KANSAS CITY (AP) —The United Auto Workers expanded its strike against major automakers Friday, walking out of 38 General Motors and Stellantis parts distribution centers in 20 states.

(Click below to watch the Friday announcement from UAW President)

Another 5,600 additional workers joined the strike on top of the 13,000 of the 146,000 members that began the strike one week ago.

Ford was spared additional strikes because the company has met some of the union’s demands during negotiations over the past week, said UAW President Shawn Fain.

“We’ve made some real progress at Ford,” Fain said during an online presentation to union members. “We still have serious issues to work through, but we do want to recognize that Ford is showing that they are serious about reaching a deal.”

“At GM and Stellantis, it’s a different story,” he said. Those companies, he said, have rejected the union’s proposals for cost-of-living increases, profit sharing and job security.

The union is pointing to the companies’ huge recent profits as it seeks wage increases of 36% over four years. The companies have offered a little over half that amount. The UAW has other demands, including a 32-hour work week for 40 hours of pay and a restoration of traditional pension plans for newer workers.

The companies say they can’t afford to meet the union’s demands because they need to invest profits in a costly transition&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/automakers-fast-charging-network-electric-vehicles-cbb6c0102345c0db38f2baf96db742da">from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles</a>.

The UAW’s contract with the automakers expired at midnight on Sept. 14, and workers walked out of a Ford assembly plant near Detroit, a GM factory in Wentzville, Missouri, and a Jeep plant run by Stellantis in Toledo, Ohio.

Fain said earlier this week he would call on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strike-auto-workers-ford-gm-stellantis-f948704cce3d6dc9ca484142c5d0d98e">workers at more plants to strike</a>&nbsp;unless there was significant progress in contract negotiations with the carmakers. Bargaining continued Thursday, although neither side reported any breakthroughs, and they remained far apart on wage increases.

The companies have laid off a thousands of workers, saying some factories are running short on parts because of the strike.

Still, the impact is not yet being felt on car lots around the country – it will probably take a few weeks before the strike causes a significant shortage of new vehicles, according to analysts.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/car-prices-auto-workers-strike-98905c8e0fcf633d21a1f83183f9fd49">Prices could rise even sooner</a>, however, if the prospect of a prolonged strike triggers panic buying.

The union is seeking pay raises of 36% over four years, an end to lower pay scales for new workers, and most boldly, a 32-hour work week for 40 hours of pay. The car companies say they can’t afford the union’s demands despite huge profits because they need to invest in the transformation to electric vehicles.

One week ago, workers went on strike a week ago at three assembly plants — a Ford factory near Detroit, a GM plant outside St. Louis, and a Jeep plant owned by Stellantis in Toledo, Ohio.

The Detroit News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2023/09/21/howes-uaw-seeks-reputations-damage-operational-chaos-of-automakers/70913694007/">reported</a>&nbsp;Thursday that a spokesman for Fain wrote on a private group chat on X, formerly Twitter, that union negotiators aimed to inflict “recurring reputations damage and operational chaos” on the carmakers, and “if we can keep them wounded for months they don’t know what to do.”

Ford and GM seized on the messages as a sign of bad faith by the UAW.

“It’s now clear that the UAW leadership has always intended to cause months-long disruption, regardless of the harm it causes to its members and their communities,” GM said in a statement.

Ford spokesman Mark Truby called the messages “disappointing, to say the least, given what is at stake for our employees, the companies and this region.”

The UAW spokesman, Jonah Furman, did not confirm writing the messages, which were linked to the same picture as his X account, and called them “private messages” that “you shouldn’t have,” the newspaper reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695120321769.png" alt="The UAW’s contract with the automakers expired at midnight on Sept. 14.-UAW photo" />
 <figcaption>The UAW’s contract with the automakers expired at midnight on Sept. 14.-UAW photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The United Auto Workers expanded its strike against major automakers Friday, walking out of 38 General Motors and Stellantis parts distribution centers in 20 states.(Click below to watch the Friday announcement from UAW President)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fuaw.union%2Fvideos%2F2065835110423564%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=502" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Another 5,600 additional workers joined the strike on top of the 13,000 of the 146,000 members that began the strike one week ago.Ford was spared additional strikes because the company has met some of the union’s demands during negotiations over the past week, said UAW President Shawn Fain.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAW</a> stand up strike expands at noon today.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandUpUAW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandUpUAW</a> <a href="https://t.co/kBNIL9M8bW">pic.twitter.com/kBNIL9M8bW</a>&mdash; UAW (@UAW) <a href="https://twitter.com/UAW/status/1705239662296473785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We’ve made some real progress at Ford,” Fain said during an online presentation to union members. “We still have serious issues to work through, but we do want to recognize that Ford is showing that they are serious about reaching a deal.”“At GM and Stellantis, it’s a different story,” he said. Those companies, he said, have rejected the union’s proposals for cost-of-living increases, profit sharing and job security.The union is pointing to the companies’ huge recent profits as it seeks wage increases of 36% over four years. The companies have offered a little over half that amount. The UAW has other demands, including a 32-hour work week for 40 hours of pay and a restoration of traditional pension plans for newer workers.The companies say they can’t afford to meet the union’s demands because they need to invest profits in a costly transition&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/automakers-fast-charging-network-electric-vehicles-cbb6c0102345c0db38f2baf96db742da">from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles</a>.The UAW’s contract with the automakers expired at midnight on Sept. 14, and workers walked out of a Ford assembly plant near Detroit, a GM factory in Wentzville, Missouri, and a Jeep plant run by Stellantis in Toledo, Ohio.Fain said earlier this week he would call on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strike-auto-workers-ford-gm-stellantis-f948704cce3d6dc9ca484142c5d0d98e">workers at more plants to strike</a>&nbsp;unless there was significant progress in contract negotiations with the carmakers. Bargaining continued Thursday, although neither side reported any breakthroughs, and they remained far apart on wage increases.The companies have laid off a thousands of workers, saying some factories are running short on parts because of the strike.Still, the impact is not yet being felt on car lots around the country – it will probably take a few weeks before the strike causes a significant shortage of new vehicles, according to analysts.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/car-prices-auto-workers-strike-98905c8e0fcf633d21a1f83183f9fd49">Prices could rise even sooner</a>, however, if the prospect of a prolonged strike triggers panic buying.The union is seeking pay raises of 36% over four years, an end to lower pay scales for new workers, and most boldly, a 32-hour work week for 40 hours of pay. The car companies say they can’t afford the union’s demands despite huge profits because they need to invest in the transformation to electric vehicles.One week ago, workers went on strike a week ago at three assembly plants — a Ford factory near Detroit, a GM plant outside St. Louis, and a Jeep plant owned by Stellantis in Toledo, Ohio.The Detroit News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2023/09/21/howes-uaw-seeks-reputations-damage-operational-chaos-of-automakers/70913694007/">reported</a>&nbsp;Thursday that a spokesman for Fain wrote on a private group chat on X, formerly Twitter, that union negotiators aimed to inflict “recurring reputations damage and operational chaos” on the carmakers, and “if we can keep them wounded for months they don’t know what to do.”Ford and GM seized on the messages as a sign of bad faith by the UAW.“It’s now clear that the UAW leadership has always intended to cause months-long disruption, regardless of the harm it causes to its members and their communities,” GM said in a statement.Ford spokesman Mark Truby called the messages “disappointing, to say the least, given what is at stake for our employees, the companies and this region.”The UAW spokesman, Jonah Furman, did not confirm writing the messages, which were linked to the same picture as his X account, and called them “private messages” that “you shouldn’t have,” the newspaper reported.

🎥Strike against U.S. automakers spreads nationwide

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

WASHINGTON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers to reiterate the need for continued aid to support his country’s fight against the Russian invasion, even as the U.S. faces a partial government shutdown as soon as the end of the month.

“If we don’t get the aid, we will lose the war,” Zelenskyy said to senators, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

There’s bipartisan support in the Senate to approve the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-asks-congress-40b-ukraine-aid-us-disaster-response-border-security">White House request of $24 billion in supplemental aid to Ukraine</a>, including from top Senate appropriators. However, some Republican senators are lukewarm and others are firmly opposed. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has not openly expressed support&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.azmirror.com/2023/09/21/shutdown-inches-closer-as-u-s-house-gop-fails-to-pass-defense-bill-lawmakers-exit-d-c/">as he grapples with gaining enough votes</a>&nbsp;from his party to avoid a shutdown.

