AUGUST 8, 2023 (FREMONT, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol Tech Crimes Unit, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have arrested a Fremont man after a child exploitation investigation.

On July 26, NSP performed a search warrant at the residence of 432 West Military Avenue, in Fremont. The search of the residence involved a child exploitation investigation.

Today, the resident, Eugene Kinnear, 54, was arrested for 10 counts of possession of child pornography and 1 count of violation of the sex offender registration act. Kinnear was lodged in Saunders County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.

Cody Thomas - Nebraska State PatrolAUGUST 8, 2023 (FREMONT, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol Tech Crimes Unit, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have arrested a Fremont man after a child exploitation investigation.On July 26, NSP performed a search warrant at the residence of 432 West Military Avenue, in Fremont. The search of the residence involved a child exploitation investigation.Today, the resident, Eugene Kinnear, 54, was arrested for 10 counts of possession of child pornography and 1 count of violation of the sex offender registration act. Kinnear was lodged in Saunders County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.

NSP Arrests Fremont Man in Child Exploitation Investigation

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — American nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter were freed Wednesday, nearly two weeks after they were kidnapped in Haiti’s capital, according to aid organization El Roi Haiti.

The Christian group founded by Dorsainvil’s husband asked that neither she nor her family be contacted: “There is still much to process and to heal from in this situation," the group said in a statement.

The group added that it confirmed the safe release “with a heart of gratitude and immense joy.” No other details were immediately available, including whether any ransom was paid.

The U.S. State Department said it welcomed news that the two had been freed and thanked its Haitian and U.S. interagency partners for facilitating the release.

“We have no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas,” the agency said. “As you can imagine, these individuals have been through a very difficult ordeal, both physically and mentally.”

Witnesses told The Associated Press that armed men had seized the New Hampshire native and her young daughter in late July from a clinic in a gang-controlled area of Port-au-Prince where Dorsainvil works.

The Christian group has offered medical care, education and other basic services to people in the country’s poorest areas.

Gang warfare has increasingly plagued Haiti since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-killed-b56a0f8fec0832028bdc51e8d59c6af2">2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.</a>&nbsp;Gang members regularly kill, rape and hold residents for ransom. A local nonprofit has documented&nbsp;<a href="https://cardh.org/celulle-dobservation-de-la-criminalite">539 kidnappings since January</a>, a significant rise over previous years.

On July 27, the U.S. State Department had ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Haiti, which remains under a “do not travel” advisory.

In a video posted on the El Roi Haiti website, Dorsainvil describes Haitians as “full of joy, and life and love,” people she was blessed to know.

In a blog post, El Roi Haiti said Dorsainvil fell in love with Haiti’s people on a visit there after the devastating 2010 earthquake hit the Caribbean nation.

Dorsainvil graduated from Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, where a program supports nursing education in Haiti.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690900441506.png" alt="Alix Dorsainvil as shown in a photo on the El Roi Haiti web site" />
 <figcaption>Alix Dorsainvil as shown in a photo on the El Roi Haiti web site</figcaption>
 </figure>PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — American nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter were freed Wednesday, nearly two weeks after they were kidnapped in Haiti’s capital, according to aid organization El Roi Haiti.The Christian group founded by Dorsainvil’s husband asked that neither she nor her family be contacted: “There is still much to process and to heal from in this situation," the group said in a statement.The group added that it confirmed the safe release “with a heart of gratitude and immense joy.” No other details were immediately available, including whether any ransom was paid.The U.S. State Department said it welcomed news that the two had been freed and thanked its Haitian and U.S. interagency partners for facilitating the release.“We have no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas,” the agency said. “As you can imagine, these individuals have been through a very difficult ordeal, both physically and mentally.”Officials provided no other details.Witnesses told The Associated Press that armed men had seized the New Hampshire native and her young daughter in late July from a clinic in a gang-controlled area of Port-au-Prince where Dorsainvil works.The Christian group has offered medical care, education and other basic services to people in the country’s poorest areas.Gang warfare has increasingly plagued Haiti since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-killed-b56a0f8fec0832028bdc51e8d59c6af2">2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.</a>&nbsp;Gang members regularly kill, rape and hold residents for ransom. A local nonprofit has documented&nbsp;<a href="https://cardh.org/celulle-dobservation-de-la-criminalite">539 kidnappings since January</a>, a significant rise over previous years.On July 27, the U.S. State Department had ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Haiti, which remains under a “do not travel” advisory.In a video posted on the El Roi Haiti website, Dorsainvil describes Haitians as “full of joy, and life and love,” people she was blessed to know.In a blog post, El Roi Haiti said Dorsainvil fell in love with Haiti’s people on a visit there after the devastating 2010 earthquake hit the Caribbean nation.Dorsainvil graduated from Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, where a program supports nursing education in Haiti.

American nurse, daughter freed by kidnappers in Haiti

By JARED STRONG <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/usda-hopes-to-boost-fertilizer-production-as-soon-as-next-year/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

Attorneys general in Iowa and Nebraska have filed suit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to force it to end the federal waiver for a common ethanol blend to be sold during the summer in those states.

Here’s the idea behind the lawsuit: Eliminating that waiver would force refiners to reduce the volatility of gasoline that is blended with ethanol to produce E10, which is 10% ethanol and dominates the fuel market. If that happens, the blends could be increased to 15% ethanol without violating federal summertime fuel standards.

That has the potential to be a boon for the ethanol industry, which is important for Iowa farmers because more than half of their corn is used to produce the fuel. State lawmakers adopted legislation last year&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/04/25/iowa-biofuels-deal-will-require-most-gas-stations-to-sell-e15/">to require gas stations</a>&nbsp;to sell E15, with some exceptions.

But the change also has the potential to increase the cost of fuel and diminish available supplies, the EPA has concluded.

Governors in eight states asked the EPA in April 2022 to eliminate the waiver for E10 in their states — citing the increased pollution caused by evaporation of the fuel during warm months — as a maneuver to boost E15 sales. Kansas and North Dakota later rescinded their requests, while Missouri and Ohio joined the effort.

E10 has had a federal volatility requirement waiver since 1990, and since then its sales have ballooned. More than 98% of gasoline sold in the United States is E10, according to the Department of Energy.

In 2019, the EPA extended that waiver to E15, but a federal appeals court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/07/02/d-c-court-throws-out-ethanol-rule-that-eased-year-round-sales-of-e15/">rejected the move</a>&nbsp;in 2021 and said the agency lacked the authority to make the change. The EPA issued emergency waivers to allow summertime E15 sales in 2022 and 2023.

The agency proposed a rule change in March that grants the states’ requests to cease the E10 waiver starting in 2024, but it has not finalized it.

“The EPA is already over a year late in finalizing the E15 decision,” said Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, which lobbies for ethanol-friendly policies. “Any further delay could jeopardize access to E15 during the 2024 summer.”

It’s unclear what has delayed the rule change. The agency declined to comment for this article because of the pending lawsuit, which was filed Monday.

In its proposed rule, the EPA estimated the change could cut fuel supplies to the states by about 2%. That’s because refineries would likely remove butane from the gasoline to make it less volatile. There are also uncertainties about how quickly the companies that produce and distribute the fuels can adjust their procedures.

“All of this can have significant impacts on gasoline supply not only on the petitioning states, but also on the surrounding states,” the agency said, noting that it didn’t propose to initiate the change this year because it “would result in an insufficient supply of gasoline in those states.”

Despite EPA predictions that the change will increase the cost of the blended fuel and reduce supply, the attorneys general in Iowa and Nebraska claim the opposite.

“The Biden Administration knows that increasing access to E15 will help consumers obtain some relief from the rising cost of gasoline, provide support for our farmers, and strengthen U.S. energy security during a turbulent time,” Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird noted that it has been more than a year since the EPA was required to act on the governors’ requests.&nbsp;“The Biden Administration has dragged its feet long enough,” she said.

Bird and Hilgers are Republicans, whereas President Joe Biden is a Democrat. Several of the other governors who petitioned for the change in their states are Democrats, but those states have not joined the lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Bird did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

The lawsuit seeks a court order that directs the EPA to finalize the rule change by the end of this year.

