The U.S. Department of State urges Americans to depart now from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks. 

Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). ENROLL in <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcTuHc" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a> to get the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

<p>The U.S. Department of State urges Americans to depart now from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks. </p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772495225840.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). ENROLL in <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcTuHc" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a> to get the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.</p>

Americans urged to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772486005507.png" alt="Image from House Oversight video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from House Oversight video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rgJrYKAl6T0?si=UWqU85mp9doew-YM&amp;start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Q: &quot;When did you first learn of Jeffrey Epstein&#39;s crimes?&quot;<br> <br>Fmr. President Bill Clinton: &quot;In 2008, when he was prosecuted. I didn&#39;t—There&#39;s nothing that I saw when I was around him that made me realize he was trafficking women.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/NYZ5XIQ3JU">pic.twitter.com/NYZ5XIQ3JU</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028600004596690968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨WATCH🚨 <br><br> I asked former President Bill Clinton if his friend Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. <br><br>(his lawyers clearly didn’t want him to answer) <a href="https://t.co/XeYhQyLM3Z">pic.twitter.com/XeYhQyLM3Z</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBoebert/status/2028581495120531962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772486080524.png" alt="Image from House Oversight video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from House Oversight video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/siiAk6WXc0M?si=Wz53et56LpzLJUYa" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Q: &quot;When you saw photos of your husband in a hot tub…getting massaged by other women, and you knew that Jeffrey Epstein was involved…did it concern you?&quot;<br> <br>Hillary Clinton: &quot;I&#39;m here not to offer my opinions. I&#39;m here to answer specific questions to the best of my ability.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/wX3BJZ5suH">pic.twitter.com/wX3BJZ5suH</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028602186381345116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Q: &quot;When you saw photos of your husband in a hot tub…getting massaged by other women, and you knew that Jeffrey Epstein was involved…did it concern you?&quot;<br> <br>Hillary Clinton: &quot;I&#39;m here not to offer my opinions. I&#39;m here to answer specific questions to the best of my ability.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/wX3BJZ5suH">pic.twitter.com/wX3BJZ5suH</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028602186381345116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Under oath: Bill and Hillary Clinton's testimony on Jeffrey Epstein

WASHINGTON – As of 4 pm ET, March 2, six U.S. service members have been killed in action, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region.  

Major combat operations continue. The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772486725972.png" alt="File photo Operation Epic Fury -U..S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>File photo Operation Epic Fury -U..S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON – As of 4 pm ET, March 2, six U.S. service members have been killed in action, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.</p><p> U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region.  

Major combat operations continue. The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.</p>

US military: Death toll from Iran operation has risen to 6

LINCOLN, Neb. – (March 2, 2026) –&nbsp;Visit Nebraska is thrilled to announce the stops included in the 2026 Nebraska Passport program. The Passport helps Nebraskans and out-of-state visitors to travel and discover the state’s hidden gems while supporting tourism destinations and local businesses.

"The Nebraska Passport is our signature in-state marketing program, and it’s one of the most fun things we do all year,” said Jenn Gjerde, executive director of Visit Nebraska. “It’s designed specifically to encourage Nebraskans to explore their own backyard, to take a day trip, try somewhere new and support the small businesses and communities that make this state special. Last year alone, travelers logged more than 147,000 digital stamps. That’s real foot traffic in local shops, restaurants and attractions across Nebraska. I can’t wait to see where Passporters go in 2026."

Once again, the 2026 Passport features 70 stops divided into 10 themed tours. Travelers will have from May 1 to September 30 to visit the attractions and collect their stamps. Passporters earn prizes based on the number of stamps they collect.

The program also continues to build community through the&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1d6419d772&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Nebraska Passport Pals</a>&nbsp;Facebook group, where nearly 6,000 members share trip tips, photos and encouragement as they explore the state together.

This year’s themed tours include a tribute to historical stops in honor of America’s 250th,&nbsp;adventurous outdoor stops to get the whole family moving, businesses located in Nebraska’s picturesque downtowns and, of course, plenty of unique spots for food and drink.

New and veteran Passporters alike should mark their calendars for the&nbsp;2026 Passport Kickoff Party:

Museum of American Speed<br>599 Oak Creek Drive, <br>Lincoln, NE<br>May 1<br>More details to come&nbsp;

Passport booklets will be available at participating stops starting May 1 or can be pre-ordered at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=62e20e233b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>. Participants are encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone for the option of digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Please note that the Passport app will be updated with the 2026 information on May 1. Those who used the mobile app in previous years will need to update the app to see the new program information. To download, search “NE Passport 2026” in the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.

