DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia said Thursday it will extend its unilateral production cut of 1 million barrels of oil a day through the end of September in its effort to boost flagging energy prices, a move that could push U.S. gas prices higher.

The Saudi reduction, which began in July, comes as the other OPEC+ producers have agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">extend earlier production cuts</a>&nbsp;through next year.

The national average for U.S. gas prices stood at about $3.82 a gallon on Tuesday — about 30 cents higher than a month ago, according to motor club AAA. While today’s prices at the pump remain far lower than they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-are-gas-prices-rising-541819ca1aa4d3dc0a0206271f9f8589">last year</a>, when energy costs soared worldwide in the months following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-rising-heat-wave-production-cuts-4cecfbe2ee68eccab7224f163fc676db">experts say such a jump is unusual</a>.

This year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heat-wave-extremes-climate-change-f652668232cc2ec7400f7e65cfb75cb9">record-breaking summer heat</a>&nbsp;has also had an impact, driving up demand for air conditioning and forcing refineries to operate at reduced capacity.

The kingdom announced the extension in a statement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency, quoting an anonymous official in the Energy Ministry. The official added that the cut “can be extended or deepened” if the need arises.

“This additional voluntary cut comes to reinforce the precautionary efforts made by OPEC+ countries with the aim of supporting the stability and balance of oil markets,” the official said.

The move was widely expected by analysts.

Benchmark Brent crude traded Thursday at over $80 a barrel.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">A series of production cuts over the past year</a>&nbsp;has failed to substantially boost prices amid weakened demand from China and tighter monetary policy aimed at combatting inflation. Brent has largely hovered between $75 and $85 a barrel since last October.

The Saudis are particularly keen to boost oil prices in order to fund Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to overhaul the kingdom's economy, reduce its dependence on oil and create jobs for a young population. The plans include several massive infrastructure projects, including the construction of a futuristic $500 billion city called Neom.

Higher prices would also help Russian President Vladimir Putin fund his war on Ukraine, as Western countries have used a price cap to try to cut into Moscow's revenues.

Western sanctions mean&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-health-covid-prices-european-union-65de1c4934227208bfa68bb7d4c47716">Moscow is forced to sell its oil at a discount</a>&nbsp;to countries like China and India. Its estimated export revenue fell by $1.4 billion to $13.3 billion in May, down 36% from a year ago, the International Energy Agency said in a report in June.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia said Thursday it will extend its unilateral production cut of 1 million barrels of oil a day through the end of September in its effort to boost flagging energy prices, a move that could push U.S. gas prices higher.The Saudi reduction, which began in July, comes as the other OPEC+ producers have agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">extend earlier production cuts</a>&nbsp;through next year.The national average for U.S. gas prices stood at about $3.82 a gallon on Tuesday — about 30 cents higher than a month ago, according to motor club AAA. While today’s prices at the pump remain far lower than they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-are-gas-prices-rising-541819ca1aa4d3dc0a0206271f9f8589">last year</a>, when energy costs soared worldwide in the months following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-rising-heat-wave-production-cuts-4cecfbe2ee68eccab7224f163fc676db">experts say such a jump is unusual</a>.This year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heat-wave-extremes-climate-change-f652668232cc2ec7400f7e65cfb75cb9">record-breaking summer heat</a>&nbsp;has also had an impact, driving up demand for air conditioning and forcing refineries to operate at reduced capacity.The kingdom announced the extension in a statement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency, quoting an anonymous official in the Energy Ministry. The official added that the cut “can be extended or deepened” if the need arises.“This additional voluntary cut comes to reinforce the precautionary efforts made by OPEC+ countries with the aim of supporting the stability and balance of oil markets,” the official said.The move was widely expected by analysts.Benchmark Brent crude traded Thursday at over $80 a barrel.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">A series of production cuts over the past year</a>&nbsp;has failed to substantially boost prices amid weakened demand from China and tighter monetary policy aimed at combatting inflation. Brent has largely hovered between $75 and $85 a barrel since last October.The Saudis are particularly keen to boost oil prices in order to fund Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to overhaul the kingdom's economy, reduce its dependence on oil and create jobs for a young population. The plans include several massive infrastructure projects, including the construction of a futuristic $500 billion city called Neom.Higher prices would also help Russian President Vladimir Putin fund his war on Ukraine, as Western countries have used a price cap to try to cut into Moscow's revenues.Western sanctions mean&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-health-covid-prices-european-union-65de1c4934227208bfa68bb7d4c47716">Moscow is forced to sell its oil at a discount</a>&nbsp;to countries like China and India. Its estimated export revenue fell by $1.4 billion to $13.3 billion in May, down 36% from a year ago, the International Energy Agency said in a report in June.

Expect jump in U.S. gas price as Saudis extends oil production cuts

NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Jonathan Majors’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jonathan-majors-assault-charge-court-6b2ba68fe063996ffd263e535c7cd8d9">domestic violence trial</a>&nbsp;was postponed until at least Sept. 6 after New York City prosecutors asked Thursday for more time to prepare.

Majors, 33, appeared in court for what was to have been the start of his trial on charges stemming from a March confrontation with a woman who says he twisted her arm behind her back, struck her on the head and pushed her into a vehicle. The woman was treated at a hospital for minor neck and head injuries, including a cut to her ear.

Majors is charged with misdemeanors, including assault, and could be sentenced to as much as a year in jail if convicted.

The judge set a new tentative trial date of Sept. 6 after prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney's office requested more time for discovery.

Majors walked out of the courtroom after the hearing, acknowledging some seated in the gallery. At one point he bumped his hand to his heart to a woman seated near the door.

His attorney, Priya Chaudhry, said in an email that Majors was unjustly arrested and that it was he who “suffered at the hands” of his accuser.

She said Majors was “the real victim in this shameful ordeal,” adding that he “has had his life, career, and reputation torn apart. Yet he remains unwavering in his determination to be absolved from this harrowing ordeal.”

Majors has starred in the movies “Creed III," “Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania,” among other features.

“We look forward to presenting the full facts and evidence at trial," said Doug Cohen, a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691087323522.jpeg" alt="Jonathan Majors, center, Meagan Good, center right, and attorney Priya Chaudhry, right, leave court after a hearing on his domestic violence case, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)" />
 <figcaption>Jonathan Majors, center, Meagan Good, center right, and attorney Priya Chaudhry, right, leave court after a hearing on his domestic violence case, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Jonathan Majors’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jonathan-majors-assault-charge-court-6b2ba68fe063996ffd263e535c7cd8d9">domestic violence trial</a>&nbsp;was postponed until at least Sept. 6 after New York City prosecutors asked Thursday for more time to prepare.Majors, 33, appeared in court for what was to have been the start of his trial on charges stemming from a March confrontation with a woman who says he twisted her arm behind her back, struck her on the head and pushed her into a vehicle. The woman was treated at a hospital for minor neck and head injuries, including a cut to her ear.Majors is charged with misdemeanors, including assault, and could be sentenced to as much as a year in jail if convicted.The judge set a new tentative trial date of Sept. 6 after prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney's office requested more time for discovery.Majors walked out of the courtroom after the hearing, acknowledging some seated in the gallery. At one point he bumped his hand to his heart to a woman seated near the door.His attorney, Priya Chaudhry, said in an email that Majors was unjustly arrested and that it was he who “suffered at the hands” of his accuser.She said Majors was “the real victim in this shameful ordeal,” adding that he “has had his life, career, and reputation torn apart. Yet he remains unwavering in his determination to be absolved from this harrowing ordeal.”Majors has starred in the movies “Creed III," “Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania,” among other features.“We look forward to presenting the full facts and evidence at trial," said Doug Cohen, a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Assault trial for actor Jonathan Majors postponed until September

&nbsp;A unique FBI internship program gives our nation’s wounded warriors the chance to explore careers with the Bureau—and potentially become permanent members of the FBI family.&nbsp; The FBI Wounded Warrior Internship Program offers current U.S. military servicemembers who are recovering from medical procedures or injuries the opportunity to intern at Bureau Headquarters or at one of our 56 field offices nationwide.&nbsp;&nbsp; Interns can strengthen their resumes, cultivate new skillsets, discover new professional interests, and get federal government work experience while they’re still in uniform. “We try to place them in an area where it'll be exciting and relevant and to have them gain exposure to what the FBI truly has to offer,” said Program Manager Marimar Keffer, a former member of the Air National Guard and current Air Force reservist.&nbsp; In addition to bringing “a fresh perspective” to the Bureau, Keffer said, these interns come equipped with intelligence and cybersecurity skills that are vital to the FBI mission.&nbsp; “Offering this internship is a way to remind servicemembers that they're not forgotten, that after they retire—whether medically or voluntarily—there is another chapter for them. Their story isn't over. They can take all those skills, their job, and their life experiences and move them to the next chapter with the FBI,” Keffer said.&nbsp; Interns are evaluated each month, she said, and the FBI aims to offer them permanent jobs once they successfully complete their internships.&nbsp;

During his time with the U.S. Navy, Gabriel Moorer primarily worked at-sea aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower until he was sidelined by lower-back injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The IT systems technician was then reassigned to a land-based squadron in Norfolk, Virginia, where a coworker told him about the FBI’s Wounded Warrior Internship Program.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Moorer reached out to Operation Warfighter, attended a WWIP interest session, and then decided to apply. When he eventually met with his future boss at the FBI Norfolk Field Office, he said they “kind of clicked right off the bat,” and a start date was set. Soon after, Moorer went to work supporting the division’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; During his time at the Bureau, Moorer honed his time- and project-management skills, since FBI personnel are trusted to work independently to accomplish tasks. “Especially as an enlisted member of the military, you're not really given that opportunity as much,” Moorer said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; He was also impressed by the expertise and experiences of his FBI colleagues. “I think the most rewarding part was actually just talking to people,” he said. “I learned so much from agents and support staff through the whole process.”&nbsp; &nbsp; Moorer, who recently retired from the Navy and concluded his internship, encourages fellow wound warriors to apply, nothing that “I don't think there's a better program for you to go get on-the-job experience, exchange knowledge with other people who are very knowledgeable, and get an excellent job opportunity that could end up being the perfect career for you.

