With just over two weeks to go before the 2024 presidential election and the race in a dead heat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;are hitting the campaign trail in strategic battleground states.

The Republican nominee made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-donald-trump-2024-north-carolina-2dea5d3130416a56f21a5c22ce2e4386">three North Carolina stops</a>&nbsp;Monday, including a visit to see storm damage in Asheville.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Harris</a>&nbsp;is out to win over suburban voters in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-election-2024-gop-c584f9860260f48ddff90ab2dca0433a">key Midwestern battleground states</a>&nbsp;and teaming up with Republican Liz Cheney.

Harris has closed her final event of the day

She ended the evening by saying, “I hope to earn your vote, by the way.”

Cheney: ‘We’re better than partisanship’

Cheney says that the U.S. has to be able to say, “We’re better than partisanship,” as she seeks to convince undecided voters to back Harris.

Harris herself says U.S. democracy requires a “two-party system.” She says debates are important and disagreements are, too. “But not name calling.”

She says that Trump wants to focus only on himself and his grievances.

Harris reaches out to Americans who are anti-abortion

Harris says she’s spoken with Americans who are anti-abortion who are surprised and concerned by the post-Roe medical landscape and “did not intend for the harm” that some women are now suffering because of increasing abortion restrictions.

Women in some states have lost access to reproductive care in states with strict abortion laws.

She was asked about reproductive rights by an undecided voter who says she is a conservative Christian but she feels the laws post-Roe are less about the unborn and “more about controlling women.”

Harris is looking to win over Republican voters

Harris — with help from Cheney — is trying to convince Republicans who are concerned about Trump to instead vote for her.

She’s speaking to a small theater of voters in the critical battleground state of Wisconsin — some of those in attendance have never voted for a Democrat, according to the event’s moderator.

Trump wrapped up his speech at a campaign event in Concord, North Carolina where he largely tried to appeal to Christian voters by repeating his criticism about transgender athletes and his proposal to conduct a large-scale deportation operation. Trump said that during his administration, he fought for Christians “like no president has ever fought before.”

Walz says some Republicans want to 'move off the MAGA stuff'

Vice presidential nominee Tim Walz says the Democratic ticket is focused on attracting traditional Republicans to support Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

In an interview with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central's “The Daily Show,” Minnesota Gov. Walz says a lot of the undecided voters he meets on the campaign trail are Republicans.

“It’s a lot of those folks that are trying to get permission to move off the MAGA stuff and move over,” he says. “These are folks that want to find a reason to not vote for Donald Trump. We need to give them that.”

Trump endorses the Republican candidate for Alaska’s only House seat

Trump participated in a telerally late Monday for Republican Nick Begich, who is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola for Alaska’s only House seat.

Trump endorsed Begich after the Republican he’d initially backed withdrew following the primary.

Peltola in 2022 became the first Alaska Native in Congress after winning special and regular elections for the seat, defeating opponents including Begich. Trump dismissed her election as a “fluke.”

There have been repeated affirmations from Trump’s Concord crowd, bursts of applause and standing ovations for some of Trump’s accomplishments like the appointment of three U.S. Supreme Court justices.

Many in the crowd have joined into a one-sided conversation with Trump as he has mentioned Harris, with numerous shouts of “go home, Kamala” and “the enemy” when mentions of Democrats have been made.

Trump reflects on his faith, says Harris is ‘very destructive to religion’

Compared to his typical rallies and town halls, Trump’s faith leader event in Concord, North Carolina, has placed spirituality at the forefront. Supporters have chanted “Jesus” and “Praise God” throughout the night.

Trump spent some time reflecting on the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, where a bullet grazed his ear. Trump shared how his parents used to take him to church in Queens and Manhattan.

“As I look back at my life’s journey and events, I now recognize that it’s been the hand of God leading me to where I am today,” he said. “I would like to think that God saved me for a purpose. And that’s to make our country greater than ever before.”

Trump said his opponent Kamala Harris is “very destructive to religion.”

Biden shouts out Harris while honoring artists at a medal ceremony

At a White House ceremony honoring winners of the National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals, Biden took a brief detour in his remarks to give a shoutout to Harris’ run for the White House.

“I know the power of the women in this room to get things done” and boost the next generation, Biden told the crowd that included singer and actress Queen Latifah and poet Joy Harjo. He added that female winners were “proving a woman can do anything a man can do, and then some, that includes being president of the United States of America.”

The line drew a standing ovation from the star-studded crowd that also included directors Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg, and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.

Biden also told the winners that the moment was a “very consequential time in the arts and humanities in America” because “extreme forces are banning books, trying to erase history, spreading misinformation.”

6 inches of snow delay early voting in Fairbanks, Alaska

Election season has coincided with the first major cold-weather storm, leading to a delayed start for voting in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The state Division of Elections canceled early voting Monday in Fairbanks after more than 6 inches of wet, heavy snow fell overnight. That snow transitioned into rain Monday morning, leaving water on top of super compact, hard snow, said Stephen Dennis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Besides upending the first day of early voting, the ice and snow also prompted the cancelation of all in-person classes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a plea from city police to avoid unnecessary travel.

The forecast calls for more accumulation Tuesday, with up to 10 inches of snow expected to fall.

Pennsylvania man charged with threatening to kill a state political party employee

The Pennsylvania man has been charged with threatening to kill a state political party employee who was recruiting Election Day poll watchers, the Justice Department said Monday.

Prosecutors say John Courtney Pollard, 62, texted the state political party representative that he was interested in being a poll watcher after the person posted online last month that they were looking for volunteers.

Pollard, of Philadelphia, then sent the person a series of threatening messages, threatening to kill them in one if they didn’t respond and threatening to skin them alive in another, prosecutors allege.

There was no attorney listed in the court docket for Pollard, and a voice message was left on a cellphone listed for him.

The case was brought through the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, which was created in 2021 amid escalating threats of violence against election workers nationwide.

They’re eating gummies, all sorts of things’

In her conversation with Harris, Shriver asked the Democratic nominee about what she is doing to de-stress, saying that Americans say they’re turning off the news, they’re doing yoga, “they’re eating gummies, all sorts of things.”

The crowd laughed and Harris said: “Not eating gummies,” with a chuckle. Harris said she was having trouble sleeping. She says she wakes up in the middle of the night and she works out in the morning and that her family grounds her.

But she also says that Americans should not despair. Everyone in a Democracy has the ability to make a decision about the future through their votes. “Let’s not feel powerless,” she said. “That’s not in our nature.”

Harris: Trump can be manipulated ‘by dictators and autocrats’

Harris says Trump “has been manipulated and is so clearly able to be manipulated by favor and flattery including by dictators and autocrats.”

She says if he wins the White House, Ukraine will fall to Russia and that will have terrible consequences globally.

Harris praised the bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress and said she believes it will continue but that she worries about Trump’s embrace of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Harris and Cheney haven’t always gotten along

With Liz Cheney becoming one of Harris’ fiercest advocates — the two are currently at a campaign event together — the Trump campaign is resurfacing a 2019 post made by a Harris campaign spokesman criticizing the former Wyoming representative and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney.

The post made by Harris spokesman Ian Sams says, “Liz Cheney helped lead us into Iraq from a special State Department Middle East post her dad’s administration created for her.” The post was made in response to Cheney’s then-criticism of Harris.

Democrats have long vilified Dick Cheney for his defense of the Iraq War. Liz Cheney was selected in 2005 by then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as principal deputy assistant for near Eastern affairs and to coordinate initiatives in the broader Middle East and North Africa.

