&nbsp;On&nbsp;Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall introduced&nbsp;Dr. Casey Means at her confirmation hearing.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772039816667.png" alt="Dr. Casey Means and Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, MD" />
                        <figcaption>Dr. Casey Means and Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, MD</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>&nbsp;On&nbsp;Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall introduced&nbsp;Dr. Casey Means at her confirmation hearing.</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9yAhR8jeFGg?si=_LQGmGejRSLZCRau&amp;start=7" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenBillCassidy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenBillCassidy</a> presses Surgeon General nominee Dr. Casey Means to explain childhood vaccine views: &quot;I&#39;m not sure I know what you&#39;re advocating for, which of course gives pause.&quot;<br><br>Means: &quot;I am very supportive of what&#39;s been laid out by this administration, in terms of vaccines.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/lOI3SLa2lX">pic.twitter.com/lOI3SLa2lX</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026726295384592777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 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/SenatorCollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorCollins</a> to Surgeon General nominee Dr. Casey Means: &quot;In your book…you urge readers to consider psilocybin-assisted therapy…Do you stand by what you said?&quot;<br> <br>Means: &quot;The science is still emerging…There is exciting work being done in this area that needs to continue.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/1XyebRxSyV">pic.twitter.com/1XyebRxSyV</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026719454407668125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 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/SenTimKaine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenTimKaine</a> to Surgeon General nominee Dr. Casey Means: &quot;Do you believe that there is evidence that the flu vaccine prevents serious disease and…deaths in children?&quot;<br> <br>Means: &quot;I believe all patients should talk to their doctors—&quot;<br> <br>Kaine: &quot;That&#39;s not what I&#39;m asking.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/dj0RhA5CIw">pic.twitter.com/dj0RhA5CIw</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026754211501817896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Surgeon general nominee questioned about vaccines, birth control

WASHINGTON — Nebraska’s federal delegation reacted Tuesday night following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on February 24, 2026.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer said the president outlined what she described as the success of his policy agenda.

“Tonight, President Trump articulated the success of his policies to rebuild our military, keep our communities safe, lower energy costs, and realize the American dream for all U.S. citizens,” Fischer said in a statement. “I was pleased to hear the president renew his commitment to securing our borders, strengthening our economy, and cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. I look forward to continuing to partner with him to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

Congressman Adrian Smith also issued a statement following the address, pointing to recent legislative efforts and economic indicators.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, delivering meaningful tax relief for hardworking Americans across the country,” Smith said. “We have seen robust engagement with key trading partners, helping to level the playing field for American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and workers.”

Smith added, “Americans have seen lower gas prices, decreased inflation, secure borders, and mortgage rates reach a three-year low. While our work is far from over, I am encouraged by the progress we have made and the direction our nation is headed.

“I remain committed to working in Congress to build on this progress and ensure that Nebraska’s families, small businesses, and agricultural producers can continue to thrive. Together, we can make the Good Life even better for all Nebraskans.”

The president’s annual address outlined administration priorities on national security, border enforcement, tax policy, energy production, and economic growth, themes echoed in statements from Nebraska’s Republican delegation.

<p><i>By Allison Peck</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772034237241.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON — Nebraska’s federal delegation reacted Tuesday night following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on February 24, 2026.</p><p>U.S. Senator Deb Fischer said the president outlined what she described as the success of his policy agenda.</p><p>“Tonight, President Trump articulated the success of his policies to rebuild our military, keep our communities safe, lower energy costs, and realize the American dream for all U.S. citizens,” Fischer said in a statement. “I was pleased to hear the president renew his commitment to securing our borders, strengthening our economy, and cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. I look forward to continuing to partner with him to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”</p><p>Congressman Adrian Smith also issued a statement following the address, pointing to recent legislative efforts and economic indicators.</p><p>“Under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, delivering meaningful tax relief for hardworking Americans across the country,” Smith said. “We have seen robust engagement with key trading partners, helping to level the playing field for American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and workers.”</p><p>Smith added, “Americans have seen lower gas prices, decreased inflation, secure borders, and mortgage rates reach a three-year low. While our work is far from over, I am encouraged by the progress we have made and the direction our nation is headed.</p><p>“I remain committed to working in Congress to build on this progress and ensure that Nebraska’s families, small businesses, and agricultural producers can continue to thrive. Together, we can make the Good Life even better for all Nebraskans.”</p><p>The president’s annual address outlined administration priorities on national security, border enforcement, tax policy, energy production, and economic growth, themes echoed in statements from Nebraska’s Republican delegation.</p>

Nebraska Lawmakers Respond to President Trump’s State of the Union Address

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump delivers the State of the Union address followed by Democratic Response by Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA)– LIVE on C-SPAN <a href="https://t.co/DApNgV5M16">https://t.co/DApNgV5M16</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026450145991159994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 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/2026/2/1771983502857.png" alt="The President and First lady leave the White House prior to the State of the Union-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>The President and First lady leave the White House prior to the State of the Union-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771983937423.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (center) enteres the House Chamber ahead of the State of the Union-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (center) enteres the House Chamber ahead of the State of the Union-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771984850293.png" alt="First Lady Melania Trump enters the House Chamber-image from White House video." />
                        <figcaption>First Lady Melania Trump enters the House Chamber-image from White House video.</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771985786112.png" alt="Taking a selfie with a member of Congress-Image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Taking a selfie with a member of Congress-Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771984888960.png" alt="Ivanka and Barron Trump image from White House video" />
                        <figcaption>Ivanka and Barron Trump image from White House video</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771985705524.png" alt="President Trump greets Chief Justice John Roberts-image from White House video" />
                        <figcaption>President Trump greets Chief Justice John Roberts-image from White House video</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771986025877.png" alt="-The House Sergeant at Arms approached and escorted Texas Congressman Al Green, who stood as Trump began speaking with a sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes!” from the chamber barely two minutes into the address.&nbsp;Two Trump allies, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas and Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, had approached the area where Green was sitting before Capitol Police escorted him out.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>-The House Sergeant at Arms approached and escorted Texas Congressman Al Green, who stood as Trump began speaking with a sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes!” from the chamber barely two minutes into the address.&nbsp;Two Trump allies, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas and Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, had approached the area where Green was sitting before Capitol Police escorted him out.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772026424425.png" alt="In the background, Rep. Al Green holds up a sign that reads: "Black People Aren't Apes"-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>In the background, Rep. Al Green holds up a sign that reads: "Black People Aren't Apes"-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepAlGreen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepAlGreen</a> speaks to the media following his removal from the State of the Union address: &quot;Tonight, I wanted him to have a person confront him and let him know that Black people aren&#39;t apes.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MYbBVsAwpF">pic.twitter.com/MYbBVsAwpF</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026492623985242114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 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/2026/2/1771986189330.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771986702680.png" alt="-In a rare display of bipartisanship, members of the Men’s Olympic Hockey team received a standing ovation as they entered the House chamber after a shoutout from Trump.&nbsp;Members of the team stood in the gallery seats overlooking the House floor after Trump praised them. Several smiled and waved at the crowd.&nbsp;Trump then gave a shoutout to the women’s team, who also received a standing ovation despite not being in attendance. Both teams won gold at the Winter Olympics in Milan. Image from White House video" />
                        <figcaption>-In a rare display of bipartisanship, members of the Men’s Olympic Hockey team received a standing ovation as they entered the House chamber after a shoutout from Trump.&nbsp;Members of the team stood in the gallery seats overlooking the House floor after Trump praised them. Several smiled and waved at the crowd.&nbsp;Trump then gave a shoutout to the women’s team, who also received a standing ovation despite not being in attendance. Both teams won gold at the Winter Olympics in Milan. Image from White House video</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771986834280.png" alt="Trump announced that he will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Team USA hockey goalie&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connor-hellebuyck-team-usa-goalie-443ee4a3f28807aa7c4028ed489ecbd4">Connor Hellebuyck</a>. Trump said the award has been given to “many athletes over the years.” Image from CSPAN video" />
                        <figcaption>Trump announced that he will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Team USA hockey goalie&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connor-hellebuyck-team-usa-goalie-443ee4a3f28807aa7c4028ed489ecbd4">Connor Hellebuyck</a>. Trump said the award has been given to “many athletes over the years.” Image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gold medal winning Team USA men&#39;s hockey team at the State of the Union.<br><br>President Trump announces goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2026</a> <a href="https://t.co/nsxOgWYJLL">pic.twitter.com/nsxOgWYJLL</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026488449721675809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 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/2026/2/1771988604102.png" alt="Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib of Michigan wearing a button critical of ICE-image from CSPAN video" />
                        <figcaption>Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib of Michigan wearing a button critical of ICE-image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771989049837.png" alt="Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota shouts at the President during the address-image from CSPAN video-" />
                        <figcaption>Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota shouts at the President during the address-image from CSPAN video-</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump: &quot;You should be ashamed of yourself.&quot;<br><br>Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN): &quot;You have killed Americans.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2026</a> <a href="https://t.co/K1ggMjaGSU">pic.twitter.com/K1ggMjaGSU</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026495922394349593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 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">America 250: George Washington’s gavel is in the House chamber for the State of the Union. It was used in a 1793 ceremony to lay the U.S. Capitol cornerstone. <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> is the first House Speaker in history to display Washington’s gavel during the President’s State of the… <a href="https://t.co/ybfYQgRsc8">pic.twitter.com/ybfYQgRsc8</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026474063535706464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump criticizes Supreme Court on tariffs: &quot;So despite the disappointing ruling, these powerful, country-saving...peace-protecting...will remain in place under fully approved and tested alternative legal statutes...&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2026</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xq4aB1DTQg">pic.twitter.com/Xq4aB1DTQg</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026491348124107074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 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/2026/2/1771991422220.png" alt="Andrew Wolfe Awarded Purple Heart during State of the Union.-image from CSPAN video" />
                        <figcaption>Andrew Wolfe Awarded Purple Heart during State of the Union.-image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Andrew Wolfe and late Sarah Beckstrom Awarded Purple Heart during State of the Union.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2026</a> <a href="https://t.co/xyFzHxDXYM">pic.twitter.com/xyFzHxDXYM</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026502118140485883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 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/2026/2/1771991582456.png" alt="Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover received the Congressional Medal of Honor-image from CSPAN video" />
                        <figcaption>Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover received the Congressional Medal of Honor-image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/USArmy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USArmy</a> Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives the Congressional Medal of Honor at the State of the Union address. <a href="https://t.co/V0sHuDQcS7">pic.twitter.com/V0sHuDQcS7</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026509552661700891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 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">World War II <a href="https://twitter.com/USNavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USNavy</a> Pilot Captain Royce Williams receives the Congressional Medal of Honor at the State of the Union address. <a href="https://t.co/ZMidsnuB6R">pic.twitter.com/ZMidsnuB6R</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026509581019381982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 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/2026/2/1771991789955.png" alt="WWII Navy Pilot Royce Williams received the Congressional Medal of Honor image from CSPAN video" />
                        <figcaption>WWII Navy Pilot Royce Williams received the Congressional Medal of Honor image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump concludes his State of the Union address. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU26</a> <a href="https://t.co/F83NAmrzcu">pic.twitter.com/F83NAmrzcu</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2026511856542605480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Highlights of President Trump's State of the Union address