“It is very clear that if we were to have a government shutdown, or pass a CR without Ukrainian aid, the damage that would occur on Ukraine’s campaign would be devastating,” Schumer, a New York Democrat, said.

CR refers to a continuing resolution, the name for the short-term government funding bill that lawmakers must pass to give themselves more time to pass the full-year spending bills.

U.S. House Republicans are currently struggling to produce and pass a short-term plan to fund the government past the end of the month. If a stopgap spending bill is not passed by the Sept. 30 deadline, then&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/disaster-nears-millions-federal-workers-paychecks-would-be-hold-shutdown">a partial shutdown will commence.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Congress was not Zelenskyy’s only stop while in Washington. He met with President Joe Biden and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin.

Biden said his administration was “supporting a just and lasting peace, one that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to a pool report.

Zelenskyy said he appreciated the “vital assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine to combat Russia terrorism” and described his meetings with members of both parties in Congress as “frank, constructive dialogue.”

Following a meeting with Zelenskyy, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, said during a press conference that Congress should specify the specific weapons that Zelenskyy asked for in the $24 billion supplemental funding bill, such as F-16 jets and long-range artillery.

“This man has moral courage and moral clarity,” McCaul said of Zelenskyy. “The will of the Ukrainian people is far stronger than the will of the Russians.”

McCaul said that McCarthy is supportive of sending aid to Ukraine. McCaul said he believes McCarthy can get more Republicans on board.

After a Wednesday closed-door Senate briefing about Ukraine, more than two dozen Republican lawmakers sent a letter to the White House opposing any more funding.

Ohio GOP Sen. J.D. Vance posted the letter&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JDVance1/status/1704836926212022346/photo/1">to X</a>, formerly known as Twitter, that was signed by 28 Republicans.

“Yesterday at a classified briefing over Ukraine, it became clear that America is being asked to fund an indefinite conflict with unlimited resources. Enough is enough. To these and future requests, my colleagues and I say: NO,” according to the letter.

Those GOP senators who signed onto the letter include Vance, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike Braun of Indiana, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Mike Lee of Utah and Roger Marshall of Kansas.

House GOP members who signed onto the letter include Reps. Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs and Eli Crane of Arizona; Dan Bishop of North Carolina; Bill Posey, Anna Paulina Luna, Greg Steube and Byron Donalds of Florida; Chip Roy, Michael Cloud, Lance Gooden, Beth Van Duyne, and Roger Williams of Texas; Clay Higgins of Louisiana; Harriet Hageman of Wyoming; Bob Good of Virginia; Warren Davidson of Ohio; Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma; Andy Ogles of Tennessee; Russell Fry and Jeff Duncan of South Carolina; and Mary Miller of Illinois.

House Republicans and a handful of Senate Republicans who did not sign the letter have also been critical about overall government spending and providing additional support for Ukraine.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, said he is opposed to approving aid to Ukraine because he doesn’t see Ukraine defeating Russia anytime soon.

“It sounds to me like this is a stalemate,” he said. “What’s our plan? What are we going to do? Are we just going to spend hundreds of billions indefinitely? What is the plan here? I just don’t know.”

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, was not moved.

“What you’d expect,” he said. “It’s the same points being made, there’s nothing particularly new.”

However, U.S. Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota said that Zelenskyy “struck a very bipartisan note.”

“His main message was one of gratitude for the help that the United States (has) provided to Ukraine and … ask that we continue that support so that Russia doesn’t overrun Ukraine,” Smith said.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-asks-congress-40b-ukraine-aid-us-disaster-response-border-security">The White House is asking for Congress to approve $24 billion</a>&nbsp;for several types of aid to Ukraine.

The request asks Congress to provide $13.1 billion for the Defense Department, $8.5 billion for the&nbsp;State Department and USAID, $2.3 billion for the Treasury Department, $100 million for the Department of Health and Human Services and $68 million for the Energy Department.

Top Senate appropriators Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington, and Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, both said they believe Ukraine should receive aid.

Collins said she asked Zelenskyy what would be the impact if Ukraine only received military aid rather than economic and humanitarian aid.

“He explained that all of their budget is going to aid their soldiers and sailors and that if they did not get the humanitarian and economic aid, they would lose their school teachers, their health care professionals would leave, and … additional people would literally die,” Collins said.

In a statement, Murray said that Ukraine’s defense against Russia is at a critical point.

“[I]t’s so important that Congress continues our strong and bipartisan support for Ukraine, so they have the resources and weapons they need to defend themselves against Putin’s invasion,” she said.

Congress has approved four aid packages for Ukraine since the war began in February of last year, totaling $110 billion.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-reaches-deal-massive-spending-package-billions-covid-aid-ukraine">first aid package</a>&nbsp;was approved in March 2022 and included $13.6 billion. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-40b-ukraine-aid-bidens-signature-some-gop-balk">second assistance package</a>&nbsp;was approved in May 2022 and provided $40 billion, and the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/hours-ahead-shutdown-deadline-us-house-sends-biden-stopgap-spending-bill">&nbsp;third relief package</a>&nbsp;was approved in September 2022 for more than $12 billion. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-approves-17-trillion-funding-package-and-sends-it-biden">fourth supplemental package</a>&nbsp;was approved in December 2022 for $45 billion.

McConnell: ‘Support for Ukraine is not charity’

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, has pressed for additional military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine to help bolster democracy in Eastern Europe.

“At the risk of repeating myself, American support for Ukraine is not charity,” McConnell said in a statement. “It’s an investment in our own direct interests — not least because degrading Russia’s military power helps to deter our primary strategic adversary, China.”

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a senior GOP member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said that Zelenskyy laid out to senators what would happen if U.S. support were to vanish.

“Russia would make very substantial gains,” he said.

U.S. Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Ron Wyden of Oregon said Zelenskyy’s meeting showed how this is a pivotal moment.

“He did a very, very good job of explaining what the stakes are for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the democracies of the world if you allow an authoritarian to get away with it,” Kaine said.&nbsp; “He also pointed out that actually giving into Putin is the thing that creates the forever war.”

U.S. Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said Zelenskyy made a “very urgent case for the United States to stay engaged and to continue with support.”

Pentagon spokesman Brigadier Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Thursday that the Defense Department will continue to seek bipartisan support for Ukraine aid in Congress.

“It’s important, again, to re-emphasize why Ukraine matters,” he said. “In addition to helping our Ukrainian partners to defend themselves from unprovoked aggression, the implications, not only on European security, but also on U.S. and international security are very stark … If Russia were to succeed in eliminating Ukraine as a nation, they won’t stop there.”

Making school bomb shelters more comfortable

Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska was also in Washington, where she visited students, faculty and staff at Georgetown University.

She spoke about the ways education has been affected by the conflict, with young children spending their first day of school learning in bomb shelters.

“I’m looking at you and I can see our students,” Zelenska said. “I don’t think you are that different. And you have one particular trait in common, that’s caring and empathy and wanting to change things for the better.”

She said that her foundation in Ukraine has three priority areas: humanitarian assistance, support for education and support for health care. One of the foundation’s projects is aimed at making bomb shelters for schools in Ukraine more comfortable. So far, eight schools are part of the program.

“If there is no bomb shelter in a school, children cannot attend it, school will just not open, so a lot of children do distance learning,” Zelenska said.

Zelenska was presented with the Hillary Clinton Award for advancing women, peace and security. She was awarded this recognition virtually last year.

Zelenska stressed that if her country were to be defeated, it would not just impact Ukraine and its people, but threaten everyone.

“If you have power, if you have opportunities and resources, you can do anything you want,” Zelenska said. “You can be a tyrant, you can seize other countries, other territories, and then these situations mean that no one is safe in this world.”

“To turn a blind eye means to turn your back to your own future,” she said.

