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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Federal judge sides with McCook migrant detainee in ACLU Nebraska lawsuit

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

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

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

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

🎥FBI: Video from Guthrie home shows masked person

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎥Two dead after another US strike on a drug boat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nebraska mulls temporary firearm seizures for issued protection orders

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                    </figure><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUeZsDfkhFp/?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/DUeZsDfkhFp/?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; 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🎥'Today' show host's new video plea to kidnapper: We will pay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jurisdiction of the United States and Attempting to Do the Same

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Together with major sports leagues, the IPR Center:

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

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

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

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

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

As the Super Bowl approaches officials warn of fake sports gear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Human Remains Found, Charges Filed in Missing Stromsburg Couple Case

UNMC, UNO team on app that mixes facts and fun

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

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

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

Developed with students from UNO’s Center for Management of IT in the UNO College of Information Science &amp; Technology and Omaha-based tech firm NebDev, the app is built to evolve.&nbsp;Thanks to dynamic backend updates built by NebDev, new levels can be released in response to current outbreaks and public health needs.&nbsp;

According to Deepak Khazanchi, executive director of CMIT, “Zoodemic reflects how digital innovation can support public health education and readiness. CMIT and UNO students designed and developed the app to make complex public health concepts accessible and engaging for young learners. This is one example of a product built in CMIT over two decades of its existence.”

“Mobile games are part of kids’ daily lives,” said Alexandra Todd, health policy analyst at UNMC. “So we embedded accurate, accessible health education into a format they already love.”

The Nebraska Division of Public Health and Nebraska State Health Department also are on board, with grant support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.

“Zoodemic is a unique and educational way for our community to learn about zoonotic diseases and vaccinations,” said Robin Williams, Nebraska Division of Public Health.

Zoodemic is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

<i>As Nebraska’s only public academic health&nbsp;science center, the University of Nebraska Medical Center enrolls more than 4,800 students across six colleges, two institutes and a graduate studies program. Its mission is to create a healthier future for Nebraskans through premier education,&nbsp;research&nbsp;and clinical care, but its impact -- rooted in a culture of collaboration,&nbsp;big ideas&nbsp;and public-private partnerships – goes far beyond, in areas that include infectious diseases, rural health, cancer research and treatments, global health security, and&nbsp;simulation and experiential learning technologies.&nbsp;</i>

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

Mobile game ‘Zoodemic’ turns public health education into adventure for teens

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770317643367.png" alt="<br>" />
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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; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Statement from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department: <a href="https://t.co/fHMq1Jx9Tw">pic.twitter.com/fHMq1Jx9Tw</a></p>&mdash; Pima County Sheriff&#39;s Department (@PimaSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PimaSheriff/status/2019538101279027629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥'Today' show host's family renews plea to mother's kidnapper

On Thursday, 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 Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. 

Two narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.&nbsp; This is the second deadly strike since the&nbsp;raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. On January 23, the U.S. carried out a deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

&nbsp;The Department of War released no additional details.

<p>On Thursday, 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. 5, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOUTHCOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOUTHCOM</a> Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking… <a href="https://t.co/B3ctyN1lke">pic.twitter.com/B3ctyN1lke</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2019599912107712962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. </p><p>Two narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.&nbsp; This is the second deadly strike since the&nbsp;raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. On January 23, the U.S. carried out a deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean.</p><p>&nbsp;The Department of War released no additional details.</p>

🎥 US carries out another deadly strike on a drug boat 

On Thursday, the FBI arrested Derrick Callella in Hawthorne, California, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Callella has been charged via a criminal complaint filed in federal court for transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce, and without disclosing his identity, utilizing a telecommunications device with the intent to abuse, threaten, or harass a person.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/media/1426976/dl?inline">Click here to read the criminal_complaint</a>

“The Department of Justice will protect victims and families at all costs, and grief profiteers will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “This case came together in under 24 hours because of the coordinated work of the FBI, local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.”

“To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation – we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke.

