First Medal of Valor recipient honored at General Assembly

Posted on by Matthew Sasser

The inaugural Medal of Valor was bestowed upon Craven County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Lyndsey Moses-Winnings during a ceremony at the General Assembly on Wednesday. 

On Oct. 1, 2021, Craven County officers responded to an involuntary commitment order at a residence. The suspect fired a handgun, critically wounding  Deputy Zachary Bellingham.  Moses-Winnings disarmed the shooter and got the deputy out of the home. Bellingham was left paralyzed from the incident. 

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson said he hoped the Medal of Valor ceremony was the first of many before minting Moses-Winnings with the medal. 

“There’s bad news all around us, but the good news is that there are good people out there,” Robinson said. “Many of them wear a uniform and a badge.”

Lawmakers passed legislation in the 2023 budget to grant the Medal of Valor.

“This is the kind of thing we should be talking about in North Carolina,” House Speaker Tim Moore said. “Just know that we will do anything we can in the House to continue to support law enforcement. I can tell you it’s one of those great things that’s bipartisan; it’s bicameral, both the Senate and the House are in lockstep.”

Supreme Court of North Carolina Chief Justice Paul Newby thanked Robinson for his continued support of law enforcement. 

“It’s one thing to have the know-how,” Newby said. “It’s something else to put it into practice, and to put it into practice in a way that puts your own life on the line. That’s what this Medal of Valor will recognize.”

State legislators with law enforcement experience were in attendance, including Reps. Charles W. Miller, R-Brunswick, and Bill Ward, R-Pasquotank, and Sen. Norman W. Sanderson, R-Pamlico. 

“Heroes are just ordinary people who have been called to do heroic things,” Sanderson said. 

Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Swain, who’s a retired firefighter, and Rep. Frank Sossamon, R-Granville, also attended the ceremony. 

“We will also keep those who have sacrificed and paid dearly for it at the top of our priorities, because you were willing to pay everything for us, and we are willing to pay that back to make sure you have everything you need from here on out,” Robinson said to the injured deputy who sat near Moses-Winnings during the event.

For questions or comments, or to pass along story ideas, please write to Matthew Sasser at [email protected] or contact the NC Insider at [email protected] or @StateAffairsNC 

RGA launches first gubernatorial ad

Posted on by Clifton Dowell

The Republican Governors Association launched its first ad in support of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in North Carolina’s gubernatorial election on Wednesday, announcing in a news release it has made an initial seven-figure investment to air the ad on cable, broadcast and digital platforms. The group says the ad highlights Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein’s “weak position” on immigration issues.

Michael Lonergan, communications director for Robinson’s campaign, said he wasn’t surprised the Republican Governors Association would focus on immigration because Stein said North Carolina has no sanctuary cities even as some Democratic sheriffs refuse to cooperate with ICE. 

“The attorney general likes to bill himself as the state’s top cop when it’s convenient for him,” Lonergan said.

Meanwhile, the Stein campaign said in a news release it raised a record-breaking $13.79 million in the second quarter of 2024. The campaign has raised almost $33 million over the cycle and has nearly $16 million on hand, it said. It launched statewide television ads in June criticizing Robinson’s position on abortion. 

“We’re grateful to the thousands and thousands of North Carolinians who chipped in to support Josh Stein’s campaign for a safer, stronger North Carolina,” Jeff Allen, Stein’s campaign manager, said in the news release.

Bulso defamation suit gets Tennessee Supreme Court ‘SLAPP’

Posted on by Andy Sher

The Tennessee Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed a defamation and false light lawsuit filed by a Sumner County developer who was upset about a critical Google reviews written by a resident.

Bill Charles, who was also the HOA president at Durham Farms in Hendersonville, filed the lawsuit over comments that followed developer Freehold Communities announcing plans to add a “rental only” section to the planned community and other changes. Charles was represented by state Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood. 

In their unanimous decision, the justices ruled the case must be dismissed under the 2019 Tennessee Public Participation Act. The law mirrors other states’ anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, or SLAPP, laws aimed at providing protections for people sued for libel or slander in an effort to silence them.

