BAILEY, CO –&nbsp;The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in collaboration with the Park County Sheriff’s Office and the Park County Coroner’s Office, is making a renewed and expanded appeal for public assistance in identifying a man whose remains were discovered last year.

To aid in the identification, a forensic facial reconstruction expert was utilized to create a forensic sculpture that may resemble the unidentified man, often referred to as a "John Doe" in these cases.

The Park County Sheriff’s Office received a report of potential human remains on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at approximately 12:24 p.m. The remains were found in a remote camping area outside of Bailey on United States Forest Service (USFS) land. Officials from all three agencies confirmed the finding. A botanist estimated the remains had been in the area since&nbsp;2022 or 2023. To aid in identification, a forensic facial reconstruction expert was utilized to create a forensic sculpture of the unidentified man.

The unidentified man, often referred to as "John Doe," has the following characteristics:

-Height:&nbsp;Estimated to be between 5’11” and 6’8”

-Age:&nbsp;Middle-aged, estimated between 30 and 60 years of age

Investigative Breakthrough and Expanded Search

Recent investigative genetic genealogy has yielded a significant breakthrough, strongly indicating the unidentified John Doe has&nbsp;Slovakian DNA. Based on this new information, investigators now believe the John Doe may have relatives in several key areas, prompting an expansion of media outreach to:

This focus is driven by the discovery of numerous DNA matches across Nebraska and the identification of strong Czech/Slovak communities in Pueblo and Cedar Rapids. The Cedar Rapids area is home to a significant Czech/Slovak cultural community and is also linked to a known Slovakian DNA match.&nbsp;

As of now, information regarding the case, including how the man might have died, is limited. Collaboratively, the Sheriff’s Office, the Coroner’s Office, and the CBI are diligently working to unravel more details. Further updates will be provided as new information emerges.

Anyone who might have information or a tip regarding this case, particularly those with familial ties to the Czech/Slovak communities in Pueblo, Omaha, or Cedar Rapids, is asked to call the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s tip line at 720-295-6642.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation Seeks Public Assistance in Identifying Dead Man Found in Park County

Post Podcast: Kman's Concert Calendar, weekend of Dec. 5 

LINCOLN, Neb. —&nbsp;The Nebraska State Highway Commission will hold its regular meeting Dec. 12 at 8:30 a.m. at the Nebraska Department of Transportation Central Headquarters, NDOT&nbsp;Auditorium, 1500 Nebraska Parkway in Lincoln. This in-person meeting can also be attended virtually by&nbsp;phone or by WebEx. To join by phone, dial&nbsp;1-408-418-9388. When prompted, enter meeting number&nbsp;2498 190 3630 to connect to the call. To join by computer, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.b04f70AIkXepI61RSjEid3ph-2F6PBX2jnaaaqwyy0dc2M1plWlxVHtt0kpz8-2FVkwDVbdP_tSBk32awJfOKdX0D104nM81D-2BXugulph99B3XnDoLR8mOZuPToN2fEBVwCTZH-2FOyPhG1TMqI6e9S8KGoJbMSS-2FF4lQmv064gRlTzmG6k79oDqeGh-2FVzz4vetxundhxJ4JE7NpPTnoam02QuMkSNZpA2FQD4U5YD4x2B1a5grntFj1xsuYRyQcQqKT26Gj2w7kOfV-2FVGDbXrSikNbxd3h8s2r6jCubBxEOMzVUSESCAaYkKQ49LJjuzk-2FLcYC-2BJjMDp83A-2Fq3Xq-2BrGNSP-2BHm-2BkzTxexKMsn7VKvXxWjbFAXf4VNhbGRaDGLToqpuq3T27CaW8V5yRK5pFLItwNlCz9qpion6ZxwHz0PTbpj2wMJY3M6w6GQhoXiwAwtSbQCkizB-2BeSgj47oWZNIZBkTzbxg-3D-3D" target="_blank">ndot.info/DECEMBER25HCM</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;enter the same&nbsp;meeting number, then NDOT2025 (63682025 from phones and video systems)&nbsp;when prompted.

NDOT will make every reasonable accommodation to provide accessible meeting materials for all persons unable to participate by virtual means. Appropriate provisions for persons without internet access or persons with Limited Language Proficiency (LEP) will be made if the Department is notified.

If you have a letter you would like read into the public record, please email it in advance to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:molly.mellinger@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">molly.mellinger@nebraska.gov</a>.