<b>2026&nbsp;Nebraska Passport Stop Categories</b>

<b>70 Selected Stops (alphabetical by town)</b>

<p><i>For Immediate Release</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772480955473.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. – (March 2, 2026) –&nbsp;Visit Nebraska is thrilled to announce the stops included in the 2026 Nebraska Passport program. The Passport helps Nebraskans and out-of-state visitors to travel and discover the state’s hidden gems while supporting tourism destinations and local businesses.</p><p>"The Nebraska Passport is our signature in-state marketing program, and it’s one of the most fun things we do all year,” said Jenn Gjerde, executive director of Visit Nebraska. “It’s designed specifically to encourage Nebraskans to explore their own backyard, to take a day trip, try somewhere new and support the small businesses and communities that make this state special. Last year alone, travelers logged more than 147,000 digital stamps. That’s real foot traffic in local shops, restaurants and attractions across Nebraska. I can’t wait to see where Passporters go in 2026."</p><p>Once again, the 2026 Passport features 70 stops divided into 10 themed tours. Travelers will have from May 1 to September 30 to visit the attractions and collect their stamps. Passporters earn prizes based on the number of stamps they collect.</p><p>The program also continues to build community through the&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1d6419d772&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Nebraska Passport Pals</a>&nbsp;Facebook group, where nearly 6,000 members share trip tips, photos and encouragement as they explore the state together.</p><p>This year’s themed tours include a tribute to historical stops in honor of America’s 250th,&nbsp;adventurous outdoor stops to get the whole family moving, businesses located in Nebraska’s picturesque downtowns and, of course, plenty of unique spots for food and drink.</p><p>New and veteran Passporters alike should mark their calendars for the&nbsp;2026 Passport Kickoff Party:</p><p>Museum of American Speed<br>599 Oak Creek Drive, <br>Lincoln, NE<br>May 1<br>More details to come&nbsp;</p><p>Passport booklets will be available at participating stops starting May 1 or can be pre-ordered at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=62e20e233b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>. Participants are encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone for the option of digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Please note that the Passport app will be updated with the 2026 information on May 1. Those who used the mobile app in previous years will need to update the app to see the new program information. To download, search “NE Passport 2026” in the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.</p><p><b>2026&nbsp;Nebraska Passport Stop Categories</b></p><ul>
                        <li>Adventure Algorithm</li><li>Book It &amp; Look It</li><li>Downtown Charm Alarm</li><li>Flour Power</li><li>Heartland Eats</li><li>Little Lad</li><li>Oddball Outposts</li><li>Party Like It’s 1776</li><li>Shopportunity</li><li>Sip Trip</li>
                    </ul><p><b>70 Selected Stops (alphabetical by town)</b></p><ul>
                        <li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6bf6fc71e1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Dirty Pop</a>&nbsp;(Alliance)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c191916570&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Market and Mill</a>&nbsp;(Anselmo)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b3149b712a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Lee’s Crossroads Café</a>&nbsp;(Arapahoe)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a3f17ae435&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Ashland Brewing Company</a>&nbsp;(Ashland)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=0162c47720&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Strategic Air Command &amp; Aerospace Museum</a>&nbsp;(Ashland)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=609863c95c&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Something Special by Marilyn</a>&nbsp;(Atkinson)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=f43970dbd6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Old Homestead Market &amp; Floral</a>&nbsp;(Aurora)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=24da969bcb&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Black Magic Coffee Co.</a>&nbsp;(Battle Creek)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=f4f399cda8&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Jeremy Hanson Gallery</a>&nbsp;(Bertrand)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6ea9d85e39&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Lazy U Roadside Market</a>&nbsp;(Broadwater)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=928de61202&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Howdy Coffee Co.</a>&nbsp;(Broken Bow)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d6dd91d402&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The New Leaf</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5380f49418&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">&amp; Apricot Lane</a>&nbsp;(Chadron)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c281af6cfc&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Clarkson Bakery</a>&nbsp;(Clarkson)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=cb6253fa89&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Batter &amp; Beyond</a>&nbsp;(Columbus)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6ee08c3e1c&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Columbus Fieldhouse</a>&nbsp;(Columbus)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ebbc6c28fc&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Higgins Memorial</a>&nbsp;(Columbus)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=8f6d460329&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Isis Theatre</a>&nbsp;(Crete)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=9b15875820&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area</a>&nbsp;(Crofton)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=083b839a4f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art</a>&nbsp;(David City)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=be46ff679f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Jukes Ale Works</a>&nbsp;(Elkhorn)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d4ad3a23ff&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Little Scandinavia</a>&nbsp;(Elkhorn)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a096c10c3d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">J&amp;R Cones and Coffee</a>&nbsp;(Fairbury)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=131e1a73a3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Fort Atkinson State Historical Park</a>&nbsp;(Fort Calhoun)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=33155df4d2&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Rowe Sanctuary</a>&nbsp;(Gibbon)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=7cf951037f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Covered Wagon Drive-In</a>&nbsp;(Gordon)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=83f24ea1d3&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Beverly Cake Shop</a>&nbsp;(Grand Island)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d152144a31&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Grand Island Casino Resort</a>&nbsp;(Grand Island)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e8654290c2&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Vintageleaf Boutique</a>&nbsp;(Grand Island)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3e873e858c&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Yoder’s Amish Furniture</a>&nbsp;(Greenwood)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d83b66bb0c&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Prime Time H20 Zone</a>&nbsp;(Gretna)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=9a04bc51c2&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Longhorn Saloon</a>&nbsp;(Harrison)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=adb19274bb&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Sioux County Museum</a>&nbsp;(Harrison)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a1a7903356&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Back Alley Bakery</a>&nbsp;(Hastings)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=91f0f5d9e1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Stagecoach Gifts</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=9ba1fa6ed0&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Suite Child</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=daf8835331&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The World Theatre</a>&nbsp;(Kearney)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1e0216b17b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Happy Mango</a>&nbsp;(La Vista)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=04eeaa25f1&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Pen &amp; Dagger</a>&nbsp;(La Vista)</li><li><b><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3ce88cff82&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles</a>&nbsp;(Lexington)</b></li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=859e44d709&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">High Society Cheesecake</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5c7b9c5241&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Museum of American Speed</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=6ba0d21cd2&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Nebraska History Museum</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=246850a24a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Nebraska State Capitol</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=929a8f5701&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Robidoux</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3af4fd44d6&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Rose Cat Coffee Company</a>&nbsp;(Lincoln)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=e66e17657f&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Lofte Community Theatre</a>&nbsp;(Manley)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=031e6ebb4a&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Scotty’s Bar &amp; Grill</a>&nbsp;(Marquette)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=cf6c5e0e6d&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Self Expressions</a>&nbsp;(Nebraska City)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=805540e27e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Niobrara Valley Vineyards</a>&nbsp;(Nenzel)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=bbeee99016&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">North Fork Outfitting’s Riverpoint Surf Shop</a>&nbsp;(Norfolk)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=dac32c909b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Sixpence</a>&nbsp;(Norfolk)</li><li><b><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d56715d81c&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Crystal Cave &amp; Falls Adventure Mini Golf</a>&nbsp;(North Platte)</b></li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=3dadca2325&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Coffee Bin</a>&nbsp;(North Platte)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=8705d0af24&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Exist Green</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=cb7bbeb680&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Fat Brain Toys</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=75a0d29565&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">North Omaha Visitors Center</a>&nbsp;(Omaha)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=88964e2698&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Wildflour Grocer</a>&nbsp;(O’Neill)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=102055fb40&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Burdette’s Custom Meats</a>&nbsp;(Ord)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=4da9ccd61e&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Creek’s Bend Family Farm</a>&nbsp;(Overton)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=f3d77a9833&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Book Nook Bookstores</a>&nbsp;(Papillion)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=9ad0694a68&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Flyover Brewing Co.</a>&nbsp;(Scottsbluff)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a9616c7ce9&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Dryland Aquatics</a>&nbsp;(Sparks)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=42a2bfed90&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">TumbleReed Mercantile</a>&nbsp;(Shubert)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=31b6f55708&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Valentine Bike Share</a>&nbsp;(Valentine)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=ef2c9eb866&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Quilt Shop</a>&nbsp;(Wakefield)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=b98221b50c&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Memorial Hospital</a>&nbsp;(Walthill)</li><li><b><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=299cfcc049&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Meadowlark Lane Coffee &amp; Floral</a>&nbsp;(Wauneta)</b></li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a200314b00&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">HIS Baking Co.</a>&nbsp;(Wayne)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=f1811001e8&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">The Wild Nettle</a>&nbsp;(Wayne)</li><li><a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=d2863ecd4c&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Clayton Museum of Ancient History</a>&nbsp;(York)</li>
                    </ul>

2026 Nebraska Passport Stops Selected

LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; —&nbsp; If you’re looking for a career in law enforcement, now is your chance to pursue a career as a Trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol. Nebraska State Patrol applications are officially open until March 31st at&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

“A successful career as a Nebraska State Trooper is about more than your physical ability to do the job, it’s about your willingness to serve the community around you,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We’re looking for driven individuals with a passion for helping others, and we’ll equip them with the skills to protect the great state of Nebraska.”

A career with NSP is full of opportunity. Across the state, troopers serve in many career paths including patrol, criminal investigator, K9 handler, crash investigator, pilot, tactical flight officer, crisis negotiator, drone operator, hazmat technician, and many more. Troopers can also serve in specialty units including the SWAT Team, Carrier Enforcement, Bomb Squad, Executive Protection, Training Academy, Mobile Field Force, and Husker Football Detail.