Residents, including Donna McQueen, sought to halt the developers’ plan in 2020, petitioning local officials and posting negative Google reviews on Freehold Communities’ Nashville regional office website. McQueen asserted that Charles, a consultant for Freehold, used misleading tactics to deceive homeowners. 

Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, attends a House floor session on Jan. 9, 2024. (Erik Schelzig)

In response, Charles lawyered up with a team of attorneys from Bulso’s law firm, including the lawmaker, Paul Krog, Eric Smith and Nicholas Tsiouvaras. McQueen petitioned for dismissal under the TPPA, arguing that Charles could not establish a prima facie case for his claims because he could not prove actual malice.

A trial court found in McQueen’s favor and dismissed Charles’ case. The Court of Appeals reversed the decision in part, agreeing that Charles had to prove “actual malice” to win on his false light claim but holding that Charles was not a public figure.

A steep hill to climb

The state’s highest court disagreed in an opinion written by Justice Sarah K. Campbell and joined in Chief Justice Holly Kirby as well as justices Jeff Bivins, Roger Page and Dwight Tarwater.

“We hold that Charles is a limited-purpose public figure given the voluntary and prominent role he played in a controversy concerning changes to the Durham Farms Development plan,” the ruling said. 

The justices also found Charles further failed to establish a “prima facie case of actual malice.” They also rejected Charles’ argument that McQueen waived her request for appellate attorney’s fees by failing to list it as an issue in her Court of Appeals brief. 

According to the court, ordinarily a plaintiff asserting a defamation claim must prove the defendant made a false statement and did so negligently. But it’s a higher standard for a public figure.

“If the plaintiff is a public figure, however, he must prove that the statement was made with actual malice,” according to the opinion. “This is a steep hill to climb.”

McQueen was represented by Ronald Harris, Jay Harbison and William Ramsey of the Neal & Harwell law firm.

Guest Column: Hurricane prep means taking GOMESA further

Posted on by Manning McPhillips Jr.

As we just saw with Hurricane Beryl making landfall in Texas, Gulf Coast states must be in a constant state of preparation and planning to protect our people and their livelihoods from the next storm. 

Congress and the administration in recent years have wisely started to invest in resiliency efforts to lessen the impact of severe weather and reduce the costs of recovery, but one area where that sensible policy could go further is with the GOMESA revenue sharing program.

The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA) established a mechanism for offshore oil and gas lease and production revenue to be shared with the Gulf producing states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The federal government returns 37.5 percent of the revenue generated offshore — but only up to a cap of $375 million total — to those states for a variety of uses including coastal conservation, restoration and hurricane protection.

Despite millions of dollars coming to the Gulf States each year, the fact of the matter is that the federal government is shortchanging this region. Under current law, offshore oil and gas development is not treated equally to the same activity conducted in the interior parts of the country. If this same energy development activity takes place on onshore federal lands, the surrounding state and communities receive 50 percent of all revenues generated.

Coastal leaders have been working for years to bring more fairness to the situation. The bipartisan RISEE Act, championed by Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, would remove that cap on Gulf revenue sharing and add revenue sharing for offshore wind production nationwide.

In the House, Congressmen Steve Scalise and Troy Carter have pushed the BREEZE Act, which not only removes the cap for Gulf revenue sharing but also brings the percentage of revenue sharing up to 50 percent, on par with onshore production. My Mississippi House and Senate delegation members have been beating this drum for years too because of the resources it could bring to our state and communities.

Not only does the current situation treat Gulf States differently from other states, but it is withholding vital resources from the states most at risk of hurricane and tropical storm damage. Those communities need this crucial revenue to better protect their citizens against the next storm and create a more resilient coastal environment.

As we enter what is supposed to be an above average hurricane season, let’s hope Congress can treat this region and its people fairly and give them the resources they need to protect themselves.

