Alliance, NE – Join the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center for fascinating history about the Western Nebraska Sandhills and how our “Great American Desert” came to life! The unique natural history of the Western Nebraska Sandhills as well as some short studies of a few intriguing inhabitants will be presented.

This is a series of 3 programs, taking place on February 26th, March 26th, and April 23rd, all at 5:30 PM. The presentations will be presented by Geoff and Cheri Hopkins.

For more information, please contact the Knight Museum &amp; Sandhills Center at (308) 762-2384.

Knight Museum & Sandhills Center Great American Desert Presentation

NEBRASKA PANHANDLE — Panhandle Frontier Finds is a regional event that will highlight western Nebraska’s businesses and people. Panhandle Frontier Finds (PFF) will debut June 5–7, 2026, bringing together communities, vendors, and travelers for a three-day, multi-county celebration of the region.

Communities across 11 counties are working together to bring visitors and residents out for community-wide garage sales, barn sales, antique shopping, crafters and more. But time slips away quickly, so grab your listing in the official Panhandle Frontier Finds Trail Guide and advertise your sale or business to those hunting for bargains and vintage treasures.

Interested vendors can secure a listing in the sales booklet for $25-45 based on the type of listing. Panhandle businesses and organizations can advertise in the guide to drive business to their locations for $50-200 for display advertising, which must be camera ready and in black and white. There are also sponsorship and merchandising opportunities available for those interested in partnering with the event.

All vendor listings and ad space must be reserved by March 1 to be included in the printed Trail Guide. A limited quantity of Trail Guides will be made available throughout the Panhandle for free, or can be mailed for $5 shipping and handling.

Digital versions for viewing or download will be available at https://panhandlefrontierfinds.com/.

Additional information can be requested by emailing info@panhandlefrontierfinds.com.

Panhandle Frontier Finds Trail Guide deadline coming soon

Lincoln, Neb.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have handled dozens of weather-related incidents as a winter storm has affected most of the state. One of the crashes resulted in two fatalities.

At approximately 1:35 p.m. yesterday, a two-vehicle crash occurred on Highway 83, south of North Platte. The crash involved a Ford sedan and a Dodge pickup. Preliminary investigation indicates that the Ford sedan lost control in winter conditions, crossed the center line, and struck the Dodge pickup. Two passengers in the Ford were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Great Plains Health in North Platte. The driver of the Dodge suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

Multiple crashes have caused various closures of Interstate 80 in different parts of the state throughout the yesterday. Troopers and dispatchers remain busy as the snow continues to fall in many parts of the state. As of 8:00 p.m., troopers have responded to 114 motorist assists and 45 crashes today.

Travelers should check Nebraska 511 to get the latest information on closures and road conditions. Any stranded motorists can reach the NSP Highway Helpline by calling *55.

Troopers Respond to More Than 150 Weather-Related Incidents

Prescribed burns will begin this spring on some Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas, state parks and state recreation areas where weather allows.

Burning allows habitat managers to positively affect more acres. Those burns not completed this spring will be attempted this summer, fall or winter as weather allows.

Burned acres often become more attractive to wildlife species, and for some species, the effect is immediate. The long-term effects on wildlife habitat are much better if prescribed burning is used as a management tool than if habitat is not burned.

Historically, wildlife habitats were shaped by wildfires that occurred throughout the year. Burns help set back undesirable plants that invade native woodlands and prairies, as well as other grass and wooded areas. Eastern red cedar trees, honey locust, buckbrush, sumac, dogwood and other undesirable deciduous trees and shrubs can be managed with the help of burns.

Prescribed burns set for WMAs, state park areas

Kman's Concert Calendar, weekend starting Feb. 19 

Chadron, Ne – The Chadron Public Library supports the Art Show “Intersection of Numbers/Arts”. Coinciding with the re-opening of the CPL Seed Bank, “Intersection of Numbers/Art” offers the opportunity to celebrate art, science and nature. The CPL support the show providing three prizes of $ 100 each for artists in the categories: Adults, Teen, and Pre- teens. Preference will be given to art work that links art, math and nature.

