&nbsp;By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner

&nbsp;Mark Martinez, former U.S. marshal for Nebraska and community advocate, speaks at a news conference seeking support for Lexington workers losing jobs when a Tyson Foods plant closes in January. Left to right, Albert Varas of the Latino Center of the Midlands; Roger Garcia, Douglas County Board chair; Beth Roberts of the Lexington Community Foundation; Lina Translaviña Stover of the Heartland Workers Center. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

OMAHA —&nbsp;A group of community leaders from Nebraska’s largest urban area met Tuesday to voice support and seek donations to help with pressing needs of thousands of rural “brothers and sisters” losing jobs as Tyson Foods’ meatpacking plant closes in Lexington.

“We will not be forgetting nor letting our brothers and sisters in a smaller community in Nebraska go through this alone,” said Douglas County Board chair Roger Garcia.&nbsp;

Noting that he grew up in Columbus, Nebraska, Garcia added: “We knew our neighbors, we helped our neighbors. Regardless of ethnicity or background, we were there for each other. And those are the values that we carry across the entire state.”

Garcia was among a panel of speakers requesting that people donate to the Lexington Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://lexfoundation.org/" target="_blank">lexfoundation.org</a>. Beth Roberts, foundation executive director, attended the media event at Omaha’s Latino Center of the Midlands, and said proceeds would be used to help workers and families with day-to-day needs as they navigate next steps.

About 3,200 Tyson workers who live in the Lexington area of about 11,000 —&nbsp;many of them immigrants and refugees —&nbsp;will lose their jobs when Tyson shutters its longtime beef plant in mid-January.&nbsp;

Roberts said this is the most challenging time the town has faced and said the relief fund should help with immediate needs including food, rent and utility assistance. She said the foundation is assembling a team of grassroots community advocacy agencies to meet with workers and to help determine the direction of donations.

“We have a lot of people in crisis right now,” said Mark Martinez, a former U.S. Marshal for Nebraska and community advocate who helped organize the event.

Other speakers included Lina Traslaviña Stover, executive director of the Heartland Workers Center and Albert Varas, CEO of Latino Center of the Midlands. Several offered comments in Spanish.

Traslaviña said her Omaha-headquartered nonprofit, which has statewide offices and reach, visited with Tyson workers during recent job fairs in Lexington. Representatives of various industries were recruiting, she said, including packing plants from towns such as Gibbon and North Platte.

But worker needs are complex and stretch beyond finding new jobs, Traslaviña said. Many came from Spanish-speaking countries and have invested decades in the Tyson plant. They’re dealing with mortgages, child care and the anxiety of uncertainty.

Laras said his team at the Omaha-based Latino Center of the Midlands stands in solidarity with families of Lexington and will donate as well. “When one Nebraska community is in crisis, it touches us all,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to the personal toll on families, speakers spoke of ripple effects expected to hit schools, restaurants and other businesses that over the past decades had been lifted by the Tyson workforce. They fear the loss of teachers, talent and tax base.

Roberts noted that more than 70 different national flags are represented at Lexington High School. The town created a Welcome Center that helps families access resources.&nbsp;

“We want to keep that going. We know that’s going to be challenging, but we want to keep that spirit alive,” she said.

People can help in ways beyond financial donations, including volunteer and services as interpreters. Roberts said multiple languages are spoken in the Tyson plant. She suggested calling the foundation for more information.&nbsp;

Martinez and others suggested reaching out to elected officials, nationally and statewide, to question what is being done for Lexington.&nbsp;

Said Garcia: “We care about you and we will walk with you through this journey.”

&nbsp;By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_4967-1536x877.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Mark Martinez, former U.S. marshal for Nebraska and community advocate, speaks at a news conference seeking support for Lexington workers losing jobs when a Tyson Foods plant closes in January. Left to right, Albert Varas of the Latino Center of the Midlands; Roger Garcia, Douglas County Board chair; Beth Roberts of the Lexington Community Foundation; Lina Translaviña Stover of the Heartland Workers Center. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Mark Martinez, former U.S. marshal for Nebraska and community advocate, speaks at a news conference seeking support for Lexington workers losing jobs when a Tyson Foods plant closes in January. Left to right, Albert Varas of the Latino Center of the Midlands; Roger Garcia, Douglas County Board chair; Beth Roberts of the Lexington Community Foundation; Lina Translaviña Stover of the Heartland Workers Center. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Mark Martinez, former U.S. marshal for Nebraska and community advocate, speaks at a news conference seeking support for Lexington workers losing jobs when a Tyson Foods plant closes in January. Left to right, Albert Varas of the Latino Center of the Midlands; Roger Garcia, Douglas County Board chair; Beth Roberts of the Lexington Community Foundation; Lina Translaviña Stover of the Heartland Workers Center. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)OMAHA —&nbsp;A group of community leaders from Nebraska’s largest urban area met Tuesday to voice support and seek donations to help with pressing needs of thousands of rural “brothers and sisters” losing jobs as Tyson Foods’ meatpacking plant closes in Lexington.“We will not be forgetting nor letting our brothers and sisters in a smaller community in Nebraska go through this alone,” said Douglas County Board chair Roger Garcia.&nbsp;Noting that he grew up in Columbus, Nebraska, Garcia added: “We knew our neighbors, we helped our neighbors. Regardless of ethnicity or background, we were there for each other. And those are the values that we carry across the entire state.”<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/LexingtonNE-300x150.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Garcia was among a panel of speakers requesting that people donate to the Lexington Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://lexfoundation.org/" target="_blank">lexfoundation.org</a>. Beth Roberts, foundation executive director, attended the media event at Omaha’s Latino Center of the Midlands, and said proceeds would be used to help workers and families with day-to-day needs as they navigate next steps.About 3,200 Tyson workers who live in the Lexington area of about 11,000 —&nbsp;many of them immigrants and refugees —&nbsp;will lose their jobs when Tyson shutters its longtime beef plant in mid-January.&nbsp;Roberts said this is the most challenging time the town has faced and said the relief fund should help with immediate needs including food, rent and utility assistance. She said the foundation is assembling a team of grassroots community advocacy agencies to meet with workers and to help determine the direction of donations.“We have a lot of people in crisis right now,” said Mark Martinez, a former U.S. Marshal for Nebraska and community advocate who helped organize the event.Other speakers included Lina Traslaviña Stover, executive director of the Heartland Workers Center and Albert Varas, CEO of Latino Center of the Midlands. Several offered comments in Spanish.<h2>Ripple effects</h2>Traslaviña said her Omaha-headquartered nonprofit, which has statewide offices and reach, visited with Tyson workers during recent job fairs in Lexington. Representatives of various industries were recruiting, she said, including packing plants from towns such as Gibbon and North Platte.But worker needs are complex and stretch beyond finding new jobs, Traslaviña said. Many came from Spanish-speaking countries and have invested decades in the Tyson plant. They’re dealing with mortgages, child care and the anxiety of uncertainty.Laras said his team at the Omaha-based Latino Center of the Midlands stands in solidarity with families of Lexington and will donate as well. “When one Nebraska community is in crisis, it touches us all,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the personal toll on families, speakers spoke of ripple effects expected to hit schools, restaurants and other businesses that over the past decades had been lifted by the Tyson workforce. They fear the loss of teachers, talent and tax base.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_4976-300x225.jpeg" alt="Beth Roberts, executive director of the Lexington Community Foundation (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Beth Roberts, executive director of the Lexington Community Foundation (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Roberts noted that more than 70 different national flags are represented at Lexington High School. The town created a Welcome Center that helps families access resources.&nbsp;“We want to keep that going. We know that’s going to be challenging, but we want to keep that spirit alive,” she said.People can help in ways beyond financial donations, including volunteer and services as interpreters. Roberts said multiple languages are spoken in the Tyson plant. She suggested calling the foundation for more information.&nbsp;Martinez and others suggested reaching out to elected officials, nationally and statewide, to question what is being done for Lexington.&nbsp;Said Garcia: “We care about you and we will walk with you through this journey.”

‘We will walk with you’: Omaha advocates urge support for Lexington workers as plant closes

Late Friday afternoon,&nbsp; the U.S. Department of Justice Department&nbsp; began releasing a portion of the long awaited files on&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the files and do a search

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766179629581.png" alt="mage released Thursday by the House Oversight Committee" />
 <figcaption>mage released Thursday by the House Oversight Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>Late Friday afternoon,&nbsp; the U.S. Department of Justice Department&nbsp; began releasing a portion of the long awaited files on&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the files and do a search<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766179219604.png" alt="Image from the DOJ web site on Friday Dec. 19, 3p.m. CST" />
 <figcaption>Image from the DOJ web site on Friday Dec. 19, 3p.m. CST</figcaption>
 </figure>

See the files: Some long-awaited Epstein files finally released

WASHINGTON— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth used social media to announce retaliatory strikes in Syria.

He wrote "Earlier today, U.S. forces commenced OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites in direct response to the attack on U.S. forces that occurred on December 13th in Palmyra, Syria."

"This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.

As we said directly following the savage attack, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you."

"Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766004117046.png" alt="On Wednesday, President Trump witnesses the dignified transfer of the three American Patriots killed in Syria." />
 <figcaption>On Wednesday, President Trump witnesses the dignified transfer of the three American Patriots killed in Syria.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth used social media to announce retaliatory strikes in Syria.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CENTCOM forces launched fighter jets, attack helicopters and other assets to conduct the large-scale strike. <a href="https://t.co/3szSo2u5rm">pic.twitter.com/3szSo2u5rm</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2002154219089113254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He wrote "Earlier today, U.S. forces commenced OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites in direct response to the attack on U.S. forces that occurred on December 13th in Palmyra, Syria.""This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.As we said directly following the savage attack, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.""Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue."

US launches retaliatory strikes in Syria targeting ISIS

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced the unsealing of multiple indictments against more than 70 individuals, including leaders and members of designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (TdA), linked to various violent crimes inside and outside the United States, including murder, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, and controlled substance trafficking. These actions include indictments across five U.S. Attorney offices, including the District of Colorado, District of Nebraska, District of New Mexico, Southern District of New York, and the Southern District of Texas.

Since January 20, 2025, the Department has federally indicted over 260 members of TdA. &nbsp;

“Immediately upon taking office, I directed the Department of Justice to fiercely pursue the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This latest multi-state series of charges underscores the Trump Administration's unwavering commitment to restoring public safety, dismantling violent trafficking networks, and ridding our country of Tren de Aragua terrorists.”