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matthew Tkachuk has <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> put on his gold medal! <br><br>“I’m not giving it back” 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/QAR03fOzoe">pic.twitter.com/QAR03fOzoe</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2026413306160844935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 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">Team USA in the Oval Office! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/Nq3OURxK5k">pic.twitter.com/Nq3OURxK5k</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2026400446626005133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 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 USA Men’s Hockey Team tours the White House colonnade as Free Bird plays 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/tJxwh9sI2s">pic.twitter.com/tJxwh9sI2s</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2026381439898415506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 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">Team USA arrives at the White House!!! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/Iv6XS5q6In">pic.twitter.com/Iv6XS5q6In</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2026376820166205601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

US hockey team members meet President in the Oval Office

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There is also a $100,000 reward in the case.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770749564250.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The family of missing Tucson woman Nancy Guthrie is offering a private $1 million reward for credible information that directly leads to her return.<br><br>If you have firsthand knowledge of Nancy’s whereabouts or any information about where she may be located, please contact the FBI… <a href="https://t.co/FgeWFDizcJ">pic.twitter.com/FgeWFDizcJ</a></p>&mdash; FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIPhoenix/status/2026296993211994352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVJKU2wADV3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVJKU2wADV3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVJKU2wADV3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Savannah Guthrie (@savannahguthrie)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><p>Someone knows how to find our mom and bring her home. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) — you can remain anonymous — or find a way to reach out to me.NOTE: Family reward of up to $1 million will be paid only for recovery of Nancy Guthrie, consistent with FBI criteria for payment of its reward in this case: <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/nancy-guthrie">Click here for details</a></p><p>There is also a $100,000 reward in the case.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today, the FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.<br><br>New identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie have been… <a href="https://t.co/GJcx4ra6wX">pic.twitter.com/GJcx4ra6wX</a></p>&mdash; FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIPhoenix/status/2022084453699350981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Family offering $1 million reward for tip in Nancy Guthrie mystery

On Monday, at the direction of U.S. Southern 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 Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.&nbsp;

Monday’s attack raises the death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on drug boats to at least 151people in at least 44 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771878383612.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>On Monday, at the direction of U.S. Southern 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. 23, 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… <a href="https://t.co/XUHImPAZik">pic.twitter.com/XUHImPAZik</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2026006115428016257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 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 Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.&nbsp;</p><p>Monday’s attack raises the death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on drug boats to at least 151people in at least 44 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.</p>

🎥 3 more dead in latest U.S. attack on drug boat in the Caribbean 

<i>Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast</i>

An Ogallala man traveling in Mexico to celebrate his grandmother’s 103rd birthday is now stuck under shelter-in-place conditions as cartel-related violence and widespread road blockades disrupt daily life and travel across parts of the country.

Joey Isenbart arrived in Mexico Thursday, flying into Guadalajara before traveling with family to his grandmother’s home about three hours away. What began as a routine family trip shifted dramatically over the weekend. Joey said that Saturday night, after a birthday celebration, he and his family saw vehicles on fire along the road — something he’d seen before on previous trips and didn’t think twice about.

But by Sunday morning, everything had changed. Joey said his cousin knocked on the door and told them, “You guys ain’t going nowhere. They just killed the big cartel guy. Roads are blocked off. They’re blowing up cars that block the roads off.”

The violence that followed commemorates one of the most significant developments in Mexico’s ongoing drug war: the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — widely known as “El Mencho” — leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). El Mencho, considered one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals and a major figure in international drug trafficking, was killed in a military operation by Mexican forces on Feb. 22, according to government statements. He headed one of the country’s most violent and expansive criminal organizations, implicated in trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as extortion, fuel theft, and other rackets. 

The Mexican government reported that his death sparked immediate retaliatory violence across multiple states. Roads were blocked with burning vehicles, fires broke out, and clashes between cartel members and security forces erupted in at least 20 of Mexico’s 31 states.  The unrest has led authorities, including the U.S. Embassy, to advise shelter-in-place guidance for U.S. citizens in affected areas due to “ongoing security operations and related criminal activity.” 

For Joey and his family, the shift from celebration to crisis was stark. “We woke up yesterday to check in for our flight to leave this morning,” he said. “My cousin’s knocking on the door saying, ‘You ain’t going nowhere.’” He described a town that went eerily quiet as people fled the streets and shops shut their doors. “I’ve been coming here for 30 some years every year and I have never heard flies or mosquitoes. I heard them all day yesterday. This town was dead.”

Local authorities later drove through town with sirens and loudspeakers urging residents to remain indoors for safety. Within hours, family members received mass text alerts reinforcing shelter-in-place orders and instructions for American citizens to contact the U.S. Embassy. Joey said cell service has been “hit and miss” in recent days, complicating contact with loved ones back home.

Joey and his family attempted to leave early Monday for a scheduled 8 a.m. flight from Guadalajara, setting out around midnight. But about an hour from town, at the border between Michoacán and Jalisco, they encountered burning semitrailers blocking the highway. “It was blocked off by semis on fire… and no, you’re not passing,” Joey said. As they turned back, he said they heard gunshots in the distance.

Although Guadalajara’s airport remains operational and flights continue to be scheduled and canceled, Joey said the challenge is reaching it safely. “That’s the problem — getting there,” he said.

Joey emphasized that his experience staying with family in a smaller community is different from what many resort visitors are seeing in major coastal tourist areas. While some flights have been canceled or diverted in places like Puerto Vallarta, the situation for locals — especially outside resort districts — reflects deeper concern. Many residents have been told by family members familiar with the area to stay cautious, avoid going out alone, and avoid identifying themselves as Americans in public.

Locals have also interpreted symbolic signs of the unrest in ways that underscore their fear: Joey shared that in his town, people believe the half-mast flag hung over the central plaza was placed there by cartels as a message that, “he might be dead, but we’re still here.” While it cannot be independently verified, that interpretation reflects how deeply cartel influence is perceived among residents.

For Joey personally, the experience has been surreal and sobering. He said although he feels relatively safe staying within town limits, his family is on edge. “If you go out in the country, that’s where the most risk would be,” he said. “If you stay here in town, we’re safe for the most part.”

Officials and analysts warn that the death of a powerful cartel leader like El Mencho can create violent power vacuums as rival factions fight for control, leading to unpredictable and extended periods of unrest. That dynamic helps explain the scale and intensity of the road blockades, fires, and clashes unfolding across the region.

As of now, Joey and his family plan to wait a few more days to see whether roads reopen and travel routes become safer before attempting another departure. “Our main concern right now is can we even get to the airport?” he said.

In the meantime, he urges other Americans in Mexico to follow guidance from the U.S. Embassy and stay in contact with authorities. “Listen to what the embassy says — that’s a big deal for your safety,” he said.

<p><i>By Allison Peck</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771877426093.jpeg" alt="Mexico flag half-mast following death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). (Courtesy Joey Isenbart)" />
                        <figcaption>Mexico flag half-mast following death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). (Courtesy Joey Isenbart)</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Mexico Under Cartel Retaliation: A Nebraska Voice from Inside" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=h4eww-1a53547-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=666666&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><i>Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast</i></p><p>An Ogallala man traveling in Mexico to celebrate his grandmother’s 103rd birthday is now stuck under shelter-in-place conditions as cartel-related violence and widespread road blockades disrupt daily life and travel across parts of the country.</p><p>Joey Isenbart arrived in Mexico Thursday, flying into Guadalajara before traveling with family to his grandmother’s home about three hours away. What began as a routine family trip shifted dramatically over the weekend. Joey said that Saturday night, after a birthday celebration, he and his family saw vehicles on fire along the road — something he’d seen before on previous trips and didn’t think twice about.</p><p>But by Sunday morning, everything had changed. Joey said his cousin knocked on the door and told them, “You guys ain’t going nowhere. They just killed the big cartel guy. Roads are blocked off. They’re blowing up cars that block the roads off.”</p><p>The violence that followed commemorates one of the most significant developments in Mexico’s ongoing drug war: the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — widely known as “El Mencho” — leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). El Mencho, considered one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals and a major figure in international drug trafficking, was killed in a military operation by Mexican forces on Feb. 22, according to government statements. He headed one of the country’s most violent and expansive criminal organizations, implicated in trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as extortion, fuel theft, and other rackets. </p><p>The Mexican government reported that his death sparked immediate retaliatory violence across multiple states. Roads were blocked with burning vehicles, fires broke out, and clashes between cartel members and security forces erupted in at least 20 of Mexico’s 31 states.  The unrest has led authorities, including the U.S. Embassy, to advise shelter-in-place guidance for U.S. citizens in affected areas due to “ongoing security operations and related criminal activity.” </p><p>For Joey and his family, the shift from celebration to crisis was stark. “We woke up yesterday to check in for our flight to leave this morning,” he said. “My cousin’s knocking on the door saying, ‘You ain’t going nowhere.’” He described a town that went eerily quiet as people fled the streets and shops shut their doors. “I’ve been coming here for 30 some years every year and I have never heard flies or mosquitoes. I heard them all day yesterday. This town was dead.”</p><p>Local authorities later drove through town with sirens and loudspeakers urging residents to remain indoors for safety. Within hours, family members received mass text alerts reinforcing shelter-in-place orders and instructions for American citizens to contact the U.S. Embassy. Joey said cell service has been “hit and miss” in recent days, complicating contact with loved ones back home.</p><p>Joey and his family attempted to leave early Monday for a scheduled 8 a.m. flight from Guadalajara, setting out around midnight. But about an hour from town, at the border between Michoacán and Jalisco, they encountered burning semitrailers blocking the highway. “It was blocked off by semis on fire… and no, you’re not passing,” Joey said. As they turned back, he said they heard gunshots in the distance.</p><p>Although Guadalajara’s airport remains operational and flights continue to be scheduled and canceled, Joey said the challenge is reaching it safely. “That’s the problem — getting there,” he said.</p><p>Joey emphasized that his experience staying with family in a smaller community is different from what many resort visitors are seeing in major coastal tourist areas. While some flights have been canceled or diverted in places like Puerto Vallarta, the situation for locals — especially outside resort districts — reflects deeper concern. Many residents have been told by family members familiar with the area to stay cautious, avoid going out alone, and avoid identifying themselves as Americans in public.</p><p>Locals have also interpreted symbolic signs of the unrest in ways that underscore their fear: Joey shared that in his town, people believe the half-mast flag hung over the central plaza was placed there by cartels as a message that, “he might be dead, but we’re still here.” While it cannot be independently verified, that interpretation reflects how deeply cartel influence is perceived among residents.</p><p>For Joey personally, the experience has been surreal and sobering. He said although he feels relatively safe staying within town limits, his family is on edge. “If you go out in the country, that’s where the most risk would be,” he said. “If you stay here in town, we’re safe for the most part.”</p><p>Officials and analysts warn that the death of a powerful cartel leader like El Mencho can create violent power vacuums as rival factions fight for control, leading to unpredictable and extended periods of unrest. That dynamic helps explain the scale and intensity of the road blockades, fires, and clashes unfolding across the region.</p><p>As of now, Joey and his family plan to wait a few more days to see whether roads reopen and travel routes become safer before attempting another departure. “Our main concern right now is can we even get to the airport?” he said.</p><p>In the meantime, he urges other Americans in Mexico to follow guidance from the U.S. Embassy and stay in contact with authorities. “Listen to what the embassy says — that’s a big deal for your safety,” he said.</p>

🎙️Ogallala Man Inside Mexico's Cartel Lockdown: Flaming Roadblocks and Gunshots

WASHINGTON —The Mexican army killed the leader of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-jalisco-cartel-us-sanctions-8e40e7da8ce88c4feb45e61f3a2e00a3">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a>, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," on Sunday, decapitating what had become Mexico's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-mencho-justice-department-drug-cartels-cjng-73b539b8029c793fbd995a357b57f25f">most powerful drug cartel</a>&nbsp;and thrusting swaths of the nation into chaos.