A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770317643367.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>On Thursday, the FBI arrested Derrick Callella in Hawthorne, California, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.</p><p>Callella has been charged via a criminal complaint filed in federal court for transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce, and without disclosing his identity, utilizing a telecommunications device with the intent to abuse, threaten, or harass a person.</p><p><a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/media/1426976/dl?inline">Click here to read the criminal_complaint</a></p><p>“The Department of Justice will protect victims and families at all costs, and grief profiteers will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “This case came together in under 24 hours because of the coordinated work of the FBI, local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.”</p><p>“To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation – we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke.</p><p>A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.</p><p>See complaint here:</p>

Man accused of being ransom note ‘imposter’ in Nancy Guthrie case

Kearney, Neb.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested one person after finding 12 pounds of suspected methamphetamine during a traffic stop on I-80.

Tuesday, at approximately 10:30 a.m., a trooper saw a Toyota Camry speeding at over 100 miles per hour on Interstate 80 near Kearney. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.

A search of the vehicle revealed 12 pounds of suspected methamphetamine hidden inside the body of the car. The driver, George Watson, 50, of Poplar Grove, Illinois, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

<p><i>Press Release</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562084161517.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770311640979.png" alt="George Watson (Buffalo County Sheriff's Office)" />
                        <figcaption>George Watson (Buffalo County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Kearney, Neb.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested one person after finding 12 pounds of suspected methamphetamine during a traffic stop on I-80.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770408137320.jpeg" alt="NSP I 80 Traffic Stop finds 12 lbs of meth hidden inside the body of a car (NSP)" />
                        <figcaption>NSP I 80 Traffic Stop finds 12 lbs of meth hidden inside the body of a car (NSP)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Tuesday, at approximately 10:30 a.m., a trooper saw a Toyota Camry speeding at over 100 miles per hour on Interstate 80 near Kearney. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.</p><p>A search of the vehicle revealed 12 pounds of suspected methamphetamine hidden inside the body of the car. The driver, George Watson, 50, of Poplar Grove, Illinois, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.</p>

Troopers Find Methamphetamine in I-80 Traffic Stop

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI</a> is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. She was last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on the… <a href="https://t.co/6UvuIaqF7j">pic.twitter.com/6UvuIaqF7j</a></p>&mdash; FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIMostWanted/status/2019482467023917217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 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/hashtag/HappeningNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappeningNow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBIPhoenix?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBIPhoenix</a> SAC Janke is participating in a press conference in Tucson regarding the continuing search for Nancy Guthrie. <a href="https://t.co/UDv6clJDoH">pic.twitter.com/UDv6clJDoH</a></p>&mdash; FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIPhoenix/status/2019477628596392146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 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/DUW3mpqD8qd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; 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Reward increased in search for 'Today' show host's missing mother

Carbon monoxide is often called a silent killer — and for good reason. The colorless, odorless gas cannot be seen or smelled, yet exposure can be deadly. The good news: carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable.

Each year in the United States, carbon monoxide poisoning sends tens of thousands of people to emergency rooms and claims hundreds of lives. Older adults, especially those age 65 and over, face the highest risk of serious illness or death from exposure.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is frequently mistaken for the flu, especially in its early stages. Symptoms may include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue, and confusion. Severe exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Because symptoms can come on gradually, many people don’t realize they’re in danger until it’s too late.

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels do not burn completely. Common household and everyday sources include furnaces, fireplaces and space heaters, water heaters, gas clothes dryers, and stoves. Grills, generators, power tools, and vehicles that burn fossil fuels can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, especially when used improperly or in enclosed spaces.

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get to fresh air immediately. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care right away.

Poison Center healthcare professionals are available around the clock to help manage carbon monoxide exposures and determine whether emergency services are needed.

Simple precautions can dramatically reduce the risk of exposure. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and replace batteries every six months. Learn to recognize early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and have all fuel-burning appliances inspected and maintained regularly.

Make sure heaters and appliances are properly vented to the outside. Never use charcoal grills, hibachis, or generators indoors. Do not use gas ovens or ranges to heat your home. Never leave a vehicle running in an attached garage — even with the garage door open — and avoid sitting in a running vehicle if snow or mud is blocking the exhaust pipe. Generators should always be run outdoors and far away from windows and doors.

The Nebraska Poison Center provides education, safety tips, and expert guidance on carbon monoxide exposure and poison prevention.

When you call 1-800-222-1222, you’ll be connected immediately with a registered nurse or pharmacist — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. Awareness saves lives.