The cash prizes are part of the “Establishment of a Seed Bank at the Chadron Public Library”

This grant is part of the Chadron’s Open Frontier Creative District Grant, financed by the Nebraska Arts Council.

The Art Show “Intersection of Numbers and Arts” is a collaboration with Chadron Public Library, Chadron Public Schools, CSC, Chadron Open Art and Chadron Arts Center.

Chadron Public Library Supports “Intersection of Numbers /Arts”

Due to the current winter storm and a winter weather advisory in effect until 2 p.m. today (Thursday), the Chadron State College campus will be closed all day Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. This campus closure replaces the previously announced late start. CSC will re-open Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at 5 a.m.

The residence halls and dining services will remain open.

CSC administrators are actively monitoring weather conditions. If further updates are necessary, they will be communicated.

Chadron State campus closed

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance would like to inform the public that the Bulk Water Filler station located at 1313 W 1st Street has been out of service, but is now back in service for customer use.

For any questions, please contact Public Works at (308) 762-1907.

City of Alliance Bulk Water Filler Repaired

CHADRON – Chadron State College student Gracie Ackles of Farwell, Nebraska, received the $1,000 Tina Lorentzen Carlson Memorial Scholarship recently from the Nebraska Chapter of the Soil &amp; Water Conservation Society, the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Foundation, and the Nebraska Chapter SWCS-UNL Foundation

Ackles, a sophomore majoring in Rangeland Management and Agricultural Education, said she is grateful to receive the scholarship because it will help her accomplish her educational goals.

“My career goals involve teaching high school ag classes. I want to teach others more about agriculture and the importance of our natural resources, especially soils and water,” Ackles said.

Ackles, who is involved in the Range Club and Newman House, said she chose CSC because of its affordability, scenic surroundings, and the strong reputation of the range program.

Chadron resident Robin Foulk, a director on the Nebraska SWCS Chapter board, said this is the second scholarship Ackles has received from the organization.

“Her application was strong due to outlining specific career goals and how she plans to accomplish them, demonstrating an early interest in natural resource conservation through her shadowing and volunteering experiences and her desire to teach younger generations sustainability and natural resource management,” Foulk said.

Ackles receives conservation scholarship in Chadron 

CHADRON – Visit Nebraska today announced 69 grant awards totaling $828,131 in funding in the combined application cycle of the Community Impact and Visit Nebraska Marketing Grant programs. Visit Nebraska received a total of 84 applications this grant cycle requesting just over $2 million in funding.

“Through this year’s grant cycle, we are strategically reinvesting tourism dollars into communities across Nebraska, balancing statewide promotion with targeted local support to maximize economic impact," said Jenn Gjerde, Nebraska Tourism executive director.

More than $21,000 in grant funds was awarded for projects in Northwest Nebraska.

Dawes County received $7,500 for Discover Northwest Nebraska marketing. Fort Robinson Centennial Inc., which is responsible for the Western &amp; Wildlife Art Show, was awarded $4,210 for promotion of that event, and Crawford Serving Humanities received $2,500 to promote September’s Vietnam Wall &amp; Cost of Freedom Tribute.

The new Panhandle Frontier Finds received $4,000 in marketing funding to promote the first-ever event taking place in June, modeled after central Nebraska’s famous Junk Jaunt. Finally, the Friends of the State Museum received $3,000 toward promoting a Paleo Passport program, which will include Trailside Museum of Natural History at Fort Robinson.

“Congratulations to all of the awardees,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp. “The Visit Nebraska grants can help small local and regional organizations successfully market their attraction or event to potential visitors, and it’s great to see so many from our region find success with their applications this year.”

