Big Springs, Neb. — The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash that resulted in a fatality in western Nebraska. The vehicle had previously fled attempted traffic stops.

Just after 12:00 a.m. MT Monday, NSP received information about a vehicle that had fled a pursuit with deputies in central Nebraska several hours earlier. The vehicle, a Lexus GS, was believed to be in western Nebraska. At approximately 12:13 a.m., a trooper saw the Lexus traveling 95 miles per hour on I-80 near Big Springs at mile marker 111. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The trooper pursued for approximately five minutes before discontinuing the pursuit as the suspect vehicle exited I-80 and appeared headed into Colorado on I-76. The Lexus was traveling more than 140 miles per hour.

Several minutes later, the trooper saw what appeared to be a vehicle crash just off I-80 near mile marker 102. The trooper found the Lexus approximately 75 yards away from I-80 in a field and found the driver deceased. The driver had been ejected from the vehicle.

Additional units were called to assist. The Deuel County Sheriff’s Office and EMS also responded to the scene. The crash remains under investigation. Authorities are attempting to make family notification.

NSP Investigating Crash After Discontinued Pursuit

OMAHA, Neb. - A multi-agency effort led to an arrest after a lengthy pursuit in eastern Nebraska Saturday.

At approximately 6:55 p.m. on Saturday, a trooper attempted a traffic stop on a Ford Fusion for failing to stop at a stop sign near Gretna. As the trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to yield and accelerated. The driver fled northbound on Highway 6 through Gretna. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The Omaha Police Department’s Able-1 was in the area and took over the pursuit from the air, while units on the ground discontinued. Able-1 pilots continued following the vehicle as it continued speeding northbound on Highway 6. The vehicle eventually turned westbound on West Q Road and then continued westbound on Highway 92 into Saunders County.

The pursuit continued for over an hour, traveling through Saunders County and eventually Lancaster County. The NSP AirWing took over for OPD’s Able-1 tracking the vehicle as it traveled southbound on Highway 79 towards Lincoln. Lancaster County deputies successfully deployed stop sticks to bring the vehicle to a stop on Highway 79 just north of Highway 34. The driver was taken into custody without further incident.

The driver, Juan Avant, 42-years-old, of Memphis, Tennessee, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was lodged in Sarpy County Jail.

Troopers were assisted by the Omaha Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and Saunders County Sheriff’s Office during this investigation.

One Arrested After Multi-County Aerial Pursuit in Eastern Nebraska

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.&nbsp;- The Midwest Theater is excited to announce Omaha, Nebraska based McGuigan Brothers and their nationally acclaimed production&nbsp;Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience. The Midwest Theater is excited to bring&nbsp;this&nbsp;one‑of‑a‑kind, audience‑driven Beatles celebration to Scottsbluff.

Beloved across the country for its emotional storytelling and audience-driven format,&nbsp;Yesterday and Today&nbsp;has a long history of selling out theaters nationwide. The McGuigan Brothers invite attendees to submit their favorite Beatles songs&nbsp; along with personal stories tied to them before the show begins. The band then builds the entire setlist live on stage, creating a performance that is unique, heartfelt, and never repeated.

“We’re thrilled to welcome&nbsp;the&nbsp;McGuigan Brothers&nbsp;to the Midwest Theater, and even more excited to introduce our community to this incredible show,” said Midwest Theater&nbsp;executive director, Krista Baird. “Beatles music transcends generations.&nbsp; Whether you grew up with their music or were introduced to it through your parents or grandparents, the music still resonates today.”

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience has garnered rave reviews and several accolades over the years. The show won an Omaha Entertainment &amp; Arts Award and is a two-time Las Vegas headliner. It also holds the record for the longest-running and highest-grossing show at the Howard Drew Theatre in Omaha, Nebraska. Additionally, the McGuigan Brothers and their band had the honor of performing at the historic Paramount Theatre on the iconic Paramount Lot in Hollywood. Most recently, Billy McGuigan was inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame.

With sold-out performances across the country and record-breaking box office success, Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience continues to captivate audiences, offering a celebration of music, memories and connection that transcends the typical tribute experience.

Midwest Theater Announces Yesterday and Today Show Set to Come to Scottsbluff

On Feb. 15, 2026, at approximately 12:48 a.m., Scottsbluff Police were dispatched to the 300 block of E 18th Street in reference to a stolen black 2016 Mazda CX-5.

