WASHINGTON— Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee Wednesday to answer questions about the release of the Epstein files and other controversies.

<p>WASHINGTON— Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee Wednesday to answer questions about the release of the Epstein files and other controversies.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> makes opening statement before House Judiciary Cmte.: &quot;President Trump has given us the resources…to protect the American people…I cannot think of a policy outcome more important than protecting the lives of American citizens. Can you?&#39; <a href="https://t.co/xrVcqqHIgV">pic.twitter.com/xrVcqqHIgV</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021613156749947014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>: &quot;I want to take a moment to acknowledge the Epstein survivors who are here today... I have spent my entire career fighting for victims and I will continue to do so. I am deeply sorry for what any victim — any victim — has been through... The DOJ is committed to… <a href="https://t.co/t0pnQ7qlor">pic.twitter.com/t0pnQ7qlor</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2021610509489831995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepJayapal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepJayapal</a> spars with <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> on DOJ treatment of Epstein survivors: &quot;Attorney General Bondi…Will you turn to them now and apologize for what your Department of Justice has put them through?&quot;<br> <br>Bondi: &quot;I&#39;m not going to get in the gutter for her theatrics.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/yDjUSkuAjB">pic.twitter.com/yDjUSkuAjB</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021627149849948491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepJerryNadler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepJerryNadler</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> spar:<br> <br>Nadler: &quot;How many of Epstein&#39;s co-conspirators have you indicted?&quot;<br> <br>Bondi: &quot;…You showed—I find it funny—&quot;<br> <br>Nadler: &quot;…How many have you indicted?&quot;<br><br>Bondi: &quot;…Chairman Jordan, I&#39;m not gonna get in the gutter with these people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BchqLbEGgb">pic.twitter.com/BchqLbEGgb</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021627087787110649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> slams Democratic lawmakers over their treatment of President Trump: &quot;You all should be apologizing. You sit here and you attack the President and I am not going to have it…None of them asked Merrick Garland over the last four years one word about Jeffrey Epstein.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/uUXIJhXvzr">pic.twitter.com/uUXIJhXvzr</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021626945830830324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepTedLieu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepTedLieu</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> on Epstein probe: &quot;Merrick Garland dropped the ball, as did Attorney General Bill Barr, as did Alex Acosta…But you are in charge. You have the power to change things, to hold these men accountable…You&#39;re doing the opposite, you&#39;re protecting them.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0BIRc9SM87">pic.twitter.com/0BIRc9SM87</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021632788315660596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepTedLieu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepTedLieu</a> spars with <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> over potential Trump involvement in Epstein crimes: &quot;I believe you just lied under oath. There is ample evidence in the Epstein files—&quot;<br> <br>Bondi: &quot;Don&#39;t you ever accuse me of a crime.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/etPN6M38yC">pic.twitter.com/etPN6M38yC</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021633523761754609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepThomasMassie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepThomasMassie</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> on Epstein files redactions: &quot;Are you able to track who it was that obscured Les Wexner&#39;s name?&quot;<br> <br>Bondi: &quot;Within 40 minutes, Wexner&#39;s name was added back—&quot;<br> <br>Massie: &quot;Within 40 minutes of me catching you red-handed!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/OmmGbE66fi">pic.twitter.com/OmmGbE66fi</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2021639321896222742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Epstein files: Bondi's Oversight hearing erupts into shouting match

Lincoln, Neb.&nbsp; —&nbsp; The Nebraska State Patrol encourages parents to get engaged in their kids’ online activity today on Safer Internet Day.

Safer Internet Day is a worldwide initiative to deliver tips and programs to build safe online practices. The effort began in 2004 and includes information for teachers, schools, and families on how to teach safe internet usage for kids.

“It’s incredibly important for parents to stay involved in their kids’ online presence,” said Sgt. Peter Rutherford, Commander of the Nebraska Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. “Keeping the lines of communication open between parents and kids about how to stay safe online can be the determining factor in preventing victimization. Be aware that there are online predators, but there are also tactics you can use to keep your kids safe.”

This year’s Safer Internet Day features several topics, primarily focused on discussions and training related to AI. NSP encourages all internet users to keep safety in mind as they conduct their online activity. Resources are available at the&nbsp;<a href="https://safer.connectsafely.org/" target="_blank">Safer Internet Day</a>&nbsp;website.

<p><i>Press Release</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562084161517.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Lincoln, Neb.&nbsp; —&nbsp; The Nebraska State Patrol encourages parents to get engaged in their kids’ online activity today on Safer Internet Day.</p><p>Safer Internet Day is a worldwide initiative to deliver tips and programs to build safe online practices. The effort began in 2004 and includes information for teachers, schools, and families on how to teach safe internet usage for kids.</p><p>“It’s incredibly important for parents to stay involved in their kids’ online presence,” said Sgt. Peter Rutherford, Commander of the Nebraska Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. “Keeping the lines of communication open between parents and kids about how to stay safe online can be the determining factor in preventing victimization. Be aware that there are online predators, but there are also tactics you can use to keep your kids safe.”</p><p>This year’s Safer Internet Day features several topics, primarily focused on discussions and training related to AI. NSP encourages all internet users to keep safety in mind as they conduct their online activity. Resources are available at the&nbsp;<a href="https://safer.connectsafely.org/" target="_blank">Safer Internet Day</a>&nbsp;website.</p>

NSP Encourages Important Conversations on Safer Internet Day

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a>

TOPEKA — CoreCivic argued Tuesday for the right to begin holding prisoners in its closed Leavenworth facility, even as the company is working through a local permit process that could make the court case irrelevant.

CoreCivic challenged an injunction in the Kansas Court of Appeals that was made last year by the Leavenworth County District Court. The injunction kept the private prison from taking detainees from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while CoreCivic and the City of Leavenworth fought in court about reopening the company’s prison facility.

Complicating the issue, the two are now working through the city’s planning process as CoreCivic has applied for a special use permit that would allow it to reopen.&nbsp;

“This is a difficult case because it feels like there are all of these slippery parts that are not part of the matter before us,” said Chief Judge Sarah Warner. “There’s a separate lawsuit. There are ongoing administrative proceedings.”&nbsp;

CoreCivic operated a private prison in Leavenworth until 2021 when it lost a contract with the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2025, the company announced it planned to reopen the prison as the Midwest Regional Detention Center and house ICE detainees.&nbsp;

The city required CoreCivic to obtain a special use permit through its planning and zoning process before reopening, which is where the court cases originated last year. The two entities have been fighting it out in court, with CoreCivic insisting it did not need a permit.&nbsp;

After losses in Kansas district court, CoreCivic bowed to the city’s demands and began the process of obtaining the permit. Last week, the city’s planning commission&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/03/corecivic-receives-leavenworth-planning-commission-approval-in-contentious-meeting/" target="_blank">approved the permit</a>&nbsp;and sent it to the city commission for a final determination.&nbsp;

Although one court case between the two ended and one remains open but inactive, the Nashville-based private prison company continued its appeal Tuesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/04/leavenworth-wins-restraining-order-barring-corecivic-from-taking-ice-detainees/" target="_blank">argue the injunction prohibiting</a>&nbsp;it from taking prisoners immediately should be reversed.

Sara Fevurly, an attorney for CoreCivic, said the district court didn’t properly grant the injunction, and even if the decision were rendered moot after the permit was approved, the company may be entitled to fees and damages associated with an improper temporary injunction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the short hearing focused on legal technicalities of the case, both sides argued about the definition of “irreparable harm” and whether CoreCivic abandoned use of its property because it did not house prisoners there for about three years.&nbsp;

Joseph Hatley, an attorney for Leavenworth, told the court it was difficult to determine what “irreparable harm” would mean for the city, listing challenges the city had with CoreCivic during its operations before 2021. Those included not alerting local police to crimes at the facility and public works issues created by sewage.&nbsp;

Fevurly argued that past behavior cannot be used to determine harm.&nbsp;

“I don’t know how you calculate damages based on the police inability to investigate crimes,” Hatley said. “There are people who get hurt by that, there are victims in the facility who are hurt by that. Irreparable harm is the inability to calculate damages, and that’s what we have here.”

Warner said the judges would render a written opinion as soon as they could.&nbsp;

CoreCivic will know by March 10 whether the city will approve its special use permit to reopen the prison, Hatley said after the hearing. That will be the city commission’s second consideration of the permit, with the first consideration occurring Feb. 24. A public hearing is held as part of the process.&nbsp;

David Waters, the Leavenworth city attorney, said after the hearing that the public’s input is “certainly” part of determining whether the permit goes through.&nbsp;

“That is why we hold a public hearing,” he said. “The planning commission holds that public hearing to get the citizen input on that. It’s one of the most important parts of the zoning and planning process is to get that input from the residents as to what is best for the public health and safety and welfare of the community.”

