Once again, the United State's joint interagency forces sent a clear message Friday morning: “there is no safe haven for criminals.”

According to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command, in a pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford and apprehended Motor/Tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea without incident.

Apprehensions like this are backed by the full power of the U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Ready Group, including the ready and lethal platforms of the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale.

The Department of War’s Operation Southern Spear is unwavering in its mission to defend our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere.

<p>Once again, the United State's joint interagency forces sent a clear message Friday morning: “there is no safe haven for criminals.”</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: “there is no safe haven for criminals.”<br><br>In a pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from the USS Gerald R.… <a href="https://t.co/StHo4ufcdx">pic.twitter.com/StHo4ufcdx</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2009632097858711656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>According to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command, in a pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford and apprehended Motor/Tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea without incident.</p><p>Apprehensions like this are backed by the full power of the U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Ready Group, including the ready and lethal platforms of the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale.</p><p>The Department of War’s Operation Southern Spear is unwavering in its mission to defend our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere.</p>

🎥 US intercepts another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced January 26, 2026, as the opening of the nation’s 2026 filing season. This year, several new tax law provisions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One, Big, Beautiful Bill</a>&nbsp;become effective, which could impact federal taxes, credits and deductions, according to a media release from the agency.

Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file their 2025 tax returns and pay any tax due. The IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual income tax returns this year, with most taxpayers filing electronically.

IRS.gov has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you">online tools and resources</a>&nbsp;taxpayers can use before, during and after filing their federal tax return.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One, Big, Beautiful Provisions</a>&nbsp;provides information that could help lower tax bills and potentially increase refund amounts.

“President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and improving upon the successful tax filing season in 2025,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent. “Prior to the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which delivered working families tax cuts, Treasury and IRS were diligently preparing to update forms and processes for the benefit of hardworking Americans, and I am confident in our ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike.”

“The Internal Revenue Service is ready to help taxpayers meet their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 filing season,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano. “As always, the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public. At the same time, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws and are ready to efficiently and effectively process taxpayer returns during the filing season.”

IRS Individual Online Account.&nbsp;Taxpayers can access their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals">individual online account</a>&nbsp;information, including balance due, payments made or scheduled, tax records and more.

New Schedule 1-A.&nbsp;Taxpayers will use the new Schedule 1-A to claim recently enacted tax deductions, such as no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loan interest and/or the enhanced deduction for seniors.

Enroll in a Trump Account.&nbsp;Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals can establish a new type of individual retirement account for their children. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://trumpaccounts.gov/">trumpaccounts.gov</a>.

Open a bank account.&nbsp;The IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to establish a bank account to receive their tax refunds via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>, because the IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks due to the executive order,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers">Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account</a>.

Forms 1099-K and 1099-DA.&nbsp;Taxpayers should visit IRS.gov and learn what to do if they receive either of these forms.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k">Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions</a>, is used to report payments received from credit cards, payments apps and online marketplaces.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-da">Form 1099-DA, Digital Assets</a>, is used to report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/digital-assets">digital asset</a>&nbsp;proceeds from broker transactions. Taxpayers must report all taxable income on their federal tax returns, even if they don’t receive either form.

Where’s My Refund?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund">Refund status</a>&nbsp;information is generally available around 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return, or four weeks after filing a paper return.

Be aware of tax scams and fraud.&nbsp;Taxpayers can learn how to prevent, report and recover from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams">tax scams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">tax-related identity theft</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.

Choose a tax preparer.&nbsp;Taxpayers should review IRS guidance for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a>, including tips on choosing a reputable preparer and how to avoid unethical preparers.

Taxpayer Assistance Centers.&nbsp;Taxpayers should make IRS.gov their first stop to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you">get help</a>. If taxpayers cannot resolve their issue online, they can get help by making an appointment to visit a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Taxpayer Assistance Center</a>.

IRS Free File and Fillable Forms.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;program will begin accepting individual tax returns starting Friday, Jan. 9 for qualified taxpayers. Taxpayers comfortable preparing their own taxes can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">IRS Free File Fillable Forms</a>&nbsp;starting Jan. 26, regardless of income.

MilTax.&nbsp;Military members and some veterans can use the Department of Defense program,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">MilTax</a>, for free return preparation and e-filing software.

IRS-certified volunteers.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs offer no-cost, basic tax preparation to qualified individuals.

<p>WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced January 26, 2026, as the opening of the nation’s 2026 filing season. This year, several new tax law provisions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One, Big, Beautiful Bill</a>&nbsp;become effective, which could impact federal taxes, credits and deductions, according to a media release from the agency.</p><p>Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file their 2025 tax returns and pay any tax due. The IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual income tax returns this year, with most taxpayers filing electronically.</p><p>IRS.gov has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you">online tools and resources</a>&nbsp;taxpayers can use before, during and after filing their federal tax return.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One, Big, Beautiful Provisions</a>&nbsp;provides information that could help lower tax bills and potentially increase refund amounts.</p><p>“President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and improving upon the successful tax filing season in 2025,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent. “Prior to the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which delivered working families tax cuts, Treasury and IRS were diligently preparing to update forms and processes for the benefit of hardworking Americans, and I am confident in our ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike.”</p><p>“The Internal Revenue Service is ready to help taxpayers meet their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 filing season,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano. “As always, the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public. At the same time, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws and are ready to efficiently and effectively process taxpayer returns during the filing season.”</p><p>IRS Individual Online Account.&nbsp;Taxpayers can access their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals">individual online account</a>&nbsp;information, including balance due, payments made or scheduled, tax records and more.</p><p>New Schedule 1-A.&nbsp;Taxpayers will use the new Schedule 1-A to claim recently enacted tax deductions, such as no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loan interest and/or the enhanced deduction for seniors.</p><p>Enroll in a Trump Account.&nbsp;Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals can establish a new type of individual retirement account for their children. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://trumpaccounts.gov/">trumpaccounts.gov</a>.</p><p>Open a bank account.&nbsp;The IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to establish a bank account to receive their tax refunds via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>, because the IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks due to the executive order,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers">Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account</a>.</p><p>Forms 1099-K and 1099-DA.&nbsp;Taxpayers should visit IRS.gov and learn what to do if they receive either of these forms.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k">Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions</a>, is used to report payments received from credit cards, payments apps and online marketplaces.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-da">Form 1099-DA, Digital Assets</a>, is used to report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/digital-assets">digital asset</a>&nbsp;proceeds from broker transactions. Taxpayers must report all taxable income on their federal tax returns, even if they don’t receive either form.</p><p>Where’s My Refund?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund">Refund status</a>&nbsp;information is generally available around 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return, or four weeks after filing a paper return.</p><p>Be aware of tax scams and fraud.&nbsp;Taxpayers can learn how to prevent, report and recover from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams">tax scams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">tax-related identity theft</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.</p><p>Choose a tax preparer.&nbsp;Taxpayers should review IRS guidance for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a>, including tips on choosing a reputable preparer and how to avoid unethical preparers.</p><p>Taxpayer Assistance Centers.&nbsp;Taxpayers should make IRS.gov their first stop to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you">get help</a>. If taxpayers cannot resolve their issue online, they can get help by making an appointment to visit a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Taxpayer Assistance Center</a>.</p><p>IRS Free File and Fillable Forms.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;program will begin accepting individual tax returns starting Friday, Jan. 9 for qualified taxpayers. Taxpayers comfortable preparing their own taxes can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">IRS Free File Fillable Forms</a>&nbsp;starting Jan. 26, regardless of income.</p><p>MilTax.&nbsp;Military members and some veterans can use the Department of Defense program,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">MilTax</a>, for free return preparation and e-filing software.</p><p>IRS-certified volunteers.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs offer no-cost, basic tax preparation to qualified individuals.</p>

IRS announces when they will begin accepting 2025 tax returns

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

WASHINGTON — In a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump, Senate Republicans joined Democrats in advancing a war powers resolution to halt U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization.

Republican Sens. Todd Young of Indiana, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska split with their party to act as a check on the administration’s use of military forces — as did Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the measure’s co-sponsor with Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.

The move marked a significant moment after Republicans on Capitol Hill have largely smoothed the path for Trump’s agenda throughout the past year.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., also unexpectedly supported the measure, which advanced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00005.htm" target="_blank">on a 52-47 vote</a>. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican, did not vote.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/98/text?s=2&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22S.J.res+98%22%7D" target="_blank">joint resolution</a>&nbsp;directs the “removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.”&nbsp;

Thursday’s vote advanced the legislation over a procedural hurdle. The bill still requires a final Senate vote before it would head to the House.

The vote comes days after U.S. special forces launched a surprise overnight attack on Venezuela’s capital of Caracas on Saturday, capturing the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple appeared in federal court Monday on federal drug and conspiracy charges.

The U.S. launched a bombing campaign off the coast of Venezuela in September, striking small vessels in the Caribbean Sea that the administration alleges were operated by “narco-terrorists.” The death toll from the strikes reached over 100 in December.