While details were being gathered from the vehicle owner, a patrol officer located the vehicle in the parking lot of the YMCA in Scottsbluff.  The vehicle immediately fled upon sight of the patrol vehicle approaching its location.  A vehicle pursuit was initiated to stop the fleeing stolen vehicle.

The suspect proceeded to travel the residential area of E Overland and 5th Ave until the suspect exited the Mazda in the 200 block of E 14th Street and allowing the Mazda to proceed east until impacting a parked vehicle.  Both involved vehicles sustained an estimated $5,000 in damages each.

 Vehicle speeds of approximately 45 mph were reached on the various residential streets during the approximate 2-minute pursuit.  Scottsbluff resident Preston Torres-Islas, 18-years-old, was arrested for the charges of Possession of Stolen Property over $5,000, Flight to Avoid Arrest, Resisting Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, No Operators License and several traffic infractions.

Scotts Bluff Sheriff’s Department, Gering Police Department, RWMC Ambulance Services and Scottsbluff Fire Department assisted in the response.&nbsp;

Vehicle Pursuit in Scottsbluff

ALLIANCE, Neb. – The City of Alliance would like to invite the public to a City Manager Finalists Meet and Greet to be held at the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The Alliance City Council encourages the community to take this opportunity to meet the four candidates interested in serving as the next Alliance City Manager.

For any questions, please contact City Hall at (308) 762-5400.

City Manager Finalists Meet and Greet Scheduled in Alliance

Alliance City Council Special Meeting Agenda, Feb. 19

The road across Sherman Reservoir Dam will be closed temporarily starting Feb. 16 for repair work on the dam.

Recent favorable weather will allow contractors for Farwell Irrigation District to begin concrete repairs on the face of the dam ahead of the peak recreation season.

During the project, which is expected to last one to two weeks, Sherman Dam Road will be closed from 791st&nbsp;Road to 792nd&nbsp;Road. Those planning to access the Marina Bay boat ramp or Trade Winds Marina should take 790th&nbsp;Road east, then 480th&nbsp;Road north, then 792nd&nbsp;Road.

All park areas on the south side of Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area will be accessible during this closure.

The District appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during the project.

Road Over Sherman Dam to Close Temporarily

LEXINGTON &amp; OGALLALA, Neb.&nbsp;- Accompanied by state senators Teresa Ibach and Paul Strommen, Governor Jim Pillen made stops in central and western Nebraska on Thursday. The trip was two-fold: a visit to Lexington for an update in the aftermath of the closure of Tyson Foods and to award funding for road surfacing projects that will benefit Lake McConaughy.

The first stop for the group was in Lexington, where they were joined by Department of Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber and representatives from the Lexington School Board, Lexington City Council, Lexington Regional Health Center, Lexington Community Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce. During the meeting, Gov. Pillen told attendees that he continues to have conversations with Tyson leadership concerning the future of the beef processing facility. Community leaders shared information about some of the challenges and needs they have noted since Tyson ceased operations at its plant in January, affecting more than 3,000 workers. &nbsp;

Gov. Pillen and Commissioner Thurber reiterated state resources that continue to be available to those workers, especially unemployment and Medicaid benefits. The state has a dedicated hotline (308-407-1517) that is available with language support for anyone with questions about unemployment insurance, job placement, job search, training, and connections to services provided through the Department of Health and Human Services.

“This remains a full team effort to assist Lexington during this time,” said Gov. Pillen. “We want to make sure that communication is getting to the right people and that they have the tools they need to support their community. The feedback we receive is invaluable, as it helps us to seek out new avenues of help and potential partnerships or philanthropic sources that could play a role in this recovery.”

Meeting representatives shared their continued optimism about the ability of their community to move forward, despite the impact of the closure. In fact, they say many of the people they have talked to want to remain in Lexington. Representatives from Central Community College shared that they have been engaged in retraining displaced workers and there are plans to initiate additional programs in the future.

Later in the afternoon, Gov. Pillen and the team were joined by Game and Parks Director Tim McCoy at the edge of Lake McConaughy to sign a program statement that promises $16 million in appropriations to the agency for infrastructure development. The funding will permit surfacing projects to get underway on the south side of Lake McConaughy.