Jennifer Shutt and Jacob Fischler contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695327171658.png" alt="President Biden and the first lady welcomed Zelenskyy to the White House Thursday afternoon-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and the first lady welcomed Zelenskyy to the White House Thursday afternoon-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;AND&nbsp;SAMANTHA DIETEL&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers to reiterate the need for continued aid to support his country’s fight against the Russian invasion, even as the U.S. faces a partial government shutdown as soon as the end of the month.“If we don’t get the aid, we will lose the war,” Zelenskyy said to senators, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.There’s bipartisan support in the Senate to approve the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-asks-congress-40b-ukraine-aid-us-disaster-response-border-security">White House request of $24 billion in supplemental aid to Ukraine</a>, including from top Senate appropriators. However, some Republican senators are lukewarm and others are firmly opposed. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has not openly expressed support&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.azmirror.com/2023/09/21/shutdown-inches-closer-as-u-s-house-gop-fails-to-pass-defense-bill-lawmakers-exit-d-c/">as he grapples with gaining enough votes</a>&nbsp;from his party to avoid a shutdown.“It is very clear that if we were to have a government shutdown, or pass a CR without Ukrainian aid, the damage that would occur on Ukraine’s campaign would be devastating,” Schumer, a New York Democrat, said.CR refers to a continuing resolution, the name for the short-term government funding bill that lawmakers must pass to give themselves more time to pass the full-year spending bills.U.S. House Republicans are currently struggling to produce and pass a short-term plan to fund the government past the end of the month. If a stopgap spending bill is not passed by the Sept. 30 deadline, then&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/disaster-nears-millions-federal-workers-paychecks-would-be-hold-shutdown">a partial shutdown will commence.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>Congress was not Zelenskyy’s only stop while in Washington. He met with President Joe Biden and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin.Biden said his administration was “supporting a just and lasting peace, one that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to a pool report.Zelenskyy said he appreciated the “vital assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine to combat Russia terrorism” and described his meetings with members of both parties in Congress as “frank, constructive dialogue.”Following a meeting with Zelenskyy, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, said during a press conference that Congress should specify the specific weapons that Zelenskyy asked for in the $24 billion supplemental funding bill, such as F-16 jets and long-range artillery.“This man has moral courage and moral clarity,” McCaul said of Zelenskyy. “The will of the Ukrainian people is far stronger than the will of the Russians.”McCaul said that McCarthy is supportive of sending aid to Ukraine. McCaul said he believes McCarthy can get more Republicans on board.<h2>Vance leads letter of opposition</h2>After a Wednesday closed-door Senate briefing about Ukraine, more than two dozen Republican lawmakers sent a letter to the White House opposing any more funding.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yesterday at a classified briefing over Ukraine, it became clear that America is being asked to fund an indefinite conflict with unlimited resources. Enough is enough. To these and future requests, my colleagues and I say: NO. <a href="https://t.co/mCMh604UGp">pic.twitter.com/mCMh604UGp</a>&mdash; J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance1/status/1704836926212022346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ohio GOP Sen. J.D. Vance posted the letter&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JDVance1/status/1704836926212022346/photo/1">to X</a>, formerly known as Twitter, that was signed by 28 Republicans.“Yesterday at a classified briefing over Ukraine, it became clear that America is being asked to fund an indefinite conflict with unlimited resources. Enough is enough. To these and future requests, my colleagues and I say: NO,” according to the letter.Those GOP senators who signed onto the letter include Vance, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike Braun of Indiana, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Mike Lee of Utah and Roger Marshall of Kansas.House GOP members who signed onto the letter include Reps. Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs and Eli Crane of Arizona; Dan Bishop of North Carolina; Bill Posey, Anna Paulina Luna, Greg Steube and Byron Donalds of Florida; Chip Roy, Michael Cloud, Lance Gooden, Beth Van Duyne, and Roger Williams of Texas; Clay Higgins of Louisiana; Harriet Hageman of Wyoming; Bob Good of Virginia; Warren Davidson of Ohio; Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma; Andy Ogles of Tennessee; Russell Fry and Jeff Duncan of South Carolina; and Mary Miller of Illinois.House Republicans and a handful of Senate Republicans who did not sign the letter have also been critical about overall government spending and providing additional support for Ukraine.U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, said he is opposed to approving aid to Ukraine because he doesn’t see Ukraine defeating Russia anytime soon.“It sounds to me like this is a stalemate,” he said. “What’s our plan? What are we going to do? Are we just going to spend hundreds of billions indefinitely? What is the plan here? I just don’t know.”U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, was not moved.“What you’d expect,” he said. “It’s the same points being made, there’s nothing particularly new.”However, U.S. Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota said that Zelenskyy “struck a very bipartisan note.”“His main message was one of gratitude for the help that the United States (has) provided to Ukraine and … ask that we continue that support so that Russia doesn’t overrun Ukraine,” Smith said.<h2>$24 billion request</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-asks-congress-40b-ukraine-aid-us-disaster-response-border-security">The White House is asking for Congress to approve $24 billion</a>&nbsp;for several types of aid to Ukraine.The request asks Congress to provide $13.1 billion for the Defense Department, $8.5 billion for the&nbsp;State Department and USAID, $2.3 billion for the Treasury Department, $100 million for the Department of Health and Human Services and $68 million for the Energy Department.Top Senate appropriators Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington, and Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, both said they believe Ukraine should receive aid.Collins said she asked Zelenskyy what would be the impact if Ukraine only received military aid rather than economic and humanitarian aid.“He explained that all of their budget is going to aid their soldiers and sailors and that if they did not get the humanitarian and economic aid, they would lose their school teachers, their health care professionals would leave, and … additional people would literally die,” Collins said.In a statement, Murray said that Ukraine’s defense against Russia is at a critical point.“[I]t’s so important that Congress continues our strong and bipartisan support for Ukraine, so they have the resources and weapons they need to defend themselves against Putin’s invasion,” she said.Congress has approved four aid packages for Ukraine since the war began in February of last year, totaling $110 billion.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-reaches-deal-massive-spending-package-billions-covid-aid-ukraine">first aid package</a>&nbsp;was approved in March 2022 and included $13.6 billion. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-40b-ukraine-aid-bidens-signature-some-gop-balk">second assistance package</a>&nbsp;was approved in May 2022 and provided $40 billion, and the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/hours-ahead-shutdown-deadline-us-house-sends-biden-stopgap-spending-bill">&nbsp;third relief package</a>&nbsp;was approved in September 2022 for more than $12 billion. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-approves-17-trillion-funding-package-and-sends-it-biden">fourth supplemental package</a>&nbsp;was approved in December 2022 for $45 billion.<h2>McConnell: ‘Support for Ukraine is not charity’</h2>Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, has pressed for additional military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine to help bolster democracy in Eastern Europe.“At the risk of repeating myself, American support for Ukraine is not charity,” McConnell said in a statement. “It’s an investment in our own direct interests — not least because degrading Russia’s military power helps to deter our primary strategic adversary, China.”Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a senior GOP member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said that Zelenskyy laid out to senators what would happen if U.S. support were to vanish.“Russia would make very substantial gains,” he said.U.S. Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Ron Wyden of Oregon said Zelenskyy’s meeting showed how this is a pivotal moment.“He did a very, very good job of explaining what the stakes are for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the democracies of the world if you allow an authoritarian to get away with it,” Kaine said.&nbsp; “He also pointed out that actually giving into Putin is the thing that creates the forever war.”U.S. Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said Zelenskyy made a “very urgent case for the United States to stay engaged and to continue with support.”Pentagon spokesman Brigadier Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Thursday that the Defense Department will continue to seek bipartisan support for Ukraine aid in Congress.“It’s important, again, to re-emphasize why Ukraine matters,” he said. “In addition to helping our Ukrainian partners to defend themselves from unprovoked aggression, the implications, not only on European security, but also on U.S. and international security are very stark … If Russia were to succeed in eliminating Ukraine as a nation, they won’t stop there.”<h2>Making school bomb shelters more comfortable</h2>Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska was also in Washington, where she visited students, faculty and staff at Georgetown University.She spoke about the ways education has been affected by the conflict, with young children spending their first day of school learning in bomb shelters.“I’m looking at you and I can see our students,” Zelenska said. “I don’t think you are that different. And you have one particular trait in common, that’s caring and empathy and wanting to change things for the better.”She said that her foundation in Ukraine has three priority areas: humanitarian assistance, support for education and support for health care. One of the foundation’s projects is aimed at making bomb shelters for schools in Ukraine more comfortable. So far, eight schools are part of the program.“If there is no bomb shelter in a school, children cannot attend it, school will just not open, so a lot of children do distance learning,” Zelenska said.Zelenska was presented with the Hillary Clinton Award for advancing women, peace and security. She was awarded this recognition virtually last year.Zelenska stressed that if her country were to be defeated, it would not just impact Ukraine and its people, but threaten everyone.“If you have power, if you have opportunities and resources, you can do anything you want,” Zelenska said. “You can be a tyrant, you can seize other countries, other territories, and then these situations mean that no one is safe in this world.”“To turn a blind eye means to turn your back to your own future,” she said.Jennifer Shutt and Jacob Fischler contributed to this report.