Troopers receive a starting salary of $33.75 per hour ($70,195 annually) upon graduation from the NSP Training Academy. Recruits are paid a minimum of $28.85 per hour during their training at the academy. Troopers also receive an excellent retirement plan, health, vision, dental, and life insurance, as well as free college tuition for you and your dependents at the University of Nebraska, state colleges, or community colleges.

Troopers also have opportunities for additional pay, including overtime hours at a pay rate of 1.5 times their base salary rate, shift differential pay of an additional $1.00 per hour if they are regularly assigned to the night shift, and a 2.5 percent pay increase for qualifying as bilingual.

The next class of recruits is set to begin training at the NSP Training Academy on July 6, 2026, and are scheduled to graduate on December 18, 2026. At the academy, recruits spend 24 weeks receiving extensive training on numerous life-like scenarios and hundreds of hours of academic work. This training is aimed at preparing each recruit for their career as a trooper.

Applicants must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by graduation. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalence. Additional Information about the hiring process, including physical requirements, benefits, and recruiter contacts can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762359313583.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, NEB.&nbsp; —&nbsp; If you’re looking for a career in law enforcement, now is your chance to pursue a career as a Trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol. Nebraska State Patrol applications are officially open until March 31st at&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.</p><p>“A successful career as a Nebraska State Trooper is about more than your physical ability to do the job, it’s about your willingness to serve the community around you,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We’re looking for driven individuals with a passion for helping others, and we’ll equip them with the skills to protect the great state of Nebraska.”</p><p>A career with NSP is full of opportunity. Across the state, troopers serve in many career paths including patrol, criminal investigator, K9 handler, crash investigator, pilot, tactical flight officer, crisis negotiator, drone operator, hazmat technician, and many more. Troopers can also serve in specialty units including the SWAT Team, Carrier Enforcement, Bomb Squad, Executive Protection, Training Academy, Mobile Field Force, and Husker Football Detail.</p><p>Troopers receive a starting salary of $33.75 per hour ($70,195 annually) upon graduation from the NSP Training Academy. Recruits are paid a minimum of $28.85 per hour during their training at the academy. Troopers also receive an excellent retirement plan, health, vision, dental, and life insurance, as well as free college tuition for you and your dependents at the University of Nebraska, state colleges, or community colleges.</p><p>Troopers also have opportunities for additional pay, including overtime hours at a pay rate of 1.5 times their base salary rate, shift differential pay of an additional $1.00 per hour if they are regularly assigned to the night shift, and a 2.5 percent pay increase for qualifying as bilingual.</p><p>The next class of recruits is set to begin training at the NSP Training Academy on July 6, 2026, and are scheduled to graduate on December 18, 2026. At the academy, recruits spend 24 weeks receiving extensive training on numerous life-like scenarios and hundreds of hours of academic work. This training is aimed at preparing each recruit for their career as a trooper.</p><p>Applicants must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by graduation. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalence. Additional Information about the hiring process, including physical requirements, benefits, and recruiter contacts can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.</p>

Applications to Become a Nebraska State Trooper Open Today

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH IN FULL: President Trump provides an update on Operation Epic Fury.<br><br>&quot;Today, the U.S. military continues to carry out large-scale combat operations in Iran to eliminate the grave threats posed to America by this terrible terrorist regime...<br><br>The regime&#39;s conventional… <a href="https://t.co/Tp1BWzu4ff">pic.twitter.com/Tp1BWzu4ff</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2028517837770215436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump updates timeline of Iran campaign 

U.S. embassies in the Middle East updated security advisories for Americans traveling and residing in these regions to exercise caution amid the ongoing Iran conflict, according to the&nbsp;Department of State Consular Affairs.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides detailed destination-specific travel and risk information to allow U.S. citizens to make informed international travel decisions. U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe provide services that support the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad.

<a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel.html">Click here</a> to get the latest updates and enroll to receive alerts directly at <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcSWRE" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a>. Americans who need consular help can reach help 24/7 by phone: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).

<p>U.S. embassies in the Middle East updated security advisories for Americans traveling and residing in these regions to exercise caution amid the ongoing Iran conflict, according to the&nbsp;Department of State Consular Affairs.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772466046062.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides detailed destination-specific travel and risk information to allow U.S. citizens to make informed international travel decisions. U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe provide services that support the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad.</p><p><a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel.html">Click here</a> to get the latest updates and enroll to receive alerts directly at <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcSWRE" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a>. Americans who need consular help can reach help 24/7 by phone: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).</p>

3 countries designated with a ‘Do Not Travel For Any Reason’ warning

Kearney, Neb.&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol, with the assistance of the Kearney Police Department and the TRIDENT Task Force, have arrested a Kearney man as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

This week, investigators served search warrants as part of the investigation. One search warrant was conducted at a storage unit. Inside the storage unit, investigators found 25 pounds of marijuana, 1,699 THC vape cartridges, 879 grams of THC wax, 4 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and five firearms. An arrest warrant was issued for Austin Dean, 29, of Kearney, and a second search warrant was served on Thursday at Dean’s home, at 1020 West 22nd&nbsp;Street in Kearney.&nbsp;

Dean was located at home and was taken into custody. Investigators searched the house and found 787 grams of marijuana, 105 THC vape cartridges, 269 dosage units of LSD, and additional psilocybin mushroom products.

Dean was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of a controlled substance, and five counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Additional charges are possible. The investigation remains ongoing. Dean was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762359313583.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Kearney, Neb.&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol, with the assistance of the Kearney Police Department and the TRIDENT Task Force, have arrested a Kearney man as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.</p><p>This week, investigators served search warrants as part of the investigation. One search warrant was conducted at a storage unit. Inside the storage unit, investigators found 25 pounds of marijuana, 1,699 THC vape cartridges, 879 grams of THC wax, 4 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and five firearms. An arrest warrant was issued for Austin Dean, 29, of Kearney, and a second search warrant was served on Thursday at Dean’s home, at 1020 West 22nd&nbsp;Street in Kearney.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772466076849.jpeg" alt="Austin Dean - via Buffalo County" />
                        <figcaption>Austin Dean - via Buffalo County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Dean was located at home and was taken into custody. Investigators searched the house and found 787 grams of marijuana, 105 THC vape cartridges, 269 dosage units of LSD, and additional psilocybin mushroom products.</p><p>Dean was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of a controlled substance, and five counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Additional charges are possible. The investigation remains ongoing. Dean was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.</p>

