ALLIANCE, Neb. - In this week's episode of the Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show, Jake Schrantz recounts the best moments from Alliance Boys Varsity Basketball's comeback victory at home against Torrington.

The second half featured a truly epic double-digit comeback by the Bulldogs, and it was a can't miss moment at the Dawg Pound. If you happened to miss the game, we've got you covered!

Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show - 12/17/25 (Boys Hoops Comeback vs Torrington)

Trump: Military members will receive a special Warrior Dividend before Christmas

ALLIANCE, Neb. – The City of Alliance Landfill’s loose fill pit and construction/demolition area is anticipating to be closed December 18th – December 19th due to dangerous wind speed. This is for safety measures to ensure no one is injured.

For any questions, please contact the City of Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Alliance Landfill Anticipating Specific Operations Closed Due to Wind Speed

LINCOLN, Neb. –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen was joined by Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services, and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Steve Corsi in announcing that Nebraska is the first state in the nation to pursue work requirements for Medicaid expansion members. At the news conference today, Gov. Pillen signed a letter to CMS, detailing Nebraska’s intent to implement requirements by May 1, 2026.

The new work requirements are the result of HR1, the One Big Beautiful Bill. Among its key provisions is a requirement that able-bodied adults in the Medicaid expansion population engage in work or other qualifying activities as a condition of receiving Medicaid benefits.

Governor Pillen praised the Trump administration for passage of the OBBB and emphasized that the policy will promote long-term independence and stronger community ties.

“These requirements will help Nebraskans achieve greater self-sufficiency through employment and other meaningful activities,” said Governor Pillen. “Working not only provides purpose but helps people become active, productive members of their communities. Nebraska will be ready to move forward with these requirements prior to the federally mandated start of Jan. 1, 2027.”

Under the new rules, able-bodied adults ages 19–64 in the Medicaid expansion population will be required to participate in work, approved work programs, community service, or educational activities for at least 80 hours per month, unless they qualify for an exemption.

"Across the nation, our goal is to support people engaged in meaningful work, involved in their communities, and connected to the support that sets them up for long-term success,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Nebraska is leading the way as the first state to launch its community engagement requirements, and we congratulate Governor Pillen and his team for their commitment to helping more Nebraskans move toward greater independence and opportunity. CMS will be working together with Nebraska and its 50 counterparts to ensure every program is implemented smoothly, responsibly, and in compliance with federal law.”

This reform will deliver meaningful benefits to Nebraskans. Work requirements are associated with higher and more stable incomes, greater success in securing better-paying employment, and access to benefits that extend beyond what government assistance alone can provide.

Most importantly, children in working households benefit from more stable routines, improved educational outcomes, and stronger examples of workforce participation. Higher employment rates are also linked to lower crime rates, increased civic engagement, and a stronger economy.

DHHS CEO Steve Corsi said not only will these changes help more Nebraskans move toward economic stability, it will also help Nebraska’s businesses and economy.

“Employment provides financial stability, fosters personal growth, and will help Nebraska’s small businesses in need of workers,” said Corsi. “These new requirements move Nebraska forward by encouraging greater economic and social participation.”

Current Nebraska Medicaid members will be assessed for the new requirements during their regularly scheduled renewal after the implementation date. Individuals applying for Medicaid on or after May 1, 2026,&nbsp;will need to provide verification of their community engagement activities or qualifying exemption.

Nebraska Medicaid will use available data to verify compliance during application and renewal. If verification cannot be completed, members will be responsible for submitting documentation. Individuals found non-compliant will receive notice and have 30 days to meet the requirement or claim an exemption before denial or disenrollment.

Certain individuals are excluded from this requirement, including:

Individuals seeking assistance with employment opportunities may use the Nebraska Department of Labor’s&nbsp;NEworks&nbsp;job service at&nbsp;<a href="https://neworks.nebraska.gov/vosnet/default.aspx" target="_blank">neworks.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or download the NEworks mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.

DHHS will send a notice by mail, email, or text to beneficiaries who must participate in community engagement (or have an exemption). More information regarding the requirement can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WorkRequirements.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/workrequirements</a>.

Gov. Pillen, Dr. Oz Announce Nebraska is First in Nation to Pursue Medicaid Work Requirements

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp; —&nbsp;&nbsp;A new class of Nebraska State Troopers is ready to hit the road. The Nebraska State Patrol’s 72nd&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class will graduate during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol this Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. CT in the Rotunda of the Capitol, 1445 K. Street, in Lincoln.