Northwest Nebraska organizations awarded state grants

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This message is to inform you of an upcoming change to our obituary policy in the Panhandle Post. Beginning July 1st, 2024, there will be a $50 fee associated with publishing obituaries on PanhandlePost.com.&nbsp;

We understand that obituaries are an important way to honor the memory of loved ones and share their life stories with the community. We remain committed to providing this service, and the fees collected will help us continue to offer high-quality obituaries while maintaining the overall sustainability of the Panhandle Post.&nbsp;

We would like for you to include Panhandle Post as an offering for families to place an obituary.&nbsp;

To submit an obituary for publication after July 1st, please send it electronically to tammy.griffee@eagleradio.net.&nbsp;

For more information about the new obituary fees and submission guidelines, please visit our website at PanhandlePost.com/category/obituaries or contact our Tammy Griffee at 308-762-1400 or <a href="mailto:tammy.griffee@eagleradio.net" target="_blank">tammy.griffee@eagleradio.net</a>.&nbsp;

Obituaries posted will be billed directly to the funeral home for the postings for that current month. Invoices will be received in the mail at the end of each month or early the following month.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We appreciate your understanding and continued support of the Panhandle Post.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries and service times

Country Music Jamboree to be held in Chadron 

Spencer Gonzalez to play in Kimball 

Stars of Tomorrow to be held in Chadron 

The Early Childhood Planning Region Team Meeting for the ESU 12 service area will be held on&nbsp;WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18TH,&nbsp;FROM 9:00 AM TO 11:00 AM. THE MEETING WILL BE AT WNCC ALLIANCE PANHANDLE ROOM.&nbsp;

The Planning Region Team meets throughout the year for local school providers, DHHS, Head Start and Early Head Start, families and others to&nbsp;assist&nbsp;in collaborative planning and problem solving to serve young children with disabilities and their families.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you are concerned about a child’s development or ongoing health condition, contact WCHR for more information about referrals, evaluations, and&nbsp;possible services&nbsp;available at no cost to your family by calling 800-717-1231 and asking for the Early Development Network.&nbsp;

Early Childhood Planning Region Team meeting to be held in Chadron 

Shon Townsend Band to perform in Alliance 

Tanner Johns to play in Chadron 

Alliance City Council Special Meeting Agenda, Feb. 19

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

On Friday at the direction of U.S. Southern Command&nbsp; Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to an online report from the U.S. Southern Command.

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

🎥 3 more killed after new U.S. strike on a drug boat

The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.

🎥President Trump reacts to Supreme Court decision on tariffs

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.

"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."

The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a>

National Retail Federation responds to Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a president cannot use a federal emergency powers law to impose sweeping tariffs on imported goods unless Congress clearly authorizes it. The decision centers on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, known as IEEPA, a 1977 law that allows a president to regulate certain financial and trade transactions during a declared national emergency.

In a 6-3 decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, the court said IEEPA does not give the president the power to create tariffs. The administration had argued that the law allows the president to “regulate” imports during an emergency and that tariffs fall under that authority. The Supreme Court disagreed, saying the Constitution gives Congress — not the president — the power to lay and collect taxes, duties and tariffs. While IEEPA allows actions such as blocking transactions and restricting certain trade, the court said it does not specifically authorize imposing tariffs. The justices noted that when Congress intends to grant tariff authority, it does so clearly in other trade laws. That language is not present in IEEPA.

The ruling means the tariffs imposed under that emergency authority cannot stand unless Congress passes new legislation specifically allowing them.

The financial impact of the decision could be significant. According to U.S. Treasury Department data, customs duties brought in roughly $195 billion in fiscal year 2025, a record high. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported collecting more than $200 billion in tariff revenue between January and mid-December 2025. Treasury daily statements show total tariff collections for calendar year 2025 reached approximately $287 billion.

Customs duties accounted for about 3.7 percent of total federal revenue in fiscal year 2025. While tariffs represent a relatively small share of overall federal income compared with income taxes and payroll taxes, the dollar amounts are substantial.

Because the Supreme Court found that the emergency law did not authorize those tariffs, revenue collected under that authority could now face legal challenges. Estimates based on federal customs and census data indicate more than $175 billion collected under the emergency tariff program may be subject to refund claims if lower courts order repayments. Any refunds would be handled through the U.S. Court of International Trade.

