CHASE COUNTY — A high-speed pursuit involving a stolen vehicle moved through much of Chase County and into Imperial Thursday afternoon before ending with two arrests.

According to the Chase County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy spotted a dark-colored sedan traveling at a high rate of speed west of Imperial on Highway 6 around 2:39 p.m. The vehicle was clocked above the posted 65 mile-per-hour speed limit.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, identified as a black Ford Fusion without license plates, but the driver failed to stop and continued eastbound, increasing speed.

As the pursuit continued, another deputy positioned stop sticks farther east on Highway 6 before the vehicle entered Imperial. Officers with the Imperial Police Department also staged at the north end of Broadway Street. Authorities say the driver was able to swerve around the stop sticks and continued through Imperial.

The vehicle traveled onto Spur 15A and into Champion, then looped back toward Imperial using county roads. Spike strips were successfully deployed before the vehicle reentered town.

The pursuit continued through Imperial and east on Highway 6, where the vehicle left the roadway and drove through several fields before returning to town. After traveling through streets and yards in Imperial, the vehicle was finally stopped at the intersection of East Third Street and Highway 61.

The driver, identified as 25-year-old Brian Foster of Denver, Colorado, and a passenger, 25-year-old Michelle Marie Fernandez of Florida, were taken into custody without further incident.

Investigators later confirmed the Ford Fusion had been reported stolen.

Foster was arrested on charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities say additional charges are possible as the investigation continues. Foster is also reportedly wanted in Colorado on multiple felony charges.

Two Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Pursuit in Chase County

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has seen a large increase in reports of Influenza A and COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks. Respiratory illnesses like these affect your lungs and airways and share common symptoms like fever and cough. As cold weather continues and people spend less time outdoors, respiratory illnesses spread more easily.

“Wastewater is tested weekly at certain sites across the state, so we have the ability to monitor what viruses are affecting the residents of our area,” explains Melissa Propp, Clinic Manager for SWNPHD. Wastewater testing from the past two weeks has shown high levels of both Influenza A and COVID.

Wastewater is normally tested for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), Influenza A and B, and COVID-19. Starting at the end of January, the wastewater will also be tested for the measles virus. “Being able to test for these viruses can help us predict illness in the area as well as giving us another tool to help monitor for possible outbreaks,” states Propp.

Since October 1st the district has seen over 100 hospitalizations from Influenza. The majority are from December to now. SWNPHD has received lab confirmation of 59 COVID cases in that time as well, with 30 cases reported in January so far. Many schools in the health district are reporting high absentee rates due to illness.

· Influenza and COVID vaccines are still available in the health district. Vaccination against both flu and COVID can help reduce the severity of symptoms and the amount of time you may be sick. This helps reduce lost time at work and school.

· Frequent handwashing is the number one way to help reduce the spread of illness. Washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water will help keep germs from being transferred from your hands to your eyes, nose or mouth. If no soap and water are available, use a 70% or higher alcohol-based hand sanitizer and be sure to rub it into the skin until it is dry.

· Cover your cough. Using the inside of your elbow or a tissue to cover up will help reduce the number of viruses that get into the air. Be sure to wash your hands if you use a tissue.

· Stay home if you are sick. If you are running a fever, you need to stay home for 24 hours after no longer needing fever controlling medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You can still be contagious for up to 24 hours after your fever goes away.

If you or someone else has been sick and has any of the following issues, seek immediate medical attention. Trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure that is not going away, confusion, trouble waking up or staying awake, bluish lips or face, or an uncontrolled fever after taking fever reducing medication.

For more information contact Melissa Propp, Clinic Manager at 308-345-4223. SWNPHD serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube or view the website at www.swhealth.ne.gov which contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health.

SWNPHD: Raspatory Illnesses-Very High in Southwest Nebraska

The Hot Sheets: February 2, 2026

The Hot Sheets: February 1, 2026

The Hot Sheets: January 31, 2026

Listen to the full interview with Joe Richeson on our Kubota Podcast

Central Nebraska community partners are coming together to host a free Ag Health and Safety Event, Cultivating Health, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Gothenburg.