“Tren de Aragua is a terrorist cartel that exploits our borders to bring murder, drugs, and chaos into American communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This Department is crushing their leadership, dismantling their networks, and cutting off their money across the United States. There will be no safe haven here. If you cross our border to commit violent crime, we will find you, prosecute you, and put you away.”

“The FBI is committed to investigating members of violent transnational gangs whose actions violate our laws and put American lives at risk,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The existence of TdA is a direct threat to our national security, and we will not allow such a dangerous criminal organization to take root in our communities. Together with our law enforcement partners at every level, we are working to bring these ruthless criminals to justice.”

“Tren de Aragua is a ruthless, highly organized, and rapidly expanding foreign terrorist organization that thrives on chaos and human suffering,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “They exploit alliances with other terrorist-designated groups and transnational networks, including the FARC, ELN, and Cartel de los Soles, fueling instability, corruption, and violence across the region while endangering American communities. DEA is confronting this threat by relentlessly targeting their leadership, financial networks, and infrastructure. Those who align with TdA are standing against the United States and will face the full force of federal law enforcement.”

“The United States Marshals Service makes this point clear to all members of gangs like Tren de Aragua, we are coming for you,” said Gadyaces S. Serralta, Director of the United States Marshals Service. “We will not give you a moment of rest. We will find you. We will arrest you. You will be made to answer for your crimes. We will continue to work with all of our federal partners, to rid you from our country. Together, we are making the communities of America safer.”

“The foreign terrorist organization known as Tren de Aragua has used illicit firearms to maintain and expand control of its criminal enterprise, and imparted untold violence, widespread narcotics addiction, and death in American communities,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Deputy Director Rob Cekada. “The men and women of ATF, along with our federal law enforcement partners, have worked tirelessly to bring the members of this organization to justice. We will continue to systematically dismantle Tren de Aragua and other foreign terrorist organizations to ensure our communities are protected from harm. The days of Tren de Aragua running roughshod over the American public, preying on, and profiting from American citizens is over.”

“These actions reflect the strength of our partnerships and our determination to dismantle criminal networks like Tren de Aragua,” said BOP Director William K. Marshall III. “The Federal Bureau of Prisons is proud to support this mission by providing critical intelligence and secure management of offenders, ensuring justice and safety for our communities.”

<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-co%2Fpr%2Falleged-tren-de-aragua-leaders-indicted-multiple-charges-including-rico%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/mridQlnxFifI1I2k7UjGXpyFqxR0eZ9O7hX5rfhEuu8=436" target="_blank">DISTRICT OF COLORADO</a>:

Two alleged leaders of TdA have been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with a series of crimes in Colorado. These defendants are facing several charges including a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) conspiracy. The indictment alleges that from May 2024 through on or about March of 2025, the defendants conducted activity for TdA through a pattern of racketeering activity that included robbery, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering and controlled substance offenses. The defendants are also charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and firearms offenses in connection with the armed robberies of two jewelry stores in the Denver, Colorado area in June of 2024.

<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-ne%2Fpr%2Ftren-de-aragua-members-and-leaders-indicted-multi-million-dollar-atm-jackpotting-scheme%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/uznvPHERtfMIpSa6naabQEkm_7M9wyw9FROaWWruKog=436" target="_blank">DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA</a>:

A grand jury returned two indictments charging a total of 54 individuals, some associated with TdA, for leading and facilitating a large-scale conspiracy to use malware to steal millions of dollars from U.S. financial institutions by hacking ATMs. Charges against some of the defendants included conspiracy to provide material support for terrorism, in addition to conspiracies to commit bank fraud, money laundering, bank burglary, and computer fraud and abuse.

<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-nm%2Fpr%2Feleven-tda-members-indicted-new-mexico-rico-conspiracy-and-violent-acts%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/RIpj_Jmpavxi16gb6umtdbAKfAeqK8zhGfbjaDSpZII=436" target="_blank">DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO</a>:

Federal prosecutors have indicted 11 alleged members and leaders of TdA on racketeering charges, accusing them of kidnapping, brutally interrogating, and strangling a victim in an Albuquerque apartment, before burying his body in a remote desert grave. Some defendants were also directly involved in an armed confrontation at an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, during which rival groups exchanged gunfire and a victim was killed.&nbsp;

<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-sdny%2Fpr%2Fleader-tren-de-aragua-charged-manhattan-federal-court-racketeering-terrorism-drug%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/u6LZtKJaHqjPWhuItoTnEmJovR0z0juPBkQveUniYQw=436" target="_blank">SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK</a>:

An indictment has been unsealed charging Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, a/k/a “Nino Guerrero,” in connection with a leadership role in TdA operating throughout North America, South America, and Europe. For over a decade, Guerrero Flores has served as either the leader or co-leader of TdA, acting as the mastermind over TdA’s expansion across the Western Hemisphere. While operating from Venezuela and elsewhere, Guerrero Flores ordered, directed, facilitated, and supported acts of violence and terrorism transcending national boundaries, including murders, kidnappings, extortions, and maiming against victims located inside and outside the United States, and facilitated the transport of tons of cocaine from Venezuela to the United States. Guerrero Flores is currently at large, and the U.S. Department of State is offering rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.&nbsp;

<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-sdtx%2Fpr%2Ftren-de-aragua-senior-leadership-charged-terrorism-and-international-drug-distribution%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/-lxXDOiGvW9cBDBRRO484UjE13AtXgziW_E175-FAUY=436" target="_blank">SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS</a>:

A six-count superseding indictment has been unsealed charging four Venezuelan nationals, including multiple alleged high-ranking members of TdA, for conspiring to provide and providing material support to TdA, and for conspiracy and distribution of cocaine in Colombia intended for distribution in the United States. According to court records, two of the defendants are some of the topmost TdA leaders, with one allegedly exercising command and control over all of TdA’s criminal operations, including the illegal importation and smuggling of gold and narcotics, extortion, and murder. The two other defendants are also high-ranking TdA leaders who operate out of multiple South American countries and direct operations to include gold smuggling, narcotics export and violent crime.

These cases are part of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fag%2Fmedia%2F1388546%2Fdl%3Finline=%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/IckTr_BxWHImvDDgyDJ5O2JDMrLiW8rPCXNu5-AzquE=436" target="_blank">expanded</a>&nbsp;at the direction of Attorney General Bondi to target Tren de Aragua. JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. Those include Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia;&nbsp;Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; and the District of Nevada; as well as the as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys &nbsp;Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, USMS, and the Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, has also provided significant assistance.

TdA is a violent transnational criminal organization that originated as a prison gang in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. TdA has expanded its criminal network throughout the Western Hemisphere and established a presence in the United States. TdA’s criminal activities include a variety of violent and criminal offenses, including drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, commercial sex trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, theft, fraud, and extortion. TdA members also commit murder, assault, and other acts of violence to enforce and further the organization’s criminal activities. TdA has also developed an additional source of revenue stream through financial crimes that target financial institutions throughout the United States, including using jackpotting to steal millions of dollars in cash.

