BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&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 — The United Auto Workers of America endorsed the re-election of President Joe Biden Wednesday, just months after he became the first sitting U.S. president&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/09/26/biden-makes-historic-visit-to-metro-detroit-picket-line-to-rally-with-striking-auto-workers/">to walk a picket line</a>&nbsp;with striking autoworkers in Michigan.

Speaking at the UAW’s biannual political conference in Washington, D.C., Biden told the crowd “I was so damn proud to stand on that picket line with you” — a moment that seemed to lock in the union’s coveted endorsement, crucial in the swing state of Michigan.

The president delivered the keynote address to hundreds of UAW leaders one day after winning a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/01/23/new-hampshire-primary-live-trump-vs-haley-biden-write-in-campaign/">write-in campaign</a>&nbsp;in the New Hampshire primary, where former President Donald Trump scored&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/01/24/wednesday-morning-numbers-show-definitive-trump-lead-over-haley/">a second win</a>&nbsp;for the Republican side.

“If I’m gonna be in a fight, I want to be in a fight with you, the UAW,” Biden told the crowd at the Marriott Marquis in downtown D.C. “I mean it, we have a big fight in front of us. We’re fundamentally changing the economy of this country, and everybody’s getting a little worried about it, the very powerful.”

In a rousing endorsement speech to his members, UAW President Shawn Fain laid out a binary scenario for November.

“Rarely as a union do you get so clear of a choice between two candidates,” Fain said at the conference themed “Stand Up For Our Future,” a nod to the union’s historic “Stand Up” strike in September against the nation’s three big automakers.

“It’s not about who you like, it’s not about your party, it’s not about this b—– about age. It’s not about anything but our best shot at taking back power for the working class,” Fain said.

“Donald Trump is a scab,” Fain said to loud applause and whistling. “Donald Trump is a billionaire and that’s who he represents. If Donald Trump ever worked in an auto plant, he wouldn’t be a UAW member. He’d be a company man, trying to squeeze the American autoworker.

“Donald Trump stands against everything the UAW stands for. When you go back to our core issues — Wages. Retirement. Health care. Time. That’s what this election is about,” Fain said.

The union’s board voted unanimously to endorse Biden, Fain told reporters after the event.

When asked if he spoke to Trump before issuing the endorsement, Fain said he didn’t think there was a need.

“Because I know what he said, I know what his track record has been. And he has never stood for working class people. And, you know, talk is cheap, actions speak louder. We saw what he did prior to being president. We saw what he did when he was president, and what he continues to do.”

UAW workers walked off the job in September after contract negotiations with Ford Motor Company, Stellantis and General Motors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/blog/uaw-president-sets-new-deadline-for-automakers-promising-additional-strikes/">collapsed</a>. The labor dispute stretched across more than 20 states, with Michigan at the epicenter.

Fain&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/09/26/biden-makes-historic-visit-to-metro-detroit-picket-line-to-rally-with-striking-auto-workers/">invited Biden</a>&nbsp;to address the striking workers on Sept. 26 in the Detroit suburb of Belleville, where the president told them, “You deserve what you’ve earned, and you’ve earned a hell of a lot more than what you’re getting paid now.”

Trump delivered remarks a day later at a non-unionized auto parts manufacturer in Macomb County, an event he planned to counter the second televised Republican presidential debate.

There he asked for support,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?530700-1/president-trump-holds-rally-detroit">saying</a>&nbsp;“hopefully your leaders at the United Auto Workers will endorse Donald Trump,” despite the event being unaffiliated with the labor organization.

Fain and Biden on Wednesday both recounted the former president’s speech at the non-union location during one of the largest labor strikes in recent U.S. history.

The strike ended in November after the union&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/10/30/uaw-reaches-tentative-pact-with-general-motors-the-last-detroit-three-holdout/">struck agreements</a>&nbsp;with the three big automakers.

Fain also faulted Trump for what he described as disparaging comments about the recovery of the auto industry after the 2008 financial collapse and said Trump “stood by” as the General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio, closed in 2019.

“Instead of talking trash about our union, Joe Biden stood with us,” Fain said.

The UAW leader told reporters that he expects his membership to engage in political actions like rallying, door knocking and phone banking in the coming year.

When asked if he had concerns about Biden not calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, Fain said “the alternative’s even worse. Trump moved the (Israeli) embassy when he was president. Obviously he’s not going to do anything.”

The UAW has formally called for a ceasefire, and Fain said the union will continue to do so.

A handful of protesters unfurled a Palestinian flag and shouted “ceasefire now” during Biden’s speech Wednesday. Biden paused briefly as large swaths of the crowd began shouting “UAW” to drown out the protesters as security escorted them out of the room.

Fain said he was not concerned about members “exercising their voice.” It was the second day in a row that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-harris-vow-restore-protections-abortion-rights-2024-campaign-launches">protesters interrupted</a>&nbsp;a Biden event.

In addition to the UAW’s endorsement, Biden has picked up several others, including from the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the United Farm Workers, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of Teachers.

As of Wednesday evening Trump’s campaign had not released a statement in response to the UAW’s endorsement of Biden.

However, the campaign released images of September posts on X by @TeamTrump stating that “PRESIDENT TRUMP is a great champion of American workers. He SAVED the American auto industry once, and he will do it again.”

On Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform where he posts daily, the former president had only posted Wednesday about his caucus and primary wins in Iowa and New Hampshire.

He also posted in all capital letters Wednesday just before 4 p.m. Eastern: “MASSIVE PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT BY CROOKED JOE AND THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AGAINST HIS POLITICAL OPPONENT!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706150075714.png" alt="Photo courtesy UAW" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy UAW</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&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 — The United Auto Workers of America endorsed the re-election of President Joe Biden Wednesday, just months after he became the first sitting U.S. president&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/09/26/biden-makes-historic-visit-to-metro-detroit-picket-line-to-rally-with-striking-auto-workers/">to walk a picket line</a>&nbsp;with striking autoworkers in Michigan.Speaking at the UAW’s biannual political conference in Washington, D.C., Biden told the crowd “I was so damn proud to stand on that picket line with you” — a moment that seemed to lock in the union’s coveted endorsement, crucial in the swing state of Michigan.The president delivered the keynote address to hundreds of UAW leaders one day after winning a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/01/23/new-hampshire-primary-live-trump-vs-haley-biden-write-in-campaign/">write-in campaign</a>&nbsp;in the New Hampshire primary, where former President Donald Trump scored&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/01/24/wednesday-morning-numbers-show-definitive-trump-lead-over-haley/">a second win</a>&nbsp;for the Republican side.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/UAW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UAW</a> President <a href="https://twitter.com/ShawnFainUAW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShawnFainUAW</a>: &quot;If our endorsements must be earned, Joe Biden has earned it...the UAW is endorsing Joe Biden for president of the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/24syQyX1BI">pic.twitter.com/24syQyX1BI</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1750250575667556430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“If I’m gonna be in a fight, I want to be in a fight with you, the UAW,” Biden told the crowd at the Marriott Marquis in downtown D.C. “I mean it, we have a big fight in front of us. We’re fundamentally changing the economy of this country, and everybody’s getting a little worried about it, the very powerful.”In a rousing endorsement speech to his members, UAW President Shawn Fain laid out a binary scenario for November.“Rarely as a union do you get so clear of a choice between two candidates,” Fain said at the conference themed “Stand Up For Our Future,” a nod to the union’s historic “Stand Up” strike in September against the nation’s three big automakers.“It’s not about who you like, it’s not about your party, it’s not about this b—– about age. It’s not about anything but our best shot at taking back power for the working class,” Fain said.“Donald Trump is a scab,” Fain said to loud applause and whistling. “Donald Trump is a billionaire and that’s who he represents. If Donald Trump ever worked in an auto plant, he wouldn’t be a UAW member. He’d be a company man, trying to squeeze the American autoworker.“Donald Trump stands against everything the UAW stands for. When you go back to our core issues — Wages. Retirement. Health care. Time. That’s what this election is about,” Fain said.The union’s board voted unanimously to endorse Biden, Fain told reporters after the event.When asked if he spoke to Trump before issuing the endorsement, Fain said he didn’t think there was a need.“Because I know what he said, I know what his track record has been. And he has never stood for working class people. And, you know, talk is cheap, actions speak louder. We saw what he did prior to being president. We saw what he did when he was president, and what he continues to do.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Working people are going to get their fair share. You&#39;ve earned it. You fought for it and you deserve it!&quot; — <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/yFX6j1a3xa">pic.twitter.com/yFX6j1a3xa</a>&mdash; UAW (@UAW) <a href="https://twitter.com/UAW/status/1750249367980667184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Biden’s support of UAW strikers</h2>UAW workers walked off the job in September after contract negotiations with Ford Motor Company, Stellantis and General Motors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/blog/uaw-president-sets-new-deadline-for-automakers-promising-additional-strikes/">collapsed</a>. The labor dispute stretched across more than 20 states, with Michigan at the epicenter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695751581443.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Fain&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/09/26/biden-makes-historic-visit-to-metro-detroit-picket-line-to-rally-with-striking-auto-workers/">invited Biden</a>&nbsp;to address the striking workers on Sept. 26 in the Detroit suburb of Belleville, where the president told them, “You deserve what you’ve earned, and you’ve earned a hell of a lot more than what you’re getting paid now.”Trump delivered remarks a day later at a non-unionized auto parts manufacturer in Macomb County, an event he planned to counter the second televised Republican presidential debate.There he asked for support,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?530700-1/president-trump-holds-rally-detroit">saying</a>&nbsp;“hopefully your leaders at the United Auto Workers will endorse Donald Trump,” despite the event being unaffiliated with the labor organization.Fain and Biden on Wednesday both recounted the former president’s speech at the non-union location during one of the largest labor strikes in recent U.S. history.The strike ended in November after the union&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/10/30/uaw-reaches-tentative-pact-with-general-motors-the-last-detroit-three-holdout/">struck agreements</a>&nbsp;with the three big automakers.Fain also faulted Trump for what he described as disparaging comments about the recovery of the auto industry after the 2008 financial collapse and said Trump “stood by” as the General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio, closed in 2019.“Instead of talking trash about our union, Joe Biden stood with us,” Fain said.The UAW leader told reporters that he expects his membership to engage in political actions like rallying, door knocking and phone banking in the coming year.<h2>Israel-Hamas</h2>When asked if he had concerns about Biden not calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, Fain said “the alternative’s even worse. Trump moved the (Israeli) embassy when he was president. Obviously he’s not going to do anything.”The UAW has formally called for a ceasefire, and Fain said the union will continue to do so.A handful of protesters unfurled a Palestinian flag and shouted “ceasefire now” during Biden’s speech Wednesday. Biden paused briefly as large swaths of the crowd began shouting “UAW” to drown out the protesters as security escorted them out of the room.Fain said he was not concerned about members “exercising their voice.” It was the second day in a row that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-harris-vow-restore-protections-abortion-rights-2024-campaign-launches">protesters interrupted</a>&nbsp;a Biden event.<h2>Other union endorsements</h2>In addition to the UAW’s endorsement, Biden has picked up several others, including from the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the United Farm Workers, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of Teachers.As of Wednesday evening Trump’s campaign had not released a statement in response to the UAW’s endorsement of Biden.However, the campaign released images of September posts on X by @TeamTrump stating that “PRESIDENT TRUMP is a great champion of American workers. He SAVED the American auto industry once, and he will do it again.”On Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform where he posts daily, the former president had only posted Wednesday about his caucus and primary wins in Iowa and New Hampshire.He also posted in all capital letters Wednesday just before 4 p.m. Eastern: “MASSIVE PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT BY CROOKED JOE AND THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AGAINST HIS POLITICAL OPPONENT!”