According to a social media report late Sunday from White House spokesperson Karaoline Leavitt, " The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated. 

‘El Mencho’ was a was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland. Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that’s exactly what it is. In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested.

"President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved."

"The Trump Administration also commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation."

The drug lord was the Mexican government's biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration in its efforts to crack down on the cartels, and his death was met with a forceful reaction from the cartel, known by its Spanish initials CJNG.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771795992010.png" alt="Image U.S. Dept. of Justice" />
                        <figcaption>Image U.S. Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON —The Mexican army killed the leader of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-jalisco-cartel-us-sanctions-8e40e7da8ce88c4feb45e61f3a2e00a3">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a>, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," on Sunday, decapitating what had become Mexico's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-mencho-justice-department-drug-cartels-cjng-73b539b8029c793fbd995a357b57f25f">most powerful drug cartel</a>&nbsp;and thrusting swaths of the nation into chaos.</p><p>According to a social media report late Sunday from White House spokesperson Karaoline Leavitt, " The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated. </p><p>‘El Mencho’ was a was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland. Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that’s exactly what it is. In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested.</p><p>"President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved."</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mexico: UPDATE - Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, U.S. citizens should shelter in place until further notice. Roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic &amp; int’l flights… <a href="https://t.co/SIxMGKwGny">pic.twitter.com/SIxMGKwGny</a></p>&mdash; TravelGov (@TravelGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/2025690556953714887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>"The Trump Administration also commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation."</p><p>The drug lord was the Mexican government's biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration in its efforts to crack down on the cartels, and his death was met with a forceful reaction from the cartel, known by its Spanish initials CJNG.</p>

White House: U.S. helped Mexican army kill powerful drug lord

Click below to listen to the Palm Beach County Sheriff and Secret Service update on the fatal shooting at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago club.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771803623092.png" alt="Suspect had gas can and a shotgun- image from Palm Beach Co. Sheriff" />
                        <figcaption>Suspect had gas can and a shotgun- image from Palm Beach Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Click below to listen to the Palm Beach County Sheriff and Secret Service update on the fatal shooting at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago club.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=315&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F901846472775014%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

New details: Armed man shot, killed at Mar-a-Lago 

<b>Locations</b>:&nbsp;Widespread, including&nbsp;Jalisco&nbsp;State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas States

<b>Event</b>:&nbsp;Due to ongoing security&nbsp;operations and&nbsp;related&nbsp;road blockages and criminal activity,&nbsp;U.S. citizens&nbsp;in the named locations&nbsp;should shelter in&nbsp;place&nbsp;until further notice.

All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Tijuana and all U.S. government staff in Guerrero, Michoacan, and Quintana Roo states have been directed to shelter in place.&nbsp; All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area.

While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.&nbsp; All taxis and ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. &nbsp;Some businesses have suspended operations.

<a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/contact/" target="_blank">Contact Form</a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico</a>From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561From the United States: &nbsp;+1-844-528-6611Department of State – Consular Affairs:  +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

<b>Links:</b><a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html" target="_blank">Mexico International Travel information&nbsp;<i></i></a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/receive-embassy-alerts-on-whatsapp/" target="_blank">U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel</a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/passports/" target="_blank">U.S. Passports</a><a href="https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step" target="_blank">Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)&nbsp;<i></i></a>Department of State on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/travelgov" target="_blank">Facebook&nbsp;<i></i></a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/travelgov" target="_blank">X&nbsp;<i></i></a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771795992010.png" alt="On Sunday, troops targeted Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in the western state of Jalisco. and killed him, according to the Mexican Army. - Photo U.S. Department of State" />
                        <figcaption>On Sunday, troops targeted Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in the western state of Jalisco. and killed him, according to the Mexican Army. - Photo U.S. Department of State</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>Locations</b>:&nbsp;Widespread, including&nbsp;Jalisco&nbsp;State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas States</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mexico: UPDATE - Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, U.S. citizens should shelter in place until further notice. Roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic &amp; int’l flights… <a href="https://t.co/SIxMGKwGny">pic.twitter.com/SIxMGKwGny</a></p>&mdash; TravelGov (@TravelGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/2025690556953714887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 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">Security Alert – Update: Ongoing Security Operations - U.S. Mission Mexico (February 22, 2026) <br><br>Locations: Widespread, including Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo… <a href="https://t.co/GlF1wAhm2J">pic.twitter.com/GlF1wAhm2J</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Consulate Tijuana (@ConsuladoUSATJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConsuladoUSATJ/status/2025697223850565982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p><b>Event</b>:&nbsp;Due to ongoing security&nbsp;operations and&nbsp;related&nbsp;road blockages and criminal activity,&nbsp;U.S. citizens&nbsp;in the named locations&nbsp;should shelter in&nbsp;place&nbsp;until further notice.</p><p>All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Tijuana and all U.S. government staff in Guerrero, Michoacan, and Quintana Roo states have been directed to shelter in place.&nbsp; All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area.</p><p>While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.&nbsp; All taxis and ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. &nbsp;Some businesses have suspended operations.</p><p><b>Actions to Take</b>:</p><ul>
                        <li>Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements.&nbsp;&nbsp;Remain in your residences or hotels.</li><li>Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.</li><li>Be aware of your surroundings.</li><li>Monitor local media for updates.</li><li>Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.</li><li>Avoid crowds.</li><li>Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.</li>
                    </ul><p><b>Assistance:</b></p><p><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/contact/" target="_blank">Contact Form</a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico</a>From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561From the United States: &nbsp;+1-844-528-6611Department of State – Consular Affairs:  +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444</p><p><b>Links:</b><a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html" target="_blank">Mexico International Travel information&nbsp;<i></i></a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/receive-embassy-alerts-on-whatsapp/" target="_blank">U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel</a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/passports/" target="_blank">U.S. Passports</a><a href="https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step" target="_blank">Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)&nbsp;<i></i></a>Department of State on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/travelgov" target="_blank">Facebook&nbsp;<i></i></a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/travelgov" target="_blank">X&nbsp;<i></i></a></p>

Security Alert: Ongoing security operations – U.S. Mission Mexico

CENTRAL NEBRASKA: The Nebraska Flyway Partnership has released a new report developed in cooperation with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration’s Department of Economics. The report outlines the cultural, economic, and branding significance of the Central Platte River flyway corridor and spring Sandhill Crane migration for communities located there.

The Nebraska Flyway Partnership is a collaborative effort among tourism, conservation, and community organizations working to better understand, protect, and leverage the Platte River flyway as both a natural asset and a defining regional identity. By viewing the flyway as a shared regional resource rather than a single community’s attraction, the partnership aims to encourage cooperation and sustainable growth.

The report estimates total economic impact related to business output during the spring migration season reached&nbsp;$28.0 million&nbsp;in 2025, nearly double the&nbsp;$14.3 million&nbsp;recorded in 2017, representing a&nbsp;96% increase. This figure includes direct visitor spending as well as multiplier impacts as spending circulated throughout the regional economy.&nbsp;

Analysis estimated 35,400 unique visitors during the migration season, with an average stay of 3.1 days. This resulted in an estimated 108,686 total visitor days in central Nebraska.

Survey responses indicated that the largest share of visitors to central Nebraska (17.6 percent) originated from Omaha, Lincoln, and other areas of Nebraska outside the central region. Visitors also traveled from nearby states, including Colorado (15.0 percent), Minnesota (9.3 percent), Iowa (7.1 percent), and Wisconsin (5.0 percent). A notable share of visitors also traveled from coastal states, including California, New York and Florida.

Related labor income increased by 55 percent between the 2017 and 2025 migration seasons, exceeding the 29 percent increase in the Midwest Consumer Price Index during the same period. This demonstrates real growth in the annual economic impact over eight years. The report also confirms a 20 percent increase in full-year equivalent employment, a measure not affected by inflation or changes in real hourly wages. In addition, business sales and organizational revenue tied to the migration increased by 96 percent between 2017 and 2025.

The full report and related media are available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://url7773.visitnorthplatte.com/ls/click?upn=u001.-2FNeH8p-2FsLlxQMB1JDpba0ASEpeOa0bRYHxHTKrJyXwGsFpoun4WKWczgMWgzXURwuXi0yEL8-2FXLnhUFpzCmED1vvmMa7mfTwa4tPt-2BG0aNjTu4I8dRQOIhDSNCyTmKf79luu_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU7QdcUh44DKqKmxOt4hQ-2FtX4jTYmULEavCAz1DtDKx6ixMfGjZiaiXhYCoprOQJmSbV6buMFjVEWfhtEx32WtzUvAxD7A-2BjbzcZN-2BVt-2BTH5g24fObfuZ-2Bg1GSYto7xc9OmFfYQZqWPZ4ckxQP1poQ9bz1l4PNNqZtSnQqdknRNPgEK1dJ9WW9yuPt-2BbtZrlEYE-3D">this link</a>&nbsp;(<a target="_blank" href="http://url7773.visitnorthplatte.com/ls/click?upn=u001.-2FNeH8p-2FsLlxQMB1JDpba0ASEpeOa0bRYHxHTKrJyXwGsFpoun4WKWczgMWgzXURwuXi0yEL8-2FXLnhUFpzCmED1vvmMa7mfTwa4tPt-2BG0aNjTu4I8dRQOIhDSNCyTmKf75V8Q_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU7QdcUh44DKqKmxOt4hQ-2FtX4jTYmULEavCAz1DtDKx6i4P6q8Ur1EM2mFoaizR7UIjAYLLKQYOw-2BdEgCTC9FR4SR2O3vwmj9AGfODJkLRpfJeEx1sihsl1R7XeyZIZstkGLUqNXrkG0u6XK9JrKZthSnOoPUJQBIHoYXbnU7wwqJCLVZr7RqEq8AiPCTW-2BwG58-3D">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wuHGe7SabTZShl3ILPUvxc7nP3Um7o6B?usp=sharing</a>) and through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://url7773.visitnorthplatte.com/ls/click?upn=u001.XX02Xz2Mx9bnJ1C0skIEHchOuevCMl3aYM1FtrbgRS2dX80ClRnyxEEUITsuXS4ajouI_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU7QdcUh44DKqKmxOt4hQ-2FtX4jTYmULEavCAz1DtDKx6i4jF5sKrW4oH9tWC3n6yLkYKt3TCfUR6cQavdBpkJZBe8LTLGuwNhfsWkcT2aRl5aWZl-2FP44Z8Jtj24dBJnGcFX0UKEXpRXqO7alpxM2Dh6b42KhIc7YNWTAHVlcyj2CTKOgc1cL-2B2CS6FMNfg-2BpJTk-3D">NebraskaFlyway.com</a>&nbsp;partner organizations.