<p><i>By Allison Peck</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770310680014.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Carbon monoxide is often called a silent killer — and for good reason. The colorless, odorless gas cannot be seen or smelled, yet exposure can be deadly. The good news: carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable.</p><p>Each year in the United States, carbon monoxide poisoning sends tens of thousands of people to emergency rooms and claims hundreds of lives. Older adults, especially those age 65 and over, face the highest risk of serious illness or death from exposure.</p><h2>Know the Symptoms</h2><p>Carbon monoxide poisoning is frequently mistaken for the flu, especially in its early stages. Symptoms may include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue, and confusion. Severe exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and can be fatal if not treated quickly.</p><p>Because symptoms can come on gradually, many people don’t realize they’re in danger until it’s too late.</p><h2>Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide</h2><p>Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels do not burn completely. Common household and everyday sources include furnaces, fireplaces and space heaters, water heaters, gas clothes dryers, and stoves. Grills, generators, power tools, and vehicles that burn fossil fuels can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, especially when used improperly or in enclosed spaces.</p><h2>What to Do in an Emergency</h2><p>If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get to fresh air immediately. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care right away.</p><p>Poison Center healthcare professionals are available around the clock to help manage carbon monoxide exposures and determine whether emergency services are needed.</p><h2>Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning</h2><p>Simple precautions can dramatically reduce the risk of exposure. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and replace batteries every six months. Learn to recognize early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and have all fuel-burning appliances inspected and maintained regularly.</p><p>Make sure heaters and appliances are properly vented to the outside. Never use charcoal grills, hibachis, or generators indoors. Do not use gas ovens or ranges to heat your home. Never leave a vehicle running in an attached garage — even with the garage door open — and avoid sitting in a running vehicle if snow or mud is blocking the exhaust pipe. Generators should always be run outdoors and far away from windows and doors.</p><h2>Help Is Always Available</h2><p>The Nebraska Poison Center provides education, safety tips, and expert guidance on carbon monoxide exposure and poison prevention.</p><p>When you call 1-800-222-1222, you’ll be connected immediately with a registered nurse or pharmacist — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.</p><p>Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. Awareness saves lives.</p>

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Know the Danger, Prevent the Risk

DAMASCUS – U.S. forces conducted five strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, as partner forces continue to apply military pressure to ensure the enduring defeat of the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

CENTCOM forces located and destroyed an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities with 50 precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.

“Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “Operating in coordination with coalition and partner forces to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS makes America, the region and the world safer.”

U.S. and partner forces launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.

After nearly two months of targeted operations, more than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured. CENTCOM forces killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim during a deliberate strike in northwest Syria on Jan. 16. The terrorist leader was directly connected with the ISIS gunman responsible for the Dec. 13 attack.

<p>DAMASCUS – U.S. forces conducted five strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, as partner forces continue to apply military pressure to ensure the enduring defeat of the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.</p><p>CENTCOM forces located and destroyed an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities with 50 precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.</p><p>“Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “Operating in coordination with coalition and partner forces to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS makes America, the region and the world safer.”</p><p>U.S. and partner forces launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.</p><p>After nearly two months of targeted operations, more than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured. CENTCOM forces killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim during a deliberate strike in northwest Syria on Jan. 16. The terrorist leader was directly connected with the ISIS gunman responsible for the Dec. 13 attack.</p>

U.S. forces strike more ISIS targets in Syria

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

WASHINGTON — A federal judge this week closed the lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed last summer after Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law blocked Medicaid patients from visiting its clinics for any health care appointments for one year.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood filed notice with the court Friday that it had dismissed “without prejudice all claims against” the Trump administration in the case. Massachusetts District Court Judge Indira Talwani issued an electronic order Monday closing the case “Pursuant to Plaintiffs’ Notice of Voluntary Dismissal without Prejudice.”

The law prevents people on Medicaid from being seen at Planned Parenthood facilities through early July, when the one-year period would expire.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson wrote in a statement released last week that President Donald Trump “and his allies in Congress have weaponized the federal government to target Planned Parenthood at the expense of patients —&nbsp; stripping people of the care they rely on.&nbsp;

“Through every attack, Planned Parenthood has never lost sight of its focus: ensuring patients can get the care they need from the provider they trust. That will never change. Care continues, as does our commitment to fighting for everyone’s freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures.”