🎥UAW delivers rousing endorsement for Biden over ‘scab’ Trump

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/24/controversial-guns-to-be-locked-away-at-gaming-commission-until-training-protocols-adopted/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Semi-automatic guns purchased recently by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission will be locked away until proper training and procedures for their use can be adopted, a representative of that agency said Wednesday.

Shane Greckel, the vice chairman of the commission, said the gambling agency had explored whether to return the 10 Sig Sauer MPX rifles, purchased for the commission’s investigators.

But, he said, the agency would have had to pay a 30% “restocking” fee, which made it too expensive, and there was no interest in declaring them “surplus” property of the state so they could be sold.

“It’s best that we hold onto them right now,” Greckel said.

The guns cost $30,350 and were portrayed as necessary to respond to&nbsp; any “active shooter” incidents that might occur at the state’s gambling casinos. Such incidents typically involve high-powered, semi-automatic rifles.

But the purchase —&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/18/questions-raised-over-gun-purchase-for-gaming-commission-whether-racetrack-study-fell-short/#:~:text=Gun%20purchase%20was%20a%20surprise&amp;text=The%20Sig%20Sauer%20MPX%20rifles,at%20a%20casino%20or%20racetrack.">first reported by the Examiner</a>&nbsp;— raised concerns with some commissioners who weren’t informed about it until November.

Greckel said the commission has decided to lock up the guns until proper training and procedures for their use can be adopted.

The commission has expanded rapidly with the opening of legal casinos in the state 16 months ago. It employs 10 plain-clothes investigators to patrol casinos and racetracks. They are certified state law enforcement officers, officials have said.

While some commissioners questioned whether the agency needed the additional firepower, investigators told the Examiner that the short-barreled rifles purchased were the standard weapons used by SWAT teams in active shooter cases and that it was necessary to “meet force with force.”

The executive director who approved the gun purchase, Tom Sage, announced last week that he will retire in March.

Sage, who went on personal leave recently for health reasons, defended the purchase as a necessary step to protect the public.

Sage was also facing questions about a $48,000 contract for a market study on gaming that he had signed — a study that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/19/state-racing-and-gaming-commission-decides-market-study-is-incomplete-needs-additional-info/">commissioners deemed incomplete</a>&nbsp;last week. A review is now underway to determine whether it should be redone or if an addendum is needed.

On Monday, a state legislative committee heard no opposition to a bill that would give the governor more power over the commission.

Under Legislative Bill 839, the governor would have final say over the appointment of an executive director by the commissioners and could remove commissioners for malfeasance, neglect or other causes. Currently, the Racing and Gaming Commission has sole authority over choosing its executive. The governor appoints the seven-member board.

State Auditor Mike Foley charged this week that the Racing and Gaming Commission was not following state law or its own policies, which require auditing of the gambling revenue it receives by an independent accounting firm.

The commission received $9.6 million in tax revenues in the fiscal year that ended in July, Foley noted, and that revenue is expected to double in the current fiscal year with the opening of more casinos.

“When the citizens voted for casino gambling, a lot of promises were made about the influx of tax dollars.” the auditor said. “Now we need to be assured that the monies generated by casino gambling are verified … and thus far that has not happened.”

Last month, in an official response to a letter sent by the State Auditor’s Office, the commission said it agreed with the concerns and was “currently working on strengthening our policies and procedures.”

Greckel said Wednesday that audits have been “on the forefront of our agenda” and will be done.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/24/controversial-guns-to-be-locked-away-at-gaming-commission-until-training-protocols-adopted/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Semi-automatic guns purchased recently by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission will be locked away until proper training and procedures for their use can be adopted, a representative of that agency said Wednesday.Shane Greckel, the vice chairman of the commission, said the gambling agency had explored whether to return the 10 Sig Sauer MPX rifles, purchased for the commission’s investigators.But, he said, the agency would have had to pay a 30% “restocking” fee, which made it too expensive, and there was no interest in declaring them “surplus” property of the state so they could be sold.“It’s best that we hold onto them right now,” Greckel said.<h2>For active shooter incidents</h2>The guns cost $30,350 and were portrayed as necessary to respond to&nbsp; any “active shooter” incidents that might occur at the state’s gambling casinos. Such incidents typically involve high-powered, semi-automatic rifles.But the purchase —&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/18/questions-raised-over-gun-purchase-for-gaming-commission-whether-racetrack-study-fell-short/#:~:text=Gun%20purchase%20was%20a%20surprise&amp;text=The%20Sig%20Sauer%20MPX%20rifles,at%20a%20casino%20or%20racetrack.">first reported by the Examiner</a>&nbsp;— raised concerns with some commissioners who weren’t informed about it until November.Greckel said the commission has decided to lock up the guns until proper training and procedures for their use can be adopted.The commission has expanded rapidly with the opening of legal casinos in the state 16 months ago. It employs 10 plain-clothes investigators to patrol casinos and racetracks. They are certified state law enforcement officers, officials have said.While some commissioners questioned whether the agency needed the additional firepower, investigators told the Examiner that the short-barreled rifles purchased were the standard weapons used by SWAT teams in active shooter cases and that it was necessary to “meet force with force.”<h2>Executive director to retire</h2>The executive director who approved the gun purchase, Tom Sage, announced last week that he will retire in March.Sage, who went on personal leave recently for health reasons, defended the purchase as a necessary step to protect the public.Sage was also facing questions about a $48,000 contract for a market study on gaming that he had signed — a study that&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/19/state-racing-and-gaming-commission-decides-market-study-is-incomplete-needs-additional-info/">commissioners deemed incomplete</a>&nbsp;last week. A review is now underway to determine whether it should be redone or if an addendum is needed.On Monday, a state legislative committee heard no opposition to a bill that would give the governor more power over the commission.Under Legislative Bill 839, the governor would have final say over the appointment of an executive director by the commissioners and could remove commissioners for malfeasance, neglect or other causes. Currently, the Racing and Gaming Commission has sole authority over choosing its executive. The governor appoints the seven-member board.<h2>Auditor questions lack of CPA review</h2>State Auditor Mike Foley charged this week that the Racing and Gaming Commission was not following state law or its own policies, which require auditing of the gambling revenue it receives by an independent accounting firm.The commission received $9.6 million in tax revenues in the fiscal year that ended in July, Foley noted, and that revenue is expected to double in the current fiscal year with the opening of more casinos.“When the citizens voted for casino gambling, a lot of promises were made about the influx of tax dollars.” the auditor said. “Now we need to be assured that the monies generated by casino gambling are verified … and thus far that has not happened.”Last month, in an official response to a letter sent by the State Auditor’s Office, the commission said it agreed with the concerns and was “currently working on strengthening our policies and procedures.”Greckel said Wednesday that audits have been “on the forefront of our agenda” and will be done.

Controversial guns to be locked away at gaming commission until training, protocols adopted

CONCORD, N.H. — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign says it has gathered enough signatures from registered voters in New Hampshire to qualify for the state's ballot in the general election.

The independent candidate already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-kennedy-president-election-utah-ballot-863513ec2bf75d1efc9b202cb8ddcc4a">has qualified</a>&nbsp;for the ballot in another state, Utah.

Some have questioned whether he or another independent or third-party candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-presidential-campaign-independent-2024-30d940109c4956de9c81f332ec418463">could play spoiler</a>&nbsp;in a close presidential race this fall.