This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/18/iowa-man-fights-to-save-his-hunting-preserve/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>,&nbsp;a sister&nbsp;site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586882130512.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Legislation aims to get States hope to get E-15 at more gas stations.-image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Legislation aims to get States hope to get E-15 at more gas stations.-image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By JARED STRONG <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/usda-hopes-to-boost-fertilizer-production-as-soon-as-next-year/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>Attorneys general in Iowa and Nebraska have filed suit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to force it to end the federal waiver for a common ethanol blend to be sold during the summer in those states.Here’s the idea behind the lawsuit: Eliminating that waiver would force refiners to reduce the volatility of gasoline that is blended with ethanol to produce E10, which is 10% ethanol and dominates the fuel market. If that happens, the blends could be increased to 15% ethanol without violating federal summertime fuel standards.That has the potential to be a boon for the ethanol industry, which is important for Iowa farmers because more than half of their corn is used to produce the fuel. State lawmakers adopted legislation last year&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/04/25/iowa-biofuels-deal-will-require-most-gas-stations-to-sell-e15/">to require gas stations</a>&nbsp;to sell E15, with some exceptions.But the change also has the potential to increase the cost of fuel and diminish available supplies, the EPA has concluded.Governors in eight states asked the EPA in April 2022 to eliminate the waiver for E10 in their states — citing the increased pollution caused by evaporation of the fuel during warm months — as a maneuver to boost E15 sales. Kansas and North Dakota later rescinded their requests, while Missouri and Ohio joined the effort.E10 has had a federal volatility requirement waiver since 1990, and since then its sales have ballooned. More than 98% of gasoline sold in the United States is E10, according to the Department of Energy.In 2019, the EPA extended that waiver to E15, but a federal appeals court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/07/02/d-c-court-throws-out-ethanol-rule-that-eased-year-round-sales-of-e15/">rejected the move</a>&nbsp;in 2021 and said the agency lacked the authority to make the change. The EPA issued emergency waivers to allow summertime E15 sales in 2022 and 2023.The agency proposed a rule change in March that grants the states’ requests to cease the E10 waiver starting in 2024, but it has not finalized it.“The EPA is already over a year late in finalizing the E15 decision,” said Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, which lobbies for ethanol-friendly policies. “Any further delay could jeopardize access to E15 during the 2024 summer.”It’s unclear what has delayed the rule change. The agency declined to comment for this article because of the pending lawsuit, which was filed Monday.In its proposed rule, the EPA estimated the change could cut fuel supplies to the states by about 2%. That’s because refineries would likely remove butane from the gasoline to make it less volatile. There are also uncertainties about how quickly the companies that produce and distribute the fuels can adjust their procedures.“All of this can have significant impacts on gasoline supply not only on the petitioning states, but also on the surrounding states,” the agency said, noting that it didn’t propose to initiate the change this year because it “would result in an insufficient supply of gasoline in those states.”Despite EPA predictions that the change will increase the cost of the blended fuel and reduce supply, the attorneys general in Iowa and Nebraska claim the opposite.“The Biden Administration knows that increasing access to E15 will help consumers obtain some relief from the rising cost of gasoline, provide support for our farmers, and strengthen U.S. energy security during a turbulent time,” Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said.Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird noted that it has been more than a year since the EPA was required to act on the governors’ requests.&nbsp;“The Biden Administration has dragged its feet long enough,” she said.Bird and Hilgers are Republicans, whereas President Joe Biden is a Democrat. Several of the other governors who petitioned for the change in their states are Democrats, but those states have not joined the lawsuit.A spokesperson for Bird did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.The lawsuit seeks a court order that directs the EPA to finalize the rule change by the end of this year.This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/18/iowa-man-fights-to-save-his-hunting-preserve/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>,&nbsp;a sister&nbsp;site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

Nebraska and Iowa sue EPA to end E10 volatility waiver

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. (AP) —A single ticket sold in Florida is good for a $1.58 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-155-billion-tuesday-b588a87889a4ba7ff27c1ee8a9a24fc6">Mega Millions jackpot</a>, ending a stretch of lottery futility that had stretched for nearly four months.

A Publix grocery store in Neptune Beach sold the winning ticket, according to the Florida Lottery. The winning numbers drawn Tuesday night were: 13, 19, 20, 32, 33 and the yellow ball 14.

A message was left seeking comment Wednesday from Publix. Messages left for the Florida Lottery weren’t immediately returned.

Before the big win, there had been 31 straight drawings since the last time someone won the game’s jackpot on April 18. That enabled the prize to steadily grow to be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">third-largest ever in U.S. history</a>.

Mega Millions jackpot winners are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">so rare thanks to odds</a>&nbsp;of one in 302.6 million.

The $1.58 billion payout would go to the winner if they opt for an annuity, doled out over 30 years. But people usually prefer a lump sum option, which for Tuesday’s jackpot was an estimated $783.3 million.

The prize money is subject to federal taxes. Many states also tax lottery winnings.

Mega Millions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-alabama-alaska-lotteries-business-86424cf8e2b7cccf8ae9d06f6652d559">is played in 45 states</a>, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Neptune Beach has just over 7,000 residents and is 16 miles (26 kilometers) east of Jacksonville on Florida's Atlantic Coast.

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. (AP) —A single ticket sold in Florida is good for a $1.58 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-155-billion-tuesday-b588a87889a4ba7ff27c1ee8a9a24fc6">Mega Millions jackpot</a>, ending a stretch of lottery futility that had stretched for nearly four months.A Publix grocery store in Neptune Beach sold the winning ticket, according to the Florida Lottery. The winning numbers drawn Tuesday night were: 13, 19, 20, 32, 33 and the yellow ball 14.A message was left seeking comment Wednesday from Publix. Messages left for the Florida Lottery weren’t immediately returned.Before the big win, there had been 31 straight drawings since the last time someone won the game’s jackpot on April 18. That enabled the prize to steadily grow to be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">third-largest ever in U.S. history</a>.Mega Millions jackpot winners are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">so rare thanks to odds</a>&nbsp;of one in 302.6 million.The $1.58 billion payout would go to the winner if they opt for an annuity, doled out over 30 years. But people usually prefer a lump sum option, which for Tuesday’s jackpot was an estimated $783.3 million.The prize money is subject to federal taxes. Many states also tax lottery winnings.Mega Millions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-alabama-alaska-lotteries-business-86424cf8e2b7cccf8ae9d06f6652d559">is played in 45 states</a>, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.Neptune Beach has just over 7,000 residents and is 16 miles (26 kilometers) east of Jacksonville on Florida's Atlantic Coast.

Mega Millions player wins $1.58 billion jackpot, 3rd largest prize in US history

WINDHAM, N.H. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday blasted special counsel Jack Smith anew and vowed to continue campaigning on his criminal cases even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-election-capitol-riot-indictment-protective-order-71cd642e876c47fff4e1283c15f8ca01">prosecutors seek a protective order</a>&nbsp;to limit the evidence that he and his team can share.

In the early voting state of New Hampshire, Trump assailed Smith as a “thug prosecutor” and a “deranged guy” a week after being indicted on felony charges for his efforts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election in the run-up to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The former president lobbed the insults at Smith just days after the Department of Justice asked a judge to approve a protective order stopping Trump from publicly disclosing evidence. Federal prosecutors contend that Trump is seeking to “try the case in the media rather than in the courtroom."

The judge overseeing the case has scheduled a hearing over the protective order for Friday morning.

Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-indictment-protective-order-chutkan-7188eddf6cac0a34379aae71eb16a226">lawyers have argued that</a>&nbsp;the prospective order is too broad and would restrict his First Amendment rights of free speech, something Trump echoed on stage Tuesday.

“I will talk about it. They’re not taking away my First Amendment,” Trump said, speaking to supporters during a rally at a high school in the southeastern New Hampshire town of Windham.

The former president said he needs to be able to respond to reporters' questions about the case on the campaign trail — something he has not made a practice of doing — and cited the movie “2000 Mules,” which made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-technology-health-arizona-e1b49d2311bf900f44fa5c6dac406762">various debunked claims</a>&nbsp;about mail ballots, drop boxes and ballot collection in the 2020 presidential election.

“All of this will come up during this trial," Trump said.

In the four-count indictment filed against Trump last week, the Justice Department accused him of orchestrating a scheme to block the peaceful transfer of power. He was told by multiple people in trusted positions that his claims were false, prosecutors said, but he spread them anyway to sow public mistrust about the election.

Trump, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, repeated his lies about the election on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">despite the fact</a>&nbsp;that numerous federal and local election officials of both parties, a long list of courts, top former campaign staffers and even his attorney general have all said there is no evidence of the fraud he alleges.

“There was never a second of any day that I didn’t believe that that election was rigged. It was a rigged election, and it was a stolen disgusting election and this country should be ashamed," Trump said.

Trump, who is also facing charges in Florida and New York, is gearing up for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2020-election-georgia-grand-jury-investigation-30f7874b58137831cfa5dd86415a9e9f">possible fourth indictment</a>, in a case out of Fulton County, Georgia, over alleged efforts by him and his allies to illegally meddle in the 2020 election in that state. The county district attorney, Fani Willis, has signaled that any indictments in the case would likely come this month.

Trump alluded to that Tuesday, predicting that when it comes to indictments, “I should have four by sometime next week." He also launched into a highly personal attack on Willis, who is Black, calling the 52-year-old prosecutor "a young woman, a young racist in Atlanta.”

“She’s got a lot of problems. But she wants to indict me to try to run for some other office,” he said.

A spokesperson for Willis declined to comment.

Beyond his criminal cases,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-investigations-other-charges-b8b064a00caad4306fb54d2f6a320468">Trump faces several civil cases</a>&nbsp;that are working their way through the courts.