Harris and Cheney are being interviewed by Maria Shriver, the former first lady of California under Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who says many voters feel they don’t know the vice president, and asked her to speak about herself “to give them a feeling for who you are.”

Harris’ truncated campaign — she only started running for the presidency in July when President Biden stepped aside — has limited the time she’s had to introduce herself to the American public.

“I am a wife. I am a mother. I am a sister,” she said. “I am a godmother. I love to cook. I started my career as a prosecutor.”

Harris says voters should take Trump’s rhetoric seriously, rather than writing it off as some “sick sense of humor.”

“Some people find it humorous, what he says, and it’s just silly,” she said. “But understand how serious it is.”

She referenced that retired Gen. Mark A. Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs under Trump, reportedly described him as “fascist to the core.”

Liz Cheney has a message for GOP voters who don’t want to see Trump in the White House but are scared to go against their party and vote for Harris.

She says Americans can “vote your conscience and not ever have to say a word to anybody.”

Cheney says she thinks “millions” of Republicans will be quietly casting a vote for the Democrat.

Cheney says she’s actively supporting Harris because she believes Trump is dangerous, especially because he tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election and still refuses to admit he lost.

Trump has ended his speech at a rally in Greenville, North Carolina

He thanked SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk for helping him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-america-pac-donald-trump-344f1ecc9770c4e394fceb7bbbe2b237">campaign in Pennsylvania</a>.

Trump’s attacks against Harris are getting nastier

Trump keeps escalating his attacks on Harris at his Greenville, North Carolina, rally, calling her a “nutjob” and accusing her of lacking compassion and strength.

He criticized Harris for being at a fundraiser in San Francisco after Hurricane Helene ravaged the U.S. Southeast.

“Kamala Harris does not have the compassion, the smarts or the strength to be the president of the United States,” he said. “She just can’t do the job.”

Trump has previously called Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kamala-harris-white-house-election-a38195f876767332c48d12226a6aea2f">“mentally impaired,”</a>&nbsp;and over the weekend he added a profanity when encouraging supporters to vote Democrats out of office.

“You have to tell Kamala Harris that you’ve had enough, that you just can’t take it anymore, we can’t stand you anymore, you’re a s— vice president.”

Harris is campaigning with Republican Liz Cheney at the Royal Oak Theater in Michigan, and inside the ladies’ room, there’s a secret message for women voters.

“Woman to woman — your vote is secret,” the notes read. “Support reproductive rights this November.”

The pink sticky notes are taped inside every stall.

After Trump’s campaign appearance at a McDonald’s drive-thru, Harris criticized him for not supporting an increase in minimum wage

She said that someone working full time at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 would only make $15,000 a year, which she said are “essentially poverty wages.”

Harris also pointed to a nonpartisan analysis that said Trump’s policies would deplete Social Security.

“Donald Trump clearly doesn’t understands the needs of working people.”

At a North Carolina rally, Trump said Harris and the Biden administration haven’t done enough to help after Hurricane Helene

At a rally in Greenville, North Carolina, Trump attacked his opponent and the Biden administration, claiming they haven’t properly supported the western part of the state after it was battered by Hurricane Helene last month.

He repeated an incorrect claim that the federal government doesn’t have enough money for hurricane victims because it is being used to help immigrants in the country illegally.

“They didn’t have any money left for North Carolina,” he said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund gets replenished every year by Congress and is used to pay for recovery from natural disasters. The agency said that money is only used for disaster-related efforts and hasn’t been diverted to support border issues.

Harris responded to Trump’s accusations that she never worked at McDonald’s while she was a college student