But the candidate, who is known for his environmental conservation work and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-2024-president-campaign-621c9e9641381a1b2677df9de5a09731">anti-vaccine empire</a>, has a long road ahead. Each state sets its own requirements to qualify for the ballot, and the process can be costly for candidates not backed by the major parties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704300369387.png" alt="Robert F. Kennedy Jr.- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Robert F. Kennedy Jr.- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CONCORD, N.H. — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign says it has gathered enough signatures from registered voters in New Hampshire to qualify for the state's ballot in the general election.The independent candidate already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-kennedy-president-election-utah-ballot-863513ec2bf75d1efc9b202cb8ddcc4a">has qualified</a>&nbsp;for the ballot in another state, Utah.Some have questioned whether he or another independent or third-party candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-presidential-campaign-independent-2024-30d940109c4956de9c81f332ec418463">could play spoiler</a>&nbsp;in a close presidential race this fall.But the candidate, who is known for his environmental conservation work and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-2024-president-campaign-621c9e9641381a1b2677df9de5a09731">anti-vaccine empire</a>, has a long road ahead. Each state sets its own requirements to qualify for the ballot, and the process can be costly for candidates not backed by the major parties.

RFK Jr.'s campaign qualifies for another state's general election ballot

This week, thousands came to Washington to participate in the 51st annual March for Life and celebrate Sanctity of Human Life Day. Sanctity of Human Life Day was first recognized in 1984 by President Reagan, marking the 11th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;Roe v Wade&nbsp;decision and commemorating the right to life for the unborn. When handed down in January of 1973,&nbsp;Roe v Wade&nbsp;assigned federal protection for abortion access to an arbitrary point in pregnancy and unjustly struck down state laws which protected unborn children.

Today, even after the Supreme Court’s landmark 2022 decision in&nbsp;Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned&nbsp;Roe v Wade, the work of the pro-life movement is not done. Contrary to popular misconception, Dobbs in itself did nothing to prohibit abortion or protect abortion-vulnerable women and children.

While the U.S. remains one of only seven countries worldwide with no national abortion limitations after 20 weeks of pregnancy, many states, including Nebraska have stepped up to protect the right to life. However, there is much work to be done to extend dignity to every woman and child in America.

Women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can face isolation and uncertainty, lacking the information, options, and support necessary to make the best choice for their own wellbeing and their child’s. Across the country pregnancy resource centers (PRCs), play an important role in providing this support to vulnerable families. Through support systems, coaching, parenting classes, childcare, and more, these centers work to empower women.

I’ve been inspired by the work of PRCs to meet the needs of women and families to overcome the challenges of work, pregnancy, and raising children. I’ve heard from PRC clients who had a difficult life moment become very triumphant because they had someone with vital information and care walk through it with them.

Unfortunately, due to a proposal from the Biden administration, PRCs with clients seeking this kind of assistance are at risk of being prohibited from providing support utilizing funding from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The policy, a rule proposed by the Children and Families Administration at the Department of Health and Human Services would bar states from awarding TANF funding to pro-life pregnancy centers.

While the primary purpose of TANF is providing cash and job search assistance to the neediest Americans, states are empowered to use their block grants to provide supplemental assistance to help Americans enter and remain in the workforce, including parenting supports such as those provided by PRCs. Nearly 3,000 of these organizations support women and children daily in extraordinary ways. There is no reason organizations offering these services to their communities shouldn’t be eligible for support through TANF. We allow states much latitude in carrying out what they think they need to do with taxpayer dollars devoted to assistance programs. It’s imperative those dollars be wisely and efficiently directed to help those most in need.

This week, I spoke in the Ways and Means Committee and on the House floor in support of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (H.R. 6918), a bill to help to women and families acutely in need by prohibiting restrictions on the use of TANF funds targeted toward PRCs.

With my support H.R. 6918 passed the House on January 18.

I remain committed to ensuring respect for human life continues to be a cornerstone of public policy. Let’s come together, taking every opportunity to honor the options expectant mothers and fathers should have. Connecting those truly in need with resources can help them on a trajectory to thrive, earn advancement, and provide for their families. The federal government should not for ideological reasons stand in the way of organizations offering information and support to uphold life.

Adrian SmithThis week, thousands came to Washington to participate in the 51st annual March for Life and celebrate Sanctity of Human Life Day. Sanctity of Human Life Day was first recognized in 1984 by President Reagan, marking the 11th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;Roe v Wade&nbsp;decision and commemorating the right to life for the unborn. When handed down in January of 1973,&nbsp;Roe v Wade&nbsp;assigned federal protection for abortion access to an arbitrary point in pregnancy and unjustly struck down state laws which protected unborn children.Today, even after the Supreme Court’s landmark 2022 decision in&nbsp;Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned&nbsp;Roe v Wade, the work of the pro-life movement is not done. Contrary to popular misconception, Dobbs in itself did nothing to prohibit abortion or protect abortion-vulnerable women and children.While the U.S. remains one of only seven countries worldwide with no national abortion limitations after 20 weeks of pregnancy, many states, including Nebraska have stepped up to protect the right to life. However, there is much work to be done to extend dignity to every woman and child in America.Women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can face isolation and uncertainty, lacking the information, options, and support necessary to make the best choice for their own wellbeing and their child’s. Across the country pregnancy resource centers (PRCs), play an important role in providing this support to vulnerable families. Through support systems, coaching, parenting classes, childcare, and more, these centers work to empower women.I’ve been inspired by the work of PRCs to meet the needs of women and families to overcome the challenges of work, pregnancy, and raising children. I’ve heard from PRC clients who had a difficult life moment become very triumphant because they had someone with vital information and care walk through it with them.Unfortunately, due to a proposal from the Biden administration, PRCs with clients seeking this kind of assistance are at risk of being prohibited from providing support utilizing funding from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The policy, a rule proposed by the Children and Families Administration at the Department of Health and Human Services would bar states from awarding TANF funding to pro-life pregnancy centers.While the primary purpose of TANF is providing cash and job search assistance to the neediest Americans, states are empowered to use their block grants to provide supplemental assistance to help Americans enter and remain in the workforce, including parenting supports such as those provided by PRCs. Nearly 3,000 of these organizations support women and children daily in extraordinary ways. There is no reason organizations offering these services to their communities shouldn’t be eligible for support through TANF. We allow states much latitude in carrying out what they think they need to do with taxpayer dollars devoted to assistance programs. It’s imperative those dollars be wisely and efficiently directed to help those most in need.This week, I spoke in the Ways and Means Committee and on the House floor in support of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (H.R. 6918), a bill to help to women and families acutely in need by prohibiting restrictions on the use of TANF funds targeted toward PRCs.With my support H.R. 6918 passed the House on January 18.I remain committed to ensuring respect for human life continues to be a cornerstone of public policy. Let’s come together, taking every opportunity to honor the options expectant mothers and fathers should have. Connecting those truly in need with resources can help them on a trajectory to thrive, earn advancement, and provide for their families. The federal government should not for ideological reasons stand in the way of organizations offering information and support to uphold life.

Upholding the Work of Pregnancy Resource Centers

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/poverty-elimination-is-goal-of-proposal-aired-at-ne-legislature/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A proposal calling for Nebraska cities to create a five-year anti-poverty plan was met mostly with support Tuesday at a legislative hearing, though a few opponents worried it would be an expensive undertaking for smaller towns.

The Poverty Elimination Action Plan Act was introduced by State Sen. Terrell McKinney to promote upward mobility.

The North Omaha lawmaker, in testimony to the Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee, said he grew up poor. “It wasn’t easy,” he told committee members. He said he hoped a mandate to establish a more concerted, purposeful strategy would spare another kid from a similar&nbsp; economic journey.

Tina Rockenbach, executive director of Community Action of Nebraska, was among a handful of others voicing support for Legislative Bill 840, which has no funding allocation.&nbsp;

Rockenbach said she recognized the process — which would include community input, goal-setting, data analysis and laying out plans to use public incentives for anti-poverty efforts — was a “heavy lift.”

“The good news,” she said, is that agencies such as hers have done some of the footwork already and could offer that expertise.

Under the act, cities with populations of 50,000 or more would review their reports every two years and update them every five. The bill seeks to develop a statewide and comprehensive poverty elimination action plan that addresses unique challenges of various areas.

Lynn Rex, executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, said her objection to the bill was not a sign that poverty elimination was not important. She said, however, that to pay more than just “lip service,” such studies likely would require a consultant and staffing, which could be a financial struggle, especially for smaller cities.

She suggested providing a funding mechanism and a prototype that would guide cities.

The committee did not take action on the proposal.

Also Tuesday, the Urban Affairs Committee heard support for proposed changes to the “Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act.”

Legislative Bill 843 would reduce the match contribution required of eligible applicants from 50% to 25%. It also would increase the maximum grants that the Department of Economic Development could award to nonprofits from $5 million to $10 million in a two-year period.

Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/poverty-elimination-is-goal-of-proposal-aired-at-ne-legislature/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A proposal calling for Nebraska cities to create a five-year anti-poverty plan was met mostly with support Tuesday at a legislative hearing, though a few opponents worried it would be an expensive undertaking for smaller towns.The Poverty Elimination Action Plan Act was introduced by State Sen. Terrell McKinney to promote upward mobility.The North Omaha lawmaker, in testimony to the Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee, said he grew up poor. “It wasn’t easy,” he told committee members. He said he hoped a mandate to establish a more concerted, purposeful strategy would spare another kid from a similar&nbsp; economic journey.Tina Rockenbach, executive director of Community Action of Nebraska, was among a handful of others voicing support for Legislative Bill 840, which has no funding allocation.&nbsp;Rockenbach said she recognized the process — which would include community input, goal-setting, data analysis and laying out plans to use public incentives for anti-poverty efforts — was a “heavy lift.”“The good news,” she said, is that agencies such as hers have done some of the footwork already and could offer that expertise.Under the act, cities with populations of 50,000 or more would review their reports every two years and update them every five. The bill seeks to develop a statewide and comprehensive poverty elimination action plan that addresses unique challenges of various areas.Lynn Rex, executive director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, said her objection to the bill was not a sign that poverty elimination was not important. She said, however, that to pay more than just “lip service,” such studies likely would require a consultant and staffing, which could be a financial struggle, especially for smaller cities.She suggested providing a funding mechanism and a prototype that would guide cities.The committee did not take action on the proposal.Also Tuesday, the Urban Affairs Committee heard support for proposed changes to the “Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act.”Legislative Bill 843 would reduce the match contribution required of eligible applicants from 50% to 25%. It also would increase the maximum grants that the Department of Economic Development could award to nonprofits from $5 million to $10 million in a two-year period.