Remarks will be provided by&nbsp;<a>Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and Colonel&nbsp;</a>Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. The recruits will receive their badges and take the oath of office, which will be administered by Secretary of State Bob Evnen.

The 18 recruits of Camp 72 represent the largest graduating class in five years. Following graduation, the recruits will begin their careers as Nebraska State Troopers, serving in a variety of communities across the state.

The graduation ceremony will be live streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nestatepatrol" target="_blank">NSP Facebook Page.</a>

Nebraska State Patrol 72nd Basic Recruit Camp to Graduate Friday

CHADRON, Neb. – Nebraska residents may soon have the opportunity to display their Eagle Pride statewide through a specialty license plate featuring Chadron State College’s iconic C-Hill.

The specialty plate will be produced once 250 Nebraska residents commit to purchasing it, as required by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. CSC is gathering interested individuals through a brief online form and will follow up with ordering and payment details when the DMV process opens.

Residents interested in purchasing a CSC specialty license plate can complete the online interest form at&nbsp;<a href="https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/chadronstate/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzIwND9hY2Nlc3NfY29kZT1lNzYxNzMxMTE3NTc4NWI4YTJjYTRhOWNlM2Y4NGZkNzYzYmY1ZDYy" target="_blank">chadroneagles.com/licenseplate</a>.

“We are thrilled that Nebraska residents now have an opportunity to showcase their Eagle pride by having Chadron State College specialty plates,” said President Jodi Kupper.

CSC Specialty License Plate Interest Form Remains Open

ALLIANCE, Neb. -&nbsp;When I came to Alliance, my message was simple, just because we are a small police department does not mean we cannot be a modern and professional one. Over the past two years, we have strengthened communication with our community, and replaced aging equipment across the department, including vehicles, body-worn cameras, in-car cameras, mobile laptops, ballistic vests, handguns, rifles, and our new Motorola P25 radio system. We have added Stop Stix to every vehicle, and we are in the process of developing a drone program. We are also in discussions with Flock to replace an inadequate camera and LPR system, ensuring improved investigative and crime prevention capability.

Today, I am proud to share the following news release from Wrap Technologies, Inc. announcing our commitment to equip every Alliance Police Officer with the BolaWrap, a proven de-escalation tool that will help officers safely and humanely take suspects into custody, reducing the risk of injury to both the public and our officers. This partnership reflects our continued efforts to use every available resource to build a strong, modern police department, one that holds offenders accountable, while leveraging best practices and technology to keep the use of force to a minimum.

Alliance PD First Department in Nebraska to Fully Deploy BolaWrap Devices to All Officers

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in January.

Activities take place at the Schramm Education Center south of Gretna, the Wildcat Hills Nature Center south of Gering and virtually.

A park entry permit is required at Wildcat Hills and other state parks but not for the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Buy a permit at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b2d19a316-81aeb526-55ed-471e-97a1-6afc415decc2-000000/6GECBqe5p3UhHwbWC4S2so0JjapX1Ki5_ZdH98ZBhMQ=436" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or at state park entrances.

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at the Schramm Education Center.

The 2026 series, which occurs on the first Wednesday of the month, begins Jan. 7 at 9 and 10 a.m. The topic will be hibernation. The program is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $5 per child and $5 per adult.

See the calendar event entry at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fcalendar.outdoornebraska.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b2d19a316-81aeb526-55ed-471e-97a1-6afc415decc2-000000/_a405je8H6d1youxYDrnwzS1iHoW5kqZcBZwRXuOHBE=436" target="_blank">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Explore the hidden lives of Nebraska’s owls, investigating their biology, behavior and unique adaptations in Nebraska as Nebraska Game and Parks’ popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns.

On Jan. 15, learn how owls hunt so silently, what they eat, where they live, and the important roles they play in local ecosystems.

In this series, on select Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.

The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fcalendar.outdoornebraska.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019b2d19a316-81aeb526-55ed-471e-97a1-6afc415decc2-000000/UQhImcZnBe4I0Bis94mz5SJxQTxf4yMydUvNYFJcIhg=436" target="_blank">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for registration links.

The free, monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program is on Jan. 20, with the theme of animal tracks and snowy survival.

The program will meet at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center at 10 a.m. It will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.

