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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His legacy in Maryland continued long after his retirement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drivers, Ag Producers Share the Road During Harvest Season

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

(Video courtesy Deputy White House press secretary)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pumpkin Run Shirt Deadline is this Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Striking actors vote to authorize new walkout against video game makers

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

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

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

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

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

Nebraska sex offender jailed in Kansas for alleged sex crimes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The vast majority of WIC participants would see an immediate reduction and elimination of those benefits, which means the nutrition assistance that’s provided would not be available,” he said.

For example, in Alabama, about 112,000 WIC recipients could lose their benefits, and in Florida, more than 421,000 as well. In Michigan, more than 207,000 recipients could lose their WIC benefits and in North Carolina, it’s more than 268,000 WIC recipients.

Additionally, new eligible participants could face a backlog.

“Without the urgent investment of additional funds, state WIC offices could soon be forced to consider waiting lists for prospective participants — a drastic step not seen in nearly 30 years,” Kate Franken, board chair of the National WIC Association, which is the non-profit advocacy arm of WIC, said in a statement.

The impending shutdown comes after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/05/31/u-s-house-approves-debt-limit-package-sending-it-to-senate-with-just-days-until-default-deadline/">made a deal</a>&nbsp;with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier this year to raise the debt ceiling.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/05/31/debt-limit-deal-hits-turbulence-in-congress-as-leaders-prep-for-vote/">That deal&nbsp;</a>set maximum spending levels for the next fiscal year.

However, none of the 12 appropriations bills has been passed by the House, and a handful of far-right Republicans are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/09/21/shutdown-inches-closer-as-u-s-house-gop-fails-to-pass-defense-bill-lawmakers-exit-d-c/">pushing for steeper cuts</a>, even if it means a partial government shutdown.

“House Republicans have turned their backs on the bipartisan budget deal that a large majority of them voted for just a few months ago and proposed a continuing resolution (CR) that makes devastating cuts to programs that millions of hardworking Americans count on,” the White House said in a press release.

A continuing resolution, or CR, is regularly used to keep the government funded for weeks or a couple of months while the House and Senate finish work on the 12 annual spending bills.

Without a CR by Saturday, the end of the fiscal year, a partial shutdown will occur and programs that have discretionary funding, like WIC, will lapse.

Funding for WIC is not mandatory spending, meaning the program won’t be automatically funded regardless of a government shutdown. It’s funded through the Agriculture appropriations bill, which has not been passed by Congress.

The White House criticized the Agriculture appropriations bill the House passed out of its committee that did not include the supplemental funding the Biden administration requested.

“Without the Administration’s funding request, states could soon be forced to institute waiting lists for WIC, causing mothers and children to lose access to the vital nutrition assistance,” the White House said.

WIC funding is distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service to states through a formula. The share of eligible people who participate in WIC can vary between states —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/eligibility-and-program-reach-estimates-2020">for example</a>&nbsp;California, Massachusetts, and Minnesota, have a coverage rate for WIC by over 60%.

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

White House: Food benefits for low income families at risk in a government shutdown

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $835 million after no one beat the immense odds Monday night and won the top prize.

The winning numbers were: 10, 12, 22, 36, 50 and 4.

With the latest bit of lottery losing, there now have been 29 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner, dating back to July 19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">when a player in California</a>&nbsp;won $1.08 billion.

That winless streak is due to the miserable odds of winning the Powerball jackpot, at 1 in 292.2 million. It’s those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">long, long odds</a>&nbsp;that result in such large top prizes, as they cause the jackpot to roll over week after week.

Three people in Florida and one person in Oregon matched five numbers to win $1 million.

The new jackpot is one of the largest in the world, behind grand prizes in the Powerball and Mega Millions games that all topped $1 billion. The biggest jackpot was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lotteries-iowa-36ef3aefbbc37a15e1c5f172129fa6a6">$2.04 billion Powerball prize</a>&nbsp;won in November 2022 in California.

Although the game highlights the $835 million prize, that is for a winner who is paid through an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">annuity over 30 years</a>. Winners almost always choose the cash payout option, which for the next drawing Wednesday night will be an estimated $390.4 million.