Kaine forced Thursday’s procedural vote under the War Powers Resolution, a Vietnam War-era&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47603" target="_blank">statute</a>&nbsp;that gives Congress a check on the president’s use of the military abroad.&nbsp;

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rubio-meet-danish-officials-amid-greenland-push-trump-administration" target="_blank">delivered a classified update</a>&nbsp;to members of Congress Wednesday on Capitol Hill on the ongoing U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. Democrats said they remained unsatisfied with the information shared during the meetings.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767893848066.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran arriving to vote against the resolution-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran arriving to vote against the resolution-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — In a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump, Senate Republicans joined Democrats in advancing a war powers resolution to halt U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization.</p><p>Republican Sens. Todd Young of Indiana, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska split with their party to act as a check on the administration’s use of military forces — as did Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the measure’s co-sponsor with Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/V7DVNISEau">pic.twitter.com/V7DVNISEau</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2009321883444089212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The move marked a significant moment after Republicans on Capitol Hill have largely smoothed the path for Trump’s agenda throughout the past year.</p><p>Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., also unexpectedly supported the measure, which advanced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00005.htm" target="_blank">on a 52-47 vote</a>. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican, did not vote.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/98/text?s=2&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22S.J.res+98%22%7D" target="_blank">joint resolution</a>&nbsp;directs the “removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.”&nbsp;</p><p>Thursday’s vote advanced the legislation over a procedural hurdle. The bill still requires a final Senate vote before it would head to the House.</p><p>The vote comes days after U.S. special forces launched a surprise overnight attack on Venezuela’s capital of Caracas on Saturday, capturing the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple appeared in federal court Monday on federal drug and conspiracy charges.</p><p>The U.S. launched a bombing campaign off the coast of Venezuela in September, striking small vessels in the Caribbean Sea that the administration alleges were operated by “narco-terrorists.” The death toll from the strikes reached over 100 in December.</p><p>Kaine forced Thursday’s procedural vote under the War Powers Resolution, a Vietnam War-era&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47603" target="_blank">statute</a>&nbsp;that gives Congress a check on the president’s use of the military abroad.&nbsp;</p><p>Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rubio-meet-danish-officials-amid-greenland-push-trump-administration" target="_blank">delivered a classified update</a>&nbsp;to members of Congress Wednesday on Capitol Hill on the ongoing U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. Democrats said they remained unsatisfied with the information shared during the meetings.</p>

US Senate with GOP support advances war powers resolution rebuking Trump on Venezuela

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRollins</a> on new dietary guidelines &quot;Eat real food that is the main message of the new dietary guidelines for Americans 2025 - 2030 which encourage households and schools to prioritize whole nutrient dense foods …whether they are fresh frozen canned or dried.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/sTjyrrBhvB">pic.twitter.com/sTjyrrBhvB</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008952598808723951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 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/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> on new 2025-2030 dietary guidelines: &quot;Protein and healthy fats are essential and were wrongly discouraged in prior dietary guidelines. We are ending the war on saturated fats…Today our government declares war on added sugar.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hAdbbLYJaq">pic.twitter.com/hAdbbLYJaq</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008952210026008779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE">https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE</a></p>&mdash; HHS (@HHSGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov/status/2008938453447102892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE">https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE</a></p>&mdash; HHS (@HHSGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov/status/2008938453447102892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

See the new U.S. dietary guidelines: More protein, less grains

(GRAND ISLAND, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp; The next class of Nebraska State Patrol recruits have started their journey to earning the title of Nebraska State Trooper. The recruits of Camp 73 began training today at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.

“Today is a great day for Nebraska, as these recruits have committed themselves to a career of serving the people and visitors of our great state,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “They’ve already demonstrated they have the character necessary to serve with integrity. Our Training Academy troopers will now equip them with knowledge, skills, and abilities they’ll need to make a difference in communities across Nebraska.”

The 12 recruits of Camp 73 come to NSP from several communities across Nebraska and multiple other states.&nbsp; 

Seth Dvorak – Scottsbluff&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Khadario Earl – Wellington, FL&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nick Eckhout – Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

David Farmer – Battle Creek&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Rex Fell – Benkelman &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gideon Hill – Macon, IL&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska State Patrol recruits undergo hundreds of hours of classroom instruction and scenario-based training to prepare them to serve as troopers. Camp 73 is scheduled to graduate on June 18, 2026.

“These recruits are embarking on a rigorous training course that will ensure they are prepared to provide the highest quality service to Nebraskans,” said Captain Andy Ecklund, NSP Director of Training. “Over the next six months, they’ll receive expert training and earn the title of Trooper.”

Applications to be a part of NSP’s next recruit class, Camp 74, will open on March 2, 2026. Interested candidates can connect with NSP recruiters, get more information about the career, and learn about the benefits at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://nebraskatroopers.com/">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>

<p><i>For Immediate Release</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562084161517.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>(GRAND ISLAND, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;—&nbsp; The next class of Nebraska State Patrol recruits have started their journey to earning the title of Nebraska State Trooper. The recruits of Camp 73 began training today at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.</p><p>“Today is a great day for Nebraska, as these recruits have committed themselves to a career of serving the people and visitors of our great state,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “They’ve already demonstrated they have the character necessary to serve with integrity. Our Training Academy troopers will now equip them with knowledge, skills, and abilities they’ll need to make a difference in communities across Nebraska.”</p><p>The 12 recruits of Camp 73 come to NSP from several communities across Nebraska and multiple other states.&nbsp; </p><h2>The recruits are:</h2><p>Seth Dvorak – Scottsbluff&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p>Cale Laue - Gretna</p><p>Khadario Earl – Wellington, FL&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p> Sean O’Hearn - Oconee</p><p>Nick Eckhout – Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p> Hayden Thurnau – St. Paul</p><p>David Farmer – Battle Creek&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p>Markus Vigil – Las Animas, CO</p><p>Rex Fell – Benkelman &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p> Carson vonRentzell - Elmwood</p><p>Gideon Hill – Macon, IL&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p> Roderick Woodworth – San Diego, CA</p><p>Nebraska State Patrol recruits undergo hundreds of hours of classroom instruction and scenario-based training to prepare them to serve as troopers. Camp 73 is scheduled to graduate on June 18, 2026.</p><p>“These recruits are embarking on a rigorous training course that will ensure they are prepared to provide the highest quality service to Nebraskans,” said Captain Andy Ecklund, NSP Director of Training. “Over the next six months, they’ll receive expert training and earn the title of Trooper.”</p><p>Applications to be a part of NSP’s next recruit class, Camp 74, will open on March 2, 2026. Interested candidates can connect with NSP recruiters, get more information about the career, and learn about the benefits at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://nebraskatroopers.com/">NebraskaTroopers.com</a></p>

NSP Recruits Start Journey to Become Nebraska Troopers

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/E0hii3A6Zo">pic.twitter.com/E0hii3A6Zo</a></p>&mdash; U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/US_EUCOM/status/2008900344428789945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 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">In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two “ghost fleet”  tanker ships— one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean.  Both vessels —the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor… <a href="https://t.co/EZlHEtcufX">pic.twitter.com/EZlHEtcufX</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/2008907194691915945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN&#39;T HIDE 🔥<br><br>In predawn operations this morning, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded two &quot;Ghost Fleet&quot; Tankers in the North Atlantic Sea and in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it. <a href="https://t.co/4ftu01lqIg">pic.twitter.com/4ftu01lqIg</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2008937200944021613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/E0hii3A6Zo">pic.twitter.com/E0hii3A6Zo</a></p>&mdash; U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/US_EUCOM/status/2008900344428789945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 US seized 2 more oil tankers linked to Venezuela

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/max-nesterak/">Max Nesterak</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/madisonmcvan/">Madison McVan</a><br>Minnesota Reformer

An ICE officer shot a woman driving an SUV through her car window in south Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. The person is dead, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;

Video of the incident&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/K9CJY5p0xz4?si=zC_gkj-tiUR9CS-A" target="_blank">shared with the&nbsp;<i>Reformer</i></a>&nbsp;shows masked ICE officers approach a Honda Pilot stopped in the middle of Portland Avenue near 34th Street. One officer tells the driver to “get out of the f*cking car” and tries to open the door. The driver then slowly backs up and then pulls forward. An officer at the front of the vehicle fires three shots and the SUV travels a short distance before crashing into a parked car.&nbsp;

The witness who took the video, Caitlin Callenson, said she was on a walk when she saw an ICE vehicle stuck in the snow. As more ICE vehicles arrived, bystanders blew whistles in protest, and the driver of the SUV tried to block the ICE vehicles.

Callenson said she did not see ICE agents attempting to detain anyone leading up to or after the shooting.&nbsp;

After the shots were fired, the driver was “then was completely slumped over in the vehicle,” said Emily Heller, another witness. Federal agents wouldn’t allow a man who said he is a physician to examine the driver, Heller said. Emergency medical technicians arrived 15 minutes later, she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TriciaOhio/status/2008957179793998266?s=20" target="_blank">writing on X</a>, gave a different version of what happened: “One of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them — an act of domestic terrorism. An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dozens of federal agents from ICE and the FBI, as well as Minneapolis police officers and Hennepin County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene&nbsp;

As some federal officers attempted to leave, protestors blocked their vehicle. The officers fired a noxious gas at close range, causing distress and vomiting for many demonstrators and journalists.&nbsp;

Protesters hurled insults at Minneapolis Police officers, who are not supposed to assist with immigration enforcement, but were on the scene Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

City Council members including Robin Wonsley and Jamal Osman addressed the crowd, saying the area was an active crime scene, and that MPD was present to investigate.&nbsp;

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a statement soon after the shooting saying she is “pushing hard for a local investigation which is the only way to ensure full transparency and review by our office.”&nbsp;