The agenda for the meeting is attached and can also be found on the NDOT website at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.b04f70AIkXepI61RSjEid1wcGxursQJ5tSuGL-2FYR1LBs49azTERsuZWuZrrT3yy2to8SelXTD1rcMXr-2BQn0JkhkfGJe6NSRum1jUwDO338s-3D_YaA_tSBk32awJfOKdX0D104nM81D-2BXugulph99B3XnDoLR8mOZuPToN2fEBVwCTZH-2FOyPhG1TMqI6e9S8KGoJbMSS-2FF4lQmv064gRlTzmG6k79oDqeGh-2FVzz4vetxundhxJ4JE7NpPTnoam02QuMkSNZpA2FQD4U5YD4x2B1a5grntFj1xsuYRyQcQqKT26Gj2w7kOfV-2FVGDbXrSikNbxd3h8s2r6jCubBxEOMzVUSESCAZDcdyq-2BBjjFGVOnpwbBEzcmOZyDiif9A0okrclxuWVkdUFcYbYzhVdHaoxq3BLytNUVrG2EL0DxYTHH94CeD-2BR22tM5GUeShOT1ZYm8N7FCkhHoxyx-2B9OT7Kf1oZg-2BbDTELxk-2Fu0Gz30ByRqHj8plH56XbCgZvfhSb7t4z-2B-2FxGjg-3D-3D" target="_blank">dot.nebraska.gov/media/eupdjl1k/12-12-24-agenda.pdf</a>

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.b04f70AIkXepI61RSjEid1wcGxursQJ5tSuGL-2FYR1LBs49azTERsuZWuZrrT3yy2to8SelXTD1rcMXr-2BQn0JkhkfGJe6NSRum1jUwDO338s-3D_YaA_tSBk32awJfOKdX0D104nM81D-2BXugulph99B3XnDoLR8mOZuPToN2fEBVwCTZH-2FOyPhG1TMqI6e9S8KGoJbMSS-2FF4lQmv064gRlTzmG6k79oDqeGh-2FVzz4vetxundhxJ4JE7NpPTnoam02QuMkSNZpA2FQD4U5YD4x2B1a5grntFj1xsuYRyQcQqKT26Gj2w7kOfV-2FVGDbXrSikNbxd3h8s2r6jCubBxEOMzVUSESCAZDcdyq-2BBjjFGVOnpwbBEzcmOZyDiif9A0okrclxuWVkdUFcYbYzhVdHaoxq3BLytNUVrG2EL0DxYTHH94CeD-2BR22tM5GUeShOT1ZYm8N7FCkhHoxyx-2B9OT7Kf1oZg-2BbDTELxk-2Fu0Gz30ByRqHj8plH56XbCgZvfhSb7t4z-2B-2FxGjg-3D-3D" target="_blank"></a>The Nebraska State Highway Commission will gather for dinner on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. at Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill - South at 5900 Old Cheney Road in Lincoln.

Details on Upcoming NDOT State Highway Commission Meeting

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the results of efforts organized through state agencies to assist Tyson workers impacted by the approaching plant closure of Tyson Foods in Lexington. More than 740 workers attended the Rapid Response layoff services events at the Dawson County Fairgrounds on Wednesday and Thursday this week. During those two days, the departments of Labor (DOL) and Health and Human Services (DHHS) presented on employment service and assistance programs.

“Our state agencies will support these workers as long as there is a need,” said Gov. Pillen.  “Our goal is to keep these hardworking individuals in Nebraska and in positions that help provide a good quality of life in our state.”

Information provided during the sessions included programs and services available through state agencies and community organizations, including job training,  educational resources, and economic support assistance.&nbsp; 

“DHHS is committed to standing alongside our fellow Nebraskans in the Lexington community during these challenging times,” said CEO Steve Corsi. “To date, our support teams have provided guidance and helped residents connect with economic assistance, healthcare, jobs and mental and behavioral health resources. These efforts will continue as long as necessary. Lexington residents who couldn’t attend can still learn about available services they may be eligible for by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://iserve.nebraska.gov/apply/benefit-discovery" target="_blank">iServe.Nebraska.gov</a>.”

The Department of Economic Development (DED) has established a web page with information about employment and community resources for individuals and families impacted by the plant closure. Information can be found at &nbsp;<a href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/Lexington/" target="_blank">opportunity.nebraska.gov/Lexington</a>.

“When challenges arise, Nebraskans respond by lending a hand to our neighbors and giving generously to those in need,” said DED Director Maureen Larsen “I am grateful to Governor Pillen for his swift action to mobilize state resources and coordinate a multiagency response to assist families in the Lexington area. Thank you, also, to the numerous civic groups which have stepped up to provide support.”

The Department of Labor has scheduled additional Rapid Response layoff services sessions on Saturday, Dec. 13. Job fairs are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6; Thursday, Dec. 11; and Saturday, Dec. 13. Volunteers are needed to provide translation services at upcoming events for individuals who speak Spanish, Arabic, Samali and Vietnamese. Individuals and organizations interested in providing that assistance can contact the Department of Labor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ndol.rapidresponse@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">ndol.rapidresponse@nebraska.gov</a>.

All workers planning to file for unemployment benefits should register online with the Department of Labor at&nbsp;<a href="https://neworks.nebraska.gov/vosnet/default.aspx" target="_blank">NEworks.nebraska.gov</a>. Registrations from the most recent two-day event totaled 280.