The giant jackpot would also be subject to federal taxes, and some states also tax lottery winnings.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $835 million after no one beat the immense odds Monday night and won the top prize.The winning numbers were: 10, 12, 22, 36, 50 and 4.With the latest bit of lottery losing, there now have been 29 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner, dating back to July 19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">when a player in California</a>&nbsp;won $1.08 billion.That winless streak is due to the miserable odds of winning the Powerball jackpot, at 1 in 292.2 million. It’s those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">long, long odds</a>&nbsp;that result in such large top prizes, as they cause the jackpot to roll over week after week.Three people in Florida and one person in Oregon matched five numbers to win $1 million.The new jackpot is one of the largest in the world, behind grand prizes in the Powerball and Mega Millions games that all topped $1 billion. The biggest jackpot was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lotteries-iowa-36ef3aefbbc37a15e1c5f172129fa6a6">$2.04 billion Powerball prize</a>&nbsp;won in November 2022 in California.Although the game highlights the $835 million prize, that is for a winner who is paid through an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">annuity over 30 years</a>. Winners almost always choose the cash payout option, which for the next drawing Wednesday night will be an estimated $390.4 million.The giant jackpot would also be subject to federal taxes, and some states also tax lottery winnings.

Powerball jackpot climbs to $835 million 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced that it is providing $600 million in funding to produce new at-home COVID-19 tests and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-afb3d15b59a0212d9297ed2794f91a2a">restarting a website</a>&nbsp;allowing Americans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-government-at-home-covid-tests-e98c4a7a4ee340345a5786c4c407c5fb">again order up to four free tests per household</a>&nbsp;— aiming to prevent possible shortages during a rise in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus cases</a>&nbsp;that has typically come during colder months.

The Department of Health and Human Services says orders can be placed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/tests">COVIDTests.gov</a>&nbsp;starting Sept. 25, and the no-cost tests will be delivered for free by the United States Postal Service.

Twelve manufacturers that employ hundreds of people in seven states have been awarded funding and will produce 200 million over-the-counter tests to replenish federal stockpiles for government use, in addition to producing enough tests to meet demand for tests ordered online, the department said. Federal officials said that will help guard against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-pandemics-ap-top-news-global-trade-fresno-4354f8e8026cf8135b74fa19f0d0f048">supply chain issues</a>&nbsp;that sparked some shortages of at-home COVID tests made overseas during past surges in coronavirus cases.

Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, said the website will remain functional to receive orders through the holidays and “we reserve the right to keep it open even longer if we're starting to see an increase in cases.”

“If there is a demand for these tests, we want to make sure that they're made available to the American people for free in this way,” O'Connell said. “But, at this point, our focus is getting through the holidays and making sure folks can take a test if they're going to see Grandma for Thanksgiving."

The tests are designed to detect COVID variants currently circulating, and are intended for use by the end of the year. But they will include instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates, the department said.

The initiative follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-home-test-78960c4c36422907a2eab3eb0dcdfadd">four previous rounds</a>&nbsp;where federal officials and the U.S. Postal Service provided more than 755 million tests for free to homes nationwide.

It is also meant to complement ongoing federal efforts to provide free COVID tests to long-term care facilities, schools, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals and underserved communities which are already distributing 4 million per week and have distributed 500 million tests to date, the department said.

O’Connell said manufacturers would be able to spread out the 200 million tests they will produce for federal use over 18 months. That means that, as demand for home tests rises via the website or at U.S. retailers when COVID cases increase around the country, producers can focus on meeting those orders — but that they will then have an additional outlet for the tests they produce during period when demand declines.

“We’ve seen every winter, as people move indoors into heated spaces, away from the outside that, over each of the seasons that COVID’s been a concern, that we have seen cases go up," O'Connell said.

She added that also “there’s always an opportunity or chance for another variant to come” but “we’re not anticipating that.”

“That’s not why we’re doing this,” O'Connell said. "We’re doing this for the fall and winter season ahead and the potential for an increase in cases as a result.”

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said that the "Biden-Harris Administration, in partnership with domestic manufacturers, has made great strides in addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain by reducing our reliance on overseas manufacturing.”