Currently, those roads are narrow and difficult to navigate by pickup trucks and vehicles hauling large boats and campers. Over time, traffic has continued to increase, as those roads provide access to an area of the lake where people can offload their boats, even when water levels are low.&nbsp; The funded upgrades will provide improved and much safer travel and access to boat ramps and campgrounds, including when planned yearlong construction on Kingsly Dam takes place.

“These funds represent an investment in a major tourist destination for our state. Keith County attracts visitors from across the state and beyond. This is an opportunity to spur tourism, economic growth and create convenience for those who enjoy boating, fishing and recreating at Big Mac,” said Gov. Pillen.

It’s expected the 10-mile paving project will be completed in December 2028.

Pillen, State Leaders Part of Lexington Leaders Meeting, Big Mac Announcement

ALLIANCE, Neb. - Anticipating rain Friday, the Daytona 500 was the race on many Americans’ minds. Students from several Alliance Public Schools elementary classrooms could almost taste the pepperoni and gooey cheese as they sought their own checkered flag in the Pizza Party Recycle Race.

Keep Alliance Beautiful Education Coordinator Emma Steffy organized the contest to promote recycling and environmental awareness. Offered to K-8 Box Butte County students, only classrooms at Emerson and Grandview elementary schools in Alliance accepted the challenge.

Whichever two classrooms collect the most plastic bottles and aluminum cans between February 9 and 20 win a pizza party on KAB. The competition has been lively, at Emerson in particular, netting more than two pickup loads the first week. For example, the bags I weighed from on trip this past Thursday totaled 54 pounds for Ms. Heinz, 48 pounds for Ms. Topil, 11 lbs for Ms. Ferguson and nine pounds for Ms. Coupons. Originally, Emma counted each bottle or can before the volumes took off.

“It’s easier to see the difference (for students) when you see it in physical form. (Then) they see how we need to change,” she said. “(I hope they are) learning how important recycling is and how they can help the environment.”

Through this contest and Emma’s BlackOps program with third graders the goal is to inform and promote lasting stewardship. The message received by students can also be a catalyst for families. Hillary Hunter, property manager at Heartland Flats, decided to help her son Cullen’s class at Emerson in their quest for pizza. She’s originally from Austin, Texas and grew up recycling. Her family members are “big nature enthusiasts” who go hiking and camping in the summer. “I tell them to leave it better than they found it.”

She placed recycling containers around the property with signs saying it was for her son’s contest. “They have been filling them up faster than I can get rid of it,” she said.

KAB has sponsored similar contests before with complaints that it is unfair when materials come from outside the household. I disagree. Anyone should be able to tap family and friends or a parent’s workplace. Chances are at least some of that haul would not have been recycled and the enthusiastic spirit may convert a non-recycler or two. So far the bulk generated at Emerson alone has been amazing.

Hillary said her son has been helping bag up the recycling. He made sure his mom knew how competitive his teacher is and that “she hates losing.” She said that Cullen has gotten a lot of high fives from the tenants who have asked if “we could do this year round.” She is interested. Keep Alliance Beautiful plans to coordinate with Heartland Flats to accept and pick up recyclables.

Although KAB currently serves both Highland Park facilities and Wildflower Terrace we have not partnered with any traditional apartment building management. The closest model was community totes for public housing in Hemingford – discontinued several years ago. Pizza can open the door for more people to recycle and highlights how Keep Alliance Beautiful serves the community. Good luck to all the students as they finish the race! If only the motivation were as simple on a national scale for a cleaner, greener America.

COLUMN: Pizza An Incentive To Sustain Recycling

Alliance City Council Meeting Agenda, Feb. 17

THEDFORD, Neb. — In a village of 195 people tucked into the Nebraska Sandhills, five United States Postal Service crates were carried into a kindergarten classroom.

Cards. Packages. Stickers. Candy. Postcards. School supplies. Souvenirs.

One student looked at the growing stack of mail and shouted, “Holy cheeseballs!!”

Kindergarten teacher Dawn McFadden laughed. She had hoped for 20 cards.

Instead, her first year in the classroom has turned into something she said she could have never predicted.

“I had been thinking about doing the project for several months,” McFadden said. A teacher in another Nebraska district tried something similar last year and described it as “wildly successful.” McFadden thought it would be something fun to attempt during her first year teaching.