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a St. Paul Democrat, called on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who filmed herself observing ICE actions in Minneapolis on Tuesday, to immediately stop the ICE operation “to restore order and prevent further injuries.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767816394023.png" alt=" The crashed SUV after an ICE agent shot the driver at point-blank range through the window. The driver died, according to the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)" />
                        <figcaption> The crashed SUV after an ICE agent shot the driver at point-blank range through the window. The driver died, according to the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/max-nesterak/">Max Nesterak</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/madisonmcvan/">Madison McVan</a><br>Minnesota Reformer</p><p>An ICE officer shot a woman driving an SUV through her car window in south Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. The person is dead, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MayorFrey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MayorFrey</a> on ICE-related shooting Minneapolis: &quot;They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense … that is bullshit. This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying … To ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. We don&#39;t want you here.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/1ODkyyePYp">pic.twitter.com/1ODkyyePYp</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008980629535220041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 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/GovTimWalz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovTimWalz</a>: “We have been warning for weeks that the Trump administration&#39;s dangerous sensationalized operations are a threat to our public safety…To Minnesotans I say this: I feel your anger. I&#39;m angry…To Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, you have done enough.” <a href="https://t.co/IEEL8K9qq1">pic.twitter.com/IEEL8K9qq1</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2009006400589152618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Video of the incident&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/K9CJY5p0xz4?si=zC_gkj-tiUR9CS-A" target="_blank">shared with the&nbsp;<i>Reformer</i></a>&nbsp;shows masked ICE officers approach a Honda Pilot stopped in the middle of Portland Avenue near 34th Street. One officer tells the driver to “get out of the f*cking car” and tries to open the door. The driver then slowly backs up and then pulls forward. An officer at the front of the vehicle fires three shots and the SUV travels a short distance before crashing into a parked car.&nbsp;</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K9CJY5p0xz4?si=oveThoFUpbN5Kckn&amp;start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p>The witness who took the video, Caitlin Callenson, said she was on a walk when she saw an ICE vehicle stuck in the snow. As more ICE vehicles arrived, bystanders blew whistles in protest, and the driver of the SUV tried to block the ICE vehicles.</p><p>Callenson said she did not see ICE agents attempting to detain anyone leading up to or after the shooting.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a> on the ICE-involved shooting in Minnesota: &quot;It was an act of domestic terrorism … these vehicle rammings are domestic acts of terrorism. We&#39;re working with the Department of Justice to prosecute them as such.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/7iPyRCEzvt">pic.twitter.com/7iPyRCEzvt</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008972778616102998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>After the shots were fired, the driver was “then was completely slumped over in the vehicle,” said Emily Heller, another witness. Federal agents wouldn’t allow a man who said he is a physician to examine the driver, Heller said. Emergency medical technicians arrived 15 minutes later, she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Tricia McLaughlin, assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TriciaOhio/status/2008957179793998266?s=20" target="_blank">writing on X</a>, gave a different version of what happened: “One of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them — an act of domestic terrorism. An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Dozens of federal agents from ICE and the FBI, as well as Minneapolis police officers and Hennepin County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene&nbsp;</p><p>As some federal officers attempted to leave, protestors blocked their vehicle. The officers fired a noxious gas at close range, causing distress and vomiting for many demonstrators and journalists.&nbsp;</p><p>Protests are ongoing.</p><p>Protesters hurled insults at Minneapolis Police officers, who are not supposed to assist with immigration enforcement, but were on the scene Wednesday morning.&nbsp;</p><p>City Council members including Robin Wonsley and Jamal Osman addressed the crowd, saying the area was an active crime scene, and that MPD was present to investigate.&nbsp;</p><p>Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a statement soon after the shooting saying she is “pushing hard for a local investigation which is the only way to ensure full transparency and review by our office.”&nbsp;</p><p>U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a St. Paul Democrat, called on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who filmed herself observing ICE actions in Minneapolis on Tuesday, to immediately stop the ICE operation “to restore order and prevent further injuries.”</p>

ICE officer fatally shoots driver through SUV window in Minneapolis

<i>By Juan Salinas II | <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/01/05/nebraska-report-examines-state-impacts-if-u-s-enters-armed-conflict/">Nebraska Examiner</a></i>

Pillen, Kelly tout plan’s ability to prepare state, ag for Chinese threat, others

LINCOLN —&nbsp; Nebraska officials explored the statewide implications if the U.S. gets involved in a major war or “armed conflict” as part of a new state report issued this month on external threats.&nbsp;

Gov. Jim Pillen briefed the press Monday on the new legislatively required annual threat assessment. He was joined by Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, and Adj. Gen. Craig Strong at the Nebraska National Guard Air Base.&nbsp;

The report comes after four meetings last year of the 11-member, legislatively created Committee on Pacific Conflict, required by a 2024 law from State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln. The group met to discuss the state’s vulnerabilities in agriculture, infrastructure, telecommunications and cybersecurity with experts. It includes four lawmakers, the lieutenant governor and the adjutant general.&nbsp;

Kelly, a former prosecutor, said this year’s report focused on agricultural security. The report focuses on who owns farmland in the state and how it’s being used — especially land near military installations. Kelly said the committee will look into how the state should respond to “any threats by bad actors here in Nebraska when it relates to our farm security and our economy and our citizens.”

“We know that here in Nebraska, our defense starts with the 44 million acres of land that are in ag production,” Kelly said.

Strong praised&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/gov-pillen-says-new-laws-button-up-loopholes-on-foreign-adversaries-purchasing-nebraska-ag-land/#:~:text=Zach%20Wendling/Nebraska%20Examiner)%3C,law%2C%20which%20takes%20effect%20Jan.">another 2024 law, authored</a>&nbsp;by&nbsp;state Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, which updated an 1889 state law&nbsp;prohibiting certain entities from purchasing Nebraska ag land, primarily people and corporations with ties to countries that the U.S. Commerce Department deems foreign adversaries.&nbsp;

Bostar and U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., a former speaker of the Legislature, had highlighted the need to prevent foreign adversaries from buying land near military installations.

Nebraska is home to key U.S. military infrastructure, including Strategic Air Command near Omaha and to 80 intercontinental ballistic missile launch facilities and nine alert facilities, all serving&nbsp;national security.

Much of the press conference Monday discussed China and the national and state security threat of being too reliant on&nbsp;Beijing.&nbsp;Nebraska has passed its own laws focused on foreign adversaries that have partly focused on the country.&nbsp;

Pillen said the U.S. has “been duped that we can buy happiness by buying cheap crap from China” and that the “greatest form” of security for the state is buying from “Main Street Nebraska” instead.

Last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/legislative-committee-says-china-is-a-threat-to-nebraska-though-details-remain-confidential/" target="_blank">the state committee described</a>&nbsp;China as a threat to Nebraska. Then, as now, Pillen and legislative leaders have expressed concerns about Chinese ownership of American ag land. Pillen has issued executive orders restricting state agency use of Chinese technology.&nbsp;

Kelly highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-signs-executive-order-banning-more-ccp-tech" target="_blank">one order from 2023</a>, calling&nbsp;Nebraska is an “adversary-free zone” because of Pillen banning the use or download of “applications, software, and platforms created or owned by affiliates of the Chinese Communist Party on state networks and devices.”&nbsp;

The governor said it’s “extraordinarily important that we really recognize we have severe foreign adversaries.”

“China wants to take us out. Iran wants to take us out. North Korea wants to take us out. Venezuela wants to take us out,” Pillen said.&nbsp;

Asked by reporters about the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/01/03/repub/trump-says-venezuelan-president-maduro-captured-in-us-strike-trial-planned-in-ny/">U.S. capturing of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>, Pillen said he is&nbsp; “incredibly proud of what the president’s done in going to Venezuela and getting a radical terrorist out of our hair.”&nbsp;

The governor also said, “Nebraskans don’t need to worry about selling soybeans to China, because of the state’s “value added agriculture.” Nebraskans can&nbsp;raise and process 300 million bushels of soybeans, despite no “Nebraska soybeans going on barges to China.” Nebraska farmers are&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/trump-administration-announces-12-billion-bailout-to-farmers-amid-tariff-hikes/" target="_blank">bracing for another tough year</a>, plagued by low corn and soybean prices, which many ag experts blame partly on President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and other international ag customers.&nbsp;

“We have to roll up our sleeves and not be duped anymore,” Pillen said. “So if anybody’s buying anything from China, stop it today … That’s important to get it across to all Nebraskans. Stop it today. We have to win this.”