“These critical investments will strengthen our nation’s production levels of domestic at-home COVID-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus," Becerra said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695664420528.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced that it is providing $600 million in funding to produce new at-home COVID-19 tests and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-afb3d15b59a0212d9297ed2794f91a2a">restarting a website</a>&nbsp;allowing Americans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-government-at-home-covid-tests-e98c4a7a4ee340345a5786c4c407c5fb">again order up to four free tests per household</a>&nbsp;— aiming to prevent possible shortages during a rise in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus cases</a>&nbsp;that has typically come during colder months.The Department of Health and Human Services says orders can be placed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/tests">COVIDTests.gov</a>&nbsp;starting Sept. 25, and the no-cost tests will be delivered for free by the United States Postal Service.Twelve manufacturers that employ hundreds of people in seven states have been awarded funding and will produce 200 million over-the-counter tests to replenish federal stockpiles for government use, in addition to producing enough tests to meet demand for tests ordered online, the department said. Federal officials said that will help guard against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-pandemics-ap-top-news-global-trade-fresno-4354f8e8026cf8135b74fa19f0d0f048">supply chain issues</a>&nbsp;that sparked some shortages of at-home COVID tests made overseas during past surges in coronavirus cases.Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, said the website will remain functional to receive orders through the holidays and “we reserve the right to keep it open even longer if we're starting to see an increase in cases.”“If there is a demand for these tests, we want to make sure that they're made available to the American people for free in this way,” O'Connell said. “But, at this point, our focus is getting through the holidays and making sure folks can take a test if they're going to see Grandma for Thanksgiving."The tests are designed to detect COVID variants currently circulating, and are intended for use by the end of the year. But they will include instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates, the department said.The initiative follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-home-test-78960c4c36422907a2eab3eb0dcdfadd">four previous rounds</a>&nbsp;where federal officials and the U.S. Postal Service provided more than 755 million tests for free to homes nationwide.It is also meant to complement ongoing federal efforts to provide free COVID tests to long-term care facilities, schools, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals and underserved communities which are already distributing 4 million per week and have distributed 500 million tests to date, the department said.O’Connell said manufacturers would be able to spread out the 200 million tests they will produce for federal use over 18 months. That means that, as demand for home tests rises via the website or at U.S. retailers when COVID cases increase around the country, producers can focus on meeting those orders — but that they will then have an additional outlet for the tests they produce during period when demand declines.“We’ve seen every winter, as people move indoors into heated spaces, away from the outside that, over each of the seasons that COVID’s been a concern, that we have seen cases go up," O'Connell said.She added that also “there’s always an opportunity or chance for another variant to come” but “we’re not anticipating that.”“That’s not why we’re doing this,” O'Connell said. "We’re doing this for the fall and winter season ahead and the potential for an increase in cases as a result.”HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said that the "Biden-Harris Administration, in partnership with domestic manufacturers, has made great strides in addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain by reducing our reliance on overseas manufacturing.”“These critical investments will strengthen our nation’s production levels of domestic at-home COVID-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus," Becerra said in a statement.

How to get the government's new free COVID test 

OMAHA, NE&nbsp;— The Platte Institute is excited&nbsp;to announce the recipients of&nbsp;inaugural&nbsp;“microgrants,” a dedicated initiative aimed at assisting individuals nearing the culmination of their incarceration or those recently released, to secure meaningful employment. This initiative aspires to empower them to contribute sustainably to their families and communities.&nbsp;

Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute,&nbsp;announced the&nbsp;beneficiaries of the grants. The honored recipients include Heart Ministry Center, On&nbsp;The&nbsp;Inside, Omaha Alternatives to Violence Project, Bridges to Hope, QUEENS Butterfly House, and Nebraskans Unafraid.&nbsp;

Vokal illustrated the diversity and the pivotal roles of the receiving organizations&nbsp;stating, “Each of these distinguished entities brings a unique and essential service to our community. From&nbsp;providing&nbsp;vital job training and placement programs, extending support to incarcerated women, offering alternative social training to those incarcerated, to supplying clothing and hygiene products enabling individuals to present their best selves in job searches.”&nbsp;

