By:<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/nancy-lavin/">Nancy Lavin</a> <a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a>

Newly released,&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/BYzr71Vlqz4" target="_blank">enhanced video footage&nbsp;</a>and photos build out the description of suspected Brown University mass shooter: his gait, his pacing, appearance.

But the identity of the man seen pacing the residential neighborhood as early as 10:30 a.m. the day of the shooting remains unknown. Local and federal investigators continue to ask for information, including photo and video evidence, as the search for the person responsible for<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/15/two-brown-university-students-who-lost-their-lives-in-campus-shooting-identified/">&nbsp;killing two students</a>&nbsp;and injuring nine people stretches into a fourth day.&nbsp;

“We’re looking for a moment that is short, shorter than a person taking a breath,” Col. Oscar Perez, Providence Police chief, said during a press conference late Tuesday afternoon. “It’s incredibly hard work to do that and so we’re asking the public to assist with that.”

More than 200 “credible” tips have poured into city and federal tip lines, along with terabytes of video and photo footage from residential properties surrounding the Ivy League campus. Yet there is no video from inside the Barus and Holley engineering building that shows the gunman.

“The only video of that presumed, anticipated, suspected however you want to define it person of interest — you have it,” Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Nor have investigators been able to trace the person of interest’s movements a few blocks beyond Governor Street, a few blocks east of the engineering building.

“What’s really critical first, is that we identify who the person is,” Neronha said. “Once we identify who the person is, I believe we’ll be able to locate them. It’s very hard to hide in this country.”

Neronha continued, “Once we’ve identified him, we’ll know more information about where he’s from, and who his friends are, and where he might have gone.”&nbsp;

The FBI is offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/15/new-videos-show-suspect-casing-brown-campus-and-neighborhood-before-mass-shooting/">$50,000 reward</a>&nbsp;to anyone with information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible.&nbsp;

Besides a rough description of a 5-foot-8, stocky man wearing various shades of dark clothing, a satchel strapped across his body in some of the video segments, officials were reluctant to comment on any more facets of his identity, including an age, motive or connection to the university.&nbsp;

Perez said he appears to be casing the area in preparation for the shooting, noting it was a common practice among criminals who take days, sometimes weeks, to ready themselves before committing a crime.

Even the behavior exhibited in the video, strolling down the sidewalk, then later standing with hands clasped behind his back, looking out the street, was not enough to draw firm conclusions from, said Ted Docks, special agent in charge for the FBI’s Boston field office.

“To get into the mind of an individual that would commit such a heinous act, that’s a place I don’t want to go right now,” Docks said.&nbsp;

Perez said the mid-morning walk Saturday suggests the suspect was casing the neighborhood, familiarizing himself with the setting in preparation for the crime.

Several reporters asked questions about student and faculty pages that have allegedly been taken down since the shooting, along with conflicting reports that the gunman shouted something before opening fire.

But Perez and Christina Paxson, Brown University president, denied any knowledge of university pages being scrubbed. The words spoken, if any, remain unknown, Perez said.

The ever-outspoken Neronha again jumped in with another word of caution.

“It’s easy to jump from words that were spoken to what those words are, to a name that reflects a motive, targeting a particular person,” he said. “That’s a really dangerous road to go down.”

Investigators already ran into one dead end after detaining a person found at a Coventry hotel&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/police-withhold-details-on-brown-mass-shooting-suspect-investigators-search-coventry-hotel/">early Sunday morning</a>, only to&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/we-have-not-yet-solved-this-case-officials-say-person-of-interest-to-be-released/">release him</a>&nbsp;less&nbsp;than 24 hours later because there was no evidence tying him to the crime. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley described the initial, incorrect suspect as a “setback” in an interview with the Boston Globe’s Rhode Island Report podcast&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/15/metro/providence-mayor-brown-university-shooting-setback-ri/" target="_blank">released Monday.</a>

Neronha, however, said Tuesday that while disappointing, it was not unusual for investigations to generate multiple leads that don’t always result in an arrest. Investigators&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/16/providence-police-prepare-to-release-more-surveillance-video-of-suspect/">continue to canvass</a>&nbsp;the East Side neighborhood around the scene of the shooting Tuesday in search of additional clues, but the search may expand beyond the neighborhood, or the city limits, in the coming days, Neronha said.

Providence police are also working with law enforcement across the state, and in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Perez said.

By:<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/nancy-lavin/">Nancy Lavin</a> <a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a>Newly released,&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/BYzr71Vlqz4" target="_blank">enhanced video footage&nbsp;</a>and photos build out the description of suspected Brown University mass shooter: his gait, his pacing, appearance.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=420&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F872134025201536%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="420" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>But the identity of the man seen pacing the residential neighborhood as early as 10:30 a.m. the day of the shooting remains unknown. Local and federal investigators continue to ask for information, including photo and video evidence, as the search for the person responsible for<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/15/two-brown-university-students-who-lost-their-lives-in-campus-shooting-identified/">&nbsp;killing two students</a>&nbsp;and injuring nine people stretches into a fourth day.&nbsp;“We’re looking for a moment that is short, shorter than a person taking a breath,” Col. Oscar Perez, Providence Police chief, said during a press conference late Tuesday afternoon. “It’s incredibly hard work to do that and so we’re asking the public to assist with that.”More than 200 “credible” tips have poured into city and federal tip lines, along with terabytes of video and photo footage from residential properties surrounding the Ivy League campus. Yet there is no video from inside the Barus and Holley engineering building that shows the gunman.“The only video of that presumed, anticipated, suspected however you want to define it person of interest — you have it,” Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said Tuesday.&nbsp;Nor have investigators been able to trace the person of interest’s movements a few blocks beyond Governor Street, a few blocks east of the engineering building.“What’s really critical first, is that we identify who the person is,” Neronha said. “Once we identify who the person is, I believe we’ll be able to locate them. It’s very hard to hide in this country.”Neronha continued, “Once we’ve identified him, we’ll know more information about where he’s from, and who his friends are, and where he might have gone.”&nbsp;The FBI is offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/15/new-videos-show-suspect-casing-brown-campus-and-neighborhood-before-mass-shooting/">$50,000 reward</a>&nbsp;to anyone with information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible.&nbsp;<h2>Casing the area</h2>Besides a rough description of a 5-foot-8, stocky man wearing various shades of dark clothing, a satchel strapped across his body in some of the video segments, officials were reluctant to comment on any more facets of his identity, including an age, motive or connection to the university.&nbsp;Perez said he appears to be casing the area in preparation for the shooting, noting it was a common practice among criminals who take days, sometimes weeks, to ready themselves before committing a crime.Even the behavior exhibited in the video, strolling down the sidewalk, then later standing with hands clasped behind his back, looking out the street, was not enough to draw firm conclusions from, said Ted Docks, special agent in charge for the FBI’s Boston field office.“To get into the mind of an individual that would commit such a heinous act, that’s a place I don’t want to go right now,” Docks said.&nbsp;Perez said the mid-morning walk Saturday suggests the suspect was casing the neighborhood, familiarizing himself with the setting in preparation for the crime.Several reporters asked questions about student and faculty pages that have allegedly been taken down since the shooting, along with conflicting reports that the gunman shouted something before opening fire.But Perez and Christina Paxson, Brown University president, denied any knowledge of university pages being scrubbed. The words spoken, if any, remain unknown, Perez said.The ever-outspoken Neronha again jumped in with another word of caution.“It’s easy to jump from words that were spoken to what those words are, to a name that reflects a motive, targeting a particular person,” he said. “That’s a really dangerous road to go down.”Investigators already ran into one dead end after detaining a person found at a Coventry hotel&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/police-withhold-details-on-brown-mass-shooting-suspect-investigators-search-coventry-hotel/">early Sunday morning</a>, only to&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/we-have-not-yet-solved-this-case-officials-say-person-of-interest-to-be-released/">release him</a>&nbsp;less&nbsp;than 24 hours later because there was no evidence tying him to the crime. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley described the initial, incorrect suspect as a “setback” in an interview with the Boston Globe’s Rhode Island Report podcast&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/15/metro/providence-mayor-brown-university-shooting-setback-ri/" target="_blank">released Monday.</a>Neronha, however, said Tuesday that while disappointing, it was not unusual for investigations to generate multiple leads that don’t always result in an arrest. Investigators&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/16/providence-police-prepare-to-release-more-surveillance-video-of-suspect/">continue to canvass</a>&nbsp;the East Side neighborhood around the scene of the shooting Tuesday in search of additional clues, but the search may expand beyond the neighborhood, or the city limits, in the coming days, Neronha said.Providence police are also working with law enforcement across the state, and in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Perez said.