Waters said CoreCivic has the option to appeal to the district court if the city commission refuses to grant the permit.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770836020066.png" alt=" From left, Kansas Court of Appeals Judges Thomas Malone, Sarah Warner and Stephen Hill hear arguments on Feb. 10, 2026, about reversing an injunction against CoreCivic (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> From left, Kansas Court of Appeals Judges Thomas Malone, Sarah Warner and Stephen Hill hear arguments on Feb. 10, 2026, about reversing an injunction against CoreCivic (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>TOPEKA — CoreCivic argued Tuesday for the right to begin holding prisoners in its closed Leavenworth facility, even as the company is working through a local permit process that could make the court case irrelevant.</p><p>CoreCivic challenged an injunction in the Kansas Court of Appeals that was made last year by the Leavenworth County District Court. The injunction kept the private prison from taking detainees from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while CoreCivic and the City of Leavenworth fought in court about reopening the company’s prison facility.</p><p>Complicating the issue, the two are now working through the city’s planning process as CoreCivic has applied for a special use permit that would allow it to reopen.&nbsp;</p><p>“This is a difficult case because it feels like there are all of these slippery parts that are not part of the matter before us,” said Chief Judge Sarah Warner. “There’s a separate lawsuit. There are ongoing administrative proceedings.”&nbsp;</p><p>CoreCivic operated a private prison in Leavenworth until 2021 when it lost a contract with the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2025, the company announced it planned to reopen the prison as the Midwest Regional Detention Center and house ICE detainees.&nbsp;</p><p>The city required CoreCivic to obtain a special use permit through its planning and zoning process before reopening, which is where the court cases originated last year. The two entities have been fighting it out in court, with CoreCivic insisting it did not need a permit.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770835927566.png" alt="Sara Fevurly, attorney for CoreCivic, considers opponent’s arguments during a Feb. 10, 2026, Kansas Court of Appeals hearing about reversing an injunction against the private prison company. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption>Sara Fevurly, attorney for CoreCivic, considers opponent’s arguments during a Feb. 10, 2026, Kansas Court of Appeals hearing about reversing an injunction against the private prison company. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>After losses in Kansas district court, CoreCivic bowed to the city’s demands and began the process of obtaining the permit. Last week, the city’s planning commission&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/03/corecivic-receives-leavenworth-planning-commission-approval-in-contentious-meeting/" target="_blank">approved the permit</a>&nbsp;and sent it to the city commission for a final determination.&nbsp;</p><p>Although one court case between the two ended and one remains open but inactive, the Nashville-based private prison company continued its appeal Tuesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/04/leavenworth-wins-restraining-order-barring-corecivic-from-taking-ice-detainees/" target="_blank">argue the injunction prohibiting</a>&nbsp;it from taking prisoners immediately should be reversed.</p><p>Sara Fevurly, an attorney for CoreCivic, said the district court didn’t properly grant the injunction, and even if the decision were rendered moot after the permit was approved, the company may be entitled to fees and damages associated with an improper temporary injunction.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In the short hearing focused on legal technicalities of the case, both sides argued about the definition of “irreparable harm” and whether CoreCivic abandoned use of its property because it did not house prisoners there for about three years.&nbsp;</p><p>Joseph Hatley, an attorney for Leavenworth, told the court it was difficult to determine what “irreparable harm” would mean for the city, listing challenges the city had with CoreCivic during its operations before 2021. Those included not alerting local police to crimes at the facility and public works issues created by sewage.&nbsp;</p><p>Fevurly argued that past behavior cannot be used to determine harm.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770835965549.png" alt="Sara Fevurly, attorney for CoreCivic, considers opponent’s arguments during a Feb. 10, 2026, Kansas Court of Appeals hearing about reversing an injunction against the private prison company. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption>Sara Fevurly, attorney for CoreCivic, considers opponent’s arguments during a Feb. 10, 2026, Kansas Court of Appeals hearing about reversing an injunction against the private prison company. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“I don’t know how you calculate damages based on the police inability to investigate crimes,” Hatley said. “There are people who get hurt by that, there are victims in the facility who are hurt by that. Irreparable harm is the inability to calculate damages, and that’s what we have here.”</p><p>Warner said the judges would render a written opinion as soon as they could.&nbsp;</p><p>CoreCivic will know by March 10 whether the city will approve its special use permit to reopen the prison, Hatley said after the hearing. That will be the city commission’s second consideration of the permit, with the first consideration occurring Feb. 24. A public hearing is held as part of the process.&nbsp;</p><p>David Waters, the Leavenworth city attorney, said after the hearing that the public’s input is “certainly” part of determining whether the permit goes through.&nbsp;</p><p>“That is why we hold a public hearing,” he said. “The planning commission holds that public hearing to get the citizen input on that. It’s one of the most important parts of the zoning and planning process is to get that input from the residents as to what is best for the public health and safety and welfare of the community.”</p><p>Waters said CoreCivic has the option to appeal to the district court if the city commission refuses to grant the permit.</p>

CoreCivic argues to overturn injunction keeping it from housing ICE detainees in Kansas prison

The Lincoln Police Department has made four additional arrests in the homicide investigation surrounding the disappearances and presumed deaths of Hannah Neville, Roberto Tanner and their unborn child.

In an update released Tuesday, investigators announced that 47-year-old Ammie Mitchell, 57-year-old Kendall Hawthorne, 28-year-old Matthew Lickliter and 40-year-old Sheena Miller were arrested on suspicion of Accessory to Murder and Tampering with Evidence. All four are being held in the Lancaster County Jail. Authorities said the four lived on the property at 7600 NW 27th Street in Lancaster County.

The arrests follow the earlier arrests of Sterling James and Sayde Titus, who also remain in custody.

According to LPD, investigators developed probable cause for the additional arrests after reviewing evidence and conducting witness interviews. On Tuesday, the department’s SWAT team served a search warrant at the NW 27th Street address.

Investigators believe that on Jan. 15, Sheena Miller was at the NW 27th Street property when James arrived. Authorities say James and Miller left the property in his vehicle and drove about two miles north on NW 27th Street, with Tanner and Neville following them.

At that location, police believe James shot and killed Tanner and Neville. Miller is accused of assisting James in moving their bodies and then driving Neville’s vehicle back to the residence.

Police allege Ammie Mitchell later saw both vehicles parked in the driveway and saw Neville deceased. Investigators say Mitchell removed several personal items from Neville’s vehicle, many of which have not been recovered.

Matthew Lickliter is accused of returning home and observing Tanner and Neville deceased. Police say Lickliter and James retrieved a torch and later drove separately to the area of 40th and Cornhusker in Lincoln, where Neville’s vehicle was later found burned.

Authorities believe Lickliter and James then drove separately to an area near 40th and Branched Oak outside Davey, where investigators think the bodies were initially disposed of before being moved to Saunders County.

Police said Kendall Hawthorne gave baby items from inside Neville’s vehicle to a friend. Those items are believed to contain physical evidence, and some have not been recovered. Hawthorne also allegedly gave James permission to burn items on the NW 27th Street property.

Investigators also believe that on Jan. 16, all four newly arrested individuals watched James and Titus clean their vehicle in the garage at the NW 27th Street residence.

Human remains were located in Saunders County last week. While pathology results are still pending, police said they believe the remains are those of Neville and Tanner. Autopsies were scheduled for Wednesday in hopes of providing additional answers.

In a statement, LPD said, “Our hearts are with the families of Hannah Neville, Roberto Tanner and their unborn child as they face an unimaginable loss. They were deeply loved and deserve to be remembered with dignity and compassion.”

Authorities emphasized the investigation remains active. While LPD is leading the case, investigators believe the homicides occurred in Lancaster County.

<p><i>By Allison Peck</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770833377415.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Lincoln Police Department has made four additional arrests in the homicide investigation surrounding the disappearances and presumed deaths of Hannah Neville, Roberto Tanner and their unborn child.</p><p>In an update released Tuesday, investigators announced that 47-year-old Ammie Mitchell, 57-year-old Kendall Hawthorne, 28-year-old Matthew Lickliter and 40-year-old Sheena Miller were arrested on suspicion of Accessory to Murder and Tampering with Evidence. All four are being held in the Lancaster County Jail. Authorities said the four lived on the property at 7600 NW 27th Street in Lancaster County.</p><p>The arrests follow the earlier arrests of Sterling James and Sayde Titus, who also remain in custody.</p><p>According to LPD, investigators developed probable cause for the additional arrests after reviewing evidence and conducting witness interviews. On Tuesday, the department’s SWAT team served a search warrant at the NW 27th Street address.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flincolnpolicedepartment%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02jtsBKcgFb9JmhMABZ5Nchxot9sbDsLog4WNLTpBTK6gf1HkdXbUPj6wZT9hzE2B5l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="541" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p>Investigators believe that on Jan. 15, Sheena Miller was at the NW 27th Street property when James arrived. Authorities say James and Miller left the property in his vehicle and drove about two miles north on NW 27th Street, with Tanner and Neville following them.</p><p>At that location, police believe James shot and killed Tanner and Neville. Miller is accused of assisting James in moving their bodies and then driving Neville’s vehicle back to the residence.</p><p>Police allege Ammie Mitchell later saw both vehicles parked in the driveway and saw Neville deceased. Investigators say Mitchell removed several personal items from Neville’s vehicle, many of which have not been recovered.</p><p>Matthew Lickliter is accused of returning home and observing Tanner and Neville deceased. Police say Lickliter and James retrieved a torch and later drove separately to the area of 40th and Cornhusker in Lincoln, where Neville’s vehicle was later found burned.</p><p>Authorities believe Lickliter and James then drove separately to an area near 40th and Branched Oak outside Davey, where investigators think the bodies were initially disposed of before being moved to Saunders County.</p><p>Police said Kendall Hawthorne gave baby items from inside Neville’s vehicle to a friend. Those items are believed to contain physical evidence, and some have not been recovered. Hawthorne also allegedly gave James permission to burn items on the NW 27th Street property.</p><p>Investigators also believe that on Jan. 16, all four newly arrested individuals watched James and Titus clean their vehicle in the garage at the NW 27th Street residence.</p><p>Human remains were located in Saunders County last week. While pathology results are still pending, police said they believe the remains are those of Neville and Tanner. Autopsies were scheduled for Wednesday in hopes of providing additional answers.</p><p>In a statement, LPD said, “Our hearts are with the families of Hannah Neville, Roberto Tanner and their unborn child as they face an unimaginable loss. They were deeply loved and deserve to be remembered with dignity and compassion.”</p><p>Authorities emphasized the investigation remains active. While LPD is leading the case, investigators believe the homicides occurred in Lancaster County.</p>

Four More Arrested in Lancaster County Double Homicide Investigation; Police Believe Remains Are Neville and Tanner

The FAA lifted the restrictions hours after they were put in place. Rep. Veronica Escobar stressed there is no threat to El Paso or the surrounding areas.

by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/author/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a><br><a href="https://www.texastribune.org/">Texas Tribune</a>

The Federal Aviation Administration suddenly shut down airspace over El Paso and part of southern New Mexico because of an impasse with the Department of Defense over the use of unmanned military aircraft, according to an industry official who had been briefed on the matter by the FAA in a morning call.&nbsp;

The FAA later reopened airspace on Wednesday morning, just hours after the notice shutting it down was issued.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso has been lifted. There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal,” the FAA shared on X.