The broader takeaway from the court’s decision is about separation of powers. Congress writes the laws and controls taxing authority. The president enforces the laws. The Supreme Court said expanding emergency powers to include tariffs without clear direction from Congress goes beyond what the statute allows.

Three justices dissented, arguing that the authority to regulate imports during an emergency could reasonably include tariffs. But the majority said tariffs are a major economic action and require clear authorization from Congress.

In practical terms, the ruling limits how a president may use emergency powers in trade policy. If tariffs are going to be used under emergency conditions in the future, Congress would have to expressly approve that authority.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the full ruling</a>

What Does It Mean: Supreme Court Rules President Cannot Use Emergency Powers to Impose Tariffs

U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled the Trump Administration can not impose tariffs&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a>&nbsp;before court on Nov. 5, 2025

Read the ruling: Supreme Court strikes down Trump's global tariffs

By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner

LINCOLN — The Nebraska auditor has challenged public spending and reimbursement practices by the head of the state’s largest agency, including questioning some meal and alcohol charges while on state trips.

Auditor Mike Foley laid out his concerns in a&nbsp;<a href="https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2026/SA25-02192026-February_19_2026_DHHS_Expense_Reimbursement_Letter.pdf" target="_blank">nine-page letter&nbsp;</a>Thursday to Steve Corsi, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, which represents more than a third of the state’s general fund spending.

The probe began with complaints to the Auditor’s Office about the use of DHHS purchasing cards and expense reimbursements. It led to red flags raised regarding the use of state-issued purchasing cards and other matters related to Corsi.

Foley declined to elaborate beyond the publicly available report, saying that he views Corsi as a man of “high integrity” and sees the situation as a regrettable learning experience for the CEO and his staff.

Among key findings alleged by the auditor’s team:

Corsi was provided a draft of the findings prior to the Thursday letter. A DHHS response included in the letter said the agency has received reimbursement for the overlaps and for the alcohol purchase.&nbsp;

DHHS said it would continue to work through items identified as possible taxable income to determine the correct amount to be included in Corsi’s taxes.&nbsp;

“The agency acknowledges the importance of including accurate supporting documentation and timely submission for reimbursement and will ensure that employees follow this standard,” it said.

The auditor’s letter included several receipts and a listing of “disallowed” purchases.&nbsp;

One referenced an April 7-9 trip to Washington D.C. last year. The team noted that although Corsi received a daily travel-related reimbursement from the state, he also charged meals on the state purchasing card, one for the $274 group dinner.

“Dr. Corsi not only used his assigned state P-Card to make meal purchases while in travel status but also received per diem allowances for those same meals. As a result, the (auditor) questions the propriety of these meal charges,” the auditor’s letter said.

The audit team said that according to the state’s purchasing card program manual, allowable buys do not include “meals while traveling on state business” because those costs must be “reimbursed through an expense reimbursement document.” That request form, the team said, is used to ensure that employees are reimbursed in sync with the per diem rate.

The $274 dinner purchase made on Corsi’s card included two alcoholic drinks, a “coconut old fashioned” and an “atlas ponzi.” The auditor’s report noted that DHHS had asked Corsi to reimburse the cost of one drink but not the other.&nbsp;

“Despite the lack of any express prohibition against purchasing alcohol with state funds, it should be self-evident that such purchases are improper,” the auditor report said.

DHHS spokesperson Jeff Powell on Thursday shed further light, saying that Corsi does not consume alcohol and was not aware at the time that alcoholic beverages had been included in the total bill.

“As soon as this was brought to his attention, he promptly reimbursed the full amount associated with those charges,” Powell said.

Powell said that while Corsi was on official business in Washington, D.C., and “promoting important policies on behalf of the state,” he attended a working dinner where meals were purchased using his state P-Card.&nbsp;

“Regarding the questioned overlap in per diem allowances, that was an administrative oversight.” Powell said. “Once identified, Dr. Corsi immediately reimbursed those funds as well.”

Powell said Corsi acted quickly to correct “inadvertent errors.”