<p><i>Press</i> <i>Release</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679526095691.jpg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>CENTRAL NEBRASKA: The Nebraska Flyway Partnership has released a new report developed in cooperation with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration’s Department of Economics. The report outlines the cultural, economic, and branding significance of the Central Platte River flyway corridor and spring Sandhill Crane migration for communities located there.</p><p>The Nebraska Flyway Partnership is a collaborative effort among tourism, conservation, and community organizations working to better understand, protect, and leverage the Platte River flyway as both a natural asset and a defining regional identity. By viewing the flyway as a shared regional resource rather than a single community’s attraction, the partnership aims to encourage cooperation and sustainable growth.</p><p>The report estimates total economic impact related to business output during the spring migration season reached&nbsp;$28.0 million&nbsp;in 2025, nearly double the&nbsp;$14.3 million&nbsp;recorded in 2017, representing a&nbsp;96% increase. This figure includes direct visitor spending as well as multiplier impacts as spending circulated throughout the regional economy.&nbsp;</p><p>Analysis estimated 35,400 unique visitors during the migration season, with an average stay of 3.1 days. This resulted in an estimated 108,686 total visitor days in central Nebraska.</p><p>Survey responses indicated that the largest share of visitors to central Nebraska (17.6 percent) originated from Omaha, Lincoln, and other areas of Nebraska outside the central region. Visitors also traveled from nearby states, including Colorado (15.0 percent), Minnesota (9.3 percent), Iowa (7.1 percent), and Wisconsin (5.0 percent). A notable share of visitors also traveled from coastal states, including California, New York and Florida.</p><p>Related labor income increased by 55 percent between the 2017 and 2025 migration seasons, exceeding the 29 percent increase in the Midwest Consumer Price Index during the same period. This demonstrates real growth in the annual economic impact over eight years. The report also confirms a 20 percent increase in full-year equivalent employment, a measure not affected by inflation or changes in real hourly wages. In addition, business sales and organizational revenue tied to the migration increased by 96 percent between 2017 and 2025.</p><p>The full report and related media are available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://url7773.visitnorthplatte.com/ls/click?upn=u001.-2FNeH8p-2FsLlxQMB1JDpba0ASEpeOa0bRYHxHTKrJyXwGsFpoun4WKWczgMWgzXURwuXi0yEL8-2FXLnhUFpzCmED1vvmMa7mfTwa4tPt-2BG0aNjTu4I8dRQOIhDSNCyTmKf79luu_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU7QdcUh44DKqKmxOt4hQ-2FtX4jTYmULEavCAz1DtDKx6ixMfGjZiaiXhYCoprOQJmSbV6buMFjVEWfhtEx32WtzUvAxD7A-2BjbzcZN-2BVt-2BTH5g24fObfuZ-2Bg1GSYto7xc9OmFfYQZqWPZ4ckxQP1poQ9bz1l4PNNqZtSnQqdknRNPgEK1dJ9WW9yuPt-2BbtZrlEYE-3D">this link</a>&nbsp;(<a target="_blank" href="http://url7773.visitnorthplatte.com/ls/click?upn=u001.-2FNeH8p-2FsLlxQMB1JDpba0ASEpeOa0bRYHxHTKrJyXwGsFpoun4WKWczgMWgzXURwuXi0yEL8-2FXLnhUFpzCmED1vvmMa7mfTwa4tPt-2BG0aNjTu4I8dRQOIhDSNCyTmKf75V8Q_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU7QdcUh44DKqKmxOt4hQ-2FtX4jTYmULEavCAz1DtDKx6i4P6q8Ur1EM2mFoaizR7UIjAYLLKQYOw-2BdEgCTC9FR4SR2O3vwmj9AGfODJkLRpfJeEx1sihsl1R7XeyZIZstkGLUqNXrkG0u6XK9JrKZthSnOoPUJQBIHoYXbnU7wwqJCLVZr7RqEq8AiPCTW-2BwG58-3D">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wuHGe7SabTZShl3ILPUvxc7nP3Um7o6B?usp=sharing</a>) and through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://url7773.visitnorthplatte.com/ls/click?upn=u001.XX02Xz2Mx9bnJ1C0skIEHchOuevCMl3aYM1FtrbgRS2dX80ClRnyxEEUITsuXS4ajouI_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU7QdcUh44DKqKmxOt4hQ-2FtX4jTYmULEavCAz1DtDKx6i4jF5sKrW4oH9tWC3n6yLkYKt3TCfUR6cQavdBpkJZBe8LTLGuwNhfsWkcT2aRl5aWZl-2FP44Z8Jtj24dBJnGcFX0UKEXpRXqO7alpxM2Dh6b42KhIc7YNWTAHVlcyj2CTKOgc1cL-2B2CS6FMNfg-2BpJTk-3D">NebraskaFlyway.com</a>&nbsp;partner organizations.</p>

Sandhill Cranes Economic Impact More Than $19 Million

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/kevinhardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>

Outrage erupted last month when Oklahoma City residents learned of plans to convert a vacant warehouse into an immigration processing facility.

Making&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2026/01/27/oklahomans-denounce-potential-ice-processing-center-at-okc-city-council-meeting/" target="_blank">matters worse</a>&nbsp;was the secrecy of the federal government: City leaders received no communication from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement aside from a mandated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.okc.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/city-manager/ltr-from-dhs-to-okc-about-okc-detention-center.pdf" target="_blank">disclosure</a>&nbsp;related to historic preservation.

Planning a major development without city input is antithetical to the in-depth, sometimes arcane permitting, planning and zoning process in Oklahoma City. Mayor David Holt, a former Republican state senator, said those land use decisions are among the most crucial of any municipal government.

“For any entity to be able to open a detention center in our communities, potentially next to neighborhoods or schools, regardless of your views on immigration policy or enforcement, is very challenging, because that’s a very high-impact use, and that’s the kind of thing that we would expect to talk about,” he told Stateline.

Communities across the country are facing similar prospects as ICE undertakes a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/01/21/nx-s1-5674887/ice-budget-funding-congress-trump" target="_blank">massive expansion</a>&nbsp;fueled in large part by the record $45 billion approved for increased immigration detention by Congress last summer.

During President Donald Trump’s second term, ICE is holding a record number of detainees —&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/02/05/immigration-detention-passed-70000-in-january/" target="_blank">more than 70,000</a>&nbsp;as of January — across its own facilities as well as in contracted local jails and private prisons. ICE<a href="https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt971/files/inline-documents/merrimack-detention-reengineering-initiative.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;documents</a>&nbsp;from last week show plans for acquiring and renovating 16 processing sites that hold up to 1,500 people each and eight detention centers that hold up to 10,000 each, for a total capacity of 92,600 beds. The agency also has plans for some 150 new leases and office expansions across the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/ice-expansion-across-us-at-heres-where-its-going-next/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us" target="_blank">Wired reported</a>.

But ICE’s plans to convert industrial buildings — often warehouses — into new detention facilities have recently faced fierce opposition over humanitarian and economic concerns. From Utah to Texas to Georgia, local governments have sought to block these massive facilities. But with limited legal authority, city and state officials have turned to the court of public opinion to deter private developers and the federal government.

Holt, who is the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a nonpartisan organization representing the more than 1,400 leaders of cities with populations of 30,000 or more, said cities have little legal recourse over the ICE facilities.

“We all have a clear, unified position that really crosses party lines,” he said, “and then we also have a clear understanding of how limited our options are.”

Local leaders often cite the U.S. Constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artVI-C2-1/ALDE_00013395/" target="_blank">supremacy clause</a>, which says federal laws supersede conflicting state laws. That leaves cities with limited influence over projects that could take industrial space off tax rolls, cause new strains on city services and raise serious humanitarian concerns given the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement, including the high-profile killings of two Americans in Minnesota.

Facing bipartisan opposition, the out-of-state owner of the Oklahoma City warehouse ultimately decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/briefs/proposed-oklahoma-city-ice-facility-is-off-the-table/" target="_blank">end talks</a>&nbsp;of selling or leasing its warehouse to the federal government.

Similar public pressure has proved effective in reversing plans in several other cities: In late January, a Canadian firm said it would not proceed with a planned sale of a Virginia warehouse after it faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/us/politics/ice-warehouse-detention-canada.html" target="_blank">calls for a boycott</a>&nbsp;from Canadian politicians and businesses. In Mississippi, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker announced the federal government would&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorWicker/status/2019820750900002820" target="_blank">“look elsewhere”</a>&nbsp;after he spoke with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees ICE. Wicker, a Republican who said he supports immigration enforcement, echoed local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/2/wicker-proposed-ice-facility-threatens-byhalia-mississippi-economy-and-infrastructure" target="_blank">economic concerns</a>&nbsp;of a project planned in Byhalia.

Some officials have welcomed the new facilities: Missouri Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford has&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/uploadedfiles/1.16.2026_ice_facility_letter.pdf" target="_blank">lobbied</a>&nbsp;to land a detention and processing center in his district. And last week, a Maryland county approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wbaltv.com/article/washington-county-dhs-ice-resolution-hagerstown-detention-center/70300009" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;expressing its “full support” for ICE, which is considering purchasing a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washco-md.net/news/washington-county-statement-on-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-notice-concerning-proposed-ice-facility/" target="_blank">warehouse</a>&nbsp;there, despite local protests. But most communities have fought them.

Neither DHS nor ICE responded to Stateline’s questions.

Holt said the discussion resembles other local development concerns where NIMBY — short for Not in My Backyard — is a common description of opponents.

“There are plenty of people who are very law-and-order and supporters of law enforcement who don’t want a jail next to their house,” he said. “That’s why it’s got such broad opposition: NIMBYism is the most powerful force sometimes in American politics and nobody wants a detention center next to their home, their business or their school.”

After learning that ICE planned to take over a vacant warehouse within its city limits, the Kansas City Council in January swiftly approved a five-year ban on nonmunicipal detention facilities.

Kansas City Council member Andrea Bough, who is also a private development attorney, said the move was both political and legal: The city wanted to send a clear signal opposing ICE facilities, but it also wants to exert its local authority over planning and zoning.

She acknowledged the legal hurdle posed by the supremacy clause, but said there was enough ambiguity over the city’s ability to regulate land use that it may take the issue to the courts.

“Some would say local building codes and zoning regulations do not apply to the federal government,” she said. “That’s something I think we would probably in this situation be willing to fight until we had clear guidance on that.”

Following weeks of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-hudnall/article314486671.html" target="_blank">pressure</a>, the Kansas City firm that owns the 920,000-square-foot warehouse announced Thursday it was no longer “actively engaged with the U.S. Government or any other prospective purchaser,” the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article314676617.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Jackson County, which includes portions of Kansas City and the potential detention facility, is considering a similar ban. And across the state line, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, is considering a similar&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/wyandotte-county/article314647328.html" target="_blank">two-year moratorium</a>.

But there are clear limitations on cities’ ability to stop federal projects, said Nestor Davidson, a professor who teaches land use and local government law at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

“The federal government can assert immunity from certain state and local laws, including zoning, but it’s complicated, and there are nuances,” he said.

Still, Davidson said some case law has shown cities may have stronger legal footing for zoning rules that are broad and not directly targeted at specific federal government projects.

“I expect to see litigation,” he said. “I think you’re going to see these conversations play out as land use fights often do: both in a legal venue and in a political venue.”

Kansas City’s moratorium has sparked interest among local activists who have pressured elected officials in other cities across the country to act. But many local officials are adamant that federal law ties their hands.