“Did I?” she said while getting off Air Force Two in Michigan. “I did.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729553617190.png" alt="Vice President Harris and Republican Liz Cheney at a campaign event on Monday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Harris and Republican Liz Cheney at a campaign event on Monday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>With just over two weeks to go before the 2024 presidential election and the race in a dead heat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;are hitting the campaign trail in strategic battleground states.The Republican nominee made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-donald-trump-2024-north-carolina-2dea5d3130416a56f21a5c22ce2e4386">three North Carolina stops</a>&nbsp;Monday, including a visit to see storm damage in Asheville.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Harris</a>&nbsp;is out to win over suburban voters in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-election-2024-gop-c584f9860260f48ddff90ab2dca0433a">key Midwestern battleground states</a>&nbsp;and teaming up with Republican Liz Cheney.Here’s the latest:<h2>Harris has closed her final event of the day</h2>She ended the evening by saying, “I hope to earn your vote, by the way.”<h2>Cheney: ‘We’re better than partisanship’</h2>Cheney says that the U.S. has to be able to say, “We’re better than partisanship,” as she seeks to convince undecided voters to back Harris.Harris herself says U.S. democracy requires a “two-party system.” She says debates are important and disagreements are, too. “But not name calling.”She says that Trump wants to focus only on himself and his grievances.<h2>Harris reaches out to Americans who are anti-abortion</h2>Harris says she’s spoken with Americans who are anti-abortion who are surprised and concerned by the post-Roe medical landscape and “did not intend for the harm” that some women are now suffering because of increasing abortion restrictions.Women in some states have lost access to reproductive care in states with strict abortion laws.She was asked about reproductive rights by an undecided voter who says she is a conservative Christian but she feels the laws post-Roe are less about the unborn and “more about controlling women.”<h2>Harris is looking to win over Republican voters</h2>Harris — with help from Cheney — is trying to convince Republicans who are concerned about Trump to instead vote for her.She’s speaking to a small theater of voters in the critical battleground state of Wisconsin — some of those in attendance have never voted for a Democrat, according to the event’s moderator.<h2>Trump wraps faith campaign event</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“We ask God to give you strength, comfort, and peace…When I’m President, I will stand with you until the communities are fully rebuilt” <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> <a href="https://t.co/cmSzExICEk">pic.twitter.com/cmSzExICEk</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@margommartin) <a href="https://twitter.com/margommartin/status/1848408324615655754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump wrapped up his speech at a campaign event in Concord, North Carolina where he largely tried to appeal to Christian voters by repeating his criticism about transgender athletes and his proposal to conduct a large-scale deportation operation. Trump said that during his administration, he fought for Christians “like no president has ever fought before.”<h2>Walz says some Republicans want to 'move off the MAGA stuff'</h2>Vice presidential nominee Tim Walz says the Democratic ticket is focused on attracting traditional Republicans to support Vice President Kamala Harris for president.In an interview with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central's “The Daily Show,” Minnesota Gov. Walz says a lot of the undecided voters he meets on the campaign trail are Republicans.“It’s a lot of those folks that are trying to get permission to move off the MAGA stuff and move over,” he says. “These are folks that want to find a reason to not vote for Donald Trump. We need to give them that.”<h2>Trump endorses the Republican candidate for Alaska’s only House seat</h2>Trump participated in a telerally late Monday for Republican Nick Begich, who is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola for Alaska’s only House seat.Trump endorsed Begich after the Republican he’d initially backed withdrew following the primary.Peltola in 2022 became the first Alaska Native in Congress after winning special and regular elections for the seat, defeating opponents including Begich. Trump dismissed her election as a “fluke.”<h2>Trump’s energetic crowd</h2>There have been repeated affirmations from Trump’s Concord crowd, bursts of applause and standing ovations for some of Trump’s accomplishments like the appointment of three U.S. Supreme Court justices.Many in the crowd have joined into a one-sided conversation with Trump as he has mentioned Harris, with numerous shouts of “go home, Kamala” and “the enemy” when mentions of Democrats have been made.<h2>Trump reflects on his faith, says Harris is ‘very destructive to religion’</h2>Compared to his typical rallies and town halls, Trump’s faith leader event in Concord, North Carolina, has placed spirituality at the forefront. Supporters have chanted “Jesus” and “Praise God” throughout the night.Trump spent some time reflecting on the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, where a bullet grazed his ear. Trump shared how his parents used to take him to church in Queens and Manhattan.“As I look back at my life’s journey and events, I now recognize that it’s been the hand of God leading me to where I am today,” he said. “I would like to think that God saved me for a purpose. And that’s to make our country greater than ever before.”Trump said his opponent Kamala Harris is “very destructive to religion.”<h2>Biden shouts out Harris while honoring artists at a medal ceremony</h2>At a White House ceremony honoring winners of the National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals, Biden took a brief detour in his remarks to give a shoutout to Harris’ run for the White House.“I know the power of the women in this room to get things done” and boost the next generation, Biden told the crowd that included singer and actress Queen Latifah and poet Joy Harjo. He added that female winners were “proving a woman can do anything a man can do, and then some, that includes being president of the United States of America.”The line drew a standing ovation from the star-studded crowd that also included directors Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg, and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.Biden also told the winners that the moment was a “very consequential time in the arts and humanities in America” because “extreme forces are banning books, trying to erase history, spreading misinformation.”<h2>6 inches of snow delay early voting in Fairbanks, Alaska</h2>Election season has coincided with the first major cold-weather storm, leading to a delayed start for voting in Fairbanks, Alaska.The state Division of Elections canceled early voting Monday in Fairbanks after more than 6 inches of wet, heavy snow fell overnight. That snow transitioned into rain Monday morning, leaving water on top of super compact, hard snow, said Stephen Dennis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.Besides upending the first day of early voting, the ice and snow also prompted the cancelation of all in-person classes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a plea from city police to avoid unnecessary travel.The forecast calls for more accumulation Tuesday, with up to 10 inches of snow expected to fall.<h2>Pennsylvania man charged with threatening to kill a state political party employee</h2>The Pennsylvania man has been charged with threatening to kill a state political party employee who was recruiting Election Day poll watchers, the Justice Department said Monday.Prosecutors say John Courtney Pollard, 62, texted the state political party representative that he was interested in being a poll watcher after the person posted online last month that they were looking for volunteers.Pollard, of Philadelphia, then sent the person a series of threatening messages, threatening to kill them in one if they didn’t respond and threatening to skin them alive in another, prosecutors allege.There was no attorney listed in the court docket for Pollard, and a voice message was left on a cellphone listed for him.The case was brought through the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, which was created in 2021 amid escalating threats of violence against election workers nationwide.<h2>They’re eating gummies, all sorts of things’</h2>In her conversation with Harris, Shriver asked the Democratic nominee about what she is doing to de-stress, saying that Americans say they’re turning off the news, they’re doing yoga, “they’re eating gummies, all sorts of things.”The crowd laughed and Harris said: “Not eating gummies,” with a chuckle. Harris said she was having trouble sleeping. She says she wakes up in the middle of the night and she works out in the morning and that her family grounds her.But she also says that Americans should not despair. Everyone in a Democracy has the ability to make a decision about the future through their votes. “Let’s not feel powerless,” she said. “That’s not in our nature.”<h2>Harris: Trump can be manipulated ‘by dictators and autocrats’</h2>Harris says Trump “has been manipulated and is so clearly able to be manipulated by favor and flattery including by dictators and autocrats.”She says if he wins the White House, Ukraine will fall to Russia and that will have terrible consequences globally.Harris praised the bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress and said she believes it will continue but that she worries about Trump’s embrace of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.<h2>Harris and Cheney haven’t always gotten along</h2>With Liz Cheney becoming one of Harris’ fiercest advocates — the two are currently at a campaign event together — the Trump campaign is resurfacing a 2019 post made by a Harris campaign spokesman criticizing the former Wyoming representative and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney.The post made by Harris spokesman Ian Sams says, “Liz Cheney helped lead us into Iraq from a special State Department Middle East post her dad’s administration created for her.” The post was made in response to Cheney’s then-criticism of Harris.Democrats have long vilified Dick Cheney for his defense of the Iraq War. Liz Cheney was selected in 2005 by then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as principal deputy assistant for near Eastern affairs and to coordinate initiatives in the broader Middle East and North Africa.<h2>Harris continues to reintroduce herself</h2>Harris and Cheney are being interviewed by Maria Shriver, the former first lady of California under Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who says many voters feel they don’t know the vice president, and asked her to speak about herself “to give them a feeling for who you are.”Harris’ truncated campaign — she only started running for the presidency in July when President Biden stepped aside — has limited the time she’s had to introduce herself to the American public.“I am a wife. I am a mother. I am a sister,” she said. “I am a godmother. I love to cook. I started my career as a prosecutor.”<h2>Harris doesn’t find Trump funny</h2>Harris says voters should take Trump’s rhetoric seriously, rather than writing it off as some “sick sense of humor.”“Some people find it humorous, what he says, and it’s just silly,” she said. “But understand how serious it is.”She referenced that retired Gen. Mark A. Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs under Trump, reportedly described him as “fascist to the core.”<h2>Liz Cheney’s message to Republicans</h2>Liz Cheney has a message for GOP voters who don’t want to see Trump in the White House but are scared to go against their party and vote for Harris.She says Americans can “vote your conscience and not ever have to say a word to anybody.”Cheney says she thinks “millions” of Republicans will be quietly casting a vote for the Democrat.Cheney says she’s actively supporting Harris because she believes Trump is dangerous, especially because he tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election and still refuses to admit he lost.<h2>Trump has ended his speech at a rally in Greenville, North Carolina</h2>He thanked SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk for helping him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-america-pac-donald-trump-344f1ecc9770c4e394fceb7bbbe2b237">campaign in Pennsylvania</a>.<h2>Trump’s attacks against Harris are getting nastier</h2>Trump keeps escalating his attacks on Harris at his Greenville, North Carolina, rally, calling her a “nutjob” and accusing her of lacking compassion and strength.He criticized Harris for being at a fundraiser in San Francisco after Hurricane Helene ravaged the U.S. Southeast.“Kamala Harris does not have the compassion, the smarts or the strength to be the president of the United States,” he said. “She just can’t do the job.”Trump has previously called Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kamala-harris-white-house-election-a38195f876767332c48d12226a6aea2f">“mentally impaired,”</a>&nbsp;and over the weekend he added a profanity when encouraging supporters to vote Democrats out of office.“You have to tell Kamala Harris that you’ve had enough, that you just can’t take it anymore, we can’t stand you anymore, you’re a s— vice president.”<h2>A secret message in the ladies’ room</h2>Harris is campaigning with Republican Liz Cheney at the Royal Oak Theater in Michigan, and inside the ladies’ room, there’s a secret message for women voters.“Woman to woman — your vote is secret,” the notes read. “Support reproductive rights this November.”The pink sticky notes are taped inside every stall.<h2>After Trump’s campaign appearance at a McDonald’s drive-thru, Harris criticized him for not supporting an increase in minimum wage</h2>She said that someone working full time at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 would only make $15,000 a year, which she said are “essentially poverty wages.”Harris also pointed to a nonpartisan analysis that said Trump’s policies would deplete Social Security.“Donald Trump clearly doesn’t understands the needs of working people.”<h2>At a North Carolina rally, Trump said Harris and the Biden administration haven’t done enough to help after Hurricane Helene</h2>At a rally in Greenville, North Carolina, Trump attacked his opponent and the Biden administration, claiming they haven’t properly supported the western part of the state after it was battered by Hurricane Helene last month.He repeated an incorrect claim that the federal government doesn’t have enough money for hurricane victims because it is being used to help immigrants in the country illegally.“They didn’t have any money left for North Carolina,” he said.The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund gets replenished every year by Congress and is used to pay for recovery from natural disasters. The agency said that money is only used for disaster-related efforts and hasn’t been diverted to support border issues.<h2>Harris responded to Trump’s accusations that she never worked at McDonald’s while she was a college student</h2>“Did I?” she said while getting off Air Force Two in Michigan. “I did.”Harris also gave a thumb’s up.<h2>The White House pushed back against statements by Trump that the administration failed to help after Hurricane Helene</h2>White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the Republican nominee’s comments “dangerous” and said they had been debunked on a bipartisan basis.Jean-Pierre noted that 5,500 federal personnel were in North Carolina and Florida after Helene and Hurricane Milton. And she said $2 billion in federal assistance had been approved for those affected in North Carolina.“They are dangerous,” Jean-Pierre said of Trump’s remarks. “They are unhelpful. It is not what leadership looks like.”