Kearney Narcotics Investigation Leads to Arrest

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chairman Caine provided an update on Operation Epic Fury. <a href="https://t.co/JmhJ25tAp1">pic.twitter.com/JmhJ25tAp1</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028465469514997881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Secretary Hegseth: &quot;We&#39;re hitting them surgically, overwhelmingly and unapologetically.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MGw83AJ0ZX">pic.twitter.com/MGw83AJ0ZX</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028459543940788629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Secretary Pete Hegseth: &quot;We didn&#39;t start this war, but under President Trump we are finishing it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Xbc0NsWMIZ">pic.twitter.com/Xbc0NsWMIZ</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028458036373725595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine: &quot;This is not a single, overnight operation...we expect to take additional losses...this is major combat operations...on February 28th the full strength of America&#39;s armed forces came together in a unified purpose against a capable and… <a href="https://t.co/ytRsEFAVwy">pic.twitter.com/ytRsEFAVwy</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028462455098065025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> “We are not going into the exercise of what we will and will not do…<br><br>President Trump ensures that our enemies understand we’ll go as far as we need to go to advance American interests, but we are not dumb about it!<br><br>You don’t have to roll two hundred thousand people in… <a href="https://t.co/gZx9IWFrar">pic.twitter.com/gZx9IWFrar</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028469636522500550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> “The President has been willing to make a deal… Radical Islamists can’t have a nuclear bomb that they wield against the world.<br><br>He gave them every single opportunity.” <a href="https://t.co/gDNjWl828B">pic.twitter.com/gDNjWl828B</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028467652193128934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> Direct Message to the Joint Force:<br><br>“This is your moment. This is the generational turning point America has waited for since 1979 — and since the rudderless wars of hubris my generation endured. Don’t listen to the noise; just stay focused. Our commander-in-chief is… <a href="https://t.co/0cyw3Hjtx2">pic.twitter.com/0cyw3Hjtx2</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028464733276279028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> “As the President warned, an effort of this scope will include casualties.<br><br>War is hell, and always will be.  A grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far – and those injured. The absolute best of America.<br><br>May we prosecute the remainder of this… <a href="https://t.co/kmhuEmT4hP">pic.twitter.com/kmhuEmT4hP</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028463102455333234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> &quot;The mission of OPERATION EPIC FURY is laser-focused...<br><br>With every passing day, our capabilities get stronger, and Iran’s get weaker. <br><br>We set the terms of this war, from start to finish.  Our ambitions are not utopian — they are realistic, scoped to our interests and… <a href="https://t.co/8s1kh961BC">pic.twitter.com/8s1kh961BC</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/2028462019913851040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Pentagon officials answer questions on Iran strikes

WASHINGTON. – As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries. 

Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772458022901.png" alt="File photo Operation Epic Fury -U..S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>File photo Operation Epic Fury -U..S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON. – As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.</p><p> The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries. 

Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.</p>

Fourth US soldier dies in Operation Epic Fury

WASHINGTON —U.S. military officials are investigating a reported friendly fire incident in Operation Epic Fury.

At 11:03 p.m. ET, Sunday, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.

All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.The cause of the incident is under investigation.&nbsp;

The U.S. Central Command released no additional details early Monday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772307720134.png" alt="File photo Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>File photo Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON —U.S. military officials are investigating a reported friendly fire incident in Operation Epic Fury.</p><p>At 11:03 p.m. ET, Sunday, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.</p><p>During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.</p><p>All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.The cause of the incident is under investigation.&nbsp;</p><p>The U.S. Central Command released no additional details early Monday.</p>

US fighter jets shot down in friendly fire Incident in Kuwait

Three U.S. service members were killed in action and five&nbsp; seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. Central Command reported Sunday.

On social media Nebraska U.S. Senators issued statements on the death of U.S. Soldiers.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772408102033.png" alt="Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Three U.S. service members were killed in action and five&nbsp; seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. Central Command reported Sunday.</p><p>On social media Nebraska U.S. Senators issued statements on the death of U.S. Soldiers.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today we mourn the loss of three American heroes who valiantly gave their lives carrying out Operation Epic Fury. <br><br>Please join me in praying for their loved ones. May they rest in peace.</p>&mdash; Senator Deb Fischer (@SenatorFischer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorFischer/status/2028166315496575031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My prayers are with the families of these fallen heroes. I am also praying for the recovery of the five injured service members. <a href="https://t.co/OWn5kQNYd6">https://t.co/OWn5kQNYd6</a></p>&mdash; Senator Pete Ricketts (@SenatorRicketts) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorRicketts/status/2028179986448843237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Neb. lawmakers react to U.S. military deaths after attack on Iran

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Donald J. Trump provides an update on Operation Epic Fury: <a href="https://t.co/Vte8QKpISn">pic.twitter.com/Vte8QKpISn</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2028223915403669541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump warns more U.S. troops will "likely" die in Iran attacks

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772379670099.png" alt="Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/AeAfBbVaAq">pic.twitter.com/AeAfBbVaAq</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2028158948910776648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

President Trump says 9 Iranian warships have been sunk

As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772307892150.png" alt="Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.</p><p> Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.</p>

3 US service members killed, 5 wounded in Iran operation

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The U.S. has launched “major combat operations” on targets in Iran, and the all-Republican Nebraska federal delegation expressed support Saturday for the escalation in the Middle East.

Members, in statements after the attack, said they were praying for the U.S. troops and “innocent civilians in Iran.” Some again emphasized that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon — even though President Donald Trump had touted a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/24/nebraska-house-and-senate-republicans-cheer-u-s-strikes-on-iran/">U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites</a>&nbsp;last year as a success because the sites had been “completely and fully obliterated.”

Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general who served during the Cold War, said he “hates war, but Iran has been waging war against the U.S. since 1979.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“These attacks include the Beirut Marine Barracks, attempted assassination against the president, Khobar Towers, cyber attacks and 609 murdered servicemen in Iraq,” he said. “The regime just murdered approximately 50,000 of its own people.”

Bacon added, “Military operations come with lots of risks and the results are hard to predict, but we should help the people topple the Ayatollah.”

In a strike&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/28/repub/us-israel-strike-iran-iran-threatens-retaliation/">with Israel</a>, Trump said the objective is to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime” and to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from ever obtaining nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

Trump acknowledged that Americans “may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now, we’re doing it for the future.” The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/live-updates-israel-iran-february-28-2026#0000019c-a3c7-dfc5-adbd-a7cf0edf0000" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;the first strikes appeared to target the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Reuters said the skies above Tehran were filled with smoke.

U.S. Rep Mike Flood, R-Neb., who represents eastern Nebraska’s 1st District, said, “Diplomacy with Iran has been tried time and again to no avail.”

“The time to act on Iran is now, as they’ve never been weaker,” he said. “Iran has funded terrorism around the world, and nuclear weapons would only allow them to spread more chaos and destruction. Our prayers are with the American troops and our allies in the region, some of whom have already faced direct attacks from Iran.”

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, who represents Nebraska’s largely rural 3rd District, said, “For years, the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies have waged war against the lives of Americans, their own people, and millions of others across the Middle East.”

“Lasting peace can ultimately only be achieved through strength, and President Trump is taking action to achieve that goal,” Smith said. “May God bless and protect our brave servicemen and women as they protect our freedom.”

Nebraska GOP U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer said she is “praying for our brave service members as they carry out this mission to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.”

“God bless America and the innocent civilians in Iran, who deserve far better than the regime that has long oppressed them,” Fischer said.&nbsp;

Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said, “The Iranian regime has been focused on destroying the United States and our allies.”

“Unlike past presidents, who have been fooled by the Iranians at the negotiating table, President Trump wasn’t,” Ricketts said. “He did not allow the Iranians to draw out the negotiations without offering real concessions.”