Zelenskyy ‘If we don’t get the aid, we will lose the war

WASHINGTON (AP) — With House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-mccarthy">Kevin McCarthy's</a>&nbsp;latest funding plan in ruins and lawmakers leaving town for the weekend, there's no endgame in sight as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-government-shutdown-house-republicans-congress-543f93b6ad6a3f23ee3f5275e19293f9">hard-right Republicans</a>&nbsp;push dangerously closer to a disruptive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-government-shutdown-spending-house-right-wing-5c8af4f0a5ea3a9d93f54e6566d50aeb">federal shutdown</a>.

The White House will tell federal agencies on Friday to prepare for a shutdown, according to an official with the Office of Management and Budget who insisted on anonymity to discuss the upcoming instructions. That's standard seven days out from a federal disruption.

The Republican McCarthy has repeatedly tried to appease his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-profanity-shutdown-biden-impeachment-3ec12e37d00004b1e84b3d3db3237863">hard-right flank</a>&nbsp;by agreeing to the steep spending cuts they are demanding to keep government open. But cheered on by Donald Trump, the Republican front-runner for president in 2024, the conservatives have all but seized control in dramatic fashion.

In a crushing defeat Thursday, a handful of Republican hardliners blocked a typically popular defense bill from advancing — the second time this week it was set back, an unheard-of loss for a House speaker.

Even a stopgap bill to keep government funding past the Sept. 30 deadline, called a continuing resolution or CR, is a non-starter for some on the right flank who have essentially seized control of the House.

“This is a whole new concept of individuals who just want to burn the whole place down,” McCarthy said after Thursday's vote, acknowledging he was frustrated. “It doesn’t work.”

The open revolt was further evidence that McCarthy’s strategy of repeatedly giving in to the conservatives is seemingly only emboldening them, allowing them to run roughshod over their own House majority. Their conservative bills have almost no chances in the Senate.

Trump urged the conservatives to hold the line against the higher funding levels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-deal-biden-mccarthy-default-01657c829be119850cd65ab9ffb0626a#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20With%20days,measure%20in%20the%20coming%20week.">McCarthy had agreed to with President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;earlier this year and to end the federal criminal indictments against him.

“This is also the last chance to defund these political prosecutions against me and other Patriots,” Trump wrote on social media.

“They failed on the debt limit, but they must not fail now. Use the power of the purse and defend the Country!” the former president wrote.

The White House and Democrats, along with some Republicans, warn that a shutdown would be devastating for people who rely on their government for everyday services and would undermine America’s standing in the world.

“We need the extreme MAGA Republicans to get their act together,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

“End the civil war,” Jeffries urged the Republicans. “Get your act together.”

But one of Trump's top allies, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who is leading the hard-right flank, said the House Republicans now have almost no choices left but to spend the time it takes to pass each of the 12 spending bills needed to fund the government —- typically a laborious process — even if it means going into a shutdown.

Or they can join with Democrats to pass a CR, which is sure to put McCarthy's job at risk.

What Gaetz said he, and several others, would not do is vote for a continuing resolution that fails to slash spending.

“I’m giving a eulogy for the CR right now,” Gaetz told reporters after a late afternoon meeting at the Capitol.

“I represent Florida’s first congressional district, where during the shutdown tens of thousands of people will go without a paycheck, and so I know the impact of a shutdown,” Gaetz said. “So it may get worse before it gets better, and I have little to offer but blood, sweat, toil and tears, but that may be what it takes.”

A government closure is increasingly likely as time runs out for Congress to act.

McCarthy's bid to move ahead with a traditionally popular defense funding bill as a first step toward keeping the government running was shattered, on a vote of 212-216. Five Republicans refused to vote with the increasingly endangered speaker. A sixth Republican voted no on procedural grounds so the bill could be reconsidered.

Moving forward with the defense bill was supposed to be a way for McCarthy to build goodwill among the GOP House majority as he tries to pass a temporary measure just to keep government running for another month. It, too, had catered to other hard-right priorities, such as slashing spending by 8% from many services and bolstering security at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Many on the right flank opposed the deal McCarthy struck with Biden this year over the spending levels and are trying to dismantle it now. They want to see progress on the individual appropriations bills that would fund the various federal departments at the lower levels these lawmakers are demanding.

The morning test vote shattered a McCarthy strategy that had emerged just the night before. Republicans had appeared on track, in a tight roll call, to advancing the measure Thursday. Then the Democrats who had not yet voted began rushing into the chamber.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow Democrats yelled out to hold open the vote. She was a “no." A few others came in behind her and tipped the tally toward defeat.

The Democrats oppose the military bill on many fronts, including Republican provisions that would gut diversity programs at the Pentagon.

As passage appeared doomed, attention turned to the five Republican holdouts to switch their votes.

GOP leaders spent more than an hour on the floor trying to recruit one of them, Rep. Dan Bishop. R-N.C., to vote “yes.”

“Every time there’s the slightest relief of the pressure, the movement goes away from completing the work,” Bishop said.

When asked what it would take to gain his vote, Bishop said, “I think a schedule of appropriations bills over Kevin McCarthy signature would be meaningful to you to me.”

Others were dug in, including some who had supported advancing the defense bill just two days ago when it first failed.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a chief opponent of more aid for Ukraine in the war against Russia, said she voted against the defense bill this time because her party's leadership refused to separate out the war money. Her stand came as Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was at the Capitol during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3">high-profile visit to Washington.</a>

McCarthy had pledged to keep lawmakers in session this weekend for as long as it took to finish their work. But they were sent home, told they could be called back on ample notice.

Many Republicans were starting to speak up more forcefully against their hard-right colleagues.

New York Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents a swing district, said he would not “be party to a shutdown.”