She created a flyer, sent it home with students and posted it on her own social media page. The goal was simple: collect Valentine’s Day cards from all 50 states and show her kindergarteners that the world extends far beyond rural Nebraska.

“There weren’t any certain conversations,” she said. “I feel as an educator it’s important to broaden my student’s horizons of different culture, people, places and things. Our world is a very interesting place.”

If 20 cards arrived, she would have considered it a success.

Within two weeks, more than 300 had come in. Students colored in a United States map as each state was represented. Soon, the entire country was filled in — multiple times.

“There were 5 USPS crates full of cards and packages, all being carried into our classroom,” McFadden said. “It was crazy!”

Inside were handwritten notes from strangers encouraging students to study hard, listen to their teacher and remember they matter.

“People have been so caring,” she said. “I’m very touched by people taking time out of their lives to send a card to us.”

The class has now received cards from all 50 states — multiple times — and from 20 countries.

The reach, however, did not happen by accident.

Elle Worley, a digital creator with more than 20,000 followers on her account, Tails From the Prairie, at the time of posting, partnered with McFadden to amplify the classroom’s request online. Originally from Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Worley now lives in rural Nebraska and says she feels strongly about using her platform to highlight small communities.

“I’ve always said that if I ever had an audience online, I would use it to amplify topics and stories that matter to me,” Worley said. “Small towns are full of great people and their powerful stories but they don’t always have the reach. If I can be a bridge between places and help connect people, I will. It’s important to me to remind people that there are meaningful stories in rural America, too.”

She began sharing videos about the kindergarten class on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. On Instagram alone, videos related to the project have received more than 650,000 views. Across platforms, the total has climbed even higher.

For comparison, that is more than 3,300 times the population of Thedford.

Worley said she believed the class could reach all 50 states. She did not expect the international response or the wave of generosity that followed.

“I did not expect people to start sending packages from around the world or to buy out Dawn’s Amazon teacher wishlist…multiple times,” she said. “That part exceeded my expectations.”

One video featuring her rescue dog, Juni, helped push the project even further. Juni previously went viral after Worley shared her rescue story online, creating a loyal audience.

“I had so many comments saying they were sending cards ‘because of the dog,’” Worley said. “I think she might have been the real influencer in this situation.”

Comments flooded in asking where to send cards. Other teachers said their classrooms wanted to participate. People from across the country — and around the world — mailed cards and packages to a kindergarten classroom in the Sandhills.

“We’ve heard from people across the country and around the world who said they loved being part of something positive,” Worley said. “I think people felt like this was something real and safe that they could get involved with and make a difference.”

For students in Thedford, the experience quickly became a living geography lesson. They located countries on a globe as international mail arrived. They talked about distance, animals and different cultures. Other grades stopped to admire the growing display.

“Last week I overheard a couple 5th grade boys break out in the ‘state song’ in the hallway when they went by our map,” McFadden said.

The class shared treats and goodies with the entire school, which serves just 65 students preschool through sixth grade.

The district hosted a card reception, inviting parents and community members to view the display of cards and packages. In a town of 195, it became a point of pride.

“The parents, community and everyone are really excited,” McFadden said.

Worley believes the project resonated because it offered something tangible during a time when much of the world feels overwhelming.

“The world feels really heavy right now,” she said. “There’s so much difficult news, and it can feel like the problems are so vast that there’s nothing you can actually do. This project gave people something tangible. They could write a card, send a letter, mail a package, and know they were making a difference for children.”

Perhaps most surprising, she said, is how many adults reached out saying the project encouraged them too.

“I went into this hoping it would help the children,” Worley said. “I didn’t expect it to have a double impact.”

For McFadden, the experience has been unforgettable.

“It’s been unbelievable to see the response of so many people willing to send a small, rural class a Valentine,” she said. “It has turned into something I could’ve never predicted.”

Despite the overwhelming success, she does not plan to continue the project beyond Valentine’s Day.

“Although it has been a remarkable project, I need to focus on getting our classroom back to normal,” she said. “I think this was a luck of the draw with social media. I’m not certain the pattern is repeatable.”

When asked what she hopes her students remember years from now, her answer was simple.

From a village of 195 to more than 650,000 Instagram views and 20 countries around the globe, a partnership between a first-year teacher and a digital creator proved that even the smallest classroom can reach the world.

