NORTH PLATTE, Neb. - A fugitive wanted nationwide since 2018 was taken into custody in North Platte after deputies confirmed he was the subject of a full extradition warrant, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said they received information Saturday, Dec. 13, that Jorge Fonseca-Dominguez was staying at a residence in North Platte. Further investigation confirmed Fonseca-Dominguez was wanted on a nationwide extradition warrant and was listed on the U.S. Marshals Service most wanted list.

Authorities said Fonseca-Dominguez had been a fugitive from justice since 2018. He was previously sentenced to 10 months in prison for illegal re-entry into the United States.

The sheriff’s office said Fonseca-Dominguez violated the conditions of his supervised release by illegally returning to the United States after being deported and by failing to report to his probation officer.

According to law enforcement, Fonseca-Dominguez has an extensive criminal history that includes disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, driving while intoxicated and multiple drug-related charges.

Fonseca-Dominguez was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Lincoln County Detention Center, where he is being held pending extradition.

Nationwide Fugitive Arrested in North Platte, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Says

NORFOLK, Neb.
A 49-year-old Ogallala woman died from injuries suffered in a two-vehicle crash Saturday morning at a Madison County intersection, authorities said.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the crash occurred about 8 a.m. Dec. 13 at the intersection of U.S. Highway 81 and Highway 32 on the edge of Madison.

According to investigators, a white 2020 International straight truck traveling west on Highway 32 failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a silver 2017 Jeep SUV that was traveling south on Highway 81. The Jeep was forced into the southwest ditch, where it came to rest. The straight truck spun around, came to rest facing east on Highway 32 and tipped onto its side in the southwest ditch.

The driver of the Jeep, Robin Cobaugh of Ogallala, was transported by Madison Rescue to Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk with life-saving measures in progress, authorities said. She later died from her injuries at the hospital.

The driver of the straight truck, 54-year-old Jose Figueredo, was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and motor vehicle homicide. He is being held in the Madison County Jail.

Authorities said seat belts were in use by both drivers at the time of the crash.

Agencies responding to the scene included the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Volunteer Fire and Rescue and the Nebraska State Patrol. The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office and the State Patrol.

Ogallala Woman Killed in Madison County Crash Near Norfolk

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/category/arrests">Click Here To See Past Hot Sheets</a>

This information is not a criminal history. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced. All individuals included in this post are presumed innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The North Platte Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint toadmin@northplattepost.com.

The Hot Sheets, December 14, 2025

(North Platte, Nebraska, December 12, 2025) – With the holiday season upon us, the Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) of North Platte has decided to continue our tradition of gifting two employees of a tourism driven business a basket of goodies to help them put together their holiday feasts! Each business that is a member of TAC puts in the name of one employee or volunteer from their organization that they would like to gift a meal to. These names are drawn, and one Thanksgiving basket is given, and one Christmas basket is given. TAC provides the turkey for the Thanksgiving basket and the ham for the Christmas basket, and the side dishes are donated by TAC members. This year the recipient of the Thanksgiving basket is an employee of the Avid/Candlewood Suites and they received their meal the week of Thanksgiving. The recipient of the Christmas basket is an employee of the Quality Inn, and their basket will be delivered the week of Christmas.

The purpose of the Tourism Advisory Council is to advance the tourism industry in the City of North Platte/Lincoln County. We raise the standard and upgrade the economy of the tourism/lodging industry and maintain a front-line training program for all front-line employees because they all have a direct influence on tourism traffic. We also encourage and maintain truthfulness and fair play in advertising and general business practices, and we try to bring about a better public understanding of the aims and benefits of the tourism industry. We are continually working to establish a forum where ideas, information, and experience regarding the tourism industry can be exchanged to help better us all.

When we all work together to increase tourism within our community and to educate people about the benefits that tourism has on our community, we are more successful. It takes a lot of hard-working individuals to keep every business of TAC not only running but succeeding. That is why it is important to us that we recognize one of these individuals by gifting them this holiday basket. We would like to wish happy holidays to not only the recipient of this gift, but to everyone involved in this community. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without all of you!

North Platte Tourism Council Delivers Holiday Meal Baskets to Local Hospitality Workers

The Hot Sheets, December 13, 2025

NORTH PLATTE — With the National Finals Rodeo underway in Las Vegas, the Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee is inviting fans to gather for a special watch party tonight, Dec. 12,&nbsp; at the Lincoln RV Park.

Committee members Shelli Arensdorf and Heather Harwager said the event was inspired by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, which encouraged major rodeos nationwide to host viewing gatherings and supplied official NFR merchandise for giveaways.

“We got notification from the PRCA asking if committees would want to do a watch party, and they’d give us some swag and things to give away,” Arensdorf said. “That’s how it all started.”