“There needs to be a realization that you’re not going to get everything you want,” he said. “Just throwing a temper tantrum and stomping your feet — frankly, not only is it wrong — it’s just pathetic.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695341819135.png" alt="A view of the House floor prior to taking a four day weekend Thursday afternoon-image&nbsp; CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>A view of the House floor prior to taking a four day weekend Thursday afternoon-image&nbsp; CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — With House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-mccarthy">Kevin McCarthy's</a>&nbsp;latest funding plan in ruins and lawmakers leaving town for the weekend, there's no endgame in sight as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-government-shutdown-house-republicans-congress-543f93b6ad6a3f23ee3f5275e19293f9">hard-right Republicans</a>&nbsp;push dangerously closer to a disruptive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-government-shutdown-spending-house-right-wing-5c8af4f0a5ea3a9d93f54e6566d50aeb">federal shutdown</a>.The White House will tell federal agencies on Friday to prepare for a shutdown, according to an official with the Office of Management and Budget who insisted on anonymity to discuss the upcoming instructions. That's standard seven days out from a federal disruption.The Republican McCarthy has repeatedly tried to appease his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-profanity-shutdown-biden-impeachment-3ec12e37d00004b1e84b3d3db3237863">hard-right flank</a>&nbsp;by agreeing to the steep spending cuts they are demanding to keep government open. But cheered on by Donald Trump, the Republican front-runner for president in 2024, the conservatives have all but seized control in dramatic fashion.In a crushing defeat Thursday, a handful of Republican hardliners blocked a typically popular defense bill from advancing — the second time this week it was set back, an unheard-of loss for a House speaker.Even a stopgap bill to keep government funding past the Sept. 30 deadline, called a continuing resolution or CR, is a non-starter for some on the right flank who have essentially seized control of the House.“This is a whole new concept of individuals who just want to burn the whole place down,” McCarthy said after Thursday's vote, acknowledging he was frustrated. “It doesn’t work.”The open revolt was further evidence that McCarthy’s strategy of repeatedly giving in to the conservatives is seemingly only emboldening them, allowing them to run roughshod over their own House majority. Their conservative bills have almost no chances in the Senate.Trump urged the conservatives to hold the line against the higher funding levels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-deal-biden-mccarthy-default-01657c829be119850cd65ab9ffb0626a#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20With%20days,measure%20in%20the%20coming%20week.">McCarthy had agreed to with President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;earlier this year and to end the federal criminal indictments against him.“This is also the last chance to defund these political prosecutions against me and other Patriots,” Trump wrote on social media.“They failed on the debt limit, but they must not fail now. Use the power of the purse and defend the Country!” the former president wrote.The White House and Democrats, along with some Republicans, warn that a shutdown would be devastating for people who rely on their government for everyday services and would undermine America’s standing in the world.“We need the extreme MAGA Republicans to get their act together,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.“End the civil war,” Jeffries urged the Republicans. “Get your act together.”But one of Trump's top allies, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who is leading the hard-right flank, said the House Republicans now have almost no choices left but to spend the time it takes to pass each of the 12 spending bills needed to fund the government —- typically a laborious process — even if it means going into a shutdown.Or they can join with Democrats to pass a CR, which is sure to put McCarthy's job at risk.What Gaetz said he, and several others, would not do is vote for a continuing resolution that fails to slash spending.“I’m giving a eulogy for the CR right now,” Gaetz told reporters after a late afternoon meeting at the Capitol.“I represent Florida’s first congressional district, where during the shutdown tens of thousands of people will go without a paycheck, and so I know the impact of a shutdown,” Gaetz said. “So it may get worse before it gets better, and I have little to offer but blood, sweat, toil and tears, but that may be what it takes.”A government closure is increasingly likely as time runs out for Congress to act.McCarthy's bid to move ahead with a traditionally popular defense funding bill as a first step toward keeping the government running was shattered, on a vote of 212-216. Five Republicans refused to vote with the increasingly endangered speaker. A sixth Republican voted no on procedural grounds so the bill could be reconsidered.Moving forward with the defense bill was supposed to be a way for McCarthy to build goodwill among the GOP House majority as he tries to pass a temporary measure just to keep government running for another month. It, too, had catered to other hard-right priorities, such as slashing spending by 8% from many services and bolstering security at the U.S.-Mexico border.Many on the right flank opposed the deal McCarthy struck with Biden this year over the spending levels and are trying to dismantle it now. They want to see progress on the individual appropriations bills that would fund the various federal departments at the lower levels these lawmakers are demanding.The morning test vote shattered a McCarthy strategy that had emerged just the night before. Republicans had appeared on track, in a tight roll call, to advancing the measure Thursday. Then the Democrats who had not yet voted began rushing into the chamber.New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow Democrats yelled out to hold open the vote. She was a “no." A few others came in behind her and tipped the tally toward defeat.The Democrats oppose the military bill on many fronts, including Republican provisions that would gut diversity programs at the Pentagon.As passage appeared doomed, attention turned to the five Republican holdouts to switch their votes.GOP leaders spent more than an hour on the floor trying to recruit one of them, Rep. Dan Bishop. R-N.C., to vote “yes.”“Every time there’s the slightest relief of the pressure, the movement goes away from completing the work,” Bishop said.When asked what it would take to gain his vote, Bishop said, “I think a schedule of appropriations bills over Kevin McCarthy signature would be meaningful to you to me.”Others were dug in, including some who had supported advancing the defense bill just two days ago when it first failed.Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a chief opponent of more aid for Ukraine in the war against Russia, said she voted against the defense bill this time because her party's leadership refused to separate out the war money. Her stand came as Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was at the Capitol during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3">high-profile visit to Washington.</a>McCarthy had pledged to keep lawmakers in session this weekend for as long as it took to finish their work. But they were sent home, told they could be called back on ample notice.Many Republicans were starting to speak up more forcefully against their hard-right colleagues.New York Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents a swing district, said he would not “be party to a shutdown.”“There needs to be a realization that you’re not going to get everything you want,” he said. “Just throwing a temper tantrum and stomping your feet — frankly, not only is it wrong — it’s just pathetic.”___

House takes the weekend off despite a shutdown deadline

WWE's popular television show, "Friday Night Smackdown," will be moving from Fox to USA Network next year under a new five-year domestic media rights partnership with NBCUniversal.

“Smackdown,” a weekly two-hour live program that features wrestlers such as Roman Reigns, Charlotte Flair, Rey Mysterio and Bianca Belair, regularly performs strongly in the key 18-49 demographic. It's also experienced strong ratings of late with regular appearances by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1703265019264155773">John Cena</a>&nbsp;and an unadvertised appearance by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1703249919962644810">Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson</a>.

“Smackdown” will begin airing on USA Network in October 2024. Fox had a five-year deal for “Smackdown” that started in October 2019. Prior to that, “Smackdown” had aired on USA Network from 2016 to 2019.

Financial terms of the deal between WWE and NBCUniversal were not disclosed.

As part of the agreement, WWE will also produce four prime-time specials per year that will air on NBC, starting in the 2024/2025 season. This will be the first time that WWE will air on the network in prime time.

“NBCUniversal has been a tremendous partner of WWE for decades,” WWE President Nick Khan said in a statement on Thursday. “We are excited to extend this long-standing relationship by bringing SmackDown to USA Network on Friday nights and look forward to debuting multiple WWE special events annually on NBC.”

USA Network currently airs “WWE NXT” and “WWE Monday Night Raw.” The two programs will continue to be broadcast on the network through September 2024.

“It’s a privilege and thrill to continue NBCU’s decadeslong partnership with WWE which has helped cement USA Network’s consistent position as the top-rated cable entertainment network in live viewership,” Frances Berwick, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, said.

WWE is now part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/endeavor-wwe-tko-group-ufc-d168dee1f33eee34f89e43bc1ff924bf">TKO Group</a>&nbsp;Holdings Inc., which started trading on the New York Stock Exchange last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695327769250.jpeg" alt="Wrestler Akira Tozawa goes airborne during his match with Carmelo Hayes during the WWE Monday Night RAW event, Monday, March 6, 2023, in Boston. WWE’s popular television show, “Friday Night Smackdown,” will be moving from Fox to USA Network next year under a new five-year domestic media rights partnership with NBCUniversal, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. “Smackdown” will begin airing on USA Network in October 2024.(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" />
 <figcaption>Wrestler Akira Tozawa goes airborne during his match with Carmelo Hayes during the WWE Monday Night RAW event, Monday, March 6, 2023, in Boston. WWE’s popular television show, “Friday Night Smackdown,” will be moving from Fox to USA Network next year under a new five-year domestic media rights partnership with NBCUniversal, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. “Smackdown” will begin airing on USA Network in October 2024.(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)</figcaption>
 </figure>WWE's popular television show, "Friday Night Smackdown," will be moving from Fox to USA Network next year under a new five-year domestic media rights partnership with NBCUniversal.“Smackdown,” a weekly two-hour live program that features wrestlers such as Roman Reigns, Charlotte Flair, Rey Mysterio and Bianca Belair, regularly performs strongly in the key 18-49 demographic. It's also experienced strong ratings of late with regular appearances by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1703265019264155773">John Cena</a>&nbsp;and an unadvertised appearance by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1703249919962644810">Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson</a>.“Smackdown” will begin airing on USA Network in October 2024. Fox had a five-year deal for “Smackdown” that started in October 2019. Prior to that, “Smackdown” had aired on USA Network from 2016 to 2019.Financial terms of the deal between WWE and NBCUniversal were not disclosed.As part of the agreement, WWE will also produce four prime-time specials per year that will air on NBC, starting in the 2024/2025 season. This will be the first time that WWE will air on the network in prime time.“NBCUniversal has been a tremendous partner of WWE for decades,” WWE President Nick Khan said in a statement on Thursday. “We are excited to extend this long-standing relationship by bringing SmackDown to USA Network on Friday nights and look forward to debuting multiple WWE special events annually on NBC.”USA Network currently airs “WWE NXT” and “WWE Monday Night Raw.” The two programs will continue to be broadcast on the network through September 2024.“It’s a privilege and thrill to continue NBCU’s decadeslong partnership with WWE which has helped cement USA Network’s consistent position as the top-rated cable entertainment network in live viewership,” Frances Berwick, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, said.WWE is now part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/endeavor-wwe-tko-group-ufc-d168dee1f33eee34f89e43bc1ff924bf">TKO Group</a>&nbsp;Holdings Inc., which started trading on the New York Stock Exchange last week.