Poverty elimination is goal of proposal aired at NE Legislature

JERUSALEM (AP) — Two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the U.S. Defense and State departments came under attack off Yemen on Wednesday, officials said, with the U.S. Navy intercepting some of the incoming fire. Suspicion immediately fell on Yemen's Houthi rebels for carrying out the assault.

The attacks on the container ships Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake further raise the stakes of the group's ongoing attacks on shipping through the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The U.S. and the United Kingdom have launched multiple rounds of airstrikes seeking to stop the attacks.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/qatar">Qatar</a>, one of the world's top exporters of liquified natural gas, warned that its deliveries were affected by ongoing Houthi attacks over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip.

Danish shipper Maersk, in a statement to The Associated Press, identified two of its vessels affected by the attacks as the U.S.-flagged container ships Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake. It said the U.S. Navy was accompanying its ships at the time.

“While en route, both ships reported seeing explosions close by and the U.S. Navy accompaniment also intercepted multiple projectiles,” Maersk said. “The crew, ship, and cargo are safe and unharmed. The U.S. Navy has turned both ships around and is escorting them back to the Gulf of Aden.”

Maersk said both vessels carried cargo belonging to the U.S. Defense and State Departments, as well as other government agencies, meaning they were “afforded the protection of the U.S. Navy for passage through the strait.”

The ships were operated by Maersk Line, a U.S. subsidiary of Maersk that is “suspending transits in the region until further notice,” the company said.

The U.S. military's Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Houthis, who have been launching attacks on ships since November over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, did not immediately acknowledge the incident.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade.

The U.S. and the U.K. have launched rounds of airstrikes targeting suspected missile storage and launch sites used by the Houthis in their attacks. The rebels now say they’ll target American and British ships as well.

Meanwhile, Qatar announced its shipments of liquified natural gas had been affected by the Houthi attacks. Previous shipments had been delayed previously before heading through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

Qatar, which has served as a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, has yet to see any of its ships attacked, however. A statement from its state-owned QatarEnergy producer said that its “production continues uninterrupted, and our commitment to ensuring the reliable supply of LNG to our customers remains unwavering.”

“While the ongoing developments in the Red Sea area may impact the scheduling of some deliveries as they take alternative routes, LNG shipments from Qatar are being managed with our valued buyers,” the statement said.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the U.S. Defense and State departments came under attack off Yemen on Wednesday, officials said, with the U.S. Navy intercepting some of the incoming fire. Suspicion immediately fell on Yemen's Houthi rebels for carrying out the assault.The attacks on the container ships Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake further raise the stakes of the group's ongoing attacks on shipping through the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The U.S. and the United Kingdom have launched multiple rounds of airstrikes seeking to stop the attacks.Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/qatar">Qatar</a>, one of the world's top exporters of liquified natural gas, warned that its deliveries were affected by ongoing Houthi attacks over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip.Danish shipper Maersk, in a statement to The Associated Press, identified two of its vessels affected by the attacks as the U.S.-flagged container ships Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake. It said the U.S. Navy was accompanying its ships at the time.“While en route, both ships reported seeing explosions close by and the U.S. Navy accompaniment also intercepted multiple projectiles,” Maersk said. “The crew, ship, and cargo are safe and unharmed. The U.S. Navy has turned both ships around and is escorting them back to the Gulf of Aden.”Maersk said both vessels carried cargo belonging to the U.S. Defense and State Departments, as well as other government agencies, meaning they were “afforded the protection of the U.S. Navy for passage through the strait.”The ships were operated by Maersk Line, a U.S. subsidiary of Maersk that is “suspending transits in the region until further notice,” the company said.The U.S. military's Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The Houthis, who have been launching attacks on ships since November over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, did not immediately acknowledge the incident.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade.The U.S. and the U.K. have launched rounds of airstrikes targeting suspected missile storage and launch sites used by the Houthis in their attacks. The rebels now say they’ll target American and British ships as well.Meanwhile, Qatar announced its shipments of liquified natural gas had been affected by the Houthi attacks. Previous shipments had been delayed previously before heading through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.Qatar, which has served as a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, has yet to see any of its ships attacked, however. A statement from its state-owned QatarEnergy producer said that its “production continues uninterrupted, and our commitment to ensuring the reliable supply of LNG to our customers remains unwavering.”“While the ongoing developments in the Red Sea area may impact the scheduling of some deliveries as they take alternative routes, LNG shipments from Qatar are being managed with our valued buyers,” the statement said.

Rebels attack 2 US-flagged ships with cargo for US Defense Dept.

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 1.9 million Explorer SUVs in the U.S. because a trim piece can fly off and create a hazard for other drivers.

The recall covers Explorers from the 2011 through 2019 model years.

Documents posted Wednesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that clips holding the trim that covers the roof supports close to the windshield can come loose.

If that happens, the trim piece can fly off and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall comes after U.S. regulators opened an investigation into the problem last January after receiving 164 consumer complaints. Canadian regulators also inquired about the problem.

Documents say that at first Ford decided against a recall, citing the low mass of the part. But the company decided to do the recall after U.S. regulators determined the problem was a safety hazard.

Ford said in a statement Wednesday that it expects only 5% of the recalled Explorers to be affected by the problem. It encourages owners to contact dealers for an inspection when parts are available.

The company said in documents that it's aware of 568 consumer complaints and more than 14,000 warranty reports alleging that the parts were missing or detached. Ford said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries from the problem.

Dealers will inspect the trim pieces to make sure the clips are engaged and add adhesive to hold them in place.

Owners will be notified starting March 13.

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 1.9 million Explorer SUVs in the U.S. because a trim piece can fly off and create a hazard for other drivers.The recall covers Explorers from the 2011 through 2019 model years.Documents posted Wednesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that clips holding the trim that covers the roof supports close to the windshield can come loose.If that happens, the trim piece can fly off and increase the risk of a crash.The recall comes after U.S. regulators opened an investigation into the problem last January after receiving 164 consumer complaints. Canadian regulators also inquired about the problem.Documents say that at first Ford decided against a recall, citing the low mass of the part. But the company decided to do the recall after U.S. regulators determined the problem was a safety hazard.Ford said in a statement Wednesday that it expects only 5% of the recalled Explorers to be affected by the problem. It encourages owners to contact dealers for an inspection when parts are available.The company said in documents that it's aware of 568 consumer complaints and more than 14,000 warranty reports alleging that the parts were missing or detached. Ford said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries from the problem.Dealers will inspect the trim pieces to make sure the clips are engaged and add adhesive to hold them in place.Owners will be notified starting March 13.

Ford recalling Explorer SUVs over possible traffic hazard

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Democratic state lawmaker in Nebraska who unsuccessfully ran for governor two years ago is seeking a seat in the U.S. House.

Sen. Carol Blood confirmed Tuesday that she will run to represent the 1st Congressional District, which includes Lincoln and all or part of 13 counties in eastern Nebraska. She hopes to challenge Republican Rep. Mike Flood, who served in the state legislature with Blood until he was elected to Congress.

Flood was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-legislature-nebraska-sentencing-campaigns-f20dbe48ca13bc895e81a0aeffa9fe2a">first elected</a>&nbsp;to the seat in a June 2022 special election to replace former GOP Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campaigns-kevin-mccarthy-legislature-nebraska-nancy-pelosi-7f2bf99b536c5ad93071a544f661e252">resigned</a>&nbsp;after being convicted on charges that he lied to federal agents. Flood went on to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-nebraska-omaha-redistricting-607e1ae2a42a24af1569e14019d11711">win the general election</a>&nbsp;later that year, easily defeating Democrat Patty Pansing Brooks.

Blood was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-legislature-nebraska-bellevue-ben-nelson-d43d7ae8ef92acae452912abe5d5d164">running for governor</a>&nbsp;at the time, a race&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-nebraska-omaha-pete-ricketts-8b7c6d67bd2d4915ba139dfe58d56984">she lost</a>&nbsp;to Republican Jim Pillen.

She will face another uphill slog in the 1st District race, which is considered a safe Republican seat by most election watchers and has not had a Democratic representative since Clair Callan was elected in 1964.

Blood, originally from McCook and a former member of the Bellevue City Council, said Congress is in disarray under the control of Republicans who “continue to stay in campaign mode instead of doing their jobs.” If elected she would focus on protecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and passing a refundable child tax credit and competitive minimum wage to help working-class families, she said.