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom.&nbsp;

Talwani&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/one-big-beautiful-law-provision-planned-parenthood-funding-partly-blocked-judge" target="_blank">originally ruled for Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;in the case, temporarily blocking the defunding provision from taking effect. But an appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/appeals-court-allows-provision-freezing-medicaid-funding-planned-parenthood" target="_blank">later overturned that decision</a>, allowing the Trump administration to legally withhold Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood.&nbsp;

Talwani was nominated by former President Barack Obama.

The provision in Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law that blocks all Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood was originally slated to last for a decade, but the final version covered one year.&nbsp;

Federal law for decades has barred spending from covering abortions with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or the woman’s life.&nbsp;

So the new language prevented Medicaid patients from scheduling appointments at Planned Parenthood for other types of health care, like annual physicals, cancer screenings, or birth control appointments.&nbsp;

Shireen Ghorbani, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/planned-parenthood-sues-trump-administration-officials-over-defunding-provision-budget-bill" target="_blank">filed the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;along with Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that its health care providers would “continue to see patients and deliver on our mission to provide high-quality care and education to everyone who needs it, no matter where they live or how much money they make.”&nbsp;

A Planned Parenthood spokesperson, who did not want to comment on the record, said that certain clinics may choose to cover the cost of treating Medicaid patients, even though the clinic will not receive reimbursement from the federal government under the law.&nbsp;

Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that the organization’s “health centers initially shielded the overwhelming majority of patients who rely on Medicaid from the harm of this cruel law. Unfortunately, the consequences for patients will worsen considerably over time as health centers close, costs rise, and access to their trusted provider is pushed further out of reach.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768828924754.png" alt=" The Planned Parenthood Great Plains office in Overland Park, Kansas, is pictured in June 2024 (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
                        <figcaption> The Planned Parenthood Great Plains office in Overland Park, Kansas, is pictured in June 2024 (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;<br><a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — A federal judge this week closed the lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed last summer after Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law blocked Medicaid patients from visiting its clinics for any health care appointments for one year.&nbsp;</p><p>Planned Parenthood filed notice with the court Friday that it had dismissed “without prejudice all claims against” the Trump administration in the case. Massachusetts District Court Judge Indira Talwani issued an electronic order Monday closing the case “Pursuant to Plaintiffs’ Notice of Voluntary Dismissal without Prejudice.”</p><p>The law prevents people on Medicaid from being seen at Planned Parenthood facilities through early July, when the one-year period would expire.</p><p>Planned Parenthood Federation of America President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson wrote in a statement released last week that President Donald Trump “and his allies in Congress have weaponized the federal government to target Planned Parenthood at the expense of patients —&nbsp; stripping people of the care they rely on.&nbsp;</p><p>“Through every attack, Planned Parenthood has never lost sight of its focus: ensuring patients can get the care they need from the provider they trust. That will never change. Care continues, as does our commitment to fighting for everyone’s freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures.”</p><p>The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom.&nbsp;</p><p>Talwani&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/one-big-beautiful-law-provision-planned-parenthood-funding-partly-blocked-judge" target="_blank">originally ruled for Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;in the case, temporarily blocking the defunding provision from taking effect. But an appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/appeals-court-allows-provision-freezing-medicaid-funding-planned-parenthood" target="_blank">later overturned that decision</a>, allowing the Trump administration to legally withhold Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood.&nbsp;</p><p>Talwani was nominated by former President Barack Obama.</p><p>The provision in Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law that blocks all Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood was originally slated to last for a decade, but the final version covered one year.&nbsp;</p><p>Federal law for decades has barred spending from covering abortions with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or the woman’s life.&nbsp;</p><p>So the new language prevented Medicaid patients from scheduling appointments at Planned Parenthood for other types of health care, like annual physicals, cancer screenings, or birth control appointments.&nbsp;</p><p>Shireen Ghorbani, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/planned-parenthood-sues-trump-administration-officials-over-defunding-provision-budget-bill" target="_blank">filed the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;along with Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that its health care providers would “continue to see patients and deliver on our mission to provide high-quality care and education to everyone who needs it, no matter where they live or how much money they make.”&nbsp;</p><p>A Planned Parenthood spokesperson, who did not want to comment on the record, said that certain clinics may choose to cover the cost of treating Medicaid patients, even though the clinic will not receive reimbursement from the federal government under the law.&nbsp;</p><p>Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that the organization’s “health centers initially shielded the overwhelming majority of patients who rely on Medicaid from the harm of this cruel law. Unfortunately, the consequences for patients will worsen considerably over time as health centers close, costs rise, and access to their trusted provider is pushed further out of reach.”</p>