WWE's 'Smackdown' moving from Fox to USA Network in new rights deal with NBCUniversal

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/u-s-house-passes-wounded-knee-memorial-bill/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

The U.S. House approved by voice vote Wednesday a bill that would help protect land at the site of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre in South Dakota, where an estimated 350 Lakota were killed by U.S. soldiers.

The site is within the Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe purchased 40 acres around the site last year and would retain possession of the land under&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/dustyjohnson.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/wounded-knee-massacre-memorial-and-sacred-site-act.pdf">the bill</a>, lead sponsor Dusty Johnson, a South Dakota Republican, said.

The wounds from the massacre, which included the killing of noncombatant women and children, remain fresh for the state’s Lakota residents, Johnson said on the House floor earlier this week.

Johnson visited the site in June, he said. At nearby St. John’s Church, the floorboards are still stained with the blood of the wounded and dying who retreated there.

Johnson said he heard on his June visit from the grandson of a survivor of the attack, who grew up hearing of the fear and terror the day evinced.

“These are real people, these are real places,” he said. “These are not ancient tales of a distant land.”

The bill would place 40 acres into protected status for the tribes, Johnson said, providing tribes tools to protect the land.

South Dakota’s U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, both Republicans, introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2088/committees?s=5&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22s+2088%22%7D">an identical bill</a>&nbsp;in the Senate.

Democrats have introduced bills in several sessions of Congress to rescind the 20 Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. service members at Wounded Knee, but that measure has not passed either chamber.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695317463643.jpeg" alt=" U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson speaks on the House floor in September 2023 about his bill to protect land at the Wounded Knee Massacre site. (Courtesy of Rep. Johnson’s office)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson speaks on the House floor in September 2023 about his bill to protect land at the Wounded Knee Massacre site. (Courtesy of Rep. Johnson’s office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jacob Fischler<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/u-s-house-passes-wounded-knee-memorial-bill/">Nebraska Examiner</a>The U.S. House approved by voice vote Wednesday a bill that would help protect land at the site of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre in South Dakota, where an estimated 350 Lakota were killed by U.S. soldiers.The site is within the Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe purchased 40 acres around the site last year and would retain possession of the land under&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/dustyjohnson.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/wounded-knee-massacre-memorial-and-sacred-site-act.pdf">the bill</a>, lead sponsor Dusty Johnson, a South Dakota Republican, said.The wounds from the massacre, which included the killing of noncombatant women and children, remain fresh for the state’s Lakota residents, Johnson said on the House floor earlier this week.Johnson visited the site in June, he said. At nearby St. John’s Church, the floorboards are still stained with the blood of the wounded and dying who retreated there.Johnson said he heard on his June visit from the grandson of a survivor of the attack, who grew up hearing of the fear and terror the day evinced.“These are real people, these are real places,” he said. “These are not ancient tales of a distant land.”The bill would place 40 acres into protected status for the tribes, Johnson said, providing tribes tools to protect the land.South Dakota’s U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, both Republicans, introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2088/committees?s=5&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22s+2088%22%7D">an identical bill</a>&nbsp;in the Senate.Democrats have introduced bills in several sessions of Congress to rescind the 20 Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. service members at Wounded Knee, but that measure has not passed either chamber.

U.S. House passes Wounded Knee memorial bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Gen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joint-chiefs-chairman-brown-tuberville-military-42176ceb51300bdd11f7939db888d701">CQ Brown</a>&nbsp;as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, putting him in place to succeed Gen. Mark Milley when he retires at the end of the month.

Brown's confirmation on a 83-11 vote. Nebraska U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Rickets joined Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voting in favor of the nomination. Kansas junior Senator Roger Marshall and Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt voted no.

Wednesday's vote came months after President Joe Biden nominated him for the post, comes as Democrats try to maneuver around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tuberville-military-holds-senate-officers-45c4230a8aee5222bf32b43823e29acc">holds placed on hundreds of nominations</a>&nbsp;by Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville over the Pentagon's abortion policy. The Senate is also expected to confirm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/army-chief-recruiting-shortfall-nomination-holds-2f1da426a54694eb333882fe7ec31571">Gen. Randy George</a>&nbsp;to be Army Chief of Staff and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marine-commandant-biden-nomination-iraq-afghanistan-8a1704122edc25c388aa33980ff6592a">Gen. Eric Smith</a>&nbsp;as commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps this week.

Tuberville has been blocking the Senate from the routine process of approving military nominations in groups, frustrating Democrats who had said they would not go through the time-consuming process of bringing up individual nominations for a vote. More than 300 nominees are still stalled amid Tuberville's blockade, and confirming them one-by-one would take months.

But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reversed course on Wednesday and moved to force votes on Brown, George and Smith.

“Senator Tuberville is forcing us to face his obstruction head on,” Schumer said. “I want to make clear to my Republican colleagues — this cannot continue.”

Tuberville did not object to the confirmation votes, saying he will maintain his holds but is fine with bringing up nominations individually for roll call votes.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that Brown’s confirmation, along with expected votes on Smith and George, is positive news. But “we should have never been in this position,” he said.

“While good for these three officers, it doesn’t fix the problem or provide a path forward for the 316 other general and flag officers that are held up by this ridiculous hold,” Kirby told reporters.

Brown, a career fighter pilot, was the Air Force’s first Black commander of the Pacific Air Forces and most recently its first Black chief of staff, making him the first African American to lead any of the military branches. His confirmation will also mark the first time the Pentagon’s top two posts were held by African Americans, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lloyd-austin">Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin</a>&nbsp;as the top civilian leader.

In a statement late Wednesday, Austin said Brown would be a “tremendous leader" as the new chairman.

Brown, 60, replaces Joint Chiefs Chairman Army Gen. Mark Milley, who is retiring after four decades in military service. Milley's four-year term as chairman ends on Sept. 30.

Tuberville said on Wednesday that he will continue to hold up the other nominations unless the Pentagon ends its policy of paying for travel when a service member has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. The Biden administration instituted the policy after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an abortion and some states have limited or banned the procedure.

“Let’s do one at a time or change the policy back,” Tuberville said after Schumer put the three nominations up for a vote. “Let’s vote on it.”

In an effort to force Tuberville’s hand, Democrats had said they would not bring up the most senior nominees while the others were still stalled. “There’s an old saying in the military, leave no one behind,” Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed said in July.

But in a frustrated speech on the Senate floor, Schumer said Wednesday he was left with no other choice.

“Senator Tuberville is using them as pawns,” Schumer said of the nominees.

The votes come as a host of military officers have spoken out about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tuberville-holds-military-nominations-664c15d00d330b2b06b75ebeda8e3f01">damage of the delays</a>&nbsp;for service members. While Tuberville's holds are focused on all general and flag officers, they carry career impacts on the military’s younger rising officers. Until each general or admiral is confirmed, it blocks an opportunity for a more junior officer to rise.

That affects pay, retirement, lifestyle and future assignments — and in some fields where the private sector will pay more, it becomes harder to convince those highly trained young leaders to stay.

“Senator Tuberville’s continued hold on hundreds of our nation’s military leaders endangers our national security and military readiness. It is well past time to confirm the over 300 other military nominees,” Austin said, noting he would "continue to personally engage with members of Congress in both parties until all of these well-qualified, apolitical officers are confirmed.”

Tuberville said he has not talked to Austin since July about the holds.

The blockade has frustrated members on both sides of the aisle, and it is still unclear how the larger standoff will be resolved. Schumer did not say if he will put additional nominations on the floor.

The monthslong holds have devolved into a convoluted procedural back and forth in recent days.

Tuberville claimed victory after Schumer’s move, even though the Pentagon policy remains unchanged.