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

For Immediate Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766092033682.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced the unsealing of multiple indictments against more than 70 individuals, including leaders and members of designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (TdA), linked to various violent crimes inside and outside the United States, including murder, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, and controlled substance trafficking. These actions include indictments across five U.S. Attorney offices, including the District of Colorado, District of Nebraska, District of New Mexico, Southern District of New York, and the Southern District of Texas.Since January 20, 2025, the Department has federally indicted over 260 members of TdA. &nbsp;“Immediately upon taking office, I directed the Department of Justice to fiercely pursue the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This latest multi-state series of charges underscores the Trump Administration's unwavering commitment to restoring public safety, dismantling violent trafficking networks, and ridding our country of Tren de Aragua terrorists.”“Tren de Aragua is a terrorist cartel that exploits our borders to bring murder, drugs, and chaos into American communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This Department is crushing their leadership, dismantling their networks, and cutting off their money across the United States. There will be no safe haven here. If you cross our border to commit violent crime, we will find you, prosecute you, and put you away.”“The FBI is committed to investigating members of violent transnational gangs whose actions violate our laws and put American lives at risk,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The existence of TdA is a direct threat to our national security, and we will not allow such a dangerous criminal organization to take root in our communities. Together with our law enforcement partners at every level, we are working to bring these ruthless criminals to justice.”“Tren de Aragua is a ruthless, highly organized, and rapidly expanding foreign terrorist organization that thrives on chaos and human suffering,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “They exploit alliances with other terrorist-designated groups and transnational networks, including the FARC, ELN, and Cartel de los Soles, fueling instability, corruption, and violence across the region while endangering American communities. DEA is confronting this threat by relentlessly targeting their leadership, financial networks, and infrastructure. Those who align with TdA are standing against the United States and will face the full force of federal law enforcement.”“The United States Marshals Service makes this point clear to all members of gangs like Tren de Aragua, we are coming for you,” said Gadyaces S. Serralta, Director of the United States Marshals Service. “We will not give you a moment of rest. We will find you. We will arrest you. You will be made to answer for your crimes. We will continue to work with all of our federal partners, to rid you from our country. Together, we are making the communities of America safer.”“The foreign terrorist organization known as Tren de Aragua has used illicit firearms to maintain and expand control of its criminal enterprise, and imparted untold violence, widespread narcotics addiction, and death in American communities,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Deputy Director Rob Cekada. “The men and women of ATF, along with our federal law enforcement partners, have worked tirelessly to bring the members of this organization to justice. We will continue to systematically dismantle Tren de Aragua and other foreign terrorist organizations to ensure our communities are protected from harm. The days of Tren de Aragua running roughshod over the American public, preying on, and profiting from American citizens is over.”“These actions reflect the strength of our partnerships and our determination to dismantle criminal networks like Tren de Aragua,” said BOP Director William K. Marshall III. “The Federal Bureau of Prisons is proud to support this mission by providing critical intelligence and secure management of offenders, ensuring justice and safety for our communities.”A case summary is below:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-co%2Fpr%2Falleged-tren-de-aragua-leaders-indicted-multiple-charges-including-rico%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/mridQlnxFifI1I2k7UjGXpyFqxR0eZ9O7hX5rfhEuu8=436" target="_blank">DISTRICT OF COLORADO</a>:Two alleged leaders of TdA have been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with a series of crimes in Colorado. These defendants are facing several charges including a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) conspiracy. The indictment alleges that from May 2024 through on or about March of 2025, the defendants conducted activity for TdA through a pattern of racketeering activity that included robbery, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering and controlled substance offenses. The defendants are also charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and firearms offenses in connection with the armed robberies of two jewelry stores in the Denver, Colorado area in June of 2024.<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-ne%2Fpr%2Ftren-de-aragua-members-and-leaders-indicted-multi-million-dollar-atm-jackpotting-scheme%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/uznvPHERtfMIpSa6naabQEkm_7M9wyw9FROaWWruKog=436" target="_blank">DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA</a>:A grand jury returned two indictments charging a total of 54 individuals, some associated with TdA, for leading and facilitating a large-scale conspiracy to use malware to steal millions of dollars from U.S. financial institutions by hacking ATMs. Charges against some of the defendants included conspiracy to provide material support for terrorism, in addition to conspiracies to commit bank fraud, money laundering, bank burglary, and computer fraud and abuse.<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-nm%2Fpr%2Feleven-tda-members-indicted-new-mexico-rico-conspiracy-and-violent-acts%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/RIpj_Jmpavxi16gb6umtdbAKfAeqK8zhGfbjaDSpZII=436" target="_blank">DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO</a>:Federal prosecutors have indicted 11 alleged members and leaders of TdA on racketeering charges, accusing them of kidnapping, brutally interrogating, and strangling a victim in an Albuquerque apartment, before burying his body in a remote desert grave. Some defendants were also directly involved in an armed confrontation at an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, during which rival groups exchanged gunfire and a victim was killed.&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-sdny%2Fpr%2Fleader-tren-de-aragua-charged-manhattan-federal-court-racketeering-terrorism-drug%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/u6LZtKJaHqjPWhuItoTnEmJovR0z0juPBkQveUniYQw=436" target="_blank">SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK</a>:An indictment has been unsealed charging Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, a/k/a “Nino Guerrero,” in connection with a leadership role in TdA operating throughout North America, South America, and Europe. For over a decade, Guerrero Flores has served as either the leader or co-leader of TdA, acting as the mastermind over TdA’s expansion across the Western Hemisphere. While operating from Venezuela and elsewhere, Guerrero Flores ordered, directed, facilitated, and supported acts of violence and terrorism transcending national boundaries, including murders, kidnappings, extortions, and maiming against victims located inside and outside the United States, and facilitated the transport of tons of cocaine from Venezuela to the United States. Guerrero Flores is currently at large, and the U.S. Department of State is offering rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-sdtx%2Fpr%2Ftren-de-aragua-senior-leadership-charged-terrorism-and-international-drug-distribution%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/-lxXDOiGvW9cBDBRRO484UjE13AtXgziW_E175-FAUY=436" target="_blank">SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS</a>:A six-count superseding indictment has been unsealed charging four Venezuelan nationals, including multiple alleged high-ranking members of TdA, for conspiring to provide and providing material support to TdA, and for conspiracy and distribution of cocaine in Colombia intended for distribution in the United States. According to court records, two of the defendants are some of the topmost TdA leaders, with one allegedly exercising command and control over all of TdA’s criminal operations, including the illegal importation and smuggling of gold and narcotics, extortion, and murder. The two other defendants are also high-ranking TdA leaders who operate out of multiple South American countries and direct operations to include gold smuggling, narcotics export and violent crime.These cases are part of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fag%2Fmedia%2F1388546%2Fdl%3Finline=%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b32ad99f1-ad7a5716-b085-4aa4-8882-09f3fcb3df2b-000000/IckTr_BxWHImvDDgyDJ5O2JDMrLiW8rPCXNu5-AzquE=436" target="_blank">expanded</a>&nbsp;at the direction of Attorney General Bondi to target Tren de Aragua. JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. Those include Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia;&nbsp;Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; and the District of Nevada; as well as the as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys &nbsp;Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, USMS, and the Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, has also provided significant assistance.TdA is a violent transnational criminal organization that originated as a prison gang in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. TdA has expanded its criminal network throughout the Western Hemisphere and established a presence in the United States. TdA’s criminal activities include a variety of violent and criminal offenses, including drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, commercial sex trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, theft, fraud, and extortion. TdA members also commit murder, assault, and other acts of violence to enforce and further the organization’s criminal activities. TdA has also developed an additional source of revenue stream through financial crimes that target financial institutions throughout the United States, including using jackpotting to steal millions of dollars in cash.An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Justice Department Highlights Nationwide Crackdown on Tren de Aragua

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>

WASHINGTON — The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a prestigious cultural hub in the nation’s capital, will be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday.

<a href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/about-us/leadership/trustees/">Click here to see the</a> Center's Board of Trustees

The renaming comes after President Donald Trump named himself chair of the board in February in a major shake-up. He later fired the Kennedy Center president as well as board members appointed by President Joe Biden before appointing his own members.

Leavitt said the board unanimously approved the name change. However, a federal statute appears to prohibit the renaming of portions of the center, which is considered a living memorial to Kennedy.

“After December 2, 1983, no additional memorials or plaques in the nature of memorials shall be designated or installed in the public areas of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,”&nbsp;<a href="https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title20/chapter3/subchapter5&amp;edition=prelim" target="_blank">according to the U.S. code.&nbsp;</a>

Congress likely would need to change the law for the center to be renamed officially.&nbsp;

The Kennedy Center was renamed in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated.

Leavitt said the renaming was “because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building. Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation.”

“Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future!,” she wrote.

Since the president’s takeover of the center, major artists and performers have canceled performances or boycotted performing. The artist Issa Rae, and the musical “Hamilton” will no longer perform at the center and dozens of cast members of “Les Misérables” refused to perform for Trump officials earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766113484318.png" alt="The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which the White House said will be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center. (Photo courtesy of Kennedy Center) " />
 <figcaption>The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which the White House said will be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center. (Photo courtesy of Kennedy Center) </figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>WASHINGTON — The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a prestigious cultural hub in the nation’s capital, will be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday.<a href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/about-us/leadership/trustees/">Click here to see the</a> Center's Board of TrusteesThe renaming comes after President Donald Trump named himself chair of the board in February in a major shake-up. He later fired the Kennedy Center president as well as board members appointed by President Joe Biden before appointing his own members.Leavitt said the board unanimously approved the name change. However, a federal statute appears to prohibit the renaming of portions of the center, which is considered a living memorial to Kennedy.“After December 2, 1983, no additional memorials or plaques in the nature of memorials shall be designated or installed in the public areas of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,”&nbsp;<a href="https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title20/chapter3/subchapter5&amp;edition=prelim" target="_blank">according to the U.S. code.&nbsp;</a>Congress likely would need to change the law for the center to be renamed officially.&nbsp;The Kennedy Center was renamed in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated.Leavitt said the renaming was “because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building. Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation.”“Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future!,” she wrote.Since the president’s takeover of the center, major artists and performers have canceled performances or boycotted performing. The artist Issa Rae, and the musical “Hamilton” will no longer perform at the center and dozens of cast members of “Les Misérables” refused to perform for Trump officials earlier this year.

Controversy: Kennedy Center to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center

By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska state official responsible for overseeing state data security and privacy allegedly submitted duplicate travel reimbursement claims on two occasions for his own financial benefit, according to a new report from the state auditor.

Auditor Mike Foley this week made public his office’s review of reimbursements sought by the state’s “chief information security and privacy officer,” a man whose state employment has since ended.

Identified as Patrick Wright, he worked under the Department of Administrative Services’ Office of the Chief Information Officer. The state information office said it alerted Foley’s office and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office in December, when it found alleged improprieties.

The Auditor’s Office issued a<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2025/SA65101-12152025-December_15_2025_OCIO_Letter.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;24-page report,</a>&nbsp;largely copies of reimbursement forms, and recommendations for improvement to Wright’s supervisors, who said Wright at first was placed on administrative leave and then resigned during the investigation.

Contacted by the Nebraska Examiner, Wright and his lawyer said they were reviewing the auditor’s report and would make a statement at a later date.

Foley said his team did not reach out to Wright for comment or explanation, given that the Attorney General’s Office already was involved. A spokesperson for the AG said the office had no comment on the matter.&nbsp;

The auditing team noted that Wright was employed by the state from July 2020 through this February, and was paid about $120,000 when he left.

Foley called the situation concerning.&nbsp;

“That these allegations of financial impropriety are leveled at someone to whom the state’s data security and privacy was entrusted should give everyone pause,” Foley said.&nbsp;

According to the auditor’s report, Wright during his tenure and on two separate occasions submitted reimbursement requests to both the state and third-party organizations for the same expenses, using “identical documentation.”

Wright allegedly received about $500 of undue duplicative payments, Foley said. Those were related to an August 2024 work-related trip to Milwaukee.&nbsp;

Foley said the overall amount of alleged undue reimbursements might have been higher, but that it appears Wright sought to rectify a double payment situation a few months later related to a Washington D.C. trip, after officials questioned “suspicious” reimbursement requests.&nbsp;

Wright in January returned a $2,266 check to a third-party organization, explaining in an accompanying letter that there was a “misunderstanding” and the check related to the D.C. trip should be issued to the State of Nebraska rather than to him personally. The letter was&nbsp;<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2025/SA65101-12152025-December_15_2025_OCIO_Letter.pdf" target="_blank">included in the auditor</a>’s report.

“In addition to giving rise to concerns regarding possible theft, forgery and even abuse of public records, the putative double-dealing by the former Security and Privacy Officer could implicate him in having violated Nebraska law forbidding use of public office or resources for unauthorized personal gain,” Foley said in a news release.

He said the auditing team’s findings were turned over to the Attorney General’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office for review.

While employed by the state, Wright also served on the executive committee of the Center for Internet Security’s Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. The auditor’s report notes that he currently directs Cyber Strong Nebraska, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity awareness, education and resources within the state.&nbsp;

Foley said the state information office, directed by Chief Information Officer Matthew McCarville under Administrative Services, cooperated and pledged to take safeguards against similar situations.

The information office’s response included in the auditor’s letter said the agency would try to recoup any funds determined to have been improperly paid and said it would cooperate with any further investigations.&nbsp;

McCarville, in a statement to the Examiner, said his office is dedicated to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars and that prevention of fraud and misuse of public funds remains a top priority.&nbsp;

He&nbsp; said the review led the information office to amend internal policies and to enhance procedures for approving travel expense reimbursement forms.