Enhanced video released: Brown University gunman still at large

(On Dec. 10, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755651756653.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/QS8Whosuml">pic.twitter.com/QS8Whosuml</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001076955395797252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765968665337.png" alt="Image from Dept. of Justice video" />
 <figcaption>Image from Dept. of Justice video</figcaption>
 </figure>(On Dec. 10, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. For multiple… <a href="https://t.co/dNr0oAGl5x">pic.twitter.com/dNr0oAGl5x</a>&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/1998875795151024337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump orders 'blockade' of sanctioned oil tankers leaving, entering Venezuela

By Jacob Fischler | Nebraska Examiner

President Donald Trump’s administration is looking “very strongly” at reclassifying cannabis from the strictest category of controlled substances, Trump said Monday.

In a brief affirmative response to a reporter’s question in the Oval Office, the president confirmed he is considering a reclassification of marijuana to unlock research funding.

“A lot of people want to see it — the reclassification — because it leads to tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done unless you reclassify,” Trump said. “So we are looking at that very strongly.”

Marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug under the Food and Drug Administration’s classification of controlled substances. The FDA defines drugs on the list, such as heroin and cocaine, as lacking any medicinal value and carrying a high likelihood of abuse.

The designation carries a host of consequences, including a virtual ban on funding research for medicinal or other uses of the drug.

While marijuana use, both medicinal and recreational, is legal in many states, it remains illegal to possess or use in any amount for any reason under federal law.

Advocates have sought for decades to legalize or decriminalize the drug, which many see as less harmful than other Schedule I substances.

The growing split in recent years among many states and federal law has ramped up pressure on federal policymakers to alter the drug’s legal status.

Marijuana businesses in states where it is legal lack access to financial institutions, which cannot lend to businesses considered illegal by federal authorities.

States, meanwhile, have had&nbsp;<a href="https://rollcall.com/2019/09/16/as-states-legalize-marijuana-pesticides-may-be-a-blind-spot/" target="_blank">difficulty regulating</a>&nbsp;the environmental and health aspects of their industries.

And lawmakers, especially Democrats, have increasingly highlighted the frequent injustice of marijuana prosecutions that disproportionately affect communities of color and poor communities, though the drug is widely used across race and economic status.

By Jacob Fischler | Nebraska Examiner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765906634956.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump’s administration is looking “very strongly” at reclassifying cannabis from the strictest category of controlled substances, Trump said Monday.In a brief affirmative response to a reporter’s question in the Oval Office, the president confirmed he is considering a reclassification of marijuana to unlock research funding.“A lot of people want to see it — the reclassification — because it leads to tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done unless you reclassify,” Trump said. “So we are looking at that very strongly.”Marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug under the Food and Drug Administration’s classification of controlled substances. The FDA defines drugs on the list, such as heroin and cocaine, as lacking any medicinal value and carrying a high likelihood of abuse.The designation carries a host of consequences, including a virtual ban on funding research for medicinal or other uses of the drug.While marijuana use, both medicinal and recreational, is legal in many states, it remains illegal to possess or use in any amount for any reason under federal law.Advocates have sought for decades to legalize or decriminalize the drug, which many see as less harmful than other Schedule I substances.The growing split in recent years among many states and federal law has ramped up pressure on federal policymakers to alter the drug’s legal status.Marijuana businesses in states where it is legal lack access to financial institutions, which cannot lend to businesses considered illegal by federal authorities.States, meanwhile, have had&nbsp;<a href="https://rollcall.com/2019/09/16/as-states-legalize-marijuana-pesticides-may-be-a-blind-spot/" target="_blank">difficulty regulating</a>&nbsp;the environmental and health aspects of their industries.And lawmakers, especially Democrats, have increasingly highlighted the frequent injustice of marijuana prosecutions that disproportionately affect communities of color and poor communities, though the drug is widely used across race and economic status.

Trump ‘very strongly’ considering loosening federal marijuana regulations

By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner

Five state senators took Pillen administration offer to tour state prison converted to federal migrant detention center Monday

LINCOLN — Five of Nebraska’s 49 state lawmakers Monday toured the controversial ICE migrant detention center in McCook, taking the Pillen administration up on a group invite to walk through the converted prison.&nbsp;

The lone Democrat participating, State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, estimated that between 100 and 150 migrants, all of them men, were being held at what state and federal officials call the “Cornhusker Clink.”&nbsp;

State prison officials have declined to provide a detainee population count or daily average, citing security concerns.

Except for new fencing, Juarez said much of the physical facility looked similar to what she had seen when she arrived unannounced in September, when the McCook prison still operated as the state’s Work Ethic Camp, aimed at stepping people toward lives outside of prison.&nbsp;

Several detainees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday were outside exercising, she said. A TV, a small library and a medical office were visible.&nbsp;

Some detainees inside played cards, according to observations by other senators on the tour, a group that included State Sens. Myron Dorn of Adams, Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Rob Clements of Elmwood and Dan Lonowski of Hastings.

Some key differences this time,&nbsp; Juarez said, were the backgrounds, languages and cultures of those being held at the center, which previously held Nebraska inmates nearing release.&nbsp;

The lawmakers told the Examiner the current detainees represented multiple countries, including Russia, India, Somalia, Mexico and Guatemala.&nbsp;

“I still think that how this is being done is wrong, and I’m not happy the place exists,” Juarez said after the visit, which lasted more than an hour.&nbsp;

But she and the other participating senators said the facility appeared clean, orderly and that detainees had access to visitors and a list of pro bono lawyers.

Juarez said she remains frustrated with federal immigration laws and enforcement tactics and said that pressure for change should be placed on Congress and at the ballot box.

“That change is what is needed so we’re not wasting our federal tax dollars,” she said, citing studies that immigration arrests under the Trump administration continued to increase but that an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/repub/a-larger-share-of-ices-arrested-immigrants-have-no-criminal-record/">ever-lager share of arrests&nbsp;</a>were solely for immigration violations and not for crimes the administration said would be its focus.

The tour of the McCook facility was offered to all 49 senators in the officially nonpartisan Legislature&nbsp; two days after State Sen. Michaela Cavanaugh of Omaha publicly criticized Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration for twice denying her entry on Nov. 12 and 13 to the McCook facility.

Cavanaugh initially arrived unannounced to the McCook facility Nov. 12, citing a state law that says members of the Legislature can enter such a state facility “at any time.” She was rejected and tried again the next morning, on Nov. 13, after alerting the Department of Correctional Services the prior evening.

Pillen on Monday said in a statement that the McCook facility has been up and running in its new role since November and said Monday was “a good opportunity for senators to come and see first-hand the operational aspects of the detention facility.”

Legislators were required to fill out a form by the end of the work day Friday to attend, which was sent to federal officials prior to the visit.

A Pillen spokesperson said reporters were not allowed on the Monday tour, which was led by Rob Jeffreys, the state’s director of Correctional Services. The Examiner spoke to the five lawmakers afterward.

Jeffreys had told Cavanaugh that her alert in November was problematic, as it came with notice that was too short. Furthermore, he and a spokesperson for the Pillen administration said they interpret state law differently as it relates to entry to the McCook facility.&nbsp;

The state contracts with and is paid by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to house the federal detainees at the McCook center while the detainees await deportation to other countries.

Cavanaugh declined to participate in the tour, saying she had previous commitments and also that it was unclear last week whether lawmakers would be allowed to bring a pen and paper into the facility, “let alone a phone” to perhaps record observations. She said one of her main goals was to ask questions of detainees and gather information in the event they needed services.

Lawmakers on the tour said they did not bring phones on the tour, but had access to staff members to answer questions. Some questions, including the average number of detainees each day, were not answered.

Senators said they were told that the range of time behind bars at the McCook facility ranged from a day for some, while others have been there since it pivoted to federal use.&nbsp;

Pillen said earlier that detainees started to arrive in early November and that he had expected 200 by Thanksgiving and up to 300 when other facility modifications were completed. The Republican state senators on the tour agreed with Juarez’s estimate that between 100 and 150 detainees were being held at the center on Monday.

A spokesperson for the Corrections Department said the number of detainees housed at the McCook facility “fluctuates regularly,” and that federal officials asked the state not to disclose numbers.