2 weeks to go: Trump and Harris make stops in battleground states

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Investigators with the Wichita. Police Department need assistance with identifying&nbsp; two suspects.

According to a social media report from police, they allegedly stole an elderly woman's wallet, and then proceeded to purchase two drones at a local Best Buy with the stolen credit card.

If you are able to ID them call 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729539357767.png" alt="Photo CrimeStoppers Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Photo CrimeStoppers Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Investigators with the Wichita. Police Department need assistance with identifying&nbsp; two suspects.According to a social media report from police, they allegedly stole an elderly woman's wallet, and then proceeded to purchase two drones at a local Best Buy with the stolen credit card.If you are able to ID them call 316-267-2111.

Police: Kansas suspects stole elderly woman's wallet

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as&nbsp;43-year-old Harold Brown,&nbsp;according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

 Just after 3a.m. Monday,&nbsp; police responded to area of Roberts Street and Bales Avenue to investigate reports of a shooting,&nbsp; First responders found a man with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

A short time later, police learned another victim, later identified as Brown, had arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased.

Anyone in the area who saw or heard anything is asked to contact KCPD homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043, or, call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729516321246.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as&nbsp;43-year-old Harold Brown,&nbsp;according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. Just after 3a.m. Monday,&nbsp; police responded to area of Roberts Street and Bales Avenue to investigate reports of a shooting,&nbsp; First responders found a man with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.A short time later, police learned another victim, later identified as Brown, had arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased.Anyone in the area who saw or heard anything is asked to contact KCPD homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043, or, call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Homicide: Police ID victim in Kansas City gunfight

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The United States “will get Ukraine what it needs” to fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">its war with Russia</a>, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday, but he gave no hint that Washington might endorse key planks of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-victory-plan-unveiled-zelenskyy-parliament-f3525550f6986f590777193a7385c0c5">so-called “victory plan.”</a>

The United States will provide Ukraine with what it requires "to fight for its survival and security,” Austin said in a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine. He noted that the U.S. has delivered more than $58 billion in security assistance for Ukraine since Russia's February 2022 full-scale invasion, making it Kyiv's main backer.

That includes a new $400 million package of military aid that the Biden administration announced Monday, including munitions for rocket systems and artillery, mortar systems and rounds, armored vehicles and anti-tank weapons. It comes just days after the U.S. said it was sending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-germany-scholz-ukraine-angola-hurricane-milton-122b839208dce251e530b4e3d5156396">$425 million in military assistance to Ukraine</a>.

But Zelenskyy has asked Ukraine's Western allies to go a few steps further, notably inviting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-nato-membership-summit-4156df4062e69e0da38e7c18bf657285">Ukraine to join NATO</a>&nbsp;and letting it use Western-supplied longer-range missiles to strike military targets deep inside Russian territory. Those steps have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/victory-plan-ukraine-russia-war-zelenskyy-1a66e6b1655fcaa421526ad174e618bd">met with a lukewarm response</a>.

Ukraine is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-new-recruits-pokrovsk-ed2d06ad529e3b7e47ecd32f79911b83">having difficulty holding back</a>&nbsp;a ferocious Russian campaign along the eastern front that is gradually compelling Kyiv’s forces to give up a series of towns, villages and hamlets. It faces a hard winter after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-energy-shutdowns-fc9f910c255ef5bd36e7f1782f073949">Russia targeted its power grid</a>.

Austin's remarks were notable for what they did not include — an endorsement of Ukraine being invited into NATO, or any indication the U.S. will support Ukraine becoming more aggressive in its defense with longer-range attacks on Russian soil.

With the U.S. presidential election about two weeks away, U.S. officials are treading carefully. President Joe Biden has balked at measures that might escalate the war and bring a confrontation between NATO and Russia.

Austin said "there is no silver bullet. No single capability will turn the tide. No one system will end Putin’s assault.”

He added: “Make no mistake. The United States does not seek war with Russia.”

“What matters is the way that Ukraine fights back," Austin told the assembled diplomatic and military personnel at the academy. "What matters is the combined effects of your military capabilities. And what matters is staying focused on what works.”

Zelenskyy said in a Sunday evening video address that his ‘victory plan’ had won the backing of France, Lithuania, Nordic countries and “many other allies” in the European Union, which he didn’t name.

Zelenskyy said he had received “very positive signals from the United States,” but he stopped short of saying he had secured Washington’s blessing for the plan.

Analysts say the U.S. is unlikely to make a decision before the Nov. 5. presidential election.

Russian strikes highlight Ukraine's need for weapons

The latest Russian strikes on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia, rammed home the urgency for Kyiv officials of clinching guarantees of more support, particularly large amounts of ammunition for the war of attrition the sides are engaged in.

A Russian missile attack on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia killed two people and injured 15 in the city center and caused huge damage to civilian infrastructure, including a kindergarten and more than 30 residential buildings, regional Gov. Ivan Fedorov said.

Russia conducted a ballistic missile strike at Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown, injuring five people, city administration head Oleksandr Vilkul wrote on social media.

According to Vilkul, Russia has conducted ballistic missile attacks on Kryvyi Rih for three consecutive days, injuring the total of 21 people and damaging dozens of residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.

Machine gunfire and the noise of drones’ engines was also heard in Kyiv’s center throughout the night. Authorities reported minor damages to civilian infrastructure caused by falling drone debris in three districts.

Russia fired three missiles and more than 100 drones at Ukraine overnight from Sunday to Monday, Ukraine's air force said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Monday to discuss cooperation between their countries.