In a legal opinion provided to the Orlando City Council in Florida, City Attorney Mayanne Downs rejected “suggestions of actions we can supposedly take,” including moratoriums or using zoning ordinances to block ICE detention centers.

“However well motivated these suggestions are, the law is very clear: ICE, as an agency of our federal government, ICE is immune from any local regulation that interferes in any way with its federal mandate,” Downs wrote to the mayor and city commissioners.

ICE is reportedly&nbsp;<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/u-s-reps-maxwell-frost-darren-soto-tell-kristi-noem-not-to-open-ice-facility-in-central-florida/" target="_blank">considering</a>&nbsp;a new $100 million processing center in southeast Orlando.

The county commission in Orange County, which includes Orlando, discussed the issue last week after receiving similar legal advice. County Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the board is even more constrained because of a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/180" target="_blank">Florida law&nbsp;</a>limiting certain local governments’ ability to regulate development through 2027.

After being advised against passing a moratorium, the board agreed with Wilson’s follow-up suggestion to draft a resolution expressing its opposition. That will be considered at a future meeting.

“It doesn’t sound like it has the teeth that a moratorium would have, but it essentially gives an awareness that we’ve established a position in opposition to this type of facility in Orange County,” Wilson told Stateline.

An attorney by trade, Wilson said the case law regarding federal projects largely centers on disputes about post offices, which she said is not an appropriate comparison to the massive detention centers currently contemplated.

“A post office has the same water consumption and sewage as probably a lot of other uses,” she said. “If you take a warehouse that was designed for 25,000 widgets and put 15,000 humans in it, you’ve got a very different set of local needs and services that are being used and being taxed and being burdened.”

Communities have often opposed various other federal projects, such as federal courthouses. But the federal government generally takes the time to listen to local concerns and communicate building plans with communities, said Jason Klumb, a former regional administrator with the U.S. General Services Administration, which manages the federal government’s real estate.

“Generally, GSA has had kind of a good neighbor approach, understanding that they have requirements for federal facilities, and some of those facilities may not always be popular,” said Klumb, an Obama appointee.

But the federal government has not been shy about exerting its constitutional authority.

For example, late last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/jan/31/federal-government-reconfirms-vine-street/" target="_blank">GSA announced</a>&nbsp;it would build a new $239 million federal courthouse in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/jan/31/federal-government-reconfirms-vine-street/" target="_blank">bipartisan lobbying</a>&nbsp;from city and federal officials for a different site.

“The feds get what the feds want, ultimately,” Klumb said.

In a statement, a GSA spokesperson declined to clarify the agency’s current role in acquiring ICE detention facilities. The statement said the agency was “following all lease procurement procedures in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.”

Communities have largely been left out of the administration’s immigration decision-making process.

“Most of the information we have received on this facility has been through news leaks and the government has not reached out to us yet,” said Paul Micali, the town manager of Merrimack, New Hampshire.

Through an open records request, the ACLU of New Hampshire&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/03/new-documents-confirm-federal-government-plans-to-put-an-ice-facility-in-merrimack/" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;that ICE was planning to convert a 43-acre warehouse property in the town of about 28,200.

The federal plans were obtained from the state’s historic preservation office, which came under fire for not informing Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte of ICE’s proposal. That agency’s top official&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/09/embattled-cultural-resources-commissioner-resigns-amid-merrimack-ice-facility-fallout/" target="_blank">resigned last week</a>&nbsp;after pressure from Ayotte.

Ayotte’s office did not respond to a request for comment. On Thursday, her office released documents detailing how the federal government’s&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/13/ayotte-releases-dhs-documents-about-planned-ice-detention-center-in-merrimack/" target="_blank">$158 million plan</a>&nbsp;to retrofit the property would create hundreds of long-term jobs for the region.

<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/12/ice-director-dhs-has-worked-with-gov-ayotte-on-merrimack-immigrant-detention-center/" target="_blank">Testifying before Congress</a>&nbsp;Thursday, an ICE official said the feds will not cancel the project over local concerns.

Micali said the vacant warehouse currently provides about $529,000 in annual property taxes — a substantial sum given the town’s property tax base of about $20 million.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.merrimacknh.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3456/f/news/260123_town_council_letter_to_dhs_re_ice_processing_center_-_signed.pdf" target="_blank">letter to Noem</a>, the Town Council said converting the property to a tax-free federal facility would result in higher local taxes for residents. Merrimack is also concerned about potential demands for water, fire and other city services, Micali said, but can’t even begin to assess needs without more details from the feds.

He’s speaking with lawyers about what options, if any, the town may have to assert local zoning power.

“We’re looking at every possibility,” he said.

Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.&nbsp;

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/02/17/communities-fight-ice-detention-centers-but-have-few-tools-to-stop-them/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Kansas Reflector, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771730316728.png" alt=" A vacant warehouse in Kansas City, Mo., was among a growing number of properties across the country planned for conversion into a federal immigration detention center. After weeks of public pressure, the private developer that owns the property announced last week it would not transfer the property to the federal government. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline)" />
                        <figcaption> A vacant warehouse in Kansas City, Mo., was among a growing number of properties across the country planned for conversion into a federal immigration detention center. After weeks of public pressure, the private developer that owns the property announced last week it would not transfer the property to the federal government. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/kevinhardy/">Kevin Hardy</a></p><p>Outrage erupted last month when Oklahoma City residents learned of plans to convert a vacant warehouse into an immigration processing facility.</p><p>Making&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2026/01/27/oklahomans-denounce-potential-ice-processing-center-at-okc-city-council-meeting/" target="_blank">matters worse</a>&nbsp;was the secrecy of the federal government: City leaders received no communication from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement aside from a mandated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.okc.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/city-manager/ltr-from-dhs-to-okc-about-okc-detention-center.pdf" target="_blank">disclosure</a>&nbsp;related to historic preservation.</p><p>Planning a major development without city input is antithetical to the in-depth, sometimes arcane permitting, planning and zoning process in Oklahoma City. Mayor David Holt, a former Republican state senator, said those land use decisions are among the most crucial of any municipal government.</p><p>“For any entity to be able to open a detention center in our communities, potentially next to neighborhoods or schools, regardless of your views on immigration policy or enforcement, is very challenging, because that’s a very high-impact use, and that’s the kind of thing that we would expect to talk about,” he told Stateline.</p><p>Communities across the country are facing similar prospects as ICE undertakes a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/01/21/nx-s1-5674887/ice-budget-funding-congress-trump" target="_blank">massive expansion</a>&nbsp;fueled in large part by the record $45 billion approved for increased immigration detention by Congress last summer.</p><p>During President Donald Trump’s second term, ICE is holding a record number of detainees —&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/02/05/immigration-detention-passed-70000-in-january/" target="_blank">more than 70,000</a>&nbsp;as of January — across its own facilities as well as in contracted local jails and private prisons. ICE<a href="https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt971/files/inline-documents/merrimack-detention-reengineering-initiative.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;documents</a>&nbsp;from last week show plans for acquiring and renovating 16 processing sites that hold up to 1,500 people each and eight detention centers that hold up to 10,000 each, for a total capacity of 92,600 beds. The agency also has plans for some 150 new leases and office expansions across the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/ice-expansion-across-us-at-heres-where-its-going-next/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us" target="_blank">Wired reported</a>.</p><p>But ICE’s plans to convert industrial buildings — often warehouses — into new detention facilities have recently faced fierce opposition over humanitarian and economic concerns. From Utah to Texas to Georgia, local governments have sought to block these massive facilities. But with limited legal authority, city and state officials have turned to the court of public opinion to deter private developers and the federal government.</p><p>Holt, who is the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a nonpartisan organization representing the more than 1,400 leaders of cities with populations of 30,000 or more, said cities have little legal recourse over the ICE facilities.</p><p>“We all have a clear, unified position that really crosses party lines,” he said, “and then we also have a clear understanding of how limited our options are.”</p><p>Local leaders often cite the U.S. Constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artVI-C2-1/ALDE_00013395/" target="_blank">supremacy clause</a>, which says federal laws supersede conflicting state laws. That leaves cities with limited influence over projects that could take industrial space off tax rolls, cause new strains on city services and raise serious humanitarian concerns given the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement, including the high-profile killings of two Americans in Minnesota.</p><p>Facing bipartisan opposition, the out-of-state owner of the Oklahoma City warehouse ultimately decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/briefs/proposed-oklahoma-city-ice-facility-is-off-the-table/" target="_blank">end talks</a>&nbsp;of selling or leasing its warehouse to the federal government.</p><p>Similar public pressure has proved effective in reversing plans in several other cities: In late January, a Canadian firm said it would not proceed with a planned sale of a Virginia warehouse after it faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/us/politics/ice-warehouse-detention-canada.html" target="_blank">calls for a boycott</a>&nbsp;from Canadian politicians and businesses. In Mississippi, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker announced the federal government would&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorWicker/status/2019820750900002820" target="_blank">“look elsewhere”</a>&nbsp;after he spoke with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees ICE. Wicker, a Republican who said he supports immigration enforcement, echoed local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/2/wicker-proposed-ice-facility-threatens-byhalia-mississippi-economy-and-infrastructure" target="_blank">economic concerns</a>&nbsp;of a project planned in Byhalia.</p><p>Some officials have welcomed the new facilities: Missouri Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford has&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/uploadedfiles/1.16.2026_ice_facility_letter.pdf" target="_blank">lobbied</a>&nbsp;to land a detention and processing center in his district. And last week, a Maryland county approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wbaltv.com/article/washington-county-dhs-ice-resolution-hagerstown-detention-center/70300009" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;expressing its “full support” for ICE, which is considering purchasing a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washco-md.net/news/washington-county-statement-on-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-notice-concerning-proposed-ice-facility/" target="_blank">warehouse</a>&nbsp;there, despite local protests. But most communities have fought them.</p><p>Neither DHS nor ICE responded to Stateline’s questions.</p><p>Holt said the discussion resembles other local development concerns where NIMBY — short for Not in My Backyard — is a common description of opponents.</p><p>“There are plenty of people who are very law-and-order and supporters of law enforcement who don’t want a jail next to their house,” he said. “That’s why it’s got such broad opposition: NIMBYism is the most powerful force sometimes in American politics and nobody wants a detention center next to their home, their business or their school.”</p><h2>A political and legal fight</h2><p>After learning that ICE planned to take over a vacant warehouse within its city limits, the Kansas City Council in January swiftly approved a five-year ban on nonmunicipal detention facilities.</p><p>Kansas City Council member Andrea Bough, who is also a private development attorney, said the move was both political and legal: The city wanted to send a clear signal opposing ICE facilities, but it also wants to exert its local authority over planning and zoning.</p><p>She acknowledged the legal hurdle posed by the supremacy clause, but said there was enough ambiguity over the city’s ability to regulate land use that it may take the issue to the courts.</p><p>“Some would say local building codes and zoning regulations do not apply to the federal government,” she said. “That’s something I think we would probably in this situation be willing to fight until we had clear guidance on that.”</p><p>Following weeks of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-hudnall/article314486671.html" target="_blank">pressure</a>, the Kansas City firm that owns the 920,000-square-foot warehouse announced Thursday it was no longer “actively engaged with the U.S. Government or any other prospective purchaser,” the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article314676617.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">reported</a>.</p><p>Jackson County, which includes portions of Kansas City and the potential detention facility, is considering a similar ban. And across the state line, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, is considering a similar&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/wyandotte-county/article314647328.html" target="_blank">two-year moratorium</a>.</p><p>But there are clear limitations on cities’ ability to stop federal projects, said Nestor Davidson, a professor who teaches land use and local government law at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.</p><p>“The federal government can assert immunity from certain state and local laws, including zoning, but it’s complicated, and there are nuances,” he said.</p><p>Still, Davidson said some case law has shown cities may have stronger legal footing for zoning rules that are broad and not directly targeted at specific federal government projects.</p><p>“I expect to see litigation,” he said. “I think you’re going to see these conversations play out as land use fights often do: both in a legal venue and in a political venue.”</p><h2>Governments pressured to act</h2><p>Kansas City’s moratorium has sparked interest among local activists who have pressured elected officials in other cities across the country to act. But many local officials are adamant that federal law ties their hands.</p><p>In a legal opinion provided to the Orlando City Council in Florida, City Attorney Mayanne Downs rejected “suggestions of actions we can supposedly take,” including moratoriums or using zoning ordinances to block ICE detention centers.</p><p>“However well motivated these suggestions are, the law is very clear: ICE, as an agency of our federal government, ICE is immune from any local regulation that interferes in any way with its federal mandate,” Downs wrote to the mayor and city commissioners.</p><p>ICE is reportedly&nbsp;<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/u-s-reps-maxwell-frost-darren-soto-tell-kristi-noem-not-to-open-ice-facility-in-central-florida/" target="_blank">considering</a>&nbsp;a new $100 million processing center in southeast Orlando.</p><p>The county commission in Orange County, which includes Orlando, discussed the issue last week after receiving similar legal advice. County Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the board is even more constrained because of a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/180" target="_blank">Florida law&nbsp;</a>limiting certain local governments’ ability to regulate development through 2027.</p><p>After being advised against passing a moratorium, the board agreed with Wilson’s follow-up suggestion to draft a resolution expressing its opposition. That will be considered at a future meeting.</p><p>“It doesn’t sound like it has the teeth that a moratorium would have, but it essentially gives an awareness that we’ve established a position in opposition to this type of facility in Orange County,” Wilson told Stateline.</p><p>An attorney by trade, Wilson said the case law regarding federal projects largely centers on disputes about post offices, which she said is not an appropriate comparison to the massive detention centers currently contemplated.</p><p>“A post office has the same water consumption and sewage as probably a lot of other uses,” she said. “If you take a warehouse that was designed for 25,000 widgets and put 15,000 humans in it, you’ve got a very different set of local needs and services that are being used and being taxed and being burdened.”</p><h2>Working with the feds</h2><p>Communities have often opposed various other federal projects, such as federal courthouses. But the federal government generally takes the time to listen to local concerns and communicate building plans with communities, said Jason Klumb, a former regional administrator with the U.S. General Services Administration, which manages the federal government’s real estate.</p><p>“Generally, GSA has had kind of a good neighbor approach, understanding that they have requirements for federal facilities, and some of those facilities may not always be popular,” said Klumb, an Obama appointee.</p><p>But the federal government has not been shy about exerting its constitutional authority.</p><p>For example, late last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/jan/31/federal-government-reconfirms-vine-street/" target="_blank">GSA announced</a>&nbsp;it would build a new $239 million federal courthouse in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/jan/31/federal-government-reconfirms-vine-street/" target="_blank">bipartisan lobbying</a>&nbsp;from city and federal officials for a different site.</p><p>“The feds get what the feds want, ultimately,” Klumb said.</p><p>In a statement, a GSA spokesperson declined to clarify the agency’s current role in acquiring ICE detention facilities. The statement said the agency was “following all lease procurement procedures in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.”</p><p>Communities have largely been left out of the administration’s immigration decision-making process.</p><p>“Most of the information we have received on this facility has been through news leaks and the government has not reached out to us yet,” said Paul Micali, the town manager of Merrimack, New Hampshire.</p><p>Through an open records request, the ACLU of New Hampshire&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/03/new-documents-confirm-federal-government-plans-to-put-an-ice-facility-in-merrimack/" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;that ICE was planning to convert a 43-acre warehouse property in the town of about 28,200.</p><p>The federal plans were obtained from the state’s historic preservation office, which came under fire for not informing Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte of ICE’s proposal. That agency’s top official&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/09/embattled-cultural-resources-commissioner-resigns-amid-merrimack-ice-facility-fallout/" target="_blank">resigned last week</a>&nbsp;after pressure from Ayotte.</p><p>Ayotte’s office did not respond to a request for comment. On Thursday, her office released documents detailing how the federal government’s&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/13/ayotte-releases-dhs-documents-about-planned-ice-detention-center-in-merrimack/" target="_blank">$158 million plan</a>&nbsp;to retrofit the property would create hundreds of long-term jobs for the region.</p><p><a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/12/ice-director-dhs-has-worked-with-gov-ayotte-on-merrimack-immigrant-detention-center/" target="_blank">Testifying before Congress</a>&nbsp;Thursday, an ICE official said the feds will not cancel the project over local concerns.</p><p>Micali said the vacant warehouse currently provides about $529,000 in annual property taxes — a substantial sum given the town’s property tax base of about $20 million.</p><p>In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.merrimacknh.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3456/f/news/260123_town_council_letter_to_dhs_re_ice_processing_center_-_signed.pdf" target="_blank">letter to Noem</a>, the Town Council said converting the property to a tax-free federal facility would result in higher local taxes for residents. Merrimack is also concerned about potential demands for water, fire and other city services, Micali said, but can’t even begin to assess needs without more details from the feds.</p><p>He’s speaking with lawyers about what options, if any, the town may have to assert local zoning power.</p><p>“We’re looking at every possibility,” he said.</p><p>Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/02/17/communities-fight-ice-detention-centers-but-have-few-tools-to-stop-them/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Kansas Reflector, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.</p>