Planned Parenthood ends suit against Trump admin. over serving Medicaid patients

<div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUW3mpqD8qd/?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/DUW3mpqD8qd/?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; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUW3mpqD8qd/?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><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Detectives are conducting follow-up at the Guthrie home &amp; in the neighborhood - parking is extremely limited.<br><br>If traffic continues to be affected due to media, the roadway may be need to be restricted &amp; you will no longer have a good vantage point. <br><br>See new media staging map &gt; <a href="https://t.co/hZFpofRGMD">pic.twitter.com/hZFpofRGMD</a></p>&mdash; Pima County Sheriff&#39;s Department (@PimaSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PimaSheriff/status/2019216015121596568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 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">Statement on the Nancy Guthrie investigation - <a href="https://t.co/81w1qPXPNx">pic.twitter.com/81w1qPXPNx</a></p>&mdash; Pima County Sheriff&#39;s Department (@PimaSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PimaSheriff/status/2019065207457489020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 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">LATEST: NANCY GUTHRIE <a href="https://t.co/bnwTx5VoPM">https://t.co/bnwTx5VoPM</a> <a href="https://t.co/q3pJBoNz2B">pic.twitter.com/q3pJBoNz2B</a></p>&mdash; Pima County Sheriff&#39;s Department (@PimaSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PimaSheriff/status/2018789092096381233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥'Today' show host asks kidnapper to provide proof mother is alive

Port-au-Prince —At the direction of the Secretary of War, three U.S. warships including the USS Stockdale, USCGC Stone and USCGC Diligence have arrived in the Bay of Port-au-Prince as part of Operation Southern Spear, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy Haiti.

"Their presence reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to the security, stability, and a brighter future for the Republic of Haiti. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard reaffirm their partnership and support to ensure a safer and more prosperous Haiti."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770258285185.png" alt="Photo U.S. Southern Command" />
                        <figcaption>Photo U.S. Southern Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Port-au-Prince —At the direction of the Secretary of War, three U.S. warships including the USS Stockdale, USCGC Stone and USCGC Diligence have arrived in the Bay of Port-au-Prince as part of Operation Southern Spear, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy Haiti.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770258402668.png" alt="Photo U.S. Southern Command" />
                        <figcaption>Photo U.S. Southern Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"Their presence reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to the security, stability, and a brighter future for the Republic of Haiti. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard reaffirm their partnership and support to ensure a safer and more prosperous Haiti."</p>