For more information, contact the Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. Jan. 21 and 1 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Schramm Education Center. This month's theme is eagles.

During the program, participants may ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. They will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.

Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families and ages 5 and up.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fcalendar.outdoornebraska.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/3/0100019b2d19a316-81aeb526-55ed-471e-97a1-6afc415decc2-000000/VE7gC1T5xASqMIkV30eNICGGaEvaETwnOCmMkG7Fre4=436" target="_blank">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

Investigate the clues animals leave behind and how they stay active in the cold during the homeschool program Jan. 22.

The free program meets once a month at 10 a.m. at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs each month that showcase a different theme, focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations and habitats found only in western Nebraska.

For more information contact the Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fly-Tying for Beginners at Schramm

Watch the Cornhusker Fly-Fishers tie flies at the Schramm Education Center classroom from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 24 and learn to tie your own.

Fly tying is the art of attaching various materials, such as feathers, thread, metal, beads to a hook, with the goal of imitating an insect or other small pretty items of fish. The fly is cast with a rod and is meant to mimic the activity of the prey. Admission to the center is not required.

Catch These Game and Parks Education Events in January

A tree removal project beginning at Merritt Reservoir aims to restore prairie habitat in areas choked by undesirable trees.

Revitalizing the grassland will benefit plant and animals and open spaces for hunting, fishing, birdwatching and hiking.

Starting in mid-December, contractors hired by Nebraska Game and Parks will remove eastern red cedar and Rocky Mountain juniper from the prairie and shelterbelts at the wildlife management area and state recreation area near Valentine.

Shelterbelts of pine and deciduous trees on the WMA and SRA will be maintained to provide shade and cover for campers, picnickers and wildlife, such as deer. Trees along the Snake River and Merritt Reservoir will only be removed if necessary to allow for access to juniper encroachment.

The removals are part of a larger effort to protect the Sandhills prairies, which are a unique set of grasses, forbs, sedges and woody plants. Together, they provide essential habitat for both game species — such as sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken and mule deer — and at-risk or endangered species, such as Blanding’s turtles, American burying beetles and regal fritillary butterflies.

The U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and private landowners already have removed cedar trees on their properties, and this effort will continue on public and private lands in the area to preserve or restore grasslands. These properties will then be managed to prevent regeneration of trees.

Trees that are removed will be mulched or used in the reservoir to create aquatic habitat for fish. Trees too big to mulch will be piled to burn later.

Merritt Reservoir was completed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation purposes in 1964. Game and Parks manages the reservoir and surrounding prairies for wildlife and recreation.

Game and Parks is coordinating this regional project along with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Tree Removal to Begin at Merritt Reservoir

Start the new year by getting outdoors and participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks Jan. 1.

These annual guided hikes give you the chance to explore trails, snap photos, watch wildlife and participate in any planned activities. Or choose any state park and create your own hiking adventure.

Activities include a potluck soup luncheon at Ash Hollow State Historical Park, a guided tour at Fort Hartsuff SHP, winter art activities at Schramm Park State Recreation Area, and tours of the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Bring your dog but be sure to keep him or her on a leash.

Branched Oak SRA will host a 5- to 6-mile First Day Trail Ride for equestrian riders, rather than a hike.

Parks will have different activities. Check the details at each park, including start times for all First Day Hikes, at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2Fabout%2Fpress-events%2Fevents%2Ffirst-day-hikes%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b289803ad-f9c7a734-173c-4f54-8948-6e5c6e3b55a0-000000/DR2P-ZjHmerVaVLY1u6_g_qHf-dzFOBzLM5GlbLUmc0=436" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and search “First Day Hike.”

Prepare for your winter hike by dressing in layers, wearing a hat, bringing a water bottle and checking the forecast. Start a new tradition by inviting some friends along to the parks.

A Nebraska state park permit is required for all vehicles entering park areas; 2026 permits are available at park offices or at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutdoornebraska.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b289803ad-f9c7a734-173c-4f54-8948-6e5c6e3b55a0-000000/nJ6csY__NXEgT-yO4ESChQKQnsYpP5Zb7lqrEDWPlBg=436" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

Those participating in the hikes are encouraged to tag @NEGameandParks in their Facebook, X or Instagram posts for a chance to be featured in the agency’s social streams.