From a Village of 195 to 20 Countries: How a Thedford Kindergarten Class Sent Kindness Around the World

By Northwest Community Action Partnership

Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) is reminding residents across Box Butte, Cherry, Dawes, Sheridan, and Sioux counties that help is available for individuals and families facing housing instability, utility shutoffs, food insecurity, and other urgent needs.

Through NCAP’s Community Services Program, qualifying residents may receive assistance with rent payments for those actively facing eviction, rental deposits for individuals experiencing active homelessness, and rapid rehousing support for households at immediate risk of losing their nighttime residence. The program also offers case management services with a focus on preventing and addressing homelessness.

Additional support may include utility assistance for households with an active disconnect notice, a diaper bank, food pantry access, and referrals to other local resources. Eligibility requirements vary by service and are based on income guidelines, documentation, and current need.

Residents are encouraged to call ahead to schedule an appointment at their local NCAP office:

• Dawes &amp; Sioux Counties: (308) 747-2180

More information about available services and eligibility requirements can be found at www.ncap.info. NCAP remains committed to strengthening communities by connecting individuals and families with resources that promote stability, dignity, and long-term well-being.

NCAP is here for you

Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department to Host Blood Drive Feb. 11

Jessi Laine to perform in Sidney 

Gabriel The Brute to play in Scottsbluff

Mark your calendars for&nbsp;March 28 and 29, 2026. The Chadron State College Hoop Shoot isn't just a tournament; it’s a major economic opportunity for our community. We anticipate an&nbsp;influx of hundreds of visitors, families, and fans&nbsp;from across the region, filling our hotels, restaurants, shops, and streets.

This is our moment to shine, provide exceptional hospitality, and grow our businesses. The NNDC, in partnership with Chadron State College, and the Chadron Chamber of Commerce encourages you to prepare now to maximize this opportunity.﻿﻿

Here’s How Your Business Can Win:

Together, we can ensure every visitor leaves impressed, planning their next trip back to Chadron.

Chadron State Hoop Shoot March 28 and 29

Details for March Fundraising Event for Pryor Family in Alliance

The first Alliance Arts Council event of 2026 will be a performance by Wendy Bantam from Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday, Jan. 30. Bantam will also be working as an artist in residence at the elementary schools the week of January 26-30.

A Nebraska native, Wendy Jane Bantam brings a pioneering sound to Americana Roots Music. With influences from old time country masters, and today’s Indie/world folk sound, Bantam’s ballads and melodies captivate people of all ages. A prolific songwriter and troubadour, Ms. Bantam spent her early childhood on a farm between Hay Springs and Chadron.

She studied performance at The University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS and received her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. She’s appeared live on England’s BBC Radio and signed on with recording label, Tremulant Records; recently performing her original songs with the Missouri Symphony. Her album, Virga, was recorded with Merle Haggard’s longtime guitarist and Grammy winner, Redd Volkaert. She is currently with recording label state 51 in the United Kingdom.

Bantam will also include the 4th grade residency students as part of her program to allow them to share what they have worked on during the week. Business co-presenters for the school residency and the public performance are FNIC, FNBO, KCOW/Double Q Country Radio, Harris Sales and Western Nebraska Real Estate.

The programs are presented with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

Tickets for Friday night show are $15 Adult, $10 Senior, $5 Student (preschool admitted free). Tickets are available at Carnegie Arts Center, Chamber of Commerce and at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Alliance Arts Council to Host Artist/Musician Wendy Bantam

Alliance City Council Meeting Agenda, Jan. 20

The Brothers Duo to play in Scottsbluff

'Today' show host posts new video 2 weeks after mother's abduction

The Department of War reported U.S. military forces boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean. According to the social media post, "We defend the Homeland forward. Distance does not protect you."

"Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Veronica III without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility."

"The vessel tried to defy President Trump’s quarantine —hoping to slip away. We tracked it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and shut it down. No other nation has the reach, endurance, or will to do this."

"International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice. The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of movement in the maritime domain."

🎥US military boards another oil tanker in Indian Ocean

Positive receipts come two weeks ahead of final economic forecast before Legislature finalizes state budget changes

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

LINCOLN — As lawmakers work to close a projected $471 million budget deficit, they got a bit of relief Friday in Nebraska’s latest tax revenues, which came in above expectations.

The state’s January tax receipts show a net growth of 6.5% over what Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted in October, according to the state Department of Revenue.