While the Platte Institute&nbsp;predominantly emphasizes&nbsp;eliminating&nbsp;barriers to success, especially focusing on workforce development, this foray into criminal justice areas is unique. “Our emphasis has consistently been on eliminating unnecessary barriers in occupational licensing and easing the path for entrepreneurs,” Vokal remarked.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He noted, “These microgrants&nbsp;highlight the importance&nbsp;and the necessity&nbsp;of passing Universal&nbsp;Recognition and Second Chances&nbsp;legislation in the&nbsp;unicameral. This legislation will&nbsp;open&nbsp;our workforce&nbsp;to groups that have traditionally faced barriers to work and those&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;by burdensome overregulation.”&nbsp;

The Platte Institute remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an environment where every Nebraskan has the opportunity to succeed.&nbsp;Through such initiatives, we aim to remove obstacles and&nbsp;provide&nbsp;the essential support and opportunities, ensuring&nbsp;a holistic approach&nbsp;to workforce development.&nbsp;

For more information on the microgrants or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or write to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;

The Platte Institute advances policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. Discover more about our policies, initiatives, and resources at PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

OMAHA, NE&nbsp;— The Platte Institute is excited&nbsp;to announce the recipients of&nbsp;inaugural&nbsp;“microgrants,” a dedicated initiative aimed at assisting individuals nearing the culmination of their incarceration or those recently released, to secure meaningful employment. This initiative aspires to empower them to contribute sustainably to their families and communities.&nbsp;Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute,&nbsp;announced the&nbsp;beneficiaries of the grants. The honored recipients include Heart Ministry Center, On&nbsp;The&nbsp;Inside, Omaha Alternatives to Violence Project, Bridges to Hope, QUEENS Butterfly House, and Nebraskans Unafraid.&nbsp;Vokal illustrated the diversity and the pivotal roles of the receiving organizations&nbsp;stating, “Each of these distinguished entities brings a unique and essential service to our community. From&nbsp;providing&nbsp;vital job training and placement programs, extending support to incarcerated women, offering alternative social training to those incarcerated, to supplying clothing and hygiene products enabling individuals to present their best selves in job searches.”&nbsp;While the Platte Institute&nbsp;predominantly emphasizes&nbsp;eliminating&nbsp;barriers to success, especially focusing on workforce development, this foray into criminal justice areas is unique. “Our emphasis has consistently been on eliminating unnecessary barriers in occupational licensing and easing the path for entrepreneurs,” Vokal remarked.&nbsp;&nbsp;He noted, “These microgrants&nbsp;highlight the importance&nbsp;and the necessity&nbsp;of passing Universal&nbsp;Recognition and Second Chances&nbsp;legislation in the&nbsp;unicameral. This legislation will&nbsp;open&nbsp;our workforce&nbsp;to groups that have traditionally faced barriers to work and those&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;by burdensome overregulation.”&nbsp;The Platte Institute remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an environment where every Nebraskan has the opportunity to succeed.&nbsp;Through such initiatives, we aim to remove obstacles and&nbsp;provide&nbsp;the essential support and opportunities, ensuring&nbsp;a holistic approach&nbsp;to workforce development.&nbsp;For more information on the microgrants or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or write to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rkopsa@platteinstitute.org" target="_blank">rkopsa@platteinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;The Platte Institute advances policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. Discover more about our policies, initiatives, and resources at PlatteInstitute.org.&nbsp;

 Platte Institute Announces Microgrant Recipients to Aid Post-Incarceration Workforce Integration 

Omaha, Neb., Sept. 25, 2023 – While National Coffee Day is September 29, Scooter’s Coffee has been spreading the coffee love all month long by offering FREE delicious, <a href="https://www.scooterscoffee.com/brewed-coffee">fresh-brewed coffee</a> to customers every day throughout September. By the end of September, Scooter’s Coffee anticipates its stores will have served more than 1 million cups of free fresh-brewed coffee since September 1.

“What an exciting milestone to give away over 1 million cups of coffee during our September celebration of National Coffee Day,” said Joe Thornton, President of Scooter’s Coffee. “We have enjoyed the positive feedback from our valued loyal customers and new customers. Our Baristas have loved the joyful interactions with familiar and new faces each day in the drive-thru. It’s a reminder that a cup of coffee represents kindness, warmth and connection.”