Brandt said the group was told many of the detainees are transported to McCook from the Omaha and North Platte airports, but that senators were not told the cities or states where the ICE detainees were originally arrested.&nbsp;

The five senators said they didn’t personally talk to detainees but said they were not prohibited from doing so.&nbsp;

They said at least some detainees had access to electronic tablets.

“It was very clean, well kept, very well run,” Dorn said of the former Work Ethic Camp facility.&nbsp;

“It seemed very peaceful, the dining room where they eat was nice,” said Clements. He said phone numbers for various foreign consulates were posted on a wall, and he could see a bank of phones available for detainee use.

The senators saw technology that allows detainees to attend immigration court hearings remotely.&nbsp;

Lonowski said he was impressed with the professionalism of staff, who appeared to be from the local area.

Dorn said he would have liked to see more lawmakers, but he said some had other commitments.&nbsp;

“I definitely expected a few more,” he said, saying he thought up to 15. “I’m glad five showed.”

Prior to the state senator visits, McCook Mayor Linda Taylor and McCook Police Chief Kevin Hodgson had their own tour of the facility.&nbsp;

Pillen’s statement said construction begins this week to expand the facility’s capacity from 200 to 300 detainees.&nbsp;

He said that as a federal detention center, compensation to Correctional Services,&nbsp; based on the expected use of the facility and costs associated with providing services to ICE, will be $2.45 million per month.&nbsp;

The arrangement with ICE should clear the state about $14.25 million annually, Pillen said. The current contact expires Sept. 29, 2027.

By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner<h2>Five state senators took Pillen administration offer to tour state prison converted to federal migrant detention center Monday</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WEC-immigration-walkthrough_CTSY-e1765846592973.jpg" alt="&nbsp;All 49 Nebraska lawmakers were invited to a group “walkthrough” of the McCook ICE detention center on Monday. Five attended. Some had other commitments by the time they were notified. A few Democrats said they declined in part because they believe state senators have legal right to tour state prison facilities “at any time” and they want legislative leadership to defend the oversight authority. Dec. 15, 2025. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;All 49 Nebraska lawmakers were invited to a group “walkthrough” of the McCook ICE detention center on Monday. Five attended. Some had other commitments by the time they were notified. A few Democrats said they declined in part because they believe state senators have legal right to tour state prison facilities “at any time” and they want legislative leadership to defend the oversight authority. Dec. 15, 2025. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Five of Nebraska’s 49 state lawmakers Monday toured the controversial ICE migrant detention center in McCook, taking the Pillen administration up on a group invite to walk through the converted prison.&nbsp;The lone Democrat participating, State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, estimated that between 100 and 150 migrants, all of them men, were being held at what state and federal officials call the “Cornhusker Clink.”&nbsp;State prison officials have declined to provide a detainee population count or daily average, citing security concerns.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/juarez_ZJW_121324-01-300x200.jpg" alt="State Sen.-elect Margo Juarez of Omaha. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen.-elect Margo Juarez of Omaha. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Except for new fencing, Juarez said much of the physical facility looked similar to what she had seen when she arrived unannounced in September, when the McCook prison still operated as the state’s Work Ethic Camp, aimed at stepping people toward lives outside of prison.&nbsp;Several detainees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday were outside exercising, she said. A TV, a small library and a medical office were visible.&nbsp;Some detainees inside played cards, according to observations by other senators on the tour, a group that included State Sens. Myron Dorn of Adams, Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Rob Clements of Elmwood and Dan Lonowski of Hastings.Some key differences this time,&nbsp; Juarez said, were the backgrounds, languages and cultures of those being held at the center, which previously held Nebraska inmates nearing release.&nbsp;The lawmakers told the Examiner the current detainees represented multiple countries, including Russia, India, Somalia, Mexico and Guatemala.&nbsp;“I still think that how this is being done is wrong, and I’m not happy the place exists,” Juarez said after the visit, which lasted more than an hour.&nbsp;<h2>Frustrated</h2>But she and the other participating senators said the facility appeared clean, orderly and that detainees had access to visitors and a list of pro bono lawyers.Juarez said she remains frustrated with federal immigration laws and enforcement tactics and said that pressure for change should be placed on Congress and at the ballot box.“That change is what is needed so we’re not wasting our federal tax dollars,” she said, citing studies that immigration arrests under the Trump administration continued to increase but that an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/repub/a-larger-share-of-ices-arrested-immigrants-have-no-criminal-record/">ever-lager share of arrests&nbsp;</a>were solely for immigration violations and not for crimes the administration said would be its focus.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Resized_20251215_142352-300x169.jpeg" alt="Four of the five Nebraska lawmakers take a photo prior to their tour of the McCook ICE detention facility Monday. Included are State Sens. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Myron Dorn of Adams and Dan Lonowski of Hastings. (Courtesy of State Sen. Rob Clements)" />
 <figcaption>Four of the five Nebraska lawmakers take a photo prior to their tour of the McCook ICE detention facility Monday. Included are State Sens. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Myron Dorn of Adams and Dan Lonowski of Hastings. (Courtesy of State Sen. Rob Clements)</figcaption>
 </figure>The tour of the McCook facility was offered to all 49 senators in the officially nonpartisan Legislature&nbsp; two days after State Sen. Michaela Cavanaugh of Omaha publicly criticized Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration for twice denying her entry on Nov. 12 and 13 to the McCook facility.Cavanaugh initially arrived unannounced to the McCook facility Nov. 12, citing a state law that says members of the Legislature can enter such a state facility “at any time.” She was rejected and tried again the next morning, on Nov. 13, after alerting the Department of Correctional Services the prior evening.Pillen on Monday said in a statement that the McCook facility has been up and running in its new role since November and said Monday was “a good opportunity for senators to come and see first-hand the operational aspects of the detention facility.”Legislators were required to fill out a form by the end of the work day Friday to attend, which was sent to federal officials prior to the visit.A Pillen spokesperson said reporters were not allowed on the Monday tour, which was led by Rob Jeffreys, the state’s director of Correctional Services. The Examiner spoke to the five lawmakers afterward.<h2>Time in McCook varies</h2>Jeffreys had told Cavanaugh that her alert in November was problematic, as it came with notice that was too short. Furthermore, he and a spokesperson for the Pillen administration said they interpret state law differently as it relates to entry to the McCook facility.&nbsp;The state contracts with and is paid by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to house the federal detainees at the McCook center while the detainees await deportation to other countries.Cavanaugh declined to participate in the tour, saying she had previous commitments and also that it was unclear last week whether lawmakers would be allowed to bring a pen and paper into the facility, “let alone a phone” to perhaps record observations. She said one of her main goals was to ask questions of detainees and gather information in the event they needed services.Lawmakers on the tour said they did not bring phones on the tour, but had access to staff members to answer questions. Some questions, including the average number of detainees each day, were not answered.Senators said they were told that the range of time behind bars at the McCook facility ranged from a day for some, while others have been there since it pivoted to federal use.&nbsp;Pillen said earlier that detainees started to arrive in early November and that he had expected 200 by Thanksgiving and up to 300 when other facility modifications were completed. The Republican state senators on the tour agreed with Juarez’s estimate that between 100 and 150 detainees were being held at the center on Monday.A spokesperson for the Corrections Department said the number of detainees housed at the McCook facility “fluctuates regularly,” and that federal officials asked the state not to disclose numbers.Brandt said the group was told many of the detainees are transported to McCook from the Omaha and North Platte airports, but that senators were not told the cities or states where the ICE detainees were originally arrested.&nbsp;The five senators said they didn’t personally talk to detainees but said they were not prohibited from doing so.&nbsp;They said at least some detainees had access to electronic tablets.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_6016-scaled-e1756847222745-259x300.jpeg" alt="McCook Mayor Linda Taylor speaks during a previous press conference with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen at McCook’s Ben Nelson Regional Airport on Tuesday. (Brigham Larington/McCook Gazette)" />
 <figcaption>McCook Mayor Linda Taylor speaks during a previous press conference with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen at McCook’s Ben Nelson Regional Airport on Tuesday. (Brigham Larington/McCook Gazette)</figcaption>
 </figure>“It was very clean, well kept, very well run,” Dorn said of the former Work Ethic Camp facility.&nbsp;“It seemed very peaceful, the dining room where they eat was nice,” said Clements. He said phone numbers for various foreign consulates were posted on a wall, and he could see a bank of phones available for detainee use.The senators saw technology that allows detainees to attend immigration court hearings remotely.&nbsp;Lonowski said he was impressed with the professionalism of staff, who appeared to be from the local area.<h2>More construction this week</h2>Dorn said he would have liked to see more lawmakers, but he said some had other commitments.&nbsp;“I definitely expected a few more,” he said, saying he thought up to 15. “I’m glad five showed.”Prior to the state senator visits, McCook Mayor Linda Taylor and McCook Police Chief Kevin Hodgson had their own tour of the facility.&nbsp;Pillen’s statement said construction begins this week to expand the facility’s capacity from 200 to 300 detainees.&nbsp;He said that as a federal detention center, compensation to Correctional Services,&nbsp; based on the expected use of the facility and costs associated with providing services to ICE, will be $2.45 million per month.&nbsp;The arrangement with ICE should clear the state about $14.25 million annually, Pillen said. The current contact expires Sept. 29, 2027.