“Our agency acted quickly to ensure that proper and immediate reporting occurred to the State Auditor and the Attorney General’s Office when this situation came to light,” said McCarville.

By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_0564-1536x978.jpg" alt="&nbsp;Nebraska State Auditor’s Office in the Nebraska Capitol. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Nebraska State Auditor’s Office in the Nebraska Capitol. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A Nebraska state official responsible for overseeing state data security and privacy allegedly submitted duplicate travel reimbursement claims on two occasions for his own financial benefit, according to a new report from the state auditor.Auditor Mike Foley this week made public his office’s review of reimbursements sought by the state’s “chief information security and privacy officer,” a man whose state employment has since ended.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_4990-scaled-e1766079038704-300x166.jpg" alt="Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Identified as Patrick Wright, he worked under the Department of Administrative Services’ Office of the Chief Information Officer. The state information office said it alerted Foley’s office and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office in December, when it found alleged improprieties.The Auditor’s Office issued a<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2025/SA65101-12152025-December_15_2025_OCIO_Letter.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;24-page report,</a>&nbsp;largely copies of reimbursement forms, and recommendations for improvement to Wright’s supervisors, who said Wright at first was placed on administrative leave and then resigned during the investigation.Contacted by the Nebraska Examiner, Wright and his lawyer said they were reviewing the auditor’s report and would make a statement at a later date.Foley said his team did not reach out to Wright for comment or explanation, given that the Attorney General’s Office already was involved. A spokesperson for the AG said the office had no comment on the matter.&nbsp;The auditing team noted that Wright was employed by the state from July 2020 through this February, and was paid about $120,000 when he left.Foley called the situation concerning.&nbsp;“That these allegations of financial impropriety are leveled at someone to whom the state’s data security and privacy was entrusted should give everyone pause,” Foley said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Misunderstanding’</h2>According to the auditor’s report, Wright during his tenure and on two separate occasions submitted reimbursement requests to both the state and third-party organizations for the same expenses, using “identical documentation.”Wright allegedly received about $500 of undue duplicative payments, Foley said. Those were related to an August 2024 work-related trip to Milwaukee.&nbsp;Foley said the overall amount of alleged undue reimbursements might have been higher, but that it appears Wright sought to rectify a double payment situation a few months later related to a Washington D.C. trip, after officials questioned “suspicious” reimbursement requests.&nbsp;Wright in January returned a $2,266 check to a third-party organization, explaining in an accompanying letter that there was a “misunderstanding” and the check related to the D.C. trip should be issued to the State of Nebraska rather than to him personally. The letter was&nbsp;<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2025/SA65101-12152025-December_15_2025_OCIO_Letter.pdf" target="_blank">included in the auditor</a>’s report.“In addition to giving rise to concerns regarding possible theft, forgery and even abuse of public records, the putative double-dealing by the former Security and Privacy Officer could implicate him in having violated Nebraska law forbidding use of public office or resources for unauthorized personal gain,” Foley said in a news release.He said the auditing team’s findings were turned over to the Attorney General’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office for review.While employed by the state, Wright also served on the executive committee of the Center for Internet Security’s Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. The auditor’s report notes that he currently directs Cyber Strong Nebraska, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity awareness, education and resources within the state.&nbsp;<h2>Recoup funds</h2>Foley said the state information office, directed by Chief Information Officer Matthew McCarville under Administrative Services, cooperated and pledged to take safeguards against similar situations.The information office’s response included in the auditor’s letter said the agency would try to recoup any funds determined to have been improperly paid and said it would cooperate with any further investigations.&nbsp;McCarville, in a statement to the Examiner, said his office is dedicated to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars and that prevention of fraud and misuse of public funds remains a top priority.&nbsp;He&nbsp; said the review led the information office to amend internal policies and to enhance procedures for approving travel expense reimbursement forms.“Our agency acted quickly to ensure that proper and immediate reporting occurred to the State Auditor and the Attorney General’s Office when this situation came to light,” said McCarville.

Top Nebraska data security officer target of auditor probe of ‘suspicious’ reimbursements

WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers in Pharr, Texas intercepted more than $10.3 million in alleged methamphetamine concealed in a tractor trailer filled with cereal ingredients.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our frontline CBP officers shut down a significant meth smuggling attempt hidden within ingredients that shouldn’t grace anyone’s breakfast table,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “As this seizure perfectly illustrates, our officers continue to use their inspections skills and technological tools to prevent this poison from reaching American streets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Dec. 12, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge encountered a tractor trailer hauling a commercial shipment of oat flakes attempting to make entry to the U.S. from Mexico. The tractor trailer was selected for further inspection utilizing nonintrusive inspection&nbsp;equipment and CBP canines. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 64 packages of alleged methamphetamine with a combined weight of 1,156.32 pounds (524.50 kg) concealed within&nbsp;the shipment of oat flakes.&nbsp;The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $10,336,846.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics, tractor and trailer. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.

Follow the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.us%2Fv3%2F__https%3A%2Ftwitter.com%2FDFOLaredo__%3B!!BClRuOV5cvtbuNI!EcuK-cHQzvBPAD20E-bxpL4CbD-cBvYB39xVFmjrm6BgigYsgNSUzM1o0NnFbJY7kNEnZUjkow4rpXd0LVDVCfoWuF9hOxA%24&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRICHARD.J.PAUZA%40CBP.DHS.GOV%7Cab8020be5fa1479537f108de3d79b269%7Ce4b16b844c564f279af730345a161ad4%7C0%7C0%7C639015790046594711%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=es0hwf%2FYoruZM4yDr2B6AIpv7%2FrbMIjAiVwQlyp0FB8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">X at @DFOLaredo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.us%2Fv3%2F__https%3A%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F%40dfolaredo__%3B!!BClRuOV5cvtbuNI!EcuK-cHQzvBPAD20E-bxpL4CbD-cBvYB39xVFmjrm6BgigYsgNSUzM1o0NnFbJY7kNEnZUjkow4rpXd0LVDVCfoWsFPcQNA%24&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRICHARD.J.PAUZA%40CBP.DHS.GOV%7Cab8020be5fa1479537f108de3d79b269%7Ce4b16b844c564f279af730345a161ad4%7C0%7C0%7C639015790046612249%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=gvCXXlV7aSZrsjB2%2FeXqoHn58dXNBVVAv0q7LvY5gcM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Instagram at @dfolaredo</a>&nbsp;as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.us%2Fv3%2F__https%3A%2Fwww.twitter.com%2FCBPSouthTexas__%3B!!BClRuOV5cvtbuNI!EcuK-cHQzvBPAD20E-bxpL4CbD-cBvYB39xVFmjrm6BgigYsgNSUzM1o0NnFbJY7kNEnZUjkow4rpXd0LVDVCfoWhOfD5Z8%24&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRICHARD.J.PAUZA%40CBP.DHS.GOV%7Cab8020be5fa1479537f108de3d79b269%7Ce4b16b844c564f279af730345a161ad4%7C0%7C0%7C639015790046628676%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=80l0%2FXAWJ0UfAkIZ3bfIfuaciaoCEh%2BeHa3PY0C9TFQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">@CBPSouthTexas</a>&nbsp;for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.

Press Release<figure>
 <img src="https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/styles/300px_newsroom_body_image/public/1156lbsmethpharr121225.jpg.webp?itok=DmICwa8i" alt="Packages containing 1,156 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge. (Photo CBP)" />
 <figcaption>Packages containing 1,156 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge. (Photo CBP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers in Pharr, Texas intercepted more than $10.3 million in alleged methamphetamine concealed in a tractor trailer filled with cereal ingredients.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our frontline CBP officers shut down a significant meth smuggling attempt hidden within ingredients that shouldn’t grace anyone’s breakfast table,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “As this seizure perfectly illustrates, our officers continue to use their inspections skills and technological tools to prevent this poison from reaching American streets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;On Dec. 12, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge encountered a tractor trailer hauling a commercial shipment of oat flakes attempting to make entry to the U.S. from Mexico. The tractor trailer was selected for further inspection utilizing nonintrusive inspection&nbsp;equipment and CBP canines. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 64 packages of alleged methamphetamine with a combined weight of 1,156.32 pounds (524.50 kg) concealed within&nbsp;the shipment of oat flakes.&nbsp;The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $10,336,846.CBP OFO seized the narcotics, tractor and trailer. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.Follow the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.us%2Fv3%2F__https%3A%2Ftwitter.com%2FDFOLaredo__%3B!!BClRuOV5cvtbuNI!EcuK-cHQzvBPAD20E-bxpL4CbD-cBvYB39xVFmjrm6BgigYsgNSUzM1o0NnFbJY7kNEnZUjkow4rpXd0LVDVCfoWuF9hOxA%24&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRICHARD.J.PAUZA%40CBP.DHS.GOV%7Cab8020be5fa1479537f108de3d79b269%7Ce4b16b844c564f279af730345a161ad4%7C0%7C0%7C639015790046594711%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=es0hwf%2FYoruZM4yDr2B6AIpv7%2FrbMIjAiVwQlyp0FB8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">X at @DFOLaredo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.us%2Fv3%2F__https%3A%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F%40dfolaredo__%3B!!BClRuOV5cvtbuNI!EcuK-cHQzvBPAD20E-bxpL4CbD-cBvYB39xVFmjrm6BgigYsgNSUzM1o0NnFbJY7kNEnZUjkow4rpXd0LVDVCfoWsFPcQNA%24&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRICHARD.J.PAUZA%40CBP.DHS.GOV%7Cab8020be5fa1479537f108de3d79b269%7Ce4b16b844c564f279af730345a161ad4%7C0%7C0%7C639015790046612249%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=gvCXXlV7aSZrsjB2%2FeXqoHn58dXNBVVAv0q7LvY5gcM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Instagram at @dfolaredo</a>&nbsp;as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.us%2Fv3%2F__https%3A%2Fwww.twitter.com%2FCBPSouthTexas__%3B!!BClRuOV5cvtbuNI!EcuK-cHQzvBPAD20E-bxpL4CbD-cBvYB39xVFmjrm6BgigYsgNSUzM1o0NnFbJY7kNEnZUjkow4rpXd0LVDVCfoWhOfD5Z8%24&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRICHARD.J.PAUZA%40CBP.DHS.GOV%7Cab8020be5fa1479537f108de3d79b269%7Ce4b16b844c564f279af730345a161ad4%7C0%7C0%7C639015790046628676%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=80l0%2FXAWJ0UfAkIZ3bfIfuaciaoCEh%2BeHa3PY0C9TFQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">@CBPSouthTexas</a>&nbsp;for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.<figure>
 <img src="https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/styles/300px_newsroom_body_image/public/1156lbsmethpharr121225partb.png.webp?itok=nWfDi-YF" alt="A package of methamphetamine within a sack of oat flakes. (Photo CBP)" />
 <figcaption>A package of methamphetamine within a sack of oat flakes. (Photo CBP)</figcaption>
 </figure>

CBP seizes more than $10.3 million in ‘cereal ingredients’ not made for breakfast

On Thursday at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted lethal kinetic strikes on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters, according to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command.

 Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A total of five male narco-terrorists were killed during these actions - three in the first vessel and two in the second vessel. No U.S. military forces were harmed.

On Thursday at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted lethal kinetic strikes on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters, according to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Dec. 18, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted lethal kinetic strikes on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known… <a href="https://t.co/CcCyOgYRto">pic.twitter.com/CcCyOgYRto</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2001840669313135099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A total of five male narco-terrorists were killed during these actions - three in the first vessel and two in the second vessel. No U.S. military forces were harmed.

🎥 US strikes 2 more drug boats killing 5 'narco-terrorists'

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/nancy-lavin/">Nancy Lavin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/alexcastro/">Alexander Castro</a> <a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a>

With those three words from Ted Docks, FBI special agent in charge, the six-day manhunt for the person believed to be responsible for a mass shooting at Brown University ended. The suspect and former Brown graduate student, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, was found dead in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, shortly before 9 p.m. Thursday, Docks confirmed at a press conference in Providence.

Neves Valente, 48, is also the suspect in Monday’s fatal shooting of Massachusetts Institute of Technology physics professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro in Brookline, Massachusetts, Rhode Island public officials confirmed Thursday. U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah B. Foley said Valente was found with a satchel when investigators arrived to execute a search warrant at a press conference in Boston&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/us-attorneys-offices-fbi-and-atf-announce-death-brown-university-and-mit-professor" target="_blank">Thursday night</a>.

It’s a marked turnaround from one day earlier, when clues appeared, at least publicly, scarce about the man captured on grainy video footage and still images around the Ivy League campus before and after the Saturday afternoon shooting. Frustration, criticism, and fear mounted as the university and the capital city desperately searched for answers and investigators searched for justice.

But just as Attorney General Peter Neronha promised, the seemingly unending case “cracked wide open,” swiftly Thursday thanks largely to public assistance that helped connect the man captured on area security camera footage to a rental car agency in Massachusetts, and ultimately, 85 miles north to the storage unit where he took his own life Thursday night.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/affidavit.pdf">state arrest warrant</a>&nbsp;issued by Rhode Island state court earlier Thursday charges Neves Valente with two counts of murder and 23 felony counts of assault and firearms offenses.&nbsp;

Evidence is still being processed, but Neronha added, “There won’t be a prosecution now, of course.”

“I don’t think we have any idea why now, or why, why Brown, why these students, why this classroom, that that is really unknown to us, and it may become clear, I hope that it does, but it hasn’t as of right now,” Neronha said.

What is known is that Neves Valente was a Brown University student from the fall of 2000 to the spring of 2001, admitted to a master’s graduate program in physics. He took a leave of absence in April 2001, before formally withdrawing in July 2003. During his time at the university, most physics classes were held in the Barus and Holley engineering building where the shooting took place, though the university course schedule for that time period is not available, Christina Paxson, university president said.

He was also described as a Portuguese national, whose last known address was in Miami. He is believed to have traveled by plane to Providence in October, moving throughout the region over the intervening months. Officials said Loureiro, 47, and Valente attended the same academic program in Portugal between 1995 and 2000.

“This was a highly dangerous individual capable of extreme violence,” said Tom Greco, special agent in charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms’ Boston division.

The thread that unraveled the mystery of who and where he was: a second person, identified in the affidavit as John, who was captured on property security camera footage in the East Side residential neighborhood at the same time as Neves Valente on the day of the shooting. Officials on Wednesday released photos of John, asking for tips or for him to come forward for questioning.&nbsp;

John previously posted on a popular reddit forum relaying a piece of what he observed, according to the affidavit of a Providence police detective.

“The police need to look into a grey Nissan with Florida plates, possibly a rental,” John, then still anonymous, wrote on the subreddit r/Providence on Dec. 15. “That was the car he was driving. It was parked in front of the little shack behind the Rhode Island Historical Society on the Cooke St side. I know because he used his key fob to open the car, approached it and then something prompted him to back away.”

John spoke briefly with Neves Valente in the bathroom of the engineering building, following him out and asking him about his presence in the university building. He came forward to Providence police within an hour of his photo being released publicly Wednesday.

“He was as outstanding a witness as I’ve seen, and he deserves a lot of credit,” Neronha said, adding that he would “vote” for the witness to receive the $50,000 reward previously offered by the FBI.

John’s interview and written tips helped investigators identify and trace the vehicle to the Boston car rental where he rented the car, in his own name, Neronha said.&nbsp;

The New Hampshire storage unit was also in his name, and evidence recovered in the car and the unit, including two firearms, confirmed he was responsible for the shooting, Neronha said.

“We are 100% confident that this is our target ,and this case is closed from a perspective of pursuing people involved,” Neronha said.

Perez later professed pride for the city, whose residents, students and public safety officials succeeded in the complex and winding investigation.

“In this nation, when horrific incidents happen, law enforcement steps up,” Col. Oscar Perez, Providence police chief, said during the late evening press conference.&nbsp;

The sense of accomplishment and relief was also met with continued grief for the two students killed and nine wounded, along with the wider community. Six of the injured students remained at Rhode Island Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition Thursday.

“We hope this outcome tonight brings an increased sense of safety for Brown and our surrounding area,” Paxson, university president, said. “This has been a period of great fear and anxiety for many people and now, perhaps some form of relief. Truly, this week has been devastating for our community in a number of ways.”

Including public doxxing, misinformation and rampant conspiracies that filled the void of facts on social media over the last six days.&nbsp;

“The endless barrage of misinformation, disinformation, rumors, leaks and click bait were not helpful in this investigation, distractions and unfounded criticisms do not support this work,” said Col Darnell Weaver, superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. “They complicate it and threaten to undermine the justice we seek for the victims and the grieving families.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766142171994.png" alt="Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez is shown at the right of the podium before the start of the press conference announcing the identify of the Brown University mass shooting suspect who was found dead in New Hampshire on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)" />
 <figcaption>Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez is shown at the right of the podium before the start of the press conference announcing the identify of the Brown University mass shooting suspect who was found dead in New Hampshire on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/nancy-lavin/">Nancy Lavin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/alexcastro/">Alexander Castro</a> <a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a>“We got him.”With those three words from Ted Docks, FBI special agent in charge, the six-day manhunt for the person believed to be responsible for a mass shooting at Brown University ended. The suspect and former Brown graduate student, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, was found dead in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, shortly before 9 p.m. Thursday, Docks confirmed at a press conference in Providence.Neves Valente, 48, is also the suspect in Monday’s fatal shooting of Massachusetts Institute of Technology physics professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro in Brookline, Massachusetts, Rhode Island public officials confirmed Thursday. U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah B. Foley said Valente was found with a satchel when investigators arrived to execute a search warrant at a press conference in Boston&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/us-attorneys-offices-fbi-and-atf-announce-death-brown-university-and-mit-professor" target="_blank">Thursday night</a>.It’s a marked turnaround from one day earlier, when clues appeared, at least publicly, scarce about the man captured on grainy video footage and still images around the Ivy League campus before and after the Saturday afternoon shooting. Frustration, criticism, and fear mounted as the university and the capital city desperately searched for answers and investigators searched for justice.But just as Attorney General Peter Neronha promised, the seemingly unending case “cracked wide open,” swiftly Thursday thanks largely to public assistance that helped connect the man captured on area security camera footage to a rental car agency in Massachusetts, and ultimately, 85 miles north to the storage unit where he took his own life Thursday night.A&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/affidavit.pdf">state arrest warrant</a>&nbsp;issued by Rhode Island state court earlier Thursday charges Neves Valente with two counts of murder and 23 felony counts of assault and firearms offenses.&nbsp;Evidence is still being processed, but Neronha added, “There won’t be a prosecution now, of course.”A motive remains elusive.“I don’t think we have any idea why now, or why, why Brown, why these students, why this classroom, that that is really unknown to us, and it may become clear, I hope that it does, but it hasn’t as of right now,” Neronha said.What is known is that Neves Valente was a Brown University student from the fall of 2000 to the spring of 2001, admitted to a master’s graduate program in physics. He took a leave of absence in April 2001, before formally withdrawing in July 2003. During his time at the university, most physics classes were held in the Barus and Holley engineering building where the shooting took place, though the university course schedule for that time period is not available, Christina Paxson, university president said.He was also described as a Portuguese national, whose last known address was in Miami. He is believed to have traveled by plane to Providence in October, moving throughout the region over the intervening months. Officials said Loureiro, 47, and Valente attended the same academic program in Portugal between 1995 and 2000.“This was a highly dangerous individual capable of extreme violence,” said Tom Greco, special agent in charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms’ Boston division.The thread that unraveled the mystery of who and where he was: a second person, identified in the affidavit as John, who was captured on property security camera footage in the East Side residential neighborhood at the same time as Neves Valente on the day of the shooting. Officials on Wednesday released photos of John, asking for tips or for him to come forward for questioning.&nbsp;John previously posted on a popular reddit forum relaying a piece of what he observed, according to the affidavit of a Providence police detective.“The police need to look into a grey Nissan with Florida plates, possibly a rental,” John, then still anonymous, wrote on the subreddit r/Providence on Dec. 15. “That was the car he was driving. It was parked in front of the little shack behind the Rhode Island Historical Society on the Cooke St side. I know because he used his key fob to open the car, approached it and then something prompted him to back away.”John spoke briefly with Neves Valente in the bathroom of the engineering building, following him out and asking him about his presence in the university building. He came forward to Providence police within an hour of his photo being released publicly Wednesday.“He was as outstanding a witness as I’ve seen, and he deserves a lot of credit,” Neronha said, adding that he would “vote” for the witness to receive the $50,000 reward previously offered by the FBI.John’s interview and written tips helped investigators identify and trace the vehicle to the Boston car rental where he rented the car, in his own name, Neronha said.&nbsp;The New Hampshire storage unit was also in his name, and evidence recovered in the car and the unit, including two firearms, confirmed he was responsible for the shooting, Neronha said.“We are 100% confident that this is our target ,and this case is closed from a perspective of pursuing people involved,” Neronha said.Perez later professed pride for the city, whose residents, students and public safety officials succeeded in the complex and winding investigation.“In this nation, when horrific incidents happen, law enforcement steps up,” Col. Oscar Perez, Providence police chief, said during the late evening press conference.&nbsp;The sense of accomplishment and relief was also met with continued grief for the two students killed and nine wounded, along with the wider community. Six of the injured students remained at Rhode Island Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition Thursday.“We hope this outcome tonight brings an increased sense of safety for Brown and our surrounding area,” Paxson, university president, said. “This has been a period of great fear and anxiety for many people and now, perhaps some form of relief. Truly, this week has been devastating for our community in a number of ways.”Including public doxxing, misinformation and rampant conspiracies that filled the void of facts on social media over the last six days.&nbsp;“The endless barrage of misinformation, disinformation, rumors, leaks and click bait were not helpful in this investigation, distractions and unfounded criticisms do not support this work,” said Col Darnell Weaver, superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. “They complicate it and threaten to undermine the justice we seek for the victims and the grieving families.”