The Defense Department has been operating unmanned aircrafts, or drones, against drug cartel operations from a base near El Paso’s airport without sharing information with the FAA, the source, who asked not to be identified, told The Texas Tribune early Wednesday.&nbsp;

“It has to do with the FAA’s inability to predict where [unmanned aircraft systems] might be flying,” the official told the Tribune. “They have been operating outside the normal flight paths.”

A Trump official said the closure occurred because Mexican cartel drones breached US airspace. The Department of War took action to disable the drones, the official said, and both the FAA and the military have now determined there is no threat to commercial travel.

The unexplained notices late Tuesday closed airspace over El Paso and a large patch of southern New Mexico west of Santa Teresa for 10 days. El Paso International Airport was set to be closed to all flights, the city had said. The orders closed off all air travel in the affected area, which could cause massive disruption in the nation’s 23rd-largest city.

Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, said her office has been told there’s no imminent threat to El Paso.

The Tribune was unable to immediately reach Fort Bliss officials for comment.&nbsp;

The Federal Aviation Administration issued notices late Tuesday, closing airspace over El Paso and a large patch of southern New Mexico west of Santa Teresa for 10 days. El Paso International Airport is closed to all flights, the city said.&nbsp;

The orders close off all air travel in the affected area, which could cause massive disruption in the nation’s 23rd largest city.

Pilots who do not adhere may be intercepted and detained, the notices said. The government could use deadly force if the aircraft poses an “imminent security threat.”

The notices, known as Notice to Air Missions, or NOTAM, took effect at 11:30 p.m. Mountain Time Tuesday, and expire at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 20. The announcement caught officials with local government agencies and Fort Bliss by surprise, multiple sources told El Paso Matters.

The El Paso city government issued an advisory early Wednesday that flights at El Paso International Airport are canceled.

“The FAA, on short notice, issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso and our neighboring community, Santa Teresa, NM. The restriction prohibits all aircraft operations (including commercial, cargo and general aviation) and is effective from February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST) to February 20 at 11:30PM (MST),” the city said in a news release.

“Airport staff has reached out to the FAA, and we are pending additional guidance.&nbsp; In the meanwhile, commercial airlines operating out of El Paso are being informed of the restriction, which appears to be security related. Travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines to get the latest information on their flight status.”

Closing off airspace over a major U.S. city is a rare action, and officials with the Federal Aviation Administration didn’t immediately respond to questions from El Paso Matters on the reasons for the action.

A person familiar with the notices, who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly, said the action to close airspace over a major U.S. for security reasons over an extended period hasn’t happened since immediately after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“All air traffic has been halted in a 10 nautical mile range around the airport, so encompassing El Paso and Fort Bliss, from the ground to 17,000 feet. So no aircraft in or out, regardless of what they are, whether it’s air carriers, military, medevac helicopters, law enforcement. Nobody can fly as this thing is written up,” the person said.

The notices include a phone number at the FAA’s Special Operations Support Center to call for more information. A man identifying himself as Eric spoke briefly to El Paso Matters late Tuesday and said he couldn’t explain the reason for the notices.

“Not really, not because I won’t, it’s because I don’t know. I mean, this is just the office that publishes. So we’re handed the sheets and they say go with it,” Eric said.

The restricted airspace covers most of El Paso County, but doesn’t include Mexican airspace, according to information provided by the FAA.

It also includes a large area of southern New Mexico west of San Teresa, but not the airport in the suburb west of El Paso. The restricted New Mexico airspace goes from the Mexican border on the south to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peak National Monument to the north.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://elpasomatters.org/2026/02/11/unexplained-faa-order-shuts-down-el-paso-southern-new-mexico-airspace-for-10-days/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://elpasomatters.org/" target="_blank">El Paso Matters</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595949508667.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The FAA lifted the restrictions hours after they were put in place. Rep. Veronica Escobar stressed there is no threat to El Paso or the surrounding areas.</p><p>by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/author/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a><br><a href="https://www.texastribune.org/">Texas Tribune</a></p><p>The Federal Aviation Administration suddenly shut down airspace over El Paso and part of southern New Mexico because of an impasse with the Department of Defense over the use of unmanned military aircraft, according to an industry official who had been briefed on the matter by the FAA in a morning call.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso has been lifted. There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal.</p>&mdash; The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews/status/2021583720465969421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The FAA later reopened airspace on Wednesday morning, just hours after the notice shutting it down was issued.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso has been lifted. There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal,” the FAA shared on X.</p><p>The Defense Department has been operating unmanned aircrafts, or drones, against drug cartel operations from a base near El Paso’s airport without sharing information with the FAA, the source, who asked not to be identified, told The Texas Tribune early Wednesday.&nbsp;</p><p>“It has to do with the FAA’s inability to predict where [unmanned aircraft systems] might be flying,” the official told the Tribune. “They have been operating outside the normal flight paths.”</p><p>A Trump official said the closure occurred because Mexican cartel drones breached US airspace. The Department of War took action to disable the drones, the official said, and both the FAA and the military have now determined there is no threat to commercial travel.</p><p>The unexplained notices late Tuesday closed airspace over El Paso and a large patch of southern New Mexico west of Santa Teresa for 10 days. El Paso International Airport was set to be closed to all flights, the city had said. The orders closed off all air travel in the affected area, which could cause massive disruption in the nation’s 23rd-largest city.</p><p>Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, said her office has been told there’s no imminent threat to El Paso.</p><p>The Tribune was unable to immediately reach Fort Bliss officials for comment.&nbsp;</p><p>-----------------</p><p>The Federal Aviation Administration issued notices late Tuesday, closing airspace over El Paso and a large patch of southern New Mexico west of Santa Teresa for 10 days. El Paso International Airport is closed to all flights, the city said.&nbsp;</p><p>The orders close off all air travel in the affected area, which could cause massive disruption in the nation’s 23rd largest city.</p><p>Pilots who do not adhere may be intercepted and detained, the notices said. The government could use deadly force if the aircraft poses an “imminent security threat.”</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have urged the FAA to immediately lift the Temporary Flight Restrictions placed on the El Paso area.<br><br>I will continue to make information public as I learn it.</p>&mdash; Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepEscobar/status/2021569956844839020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The notices, known as Notice to Air Missions, or NOTAM, took effect at 11:30 p.m. Mountain Time Tuesday, and expire at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 20. The announcement caught officials with local government agencies and Fort Bliss by surprise, multiple sources told El Paso Matters.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770816430122.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The El Paso city government issued an advisory early Wednesday that flights at El Paso International Airport are canceled.</p><p>“The FAA, on short notice, issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso and our neighboring community, Santa Teresa, NM. The restriction prohibits all aircraft operations (including commercial, cargo and general aviation) and is effective from February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST) to February 20 at 11:30PM (MST),” the city said in a news release.</p><p>“Airport staff has reached out to the FAA, and we are pending additional guidance.&nbsp; In the meanwhile, commercial airlines operating out of El Paso are being informed of the restriction, which appears to be security related. Travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines to get the latest information on their flight status.”</p><p>Closing off airspace over a major U.S. city is a rare action, and officials with the Federal Aviation Administration didn’t immediately respond to questions from El Paso Matters on the reasons for the action.</p><p>A person familiar with the notices, who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly, said the action to close airspace over a major U.S. for security reasons over an extended period hasn’t happened since immediately after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.</p><p>“All air traffic has been halted in a 10 nautical mile range around the airport, so encompassing El Paso and Fort Bliss, from the ground to 17,000 feet. So no aircraft in or out, regardless of what they are, whether it’s air carriers, military, medevac helicopters, law enforcement. Nobody can fly as this thing is written up,” the person said.</p><p>The notices include a phone number at the FAA’s Special Operations Support Center to call for more information. A man identifying himself as Eric spoke briefly to El Paso Matters late Tuesday and said he couldn’t explain the reason for the notices.</p><p>“Not really, not because I won’t, it’s because I don’t know. I mean, this is just the office that publishes. So we’re handed the sheets and they say go with it,” Eric said.</p><p>The restricted airspace covers most of El Paso County, but doesn’t include Mexican airspace, according to information provided by the FAA.</p><p>It also includes a large area of southern New Mexico west of San Teresa, but not the airport in the suburb west of El Paso. The restricted New Mexico airspace goes from the Mexican border on the south to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peak National Monument to the north.</p><p>This is a developing story and will be updated.</p><p>This&nbsp;<a href="https://elpasomatters.org/2026/02/11/unexplained-faa-order-shuts-down-el-paso-southern-new-mexico-airspace-for-10-days/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://elpasomatters.org/" target="_blank">El Paso Matters</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.</p>

Security Alert: El Paso airspace briefly closed after impasse between FAA, Defense Dept.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Subject detained in connection to Nancy Guthrie investigation. <a href="https://t.co/B2pgIwqODt">pic.twitter.com/B2pgIwqODt</a></p>&mdash; Pima County Sheriff&#39;s Department (@PimaSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PimaSheriff/status/2021424732676280546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New video in the search for Nancy Guthrie: Over the last eight days, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost,… <a href="https://t.co/XCEvkA5eJ6">pic.twitter.com/XCEvkA5eJ6</a></p>&mdash; FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIPhoenix/status/2021303417914753471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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 recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. New images released today show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at… <a href="https://t.co/WH76eefgcZ">pic.twitter.com/WH76eefgcZ</a></p>&mdash; FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIMostWanted/status/2021290662830764541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Person detained after FBI released photos in Nancy Guthrie case

By Cindy Gonzalez<br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — An undocumented migrant caught in legal limbo at the ICE detention center in McCook will get a bond hearing soon, or, a federal judge has ruled, the federal government must release him.&nbsp;

U.S. District Judge Susan Bazis issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclunebraska.org/app/uploads/2026/02/Chang-Memorandum-and-Order.pdf" target="_blank">an order late Monday</a>&nbsp;calling for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to arrange a bond hearing within seven days for Carlos Roldan Chang. If that doesn’t happen, she ordered that Roldan Chang be immediately released.&nbsp;

ACLU Nebraska, which filed a lawsuit Jan. 26 on behalf of the Guatemala native, called the order a welcome and positive development —&nbsp;for him as well as for a broader ongoing battle against a new ICE policy that asserts nearly all detained immigrants are ineligible for bond hearings and release on bond as they fight deportation proceedings.