Nebraska lawmakers tour McCook ICE jail, call it orderly, clean and say it detains 100-150 migrants

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post

LINCOLN — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have launched an enforcement campaign aimed at impaired driving during the holiday travel season.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign began on December 10 and will continue through January 1. The Nebraska State Patrol is partnering with police agencies across the country as part of the national effort.

“The holiday season contains some of the busiest travel days of the year,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As families travel in and out of the state, it’s crucial to always plan for a sober driver.”

During the first weekend of the enforcement period, troopers made 18 arrests for driving under the influence. Troopers also issued 10 citations for no seat belt, four for improper child restraint, nine for minor in possession, 17 for driving under suspension, and 21 for no proof of insurance. In addition, troopers assisted 180 motorists who needed help on the roadway.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of all those on the road this holiday season,” Waugh said. “To do this, we need those on the road to always drive sober. We want the holidays to filled with memories of family and friends – not tragedy.”

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative is supported in part by a $72,496 grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764178978885.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have launched an enforcement campaign aimed at impaired driving during the holiday travel season.The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign began on December 10 and will continue through January 1. The Nebraska State Patrol is partnering with police agencies across the country as part of the national effort.“The holiday season contains some of the busiest travel days of the year,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As families travel in and out of the state, it’s crucial to always plan for a sober driver.”During the first weekend of the enforcement period, troopers made 18 arrests for driving under the influence. Troopers also issued 10 citations for no seat belt, four for improper child restraint, nine for minor in possession, 17 for driving under suspension, and 21 for no proof of insurance. In addition, troopers assisted 180 motorists who needed help on the roadway.“Our priority is to ensure the safety of all those on the road this holiday season,” Waugh said. “To do this, we need those on the road to always drive sober. We want the holidays to filled with memories of family and friends – not tragedy.”The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative is supported in part by a $72,496 grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office.

Nebraska State Patrol Launches Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says aggressive tariff enforcement over the past year has resulted in more than $200 billion collected for the federal government, reinforcing national and economic security while holding violators accountable.

<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/thanks-president-trump-cbp-announces-record-breaking-200-billion">According to CBP</a>, between Jan. 20 and Dec. 15, 2025, the agency collected the revenue under more than 40 executive orders issued during President Donald Trump’s administration. Officials say the results highlight CBP’s role in promoting secure, fair, and compliant trade while protecting American industries.

“CBP’s enforcement delivers results,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “By combining intelligence-led targeting, rigorous oversight, and swift action, we are safeguarding the U.S. economy, protecting American industries, and holding accountable those who seek to break our trade laws.”

CBP uses advanced data analytics and intelligence-driven targeting to identify tariff evasion schemes. These efforts focus on uncovering practices such as undervaluation, misclassification, transshipment, antidumping and countervailing duty violations, the use of illegitimate shell companies, and instances of “double dipping,” where importers improperly claim multiple tariff exemptions to avoid paying required duties.

During the reporting period, CBP assessed approximately $2.6 billion in antidumping and countervailing duties owed to the government. These duties are designed to counter unfair trade practices, including selling goods below market value or subsidizing exports. The agency also identified new evasion schemes, including a case involving an importer of iron, steel, and aluminum who improperly claimed both Section 232 and Reciprocal Tariff exemptions, depriving the government of an estimated $100 million.

CBP officials say enforcement actions also included issuing 63 debarment actions against parties that failed to pay debts such as tariffs, taxes, and fees owed to the U.S. government. In addition, the agency investigated nearly 1,200 revenue-focused e-Allegations submitted by members of the trade community, efforts aimed at ensuring a level playing field for law-abiding U.S. businesses.

These enforcement measures are supported by CBP’s trade processing systems, including the Automated Commercial Environment, which officials say allows the agency to keep pace with global trade while enforcing U.S. laws. CBP also provides ongoing updates and trade guidance through its Cargo Systems Messaging Service.

CBP encourages the public and trade community to review its Trade Statistics webpage for additional information on enforcement efforts addressing unfair trade practices.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765914369704.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Customs and Border Protection says aggressive tariff enforcement over the past year has resulted in more than $200 billion collected for the federal government, reinforcing national and economic security while holding violators accountable.<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/thanks-president-trump-cbp-announces-record-breaking-200-billion">According to CBP</a>, between Jan. 20 and Dec. 15, 2025, the agency collected the revenue under more than 40 executive orders issued during President Donald Trump’s administration. Officials say the results highlight CBP’s role in promoting secure, fair, and compliant trade while protecting American industries.“CBP’s enforcement delivers results,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “By combining intelligence-led targeting, rigorous oversight, and swift action, we are safeguarding the U.S. economy, protecting American industries, and holding accountable those who seek to break our trade laws.”CBP uses advanced data analytics and intelligence-driven targeting to identify tariff evasion schemes. These efforts focus on uncovering practices such as undervaluation, misclassification, transshipment, antidumping and countervailing duty violations, the use of illegitimate shell companies, and instances of “double dipping,” where importers improperly claim multiple tariff exemptions to avoid paying required duties.During the reporting period, CBP assessed approximately $2.6 billion in antidumping and countervailing duties owed to the government. These duties are designed to counter unfair trade practices, including selling goods below market value or subsidizing exports. The agency also identified new evasion schemes, including a case involving an importer of iron, steel, and aluminum who improperly claimed both Section 232 and Reciprocal Tariff exemptions, depriving the government of an estimated $100 million.CBP officials say enforcement actions also included issuing 63 debarment actions against parties that failed to pay debts such as tariffs, taxes, and fees owed to the U.S. government. In addition, the agency investigated nearly 1,200 revenue-focused e-Allegations submitted by members of the trade community, efforts aimed at ensuring a level playing field for law-abiding U.S. businesses.These enforcement measures are supported by CBP’s trade processing systems, including the Automated Commercial Environment, which officials say allows the agency to keep pace with global trade while enforcing U.S. laws. CBP also provides ongoing updates and trade guidance through its Cargo Systems Messaging Service.CBP encourages the public and trade community to review its Trade Statistics webpage for additional information on enforcement efforts addressing unfair trade practices.

CBP Collects More Than $200 Billion in Tariffs, Strengthening U.S. Economic Security

It’s that time of year again. Time when we need to start preparing for taxes. Most people probably know that farmers and ranchers’ last day to file taxes is March 1st, so it’s important to make sure we have everything together.

For example, if you paid an individual a total of $600 or more for rent, services, or interest as part of your agricultural business you may be required to report the payments with form 1099 (starting 2026 this number will increase to $2,000). So now is a good time to start going through everything and making sure it is in order and noting receipts that are tax deductible like fertilizer, seed, and fuel to name a few.

Throughout the year producers receive money, property, and services from many places. Your records can help you identify the source of receipts, and this information is important to help separate farm and nonfarm receipts and taxable from nontaxable incomes. For example, buying fuel for a vehicle that is used to check pasture is tax deductible, as well as things like fencing materials, net wrap, and repairs to equipment to name a few.

Preparing now can help speed up the tax preparation process. All this information is used to help prepare tax returns and just as important can help producers monitor the progress of the operation. Records can show if the business is improving and can help us identify potential changes to make.