The event will be held at the Dayspring Bank Event Center and is designed to take a broad look at the health, safety, and day-to-day challenges involved in agriculture and rural life.

Joe Richeson, one of the organizers, said the event goes beyond traditional safety training.

“This isn’t hard-hat safety or excavation safety,” Richeson said. “It’s more of a top-down approach to what it takes to run an ag operation, whether you’re a producer, farmer, rancher, or involved in ag in some other way.”

Sessions throughout the day will cover a wide range of topics, including mental health, distracted driving, water quality and quantity, nitrates in drinking water, occupational safety, and nutrition for long workdays in the field.

Presenters include the Nebraska Trucking Association, members of the governor’s groundwater task force, Nebraska Medicine, and an occupational therapist focusing on safe movement and body mechanics. A session on food preparation will also address how to safely prepare energy-rich meals for long days during planting, harvesting, or livestock work.

Richeson said the event is open to anyone, not just those directly involved in agriculture.

“You don’t have to be ag-related to attend,” he said. “Ag touches everyone’s life every day, whether you realize it or not.”

Spouses and family members are encouraged to attend, particularly for the mental health session, which focuses on coping with the stresses unique to the agricultural industry, including markets, employees, and daily uncertainty.

The event begins at 10:30 a.m. Exhibit booths will be set up by noon and remain open until 4 p.m., with sessions concluding at 4 p.m. A business-after-hours event will follow from 4 to 7 p.m.

Attendees may come and go throughout the day and are not required to stay for all sessions. A free lunch will be provided, and local FFA members will assist during the event.

Health screenings will also be available through Gothenburg Health, with options for multiple screenings, including full blood work for those who choose to fast.

Registration is not required but is encouraged. Information is available on the Gothenburg Health Facebook page, the Gothenburg Irrigation Facebook page, or by contacting Richeson directly at 308-529-1181.

The free event is open to the public and will take place at the Dayspring Bank Event Center in Gothenburg on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

🎙️Central Nebraska Partners to Host Free Ag Health and Safety Event in Gothenburg

The Hot Sheets: January 30, 2026

Listen to the full interview with Megan Doughty on our Kubota Podcast

NORTH PLATTE — The Miss Nebraska Organization will return to North Platte in early February for its annual Crowns and Gowns weekend, bringing pageant events, leadership workshops and a former Miss America to the community.

Crowns and Gowns is scheduled for Feb. 6–8 and serves as the final local competition opportunity for contestants before the Miss Nebraska state pageant in June. Events are centered around professional development for young women ages 14 to 27, as well as public activities open to the community.

This year’s weekend will feature Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000, who will serve as a keynote guest throughout the weekend. French Henry will emcee the local Miss Nebraska competition on Friday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. at Mid-Plains Community College. Doors are expected to open at 6:30 p.m., with tickets available at the door.

She will also headline a Women’s Empowerment Luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at North 40 Chophouse. Tickets for the luncheon are available online at MissNebraska.org.

Megan Doughty, executive director of the Miss Nebraska Organization, said Crowns and Gowns is designed to help young women grow far beyond the stage.

“The word ‘pageant’ is really a misnomer anymore,” Doughty said. “It’s about developing personal passions, advocacy and life skills that carry through long after competition.”

Throughout the weekend, delegates will participate in workshops focused on interview skills, public speaking, branding, advocacy development and community engagement. Professional hair and makeup services, headshot photography and private gown appointments will also be offered.

The local competition includes personal interviews with judges, on-stage questions, fitness wear, evening gown and talent segments. Scholarships are awarded based on placement and special awards.

According to Doughty, the Miss Nebraska Organization awards more than $40,000 annually in cash scholarships, along with access to more than $1 million in tuition scholarships through partnerships with Nebraska colleges and universities.

The current titleholders include Miss Nebraska’s Teen Gabriella Swift of North Platte and Miss Nebraska 2025 Mackenzie Gregory of Scottsbluff.

Doughty said community support has helped make North Platte a key location for pageant events statewide.

“We’re bringing young women from across Nebraska to experience our community,” she said. “It’s about showcasing North Platte while helping these delegates realize their potential.”

More information, including luncheon tickets and registration details for prospective contestants, is available at MissNebraska.org.