“The team’s efforts to help individuals register will open access to reemployment services and speed up the unemployment claim process when their employment ends in January,” Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber said.

Those unable to attend the upcoming Rapid Response layoff services session can visit the Department of Labor and Department of Human Services in Lexington, North Platte, or Grand Island.

Addresses for those locations are provided below:

-Lexington:&nbsp;Both Labor and HHS located at 1501 Plum Creek Parkway, Ste. 3

-North Platte:&nbsp;Labor located at 600 Francis, Suite 9; HHS at 200 S Silber Ave

-Grand Island:&nbsp;Labor located at 203 East Stolley Park Rd, Ste. A; HHS at 208 N Pine St

Additional information for upcoming Rapid Response sessions and job fairs is also below, including the times they are taking place.

-Saturday, Dec. 6:&nbsp;Job Fair at Lexington Middle School; 1100 N Washington St; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

-Thursday, Dec. 11:&nbsp;Job Fair at Dawson County Fairgrounds; 1000 Plum Creek Parkway; 9:30-11 a.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m.

-Saturday, Dec. 13:&nbsp;Job Fair at Lexington Middle School; 1100 N Washington St; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. &amp; Rapid Response Layoff Services at Lexington Middle School; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Gov. Pillen Announces Results of Layoff Services Events for Tyson Workers

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after the Omaha Police Department released the identity of the suspect in Wednesday’s shootout that injured four Omaha officers.

“Juan Melgar-Ayala, a convicted felon in our country illegally from El Salvador, started a shootout with Omaha police this week — and paid the price. Not long ago, in August, a coordinated effort between ICE and Nebraska law enforcement led to the apprehension of a murderous, most wanted MS-13 kingpin who was using our state as a hideout.

Sadly, after years of lax Biden-era border security policy, every state is now a border state. That’s why I believe the ICE detention facility in McCook is an absolute necessity. Nebraska must continue to do its part to assist President Trump, his Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security in their efforts to get criminal, illegal aliens off our streets. This keeps Nebraska safe. It keeps America safe. I’m proud that we are stepping up and making a difference for our country.

Thank God the OPD officers shot by Melgar-Ayala face non-life-threatening injuries. The men and women of law enforcement are heroes — and protect us every day.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen Statement on Illegal Immigrant's Attack on Omaha Police

BEVERAGES OF THE DAMNED: So Very, Very Sweet

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -&nbsp;The Nebraska Community College Association hosted its annual awards ceremony in Lincoln in November, and two WNCC employees and an alum were recognized.

Jodi Ruzicka was honored as the NCCA Distinguished Alumni from WNCC. A lifelong resident of the Scottsbluff-Gering area, Ruzicka graduated from WNCC in 1995, while balancing a full-time career in banking, and raising a family. She currently serves as a financial advisor for the Platte Valley Investment Center, helping others financially plan for the future. Ruzicka has a passion for helping others not only in her job, but in the community. She chairs the Oregon Trail Days Planning Committee, serves on the WNCC Foundation Board, and volunteers with the Legacy of the Plains Museum.

The NCCA Faculty Member Award went to Marcene Elwell, WNCC's surgical technology instructor and program director. Elwell has been at WNCC for 8 years, and spends countless hours with her students, traveling across the state and into Colorado and Wyoming to aid in their clinicals, and proudly promotes WNCC's program at recruitment events. Her hard work, positivity, and dedication has made a lasting impact on WNCC and her students.

Pauline Newman, WNCC's accounting services director, received the NCCA Administrators/Staff Award. Her leadership creates a supportive work environment where people feel valued and empowered. Newman also serves as the accountant for the WNCC Foundation, where in the last year, helped guide the Foundation through two major transitions that increase both transparency and accountability within the Foundation.

The NCCA is comprised of five member schools: Central, Mid-Plains, Northeast, Southeast and Western Nebraska. Each year the NCCA holds its annual meeting at one of the member schools and awards&nbsp;Faculty, Governor, Administrator, and Friend of Community College awards, along with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

WNCC Alum and Two Staff Honored at NCCA Awards Ceremony

CHADRON, Neb. — Chadron State College’s Winter Commencement Speaker will be Dr. Hortensia Soto. Since 2020, Soto, a CSC Distinguished Young Alumni recipient, has been a professor of mathematics at Colorado State University and Graduate Director in the Department of Mathematics since 2023. The combined ceremony for undergraduates and graduates will be Friday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. in the Chicoine Center.

Originally from Morrill, Nebraska, Soto earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s in mathematics education from CSC. She earned an additional master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Arizona, and a doctorate in Educational Mathematics from the University of Northern Colorado.

Soto has promoted mathematics via summer outreach programs and frequently facilitates professional development for K-16 teachers, including in the Nebraska Panhandle.

She is a working member of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) where she has served as associate treasurer, associate secretary, president, and an editor of the MAA&nbsp;Instructional&nbsp;Practices&nbsp;Guide that provides national guidance for effective, research-informed mathematics teaching.