Foley’s team also cited a section of the state’s accounting manual, which says meal reimbursements during one-day business trips should be considered taxable income for the employee if the amount surpasses $200 in any calendar year.

Based upon Corsi’s buys at places such as Jimmy Johns, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Bison Witches Bar, the auditor team wrote, he was “well above” the taxable amount in 2024 and 2025.&nbsp;

“Therefore, a payroll override should have been processed during that applicable calendar year, which would have added the reimbursements to the employee’s gross wages and withheld the correct amount of payroll taxes,” it said.

Foley, in his limited remarks, said he is confident that problems noted in the report “will not be a recurring issue” for Corsi.

The auditor hinted that issues at hand were more likely to have been mishandled at the staff level than by the administrator.

“These matters are regrettable accounting lapses not questions of impropriety,” Foley said.

Nebraska Auditor Reports Problems with DHHS CEO’s Public Spending and Reimbursements

Trump orders Pentagon to release files related to UFOs and aliens

Nebraska drivers now have a new way to support wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation and youth education simply by choosing a specialty license plate for their vehicle.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers several conservation-themed license plates through the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles that benefit important programs across the state. These license plates provide a visible way for residents to show pride in Nebraska’s natural resources while giving back to efforts that protect and improve them. 

Three designs — featuring a bighorn sheep, sandhill crane and ornate box turtle — benefit the Wildlife Conservation Fund, which supports the conservation of at-risk, threatened and endangered species in Nebraska. Funds contributed to the Wildlife Conservation Fund are matched with other grants, meaning each dollar donated can turn into four dollars of support for wildlife projects statewide. 

In addition to the wildlife plates, motorists can choose a trail-themed “Bike/Walk Nebraska” plate to benefit state park trail maintenance. Proceeds from these plates help maintain and improve the extensive trail systems enjoyed by hikers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts across Nebraska. 

Specialty “mountain lion conservation” plates — introduced in 2016 — continue to support wildlife education programs focused on conservation practices and outdoor stewardship for youth. 

Each of the specialty plates is available for a standard fee of $5, with an option to purchase a personalized plate for $40. Under both pricing options, a significant portion of the fee goes directly to the conservation or improvement funds tied to the specific plate type. 

Drivers interested in ordering a conservation license plate or learning more about the designs and causes they support can visit the Nebraska DMV or the Outdoor Nebraska website for details on how to apply and how their contribution helps protect Nebraska’s fish, wildlife and outdoor spaces. 

Whether supporting at-risk species, state park trails or conservation education, these specialty plates offer a simple and meaningful way for Nebraskans to give back to the state’s natural heritage. 

Nebraska Conservation License Plates Raise Funds for Wildlife, Trails and Education

WASHINGTON – Carter Camacho, 18,&nbsp; of Smyrna, Georgia,&nbsp;was charged in a complaint Wednesday with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm within the United States Capitol Buildings or Grounds in connection to carrying a loaded shotgun onto federal property, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Camacho made his first appearance in U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey who scheduled a detention hearing for March 2, 2026.

According to the charging documents, on Feb. 17, 2026, Camacho parked a white Mercedes SUV on Maryland Ave. SE, between First and Third Streets. About 12:07 p.m., Camacho exited the vehicle and ran toward the United States Capitol carrying a firearm while wearing a tactical-style vest and camouflage-style clothing.

Camacho reached the steps on the western side of the Capitol. A uniformed officer with the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) asked Camacho what he was carrying. Camacho produced the firearm. The officer ordered Camacho to halt and lie down on the ground.

Once Camacho was on the ground, USCP officers recovered a Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun loaded with seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber, with the safety off. An additional 17 rounds of ammunition were held in a carrier attached to the shotgun’s stock.

Officers placed Camacho in handcuffs. Camacho told USCP officers that he was just there to talk to a Member of Congress.

USCP officers traced Camacho’s path to the white Mercedes SUV and located a fixed blade knife on the ground about forty feet from the vehicle.