Gov. Jim Pillen weighed in, saying, “Pray that God will protect them as they carry out this mission against one of the most notorious and evil terrorist regimes in human history. “

Some Congressional Democrats are calling for<a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/28/trump-iran-congress-war-powers-vote" target="_blank">&nbsp;a vote on war powers resolutions</a>&nbsp;to have a say on war with Iran, but there is some division within the party about the strikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/28/iran-trump-strikes-congress-democrats-israel" target="_blank">according to Axios</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772307695585.png" alt="Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>Operation Epic Fury -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN — The U.S. has launched “major combat operations” on targets in Iran, and the all-Republican Nebraska federal delegation expressed support Saturday for the escalation in the Middle East.</p><p>Members, in statements after the attack, said they were praying for the U.S. troops and “innocent civilians in Iran.” Some again emphasized that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon — even though President Donald Trump had touted a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/06/24/nebraska-house-and-senate-republicans-cheer-u-s-strikes-on-iran/">U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites</a>&nbsp;last year as a success because the sites had been “completely and fully obliterated.”</p><p>Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general who served during the Cold War, said he “hates war, but Iran has been waging war against the U.S. since 1979.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“These attacks include the Beirut Marine Barracks, attempted assassination against the president, Khobar Towers, cyber attacks and 609 murdered servicemen in Iraq,” he said. “The regime just murdered approximately 50,000 of its own people.”</p><p>Bacon added, “Military operations come with lots of risks and the results are hard to predict, but we should help the people topple the Ayatollah.”</p><p>In a strike&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/28/repub/us-israel-strike-iran-iran-threatens-retaliation/">with Israel</a>, Trump said the objective is to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime” and to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from ever obtaining nuclear weapons.&nbsp;</p><p>Trump acknowledged that Americans “may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now, we’re doing it for the future.” The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/live-updates-israel-iran-february-28-2026#0000019c-a3c7-dfc5-adbd-a7cf0edf0000" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;the first strikes appeared to target the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Reuters said the skies above Tehran were filled with smoke.</p><p>U.S. Rep Mike Flood, R-Neb., who represents eastern Nebraska’s 1st District, said, “Diplomacy with Iran has been tried time and again to no avail.”</p><p>“The time to act on Iran is now, as they’ve never been weaker,” he said. “Iran has funded terrorism around the world, and nuclear weapons would only allow them to spread more chaos and destruction. Our prayers are with the American troops and our allies in the region, some of whom have already faced direct attacks from Iran.”</p><p>U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, who represents Nebraska’s largely rural 3rd District, said, “For years, the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies have waged war against the lives of Americans, their own people, and millions of others across the Middle East.”</p><p>“Lasting peace can ultimately only be achieved through strength, and President Trump is taking action to achieve that goal,” Smith said. “May God bless and protect our brave servicemen and women as they protect our freedom.”</p><p>Nebraska GOP U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer said she is “praying for our brave service members as they carry out this mission to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.”</p><p>“God bless America and the innocent civilians in Iran, who deserve far better than the regime that has long oppressed them,” Fischer said.&nbsp;</p><p>Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said, “The Iranian regime has been focused on destroying the United States and our allies.”</p><p>“Unlike past presidents, who have been fooled by the Iranians at the negotiating table, President Trump wasn’t,” Ricketts said. “He did not allow the Iranians to draw out the negotiations without offering real concessions.”</p><p>Gov. Jim Pillen weighed in, saying, “Pray that God will protect them as they carry out this mission against one of the most notorious and evil terrorist regimes in human history. “</p><p>Some Congressional Democrats are calling for<a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/28/trump-iran-congress-war-powers-vote" target="_blank">&nbsp;a vote on war powers resolutions</a>&nbsp;to have a say on war with Iran, but there is some division within the party about the strikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/28/iran-trump-strikes-congress-democrats-israel" target="_blank">according to Axios</a>.</p>

Nebraskans in Congress pray, support troops as U.S., Israel attack Iran

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  They may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace… <a href="https://t.co/eBf6u6nUvz">pic.twitter.com/eBf6u6nUvz</a></p>&mdash; TravelGov (@TravelGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/2027821145500618937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans. Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should enroll at <a href="https://t.co/CqaYXeTCG4">https://t.co/CqaYXeTCG4</a> to receive the latest security alerts for their location, including any travel disruptions due to periodic airspace… <a href="https://t.co/Cbon5nvqV7">pic.twitter.com/Cbon5nvqV7</a></p>&mdash; Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar (@AsstSecStateCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsstSecStateCA/status/2027886210958368866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

U.S. State Dept. issues “worldwide caution” warning to Americans

MINDEN, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol Investigative Services Division, with assistance from the Kearney County Sheriff’s Office and Kearney County Attorney’s Office, is conducting a death investigation in rural Kearney County.

The Kearney County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene early this afternoon. Preliminary investigation revealed three children and an adult female with apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp;The adult female was found deceased.

The three children were transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney and treated for their injuries.&nbsp;Two of the children have since been transported to Children's Hospital in Omaha.&nbsp;All three children are expected to survive. The children are all under the age of 12.&nbsp;

The investigation is continuing and law enforcement is confident there is no ongoing threat to the public.&nbsp;The woman has been identified as 40-year-old Jamie Kruger. She was the mother of the three children authorities found with apparent gunshot wounds.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762359313583.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MINDEN, NEB.&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol Investigative Services Division, with assistance from the Kearney County Sheriff’s Office and Kearney County Attorney’s Office, is conducting a death investigation in rural Kearney County.</p><p>The Kearney County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene early this afternoon. Preliminary investigation revealed three children and an adult female with apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp;The adult female was found deceased.</p><p>The three children were transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney and treated for their injuries.&nbsp;Two of the children have since been transported to Children's Hospital in Omaha.&nbsp;All three children are expected to survive. The children are all under the age of 12.&nbsp;</p><p>The investigation is continuing and law enforcement is confident there is no ongoing threat to the public.&nbsp;The woman has been identified as 40-year-old Jamie Kruger. She was the mother of the three children authorities found with apparent gunshot wounds.</p>

NSP Investigating Attempted Murder/Suicide in Kearney County

The U.S. and Israel have launched strikes on Tehran, and President Donald Trump says the U.S. is starting major combat operations against Iran.&nbsp;

<p>The U.S. and Israel have launched strikes on Tehran, and President Donald Trump says the U.S. is starting major combat operations against Iran.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As the President stated, our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.<br><br>The President ordered bold action. CENTCOM forces are delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow. <a href="https://t.co/B0k5gV4YnU">pic.twitter.com/B0k5gV4YnU</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2027814907119321481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥US posts aerial footage showing strikes on variety of targets

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750936010746.png" alt="File photo Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>File photo Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🚨 <a href="https://t.co/P7uXSEG5dU">pic.twitter.com/P7uXSEG5dU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2027860992944726087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei...&quot; - President Donald J. Trump <a href="https://t.co/oXZTFGg5pS">pic.twitter.com/oXZTFGg5pS</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2027863139136479347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump says Iranian Supreme Leader is dead

A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. A vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.

For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries. Among the regime’s very first acts was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days. In 1983, Iran’s proxies carried out the marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 American military personnel.