Soto began her career as an assistant and later associate professor of mathematics at Colorado State University–Pueblo from 1995 to 2005. She also taught 15 years at the University of Northern Colorado, advancing to full professor.

She has been recognized for excellence in teaching, mentorship and service at the departmental, college and national levels. Early in her career, she was honored with awards such as the Graduate Deans Citation for Excellence and the Most Supportive Faculty Award at CSU-Pueblo.

Recent highlights include a 2022 nomination for the CSU Alumni Association’s Best Teacher Award and the prestigious 2018 MAA Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. Additional honors include multiple outstanding faculty recognitions from student groups, residence life programs and academic units.

Her contributions extend beyond the classroom into research mentorship and institutional service. She earned the College of Natural and Health Sciences’ Excellence in Faculty Research Mentor Award and the Excellence in Service Award at the University of Northern Colorado and the MAA Meritorious Service Award.

Soto also contributes to cross-institutional collaborations that investigate professional development opportunities for collegiate instructors and the role of teachers in supporting students’ reasoning.

Her research centers on the teaching and learning of K-16 mathematics and embraces a philosophy that claims learning is body-based. She has used this lens in teaching and researching the learning of applicable mathematical concepts.

She has about 100 publications and delivered about 100 talks about her work nationally and internationally. Her early publications included studies on students’ geometric reasoning and expert conceptions of complex-valued functions. She has also published extensively about mathematics teacher education, pre-service teacher learning, technology-enhanced instruction, assessment practices and initiatives supporting women in mathematics.

Soto’s 25 years of research centers on how students learn advanced mathematics through visualization, metaphor and active learning. Her articles focus on deepening mathematical understanding through innovative modes of learning and improving mathematics education from the secondary level to undergraduate and teacher-preparation settings. Recent articles explore imaginative approaches to abstract algebra and new frameworks in mathematical thinking.

Her extensive publications include recurring contributions to the MAA, as well as numerous peer-reviewed conference proceedings exploring embodied learning, teacher preparation, undergraduate mathematics education and student engagement. She highlights collaborative partnerships, inclusive pedagogy, broadening participation in STEM, and innovative approaches to understanding and teaching mathematics.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, practicing yoga, meditating and spending time with her son, Miguel.

Alumna, Math Educator to Speak at Winter Commencement

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;- Governor Jim Pillen is announcing a major milestone in Nebraska’s efforts to ensure all areas of the state have robust and reliable internet service. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has formally approved the state’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) final proposal. This authorizes Nebraska to transition from planning to implementation of its statewide broadband expansion strategy.

NTIA’s approval affirms Nebraska’s strategic, data-driven, and technology-neutral broadband plan – one that supports economic growth and improvements in education, healthcare and agriculture. From here, the state moves into the implementation phase, enabling approximately $44.5 million in federal funding and $21 million in private investment to deploy to the remaining unserved Nebraskans – the last 2 percent of homes, farms and small businesses still waiting for a reliable high-speed broadband option.

“This is a tremendous victory for Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “Reliable broadband is essential for daily life, from schoolwork and healthcare to running a business or managing a farm. With this approval, rural Nebraskans who have been left waiting will finally have access to the same online opportunities and services as everyone else. Our plan is practical, responsible, and built to serve Nebraska’s needs today and for many years to come.”

BEAD funding was limited to the state’s remaining unserved locations and relies on a balanced mix of technologies designed to provide connectivity across Nebraska’s varied landscape. The approach being pursued is intended to support long-term reliability, responsible spending and practical solutions for the hardest-to-reach areas, positioning Nebraska to be among the first states to push projects into the market.

Nebraska Broadband Office (NBO) Director Patrick Haggerty said the federal approval marks the start of the transformational work ahead.&nbsp;“I am proud of our team’s relentless efforts in an ever-changing environment, and equally proud of the results,” he added. “This approval allows Nebraska to move quickly into deployment and begin connecting the remaining unserved locations.”

A sizeable amount of federal funding remains undeployed under BEAD. Gov. Pillen has advocated that the state be allowed to retain those funds and allocate them to other projects that would benefit from investment – endeavors that would enhance precision agriculture, biotechnology and artificial intelligence. The status of the remaining undeployed federal funding is expected to be announced early next year.

Gov. Pillen thanked President Trump and the U.S. Department of Commerce for implementing reforms to the BEAD program aimed at eliminating burdensome requirements and streamlining the build-out of broadband infrastructure.

“Those actions saved the program from Biden-era stagnation and ensures we can quickly and efficiently get high-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas in the most low-density rural parts of Nebraska, while protecting American taxpayers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen Announces Federal Approval of Nebraska’s BEAD Final Proposal

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: Raccoons and Cookies

ALLIANCE, Neb. - In this week's episode of the Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show, brought to you by Harris Sales in Alliance, Jake Schrantz talks with head coach of Alliance Boys Varsity Basketball, Jordan Mills.

They discuss last week's jamboree against Kimball, and look ahead to the regular season openers against Gering and Mitchell this weekend.

Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show - 12/03/25 (Boys Basketball)

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.

************************************************************

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

The Brothers Duo to play in Scottsbluff

CHADRON, Neb. - The Friends of the Library and Chadron Public Library will hold a Holidays Party on Friday, Dec. 5 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There will be live music, Santa available for photos, cookies and hot cocoa.

Upcoming Christmas Party at Chadron Public Library

Jessi Laine to play in Sidney 

Box Butte County Meeting Agenda, Nov. 19

Roger Dodger to play in Alliance

🎥FIFA awards President Trump their first peace prize

🎥After 3 week pause, US military strikes another drug boat

WASHINGTON —President Trump on Thursday evening had the first lady light the National Christmas Tree.

First lady lights the National Christmas Tree

The ruling is a major win for the Trump administration and Texas Republicans, who engineered the map to give the GOP control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts.

by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/author/eleanor-klibanoff/">Eleanor Klibanoff</a> <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/">Texas Tribune</a>

Texas can use its new, GOP friendly congressional map while a legal challenge plays out, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, temporarily pausing a lower court ruling that had blocked the map from going into effect.

With the Dec. 8 candidate filing deadline fast approaching, the high court’s decision likely means Texas’ new map will be used for the 2026 midterm elections.

Justice Samuel Alito ruled that it was “indisputable” that Texas’ motivation for redistricting was “pure and simple” partisan advantage, which the court has previously ruled is permissible. Alito rejected the argument that Texas had engaged in racial gerrymandering.

The ruling is a major win for Republicans in Texas and nationally. President Donald Trump had pushed Texas to redraw its map over the summer, hoping to secure five additional GOP seats to shore up the party’s narrow majority in the U.S. House through the midterms.

On Nov. 18, two federal judges&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/18/texas-redistricting-ruling-lawsuit-el-paso-court-2026-midterms/">barred</a>&nbsp;Texas from using the new map for 2026, saying there was evidence state lawmakers had racially gerrymandered in redrawing the lines. Galveston District Judge Jeffrey Brown, a Trump appointee, authored the opinion ordering Texas to return to its 2021 map, while 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jerry Smith vociferously dissented.

The state asked the Supreme Court to overturn Brown’s ruling entirely, but that could take weeks or months to proceed through the court system, especially if the justices decide they want to hear arguments in Washington, D.C. With Thursday’s ruling, the justices have temporarily paused Brown’s ruling while that longer legal process can play out.

The ruling said the lower court, under Brown, “improperly inserted itself into an active primary campaign, causing much confusion and upsetting the delicate federal-state balance in elections.”

The new map, approved by the Texas Legislature and signed by Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://directory.texastribune.org/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>&nbsp;in August, is engineered to give Republicans control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts, up from the 25 they currently hold under the 2021 map. Numerous Republican candidates have stepped forward to run in the newly favorable districts, while several Democratic incumbents were pushed into nearby districts already occupied by another Democrat, forcing them to contemplate primaries or retire.

Brown’s ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/18/texas-congressional-redistricting-map-ruling-2026-effect/">upended those calculations</a>. But in restoring the new map, the Supreme Court likely ensured that Republicans running for redrawn districts will get to campaign under the new lines in 2026.

Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the ruling, saying it was a win for Texas and every conservative who is tired of watching the left try to upend the political system with bogus lawsuits.”

Texas Democrats, meanwhile, condemned the outcome, with House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu of Houston saying the high court had “failed” Texans.

“This is what the end of the Voting Rights Act looks like: courts that won’t protect minority communities even when the evidence is staring them in the face,” Wu said.

In her dissent, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan criticized the court for reversing Brown’s 160-page ruling “based on its perusal, over a holiday weekend, of a cold paper record.”

“Today’s order disrespects the work of a District Court that did everything one could ask to carry out its charge,” Kagan wrote on behalf of the liberal justices. “Today’s order disserves the millions of Texans whom the District Court found were assigned to their new districts based on their race.”

Supreme Court lets Texas keep new congressional map

DICKINSON COUNTY KS—Law enforcement are investigating a vehicle theft and have taken a Kansas teen into custody.

On December 2, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, a deputy with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office located a Toyota Avalon in the area of East 1st Street and Bonebrake Street that had been reported stolen out of Nebraska. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time it was recovered. The vehicle was processed and evidence was collected. The vehicle was towed for safekeeping until it can be returned to the owner.

Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office continued the investigation and developed a suspect the following day. The investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old&nbsp; Christopher Madison Bryant of Abilene on a requested charge of theft of the vehicle.

Sheriff: Teen arrested after car stolen in Nebraska recovered

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

WASHINGTON — Federal authorities arrested a Virginia man Thursday morning who they say was involved in planting pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican national committee offices on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, according to numerous media reports.