The watch party falls on Round 9 of the NFR, a night when world title races typically tighten. Harwager said doors open at 7 p.m., with the live feed of the rodeo beginning at 7:45 p.m.

Guests can arrive early for a nacho bar, cash bar, and drawings for NFR-themed prizes. Admission is $10 at the door, and no advance tickets are required. An NFR pool drawing will also be available.

Harwager said the evening is designed to celebrate rodeo fans while also thanking the volunteers who help stage the Buffalo Bill Rodeo each June.

“Our rodeo and Nebraskaland Days are all made up of volunteers,” Arensdorf said. “It’s a way to give back to them and thank them for the time they give every year.”

While preparing for the watch party, the committee is also planning for future rodeos. Arensdorf said many contract acts are booked through 2029, and she will travel to upcoming conventions to secure additional entertainers.

“If you enjoy rodeo — and especially the Buffalo Bill Rodeo — this night has your name on it,” Harwager said. “Come early, grab some nachos, pick a good spot and enjoy Round 9 with us.”

The watch party begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Lincoln RV Park in North Platte.

Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee Plans NFR Watch Party in North Platte Tonight

The Hot Sheets: December 12, 2025

DECEMBER 10, 2025 –&nbsp;In celebration of the holiday season, the American Red Cross is hosting special&nbsp;Holiday Blood Drives&nbsp;at four locations across Central Nebraska on December 23. Eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment and give the gift of life during this critical time of year.

The holiday season often brings a decline in blood donations due to busy schedules, festive activities and inclement weather. Yet, patients in hospitals still rely on lifesaving transfusions every day. By donating blood, you can bring comfort and hope to someone in need—gifts more meaningful than anything found in a store.

As a special thank you,&nbsp;all who come to give at these Holiday Blood Drives will receive an&nbsp;exclusive long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt,&nbsp;while supplies last, and be&nbsp;entered to win a $500 e-gift card&nbsp;of their choosing.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent&nbsp;where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwszEtuwyAURuHVmBmWeZgLAwaZZBvRNfxOaHHcglW3u69Sdfod6eSofbKTE4iK3GyCIh3EIzKtWBeA2RrDRmGareXES8ouK6yiRBdMWLLTWBzNN-V4JfKBiGbFg516yXgvn3LjUtG6dBS8C0RLlsf32xbGVxA1Po7jYzCXQV8HfT3Pc2zIqe29j3u7iw25sGyo4A5ZcvyD2z8M5qKC18GKFivOnz4mbrU8y2An8L2icS77-MQh-tGA7XXA6jUl5eUU7CStSl76nJ1EoJngFGhl8RX1bwAAAP__uuZX9Q">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwszE9O6zAQgPHTxDtH8Z_MeBZeVE_qAd4Fqkk8bl2cBpxAgNOjIra_T_pStGH2AyiJBmF0ZNCSukWw7NlxdjlP7LxNIZtxmDEB5DGbrEoEcjQlsDIBjhcDnBEDIeJouPPDVpK8lDe9cKnSNg1IAQhxSnr_vC_UP4Oq8bbvr507dfbc2fNxHP2_9v79f73zaZFWZn5wv7arWiQV1k2q8Ca6pPgLlz_o3MlQsORVi1WOr62fudXyKJ0fhK9VGqey9g_Z1bY3keV5kBwszibogfygvZmDDimBFsIRBYxgZvUR7U8AAAD__zSJWmI">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media.

American Red Cross Hosts Holiday Blood Drives in Central Nebraska

Republicans call his visit ‘opportunistic and disappointing,’ say it ‘does nothing to help’ Lexington

&nbsp;U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn, a registered nonpartisan, held a press conference in Lexington, Nebraska, on Dec. 9, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

LEXINGTON, Neb. — Across the street from a Tyson beef plant set to close at the end of January, Nebraska U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn accused the company of breaking a century-old law aimed at preventing anti-competitive behavior by meatpackers.

Osborn, a registered nonpartisan running against U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., in 2026, pointed to his time as a former labor leader in an Omaha Kellogg’s plant to say he knows “what it feels like” to give a company “complete loyalty” and said workers feel betrayed. He said Tyson’s quarterly earnings report won’t feel the ripple effects that the town will face.

He said Tyson is trying to maximize profits at the expense of producers and customers in violation of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/packers-and-stockyards-act/faq#:~:text=Answer:%20The%20Packers%20and%20Stockyards%20Act%20(the,in%20the%20livestock%2C%20meat%2C%20and%20poultry%20industries." target="_blank">the Packers and Stockyards Act</a>, a federal law passed in 1921. That law was meant to promote competitiveness and fair practices in the livestock, meat and poultry industries and ensure&nbsp;payment protection. The law also prohibits deception and fraud in those markets.

Tyson officials had no immediate comment.