<p><i>By Juan Salinas II | <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/01/05/nebraska-report-examines-state-impacts-if-u-s-enters-armed-conflict/">Nebraska Examiner</a></i></p><h2>Pillen, Kelly tout plan’s ability to prepare state, ag for Chinese threat, others</h2><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_3391-1536x1024.jpg" alt="&nbsp;Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly at Nebraska’s National Guard Air Base on Jan 5, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp;Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly at Nebraska’s National Guard Air Base on Jan 5, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN —&nbsp; Nebraska officials explored the statewide implications if the U.S. gets involved in a major war or “armed conflict” as part of a new state report issued this month on external threats.&nbsp;</p><p>Gov. Jim Pillen briefed the press Monday on the new legislatively required annual threat assessment. He was joined by Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, and Adj. Gen. Craig Strong at the Nebraska National Guard Air Base.&nbsp;</p><p>The report comes after four meetings last year of the 11-member, legislatively created Committee on Pacific Conflict, required by a 2024 law from State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln. The group met to discuss the state’s vulnerabilities in agriculture, infrastructure, telecommunications and cybersecurity with experts. It includes four lawmakers, the lieutenant governor and the adjutant general.&nbsp;</p><p>Kelly, a former prosecutor, said this year’s report focused on agricultural security. The report focuses on who owns farmland in the state and how it’s being used — especially land near military installations. Kelly said the committee will look into how the state should respond to “any threats by bad actors here in Nebraska when it relates to our farm security and our economy and our citizens.”</p><p>“We know that here in Nebraska, our defense starts with the 44 million acres of land that are in ag production,” Kelly said.</p><p>Strong praised&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/gov-pillen-says-new-laws-button-up-loopholes-on-foreign-adversaries-purchasing-nebraska-ag-land/#:~:text=Zach%20Wendling/Nebraska%20Examiner)%3C,law%2C%20which%20takes%20effect%20Jan.">another 2024 law, authored</a>&nbsp;by&nbsp;state Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, which updated an 1889 state law&nbsp;prohibiting certain entities from purchasing Nebraska ag land, primarily people and corporations with ties to countries that the U.S. Commerce Department deems foreign adversaries.&nbsp;</p><p>Bostar and U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., a former speaker of the Legislature, had highlighted the need to prevent foreign adversaries from buying land near military installations.</p><p>Nebraska is home to key U.S. military infrastructure, including Strategic Air Command near Omaha and to 80 intercontinental ballistic missile launch facilities and nine alert facilities, all serving&nbsp;national security.</p><p>Much of the press conference Monday discussed China and the national and state security threat of being too reliant on&nbsp;Beijing.&nbsp;Nebraska has passed its own laws focused on foreign adversaries that have partly focused on the country.&nbsp;</p><p>Pillen said the U.S. has “been duped that we can buy happiness by buying cheap crap from China” and that the “greatest form” of security for the state is buying from “Main Street Nebraska” instead.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_3385-300x200.jpg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly and Adj. Gen. Craig Strong at Nebraska’s National Guard Air Base on Jan 5, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly and Adj. Gen. Craig Strong at Nebraska’s National Guard Air Base on Jan 5, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/legislative-committee-says-china-is-a-threat-to-nebraska-though-details-remain-confidential/" target="_blank">the state committee described</a>&nbsp;China as a threat to Nebraska. Then, as now, Pillen and legislative leaders have expressed concerns about Chinese ownership of American ag land. Pillen has issued executive orders restricting state agency use of Chinese technology.&nbsp;</p><p>Kelly highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-signs-executive-order-banning-more-ccp-tech" target="_blank">one order from 2023</a>, calling&nbsp;Nebraska is an “adversary-free zone” because of Pillen banning the use or download of “applications, software, and platforms created or owned by affiliates of the Chinese Communist Party on state networks and devices.”&nbsp;</p><p>The governor said it’s “extraordinarily important that we really recognize we have severe foreign adversaries.”</p><p>“China wants to take us out. Iran wants to take us out. North Korea wants to take us out. Venezuela wants to take us out,” Pillen said.&nbsp;</p><p>Asked by reporters about the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/01/03/repub/trump-says-venezuelan-president-maduro-captured-in-us-strike-trial-planned-in-ny/">U.S. capturing of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>, Pillen said he is&nbsp; “incredibly proud of what the president’s done in going to Venezuela and getting a radical terrorist out of our hair.”&nbsp;</p><p>The governor also said, “Nebraskans don’t need to worry about selling soybeans to China, because of the state’s “value added agriculture.” Nebraskans can&nbsp;raise and process 300 million bushels of soybeans, despite no “Nebraska soybeans going on barges to China.” Nebraska farmers are&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/es/news/news-articles/trump-administration-announces-12-billion-bailout-to-farmers-amid-tariff-hikes/" target="_blank">bracing for another tough year</a>, plagued by low corn and soybean prices, which many ag experts blame partly on President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and other international ag customers.&nbsp;</p><p>“We have to roll up our sleeves and not be duped anymore,” Pillen said. “So if anybody’s buying anything from China, stop it today … That’s important to get it across to all Nebraskans. Stop it today. We have to win this.”</p>

Nebraska report examines state impacts if U.S. enters ‘armed conflict’

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a>

TOPEKA — Kansas State University has resolved a student complaint about the presence of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within its student government following pressure from legislative leadership to investigate.

The Legislature passed a provision in 2025 requiring state agencies, including state universities, to eliminate DEI-related positions, mandates, programs, activities, training requirements, grants and contracts&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dei-barred-in-kansas-government-universities-beginning-aug-1/" target="_blank">by Aug. 1</a>.

Universities and agencies scrubbed their websites of DEI terminology, reassigned or eliminated staff positions, refocused clubs and departments, examined contracts and removed pronouns from email signatures.

But a student was not satisfied with K-State’s efforts and sent an anonymous report to legislative leadership in July outlining complaints. The Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s higher education institutions, informed K-State of potential issues within the university’s student government.

Among the issues was language within the university’s Student Governing Association’s constitution that required planning diversity training for student government members. The association also has power to allocate funds to clubs that could involve DEI-related topics. The student senate repealed the training requirement at its Sept. 4 meeting.

Marshall Stewart, chief of staff for K-State’s president, told the State Finance Council on Tuesday that K-State did not realize it was out of compliance at the time of the complaint and worked hard to course correct. The State Finance Council is made up of Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leadership.

Stewart said students took the matter seriously and resolved to no longer disperse money or make appointments that could be in conflict with the state’s anti-DEI law.

“Universities are big, complex organizations, and I’m not going to say if you go deep enough and look hard enough you’re not going to find some things,” Stewart said. “But if you do find them, we ask that people share those with us.”

Young America’s Foundation, a conservative youth organization,&nbsp;<a href="https://yaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/KState-OCR-Complaint-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">complained to the U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights office</a>&nbsp;in March that K-State’s wasn’t complying with federal anti-DEI efforts. The organization’s letter mentioned the Student Governing Association and other K-State departments by name. However, it did not produce a formal investigation, according to U.S. Department of Education records.

Tuesday’s issue is a carryover from that March complaint and the State Finance Council’s July meeting. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican and candidate for governor, had charged state officials with investigating the anonymous report, which was sent to his office.&nbsp;

Adam Proffitt, the secretary of administration, who must certify all agencies and universities are in compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law, presented his findings Tuesday to the council.

He said his legal team worked with K-State, and he was satisfied with the university’s updated report. Masterson commended the university’s effort but expressed interest in crafting additional anti-DEI provisions in the upcoming legislative session.

University leaders recently appeared before the House Committee on Government Efficiency to detail efforts to extricate DEI from college campuses. Legislators on the committee expressed interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/17/kansas-efficiency-committee-targets-dei-curricula-in-college-classrooms/" target="_blank">censoring related college curricula</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761597779503.png" alt="&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson appears in the Senate chamber on March 26, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. He is one member of the State Finance Council, and in his role there, he has encouraged investigating Kansas State University for its compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson appears in the Senate chamber on March 26, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. He is one member of the State Finance Council, and in his role there, he has encouraged investigating Kansas State University for its compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>TOPEKA — Kansas State University has resolved a student complaint about the presence of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within its student government following pressure from legislative leadership to investigate.</p><p>The Legislature passed a provision in 2025 requiring state agencies, including state universities, to eliminate DEI-related positions, mandates, programs, activities, training requirements, grants and contracts&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dei-barred-in-kansas-government-universities-beginning-aug-1/" target="_blank">by Aug. 1</a>.</p><p>Universities and agencies scrubbed their websites of DEI terminology, reassigned or eliminated staff positions, refocused clubs and departments, examined contracts and removed pronouns from email signatures.</p><p>But a student was not satisfied with K-State’s efforts and sent an anonymous report to legislative leadership in July outlining complaints. The Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s higher education institutions, informed K-State of potential issues within the university’s student government.</p><p>Among the issues was language within the university’s Student Governing Association’s constitution that required planning diversity training for student government members. The association also has power to allocate funds to clubs that could involve DEI-related topics. The student senate repealed the training requirement at its Sept. 4 meeting.</p><p>Marshall Stewart, chief of staff for K-State’s president, told the State Finance Council on Tuesday that K-State did not realize it was out of compliance at the time of the complaint and worked hard to course correct. The State Finance Council is made up of Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leadership.</p><p>Stewart said students took the matter seriously and resolved to no longer disperse money or make appointments that could be in conflict with the state’s anti-DEI law.</p><p>“Universities are big, complex organizations, and I’m not going to say if you go deep enough and look hard enough you’re not going to find some things,” Stewart said. “But if you do find them, we ask that people share those with us.”</p><p>Young America’s Foundation, a conservative youth organization,&nbsp;<a href="https://yaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/KState-OCR-Complaint-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">complained to the U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights office</a>&nbsp;in March that K-State’s wasn’t complying with federal anti-DEI efforts. The organization’s letter mentioned the Student Governing Association and other K-State departments by name. However, it did not produce a formal investigation, according to U.S. Department of Education records.</p><p>Tuesday’s issue is a carryover from that March complaint and the State Finance Council’s July meeting. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican and candidate for governor, had charged state officials with investigating the anonymous report, which was sent to his office.&nbsp;</p><p>Adam Proffitt, the secretary of administration, who must certify all agencies and universities are in compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law, presented his findings Tuesday to the council.</p><p>He said his legal team worked with K-State, and he was satisfied with the university’s updated report. Masterson commended the university’s effort but expressed interest in crafting additional anti-DEI provisions in the upcoming legislative session.</p><p>University leaders recently appeared before the House Committee on Government Efficiency to detail efforts to extricate DEI from college campuses. Legislators on the committee expressed interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/17/kansas-efficiency-committee-targets-dei-curricula-in-college-classrooms/" target="_blank">censoring related college curricula</a>.</p>

K-State resolves student’s DEI complaint, temporarily satisfying Kansas legislators

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

LINCOLN — With Tyson Foods weeks away from shuttering its Lexington beef plant, the anticipated financial blow to the state is becoming clearer. Meanwhile, some workers have made strides to adjust.