WASHINGTON —United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers surrounded and arrested a man who ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday. The arrest happened shortly after noon on the Lower West Terrace, according to a media release from U.S. Capitol Police.

The suspect also had multiple rounds of ammunition and a tactical style vest. USCP officers found the suspect’s SUV in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW. A gas mask and helmet were spotted inside the vehicle.&nbsp;

Thanks to the quick actions of the officers, no one was hurt.

“Just last summer, we held an active threat exercise on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol – in the very location where today’s officers stopped the suspect,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. “These now routine exercises are planned monthly and in different areas of the Capitol Complex to keep our officers ready for potential threats just like this.”

The suspect, 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA, was arrested on requested charges of Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition.&nbsp;

The USCP’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine the suspect’s motive. He was not on file with the USCP.

Man who charged U.S. Capitol with loaded shotgun faces a judge

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

German chemical giant Bayer has agreed to pay $7.25 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits alleging its Roundup weedkiller causes cancer.

The proposed settlement — which must be approved by a St. Louis court — would compensate people nationwide who were exposed to Roundup products and diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as those who are diagnosed in the future.

“When an innocent person is harmed through no fault of their own, accountability is not optional — it is necessary,” said Eric Holland, a St. Louis attorney for plaintiffs. “While no financial recovery can reverse a diagnosis or turn back time, this settlement will provide substantial support and offer stability to the families who need it most.”

Bayer has faced an avalanche of litigation contending that glyphosate — an ingredient patented by Missouri-based Monsanto in 1971 — can cause non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and that Roundup labels failed to warn users about the risk.

Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018 and operates its U.S. agricultural business as Bayer Crop Science.

The company has paid about $11 billion to settle nearly 100,000 Roundup lawsuits, with roughly 61,000 still pending, according to a website that tracks the litigation. Bayer has already stopped making glyphosate-based Roundup for home use and, in September, said it was seeking regulatory approval for a new herbicide to replace glyphosate-based Roundup for agricultural and commercial use in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia and Brazil.

The new settlement follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear Bayer’s appeal arguing that federal law preempts state failure-to-warn claims involving the Roundup label. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not require Roundup labels to warn about non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

In Missouri, Bayer has spent the last two years pushing lawmakers to pass legislation that would shield the company from certain lawsuits. The bill narrowly passed the Missouri House last year, but lobbying missteps — including a campaign targeting some of the most conservative members of the state Senate — ultimately derailed the effort.

In October, the Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear Bayer’s appeal of a $600 million judgment in a Roundup lawsuit brought by four people who said they developed cancer after regularly using the product to control weeds.

Bayer agrees to $7.25 billion settlement in Roundup cancer lawsuits

🏀 Girls Sub-District Playoff Brackets, Scores

C1-10 at Ogallala #4 Chadron 51, #5 Chase County 40 #3 Bridgeport 66, #6 Cozad 40 #1 Ogallala 69, Chadron 37 #2 Gothenburg 57, Bridgeport 29 Championship: Ogallala vs Gothenburg - 6:00 *** NOW FRIDAY

C2-10 at Valentine #4 Mitchell 44, #5 Gordon-Rushville 41 #3 Kimball 62, #6 Hemingford 19 #1 Valentine 82, Mitchell 49 #2 Perkins County 51, Kimball 45 Championship: Perkins County vs Valentine - 4:00 MT ***NOW SATURDAY

D1-12 at Morrill #4 Sutherland 52,&nbsp;#1 Morrill 44 #2 Wauneta-Palisade 49, #3 34 Championship: Sutherland vs W/P - ***NOW SATURDAY AT WAUNETA, 7:00 MT D2-12 at Mullen #4 Hyannis 50, #5 Cody-Kilgore 44 #1 Mullen 66, Hyannis 37 #3 Crawford 44,&nbsp;#2 Hay Springs 38 Championship: Crawford vs Mullen - 5:30 ***NOW FRIDAY

D2-11 at Leyton #1 Leyton 35, #4 Minatare 28 #2 Potter-Dix 37, #3 Banner County 26 Championship: Potter-Dix 33,&nbsp;Leyton 29