Communities fight ICE detention centers, but have few tools to stop them

The Department of Homeland Security on Sunday walked back its decision to suspend the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program, after initially sparking confusion for travelers when it said it was temporarily halting the popular service.

WASHINGTON – After a week of being&nbsp;shutdown&nbsp;by Congressional Democrats, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it&nbsp;must take&nbsp;emergency measures to preserve&nbsp;limited&nbsp;funds&nbsp;and personnel&nbsp;to&nbsp;mitigate&nbsp;the&nbsp;national security and public&nbsp;safety damage&nbsp;at the hands of&nbsp;Congressional&nbsp;Democrats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Democrats’ decision to put politics over public safety, for a third time this&nbsp;Congress,&nbsp;has forced the&nbsp;Department to direct its components to take the&nbsp;following&nbsp;measures effective&nbsp;at&nbsp;6 AM&nbsp;ET, February 22, 2026:&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This is the third time that Democrat&nbsp;politicians&nbsp;have&nbsp;shut down&nbsp;this&nbsp;department during&nbsp;the 119th&nbsp;Congress,” said&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;Kristi Noem.&nbsp;“Shutdowns have real world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS&nbsp;and their families&nbsp;who go without&nbsp;a&nbsp;paycheck,&nbsp;but&nbsp;it endangers&nbsp;our national security. The American people depend on this department&nbsp;every day, and&nbsp;we are making&nbsp;tough but&nbsp;necessary workforce&nbsp;and resource&nbsp;decisions to&nbsp;mitigate the&nbsp;damage inflicted by these politicians.&nbsp;TSA and CBP&nbsp;are&nbsp;prioritizing&nbsp;the general traveling&nbsp;population at our airports and ports of entry&nbsp;and suspending&nbsp;courtesy and special privilege escorts. FEMA will&nbsp;halt all non-disaster related&nbsp;response to prioritize&nbsp;disasters. This is particularly&nbsp;important given&nbsp;this&nbsp;weekend another significant winter storm is forecast to&nbsp;impact&nbsp;the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast&nbsp;United States.”&nbsp;

A full list of&nbsp;measures being&nbsp;taken are&nbsp;below:&nbsp;&nbsp;

FEMA&nbsp;has entered emergency operating status,&nbsp;and is scaling back to bare-minimum, life-saving&nbsp;operations only.&nbsp;&nbsp;Effective 6:00 a.m. on February 22, FEMA will cease all non-essential activities and focus exclusively on immediate disaster response where there is an active threat to life, public health, or safety. As a result: &nbsp;

These actions reflect the reality of operating without appropriations. FEMA cannot continue normal recovery operations under these conditions and must prioritize only its most critical, life-saving responsibilities. Full recovery and&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;operations will resume once funding is restored.&nbsp;

As the Transportation Security Administration enters emergency operating status, resources are being&nbsp;consolidated&nbsp;to prioritize essential security operations and focus personnel on detecting and countering threats. Effective&nbsp;at 6:00 a.m. on February 22, nonessential privileges and courtesies provided by TSA will cease.&nbsp;

Operations at all airports will prioritize screening of the general traveling population. Without appropriations, TSA simply cannot afford to risk overstretching our staff and weakening our security posture. Until funding is restored, all travelers should expect a process that does not sacrifice&nbsp;security, but&nbsp;refocuses TSA officers to standard screening procedures. TSA&nbsp;PreCheck® and other services will resume upon Department of Homeland Security funding being signed into law.&nbsp;