The statewide economic loss, including both direct and ripple effects, is estimated at $3.28 billion a year, according to a recently released University of Nebraska-Lincoln analysis.

While public documents reported that a “mass layoff” of 3,212 Tyson workers will occur “on or around” Jan. 20, the UNL study projects more than 7,000 jobs will be lost statewide, along with an annual labor income loss of $530 million. That higher job loss count includes employees in other industries that support the Tyson beef plant operation and its workforce.

Tax revenues also will drop with the exit of Lexington’s largest employer. The projected annual decline in state personal income tax revenue is estimated at $23.2 million, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/news/economic-impacts-tyson-beef-plant-closure-lexington-nebraska/" target="_blank">the Dec. 22 report</a>, and state sales tax proceeds are predicted to slide by $10 million a year.

Dawson County and neighboring communities will feel a concentrated punch, say authors and economics professors Elliott Dennis and Eric Thompson. Dennis specializes in livestock and risk management in UNL’s Department of Agricultural Economics. Thompson is an economist and director of the UNL Bureau of Business Research.&nbsp;

According to their analysis, local sales tax revenues in Dawson County will likely fall by $2.77 million a year due to the plant folding. Tyson has said that certain wind-down activities may continue for a short time beyond the Jan. 20 date.

Thompson called the Tyson plant closure significant statewide, saying he hasn’t seen many local employers “of this scale” close shop in the past few decades. The UNL analysis said the Lexington plant could process nearly 5,000 cattle daily, about 4.8% of total daily U.S. beef slaughter. It said the plant’s demise marks the first time one of the “Big Four” meatpacking companies has permanently closed a major facility during the current cattle supply crunch.

Still, Thompson said, such an occurrence in a market economy is not unnatural.&nbsp;

“The state needs to really focus on getting new investment,” he said.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has said that Tyson officials were exploring options for the Lexington facility that include&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/state-hunts-way-forward-after-nebraska-got-butts-kicked-by-tyson-plant-closure/">repurposing it</a>&nbsp;into a “value-added” ag operation. Tyson has not announced any plan.

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb, has lamented publicly that Tyson about 20 years ago “pulled out” of his hometown of Norfolk, eliminating 1,300 jobs at the company’s stripped and now-abandoned meatpacking facility there, and the property has yet to be repurposed.

Since Tyson announced the Lexington plant closure&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/21/nebraskans-lament-tyson-decision-to-close-lexington-plant-with-3200-workers/">on Nov. 21</a>, Pillen has said that more than 1,600 people attended job fairs and other events designed to connect displaced workers with potential jobs and state workforce support services. More events are scheduled.

An hour drive from Lexington, the recently opened Sustainable Beef meatpacking plant in North Platte is hiring about 100 more workers and raising its daily cattle processing goal as a result of Tyson’s Lexington announcement, the North Platte Telegraph and Wall Street Journal have reported.

Lexington-area Tyson workers were inquiring about jobs immediately after Arkansas-based Tyson announced the closure. Sustainable Beef CEO David Briggs told the Telegraph that about 400 former Tyson workers already had joined his workforce, some before and some after the Nov. 21 announcement.&nbsp;

Today, the North Platte plant reportedly aims for 1,000 employees and to process 1,800 head of cattle per day.

Rancher-owned Sustainable Beef opened its plant in 2025 and was expected to create a more competitive supply chain against the “Big Four” producers. The four, Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef, control about 83-85% of U.S. beef processing capacity, which, Dennis said, has long been a point of concern for cattle producers regarding market power and price.

For the Dec. 22 economic impact report, the UNL economists drew upon multiple data sources and used the IMpact analysis for PLANing (IMPLAN) model, a tool they described as an industry standard.&nbsp;

<p><i>By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_3284-scaled-e1767203541722-1536x893.jpg" alt="&nbsp;The Tyson beef plant in Lexington, shown in December, is set to close around Jan. 20, eliminating 3,212 jobs. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp;The Tyson beef plant in Lexington, shown in December, is set to close around Jan. 20, eliminating 3,212 jobs. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN — With Tyson Foods weeks away from shuttering its Lexington beef plant, the anticipated financial blow to the state is becoming clearer. Meanwhile, some workers have made strides to adjust.</p><p>The statewide economic loss, including both direct and ripple effects, is estimated at $3.28 billion a year, according to a recently released University of Nebraska-Lincoln analysis.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/LexingtonNE-300x150.jpg" alt="An aerial view of Lexington, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce)" />
                        <figcaption>An aerial view of Lexington, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>While public documents reported that a “mass layoff” of 3,212 Tyson workers will occur “on or around” Jan. 20, the UNL study projects more than 7,000 jobs will be lost statewide, along with an annual labor income loss of $530 million. That higher job loss count includes employees in other industries that support the Tyson beef plant operation and its workforce.</p><p>Tax revenues also will drop with the exit of Lexington’s largest employer. The projected annual decline in state personal income tax revenue is estimated at $23.2 million, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/news/economic-impacts-tyson-beef-plant-closure-lexington-nebraska/" target="_blank">the Dec. 22 report</a>, and state sales tax proceeds are predicted to slide by $10 million a year.</p><p>Dawson County and neighboring communities will feel a concentrated punch, say authors and economics professors Elliott Dennis and Eric Thompson. Dennis specializes in livestock and risk management in UNL’s Department of Agricultural Economics. Thompson is an economist and director of the UNL Bureau of Business Research.&nbsp;</p><p>According to their analysis, local sales tax revenues in Dawson County will likely fall by $2.77 million a year due to the plant folding. Tyson has said that certain wind-down activities may continue for a short time beyond the Jan. 20 date.</p><p>Thompson called the Tyson plant closure significant statewide, saying he hasn’t seen many local employers “of this scale” close shop in the past few decades. The UNL analysis said the Lexington plant could process nearly 5,000 cattle daily, about 4.8% of total daily U.S. beef slaughter. It said the plant’s demise marks the first time one of the “Big Four” meatpacking companies has permanently closed a major facility during the current cattle supply crunch.</p><p>Still, Thompson said, such an occurrence in a market economy is not unnatural.&nbsp;</p><p>“The state needs to really focus on getting new investment,” he said.</p><h2>Norfolk plant still empty</h2><p>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has said that Tyson officials were exploring options for the Lexington facility that include&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/state-hunts-way-forward-after-nebraska-got-butts-kicked-by-tyson-plant-closure/">repurposing it</a>&nbsp;into a “value-added” ag operation. Tyson has not announced any plan.</p><p>U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb, has lamented publicly that Tyson about 20 years ago “pulled out” of his hometown of Norfolk, eliminating 1,300 jobs at the company’s stripped and now-abandoned meatpacking facility there, and the property has yet to be repurposed.</p><p>Since Tyson announced the Lexington plant closure&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/21/nebraskans-lament-tyson-decision-to-close-lexington-plant-with-3200-workers/">on Nov. 21</a>, Pillen has said that more than 1,600 people attended job fairs and other events designed to connect displaced workers with potential jobs and state workforce support services. More events are scheduled.</p><p>An hour drive from Lexington, the recently opened Sustainable Beef meatpacking plant in North Platte is hiring about 100 more workers and raising its daily cattle processing goal as a result of Tyson’s Lexington announcement, the North Platte Telegraph and Wall Street Journal have reported.</p><p>Lexington-area Tyson workers were inquiring about jobs immediately after Arkansas-based Tyson announced the closure. Sustainable Beef CEO David Briggs told the Telegraph that about 400 former Tyson workers already had joined his workforce, some before and some after the Nov. 21 announcement.&nbsp;</p><p>Today, the North Platte plant reportedly aims for 1,000 employees and to process 1,800 head of cattle per day.</p><p>Rancher-owned Sustainable Beef opened its plant in 2025 and was expected to create a more competitive supply chain against the “Big Four” producers. The four, Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef, control about 83-85% of U.S. beef processing capacity, which, Dennis said, has long been a point of concern for cattle producers regarding market power and price.</p><p>For the Dec. 22 economic impact report, the UNL economists drew upon multiple data sources and used the IMpact analysis for PLANing (IMPLAN) model, a tool they described as an industry standard.&nbsp;</p>

UNL report outlines Nebraska financial hit from Tyson plant exit

<i>By Aaron Sanderford | Nebraska Examiner</i>

OMAHA — The Nebraska Medicine board announced Sunday that it had launched an “informational website” aimed at shaping public opinion against letting one of the nonprofit’s owners sell its 50% leadership stake to the other, the University of Nebraska.

The ramping up of the now-public dispute over the group’s future governance comes as the NU Board of Regents prepares for a hearing and possible vote Friday about whether to pay Clarkson Regional Health $500 million for full control.

The regents also will consider a related $300 million transaction for several Clarkson properties in and around the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s midtown Omaha campus, bringing the total price of the buyout to $800 million.

Nebraska Medicine’s board, steered by people who have led some of the state’s major businesses, appears focused on peeling regents’ support from the proposal. The new website making the group’s argument is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.protectnebraskahealthcare.org/" target="_blank">www.protectnebraskahealthcare.org</a>.

The site argues, among other things, that compensation for specialists, doctors, nurses and staff could be compromised by state involvement. It seeks more time to find a new private partner for NU to take Clarkson’s place.

Lance Fritz, the former Union Pacific CEO who chairs the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors, warned in a statement Sunday that ceding control over Nebraska Medicine to the government might put patients and health care providers at risk.

“It’s important that Nebraskans have access to clear and accurate information on this issue,” Fritz said. “We hope this website helps people understand what is being considered and why it is a serious concern.”