Although he usually boasts that his legal problems only help his campaign prospects, he made a rare statement Tuesday that they are taking a financial toll. His political operation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-legal-bills-pac-defense-fund-campaign-filing-2024-36fe10e4988a56de34f120cff38e1552">spent more than $40 million on legal fees so far this year,</a>&nbsp;according to recent campaign finance disclosures.

Trump, who has portrayed the investigations as politically motivated, said they are forcing him “to spend time and money away from the campaign trail in order to fight bogus made-up accusations and charges.”

“That's what they're doing. 'I'm sorry, I won't be able to go to Iowa today. I won't be able to go to New Hampshire today,'" he said. “Because I'm sitting in a courtroom on bull—-.”

The crowd cheered and broke into chants of “bull——!”

Trump smiled and shook his head while he watched the crowd chant.

WINDHAM, N.H. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday blasted special counsel Jack Smith anew and vowed to continue campaigning on his criminal cases even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-election-capitol-riot-indictment-protective-order-71cd642e876c47fff4e1283c15f8ca01">prosecutors seek a protective order</a>&nbsp;to limit the evidence that he and his team can share.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;I&#39;m sorry I won&#39;t be able to go to Iowa today, I won&#39;t be able to go to New Hampshire today because I&#39;m sitting in a court room on bullshit because his attorney general charged me with something.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Ox2n9rrH7v">pic.twitter.com/Ox2n9rrH7v</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1689005551139627008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the early voting state of New Hampshire, Trump assailed Smith as a “thug prosecutor” and a “deranged guy” a week after being indicted on felony charges for his efforts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election in the run-up to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.The former president lobbed the insults at Smith just days after the Department of Justice asked a judge to approve a protective order stopping Trump from publicly disclosing evidence. Federal prosecutors contend that Trump is seeking to “try the case in the media rather than in the courtroom."The judge overseeing the case has scheduled a hearing over the protective order for Friday morning.Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-indictment-protective-order-chutkan-7188eddf6cac0a34379aae71eb16a226">lawyers have argued that</a>&nbsp;the prospective order is too broad and would restrict his First Amendment rights of free speech, something Trump echoed on stage Tuesday.“I will talk about it. They’re not taking away my First Amendment,” Trump said, speaking to supporters during a rally at a high school in the southeastern New Hampshire town of Windham.The former president said he needs to be able to respond to reporters' questions about the case on the campaign trail — something he has not made a practice of doing — and cited the movie “2000 Mules,” which made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-technology-health-arizona-e1b49d2311bf900f44fa5c6dac406762">various debunked claims</a>&nbsp;about mail ballots, drop boxes and ballot collection in the 2020 presidential election.“All of this will come up during this trial," Trump said.In the four-count indictment filed against Trump last week, the Justice Department accused him of orchestrating a scheme to block the peaceful transfer of power. He was told by multiple people in trusted positions that his claims were false, prosecutors said, but he spread them anyway to sow public mistrust about the election.Trump, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, repeated his lies about the election on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">despite the fact</a>&nbsp;that numerous federal and local election officials of both parties, a long list of courts, top former campaign staffers and even his attorney general have all said there is no evidence of the fraud he alleges.Trump will have none of that.“There was never a second of any day that I didn’t believe that that election was rigged. It was a rigged election, and it was a stolen disgusting election and this country should be ashamed," Trump said.Trump, who is also facing charges in Florida and New York, is gearing up for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2020-election-georgia-grand-jury-investigation-30f7874b58137831cfa5dd86415a9e9f">possible fourth indictment</a>, in a case out of Fulton County, Georgia, over alleged efforts by him and his allies to illegally meddle in the 2020 election in that state. The county district attorney, Fani Willis, has signaled that any indictments in the case would likely come this month.Trump alluded to that Tuesday, predicting that when it comes to indictments, “I should have four by sometime next week." He also launched into a highly personal attack on Willis, who is Black, calling the 52-year-old prosecutor "a young woman, a young racist in Atlanta.”“She’s got a lot of problems. But she wants to indict me to try to run for some other office,” he said.A spokesperson for Willis declined to comment.Beyond his criminal cases,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-investigations-other-charges-b8b064a00caad4306fb54d2f6a320468">Trump faces several civil cases</a>&nbsp;that are working their way through the courts.Although he usually boasts that his legal problems only help his campaign prospects, he made a rare statement Tuesday that they are taking a financial toll. His political operation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-legal-bills-pac-defense-fund-campaign-filing-2024-36fe10e4988a56de34f120cff38e1552">spent more than $40 million on legal fees so far this year,</a>&nbsp;according to recent campaign finance disclosures.Trump, who has portrayed the investigations as politically motivated, said they are forcing him “to spend time and money away from the campaign trail in order to fight bogus made-up accusations and charges.”“That's what they're doing. 'I'm sorry, I won't be able to go to Iowa today. I won't be able to go to New Hampshire today,'" he said. “Because I'm sitting in a courtroom on bull—-.”The crowd cheered and broke into chants of “bull——!”Trump smiled and shook his head while he watched the crowd chant.“Thank you very much,” he said.

🎥 Trump vows to keep campaigning on criminal cases 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio voters on Tuesday resoundingly rejected a Republican-backed measure that would have made it more difficult to change the state’s constitution, setting up a fall campaign that will become the nation’s latest referendum on abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned nationwide protections last year.

The defeat of Issue 1 keeps in place a simple majority threshold for passing future constitutional amendments, rather than the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/constitutional-access-ohio-house-abortion-ballot-95cae24b996ce943c976dbf06d7d9867">60% supermajority that was proposed</a>. Its supporters said the higher bar would protect the state’s foundational document from outside interest groups.

Voter opposition to the proposal was widespread, even spreading into traditionally Republican territory. In fact, in early returns, support for the measure fell far short of former President Donald Trump’s performance during the 2020 election in nearly every county.

Dennis Willard, a spokesperson for the opposition campaign One Person One Vote, called Issue 1 a “deceptive power grab” that was intended to diminish the influence of the state’s voters.

“Tonight is a major victory for democracy in Ohio,” Willard told a jubilant crowd at the opposition campaign’s watch party. “The majority still rules in Ohio.”

President Joe Biden hailed Tuesday's result, releasing a statement saying: “This measure was a blatant attempt to weaken voters’ voices and further erode the freedom of women to make their own health care decisions. Ohioans spoke loud and clear, and tonight democracy won.”

A major national group that opposes abortion rights, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, called the result “a sad day for Ohio" while criticizing the outside money that helped the opposition — even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-ohio-election-constitution-special-interests-06217130060cd97d398169052b6d511a">both sides relied on national groups</a>&nbsp;and individuals in their campaigns.

Republican lawmakers who had pushed the measure — and put it before voters during the height of summer vacation season — explained away the defeat as a result of too little time to adequately explain its virtues to voters. A main backer, Republican Senate President Matt Huffman, predicted lawmakers would try again, though probably not as soon as next year.

“Obviously, there are a lot of folks that did not want this to happen — not just because of the November issues, but for all of the other ones that are coming,” he said, expressing disappointment that Republicans didn't stick together. In a statement, Republican House Speaker Jason Stephens advised supporters to move past Tuesday's results to focus on trying to defeat the abortion rights measure: “The people of Ohio have spoken."

While&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-referendum-election-2023-7ea8656d35adce9dfb8d9a9bf8c69d60">abortion</a>&nbsp;was not directly on the special election ballot, the result marks the latest setback for Republicans in a conservative-leaning state who favor imposing tough restrictions on the procedure. Ohio Republicans placed the question on the summer ballot in hopes of undercutting the citizen initiative that voters will decide in November that seeks to enshrine abortion rights in the state.

Other states where voters have considered abortion rights since last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;have protected them, including in red states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">Kansas</a>&nbsp;and Kentucky.

Dr. Marcela Azevedo, one of the leaders of a coalition advancing the fall abortion question, said Tuesday that Issue 1’s defeat should allow the measure to pass in November.

Interest in Tuesday's special election&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-constitutional-amendments-voters-turnout-election-65381bfc596ab5e34c830f67cef05fc2">was intense</a>, even after Republicans ignored their own law that took effect earlier this year to place the question before voters in August. Voters cast nearly 700,000 early in-person and mail ballots ahead of Tuesday’s final day of voting, more than double the number of advance votes in a typical primary election. Early turnout was especially heavy in the Democratic-leaning counties surrounding Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.

One Person One Vote represented a broad, bipartisan coalition of voting rights, labor, faith and community groups. The group also had as allies four living ex-governors of the state and five former state attorneys general of both parties, who called the proposed change bad public policy.

In place since 1912, the simple majority standard is a much more surmountable hurdle for Ohioans for Reproductive Rights, the group advancing November’s abortion rights amendment. It would establish “a fundamental right to reproductive freedom” with “reasonable limits.”

Voters in several states have approved ballot questions protecting access to abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, but typically have done so with less than 60% of the vote. AP VoteCast polling last year found that 59% of Ohio voters say abortion should generally be legal.