🎙️Crowns and Gowns Weekend Brings Miss America 2000, Workshops to North Platte

The Hot Sheets: January 29, 2026

Listen to the full interview with Melissa Ewert on our Kubota Podcast

Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala YMCA is building momentum heading into February with new members, upcoming fitness challenges, expanded class offerings, and plans to introduce indoor pickleball.

Melissa Ewert, branch executive director of the Ogallala YMCA, said last week’s “Try the Y Day” event was a success despite extremely cold weather.

“We did about 15 to 20 memberships and I would say half of those were new members and half were renewals that day,” Ewert said.

While evening class attendance was lighter than expected due to the cold, Ewert said the event still achieved its main goal: introducing new people to the facility.

“There were so many new faces that I had never seen, and that was the plan for this — to get new people in, get them interested and get them comfortable coming in,” she said.

Personal training also saw a boost, with around five new clients signing up. Ewert said trainer Amber was busy with consultations throughout the day.

“That alone made the day a success,” she said.

The YMCA is also adding two new Silver Sneakers classes beginning next week. The classes are designed for beginners, people returning to exercise after a long break, or those recovering from illness or injury.

One class, Silver Sneakers Classic, will focus on low-impact strength training using weights, bands and balls. The second is a chair yoga class. Both will be led by instructor Kim.

Ewert said the classes are meant to help people ease back into physical activity.

“You should never just think, ‘I took this many months off, I’m going to jump right back into where I started,’ because that does not happen,” she said.

Youth basketball is also getting underway, with coaches now contacting families. Games are scheduled to begin February 22.

In addition, the YMCA has launched a Gratitude Miles Challenge. Members can track the miles they walk, run, bike or swim, and write something they’re grateful for on a board in the lobby.

“It’s a good way to remind people that we should be thankful for our health and for our families, and just keep them motivated to continue moving,” Ewert said.

A larger 50-mile challenge is also planned for runners, bikers and swimmers. The first participant in each category to reach 50 miles will receive a prize. Lifters can participate through a separate challenge based on combined weight totals from bench press, deadlift and squat.

Participants must submit videos of their lifts for verification, and winners will be recognized by gender and age groups.

One of the most anticipated additions is indoor pickleball. The YMCA will be adding pickleball court lines to its basketball court, allowing community members to play throughout the winter.

“We’re going to set up times where people can come in and play pickleball here at the Y,” Ewert said.

She noted that many residents currently travel to nearby communities for indoor pickleball, and this will provide a closer option.

Pickleball’s growing popularity reflects the YMCA’s mission of community engagement, something Ewert says is central to the organization’s identity.

“Being able to work for people who want to build our community and do things for our youth in town and just build those relationships with everyone that comes in the door is pretty special,” she said.

Ewert said the growth at the Ogallala YMCA over the past year has been significant, with expanded programs and increased participation.

“Sometimes change is growing pain, but I can say this has been painless for change,” she said.

Ogallala YMCA Sees Membership Boost, Announces New Classes and Fitness Challenges

Property to Be Renamed Great River Casino Resort &amp; FunCity

RIVERSIDE, IOWA — Elite Casino Resorts finalizes the successful acquisition of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington, Iowa, effective today. Catfish Bend Casino &amp; FunCity Resort officially join the Elite Casino Resorts family. Elite plans to quickly begin transitioning to its new name, Great River Casino Resort &amp; FunCity.

The new name reflects the deep connection between Burlington, the Mississippi River and the history of gaming and riverfront entertainment in Iowa. Long before gaming expanded inland, river communities like Burlington played a central role in shaping the state’s gaming industry and serving as gathering places for commerce, travel and entertainment.

“The Mississippi River has always mattered here,” said Dan Kehl, Chief Executive Officer of Elite Casino Resorts. “It shaped this city, the region and played an important role in the early days of gaming in Iowa. The name Great River Casino Resort &amp; FunCity is about honoring that history and the people who call Southeast Iowa home.”

“Randy Winegard and Gary Hoyer were instrumental in keeping riverboat gaming afloat in the early 1990’s and have been great leaders for Catfish Bend and the southeast Iowa community. We look forward to maintaining and building on their legacy”, adds Kehl. “We look forward to working closely with local leaders, organizations and longtime partners as the property transitions to Great River Casino &amp; Resort &amp; FunCity and continues to serve as a destination for entertainment, hospitality and community engagement.”