The FBI Wounded Warrior Internship Program is part of the Defense Department’s Operation Warfighter program.&nbsp;<a href="https://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/Care-Coordination/Operation-Warfighter/" target="_blank">This DOD initiative links wounded warriors with federal government internships</a>&nbsp;so that they can gain work experience while recuperating from a wound, illness, or injury.&nbsp; &nbsp; The program is incredibly competitive, but at this time, there’s no limit on the number of qualified servicemembers who may be selected for internships each year, Keffer said. Thirteen FBI interns are expected to onboard by the end of fiscal year 2023, according to the program.&nbsp; &nbsp; As long as a field office or Headquarters division has an operational need—and if they believe an applicant is the right fit for the position—the FBI’s Human Resources Division will make the match.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; To qualify for the program, a servicemember must:&nbsp;

Interested servicemembers can reach out to their&nbsp;<a href="https://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/Portals/113/Documents/E2I%20OWF%20RC%20MAP%2015JUN23%20as%20of%206-21-23.png?ver=ZUJSc7w9P5OZDwCReLsGGA%3d%3d" target="_blank">Operation Warfighter coordinator</a>&nbsp;to begin the application process.

&nbsp;A unique FBI internship program gives our nation’s wounded warriors the chance to explore careers with the Bureau—and potentially become permanent members of the FBI family.&nbsp; The FBI Wounded Warrior Internship Program offers current U.S. military servicemembers who are recovering from medical procedures or injuries the opportunity to intern at Bureau Headquarters or at one of our 56 field offices nationwide.&nbsp;&nbsp; Interns can strengthen their resumes, cultivate new skillsets, discover new professional interests, and get federal government work experience while they’re still in uniform. “We try to place them in an area where it'll be exciting and relevant and to have them gain exposure to what the FBI truly has to offer,” said Program Manager Marimar Keffer, a former member of the Air National Guard and current Air Force reservist.&nbsp; In addition to bringing “a fresh perspective” to the Bureau, Keffer said, these interns come equipped with intelligence and cybersecurity skills that are vital to the FBI mission.&nbsp; “Offering this internship is a way to remind servicemembers that they're not forgotten, that after they retire—whether medically or voluntarily—there is another chapter for them. Their story isn't over. They can take all those skills, their job, and their life experiences and move them to the next chapter with the FBI,” Keffer said.&nbsp; Interns are evaluated each month, she said, and the FBI aims to offer them permanent jobs once they successfully complete their internships.&nbsp;<h2>An Intern’s Story&nbsp;</h2> During his time with the U.S. Navy, Gabriel Moorer primarily worked at-sea aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower until he was sidelined by lower-back injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The IT systems technician was then reassigned to a land-based squadron in Norfolk, Virginia, where a coworker told him about the FBI’s Wounded Warrior Internship Program.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Moorer reached out to Operation Warfighter, attended a WWIP interest session, and then decided to apply. When he eventually met with his future boss at the FBI Norfolk Field Office, he said they “kind of clicked right off the bat,” and a start date was set. Soon after, Moorer went to work supporting the division’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; During his time at the Bureau, Moorer honed his time- and project-management skills, since FBI personnel are trusted to work independently to accomplish tasks. “Especially as an enlisted member of the military, you're not really given that opportunity as much,” Moorer said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; He was also impressed by the expertise and experiences of his FBI colleagues. “I think the most rewarding part was actually just talking to people,” he said. “I learned so much from agents and support staff through the whole process.”&nbsp; &nbsp; Moorer, who recently retired from the Navy and concluded his internship, encourages fellow wound warriors to apply, nothing that “I don't think there's a better program for you to go get on-the-job experience, exchange knowledge with other people who are very knowledgeable, and get an excellent job opportunity that could end up being the perfect career for you.<h2>Eligibility&nbsp;</h2> The FBI Wounded Warrior Internship Program is part of the Defense Department’s Operation Warfighter program.&nbsp;<a href="https://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/Care-Coordination/Operation-Warfighter/" target="_blank">This DOD initiative links wounded warriors with federal government internships</a>&nbsp;so that they can gain work experience while recuperating from a wound, illness, or injury.&nbsp; &nbsp; The program is incredibly competitive, but at this time, there’s no limit on the number of qualified servicemembers who may be selected for internships each year, Keffer said. Thirteen FBI interns are expected to onboard by the end of fiscal year 2023, according to the program.&nbsp; &nbsp; As long as a field office or Headquarters division has an operational need—and if they believe an applicant is the right fit for the position—the FBI’s Human Resources Division will make the match.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; To qualify for the program, a servicemember must:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Be an active-duty servicemember, a mobilized reservist, or a member of the Army or Air National Guard</li><li>Be a U.S. citizen</li><li>Be assigned to a Wounded Warrior unit, detachment, or regiment</li><li>Hold an active Top Secret security clearance</li><li>Have at least six months remaining on their service commitment</li><li>Have the ability to travel to and from their assigned worksite</li><li>Meet FBI security and suitability requirements</li>
 </ul>Interested servicemembers can reach out to their&nbsp;<a href="https://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/Portals/113/Documents/E2I%20OWF%20RC%20MAP%2015JUN23%20as%20of%206-21-23.png?ver=ZUJSc7w9P5OZDwCReLsGGA%3d%3d" target="_blank">Operation Warfighter coordinator</a>&nbsp;to begin the application process.

FBI Internship Program Gives Wounded Warriors a Window into Bureau Careers

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;pleaded not guilty Thursday to trying to overturn the results of his 2020 presidential election loss, answering for the first time to federal charges that accuse him of orchestrating a brazen and ultimately failed attempt to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.1.0_2.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the latest indictment&nbsp;

Trump appeared before a magistrate judge in Washington’s federal courthouse two days after being indicted on four felony counts by Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">special counsel Jack Smith</a>. The charges accuse him of trying to subvert the will of voters and undo his election loss in the days before Jan. 6, 2021, when supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a violent and bloody clash with law enforcement.

Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-presidential-candidates-who-is-running-e89fbfee94e7e7980594a9ce3994fec7">the 2024 Republican presidential primary</a>&nbsp;front-runner, is facing charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct Congress’ certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. His appearance Thursday, and the rest of the court case, will unfold in a courthouse blocks in clear view of the Capitol and in a building where more than 1,000 of the Capitol rioters have been charged.

Trump has said he is innocent, and his legal team has characterized the latest case as an attack on his right to free speech. The case is part of an ongoing set of escalating legal troubles for the ex-president, coming nearly two months after Trump pleaded not guilty to dozens of federal felony counts accusing him of hoarding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-justice-department-special-counsel-2025feb3f0f4e3820d14387c67ce4316">classified documents</a>&nbsp;and thwarting government efforts to retrieve them.

Smith himself was in the courtroom and sat in the front row behind the prosecutors handling the case. Three police officers who defended the Capitol that day were also seen entering the courthouse.

The indictment from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;charges Trump with four felony counts related to his efforts to undo&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his presidential election loss</a>, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. The charges could lead to a yearslong prison sentence in the event of a conviction.

The former president was the only person charged in the case, though prosecutors referenced six unnamed co-conspirators, mostly lawyers, they say he plotted with, including in a scheme to enlist fake electors in seven battleground states won by Biden to submit false certificates to the federal government.

The indictment chronicles how Trump and his Republican allies, in what Smith described as an attack on a “bedrock function of the U.S. government,” repeatedly lied about the results in the two months after he lost the election and pressured his vice president,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-jan-6-trump-indictment-ab36fd360a0850562a07d1b404f15d69">Mike Pence</a>, and state election officials to take action to help him cling to power.

This is the third criminal case brought against Trump in less than six months.

He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">charged in New York</a>&nbsp;with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actor during the 2016 presidential campaign. Smith’s office also has charged him with 40 felony counts in Florida, accusing him of illegally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-justice-department-special-counsel-2025feb3f0f4e3820d14387c67ce4316">retaining classified documents</a>&nbsp;at his Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago, and refusing government demands to give them back. He has pleaded not guilty in both those cases, which are set for trial next year.

And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-fani-willis-046726b66d601cc9a5b8d5e1cbc3d8cb">prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia,</a>&nbsp;are expected in coming weeks to announce charging decisions in an investigation into efforts to subvert election results in that state.