That equates to just under $37 million in extra revenue flowing into the state’s coffers. Overall, fiscal year-to-date net receipts are nearly on track with expectations, just 0.2% below projections — a $9.6 million difference.

The biggest contributor to January’s positive receipts came from sales and use tax revenues, which came in 26.6% above projections for a $69.7 million gain.

This was welcome news to State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, who said sales taxes are a good indicator of how the state’s economy is doing.

Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said January is historically a good month for sales and use taxes because it reflects holiday spending. Even so, she said sales and use tax revenues exceeded expectations for the month.

Individual income taxes came in 8% below forecasts, for a $17.7 million loss. Clements said he believes that was due to the continued impact of the state’s phased-in decreases to individual income tax rates, which are set to wrap up in 2027, when the rate will hit 3.99%.

Corporate income taxes also came in below projections by 30.5%, but because it typically is a smaller tax category, the drop equated to a $16.8 million loss. Patent said this was likely due to quarterly estimated payments for businesses coming in below projections for January.

The latest tax receipts are one of the final economic indicators feeding the forecasting board before its members update projections at their next meeting Feb. 27. The meeting will be critical in determining the size of the projected budget deficit lawmakers have to fill before the end of March.

Patent has said the Legislative Fiscal Office incorporates other economic factors into its reports to the forecasting board, including significant changes to Nebraska’s Gross Domestic Product. This could also be beneficial to the budget, as both the second and third quarters of 2025 saw&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/01/23/feds-say-nebraska-gdp-grew-5-in-q3-of-2025-as-state-revenues-dont-track/">Nebraska’s GDP grow by roughly 5%</a>.

January’s tax receipts put Clements “a bit more at ease” as the Appropriations Committee is in the middle of considering a list of proposed budget cuts to fill the deficit. He said he’d been concerned that additional cuts might be needed if the forecasting board’s projections increased the deficit further, but given the latest receipts he expects the next forecast to remain relatively flat.

“I don’t know where it will be, but it is encouraging,” Clements said.

Nebraska’s January tax revenues $37 million above projections as lawmakers work on budget deficit

&nbsp;DAMASCUS —U.S. forces conducted 10 strikes against more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria, Feb. 3 – 12, to sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S&gt; Central Command.

U.S. forces struck ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage targets with precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.

U.S. forces previously conducted five strikes against an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2.

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

More than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured and over 100 ISIS infrastructure targets have been struck with hundreds of precision munitions during two months of targeted operations.

U.S. forces continue strikes on ISIS targets in Syria

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a> <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The second partial government shutdown in 2026 began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, after lawmakers left the nation’s capital without reaching a deal on changes to immigration enforcement tactics at the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;

The department’s shutdown is also likely to go on for some time. With Congress out next week for the Presidents Day recess, lawmakers are not expected back on Capitol Hill for votes until Feb. 23.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judge-weighs-trump-administration-limits-congressional-visits-immigration-facilities" target="_blank">A procedural vote</a>&nbsp;to approve funding for the Homeland Security bill for fiscal year 2026 failed Thursday to gain support from Senate Democrats because constraints to immigration enforcement were not included, such as an end to agents wearing face coverings.&nbsp;

Even with the president’s border czar Tom Homan&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/12/border-czar-tom-homan-announces-end-to-operation-metro-surge-claiming-success/" target="_blank">announcing Thursday</a>&nbsp; the withdrawal of the thousands of federal immigration officers from Minneapolis, Democrats argued it’s not enough.&nbsp;

“Without legislation, what Tom Homan says today could be reversed tomorrow on a whim from (President) Donald Trump,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor Thursday.

Asked by the press pool Friday about cutting a deal on the shutdown, &nbsp;Trump said,&nbsp;“We’ll see what happens. We always have to protect our law enforcement.”

After the Senate vote failed 52-47, members of Congress emptied out of Washington for the recess. Some were off to Munich, Germany for a major security conference.&nbsp;

While the agency Trump tasked with carrying out his mass deportation campaign of immigrants will shut down, enforcement will continue because Congress allocated a separate stream of money, about $75 billion for U.S. Immigration and Enforcement Services.&nbsp;

During last fall’s government shutdown, which lasted a record-breaking 43 days, immigration enforcement continued.