For additional information on record keeping and taxes you can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://cap.unl.edu/" target="_blank">cap.unl.edu</a>&nbsp;OR the IRS publication 225 (2024) ‘Farmer’s Tax Guide,’ at:&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.irs.gov/publications/p225__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Hwp1pZExD0hajDYLf_228imnzxR0p5IcCN2uUY6l2LP3RDQCbX2rm0l8CX-I7_efI6cOebghQWz9mqIEQwQUfGyN6lcbssCpQCNjTvw$" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/publications/p225</a>&nbsp;

By Shannon Sand<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>It’s that time of year again. Time when we need to start preparing for taxes. Most people probably know that farmers and ranchers’ last day to file taxes is March 1st, so it’s important to make sure we have everything together.For example, if you paid an individual a total of $600 or more for rent, services, or interest as part of your agricultural business you may be required to report the payments with form 1099 (starting 2026 this number will increase to $2,000). So now is a good time to start going through everything and making sure it is in order and noting receipts that are tax deductible like fertilizer, seed, and fuel to name a few.Throughout the year producers receive money, property, and services from many places. Your records can help you identify the source of receipts, and this information is important to help separate farm and nonfarm receipts and taxable from nontaxable incomes. For example, buying fuel for a vehicle that is used to check pasture is tax deductible, as well as things like fencing materials, net wrap, and repairs to equipment to name a few.Preparing now can help speed up the tax preparation process. All this information is used to help prepare tax returns and just as important can help producers monitor the progress of the operation. Records can show if the business is improving and can help us identify potential changes to make.For additional information on record keeping and taxes you can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://cap.unl.edu/" target="_blank">cap.unl.edu</a>&nbsp;OR the IRS publication 225 (2024) ‘Farmer’s Tax Guide,’ at:&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.irs.gov/publications/p225__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Hwp1pZExD0hajDYLf_228imnzxR0p5IcCN2uUY6l2LP3RDQCbX2rm0l8CX-I7_efI6cOebghQWz9mqIEQwQUfGyN6lcbssCpQCNjTvw$" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/publications/p225</a>&nbsp;

Forage Minute: Record Keeping for Taxes

Nebraska has collected more than $200,000 in past-due child support from gambling winnings in just three months, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The collections are the result of the Gambling Winnings Setoff for Outstanding Debt Act, which was approved through Legislative Bill 1317 and signed into law by Governor Jim Pillen in 2024. The program officially began on September 2, 2025.

Under the law, gaming operators are required to withhold a portion of gambling winnings from individuals who owe unpaid debts to the state. Those funds are then sent to the Nebraska Department of Revenue, which distributes the money to several state agencies, including the Department of Revenue, Department of Labor, Department of Motor Vehicles and DHHS.

Within the first 13 weeks of the program, a total of $529,091.47 was distributed among the participating agencies. Of that amount, $215,852.98 was directed to DHHS for the Child Support Enforcement Program.

“This program ensures funds are being used to help support kids across Nebraska,” Governor Jim Pillen said. “Parents have an obligation to their children, and we're guaranteeing their well-being by collecting these winnings."

State officials say the program is already making a meaningful difference for families who rely on child support payments.

“By administering these dollars directly to families, the Child Support Enforcement Program is setting our state's children up for success,” said Shannon Grotrian, director of the Office of Economic Assistance. “It's making an immediate impact on their livelihoods and making sure they have what they need to grow and thrive."

DHHS administers Nebraska’s Child Support Enforcement Program, which works to ensure children receive financial support from both parents. More information about the program is available through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765907663987.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska has collected more than $200,000 in past-due child support from gambling winnings in just three months, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.The collections are the result of the Gambling Winnings Setoff for Outstanding Debt Act, which was approved through Legislative Bill 1317 and signed into law by Governor Jim Pillen in 2024. The program officially began on September 2, 2025.Under the law, gaming operators are required to withhold a portion of gambling winnings from individuals who owe unpaid debts to the state. Those funds are then sent to the Nebraska Department of Revenue, which distributes the money to several state agencies, including the Department of Revenue, Department of Labor, Department of Motor Vehicles and DHHS.Within the first 13 weeks of the program, a total of $529,091.47 was distributed among the participating agencies. Of that amount, $215,852.98 was directed to DHHS for the Child Support Enforcement Program.“This program ensures funds are being used to help support kids across Nebraska,” Governor Jim Pillen said. “Parents have an obligation to their children, and we're guaranteeing their well-being by collecting these winnings."State officials say the program is already making a meaningful difference for families who rely on child support payments.“By administering these dollars directly to families, the Child Support Enforcement Program is setting our state's children up for success,” said Shannon Grotrian, director of the Office of Economic Assistance. “It's making an immediate impact on their livelihoods and making sure they have what they need to grow and thrive."DHHS administers Nebraska’s Child Support Enforcement Program, which works to ensure children receive financial support from both parents. More information about the program is available through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Nebraska collects more than $200,000 in child support from gambling winnings

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday he will not allow a floor vote this week on a bipartisan amendment supported by moderate Republicans that would extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits.&nbsp;

Johnson was confident that blocking the amendment would not lead centrist GOP lawmakers to oppose the Republican health care bill scheduled to get a vote Wednesday.&nbsp;

“There’s about a dozen members in the conference that are in these swing districts who are fighting hard to make sure they reduce costs for all of their constituents. And many of them did want to vote on this Obamacare, COVID-era subsidy the Democrats created,” Johnson said. “We looked for a way to try to allow for that pressure release valve and it just was not to be.”

The enhanced ACA tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year, sharply increasing the cost of health insurance for the roughly 22 million Americans who purchase plans through the exchange and benefit from the subsidies.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-preps-health-care-bill-vote-new-year" target="_blank">House Republican health care bill</a>&nbsp;wouldn’t extend those tax credits, frustrating GOP lawmakers in that chamber who are most at risk of losing their reelection bids during the November midterm elections.&nbsp;

Johnson said he expects that GOP bill will pass, though he didn’t address its prospects in the Senate, where bipartisanship is needed for nearly all bills to advance under that chamber’s 60-vote legislative filibuster.&nbsp;

New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler said in a speech on the House floor that GOP leaders’ decision to let the enhanced ACA tax credits expire was “idiotic and shameful,” especially after changes were added to address fraud and reduce costs.&nbsp;

“So we have been forced to sign onto two discharge petitions,” he said. “And yet my Democratic colleagues will not join us, but for those that were at the negotiation table.”

Lawler then criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, of New York, for not encouraging Democrats to sign onto the bipartisan discharge petitions, noting that would likely get the 218 signatures needed to force a floor vote. He argued that’s because Jeffries “doesn’t actually want to solve the problem, he wants the issue.”

“This place is disgraceful,” Lawler said. “Everybody wants the upper hand.&nbsp; Everybody wants the political advantage. They don’t actually want to do the damn work. This problem could be solved today if everybody who says they care about extending this signs the discharge.”

When the House returns from its two-week holiday break next year, Johnson said, leaders may try to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/youre-hearing-lot-about-budget-reconciliation-congress-what-does-mean" target="_blank">complex reconciliation process</a>&nbsp;they used to enact the “one big, beautiful bill” to address health care.&nbsp;

“What we anticipate going into the first quarter of next year is, possibly in a reconciliation package or in regular order a stand-alone, ideas just like this,” Johnson said after being asked a question about Health Savings Accounts. “We have a long list of things that we know will reduce premiums, increase access and quality of care.”&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said Monday he wants Republicans to use the reconciliation process or to eliminate the Senate’s legislative filibuster to address health care and other policy priorities.&nbsp;

“Republicans should knock out the filibuster and we should approve a lot of things,” Trump said.&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said repeatedly he doesn’t intend to change or scrap the filibuster.

Trump also reiterated during the Oval Office event he would like to see Congress send direct payments to Americans to help them buy health insurance or afford health care.&nbsp;

“I want all money going to the people and let the people buy their own health care. It’ll be unbelievable,” Trump said. “They’ll do a great job. They’ll get much better health care at a much lower cost.”

The Senate voted last week on two health care bills, one from Republicans and one from Democrats, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-hits-stalemate-solution-spiraling-health-insurance-costs" target="_blank">neither received the support needed</a>&nbsp;to move toward a final passage vote.&nbsp;

Republicans’ bill would have provided direct payments to some people enrolled in either bronze or catastrophic ACA marketplace plans with up to $1,500 in payments annually for 2026 and 2027.&nbsp;

Democrats’ legislation would have extended the enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits for three years.&nbsp;

A bipartisan group of senators is trying to find solutions that bridge the political divide, though they are unlikely to achieve consensus on the details before the end of this week.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/699770/cost-leads-americans-top-mind-healthcare-concerns.aspx?utm_source=twitterbutton&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=sharing" target="_blank">poll</a>&nbsp;released Monday by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America shows that cost is the “most urgent” health issue facing the country, followed by access and then obesity.&nbsp;

Just 57% of those polled said they were satisfied with how much they pay for their own health care and only 16% were satisfied with the total cost of healthcare.