Trump’s lawyer John Lauro has asserted in television interviews that Trump’s actions were protected by the First Amendment right to free speech and that he relied on the advice of lawyers. Trump has claimed without evidence that Smith’s team is trying to interfere with the 2024 presidential election.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691091873212.png" alt="A view outside the United State's Courthouse in Washington during the Trump arraignment-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>A view outside the United State's Courthouse in Washington during the Trump arraignment-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;pleaded not guilty Thursday to trying to overturn the results of his 2020 presidential election loss, answering for the first time to federal charges that accuse him of orchestrating a brazen and ultimately failed attempt to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.1.0_2.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the latest indictment&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691091392217.png" alt="Former Presiden Donald Trump as he arrives Thursday in Washington for the arraignment-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former Presiden Donald Trump as he arrives Thursday in Washington for the arraignment-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump appeared before a magistrate judge in Washington’s federal courthouse two days after being indicted on four felony counts by Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">special counsel Jack Smith</a>. The charges accuse him of trying to subvert the will of voters and undo his election loss in the days before Jan. 6, 2021, when supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a violent and bloody clash with law enforcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691091690627.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-presidential-candidates-who-is-running-e89fbfee94e7e7980594a9ce3994fec7">the 2024 Republican presidential primary</a>&nbsp;front-runner, is facing charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct Congress’ certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. His appearance Thursday, and the rest of the court case, will unfold in a courthouse blocks in clear view of the Capitol and in a building where more than 1,000 of the Capitol rioters have been charged.Trump has said he is innocent, and his legal team has characterized the latest case as an attack on his right to free speech. The case is part of an ongoing set of escalating legal troubles for the ex-president, coming nearly two months after Trump pleaded not guilty to dozens of federal felony counts accusing him of hoarding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-justice-department-special-counsel-2025feb3f0f4e3820d14387c67ce4316">classified documents</a>&nbsp;and thwarting government efforts to retrieve them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691093099558.png" alt="Law enforcement across the street from the courthouse on Thursday afternoon -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement across the street from the courthouse on Thursday afternoon -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Smith himself was in the courtroom and sat in the front row behind the prosecutors handling the case. Three police officers who defended the Capitol that day were also seen entering the courthouse.The indictment from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;charges Trump with four felony counts related to his efforts to undo&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his presidential election loss</a>, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. The charges could lead to a yearslong prison sentence in the event of a conviction.The former president was the only person charged in the case, though prosecutors referenced six unnamed co-conspirators, mostly lawyers, they say he plotted with, including in a scheme to enlist fake electors in seven battleground states won by Biden to submit false certificates to the federal government.The indictment chronicles how Trump and his Republican allies, in what Smith described as an attack on a “bedrock function of the U.S. government,” repeatedly lied about the results in the two months after he lost the election and pressured his vice president,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-jan-6-trump-indictment-ab36fd360a0850562a07d1b404f15d69">Mike Pence</a>, and state election officials to take action to help him cling to power.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691094922366.png" alt="Trump statement on his social media platform" />
 <figcaption>Trump statement on his social media platform</figcaption>
 </figure>This is the third criminal case brought against Trump in less than six months.He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">charged in New York</a>&nbsp;with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actor during the 2016 presidential campaign. Smith’s office also has charged him with 40 felony counts in Florida, accusing him of illegally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-justice-department-special-counsel-2025feb3f0f4e3820d14387c67ce4316">retaining classified documents</a>&nbsp;at his Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago, and refusing government demands to give them back. He has pleaded not guilty in both those cases, which are set for trial next year.And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-fani-willis-046726b66d601cc9a5b8d5e1cbc3d8cb">prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia,</a>&nbsp;are expected in coming weeks to announce charging decisions in an investigation into efforts to subvert election results in that state.Trump’s lawyer John Lauro has asserted in television interviews that Trump’s actions were protected by the First Amendment right to free speech and that he relied on the advice of lawyers. Trump has claimed without evidence that Smith’s team is trying to interfere with the 2024 presidential election.

Former President Trump pleads not guilty to 2020 election charges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Connecticut man was given nearly $300,000 in fraudulent Home Depot credit by walking into stores in several states, taking expensive doors and then returning them without a receipt, federal prosecutors allege.

Alexandre Henrique Costa-Mota, 26, of West Hartford, Connecticut, was detained without bail after a judge entered not-guilty pleas on his behalf this week in federal court in Rhode Island to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the U.S. attorney's office in Providence said in a statement Wednesday.

An email seeking comment was left with Costa-Mota's attorney.

Costa-Mota dressed to appear like a contractor and entered the stores empty-handed, prosecutors allege in court documents. He would then load a door or several doors worth hundreds of dollars each onto a lumber cart, take them to the service department and return them without a receipt, authorities said.

He was given a store credit that he later redeemed at other stores, prosecutors said.

If the return was denied, he would take the doors without paying and return them at another store, prosecutors said.

Home Depot stores in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey were involved. The defendant was given about 370 fraudulent store credits between June 2021 and February 2022, prosecutors said.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Connecticut man was given nearly $300,000 in fraudulent Home Depot credit by walking into stores in several states, taking expensive doors and then returning them without a receipt, federal prosecutors allege.Alexandre Henrique Costa-Mota, 26, of West Hartford, Connecticut, was detained without bail after a judge entered not-guilty pleas on his behalf this week in federal court in Rhode Island to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the U.S. attorney's office in Providence said in a statement Wednesday.An email seeking comment was left with Costa-Mota's attorney.Costa-Mota dressed to appear like a contractor and entered the stores empty-handed, prosecutors allege in court documents. He would then load a door or several doors worth hundreds of dollars each onto a lumber cart, take them to the service department and return them without a receipt, authorities said.He was given a store credit that he later redeemed at other stores, prosecutors said.If the return was denied, he would take the doors without paying and return them at another store, prosecutors said.Home Depot stores in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey were involved. The defendant was given about 370 fraudulent store credits between June 2021 and February 2022, prosecutors said.

Man is charged with cheating Home Depot stores out of $300,000 with door-return scam

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/03/split-in-u-s-house-gop-raises-potential-for-government-shutdown-this-fall/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

WASHINGTON — Members of Congress jetted off for the August recess without a plan in place to avoid a partial government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1 — and the lawmakers who write spending bills acknowledge that it’s a real possibility, given deep divisions.

The stalemate stems from a split among House Republicans about how much the government should spend and whether the bills should be filled with far-right policy objectives.

“We’re in a difficult spot right now. I regret that we are here,” Arkansas GOP Rep. Steve Womack told reporters about House Republican divisions just before the recess. “We have an entire four or five weeks now to think about it. And maybe cooler heads will prevail when we come back in September and we can get our work done.”

Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, and President Joe Biden struck an agreement on spending levels back in May when they brokered&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-mccarthy-say-they-have-brokered-debt-limit-deal-avert-us-default">the debt limit deal</a>, though the House has written its dozen government spending bills significantly below those levels and loaded the bills up with social policy riders that couldn’t pass as stand-alone legislation.

But that hasn’t appeased some hard-line conservatives,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/we-should-not-fear-government-shutdown-far-right-us-house%C2%A0members-slam-spending-bills">who argue the party should force a government shutdown</a>&nbsp;to move the bills even further to the right.

The disagreement among House Republicans could complicate efforts to reconcile the spending bills the Appropriations Committee wrote with those in the U.S. Senate, where lawmakers have 12 bipartisan bills ready to go.

Womack, who wrote House Republicans’ Financial Services and General Government spending bill, said he’s frustrated with the far-right members’ approach to the annual process.

“It’s one thing if what you’re demanding has a chance to become the law of the land, but it’s a whole other thing if you’re doing it just to be stubborn, and to be dug in, and to basically play my-way-or-the-highway politics,” Womack said.

“That’s just not gonna work in this environment. And we’ve got a limited amount of time. It’s an emotionally charged debate that’s going on. It’s bitterly divided. It’s shirts and skins, and the American people, I think, deserve a little better than that,” Womack said.

The Financial Services bill funds the Treasury Department, the judiciary and about 30 smaller agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission, the National Archives and Records Administration, and the Small Business Administration.

Senate appropriators expressed similar views, and several said they expect the final spending bills will look much more like the bipartisan bills their committee has approved.

Montana Democrat Jon Tester, chair of the Defense spending panel, said he expects the final bills would look “more like the Senate bill than the House bill.”

Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin, chair of the Labor-HHS-Education spending Subcommittee, said the bipartisan nature of the Senate bills will give that chamber an advantage when talks with the House begin.

“I think we’re going to have the upper hand in those negotiations,” Baldwin said.

Womack said it isn’t out of the question that the House may just have to accept the Senate’s government funding bills outright, without being able to advocate for some of the spending levels and policies within their bills.

“Look, if we get too unreasonable, I expect that’s what the Senate will do — they’ll say, ‘Well, here it is. Take it or leave it’ and leave town,” Womack said.

The first deadline Congress faces will be Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year and the date when there must be a new government funding law in place. Historically, that’s a stopgap spending bill through December.

The kick-the-can-down-the-road approach is often seen as an opportunity for a couple more months of negotiations, though there’s already concern certain factions of the Republican Party may try to block that from moving forward.

If that happens, Congress would plunge the federal government into a partial shutdown that would be drastically different from the 34-day shutdown during the Trump administration.

When that prolonged stalemate began, Congress had already approved five of its bills, meaning the Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Labor and Veterans Affairs departments weren’t affected by the shutdown. Congress had also passed its own funding bill, exempting themselves and their staff from the impacts of the funding lapse.

The second deadline would be whenever the first stopgap expires, or Jan. 1.

If the dozen annual government funding bills don’t become law before the new year, a provision in the debt limit law would force a 1% across-the-board spending cut to defense and domestic discretionary programs.

There’s bipartisan concern within Congress that such a cut would have severe consequences, especially because lawmakers wouldn’t be able to direct which programs would be impacted and which wouldn’t.

Womack said in a separate interview with States Newsroom that efforts to pass a short-term spending bill in September, historically a standard process, will be an “interesting dilemma for the Congress.”

“In this current environment we’re in, there are no guarantees anymore,” Womack said. “Conventional wisdom is kind of out the window on a lot of these types of issues.”

McCarthy has begun publicly advocating for getting all of the spending bills enacted sooner rather than later, arguing that a series of stopgap spending bills would leave policies and funding levels in place from when Democrats controlled the House, Senate and White House.

“I have a real concern in appropriations when I look at all the Pelosi policies that would be permanent if we did not get appropriations done, especially if members would look to do a continuing resolution,” McCarthy said, referring to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

McCarthy said it’s his intention and his hope to pass all dozen government funding bills before the start of the fiscal year Oct. 1, though he didn’t clarify if he meant pass in the House or pass Congress.

The former is much more likely than the latter, though neither is guaranteed given the shortened timetable and the politics at play.

Florida Republican Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, chair of the State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee, said he’s optimistic there will be a bipartisan deal before the Jan. 1 spending cuts deadline — if he and his colleagues are allowed to conference with the Senate and do their jobs.

“If we’re allowed to go to conference, we’ll get the job done,” Díaz-Balart said. “Usually the process doesn’t really break down because of the appropriators, it breaks up because of other circumstances … and in that area I’ll leave it up to others.”

Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, the top Democrat on the Financial Services and General Government panel, said Republicans need to build consensus within their own party about spending levels and policy before they can conference with the Senate.