The man’s identity has not yet been released, according to reports by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-12-4-2025" target="_blank">The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://wsj.com/politics/national-security/fbi-makes-arrest-in-connection-with-jan-6-pipe-bombs-4dcc6183?mod=hp_lead_pos11" target="_blank">The Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;that cited law enforcement officials.

The arrest marked a potential breakthrough in the five-year-old case.

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to States Newsroom’s request for comment.

According to the FBI, the suspect placed pipe bombs near the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Eastern on Jan. 5, 2021.

Authorities had publicized several&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/wfo-pipebomb-oct-2025-update-v2.mp4/view" target="_blank">video clips</a>&nbsp;of a masked individual in a gray hooded sweatshirt carrying a backpack to transport the pipe bombs. The FBI offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

The suspect is expected in court Thursday, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/04/january-6-pipebomb-suspect-arrest-00676412" target="_blank">Politico</a>.

Man arrested in Jan. 2021 pipe bomb case targeting party headquarters

HHS Protects Parents’ Rights in Children’s Health Decisions

WASHINGTON&nbsp; — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced strong actions to protect the rights of parents within the practice of pediatric medicine. HHS opened an investigation into a complaint that a Midwestern school illegally vaccinated a child with a federally provided vaccine without the parents’ consent by ignoring a religious exemption submitted under a state law. HHS also issued a <a href="/sites/default/files/ocr-letter-hipaa-privacy-rule-and-parental-access-to-minor-childrens-medical-records.pdf" target="_blank">Dear Colleague letter [PDF, 265 KB]</a> reminding health care providers about federal law requiring them to provide parents access to their children’s health information. In addition, the Department directed the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to add a grant requirement stating that all funding recipients must comply with all applicable federal and state parental-consent laws for any services or care provided to minors at HRSA-supported health centers as a condition of receiving Health Center Program funds.

“Today, we are putting pediatric medical professionals on notice: you cannot sideline parents,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “When providers ignore parental consent, violate exemptions to vaccine mandates, or keep parents in the dark about their children’s care, we will act decisively. We will use every tool at our disposal to protect families and restore accountability.”

The investigation by HHS’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) into the reported violation of the exemption from vaccination will examine whether the school failed to comply with the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) requirement that conditions federal provision of vaccines for immunization on compliance with state religious and other exemptions from compulsory vaccination. OCR will also examine how the state agency and school district process religious exemption requests to ensure compliance with state law when implementing the VFC program. Program providers receive vaccines purchased for the VFC by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“The Vaccines for Children Program should never circumvent parents’ rights,” said Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary and CDC Acting Director Jim O’Neill. “Secretary Kennedy’s decision to probe potential abuse of the VFC is a necessary step in restoring public trust in immunization policy.”

OCR’s letter to health care providers spells out parents’ right to access their children’s protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. Under the Privacy Rule, a parent is the personal representative of his or her minor child where the parent has the legal authority to make health care decisions for the child. The letter reinforces that parents who are their children’s personal representatives can exercise their children’s rights with respect to protected health information, including the right of access. OCR is also initiating compliance reviews of a number of large health care providers to ensure that parents receive timely access to their children’s health information.

As part of these actions to protect parents’ rights, HRSA is directly addressing the parental consent obligations that apply to HRSA-supported services for minors. Before a minor receives medical, dental, behavioral health, or other services at a HRSA-supported health center, the center must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian in accordance with applicable state or federal law. This requirement applies to all forms of care, including treatment, preventive services, counseling, and services involving sensitive topics such as sexual identity or reproductive health. Existing state, federal, and local laws on parental consent and notification already apply, and HRSA is now clearly detailing these expectations as a condition of receiving Health Center Program funding. HRSA will also send a notice to grant recipients outlining this obligation.

If you believe that you or another person’s health information privacy or civil rights have been violated, you can <a href="/ocr/complaints/index.html">file a complaint</a> with OCR.

HHS Investigating Midwestern School for Child Vaccinations Lacking Parental Consent

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin next week to block nutrition assistance funding for states led by Democrats that have not provided data on fraud in the program, Secretary Brooke Rollins told President Donald Trump at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday.

USDA sought data from states earlier this year related to their administration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, Rollins said Tuesday. She added the data was needed to address fraud that she called “rampant” in the program that helps 42 million people afford groceries.

Most states complied with the request, but 21, mostly run by Democrats, refused, she said. A USDA spokesperson later implied the department was missing data from 22 states.

“As of next week, we have begun and will begin to stop moving federal funds into those states until they comply, and they tell us and allow us to partner with them to root out this fraud and to protect the American taxpayer,” Rollins said.

A USDA spokesperson in an email listed 28 states, plus one territory, from which they said the department has received data.

That would leave the following 22 states, all led by Democratic governors, that have not provided data: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.&nbsp;

The spokesperson provided some additional details of the initiative, including that the department was targeting administrative funds, and that the next step would be a formal warning.

Blue states sought to protect bad actors, including criminals and immigrants in the country without legal status, “over the American taxpayer,” the statement said.