Nearly two-thirds of those in the survey said they believe it’s the federal government’s responsibility “to make sure all Americans have healthcare coverage,” while 33% said it’s not.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765911736967.png" alt="U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., talks with reporters inside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., talks with reporters inside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday he will not allow a floor vote this week on a bipartisan amendment supported by moderate Republicans that would extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> confirms there will not be a vote on extending ACA subsidies, saying many Republicans &quot;did want to vote on this Obamacare COVID-era subsidy the Democrats created. We looked for a way to try to allow for that pressure release valve, and it just was not to be. We… <a href="https://t.co/jaI1C0NFJu">pic.twitter.com/jaI1C0NFJu</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2000963416228352279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Johnson was confident that blocking the amendment would not lead centrist GOP lawmakers to oppose the Republican health care bill scheduled to get a vote Wednesday.&nbsp;“There’s about a dozen members in the conference that are in these swing districts who are fighting hard to make sure they reduce costs for all of their constituents. And many of them did want to vote on this Obamacare, COVID-era subsidy the Democrats created,” Johnson said. “We looked for a way to try to allow for that pressure release valve and it just was not to be.”The enhanced ACA tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year, sharply increasing the cost of health insurance for the roughly 22 million Americans who purchase plans through the exchange and benefit from the subsidies.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-preps-health-care-bill-vote-new-year" target="_blank">House Republican health care bill</a>&nbsp;wouldn’t extend those tax credits, frustrating GOP lawmakers in that chamber who are most at risk of losing their reelection bids during the November midterm elections.&nbsp;Johnson said he expects that GOP bill will pass, though he didn’t address its prospects in the Senate, where bipartisanship is needed for nearly all bills to advance under that chamber’s 60-vote legislative filibuster.&nbsp;<h2>‘Idiotic and shameful’</h2>New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler said in a speech on the House floor that GOP leaders’ decision to let the enhanced ACA tax credits expire was “idiotic and shameful,” especially after changes were added to address fraud and reduce costs.&nbsp;“So we have been forced to sign onto two discharge petitions,” he said. “And yet my Democratic colleagues will not join us, but for those that were at the negotiation table.”Lawler then criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, of New York, for not encouraging Democrats to sign onto the bipartisan discharge petitions, noting that would likely get the 218 signatures needed to force a floor vote. He argued that’s because Jeffries “doesn’t actually want to solve the problem, he wants the issue.”“This place is disgraceful,” Lawler said. “Everybody wants the upper hand.&nbsp; Everybody wants the political advantage. They don’t actually want to do the damn work. This problem could be solved today if everybody who says they care about extending this signs the discharge.”<h2>GOP-only bill in 2026?</h2>When the House returns from its two-week holiday break next year, Johnson said, leaders may try to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/youre-hearing-lot-about-budget-reconciliation-congress-what-does-mean" target="_blank">complex reconciliation process</a>&nbsp;they used to enact the “one big, beautiful bill” to address health care.&nbsp;“What we anticipate going into the first quarter of next year is, possibly in a reconciliation package or in regular order a stand-alone, ideas just like this,” Johnson said after being asked a question about Health Savings Accounts. “We have a long list of things that we know will reduce premiums, increase access and quality of care.”&nbsp;President Donald Trump said Monday he wants Republicans to use the reconciliation process or to eliminate the Senate’s legislative filibuster to address health care and other policy priorities.&nbsp;“Republicans should knock out the filibuster and we should approve a lot of things,” Trump said.&nbsp;Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said repeatedly he doesn’t intend to change or scrap the filibuster.<h2>Direct payments or tax breaks</h2>Trump also reiterated during the Oval Office event he would like to see Congress send direct payments to Americans to help them buy health insurance or afford health care.&nbsp;“I want all money going to the people and let the people buy their own health care. It’ll be unbelievable,” Trump said. “They’ll do a great job. They’ll get much better health care at a much lower cost.”The Senate voted last week on two health care bills, one from Republicans and one from Democrats, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-hits-stalemate-solution-spiraling-health-insurance-costs" target="_blank">neither received the support needed</a>&nbsp;to move toward a final passage vote.&nbsp;Republicans’ bill would have provided direct payments to some people enrolled in either bronze or catastrophic ACA marketplace plans with up to $1,500 in payments annually for 2026 and 2027.&nbsp;Democrats’ legislation would have extended the enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits for three years.&nbsp;<h2>Cost most urgent issue, poll finds</h2>A bipartisan group of senators is trying to find solutions that bridge the political divide, though they are unlikely to achieve consensus on the details before the end of this week.A&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/699770/cost-leads-americans-top-mind-healthcare-concerns.aspx?utm_source=twitterbutton&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=sharing" target="_blank">poll</a>&nbsp;released Monday by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America shows that cost is the “most urgent” health issue facing the country, followed by access and then obesity.&nbsp;Just 57% of those polled said they were satisfied with how much they pay for their own health care and only 16% were satisfied with the total cost of healthcare.Nearly two-thirds of those in the survey said they believe it’s the federal government’s responsibility “to make sure all Americans have healthcare coverage,” while 33% said it’s not.&nbsp;

No US House vote to extend health care subsidies, Speaker Johnson says

Lincoln, NE ‐ December 15, 2025 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Sunday, December 14 drawing is holding a ticket worth $120,000.

The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $120,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Pump &amp; Pantry #54, 3436 S Locust St, in Grand Island. The winning numbers from Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 01, 02, 03, 06, 14.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person 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.

Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers.&nbsp;The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $1.051 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. 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/2019/6/1561728158071.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, NE ‐ December 15, 2025 ‐ One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 5 ticket for the Sunday, December 14 drawing is holding a ticket worth $120,000.The Nebraska Lottery has confirmed that one ticket sold for Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw matched all five winning numbers for the $120,000 jackpot. The ticket was sold at Pump &amp; Pantry #54, 3436 S Locust St, in Grand Island. The winning numbers from Sunday's Nebraska Pick 5 draw were 01, 02, 03, 06, 14.Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person 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.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska's unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers.&nbsp;The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $10,000 each drawing that it is not won, are 1 in 658,008. The overall odds of winning any Nebraska Pick 5 prize which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 9.2.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $1.051 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery's beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

$120,000 Nebraska Pick 5 Winning Ticket Sold in Grand Island

LINCOLN — Thirty people were killed in traffic crashes on Nebraska roadways during the month of November 2025, according to data released by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Those fatalities occurred in 26 separate fatal crashes statewide. NDOT reported that nine of the 18 vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seatbelts, while eight were restrained and one had seatbelt use listed as unknown. Overall, seatbelt use remains a concern statewide, as only 55 of the 161 vehicle occupants killed so far in 2025 were using seatbelts.

Most of the November fatalities occurred in rural areas. Nineteen of the 30 deaths were reported in rural locations, while the remaining crashes occurred in urban areas, defined by the Federal Highway Administration as areas with populations of 5,000 or more.

By roadway type, two fatalities occurred on interstates, 19 on other highways and nine on local roads. Pedestrians accounted for eight of the deaths in November. Three motorcyclists were killed, along with one person riding a motorized bicycle.

The November toll was significantly higher than the same month last year. NDOT reported 14 traffic fatalities statewide in November 2024.

From January through November 2025, Nebraska has recorded 212 traffic fatalities in 191 fatal crashes. That total is lower than the 235 fatalities reported during the same period in 2024 but higher than totals from some previous years, including 208 fatalities in 2023 and 203 in 2021.

NDOT noted that traffic fatality data included in the report reflects information available through Dec. 14, 2025, from the agency’s Highway Safety Section within the Traffic Engineering Division.