Although a federal class action lawsuit had vacated ICE’s mandatory detention policy, which is based upon the Trump administration’s new interpretation of statutes, the feds have continued to deny bond hearings. ACLU Nebraska over the past couple of weeks has filed three related federal lawsuits seeking a bond hearing for ICE detainees in Nebraska, including one for Roldan Chang.

The undocumented immigrant has been in the United States for more than 20 years, and has been at the McCook detention facility since December. His first contact with ICE authorities was late last year in Des Moines, said ACLU Nebraska. He had been in the Polk County Jail after he was arrested for assault causing bodily injury.

Federal officials started deportation proceedings against Roldan Chang in December, and an immigration judge denied his request for a bond hearing, based on the new Trump administration policy.&nbsp;

Bazis, in the Monday decision, said the court has previously concluded that noncitizens detained within the interior of the U.S. who have been present in the country for years are entitled to a bond hearing.&nbsp;

“It reaches the same conclusion here based on its interpretation of the relevant statutory detention framework,” her order said.

Roldan Chang seeks release on bond to be with his family members while his legal team works on his deportation case.

“We were grateful to see this swift order,” said Grant Friedman, ACLU attorney. He said it affirmed the nonprofit’s contention that Chang is entitled to a bond hearing and that his ongoing detention without a hearing is unlawful.

Friedman called the Monday order a “welcome development,” as it granted what the ACLU sought in the lawsuit. But he said it is far from the “last hurdle,” as his client’s release is not guaranteed even if provided a bond hearing.&nbsp;

“We are hopeful on next steps, and we will continue to advocate for others in ICE custody who are facing similar circumstances,” Friedman said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770807292476.png" alt=" The Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. Oct. 24, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption> The Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. Oct. 24, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By Cindy Gonzalez<br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN — An undocumented migrant caught in legal limbo at the ICE detention center in McCook will get a bond hearing soon, or, a federal judge has ruled, the federal government must release him.&nbsp;</p><p>U.S. District Judge Susan Bazis issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclunebraska.org/app/uploads/2026/02/Chang-Memorandum-and-Order.pdf" target="_blank">an order late Monday</a>&nbsp;calling for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to arrange a bond hearing within seven days for Carlos Roldan Chang. If that doesn’t happen, she ordered that Roldan Chang be immediately released.&nbsp;</p><p>ACLU Nebraska, which filed a lawsuit Jan. 26 on behalf of the Guatemala native, called the order a welcome and positive development —&nbsp;for him as well as for a broader ongoing battle against a new ICE policy that asserts nearly all detained immigrants are ineligible for bond hearings and release on bond as they fight deportation proceedings.</p><p>Although a federal class action lawsuit had vacated ICE’s mandatory detention policy, which is based upon the Trump administration’s new interpretation of statutes, the feds have continued to deny bond hearings. ACLU Nebraska over the past couple of weeks has filed three related federal lawsuits seeking a bond hearing for ICE detainees in Nebraska, including one for Roldan Chang.</p><p>The undocumented immigrant has been in the United States for more than 20 years, and has been at the McCook detention facility since December. His first contact with ICE authorities was late last year in Des Moines, said ACLU Nebraska. He had been in the Polk County Jail after he was arrested for assault causing bodily injury.</p><p>Federal officials started deportation proceedings against Roldan Chang in December, and an immigration judge denied his request for a bond hearing, based on the new Trump administration policy.&nbsp;</p><p>Bazis, in the Monday decision, said the court has previously concluded that noncitizens detained within the interior of the U.S. who have been present in the country for years are entitled to a bond hearing.&nbsp;</p><p>“It reaches the same conclusion here based on its interpretation of the relevant statutory detention framework,” her order said.</p><p>Roldan Chang seeks release on bond to be with his family members while his legal team works on his deportation case.</p><p>“We were grateful to see this swift order,” said Grant Friedman, ACLU attorney. He said it affirmed the nonprofit’s contention that Chang is entitled to a bond hearing and that his ongoing detention without a hearing is unlawful.</p><p>Friedman called the Monday order a “welcome development,” as it granted what the ACLU sought in the lawsuit. But he said it is far from the “last hurdle,” as his client’s release is not guaranteed even if provided a bond hearing.&nbsp;</p><p>“We are hopeful on next steps, and we will continue to advocate for others in ICE custody who are facing similar circumstances,” Friedman said.</p>

Federal judge sides with McCook migrant detainee in ACLU Nebraska lawsuit

TUCSON —Over the last eight days, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to&nbsp;recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors - including the removal of recording devices, according to a statement from the FBI.

 The video was recovered from residual data located in backend systems.
&nbsp;
Working with our partners - as of Tuesday morning, law enforcement&nbsp; uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed&nbsp;individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door&nbsp;the morning&nbsp;of her disappearance.
&nbsp;

Anyone with information, please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI&nbsp;or visit <a href="https://t.co/m55w5cqC7Y" target="_blank">http://tips.fbi.gov</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770749564250.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>TUCSON —Over the last eight days, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to&nbsp;recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors - including the removal of recording devices, according to a statement from the FBI.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: The FBI has released new videos of the suspect involved in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. <a href="https://t.co/H7ZWzfHQSe">pic.twitter.com/H7ZWzfHQSe</a></p>&mdash; Resist Times (@ResistWire) <a href="https://twitter.com/ResistWire/status/2021287372105884078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770746386987.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p> The video was recovered from residual data located in backend systems.
&nbsp;
Working with our partners - as of Tuesday morning, law enforcement&nbsp; uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed&nbsp;individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door&nbsp;the morning&nbsp;of her disappearance.
&nbsp;</p><p>Anyone with information, please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI&nbsp;or visit <a href="https://t.co/m55w5cqC7Y" target="_blank">http://tips.fbi.gov</a></p>

🎥FBI: Video from Guthrie home shows masked person

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When the <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofWar</a> says quarantine, we mean it. Nothing will stop DoW from defending our Homeland — even in oceans halfway around the world.<br><br>Overnight, U.S. military forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding on the Aquila II without incident in the… <a href="https://t.co/kYVAQC5io9">pic.twitter.com/kYVAQC5io9</a></p>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/2020833550488965503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥US military boards sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after pursuit

State’s top election official has said he plans to hand the data to the Justice Department later this week

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

LINCOLN – A Lancaster County District Court judge dismissed a lawsuit without prejudice late last week that sought to stop the state from handing over its voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice.&nbsp;

District Judge Lori Maret said in her Friday ruling that Common Cause lacks standing to sue because the alleged harm is speculative and not imminent, and ruling now would not end the controversy surrounding the DOJ request, including what information the Justice Department would ultimately seek or what Nebraska would provide.&nbsp;She also did not rule on the legal question at the heart of the lawsuit.

The judge&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/01/29/court-hears-lawsuit-seeking-to-stop-nebraska-from-releasing-voter-data-to-federal-government/">heard arguments</a>&nbsp;last month. Common Cause argued that Nebraska law affords federal officials no special rights to access residents’ private information included in parts of the voter file. The state argued that federal agencies still play a valuable role in elections overseen by states, noting that the federal government has a wealth of information and resources that help states with election systems.

Voting advocacy group Common Cause has appealed the ruling to the Nebraska Court of Appeals, which gave the case a docket number. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has said he plans to hand over the voter data to the DOJ on Thursday.&nbsp;

Evnen told reporters last week that he plans to send a letter to the DOJ with the voter data to remind the agency of “its obligation under law to keep the information confidential and to honor the privacy statutes of our country and our state.”

Federal officials have asked states for names, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers and the last four digits of voters’ Social Security numbers, saying they want the information to ensure accurate voter registration rolls, based on reporting in other states. In Nebraska, the information maintained is more limited.

The Justice Department has requested voter data from 44 states and Washington, D.C. so far, with plans to ask for that information from all 50 states. A few GOP-led states have declined or not responded, citing privacy concerns. A majority of Democratic-run states have declined to turn over the information.

Critics have questioned the safety of letting any presidential administration consolidate state voter data in one place. The federal government has sued more than 20 states and the District of Columbia for not complying.

“We believe in the merits of this case, and we will exhaust every option to protect voters,” said Gavin Geis, Common Cause’s Nebraska Executive Director. “Nebraskans shouldn’t have to wait until they experience catastrophic harm to demand that the state protect their private data.”&nbsp;

A federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/federal-judge-dismisses-doj-lawsuit-seeking-oregon-voter-rolls-rcna256069" target="_blank">dismissed</a>&nbsp;the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking Oregon’s voter data last month.&nbsp;The DOJ asked&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/01/24/us/pam-bondi-walz-doc.html" target="_blank">Minnesota</a>&nbsp;to hand over its voter rolls as part of a federal offer to reduce the presence of&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/29/homan-im-staying-til-the-problem-is-gone/" target="_blank">thousands of immigration agents in the state</a>&nbsp;last month.