Suspected Brown mass shooter found dead in N.H. storage facility

Legislators will consider public funding package in hopes of luring the NFL team to Kansas. The Royals will not be discussed Monday, leaving the MLB team’s future uncertain.

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/peggylowe/">Peggy Lowe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/stevekraske/">Steve Kraske</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>r

Kansas legislative leaders will meet Monday to take one of the final steps toward luring the Kansas City Chiefs across the state line, floating bonds worth hundreds of millions so the team can build a domed stadium and an entertainment district.

With a year-end deadline looming, the Legislative Coordinating Council will consider approving Sales Tax and Revenue Bond agreements with the Chiefs. Monday is the council’s last scheduled meeting of the year.

With the bonds’ approval, the Kansas City Chiefs could move closer to uprooting six decades of NFL history in Missouri and relocate to Kansas. The deal is said to call for placing the new stadium near the Legends, a regional shopping mall and commercial area in the Village West development in Kansas City, Kansas.

The council will not consider any deals with the Kansas City Royals on Monday.

Legislative and state leaders refused to offer specifics about the meeting and would say only that the Chiefs will be on the agenda. Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican running for governor, said he has worked diligently to explore the change to bring the Chiefs to Kansas without raising taxes.

“He remains fully committed to these efforts and will continue working tirelessly up to and through the upcoming Legislative Coordinating Council meeting to facilitate this exciting opportunity for Kansas,” said Megan Stookey, Masterson’s spokesperson.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said she was told the council, which is composed of legislative leadership from both parties, would be talking about the Chiefs on Monday — but not the Royals.

“We will be talking about the Chiefs,” Sykes said. “It sounds like there is some proposal that we will be looking at.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce, which handles such deals, posted on Facebook that the state is in active discussions with the Chiefs about “building a new stadium and other facilities in Kansas.”

“No final agreement has been reached, but this would be a massive economic win for Kansas and benefit Kansans for generations to come,” the statement said. “We are aggressively pursuing this opportunity.”

The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t return an email seeking comment.

In an interview Tuesday, Gov. Laura Kelly declined to say whether the Chiefs or Royals were coming to Kansas.

“You really think I’m going to answer that question?” Kelly said.

Missouri Gov, Mike Kehoe said his team remains in frequent communication with the Royals and the Chiefs and wants to keep the teams in Missouri.

“He believes Missouri is the best home for both teams and continues working with the teams to make the right decision to grow and invest in the Show-Me State,” said his communications director, Gabby Picard.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas issued a statement Thursday saying the city doesn’t negotiate in public.

“As the city and our Missouri partners continue discussions with our long-term partners at the Chiefs and the Royals, we remain steadfast in working toward an arrangement in the best interest of our community and the greatest success of our teams on and off the field,” Lucas said.

After a ping-pong of public-financing proposals offered by the two states, the Chiefs face a decision on&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2024s/b2023_24/measures/hb2001/" target="_blank">Kansas’ deal</a>, which could&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/07/kansas-lawmakers-extend-deadline-for-chiefs-royals-to-accept-stadium-incentives/">cover up to 70% of the project</a>&nbsp;through bonds. Missouri’s plan offered 50%.

Missouri hit a wall in its bid to keep the Chiefs after voters rejected a sales tax extension in April 2024, throwing in jeopardy a plan that would have helped fund a new $2 billion downtown ballpark for the Royals and $800 million in renovations to Arrowhead Stadium. That’s when Kansas lawmakers aggressively stepped in, authorizing STAR bonds to finance 70% of development projects with a minimum investment of a billion dollars.

Kansas Sen. David Haley, a Democrat from Wyandotte County, said Thursday he’s hearing talk that the team is headed to the Legends.

The site of the new stadium could be west of the Kansas Speedway, at the junction of Interstate 435 and Interstate 70. The potential entertainment district surrounding the stadium would be placed near other existing businesses, like Legends Outlets, the Hollywood Casino, and Sporting KC’s soccer stadium.

The Kansas Legislature during a special session last summer created a financial incentive package designed to lure the Chiefs and Royals across state lines. The law allows for STAR bonds to pay for 70% of a development project with a minimum investment of a billion dollars. The bonds would be paid through liquor sales and retail sales tax revenue in the development area, with a window up to 30 years.

Reaching a deal now could allow a stadium to open by 2031, when the team’s leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire.

The Chiefs began playing in Kansas City in 1963 after owner Lamar Hunt moved the franchise from Dallas. The team first played at Municipal Stadium, at 22nd Street and Brooklyn Avenue, then moved to Arrowhead in 1971. The Truman Sports Complex, on the city’s east side, is also home to the Royals and the teams share parking lots.

The Chiefs sold naming rights in 2021 to the Government Employees Health Association and the official name became&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-home-field-now-geha-field-at-arrowhead-stadium" target="_blank">GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium</a>.

The Chiefs’ negotiations with Kansas intensified last month when the team floated a request for proposals from firms to design a domed stadium, which would be available for use during the Super Bowl and other winter events. The team was said to be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2025-11-11/chiefs-kansas-stadium-speedway-rfp" target="_blank">negotiating with NASCAR&nbsp;</a>for land near the Speedway.

Five months earlier, in June, the<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2025-06-27/chiefs-kansas-stadium-extension" target="_blank">&nbsp;Chiefs requested an extension</a>&nbsp;to a deadline for a stadium financing package from the state of Kansas, which was an indication the NFL franchise’s move across the state line was a real possibility.

But that same month, Missouri’s Kehoe called lawmakers into a special session to offer a competing stadium financing deal, hoping for something that could keep both the Chiefs and the Royals on that side of the state line. The Missouri Legislature approved the plan, which authorized bonds covering up to half of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million in tax credits for each stadium and more aid from local governments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766107972886.png" alt="Kansas legislative leaders will meet Monday to consider using STAR bonds to finance a stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs that could be built near the Legends shopping area. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas legislative leaders will meet Monday to consider using STAR bonds to finance a stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs that could be built near the Legends shopping area. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislators will consider public funding package in hopes of luring the NFL team to Kansas. The Royals will not be discussed Monday, leaving the MLB team’s future uncertain.</h2>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/peggylowe/">Peggy Lowe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/stevekraske/">Steve Kraske</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>rKansas legislative leaders will meet Monday to take one of the final steps toward luring the Kansas City Chiefs across the state line, floating bonds worth hundreds of millions so the team can build a domed stadium and an entertainment district.With a year-end deadline looming, the Legislative Coordinating Council will consider approving Sales Tax and Revenue Bond agreements with the Chiefs. Monday is the council’s last scheduled meeting of the year.With the bonds’ approval, the Kansas City Chiefs could move closer to uprooting six decades of NFL history in Missouri and relocate to Kansas. The deal is said to call for placing the new stadium near the Legends, a regional shopping mall and commercial area in the Village West development in Kansas City, Kansas.The council will not consider any deals with the Kansas City Royals on Monday.Legislative and state leaders refused to offer specifics about the meeting and would say only that the Chiefs will be on the agenda. Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican running for governor, said he has worked diligently to explore the change to bring the Chiefs to Kansas without raising taxes.“He remains fully committed to these efforts and will continue working tirelessly up to and through the upcoming Legislative Coordinating Council meeting to facilitate this exciting opportunity for Kansas,” said Megan Stookey, Masterson’s spokesperson.Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said she was told the council, which is composed of legislative leadership from both parties, would be talking about the Chiefs on Monday — but not the Royals.“We will be talking about the Chiefs,” Sykes said. “It sounds like there is some proposal that we will be looking at.”The Kansas Department of Commerce, which handles such deals, posted on Facebook that the state is in active discussions with the Chiefs about “building a new stadium and other facilities in Kansas.”“No final agreement has been reached, but this would be a massive economic win for Kansas and benefit Kansans for generations to come,” the statement said. “We are aggressively pursuing this opportunity.”The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t return an email seeking comment.In an interview Tuesday, Gov. Laura Kelly declined to say whether the Chiefs or Royals were coming to Kansas.“You really think I’m going to answer that question?” Kelly said.Missouri Gov, Mike Kehoe said his team remains in frequent communication with the Royals and the Chiefs and wants to keep the teams in Missouri.“He believes Missouri is the best home for both teams and continues working with the teams to make the right decision to grow and invest in the Show-Me State,” said his communications director, Gabby Picard.Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas issued a statement Thursday saying the city doesn’t negotiate in public.“As the city and our Missouri partners continue discussions with our long-term partners at the Chiefs and the Royals, we remain steadfast in working toward an arrangement in the best interest of our community and the greatest success of our teams on and off the field,” Lucas said.After a ping-pong of public-financing proposals offered by the two states, the Chiefs face a decision on&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2024s/b2023_24/measures/hb2001/" target="_blank">Kansas’ deal</a>, which could&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/07/kansas-lawmakers-extend-deadline-for-chiefs-royals-to-accept-stadium-incentives/">cover up to 70% of the project</a>&nbsp;through bonds. Missouri’s plan offered 50%.Missouri hit a wall in its bid to keep the Chiefs after voters rejected a sales tax extension in April 2024, throwing in jeopardy a plan that would have helped fund a new $2 billion downtown ballpark for the Royals and $800 million in renovations to Arrowhead Stadium. That’s when Kansas lawmakers aggressively stepped in, authorizing STAR bonds to finance 70% of development projects with a minimum investment of a billion dollars.Kansas Sen. David Haley, a Democrat from Wyandotte County, said Thursday he’s hearing talk that the team is headed to the Legends.The site of the new stadium could be west of the Kansas Speedway, at the junction of Interstate 435 and Interstate 70. The potential entertainment district surrounding the stadium would be placed near other existing businesses, like Legends Outlets, the Hollywood Casino, and Sporting KC’s soccer stadium.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766108108718.png" alt="The Kansas City Chiefs could build a stadium on land near the Kansas Speedway in the Village West development of Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Chiefs could build a stadium on land near the Kansas Speedway in the Village West development of Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Legislature during a special session last summer created a financial incentive package designed to lure the Chiefs and Royals across state lines. The law allows for STAR bonds to pay for 70% of a development project with a minimum investment of a billion dollars. The bonds would be paid through liquor sales and retail sales tax revenue in the development area, with a window up to 30 years.Reaching a deal now could allow a stadium to open by 2031, when the team’s leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire.The Chiefs began playing in Kansas City in 1963 after owner Lamar Hunt moved the franchise from Dallas. The team first played at Municipal Stadium, at 22nd Street and Brooklyn Avenue, then moved to Arrowhead in 1971. The Truman Sports Complex, on the city’s east side, is also home to the Royals and the teams share parking lots.The Chiefs sold naming rights in 2021 to the Government Employees Health Association and the official name became&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-home-field-now-geha-field-at-arrowhead-stadium" target="_blank">GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium</a>.The Chiefs’ negotiations with Kansas intensified last month when the team floated a request for proposals from firms to design a domed stadium, which would be available for use during the Super Bowl and other winter events. The team was said to be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2025-11-11/chiefs-kansas-stadium-speedway-rfp" target="_blank">negotiating with NASCAR&nbsp;</a>for land near the Speedway.Five months earlier, in June, the<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2025-06-27/chiefs-kansas-stadium-extension" target="_blank">&nbsp;Chiefs requested an extension</a>&nbsp;to a deadline for a stadium financing package from the state of Kansas, which was an indication the NFL franchise’s move across the state line was a real possibility.But that same month, Missouri’s Kehoe called lawmakers into a special session to offer a competing stadium financing deal, hoping for something that could keep both the Chiefs and the Royals on that side of the state line. The Missouri Legislature approved the plan, which authorized bonds covering up to half of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million in tax credits for each stadium and more aid from local governments.