In 2000, they knew and were probably involved with the attack on the USS Cole. Many died. Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq. The regime’s proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as U.S. naval and commercial vessels and international shipping lines. It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to put up with it any longer.

From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained and funded terrorist militias that have soaked the earth with blood and guts. And it was Iran’s proxy, Hamas, that launched the monstrous Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, slaughtering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, while taking 12 of our citizens hostage. It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before.

Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terror, and just recently killed tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested. It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon. That is why in Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we obliterated the regime’s nuclear program at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. After that attack, we warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons, and we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried. They wanted to do it. They didn’t want to do it. Again they wanted to do it. They didn’t want to do it. They didn’t know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil. But Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades.

They’ve rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing the long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland. Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they ever had, and actually were armed with nuclear weapons as a means to deliver their message.

For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests. We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy. We’re going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces, and no longer use their IEDs, or roadside bombs as they are sometimes called, to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans. And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon.

This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces. I built and rebuilt our military in my first administration and there is no military on earth even close to its power, strength or sophistication. My administration is taking every possible step to minimize the risk to U.S. personnel in the region. Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future. And it is a noble mission. We pray for every service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure that Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. We ask God to protect all of our heroes in harm’s way. And we trust that with his help, the men and women of the armed forces will prevail. We have the greatest in the world, and they will prevail.

To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity. Or in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death. Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.

For many years, you have asked for America’s help. But you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny, and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.

May God bless the brave men and women of America’s armed forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all. Thank you.

<p>Here’s Trump’s address in full:</p><p>A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. A vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.</p><p>For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries. Among the regime’s very first acts was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days. In 1983, Iran’s proxies carried out the marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 American military personnel.</p><p>In 2000, they knew and were probably involved with the attack on the USS Cole. Many died. Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq. The regime’s proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as U.S. naval and commercial vessels and international shipping lines. It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to put up with it any longer.</p><p>From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained and funded terrorist militias that have soaked the earth with blood and guts. And it was Iran’s proxy, Hamas, that launched the monstrous Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, slaughtering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, while taking 12 of our citizens hostage. It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before.</p><p>Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terror, and just recently killed tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested. It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon. That is why in Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we obliterated the regime’s nuclear program at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. After that attack, we warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons, and we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried. They wanted to do it. They didn’t want to do it. Again they wanted to do it. They didn’t want to do it. They didn’t know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil. But Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades.</p><p>They’ve rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing the long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland. Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they ever had, and actually were armed with nuclear weapons as a means to deliver their message.</p><p>For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests. We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy. We’re going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces, and no longer use their IEDs, or roadside bombs as they are sometimes called, to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans. And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon.</p><p>This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces. I built and rebuilt our military in my first administration and there is no military on earth even close to its power, strength or sophistication. My administration is taking every possible step to minimize the risk to U.S. personnel in the region. Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future. And it is a noble mission. We pray for every service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure that Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. We ask God to protect all of our heroes in harm’s way. And we trust that with his help, the men and women of the armed forces will prevail. We have the greatest in the world, and they will prevail.</p><p>To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity. Or in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death. Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.</p><p>For many years, you have asked for America’s help. But you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny, and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.</p><p>May God bless the brave men and women of America’s armed forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all. Thank you.</p>

Read President Trump’s statement on Iran

– U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commenced Operation Epic Fury, Feb. 28, at the direction of the President of the United States.

U.S. and partner forces began striking targets at 1:15 am ET to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat. Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.

“The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.

Following the initial wave of U.S. and partner strikes, CENTCOM forces successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. There have been no reports of U.S. casualties or combat-related injuries. Damage to U.S. installations was minimal and has not impacted operations.

The first hours of the operation included precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea. Additionally, CENTCOM’s Task Force Scorpion Strike employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Donald J. Trump on the United States military combat operations in Iran: <a href="https://t.co/LimJmpLkgZ">pic.twitter.com/LimJmpLkgZ</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2027654336138924410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump monitored the situation overnight at Mar a Lago alongside members of his national security team. The President spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu by phone. <br><br>Prior to the attacks, Secretary Rubio called all members of the gang of eight to provide congressional…</p>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/2027777973319766251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>– U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commenced Operation Epic Fury, Feb. 28, at the direction of the President of the United States.</p><p>U.S. and partner forces began striking targets at 1:15 am ET to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat. Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.</p><p>“The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.</p><p>Following the initial wave of U.S. and partner strikes, CENTCOM forces successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. There have been no reports of U.S. casualties or combat-related injuries. Damage to U.S. installations was minimal and has not impacted operations.</p><p>The first hours of the operation included precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea. Additionally, CENTCOM’s Task Force Scorpion Strike employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat.</p>

President Trump announces U.S. combat operations in Iran

René Arzate-García and his brother Alfonso Arzate-García have jointly controlled the Tijuana Plaza for the Sinaloa Cartel for the past 15 years, maintaining authority through violence, strategic alliances, and deep local influence, including political and police corruption. &nbsp;Despite ongoing conflicts, they continue to manage the plaza, making them key figures in sustaining cartel operations.

As controllers of a critical trafficking node in Tijuana at the U.S. border, the Arzate-García brothers have become key essential components of the cartel’s command-and-control structure. Their control of the Tijuana Plaza offers the Sinaloa Cartel a tactical advantage in maintaining dominance over rival organizations, ensuring no interruption to the busiest border crossing in the Western Hemisphere. &nbsp;Last year, the Trump Administration designated the Sinaloa Cartel as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).&nbsp;

In 2014, the Arzate-García brothers were charged in the Southern District of California with drug trafficking offenses in separate indictments and have been fugitives since that time. &nbsp;On August 9, 2023, both brothers were designated by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Financial Assets Control under Executive Order 14059, “Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade.”

In February 2026, the Department of Justice announced a superseding indictment against René Arzate-García, charging him with narcoterrorism, conducting a continuing criminal enterprise, material support to a foreign terrorist organization, international conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana, and money laundering.&nbsp;

The U.S. Department of State is offering a&nbsp;REWARD OF UP TO $5 MILLION&nbsp;EACH&nbsp;for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of the Arzate-García brothers.

If you have information, please contact the DEA by phone (WhatsApp and Signal) at +1-858-298-5670, at Threema ID: PTJ4HS3J, or by email at MFSinaloaTipLine@dea.gov.&nbsp; If you are located outside of the United States, you may also contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.&nbsp; If you are located in the United States, you may also contact the local DEA field office.

ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.&nbsp;

Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772206701839.png" alt="Dept. of Justice" />
                        <figcaption>Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>René Arzate-García and his brother Alfonso Arzate-García have jointly controlled the Tijuana Plaza for the Sinaloa Cartel for the past 15 years, maintaining authority through violence, strategic alliances, and deep local influence, including political and police corruption. &nbsp;Despite ongoing conflicts, they continue to manage the plaza, making them key figures in sustaining cartel operations.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772206803627.png" alt="Dept. of Justice" />
                        <figcaption>Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>As controllers of a critical trafficking node in Tijuana at the U.S. border, the Arzate-García brothers have become key essential components of the cartel’s command-and-control structure. Their control of the Tijuana Plaza offers the Sinaloa Cartel a tactical advantage in maintaining dominance over rival organizations, ensuring no interruption to the busiest border crossing in the Western Hemisphere. &nbsp;Last year, the Trump Administration designated the Sinaloa Cartel as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).&nbsp;</p><p>In 2014, the Arzate-García brothers were charged in the Southern District of California with drug trafficking offenses in separate indictments and have been fugitives since that time. &nbsp;On August 9, 2023, both brothers were designated by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Financial Assets Control under Executive Order 14059, “Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade.”</p><p>In February 2026, the Department of Justice announced a superseding indictment against René Arzate-García, charging him with narcoterrorism, conducting a continuing criminal enterprise, material support to a foreign terrorist organization, international conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana, and money laundering.&nbsp;</p><p>The U.S. Department of State is offering a&nbsp;REWARD OF UP TO $5 MILLION&nbsp;EACH&nbsp;for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of the Arzate-García brothers.</p><p>If you have information, please contact the DEA by phone (WhatsApp and Signal) at +1-858-298-5670, at Threema ID: PTJ4HS3J, or by email at MFSinaloaTipLine@dea.gov.&nbsp; If you are located outside of the United States, you may also contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.&nbsp; If you are located in the United States, you may also contact the local DEA field office.</p><p>ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.&nbsp;</p><p>Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.</p>

US offers reward for capture of brothers said to lead Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel

Former President&nbsp;Bill Clinton&nbsp;is testifying Friday before members of Congress who are investigating convicted sex offender&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein. Below is his opening statement.

Watch below, the first minutes of President Bill Clinton testifying under oath, via videotape, before a Federal Grand Jury about his relationship with former White House Intern Monica Lewinsky - before the Independent Counsel, held at White House, beginning at 1:03 pm., Monday, August 17, 1998.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772215538027.png" alt="From his 1998 testimony courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>From his 1998 testimony courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Former President&nbsp;Bill Clinton&nbsp;is testifying Friday before members of Congress who are investigating convicted sex offender&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein. Below is his opening statement.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As someone who grew up in a home with domestic abuse, not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doing—I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes, not sweetheart deals. <a href="https://t.co/0rX8cat5Pu">pic.twitter.com/0rX8cat5Pu</a></p>&mdash; Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillClinton/status/2027424128559452573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Watch below, the first minutes of President Bill Clinton testifying under oath, via videotape, before a Federal Grand Jury about his relationship with former White House Intern Monica Lewinsky - before the Independent Counsel, held at White House, beginning at 1:03 pm., Monday, August 17, 1998.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First 2 minutes of President Bill Clinton testifying under oath, via videotape, before a Federal Grand Jury about his relationship with former White House Intern Monica Lewinsky - before the Independent Counsel, held at White House, beginning at 1:03 pm., Monday, August 17, 1998 <a href="https://t.co/S3qGTo8S5i">pic.twitter.com/S3qGTo8S5i</a></p>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/2027437955472601577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Former President Bill Clinton's opening statement to House Oversight Committee

Attorney for longtime marijuana opponent requests Nebraska Supreme Court note Grand Island criminal case

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a><i><br></i><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/17/breaking-down-unls-final-27-5-million-budget-cut-proposal/"><i>Nebraska Examiner</i></a>

LINCOLN — Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana stood behind its 2024 campaign to legalize and regulate medical cannabis, a day after a Hall County jury convicted one of the campaign’s volunteer notaries on 24 misdemeanor criminal charges.

A six-person jury&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/25/notary-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions-found-guilty-of-all-24-criminal-charges/">convicted Jacy C. Todd</a>&nbsp;of York, 55, on Wednesday of 23 counts of “official misconduct” as a result of 23 days of improper notarizations involving Michael K. Egbert of Grand Island, 67, a petition circulator. Todd also was found guilty of lying in an October 2024 deposition as part of a separate trial over whether the campaign had enough valid petition signatures.

Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong, a few weeks after the 2024 election, issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/kuehn-v-evnen-decision.pdf">57-page order</a>&nbsp;siding with the campaign in a separate case, saying the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/district-judge-sides-with-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-sponsors-in-legal-challenge/">measures had been properly placed on the ballot</a>.

Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, told reporters on Thursday that Strong’s ruling came after a four-day trial with many witnesses and experts.&nbsp;

“We stand, I stand, my organization stands and I believe the voters stand behind that these were absolutely legally on the ballot,” Eggers said. “Voters went forward and voted, and it is time to start moving forward and doing something with this issue, rather than trying to stand in the way at every single opportunity.”

In November 2024, Nebraskans overwhelmingly voted to legalize and regulate medical cannabis. The laws took effect Dec. 12, 2024.

The campaign needed at least 86,499 valid signatures on each of its separate measures. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen certified&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/KzQPQ/?v=4" target="_blank">89,962 valid signatures for the one legalizing medical cannabis</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/YwTJX/?v=4" target="_blank">89,856 for the one regulating it</a>. The case did not address&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/23/breaking-down-petition-signatures-for-nebraska-2024-ballot-measures/">county-specific signature requirements</a>.

Strong upheld the presumptive validity of the more than 4,000 signatures Todd notarized across the two measures but said the more than 1,000 validated signatures Egbert had collected —&nbsp;all but a dozen or so notarized by Todd —&nbsp;had lost the presumption of validity.&nbsp;

Egbert admitted to forging signatures using a phone book and pleaded guilty in November 2024 to a Class I misdemeanor of an “attempt” to falsify his circulator’s oath on the petitions.

Former State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, a longtime marijuana opponent who brought the Lancaster County civil case, has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskajudicial.gov/courts/supreme-court/supreme-court-call/kuehn-v-evnen" target="_blank">appealed</a>&nbsp;Strong’s decision to the Nebraska Supreme Court. Evnen and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who advanced similar arguments as Kuehn against the campaign, also appealed.&nbsp;

The case&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/nebraska-supreme-court-hears-appeal-in-medical-cannabis-election-notary-case/">went before the Supreme Court on Dec. 3</a>. A decision has not yet been issued.

Hilgers, whose office coordinated with Hall County Attorney Marty Klein on Todd’s criminal case, said Todd’s case offered evidence of a “systematic scheme in which the law was routinely violated.”

“As we have said all along, the medical marijuana petition campaign was built on fraud and malfeasance and ultimately should never have been on the ballot in the first place,” Hilgers said Wednesday.

The campaign has denied allegations of widespread wrongdoing but acknowledged that some mistakes occurred. Strong addressed some of those mistakes in her ruling.

Shortly after Todd’s conviction Wednesday, Kuehn’s attorneys filed a motion with the Supreme Court requesting that the justices take notice of Todd’s conviction and other trial materials.&nbsp;

In the filing, attorneys said the conviction is in “direct contrast” to Strong’s ruling regarding Todd.

Todd, in the Lancaster County case and again this week, denied wrongdoing. Egbert also testified in both trials, where he said he has a neurological condition that affects his memory. Egbert said he never signed his petitions in front of Todd, which is an improper notarization.