According to Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, the meeting focused on strengthening strategic relations, defense cooperation and addressing global food security through Black Sea grain shipments from Ukraine that pass through Turkey’′ Bosphorus Strait.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/recep-tayyip-erdogan">Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a>&nbsp;has sought to steer a balanced line in his NATO-member country’s close relations with both Ukraine and Russia. He has previously offered to host a peace summit between the two countries.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The United States “will get Ukraine what it needs” to fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">its war with Russia</a>, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday, but he gave no hint that Washington might endorse key planks of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-victory-plan-unveiled-zelenskyy-parliament-f3525550f6986f590777193a7385c0c5">so-called “victory plan.”</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I welcomed U.S. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Lloyd Austin in Kyiv. I thanked him for a new defense assistance package for Ukraine worth $400 million that includes ammunition, military equipment, and weaponry. During the meeting we discussed critical defense priorities, including Ukraine’s air… <a href="https://t.co/j0O1LEO5lZ">pic.twitter.com/j0O1LEO5lZ</a>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1848356717899162099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The United States will provide Ukraine with what it requires "to fight for its survival and security,” Austin said in a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine. He noted that the U.S. has delivered more than $58 billion in security assistance for Ukraine since Russia's February 2022 full-scale invasion, making it Kyiv's main backer.That includes a new $400 million package of military aid that the Biden administration announced Monday, including munitions for rocket systems and artillery, mortar systems and rounds, armored vehicles and anti-tank weapons. It comes just days after the U.S. said it was sending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-germany-scholz-ukraine-angola-hurricane-milton-122b839208dce251e530b4e3d5156396">$425 million in military assistance to Ukraine</a>.But Zelenskyy has asked Ukraine's Western allies to go a few steps further, notably inviting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-nato-membership-summit-4156df4062e69e0da38e7c18bf657285">Ukraine to join NATO</a>&nbsp;and letting it use Western-supplied longer-range missiles to strike military targets deep inside Russian territory. Those steps have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/victory-plan-ukraine-russia-war-zelenskyy-1a66e6b1655fcaa421526ad174e618bd">met with a lukewarm response</a>.Ukraine is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-new-recruits-pokrovsk-ed2d06ad529e3b7e47ecd32f79911b83">having difficulty holding back</a>&nbsp;a ferocious Russian campaign along the eastern front that is gradually compelling Kyiv’s forces to give up a series of towns, villages and hamlets. It faces a hard winter after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-energy-shutdowns-fc9f910c255ef5bd36e7f1782f073949">Russia targeted its power grid</a>.Austin's remarks were notable for what they did not include — an endorsement of Ukraine being invited into NATO, or any indication the U.S. will support Ukraine becoming more aggressive in its defense with longer-range attacks on Russian soil.With the U.S. presidential election about two weeks away, U.S. officials are treading carefully. President Joe Biden has balked at measures that might escalate the war and bring a confrontation between NATO and Russia.Austin said "there is no silver bullet. No single capability will turn the tide. No one system will end Putin’s assault.”He added: “Make no mistake. The United States does not seek war with Russia.”“What matters is the way that Ukraine fights back," Austin told the assembled diplomatic and military personnel at the academy. "What matters is the combined effects of your military capabilities. And what matters is staying focused on what works.”Zelenskyy said in a Sunday evening video address that his ‘victory plan’ had won the backing of France, Lithuania, Nordic countries and “many other allies” in the European Union, which he didn’t name.Zelenskyy said he had received “very positive signals from the United States,” but he stopped short of saying he had secured Washington’s blessing for the plan.Analysts say the U.S. is unlikely to make a decision before the Nov. 5. presidential election.<h2>Russian strikes highlight Ukraine's need for weapons</h2>The latest Russian strikes on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia, rammed home the urgency for Kyiv officials of clinching guarantees of more support, particularly large amounts of ammunition for the war of attrition the sides are engaged in.A Russian missile attack on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia killed two people and injured 15 in the city center and caused huge damage to civilian infrastructure, including a kindergarten and more than 30 residential buildings, regional Gov. Ivan Fedorov said.Russia conducted a ballistic missile strike at Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown, injuring five people, city administration head Oleksandr Vilkul wrote on social media.According to Vilkul, Russia has conducted ballistic missile attacks on Kryvyi Rih for three consecutive days, injuring the total of 21 people and damaging dozens of residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.Machine gunfire and the noise of drones’ engines was also heard in Kyiv’s center throughout the night. Authorities reported minor damages to civilian infrastructure caused by falling drone debris in three districts.Russia fired three missiles and more than 100 drones at Ukraine overnight from Sunday to Monday, Ukraine's air force said.Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Monday to discuss cooperation between their countries.According to Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, the meeting focused on strengthening strategic relations, defense cooperation and addressing global food security through Black Sea grain shipments from Ukraine that pass through Turkey’′ Bosphorus Strait.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/recep-tayyip-erdogan">Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a>&nbsp;has sought to steer a balanced line in his NATO-member country’s close relations with both Ukraine and Russia. He has previously offered to host a peace summit between the two countries.

$58 billion: U.S. spending another $400 million on Ukraine this week

OSAGE COUNTY—A Kansas school district superintendent is now on administrative leave following an arrest.

Just before 5p.m. Friday, police arrested 53-year-old Bradley Marcotte, the superintendent of school at USD 421 in Lyndon, according to online jail records.

He was jailed on requested charges of child endangerment and interference with a law enforcement officer.

&nbsp;Just after 7p.m. Friday, he met the requirement of a $2,500 bond and was released.

On Monday, USD 421 reported in a media release signed by school board president Bryant Derley,&nbsp;&nbsp;"The school board voted to place Marcotte on administrative leave. We want to thank our staff for acting quickly and following safety procedures to protect students and keep them out of harm’s way."&nbsp; Law enforcement have not released details on specifics of what prompted the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729541994425.png" alt="Marcotte photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Marcotte photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—A Kansas school district superintendent is now on administrative leave following an arrest.Just before 5p.m. Friday, police arrested 53-year-old Bradley Marcotte, the superintendent of school at USD 421 in Lyndon, according to online jail records.He was jailed on requested charges of child endangerment and interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;Just after 7p.m. Friday, he met the requirement of a $2,500 bond and was released.On Monday, USD 421 reported in a media release signed by school board president Bryant Derley,&nbsp;&nbsp;"The school board voted to place Marcotte on administrative leave. We want to thank our staff for acting quickly and following safety procedures to protect students and keep them out of harm’s way."&nbsp; Law enforcement have not released details on specifics of what prompted the arrest.

Kan. school district superintendent placed on leave after arrest

Hutchinson, KAN. –&nbsp;Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) resident Kevyn Lopez, 26, died Monday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Lopez was found unresponsive in his cell Monday morning. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived but were unsuccessful. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Lopez was serving a 94-month sentence for convictions of voluntary manslaughter in Wyandotte County, Kansas.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, the death is under investigation by the agency and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729524765329.png" alt="Lopez photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Lopez photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson, KAN. –&nbsp;Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) resident Kevyn Lopez, 26, died Monday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.Lopez was found unresponsive in his cell Monday morning. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived but were unsuccessful. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.Lopez was serving a 94-month sentence for convictions of voluntary manslaughter in Wyandotte County, Kansas.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, the death is under investigation by the agency and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Kan. inmate serving time for manslaughter found dead in cell

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating suspect for an alleged&nbsp;domestic violence incident at the Budget Host Inn in Salina early Saturday.&nbsp;

Salina Police Department officers responded to reports of an altercation at the hotel, located at 222 E. Diamond Dr.&nbsp;just before 3a.m. Saturday.

Officers spoke with a 37-year-old woman who reported that Christopher Wilson, 32, Salina, assaulted her while she was visiting him at the inn.&nbsp;

"She indicated that they got into an argument over some laundry. The argument progressed," said Salina Police Captain James Feldman. "He grabbed her from behind by the neck and restricted her breathing. She did not lose consciousness. She then fell to the ground, where he forcefully pulled her up into a seated position."

The victim attempted to crawl away, outside Wilson's reach when he then grabbed her and dragged her back into the room and began punching her repeatedly in the face, according to Feldman.&nbsp;

"She attempted to get away from the subject and ended up biting him to get him to release," Feldman said. "He then bit her, and she stated that he then grabbed a knife, slapped her."