“I’m running because we can do better and bring back a strong voice in D.C. that represents all Nebraskans, not the vocal minority,” she said.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Democratic state lawmaker in Nebraska who unsuccessfully ran for governor two years ago is seeking a seat in the U.S. House.Sen. Carol Blood confirmed Tuesday that she will run to represent the 1st Congressional District, which includes Lincoln and all or part of 13 counties in eastern Nebraska. She hopes to challenge Republican Rep. Mike Flood, who served in the state legislature with Blood until he was elected to Congress.Flood was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-legislature-nebraska-sentencing-campaigns-f20dbe48ca13bc895e81a0aeffa9fe2a">first elected</a>&nbsp;to the seat in a June 2022 special election to replace former GOP Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campaigns-kevin-mccarthy-legislature-nebraska-nancy-pelosi-7f2bf99b536c5ad93071a544f661e252">resigned</a>&nbsp;after being convicted on charges that he lied to federal agents. Flood went on to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-nebraska-omaha-redistricting-607e1ae2a42a24af1569e14019d11711">win the general election</a>&nbsp;later that year, easily defeating Democrat Patty Pansing Brooks.Blood was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-legislature-nebraska-bellevue-ben-nelson-d43d7ae8ef92acae452912abe5d5d164">running for governor</a>&nbsp;at the time, a race&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-nebraska-omaha-pete-ricketts-8b7c6d67bd2d4915ba139dfe58d56984">she lost</a>&nbsp;to Republican Jim Pillen.She will face another uphill slog in the 1st District race, which is considered a safe Republican seat by most election watchers and has not had a Democratic representative since Clair Callan was elected in 1964.Blood, originally from McCook and a former member of the Bellevue City Council, said Congress is in disarray under the control of Republicans who “continue to stay in campaign mode instead of doing their jobs.” If elected she would focus on protecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and passing a refundable child tax credit and competitive minimum wage to help working-class families, she said.“I’m running because we can do better and bring back a strong voice in D.C. that represents all Nebraskans, not the vocal minority,” she said.

Nebraska lawmaker announces Democratic bid for Congress, says Republicans bend to 'vocal minority'

The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Denver Police Department need the public’s help identifying an individual who robbed three banks. The suspect is being dubbed the “Penguin Bandit” because of his distinctive gait/abnormal walk that has been described as a “waddle.”

The suspect is believed to be responsible for these bank robberies:

The suspect was also observed casing a bank:

The suspect is described as a white male, 35 – 45 years old, 5’11” – 6’1” tall, heavy build, blue eyes, with a very distinct walk.

Please be on the lookout for anyone matching the above descriptions. Be aware of anyone similar who might have recently changed their spending habits or discussed coming into money suddenly.

Bank robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in prison for each federal offense, and sentences can increase if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime.

If anyone has any information on the bank robberies above, or any bank robbery, call FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303.629.7171; or, remain anonymous by calling CrimeStoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).

FBIThe FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Denver Police Department need the public’s help identifying an individual who robbed three banks. The suspect is being dubbed the “Penguin Bandit” because of his distinctive gait/abnormal walk that has been described as a “waddle.”The suspect is believed to be responsible for these bank robberies:<ul>
 <li>January 2 at approximately 3:15 p.m., Zing Credit Union, 1095 N. Federal Boulevard, Denver</li><li>January 8 at approximately 4:59 p.m., Canvas Credit Union, 2027 S. University Boulevard, Denver</li><li>January 9 at approximately 5:28 p.m., Canvas Credit Union, 815 N. Colorado Boulevard, Denver</li>
 </ul>The suspect was also observed casing a bank:<ul>
 <li>January 16, Canvas Credit Union, 7055 E. Evans Avenue, Denver</li>
 </ul>The suspect is described as a white male, 35 – 45 years old, 5’11” – 6’1” tall, heavy build, blue eyes, with a very distinct walk.Please be on the lookout for anyone matching the above descriptions. Be aware of anyone similar who might have recently changed their spending habits or discussed coming into money suddenly.Bank robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in prison for each federal offense, and sentences can increase if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime.If anyone has any information on the bank robberies above, or any bank robbery, call FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303.629.7171; or, remain anonymous by calling CrimeStoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).

Help Identify the Penguin Bandit

&nbsp;WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is out of money for Ukraine, unable to send the ammunition and missiles that the government in Kyiv needs to fend off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's invasion</a>.

(click below to watch Austin's statement to the allies)

With the aid caught up in domestic politics, the Biden administration on Tuesday came empty-handed for the first time as host of the monthly meeting of about 50 nations that coordinate support for Ukraine. The group was established by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in April 2022.

While&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-speaker-johnson-border-security-ukraine-government-shutdown-fa505e84f1ffd1767eb01a250a161393">waiting for Congress to</a>&nbsp;approve more money for Ukraine’s fight, Washington will look to allies to keep bridging the gap.

“I urge this group to dig deep to provide Ukraine with more lifesaving ground-based air defense systems and interceptors,” Austin said in opening remarks broadcast from his home, where he is recuperating after prostate cancer surgery.

The opening statement by video was the first public appearance from Austin, 70, who appeared slightly gaunt. He was hospitalized for two weeks after complications from the surgery.

After the meeting, Celeste Wallander, assistant defense secretary for international affairs, told reporters that Ukraine's ministry of defense is getting reports from its front lines that “units are not do not have the stocks and the stores of ammunition that they require."

Wallander added, “That is one of the reasons we have been focusing on the need to answer Congress’ questions, so that they are able to move forward on a decision to pass” legislation with the aid.

While Ukraine waits to see what Congress will do, European allies are moving ahead with new measures to support Ukraine.

In Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-nato-artillery-shells-59663a6a14ad180be86bc79a86cea07b">$1.2 billion joint contract</a>&nbsp;to buy more than 222,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition. The rounds are some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/155mm-howitzer-ukraine-ammunition-russia-7d966c85046b73db2b013f93c51af2a5">most heavily used</a>&nbsp;munitions in the war, and the contract will be used to backfill allies that have pushed their own reserves to Kyiv.

While the conflict between Israel and Hamas has dominated headlines since October, Russia's onslaught against Ukraine has continued.

Russia on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kyiv-missile-kharkiv-7c360faaeec27ac169b2abf4865a4522">launched a barrage</a>&nbsp;of more than 40 ballistic, cruise, anti-aircraft and guided missiles into Ukraine’s two biggest cities, damaging apartment buildings and killing at least five people. The assault came a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-states-clash-peace-gaza-united-nations-aeebfd51edbacb6b82550ebe3b47f2ac">Moscow shunned any deal backed by Kyiv</a>&nbsp;and its Western allies to end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">almost two-year war</a>.

Ukraine's air defenses were able to intercept at least 21 of the missiles. But the attacks injured at least 20 people in four districts of Kyiv, the capital.

The Pentagon announced its last security assistance for Ukraine on Dec. 27, a $250 million package that included 155 mm rounds, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and other high-demand items drawn from existing U.S. stockpiles.

The U.S. has not been able to provide additional munitions since then because the money for replenishing those stockpiles has run out and Congress has yet to approve more funds.

More than $110 billion in aid for both Ukraine and Israel is stalled over disagreements between Congress and the White House over other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-speaker-johnson-border-security-ukraine-government-shutdown-fa505e84f1ffd1767eb01a250a161393">policy priorities,</a>&nbsp;including additional security for the U.S.-Mexico border.

Senators are trying for a bipartisan deal that would include nearly $61 billion in aid for Ukraine and make changes in border policy. But Republicans are renewing a push to scale back the amount of assistance for Ukraine, targeting money that would go to Ukraine’s civil sector and arguing that European nations could step in to fund those needs.

“Personally speaking, I’d like to see portions pared down,” Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the second-ranking Republican senator, told reporters Tuesday. “I think the number is really high and there are a lot of things funded in there.”

But even if a deal can be reached in the Senate, the package faces even more opposition in the House, where many Republicans have voted repeatedly against the Ukrainian war effort.

The U.S. has provided Ukraine more than $44.2 billion in security assistance since Russia invaded in February 2022. About $23.6 billion of that was pulled from existing military stockpiles and almost $19 billion was sent in the form of longer-term military contracts, for items that will take months to procure. So even though funds have run out, some previously purchased weapons will continue to flow in. An additional $1.7 billion has been provided by the U.S. State Department in the form of foreign military financing.