NU leaders have argued that patients will see no difference in the quality of care provided or the costs of that care. They argue NU is simply adapting to an ownership structure that reflects most modern academic medical centers.

University leaders, including NU President Dr. Jeffrey Gold, have said they do not yet know how much of the $800 million would come from private donors versus public funds. Gold also acknowledged the difficult timing.

The broader NU system also faces the likelihood of additional budget cutting with the State of Nebraska confronting a projected budget shortfall and Gov. Jim Pillen’s push to cut at least $500 million in state spending.

Pillen, a former NU regent whose family runs a hog operation based in Columbus, supports the NU purchase and potential shift in ownership structure. He has said it will protect a vital asset for Nebraskans and their needs.

If the purchase happens, NU would be the sole owner of Nebraska Medicine, which offers hospitals and medical care primarily in eastern Nebraska. Nebraska Medicine’s board has described the push as akin to government healthcare.

Today, NU and Clarkson split leadership on the Nebraska Medicine board. NU says the independent board would still lead UNMC’s medical partner, but it was not immediately clear who would appoint the directors after Clarkson departs.

Following the sale, Clarkson, which helped the university build the core hospital building at 42nd and Dewey Streets, has pledged a $200 million gift to help replace it. Gold said none of the project’s public funding would pull from the budgets of other NU campuses. The campuses together finalized cuts last fall totaling $43 million.&nbsp;

Clarkson has said it plans to use the purchase-related funds from NU to grow a local private foundation focused on providing grants aimed at making Nebraska the healthiest state in the U.S. and improving how health care is delivered and carried out.

NU leadership is facing questions of its own internally, Gold wrote in an email to UNMC faculty, staff and students on Sunday afternoon. Gold announced a campus forum set for noon Tuesday at UNMC’s Truhlsen Events Center.

Gold shared a frequently asked questions document that seeks to emphasize the university does not intend to change how Nebraska Medicine is managed. The document argues Nebraska Medicine&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/_documents/nebraska-medicine-governance-faq.pdf" target="_blank">was already run by its owners</a>. It says Nebraska Medicine employees will not become state employees.

In a statement late Sunday, Gold said, “The long partnership between the University of Nebraska and Nebraska Medicine has provided generations of Nebraskans with access to world-class medical care, the majority of the Nebraska health care workforce and countless life saving research breakthroughs. This opportunity allows us to build upon that strong history.”

<p><i>By Aaron Sanderford | Nebraska Examiner</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_4815-1536x1036.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Reporters speak to Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s Nebraska Medicine doctors in December 2024 in Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp;Reporters speak to Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s Nebraska Medicine doctors in December 2024 in Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>OMAHA — The Nebraska Medicine board announced Sunday that it had launched an “informational website” aimed at shaping public opinion against letting one of the nonprofit’s owners sell its 50% leadership stake to the other, the University of Nebraska.</p><p>The ramping up of the now-public dispute over the group’s future governance comes as the NU Board of Regents prepares for a hearing and possible vote Friday about whether to pay Clarkson Regional Health $500 million for full control.</p><p>The regents also will consider a related $300 million transaction for several Clarkson properties in and around the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s midtown Omaha campus, bringing the total price of the buyout to $800 million.</p><h2>Board argues risks</h2><p>Nebraska Medicine’s board, steered by people who have led some of the state’s major businesses, appears focused on peeling regents’ support from the proposal. The new website making the group’s argument is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.protectnebraskahealthcare.org/" target="_blank">www.protectnebraskahealthcare.org</a>.</p><p>The site argues, among other things, that compensation for specialists, doctors, nurses and staff could be compromised by state involvement. It seeks more time to find a new private partner for NU to take Clarkson’s place.</p><p>Lance Fritz, the former Union Pacific CEO who chairs the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors, warned in a statement Sunday that ceding control over Nebraska Medicine to the government might put patients and health care providers at risk.</p><p>“It’s important that Nebraskans have access to clear and accurate information on this issue,” Fritz said. “We hope this website helps people understand what is being considered and why it is a serious concern.”</p><h2>NU leaders argue opportunity</h2><p>NU leaders have argued that patients will see no difference in the quality of care provided or the costs of that care. They argue NU is simply adapting to an ownership structure that reflects most modern academic medical centers.</p><p>University leaders, including NU President Dr. Jeffrey Gold, have said they do not yet know how much of the $800 million would come from private donors versus public funds. Gold also acknowledged the difficult timing.</p><p>The broader NU system also faces the likelihood of additional budget cutting with the State of Nebraska confronting a projected budget shortfall and Gov. Jim Pillen’s push to cut at least $500 million in state spending.</p><p>Pillen, a former NU regent whose family runs a hog operation based in Columbus, supports the NU purchase and potential shift in ownership structure. He has said it will protect a vital asset for Nebraskans and their needs.</p><p>If the purchase happens, NU would be the sole owner of Nebraska Medicine, which offers hospitals and medical care primarily in eastern Nebraska. Nebraska Medicine’s board has described the push as akin to government healthcare.</p><h2>Leadership structure questions emerge</h2><p>Today, NU and Clarkson split leadership on the Nebraska Medicine board. NU says the independent board would still lead UNMC’s medical partner, but it was not immediately clear who would appoint the directors after Clarkson departs.</p><p>Following the sale, Clarkson, which helped the university build the core hospital building at 42nd and Dewey Streets, has pledged a $200 million gift to help replace it. Gold said none of the project’s public funding would pull from the budgets of other NU campuses. The campuses together finalized cuts last fall totaling $43 million.&nbsp;</p><p>Clarkson has said it plans to use the purchase-related funds from NU to grow a local private foundation focused on providing grants aimed at making Nebraska the healthiest state in the U.S. and improving how health care is delivered and carried out.</p><p>NU leadership is facing questions of its own internally, Gold wrote in an email to UNMC faculty, staff and students on Sunday afternoon. Gold announced a campus forum set for noon Tuesday at UNMC’s Truhlsen Events Center.</p><p>Gold shared a frequently asked questions document that seeks to emphasize the university does not intend to change how Nebraska Medicine is managed. The document argues Nebraska Medicine&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unmc.edu/_documents/nebraska-medicine-governance-faq.pdf" target="_blank">was already run by its owners</a>. It says Nebraska Medicine employees will not become state employees.</p><p>In a statement late Sunday, Gold said, “The long partnership between the University of Nebraska and Nebraska Medicine has provided generations of Nebraskans with access to world-class medical care, the majority of the Nebraska health care workforce and countless life saving research breakthroughs. This opportunity allows us to build upon that strong history.”</p>

New Nebraska Medicine website signals ramped up fight against NU takeover

Savings program for individuals with disabilities to celebrate 10th anniversary in 2026

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg has announced that Shauna Paolini is the new director of Nebraska’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enablesavings.com/">Enable Savings Plan</a>&nbsp;(Enable), the tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities. Sponsored by the State of Nebraska and administered by the Treasurer’s Office, Enable was launched in June 2016 as part of the federal ABLE program (Achieving a Better Life Experience). The Nebraska plan holds approximately $58 million in more than 5,100 accounts.

Enable allows qualified individuals — along with their parents, grandparents, spouses, and siblings — to set aside funds for disability-related needs without jeopardizing eligibility for essential public benefits. Enable accounts are a vital tool for long-term planning, providing a secure financial resource for individuals after their parents or guardians are no longer able to provide support.

“Enable brings financial dignity and independence to individuals with disabilities,” Treasurer Spellerberg said. “Shauna brings the right mix of experience and enthusiasm to help our office administer and promote the program so we can serve even more families across Nebraska.”

Paolini has extensive experience in Nebraska state government, having previously served at the Departments of Labor, Banking and Finance, and Health and Human Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a graduate degree in organizational performance from Bellevue University.

Treasurer Spellerberg reminds Nebraskans that Enable’s age eligibility guidelines have been expanded significantly for 2026. Following a change in federal law, Enable accounts are now available to individuals with a disability that began prior to age 46 — replacing the prior onset age limit of 26.

Additionally, for the 2026 calendar year, any resident — as well as businesses, trusts, and organizations — can contribute up to $20,000 annually to an Enable account. Contributions can be deducted on the contributor’s Nebraska income taxes, up to $10,000 (or $5,000 if married, filing separately).

For more information or answers to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enablesavings.com/home/faqs.html">frequently asked questions</a>, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enablesavings.com/home.html">EnableSavings.com</a>&nbsp;or contact the State Treasurer’s Office at 402-471-2455.