Eric Chon, a Columbus resident who voted against the measure, said there was a clear anti-abortion agenda to the election. Noting that the GOP voted just last year to get rid of August elections entirely due to low turnout for hyperlocal issues, Chon said, “Every time something doesn’t go their way, they change the rules.”

The election result came in the very type of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-constitution-access-august-election-f76b958805b4ff5a1cf7ad21724b68da">August special election</a>&nbsp;that Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a candidate for U.S. Senate, had previously testified against as undemocratic because of historically low turnout.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-gun-rights-vaccines-constitution-ohio-4e3443dfafd071c94a72204606723a47">Republican lawmakers</a>&nbsp;just last year had voted to mostly eliminate such elections, a law they ignored for this year’s election.

Al Daum, of Hilliard, just west of Columbus, said he didn’t feel the rules were being changed to undermine the power of his vote and said he was in favor of the special election measure. Along with increasing the threshold to 60%, it would mandate that any signatures for a constitutional amendment be gathered from all of Ohio’s 88 counties, not just 44.

It’s a change that Daum said would give more Ohio residents a chance to make their voices heard.

Voters’ rejection of the proposal marked a rare rebuke for Ohio Republicans, who have held power across every branch of state government for 12 years. GOP lawmakers had cited possible future amendments related to gun control, minimum wage increases and more as reasons a higher threshold should be required.

Protect Ohio Women, the campaign working to defeat the fall abortion rights amendment, vowed to continue fighting into the fall.

“Our pro-life, pro-parent coalition is more motivated than ever,” the group said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691543919337.png" alt="A yard sign in Mount Vernon, Ohio, against Ohio Issue (Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal)" />
 <figcaption>A yard sign in Mount Vernon, Ohio, against Ohio Issue (Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal)</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio voters on Tuesday resoundingly rejected a Republican-backed measure that would have made it more difficult to change the state’s constitution, setting up a fall campaign that will become the nation’s latest referendum on abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned nationwide protections last year.The defeat of Issue 1 keeps in place a simple majority threshold for passing future constitutional amendments, rather than the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/constitutional-access-ohio-house-abortion-ballot-95cae24b996ce943c976dbf06d7d9867">60% supermajority that was proposed</a>. Its supporters said the higher bar would protect the state’s foundational document from outside interest groups.Voter opposition to the proposal was widespread, even spreading into traditionally Republican territory. In fact, in early returns, support for the measure fell far short of former President Donald Trump’s performance during the 2020 election in nearly every county.Dennis Willard, a spokesperson for the opposition campaign One Person One Vote, called Issue 1 a “deceptive power grab” that was intended to diminish the influence of the state’s voters.“Tonight is a major victory for democracy in Ohio,” Willard told a jubilant crowd at the opposition campaign’s watch party. “The majority still rules in Ohio.”President Joe Biden hailed Tuesday's result, releasing a statement saying: “This measure was a blatant attempt to weaken voters’ voices and further erode the freedom of women to make their own health care decisions. Ohioans spoke loud and clear, and tonight democracy won.”A major national group that opposes abortion rights, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, called the result “a sad day for Ohio" while criticizing the outside money that helped the opposition — even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-ohio-election-constitution-special-interests-06217130060cd97d398169052b6d511a">both sides relied on national groups</a>&nbsp;and individuals in their campaigns.Republican lawmakers who had pushed the measure — and put it before voters during the height of summer vacation season — explained away the defeat as a result of too little time to adequately explain its virtues to voters. A main backer, Republican Senate President Matt Huffman, predicted lawmakers would try again, though probably not as soon as next year.“Obviously, there are a lot of folks that did not want this to happen — not just because of the November issues, but for all of the other ones that are coming,” he said, expressing disappointment that Republicans didn't stick together. In a statement, Republican House Speaker Jason Stephens advised supporters to move past Tuesday's results to focus on trying to defeat the abortion rights measure: “The people of Ohio have spoken."While&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-referendum-election-2023-7ea8656d35adce9dfb8d9a9bf8c69d60">abortion</a>&nbsp;was not directly on the special election ballot, the result marks the latest setback for Republicans in a conservative-leaning state who favor imposing tough restrictions on the procedure. Ohio Republicans placed the question on the summer ballot in hopes of undercutting the citizen initiative that voters will decide in November that seeks to enshrine abortion rights in the state.Other states where voters have considered abortion rights since last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;have protected them, including in red states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">Kansas</a>&nbsp;and Kentucky.Dr. Marcela Azevedo, one of the leaders of a coalition advancing the fall abortion question, said Tuesday that Issue 1’s defeat should allow the measure to pass in November.Interest in Tuesday's special election&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-constitutional-amendments-voters-turnout-election-65381bfc596ab5e34c830f67cef05fc2">was intense</a>, even after Republicans ignored their own law that took effect earlier this year to place the question before voters in August. Voters cast nearly 700,000 early in-person and mail ballots ahead of Tuesday’s final day of voting, more than double the number of advance votes in a typical primary election. Early turnout was especially heavy in the Democratic-leaning counties surrounding Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.One Person One Vote represented a broad, bipartisan coalition of voting rights, labor, faith and community groups. The group also had as allies four living ex-governors of the state and five former state attorneys general of both parties, who called the proposed change bad public policy.In place since 1912, the simple majority standard is a much more surmountable hurdle for Ohioans for Reproductive Rights, the group advancing November’s abortion rights amendment. It would establish “a fundamental right to reproductive freedom” with “reasonable limits.”Voters in several states have approved ballot questions protecting access to abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, but typically have done so with less than 60% of the vote. AP VoteCast polling last year found that 59% of Ohio voters say abortion should generally be legal.Eric Chon, a Columbus resident who voted against the measure, said there was a clear anti-abortion agenda to the election. Noting that the GOP voted just last year to get rid of August elections entirely due to low turnout for hyperlocal issues, Chon said, “Every time something doesn’t go their way, they change the rules.”The election result came in the very type of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-constitution-access-august-election-f76b958805b4ff5a1cf7ad21724b68da">August special election</a>&nbsp;that Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a candidate for U.S. Senate, had previously testified against as undemocratic because of historically low turnout.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-gun-rights-vaccines-constitution-ohio-4e3443dfafd071c94a72204606723a47">Republican lawmakers</a>&nbsp;just last year had voted to mostly eliminate such elections, a law they ignored for this year’s election.Al Daum, of Hilliard, just west of Columbus, said he didn’t feel the rules were being changed to undermine the power of his vote and said he was in favor of the special election measure. Along with increasing the threshold to 60%, it would mandate that any signatures for a constitutional amendment be gathered from all of Ohio’s 88 counties, not just 44.It’s a change that Daum said would give more Ohio residents a chance to make their voices heard.Voters’ rejection of the proposal marked a rare rebuke for Ohio Republicans, who have held power across every branch of state government for 12 years. GOP lawmakers had cited possible future amendments related to gun control, minimum wage increases and more as reasons a higher threshold should be required.Protect Ohio Women, the campaign working to defeat the fall abortion rights amendment, vowed to continue fighting into the fall.“Our pro-life, pro-parent coalition is more motivated than ever,” the group said in a statement.

Win for abortion-rights supporters; Ohio voters reject Issue 1

NEW YORK (AP) — A woman was seriously injured after a shark bit her on the thigh while she was swimming at a New York City beach, officials said, a highly unusual attack that appears to be the first recorded bite on the city’s shoreline in decades.

The 65-year-old woman, whose name has not been released, was swimming off Rockaway Beach just before 6 p.m. Monday when a shark bit her on the left leg, the city parks department said in a statement.

Lifeguards pulled the woman from the water and administered first aid. The woman was taken to Jamaica Hospital in critical but stable condition with severe lacerations to her thigh, a police spokesperson said.

A photograph of the woman’s injury shared by lifeguards showed a deep gash above her knee, with several inches of outer thigh missing and blood around the wound. The bite appeared to be far more serious than many of the other shark encounters reported in the region, which often involve the predators lightly nibbling the swimmer to determine whether they are prey, then moving on.

“Though this was a frightening event, we want to remind New Yorkers that shark bites in Rockaway are extremely rare,” parks department spokesperson Meghan Lalor said. “We remain vigilant in monitoring the beach and always clear the water when a shark is spotted. “

Lifeguards cleared all swimmers from the water and police used a helicopter to search the area for sharks but did not find any, the parks department said. Rockaway Beach was closed to swimming and surfing Tuesday as a precaution.

Experts say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shark-bites-summer-beach-safety-98a80236f0eccefc2072b009b4932485">shark bites are extremely rare</a>, with roughly 70 to 80 unprovoked bites worldwide each year. The last recorded shark bite on Rockaway Beach came more than six decades ago, according to a database compiled by the International Shark Attack File. City parks officials said they had no knowledge of another shark bite “in recent memory.”