Celebrate 2026 with First Day Hikes

By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner

Five state senators took Pillen administration offer to tour state prison converted to federal migrant detention center Monday

LINCOLN — Five of Nebraska’s 49 state lawmakers Monday toured the controversial ICE migrant detention center in McCook, taking the Pillen administration up on a group invite to walk through the converted prison.&nbsp;

The lone Democrat participating, State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, estimated that between 100 and 150 migrants, all of them men, were being held at what state and federal officials call the “Cornhusker Clink.”&nbsp;

State prison officials have declined to provide a detainee population count or daily average, citing security concerns.

Except for new fencing, Juarez said much of the physical facility looked similar to what she had seen when she arrived unannounced in September, when the McCook prison still operated as the state’s Work Ethic Camp, aimed at stepping people toward lives outside of prison.&nbsp;

Several detainees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday were outside exercising, she said. A TV, a small library and a medical office were visible.&nbsp;

Some detainees inside played cards, according to observations by other senators on the tour, a group that included State Sens. Myron Dorn of Adams, Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Rob Clements of Elmwood and Dan Lonowski of Hastings.

Some key differences this time,&nbsp; Juarez said, were the backgrounds, languages and cultures of those being held at the center, which previously held Nebraska inmates nearing release.&nbsp;

The lawmakers told the Examiner the current detainees represented multiple countries, including Russia, India, Somalia, Mexico and Guatemala.&nbsp;

“I still think that how this is being done is wrong, and I’m not happy the place exists,” Juarez said after the visit, which lasted more than an hour.&nbsp;

But she and the other participating senators said the facility appeared clean, orderly and that detainees had access to visitors and a list of pro bono lawyers.

Juarez said she remains frustrated with federal immigration laws and enforcement tactics and said that pressure for change should be placed on Congress and at the ballot box.

“That change is what is needed so we’re not wasting our federal tax dollars,” she said, citing studies that immigration arrests under the Trump administration continued to increase but that an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/12/repub/a-larger-share-of-ices-arrested-immigrants-have-no-criminal-record/">ever-lager share of arrests&nbsp;</a>were solely for immigration violations and not for crimes the administration said would be its focus.

The tour of the McCook facility was offered to all 49 senators in the officially nonpartisan Legislature&nbsp; two days after State Sen. Michaela Cavanaugh of Omaha publicly criticized Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration for twice denying her entry on Nov. 12 and 13 to the McCook facility.

Cavanaugh initially arrived unannounced to the McCook facility Nov. 12, citing a state law that says members of the Legislature can enter such a state facility “at any time.” She was rejected and tried again the next morning, on Nov. 13, after alerting the Department of Correctional Services the prior evening.

Pillen on Monday said in a statement that the McCook facility has been up and running in its new role since November and said Monday was “a good opportunity for senators to come and see first-hand the operational aspects of the detention facility.”

Legislators were required to fill out a form by the end of the work day Friday to attend, which was sent to federal officials prior to the visit.

A Pillen spokesperson said reporters were not allowed on the Monday tour, which was led by Rob Jeffreys, the state’s director of Correctional Services. The Examiner spoke to the five lawmakers afterward.

Jeffreys had told Cavanaugh that her alert in November was problematic, as it came with notice that was too short. Furthermore, he and a spokesperson for the Pillen administration said they interpret state law differently as it relates to entry to the McCook facility.&nbsp;

The state contracts with and is paid by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to house the federal detainees at the McCook center while the detainees await deportation to other countries.

Cavanaugh declined to participate in the tour, saying she had previous commitments and also that it was unclear last week whether lawmakers would be allowed to bring a pen and paper into the facility, “let alone a phone” to perhaps record observations. She said one of her main goals was to ask questions of detainees and gather information in the event they needed services.

Lawmakers on the tour said they did not bring phones on the tour, but had access to staff members to answer questions. Some questions, including the average number of detainees each day, were not answered.

Senators said they were told that the range of time behind bars at the McCook facility ranged from a day for some, while others have been there since it pivoted to federal use.&nbsp;

Pillen said earlier that detainees started to arrive in early November and that he had expected 200 by Thanksgiving and up to 300 when other facility modifications were completed. The Republican state senators on the tour agreed with Juarez’s estimate that between 100 and 150 detainees were being held at the center on Monday.

A spokesperson for the Corrections Department said the number of detainees housed at the McCook facility “fluctuates regularly,” and that federal officials asked the state not to disclose numbers.