As of&nbsp;6:00 am on February 22,&nbsp;2026&nbsp;U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations will halt all Global Entry arrival processing at participating airports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769268628445.png" alt="Photo DHS" />
                        <figcaption>Photo DHS</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Department of Homeland Security</i></p><p>The Department of Homeland Security on Sunday walked back its decision to suspend the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program, after initially sparking confusion for travelers when it said it was temporarily halting the popular service.</p><p>----------------</p><p>WASHINGTON – After a week of being&nbsp;shutdown&nbsp;by Congressional Democrats, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it&nbsp;must take&nbsp;emergency measures to preserve&nbsp;limited&nbsp;funds&nbsp;and personnel&nbsp;to&nbsp;mitigate&nbsp;the&nbsp;national security and public&nbsp;safety damage&nbsp;at the hands of&nbsp;Congressional&nbsp;Democrats.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The&nbsp;Democrats’ decision to put politics over public safety, for a third time this&nbsp;Congress,&nbsp;has forced the&nbsp;Department to direct its components to take the&nbsp;following&nbsp;measures effective&nbsp;at&nbsp;6 AM&nbsp;ET, February 22, 2026:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><ol>
                        <li>Halting&nbsp;all non-disaster-related&nbsp;Federal Emergency Management Agency&nbsp;(FEMA)&nbsp;response efforts to prioritize disaster response;</li><li>Ending&nbsp;Transportation&nbsp;Security Administration (TSA)&nbsp;PreCheck®&nbsp;lanes and&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection (CBP)&nbsp;Global&nbsp;Entry&nbsp;service,&nbsp;to refocus&nbsp;Department&nbsp;personnel&nbsp;on&nbsp;the majority of&nbsp;travelers; and</li><li>Suspending&nbsp;all&nbsp;courtesy and&nbsp;family&nbsp;police&nbsp;escorts at airports&nbsp;for&nbsp;Members of Congress,&nbsp;which&nbsp;is drawing staff away from the critical mission of getting passengers screened.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
                    </ol><p>“This is the third time that Democrat&nbsp;politicians&nbsp;have&nbsp;shut down&nbsp;this&nbsp;department during&nbsp;the 119th&nbsp;Congress,” said&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;Kristi Noem.&nbsp;“Shutdowns have real world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS&nbsp;and their families&nbsp;who go without&nbsp;a&nbsp;paycheck,&nbsp;but&nbsp;it endangers&nbsp;our national security. The American people depend on this department&nbsp;every day, and&nbsp;we are making&nbsp;tough but&nbsp;necessary workforce&nbsp;and resource&nbsp;decisions to&nbsp;mitigate the&nbsp;damage inflicted by these politicians.&nbsp;TSA and CBP&nbsp;are&nbsp;prioritizing&nbsp;the general traveling&nbsp;population at our airports and ports of entry&nbsp;and suspending&nbsp;courtesy and special privilege escorts. FEMA will&nbsp;halt all non-disaster related&nbsp;response to prioritize&nbsp;disasters. This is particularly&nbsp;important given&nbsp;this&nbsp;weekend another significant winter storm is forecast to&nbsp;impact&nbsp;the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast&nbsp;United States.”&nbsp;</p><p>A full list of&nbsp;measures being&nbsp;taken are&nbsp;below:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>FEMA&nbsp;</p><p>FEMA&nbsp;has entered emergency operating status,&nbsp;and is scaling back to bare-minimum, life-saving&nbsp;operations only.&nbsp;&nbsp;Effective 6:00 a.m. on February 22, FEMA will cease all non-essential activities and focus exclusively on immediate disaster response where there is an active threat to life, public health, or safety. As a result: &nbsp;</p><ul>
                        <li>Public Assistance will not move forward for ongoing or legacy disasters. FEMA will only carry out Public Assistance activities for new or recent disasters requiring immediate emergency action to protect lives or prevent catastrophic damage.</li><li>All non-emergency recovery work is paused, including project formulation, long-term recovery efforts, planning, and administrative processing that does not address an imminent threat.</li><li>Non-disaster-related activities are halted so limited personnel and resources can be redirected to urgent response operations.</li><li>New initiatives, discretionary programs, pilot efforts, and policy development are suspended until funding is restored.</li><li>Travel, deployments, and operational support are restricted to those strictly necessary to respond to active disasters and life-safety emergencies.&nbsp;</li>
                    </ul><p>These actions reflect the reality of operating without appropriations. FEMA cannot continue normal recovery operations under these conditions and must prioritize only its most critical, life-saving responsibilities. Full recovery and&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;operations will resume once funding is restored.&nbsp;</p><p>TSA&nbsp;</p><p>As the Transportation Security Administration enters emergency operating status, resources are being&nbsp;consolidated&nbsp;to prioritize essential security operations and focus personnel on detecting and countering threats. Effective&nbsp;at 6:00 a.m. on February 22, nonessential privileges and courtesies provided by TSA will cease.&nbsp;</p><p>As a result:&nbsp;</p><ul>
                        <li>TSA&nbsp;PreCheck® lanes will be closed. All TSA&nbsp;PreCheck® members will be directed to general screening lanes to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;our security standards and&nbsp;consolidate&nbsp;TSA’s limited personnel and resources.</li><li>All courtesy escorts, including for members of Congress, will cease. These escorts put increased strain on our officers, who must be allowed to prioritize their critical work of screening passengers.&nbsp;</li>
                    </ul><p>Operations at all airports will prioritize screening of the general traveling population. Without appropriations, TSA simply cannot afford to risk overstretching our staff and weakening our security posture. Until funding is restored, all travelers should expect a process that does not sacrifice&nbsp;security, but&nbsp;refocuses TSA officers to standard screening procedures. TSA&nbsp;PreCheck® and other services will resume upon Department of Homeland Security funding being signed into law.&nbsp;</p><p>CBP&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>As of&nbsp;6:00 am on February 22,&nbsp;2026&nbsp;U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations will halt all Global Entry arrival processing at participating airports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><ul>
                        <li>Officers assigned to process Global Entry travelers will be re-assigned to process all other arriving travelers.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>U.S. citizens and lawful permanent resident Global Entry Members can proceed to the properly marked primary processing lanes for arriving U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. All other Global Entry members can proceed to the properly marked visitor lanes.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
                    </ul>

DHS reverses course on TSA PreCheck suspension

On Friday at the direction of U.S. Southern Command&nbsp; Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to an online 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. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.

<p>On Friday at the direction of U.S. Southern Command&nbsp; Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to an online 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. 20, 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… <a href="https://t.co/PzWQFfNgHm">pic.twitter.com/PzWQFfNgHm</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2025006036776878463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 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. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.</p>

🎥 3 more killed after new U.S. strike on a drug boat

The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771612720731.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump: &quot;The Supreme Court&#39;s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing and I&#39;m ashamed of certain members of the Court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what&#39;s right for our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Ei07ATVDE9">pic.twitter.com/Ei07ATVDE9</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2024913944805032063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump: &quot;In actuality, while I am sure that they did not mean to do so, the Supreme Court&#39;s decision today made a president&#39;s ability to both regulate trade and impose tariffs more powerful and more crystal clear rather than less.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mekPEzDgEU">pic.twitter.com/mekPEzDgEU</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2024916771686244639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;Effective immediately all National Security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs...remain in place, fully in place and in full force and effect. Today, I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122, over and above our normal tariffs.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/XzOZxR2RYT">pic.twitter.com/XzOZxR2RYT</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2024917513897672712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;The good news is that there are methods, practices, statutes and authorities as recognized by the entire court... that are even stronger than the IEEPA tariffs available to me as President of the United States.&quot; - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/v2juxmYHiR">pic.twitter.com/v2juxmYHiR</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2024919657782694316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 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">MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! <a href="https://t.co/5UudUfHe42">https://t.co/5UudUfHe42</a> <a href="https://t.co/un5zFbSEJl">pic.twitter.com/un5zFbSEJl</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2024921307855417373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump reacts to Supreme Court decision on tariffs

Lincoln, Neb.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have handled dozens of weather-related incidents today as a winter storm has affected most of the state. One of the crashes resulted in two fatalities.

At approximately 1:35 p.m. today, a two-vehicle crash occurred on Highway 83, south of North Platte. The crash involved a Ford sedan and a Dodge pickup. Preliminary investigation indicates that the Ford sedan lost control in winter conditions, crossed the center line, and struck the Dodge pickup. Two passengers in the Ford were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Great Plains Health in North Platte. The driver of the Dodge suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

Multiple crashes have caused various closures of Interstate 80 in different parts of the state throughout the day. Troopers and dispatchers remain busy as the snow continues to fall in many parts of the state. As of 8:00 p.m., troopers have responded to 114 motorist assists and 45 crashes today.

Travelers should check Nebraska 511 to get the latest information on closures and road conditions. Any stranded motorists can reach the NSP Highway Helpline by calling *55.

<p><i>Press Release</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705586956337.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Lincoln, Neb.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have handled dozens of weather-related incidents today as a winter storm has affected most of the state. One of the crashes resulted in two fatalities.</p><p>At approximately 1:35 p.m. today, a two-vehicle crash occurred on Highway 83, south of North Platte. The crash involved a Ford sedan and a Dodge pickup. Preliminary investigation indicates that the Ford sedan lost control in winter conditions, crossed the center line, and struck the Dodge pickup. Two passengers in the Ford were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Great Plains Health in North Platte. The driver of the Dodge suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation.</p><p>Multiple crashes have caused various closures of Interstate 80 in different parts of the state throughout the day. Troopers and dispatchers remain busy as the snow continues to fall in many parts of the state. As of 8:00 p.m., troopers have responded to 114 motorist assists and 45 crashes today.</p><p>Travelers should check Nebraska 511 to get the latest information on closures and road conditions. Any stranded motorists can reach the NSP Highway Helpline by calling *55.</p>

Troopers Respond to More Than 150 Weather-Related Incidents

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.

"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."

<b></b>The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a>

<p>National Retail Federation</p><p>WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771606912161.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."</p><p><b>About NRF</b></p><p><b></b>The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a></p>

National Retail Federation responds to Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a president cannot use a federal emergency powers law to impose sweeping tariffs on imported goods unless Congress clearly authorizes it. The decision centers on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, known as IEEPA, a 1977 law that allows a president to regulate certain financial and trade transactions during a declared national emergency.

In a 6-3 decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, the court said IEEPA does not give the president the power to create tariffs. The administration had argued that the law allows the president to “regulate” imports during an emergency and that tariffs fall under that authority. The Supreme Court disagreed, saying the Constitution gives Congress — not the president — the power to lay and collect taxes, duties and tariffs. While IEEPA allows actions such as blocking transactions and restricting certain trade, the court said it does not specifically authorize imposing tariffs. The justices noted that when Congress intends to grant tariff authority, it does so clearly in other trade laws. That language is not present in IEEPA.

The ruling means the tariffs imposed under that emergency authority cannot stand unless Congress passes new legislation specifically allowing them.

The financial impact of the decision could be significant. According to U.S. Treasury Department data, customs duties brought in roughly $195 billion in fiscal year 2025, a record high. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported collecting more than $200 billion in tariff revenue between January and mid-December 2025. Treasury daily statements show total tariff collections for calendar year 2025 reached approximately $287 billion.

Customs duties accounted for about 3.7 percent of total federal revenue in fiscal year 2025. While tariffs represent a relatively small share of overall federal income compared with income taxes and payroll taxes, the dollar amounts are substantial.

Because the Supreme Court found that the emergency law did not authorize those tariffs, revenue collected under that authority could now face legal challenges. Estimates based on federal customs and census data indicate more than $175 billion collected under the emergency tariff program may be subject to refund claims if lower courts order repayments. Any refunds would be handled through the U.S. Court of International Trade.

The broader takeaway from the court’s decision is about separation of powers. Congress writes the laws and controls taxing authority. The president enforces the laws. The Supreme Court said expanding emergency powers to include tariffs without clear direction from Congress goes beyond what the statute allows.

Three justices dissented, arguing that the authority to regulate imports during an emergency could reasonably include tariffs. But the majority said tariffs are a major economic action and require clear authorization from Congress.