At the time of the civil trial, Strong said “Egbert’s credibility problems are more serious” than Todd and that Kuehn and Evnen had not shown “by a preponderance of evidence” that any other petitions that Todd notarized should lose a “presumption of validity.”

The “presumption of validity” means signatures verified by local county officials and assumed to have been legitimately collected because of a notarized circulator’s affidavit.

If a signature loses its presumption of validity, the campaign could have a chance to rehabilitate the signature in a second phase of trial. Invalidating either petition would require nearly 3,500 signatures to lose the presumption of validity.

Even if all of Todd’s notarized signatures lost the presumption of validity, the campaign would still have met its threshold for the ballot.

This week, a central Nebraska jury sided with the version of events described by Egbert and state and local prosecutors. Todd’s attorney said Todd would appeal after his 9 a.m. April 22 sentencing hearing.

Eggers did not say whether she was concerned Todd’s conviction might impact the appeal but said the campaign is looking forward to the Supreme Court’s decision.

“I believe that the Supreme Court is a body that is going to rule fairly on this issue,” Eggers said. “They are going to take into consideration the things that they need to, and the appeal that was presented to them, but I believe they’re still well within their time of getting a decision.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772201621418.png" alt=" Supporters of medical cannabis helped two measures reach the 2024 general election ballot, Initiatives 437 and 438. Some spoke during a public hearing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on Oct. 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption> Supporters of medical cannabis helped two measures reach the 2024 general election ballot, Initiatives 437 and 438. Some spoke during a public hearing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on Oct. 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Attorney for longtime marijuana opponent requests Nebraska Supreme Court note Grand Island criminal case</h2><p>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a><i><br></i><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/17/breaking-down-unls-final-27-5-million-budget-cut-proposal/"><i>Nebraska Examiner</i></a></p><p>LINCOLN — Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana stood behind its 2024 campaign to legalize and regulate medical cannabis, a day after a Hall County jury convicted one of the campaign’s volunteer notaries on 24 misdemeanor criminal charges.</p><p>A six-person jury&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/02/25/notary-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-petitions-found-guilty-of-all-24-criminal-charges/">convicted Jacy C. Todd</a>&nbsp;of York, 55, on Wednesday of 23 counts of “official misconduct” as a result of 23 days of improper notarizations involving Michael K. Egbert of Grand Island, 67, a petition circulator. Todd also was found guilty of lying in an October 2024 deposition as part of a separate trial over whether the campaign had enough valid petition signatures.</p><p>Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong, a few weeks after the 2024 election, issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/kuehn-v-evnen-decision.pdf">57-page order</a>&nbsp;siding with the campaign in a separate case, saying the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/district-judge-sides-with-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-sponsors-in-legal-challenge/">measures had been properly placed on the ballot</a>.</p><p>Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, told reporters on Thursday that Strong’s ruling came after a four-day trial with many witnesses and experts.&nbsp;</p><p>“We stand, I stand, my organization stands and I believe the voters stand behind that these were absolutely legally on the ballot,” Eggers said. “Voters went forward and voted, and it is time to start moving forward and doing something with this issue, rather than trying to stand in the way at every single opportunity.”</p><p>In November 2024, Nebraskans overwhelmingly voted to legalize and regulate medical cannabis. The laws took effect Dec. 12, 2024.</p><h2>86,499 valid signatures needed</h2><p>The campaign needed at least 86,499 valid signatures on each of its separate measures. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen certified&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/KzQPQ/?v=4" target="_blank">89,962 valid signatures for the one legalizing medical cannabis</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/YwTJX/?v=4" target="_blank">89,856 for the one regulating it</a>. The case did not address&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/23/breaking-down-petition-signatures-for-nebraska-2024-ballot-measures/">county-specific signature requirements</a>.</p><p>Strong upheld the presumptive validity of the more than 4,000 signatures Todd notarized across the two measures but said the more than 1,000 validated signatures Egbert had collected —&nbsp;all but a dozen or so notarized by Todd —&nbsp;had lost the presumption of validity.&nbsp;</p><p>Egbert admitted to forging signatures using a phone book and pleaded guilty in November 2024 to a Class I misdemeanor of an “attempt” to falsify his circulator’s oath on the petitions.</p><p>Former State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, a longtime marijuana opponent who brought the Lancaster County civil case, has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskajudicial.gov/courts/supreme-court/supreme-court-call/kuehn-v-evnen" target="_blank">appealed</a>&nbsp;Strong’s decision to the Nebraska Supreme Court. Evnen and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who advanced similar arguments as Kuehn against the campaign, also appealed.&nbsp;</p><p>The case&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/03/nebraska-supreme-court-hears-appeal-in-medical-cannabis-election-notary-case/">went before the Supreme Court on Dec. 3</a>. A decision has not yet been issued.</p><p>Hilgers, whose office coordinated with Hall County Attorney Marty Klein on Todd’s criminal case, said Todd’s case offered evidence of a “systematic scheme in which the law was routinely violated.”</p><p>“As we have said all along, the medical marijuana petition campaign was built on fraud and malfeasance and ultimately should never have been on the ballot in the first place,” Hilgers said Wednesday.</p><p>The campaign has denied allegations of widespread wrongdoing but acknowledged that some mistakes occurred. Strong addressed some of those mistakes in her ruling.</p><h2>Supreme Court appeal</h2><p>Shortly after Todd’s conviction Wednesday, Kuehn’s attorneys filed a motion with the Supreme Court requesting that the justices take notice of Todd’s conviction and other trial materials.&nbsp;</p><p>In the filing, attorneys said the conviction is in “direct contrast” to Strong’s ruling regarding Todd.</p><p>Todd, in the Lancaster County case and again this week, denied wrongdoing. Egbert also testified in both trials, where he said he has a neurological condition that affects his memory. Egbert said he never signed his petitions in front of Todd, which is an improper notarization.</p><p>At the time of the civil trial, Strong said “Egbert’s credibility problems are more serious” than Todd and that Kuehn and Evnen had not shown “by a preponderance of evidence” that any other petitions that Todd notarized should lose a “presumption of validity.”</p><p>The “presumption of validity” means signatures verified by local county officials and assumed to have been legitimately collected because of a notarized circulator’s affidavit.</p><p>If a signature loses its presumption of validity, the campaign could have a chance to rehabilitate the signature in a second phase of trial. Invalidating either petition would require nearly 3,500 signatures to lose the presumption of validity.</p><p>Even if all of Todd’s notarized signatures lost the presumption of validity, the campaign would still have met its threshold for the ballot.</p><p>This week, a central Nebraska jury sided with the version of events described by Egbert and state and local prosecutors. Todd’s attorney said Todd would appeal after his 9 a.m. April 22 sentencing hearing.</p><p>Eggers did not say whether she was concerned Todd’s conviction might impact the appeal but said the campaign is looking forward to the Supreme Court’s decision.</p><p>“I believe that the Supreme Court is a body that is going to rule fairly on this issue,” Eggers said. “They are going to take into consideration the things that they need to, and the appeal that was presented to them, but I believe they’re still well within their time of getting a decision.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772201578819.png" alt="" />
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                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772201556938.png" alt="" />
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                    </figure>