The U.S. and approximately 30 international partners are also continuing to train Ukrainian forces, and to date have trained a total of 118,000 Ukrainians at locations around the world, said Col. Marty O’Donnell, spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706044056961.png" alt="Austin in his first public appearance since his secret hospitalization urged&nbsp; the group to "dig deep to provide Ukraine with more lifesaving ground-based air defense systems and interceptors."" />
 <figcaption>Austin in his first public appearance since his secret hospitalization urged&nbsp; the group to "dig deep to provide Ukraine with more lifesaving ground-based air defense systems and interceptors."</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is out of money for Ukraine, unable to send the ammunition and missiles that the government in Kyiv needs to fend off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's invasion</a>.(click below to watch Austin's statement to the allies)<div><iframe width='500' height='300' scrolling='no' frameborder='0' style='border: none; overflow: hidden; width: 500px; height: 300px;' allowtransparency='true' src='https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/910925'></iframe></div>With the aid caught up in domestic politics, the Biden administration on Tuesday came empty-handed for the first time as host of the monthly meeting of about 50 nations that coordinate support for Ukraine. The group was established by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in April 2022.While&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-speaker-johnson-border-security-ukraine-government-shutdown-fa505e84f1ffd1767eb01a250a161393">waiting for Congress to</a>&nbsp;approve more money for Ukraine’s fight, Washington will look to allies to keep bridging the gap.“I urge this group to dig deep to provide Ukraine with more lifesaving ground-based air defense systems and interceptors,” Austin said in opening remarks broadcast from his home, where he is recuperating after prostate cancer surgery.The opening statement by video was the first public appearance from Austin, 70, who appeared slightly gaunt. He was hospitalized for two weeks after complications from the surgery.After the meeting, Celeste Wallander, assistant defense secretary for international affairs, told reporters that Ukraine's ministry of defense is getting reports from its front lines that “units are not do not have the stocks and the stores of ammunition that they require."Wallander added, “That is one of the reasons we have been focusing on the need to answer Congress’ questions, so that they are able to move forward on a decision to pass” legislation with the aid.While Ukraine waits to see what Congress will do, European allies are moving ahead with new measures to support Ukraine.In Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-nato-artillery-shells-59663a6a14ad180be86bc79a86cea07b">$1.2 billion joint contract</a>&nbsp;to buy more than 222,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition. The rounds are some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/155mm-howitzer-ukraine-ammunition-russia-7d966c85046b73db2b013f93c51af2a5">most heavily used</a>&nbsp;munitions in the war, and the contract will be used to backfill allies that have pushed their own reserves to Kyiv.While the conflict between Israel and Hamas has dominated headlines since October, Russia's onslaught against Ukraine has continued.Russia on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kyiv-missile-kharkiv-7c360faaeec27ac169b2abf4865a4522">launched a barrage</a>&nbsp;of more than 40 ballistic, cruise, anti-aircraft and guided missiles into Ukraine’s two biggest cities, damaging apartment buildings and killing at least five people. The assault came a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-states-clash-peace-gaza-united-nations-aeebfd51edbacb6b82550ebe3b47f2ac">Moscow shunned any deal backed by Kyiv</a>&nbsp;and its Western allies to end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">almost two-year war</a>.Ukraine's air defenses were able to intercept at least 21 of the missiles. But the attacks injured at least 20 people in four districts of Kyiv, the capital.The Pentagon announced its last security assistance for Ukraine on Dec. 27, a $250 million package that included 155 mm rounds, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and other high-demand items drawn from existing U.S. stockpiles.The U.S. has not been able to provide additional munitions since then because the money for replenishing those stockpiles has run out and Congress has yet to approve more funds.More than $110 billion in aid for both Ukraine and Israel is stalled over disagreements between Congress and the White House over other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-speaker-johnson-border-security-ukraine-government-shutdown-fa505e84f1ffd1767eb01a250a161393">policy priorities,</a>&nbsp;including additional security for the U.S.-Mexico border.Senators are trying for a bipartisan deal that would include nearly $61 billion in aid for Ukraine and make changes in border policy. But Republicans are renewing a push to scale back the amount of assistance for Ukraine, targeting money that would go to Ukraine’s civil sector and arguing that European nations could step in to fund those needs.“Personally speaking, I’d like to see portions pared down,” Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the second-ranking Republican senator, told reporters Tuesday. “I think the number is really high and there are a lot of things funded in there.”But even if a deal can be reached in the Senate, the package faces even more opposition in the House, where many Republicans have voted repeatedly against the Ukrainian war effort.The U.S. has provided Ukraine more than $44.2 billion in security assistance since Russia invaded in February 2022. About $23.6 billion of that was pulled from existing military stockpiles and almost $19 billion was sent in the form of longer-term military contracts, for items that will take months to procure. So even though funds have run out, some previously purchased weapons will continue to flow in. An additional $1.7 billion has been provided by the U.S. State Department in the form of foreign military financing.The U.S. and approximately 30 international partners are also continuing to train Ukrainian forces, and to date have trained a total of 118,000 Ukrainians at locations around the world, said Col. Marty O’Donnell, spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

🎥 U.S. has no more money for Ukraine, asks allies for support 

BAGHDAD(AP) —The U.S. military struck three facilities in Iraq and two anti-ship missiles in Yemen operated by Iranian-backed militias that have attacked U.S. personnel and ships in the region as the United States tries to keep the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;from spilling over into a wider conflict.

Both the strikes in Iraq and Yemen late on Tuesday targeted sites that the U.S. has said are involved in the attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria and were threatening U.S. military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the strikes in Iraq were at the direction of President Joe Biden and targeted facilities used by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-kataib-hezbollah-drone-strike-us-military-injured-b4b4480e2cae6e7ad26e88eb625ab397">Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia</a>&nbsp;and other Iran-affiliated groups in Iraq.

“These precision strikes are in direct response to a series of escalatory attacks against U.S. and Coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias," Austin said. Those strikes hit militia facilities in Jurf al-Sakhar, which is south of Baghdad, al-Qaim and another unnamed site in western Iraq, two U.S. officials said.

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said the strikes “blatantly violate Iraq’s sovereignty" and contribute to an "irresponsible escalation," according to a statement from his office. The statement, signed by military spokesman Yahya Rasool, said Iraq considers the strikes “hostile acts” and is taking measures to protect the lives of Iraqis.

The Popular Mobilization Forces, or PMF, a coalition of armed mostly Shiite groups only nominally under Iraqi military authority, said the strike near the Syrian border killed one of its fighters and wounded two, while the strike south of Baghdad caused material damage.

The U.S. Central Command announced it had also struck two anti-ship missiles belonging to the Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels that were being prepared for launch and were aimed at the southern part of the Red Sea.

“U.S. forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the U.S. Navy ships in the region,” Central Command said.

Both fronts — land attacks in Iraq and Syria, and sea attacks originating from Yemen — have seen a significant uptick in launches and counterstrikes over the last few days.

The U.S. strikes on the Kataib Hezbollah sites in Iraq came hours after the U.S. said militiamen fired two one-way attack drones at al-Asad Air Base, injuring U.S. service members and damaging infrastructure. And they followed the militia's most serious attack this year on the air base, when it launched multiple ballistic missiles on Saturday.

U.S. Central Command said it targeted Kataib Hezbollah headquarters, storage, and training locations for rocket, missile, and one-way attack drone capabilities.

In the drone attacks against al-Asad earlier Tuesday, U.S. defenses were able to intercept the first drone but it crashed on base while the second drone hit the base, U.S. officials said. Injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and smoke inhalation, were reported to be minor. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that had not been announced publicly.

The strikes on the Houthi missile launch sites in Yemen followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-british-strikes-houthi-yemen-4ca86a7c0f484fcdf9c386cd752c1878">joint operation on Monday night</a>&nbsp;where the U.S. and Britain used warship- and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets to take out Houthi missile storage sites, drones and launchers.

On both fronts, the Iranian-backed militias have employed ballistic missiles to target U.S. bases and ships, which marks an escalation, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who specializes in Iran.

The militias have typically used drones and rockets to attack. Tehran supplied Shiite militias in Iraq with short-range and close-range ballistic missiles in 2019, Taleblu said, but they had not been used until November’s attacks.

During Saturday’s larger-scale attack, multiple ballistic missiles and rockets launched by Iranian-backed militias targeted al-Asad, but most were intercepted by air defense systems there, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters on Monday. She said other munitions hit the base.

Al-Asad is a large air base in western Iraq where U.S. troops have trained Iraqi security forces and now coordinate operations to counter the militant Islamic State group.

Singh said Saturday’s attack was a “barrage” — the first time since Nov. 20 that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iraq-airstrike-military-iran-d93d861feeef90cfeac3ba85f1f2f36d">Iranian proxy forces in Iraq had fired ballistic missiles at U.S. bases</a>&nbsp;there.

A coalition of militias calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has taken credit for a number of the attacks on U.S. forces. Kataib Hezbollah is one of the groups within that umbrella organization.

Iran has also supplied the Houthis with ballistic missiles, and that group is the first Iranian proxy to fire medium-range ballistic missiles and anti-ship ballistic missiles, Taleblu said. “With Yemen, think of it as an intensification of the problem.”

Saturday’s ballistic missile attack on al-Asad injured four U.S. service members, all of whom have returned to duty. One member of the Iraqi security forces was also injured.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in early October, there have been more than 151 attacks on U.S. facilities in Syria and Iraq. According to the Pentagon, two attacks took place on Monday and included multiple rockets fired at U.S. and coalition troops at Mission Support Site Euphrates in Syria and a single rocket fired at the Rumalyn Landing Zone in Syria. Neither attack resulted in casualties or damage.

The U.S. struck back at the militia groups late last month, ordering a round of retaliatory strikes after three&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-iran-us-gaza-israel-hamas-0b99659922bf1174f86e390808e5bfde">U.S. service members were injured in a drone attack in northern Iraq.</a>&nbsp;Kataib Hezbollah claimed credit for the attack, carried out by a one-way attack drone.

The U.S., in response, hit three sites, destroying facilities and likely killing a number of the militia, the White House said at the time.