D2-10 at Paxton #4 Arthur County 40, #5 Creek Valley 20 #1 Paxton 49,&nbsp; Arthur County 22 #2 South Platte 41, #3 Garden County 31 Championship: Paxton 49,&nbsp;South Platte 16&nbsp;

🏀 Sub-Finals Weather Updates: Girls Sub-District Playoff Brackets, Scores

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information Director

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Hunter Jacobsen (133 pounds), Keegan Gehlhausen (184 pounds) and Mason Villwok (197 pounds) were all named First Team All-RMAC wrestlers, as announced by the conference office on Thursday.

Chadron State's three total All-RMAC honorees were tied for third in the conference, but with the Eagles placing all their selections on the first team, CSC's three first-team honorees were tied for the most in the RMAC with Colorado School of Mines. Adams State swept the special awards, with Isaiah Gamez winning his second straight Wrestler of the Year award while Malachi Rider won Freshman of the Year and Grizzlies coach Jason Ramstetter earning Coach of the Year honors.

The league's seven head men's wrestling coaches nominated and voted for the RMAC Men's Wrestling Major Awards and All-RMAC teams, with coaches unable to vote for their own wrestlers.

Jacobsen had a strong sophomore season, moving up to the 133-pound slot after competing at 125 pounds as a true freshman. Jacobsen went 5-1 in RMAC duals, including three major decision wins. He was named the RMAC Wrestler of the Week on November 18 after dominant tech fall and fall dual victories against Fort Hays State and Otero.

Gelhausen is the only of CSC's three selections to be a repeat honoree, earning first-team honors for the second consecutive year and third time in his career. He is one of six 2025-26 First Team All-RMAC picks to repeat their selection from 2024-25. Gehlhausen went unbeaten in four RMAC duals, placed second at the Midwest Classic and was victorious in CSC's dual against No. 1-ranked Nebraska-Kearney. He won RMAC Wrestler of the Week honors on February 10.

Chadron State takes three spots on All-RMAC Wrestling First Team

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information&nbsp;

DURANGO, Colo. – Both Chadron State and Fort Lewis finished their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference basketball game on Thursday night with 11 three-pointers, but the Skyhawks sank six treys to CSC's one in the first 10 minutes to give the home team a big lead that they never yielded en route to an 80-65 victory.

Senior Isaiah Randolph and freshman Luka Djurovic each had 13 points to pace the Eagles while guards Zach Smith and Mack Keighran added 11 apiece. Randolph also blocked three shots and the 6-8 Djurovic, who meshed five of his six field goal shots, including all three of his three-pointers, also grabbed 10 rebounds while playing arguably the best game of his young career.

The Skyhawks' early success from behind the arc put them ahead 25-11 halfway through the first half. Chadron State never got closer than nine points the rest of the way. Fort Lewis finished the first half 8-of-19 on three-pointers and held a 42-27 intermission lead. Three-pointers were certainly the game's feature. The two teams fired 72 of them—41 by CSC and 31 by FLC.  

Each team scored 38 points in the second half, but the die had been cast. Even though the Eagles made six treys in the second half, twice as many as Fort Lewis, the Skyhawks maintained at least a 10-point advantage.  

The Eagles had also trailed by sizable margins at halftime at home the previous weekend—16 points against Metro State in the first game and 13 versus Colorado School of Mines in the second. CSC rallied to defeat Metro 84-77 and to draw within two points of Mines. But Fort Lewis held off the challenge with some room to spare on its home court. 

Fort Lewis was led by 6-foot-2 guard Stewart Erhart, who sank three of his team's six early treys, with 22 points. Fellow guard Jaxon Smith had 16 and the inside duo of Chuol Deng and Cassius Carmichael, 13 and 12, respectively.

The win snapped the Skyhawks' four-game losing skid and solidifies their status as one of the top three teams in the RMAC standings. They are now 13-4 in league play while Black Hills State is 14-3 and Colorado Mesa is 13-3.