But shark sightings on New York beaches have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/long-island-shark-drone-patrols-7b8be390a3272ea4e7bdfa6fa7d447ea">increased in recent years</a>, with the predators drawn closer to shore by a growing population of bait fish that have flourished under recent conservation efforts.

On Rockaway Beach, a bustling city shoreline that often attracts more than 100,000 people in a single day, officials have repeatedly closed stretches of water after shark sightings over the past two summers.

Farther east of Rockaway, off the coast of Long Island, the number of shark bites has increased as well. In the past two summers, at least 13 swimmers reported being bitten off the coast of Long Island, officials said, though none of the injuries were considered serious. Before 2022, there were just a dozen known shark bites in New York’s history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691524716893.jpeg" alt="A red flag warning visitors swimming is prohibited is seen at the entrance to Rockaway beach, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in the Queens borough of New York. A woman was critically injured when a shark bit her on the leg while she was swimming at a New York City beach, officials said. Rockaway Beach was closed to swimming and surfing on Tuesday as a precaution. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)" />
 <figcaption>A red flag warning visitors swimming is prohibited is seen at the entrance to Rockaway beach, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in the Queens borough of New York. A woman was critically injured when a shark bit her on the leg while she was swimming at a New York City beach, officials said. Rockaway Beach was closed to swimming and surfing on Tuesday as a precaution. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A woman was seriously injured after a shark bit her on the thigh while she was swimming at a New York City beach, officials said, a highly unusual attack that appears to be the first recorded bite on the city’s shoreline in decades.The 65-year-old woman, whose name has not been released, was swimming off Rockaway Beach just before 6 p.m. Monday when a shark bit her on the left leg, the city parks department said in a statement.Lifeguards pulled the woman from the water and administered first aid. The woman was taken to Jamaica Hospital in critical but stable condition with severe lacerations to her thigh, a police spokesperson said.A photograph of the woman’s injury shared by lifeguards showed a deep gash above her knee, with several inches of outer thigh missing and blood around the wound. The bite appeared to be far more serious than many of the other shark encounters reported in the region, which often involve the predators lightly nibbling the swimmer to determine whether they are prey, then moving on.“Though this was a frightening event, we want to remind New Yorkers that shark bites in Rockaway are extremely rare,” parks department spokesperson Meghan Lalor said. “We remain vigilant in monitoring the beach and always clear the water when a shark is spotted. “Lifeguards cleared all swimmers from the water and police used a helicopter to search the area for sharks but did not find any, the parks department said. Rockaway Beach was closed to swimming and surfing Tuesday as a precaution.Experts say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shark-bites-summer-beach-safety-98a80236f0eccefc2072b009b4932485">shark bites are extremely rare</a>, with roughly 70 to 80 unprovoked bites worldwide each year. The last recorded shark bite on Rockaway Beach came more than six decades ago, according to a database compiled by the International Shark Attack File. City parks officials said they had no knowledge of another shark bite “in recent memory.”But shark sightings on New York beaches have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/long-island-shark-drone-patrols-7b8be390a3272ea4e7bdfa6fa7d447ea">increased in recent years</a>, with the predators drawn closer to shore by a growing population of bait fish that have flourished under recent conservation efforts.On Rockaway Beach, a bustling city shoreline that often attracts more than 100,000 people in a single day, officials have repeatedly closed stretches of water after shark sightings over the past two summers.Farther east of Rockaway, off the coast of Long Island, the number of shark bites has increased as well. In the past two summers, at least 13 swimmers reported being bitten off the coast of Long Island, officials said, though none of the injuries were considered serious. Before 2022, there were just a dozen known shark bites in New York’s history.

Woman seriously injured by rare shark bite off NYC's Rockaway Beach

AUGUST 8, 2023 (KEARNEY, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested one person after a road rage incident Monday evening on Interstate 80 near Kearney.

At approximately 6:20 p.m., NSP received a report of a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 80 near mile marker 266. The reporting party stated that one of the vehicles involved, and Audi SQ5, had been forced into the median where it came to a stop. The driver was not injured. NSP also received a description of the vehicle that had left the scene of the crash, a Honda Civic.

A few minutes later, a trooper located the Honda as it was traveling eastbound at approximately 95 miles per hour on I-80, near mile marker 277. The trooper observed damage to the driver’s side of the vehicle. The trooper performed a traffic stop. A Buffalo County Sheriff’s Deputy was also able to make contact with the driver of the Audi and observed damage to the vehicle.

During the investigation, the trooper determined that the driver of the Honda had intentionally struck the Audi twice, forcing it into the median. The driver of the Honda, Marjiek Lual, 20, of Grand Island, was arrested for attempted 2nd&nbsp;degree assault, criminal mischief $5,000+, willful reckless driving, and traffic violations. She was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

Cody Thomas - Nebraska State PatrolAUGUST 8, 2023 (KEARNEY, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested one person after a road rage incident Monday evening on Interstate 80 near Kearney.At approximately 6:20 p.m., NSP received a report of a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 80 near mile marker 266. The reporting party stated that one of the vehicles involved, and Audi SQ5, had been forced into the median where it came to a stop. The driver was not injured. NSP also received a description of the vehicle that had left the scene of the crash, a Honda Civic.A few minutes later, a trooper located the Honda as it was traveling eastbound at approximately 95 miles per hour on I-80, near mile marker 277. The trooper observed damage to the driver’s side of the vehicle. The trooper performed a traffic stop. A Buffalo County Sheriff’s Deputy was also able to make contact with the driver of the Audi and observed damage to the vehicle.During the investigation, the trooper determined that the driver of the Honda had intentionally struck the Audi twice, forcing it into the median. The driver of the Honda, Marjiek Lual, 20, of Grand Island, was arrested for attempted 2nd&nbsp;degree assault, criminal mischief $5,000+, willful reckless driving, and traffic violations. She was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

Troopers Arrest Driver After Road Rage Crash near Kearney

CURTIS, Neb. – The fee waiver code “NCTA” saves applicants the $45 application fee until November 1, 2023, at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. This expanded waiver period for Nebraska students supports the NCTA mission of affordability and access.

Beginning now, high school seniors and transfer students from Nebraska applying for the 2024-25 academic year are eligible for the waiver.

“The waiver program has been part of an ongoing system-wide effort to expand access and encourage college-going among students and families,” said NCTA Associate Dean Jennifer McConville, Ph.D.

In recent years, the University system has implemented an online common application, allowing prospective students to apply to any or several NU campuses simultaneously. They can list preferences for types of academic programs and campuses.

“We have found at NCTA in the past three years that new students and their families appreciate the savings on application fees and tuition.” McConville continued,<a>&nbsp;“The timing is ideal for the fee waiver campaign since high school students will soon be attending college fairs throughout Nebraska and can combine those savings with scholarships and other financial aid at NCTA.”</a>

Visit the website to apply:&nbsp;<a href="https://ncta.unl.edu/apply-now" target="_blank">https://ncta.unl.edu/apply-now</a>&nbsp;or call Gaylene Stinman, Admissions Recruiter, at 1(800) 3Curtis.

By NCTA newsCURTIS, Neb. – The fee waiver code “NCTA” saves applicants the $45 application fee until November 1, 2023, at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. This expanded waiver period for Nebraska students supports the NCTA mission of affordability and access.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691520477735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Beginning now, high school seniors and transfer students from Nebraska applying for the 2024-25 academic year are eligible for the waiver.“The waiver program has been part of an ongoing system-wide effort to expand access and encourage college-going among students and families,” said NCTA Associate Dean Jennifer McConville, Ph.D.In recent years, the University system has implemented an online common application, allowing prospective students to apply to any or several NU campuses simultaneously. They can list preferences for types of academic programs and campuses.“We have found at NCTA in the past three years that new students and their families appreciate the savings on application fees and tuition.” McConville continued,<a>&nbsp;“The timing is ideal for the fee waiver campaign since high school students will soon be attending college fairs throughout Nebraska and can combine those savings with scholarships and other financial aid at NCTA.”</a>Visit the website to apply:&nbsp;<a href="https://ncta.unl.edu/apply-now" target="_blank">https://ncta.unl.edu/apply-now</a>&nbsp;or call Gaylene Stinman, Admissions Recruiter, at 1(800) 3Curtis.

Free to Apply to NCTA

(AP)-U.S. regulators are warning airlines to limit the use of an anti-icing system on Boeing 737 Max jets in dry air to avoid overheating engine-housing parts, which could cause them to break away from the plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the risk to the flying public is serious enough that it will put the order into effect in just 15 days, and without allowing public comment first.

The FAA said if the engine inlet gets too hot, parts of the housing could come off and strike a window, causing decompression and a hazard to passengers in window seats.

The finding affects LEAP-1B engines used on all versions of the Max. The engines are made by CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and France's Safran.

In 2018, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/78500b1dcf784d118855a540ea899a8c">Southwest Airlines passenger died</a>&nbsp;after part of the engine housing on an older version of Boeing's 737 jet flew off and broke the window next to her seat. That engine failure started with a broken fan blade.