“The Republican Party right now is a dysfunctional party. They do not have a consensus,” Hoyer said.

Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan said House Republicans are trying to balance different factions of their caucus in the same way the characters of “The Addams Family”’ interact in the fictional movie.

“What they’ve done so far has put their values out there, which are pretty bad ones,” Pocan said, just days before<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/lgbtq-project-funding-two-states-stripped-us-house-republicans-spending-bill%C2%A0">&nbsp;Republicans removed funding for three LGBTQ projects&nbsp;</a>from one of the spending bills. “I think the question will be within the makeup of their caucus — kind of a Cousin It, Morticia, Uncle Fester.”

Pocan said he’s concerned House Republicans’ decision to reduce spending levels below the debt limit deal, and add in especially conservative policy language, dilutes the House’s negotiating stance with the Senate.

“At the end of the day, my worry is that that gives the Senate even more leverage — they’re writing the bill, they have the keys to the car, while we’re kind of riding in the trunk — because we haven’t done the work that is necessary when you get the conference committee to actually have a House position that, regardless of party, is important to have in that process,” Pocan said.

Pennsylvania Rep. Matt Cartwright, the top Democrat on the Commerce-Justice-Science Subcommittee, said efforts to merge the House and Senate versions of the dozen spending bills into a final bipartisan bill will be especially challenging.

“There’s no doubt that conference (committee) assumes much more importance this year because of what’s happening with these bills. We’re accommodating the wish list of the Freedom Caucus essentially with the cuts in government investments across the board,” Cartwright said, referring to the group of especially conservative House Republicans.

Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole, chair of the Transportation-HUD Subcommittee, said he has confidence Congress will be able to send Biden all dozen spending bills.

Cole’s optimism comes from the two panels’ leadership, which for the first time in the country’s history is led by four women. They include House Chair Kay Granger, a Texas Republican; House ranking member Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat; Senate Chair Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat; and Senate ranking member Susan Collins, a Maine Republican.

“I think in the end, it’ll be tough. But I think they will drive it through to a conclusion,” he said. “And again, the alternative is just so awful.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691086285875.jpeg" alt="U.S. Capitol (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Capitol (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jennifer Shutt<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/03/split-in-u-s-house-gop-raises-potential-for-government-shutdown-this-fall/">Nebraska Examiner</a>WASHINGTON — Members of Congress jetted off for the August recess without a plan in place to avoid a partial government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1 — and the lawmakers who write spending bills acknowledge that it’s a real possibility, given deep divisions.The stalemate stems from a split among House Republicans about how much the government should spend and whether the bills should be filled with far-right policy objectives.“We’re in a difficult spot right now. I regret that we are here,” Arkansas GOP Rep. Steve Womack told reporters about House Republican divisions just before the recess. “We have an entire four or five weeks now to think about it. And maybe cooler heads will prevail when we come back in September and we can get our work done.”Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, and President Joe Biden struck an agreement on spending levels back in May when they brokered&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-mccarthy-say-they-have-brokered-debt-limit-deal-avert-us-default">the debt limit deal</a>, though the House has written its dozen government spending bills significantly below those levels and loaded the bills up with social policy riders that couldn’t pass as stand-alone legislation.But that hasn’t appeased some hard-line conservatives,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/we-should-not-fear-government-shutdown-far-right-us-house%C2%A0members-slam-spending-bills">who argue the party should force a government shutdown</a>&nbsp;to move the bills even further to the right.The disagreement among House Republicans could complicate efforts to reconcile the spending bills the Appropriations Committee wrote with those in the U.S. Senate, where lawmakers have 12 bipartisan bills ready to go.Womack, who wrote House Republicans’ Financial Services and General Government spending bill, said he’s frustrated with the far-right members’ approach to the annual process.“It’s one thing if what you’re demanding has a chance to become the law of the land, but it’s a whole other thing if you’re doing it just to be stubborn, and to be dug in, and to basically play my-way-or-the-highway politics,” Womack said.“That’s just not gonna work in this environment. And we’ve got a limited amount of time. It’s an emotionally charged debate that’s going on. It’s bitterly divided. It’s shirts and skins, and the American people, I think, deserve a little better than that,” Womack said.The Financial Services bill funds the Treasury Department, the judiciary and about 30 smaller agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission, the National Archives and Records Administration, and the Small Business Administration.<h2>An ‘upper hand’ in talks</h2>Senate appropriators expressed similar views, and several said they expect the final spending bills will look much more like the bipartisan bills their committee has approved.Montana Democrat Jon Tester, chair of the Defense spending panel, said he expects the final bills would look “more like the Senate bill than the House bill.”Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin, chair of the Labor-HHS-Education spending Subcommittee, said the bipartisan nature of the Senate bills will give that chamber an advantage when talks with the House begin.“I think we’re going to have the upper hand in those negotiations,” Baldwin said.Womack said it isn’t out of the question that the House may just have to accept the Senate’s government funding bills outright, without being able to advocate for some of the spending levels and policies within their bills.“Look, if we get too unreasonable, I expect that’s what the Senate will do — they’ll say, ‘Well, here it is. Take it or leave it’ and leave town,” Womack said.<h2>What would a shutdown look like?</h2>The first deadline Congress faces will be Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year and the date when there must be a new government funding law in place. Historically, that’s a stopgap spending bill through December.The kick-the-can-down-the-road approach is often seen as an opportunity for a couple more months of negotiations, though there’s already concern certain factions of the Republican Party may try to block that from moving forward.If that happens, Congress would plunge the federal government into a partial shutdown that would be drastically different from the 34-day shutdown during the Trump administration.When that prolonged stalemate began, Congress had already approved five of its bills, meaning the Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Labor and Veterans Affairs departments weren’t affected by the shutdown. Congress had also passed its own funding bill, exempting themselves and their staff from the impacts of the funding lapse.The second deadline would be whenever the first stopgap expires, or Jan. 1.If the dozen annual government funding bills don’t become law before the new year, a provision in the debt limit law would force a 1% across-the-board spending cut to defense and domestic discretionary programs.There’s bipartisan concern within Congress that such a cut would have severe consequences, especially because lawmakers wouldn’t be able to direct which programs would be impacted and which wouldn’t.Womack said in a separate interview with States Newsroom that efforts to pass a short-term spending bill in September, historically a standard process, will be an “interesting dilemma for the Congress.”“In this current environment we’re in, there are no guarantees anymore,” Womack said. “Conventional wisdom is kind of out the window on a lot of these types of issues.”<h2>McCarthy intends to pass bills</h2>McCarthy has begun publicly advocating for getting all of the spending bills enacted sooner rather than later, arguing that a series of stopgap spending bills would leave policies and funding levels in place from when Democrats controlled the House, Senate and White House.“I have a real concern in appropriations when I look at all the Pelosi policies that would be permanent if we did not get appropriations done, especially if members would look to do a continuing resolution,” McCarthy said, referring to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.McCarthy said it’s his intention and his hope to pass all dozen government funding bills before the start of the fiscal year Oct. 1, though he didn’t clarify if he meant pass in the House or pass Congress.The former is much more likely than the latter, though neither is guaranteed given the shortened timetable and the politics at play.Florida Republican Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, chair of the State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee, said he’s optimistic there will be a bipartisan deal before the Jan. 1 spending cuts deadline — if he and his colleagues are allowed to conference with the Senate and do their jobs.“If we’re allowed to go to conference, we’ll get the job done,” Díaz-Balart said. “Usually the process doesn’t really break down because of the appropriators, it breaks up because of other circumstances … and in that area I’ll leave it up to others.”Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, the top Democrat on the Financial Services and General Government panel, said Republicans need to build consensus within their own party about spending levels and policy before they can conference with the Senate.“The Republican Party right now is a dysfunctional party. They do not have a consensus,” Hoyer said.<h2>Freedom Caucus clout</h2>Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan said House Republicans are trying to balance different factions of their caucus in the same way the characters of “The Addams Family”’ interact in the fictional movie.“What they’ve done so far has put their values out there, which are pretty bad ones,” Pocan said, just days before<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/lgbtq-project-funding-two-states-stripped-us-house-republicans-spending-bill%C2%A0">&nbsp;Republicans removed funding for three LGBTQ projects&nbsp;</a>from one of the spending bills. “I think the question will be within the makeup of their caucus — kind of a Cousin It, Morticia, Uncle Fester.”Pocan said he’s concerned House Republicans’ decision to reduce spending levels below the debt limit deal, and add in especially conservative policy language, dilutes the House’s negotiating stance with the Senate.“At the end of the day, my worry is that that gives the Senate even more leverage — they’re writing the bill, they have the keys to the car, while we’re kind of riding in the trunk — because we haven’t done the work that is necessary when you get the conference committee to actually have a House position that, regardless of party, is important to have in that process,” Pocan said.Pennsylvania Rep. Matt Cartwright, the top Democrat on the Commerce-Justice-Science Subcommittee, said efforts to merge the House and Senate versions of the dozen spending bills into a final bipartisan bill will be especially challenging.“There’s no doubt that conference (committee) assumes much more importance this year because of what’s happening with these bills. We’re accommodating the wish list of the Freedom Caucus essentially with the cuts in government investments across the board,” Cartwright said, referring to the group of especially conservative House Republicans.Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole, chair of the Transportation-HUD Subcommittee, said he has confidence Congress will be able to send Biden all dozen spending bills.Cole’s optimism comes from the two panels’ leadership, which for the first time in the country’s history is led by four women. They include House Chair Kay Granger, a Texas Republican; House ranking member Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat; Senate Chair Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat; and Senate ranking member Susan Collins, a Maine Republican.“I think in the end, it’ll be tough. But I think they will drive it through to a conclusion,” he said. “And again, the alternative is just so awful.”

Split in U.S. House GOP raises potential for government shutdown this fall

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/unmc-takes-another-step-to-grow-health-care-workforce-in-rural-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Construction is to launch next month on the $85 million rural medical school being planned in Kearney. It’s an outward sign of Nebraska’s effort to grow the health care workforce in its rural communities.