Customers have been flocking to Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru locations throughout September to sip and savor fresh-brewed hot coffee for free.&nbsp;

Stop by <a href="https://www.scooterscoffee.com/locations">your local Scooter’s Coffee</a> on National Coffee Day or any remaining day in September for a FREE brewed coffee of any size. The offer is valid one cup per person, per visit, while supplies last.

The coffee won’t stop flowing after the month ends. Scooter’s Coffee plans to extend the coffee love beyond September. Beginning October 1, customers can order any size fresh-brewed coffee for just $1.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695653237632.jpeg" alt="Scooter's Coffee Fresh Brewed Coffee/Photo provided by Scooter's Coffee" />
 <figcaption>Scooter's Coffee Fresh Brewed Coffee/Photo provided by Scooter's Coffee</figcaption>
 </figure>Scooter's CoffeeOmaha, Neb., Sept. 25, 2023 – While National Coffee Day is September 29, Scooter’s Coffee has been spreading the coffee love all month long by offering FREE delicious, <a href="https://www.scooterscoffee.com/brewed-coffee">fresh-brewed coffee</a> to customers every day throughout September. By the end of September, Scooter’s Coffee anticipates its stores will have served more than 1 million cups of free fresh-brewed coffee since September 1.“What an exciting milestone to give away over 1 million cups of coffee during our September celebration of National Coffee Day,” said Joe Thornton, President of Scooter’s Coffee. “We have enjoyed the positive feedback from our valued loyal customers and new customers. Our Baristas have loved the joyful interactions with familiar and new faces each day in the drive-thru. It’s a reminder that a cup of coffee represents kindness, warmth and connection.”Customers have been flocking to Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru locations throughout September to sip and savor fresh-brewed hot coffee for free.&nbsp;Stop by <a href="https://www.scooterscoffee.com/locations">your local Scooter’s Coffee</a> on National Coffee Day or any remaining day in September for a FREE brewed coffee of any size. The offer is valid one cup per person, per visit, while supplies last.The coffee won’t stop flowing after the month ends. Scooter’s Coffee plans to extend the coffee love beyond September. Beginning October 1, customers can order any size fresh-brewed coffee for just $1.&nbsp;“Making our fresh-brewed coffee available going forward for $1 on our menu is our way of extending an everyday great value while recognizing the loyalty and support of our amazing customers,” said Thornton.&nbsp;Scoot on through the Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru and pair your brewed coffee with a fall bakery treat such as one of our <a href="https://www.scooterscoffee.com/pumpkin-caramelicious-muffin">Pumpkin Caramelicious Muffins</a> or <a href="https://www.scooterscoffee.com/maple-waffle-sandwich">Maple Waffle Sandwiches</a>. Customers can scan the Scooter’s Coffee <a href="https://www.scooterscoffee.com/mobileapp">Mobile App</a> to earn Smiles that can be collected and redeemed for free drinks.About Scooter’s CoffeeFounded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue, Nebraska, Scooter’s Coffee uses only the finest coffee beans in the world, which are roasted by its affiliated company, Harvest Roasting, in Omaha, Nebraska. In over 25 years of business, the key to Scooter’s Coffee’s success is simple: stay committed to the original business principles and company’s four core values, which are Integrity, Love, Humility and Courage. The Scooter’s Coffee Brand Promise, often recited to franchisees, customers and employees, is: “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast!®” It represents the company’s business origins and reflects a steady commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to loyal and new customers.Scooter’s Coffee, celebrating its 25th&nbsp;anniversary in 2023, is at the dawn of a strategic growth phase. The company is approaching 700 stores in 29 states, with plans to have 1,000 franchise stores open by the end of 2024. The U.S. coffee market is an estimated&nbsp;$48 billion-a-year, recession-resistant industry, and Scooter’s Coffee is striving to become the #1 drive-thru specialty coffee franchise system in the nation.For more information, visit <a href="https://scooterscoffee.com/">scooterscoffee.com</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ScootersCoffee">facebook.com/scooterscoffee</a>, or <a href="https://ownascooters.com/">ownascooters.com</a>, or call 877-494-7004.

1 Million Cups Served by End of September, Scooter’s Coffee® Customers Enjoy Free Fresh-Brewed Coffee EVERY DAY This Month Ahead of National Coffee Day