A daily traffic fatality count is available through NDOT’s toll comparison website.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561812754701.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Thirty people were killed in traffic crashes on Nebraska roadways during the month of November 2025, according to data released by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Those fatalities occurred in 26 separate fatal crashes statewide. NDOT reported that nine of the 18 vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seatbelts, while eight were restrained and one had seatbelt use listed as unknown. Overall, seatbelt use remains a concern statewide, as only 55 of the 161 vehicle occupants killed so far in 2025 were using seatbelts.Most of the November fatalities occurred in rural areas. Nineteen of the 30 deaths were reported in rural locations, while the remaining crashes occurred in urban areas, defined by the Federal Highway Administration as areas with populations of 5,000 or more.By roadway type, two fatalities occurred on interstates, 19 on other highways and nine on local roads. Pedestrians accounted for eight of the deaths in November. Three motorcyclists were killed, along with one person riding a motorized bicycle.The November toll was significantly higher than the same month last year. NDOT reported 14 traffic fatalities statewide in November 2024.From January through November 2025, Nebraska has recorded 212 traffic fatalities in 191 fatal crashes. That total is lower than the 235 fatalities reported during the same period in 2024 but higher than totals from some previous years, including 208 fatalities in 2023 and 203 in 2021.NDOT noted that traffic fatality data included in the report reflects information available through Dec. 14, 2025, from the agency’s Highway Safety Section within the Traffic Engineering Division.A daily traffic fatality count is available through NDOT’s toll comparison website.

30 Killed in Nebraska Traffic Crashes During November

FBI offers $50K reward for information leading to arrest

By:<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/nancy-lavin/">Nancy Lavin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/christopher-shea/">Christopher Shea</a> <a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a>

Details about the man believed to have fatally shot two Brown University students and injured nine more are coming into focus, with new videos and photos released by public officials in a press conference late Monday afternoon.

The series of five short video clips and photographs captured from neighborhood property cameras include blurred images of the person’s face, partially obscured by what looks like a pandemic-era medical mask, as he walked the streets a few blocks east of the building where the shooting took place, about two hours beforehand on Saturday. Instead of black clothing, as previously described, he wears a two-colored jacket that appears dark gray and green.

As the manhunt continues for the suspect, law enforcement are seeking more tips from the public, with the FBI offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/brown-university-shooting.pdf">$50,000 reward</a>&nbsp;for anyone who comes forward with information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual responsible. The suspect is believed to be about 5-foot-8 with a stocky build, described as “armed and dangerous” according to the&nbsp;FBI poster.

The evidence comes more than 48 hours after the shooting at Brown’s Barus and Holley engineering building, but wasn’t collected until Monday, Col. Oscar Perez, Providence Police chief, told Rhode Island Current after the press conference.

Perez remained tight-lipped about the progress of the investigation, including personal connections to the victims or the Ivy League campus.&nbsp;

“It’s a great question and something we are all asking ourselves,” Perez said.

For the first time, Perez publicly confirmed that investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack against the university.

Indeed, the video clips&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/ProvidenceRIPD/status/2000701550864326687" target="_blank">posted to X</a>&nbsp;show the suspect walking back and forth across the same small section of the East Side neighborhood, pausing multiple times as he appears to take stock of the surroundings. At one point, he changes direction and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/ProvidenceRIPD/status/2000701550864326687?s=20" target="_blank">clasps his hands together</a>&nbsp;behind his back as he gazes up.

Perez also confirmed the weapon used as a 9 millimeter firearm, with multiple rounds fired.&nbsp;

Investigators had previously detained a person of interest found in a Coventry hotel early Sunday, but released him at around 12:30 a.m. Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/we-have-not-yet-solved-this-case-officials-say-person-of-interest-to-be-released/">declaring him cleared.</a>&nbsp;But not before his name was publicly circulated via national news reports, prompting a second round of scolding by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.

“It’s one of the reasons we use words carefully,” Neronha said, explaining the difference between someone detained for questioning, versus held in custody on suspicion of committing a crime.&nbsp;

And as federal prosecutors descended on the Hampton Inn in Coventry<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/police-withhold-details-on-brown-mass-shooting-suspect-investigators-search-coventry-hotel/">&nbsp;early Sunday</a>, other investigators were working on alternative leads and tips, Neronha said.&nbsp;

“These investigations are like threads that you pull on a garment,” Neronha said. “Some of them you pull, and the garment doesn’t open up. Other ones you pull and the garment comes undone.”

Federal and state investigators were seen combing sidewalks and properties across the East Side Monday afternoon, looking for more evidence of the shooter’s path. The return to the scene of the crime was prompted by additional tips and video and photo evidence, which has increased significantly with footage submitted from business owners and residents that were closed or away for the weekend, Neronha said.

Ted Docks, special agent in charge for the FBI’s Boston field office, which is assisting Providence police and other local and state law enforcement, said the federal agency continues to process evidence from the neighborhood while investigators at its Quantico, Virginia, laboratory work to recreate the scene of the crime, documenting the trajectories of the bullets.

“It’s painstaking work and we are asking the public to be patient as we continue to run down every lead,” Docks said, adding that no amount of information was “too small or irrelevant.”

Perez acknowledged the length of the time that has elapsed since the shooting but reiterated the Providence agency’s dedication and professionalism in finding the suspect.&nbsp;

“There’s no one that wants to put this individual in handcuffs [more] than us,” Perez said.&nbsp;

Mayor Brett Smiley acknowledged the fear and grief that has gripped the capital city, evidenced by local residents, workers and students he had spoken with throughout the weekend and into Monday. Yet the city did not renew the lockdown order that was lifted early Sunday, after the previous person of interest was detained because there have been no new “credible” threats, Smiley said.

“It is going to be hard for my city to feel safe going forward,” Smiley said. “This has shaken us. That will be true tomorrow. I suspect that will be true the day after the general convicts someone. This is a process to restore a sense of safety.”

Providence schools opened as usual Monday and will continue with regular schedules Tuesday, with additional security officers on-hand to help reassure students and parents, Smiley said.&nbsp;

Recalling the 200-plus person crowd that gathered in<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/a-community-in-grief-gathers-to-hold-light-in-one-of-providences-darkest-times/">&nbsp;Lippitt Memorial Park</a>&nbsp;on the Providence-Pawtucket line in sub-freezing temperatures Sunday night to honor the victims, Smiley said “This is a tight-knit community that looks out for each other.”

Some neighborhood residents have lamented the lack of emergency notifications from the city during and after the shooting. But Smiley rebuffed criticisms of the city’s alert&nbsp;<a href="https://www.providenceri.gov/pvd311/" target="_blank">system</a>, saying it worked as intended for everyone who signed up, with text messages continuing to be sent out through Monday afternoon.

Smiley’s tone grew sharper when asked about the onus placed on the university. President Donald Trump said earlier today that the tragedy was a “school problem” while defending the FBI’s role in the investigation.

“So far, we’ve done a very good job of doing it,” Trump said of the federal investigation. “With the various times this has happened, they’ve done it in pretty much record time. But you really have to ask the school a little bit more about that, because this was a school problem. They had their own guards, they had their own police, they had their own everything. But you’d have to ask that question, really, to the school, not to the FBI. We came in after the fact, and the FBI will do a good job, but they came in after the fact.”

Smiley’s response: “I do not accept that criticism.”

Unlike prior press conferences, no one representing the university attended Monday afternoon’s event. Smiley said it did not signify their lack of support, instead explaining that because the updates focused on the continued law enforcement efforts to find the suspect, there was no need for the university to have a presence.

However, Smiley said he was unable to directly answer reporters’ questions about why Brown did not activate its sirens when the shooting took place.&nbsp;

Throughout the 30-minute briefing with reporters, public officials repeatedly stressed the need to verify information from official sources, noting the confusion and misinformation that spread in the days since the attack. That included reports of what initially sounded like gunfire reported on Pitman Street in the midst of the university campus Monday morning, but was later confirmed to be a boiler that backfired,&nbsp;<a href="https://turnto10.com/news/local/providence-police-respond-to-shots-fired-call-that-turns-out-to-be-backfiring-boiler-dec-15-2025" target="_blank">according to news reports.</a>

There were no additional updates on the eight victims still in treatment at Rhode Island hospital. One person has already been released. The two students killed were also&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/15/two-brown-university-students-who-lost-their-lives-in-campus-shooting-identified/">publicly identified Monday.</a>

Officials do not expect to provide additional public updates Monday.