Now the University of Nebraska Medical Center is building upon that initiative with a new, streamlined process to get more students, more quickly, into in-the-field clinical training sites across the state.

While the new step is more internal in nature, UNMC Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Gold says he expects it to pay off with an increased number of homegrown health care professionals in rural communities.

The effort launched publicly in North Platte last week when Gold signed UNMC’s first so-called “master affiliation agreement” with Great Plains Health. The chancellor said more agreements are to come with other hospitals, urgent care centers and medical facilities from Omaha to Scottsbluff.

Gold described the&nbsp;agreements as a step up from the current process that places UNMC students into clinical spots where they gain real-life experience. He described it as an “umbrella” agreement that covers a wider gamut of specialties and positions.

“It’s a streamlined way to build rotations with many of our preferred clinical training sites across the state,” he said. “It creates better and faster opportunities.”

Gold said the planned Rural Health Education Building at the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus precipitated creation of the master affiliation agreement.

Omaha-based UNMC has had a facility at UNK since 2015 that offers nursing training and a variety of health profession education programs. The new 100,000-square-foot complex allows expansion of science-focused programs and launches new programs, including for budding physicians and pharmacists.

Expected to open in late 2025, the UNMC-UNK expansion project was boosted with $50 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding for capital construction, plus $10 million for iEXCEL technology startup costs.

The Nebraska Legislature also has committed operational funds to support faculty and staff, and the university committed to raising $35 million in private funding for construction.

Gold said he expects the expanded programming to increase the population of health care students in Kearney and surrounding communities from about 160 to more than 600 at any given time.

Those students will need clinical rotations in their specialty fields. Gold said the formula to getting them to practice in the state after graduation, particularly in rural areas, “is not subtle.” He said it involves paving the road to training at a place where students and staff have opportunity to get to know each other, which often leads to job offers.

“The natural tendency is that they will stay in a rural community,” Gold said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691074734372.jpeg" alt=" Artist’s rendering of the $85 million medical school proposed at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (Courtesy of University of Nebraska at Kearney)" />
 <figcaption> Artist’s rendering of the $85 million medical school proposed at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (Courtesy of University of Nebraska at Kearney)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/unmc-takes-another-step-to-grow-health-care-workforce-in-rural-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Construction is to launch next month on the $85 million rural medical school being planned in Kearney. It’s an outward sign of Nebraska’s effort to grow the health care workforce in its rural communities.Now the University of Nebraska Medical Center is building upon that initiative with a new, streamlined process to get more students, more quickly, into in-the-field clinical training sites across the state.While the new step is more internal in nature, UNMC Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Gold says he expects it to pay off with an increased number of homegrown health care professionals in rural communities.The effort launched publicly in North Platte last week when Gold signed UNMC’s first so-called “master affiliation agreement” with Great Plains Health. The chancellor said more agreements are to come with other hospitals, urgent care centers and medical facilities from Omaha to Scottsbluff.Gold described the&nbsp;agreements as a step up from the current process that places UNMC students into clinical spots where they gain real-life experience. He described it as an “umbrella” agreement that covers a wider gamut of specialties and positions.“It’s a streamlined way to build rotations with many of our preferred clinical training sites across the state,” he said. “It creates better and faster opportunities.”Gold said the planned Rural Health Education Building at the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus precipitated creation of the master affiliation agreement.Omaha-based UNMC has had a facility at UNK since 2015 that offers nursing training and a variety of health profession education programs. The new 100,000-square-foot complex allows expansion of science-focused programs and launches new programs, including for budding physicians and pharmacists.Expected to open in late 2025, the UNMC-UNK expansion project was boosted with $50 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding for capital construction, plus $10 million for iEXCEL technology startup costs.The Nebraska Legislature also has committed operational funds to support faculty and staff, and the university committed to raising $35 million in private funding for construction.Gold said he expects the expanded programming to increase the population of health care students in Kearney and surrounding communities from about 160 to more than 600 at any given time.Those students will need clinical rotations in their specialty fields. Gold said the formula to getting them to practice in the state after graduation, particularly in rural areas, “is not subtle.” He said it involves paving the road to training at a place where students and staff have opportunity to get to know each other, which often leads to job offers.“The natural tendency is that they will stay in a rural community,” Gold said.&nbsp;

UNMC takes another step to grow health care workforce in rural Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 2, 2023 – With Purple Heart Day approaching on Aug. 7, <a href="http://www.scooterscoffee.com">Scooter’s Coffee</a> will give customers the opportunity to support <a href="https://wwfs.org/">Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS)</a>, an organization that helps wounded veterans and their families heal, recover and connect with needed services and resources. Between Aug. 2-11, Scooter’s Coffee customers can support Wounded Warriors Family Support by adding a donation to their order.

“Scooter’s Coffee is proud to join forces with Wounded Warriors Family Support for a sixth consecutive year to help combat-wounded veterans and families of veterans wounded, injured or killed in action,” said Bill Black, Chief Community Officer for Scooter’s Coffee, LLC. “Courage is an important core value at Scooter’s Coffee. We thank veterans for their sacrifices and courage in serving our country. With the help of Wounded Warriors Family Support, veterans and their families continue to demonstrate courage in overcoming the challenges they face in life.”

Since 2018, Scooter’s Coffee has raised over $154,700 for WWFS to help provide caregiver respite services to military families.

All donations will directly support Wounded Warriors Family Support programs, such as its <a href="https://wwfs.org/caregiver-respite/">Caregiver Respite Program</a>, which is designed to provide respite and supplemental services to wounded veterans, allowing them to enjoy a higher quality of life. Resources include meals, housekeeping, medical travel grants and in-home care services. These help relieve the physical, mental and emotional burdens of family members who navigate the caregiver role for their loved one.

“Scooter’s Coffee has made a direct and meaningful impact in the lives of combat-wounded veterans and their families,” said Kate McCauley, President 

OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 2, 2023 – With Purple Heart Day approaching on Aug. 7, <a href="http://www.scooterscoffee.com">Scooter’s Coffee</a> will give customers the opportunity to support <a href="https://wwfs.org/">Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS)</a>, an organization that helps wounded veterans and their families heal, recover and connect with needed services and resources. Between Aug. 2-11, Scooter’s Coffee customers can support Wounded Warriors Family Support by adding a donation to their order.“Scooter’s Coffee is proud to join forces with Wounded Warriors Family Support for a sixth consecutive year to help combat-wounded veterans and families of veterans wounded, injured or killed in action,” said Bill Black, Chief Community Officer for Scooter’s Coffee, LLC. “Courage is an important core value at Scooter’s Coffee. We thank veterans for their sacrifices and courage in serving our country. With the help of Wounded Warriors Family Support, veterans and their families continue to demonstrate courage in overcoming the challenges they face in life.”Since 2018, Scooter’s Coffee has raised over $154,700 for WWFS to help provide caregiver respite services to military families.All donations will directly support Wounded Warriors Family Support programs, such as its <a href="https://wwfs.org/caregiver-respite/">Caregiver Respite Program</a>, which is designed to provide respite and supplemental services to wounded veterans, allowing them to enjoy a higher quality of life. Resources include meals, housekeeping, medical travel grants and in-home care services. These help relieve the physical, mental and emotional burdens of family members who navigate the caregiver role for their loved one.“Scooter’s Coffee has made a direct and meaningful impact in the lives of combat-wounded veterans and their families,” said Kate McCauley, President

Scooter’s Coffee® Unites with Wounded Warriors Family Support for  Purple Heart Day to Help Combat-Wounded Veterans and Their Families

DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are telling the owners of nearly 92,000 vehicles in the U.S. to park them outside because an electronic controller in an oil pump can overheat and cause fires.

The affiliated Korean automakers are recalling the vehicles and also are telling owners to park them away from structures until repairs are made.

The recalls cover&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCAK-23V526-5528.pdf">certain 2023 and 2024 Hyundai Palisades</a>, as well some 2023 Tucson, Sonata, Elantra and Kona vehicles.&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCAK-23V531-9015.pdf">Affected Kias</a>&nbsp;include the 2023 Soul and Sportage as well as some 2023 and 2024 Seltos vehicles.

The companies say in documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators that a capacitor on a circuit board in the oil pump assembly for the transmission may have been damaged by the supplier during manufacturing. That can cause a short-circuit and increase the risk of a fire.

Kia says it has six reports of melting components but no fires or injuries. Hyundai says it has confirmed four “thermal incidents” and no injuries.

Dealers will inspect and replace the oil pump controller if necessary. Hyundai owners will be notified by letter on Sept. 25. Kia will notify owners starting Sept. 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691066849047.png" alt="Hyundia dealer in Merriam, Kansas -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Hyundia dealer in Merriam, Kansas -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are telling the owners of nearly 92,000 vehicles in the U.S. to park them outside because an electronic controller in an oil pump can overheat and cause fires.The affiliated Korean automakers are recalling the vehicles and also are telling owners to park them away from structures until repairs are made.The recalls cover&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCAK-23V526-5528.pdf">certain 2023 and 2024 Hyundai Palisades</a>, as well some 2023 Tucson, Sonata, Elantra and Kona vehicles.&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCAK-23V531-9015.pdf">Affected Kias</a>&nbsp;include the 2023 Soul and Sportage as well as some 2023 and 2024 Seltos vehicles.The companies say in documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators that a capacitor on a circuit board in the oil pump assembly for the transmission may have been damaged by the supplier during manufacturing. That can cause a short-circuit and increase the risk of a fire.Kia says it has six reports of melting components but no fires or injuries. Hyundai says it has confirmed four “thermal incidents” and no injuries.Dealers will inspect and replace the oil pump controller if necessary. Hyundai owners will be notified by letter on Sept. 25. Kia will notify owners starting Sept. 28.