Brandt said the group was told many of the detainees are transported to McCook from the Omaha and North Platte airports, but that senators were not told the cities or states where the ICE detainees were originally arrested.&nbsp;

The five senators said they didn’t personally talk to detainees but said they were not prohibited from doing so.&nbsp;

They said at least some detainees had access to electronic tablets.

“It was very clean, well kept, very well run,” Dorn said of the former Work Ethic Camp facility.&nbsp;

“It seemed very peaceful, the dining room where they eat was nice,” said Clements. He said phone numbers for various foreign consulates were posted on a wall, and he could see a bank of phones available for detainee use.

The senators saw technology that allows detainees to attend immigration court hearings remotely.&nbsp;

Lonowski said he was impressed with the professionalism of staff, who appeared to be from the local area.

Dorn said he would have liked to see more lawmakers, but he said some had other commitments.&nbsp;

“I definitely expected a few more,” he said, saying he thought up to 15. “I’m glad five showed.”

Prior to the state senator visits, McCook Mayor Linda Taylor and McCook Police Chief Kevin Hodgson had their own tour of the facility.&nbsp;

Pillen’s statement said construction begins this week to expand the facility’s capacity from 200 to 300 detainees.&nbsp;

He said that as a federal detention center, compensation to Correctional Services,&nbsp; based on the expected use of the facility and costs associated with providing services to ICE, will be $2.45 million per month.&nbsp;

The arrangement with ICE should clear the state about $14.25 million annually, Pillen said. The current contact expires Sept. 29, 2027.

Nebraska lawmakers tour McCook ICE jail, call it orderly, clean and say it detains 100-150 migrants

Jessi Laine to play in Scottsbluff, Kimball 

Shon Townsend Band to perform in Bayard 

Randy Burghardt to perform in Bridgeport 

Jessi Laine to play in Scottsbluff

ALLIANCE, Neb. – The City of Alliance Landfill’s loose fill pit and construction/demolition area will be closed Dec. 9 due to dangerous wind speed. This is for safety measures to ensure no one is injured.

Specific Landfill Operations Closed Due to Wind Speed in Alliance

Chris Brenning will play at Scott Free Brewing Company in Gering on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5pm - 7pm.&nbsp;

Gabriel the Brute will perform on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 4pm - 6pm.&nbsp;

Chris Brenning, Gabriel the Brute to play in Gering 

Avid to perform in Scottsbluff

UPDATED 12/3/25:&nbsp;Northwest Rural Public Power District, along with Nebraska Public Power District, have rescheduled their power outage in Hay Springs for next week, Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10pm - 12 midnight MT.

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COLUMBUS, Neb. – A planned outage is scheduled for electric customers in Hay Springs Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. MT, to allow for work at a substation in the area.

The outage is being conducted so crews can conduct needed maintenance at the substation. “We know outages are not convenient, and we appreciate the patience of the impacted customers while the work is completed,” said NPPD Account Manager Jennifer Branson. “The work will help ensure reliable service to area customers, and crews will be working hard to complete the work in a safe and efficient manner.” 

NPPD works closely with impacted communities to schedule any planned outages. NPPD will notify impacted customers prior to the planned outage, and customers can call 1-877-ASK-NPPD if they have any questions. 

UPDATE: Planned Outage for Customers in Hay Springs Dec. 10

Box Butte County Commissioner's Meeting Agenda, Dec. 3

Roger Dodger to perform in Kimball

WASHINGTON — President&nbsp;Donald Trump delivered a speech from the White House Wednesday night.

🎥Highlights of President Trump's address to the nation

Trump pays respects to National Guardsmen, interpreter killed in Syria 

State lawmaker, also facing expulsion from Legislature, waives scheduled Wednesday arraignment

LINCOLN — After initially filing a plea of no contest that wasn’t accepted when he didn’t attend his hearing, State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst has changed course and now plans to fight the allegation against him.

On Tuesday, the day before his rescheduled arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace, McKeon filed a new plea of not guilty and waived his formal arraignment. The court accepted the plea and set his next court date for Jan. 26, ordering him to show up.

A legislative staffer accused the state lawmaker of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/31/nebraska-state-senator-cited-for-public-indecency-during-session-ending-party/">groping her at an end-of-session party in May</a>. The Nebraska State Patrol received a report in September that McKeon had allegedly “made inappropriate contact with her buttocks with his hand, over the top of her clothing,” Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas said.