“We have sent Democrat States yet another request for data, and if they fail to comply, they will be provided with formal warning that USDA will pull their administrative funds,” the spokesperson said.

Court&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.453513/gov.uscourts.cand.453513.109.0.pdf" target="_blank">records</a>&nbsp;show the department sent the states a new request for data on Nov. 28, and asked for a response within seven days, which would be Friday.&nbsp;

The letter was reproduced as part of a suit the 22 states have brought against the administration over the request for SNAP recipients’ data.

It’s unclear what authority Rollins would have to block funding, which Congress has appropriated.

The federal government pays for all benefits for SNAP, which was formerly known as food stamps. It splits the administrative costs with states.

The USDA spokesperson did not answer a direct question about the legal authority for withholding funds.

Democrats on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee said any effort to block SNAP funding would be illegal.

“Yet again, Trump and Rollins are illegally threatening to withhold federal dollars,” a social media post from an official account of committee Democrats read. “SNAP has one of the lowest fraud rates of any government program, but Trump continues to weaponize hunger.”

The committee’s lead Democrat, Angie Craig of Minnesota, issued her own statement that also accused the administration of “weaponizing hunger” and said Rollins “continues to spew propaganda.”

“Her disregard for the law and willingness to lie through her teeth comes from the very top – the Trump administration is as corrupt as it is lawless, and I will not sit silently as she carries out the president’s campaign against Americans struggling to afford food in part because of this president’s tariffs and disastrous economic policies.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The data USDA has sought from states includes verification of SNAP recipients’ eligibility, along with a host of personal information such as Social Security numbers.

An early USDA review of data provided by the 28 states and Guam “indicates an estimated average of $24 million dollars per day of federal funds is lost to fraud and errors undetected by States in their administration of SNAP,” the department said in the Nov. 28 letter.

Preventing those losses could save up to $9 billion per year, the letter added.

But the types of fraud cited in some of the public statements from Rollins and the department are rare, existing data show.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-sar-fy23.pdf" target="_blank">2023 USDA report</a>&nbsp;showed about 26,000 applications, roughly 0.1% of the households enrolled in SNAP, were referred for an administrative or criminal review.

People in the country illegally have never been authorized to receive SNAP benefits.

“The long-standing data sources indicate that intentional fraud by participants is rare,” Katie Bergh, a senior food assistance policy analyst for the left-leaning think tank Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, said in a November interview.

SNAP has been a consistent target for cuts during Trump’s second presidency.

The issue was a focal point during the six-week government shutdown, during which the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-tug-war-over-snap-benefits-timeline" target="_blank">reversed itself often&nbsp;</a>but generally resisted calls — from states, advocates, lawmakers and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administration-ordered-pay-full-9b-november-snap-benefits-amid-shutdown" target="_blank">federal judges</a>&nbsp;— to fund food assistance.

Shortly after the government reopened, Rollins in television interviews said she would force&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administration-wants-everyone-reapply-food-stamps-what-does-mean" target="_blank">all recipients to reapply for benefit</a>s, a proposal seen as logistically challenging by program experts.

And the Republican taxes and spending law passed by Congress and signed by Trump earlier this year included new work requirements and other restrictions on SNAP eligibility that advocates say will lead to major drops in benefits.&nbsp;

The law will also make states pay for some share of benefits and increase the share of administrative costs that states are responsible for, potentially leading some states to cut benefits.

USDA threatens to yank food stamps funding from Democratic-led states

&nbsp;President Donald Trump&nbsp;on Tuesday said he did not want Somali immigrants in the U.S.

🎥What President Trump said about Somali immigrants in the U.S.

House Speaker Mike Johnson lit the Capitol Christmas Tree on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;A fourth grade Nevada student who won an essay contest joined Johnson in lighting the tree.

This year's tree is a 53-foot red fir from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada.

The tree lights will be on each evening from dusk until 11 p.m. now through early January 2026.&nbsp;

4th grader joins House speaker in lighting U.S. Capitol Christmas tree

By Anthony Gorges JC/Little Apple Post

Kansas State Athletics announced on Wednesday that head football coach Chris Klieman was retiring. Klieman, who has spent seven years with the school and is 58 years old, stated that for the first time, he’s putting his family first and looks forward to spending more time with them moving forward. K-State held a press conference at the Vanier Family Football Complex on Wednesday afternoon where Klieman and Athletics Director Gene Taylor spoke about Klieman’s decision.

A full room of media and K-State staff gave Coach Klieman a round of applause as he made his way to the podium. Klieman began his press conference by thanking everyone for being there. “It just goes to show me that the good guys win,” Kansas State head football coach Chris Klieman said. “Doing things the right way, doing it with class and doing it with integrity is the right way. Guys, that’s the K-State way.”

Klieman said despite it being an emotional day, “I am at peace.” He noted that colleagues, former players, and parents of current players reached out to him and congratulated him and his wife, Rhonda. Klieman stated one of the reasons he was in the business of coaching was to have that kind of impact.