The FAA said there have been no reports of the overheating problem occurring on Max flights. It said the potential for damage was discovered during flight testing and analysis in June.

Boeing said overheating of the inlets — which are made by Boeing, not CFM — can only happen under “very specific" conditions and wasn't known until recently.

“Boeing has identified measures to mitigate the potential issue and (is) working with our customers to deploy those measures while a permanent fix is developed,” the company said in a statement.

The problem highlighted by the FAA involves something called engine anti-ice, in which hot air from the engine is used to heat the housing and prevent the formation of ice that could be sucked into the engines.

The FAA is dictating that flight manuals tell pilots and airlines not to use engine anti-ice in dry air for more than five minutes. Otherwise, the FAA said, “during certain combinations of altitude, total air temperature” and engine settings, the engine inlet inner barrel could be heated beyond its design limit. That could cause the inlet barrel to fail and damage a piece of housing called the inlet cowl.

If parts break off from engine housing, it could not only break a window but might hit other key parts of the plane, causing pilots to lose control, the FAA said.

The FAA indicated it will publish the rule in the Federal Register on Thursday.

Two Boeing Max jets crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. Investigations focused on an automated flight-control system that pushed the nose of the plane down based on faulty sensor readings. Boeing did not tell pilots and airlines about the system until after the first crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691511284395.jpeg" alt="In this Feb. 5, 2018, file photo a Boeing 737 MAX 7 is displayed during a debut for employees and media of the new jet in Renton, Wash. U.S. regulators are warning airlines to limit the use of an anti-icing system on Boeing 737 Max jets in dry air to avoid overheating engine-housing parts, which could cause them to break away from the plane. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)" />
 <figcaption>In this Feb. 5, 2018, file photo a Boeing 737 MAX 7 is displayed during a debut for employees and media of the new jet in Renton, Wash. U.S. regulators are warning airlines to limit the use of an anti-icing system on Boeing 737 Max jets in dry air to avoid overheating engine-housing parts, which could cause them to break away from the plane. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By David Koenig(AP)-U.S. regulators are warning airlines to limit the use of an anti-icing system on Boeing 737 Max jets in dry air to avoid overheating engine-housing parts, which could cause them to break away from the plane.The Federal Aviation Administration says the risk to the flying public is serious enough that it will put the order into effect in just 15 days, and without allowing public comment first.The FAA said if the engine inlet gets too hot, parts of the housing could come off and strike a window, causing decompression and a hazard to passengers in window seats.The finding affects LEAP-1B engines used on all versions of the Max. The engines are made by CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and France's Safran.In 2018, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/78500b1dcf784d118855a540ea899a8c">Southwest Airlines passenger died</a>&nbsp;after part of the engine housing on an older version of Boeing's 737 jet flew off and broke the window next to her seat. That engine failure started with a broken fan blade.The FAA said there have been no reports of the overheating problem occurring on Max flights. It said the potential for damage was discovered during flight testing and analysis in June.Boeing said overheating of the inlets — which are made by Boeing, not CFM — can only happen under “very specific" conditions and wasn't known until recently.“Boeing has identified measures to mitigate the potential issue and (is) working with our customers to deploy those measures while a permanent fix is developed,” the company said in a statement.The problem highlighted by the FAA involves something called engine anti-ice, in which hot air from the engine is used to heat the housing and prevent the formation of ice that could be sucked into the engines.The FAA is dictating that flight manuals tell pilots and airlines not to use engine anti-ice in dry air for more than five minutes. Otherwise, the FAA said, “during certain combinations of altitude, total air temperature” and engine settings, the engine inlet inner barrel could be heated beyond its design limit. That could cause the inlet barrel to fail and damage a piece of housing called the inlet cowl.If parts break off from engine housing, it could not only break a window but might hit other key parts of the plane, causing pilots to lose control, the FAA said.The FAA indicated it will publish the rule in the Federal Register on Thursday.Two Boeing Max jets crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. Investigations focused on an automated flight-control system that pushed the nose of the plane down based on faulty sensor readings. Boeing did not tell pilots and airlines about the system until after the first crash.

FAA warns of safety hazard from overheating engine housing on Boeing Max jets during anti-icing

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is reinstating a regulation aimed at reining in the proliferation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-are-ghost-guns-aab2ded78314603e8e87e92dbe4def3f">ghost guns</a>, firearms without serial numbers that have been turning up at crime scenes across the nation in increasing numbers.

The court on Tuesday voted 5-4 to put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in Texas that invalidated the Biden administration's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives-gun-politics-5f0f26cdb5d3bcbc6f9c5daf471c118d">regulation of ghost gun kits</a>. The regulation will be in effect while the administration appeals the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans — and potentially the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined with the court's three liberal members to form the majority. Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas would have kept the regulation on hold during the appeals process. Neither side provided an explanation.

The Justice Department had told the court that local law enforcement agencies seized more than 19,000 ghost guns at crime scenes in 2021, a more than tenfold increase in just five years.

"The public-safety interests in reversing the flow of ghost guns to dangerous and otherwise prohibited persons easily outweighs the minor costs that respondents will incur,"&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-supreme-court-only-on-ap-19ad9190f158f5df1ac5d2f569dcdc80">Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar</a>, the administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer, wrote in a court filing.

The new rule was issued last year and changed the definition of a firearm under federal law to include unfinished parts, like the frame of a handgun or the receiver of a long gun, so they can be tracked more easily. Those parts must be licensed and include serial numbers. Manufacturers must also run background checks before a sale — as they do with other commercially made firearms. The requirement applies regardless of how the firearm was made, meaning it includes ghost guns made from individual parts or kits or by 3D printers.

The rule does not prohibit people from purchasing a kit or any type of firearm.

U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor, in Fort Worth, Texas, struck down the rule in late June, concluding that it exceeded the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' authority. O'Connor wrote that the definition of a firearm in federal law does not cover all the parts of a gun. Congress could change the law, he wrote.

Lawyers for individuals, businesses and advocacy groups challenging the rule told the Supreme Court that O'Connor was right and that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives">the ATF</a>&nbsp;had departed from more than 50 years of regulatory practice in expanding the definition of a firearm.

The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which has long supported regulation of ghost guns, praised the Supreme Court's action. “The challenged rule simply requires that ghost gun kits are regulated like the guns that they are. It will save lives,” David Pucino, the group's deputy chief counsel, said in a statement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is reinstating a regulation aimed at reining in the proliferation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-are-ghost-guns-aab2ded78314603e8e87e92dbe4def3f">ghost guns</a>, firearms without serial numbers that have been turning up at crime scenes across the nation in increasing numbers.The court on Tuesday voted 5-4 to put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in Texas that invalidated the Biden administration's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives-gun-politics-5f0f26cdb5d3bcbc6f9c5daf471c118d">regulation of ghost gun kits</a>. The regulation will be in effect while the administration appeals the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans — and potentially the Supreme Court.Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined with the court's three liberal members to form the majority. Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas would have kept the regulation on hold during the appeals process. Neither side provided an explanation.The Justice Department had told the court that local law enforcement agencies seized more than 19,000 ghost guns at crime scenes in 2021, a more than tenfold increase in just five years."The public-safety interests in reversing the flow of ghost guns to dangerous and otherwise prohibited persons easily outweighs the minor costs that respondents will incur,"&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-supreme-court-only-on-ap-19ad9190f158f5df1ac5d2f569dcdc80">Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar</a>, the administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer, wrote in a court filing.The new rule was issued last year and changed the definition of a firearm under federal law to include unfinished parts, like the frame of a handgun or the receiver of a long gun, so they can be tracked more easily. Those parts must be licensed and include serial numbers. Manufacturers must also run background checks before a sale — as they do with other commercially made firearms. The requirement applies regardless of how the firearm was made, meaning it includes ghost guns made from individual parts or kits or by 3D printers.The rule does not prohibit people from purchasing a kit or any type of firearm.U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor, in Fort Worth, Texas, struck down the rule in late June, concluding that it exceeded the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' authority. O'Connor wrote that the definition of a firearm in federal law does not cover all the parts of a gun. Congress could change the law, he wrote.Lawyers for individuals, businesses and advocacy groups challenging the rule told the Supreme Court that O'Connor was right and that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives">the ATF</a>&nbsp;had departed from more than 50 years of regulatory practice in expanding the definition of a firearm.The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which has long supported regulation of ghost guns, praised the Supreme Court's action. “The challenged rule simply requires that ghost gun kits are regulated like the guns that they are. It will save lives,” David Pucino, the group's deputy chief counsel, said in a statement.

Supreme Court allows Biden administration to regulate ghost guns

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/torrid-temperatures-led-to-cattle-losses-in-nebraska-and-calls-by-gov-pillen-and-rep-flood-for-federal-help/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Recent torrid temperatures caused higher-than-normal losses of cattle in feedlots in eastern Nebraska, prompting a call from Gov. Jim Pillen for federal help.