<h2>FBI offers $50K reward for information leading to arrest</h2>By:<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/nancy-lavin/">Nancy Lavin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/christopher-shea/">Christopher Shea</a> <a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEW: We are releasing a new image of the person of interest in the Brown University incident and plan to release additional media shortly. Please share widely and contact the official tip line if you have information or an ID: 401-272-3121 <a href="https://t.co/8a1yEMZhnI">https://t.co/8a1yEMZhnI</a> <a href="https://t.co/YvN2ash224">pic.twitter.com/YvN2ash224</a>&mdash; Providence Police (@ProvidenceRIPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProvidenceRIPD/status/2001003360829497665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Details about the man believed to have fatally shot two Brown University students and injured nine more are coming into focus, with new videos and photos released by public officials in a press conference late Monday afternoon.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">4/4 We are requesting the public&#39;s assistance in identifying a person of interest in Saturday&#39;s incident at Brown University. Please share these images and direct all tips to 401-272-3121 or <a href="https://t.co/8a1yEMYJya">https://t.co/8a1yEMYJya</a> <a href="https://t.co/9kyZXBlj7I">pic.twitter.com/9kyZXBlj7I</a>&mdash; Providence Police (@ProvidenceRIPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProvidenceRIPD/status/2000702215904788495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: The FBI and <a href="https://twitter.com/ProvidenceRIPD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ProvidenceRIPD</a> are releasing new images of a person of interest in the mass shooting at Brown University on 12/13/25. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI</a> is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual.… <a href="https://t.co/OhpnsN9fds">pic.twitter.com/OhpnsN9fds</a>&mdash; FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIBoston/status/2000690371072794682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The series of five short video clips and photographs captured from neighborhood property cameras include blurred images of the person’s face, partially obscured by what looks like a pandemic-era medical mask, as he walked the streets a few blocks east of the building where the shooting took place, about two hours beforehand on Saturday. Instead of black clothing, as previously described, he wears a two-colored jacket that appears dark gray and green.As the manhunt continues for the suspect, law enforcement are seeking more tips from the public, with the FBI offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/brown-university-shooting.pdf">$50,000 reward</a>&nbsp;for anyone who comes forward with information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual responsible. The suspect is believed to be about 5-foot-8 with a stocky build, described as “armed and dangerous” according to the&nbsp;FBI poster.The evidence comes more than 48 hours after the shooting at Brown’s Barus and Holley engineering building, but wasn’t collected until Monday, Col. Oscar Perez, Providence Police chief, told Rhode Island Current after the press conference.Perez remained tight-lipped about the progress of the investigation, including personal connections to the victims or the Ivy League campus.&nbsp;“It’s a great question and something we are all asking ourselves,” Perez said.<h2>A targeted attack</h2>For the first time, Perez publicly confirmed that investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack against the university.Indeed, the video clips&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/ProvidenceRIPD/status/2000701550864326687" target="_blank">posted to X</a>&nbsp;show the suspect walking back and forth across the same small section of the East Side neighborhood, pausing multiple times as he appears to take stock of the surroundings. At one point, he changes direction and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/ProvidenceRIPD/status/2000701550864326687?s=20" target="_blank">clasps his hands together</a>&nbsp;behind his back as he gazes up.Perez also confirmed the weapon used as a 9 millimeter firearm, with multiple rounds fired.&nbsp;Investigators had previously detained a person of interest found in a Coventry hotel early Sunday, but released him at around 12:30 a.m. Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/we-have-not-yet-solved-this-case-officials-say-person-of-interest-to-be-released/">declaring him cleared.</a>&nbsp;But not before his name was publicly circulated via national news reports, prompting a second round of scolding by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.“It’s one of the reasons we use words carefully,” Neronha said, explaining the difference between someone detained for questioning, versus held in custody on suspicion of committing a crime.&nbsp;And as federal prosecutors descended on the Hampton Inn in Coventry<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/police-withhold-details-on-brown-mass-shooting-suspect-investigators-search-coventry-hotel/">&nbsp;early Sunday</a>, other investigators were working on alternative leads and tips, Neronha said.&nbsp;“These investigations are like threads that you pull on a garment,” Neronha said. “Some of them you pull, and the garment doesn’t open up. Other ones you pull and the garment comes undone.”Federal and state investigators were seen combing sidewalks and properties across the East Side Monday afternoon, looking for more evidence of the shooter’s path. The return to the scene of the crime was prompted by additional tips and video and photo evidence, which has increased significantly with footage submitted from business owners and residents that were closed or away for the weekend, Neronha said.Ted Docks, special agent in charge for the FBI’s Boston field office, which is assisting Providence police and other local and state law enforcement, said the federal agency continues to process evidence from the neighborhood while investigators at its Quantico, Virginia, laboratory work to recreate the scene of the crime, documenting the trajectories of the bullets.“It’s painstaking work and we are asking the public to be patient as we continue to run down every lead,” Docks said, adding that no amount of information was “too small or irrelevant.”Perez acknowledged the length of the time that has elapsed since the shooting but reiterated the Providence agency’s dedication and professionalism in finding the suspect.&nbsp;“There’s no one that wants to put this individual in handcuffs [more] than us,” Perez said.&nbsp;<h2>A city on edge</h2>Mayor Brett Smiley acknowledged the fear and grief that has gripped the capital city, evidenced by local residents, workers and students he had spoken with throughout the weekend and into Monday. Yet the city did not renew the lockdown order that was lifted early Sunday, after the previous person of interest was detained because there have been no new “credible” threats, Smiley said.“It is going to be hard for my city to feel safe going forward,” Smiley said. “This has shaken us. That will be true tomorrow. I suspect that will be true the day after the general convicts someone. This is a process to restore a sense of safety.”Providence schools opened as usual Monday and will continue with regular schedules Tuesday, with additional security officers on-hand to help reassure students and parents, Smiley said.&nbsp;Recalling the 200-plus person crowd that gathered in<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/a-community-in-grief-gathers-to-hold-light-in-one-of-providences-darkest-times/">&nbsp;Lippitt Memorial Park</a>&nbsp;on the Providence-Pawtucket line in sub-freezing temperatures Sunday night to honor the victims, Smiley said “This is a tight-knit community that looks out for each other.”Some neighborhood residents have lamented the lack of emergency notifications from the city during and after the shooting. But Smiley rebuffed criticisms of the city’s alert&nbsp;<a href="https://www.providenceri.gov/pvd311/" target="_blank">system</a>, saying it worked as intended for everyone who signed up, with text messages continuing to be sent out through Monday afternoon.Smiley’s tone grew sharper when asked about the onus placed on the university. President Donald Trump said earlier today that the tragedy was a “school problem” while defending the FBI’s role in the investigation.“So far, we’ve done a very good job of doing it,” Trump said of the federal investigation. “With the various times this has happened, they’ve done it in pretty much record time. But you really have to ask the school a little bit more about that, because this was a school problem. They had their own guards, they had their own police, they had their own everything. But you’d have to ask that question, really, to the school, not to the FBI. We came in after the fact, and the FBI will do a good job, but they came in after the fact.”Smiley’s response: “I do not accept that criticism.”Unlike prior press conferences, no one representing the university attended Monday afternoon’s event. Smiley said it did not signify their lack of support, instead explaining that because the updates focused on the continued law enforcement efforts to find the suspect, there was no need for the university to have a presence.However, Smiley said he was unable to directly answer reporters’ questions about why Brown did not activate its sirens when the shooting took place.&nbsp;Throughout the 30-minute briefing with reporters, public officials repeatedly stressed the need to verify information from official sources, noting the confusion and misinformation that spread in the days since the attack. That included reports of what initially sounded like gunfire reported on Pitman Street in the midst of the university campus Monday morning, but was later confirmed to be a boiler that backfired,&nbsp;<a href="https://turnto10.com/news/local/providence-police-respond-to-shots-fired-call-that-turns-out-to-be-backfiring-boiler-dec-15-2025" target="_blank">according to news reports.</a>There were no additional updates on the eight victims still in treatment at Rhode Island hospital. One person has already been released. The two students killed were also&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/15/two-brown-university-students-who-lost-their-lives-in-campus-shooting-identified/">publicly identified Monday.</a>Officials do not expect to provide additional public updates Monday.

Police release new photo in manhunt for Brown University shooter

On Dec. 15, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted lethal kinetic strikes on three 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. A total of eight male narco-terrorists were killed during these actions—three in the first vessel, two in the second and three in the third.

On Dec. 15, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted lethal kinetic strikes on three 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. 15, 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 three vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known… <a href="https://t.co/IQfCVvUpau">pic.twitter.com/IQfCVvUpau</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2000756230252314901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 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. A total of eight male narco-terrorists were killed during these actions—three in the first vessel, two in the second and three in the third.