Chris Klieman previously served as head coach at North Dakota State before coming to Kansas State to lead the Wildcats. He held many other coaching positions after spending more than thirty years as a coach. “I am one of the lucky ones,” Klieman said. He pointed out that he spent fifteen years at his last two stops and noted that is very rare in the coaching profession. Current Kansas State Athletic Director (AD) Gene Taylor previously served as AD at North Dakota State and was the one who hired Klieman to be a head coach at both schools. Klieman expressed his thanks and gratitude to Taylor at the press conference.

Speaking about his twelve years as a head coach (five at NDSU and seven at K-State), Klieman said, “I am damn proud of the body of work that all of us put together.” He stated that he was up for the challenge of following in the footsteps of legendary K-State coach Bill Snyder, and said, “I think we did a pretty damn good job here.” Klieman closed out the press conference by thanking everyone “for allowing the Kliemans to come into Manhattan and build something here.” As Klieman left the press conference, he and Director of Athletics Gene Taylor shared a hug.

*Highlights for Klieman at K-State include winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship, winning eight or more games for four straight years, and qualifying for a bowl game in six out of seven years. (The only year KSU did not make a bowl game was during the 2020 COVID season.)

K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor spoke after Klieman officially announced his retirement. Taylor was passionate that changes need to be made in the current era of college athletics. Taylor, a very close friend of Klieman, was very emotional when speaking to the media. “You just saw one of the greatest guys in this industry walk out of this room and retire from coaching, from the business that he loves,” Taylor said. He continued, “What really pisses me off is he is doing it because of where we are in this industry.” Taylor is referring to the new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal, among other issues as well. “If we don’t get this thing fixed, and I am a part of that, as is every other AD in the country and conference commissioners, more really, really good guys like Chris Klieman are going to walk away from this business.”

When asked about the timeline of events and when he knew Klieman would retire, Gene Taylor said they met on Monday, where Klieman expressed he needed a few days to think about what he wanted to do. Taylor admitted he was somewhat caught off guard by the retirement talks because he thought they were meeting to discuss the bowl game and potential coaching/staffing changes.

Klieman told Taylor Wednesday morning he was going to retire, and Taylor admitted he had been emotional all day since their discussion. When asked about if Klieman would coach the bowl game, he said it is still being determined. He said he plans to meet with the players on Thursday and discuss it.

As for the rumors and speculation about a new head coach being named, Gene Taylor said at the press conference that he had not had any conversations prior to that moment. He said with the current landscape, the process will certainly move fast, but he wanted to wait and be respectful to Coach Klieman and let him announce his retirement before anything was officially done.

Lastly, Gene Taylor was very complimentary of Klieman’s seven-year run leading the Wildcats and thanked him for what he gave to the Kansas State program.

K-State’s Chris Klieman and AD Gene Taylor discuss Klieman's decision to retire

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

CHADRON, Neb. — After squeezing out a pair of one-point victories in their first two home games this season, the Chadron State College men's basketball team was involved in another nail-biter in its third contest in the Chicoine Center on Sunday afternoon, but the Eagles couldn't quite pull this one out and lost to Colorado Christian 61-57.

​The result means the Eagles will open their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule with a 2-5 record when they visit Black Hills State on Thursday, December 4. CSC will play at home two days later against South Dakota Mines.

​Chadron State got off to an extremely slow start Sunday, making just two of its first 13 field goal attempts while falling behind 14-6. The Eagles were still trailing 20-9 with 11 minutes gone off the clock. 

​All nine of the Eagles' points had been scored by junior guard Jadon Cool, who finished with a game-high 22 points.  As things turned out, just five CSC players scored with freshman forward Luka Djurovic getting 10, Isaiah Randolph nine and Blessing Adesipe and Mack Keighran eight apiece.

​After their long scoring drought, the Eagles finally got rolling offensively. They outscored the Cougars 14-4 during a four-and-a-half minute stretch to cut the visitors' lead to a single point at 24-23 with four minutes left in the opening half.  

​During the surge, both Djurovic and Randolph nailed a 3-pointer and made a layup while Keighran sank a pair of free throws and also drove for a layup.

​After Chadron State nearly caught up, the teams traded baskets before the Cougars took a 31-27 lead to the dressing room at halftime.

The Eagles came out of the locker room hot, a rally which spurred them to their  first lead at 32-31. Cool hit his first two shots—a trey and a jumper—to open the second half. Keighran then stole the ball and drove for a layup, putting Chadron State on top 34-31.  

Soon afterwards, however, Colorado Christian sank three of their five three-pointers on the day and went on to take a 51-40 advantage in the middle of the half. ​But even with the double digit deficit, the Eagles didn't quit scrapping and cut the difference to two points—55-53—when Adesipe drove to the basket and earned a hard-driving layup with backspin off the glass and rim as he was landing on the floor with 1:21 left to play. The 6-foot-6 grad student from Houston was awarded a free throw on the play, but missed that shot.

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