Hyundai, Kia recall: Park vehicles outside due to fire risk

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is due in federal court Thursday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">answer to charges</a>&nbsp;that he sought to overturn the results of the 2020 election, facing a judge just blocks from the U.S. Capitol that his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">supporters stormed</a>&nbsp;to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.

In what's by now become a familiar but nonetheless stunning ritual, Trump is expected to be processed by law enforcement, be officially taken into custody and enter a not guilty plea in front of a judge before being released, so he can rejoin the campaign trail as he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024.

An indictment Tuesday from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;charges Trump with four felony counts related to his efforts to undo the presidential election in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. The charges could lead to a yearslong prison sentence in the event of a conviction.

Trump was the only person charged in the case, though prosecutors referenced six co-conspirators — mostly lawyers — they say he plotted with, including in a scheme to enlist fake electors in seven battleground states won by President Joe Biden to submit false certificates to the federal government.

The indictment chronicles how Trump and allies, in what Smith described as an attack on a "bedrock function of the U.S. government," repeatedly lied about the results in the two months since he lost the election and pressured his vice president,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-jan-6-trump-indictment-ab36fd360a0850562a07d1b404f15d69">Mike Pence,</a>&nbsp;and state election officials to take action to help him cling to power.

This is the third criminal case brought against Trump in the last six months. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">charged in New York</a>&nbsp;with falsifying business records in connection with an alleged hush money payment to a porn actor during the 2016 presidential campaign. Smith's office has also charged him with 40 felony counts in Florida, accusing him of illegally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-justice-department-special-counsel-2025feb3f0f4e3820d14387c67ce4316">retaining classified documents</a>&nbsp;at his Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago, and refusing government demands to give them back. He has pleaded not guilty in both those cases, which are set for trial next year.

And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-fani-willis-046726b66d601cc9a5b8d5e1cbc3d8cb">prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia</a>&nbsp;are expected in coming weeks to announce charging decisions in an investigation into efforts to subvert election results in that state.

Trump's lawyer, John Lauro, has asserted in television interviews that Trump's actions were protected by the First Amendment right to free speech and that he relied on the advice of lawyers. Trump himself has claimed without evidence that Smith's team is trying to interfere with the 2024 presidential election, in which Trump is the dominant front-runner to claim the Republican nomination.

Smith said in a rare public statement that he was seeking a speedy trial, though Lauro has said he intends to slow the case down so that the defense team can conduct its own investigation.

The arraignment will be handled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadyaha, who joined the bench last year. But going forward, the case will be presided over by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, an appointee of President Barack Obama who has stood out as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-only-on-ap-donald-trump-government-and-politics-sentencing-de394dd56b3251aac5a50014f4d6afa7">one of the toughest punishers of rioters</a>.

She has also ruled against Trump before, refusing in November 2021 to block the release of documents to the U.S. House’s Jan. 6 committee by asserting executive privilege.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686700913232.png" alt="Trump was the only person charged in the case-photo AP" />
 <figcaption>Trump was the only person charged in the case-photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is due in federal court Thursday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">answer to charges</a>&nbsp;that he sought to overturn the results of the 2020 election, facing a judge just blocks from the U.S. Capitol that his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">supporters stormed</a>&nbsp;to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.1.0_2.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the latest indictment&nbsp;In what's by now become a familiar but nonetheless stunning ritual, Trump is expected to be processed by law enforcement, be officially taken into custody and enter a not guilty plea in front of a judge before being released, so he can rejoin the campaign trail as he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024.An indictment Tuesday from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;charges Trump with four felony counts related to his efforts to undo the presidential election in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. The charges could lead to a yearslong prison sentence in the event of a conviction.Trump was the only person charged in the case, though prosecutors referenced six co-conspirators — mostly lawyers — they say he plotted with, including in a scheme to enlist fake electors in seven battleground states won by President Joe Biden to submit false certificates to the federal government.The indictment chronicles how Trump and allies, in what Smith described as an attack on a "bedrock function of the U.S. government," repeatedly lied about the results in the two months since he lost the election and pressured his vice president,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-jan-6-trump-indictment-ab36fd360a0850562a07d1b404f15d69">Mike Pence,</a>&nbsp;and state election officials to take action to help him cling to power.This is the third criminal case brought against Trump in the last six months. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">charged in New York</a>&nbsp;with falsifying business records in connection with an alleged hush money payment to a porn actor during the 2016 presidential campaign. Smith's office has also charged him with 40 felony counts in Florida, accusing him of illegally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-justice-department-special-counsel-2025feb3f0f4e3820d14387c67ce4316">retaining classified documents</a>&nbsp;at his Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago, and refusing government demands to give them back. He has pleaded not guilty in both those cases, which are set for trial next year.And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-fani-willis-046726b66d601cc9a5b8d5e1cbc3d8cb">prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia</a>&nbsp;are expected in coming weeks to announce charging decisions in an investigation into efforts to subvert election results in that state.Trump's lawyer, John Lauro, has asserted in television interviews that Trump's actions were protected by the First Amendment right to free speech and that he relied on the advice of lawyers. Trump himself has claimed without evidence that Smith's team is trying to interfere with the 2024 presidential election, in which Trump is the dominant front-runner to claim the Republican nomination.Smith said in a rare public statement that he was seeking a speedy trial, though Lauro has said he intends to slow the case down so that the defense team can conduct its own investigation.The arraignment will be handled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadyaha, who joined the bench last year. But going forward, the case will be presided over by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, an appointee of President Barack Obama who has stood out as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-only-on-ap-donald-trump-government-and-politics-sentencing-de394dd56b3251aac5a50014f4d6afa7">one of the toughest punishers of rioters</a>.She has also ruled against Trump before, refusing in November 2021 to block the release of documents to the U.S. House’s Jan. 6 committee by asserting executive privilege.

Trump to face judge over charges he tried to overturn 2020 presidential election

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Get ready to say goodbye to the once ubiquitous incandescent light bulb, pioneered by Thomas Edison more than a century ago. You can thank — or blame — new federal energy efficiency regulations that went into full effect this week. Quite possibly without you even noticing.

The Energy Department rules, which date back to the Obama administration, have been whipsawed in the political process for years. Some conservatives and Republican lawmakers long denounced them for interfering with consumer choice and placing undue burdens on business. Under former President Donald Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30f1a41f331c43509e02f3fea4d20e95">the Energy Department scrapped them in 2019</a>; the Biden administration subsequently revived them.

Yet by the time Aug. 1 rolled around, the critics had gone quiet, possibly because companies and consumers have already started voting for better lighting efficiency with their wallets.

The rules establish strict new efficiency standards for bulbs used in homes and businesses and bans the manufacture and sale of those that don't meet those requirements. Practical incandescent bulbs, which trace their origin to&nbsp;<a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US223898A/en">an 1880 Edison patent</a>, can't meet those standards. Neither can halogen bulbs. The rules also ban imports of less efficient bulbs.

But those requirements carry a bit less heft than they would have several years back, largely because advances in LED technology and manufacturing have dramatically lowered prices and improved quality. LED stands for “light emitting diode,” a semiconductor device that converts electricity directly into light.

Between 2015 and 2020, for instance, the percentage of American households that reported using LED bulbs for most or all of their lighting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=51858">jumped more than tenfold</a>&nbsp;— from 4% to 47%, according to the Energy Information Administration, an independent federal statistics agency.

SO DO I HAVE TO THROW AWAY MY OLD INCANDESCENTS?

Fortunately not. The rules don’t affect bulbs that you already own; they also exempt special purpose incandescents such as those used inside ovens.

But suppose you discard — or give away — your halogen and incandescent bulbs. Odds are good that replacing them with LED bulbs could save you a fair amount of money.

As the rules reinforce existing market changes, the Energy Department believes that U.S. consumers can save&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-administration-implements-new-cost-saving-energy-efficiency-standards-light-bulbs">almost $3 billion annually</a>&nbsp;on their utility bills. Similarly, it projects that the rules could cut carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years.

Incandescent bulbs create illumination by running an electric current through a filament that heats it until it glows. Edison's first practical light bulb used a carbonized cotton thread for that purpose; modern bulbs use tungsten filaments in an inert gas.

But incandescents are not very efficient. Only roughly 5% of the energy used by an incandescent bulb produces light; the remaining 95% or so is lost as heat. This is why you let an incandescent bulb cool off before unscrewing it.

They also burn out frequently, requiring replacement roughly every year.