In practical terms, the ruling limits how a president may use emergency powers in trade policy. If tariffs are going to be used under emergency conditions in the future, Congress would have to expressly approve that authority.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the full ruling</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768315435044.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a president cannot use a federal emergency powers law to impose sweeping tariffs on imported goods unless Congress clearly authorizes it. The decision centers on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, known as IEEPA, a 1977 law that allows a president to regulate certain financial and trade transactions during a declared national emergency.</p><p>In a 6-3 decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, the court said IEEPA does not give the president the power to create tariffs. The administration had argued that the law allows the president to “regulate” imports during an emergency and that tariffs fall under that authority. The Supreme Court disagreed, saying the Constitution gives Congress — not the president — the power to lay and collect taxes, duties and tariffs. While IEEPA allows actions such as blocking transactions and restricting certain trade, the court said it does not specifically authorize imposing tariffs. The justices noted that when Congress intends to grant tariff authority, it does so clearly in other trade laws. That language is not present in IEEPA.</p><p>The ruling means the tariffs imposed under that emergency authority cannot stand unless Congress passes new legislation specifically allowing them.</p><p>The financial impact of the decision could be significant. According to U.S. Treasury Department data, customs duties brought in roughly $195 billion in fiscal year 2025, a record high. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported collecting more than $200 billion in tariff revenue between January and mid-December 2025. Treasury daily statements show total tariff collections for calendar year 2025 reached approximately $287 billion.</p><p>Customs duties accounted for about 3.7 percent of total federal revenue in fiscal year 2025. While tariffs represent a relatively small share of overall federal income compared with income taxes and payroll taxes, the dollar amounts are substantial.</p><p>Because the Supreme Court found that the emergency law did not authorize those tariffs, revenue collected under that authority could now face legal challenges. Estimates based on federal customs and census data indicate more than $175 billion collected under the emergency tariff program may be subject to refund claims if lower courts order repayments. Any refunds would be handled through the U.S. Court of International Trade.</p><p>The broader takeaway from the court’s decision is about separation of powers. Congress writes the laws and controls taxing authority. The president enforces the laws. The Supreme Court said expanding emergency powers to include tariffs without clear direction from Congress goes beyond what the statute allows.</p><p>Three justices dissented, arguing that the authority to regulate imports during an emergency could reasonably include tariffs. But the majority said tariffs are a major economic action and require clear authorization from Congress.</p><p>In practical terms, the ruling limits how a president may use emergency powers in trade policy. If tariffs are going to be used under emergency conditions in the future, Congress would have to expressly approve that authority.</p><p><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the full ruling</a></p>

What Does It Mean: Supreme Court Rules President Cannot Use Emergency Powers to Impose Tariffs

U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled the Trump Administration can not impose tariffs&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a>&nbsp;before court on Nov. 5, 2025

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743626000304.png" alt="President Trump announced his tariff plan in April -photo White House" />
                        <figcaption>President Trump announced his tariff plan in April -photo White House</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled the Trump Administration can not impose tariffs&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a></p><p><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a>&nbsp;before court on Nov. 5, 2025</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771601035444.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure>

Read the ruling: Supreme Court strikes down Trump's global tariffs

<i>By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner</i>

LINCOLN — The Nebraska auditor has challenged public spending and reimbursement practices by the head of the state’s largest agency, including questioning some meal and alcohol charges while on state trips.

Auditor Mike Foley laid out his concerns in a&nbsp;<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2026/SA25-02192026-February_19_2026_DHHS_Expense_Reimbursement_Letter.pdf" target="_blank">nine-page letter&nbsp;</a>Thursday to Steve Corsi, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, which represents more than a third of the state’s general fund spending.

The probe began with complaints to the Auditor’s Office about the use of DHHS purchasing cards and expense reimbursements. It led to red flags raised regarding the use of state-issued purchasing cards and other matters related to Corsi.

Foley declined to elaborate beyond the publicly available report, saying that he views Corsi as a man of “high integrity” and sees the situation as a regrettable learning experience for the CEO and his staff.

Among key findings alleged by the auditor’s team:

Corsi was provided a draft of the findings prior to the Thursday letter. A DHHS response included in the letter said the agency has received reimbursement for the overlaps and for the alcohol purchase.&nbsp;

DHHS said it would continue to work through items identified as possible taxable income to determine the correct amount to be included in Corsi’s taxes.&nbsp;

“The agency acknowledges the importance of including accurate supporting documentation and timely submission for reimbursement and will ensure that employees follow this standard,” it said.

The auditor’s letter included several receipts and a listing of “disallowed” purchases.&nbsp;

One referenced an April 7-9 trip to Washington D.C. last year. The team noted that although Corsi received a daily travel-related reimbursement from the state, he also charged meals on the state purchasing card, one for the $274 group dinner.

“Dr. Corsi not only used his assigned state P-Card to make meal purchases while in travel status but also received per diem allowances for those same meals. As a result, the (auditor) questions the propriety of these meal charges,” the auditor’s letter said.

The audit team said that according to the state’s purchasing card program manual, allowable buys do not include “meals while traveling on state business” because those costs must be “reimbursed through an expense reimbursement document.” That request form, the team said, is used to ensure that employees are reimbursed in sync with the per diem rate.

The $274 dinner purchase made on Corsi’s card included two alcoholic drinks, a “coconut old fashioned” and an “atlas ponzi.” The auditor’s report noted that DHHS had asked Corsi to reimburse the cost of one drink but not the other.&nbsp;

“Despite the lack of any express prohibition against purchasing alcohol with state funds, it should be self-evident that such purchases are improper,” the auditor report said.

DHHS spokesperson Jeff Powell on Thursday shed further light, saying that Corsi does not consume alcohol and was not aware at the time that alcoholic beverages had been included in the total bill.

“As soon as this was brought to his attention, he promptly reimbursed the full amount associated with those charges,” Powell said.

Powell said that while Corsi was on official business in Washington, D.C., and “promoting important policies on behalf of the state,” he attended a working dinner where meals were purchased using his state P-Card.&nbsp;

“Regarding the questioned overlap in per diem allowances, that was an administrative oversight.” Powell said. “Once identified, Dr. Corsi immediately reimbursed those funds as well.”

Powell said Corsi acted quickly to correct “inadvertent errors.”

Foley’s team also cited a section of the state’s accounting manual, which says meal reimbursements during one-day business trips should be considered taxable income for the employee if the amount surpasses $200 in any calendar year.

Based upon Corsi’s buys at places such as Jimmy Johns, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Bison Witches Bar, the auditor team wrote, he was “well above” the taxable amount in 2024 and 2025.&nbsp;

“Therefore, a payroll override should have been processed during that applicable calendar year, which would have added the reimbursements to the employee’s gross wages and withheld the correct amount of payroll taxes,” it said.

Foley, in his limited remarks, said he is confident that problems noted in the report “will not be a recurring issue” for Corsi.

The auditor hinted that issues at hand were more likely to have been mishandled at the staff level than by the administrator.

“These matters are regrettable accounting lapses not questions of impropriety,” Foley said.

<p><i>By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771555932624.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska State Auditor’s Office. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption> Nebraska State Auditor’s Office. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN — The Nebraska auditor has challenged public spending and reimbursement practices by the head of the state’s largest agency, including questioning some meal and alcohol charges while on state trips.</p><p>Auditor Mike Foley laid out his concerns in a&nbsp;<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2026/SA25-02192026-February_19_2026_DHHS_Expense_Reimbursement_Letter.pdf" target="_blank">nine-page letter&nbsp;</a>Thursday to Steve Corsi, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, which represents more than a third of the state’s general fund spending.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771555907709.jpeg" alt="Steve Corsi, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Nov. 6, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>Steve Corsi, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Nov. 6, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The probe began with complaints to the Auditor’s Office about the use of DHHS purchasing cards and expense reimbursements. It led to red flags raised regarding the use of state-issued purchasing cards and other matters related to Corsi.</p><p>Foley declined to elaborate beyond the publicly available report, saying that he views Corsi as a man of “high integrity” and sees the situation as a regrettable learning experience for the CEO and his staff.</p><p>Among key findings alleged by the auditor’s team:</p><ul>
                        <li>A state credit card issued to Corsi was used to make 105 transactions, totaling $19,477, during a two-year period ending in October 2025. Of those, the auditor team identified “issues” with 44 purchases totaling $3,281.</li><li>Specifically noted were instances in which Corsi was paid a per diem travel amount yet also charged meals on the state-issued purchasing card, also known as a P-Card.</li><li>While out of town on business, Corsi used his assigned purchasing card to cover a group dinner that included two alcoholic drinks.</li><li>Corsi’s payroll allegedly lacked required adjustments for taxable meal purchases.</li><li>Documentation was lacking to support certain card purchases, and Corsi reportedly submitted a few “untimely” expense reimbursements, including one turned in 170 days after the charge.</li>
                    </ul><h2>DHHS response</h2><p>Corsi was provided a draft of the findings prior to the Thursday letter. A DHHS response included in the letter said the agency has received reimbursement for the overlaps and for the alcohol purchase.&nbsp;</p><p>DHHS said it would continue to work through items identified as possible taxable income to determine the correct amount to be included in Corsi’s taxes.&nbsp;</p><p>“The agency acknowledges the importance of including accurate supporting documentation and timely submission for reimbursement and will ensure that employees follow this standard,” it said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771555883570.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Foley speaks with reporters on Feb. 5, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Foley speaks with reporters on Feb. 5, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The auditor’s letter included several receipts and a listing of “disallowed” purchases.&nbsp;</p><p>One referenced an April 7-9 trip to Washington D.C. last year. The team noted that although Corsi received a daily travel-related reimbursement from the state, he also charged meals on the state purchasing card, one for the $274 group dinner.</p><p>“Dr. Corsi not only used his assigned state P-Card to make meal purchases while in travel status but also received per diem allowances for those same meals. As a result, the (auditor) questions the propriety of these meal charges,” the auditor’s letter said.</p><p>The audit team said that according to the state’s purchasing card program manual, allowable buys do not include “meals while traveling on state business” because those costs must be “reimbursed through an expense reimbursement document.” That request form, the team said, is used to ensure that employees are reimbursed in sync with the per diem rate.</p><p>The $274 dinner purchase made on Corsi’s card included two alcoholic drinks, a “coconut old fashioned” and an “atlas ponzi.” The auditor’s report noted that DHHS had asked Corsi to reimburse the cost of one drink but not the other.&nbsp;</p><p>“Despite the lack of any express prohibition against purchasing alcohol with state funds, it should be self-evident that such purchases are improper,” the auditor report said.</p><h2>DHHS: Corsi doesn’t drink alcohol</h2><p>DHHS spokesperson Jeff Powell on Thursday shed further light, saying that Corsi does not consume alcohol and was not aware at the time that alcoholic beverages had been included in the total bill.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771555858981.jpeg" alt="A receipt in the State Auditor's Feb. 19 report reflected a dinner purchase made with DHHS CEO Steve Corsi’s state-issued P-Card during a business trip to Washington D.C. last year. (Courtesy of Nebraska Auditor’s Office)" />
                        <figcaption>A receipt in the State Auditor's Feb. 19 report reflected a dinner purchase made with DHHS CEO Steve Corsi’s state-issued P-Card during a business trip to Washington D.C. last year. (Courtesy of Nebraska Auditor’s Office)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“As soon as this was brought to his attention, he promptly reimbursed the full amount associated with those charges,” Powell said.</p><p>Powell said that while Corsi was on official business in Washington, D.C., and “promoting important policies on behalf of the state,” he attended a working dinner where meals were purchased using his state P-Card.&nbsp;</p><p>“Regarding the questioned overlap in per diem allowances, that was an administrative oversight.” Powell said. “Once identified, Dr. Corsi immediately reimbursed those funds as well.”</p><p>Powell said Corsi acted quickly to correct “inadvertent errors.”</p><p>Foley’s team also cited a section of the state’s accounting manual, which says meal reimbursements during one-day business trips should be considered taxable income for the employee if the amount surpasses $200 in any calendar year.</p><p>Based upon Corsi’s buys at places such as Jimmy Johns, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Bison Witches Bar, the auditor team wrote, he was “well above” the taxable amount in 2024 and 2025.&nbsp;</p><p>“Therefore, a payroll override should have been processed during that applicable calendar year, which would have added the reimbursements to the employee’s gross wages and withheld the correct amount of payroll taxes,” it said.</p><p>Foley, in his limited remarks, said he is confident that problems noted in the report “will not be a recurring issue” for Corsi.</p><p>The auditor hinted that issues at hand were more likely to have been mishandled at the staff level than by the administrator.</p><p>“These matters are regrettable accounting lapses not questions of impropriety,” Foley said.</p>