Manning McPhillips Jr. is a principal with Cornerstone Government Affairs who leads federal and state advocacy efforts for clients from the firm’s Jackson, Mississippi, office

On the Record (07.10.24)

Posted on by Jeremy Alford

— SHOW YOUR CARDS; QUARTERLIES ARE DUE: The most recent quarterly reports for congressional candidates, PACs, presidential contenders and parties are due July 15. U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise got ahead of the curve today and released his numbers early, announcing a “massive $9.2 million second-quarter fundraising haul, bringing his cycle total to $45.5 million. This marks the best second quarter in Team Scalise history.”

— TIMING IS EVERYTHING; CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE: The House is session until Thursday, and the Senate until Friday. Neither chamber will be in session next week, due to the GOP Convention in Wisconsin. The two following weeks will see the House and Senate return to the Hill, followed by four full weeks back in the district — and at the Democratic Convention in Chicago — in August.

— LOBBYING & AI: “As public concerns about artificial intelligence governance have increased, lobbying on AI issues has skyrocketed in 2024. While AI is not new as a technology, the recent popularity of generative AI platforms — such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DALL-E — has invigorated conversations about AI oversight, spanning a wide range of topics such as intellectual property, election law, algorithmic bias, privacy and misinformation. Lobbying around AI reached new heights in 2023, with a total of 460 organizations spending on federal lobbying — 302 more than 2022. This marks a 7,567 percent increase from 2016, when six organizations lobbied on AI-related issues. In the first quarter of 2024, OpenSecrets identified more than 90 organizations that reported lobbying on AI issues for the first time.” (More from Open Sources)

— BIDEN & MAYORS: “Joe Biden worked to reassure nearly 200 mayors Tuesday that he was up to the challenges of a second term — just as a Colorado lawmaker became the first Democratic senator to publicly express doubts about the president’s electability. Biden opened the 45 minute Zoom call with members of the Democratic Mayors Association by admitting he flubbed his debate against Donald Trump nearly two weeks ago.” (More from Politico) 

— IT’S HOT: “Parts of the DMV are under extreme and major heat risks Wednesday, with highs around 96 and heat index values as high as 106… Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a heat emergency for D.C. through Thursday.” (More from Axios) 

— MAKING ODDS; GOP FAVORED IN HOUSE: “Republicans have a two-thirds chance of retaining their House majority in November, a warning sign for Democrats as President Biden struggles to tamp down concerns over the impact of his candidacy downballot, according to a Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) forecast released Tuesday. DDHQ noted that the chances of the GOP winning the House rose 1 percentage point since its forecast this week, with Republicans seen as the favorite to win 11 out of 16 toss-up races.” (More)

From the Beat (07.10.24)

Posted on by Jeremy Alford

— CARTER IS WMG CHAIR: U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, captain of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianans, announced this week that Congressman Troy Carter will serve as chairman of the 2025 Washington Mardi Gras Ball. The event will be held Jan. 23-26 at, of course, the Washington Hilton. “I am elated to serve as chairman of this legendary event, and as a born and raised native of the Mardi Gras center of the universe — New Orleans. I look forward to bringing a taste of the Big Easy to the Nation’s Capital,” said Carter. 

— ROYALTY NAMED: Chairman Carter has chosen retired Lt. Col. Roderick “Rico” Alvendiato reign as king and Kendall Elizabeth Williams to reign as queen of the 76th Washington Mardi Gras Ball.

— EXPECT DC TO BE PACKED: The presidential inauguration will take place on Monday, Jan. 20, next year. But like every one-day event in Washington, the associated festivities pepper the calendar on the days before and after, meaning some inauguration events will overlap with the next Washington Mardi Gras. Already some revelers are reporting lost room blocs at places like the Waldorf Astoria due to inauguration reservations.