With this acquisition, Elite Casino Resorts owns and operates seven Midwest casino resorts and adds 500 new team members growing to over 3,000 gaming hospitality professionals company-wide. The Burlington property joins Elite’s expanding portfolio, which includes Riverside Casino &amp; Golf Resort in Riverside, Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, Grand Falls Casino &amp; Golf Resort in Larchwood, Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in southern Illinois, Grand Island Casino Resort, and the Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack in Ogallala, Nebraska. 

Innovation Capital, LLC acted as executive financial advisor to Great River Entertainment. Fehseke &amp; Gray Law Offices acted as legal counsel to GRE, Lane &amp; Waterman LLP acted as legal counsel to Elite Casino Resorts.

Elite Casino Resorts is a leading regional gaming operator in the Midwest and a privately-owned U.S. company known for premier casino resort destinations, first-class guest service and amenities, great entertainment, and exceptional food. With a strong commitment to community service, Elite was recognized as the Iowa Character Counts 2024 Partner of the Year. Elite Casino Resorts will now operate seven casino resorts: Riverside Casino &amp; Golf Resort, located just south of Iowa City, IA; Rhythm City Casino Resort, located in Davenport, IA; Grand Falls Casino &amp; Golf Resort, located in Larchwood, IA, just minutes from Sioux Falls, SD; Grand Island Casino Resortlocated in Grand Island, Nebraska and Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, in Carterville, Illinois IL Lake Mac Casino Resort &amp; Racetrack in Ogallala, NE and Catfish Bend Casino &amp; FunCity Resort in Burlington, Iowa.

Elite Casino Resorts Acquires Catfish Bend Casino & FunCity Resort

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, to discuss a difficult away weekend to Lamar, where the Knights fell 63-51.&nbsp;

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #10 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss a successful three-game homestand against Region 9 South opponents.&nbsp;

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #13 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, and discussed an the first back-to-back of 2026 and what it meant for team to see the hard work starting to pay off.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #9 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

Listen to the full interview with Ogallala City Manager Kevin Wilkins on our Kubota Podcast

Ogallala City Council Approves Board Appointments, Infrastructure Plans, and Airport Updates

OGALLALA — The Ogallala City Council kicked off 2026 by approving appointments to multiple city boards, discussing ongoing infrastructure projects, and reviewing plans for airport improvements at Monday night’s meeting.

City Manager Kevin Wilkins highlighted several new board appointments, including the city’s newly formed Historic Preservation Commission. 

“Ogallala is now one of 12 certified local governments with the Nebraska Historic Preservation Commission,” Wilkins said. Barb Jeffries was appointed to a two-year term, and Cody Quinn will serve three years.

 The commission plans to meet January 27, with Nebraska State Historical Preservation Director Kelly Bacon attending to discuss potential updates to the Historic Overlay at Ogallala Middle School.

Additional appointments included Ray Diaz and Jordan Namath to three-year terms on the Planning and Zoning Commission and Richard Kester to the Tree Board. Wilkins encouraged residents interested in trees to apply for the remaining openings.

The council also reviewed updates from the Ogallala YMCA, which has seen growing participation in programs and the city’s pool. Wilkins said the pool’s attendance has “probably tripled” under new management.

 “If you’re going to spend the money, you want to see people using it,” he said. Officials are exploring the possibility of forming a local swim team and expanding youth programming.

Infrastructure needs were also a major topic, including the cost of repairs following a lift station failure on the south side of town. Wilkins explained that the pumps were “probably undersized for the job” and that both failed simultaneously, leading to an emergency discharge of wastewater into a contained area of the river. 

He added, “Fortunately, there was a valve on it, so we got that fixed,” and the city expects the repairs to cost about $200,000.

At the airport, council members approved issuing a request for proposals for a fixed-base operator at Serial Field. Wilkins said the goal is to increase aviation-related business and streamline fuel sales. 

“We would really just like to have more activity at that airport,” he said. Plans include $8 million in runway improvements and additional hangar capacity.