The light-emitting components in LED bulbs, by contrast, are manufactured via the same process used to make computer chips, which makes them extremely efficient. They generate almost no heat and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-choices-save-you-money#:~:text=Although%20once%20known%20mainly%20for,longer%20than%20traditional%20incandescent%20bulbs.">use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs</a>&nbsp;while lasting up to 25 times longer, according to the Energy Department.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Get ready to say goodbye to the once ubiquitous incandescent light bulb, pioneered by Thomas Edison more than a century ago. You can thank — or blame — new federal energy efficiency regulations that went into full effect this week. Quite possibly without you even noticing.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here&#39;s some news to light up your day.💡 Our new energy-efficiency standards for light bulbs will: 💵 Save consumers $3B a year on utility bills 📉 Cut 222M metric tons of carbon emissions over three decades 📚 <a href="https://t.co/GNjtzvh3DF">https://t.co/GNjtzvh3DF</a> <a href="https://t.co/Phl6qHquK6">pic.twitter.com/Phl6qHquK6</a>&mdash; U.S. Department of Energy (@ENERGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/ENERGY/status/1518986019630206976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Energy Department rules, which date back to the Obama administration, have been whipsawed in the political process for years. Some conservatives and Republican lawmakers long denounced them for interfering with consumer choice and placing undue burdens on business. Under former President Donald Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30f1a41f331c43509e02f3fea4d20e95">the Energy Department scrapped them in 2019</a>; the Biden administration subsequently revived them.Yet by the time Aug. 1 rolled around, the critics had gone quiet, possibly because companies and consumers have already started voting for better lighting efficiency with their wallets.Here's what you need to know.WHAT CHANGES UNDER THE NEW RULES?The rules establish strict new efficiency standards for bulbs used in homes and businesses and bans the manufacture and sale of those that don't meet those requirements. Practical incandescent bulbs, which trace their origin to&nbsp;<a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US223898A/en">an 1880 Edison patent</a>, can't meet those standards. Neither can halogen bulbs. The rules also ban imports of less efficient bulbs.But those requirements carry a bit less heft than they would have several years back, largely because advances in LED technology and manufacturing have dramatically lowered prices and improved quality. LED stands for “light emitting diode,” a semiconductor device that converts electricity directly into light.Between 2015 and 2020, for instance, the percentage of American households that reported using LED bulbs for most or all of their lighting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=51858">jumped more than tenfold</a>&nbsp;— from 4% to 47%, according to the Energy Information Administration, an independent federal statistics agency.SO DO I HAVE TO THROW AWAY MY OLD INCANDESCENTS?Fortunately not. The rules don’t affect bulbs that you already own; they also exempt special purpose incandescents such as those used inside ovens.But suppose you discard — or give away — your halogen and incandescent bulbs. Odds are good that replacing them with LED bulbs could save you a fair amount of money.As the rules reinforce existing market changes, the Energy Department believes that U.S. consumers can save&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-administration-implements-new-cost-saving-energy-efficiency-standards-light-bulbs">almost $3 billion annually</a>&nbsp;on their utility bills. Similarly, it projects that the rules could cut carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years.WHY DO LED BULBS SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY?Incandescent bulbs create illumination by running an electric current through a filament that heats it until it glows. Edison's first practical light bulb used a carbonized cotton thread for that purpose; modern bulbs use tungsten filaments in an inert gas.But incandescents are not very efficient. Only roughly 5% of the energy used by an incandescent bulb produces light; the remaining 95% or so is lost as heat. This is why you let an incandescent bulb cool off before unscrewing it.They also burn out frequently, requiring replacement roughly every year.The light-emitting components in LED bulbs, by contrast, are manufactured via the same process used to make computer chips, which makes them extremely efficient. They generate almost no heat and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-choices-save-you-money#:~:text=Although%20once%20known%20mainly%20for,longer%20than%20traditional%20incandescent%20bulbs.">use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs</a>&nbsp;while lasting up to 25 times longer, according to the Energy Department.

New energy efficiency rules begin and ban incandescent light bulbs

Federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant and served a federal grand jury subpoena to WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon last month, according to a regulatory filing. McMahon is also taking medical leave from the sports entertainment company following recent spinal surgery.

WWE said in the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that while government investigations into McMahon remain ongoing, no charges have been brought in them.

The company said it has received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents, including from federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies, concerning the investigation and related subject matters.

“WWE has cooperated throughout and fully understands and respects the government’s need for a complete process," the company said in a statement.

The Wall Street Journal had reported last year that the WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-vince-mcmahon-wrestling-28e22d3c652591f42d47ef0285564623">McMahon</a>&nbsp;to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. WWE's investigation into the misconduct allegations was completed last year.

“In 2022, WWE formed a special committee to review allegations of misconduct against me," McMahon said in a statement. “That review was concluded in November 2022 following an extensive investigation. Throughout this experience, I have always denied any intentional wrongdoing and continue to do so. I am confident that the government’s investigation will be resolved without any findings of wrongdoing.”

The announcement of McMahon's surgery was made by CEO Nick Khan during the company's second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday.

Khan said McMahon had major spinal surgery nearly two weeks ago and is taking the leave in order to focus on his recovery. He did not specify the duration of the leave.

For the quarter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-pro-wrestling-baseball-d7bacce55e68974266dbc4c3792afc3d">World Wrestling Entertainment</a>&nbsp;Inc. earned $52 million, or 67 cents per share. Stripping out one-time costs, earnings were 91 cents per share. That was 2 cents shy of what analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research expected.

Revenue totaled $410.3 million, a quarterly record. That topped Wall Street's estimate of $398.5 million. Revenue from live events jumped 51% for the period ended June 30.

WWE, which announced with Endeavor in April that it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wwe-mcmahon-endeavor-ufc-f0323725f13c6bbdbd39d18321f26ecf">combining with UFC</a>, said that it saw an increase in ticket sales for live events, both domestically and overseas. It also reported an uptick in advertising and sponsorship revenue.

WWE's combination with UFC will result in a new publicly listed company called TKO Group Holdings. The deal is still expected to close in the second half of the year.

While the deal with Endeavor continues to move forward as anticipated, WWE is continue to focus on its domestic media rights for its weekly television programs.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wwe-wrestlemania-sponsorships-sports-brands-4522b49aab334c9bc41b2cef715def21">WWE</a>&nbsp;currently has “Smackdown” airing on Fox and “Raw” and “NXT” airing on USA Network. Aside from Fox and NBC Universal, which owns USA Network, there have been several media reports that other well-known companies are possibly interested in the media rights, including Disney and Amazon.

“As expected, there was significant interest from the marketplace and these conversations are progressing well,” Khan said during the call.

Viewership for “Smackdown” rose 26% in the 18-49 demographic during the quarter, while “Raw” viewership climbed 19%. “NXT,” which has increasingly started to incorporate some of its top name stars like Seth Rollins and Rhea Ripley onto the show, surged 49% in the 18-49 demographic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690999408857.jpeg" alt="WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon is shown at the Connecticut Republican Convention in Hartford, Conn., May 21, 2010. Federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant and served a federal grand jury subpoena McMahon last month, July 2023, according to a regulatory filing. McMahon is also taking medical leave from the sports entertainment company following recent spinal surgery. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)" />
 <figcaption>WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon is shown at the Connecticut Republican Convention in Hartford, Conn., May 21, 2010. Federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant and served a federal grand jury subpoena McMahon last month, July 2023, according to a regulatory filing. McMahon is also taking medical leave from the sports entertainment company following recent spinal surgery. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant and served a federal grand jury subpoena to WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon last month, according to a regulatory filing. McMahon is also taking medical leave from the sports entertainment company following recent spinal surgery.WWE said in the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that while government investigations into McMahon remain ongoing, no charges have been brought in them.The company said it has received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents, including from federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies, concerning the investigation and related subject matters.“WWE has cooperated throughout and fully understands and respects the government’s need for a complete process," the company said in a statement.The Wall Street Journal had reported last year that the WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-vince-mcmahon-wrestling-28e22d3c652591f42d47ef0285564623">McMahon</a>&nbsp;to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. WWE's investigation into the misconduct allegations was completed last year.“In 2022, WWE formed a special committee to review allegations of misconduct against me," McMahon said in a statement. “That review was concluded in November 2022 following an extensive investigation. Throughout this experience, I have always denied any intentional wrongdoing and continue to do so. I am confident that the government’s investigation will be resolved without any findings of wrongdoing.”The announcement of McMahon's surgery was made by CEO Nick Khan during the company's second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday.Khan said McMahon had major spinal surgery nearly two weeks ago and is taking the leave in order to focus on his recovery. He did not specify the duration of the leave.For the quarter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-pro-wrestling-baseball-d7bacce55e68974266dbc4c3792afc3d">World Wrestling Entertainment</a>&nbsp;Inc. earned $52 million, or 67 cents per share. Stripping out one-time costs, earnings were 91 cents per share. That was 2 cents shy of what analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research expected.Revenue totaled $410.3 million, a quarterly record. That topped Wall Street's estimate of $398.5 million. Revenue from live events jumped 51% for the period ended June 30.WWE, which announced with Endeavor in April that it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wwe-mcmahon-endeavor-ufc-f0323725f13c6bbdbd39d18321f26ecf">combining with UFC</a>, said that it saw an increase in ticket sales for live events, both domestically and overseas. It also reported an uptick in advertising and sponsorship revenue.WWE's combination with UFC will result in a new publicly listed company called TKO Group Holdings. The deal is still expected to close in the second half of the year.While the deal with Endeavor continues to move forward as anticipated, WWE is continue to focus on its domestic media rights for its weekly television programs.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wwe-wrestlemania-sponsorships-sports-brands-4522b49aab334c9bc41b2cef715def21">WWE</a>&nbsp;currently has “Smackdown” airing on Fox and “Raw” and “NXT” airing on USA Network. Aside from Fox and NBC Universal, which owns USA Network, there have been several media reports that other well-known companies are possibly interested in the media rights, including Disney and Amazon.“As expected, there was significant interest from the marketplace and these conversations are progressing well,” Khan said during the call.Viewership for “Smackdown” rose 26% in the 18-49 demographic during the quarter, while “Raw” viewership climbed 19%. “NXT,” which has increasingly started to incorporate some of its top name stars like Seth Rollins and Rhea Ripley onto the show, surged 49% in the 18-49 demographic.

WWE's McMahon served with subpoena by federal agents

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-pence">Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;fought the Department of Justice in court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-politics-disaster-planning-and-response-michael-pence-donald-trump-f7078fb20d0bf2097e28b1198f989a77">to try to avoid testifying</a>&nbsp;against his former boss. But in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">Tuesday's federal indictment</a>, the former vice president plays a central role in the first criminal charges against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;that deal with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The 45-page indictment is informed, in part, by contemporaneous notes that Pence kept of their conversations in the days leading up to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, as Trump tried to pressure Pence to go along with his desperate — and prosecutors say illegal — scheme to keep the two men in power.

Among the discussions: An episode in which Trump is alleged to have told Pence that he was "too honest” for rejecting Trump's false claims that Pence had the power to overturn the vote. “Bottom line - won every state by 100,000s of votes,” Trump said in another conversation, according to the indictment.

Pence, who is among a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-presidential-candidates-who-is-running-e89fbfee94e7e7980594a9ce3994fec7">crowded field of Republicans</a>&nbsp;now challenging Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination, has spent much of his nascent campaign defending his decision to defy Trump. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-iowa-launch-2024-republican-presidential-campaign-faa2082d8d3269dc73a28c893188c2ff">launched his bid with a firm denunciation</a>&nbsp;of his two-time running mate, saying Trump had “demanded I choose between him and our Constitution. Now voters will be faced with the same choice.”