The Eagles are 6-19 overall and 4-13 in the RMAC. They will tangle with Adams State in Alamosa on Saturday afternoon.

Chadron State—Isaiah Randolph 13, Luka Djurovic 13, Zach Smith 11, Mack Keighran 11, Jackson Schauer 7, Collin Nick 5, Blessing Adesipe 3, Jovan Jovanovic 2.  Totals: 19-58 (11-41) 16-7, 65 points, 33 rebounds, 13 assists, 16 turnovers.

🏀 Skyhawks soar to early lead, hold serve to keep CSC in check to begin RMAC week

🏀 High School Basketball Scoreboard - 2/13

🏀 High School Basketball Scoreboard - 2/13

CHADRON, Neb. – Redshirt freshman Jackson Schauer hit eight three-pointers, Jadon Cool scored 17 second-half points and Chadron State rallied from as many as 21 points down to stun MSU Denver 84-77 at home in the Chicoine Center. 

Chadron State is now 6-17 overall and 4-11 in the RMAC after the Eagles outscored the Roadrunners 55-32 in the second half. MSU Denver dropped to 7-16 and 5-10 in the RMAC after leading by 16 points at halftime.

Schauer finished with 26 points, nearly doubling his previous career high of 14. The South Dakota native hit four triples in each half and accounted for eight of CSC's 13 total makes by himself. 

Cool made 12 of 14 free-throw attempts, the last two with a bloody mouth after a hard foul with 3.8 seconds left, and finished with 22 points for his fifth 20-point game of the season.

Zach Smith tied a career-high with 37 minutes logged and made plays all night long, chipping in 10 points to go with game-high totals of five assists and four steals. Isaiah Randolph (12 points), Blessing Adesipe (10) and Smith gave the Eagles five double-figure scorers.

Two weeks after shooting 70 percent from the field in the second half of their most recent win, the Eagles again found another several gears out of the locker room. After halftime, Chadron State sunk 59.3 percent of its total attempts and 61.5 percent of three-pointers (8-13). Over the same stretch, the Roadrunners shot 30 percent from the field and 8.3 percent (1-12) from deep.

An inauspicious start set the stage for CSC's dramatic comeback. The Eagles trailed 13-2, 21-5 and 31-13 and shot only 28.6 percent in the first half while the Roadrunners made 9 of 16 threes. 

CSC's largest deficit of the night came with under three minutes to go in the first half, when the cherry on top of a 6-0 MSU Denver run made it 42-21, Roadrunners. The visitors led 45-29 at the break. 

Still, there were signs in the first half of what was to come. Schauer, who came off the bench, took his first three-point attempt with 6:57 remaining in the first half and missed. He would make his next four before the end of the half, providing both a spark and a healthy chunk of CSC's entire point total, then missed an off-balance heave at the buzzer.

In the second half, MSU Denver turned it over on its first two possessions, then missed seven of its first eight field goal attempts. CSC used those empty possessions to chip away – Smith and Adesipe tallied five points while Cool had four on a 17-4 run across the first six-and-a-half minutes. 

Then, Schauer took over. Every time the ball rippled through the net, the Eagles' momentum, player emotions and the volume from fans inside the Chicoine Center intensified, starting with murmurs and growing until it reverberated into an unstoppable tidal wave of energy. 

Schauer's first three of the second half cut the deficit to just two points at 51-49. His second three came a minute later, halting a mini 4-0 Roadrunner run. His third three gave the Eagles a 58-56 lead, their first of the game after Cool had tied it at 55 with a three of his own. 

His fourth three brought the lead up to five points at 63-58, and the perimeter opened up for other options. Cool hit a stepback three and Luka Djurovic blew by a defender for a layup, and suddenly, it was 70-59 Eagles, an incredible 41-14 scoring reversal since the start of the half. 

The game grew more physical after halftime as teams attacked the paint (a category in which MSU Denver did lead, 34-22). There were only 10 total free throws in the first half, all by the Eagles, but the two teams combined for 40 in the second half with the visitors taking 21. 

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