<p><i>For Immediate Release</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767714615958.jpeg" alt="Treasurer Spellerberg and Shauna Paolini - Jan 2026" />
                        <figcaption>Treasurer Spellerberg and Shauna Paolini - Jan 2026</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Savings program for individuals with disabilities to celebrate 10th anniversary in 2026</h2><p>LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg has announced that Shauna Paolini is the new director of Nebraska’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enablesavings.com/">Enable Savings Plan</a>&nbsp;(Enable), the tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities. Sponsored by the State of Nebraska and administered by the Treasurer’s Office, Enable was launched in June 2016 as part of the federal ABLE program (Achieving a Better Life Experience). The Nebraska plan holds approximately $58 million in more than 5,100 accounts.</p><p>Enable allows qualified individuals — along with their parents, grandparents, spouses, and siblings — to set aside funds for disability-related needs without jeopardizing eligibility for essential public benefits. Enable accounts are a vital tool for long-term planning, providing a secure financial resource for individuals after their parents or guardians are no longer able to provide support.</p><p>“Enable brings financial dignity and independence to individuals with disabilities,” Treasurer Spellerberg said. “Shauna brings the right mix of experience and enthusiasm to help our office administer and promote the program so we can serve even more families across Nebraska.”</p><p>Paolini has extensive experience in Nebraska state government, having previously served at the Departments of Labor, Banking and Finance, and Health and Human Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a graduate degree in organizational performance from Bellevue University.</p><p>Treasurer Spellerberg reminds Nebraskans that Enable’s age eligibility guidelines have been expanded significantly for 2026. Following a change in federal law, Enable accounts are now available to individuals with a disability that began prior to age 46 — replacing the prior onset age limit of 26.</p><p>Additionally, for the 2026 calendar year, any resident — as well as businesses, trusts, and organizations — can contribute up to $20,000 annually to an Enable account. Contributions can be deducted on the contributor’s Nebraska income taxes, up to $10,000 (or $5,000 if married, filing separately).</p><p>For more information or answers to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enablesavings.com/home/faqs.html">frequently asked questions</a>, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enablesavings.com/home.html">EnableSavings.com</a>&nbsp;or contact the State Treasurer’s Office at 402-471-2455.</p>

Shauna Paolini Is New Director of Enable Savings Plan

<i>By Zach Wendling | Nebraska Examiner</i>

Rodney Bennett was first campus leader to get ‘no confidence’ faculty vote in university history

LINCOLN — University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett will resign next week, he announced in a brief email to students, faculty and staff on Monday, leaving&nbsp;UNL nearly six months short of his initial contract.

Bennett, who started at UNL in July 2023, will resign Jan. 12. He led the campus through $27.5 million in budget cuts in the fall, including nearly $7 million in academic program eliminations or mergers approved by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents at a Dec. 5 meeting. The remaining cuts were still in progress as of last month.

“I am writing to share that I will conclude my service as chancellor on Jan. 12,” Bennett said in the opening line of his email.&nbsp;

Bennett’s salary this year was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/-/media/projects/unca/offices-policies/business-and-finance-office/docs/budget-salary-information/2025-2026/volume-1-city.pdf" target="_blank">$732,000</a>.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the NU system, tapped Kathy Ankerson, who retired Dec. 31, 2024, after serving as UNL’s chief academic officer, as UNL’s next interim chancellor. Ankerson previously served as dean, associate dean and professor in UNL’s College of Architecture.

In a separate message, Gold told the NU community he is grateful for Bennett’s service, including his work to stabilize UNL’s financial position, strengthen fundraising and advance student success and retention. Bennett highlighted that work, too, in his departure email. Gold said Bennett’s work has helped position UNL “well for the future.”

“We understand that the news about Chancellor Bennett is one change on top of many other changes,” Gold said. “It will be critical that every member of our UNL community has the opportunity to share their thoughts and help to shape our path forward.”

Gold said he and Ankerson plan to hold several listening sessions, details of which will be shared soon. He said he remains “confident” in UNL’s future, in part with campus budget challenges addressed and UNL nearing joint accreditation with the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Bennett did not give a reason for leaving UNL but said he believes in the “transformative power of higher education.”&nbsp;

He indicated he would remain in education, though he didn’t specify whether that would still be in the Cornhusker State. He came to UNL after serving nearly 10 years as president of the University of Southern Mississippi.

“I look forward to exploring opportunities on the horizon that will enable me to elevate mission and purpose in support of student success,” Bennett said.

In November, Bennett became the first UNL chancellor to receive a “no confidence” vote from UNL faculty. The historic vote overwhelmingly passed, 60-14, in part due to concerns over Bennett’s handling of budget challenges.

Bennett declined multiple times to directly address the UNL Faculty Senate action, telling the Examiner after December’s regents meeting UNL had “a lot of work to do” with implementation.

“We’re going to do that with a lot of care and concern for everybody who’s impacted,” he said last month.

Bennett’s contract was originally set to expire June 30. In October, he told the Examiner he desired a contract extension but did not know if or when that might occur.

Gold said at the time he supported an extension but cautioned that it was a decision ultimately left to the regents. In December, Bennett said the situation hadn’t changed.

“You got to talk to the boss about that,” Bennett said Dec. 5 when asked again if his contract would come up for a vote soon. It’s unclear what changed in the month since.

Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, chair of the NU Board of Regents, said Monday that the board had not discussed Bennett’s contract as a group and that the board had heard “rumors” he might leave before July but “didn’t really know what would happen.” He called Bennett a friend and wished him well.

“I mean, he’s looking to do other things,” Kenney said of Bennett. “Kathy will be a very, very good acting chancellor in his absence, so we’re happy about that, so things ought to go pretty smoothly.”

In his email, Bennett highlighted a UNL tenure he said stabilized campus enrollment after years of decline, set new records for first-year student retention and six-year graduation rates and enhanced research. He also touted innovation and creative scholarship, advancing statewide extension and natural resource development that includes agriculture and animal welfare, achieving record fundraising milestones and developing “a plan for financial sustainability.”

Bennett extended his “heartfelt gratitude” to faculty, staff, extension-based colleagues, members of the executive leadership team and NU system leaders. He also thanked alumni, donors and friends of UNL.

Addressing UNL’s “outstanding students,” Bennett said each brings to UNL, Lincoln and Nebraska energy, enthusiasm, optimism and determination that he said improves local communities, Nebraska and the world. He described them as“an inspiration to us all.”

“It has been my highest honor and privilege to have served as your chancellor,” Bennett said. “You are the reason we are all here, and I look forward to witnessing how you will embody our belief that every person and every interaction matters, as you change the world for the better.”

<p><i>By Zach Wendling | Nebraska Examiner</i></p><h2>Rodney Bennett was first campus leader to get ‘no confidence’ faculty vote in university history</h2><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/bennett_ZJW_090524-01-1536x1024.jpg" alt="&nbsp;University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett speaks at University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold’s investiture ceremony. Sept. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp;University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett speaks at University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold’s investiture ceremony. Sept. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN — University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett will resign next week, he announced in a brief email to students, faculty and staff on Monday, leaving&nbsp;UNL nearly six months short of his initial contract.</p><p>Bennett, who started at UNL in July 2023, will resign Jan. 12. He led the campus through $27.5 million in budget cuts in the fall, including nearly $7 million in academic program eliminations or mergers approved by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents at a Dec. 5 meeting. The remaining cuts were still in progress as of last month.</p><p>“I am writing to share that I will conclude my service as chancellor on Jan. 12,” Bennett said in the opening line of his email.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/faculty-senate_ZJW_111825-01-300x200.jpg" alt="The UNL Faculty Senate meets in a special meeting to consider a “no confidence” resolution against Chancellor Rodney Bennett. Nov. 18, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>The UNL Faculty Senate meets in a special meeting to consider a “no confidence” resolution against Chancellor Rodney Bennett. Nov. 18, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Bennett’s salary this year was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/-/media/projects/unca/offices-policies/business-and-finance-office/docs/budget-salary-information/2025-2026/volume-1-city.pdf" target="_blank">$732,000</a>.</p><p>Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the NU system, tapped Kathy Ankerson, who retired Dec. 31, 2024, after serving as UNL’s chief academic officer, as UNL’s next interim chancellor. Ankerson previously served as dean, associate dean and professor in UNL’s College of Architecture.</p><h2>‘Well for the future’</h2><p>In a separate message, Gold told the NU community he is grateful for Bennett’s service, including his work to stabilize UNL’s financial position, strengthen fundraising and advance student success and retention. Bennett highlighted that work, too, in his departure email. Gold said Bennett’s work has helped position UNL “well for the future.”</p><p>“We understand that the news about Chancellor Bennett is one change on top of many other changes,” Gold said. “It will be critical that every member of our UNL community has the opportunity to share their thoughts and help to shape our path forward.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/211005_Ankerson_021-300x169.jpg" alt="Katherine Ankerson, former University of Nebraska-Lincoln executive vice chancellor and dean of the College of Architecture. Oct. 5, 2021. (Courtesy of University Communication and Marketing)" />
                        <figcaption>Katherine Ankerson, former University of Nebraska-Lincoln executive vice chancellor and dean of the College of Architecture. Oct. 5, 2021. (Courtesy of University Communication and Marketing)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Gold said he and Ankerson plan to hold several listening sessions, details of which will be shared soon. He said he remains “confident” in UNL’s future, in part with campus budget challenges addressed and UNL nearing joint accreditation with the University of Nebraska Medical Center.</p><p>Bennett did not give a reason for leaving UNL but said he believes in the “transformative power of higher education.”&nbsp;</p><p>He indicated he would remain in education, though he didn’t specify whether that would still be in the Cornhusker State. He came to UNL after serving nearly 10 years as president of the University of Southern Mississippi.</p><p>“I look forward to exploring opportunities on the horizon that will enable me to elevate mission and purpose in support of student success,” Bennett said.</p><h2>Contract was set to expire June 30</h2><p>In November, Bennett became the first UNL chancellor to receive a “no confidence” vote from UNL faculty. The historic vote overwhelmingly passed, 60-14, in part due to concerns over Bennett’s handling of budget challenges.</p><p>Bennett declined multiple times to directly address the UNL Faculty Senate action, telling the Examiner after December’s regents meeting UNL had “a lot of work to do” with implementation.</p><p>“We’re going to do that with a lot of care and concern for everybody who’s impacted,” he said last month.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bennett-gold-li_ZJW_062024-01-300x189.jpg" alt="President-elect Jeffrey Gold, center, is flanked by UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett and UNO Chancellor Joanne Li on June 20, 2024. Gold was chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center before becoming president July 1. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>President-elect Jeffrey Gold, center, is flanked by UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett and UNO Chancellor Joanne Li on June 20, 2024. Gold was chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center before becoming president July 1. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Bennett’s contract was originally set to expire June 30. In October, he told the Examiner he desired a contract extension but did not know if or when that might occur.</p><p>Gold said at the time he supported an extension but cautioned that it was a decision ultimately left to the regents. In December, Bennett said the situation hadn’t changed.</p><p>“You got to talk to the boss about that,” Bennett said Dec. 5 when asked again if his contract would come up for a vote soon. It’s unclear what changed in the month since.</p><p>Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, chair of the NU Board of Regents, said Monday that the board had not discussed Bennett’s contract as a group and that the board had heard “rumors” he might leave before July but “didn’t really know what would happen.” He called Bennett a friend and wished him well.</p><p>“I mean, he’s looking to do other things,” Kenney said of Bennett. “Kathy will be a very, very good acting chancellor in his absence, so we’re happy about that, so things ought to go pretty smoothly.”</p><h2>‘Highest honor and privilege’</h2><p>In his email, Bennett highlighted a UNL tenure he said stabilized campus enrollment after years of decline, set new records for first-year student retention and six-year graduation rates and enhanced research. He also touted innovation and creative scholarship, advancing statewide extension and natural resource development that includes agriculture and animal welfare, achieving record fundraising milestones and developing “a plan for financial sustainability.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kenney_ZJW_042325-01-300x200.jpg" alt="&nbsp; Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, chair of theNU Board of Regents. April 23, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp; Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, chair of theNU Board of Regents. April 23, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Bennett extended his “heartfelt gratitude” to faculty, staff, extension-based colleagues, members of the executive leadership team and NU system leaders. He also thanked alumni, donors and friends of UNL.</p><p>Addressing UNL’s “outstanding students,” Bennett said each brings to UNL, Lincoln and Nebraska energy, enthusiasm, optimism and determination that he said improves local communities, Nebraska and the world. He described them as“an inspiration to us all.”</p><p>“It has been my highest honor and privilege to have served as your chancellor,” Bennett said. “You are the reason we are all here, and I look forward to witnessing how you will embody our belief that every person and every interaction matters, as you change the world for the better.”</p>