The council also discussed long-term street and drainage projects, including a proposed half-cent infrastructure sales tax aimed at funding repairs while reducing property tax burdens. 

Wilkins said, “Once a lot of your costs are in mobilizing and engineering, you can get some efficiencies. That’s the kind of momentum we need within the community.”

City officials plan to implement online permitting through the Planning and Building Department by February 9 to streamline applications for residents and businesses. 

Wilkins concluded, “We’re just going to keep rocking and rolling in the City of Ogallala.”

🎙️Ogallala City Council Moves Forward on Boards, Infrastructure, and Airport Plans

Listen to the full interview with Lane Anderson on our Kubota Podcast

Keith County, Neb. - Keith County Commissioner Lane Anderson shared updates from the county’s January 14 meeting during a recent radio interview, outlining several ongoing projects and administrative actions.

Among the key items discussed were the setting of county elected official salaries and the county’s insurance renewal process. The board also completed its annual reorganization, with Corey Crandall continuing as chairman of the Keith County Board of Commissioners.

Commissioners reviewed year-end reports and discussed creating a nuisance application process that could be used when applying for nuisance-related grants. The county highway department completed its annual fuel bids and recently purchased a scraper and disc in an effort to improve county road maintenance.

Anderson also noted recent personnel changes. Longtime Keith County employee Lori Hood retired after 40 years of service. Commissioners appointed J.D. Cartwright to fill her role as the county’s new Emergency Operations Center director.

Additional updates included ongoing EMS-related discussions, current jail population numbers, and road conditions impacted by dry winter weather. Anderson said he plans to provide regular monthly updates moving forward and confirmed he will be running for re-election this year.

🎙️Keith County Commissioners January 14 Update

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, and discussed an encouraging performance in the first game back from winter break against McCook Community College and what they need to do going forward to continue this form.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #8 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to talk about the positive impact last Saturday's victory over McCook Community College had on the team so far. Also, what to expect from the team going forward as region play begins.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #12 2026 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Jamaal McNeil, 48, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 29, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine actual with 1 prior conviction for a serious drug felony. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced McNeil to a total of 360 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After McNeil’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.

McNeil was responsible for selling methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana in Lincoln for at least six months in 2023.&nbsp; On November 29, 2023, he was contacted by the Lincoln Police Department in his vehicle.&nbsp; A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted due to the odor of marijuana.&nbsp; Investigators found multiple plastic baggies.&nbsp; Six of the baggies field-tested positive for cocaine, six baggies field-tested positive for methamphetamine, and three baggies contained marijuana.&nbsp; Investigators also found four hydrocodone pills.&nbsp; McNeil was arrested and $853 was found on his person.

A search warrant was executed at McNeil’s residence in Lincoln.&nbsp; Investigators found additional quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, as well as digital scales, and $2,495 in U.S. currency.&nbsp; The methamphetamine and cocaine were sent to the State Crime Lab.&nbsp; The lab confirmed there were at least 180 grams of methamphetamine actual and more than 212 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.&nbsp; Additionally, the lab confirmed McNeil possessed more than 50 grams of cocaine and at least 6 grams of cocaine base.

McNeil was convicted in 2007 in the Nebraska federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine as was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

Lincoln Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Drug Charge

KANSAS CITY—Kansas City, Missouri mayor Quinton Lucas joined CBS Face The Nation on Sunday to discuss critical issues facing American cities. From immigration policy and housing affordability to crime reduction and preparing for the 2026 World Cup.

On the proposed federal detention center for the region, Mayor Lucas said, "Converting a gigantic distribution facility into a warehouse for 10,000 people for which it was never designed is not right, and it is fundamentally something that is inhumane."

ICE was given $45 billion for detention centers in the tax and spending bill that President Trump signed last year.

🎥KCMO Mayor talks proposed federal detention center on Face The Nation

LINCOLN —&nbsp;State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg is making a push to connect Nebraskans with their “lost cash.”

The effort marks National Unclaimed Property Day on Feb. 1, also recognized in Nebraska via a Gov. Jim Pillen proclamation Spellerberg requested.