The Secretary of State’s Office, in a statement Monday afternoon, confirmed that Evnen intends to hand over the data on Thursday.&nbsp;The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office declined to comment.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770741395031.png" alt=" People voting early at the Neptune Senior Citizen Center in Neptune, N.J. on Oct. 29, 2022. (Daniella Heminghaus for New Jersey Monitor)" />
                        <figcaption> People voting early at the Neptune Senior Citizen Center in Neptune, N.J. on Oct. 29, 2022. (Daniella Heminghaus for New Jersey Monitor)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>State’s top election official has said he plans to hand the data to the Justice Department later this week</h2><p>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN – A Lancaster County District Court judge dismissed a lawsuit without prejudice late last week that sought to stop the state from handing over its voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice.&nbsp;</p><p>District Judge Lori Maret said in her Friday ruling that Common Cause lacks standing to sue because the alleged harm is speculative and not imminent, and ruling now would not end the controversy surrounding the DOJ request, including what information the Justice Department would ultimately seek or what Nebraska would provide.&nbsp;She also did not rule on the legal question at the heart of the lawsuit.</p><p>The judge&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/01/29/court-hears-lawsuit-seeking-to-stop-nebraska-from-releasing-voter-data-to-federal-government/">heard arguments</a>&nbsp;last month. Common Cause argued that Nebraska law affords federal officials no special rights to access residents’ private information included in parts of the voter file. The state argued that federal agencies still play a valuable role in elections overseen by states, noting that the federal government has a wealth of information and resources that help states with election systems.</p><p>Voting advocacy group Common Cause has appealed the ruling to the Nebraska Court of Appeals, which gave the case a docket number. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has said he plans to hand over the voter data to the DOJ on Thursday.&nbsp;</p><p>Evnen told reporters last week that he plans to send a letter to the DOJ with the voter data to remind the agency of “its obligation under law to keep the information confidential and to honor the privacy statutes of our country and our state.”</p><p>Federal officials have asked states for names, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers and the last four digits of voters’ Social Security numbers, saying they want the information to ensure accurate voter registration rolls, based on reporting in other states. In Nebraska, the information maintained is more limited.</p><p>The Justice Department has requested voter data from 44 states and Washington, D.C. so far, with plans to ask for that information from all 50 states. A few GOP-led states have declined or not responded, citing privacy concerns. A majority of Democratic-run states have declined to turn over the information.</p><p>Critics have questioned the safety of letting any presidential administration consolidate state voter data in one place. The federal government has sued more than 20 states and the District of Columbia for not complying.</p><p>“We believe in the merits of this case, and we will exhaust every option to protect voters,” said Gavin Geis, Common Cause’s Nebraska Executive Director. “Nebraskans shouldn’t have to wait until they experience catastrophic harm to demand that the state protect their private data.”&nbsp;</p><p>A federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/federal-judge-dismisses-doj-lawsuit-seeking-oregon-voter-rolls-rcna256069" target="_blank">dismissed</a>&nbsp;the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking Oregon’s voter data last month.&nbsp;The DOJ asked&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/01/24/us/pam-bondi-walz-doc.html" target="_blank">Minnesota</a>&nbsp;to hand over its voter rolls as part of a federal offer to reduce the presence of&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/29/homan-im-staying-til-the-problem-is-gone/" target="_blank">thousands of immigration agents in the state</a>&nbsp;last month.</p><p>The Secretary of State’s Office, in a statement Monday afternoon, confirmed that Evnen intends to hand over the data on Thursday.&nbsp;The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office declined to comment.</p>

Nebraska judge tosses lawsuit to keep state from releasing voter data to feds

On Monday at the direction of U.S. Southern Command commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command.

 Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. 

Two narco-terrorists were killed and one survived the strike. Following the engagement, USSOUTHCOM immediately notified U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor.&nbsp;

<p>On Monday at the direction of U.S. Southern Command commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On Feb. 9, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOUTHCOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOUTHCOM</a> commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking… <a href="https://t.co/fa5vppjcCy">pic.twitter.com/fa5vppjcCy</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2021023735881564262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p> Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. </p><p>Two narco-terrorists were killed and one survived the strike. Following the engagement, USSOUTHCOM immediately notified U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor.&nbsp;</p>

🎥Two dead after another US strike on a drug boat

Judiciary Committee hears collection of bills aimed at improving state’s domestic violence response

<i>By Erin Bamer<br></i><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers considered a slate of bills Friday aimed at improving protections for victims of domestic violence, including one that would require the people against whom protection orders were issued to temporarily surrender their firearms.

The Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee hosted public hearings on five bills that all seek to adjust the ways the state responds to domestic violence reports. Some of the policies considered included graduated penalties for repeated violations of protection orders and updates to Nebraska’s criminal code to address modern abuse tactics, adding penalties for using mobile tracking devices on a partner without his or her consent.

Legislative Bill 1088, introduced by State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would require people with domestic abuse protection orders granted against them or people convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor charge to surrender their owned firearms and to prove they complied with this aspect of the new law. Violations would be a Class I misdemeanor, which comes with a $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or both.

Current Nebraska law bans those convicted of domestic abuse charges or named in an issued protection order from purchasing new guns or ammunition. But Raybould and LB 1088 supporters argue that leaves a “deadly gap” in Nebraska’s criminal justice system. Raybould said her bill would bring Nebraska in line with 29 other states with similar laws.

“We can’t stick our heads in the sand about this issue,” Raybould said. “Especially when there are small but significant steps that we can take.”

LB 1088 saw seven supporters and two opponents testify at Friday’s hearing. Supporters included multiple survivors, a loved one of a deceased victim, a family law attorney, the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, the Police Chiefs Association of Nebraska and the Women’s Fund of Omaha.

Multiple testifiers argued LB 1088 would save lives. Carrie Wiese, a domestic abuse survivor, said her abuser’s handgun “went missing” after he was issued a protection order three years ago. Had she been staying in a place where he could find her, Wiese said she may not be alive today.

Wiese and other supporters emphasized that the bill was a necessary enforcement tool for protection orders.

“Otherwise the [protection order] is just a piece of paper … that is not bulletproof,” Wiese said.

Melanie Kirk, legal director for the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, said the period a victim seeks and secures a protection order is often the most dangerous for victims. When there is a firearm present in the home, violence is far more likely, she said.

Kirk acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges in LB 1088 was storage of seized firearms, noting that some law enforcement agencies may not have the capacity to store the weapons themselves. She suggested a delayed implementation date for the new law to give those agencies time to secure the needed infrastructure to handle weapons drop-offs.

Spencer Head with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office opposed LB 1088 in part for this reason. He said his office wouldn’t have the storage capacity necessary for this process and noted other procedural issues with the proposal. For example, he said his office is prohibited from returning seized ammunition.

Raybould indicated she was willing to negotiate with law enforcement on a possible amendment.

Dick Clark, an attorney and legislative staffer representing himself on Friday, also opposed the bill. He said LB 1088 would add unnecessary duties for law enforcement and noted that prohibited persons are already banned from possessing firearms under Nebraska law.

Clark argued LB 1088 would instill a stricter policy than federal law, which calls for the surrender of firearms only after the final order of a domestic abuse case has been made. He said the bill is well-intentioned, but he doubts it would actually accomplish Raybould’s goal of preventing violence.

“If they’re willing to kill, they’re probably willing to be a liar,” Clark said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770553609429.png" alt="State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln. March 31, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln. March 31, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Judiciary Committee hears collection of bills aimed at improving state’s domestic violence response</h2><p><i>By Erin Bamer<br></i><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers considered a slate of bills Friday aimed at improving protections for victims of domestic violence, including one that would require the people against whom protection orders were issued to temporarily surrender their firearms.</p><p>The Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee hosted public hearings on five bills that all seek to adjust the ways the state responds to domestic violence reports. Some of the policies considered included graduated penalties for repeated violations of protection orders and updates to Nebraska’s criminal code to address modern abuse tactics, adding penalties for using mobile tracking devices on a partner without his or her consent.</p><p>Legislative Bill 1088, introduced by State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would require people with domestic abuse protection orders granted against them or people convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor charge to surrender their owned firearms and to prove they complied with this aspect of the new law. Violations would be a Class I misdemeanor, which comes with a $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or both.</p><p>Current Nebraska law bans those convicted of domestic abuse charges or named in an issued protection order from purchasing new guns or ammunition. But Raybould and LB 1088 supporters argue that leaves a “deadly gap” in Nebraska’s criminal justice system. Raybould said her bill would bring Nebraska in line with 29 other states with similar laws.</p><p>“We can’t stick our heads in the sand about this issue,” Raybould said. “Especially when there are small but significant steps that we can take.”</p><p>LB 1088 saw seven supporters and two opponents testify at Friday’s hearing. Supporters included multiple survivors, a loved one of a deceased victim, a family law attorney, the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, the Police Chiefs Association of Nebraska and the Women’s Fund of Omaha.</p><p>Multiple testifiers argued LB 1088 would save lives. Carrie Wiese, a domestic abuse survivor, said her abuser’s handgun “went missing” after he was issued a protection order three years ago. Had she been staying in a place where he could find her, Wiese said she may not be alive today.</p><p>Wiese and other supporters emphasized that the bill was a necessary enforcement tool for protection orders.</p><p>“Otherwise the [protection order] is just a piece of paper … that is not bulletproof,” Wiese said.</p><p>Melanie Kirk, legal director for the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, said the period a victim seeks and secures a protection order is often the most dangerous for victims. When there is a firearm present in the home, violence is far more likely, she said.</p><p>Kirk acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges in LB 1088 was storage of seized firearms, noting that some law enforcement agencies may not have the capacity to store the weapons themselves. She suggested a delayed implementation date for the new law to give those agencies time to secure the needed infrastructure to handle weapons drop-offs.</p><p>Spencer Head with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office opposed LB 1088 in part for this reason. He said his office wouldn’t have the storage capacity necessary for this process and noted other procedural issues with the proposal. For example, he said his office is prohibited from returning seized ammunition.</p><p>Raybould indicated she was willing to negotiate with law enforcement on a possible amendment.</p><p>Dick Clark, an attorney and legislative staffer representing himself on Friday, also opposed the bill. He said LB 1088 would add unnecessary duties for law enforcement and noted that prohibited persons are already banned from possessing firearms under Nebraska law.</p><p>Clark argued LB 1088 would instill a stricter policy than federal law, which calls for the surrender of firearms only after the final order of a domestic abuse case has been made. He said the bill is well-intentioned, but he doubts it would actually accomplish Raybould’s goal of preventing violence.</p><p>“If they’re willing to kill, they’re probably willing to be a liar,” Clark said.</p>

Nebraska mulls temporary firearm seizures for issued protection orders

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🎥'Today' show host's new video plea to kidnapper: We will pay

Zubayar Al-Bakoush, an armed coconspirator in the 2012 attack on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya, that killed U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans, was charged in an eight-count indictment unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court on multiple terrorism and murder counts, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Bondi said in a news conference that Zubayr Al-Bakoush had landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at 3 a.m. on Friday.