Still, Pence said last month that he did not believe Trump had broken the law in connection with Jan. 6 and has repeatedly questioned the Department of Justice's motivations for investigating him.

On Tuesday night, he hit anew on his belief that Trump was unfit to serve again.

“Today’s indictment serves as an important reminder: Anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States,” he said in a statement. “Our country is more important than one man. Our Constitution is more important than any one man’s career.”

Despite his once-prominent position as Trump's No. 2, Pence has struggled to make progress in his presidential campaign. Many of the former president's most loyal supporters still blame him for Trump’s loss, believing Trump's false claims that he could have used his ceremonial role overseeing the counting of the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6 to prevent Democrat Joe Biden from becoming president.

Trump critics, on the other hand, fault Pence as being complicit in Trump's most controversial actions and standing by his side for so many years. Until the insurrection, Pence had been an extraordinarily loyal defender of his former boss.

With just three weeks until the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-presidential-debate-2024-election-qualified-candidates-863ffb85147072c4e9cf021e85d4ba1b">first 2024 GOP presidential debate</a>, it's unclear if Pence will even qualify to make the stage. He has yet to meet the donor minimum, though he has reached the polling threshold.

The former Indiana governor was making a campaign stop Wednesday at the Indiana State Fair to give a speech about his economic plans.

In Washington, Pence has refused to testify before the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack, dismissing the probe as politicized. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-politics-disaster-planning-and-response-michael-pence-donald-trump-f7078fb20d0bf2097e28b1198f989a77">fought a subpoena</a>&nbsp;demanding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-michael-pence-donald-trump-subpoenas-866034edd3ce3dfbc722b31a3d0e465f">he testify before a grand jury</a>, arguing that, because he was serving on Jan. 6 as president of the Senate, he was protected under the Constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-georgia-presidential-atlanta-donald-trump-aebfa86c7c9912c3a720f52ae60a1c87">“speech or debate” clause</a>&nbsp;from being forced to testify. That provision is intended to protect members of Congress from questioning about official legislative acts.

Pence eventually complied when a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-testify-grand-jury-trump-subpoena-07bdd3e97230dc28787f0becb98bcb4b">refused to block his appearance</a>, but said he wouldn’t be forced to answer questions related to his role as Senate president.

Trump’s lawyers had objected, too, citing executive privilege concerns.

Trump's new indictment outlines his and his allies' frantic efforts to remain in power. After first trying to persuade state lawmakers to reject certifying Biden's win, it says, they focused on Jan. 6 and “sought to enlist the Vice President to use his ceremonial role at the certification to fraudulently alter the election results.”

They tried to persuade him to accept slates of fake electors or to reject states' electoral votes and send them back to state legislatures for further review, the indictment says.

That effort included a series of phone calls in late December and early January, including on Christmas Day.

“You know I don’t think I have the authority to change the outcome," Pence said during one call with Trump, the indictment says.

In another, on New Year's Day, Trump berated Pence, telling him, “You’re too honest" — an episode also recounted in Pence's book “So Help Me God.”

Some Trump claims were viewed as dangerous. During a private meeting on Jan. 5, he “grew frustrated” at Pence and told the then-vice president that he would have to publicly criticize him. Concerned for Pence’s safety, his chief of staff, Marc Short, alerted the head of Pence’s Secret Service detail.

The indictment also outlines how Trump worked to falsely convince his supporters that Pence had the power to overturn the results.

Immediately after their final conversation before the riot, on the morning of Jan. 6, the indictment alleges that Trump revised the speech he was set to give at the Ellipse, "reinserting language that he had personally drafted earlier that morning - falsely claiming that the Vice President had authority to send electoral votes to the states - but that advisors had previously successfully advocated be removed.”

Trump, in his speech, repeated his false claims of election fraud, and again gave false hope to his supporters that Pence had the power to change the outcome.

Not long after, hundreds of Trump's supporters were slamming through barricades, battling with police and breaking into the Capitol building — some chanting “Hang Mike Pence” as the former vice president and his family were rushed to safety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690991949789.jpeg" alt="Republican presidential candidate and former Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the Clinton County GOP Hog Roast, Sunday, July 30, 2023, in Clinton, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)" />
 <figcaption>Republican presidential candidate and former Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the Clinton County GOP Hog Roast, Sunday, July 30, 2023, in Clinton, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-pence">Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;fought the Department of Justice in court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-politics-disaster-planning-and-response-michael-pence-donald-trump-f7078fb20d0bf2097e28b1198f989a77">to try to avoid testifying</a>&nbsp;against his former boss. But in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">Tuesday's federal indictment</a>, the former vice president plays a central role in the first criminal charges against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;that deal with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.The 45-page indictment is informed, in part, by contemporaneous notes that Pence kept of their conversations in the days leading up to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, as Trump tried to pressure Pence to go along with his desperate — and prosecutors say illegal — scheme to keep the two men in power.Among the discussions: An episode in which Trump is alleged to have told Pence that he was "too honest” for rejecting Trump's false claims that Pence had the power to overturn the vote. “Bottom line - won every state by 100,000s of votes,” Trump said in another conversation, according to the indictment.Pence, who is among a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-presidential-candidates-who-is-running-e89fbfee94e7e7980594a9ce3994fec7">crowded field of Republicans</a>&nbsp;now challenging Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination, has spent much of his nascent campaign defending his decision to defy Trump. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-iowa-launch-2024-republican-presidential-campaign-faa2082d8d3269dc73a28c893188c2ff">launched his bid with a firm denunciation</a>&nbsp;of his two-time running mate, saying Trump had “demanded I choose between him and our Constitution. Now voters will be faced with the same choice.”Still, Pence said last month that he did not believe Trump had broken the law in connection with Jan. 6 and has repeatedly questioned the Department of Justice's motivations for investigating him.On Tuesday night, he hit anew on his belief that Trump was unfit to serve again.“Today’s indictment serves as an important reminder: Anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States,” he said in a statement. “Our country is more important than one man. Our Constitution is more important than any one man’s career.”Despite his once-prominent position as Trump's No. 2, Pence has struggled to make progress in his presidential campaign. Many of the former president's most loyal supporters still blame him for Trump’s loss, believing Trump's false claims that he could have used his ceremonial role overseeing the counting of the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6 to prevent Democrat Joe Biden from becoming president.Trump critics, on the other hand, fault Pence as being complicit in Trump's most controversial actions and standing by his side for so many years. Until the insurrection, Pence had been an extraordinarily loyal defender of his former boss.With just three weeks until the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-presidential-debate-2024-election-qualified-candidates-863ffb85147072c4e9cf021e85d4ba1b">first 2024 GOP presidential debate</a>, it's unclear if Pence will even qualify to make the stage. He has yet to meet the donor minimum, though he has reached the polling threshold.The former Indiana governor was making a campaign stop Wednesday at the Indiana State Fair to give a speech about his economic plans.In Washington, Pence has refused to testify before the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack, dismissing the probe as politicized. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-politics-disaster-planning-and-response-michael-pence-donald-trump-f7078fb20d0bf2097e28b1198f989a77">fought a subpoena</a>&nbsp;demanding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-michael-pence-donald-trump-subpoenas-866034edd3ce3dfbc722b31a3d0e465f">he testify before a grand jury</a>, arguing that, because he was serving on Jan. 6 as president of the Senate, he was protected under the Constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-georgia-presidential-atlanta-donald-trump-aebfa86c7c9912c3a720f52ae60a1c87">“speech or debate” clause</a>&nbsp;from being forced to testify. That provision is intended to protect members of Congress from questioning about official legislative acts.Pence eventually complied when a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-testify-grand-jury-trump-subpoena-07bdd3e97230dc28787f0becb98bcb4b">refused to block his appearance</a>, but said he wouldn’t be forced to answer questions related to his role as Senate president.Trump’s lawyers had objected, too, citing executive privilege concerns.Trump's new indictment outlines his and his allies' frantic efforts to remain in power. After first trying to persuade state lawmakers to reject certifying Biden's win, it says, they focused on Jan. 6 and “sought to enlist the Vice President to use his ceremonial role at the certification to fraudulently alter the election results.”They tried to persuade him to accept slates of fake electors or to reject states' electoral votes and send them back to state legislatures for further review, the indictment says.That effort included a series of phone calls in late December and early January, including on Christmas Day.“You know I don’t think I have the authority to change the outcome," Pence said during one call with Trump, the indictment says.In another, on New Year's Day, Trump berated Pence, telling him, “You’re too honest" — an episode also recounted in Pence's book “So Help Me God.”Some Trump claims were viewed as dangerous. During a private meeting on Jan. 5, he “grew frustrated” at Pence and told the then-vice president that he would have to publicly criticize him. Concerned for Pence’s safety, his chief of staff, Marc Short, alerted the head of Pence’s Secret Service detail.The indictment also outlines how Trump worked to falsely convince his supporters that Pence had the power to overturn the results.Immediately after their final conversation before the riot, on the morning of Jan. 6, the indictment alleges that Trump revised the speech he was set to give at the Ellipse, "reinserting language that he had personally drafted earlier that morning - falsely claiming that the Vice President had authority to send electoral votes to the states - but that advisors had previously successfully advocated be removed.”Trump, in his speech, repeated his false claims of election fraud, and again gave false hope to his supporters that Pence had the power to change the outcome.Not long after, hundreds of Trump's supporters were slamming through barricades, battling with police and breaking into the Capitol building — some chanting “Hang Mike Pence” as the former vice president and his family were rushed to safety.And even after the rioters were cleared from the Capitol and Congress reconvened to certify the results, Trump's allies were still trying to get Pence to intervene, emailing his attorney to urge that he seek further delay by adjourning the session for 10 days.Pence instead certified the election, finalizing his and Trump's defeat.