“We called them out, and they blinked,” he told reporters of Schumer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695305939334.png" alt="Biden " />
 <figcaption>Biden </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Gen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joint-chiefs-chairman-brown-tuberville-military-42176ceb51300bdd11f7939db888d701">CQ Brown</a>&nbsp;as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, putting him in place to succeed Gen. Mark Milley when he retires at the end of the month.Brown's confirmation on a 83-11 vote. Nebraska U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Rickets joined Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voting in favor of the nomination. Kansas junior Senator Roger Marshall and Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt voted no.Wednesday's vote came months after President Joe Biden nominated him for the post, comes as Democrats try to maneuver around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tuberville-military-holds-senate-officers-45c4230a8aee5222bf32b43823e29acc">holds placed on hundreds of nominations</a>&nbsp;by Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville over the Pentagon's abortion policy. The Senate is also expected to confirm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/army-chief-recruiting-shortfall-nomination-holds-2f1da426a54694eb333882fe7ec31571">Gen. Randy George</a>&nbsp;to be Army Chief of Staff and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marine-commandant-biden-nomination-iraq-afghanistan-8a1704122edc25c388aa33980ff6592a">Gen. Eric Smith</a>&nbsp;as commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps this week.Tuberville has been blocking the Senate from the routine process of approving military nominations in groups, frustrating Democrats who had said they would not go through the time-consuming process of bringing up individual nominations for a vote. More than 300 nominees are still stalled amid Tuberville's blockade, and confirming them one-by-one would take months.But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reversed course on Wednesday and moved to force votes on Brown, George and Smith.“Senator Tuberville is forcing us to face his obstruction head on,” Schumer said. “I want to make clear to my Republican colleagues — this cannot continue.”Tuberville did not object to the confirmation votes, saying he will maintain his holds but is fine with bringing up nominations individually for roll call votes.White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that Brown’s confirmation, along with expected votes on Smith and George, is positive news. But “we should have never been in this position,” he said.“While good for these three officers, it doesn’t fix the problem or provide a path forward for the 316 other general and flag officers that are held up by this ridiculous hold,” Kirby told reporters.Brown, a career fighter pilot, was the Air Force’s first Black commander of the Pacific Air Forces and most recently its first Black chief of staff, making him the first African American to lead any of the military branches. His confirmation will also mark the first time the Pentagon’s top two posts were held by African Americans, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lloyd-austin">Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin</a>&nbsp;as the top civilian leader.In a statement late Wednesday, Austin said Brown would be a “tremendous leader" as the new chairman.Brown, 60, replaces Joint Chiefs Chairman Army Gen. Mark Milley, who is retiring after four decades in military service. Milley's four-year term as chairman ends on Sept. 30.Tuberville said on Wednesday that he will continue to hold up the other nominations unless the Pentagon ends its policy of paying for travel when a service member has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. The Biden administration instituted the policy after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an abortion and some states have limited or banned the procedure.“Let’s do one at a time or change the policy back,” Tuberville said after Schumer put the three nominations up for a vote. “Let’s vote on it.”In an effort to force Tuberville’s hand, Democrats had said they would not bring up the most senior nominees while the others were still stalled. “There’s an old saying in the military, leave no one behind,” Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed said in July.But in a frustrated speech on the Senate floor, Schumer said Wednesday he was left with no other choice.“Senator Tuberville is using them as pawns,” Schumer said of the nominees.The votes come as a host of military officers have spoken out about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tuberville-holds-military-nominations-664c15d00d330b2b06b75ebeda8e3f01">damage of the delays</a>&nbsp;for service members. While Tuberville's holds are focused on all general and flag officers, they carry career impacts on the military’s younger rising officers. Until each general or admiral is confirmed, it blocks an opportunity for a more junior officer to rise.That affects pay, retirement, lifestyle and future assignments — and in some fields where the private sector will pay more, it becomes harder to convince those highly trained young leaders to stay.“Senator Tuberville’s continued hold on hundreds of our nation’s military leaders endangers our national security and military readiness. It is well past time to confirm the over 300 other military nominees,” Austin said, noting he would "continue to personally engage with members of Congress in both parties until all of these well-qualified, apolitical officers are confirmed.”Tuberville said he has not talked to Austin since July about the holds.The blockade has frustrated members on both sides of the aisle, and it is still unclear how the larger standoff will be resolved. Schumer did not say if he will put additional nominations on the floor.The monthslong holds have devolved into a convoluted procedural back and forth in recent days.Tuberville claimed victory after Schumer’s move, even though the Pentagon policy remains unchanged.“We called them out, and they blinked,” he told reporters of Schumer.

Nebraska U.S. Senators vote to confirm next Joint Chiefs chairman

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/20/one-state-property-tax-credit-rises-slightly-in-2023-while-another-still-isnt-being-fully-claimed/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — One state property tax credit will rise slightly in 2023, but all Nebraskans still aren’t claiming a more lucrative tax refund available via their income tax return.

The Nebraska Department of Revenue announced Tuesday that the real property tax credit for tax year 2023 will amount to $220.76 for the owner of a $200,000 home, and $264.90 for the owner of $200,000 worth of farmland.

That credit, which shows up on the yearly property tax statements sent to landowners and homeowners, rose slightly from a year ago, when it was $213 for a $200,000 home and $256 for the owner of a like amount of farm or ranch property.

But all property owners still aren’t claiming a 3-year-old income tax credit that partially refunds property tax payments for K-12 schools and community colleges.

A year ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/15/nebraskans-failing-to-claim-200-million-in-state-income-tax-credits-officials-say/">40% of state taxpayers had failed to take the credit</a>&nbsp;on their state income tax returns as of September, leaving $200 million unclaimed.

Those numbers have improved somewhat in 2023, with about $128 million unclaimed as of mid-September, or about 23% of the $548 million available.

A Revenue Department spokeswoman, Lydia Brasch, said Wednesday that more taxpayers are expected to claim the credit in October, when those who asked for an extension in filing their income tax returns will file.

She added that the department plans to send out postcards to property owners in hopes of increasing the use of the refund, which is intended to soften the impact from the state’s traditionally high property taxes.

The income tax credit is more sizable than the older, automatic credit that shows up on property tax statements and provides more than $1,000 in credits on a home worth $250,000. But state officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-moves-to-make-new-tax-credit-easier-for-taxpayers-to-claim/">struggled to make home and farm owners aware</a>&nbsp;of the tax break.

This was a big year for tax cuts in the Nebraska Legislature, with lawmakers passing increases in both tax credit programs and setting the state on a course to reduce the top state individual and corporate income tax rate to 3.99%. It once stood at 6.84% for individuals, which senators said left the state uncompetitive as other states have lowered tax rates.

Meanwhile, the advent of casino gambling in Nebraska has begun to show up in terms of tax relief, though only slightly.

State Property Tax Administrator Ruth Sorensen said the real property tax credit for 2023 is about 50 cents higher this year for the owner of a $200,000 home because of $1.4 million in new tax revenue from casinos.

The first casino in the state,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/impact-of-nebraska-casinos-starting-to-be-felt-by-keno-parlors-other-forms-of-gambling/">WarHorse, in Lincoln, opened a year ago</a>&nbsp;and contributed that amount to the credit fund during 2022, Sorensen said.

Since then, temporary casinos have opened in Grand Island and Columbus.

Through August of this year, the three casinos have contributed $11.3 million in gaming taxes to the state,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://racingcommission.nebraska.gov/application/files/2016/9418/4567/Monthly_for_Website_2023_Gaming_Tax_Spreadsheet.pdf">according to figures</a>&nbsp;kept by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. At that rate, about $17 million will be paid in gaming taxes this year.

Under state law, 70% of the gaming tax revenue will go to the state real property tax credit fund, or about $12 million, while 25% will be split evenly among the city and county where the casino is located. The remaining 5% will be divided between the state’s general fund and a state problem gamblers program.

Nebraska voters, in 2020, approved allowing casino gambling at the state’s six licensed horse racing tracks. Other communities, including Bellevue, Norfolk and Ogallala, also ave expressed interest in building tracks and casinos, though expansion to new tracks appears a few years away.