— JNK & THE TOUGH QUESTIONS: U.S. Sen. John Kennedy questioned Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell this week about how “Bidenomics” is hurting Americans. “I listen to you cite the statistics about the economy, but most Americans, most Americans don’t feel good about the economy. Do they?” Kennedy asked during a Senate Banking hearing. Powell replied, “No, and we don’t tell people how to feel about the economy.” Kennedy: “I mean, isn’t it a fact that most people, if you ask them to define Bidenomics, they would say, ‘That’s easy: We get to pay more to live worse.’” Powell: “I wouldn’t touch a sentence with that word in it.” The senator also questioned Congressional Budget Office Director Philip Swagel about the growing national debt. The senator asked, “Okay. So, our current our current national debt is over 100 percent of our economy. It’s $28 trillion. Let’s suppose that — we think in 10-year windows, as you know — let’s suppose nothing changes over the next 10 years. Nothing. We don’t renew the tax cuts. Nothing changes. What’s the debt going to be in 10 years from now?” Swagel: “Right. So, our projection is then over $50 trillion or over 122 percent of GDP.” Kennedy: “Yeah. Well, damn. Looks to me like we better do something.”

— HIGGINS ZEROES IN ON DRONES: Congressman Clay Higgins, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, began raising red flags this week over the use of drones along the American-Mexican border. “Cartels are running thousands of drones as criminal scouts at our southern border,” Higgins said after a recent committee hearing. Higgins wants the Biden Administration “to stop interfering with law enforcement’s ability to seize those drones out of American airspace.”

— FARM TALK: Congresswoman Julia Letlow met this week with new Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot. Letlow discussed her efforts to provide additional drought relief to Louisiana, as the first ELAP payments are being distributed to crawfish farmers who applied for additional relief assistance. “I will continue to work closely with our Louisiana Farm Bureau to support our vital domestic agriculture industry and make certain crawfish remain a thriving industry in Louisiana for generations to come,” she said.

— GRAVES ON ELECTRICITY LOSS: Congressman Garret Graves announced significant new investments recently to help reduce flooding and stop electricity loss during weather events. “We can spend money before disaster strikes and prevent damages and loss, or we can spend substantially more in the wake of a storm or hurricane picking up the pieces,” said Graves. “Flooding and loss of electricity are two of the key vulnerabilities in our state. This $100 million is going to go a long way in addressing key needs in the Central, Thibodaux and Gonzales areas.” (Central is in line for drainage improvements totaling $39.8 million. This is the third largest flood control grant in the nation. Ascension Parish will harden electricity/utility infrastructure with $29.9 million. This is the second largest utility grant in the nation. Lafourche Parish will do the same with $20.08 million. This is the fifth largest utility grant in the nation. Coushatta will also receive nearly $10 million for its CC Bel Road Resilience and Flood Mitigation Project.)

PARTY-BASED PROXY: GOP Convention collides with Louisiana qualifying

Posted on by Jeremy Alford

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson will endeavor to qualify for re-election in person in Louisiana next week, but his various responsibilities at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, may prevent him from doing so.

U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is facing the same set of circumstances.

That’s because Johnson and Scalise will have heightened roles during the convention as congressional leaders and supporters of former President Donald Trump, so they can both expect quite a bit of screen time as surrogates.

As such, qualifying back home by proxy is understandable; the GOP convention runs July 15-18, while qualifying in Louisiana is scheduled for July 17-19.

Congressman Clay Higgins qualified by proxy last cycle, is expected to do the same as he attends the convention.

Elsewhere in the delegation, Congressman Garret Graves has decided not to seek re-election and isn’t expected to qualify for any other office, having ruled out bids for the Public Service Commission and Baton Rouge mayor.​​​​​​​

Congresswoman Julia Letlow, meanwhile, said she intends to qualify in person in Louisiana for her own re-election bid, as long as there aren’t any unexpected travel challenges while she’s in Wisconsin.