Pillen, in a press release Friday, said he called U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting prompt financial help for livestock producers via the Livestock Indemnity Program.

The governor’s call came four days after U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., sent a letter to the USDA seeking similar help.

The federal indemnity program pays livestock producers roughly 75% of their losses, but losses or injuries must be reported within 30 days to a local Farm Services Agency.

“The weather situation only lasted a few days, but some Nebraska producers were significantly impacted,” Pillen said. “Connecting affected producers with emergency resources available to them is important.”

The Governor’s Office could not provide figures on how many cattle died during the recent heat spell, which sent temperatures soaring to near 100 and above for three days last week in east-central Nebraska, including Pillen’s hometown of Columbus. High humidity and the lack of wind compounded heat-related stress, the governor said.

In northeast Nebraska’s Cuming County, which has the most cattle on feed in the state, reports of cattle losses are still coming in, but they were generally less than anticipated.

Alfredo DiCostanzo, a University of Nebraska livestock extension educator, said he met with a group of feedlot operators there who said their losses were less than 50 head in feedlots with capacities of 5,000 to 7,000.

“I have heard of specific cases with numbers greater than that further west and south of us,” DiCostanzo said.&nbsp;“But the perception around here was that it could have been worse.”

He said he was told that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s research feedlot near Mead lost 18 cattle out of 1,200 head.

Cattle prices are high right now, with the typically feeder steer bringing between $2,500 and $3,000 each, DiCostanzo said.

He said producers may have mitigated their losses by moving cattle most susceptible to heat stress to pens with shade or sprinklers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682007121403.jpg" alt="Photo on File" />
 <figcaption>Photo on File</figcaption>
 </figure>By Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/torrid-temperatures-led-to-cattle-losses-in-nebraska-and-calls-by-gov-pillen-and-rep-flood-for-federal-help/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Recent torrid temperatures caused higher-than-normal losses of cattle in feedlots in eastern Nebraska, prompting a call from Gov. Jim Pillen for federal help.Pillen, in a press release Friday, said he called U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting prompt financial help for livestock producers via the Livestock Indemnity Program.The governor’s call came four days after U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., sent a letter to the USDA seeking similar help.<h2>Federal program covers 75% of losses</h2>The federal indemnity program pays livestock producers roughly 75% of their losses, but losses or injuries must be reported within 30 days to a local Farm Services Agency.“The weather situation only lasted a few days, but some Nebraska producers were significantly impacted,” Pillen said. “Connecting affected producers with emergency resources available to them is important.”The Governor’s Office could not provide figures on how many cattle died during the recent heat spell, which sent temperatures soaring to near 100 and above for three days last week in east-central Nebraska, including Pillen’s hometown of Columbus. High humidity and the lack of wind compounded heat-related stress, the governor said.In northeast Nebraska’s Cuming County, which has the most cattle on feed in the state, reports of cattle losses are still coming in, but they were generally less than anticipated.Alfredo DiCostanzo, a University of Nebraska livestock extension educator, said he met with a group of feedlot operators there who said their losses were less than 50 head in feedlots with capacities of 5,000 to 7,000.<h2>‘Could have been worse’</h2>“I have heard of specific cases with numbers greater than that further west and south of us,” DiCostanzo said.&nbsp;“But the perception around here was that it could have been worse.”He said he was told that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s research feedlot near Mead lost 18 cattle out of 1,200 head.Cattle prices are high right now, with the typically feeder steer bringing between $2,500 and $3,000 each, DiCostanzo said.He said producers may have mitigated their losses by moving cattle most susceptible to heat stress to pens with shade or sprinklers.

Torrid temperatures led to cattle losses in Nebraska and calls by Gov. Pillen and Rep. Flood for federal help

By&nbsp;ROBIN OPSAHL&nbsp;AND&nbsp;JAY WAAGEMEESTER&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>

In the wake of former President Donald Trump’s most recent indictments, his opponents in the campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination railed against the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice at a fundraising event Sunday for U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson.

More than 300 people attended Hinson’s BBQ Bash at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids. It was an opportunity for presidential hopefuls to socialize and take photos with potential caucus-goers — and a chance for them to seek the support of Iowans who voted for Hinson and other Republicans in 2022.

Last year, Hinson said, Iowans helped remove U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi as House speaker – and in 2024, she said, they will help remove President Joe Biden from office.

“Taking our country back starts right here in Iowa, and starts right here today,” Hinson said. “And remember this: Iowa picks presidents.”

Seven of the 2024 GOP candidates spoke at the event. Trump, who was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/01/trump-indicted-in-connection-with-jan-6-attack-on-the-u-s-capitol/">recently indicted on criminal charges</a>&nbsp;tied to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, was not at the event, but was on the minds of many attending.

Linda Devark of Cedar Rapids said Trump remains her top choice as the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. Devark said she is not concerned about the former president’s indictments, saying the Justice Department’s focus on Trump is meant to draw attention away from the president and his son, Hunter Biden.

“I think it’s interesting that any day that something takes place with Hunter Biden or Joe Biden, by the next day there’s an indictment,” Devark said.

Hinson had expressed similar sentiments on Aug. 1, linking the most recent indictment of Trump to what she called “another Biden scandal,” adding, “We must stop the unAmerican politicization of the judicial system.”

Other Iowans attending Sunday’s event said they’re looking for alternatives to Trump. Rick Ransom, a retired salesman from Benton County said it is too early to make a decision, but Trump’s “baggage” hurts his chances at reclaiming the White House.

“I think his time has passed,” Ransom said. “He’s got too much baggage now. A lot of baggage.”

Ransom said he would vote for Trump if he happens to be the nominee, but until then, it is too early to make a decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I want to hear more,” he said, adding that his three preferred candidates are currently Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and South Carolia Sen. Tim Scott.

Don Bayliss of Wellman said Trump has proven himself but said he’s not entirely committed to the former president this far out from the caucuses.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We know what he can do,” Bayliss said. “He did it for four years.”

Bayliss said he is open to other candidates, with DeSantis, Burgum, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Scott ranking as his next choices for president.

“We’re listening,” Bayliss said. “We got to see what there is, what each candidate has to offer and what they would like to do for our country to put it on its feet again.”

Although Trump was not in attendance, members of his campaign team set up a booth at the event.

Here’s what presidential candidates told the crowd at Hinson’s fundraiser:

DeSantis did not bring up Trump, his top rival for the 2024 Iowa caucuses, instead focusing on his conservative victories in Florida.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and DeSantis bantered in their speeches about the competition among states with GOP governors, with Reynolds pointing to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/best-states-to-retire-2023-iowa-florida-bankrate/">a recent study</a>&nbsp;that found Iowa surpassed Florida as the best state to retire based on metrics like affordability, quality of health care, weather and crime.

DeSantis went through his accomplishments as governor, the crowd cheering when he said Florida “stood up” to Disney, cut taxes and served as a “refuge of sanity” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In Florida, most people that run for office, they overpromise and underdeliver,” DeSantis said. “We made bold promises to the people of Florida, we met every single commitment we made, and in fact, we over-delivered on our promises.”

If elected president, DeSantis said, he would end the “weaponization of government,” adding that he would replace FBI Director Christopher Wray on his first day as president and make changes to the Department of Justice. But, he said, voters need to make sure they don’t “squander” the election.

“I’m asking for your support in the January caucuses because I can pledge to you this: I will get the job done,” DeSantis said. “I will not let you down.”

Not only are small-town values the key to a successful White House, Burgum said, they are a driving factor in his campaign.

“When someone tells me that you can’t be from a small town and run for president, it’s just like jumping on my start button, because D.C. needs more small-town values,” Burgum said.

Burgum described America as having two realities, “Two things can happen at the same time that are opposites,” Burgum said.

“You go to communities like this and see neighbors helping neighbors … We need to focus on the best of America, you turn on social media you never hear about the best of America.”

Burgum said the Biden administration “needs a course correction, they are 180 degrees wrong on the economy, energy and on national security.”

America must sell energy to allies instead of purchasing it from enemies, Burgum said, a common line from his stump speech.

Burgum also called for a smaller federal government.

“There’s a huge opportunity to take 10% or 20% of the cost out of the federal government,” Burgum said. “I know how to do that. I’ve done it before.”

Burgum planned to visit the U.S.-Mexico border Monday.