Osborn called the move to close the plant and not sell it to a competitor “market manipulation” and said Tyson is “destroying 5 percent of America’s beef processing capacity.” Basel Musharbash, an antitrust lawyer from Texas, also spoke at the press conference, saying the “law is on Lexington’s side.”

“The legal analysis here is pretty straightforward,” Musharbash said. “The Lexington plant accounts for around 5% of the nation’s cattle.&nbsp; By shutting down a plant that slaughters such a large portion of the cattle in this region and the country, Tyson will single-handedly reshape the nation’s cattle markets from boom to bust.”&nbsp;

Musharbash said the move would force Nebraska “ranchers to accept lower prices, and Tyson will be able to make higher profits.”

In response to the plant closure, the U.S. Department of Agriculture told the Nebraska Examiner this week that it would “continue to monitor the closure of the plant to ensure compliance with the Packers and Stockyards Act, including ensuring that livestock sellers are issued timely and accurate payments.”

Lexington, a west-central Nebraska city home to more than 10,000 people, has been dealing with the aftermath of Tyson’s decision to close the plant, which will result in the combined layoffs of up to 3,200 workers. Osborn asked where are state federal delegation.

“The people of Lexington need their elected officials to fight now more than ever,” Osborn said. “They don’t have time for reports to come out and investigations to happen. … The law that’s been on the books for over 100 years should be enforced. … So pick up the damn phone, call [U.S. Agriculture Secretary]&nbsp;Brooke Rollins and get the USDA to enforce the law.”&nbsp;

Ricketts, in a call Wednesday with reporters, said his team is looking into any allegation of wrongdoing by Tyson. Ricketts said he had talked with Tyson CEO&nbsp; Johnny King about “making sure that that facility can continue to be used for job creation.”

Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican whose family runs a hog operation based in Columbus, has said the state got its “butts kicked” by the closure. State&nbsp;agencies have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/agencies-groups-reach-out-to-tyson-workers-as-lexington-beef-plant-closure-nears/">partnered with Lexington nonprofits and other groups</a>&nbsp;to help the workers affected.

But Ricketts’ campaign and several elected Republicans criticized the visit to&nbsp;Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District, with U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith saying the congressional delegation is working with the governor to help the people of Lexington find new jobs and connect them with available help.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Dan Osborn parachuting in for a press conference does nothing to help the Lexington community,” Smith said.

Nebraska 1st District U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, a Republican from Norfolk, has emphasized that the state dealt with a similar Tyson plant closure in 2006 in his hometown. Flood, in a video posted on social media by his office, said it&nbsp;“stripped the plant bare” and the property couldn’t be used as a beef processing facility.

He said the plant still sits empty today.&nbsp;

Former U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., criticized Osborn during his 2024 Senate race against her for helping drive the Omaha Kellogg’s plant out of business. Its leaders announced the plant would close in 2026, though the union leaders who followed Osborn didn’t blame the concessions he negotiated.

The Ricketts campaign, in a statement Tuesday, said Osborn was “heavy on grandstanding but offered no help or solutions to those impacted in Lexington.” Will Coup, a Ricketts campaign spokesperson, said Ricketts is working with state leaders to keep jobs in the community. He called the closure devastating.

“Senator Ricketts will continue approaching this like a natural disaster, with work carried out locally, directed by the state and supported by the federal government,” Coup said. “Nebraskans will overcome this together.”&nbsp;

Osborn’s campaign had organized a listening session for Tyson workers at a local restaurant in the middle of the day Tuesday, after the press conference, but no workers showed up. The Osborn campaign said they would reach out to the workers who had expressed interest in the listening session to set meetings with the former labor leader at a later date.&nbsp;

State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, in a social media post this week, said the closing of the Tyson plant was heartbreaking news for many families in her district and the community of Lexington. She criticized Osborn for “using this community’s hardship to score campaign points,” calling it&nbsp; “opportunistic and disappointing.”

Osborn said it was important to him to come to advocate for the workers because in his eyes, no one is advocating for them.

Dan Osborn says Tyson manipulated beef market with Nebraska plant closure

 The Nebraska Broadcasters Association Foundation (NBAF) has awarded $17,000.00 in scholarships to four students who are currently attending Nebraska universities with aspirations to work in broadcasting upon their graduation. The following students have been awarded a NBAF scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year: 

Lucy Mendez, a junior at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, pursuing a dual major in Broadcasting and Journalism; Eli Rodriguez, a sophomore at University of Nebraska – Lincoln pursuing a double major in Sports Media &amp; Communication and Broadcasting; Jacqueline Ruiz-Rodriguez, a junior at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, pursuing a dual major in Broadcasting &amp; Journalism; and Barrett Stearns, a sophomore at Wayne State College, pursuing a dual major in Sports Media and Mass Communication. 