Wake Up Call for Wednesday, July 9, 2024

Posted on by Yellow Sheet Report Staff
Panel weighs language of ballot measures Arizona Capitol Times A legislative panel on Monday approved the descriptive summaries for propositions that are sent to voters in publicity pamphlets ahead of the election. Arizona congressional delegation introduces $5 billion tribal water rights legislation Associated Press Members of Arizona’s congressional delegation introduced legislation Monday that would authorize a water rights settlement with three Native American tribes in the Southwest, providing more certainty for the arid region. Water-rich Gila River tribe near Phoenix flexes its political muscles in a drying West Associated Press Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis grew up seeing stacks of legal briefs at the dinner table — often, about his tribe’s water. Attorneys argue whether border measure contains more than 1 subject Capitol Media Services The question of whether Arizonans get to vote on what’s being billed by Republicans as a border security measure could depend on whether a judge believes that enhanced penalties for selling fentanyl have anything to do with provisions about crossing the border illegally or whether someone not here legally gets a library card. Arizona Democratic delegates reject calls for Joe Biden to quit presidential race after debate stumbles raise questions Cronkite News Arizona Democrats who’ll serve as convention delegates are standing by President Joe Biden despite widespread concerns about his ability to serve four more years or fend off rival Donald Trump. New legislation would ratify Colorado River water settlements for three AZ tribes AZ Mirror A bipartisan coalition of Arizona’s congressional delegation introduced legislation to address one of the longest-running water issues facing three Arizona tribes. Arizona school district banning backpacks, locking up cell phones 12News A school district in western Arizona is banning backpacks and forcing students to lock up cell phones during the upcoming school year. Arizona voters are about to blow up the way elections work The Arizona Republic The November ballot is going to be filled with choices that will make you gag. Kari Lake says '80% of the people are with us.' Is that the heatstroke talking? The Arizona Republic Kari Lake on Monday claimed that as many as 80% of the people support her U.S. Senate campaign, as apparently does God.. These GOP primaries could help Gov. Katie Hobbs rest her veto stamp The Arizona Republic While Democrats work overtime to destroy their chances of hanging onto the White House … and possibly relinquishing control of Congress … here in Arizona, it’s a different story.

Kansas Daily News Wire July 10, 2024

Posted on by State Affairs

Welcome to the Kansas Daily News Wire, your daily roundup of top state and political stories from newsrooms across Kansas. — Hawver’s Capitol Report/State Affairs

STATE

NRA delivers endorsements for congressional, legislative races; Schmidt, Mann receive highest marks: The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund on Tuesday handed out endorsements and grades for Kansas national and state-level races. (Resnick, State Affairs)

Election commissioner certifies petition aiming to limit city of Topeka’s taxing authority: Petition drive organizer Earl McIntosh needed 2,941 signatures from registered Topeka voters to require the mayor and city council to respond to his proposal to limit the city’s taxing authority. He got what appears to be 4,445 valid signatures, said Shawnee County election commission Andrew Howell. (Topeka Capital-Journal)

LCC OKs 7 special committees, including medical marijuana: Seven special committees, including ones on medical marijuana and affordable housing, will meet for 12 days after the Legislative Coordinating Council approved the requests Tuesday. (Richardson, State Affairs)

KDOT hosting on-site job fair in Wichita: The Kansas Department of Transportation will be hosting an on-site job fair — Thursday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (KSN)

Nixon starts ‘dream job’ as Gov. Kelly’s communications director: Ana Nixon was introduced Tuesday as Gov. Laura Kelly’s new communications director — a position that’s been vacant since Brianna Johnson’s departure in February. (Resnick, State Affairs)

If Biden drops out, what happens to Kansas and Missouri ballots? What state laws say: As President Joe Biden faces calls to step aside, questions are surfacing about what would happen – including in Kansas and Missouri. (The Kansas City Star)

CURB, KCC staff call for smaller Kansas Gas Service rate increases: Two groups are calling for smaller rate increases than those requested by Kansas Gas Service. (Stover, State Affairs)

LOCAL

Candidate forums coming up for Douglas County Commission, Lawrence-area House and Senate races: Four candidate forums are coming up, featuring candidates running for Douglas County Commission as well as the Lawrence- and Douglas County-area candidates running in the primary elections for Kansas House and Senate. (Lawrence Times)

Wichita City Council approves funding for Downtown Wichita to create revised downtown master plan: The Wichita City Council approved funding for Downtown Wichita to create a revised downtown master plan. (KAKE)