BAGHDAD(AP) —The U.S. military struck three facilities in Iraq and two anti-ship missiles in Yemen operated by Iranian-backed militias that have attacked U.S. personnel and ships in the region as the United States tries to keep the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;from spilling over into a wider conflict.Both the strikes in Iraq and Yemen late on Tuesday targeted sites that the U.S. has said are involved in the attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria and were threatening U.S. military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the strikes in Iraq were at the direction of President Joe Biden and targeted facilities used by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-kataib-hezbollah-drone-strike-us-military-injured-b4b4480e2cae6e7ad26e88eb625ab397">Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia</a>&nbsp;and other Iran-affiliated groups in Iraq.“These precision strikes are in direct response to a series of escalatory attacks against U.S. and Coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias," Austin said. Those strikes hit militia facilities in Jurf al-Sakhar, which is south of Baghdad, al-Qaim and another unnamed site in western Iraq, two U.S. officials said.Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said the strikes “blatantly violate Iraq’s sovereignty" and contribute to an "irresponsible escalation," according to a statement from his office. The statement, signed by military spokesman Yahya Rasool, said Iraq considers the strikes “hostile acts” and is taking measures to protect the lives of Iraqis.The Popular Mobilization Forces, or PMF, a coalition of armed mostly Shiite groups only nominally under Iraqi military authority, said the strike near the Syrian border killed one of its fighters and wounded two, while the strike south of Baghdad caused material damage.The U.S. Central Command announced it had also struck two anti-ship missiles belonging to the Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels that were being prepared for launch and were aimed at the southern part of the Red Sea.“U.S. forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the U.S. Navy ships in the region,” Central Command said.Both fronts — land attacks in Iraq and Syria, and sea attacks originating from Yemen — have seen a significant uptick in launches and counterstrikes over the last few days.The U.S. strikes on the Kataib Hezbollah sites in Iraq came hours after the U.S. said militiamen fired two one-way attack drones at al-Asad Air Base, injuring U.S. service members and damaging infrastructure. And they followed the militia's most serious attack this year on the air base, when it launched multiple ballistic missiles on Saturday.U.S. Central Command said it targeted Kataib Hezbollah headquarters, storage, and training locations for rocket, missile, and one-way attack drone capabilities.In the drone attacks against al-Asad earlier Tuesday, U.S. defenses were able to intercept the first drone but it crashed on base while the second drone hit the base, U.S. officials said. Injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and smoke inhalation, were reported to be minor. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that had not been announced publicly.The strikes on the Houthi missile launch sites in Yemen followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-british-strikes-houthi-yemen-4ca86a7c0f484fcdf9c386cd752c1878">joint operation on Monday night</a>&nbsp;where the U.S. and Britain used warship- and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets to take out Houthi missile storage sites, drones and launchers.On both fronts, the Iranian-backed militias have employed ballistic missiles to target U.S. bases and ships, which marks an escalation, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who specializes in Iran.The militias have typically used drones and rockets to attack. Tehran supplied Shiite militias in Iraq with short-range and close-range ballistic missiles in 2019, Taleblu said, but they had not been used until November’s attacks.During Saturday’s larger-scale attack, multiple ballistic missiles and rockets launched by Iranian-backed militias targeted al-Asad, but most were intercepted by air defense systems there, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters on Monday. She said other munitions hit the base.Al-Asad is a large air base in western Iraq where U.S. troops have trained Iraqi security forces and now coordinate operations to counter the militant Islamic State group.Singh said Saturday’s attack was a “barrage” — the first time since Nov. 20 that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iraq-airstrike-military-iran-d93d861feeef90cfeac3ba85f1f2f36d">Iranian proxy forces in Iraq had fired ballistic missiles at U.S. bases</a>&nbsp;there.A coalition of militias calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has taken credit for a number of the attacks on U.S. forces. Kataib Hezbollah is one of the groups within that umbrella organization.Iran has also supplied the Houthis with ballistic missiles, and that group is the first Iranian proxy to fire medium-range ballistic missiles and anti-ship ballistic missiles, Taleblu said. “With Yemen, think of it as an intensification of the problem.”Saturday’s ballistic missile attack on al-Asad injured four U.S. service members, all of whom have returned to duty. One member of the Iraqi security forces was also injured.Since the Israel-Hamas war began in early October, there have been more than 151 attacks on U.S. facilities in Syria and Iraq. According to the Pentagon, two attacks took place on Monday and included multiple rockets fired at U.S. and coalition troops at Mission Support Site Euphrates in Syria and a single rocket fired at the Rumalyn Landing Zone in Syria. Neither attack resulted in casualties or damage.The U.S. struck back at the militia groups late last month, ordering a round of retaliatory strikes after three&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-iran-us-gaza-israel-hamas-0b99659922bf1174f86e390808e5bfde">U.S. service members were injured in a drone attack in northern Iraq.</a>&nbsp;Kataib Hezbollah claimed credit for the attack, carried out by a one-way attack drone.The U.S., in response, hit three sites, destroying facilities and likely killing a number of the militia, the White House said at the time.

US strikes targets in Iraq, Yemen after American forces wounded

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;had rock-solid support from New Hampshire Republicans in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-hampshire-primary-two-candidate-race-72a59c4133879eaeec63d6ed30e91e01">primary victory</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, with even most backers of rival&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikki-haley">Nikki Haley</a>&nbsp;acknowledging the GOP belongs to him.

Yet as Trump’s hold on securing the party’s nomination tightened,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2024-Primaries-VoteCastMethodologyStatement_PreElection-Post.pdf">AP VoteCast</a>&nbsp;found that some voters express concerns that he is too extreme to compete in the November general election. Some also worry about his&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/index.html">legal peril</a>&nbsp;in a trio of pending criminal trials.

Haley, a former South Carolina governor and a U.N. ambassador under Trump, performed relatively better with college graduates and moderates, a possible sign that Trump has yet to expand his political base.

The survey found signs that primary voters on the Democratic side rallied around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-new-hampshire-democrats-writein-campaign-597a1208e5a8696a3f6b794a91b9fb00">won in New Hampshire</a>&nbsp;with strong support on the economy, but many have concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e">his age</a>&nbsp;– he is 81 — and his handling of the situation in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Middle East.</a>

Only weeks into 2024, voters have already shown an awareness of Trump’s strengths and liabilities. But even as the coronavirus, the major challenge during the 2020 election, has faded from public view, the cultural and social forces of that Biden-Trump matchup have hardened in ways that are testing the country’s sense of itself.

The New Hampshire primaries are unique because undeclared voters –- those not affiliated with either party –- can choose to vote in either party’s primary. This draws in voters who are not necessarily party loyalists.

More than 4 in 10 GOP primary voters were not affiliated with a party, compared with about 2 in 10 in the Democratic primary. Among those affiliated with the Republican Party in the state, Trump won handily.

AP VoteCast is a survey of 1,968 New Hampshire voters who are taking part in the Republican primary and 903 Democratic primary voters. The survey is conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

New Hampshire’s demographics favored Trump.

He won in the small towns and rural communities, where about two-thirds of primary participants say they live. Most GOP voters in the state lack a college degree; about two-thirds of them voted for Trump. He won about 7 in 10 Republican voters who identified as conservatives.

Trump was backed by Republicans who prioritize either immigration or the economy, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-caucus-who-voted-how-poll-votecast-4d1d5eb89b32fbba3afedee90334148c">two top issues among GOP voters in New Hampshire and Iowa</a>, where the former president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iowa-caucus-haley-desantis-cold-voting-begins-0af10f1ba21d488af54776b2c8d4028c">won the leadoff caucuses last week</a>.

Among those in New Hampshire who named immigration as their top priority, about three-quarters support Trump. New Hampshire’s primary voters agreed with Trump on the need to limit immigration and build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

About half of those who said the economy was the top issue backed Trump.

Haley drew her support from groups that could be crucial in November. But those groups were distinct minorities in the GOP electorate.

She beat Trump among primary participants who were not formally affiliated with any party. About half of Haley’s supporters graduated from college, just as about half of them identify as moderates.

In many cases, her backers were simply uncomfortable with Trump.

Haley performed well among those who said Trump did something illegal in at least one of the criminal cases against him. And in the 2020 presidential election, about half of Haley’s supporters voted for Biden, a Democrat.