McKeon’s second arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday morning after his arraignment was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-state-sen-dan-mckeons-arraignment-delayed-due-to-absence/">delayed when he tried to file a no contest plea by written waiver</a>. Lancaster County Court Judge Matthew Acton said a no contest plea must be submitted in person and postponed the arraignment one week.

A no contest plea would have allowed McKeon to accept any criminal penalties without formally admitting guilt and would waive his right to a trial.

McKeon’s attorney Perry Pirsch at one point called the disturbing the peace charge “a victory,” as the charge had been&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/09/nebraska-lawmaker-charged-with-disturbing-the-peace-from-alleged-groping-incident/">downgraded from public indecency</a>, which the Patrol initially cited McKeon with.

Pirsch said disturbing the peace was more consistent with McKeon’s perspective of the incident and that he’d planned to plead no contest in hopes that he could put the matter behind him and focus on the upcoming legislative session.

Pirsch could not immediately be reached for comment about the changed plea.

McKeon has acknowledged that an exchange took place between him and a staffer after one of the Nebraska Legislature’s sine die parties this year, but argued his actions were not sexually charged. Pirsch has said McKeon “is guilty of nothing but a bad pun and pat on the back.”

The Examiner is aware of the alleged victim’s name but is not publishing it because it is the policy of States Newsroom and the Examiner not to identify people who say they have been abused unless they wish to talk publicly.

Her attorney, Kathleen Neary, declined to comment on McKeon’s new plea, but noted her client is preparing a civil lawsuit against the senator.

McKeon, a married father of four, is a registered Republican who was elected to the officially nonpartisan Legislature in 2024, replacing former State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul.

Gov. Jim Pillen and other state officials have called for McKeon’s resignation, but McKeon has said he will not resign.

In the midst of his pending criminal trial, McKeon also faces possible expulsion from the Legislature.

The Legislature’s Executive Board, its group of 10 senators in charge of handling disciplinary procedures within the legislative branch,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/12/13/nebraska-lawmakers-recommend-sen-dan-mckeon-be-expelled-after-groping-allegations/">voted unanimously Saturday to recommend McKeon’s expulsion</a>.

Expulsion is the strongest disciplinary measure the board can recommend, but it requires a full vote of the Legislature to pass. This means the matter will likely come before lawmakers during the 60-day legislative session that begins in January. Expelling him would require the votes of 33 senators.

Executive Board Chair State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair has said the board concluded the expulsion recommendation was necessary “in light of a demonstrated pattern of behavior by Senator McKeon and not in response to a single isolated incident.”

State Sen. Dan McKeon changes plea to not guilty on misdemeanor disturbing the peace charge

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

Visitors looking for ideas and inspiration to explore the Cornhusker State can now get their hands on the official 2026 Nebraska State Travel Guide.

The new guide highlights events and festivals, attractions organized by region and city, and scenic byway road trips across the state. Designed for both first-time visitors and returning travelers, the publication features vivid photography, descriptive storytelling and light humor to appeal to a wide range of audiences, from families and solo travelers to history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers and shoppers.

This year’s edition also places a special emphasis on history in recognition of America’s upcoming 250th birthday. Readers will find Nebraska-focused trivia and a timeline highlighting notable events, influential figures and historic sites throughout the state, including references to well-known Nebraskans such as “Buffalo Bill” Cody and author Willa Cather.

The cover of the 2026 guide features original artwork by Lincoln artist Katie Nieland. The illustration showcases several iconic Nebraska attractions, including Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Lincoln Highway, Nebraska wildlife, dark night skies recognizing Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area as Nebraska’s first International Dark Sky Park, Carhenge, Chimney Rock and the Cowboy Trail.

“We’re thrilled to release the new travel guide each year, and this edition is especially fun to share,” said Jenn Gjerde, marketing manager for Visit Nebraska. “It’s full of new photos and an added focus on Nebraska’s rich history and heritage. Plus, we’re especially proud that this year’s cover showcases original artwork from a Nebraska creator, a real, human touch that reflects the spirit of the places and people that make our state unforgettable.”

According to Visit Nebraska, the travel guide has been distributed to all 50 states and numerous countries in recent years, helping support a tourism industry that contributes $5.6 billion to Nebraska’s gross domestic product, supports more than 41,000 jobs and generates more than $1.1 billion in annual wages.

The 2026 Nebraska State Travel Guide is available for free and can be requested online, with a digital version also available for download. Printed guides can also be found at visitor centers and tourism destinations throughout the state.