Five women from the Topeka Correctional Facility share their stories in new documentary: Five women from Topeka Correctional Facility share their stories in a new documentary that debuted Tuesday — centered on personal connections with music star Melissa Ethridge. (WIBW)

Ellis County police scanners go mute; agencies argue they will continue to be transparent: As a part of an Ellis County public safety radio infrastructure upgrade, radio traffic will be encrypted for all the public safety radio channels in Ellis County. (Hays Post)

Drama flares as Overland Park commission OKs Incred-A-Bowl redevelopment plans: Plans to remake the long-closed Incred-A-Bowl bowling alley and entertainment center in southern Overland Park are moving ahead but not without some controversy. (Johnson County Post)

Howey Daily Wire July 10, 2024

Posted on by Howey Politics Indiana

Welcome, subscribers!

State Affairs reports Attorney General Todd Rokita filed a lawsuit to compel East Chicago to comply “with state laws preventing local governments from limiting or restricting enforcement of federal immigration laws.” Also, Chief Justice Loretta Rush announced she would seek another five-year term leading the Indiana Supreme Court. — Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs

Indiana sues East Chicago over alleged ‘sanctuary city’ policy: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed a lawsuit against the city of East Chicago over its alleged refusal to rescind its “sanctuary city” policy. (Appleton, State Affairs)

Chief Justice Rush seeks new 5-year term as Supreme Court’s leader: Chief Justice Loretta Rush has led the court and the state’s Office of Judicial Administration since August 2014, when she became Indiana’s first female chief justice. (Davies, State Affairs)

STATE

Indiana to host inaugural semiconductor event in 2025: SEMIEXPO in the Heartland is set for April 1 and 2 at the Indiana Convention Center. The event will be the first of its kind in the Midwest. (Meeks, State Affairs)

Indiana Department of Health seeks dismissal of abortion records lawsuit: The Indiana Department of Health is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed in May by Voices for Life, which seeks to regain access to terminated pregnancy reports that are no longer being released by the state health department. (Smith, Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Morales calls on Congress to pass the SAVE Act: In a news release, Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales announced he is calling on Congress to pass the SAVE Act, a bill that would require states to ask for proof of citizenship when registering someone to vote and to remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls. (Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs)

INDOT awards $15M for projects in 5 southwest counties: Knox ($6,235,200), Gibson ($2,452,000) and Warrick ($1,464,000) acquired funding for bridge projects while Daviess ($3,568,500) and Spencer ($1,964,800) received money for road projects. (Morris, Inside Indiana Business)

State Board of Animal Health details new registration requirements: Under a new law that took effect July 1, any animal control center, animal shelter, humane society, animal rescue or other animal-impounding facility intended for the humane treatment of animals is required to register with the state. (Dick, Inside Indiana Business)

Soybean growers hit hardest as ag trade deficit grows: China is importing fewer American soybeans, contributing to a $6 billion (5%) overall reduction in U.S. agriculture exports, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Pfeiffer, Hoosier Ag Today)

‘Large and dangerous’ tornado rips through Mount Vernon and northward: A supercell thunderstorm that formed in Western Kentucky developed what the National Weather Service described as a “large and dangerous” tornado that crossed the Ohio River into Indiana. In Mount Vernon, the storm ripped off roofs, derailed train cars and hammered mobile homes before cutting north toward the Posey-Gibson county line. (Harwood, Webb, Loesch & Brown, Courier & Press)

LOCAL

Jeffersonville man sentenced to 5 years for assaulting officers during Capitol riot: Curtis Logan Tate, 32, of Jeffersonville was ordered to spend 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for his felony charge of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers. (Nelson, IndyStar)

$475M solar project begins operations in Starke County: The project, which is the first of a three-phase, $1.5 billion effort, is expected to generate enough clean energy to support 75,000 homes annually. (Brown, Inside Indiana Business)

Fort Wayne to receive $11M to buy 12 electric-hybrid buses: The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Citilink will be one of several organizations across the country to receive funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (McMahan, WANE-TV)