Kan. legislators to meet Monday about deal to bring KC Chiefs across the state line

<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cl62lochkdzdalbzzqgq8/ADJIDEfLD1oQZrKmNeae2So?dl=0&amp;e=2&amp;rlkey=y7529bx9tl7db6zf279jp3cyu&amp;st=8o7kizhr">Click&nbsp;here&nbsp;</a>to view the additional photos

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766094706592.png" alt="Photo House Oversight Committee" />
 <figcaption>Photo House Oversight Committee</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEW: Oversight Dems are releasing additional photos from Jeffrey Epstein&#39;s estate to the public. We will continue releasing photographs and documents to provide transparency for the American people. It’s time for the Department of Justice to release the files. <a href="https://t.co/ZGAvxVLCUq">pic.twitter.com/ZGAvxVLCUq</a>&mdash; Oversight Dems (@OversightDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/OversightDems/status/2001699758449082476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cl62lochkdzdalbzzqgq8/ADJIDEfLD1oQZrKmNeae2So?dl=0&amp;e=2&amp;rlkey=y7529bx9tl7db6zf279jp3cyu&amp;st=8o7kizhr">Click&nbsp;here&nbsp;</a>to view the additional photos

See the pics: Dems drop new Epstein photos ahead of DOJ  deadline

Lincoln, NE ‐ December 18, 2025 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Powerball® ticket for the Wednesday, December 17 drawing is holding a ticket worth $50,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Wednesday's $1.25 billion Powerball® draw matched four of the five white ball numbers and the Powerball number. The ticket was sold at Anew Travel Center, 41501 W Harvest Dr, in Cambridge. The winning numbers from Wednesday's Powerball draw were 25, 33, 53, 62, 66, the Powerball was 17.

Prizes for Nebraska Lottery Lotto games can be claimed up to 180 days after the draw date. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.

The Nebraska Lottery has offered Powerball since July 1994. Sales of Nebraska Powerball have helped raise a total of over $1.051 billion for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

For Immediate Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691436357118.jpeg" alt="A person shows their scan card for their personal selection numbers for a ticket for a Powerball drawing on Nov. 7, 2022, at a convenience store in Renfrew, Pa. A winning ticket has been sold in California for Wednesday's drawing on July 19, 2023, for the Powerball jackpot worth $1 billion. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)" />
 <figcaption>A person shows their scan card for their personal selection numbers for a ticket for a Powerball drawing on Nov. 7, 2022, at a convenience store in Renfrew, Pa. A winning ticket has been sold in California for Wednesday's drawing on July 19, 2023, for the Powerball jackpot worth $1 billion. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, NE ‐ December 18, 2025 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Powerball® ticket for the Wednesday, December 17 drawing is holding a ticket worth $50,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Wednesday's $1.25 billion Powerball® draw matched four of the five white ball numbers and the Powerball number. The ticket was sold at Anew Travel Center, 41501 W Harvest Dr, in Cambridge. The winning numbers from Wednesday's Powerball draw were 25, 33, 53, 62, 66, the Powerball was 17.Prizes for Nebraska Lottery Lotto games can be claimed up to 180 days after the draw date. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed at Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://nelottery.com/" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>, or by calling 800-587-5200.The Nebraska Lottery has offered Powerball since July 1994. Sales of Nebraska Powerball have helped raise a total of over $1.051 billion for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$50,000 Powerball® Winning Ticket Sold in Cambridge

Fall rain and snow are good for wheat and next year’s crops, but it does have its drawbacks.&nbsp;&nbsp; One challenge is its impact on corn stalk feed quality.

While some parts of Nebraska have been dry&nbsp;this fall, other areas of the state have received some rain and consistent snow over the past several weeks.&nbsp; Rain reduces corn stalk quality several ways.&nbsp; Most easily noticed is&nbsp;how fast stalks can get soiled or trampled into the ground if the fields become muddy.

Less noticeable are nutritional changes.&nbsp; Rain or melting snow soaks into dry corn stalk residue and leaches out some of the soluble nutrients.&nbsp; Most serious is the loss of sugars and other energy-dense nutrients, which lowers the TDN or energy value of the stalks.&nbsp; These same nutrients also disappear if stalks begin to mold or rot in the field.&nbsp; Then palatability and intake also decline.

Another factor that affects cornstalk grazing is wind.&nbsp; Throughout the fall, there always seems to be those days where excessively high winds will easily blow corn leaves and husks off the field.&nbsp; This of course, can impact the amount of feed, and after grain, those leaves and husks contain the highest nutritional quality.

There is little you can do to prevent these losses.&nbsp; What you can do, though, is to closely monitor cow and field conditions while adjusting your supplementation program accordingly.&nbsp; Since weathering by rain reduces TDN more than it reduces protein, consider the energy value of your supplements as well as its protein content.

Weathered corn stalks still are economical feeds.&nbsp; Just supplement them accordingly.&nbsp;

By Jerry Volesky<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Fall rain and snow are good for wheat and next year’s crops, but it does have its drawbacks.&nbsp;&nbsp; One challenge is its impact on corn stalk feed quality.While some parts of Nebraska have been dry&nbsp;this fall, other areas of the state have received some rain and consistent snow over the past several weeks.&nbsp; Rain reduces corn stalk quality several ways.&nbsp; Most easily noticed is&nbsp;how fast stalks can get soiled or trampled into the ground if the fields become muddy.Less noticeable are nutritional changes.&nbsp; Rain or melting snow soaks into dry corn stalk residue and leaches out some of the soluble nutrients.&nbsp; Most serious is the loss of sugars and other energy-dense nutrients, which lowers the TDN or energy value of the stalks.&nbsp; These same nutrients also disappear if stalks begin to mold or rot in the field.&nbsp; Then palatability and intake also decline.Another factor that affects cornstalk grazing is wind.&nbsp; Throughout the fall, there always seems to be those days where excessively high winds will easily blow corn leaves and husks off the field.&nbsp; This of course, can impact the amount of feed, and after grain, those leaves and husks contain the highest nutritional quality.There is little you can do to prevent these losses.&nbsp; What you can do, though, is to closely monitor cow and field conditions while adjusting your supplementation program accordingly.&nbsp; Since weathering by rain reduces TDN more than it reduces protein, consider the energy value of your supplements as well as its protein content.Weathered corn stalks still are economical feeds.&nbsp; Just supplement them accordingly.&nbsp;

Forage Minute: Corn Stalk Quality After Weathering

December 18, 2025 (North Platte, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is conducting a death investigation after a deceased person was found in rural Furnas County.

The body was discovered Wednesday on a rural farm in northeast Furnas County, north of Oxford. A representative of the farm’s owners was inspecting the property in preparation for sale and found the body in an outbuilding in one of the fields. The Furnas County Sheriff’s Office has asked the Nebraska State Patrol to conduct the death investigation.

NSP crime scene investigators documented the scene and are working to positively identify the deceased person. It was apparent that the person had been deceased for some time. Investigators believe there is no threat to the public.