The victim reported that Wilson struck her with a knife, causing minor injuries to her leg and buttocks, before she managed to flee the room and contact a friend outside, who then notified the police.

Wilson was located by officers at the hotel the following day at around 5 p.m. Feldman said before his alleged attack against the woman,&nbsp; Wilson was living in one of the rooms at the inn.&nbsp;

Wilson was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, and violation of a protection order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729514567249.png" alt="Wilson photo Saline Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Wilson photo Saline Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating suspect for an alleged&nbsp;domestic violence incident at the Budget Host Inn in Salina early Saturday.&nbsp;Salina Police Department officers responded to reports of an altercation at the hotel, located at 222 E. Diamond Dr.&nbsp;just before 3a.m. Saturday.Officers spoke with a 37-year-old woman who reported that Christopher Wilson, 32, Salina, assaulted her while she was visiting him at the inn.&nbsp;"She indicated that they got into an argument over some laundry. The argument progressed," said Salina Police Captain James Feldman. "He grabbed her from behind by the neck and restricted her breathing. She did not lose consciousness. She then fell to the ground, where he forcefully pulled her up into a seated position."The victim attempted to crawl away, outside Wilson's reach when he then grabbed her and dragged her back into the room and began punching her repeatedly in the face, according to Feldman.&nbsp;"She attempted to get away from the subject and ended up biting him to get him to release," Feldman said. "He then bit her, and she stated that he then grabbed a knife, slapped her."The victim reported that Wilson struck her with a knife, causing minor injuries to her leg and buttocks, before she managed to flee the room and contact a friend outside, who then notified the police.Wilson was located by officers at the hotel the following day at around 5 p.m. Feldman said before his alleged attack against the woman,&nbsp; Wilson was living in one of the rooms at the inn.&nbsp;Wilson was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, and violation of a protection order.

Police: Dispute over laundry led to violent attack on Kan. woman

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Navy identified on Monday the two crew members who died last week in a jet fighter crash near Mount Rainier as two 31-year-old aviators from California.

Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, a Naval Aviator, died when their EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron, known as “Zappers,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/navy-jet-crash-washington-rainier-4790be16646d9d3bcb07f2587e300df8">crashed east of Mount Rainier</a>&nbsp;last Tuesday during a training flight, according to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

Evans of Palmdale, California, made history as part of a team of female pilots who conducted the first-ever all-female flyover of Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023, to celebrate 50 years of women flying in the Navy, Steve Fiebing, a Navy spokesperson, told The Associated Press.

The first female candidates entered the U.S. Navy flight school in 1973.

“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” Evans told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-10/meet-the-first-all-female-team-to-fly-over-the-superbowl" target="_blank">Los Angeles Times</a>. “Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than yourself.”

Wileman was commissioned in 2018 and joined the Zapper squadron on Washington state’s Whidbey Island in 2021. She earned the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.

An aerial crew located the wreckage the day after the crash at about 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) in a remote, steep and heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier, officials said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/navy-fighter-jet-crash-growler-0de956683aa5a3ba86ccf1a6d572899f">Navy officials declared the aviators dead</a>&nbsp;on Sunday and said they’ve switched from search and rescue to recovery operations.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 130. “Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators, and ensuring the well-being of our sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased.”

Personnel are recovering debris and planning for the long-term salvage and recovery effort, the Navy said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jay-inslee">Gov. Jay Inslee</a>&nbsp;said the Navy asked the Washington state National Guard to “provide 24/7 security at assigned traffic control points.” Inslee granted the request Sunday.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The first production of the Growler was delivered to Whidbey Island in 2008. In the past 15 years, the Growler has operated around the globe supporting major actions, the Navy said. The plane seats a pilot in front and an electronics operator behind them.

“The EA-18G Growler aircraft we fly represents the most advanced technology in airborne Electronic Attack and stands as the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments,” the Navy said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Electronic-Attack-Squadron-VAQ-130/About-Us/" target="_blank">on its website</a>. Each aircraft costs about $67 million.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said said she was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Evans, whom she had met at the Naval Air Station last year.

“I am deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country,” Murray said in a statement. “She was a leader who broke barriers and made history.”

“Similarly, I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Lt. Serena Wileman,” she continued. “I am so proud of both of these women for their trailblazing careers — their service has no doubt made a difference, clearing a path for the women who will come after them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729542873027.png" alt="Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay “Miley” Evans-Photo U.S. Navy" />
 <figcaption>Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay “Miley” Evans-Photo U.S. Navy</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)—The Navy identified on Monday the two crew members who died last week in a jet fighter crash near Mount Rainier as two 31-year-old aviators from California.Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, a Naval Aviator, died when their EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron, known as “Zappers,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/navy-jet-crash-washington-rainier-4790be16646d9d3bcb07f2587e300df8">crashed east of Mount Rainier</a>&nbsp;last Tuesday during a training flight, according to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.Evans of Palmdale, California, made history as part of a team of female pilots who conducted the first-ever all-female flyover of Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023, to celebrate 50 years of women flying in the Navy, Steve Fiebing, a Navy spokesperson, told The Associated Press.The first female candidates entered the U.S. Navy flight school in 1973.“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” Evans told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-10/meet-the-first-all-female-team-to-fly-over-the-superbowl" target="_blank">Los Angeles Times</a>. “Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than yourself.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729542762166.png" alt="Lt. Serena N. Wileman-photo U.S. Navy" />
 <figcaption>Lt. Serena N. Wileman-photo U.S. Navy</figcaption>
 </figure>Wileman was commissioned in 2018 and joined the Zapper squadron on Washington state’s Whidbey Island in 2021. She earned the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.An aerial crew located the wreckage the day after the crash at about 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) in a remote, steep and heavily wooded area east of Mount Rainier, officials said.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/navy-fighter-jet-crash-growler-0de956683aa5a3ba86ccf1a6d572899f">Navy officials declared the aviators dead</a>&nbsp;on Sunday and said they’ve switched from search and rescue to recovery operations.“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers,” said Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 130. “Our priority right now is taking care of the families of our fallen aviators, and ensuring the well-being of our sailors and the Growler community. We are grateful for the ongoing teamwork to safely recover the deceased.”Personnel are recovering debris and planning for the long-term salvage and recovery effort, the Navy said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jay-inslee">Gov. Jay Inslee</a>&nbsp;said the Navy asked the Washington state National Guard to “provide 24/7 security at assigned traffic control points.” Inslee granted the request Sunday.The cause of the crash remains under investigation.The first production of the Growler was delivered to Whidbey Island in 2008. In the past 15 years, the Growler has operated around the globe supporting major actions, the Navy said. The plane seats a pilot in front and an electronics operator behind them.“The EA-18G Growler aircraft we fly represents the most advanced technology in airborne Electronic Attack and stands as the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments,” the Navy said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Electronic-Attack-Squadron-VAQ-130/About-Us/" target="_blank">on its website</a>. Each aircraft costs about $67 million.U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said said she was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Evans, whom she had met at the Naval Air Station last year.“I am deeply grateful for her courage and sacrifice in service to our country,” Murray said in a statement. “She was a leader who broke barriers and made history.”“Similarly, I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Lt. Serena Wileman,” she continued. “I am so proud of both of these women for their trailblazing careers — their service has no doubt made a difference, clearing a path for the women who will come after them.”

Navy identifies two pilots killed in fighter jet crash

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/suzanneking/">SUZANNE KING</a>&nbsp;

Registered nurses at two HCA-owned Kansas City hospitals get “substantial” pay raises under new three-year contracts ratified in October.