Iowa exposed suburban voters as a potential weakness for Trump. While Haley did slightly better in New Hampshire’s suburban communities than she did in other areas, she still didn’t pull ahead of Trump in those areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706063510035.png" alt="Former President Donald Trump celebrated before his victory address-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump celebrated before his victory address-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;had rock-solid support from New Hampshire Republicans in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-hampshire-primary-two-candidate-race-72a59c4133879eaeec63d6ed30e91e01">primary victory</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, with even most backers of rival&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikki-haley">Nikki Haley</a>&nbsp;acknowledging the GOP belongs to him.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donald Trump: &quot;We won new Hampshire three times now... On Nikki Haley: &quot;She&#39;s doing a speech like she won. She didn&#39;t win. She lost.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/6CC62WiB8b">pic.twitter.com/6CC62WiB8b</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1749983498553733129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Yet as Trump’s hold on securing the party’s nomination tightened,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2024-Primaries-VoteCastMethodologyStatement_PreElection-Post.pdf">AP VoteCast</a>&nbsp;found that some voters express concerns that he is too extreme to compete in the November general election. Some also worry about his&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/index.html">legal peril</a>&nbsp;in a trio of pending criminal trials.Haley, a former South Carolina governor and a U.N. ambassador under Trump, performed relatively better with college graduates and moderates, a possible sign that Trump has yet to expand his political base.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nikki Haley: &quot;I want to congratulate Donald Trump on his victory tonight...New Hampshire is first in the nation, it is not the last in the nation. This race is far from over. There are dozens of states left to go and the next one is my sweet state of South Carolina.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ZyEIYGrZWH">pic.twitter.com/ZyEIYGrZWH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1749967537155039727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The survey found signs that primary voters on the Democratic side rallied around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-new-hampshire-democrats-writein-campaign-597a1208e5a8696a3f6b794a91b9fb00">won in New Hampshire</a>&nbsp;with strong support on the economy, but many have concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e">his age</a>&nbsp;– he is 81 — and his handling of the situation in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Middle East.</a>Only weeks into 2024, voters have already shown an awareness of Trump’s strengths and liabilities. But even as the coronavirus, the major challenge during the 2020 election, has faded from public view, the cultural and social forces of that Biden-Trump matchup have hardened in ways that are testing the country’s sense of itself.The New Hampshire primaries are unique because undeclared voters –- those not affiliated with either party –- can choose to vote in either party’s primary. This draws in voters who are not necessarily party loyalists.More than 4 in 10 GOP primary voters were not affiliated with a party, compared with about 2 in 10 in the Democratic primary. Among those affiliated with the Republican Party in the state, Trump won handily.AP VoteCast is a survey of 1,968 New Hampshire voters who are taking part in the Republican primary and 903 Democratic primary voters. The survey is conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.HOW TRUMP WON IN NEW HAMPSHIRENew Hampshire’s demographics favored Trump.He won in the small towns and rural communities, where about two-thirds of primary participants say they live. Most GOP voters in the state lack a college degree; about two-thirds of them voted for Trump. He won about 7 in 10 Republican voters who identified as conservatives.Trump was backed by Republicans who prioritize either immigration or the economy, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-caucus-who-voted-how-poll-votecast-4d1d5eb89b32fbba3afedee90334148c">two top issues among GOP voters in New Hampshire and Iowa</a>, where the former president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iowa-caucus-haley-desantis-cold-voting-begins-0af10f1ba21d488af54776b2c8d4028c">won the leadoff caucuses last week</a>.Among those in New Hampshire who named immigration as their top priority, about three-quarters support Trump. New Hampshire’s primary voters agreed with Trump on the need to limit immigration and build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.About half of those who said the economy was the top issue backed Trump.HOW HALEY’S STRENGTHS FELL SHORTHaley drew her support from groups that could be crucial in November. But those groups were distinct minorities in the GOP electorate.She beat Trump among primary participants who were not formally affiliated with any party. About half of Haley’s supporters graduated from college, just as about half of them identify as moderates.In many cases, her backers were simply uncomfortable with Trump.Haley performed well among those who said Trump did something illegal in at least one of the criminal cases against him. And in the 2020 presidential election, about half of Haley’s supporters voted for Biden, a Democrat.Iowa exposed suburban voters as a potential weakness for Trump. While Haley did slightly better in New Hampshire’s suburban communities than she did in other areas, she still didn’t pull ahead of Trump in those areas.POTENTIAL WEAKNESSES FOR TRUMPCompared with Iowa caucusgoers, New Hampshire Republican primary voters have slightly more doubts about Trump.In New Hampshire, about half of GOP voters are very or somewhat concerned that Trump is too extreme to win the general election. Only about one-third say the same about Haley.Regarding Trump’s criminal indictments, about one-third of GOP participants in New Hampshire believe he has done something illegal related to either his alleged attempt to interfere in the vote count in the 2020 presidential election, his role in what happened at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, or the classified documents found at his Florida home after he left the White House.REPUBLICAN VOTERS EXPECT TRUMP TO BE GOP NOMINEEThe vast majority of Republican voters in New Hampshire, about 8 in 10, believed Trump would win the nomination, a finding that came after his dominant showing in Iowa.Only about 2 in 10 say Haley will be the nominee. In a blow to a candidate who has pitched herself as a Trump alternative, more than half of Haley’s own supporters think Trump will represent the party on the ballot.About 8 in 10 say they decided before Iowa which candidate they would support. After the caucuses, three contenders ended their campaigns: biotech investor Vivek Ramaswamy, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.About 6 in 10 GOP voters say they had their minds made up more than a month ago, including about 4 in 10 saying they have known all along.BIDEN'S DEMOCRATIC COALITION COMES INTO FOCUSBiden’s New Hampshire victory provided key insights into the Democratic coalition.About half hold a college degree, as education has become a major political dividing line across the country. There was almost universal support among Democratic voters for abortion to be legal in most if not all cases. About three-quarters called discrimination against Black people a major problem.The polling also suggested that the economy might be evolving into a strength for Biden among his base. High inflation had hurt his approval ratings for most of his presidency, but inflation has eased without disrupting job growth and Democrats are showing newfound support for Biden’s agenda. More than 8 in 10 approved of his economic leadership.There are limits on what New Hampshire can reveal, as the state is less urban, less suburban and less racially diverse than the rest of the country. Cities, suburbs and non-white voters were crucial elements of Biden's winning 2020 coalition.Still, not everything Biden does received strong plaudits in New Hampshire. Only about 6 in 10 approve of how he is handling immigration, and only about half approve of his handling of the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians.About 4 in 10 say Biden is too old to serve a second term as president.During his presidency, the Democratic Party has chosen to make South Carolina the first official presidential contest, a choice that has relegated Biden to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-new-hampshire-democrats-race-call-explainer-6cd2136e9b8c77f736e455fb2ad2eca3">write-in status in New Hampshire</a>. Just over half said it is very or somewhat important to them that New Hampshire’s presidential primary is the first in the nation.---------------MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;won the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday, tightening his grip on the Republican presidential nomination and bolstering the likelihood of a rematch later this year against President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.The result was a setback for former U.N. Ambassador&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikki-haley">Nikki Haley</a>, who invested significant time and financial resources into winning the state but finished second. She was the last major challenger in the race after Florida Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ron-desantis">Ron DeSantis</a>&nbsp;ended his presidential bid over the weekend, allowing her to campaign as the sole alternative to Trump. Haley intensified her criticism of the former president, questioning his mental acuity and pitching herself as a unifying candidate who would usher in generational change.The appeals failed to resonate with enough voters. Trump can now boast of being the first Republican presidential candidate to win open races in Iowa and New Hampshire since both states began leading the election calendar in 1976, a striking sign of how rapidly Republicans have rallied around him to make him their nominee for the third consecutive time.By posting easy wins in both early states, Trump is demonstrating an ability to unite the GOP’s factions firmly behind him. He’s garnered support from the evangelical conservatives who are influential in Iowa and New Hampshire’s more moderate voters, strength he hopes to replicate as the primary quickly expands to the rest of the U.S.Haley was unable to capitalize on New Hampshire’s more moderate political tradition. Now, her path to becoming the GOP standard-bearer is narrowing quickly. She won’t compete in a contest that awards delegates until South Carolina’s Feb. 24 primary. As the state’s former governor, she’s hoping a strong showing there could propel her into the March 5&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-tuesday">Super Tuesday</a>&nbsp;contests. But in a deeply conservative state where Trump is exceedingly popular, those ambitions may be tough to realize and a home-state loss could prove politically devastating.President Joe Biden, meanwhile, won New Hampshire's Democratic primary via a write-in effort after the state party moved forward with its own contest. Biden did not appear on the ballot but allies helped him beat a series of little-known challengers.Trump’s position in the contest is remarkable considering he faces&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/index.html">91 criminal charges</a>&nbsp;related to everything from seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election to mishandling classified documents and arranging payoffs to a porn actress. He left the White House in 2021 in the grim aftermath of an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol led by his supporters who sought to stop the certification of Biden’s win. And Trump was the first president to be impeached twice.But Trump has turned those vulnerabilities into an advantage among GOP voters. He has argued that the criminal prosecutions reflect a politicized Justice Department, though there’s no evidence that officials there were pressured by Biden or anyone else in the White House to file charges. Trump has nonetheless repeatedly told his supporters that he’s being prosecuted on their behalf, an argument that appears to have further strengthened his bond with the GOP base.As Trump begins to pivot his attention to Biden and a general election campaign, the question is whether the former president’s framing of the legal cases will persuade voters beyond the GOP base. Trump lost the popular vote in the 2016 and 2020 elections and has faced particular struggles in suburban communities from Georgia to Pennsylvania to Arizona that could prove decisive in the fall campaign.Beyond the political vulnerabilities associated with the criminal cases, Trump faces a logistical challenge in balancing trials and campaigning. He has frequently appeared voluntarily at a New York courtroom where a jury is considering whether he should&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-lawsuit-trial-new-york-fdcb7ae15c7120ae008a5fe4f28558dc">pay additional damages</a>&nbsp;to a columnist who last year won a $5 million jury award against Trump for sex abuse and defamation. He has turned these appearances into campaign events, holding televised news conferences that give him an opportunity to spread his message to a large audience.He has no choice but to appear in court when the criminal cases begin, which could happen later this spring.Biden faces his own challenges, though of a different magnitude. There are widespread concerns about his age at 81 years old. Dissent is also building within his party over Biden’s alliance with Israel in its war against Hamas, putting the president’s standing at risk in swing states like Michigan.Biden championed new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-2024-democrats-dnc-state-parties-ac8fba0ab1117ebf75cc16ebe0c735e4">Democratic National Committee</a>&nbsp;rules that have its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-georgia-2022-midterm-elections-south-carolina-83f6ea9bd64e567bb1ed55d734474b89">2024 primary beginning on Feb. 3 in South Carolina</a>, rather than in Iowa or New Hampshire. That left him in something of an awkward position at the outset of the nomination process.But Democrats in New Hampshire defied the revamped order and held their primary on Tuesday, same as the Republicans. Biden didn’t campaign, giving the state’s Democrats the chance to support primary challengers including Minnesota Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phillips-2024-presidential-campaign-biden-democratic-challenger-0f38b80ba00566014a4d59fdb516d52c">Dean Phillips</a>&nbsp;and self-help author&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marianne-williamson-president-2024-biden-democratic-primary-14e59754bed9e0c54dad4fdfbbc1fa6b">Marianne Williamson</a>&nbsp;— though many of New Hampshire’s top Democrats backed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-2024-new-hampshire-ballot-primary-shakeup-1df2712ebf31ffecdaf2bceb4c74bb2f">write-in campaign that Biden could still win</a>.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-hampshire-2024-republican-nomination-4661638bf768824d03ea84e5c20d1544">traveled frequently to New Hampshire</a>&nbsp;in the months leading up to the primary but didn’t spend as much time in the state as many of his rivals. That included former New Jersey Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/chris-christie">Chris Christie</a>, a fierce Trump critic who enjoyed some popularity in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/christie-presidential-race-5e974cfa407d39af878f066a71af35ad">but suspended his campaign</a>&nbsp;mere days before Iowa’s caucuses in an attempt to blunt the former president’s momentum.Rather than the traditional approach of greeting voters personally or in small groups, Trump has staged large rallies. He has spent much of his time complaining about the past — including the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2020-election-lies-debunked-4fc26546b07962fdbf9d66e739fbb50d">lie that the 2020 election was stolen</a>&nbsp;due to widespread voter fraud.If he returns to the White House, the former president has promised to enact a hardline immigration agenda that includes stopping migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3a20abe305bd4c989116f82bf535393b">reimposing his first-term travel ban</a>&nbsp;that originally targeted seven Muslim-majority countries. He’s also said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-border-wall-breaches-asylum-immigration-beddd2ca0ffd02884ce0d0ad1785f538">rising number of immigrants</a>&nbsp;entering the United States are “poisoning the blood of our country,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hitler-poison-blood-history-f8c3ff512edd120252596a4743324352">echoing Adolf Hitler’s language</a>.