2026 Nebraska State Travel Guide now available

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

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department says it has upgraded its investigation into Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over a video where he and other members of Congress told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;

“The Office of the Secretary of War, in conjunction with the Department of War’s Office of the General Counsel, is escalating the preliminary review of Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.), to an official Command Investigation,” a spokesperson for the department wrote in an email Monday night.&nbsp;

“Retired Captain Kelly is currently under investigation for serious allegations of misconduct,” the spokesperson continued. “Further official comments will be limited to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.”

Paul J. Fishman, an attorney at the Arnold &amp; Porter law firm who is representing Kelly, wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26379142-ltr-to-secretary-phelan-dec-15-2025/#document/p1" target="_blank">a Monday letter</a>&nbsp;to the secretary of the Navy that “there is no legitimate basis for any type of proceeding against Senator Kelly, and any such effort would be unconstitutional and an extraordinary abuse of power.”

“If the Executive Branch were to move forward in any forum—criminal, disciplinary, or administrative—we will take all appropriate legal action on Senator Kelly’s behalf to halt the Administration’s unprecedented and dangerous overreach,” Fishman wrote.&nbsp;

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had set Dec. 10 as the deadline for the secretary of the Navy to recommend what to do about Kelly’s appearance in the video, but that came and went without any public announcements.

Hegseth also remained silent on the matter after rebuking Kelly weeks ago for posting the video where he and five other Democrats warned against illegal orders.

Kelly said on Dec. 9, one day before the deadline, he hadn’t received any information from the Navy or other administration officials.&nbsp;

“Forget about an update. I haven’t heard anything from the guy,” Kelly told reporters. “That’s a good question for you guys to ask the Navy.”

The secretary of the Navy’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment from States Newsroom.&nbsp;

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 President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

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.”

“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.”

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;

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 days after it posted, saying the statements represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

Pentagon ‘escalating’ investigation into Sen. Kelly for illegal-orders video

Terence “Bud” Crawford, the undefeated boxing champion from Omaha, Nebraska, has announced his retirement from professional boxing at age 38, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in the sport’s modern era.

Crawford’s decision comes amid recent controversy involving a world title and a dispute over sanctioning fees, but his retirement announcement focused less on belts and business and more on legacy, family, and walking away on his own terms.

Earlier this month, the World Boxing Council (WBC) stripped Omaha native Terence “Bud” Crawford of its super-middleweight world title, citing unpaid sanctioning fees tied to his recent fights. The organization said it made multiple attempts to contact Crawford and his representatives before taking action.

Crawford responded forcefully in a video posted to Instagram, using strong language to criticize the WBC and its leadership. In the video, Crawford rejected the fee demand outright, saying, “I ain’t paying your ass s**t.”

He questioned why the WBC’s fees differed from those of other sanctioning bodies, saying, “What makes you so [better] than any of the other sanctioning bodies? … everybody accepted what I was giving them — but you.”

Crawford also downplayed the importance of the title itself, stating, “You can take the f**king belt. It’s a trophy anyway.”

In the same video, Crawford challenged the broader financial structure of boxing’s sanctioning system, saying, “I'm paying you every time I step foot in the [ring]? I’m [putting] my life on the line — not you.”

He additionally took aim at WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, suggesting favoritism and frustration with the organization’s response following his most recent fight. “Mauricio, everybody in the world know you was going for Canelo… Say congratulations instead of having that little smirk on your face,” Crawford said.

While the comments fueled widespread debate within the boxing world, the dispute did not affect the outcome of Crawford’s fights or his undefeated professional record. The controversy marked a rare public rift between one of boxing’s most accomplished champions and a major sanctioning body — and became a notable moment in the closing chapter of Crawford’s career.

In a video announcement shared publicly, Crawford confirmed he is stepping away from the sport, saying, “Every fighter know this moment will come. We just never know when.”

Crawford reflected on his journey, emphasizing that his motivation was never about titles or money. “I spent my whole life chasing something — not belts, not money, not headlines — but that feeling… when the world doubts you but you keep showing up,” he said.

Throughout the message, Crawford repeatedly tied his career to his roots. “This sport gave me everything. I fought for my family. I fought for my city. I fought for the kid I used to be — the one who had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves,” he said.

Crawford said he is leaving with peace, stating, “I’ve made peace with what’s next. And now it’s time.”

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