National Nurses United, the union representing registered nurses at Research Medical Center in Kansas City and Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nurses-at-two-hca-kansas-city-area-hospitals-ratify-new-contract" target="_blank">press release</a>&nbsp;that the pay bump will make it easier to recruit and keep nurses.

Heavy nurse turnover at the two for-profit hospitals was one of the nurse union’s top complaints when it began contract negotiations in March. The union said 150 nurses left jobs at Research in 2023, while 89 left Menorah. Sometimes, the union said, Research and Menorah weren’t scheduling enough nurses each shift for safe patient care.

Nurses, whose previous contract expired May 31, had&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/15/kansas-city-nurse-union-prepared-to-strike-if-they-have-to/" target="_blank">rallied</a>&nbsp;on Meyer Boulevard outside Research calling on HCA to “put patients over profit.”

HCA Healthcare, which owns 180 hospitals across the country and reported profits of more than $5 billion in 2023, called its staffing “safe and appropriate.”

The company said it is pleased the new Kansas City contracts have been ratified.

“As we indicated all along,” HCA spokeswoman Christine Hamele said in an emailed statement, “our goal was to reach an agreement that was fair for our colleagues and maintained the flexibility that allows us to operate in an ever-changing healthcare environment, and this contract meets those goals.”

The union said new contracts would improve patient care and working conditions. In addition to pay raises, the union said, the contracts include:

National Nurses United represents almost 1,000 nurses at Research and Menorah, part of the 10,000 nurses it represents around the country.

In 2024, union contracts expired with nurses at 17 HCA-owned facilities in six states. The union said that nurses at some of those hospitals had authorized strikes, but no walkouts happened. This month, the hospital company has come to agreement with nurses at four facilities, including the two in Kansas City.

A growing number of nurses, doctors and other health care workers have turned to unions in recent years. Asking hospitals to schedule more health care workers on every shift is often at the top of their list of demands.

The pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in U.S. health care, including scarce staffing and difficult working conditions at hospitals across the country. That drove more unionization.

In 2023, about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/major-strike-activity-in-2023/" target="_blank">half</a>&nbsp;of the country’s 33 major work stoppages — defined as an event involving at least 1,000 workers and lasting for at least one shift — occurred in health care.

And nursing strikes are on the rise, according to Nurse Together, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nursetogether.com/nurse-strikes/" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;that focuses on the profession. The group counted nine nurse strikes in 2020, 14 in 2021, 16 in 2022 and 30 last year. It said that 2024 is on track to have even more strikes.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/10/18/pay-raise-in-new-kc-nurse-union-contract-will-mean-better-care/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729537404811.png" alt=" Nurses at Research and Menorah medical centers just ratified a new three-year contract (Scott Canon/The Beacon)." />
 <figcaption> Nurses at Research and Menorah medical centers just ratified a new three-year contract (Scott Canon/The Beacon).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/suzanneking/">SUZANNE KING</a>&nbsp;Registered nurses at two HCA-owned Kansas City hospitals get “substantial” pay raises under new three-year contracts ratified in October.National Nurses United, the union representing registered nurses at Research Medical Center in Kansas City and Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nurses-at-two-hca-kansas-city-area-hospitals-ratify-new-contract" target="_blank">press release</a>&nbsp;that the pay bump will make it easier to recruit and keep nurses.Heavy nurse turnover at the two for-profit hospitals was one of the nurse union’s top complaints when it began contract negotiations in March. The union said 150 nurses left jobs at Research in 2023, while 89 left Menorah. Sometimes, the union said, Research and Menorah weren’t scheduling enough nurses each shift for safe patient care.Nurses, whose previous contract expired May 31, had&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/15/kansas-city-nurse-union-prepared-to-strike-if-they-have-to/" target="_blank">rallied</a>&nbsp;on Meyer Boulevard outside Research calling on HCA to “put patients over profit.”HCA Healthcare, which owns 180 hospitals across the country and reported profits of more than $5 billion in 2023, called its staffing “safe and appropriate.”The company said it is pleased the new Kansas City contracts have been ratified.“As we indicated all along,” HCA spokeswoman Christine Hamele said in an emailed statement, “our goal was to reach an agreement that was fair for our colleagues and maintained the flexibility that allows us to operate in an ever-changing healthcare environment, and this contract meets those goals.”The union said new contracts would improve patient care and working conditions. In addition to pay raises, the union said, the contracts include:<ul>
 <li>A new program to ensure that nurses can take meal and rest breaks during shifts.</li><li>Measures to ensure that nurses will be temporarily reassigned or “float” to units of the hospital similar to their specialty.</li><li>The right for staff to use preferred names and pronouns on name badges.</li>
 </ul>National Nurses United represents almost 1,000 nurses at Research and Menorah, part of the 10,000 nurses it represents around the country.In 2024, union contracts expired with nurses at 17 HCA-owned facilities in six states. The union said that nurses at some of those hospitals had authorized strikes, but no walkouts happened. This month, the hospital company has come to agreement with nurses at four facilities, including the two in Kansas City.A growing number of nurses, doctors and other health care workers have turned to unions in recent years. Asking hospitals to schedule more health care workers on every shift is often at the top of their list of demands.The pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in U.S. health care, including scarce staffing and difficult working conditions at hospitals across the country. That drove more unionization.In 2023, about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/major-strike-activity-in-2023/" target="_blank">half</a>&nbsp;of the country’s 33 major work stoppages — defined as an event involving at least 1,000 workers and lasting for at least one shift — occurred in health care.And nursing strikes are on the rise, according to Nurse Together, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nursetogether.com/nurse-strikes/" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;that focuses on the profession. The group counted nine nurse strikes in 2020, 14 in 2021, 16 in 2022 and 30 last year. It said that 2024 is on track to have even more strikes.This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/10/18/pay-raise-in-new-kc-nurse-union-contract-will-mean-better-care/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Kansas City nurses say their new contract will mean higher pay and better patient care

Most Americans are in favor of some legislation regulating new technologies. Here’s how each candidate plans to handle Big Tech, AI, cryptocurrency and more if elected

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/paige-gross/">PAIGE GROSS</a>

Though technology policy isn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/09/09/issues-and-the-2024-election/" target="_blank">one of the main drivers&nbsp;</a>getting voters out to the polls in the upcoming presidential election, the speed in which technology develops will undoubtedly impact the way everyday Americans communicate, work and interact with the world in the next four years.

Concern about artificial intelligence’s role in the election plague the majority of both Republicans and Democrats a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/19/concern-over-the-impact-of-ai-on-2024-presidential-campaign/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center survey</a>&nbsp;found last month. Those polled are concerned that AI is being used to influence the election, and a poll earlier in the year shows that people are wary of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/04/29/americans-views-of-technology-companies-2/" target="_blank">the amount of power</a>&nbsp;social media and Big Tech companies have over their lives.

Several bills regulating new technologies have been introduced in congress, but no federal laws regulating artificial intelligence or data privacy have yet been passed. In October 2023, President Joe Biden signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/10/30/executive-order-on-the-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-development-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank">executive order&nbsp;</a>calling for federal agencies to examine the impacts of AI, and report how they might address problems.

Though tech issues aren’t central to their platforms, candidates Kamala Harris and former Donald Trump have outlined some of how they see technology playing a role in Americans’ lives.