NSP was assisted on scene by the Furnas County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Volunteer Fire Department, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, and a forensic entomologist. The investigation remains ongoing. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

For Immediate Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562084161517.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>December 18, 2025 (North Platte, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is conducting a death investigation after a deceased person was found in rural Furnas County.The body was discovered Wednesday on a rural farm in northeast Furnas County, north of Oxford. A representative of the farm’s owners was inspecting the property in preparation for sale and found the body in an outbuilding in one of the fields. The Furnas County Sheriff’s Office has asked the Nebraska State Patrol to conduct the death investigation.NSP crime scene investigators documented the scene and are working to positively identify the deceased person. It was apparent that the person had been deceased for some time. Investigators believe there is no threat to the public.NSP was assisted on scene by the Furnas County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Volunteer Fire Department, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, and a forensic entomologist. The investigation remains ongoing. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

NSP Investigating After Body Found in Furnas County

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s general fund tax receipts for November grew modestly above recent projections, but it may not help fill the budget hole state lawmakers are tasked with filling in January.

Nebraska’s November tax receipts show a net growth of 3.1% over what Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted in October, according to the state Department of Revenue.

That equates to just under $18 million in extra revenue into the state’s coffers. However, Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said those dollars won’t go directly into Nebraska’s general fund.

By state statute, the extra revenue will go into the state’s cash reserve or the School District Property Tax Relief Credit Fund, depending on how much the amount ends up above forecasts.

Nebraska’s projected&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/nebraskas-projected-budget-deficit-grows-to-471-million-ahead-of-2026-legislative-session/">budget deficit currently stands at $471 million</a>, which lawmakers are tasked with filling before the 2026 legislative session concludes. Lawmakers grappled with a fluctuating budget shortfall that at one point grew to $432 million during the 90-day session this spring.

Most specific tax revenues came in modestly above projections, including individual income taxes, sales and use taxes and miscellaneous taxes. The sole outlier was corporate income taxes, which came in roughly 78% below forecasts.

Patent said she wasn’t sure why corporate income taxes came in low, but noted the corporate tax returns tracked with October’s general fund receipts. She said she expects corporate tax revenues will bounce back in December, as historically the month has brought in high revenues for the state.

State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, who chairs the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, said he was “encouraged” by November’s tax receipts, calling it a signal that Neraska’s economy is stable.

As for how the additional revenue will impact the budget deficit, Clements said he is open to using rainy day funds to fill the shortfall, but he expects he and other lawmakers will be stingier with the cash reserve compared to other funds.

Nebraska’s cash reserve is estimated to be at about $669 million by the end of the current budget cycle.

Last year, Gov. Jim Pillen’s budget proposal and state lawmakers swept funding from dozens of different cash funds in order to fill the projected deficit, but Clements said some cash funds were unaffected.

By Erin Bamer | Nebraska Examiner<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/state-capitol_ZJW_091225-01-1536x1024.jpg" alt="&nbsp;The Nebraska State Capitol. Sept. 12, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The Nebraska State Capitol. Sept. 12, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s general fund tax receipts for November grew modestly above recent projections, but it may not help fill the budget hole state lawmakers are tasked with filling in January.Nebraska’s November tax receipts show a net growth of 3.1% over what Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted in October, according to the state Department of Revenue.That equates to just under $18 million in extra revenue into the state’s coffers. However, Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said those dollars won’t go directly into Nebraska’s general fund.By state statute, the extra revenue will go into the state’s cash reserve or the School District Property Tax Relief Credit Fund, depending on how much the amount ends up above forecasts.Nebraska’s projected&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/nebraskas-projected-budget-deficit-grows-to-471-million-ahead-of-2026-legislative-session/">budget deficit currently stands at $471 million</a>, which lawmakers are tasked with filling before the 2026 legislative session concludes. Lawmakers grappled with a fluctuating budget shortfall that at one point grew to $432 million during the 90-day session this spring.Most specific tax revenues came in modestly above projections, including individual income taxes, sales and use taxes and miscellaneous taxes. The sole outlier was corporate income taxes, which came in roughly 78% below forecasts.Patent said she wasn’t sure why corporate income taxes came in low, but noted the corporate tax returns tracked with October’s general fund receipts. She said she expects corporate tax revenues will bounce back in December, as historically the month has brought in high revenues for the state.State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, who chairs the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, said he was “encouraged” by November’s tax receipts, calling it a signal that Neraska’s economy is stable.As for how the additional revenue will impact the budget deficit, Clements said he is open to using rainy day funds to fill the shortfall, but he expects he and other lawmakers will be stingier with the cash reserve compared to other funds.Nebraska’s cash reserve is estimated to be at about $669 million by the end of the current budget cycle.Last year, Gov. Jim Pillen’s budget proposal and state lawmakers swept funding from dozens of different cash funds in order to fill the projected deficit, but Clements said some cash funds were unaffected.Those may be tapped in 2026, he said.

Nebraska tax revenues inch above projections ahead of 60-day session

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/elisha-brown/">Elisha Brown</a>

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning four major retailers about compliance with a recall of infant formula that has been linked to botulism.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762681537657.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/elisha-brown/">Elisha Brown</a>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning four major retailers about compliance with a recall of infant formula that has been linked to botulism.&nbsp;Ann Oxenham, the FDA’s top compliance officer for the human foods program, sent letters to Albertsons, Kroger, Target and Walmart Friday about ByHeart Whole Nutrition formula products remaining on some store’s retail shelves as late as Nov. 26.&nbsp;“These warning letters highlight the critical responsibility that retailers have in effectuating a recall, particularly when dealing with products that pose serious health risks to our most vulnerable populations, such as infants,” the agency said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-action-improve-recall-effectiveness-following-infant-botulism-outbreak-investigation" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;released Monday.&nbsp;No infant deaths attributed to the outbreak have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/index.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. At least 51 cases across 19 states resulted in infant hospitalizations as of Dec. 10, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/2025-cdcs-rapid-response-helps-solve-first-infant-botulism-outbreak-linked-to-formula.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.ByHeart issued a recall of the formula on Nov. 8. The company expanded the recall three days later to include all of its products, including unexpired formula cans and single-serve “anywhere pack” sticks, according to an agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-action-improve-recall-effectiveness-following-infant-botulism-outbreak-investigation" target="_blank">news release</a>.&nbsp;When the agency’s state and local partners made 4,000 visits to retail stores in the weeks after the initial recall, they found the formula stocked at more than 175 locations across 36 states.&nbsp;“Food safety is a shared responsibility, and it is of utmost importance that all parties in the supply chain act swiftly and vigilantly to protect our nation’s children from unsafe food,” FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-action-improve-recall-effectiveness-following-infant-botulism-outbreak-investigation" target="_blank">statement</a>.&nbsp;Botulism in babies occurs when a baby swallows Clostridium botulinum bacteria, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/index.html" target="_blank">CDC</a>. Symptoms can take weeks to develop, but they include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control and difficulty swallowing.&nbsp;The ByHeart formula products were found at Walmart stores in 21 states from Nov. 12 to Nov. 26, according to the FDA warning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/walmart-inc-720400-12122025" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;to CEO Doug McMillon.&nbsp;“As a participant in the supply chain, your firm should take prompt and effective action when notified of a product recall,” Oxenham wrote.&nbsp;A Walmart spokesperson told States Newsroom that the health and safety of their customers is “always a top priority.”&nbsp;“When notified of the recall, we moved swiftly to issue a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores and clubs and online. We take all reports of inaction seriously and will respond to the letter,” the spokesperson said.&nbsp;Even though Target told the FDA that the big-box store put a block on bar codes for cans of ByHeart formula and the single-serve packs on Nov. 11, an investigator found the formula at a New Hampshire location five days later, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/target-corporation-720399-12122025" target="_blank">warning letter</a>.&nbsp;A larger agency audit discovered the recalled formula was still on Target shelves across 20 states from Nov. 12 to Nov. 20. Associates told state and local FDA partners that they were not aware of the recall or confused about the scope of which products were potentially affected by the contamination, among other explanations.&nbsp;An auditor even found the single-serve formula packs marked down at an Arkansas Target with a $2 discount weeks after the nationwide recall, the letter states.&nbsp;Target did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;The recalled formula was found at several Albertsons stores, including Acme and Safeway, across 11 states from Nov. 12 to Nov. 19, according to an FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/albertsons-companies-incorporated-720465-12122025" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;sent to CEO Susan Morris.Agency officials had a call with the company’s leadership on Nov. 20 asking for a plan about the issue, but Oxenham wrote that the company did not deliver one.In a statement provided to States Newsroom, a spokesperson for the company said “they are committed to the health and safety of our customers.”&nbsp;“We have procedures to address product recalls, including working closely with suppliers and regulators to identify and remove affected items and communicate guidance to customers,” a spokesperson said. “ByHeart infant formula products have been removed from our store shelves.”&nbsp;The FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/kroger-company-720464-12122025" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;to Kroger interim CEO Ronald Sargent on Friday, too, saying that the formula was found at the company’s stores across 10 states “well after the recall was initiated and subsequently expanded.” Kroger did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;ByHeart is issuing refunds for all products purchased on or after Aug. 1 from their website, and parents or caregivers can also get their money back if they purchased the formula from retailers, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://byheart.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopkBi2iv35zHMHcBDwt-rPRyDbkPv4SGFQXfFmeRMyJNPDBwS-C" target="_blank">statement</a>.&nbsp;The company has had safety issues recently: A Pennsylvania plant closed this year after inspectors found mold, dead insects and a leaking roof in a formula production area,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/health/infant-formula-botulism.html?unlocked_article_code=1.9E8.jBCf.M35fWHv5QoeC&amp;smid=url-share" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>&nbsp;reported last month.&nbsp;Two years ago, a hazardous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/cronobacter-sakazakii" target="_blank">bacterium that can cause sepsis and meningitis in infants</a>&nbsp;was found in a processing area of the same plant and in finished formula shortly after, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/health/infant-formula-botulism.html?unlocked_article_code=1.9E8.jBCf.M35fWHv5QoeC&amp;smid=url-share" target="_blank">Times</a>.&nbsp;Health officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/idaho-infant-hospitalized-suspected-botulism-after-baby-formula-recall" target="_blank">Idaho</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/louisiana-health-officials-say-stop-using-byhealth-baby-formula" target="_blank">Louisiana</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/byheart-baby-formula-linked-13-cases-infant-botulism-including-1-minnesota" target="_blank">Minnesota</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/nm-health-department-issues-botulism-warning-over-infant-formula" target="_blank">New Mexico</a>&nbsp;and countless other states have issued warnings about the ByHeart formula recall.This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/major-retailers-slow-remove-recalled-infant-formula-shelves-fda-says" target="_blank">News From The States</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Nebraska Examiner, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.