The proclamation says Nebraska currently holds more than $250 million in unclaimed property that includes uncashed checks, insurance proceeds and other financial assets considered lost or abandoned when an owner can not be found. Spellerberg urged Nebraskans to search&nbsp;<a href="http://nebraskalostcash.gov/" target="_blank">NebraskaLostCash.gov</a>.

“You might just find a surprise waiting for you,” said Meaghan Aguirre, Nebraska’s unclaimed property director. Aguirre was recently elected president of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.

Nebraskans who have lived in multiple states can check the national database,&nbsp;<a href="http://missingmoney.com/" target="_blank">MissingMoney.com</a>. Searches on both sites are free of charge.

Nebraska for more than five decades has received millions of dollars annually turned over by entities that can not find the owners, according to the proclamation. The state has returned more than $300 million to rightful owners since implementation of its Unclaimed Property Program.

In 2025, the state returned nearly $20 million through 19,952 claims.

“Nebraska has streamlined the claims process, because we want these unclaimed dollars back in our local economies,” Spellerberg said.&nbsp;

He said unclaimed property exists in all of the state’s 93 counties, including $96 million in assets in the Omaha metro area, $28.6 million in Lincoln, $7 million in Bellevue, $5.1 million in Grand Island and $3.7 million in Kearney.

Nebraska treasurer wants to find owners of ‘lost cash,’ unclaimed assets

United States Department of Treasury

History will remember President Trump as the leader who brought financial market opportunity to all American families. It will remember him as the President who oversaw the largest merger in history between Main Street and Wall Street. And it will remember him for redefining the social contract through the creation of a shareholder society.&nbsp;

And how did he achieve all this? Through Trump Accounts.&nbsp;

Trump Accounts are among the most significant policy innovations of modern times. They mark a&nbsp;singular moment&nbsp;in economic history by expanding the benefits of private ownership and compound growth to all Americans. Today, I will explain where Trump Accounts came from, how they work, and why they will render socialist notions moot by making every citizen a shareholder. &nbsp;

The idea of opening investment accounts for young Americans first arose in the form of “Baby Bonds” decades ago. But the idea was flawed because the accounts could be invested only in US government bonds.&nbsp;

President Trump recognized the shortcomings of this idea while also grasping its promise. So he set out to perfect it.&nbsp;

Working with some of the most talented businessmen in the country, including Brad Gerstner and Michael Dell, he pioneered Trump Accounts—investment accounts that newborn Americans can receive on Day 1. Trump Accounts allow for private ownership, multiple funding pathways, and direct investment across a broad swath of the American economy. &nbsp;

Where President Trump’s predecessors created debt and dependency, President Trump creates assets and expands ownership. This is a signature characteristic of his presidency.&nbsp;

With Trump Accounts,&nbsp;every&nbsp;American child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, is eligible to receive a $1,000 contribution from the Treasury Department that will be immediately invested in an index fund. To claim this investment, most families need merely check a box on Form 4547, the most aptly named tax document of all time. We are just three days into the 2026 tax filing season—and already, approximately 500,000 Americans have elected to open a Trump Account for their children.&nbsp;

The compound growth from Treasury’s initial seed funding alone stands to make young Americans wealthy. Assuming historical growth rates continue, a single $1,000 deposit into a Trump Account at birth should grow to an&nbsp;estimated&nbsp;amount of at least half a million dollars by the age of retirement.

The $1,000 seed from Treasury is exclusive to newborns. But keep in mind that&nbsp;any&nbsp;American below the age of 18 is also eligible to receive a tax-advantaged Trump Account to begin saving for the future. Philanthropists, family, friends, employers, and states can backfill Trump Accounts for these children to help them build a strong financial foundation before graduating high school. Our objective is to provide every American child with a Trump account. And the men and women in this audience will help make that possible.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In addition to the $1,000 seed from Treasury, there are three other channels for funding Trump Accounts: first, through the donations of parents, friends, and employers; second, through the generous donations of wealthy Americans and philanthropic organizations; and third, through donations from state governments.&nbsp;

Funding through Family, Friends, and Employers

President Trump wanted to make it especially easy for family, friends, and employers to give to Trump Accounts. And he has succeeded in that goal. Donations to a Trump Account will soon be the best gift a child could ever receive.