Businessman Perry Johnson, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Businessman Perry Johnson said he wants to make sure the Republican National Committee is not “corrupt,” calling for all candidates to be included in any polling focused on the 2024 Republican field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691516540473.png" alt=" Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption> Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;ROBIN OPSAHL&nbsp;AND&nbsp;JAY WAAGEMEESTER&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>In the wake of former President Donald Trump’s most recent indictments, his opponents in the campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination railed against the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice at a fundraising event Sunday for U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson.More than 300 people attended Hinson’s BBQ Bash at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids. It was an opportunity for presidential hopefuls to socialize and take photos with potential caucus-goers — and a chance for them to seek the support of Iowans who voted for Hinson and other Republicans in 2022.Last year, Hinson said, Iowans helped remove U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi as House speaker – and in 2024, she said, they will help remove President Joe Biden from office.“Taking our country back starts right here in Iowa, and starts right here today,” Hinson said. “And remember this: Iowa picks presidents.”Seven of the 2024 GOP candidates spoke at the event. Trump, who was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/01/trump-indicted-in-connection-with-jan-6-attack-on-the-u-s-capitol/">recently indicted on criminal charges</a>&nbsp;tied to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, was not at the event, but was on the minds of many attending.Linda Devark of Cedar Rapids said Trump remains her top choice as the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. Devark said she is not concerned about the former president’s indictments, saying the Justice Department’s focus on Trump is meant to draw attention away from the president and his son, Hunter Biden.“I think it’s interesting that any day that something takes place with Hunter Biden or Joe Biden, by the next day there’s an indictment,” Devark said.Hinson had expressed similar sentiments on Aug. 1, linking the most recent indictment of Trump to what she called “another Biden scandal,” adding, “We must stop the unAmerican politicization of the judicial system.”Other Iowans attending Sunday’s event said they’re looking for alternatives to Trump. Rick Ransom, a retired salesman from Benton County said it is too early to make a decision, but Trump’s “baggage” hurts his chances at reclaiming the White House.“I think his time has passed,” Ransom said. “He’s got too much baggage now. A lot of baggage.”Ransom said he would vote for Trump if he happens to be the nominee, but until then, it is too early to make a decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I want to hear more,” he said, adding that his three preferred candidates are currently Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and South Carolia Sen. Tim Scott.Don Bayliss of Wellman said Trump has proven himself but said he’s not entirely committed to the former president this far out from the caucuses.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We know what he can do,” Bayliss said. “He did it for four years.”Bayliss said he is open to other candidates, with DeSantis, Burgum, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Scott ranking as his next choices for president.“We’re listening,” Bayliss said. “We got to see what there is, what each candidate has to offer and what they would like to do for our country to put it on its feet again.”Although Trump was not in attendance, members of his campaign team set up a booth at the event.Here’s what presidential candidates told the crowd at Hinson’s fundraiser:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691516631574.png" alt="Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis</h2>DeSantis did not bring up Trump, his top rival for the 2024 Iowa caucuses, instead focusing on his conservative victories in Florida.Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and DeSantis bantered in their speeches about the competition among states with GOP governors, with Reynolds pointing to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/best-states-to-retire-2023-iowa-florida-bankrate/">a recent study</a>&nbsp;that found Iowa surpassed Florida as the best state to retire based on metrics like affordability, quality of health care, weather and crime.DeSantis went through his accomplishments as governor, the crowd cheering when he said Florida “stood up” to Disney, cut taxes and served as a “refuge of sanity” during the COVID-19 pandemic.“In Florida, most people that run for office, they overpromise and underdeliver,” DeSantis said. “We made bold promises to the people of Florida, we met every single commitment we made, and in fact, we over-delivered on our promises.”If elected president, DeSantis said, he would end the “weaponization of government,” adding that he would replace FBI Director Christopher Wray on his first day as president and make changes to the Department of Justice. But, he said, voters need to make sure they don’t “squander” the election.“I’m asking for your support in the January caucuses because I can pledge to you this: I will get the job done,” DeSantis said. “I will not let you down.”<h2>North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum</h2>Not only are small-town values the key to a successful White House, Burgum said, they are a driving factor in his campaign.“When someone tells me that you can’t be from a small town and run for president, it’s just like jumping on my start button, because D.C. needs more small-town values,” Burgum said.Burgum described America as having two realities, “Two things can happen at the same time that are opposites,” Burgum said.“You go to communities like this and see neighbors helping neighbors … We need to focus on the best of America, you turn on social media you never hear about the best of America.”Burgum said the Biden administration “needs a course correction, they are 180 degrees wrong on the economy, energy and on national security.”America must sell energy to allies instead of purchasing it from enemies, Burgum said, a common line from his stump speech.Burgum also called for a smaller federal government.“There’s a huge opportunity to take 10% or 20% of the cost out of the federal government,” Burgum said. “I know how to do that. I’ve done it before.”Burgum planned to visit the U.S.-Mexico border Monday.<h2>Perry Johnson</h2>Businessman Perry Johnson, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Businessman Perry Johnson said he wants to make sure the Republican National Committee is not “corrupt,” calling for all candidates to be included in any polling focused on the 2024 Republican field.Johnson said “they have done everything to try to get me out of the debate,” but that he now has 40,000 individual donors — meeting the threshold needed to make it onto the Milwaukee debate stage.“I’m going to have 50,000,” Johnson said. “I just need to make sure they include me in the poll.”He said other candidates that have not met that threshold should also be included in polling.Johnson also called for the impeachment of Biden and the pardoning of Trump, who has yet to be convicted of any crimes. The Michigan Republican said that Americans know roughly $10 million went to the Biden family through a “myriad of corporations.”“They have all these corporations strung together, stealing that money, bribing – who knows what it is,” Johnson said. “But I say let’s investigate it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691516686376.png" alt="Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Vivek Ramaswamy</h2>Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur, gathered applause when he said he will “drain the swamp,” if elected.The youngest candidate in the field called for term limits for “the bureaucracy,” and he also called for term limits for employees of government agencies.“We will not just reform those agencies, we will get in there and shut them down, that is how we revive our constitutional republic in the United States of America,” Ramaswamy said.Arguing that America has an identity crisis, Ramaswamy called for a revolution.“Do you want incremental reform or do you want revolution?” he asked the crowd. He said he “stands on the side of the American Revolution, those 1776 ideals that set this county in motion.”“We are so starved for purpose and meaning and identity at a time in our national history with the things that used to fill that hunger — faith, patriotism, hard work, family, these things have disappeared,” Ramaswamy said. “And that leaves a black hole or moral vacuum in its wake. And when you have a black hole that runs that deep, that is when the poison fills the void. Wokeism, transgenderism, climateism, COVIDism, globalism, depression, anxiety, fentanyl, suicide. These are symptoms of a deeper void of purpose and meaning in our country.”Ramaswamy also criticized affirmative action, saying it “has been a cancer on our national soul.”<h2>Larry Elder</h2>Larry Elder, who ran for California governor against Gov. Gavin Newsom in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election, brought up his former rival’s agreement to debate DeSantis – one of Elder’s current rivals for the nomination.“Wouldn’t it have been nice if somebody had pressured him to debate me during the recall election when it mattered?” Elder asked.In June, Newsom told Fox News host Sean Hannity that he would be willing to debate DeSantis. The Florida governor&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/08/03/ron-desantis-gavin-newsom-debate/">agreed to the debate</a>&nbsp;when speaking with Hannity, who would moderate, earlier in August.Both governors have proposed several dates to hold the debate, but have not agreed on proposed rules, such as whether to have a live audience or to give opening remarks.Elder asked Iowans to donate to his campaign so he can get on the August debate stage, saying he was the only candidate to speak about issues such as the “epidemic of fatherlessness” and to call for a U.S. constitutional amendment that would tie federal spending to a percentage of the country’s GDP.<h2>Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson</h2>Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson took the stage to share his criticisms of Biden and outline his goal of restoring the rule of law.“Biden has diminished respect for rule of law in this country,” Hutchinson said.Hutchinson said he supported rule of law during periods of unrest after the murder of George Floyd by bringing in the National Guard and the state police.“I’ve met challenges in our country, as governor, we had protests all across the country after the George Floyd murder,” Hutchinson said. “And whatever we have those protests, many of them turned violent. In Little Rock, Arkansas there was no exception. I saw violence in the street, buildings being burned, the Capitol being threatened and I said enough is enough.”The former governor also thanked the Iowa Legislature for passing a 6-week abortion ban and acknowleged the challenges he faces in his campaign.“I know that this is an uphill battle, because there’s one candidate in the race that has got, like, 50% of the vote,” he said referring to Trump.<h2>Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley</h2>China represents the biggest threat to the U.S. “since Pearl Harbor,” former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley said.China has been “planning war with the United States for years,” she told the crowd, pointing to Chinese companies buying land in the U.S. She cited fentanyl trafficking and intellectual property theft as proof that China is the biggest national security threat that America faces.“Don’t think for a second China doesn’t know what they’re doing,” Haley said.If elected president, Haley said, she would take steps such as denying China access to certain U.S.-developed technology, preventing foreign interests from lobbying members of Congress and stopping “favoritism with defense projects” to make sure the country is prepared for potential conflict with China.She said Americans are “totally distracted” from the threat of China by issues now being discussed in the 2024 presidential campaign.“We’re talking about a bunch of other things that don’t even matter,” Haley said. “All of these issues are big issues. But if we don’t have national security, none of it matters.”This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/06/gop-presidential-candidates-rally-at-iowa-fundraiser/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>,&nbsp;a sister&nbsp;site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.