The other agencies within DHS that will be shut down but continue to operate because they include essential workers include the&nbsp;Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secret Service, the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration, and&nbsp;Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency,&nbsp;among others.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-looms-fema-coast-guard-tsa-stalemate-over-homeland-security-funds" target="_blank">In general</a>, any employees who focus on national security issues or the protection of life and property would continue to work through a shutdown, while federal workers who don’t are supposed to be furloughed.&nbsp;

Neither category of employees will receive their paychecks during the funding lapse, though federal law requires they receive back pay once Congress approves some sort of spending bill.&nbsp;

Democratic mayors call for GOP to accept proposals

Democrats have pushed for policy changes after federal immigration officers killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, where a deportation drive is set to wind down after the city faced more than two months of aggressive immigration enforcment.&nbsp;

Renee Good was shot and killed by an immigration officer on Jan. 7, which prompted a bipartisan agreement to enact some guardrails, such as $20 million in funding for immigration agents to wear body cameras.&nbsp;

But a second killing by federal immigration officers, that of Alex Pretti on Jan. 24, prompted the Senate to decouple the Homeland Security measure from a package of spending bills, as Democrats floated proposals meant to rein in enforcement tactics, and prompted a four-day partial shutdown. A two-week funding patch was set for negotiations and it expires at midnight Friday.

Democratic mayors hailing from the major cities of Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Orleans and Portland, Oregon, Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.portland.gov/mayor/keith-wilson/news/2026/2/13/mayors-issue-joint-statement-regarding-department-homeland" target="_blank">issued a letter</a>&nbsp;that called on the top Republicans in Congress, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota and House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, to accept the proposals before DHS entered a shutdown.&nbsp;

“When federal agents operate in our streets without identification, without warrants, and without accountability, that trust is shattered,” they wrote. “All of us agree that for so long as the agency exists, new funding for the Department of Homeland Security must be conditioned on the comprehensive 10-point framework released last week.”

Those policy suggestions include requiring immigration officers to not wear masks and identify themselves, which has drawn strong opposition from Republicans and the leaders of ICE and Customs and Border Protection who argue the face coverings prevent their agents from being doxxed.&nbsp;

Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., sent the proposals over to the White House, but said the Trump administration’s response was “incomplete and insufficient in terms of addressing the concerns Americans have about ICE’s lawless conduct.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/2025_0930_dhs_procedures_related_to_a_lapse_in_appropriations.pdf" target="_blank">According to the contingency plan</a>&nbsp;for DHS, the agency expects about 20,000 employees out of 271,000 to be furloughed in the event of a government shutdown.

Department of Homeland Security enters shutdown, amid dispute over funding

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

 Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed

The attack raises the death toll from the U.S. strikes on drug boats to 133 people in at least 38 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

🎥3 killed in another U.S. strike on a drug boat in the Caribbean

CARIBBEAN SEA --The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) announced on Thursday, the death of a Marine who was lost at sea, while conducting operations in the Caribbean, according to a media release.

Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, 21, of Florida, was declared deceased on Feb. 10, 2026. He was reported falling overboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) on the evening of Feb. 7 and was the subject of an extensive, around‑the‑clock 72‑hour search and rescue operation.

"We are all grieving alongside the Oforah family," said Col. Tom Trimble, commanding officer, 22nd MEU (SOC). "The loss of Lance Cpl. Oforah is deeply felt across the entire Navy-Marine Corps team. He will be profoundly missed, and his dedicated service will not be forgotten."

The declaration followed the conclusion of the 72‑hour search and rescue operation on Feb. 10. The multi‑branch effort covered a wide search area and involved a range of assets, including five U.S. Navy ships, a rigid‑hull inflatable boat, and ten aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force—all supported by National Technical Means.

The nonstop search and rescue operation included hundreds of flight hours, extensive aviation support, and search efforts from USS Iwo Jima’s 7‑meter small‑boat and surface rescue swimmer teams. Aircraft involved in the search included six helicopters (two U.S. Navy MH‑60 Sierras, two MH‑60 Romeos, one U.S. Marine Corps AH‑1Z Viper, and one UH‑1Y Venom); one U.S. Navy P‑8 Poseidon; two U.S. Air Force HC‑130J Combat King IIs; and one U.S. Air Force MQ‑9 Reaper.Lance Cpl. Oforah was an infantry rifleman. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in Oct. 2023 and graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, in Feb. 2024. He completed the School of Infantry at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. At the time of his death, he was deployed with Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd MEU (SOC), aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.&nbsp;

Marine becomes first American to die in drug boat targeting operation

Four crew members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission launched at 5:15 a.m. EST Friday from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for a science expedition aboard the International Space Station.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled a Dragon spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronauts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/jessica-u-meir/">Jessica Meir</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/nasa-astronaut-jack-hathaway/">Jack Hathaway</a>, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. The spacecraft will dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.