Starting July 4—our nation’s 250th anniversary—family, friends, and employers will be able to contribute up to $5,000 to each Trump Account each year. By contributing the maximum amount annually, the Council of Economic Advisers estimates that a child’s Trump Account could be worth more than $1 million at age 28 and tens of millions by the age of retirement.&nbsp;

Donations from employers are essential to bringing the President’s vision to life.&nbsp; Already, we have seen a large number of US businesses across a wide range of industries step up to support Trump Accounts.

Companies like Charles Schwab, Uber, Charter Communications, Bank of New York Mellon, State Street, Mastercard, Visa, Block, Robinhood, SoFi, Chime, Russel Investments, and Dell Technologies have all announced that they will match employee contributions to Trump Accounts in a variety of forms that work best for their employees. And today, Steak ‘n Shake, Broadcom, Intel, IBM, JP Morgan, Chipotle, Coinbase, and Comcast all announced that they will offer matching contributions as well. The President foresees a day where matching contributions to Trump Accounts will be as integral to an employee benefits package as a matching 401(k).&nbsp;

Through Trump Accounts, our President is putting the American Dream within reach of every citizen, no matter the circumstances of birth. When young Americans turn 18, they can use their Trump Accounts to keep saving for their retirement. Or they can use them to help purchase a new home or further their education—two hallmarks of the American Dream.

Funding through Philanthropists and Charitable Organizations

The next means of funding is through generous donations from wealthy Americans and charitable organizations. Consider how Trump Accounts are revolutionizing not only investing but philanthropy as well.&nbsp;

The United States is the most generous country in the history of the world. In 2024 alone, our citizens gave over half a trillion dollars to charity. That’s more than the GDP of advanced countries like Singapore, Austria, and the UAE.&nbsp;

Many Americans want to give back to their fellow citizens through charitable donations. But our country has long lacked a platform of private ownership from birth that facilitated philanthropy at-scale direct to American children.

Trump Accounts are the most capital-efficient form of philanthropy ever devised.&nbsp;

Typically, middlemen, overhead costs, and administrative expenses dilute the money Americans donate to charity. But Trump Accounts remove those obstacles entirely to put money directly in the hands of American children.&nbsp;

That’s why America’s savviest capital allocators have devoted enormous sums of wealth to seeding Trump Accounts.&nbsp;

Michael and Susan Dell led the way by pledging to donate $6.25 billion of their own money to help fund Trump Accounts for 25 million children under the age of 10. Ray and Barbara Dalio then followed suit by pledging $75 million to help fund Trump Accounts for more than 300,000 children in Connecticut.&nbsp;

The Dalios were among the first to join “The 50 State Challenge”—a special initiative Treasury has launched to rally the nation’s philanthropists around a common cause. As the President said in his remarks earlier today, the 50 State Challenge is a crucial element of this revolutionary program. Expect to see more philanthropists adopting states in the months to come as the Administration prepares to launch Trump Accounts on the Fourth of July.&nbsp;

The final way of funding Trump Accounts is through state governments.&nbsp;

The administration has been working closely with a number of governors to determine the best way states can work with the federal government to expand access to Trump Accounts to as many children as possible. States are the laboratories of our democracy, and their experiments with Trump Accounts will surface the best methods for funding over time.&nbsp;

Why Trump Accounts Mark A Singular Moment in Economic History

At their core, Trump Accounts represent the triumph of capitalism over socialism.&nbsp;

Socialism left in its wake a trail of economic ruin, all in pursuit of the belief that abolishing private ownership would lead to greater equality and human flourishing. In fact, the opposite was true. &nbsp;

The last century of economic history showed us that the answer was never to abolish private ownership; it was to&nbsp;democratize&nbsp;it. To protect, strengthen, and&nbsp;expand&nbsp;it to as many people as possible so that everyone can benefit from the prosperity only capitalism can provide.