US Warships arrive off Haiti in campaign against drug traffickers

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

<p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — The partial government shutdown that began this weekend ended Tuesday when President Donald Trump signed the funding package that both chambers of Congress approved within the last week.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;This bill is a great victory for the American people. Instead of a bloated and wasteful omnibus monstrosity full of special interest handouts, we&#39;ve succeeded in passing a fiscally responsible package that actually cuts wasteful federal spending, while supporting… <a href="https://t.co/e8SaId9wSh">https://t.co/e8SaId9wSh</a> <a href="https://t.co/rteuybrPSv">pic.twitter.com/rteuybrPSv</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2018800271019671602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“We’ve succeeded in passing a fiscally reasonable package that actually cuts wasteful federal spending while supporting critical programs for the safety, security and prosperity for the American people,” Trump said in the Oval Office.</p><p>The House&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202653" target="_blank">voted 217-214</a>&nbsp;earlier in the day to clear the package for Trump following a tumultuous couple of weeks on Capitol Hill after it had stalled in the Senate. Democrats demanded additional restraints on immigration enforcement in reaction to the shooting death of a second U.S. citizen in Minneapolis.&nbsp;</p><p>Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reached agreement last week to pull the full-year appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security and replace it with a two-week stopgap measure.</p><p>That is supposed to give leaders in Congress and the administration a bit of time to find consensus on changes to how immigration officers operate.</p><p>Trump did not say if he agreed with any of the proposed changes to immigration enforcement floated by Democrats.&nbsp;</p><p>“I haven’t even thought about it,” Trump said.&nbsp;</p><p>Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said during a morning press conference he wants negotiations to address local and state governments that don’t cooperate with federal immigration enforcement activities, often called sanctuary cities.&nbsp;</p><p>“What must be a part of that discussion is the participation of blue cities in federal immigration enforcement,” he said. “You can’t go to a sanctuary city and pretend like the law doesn’t apply there. It does and so we are going to be working through all that.”&nbsp;</p><h2>Administrative warrants debate</h2><p>Johnson said GOP lawmakers would not agree to require federal immigration agents to secure judicial warrants in order to detain people, one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-dems-demand-mask-ban-body-camera-requirement-ids-immigration-agents" target="_blank">several proposals Democrats have put forward</a>.</p><p>“We are never going to go along with adding an entirely new layer of judicial warrants because it is unimplementable,” he said. “It cannot be done and it should not be done and it’s not necessary.”&nbsp;</p><p>Johnson, a constitutional lawyer, said those administrative warrants are “sufficient legal authority to go and apprehend someone.”</p><p>When pressed if that type of warrant is enough to enter someone’s home without violating the Fourth Amendment, Johnson said that a “controversy has erupted” over what immigration agents should do when someone they’re trying to detain enters a private residence.&nbsp;</p><p>“What is Immigration and Customs Enforcement supposed to do at that point? ‘Oh gee whiz, they locked the door. I guess we’ll just go on.’ So there is some logic and reason that is to be applied here,” Johnson said. “Some have complained that the force has been excessive or what have you. I don’t know. We’re going to figure that out. It’s part of the discussion over the next couple weeks.”</p><p>Johnson said GOP negotiators will also make sure Congress maintains “important parameters” on immigration law and enforcement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We can’t go down the road of amnesty, you can’t in any way lighten the enforcement requirement of federal immigration law,” he said. “That’s what the American people demand and deserve.”</p><h2>Senators ‘ready to work’</h2><p>Senate Majority Leader John Thune said during an afternoon press conference that Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, chairwoman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, would lead negotiations for Republicans in that chamber.&nbsp;</p><p>“Katie Britt will lead that on our side, but ultimately, that’s going to be a conversation between the President of the United States and (Senate) Democrats,” Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said.&nbsp;</p><p>During an afternoon press conference, Schumer said that “Thune has to be a part of these negotiations.”&nbsp;</p><p>Schumer said that Democrats are going to detail their proposals to Republicans in the House, Senate and White House.</p><p>“If Leader Thune negotiates in good faith, we can get it done,” Schumer said of the Homeland Security funding bill.&nbsp;</p><p>Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who serves as ranking member on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, said Senate Democrats are “ready to work.”</p><p>“We have a proposal ready. We’re going to start moving no matter who they (pick) at the end of the day, and the White House needs to be involved,” Murray said.</p><p>Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said there are “a whole bunch” of proposals.</p><p>“The House had to do what they had to do … which is great. And what we now have to do is figure out what’s this universe of reforms that we can come to consensus on,” said Murkowski, who issued a statement last week declaring her support for “<a href="https://x.com/lisamurkowski/status/2017401976233853031?s=20" target="_blank">meaningful reforms</a>” for ICE.</p><h2>‘Most basic duty’ of Congress</h2><p>Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said during floor debate on the government spending package that clearing the legislation was the best way to move into negotiations about immigration enforcement.</p><p>“We will be in the strongest possible position to fight for and win the drastic changes we all know are needed to protect our communities — judicial warrant requirements, no more detentions or deportations of United States citizens, an enforceable code of conduct, taking off the masks, putting the badges on, requiring the body cameras, real accountability for the egregious abuses we have seen,” she said.</p><p>House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., said funding the government “is not an optional exercise, it’s the most basic duty we have in Congress.”</p><p>“Shutdowns are never the answer, they don’t work,” he said. “They only hurt the American people. So today lawmakers in this chamber have an opportunity to avoid repeating past mistakes.”</p><p>In addition to providing two more weeks of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7148/text" target="_blank">$1.2 trillion spending package</a>&nbsp;holds full-year appropriations bills for the departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, State, Transportation and Treasury. The Senate voted 71-29 on Friday evening&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/partial-federal-government-shutdown-begins-amid-hopes-it-wont-last-long" target="_blank">to send the package</a>&nbsp;to the House.</p><p>Congress had already approved half of the dozen annual appropriations bills for the fiscal year that began back on Oct. 1.&nbsp;</p>