Harris’ policies tend to focus on inclusivity, data protection, net neutrality and expanding broadband access. One of the largest wins for the tech and science communities during the Biden-Harris administration is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4346" target="_blank">CHIPS and Science Act</a>, which in 2022, provided funding for research and development for environmental projects, clean energy and American manufacturing of semiconductors, which are the basis of most electronics.

Trump’s policies would likely roll back some protections for consumers put in place by the Biden administration, and programs like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/ev-acceleration-challenge/" target="_blank">electric vehicle challenge.</a>&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47" target="_blank">platform</a>&nbsp;also places a lot of focus on what he considers “<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/president-donald-j-trump-calls-for-probe-into-intelligence-communitys-role-in-online-censorship" target="_blank">illegal censorship</a>,” by Big Tech companies, especially X, formerly Twitter, which banned the candidate for “<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/01/08/954760928/twitter-bans-president-trump-citing-risk-of-further-incitement-of-violence" target="_blank">risk of further incitement of violence</a>,” after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

While Harris’ policies focus on finding a balance of innovation and overreach by Big Tech companies, Trump’s policies focus on a more free market approach.

On the topics of AI and cryptocurrency, though, Harris and Trump see somewhat similar approaches. At a&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kamala-harris-plans-boost-ai-160039789.html" target="_blank">fundraiser at Cipriani Wall Street&nbsp;</a>earlier this week, Harris talked about the importance of these evolving technologies in the current economy, while recognizing that they need oversight.

“We will partner together to invest in America’s competitiveness, to invest in America’s future,” Harris said. ”We will encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting our consumers and investors.”

It’s a change from the current administration, which is more focused on protections for consumers amid the evolving market, rather than industry growth. Trump has similarly taken a lighter stance on AI and crypto, saying that the industry requires some time to work itself out, and doesn’t support tough oversight at this moment.

<h2>Most Americans are in favor of some legislation regulating new technologies. Here’s how each candidate plans to handle Big Tech, AI, cryptocurrency and more if elected</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/paige-gross/">PAIGE GROSS</a>Though technology policy isn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/09/09/issues-and-the-2024-election/" target="_blank">one of the main drivers&nbsp;</a>getting voters out to the polls in the upcoming presidential election, the speed in which technology develops will undoubtedly impact the way everyday Americans communicate, work and interact with the world in the next four years.Concern about artificial intelligence’s role in the election plague the majority of both Republicans and Democrats a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/19/concern-over-the-impact-of-ai-on-2024-presidential-campaign/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center survey</a>&nbsp;found last month. Those polled are concerned that AI is being used to influence the election, and a poll earlier in the year shows that people are wary of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/04/29/americans-views-of-technology-companies-2/" target="_blank">the amount of power</a>&nbsp;social media and Big Tech companies have over their lives.Several bills regulating new technologies have been introduced in congress, but no federal laws regulating artificial intelligence or data privacy have yet been passed. In October 2023, President Joe Biden signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/10/30/executive-order-on-the-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-development-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank">executive order&nbsp;</a>calling for federal agencies to examine the impacts of AI, and report how they might address problems.Though tech issues aren’t central to their platforms, candidates Kamala Harris and former Donald Trump have outlined some of how they see technology playing a role in Americans’ lives.Harris’ policies tend to focus on inclusivity, data protection, net neutrality and expanding broadband access. One of the largest wins for the tech and science communities during the Biden-Harris administration is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4346" target="_blank">CHIPS and Science Act</a>, which in 2022, provided funding for research and development for environmental projects, clean energy and American manufacturing of semiconductors, which are the basis of most electronics.Trump’s policies would likely roll back some protections for consumers put in place by the Biden administration, and programs like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/ev-acceleration-challenge/" target="_blank">electric vehicle challenge.</a>&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47" target="_blank">platform</a>&nbsp;also places a lot of focus on what he considers “<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/president-donald-j-trump-calls-for-probe-into-intelligence-communitys-role-in-online-censorship" target="_blank">illegal censorship</a>,” by Big Tech companies, especially X, formerly Twitter, which banned the candidate for “<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/01/08/954760928/twitter-bans-president-trump-citing-risk-of-further-incitement-of-violence" target="_blank">risk of further incitement of violence</a>,” after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.While Harris’ policies focus on finding a balance of innovation and overreach by Big Tech companies, Trump’s policies focus on a more free market approach.On the topics of AI and cryptocurrency, though, Harris and Trump see somewhat similar approaches. At a&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kamala-harris-plans-boost-ai-160039789.html" target="_blank">fundraiser at Cipriani Wall Street&nbsp;</a>earlier this week, Harris talked about the importance of these evolving technologies in the current economy, while recognizing that they need oversight.“We will partner together to invest in America’s competitiveness, to invest in America’s future,” Harris said. ”We will encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting our consumers and investors.”It’s a change from the current administration, which is more focused on protections for consumers amid the evolving market, rather than industry growth. Trump has similarly taken a lighter stance on AI and crypto, saying that the industry requires some time to work itself out, and doesn’t support tough oversight at this moment.On antitrust issues, Harris’ administration would likely continue pursuing enforcement against large platforms and Big Tech companies that came from Biden’s administration. He signed an executive order<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">&nbsp;in 2021&nbsp;</a>against companies that use monopoly techniques and gather personal data, and his Justice Department filed lawsuits against Facebook’s parent Meta and Amazon.Trump’s administration also carried out some antitrust suits against Google and Meta toward the end of his time in office. He’s long been vocal about his distrust and dislike for major social media platforms, claiming bias against him.Most Americans are in favor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/10/18/how-americans-view-data-privacy/" target="_blank">more tech regulation&nbsp;</a>than there is now. But they’re likely not too concerned with the nitty gritty details that have kept bills sitting in Congress, said Ryan Waite, VP of Public Affairs at digital advocacy firm Think Big.Waite has spent the last two decades working in and around political campaigns, and he said emerging technologies and AI are as influential to the future internet landscape as much as the introduction of the internet itself was to everyday life 30 years ago.He likened pending or potential AI legislation to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/senate-bill/652" target="_blank">Telecommunications Act of 1996</a>, which promoted competition and reduced regulation in order to bring down costs for consumers as new technologies in broadcast and internet exploded.“I think if you talked to the average American then, they wouldn’t have known what the internet was, perhaps they experienced it at some level, but probably didn’t care much about how it was legislated,” Waite said.But the legislation revamped the communications and telecommunications frameworks for the industry and changed how we work and receive information, Waite said. In that same concept, AI and other emerging technologies are being adopted at such high rates that “We’re at an earthquake moment,” Waite said.Both parties aim to strengthen the technology industry and America’s place in the world market, but they approach it differently, Waite said. Debates over legislation usually come down to trying to find appropriate, timely legislation that regulates these new technologies without stifling innovation and growth.Harris’ campaign approach is viewed as “inclusive” on these issues, Waite said, with goals to provide broadband access everywhere, and a focus on getting access to these tools for small business and underserved communities.“They’re very interested in this equality framework, of being able to say everyone should have access to these tools,” Waite said.Trump tends to lean more toward allowing businesses to innovate and do what they do well with the belief that time will iron out problems in these technologies. These policies usually favor economic impact over safeguarding technologies.Most Americans probably favor some middle ground legislation that allows for data and bias protections from quickly growing technologies while allowing American companies to become global leaders, he saidIn the end, for most Americans, tech issues aren’t as partisan as the two-party system sets them up to be, Waite said.“Voters might not always know the legislative details,” Waite said. “But they do care about having reliable broadband access, keeping their kids safe online and ensuring that innovation is advancing to keep pace with global competition.”