to consider waiting lists for prospective participants — a drastic step not seen in nearly 30 years,” Kate Franken, board chair of the National WIC Association, which is the non-profit advocacy arm of WIC, said in a statement.The impending shutdown comes after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/05/31/u-s-house-approves-debt-limit-package-sending-it-to-senate-with-just-days-until-default-deadline/">made a deal</a>&nbsp;with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier this year to raise the debt ceiling.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/05/31/debt-limit-deal-hits-turbulence-in-congress-as-leaders-prep-for-vote/">That deal&nbsp;</a>set maximum spending levels for the next fiscal year.However, none of the 12 appropriations bills has been passed by the House, and a handful of far-right Republicans are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/09/21/shutdown-inches-closer-as-u-s-house-gop-fails-to-pass-defense-bill-lawmakers-exit-d-c/">pushing for steeper cuts</a>, even if it means a partial government shutdown.“House Republicans have turned their backs on the bipartisan budget deal that a large majority of them voted for just a few months ago and proposed a continuing resolution (CR) that makes devastating cuts to programs that millions of hardworking Americans count on,” the White House said in a press release.A continuing resolution, or CR, is regularly used to keep the government funded for weeks or a couple of months while the House and Senate finish work on the 12 annual spending bills.Without a CR by Saturday, the end of the fiscal year, a partial shutdown will occur and programs that have discretionary funding, like WIC, will lapse.Funding for WIC is not mandatory spending, meaning the program won’t be automatically funded regardless of a government shutdown. It’s funded through the Agriculture appropriations bill, which has not been passed by Congress.The White House criticized the Agriculture appropriations bill the House passed out of its committee that did not include the supplemental funding the Biden administration requested.“Without the Administration’s funding request, states could soon be forced to institute waiting lists for WIC, causing mothers and children to lose access to the vital nutrition assistance,” the White House said.WIC funding is distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service to states through a formula. The share of eligible people who participate in WIC can vary between states —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/eligibility-and-program-reach-estimates-2020">for example</a>&nbsp;California, Massachusetts, and Minnesota, have a coverage rate for WIC by over 60%.