Greater Lafayette bus system receives $10.5M to purchase hydrogen fuel buses: CityBus of Greater Lafayette has received a $10.5 million grant under the Federal Transit Administration to continue investing in hydrogen fuel cell buses. (Chew, WLFI-TV)

Likely ransomware attack impacts operations at Clay County Courthouse: Clay County commissioners alerted residents to a likely ransomware attack that is impacting some county operations. (Johnston, WTHI-TV)

South Bend considers forgivable loans to help build affordable homes: Mayor James Mueller’s administration wants to give nonprofit developers money to build a large number of new homes in two of South Bend’s most challenged neighborhoods. (Parrott, WVPE-FM)

CONGRESS

Bucshon proposal included in nuclear energy legislation signed into law: U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Ind., lauded President Joe Biden’s signing of the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act, which included Bucshon’s Advanced Reactor Fee Reduction Act, according to a news release. (Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs)

Houchin files legislation requiring FAFSA to be available Oct. 1: U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., introduced companion legislation in the House to a Senate bill that would require the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available to students each year by Oct. 1, according to an email to Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs.

Spartz receives Taxpayers’ Friend award: U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., announced in a news release that she was recognized by the National Taxpayers Union “for having one of the strongest voting records in Washington, D.C., for supporting limited government, economic freedom and low taxes.” (Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs)

Indiana ag leaders focus on farm bill impact: The proposed House bill increases funding for specialty crops research, expands eligibility for disaster assistance, broadens safety net programs for farmers and encourages farmers to sell their products abroad, among other programs. (Hilkowitz, Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Congressional schedule: The House will meet at 10 a.m. and begin business at noon, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testifying before the House Financial Services Committee. The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. to consider the nomination of Charles J. Willoughby Jr. to be an associate judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

CAMPAIGNS

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. campaign tops signatures needed for Indiana ballot: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is another step closer to becoming the first independent presidential candidate on Indiana’s election ballot in over two decades. (Davies, State Affairs)

Braun lists priorities during tour of Brown County: Indiana GOP gubernatorial nominee U.S. Sen. Mike Braun told a Brown County audience the priorities he would consider as governor include law enforcement, public safety, education, high health care costs, child care, affordable housing and high-speed internet accessibility in rural areas. (Bruton, Brown County Democrat)

Niemeyer wants 3 debates before early voting starts in 1st CD: The Republican running in the 1st Congressional District, Randy Niemeyer, announced he wants to have three debates, one in each county within the district, against incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan. (Gallenberger, Lakeshore Public Media)

PRESIDENTIAL 2024

Pence, anti-abortion Republicans denounce Trump-backed RNC platform: Former Vice President Mike Pence has joined a faction of conservatives decrying the updated Republican National Committee platform rubber-stamped by former President Donald Trump for its inclusion of softened language on abortion, a marked change from past cycles. (ABC)

Poll finds Biden damaged by debate, with Harris and Clinton best positioned to win: A top Democratic pollster has a new survey showing President Joe Biden still in contention against Donald Trump but at further risk of losing the election — with other leading Democrats now surging ahead. (Politico)

NATION

Fed’s Powell highlights slowing job market in signal that rate cuts may be nearing: The Federal Reserve faces a cooling job market as well as persistently high prices, Chair Jerome Powell said in testimony to Congress, a shift in emphasis away from the Fed’s single-minded fight against inflation of the past two years that suggests it is moving closer to cutting interest rates. (AP)

White House schedule: President Joe Biden will receive the Daily Brief at 10 a.m. and then visit a meeting of national union leaders at the AFL-CIO Headquarters. After noon, the president will join allied leaders at the NATO Summit at the Washington Convention Center. In the evening, Biden will host a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, and then the president and first lady Jill Biden will host a dinner for NATO Allies and partners at the White House. Vice President Kamala Harris is in Dallas, where she will deliver a keynote speech during Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.’s 71st Boulé at 11 a.m. before returning to Washington, D.C.

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