“We have never stopped seeking justice for that crime against our nation,” Bondi said.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said that an eight-count indictment charged Al-Bakoush with crimes including the murders of Ambassador Chris Stevens and State Department employee Sean Smith. It was unclear if Al-Bakoush had an attorney representing him.

Bakoush, who is in federal custody, is expected to make his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya for the District of Columbia.

“The terrorist attack on our Benghazi Embassy was a dark and tragic day for our nation that robbed us of four American heroes,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Now, thanks to our brave federal agents, one of its alleged key participants will be prosecuted in an American courtroom on American soil. Under President Trump’s leadership, this Department of Justice will never rest in our mission to Make America Safe Again and deliver swift, severe justice to our enemies.”

"The FBI and our U.S. government partners have worked tirelessly to hold accountable those responsible for the heinous terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya that resulted in the deaths of the U.S. Ambassador, J. Christopher Stevens and U.S. government personnel Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The latest result of our efforts is bringing&nbsp; Zubayar Al-Bakoush&nbsp; to the U.S. to face charges for his alleged role in the attacks against our citizens and our facilities in Libya. You can be assured that no matter how long it takes, or where you are located, the FBI remains steadfast in our duty to see justice served against those who harm our citizens. I’m grateful to the men and women of the FBI for their unrelenting efforts to bring us to where we stand today – this defendant will be prosecuted on U.S. soil.”

“Today’s indictment against Zubayar Al-Bakoush is indicative of President Trump’s resolve to hold accountable anyone who harms Americans, no matter where,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. “Al-Bakoush is now on U.S. soil, because the FBI and Department of Justice never forgot those Americans who were seemingly forgotten in that outpost in Benghazi, Libya. President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, FBI Director Patel, and I will do whatever it takes, no matter how long it takes, to pursue justice for the victims and their families.”

“Over thirteen years have passed since the 2012 attack in Libya, and over eight since the last arrest in this case, but the Department of Justice’s resolve has not wavered,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “We never forgot those four Americans who were killed in service of our Nation, and we will continue to seek justice for them, their families, and for the United States.”

“In September 2012, Zubayar Al-Bakoush allegedly facilitated the terrorist attack on the United States Mission and Annex in Benghazi in which four Americans – including an ambassador – were murdered in an effort to incite additional violence against our country’s presence in Libya” said James Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge of New York Field Office. “This bloody campaign waged unnecessary brutality against Americans and forever altered the lives of the victims’ families. May today’s significant disruption send a clear message: the FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will never cease its tireless pursuit of any terrorist involved in the massacre of our nation’s citizens, regardless of when or where the onslaught occurred.”

Jurisdiction of the United States and Attempting to Do the Same

The charges stem from the Sept. 11, 2012, terrorist attack on the U.S. Special Mission and nearby CIA Annex that killed&nbsp;Ambassador Stevens and U.S. government personnel Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty.

According to the indictment, Bakoush was a member of Ansar Al Sharia (AAS), an Islamist extremist militia in Benghazi, which had the goal of establishing Sharia law in Libya.

On the evening of Sept. 11, 2012, a group of more than 20 heavily armed men – including Bakoush assembled outside the main gate of the U.S Special Mission in Benghazi.&nbsp; They were armed with assault rifles, other firearms, and explosive devices.&nbsp; At about 9:45 p.m., the group of armed men violently breached the main gate of the Mission. Upon entry, the men fanned out across the Mission complex, setting fires to building within the Mission compound.

When the attackers could not gain entry to the secure area of Villa C, the Ambassador’s residence, they set fire to it. &nbsp;Ambassador Stevens and Mr. Smith suffocated from the thick, black smoke that enveloped the residence.&nbsp;Diplomatic Security Services (DSS) Special Agent Scott Wickland, who had tried to guide Ambassador Stevens and Mr. Smith to safety, was injured and repeatedly took small arms fire while trying to rescue the two Americans.

The extremist group also attacked the Quick Reaction Force building, which was occupied by local Libyans serving as guards for the Mission.

About 10 p.m., Bakoush entered the Mission compound with other conspirators, and conducted surveillance of the Tactical Operation Center and the Villa. After Bakoush attempted to gain entry to vehicles belonging to Mission staff, he and his co-conspirators temporarily retreated to an area just outside the Mission.

About 11:15 p.m., conspirators assembled outside the southern gate and launched a second violent attack on the Mission using AK-type assault rifles, grenades, and rocket-propelled grenades. After 30 minutes, the group entered the compound and plundered the Mission’s office of documents, maps, and computers containing sensitive information about the location of the CIA Annex.

At 12:30 a.m., conspirators attacked the Annex with small arms, assault rifles, and rocket-propelled grenades.

Following the attack at the Mission, in the early hours of September 12, 2012, the violence continued at the CIA Annex, first with gunfire and then with a precision mortar attack. While defending the Annex, Mr. Woods, Mr. Doherty, DSS Special Agent David Ubben, and CIA security specialist Mark Tiegen were hit by a precision mortar attack, leading to the deaths of Mr. Woods and Mr. Doherty. Special Agent Ubben and Mr. Tiegen were seriously wounded but survived.

The Department of Justice previously charged and convicted two leaders in the Benghazi attack on federal terrorism charges and other offenses. Ahmed Abu Khatallah, aka Ahmed Mukatallah was sentenced in June 2018 to 22 years in prison and resentenced in September 2024 to 28 years in prison. Mustafa al-Imam was sentenced in January 2020 to nearly 20 years.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s New York Field Office with substantial assistance from the Department of War, the CIA and the Department of State. The National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section provided additional assistance.

The case is being prosecuted by the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