“With Crew-12 safely on orbit, America and our international partners once again demonstrated the professionalism, preparation, and teamwork required for human spaceflight,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “The research this crew will conduct aboard the space station advances critical technologies for deep space exploration while delivering real benefits here on Earth. I’m grateful to the NASA and SpaceX teams whose discipline, rigor, and resilience made today’s launch possible. We undertake these missions with a clear understanding of risk, managing it responsibly so we can continue expanding human presence in low Earth orbit while preparing for our next great leap to the Moon and onward to Mars.”

During Dragon’s flight, SpaceX will monitor a series of automatic spacecraft maneuvers from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California. NASA will monitor space station operations throughout the flight from the Mission Control Center at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA’s live coverage resumes at 1:15 p.m. Saturday on&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/nasas-spacex-crew-12-arrival-welcome-remarks/">NASA+</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/livetv/ref=atv_hm_liv_LRad2e3b_slct?serviceToken=v0_Cl0KJGUwMTYwNTQwLWU2NjMtNGE1OC05MDczLTZiMmRmYjI5NWMyNRDwyY266jIaLExpNitvL2dzaDBoR0NjVGdhVGdLTHptYkF6dHpuZ29zb2VJMDZ6YWhmZEk9IAESBmZpbHRlchgBIgRob21lKgRsaXZlWj8KDGxpbmVhckZpbHRlchIvCi1hbXpuMS1wdi1saW5lYXItbGl2ZV90YWItZmlsdGVyLWxlYXJuX2V4cGxvcmV6AIIBBjAAUABwAA%3D%3D">Amazon Prime</a>, and the agency’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/nasa">YouTube</a>&nbsp;channel with rendezvous, docking, and hatch opening. After docking, the crew will change out of their spacesuits and prepare cargo for offload before opening the hatch between Dragon and the space station’s Harmony module around 5 p.m. NASA also will provide coverage of the welcome ceremony aboard the space station shortly following hatch opening.

Learn how to watch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/general/watch-nasa-programming/">NASA content</a>&nbsp;through a variety of platforms, including social media.

Meir, Hathaway, Adenot, and Fedyaev will join the Expedition 74 crew, including NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev already aboard the orbiting laboratory, returning the space station to its standard seven crew members complement following the Jan. 14&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-spacex-crew-11-mission-returns-splashes-down-off-california/">departure</a>&nbsp;of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission.

During its mission, Crew-12 will conduct scientific research to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/nasas-spacex-crew-12-to-study-adaptation-to-altered-gravity/">prepare for human exploration</a>&nbsp;beyond low Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth. Participating crew members will study&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=9160">pneumonia-causing bacteria</a>&nbsp;to improve cardiovascular treatments, on-demand&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8593">intravenous fluid generation</a>&nbsp;for future space missions, and research on how physical characteristics may&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=9473">affect blood flow</a>&nbsp;during spaceflight. Other experiments include automated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=9518">plant health monitoring</a>&nbsp;and investigations of plant and nitrogen-fixing microbe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8301">interactions</a>&nbsp;to enhance food production in space.

Crew-12 is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which provides reliable access to space, maximizing the use of the station for research and development, and supporting future missions beyond low Earth orbit by partnering with private companies to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

🎥New astronauts launch to Space Station after medical evacuation

The FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance, according to media release from the agency's office in Phoenix.

New identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie have been confirmed after a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage by the FBI’s Operational Technology Division.

The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’9” - 5’10” tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack.

We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving. Since February 1, 2026, the FBI has collected over 13,000 tips from the public related to this case.

Every tip is reviewed for credibility, relevance, and information that can be acted upon by law enforcement. Threat Intake Examiners at the National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) and FBI personnel are supporting a 24-hour command post in which dozens of agents and investigators are assigned leads and tips to action each shift.

FBI releases description of Guthrie kidnapping suspect; reward increased

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