Trump Accounts do exactly that. They collapse the distinction between earners and owners by making everyone an owner—all while keeping ownership private. In the decades-long contest between capitalism and socialism, this is the Trump card.&nbsp;

Through Trump Accounts, our President is creating an ownership economy where all citizens become shareholders in America’s wealth. Today, 38% of American adults do not own stocks. But with Trump accounts, over time, we can get that number down to zero.&nbsp;

I have talked in the past about the importance of promoting Parallel Prosperity—an era of economic expansion where Wall Street and Main Street grow together. But the beauty of Trump Accounts is that prosperity no longer runs parallel; it fuses together. Under Trump Accounts, Wall Street’s success becomes Main Street’s success and vice versa. This is the greatest merger in world history, the merger of Wall Street and Main Street. And it will forever change the relationship Americans have with their own economy.&nbsp;

Trump Accounts represent a fundamental redefinition of the social contract. They offer a radically new platform that returns us to a social contract anchored in individual ownership where everyone starts life on an investing journey.&nbsp;

Creating Laboratories of Financial Literacy

Trump Accounts also create a real-time laboratory of financial literacy for all Americans.&nbsp;

Consider an alarming statistic: Approximately two-thirds of Generation Z Americans fail to answer more than half of the basic financial literacy questions on the Nation’s Personal Finance Index. We need to better educate the generation of Americans being born now. Trump Accounts will give us an opportunity to correct course by instilling financial literacy in America’s youth in a way no book, test, or school curriculum could.&nbsp;

Trump Accounts will achieve this goal by providing students with a hands-on education in the power of compound growth. Students with Trump Accounts will be able to watch their investment accounts compound in real time—from a value of a couple thousand dollars in kindergarten to potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Importantly, students will not be able to access their accounts during this time. Keeping accounts locked until age 18 will require Americans to learn the art of long-term savings and compound growth. States, philanthropists, and charitable organizations can also tie funding of individual Trump Accounts to students passing financial literacy courses. This flexibility creates space for states, philanthropies, and educators to innovate and identify what works best in building financial skills.

Three pillars of America’s social contract are embedded in the Declaration of Independence: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Few know that Jefferson borrowed this phrase from John Locke, who famously underscored the centrality of “life, liberty, and&nbsp;property.”&nbsp;

Property and the pursuit of happiness, in other words, are deeply intertwined—and for our Founding Fathers, they were one and the same. Property, or put another way,&nbsp;ownership&nbsp;is essential to dignity and human flourishing. This was the ideal our nation was founded on in 1776. And it is the ideal our nation is being re-founded on in 2026.&nbsp;

In that sense, Trump Accounts are&nbsp;the&nbsp;defining policy of America’s 250th&nbsp;anniversary. By expanding equity ownership to all citizens, President Trump is restoring the promise of our Founding, revitalizing the social contract, and helping secure American prosperity for the next 250 years. All families can participate and own part of the American Dream.&nbsp;

Whether you are a philanthropist, a family member, or an employer, all of you here will play a critical role in this effort. So join us in growing economic opportunity, future-proofing capitalism, and carrying the promise of the Founding forward for the next century. Join us by investing in Trump Accounts.&nbsp;

How your baby could qualify for $1,000 with a Trump Account

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a> <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The federal government began a partial shutdown early Saturday, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on immigration enforcement.&nbsp;

The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00020.htm" target="_blank">voted 71-29</a>&nbsp;on Friday evening to pass the reworked government funding package before a midnight deadline. But the earliest the House could clear it for Trump’s signature is Monday evening, when members return from a recess.

The scheduling problem guarantees the current spending law, which Congress approved in November at the end of the last shutdown, will expire without a replacement.&nbsp;

However, the effects on the nation are not expected to be as dramatic as those during the historic 43-day shutdown last year. Since Congress has already passed half of the dozen annual appropriations bills, this shutdown will only affect part of the government, and possibly with moderate impacts since it may only last a few days until the House acts.

The unexpected hitch in progress toward passing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7148/text" target="_blank">the $1.2 trillion package</a>&nbsp;came about after immigration agents killed a second person in Minneapolis and Senate Democrats demanded reforms be included in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill. Trump has agreed to two weeks of negotiations on the DHS bill, which includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and other immigration enforcement agencies.

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said the full-year measures are “fiscally responsible bills that reflect months of hard work and deliberation from members from both parties and both sides of the Capitol.”

“The package also continues funding for the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks to allow us additional time to evaluate further changes in ICE procedures beyond those that we have already included in this bill,” she said.&nbsp;

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