UNL Chancellor Bennett to resign Jan. 12, almost six months short of 3-year contract

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

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department will attempt to downgrade Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly’s retirement rank and pay, seeking to punish him for making a video along with other Democrats in Congress, who told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth originally threatened to recall Kelly from military retirement and court-martial him for his participation in the video, but announced Monday that the department would instead try to downgrade his rank of captain as well as his retirement pay.&nbsp;

“Captain Kelly has been provided notice of the basis for this action and has thirty days to submit a response,” Hegseth wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecWar/status/2008189258528665898" target="_blank">a social media post</a>. “The retirement grade determination process directed by Secretary Hegseth will be completed within forty five days.”

Hegseth added that Kelly’s “status as a sitting United States Senator does not exempt him from accountability, and further violations could result in further action.”

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2008215189275963870" target="_blank">wrote in a social media post</a>&nbsp;that he planned to challenge Hegseth’s attempt to alter his retirement rank and pay, arguing it’s an attempt to punish him for challenging the Trump administration.&nbsp;

“My rank and retirement are things that I earned through my service and sacrifice for this country. I got shot at. I missed holidays and birthdays. I commanded a space shuttle mission while my wife Gabby recovered from a gunshot wound to the head– all while proudly wearing the American flag on my shoulder,” Kelly wrote. “Generations of servicemembers have made these same patriotic sacrifices for this country, earning the respect, appreciation, and rank they deserve.”

Kelly added that Hegseth’s goal with the process is to “send the message to every single retired servicemember that if they say something he or Donald Trump doesn’t like, they will come after them the same way. It’s outrageous and it is wrong. There is nothing more un-American than that.”

Members of Congress are generally protected under&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S6-C1-3-1/ALDE_00013300/" target="_blank">the speech and debate clause</a>&nbsp;of the U.S. Constitution, which states that unless a lawmaker is involved in treason, felony and breach of the peace, they are “privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.”

The Defense Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26456656-secwar-letter-05jan26/#document/p1" target="_blank">letter of censure</a>&nbsp;to Kelly alleged that his participation in the video undermined the military chain of command, counseled disobedience, created confusion about duty, brought discredit upon the Armed Forces and included conduct unbecoming of an officer.&nbsp;

Hegseth wrote in that letter that if Kelly continues “to engage in conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, you may subject yourself to criminal prosecution or further administrative action.”

The Department of Defense posted in late November that officials were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">looking into</a>&nbsp;“serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly for appearing in the video.&nbsp;

It didn’t detail how Kelly might have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice but stated that “a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;

Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">referred</a>&nbsp;the issue to Navy Secretary John Phelan for any “review, consideration, and disposition” he deemed appropriate. Hegseth then asked for a briefing on the outcome of the review “by no later than December 10.”

Kelly said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-kelly-vows-stay-outspoken-despite-threats-over-illegal-order-video" target="_blank">during a press conference</a>&nbsp;in early December the military’s investigation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-threatened-trump-over-video-say-theyre-now-being-probed-fbi" target="_blank">a separate one</a>&nbsp;by the FBI were designed to intimidate the six lawmakers in the video from speaking out against Trump.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764097679232.png" alt="Image from the controversial video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from the controversial video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — The Defense Department will attempt to downgrade Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly’s retirement rank and pay, seeking to punish him for making a video along with other Democrats in Congress, who told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Six weeks ago, Senator Mark Kelly — and five other members of Congress — released a reckless and seditious video that was clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline. As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he…</p>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/2008189258528665898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth originally threatened to recall Kelly from military retirement and court-martial him for his participation in the video, but announced Monday that the department would instead try to downgrade his rank of captain as well as his retirement pay.&nbsp;</p><p>“Captain Kelly has been provided notice of the basis for this action and has thirty days to submit a response,” Hegseth wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecWar/status/2008189258528665898" target="_blank">a social media post</a>. “The retirement grade determination process directed by Secretary Hegseth will be completed within forty five days.”</p><p>Hegseth added that Kelly’s “status as a sitting United States Senator does not exempt him from accountability, and further violations could result in further action.”</p><p>Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2008215189275963870" target="_blank">wrote in a social media post</a>&nbsp;that he planned to challenge Hegseth’s attempt to alter his retirement rank and pay, arguing it’s an attempt to punish him for challenging the Trump administration.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Over twenty-five years in the U.S. Navy, thirty-nine combat missions, and four missions to space, I risked my life for this country and to defend our Constitution – including the First Amendment rights of every American to speak out. I never expected that the President of the…</p>&mdash; Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2008215189275963870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“My rank and retirement are things that I earned through my service and sacrifice for this country. I got shot at. I missed holidays and birthdays. I commanded a space shuttle mission while my wife Gabby recovered from a gunshot wound to the head– all while proudly wearing the American flag on my shoulder,” Kelly wrote. “Generations of servicemembers have made these same patriotic sacrifices for this country, earning the respect, appreciation, and rank they deserve.”</p><p>Kelly added that Hegseth’s goal with the process is to “send the message to every single retired servicemember that if they say something he or Donald Trump doesn’t like, they will come after them the same way. It’s outrageous and it is wrong. There is nothing more un-American than that.”</p><h2>Constitutional protection</h2><p>Members of Congress are generally protected under&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S6-C1-3-1/ALDE_00013300/" target="_blank">the speech and debate clause</a>&nbsp;of the U.S. Constitution, which states that unless a lawmaker is involved in treason, felony and breach of the peace, they are “privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.”</p><p>The Defense Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26456656-secwar-letter-05jan26/#document/p1" target="_blank">letter of censure</a>&nbsp;to Kelly alleged that his participation in the video undermined the military chain of command, counseled disobedience, created confusion about duty, brought discredit upon the Armed Forces and included conduct unbecoming of an officer.&nbsp;</p><p>Hegseth wrote in that letter that if Kelly continues “to engage in conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, you may subject yourself to criminal prosecution or further administrative action.”</p><h2>Allegations of misconduct</h2><p>The Department of Defense posted in late November that officials were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">looking into</a>&nbsp;“serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly for appearing in the video.&nbsp;</p><p>It didn’t detail how Kelly might have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice but stated that “a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;</p><p>Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">referred</a>&nbsp;the issue to Navy Secretary John Phelan for any “review, consideration, and disposition” he deemed appropriate. Hegseth then asked for a briefing on the outcome of the review “by no later than December 10.”</p><p>Kelly said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-kelly-vows-stay-outspoken-despite-threats-over-illegal-order-video" target="_blank">during a press conference</a>&nbsp;in early December the military’s investigation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-threatened-trump-over-video-say-theyre-now-being-probed-fbi" target="_blank">a separate one</a>&nbsp;by the FBI were designed to intimidate the six lawmakers in the video from speaking out against Trump.&nbsp;</p><p>The lawmakers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948" target="_blank">video</a>, who have backgrounds in the military or intelligence agencies, told members of those communities they “can” and “must refuse illegal orders.”</p><p>“No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant,” they said. “But whether you’re serving in the CIA, in the Army, or Navy, or the Air Force, your vigilance is critical.”</p><p>The other Democrats in the video — Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander — are not subject to the military justice system.&nbsp;</p><p>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-accuses-6-democratic-lawmakers-seditious-behavior-punishable-death" target="_blank">railed against the video</a>&nbsp;a couple of days after it posted, saying the statements represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”</p>