Gambling proponents have estimated that casinos,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/14/nebraskas-first-casino-has-already-sent-nearly-800000-to-property-tax-relief/">when fully opened, will generate between $45 million and $91 million in additional tax</a>&nbsp;relief.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/20/one-state-property-tax-credit-rises-slightly-in-2023-while-another-still-isnt-being-fully-claimed/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — One state property tax credit will rise slightly in 2023, but all Nebraskans still aren’t claiming a more lucrative tax refund available via their income tax return.The Nebraska Department of Revenue announced Tuesday that the real property tax credit for tax year 2023 will amount to $220.76 for the owner of a $200,000 home, and $264.90 for the owner of $200,000 worth of farmland.That credit, which shows up on the yearly property tax statements sent to landowners and homeowners, rose slightly from a year ago, when it was $213 for a $200,000 home and $256 for the owner of a like amount of farm or ranch property.<h2>Income tax credits go unclaimed</h2>But all property owners still aren’t claiming a 3-year-old income tax credit that partially refunds property tax payments for K-12 schools and community colleges.A year ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/15/nebraskans-failing-to-claim-200-million-in-state-income-tax-credits-officials-say/">40% of state taxpayers had failed to take the credit</a>&nbsp;on their state income tax returns as of September, leaving $200 million unclaimed.Those numbers have improved somewhat in 2023, with about $128 million unclaimed as of mid-September, or about 23% of the $548 million available.A Revenue Department spokeswoman, Lydia Brasch, said Wednesday that more taxpayers are expected to claim the credit in October, when those who asked for an extension in filing their income tax returns will file.She added that the department plans to send out postcards to property owners in hopes of increasing the use of the refund, which is intended to soften the impact from the state’s traditionally high property taxes.The income tax credit is more sizable than the older, automatic credit that shows up on property tax statements and provides more than $1,000 in credits on a home worth $250,000. But state officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-moves-to-make-new-tax-credit-easier-for-taxpayers-to-claim/">struggled to make home and farm owners aware</a>&nbsp;of the tax break.<h2>A big year for tax cuts</h2>This was a big year for tax cuts in the Nebraska Legislature, with lawmakers passing increases in both tax credit programs and setting the state on a course to reduce the top state individual and corporate income tax rate to 3.99%. It once stood at 6.84% for individuals, which senators said left the state uncompetitive as other states have lowered tax rates.Meanwhile, the advent of casino gambling in Nebraska has begun to show up in terms of tax relief, though only slightly.State Property Tax Administrator Ruth Sorensen said the real property tax credit for 2023 is about 50 cents higher this year for the owner of a $200,000 home because of $1.4 million in new tax revenue from casinos.The first casino in the state,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/16/impact-of-nebraska-casinos-starting-to-be-felt-by-keno-parlors-other-forms-of-gambling/">WarHorse, in Lincoln, opened a year ago</a>&nbsp;and contributed that amount to the credit fund during 2022, Sorensen said.Since then, temporary casinos have opened in Grand Island and Columbus.Through August of this year, the three casinos have contributed $11.3 million in gaming taxes to the state,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://racingcommission.nebraska.gov/application/files/2016/9418/4567/Monthly_for_Website_2023_Gaming_Tax_Spreadsheet.pdf">according to figures</a>&nbsp;kept by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. At that rate, about $17 million will be paid in gaming taxes this year.<h2>More casinos proposed</h2>Under state law, 70% of the gaming tax revenue will go to the state real property tax credit fund, or about $12 million, while 25% will be split evenly among the city and county where the casino is located. The remaining 5% will be divided between the state’s general fund and a state problem gamblers program.Nebraska voters, in 2020, approved allowing casino gambling at the state’s six licensed horse racing tracks. Other communities, including Bellevue, Norfolk and Ogallala, also ave expressed interest in building tracks and casinos, though expansion to new tracks appears a few years away.Gambling proponents have estimated that casinos,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/14/nebraskas-first-casino-has-already-sent-nearly-800000-to-property-tax-relief/">when fully opened, will generate between $45 million and $91 million in additional tax</a>&nbsp;relief.

One state property tax credit rises slightly in 2023, while another still isn’t being fully claimed

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — A woman walking her dog on a wooded trail in Colorado's Rocky Mountains spooked a cow moose Wednesday and it charged, headbutting the hiker and stomping on her before she escaped back down the trail, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Authorities said the woman was taken to a hospital but they declined to provide information on the woman's injuries or condition. They said the moose had stomped on her “several times” and that the dog had minor injuries.

The moose attack occurred just west of Boulder and was the third in Boulder County this year, said Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. She added fatal encounters are rare.

Van Hoose said the animals are often aggressive with dogs, which they perceive as a threat. They also become more aggressive during mating season — called the rut — which is just beginning in Colorado.

“If a moose thinks a dog is a threat it’s going to react to it, and that’s normal for a moose," she said.

Wildlife officers couldn’t find the moose, but posted signs warning hikers of the potentially aggressive animal. It will likely be difficult to find the exact moose that attacked without DNA, said Van Hoose.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife warned hikers to keep their pets leashed and be on the lookout for the animals, especially near water or in willow trees. If a moose is spotted, officials said, people should keep their distance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695302009591.png" alt="Photo Colorado Parks and Wildlife" />
 <figcaption>Photo Colorado Parks and Wildlife</figcaption>
 </figure>BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — A woman walking her dog on a wooded trail in Colorado's Rocky Mountains spooked a cow moose Wednesday and it charged, headbutting the hiker and stomping on her before she escaped back down the trail, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.Authorities said the woman was taken to a hospital but they declined to provide information on the woman's injuries or condition. They said the moose had stomped on her “several times” and that the dog had minor injuries.The moose attack occurred just west of Boulder and was the third in Boulder County this year, said Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. She added fatal encounters are rare.Van Hoose said the animals are often aggressive with dogs, which they perceive as a threat. They also become more aggressive during mating season — called the rut — which is just beginning in Colorado.“If a moose thinks a dog is a threat it’s going to react to it, and that’s normal for a moose," she said.Wildlife officers couldn’t find the moose, but posted signs warning hikers of the potentially aggressive animal. It will likely be difficult to find the exact moose that attacked without DNA, said Van Hoose.Colorado Parks and Wildlife warned hikers to keep their pets leashed and be on the lookout for the animals, especially near water or in willow trees. If a moose is spotted, officials said, people should keep their distance.___

Woman attacked by moose while walking her dog in Colorado

NEW YORK (AP) — Rupert Murdoch, the 92-year-old media magnate who created Fox News, is stepping down as leader of both Fox's parent company and his News Corp. media holdings.

Fox said Thursday that Murdoch would become chairman emeritus of both companies. His son, Lachlan, will become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-election-lawsuit-new-york-oregon-c77a0630afca5de243a96265c5815b33">News Corp.</a>&nbsp;chairman and continue as chief executive officer of Fox Corp.

Lachlan Murdoch said that “we are grateful that he will serve as chairman emeritus and know he will continue to provide valued counsel to both companies.”

Besides Fox News, Murdoch started the Fox broadcast network, the first to successfully challenge the Big Three of ABC, CBS and NBC. He is owner of the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post.

Murdoch is a force in the conservative world, where Fox News Channel has profoundly influenced television and the nation's politics since its start in 1996.

Murdoch vowed in a letter to employees that he would remain engaged at Fox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695303516372.png" alt="Rupert Murdoch during a 2017 appearance in New York -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Rupert Murdoch during a 2017 appearance in New York -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Rupert Murdoch, the 92-year-old media magnate who created Fox News, is stepping down as leader of both Fox's parent company and his News Corp. media holdings.Fox said Thursday that Murdoch would become chairman emeritus of both companies. His son, Lachlan, will become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-election-lawsuit-new-york-oregon-c77a0630afca5de243a96265c5815b33">News Corp.</a>&nbsp;chairman and continue as chief executive officer of Fox Corp.Lachlan Murdoch said that “we are grateful that he will serve as chairman emeritus and know he will continue to provide valued counsel to both companies.”Besides Fox News, Murdoch started the Fox broadcast network, the first to successfully challenge the Big Three of ABC, CBS and NBC. He is owner of the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post.Murdoch is a force in the conservative world, where Fox News Channel has profoundly influenced television and the nation's politics since its start in 1996.Murdoch vowed in a letter to employees that he would remain engaged at Fox.“In my new role, I can guarantee you that I will be involved every day in the contest of ideas, Murdoch wrote. “Our companies are communities, and I will be an active member of our community. I will be watching our broadcasts with a critical eye, reading our newspapers and websites and books with much interest.”