<p>Zubayar Al-Bakoush, an armed coconspirator in the 2012 attack on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya, that killed U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans, was charged in an eight-count indictment unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court on multiple terrorism and murder counts, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBIDirectorKash</a> and I worked for months to get to this moment and we weren’t going to let the moment pass no matter what time Bakoush landed. <a href="https://t.co/EiAZHWD3Z9">pic.twitter.com/EiAZHWD3Z9</a></p>&mdash; US Attorney Pirro (@USAttyPirro) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAttyPirro/status/2019868183352717685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Attorney General Pam Bondi (<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>): &quot;Today, I am proud to announce that the FBI has arrested one of the key participants behind the Benghazi attack.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/P20IIckG5H">pic.twitter.com/P20IIckG5H</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2019788530570961385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The world knows that if you kill an American citizen in an act of terrorism, <br><br>We will hunt you down. <a href="https://t.co/Is00giHrlo">pic.twitter.com/Is00giHrlo</a></p>&mdash; FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2019795731444285775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> announces the arrest of Zubayr Al-Bakoush, one of the key participants behind the attack at the U.S. embassy in Benghazi:<br><br>&quot;Hillary Clinton famously once said about Benghazi, &#39;What difference, at this point, does it make?&#39; Well, it makes a difference to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BWdncrVSdD">pic.twitter.com/BWdncrVSdD</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2019798741784387961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Bondi said in a news conference that Zubayr Al-Bakoush had landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at 3 a.m. on Friday.</p><p>“We have never stopped seeking justice for that crime against our nation,” Bondi said.</p><p>U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said that an eight-count indictment charged Al-Bakoush with crimes including the murders of Ambassador Chris Stevens and State Department employee Sean Smith. It was unclear if Al-Bakoush had an attorney representing him.</p><p>Bakoush, who is in federal custody, is expected to make his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya for the District of Columbia.</p><p>“The terrorist attack on our Benghazi Embassy was a dark and tragic day for our nation that robbed us of four American heroes,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Now, thanks to our brave federal agents, one of its alleged key participants will be prosecuted in an American courtroom on American soil. Under President Trump’s leadership, this Department of Justice will never rest in our mission to Make America Safe Again and deliver swift, severe justice to our enemies.”</p><p>"The FBI and our U.S. government partners have worked tirelessly to hold accountable those responsible for the heinous terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya that resulted in the deaths of the U.S. Ambassador, J. Christopher Stevens and U.S. government personnel Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The latest result of our efforts is bringing&nbsp; Zubayar Al-Bakoush&nbsp; to the U.S. to face charges for his alleged role in the attacks against our citizens and our facilities in Libya. You can be assured that no matter how long it takes, or where you are located, the FBI remains steadfast in our duty to see justice served against those who harm our citizens. I’m grateful to the men and women of the FBI for their unrelenting efforts to bring us to where we stand today – this defendant will be prosecuted on U.S. soil.”</p><p>“Today’s indictment against Zubayar Al-Bakoush is indicative of President Trump’s resolve to hold accountable anyone who harms Americans, no matter where,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. “Al-Bakoush is now on U.S. soil, because the FBI and Department of Justice never forgot those Americans who were seemingly forgotten in that outpost in Benghazi, Libya. President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, FBI Director Patel, and I will do whatever it takes, no matter how long it takes, to pursue justice for the victims and their families.”</p><p>“Over thirteen years have passed since the 2012 attack in Libya, and over eight since the last arrest in this case, but the Department of Justice’s resolve has not wavered,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “We never forgot those four Americans who were killed in service of our Nation, and we will continue to seek justice for them, their families, and for the United States.”</p><p>“In September 2012, Zubayar Al-Bakoush allegedly facilitated the terrorist attack on the United States Mission and Annex in Benghazi in which four Americans – including an ambassador – were murdered in an effort to incite additional violence against our country’s presence in Libya” said James Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge of New York Field Office. “This bloody campaign waged unnecessary brutality against Americans and forever altered the lives of the victims’ families. May today’s significant disruption send a clear message: the FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will never cease its tireless pursuit of any terrorist involved in the massacre of our nation’s citizens, regardless of when or where the onslaught occurred.”</p><p>The indictment charges Bakoush with:</p><ul>
                        <li>Conspiracy to Provide Material Support and Resources to Terrorists Resulting in Death</li><li>Providing Material Support and Resources to Terrorists Resulting in Death</li><li>Murder of an Internationally Protected Person</li><li>Murder of a United States National Outside of the United States (Two Counts)</li><li>Attempted Murder of a United States National Outside of the United States</li><li>Arson and Placing Lives in Jeopardy Within the Special Maritime and Territorial</li>
                    </ul><p>Jurisdiction of the United States and Attempting to Do the Same</p><ul>
                        <li>Maliciously Destroying and Injuring Property and Placing Lives in Jeopardy within the Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction of the United States and Attempting to Do the Same</li>
                    </ul><p>The charges stem from the Sept. 11, 2012, terrorist attack on the U.S. Special Mission and nearby CIA Annex that killed&nbsp;Ambassador Stevens and U.S. government personnel Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty.</p><p>According to the indictment, Bakoush was a member of Ansar Al Sharia (AAS), an Islamist extremist militia in Benghazi, which had the goal of establishing Sharia law in Libya.</p><p>On the evening of Sept. 11, 2012, a group of more than 20 heavily armed men – including Bakoush assembled outside the main gate of the U.S Special Mission in Benghazi.&nbsp; They were armed with assault rifles, other firearms, and explosive devices.&nbsp; At about 9:45 p.m., the group of armed men violently breached the main gate of the Mission. Upon entry, the men fanned out across the Mission complex, setting fires to building within the Mission compound.</p><p>When the attackers could not gain entry to the secure area of Villa C, the Ambassador’s residence, they set fire to it. &nbsp;Ambassador Stevens and Mr. Smith suffocated from the thick, black smoke that enveloped the residence.&nbsp;Diplomatic Security Services (DSS) Special Agent Scott Wickland, who had tried to guide Ambassador Stevens and Mr. Smith to safety, was injured and repeatedly took small arms fire while trying to rescue the two Americans.</p><p>The extremist group also attacked the Quick Reaction Force building, which was occupied by local Libyans serving as guards for the Mission.</p><p>About 10 p.m., Bakoush entered the Mission compound with other conspirators, and conducted surveillance of the Tactical Operation Center and the Villa. After Bakoush attempted to gain entry to vehicles belonging to Mission staff, he and his co-conspirators temporarily retreated to an area just outside the Mission.</p><p>About 11:15 p.m., conspirators assembled outside the southern gate and launched a second violent attack on the Mission using AK-type assault rifles, grenades, and rocket-propelled grenades. After 30 minutes, the group entered the compound and plundered the Mission’s office of documents, maps, and computers containing sensitive information about the location of the CIA Annex.</p><p>At 12:30 a.m., conspirators attacked the Annex with small arms, assault rifles, and rocket-propelled grenades.</p><p>Following the attack at the Mission, in the early hours of September 12, 2012, the violence continued at the CIA Annex, first with gunfire and then with a precision mortar attack. While defending the Annex, Mr. Woods, Mr. Doherty, DSS Special Agent David Ubben, and CIA security specialist Mark Tiegen were hit by a precision mortar attack, leading to the deaths of Mr. Woods and Mr. Doherty. Special Agent Ubben and Mr. Tiegen were seriously wounded but survived.</p><p>The Department of Justice previously charged and convicted two leaders in the Benghazi attack on federal terrorism charges and other offenses. Ahmed Abu Khatallah, aka Ahmed Mukatallah was sentenced in June 2018 to 22 years in prison and resentenced in September 2024 to 28 years in prison. Mustafa al-Imam was sentenced in January 2020 to nearly 20 years.</p><p>This case was investigated by the FBI’s New York Field Office with substantial assistance from the Department of War, the CIA and the Department of State. The National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section provided additional assistance.</p><p>The case is being prosecuted by the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.</p>

🎥Militant is in custody for 2012 attack that killed U.S. Ambassador

ARLINGTON COUNTY, Virginia —On Thursday, the Arlington County, Virginia Police Department&nbsp; announced the arrest of a Maryland man following a month’s long criminal investigation, according to a media release from Arlington County police.

Colin Demarco, 26, of Rockville, Maryland is charged with Attempted Murder, Criminal Solicitation to Commit Murder, Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Wearing a Mask in Public to Conceal Identity. He was taken into custody at his residence on January 16 and later extradited to the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

At approximately 3:15 p.m. on August 10, 2025, Arlington County Police were dispatched to the 3800 block of 7th Street S. for the report of a suspicious person. 

A witness reported observing a suspect, who was wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves, carrying a backpack and appeared to be concealing a firearm under his shirt, on the victim’s porch. 

The suspect subsequently approached the witness and inquired about the victim before leaving the scene. The witness then contacted police and responding officers established a perimeter and canvassed the area for the suspect with negative results. The incident was captured on home surveillance video and the suspect was subsequently identified.

During the course of the investigation, the Arlington County Police Department executed search warrants for digital records associated with the suspect. As a result of these search warrants, police recovered digital evidence that the suspect had obtained directions to the victim’s residence, confirmed in court records as the home of&nbsp;t  Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought. 

The suspect also had information detailing locations of firearms possessed by a relative and had a guide detailing tips to prevent criminal detection. 

Additionally, the suspect had posted online about the victim and had online discussions appearing to solicit others to murder the victim. Within days of these online solicitations, the August 10 incident occurred where the suspect arrived at the victim’s address wearing a mask and gloves, possibly concealing a firearm and inquired about the victim. As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained the criminal warrants for the suspect’s arrest.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770384166701.png" alt="Demarco photo Arlington County Police" />
                        <figcaption>Demarco photo Arlington County Police</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ARLINGTON COUNTY, Virginia —On Thursday, the Arlington County, Virginia Police Department&nbsp; announced the arrest of a Maryland man following a month’s long criminal investigation, according to a media release from Arlington County police.</p><p>Colin Demarco, 26, of Rockville, Maryland is charged with Attempted Murder, Criminal Solicitation to Commit Murder, Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Wearing a Mask in Public to Conceal Identity. He was taken into custody at his residence on January 16 and later extradited to the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.</p><p>At approximately 3:15 p.m. on August 10, 2025, Arlington County Police were dispatched to the 3800 block of 7th Street S. for the report of a suspicious person. </p><p>A witness reported observing a suspect, who was wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves, carrying a backpack and appeared to be concealing a firearm under his shirt, on the victim’s porch. </p><p>The suspect subsequently approached the witness and inquired about the victim before leaving the scene. The witness then contacted police and responding officers established a perimeter and canvassed the area for the suspect with negative results. The incident was captured on home surveillance video and the suspect was subsequently identified.</p><p>During the course of the investigation, the Arlington County Police Department executed search warrants for digital records associated with the suspect. As a result of these search warrants, police recovered digital evidence that the suspect had obtained directions to the victim’s residence, confirmed in court records as the home of&nbsp;t  Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought. </p><p>The suspect also had information detailing locations of firearms possessed by a relative and had a guide detailing tips to prevent criminal detection. </p><p>Additionally, the suspect had posted online about the victim and had online discussions appearing to solicit others to murder the victim. Within days of these online solicitations, the August 10 incident occurred where the suspect arrived at the victim’s address wearing a mask and gloves, possibly concealing a firearm and inquired about the victim. As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained the criminal warrants for the suspect’s arrest.</p>

Man accused of trying to kill member of President Trump's Cabinet

<i>U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement</i>

The sale and trafficking of counterfeit goods is a multimillion-dollar criminal industry.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/opteamplayer" target="_blank">Operation Team Player</a>&nbsp;is a year-round initiative led by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/" target="_blank">National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center</a>&nbsp;in collaboration with all major U.S. sports leagues to prevent counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.

<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/opteamplayer">Click here to learn more</a>

Together with major sports leagues, the IPR Center:

Buying fake merchandise may seem harmless, but it has serious consequences. Whether it’s a fan losing hard-earned money on a fake jersey they were led to believe was authentic, or small businesses that purchased an expensive vendor license losing vital sales, intellectual property theft is a real crime with real victims and real negative financial impacts. This may sound absurd when talking about sports merchandise, but has real consequences for medications, cosmetics, electronics and other types of counterfeit or unlicensed goods and merchandise.

Counterfeit jerseys, hats, rings and other sports merchandise may look like the licensed version, but you could be scammed out of your hard-earned money thinking you are spending money on licensed gear. Counterfeit and unlicensed merchandise is often cheaply made with inferior stitching, dyes and other dangerous materials that can affect consumers’ health. It may not hold up to wear and tear like licensed gear.

Counterfeiting is a worldwide issue and combating it requires a united front. By working together — law enforcement, industry leaders and everyday consumers — we can make a significant impact.

Many people don’t think twice about counterfeit goods — until they personally experience the consequences. Whether it's being scammed, suffering harm, or having their intellectual property stolen, counterfeiting has real-world effects.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770394342867.png" alt="Photo courtesy Operation Team Player" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy Operation Team Player</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement</i></p><p>The sale and trafficking of counterfeit goods is a multimillion-dollar criminal industry.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/opteamplayer" target="_blank">Operation Team Player</a>&nbsp;is a year-round initiative led by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/" target="_blank">National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center</a>&nbsp;in collaboration with all major U.S. sports leagues to prevent counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.</p><p><a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/opteamplayer">Click here to learn more</a></p><p>The goal is twofold:</p><ol>
                        <li>Launch successful criminal investigations to prevent the illegal manufacture, distribution, and sale of fake sports related merchandise.</li><li>Provide consumers with tips so they can make informed choices when shopping for their favorite team’s sports gear.</li>
                    </ol><p>Together with major sports leagues, the IPR Center:</p><ul>
                        <li>Tracks and intercepts counterfeit goods, including identifying international shipments, monitoring online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms and investigating markets and retail outlets engaged in selling fake merchandise.</li><li>Identifies warehouses, stores, flea markets, online vendors and street sellers trafficking counterfeit sports merchandise, apparel, souvenirs and collectibles.</li><li>Raises awareness to educate consumers to be able to make informed purchasing choices, spot counterfeit goods and understand the impact of intellectual property theft.</li>
                    </ul><h2>Become an Informed Consumer</h2><p>Buying fake merchandise may seem harmless, but it has serious consequences. Whether it’s a fan losing hard-earned money on a fake jersey they were led to believe was authentic, or small businesses that purchased an expensive vendor license losing vital sales, intellectual property theft is a real crime with real victims and real negative financial impacts. This may sound absurd when talking about sports merchandise, but has real consequences for medications, cosmetics, electronics and other types of counterfeit or unlicensed goods and merchandise.</p><p>Counterfeit jerseys, hats, rings and other sports merchandise may look like the licensed version, but you could be scammed out of your hard-earned money thinking you are spending money on licensed gear. Counterfeit and unlicensed merchandise is often cheaply made with inferior stitching, dyes and other dangerous materials that can affect consumers’ health. It may not hold up to wear and tear like licensed gear.</p><h2>Why It Matters</h2><p>Counterfeiting is a worldwide issue and combating it requires a united front. By working together — law enforcement, industry leaders and everyday consumers — we can make a significant impact.</p><ul>
                        <li>What Does Intellectual Property Theft Mean?Intellectual property theft is the unauthorized use, exploitation or outright theft of creative works, ideas, trade secrets and proprietary information otherwise protected under intellectual property laws. IP theft covers a wide range of cases, including trademark violations, copyright infringement and patent infringement.</li>
                    </ul><p>Many people don’t think twice about counterfeit goods — until they personally experience the consequences. Whether it's being scammed, suffering harm, or having their intellectual property stolen, counterfeiting has real-world effects.</p>

As the Super Bowl approaches officials warn of fake sports gear

LINCOLN, Neb. — Law enforcement officials have confirmed that human remains were discovered during the investigation into the disappearance of a Stromsburg couple who had been missing since mid-January.

According to the Lincoln Police Department, investigators located the remains while executing a search related to the case. Authorities said forensic testing, including DNA analysis, is underway to formally identify the remains.

Police have stated they now believe Hannah Neville and Roberto “Robbie” Tanner are deceased. Neville was pregnant at the time of her disappearance.

The couple was reported missing after Neville failed to return home and could not be contacted. Investigators later located Neville’s vehicle, which had been intentionally set on fire in Lincoln, according to police.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, law enforcement identified Sterling James, Tanner’s half-brother, as a suspect. Court records indicate James is charged with:

Authorities also arrested Sayde Titus, who is charged with accessory to murder, accessory to murder of an unborn child, and tampering with evidence, according to court filings.

Law enforcement officials have stated that digital evidence, witness statements, and information obtained through search warrants placed the victims at a residence connected to the suspects on the day they were last seen. Investigators allege evidence was later concealed in an effort to obstruct the investigation.

The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and state and federal partners. Officials emphasized that the case remains active as forensic testing continues and additional evidence is processed.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Lincoln Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

<p><i>By Allison Peck </i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770391856749.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. — Law enforcement officials have confirmed that human remains were discovered during the investigation into the disappearance of a Stromsburg couple who had been missing since mid-January.</p><p>According to the Lincoln Police Department, investigators located the remains while executing a search related to the case. Authorities said forensic testing, including DNA analysis, is underway to formally identify the remains.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flincolnpolicedepartment%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02W35PqLMHuo1YbF6PA1HbY1GamsbbHgUJm6VaiJBcMExSSRj9iFsJhhc6KBpKkmJXl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="520" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p>Police have stated they now believe Hannah Neville and Roberto “Robbie” Tanner are deceased. Neville was pregnant at the time of her disappearance.</p><p>The couple was reported missing after Neville failed to return home and could not be contacted. Investigators later located Neville’s vehicle, which had been intentionally set on fire in Lincoln, according to police.</p><p>Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, law enforcement identified Sterling James, Tanner’s half-brother, as a suspect. Court records indicate James is charged with:</p><ul>
                        <li>Two counts of first-degree murder
</li><li>One count of first-degree murder of an unborn child
</li><li>Tampering with physical evidence
</li>
                    </ul><p>James is being held without bond.</p><p>Authorities also arrested Sayde Titus, who is charged with accessory to murder, accessory to murder of an unborn child, and tampering with evidence, according to court filings.</p><p>Law enforcement officials have stated that digital evidence, witness statements, and information obtained through search warrants placed the victims at a residence connected to the suspects on the day they were last seen. Investigators allege evidence was later concealed in an effort to obstruct the investigation.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flincolnpolicedepartment%2Fposts%2Fpfbid025aKxPEx1dBa7pbpgPNjsVvQUgbjdG5pmrXYnv1dsYcyWTgrs2uxe9HVQKhzqRhgrl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="570" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p>The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and state and federal partners. Officials emphasized that the case remains active as forensic testing continues and additional evidence is processed.</p><p>Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Lincoln Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.</p>

Human Remains Found, Charges Filed in Missing Stromsburg Couple Case

UNMC, UNO team on app that mixes facts and fun

OMAHA, Nebraska — The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) have launched “Zoodemic,” a free mobile app that transforms public health education into a fast-paced, interactive game for middle and high school students.

Designed to meet kids where they are – on their phones – Zoodemic challenges players to survive waves of infectious diseases, from the basics of germs to emerging threats like avian flu and measles. As players level up, they unlock real-world knowledge about hygiene, zoonotic diseases and outbreak prevention.

“We’re not just teaching science – we’re sparking curiosity,” said Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH, dean of the UNMC College of Public Health. “Zoodemic is a fun, engaging way to help youth understand how to stay safe around animals, protect their health, and guard against emerging infectious diseases. It might even inspire the next generation of public health leaders.”

<p><i>Press Release</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757447050560.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>UNMC, UNO team on app that mixes facts and fun</h2><p>OMAHA, Nebraska — The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) have launched “Zoodemic,” a free mobile app that transforms public health education into a fast-paced, interactive game for middle and high school students.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770384477333.jpeg" alt="Zoodemic mobile app during gameplay (UNMC)" />
                        <figcaption>Zoodemic mobile app during gameplay (UNMC)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Designed to meet kids where they are – on their phones – Zoodemic challenges players to survive waves of infectious diseases, from the basics of germs to emerging threats like avian flu and measles. As players level up, they unlock real-world knowledge about hygiene, zoonotic diseases and outbreak prevention.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770384534942.jpeg" alt="Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH (UNMC)" />
                        <figcaption>Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH (UNMC)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“We’re not just teaching science – we’re sparking curiosity,” said Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH, dean of the UNMC College of Public Health. “Zoodemic is a fun, engaging way to help youth understand how to stay safe around animals, protect their health, and guard against emerging infectious diseases. It might even inspire the next generation of public health leaders.”</p><p>Developed with students from UNO’s Center for Management of IT in the UNO College of Information Science &amp; Technology and Omaha-based tech firm NebDev, the app is built to evolve.&nbsp;Thanks to dynamic backend updates built by NebDev, new levels can be released in response to current outbreaks and public health needs.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770384571449.jpeg" alt="Deepak Khazanchi, PhD&nbsp;(UNMC)" />
                        <figcaption>Deepak Khazanchi, PhD&nbsp;(UNMC)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>According to Deepak Khazanchi, executive director of CMIT, “Zoodemic reflects how digital innovation can support public health education and readiness. CMIT and UNO students designed and developed the app to make complex public health concepts accessible and engaging for young learners. This is one example of a product built in CMIT over two decades of its existence.”</p><p>“Mobile games are part of kids’ daily lives,” said Alexandra Todd, health policy analyst at UNMC. “So we embedded accurate, accessible health education into a format they already love.”</p><p>The Nebraska Division of Public Health and Nebraska State Health Department also are on board, with grant support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.</p><p>“Zoodemic is a unique and educational way for our community to learn about zoonotic diseases and vaccinations,” said Robin Williams, Nebraska Division of Public Health.</p><p>Zoodemic is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.</p><p><b><i>About UNMC&nbsp;</i></b></p><p><i>As Nebraska’s only public academic health&nbsp;science center, the University of Nebraska Medical Center enrolls more than 4,800 students across six colleges, two institutes and a graduate studies program. Its mission is to create a healthier future for Nebraskans through premier education,&nbsp;research&nbsp;and clinical care, but its impact -- rooted in a culture of collaboration,&nbsp;big ideas&nbsp;and public-private partnerships – goes far beyond, in areas that include infectious diseases, rural health, cancer research and treatments, global health security, and&nbsp;simulation and experiential learning technologies.&nbsp;</i></p>