Current NBA Board Chairmen Mark Jensen, President of MWB Broadcasting II, LLC said, “Nebraska Broadcasters Association Foundation is proud to celebrate our scholarship winners, whose talent and ambition promise to illuminate the future of our industry. May these scholarships open doors to new opportunities and be a vote of confidence in their abilities.” 

The NBAF offers scholarships to assist students enrolled in radio and/or television broadcasting or broadcast journalism educational programs at designated higher education institutions in Nebraska. Qualified applications are reviewed by a panel of NBA board members. Scholarship levels are $5,000.00 (Marty Riemenschneider Scholarship), $3,500 (Dick Palmquist Scholarship) and $2,500.00 (NBA Foundation Scholarship). The number of scholarships and total dollar amount awarded each year is at the discretion of the NBA board of directors based on application quality and quantity. More than $350,000 in college scholarships have been awarded by the NBA and NBAF since 1977.

NBA Foundation Awards $17,000 in College Scholarships

The Hot Sheets: December 9, 2025

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, and discussed a tough road trip to Wyoming that, in the end, had some positives. And what Coach feels are the small things the team can work on.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #7 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

On today's late episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss a rollercoaster weekend in Wyoming where the Knights split the two-game road trip. While also touching on a very positive victory against Hastings College JV.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #10 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

On today's late episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, and dived into the recent struggles the team has faced over the past three games, and discussed an impressive victory against Hastings College JV on Monday.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #9 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, and discussed a record-breaking performance vs Midland University JV and what they need to take from that game to keep the momentum going.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #6 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

On today's late episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss another tough loss this time against Frank Philips at home and what Coach Brandl is looking for from his team after the short Thanksgiving break.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #8 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss an exciting victory over Garden City Community College and what he feels his team needs to focus on for the upcoming games.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #6 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

Listen to the full interview with Kevin Wilkins on the Kubota Podcast Page.&nbsp;

Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala City Council met this week with several key items on the agenda, including the resignation of Councilman Dustin Holstein, recognition for long-serving members of the police department, and updates on ongoing city projects.

City Manager Kevin Wilkins said the council accepted Holstein’s resignation after he announced plans to leave Ogallala to pursue another venture. “That’s going to leave a vacancy on the council,” Wilkins said, adding that members were advised by legal counsel on how to proceed.

The council had two options — holding a special election or appointing someone through an application process. “The council has chosen to take the route of an appointment,” Wilkins explained. Applications will be accepted from anyone interested in serving the remainder of Holstein’s term. Applicants must be registered voters who live within the city limits, and political affiliation does not matter since the seat is nonpartisan.

Applications should include proof of eligibility and a short background or statement of interest. Wilkins said he will forward all applications to Council President Steve Kraske, who will make a recommendation to the council at its next meeting. The council will then vote to ratify that recommendation. If the nominee is not approved, the process will continue at the following meeting until the position is filled.

The meeting also included a pair of recognitions for members of the Ogallala Police Department. Chief James Herman was honored for 25 years of service to the community, and Sergeant Taylor Molzon was recognized for five years. “Chief Herman does a great job with the OPD,” Wilkins said. “He’s thoughtful and considerate to both his team and the citizens of Ogallala.” Molzon, who serves as the school resource officer, was also recently promoted to sergeant.

Council members then approved routine business, including minutes from the October 28 meeting and the city’s financial report. Wilkins said the council requested some additional detail in future reports to better track expenses tied to grant funding. “If we don’t get the money, we don’t spend it,” he said. “The council wants to take a more focused look at those budget items that depend on outside funds.”

The council also approved taking bids for a parking lot overlay project near Western Diamonds, located in the southeast quadrant of the facility.

In his city manager’s report, Wilkins said the council plans to take a deeper look at city operations moving forward. “They want to do possible department consolidations, contract consolidations, and a wage and benefit analysis,” he said. Each council member will take on a specific subject area to help guide that process, but final assignments will wait until the vacant council seat is filled.

Wilkins also noted that the latest city newsletter was sent out with water bills, outlining the next nuisance abatement area. “We hope residents will clean up their properties ahead of any nuisance action,” he said.

The Ogallala Tree Board recently received a $52,000 grant to support tree removal and planting efforts. About $30,000 of that total will go directly toward tree removal. Wilkins said the Tree Board will share more details on that project soon.

City crews are preparing for winter weather, with the street department tuning up snow removal equipment and continuing work on Second Street. “We just opened the street in front of City Hall,” Wilkins said. “They should be pouring concrete later this week in front of Second Chapter.”

The council is also expected to continue discussions about renewing the city’s half-cent infrastructure sales tax, which could appear on the November 2026 ballot. Wilkins said the tax could bring in around a million dollars a year for infrastructure, with more than half of that revenue likely coming from visitors outside Ogallala.

For residents interested in applying for the open council seat, Wilkins said members meet twice a month and spend an average of four to eight hours a week on city business. “There are also additional meetings during budget season and some extra time expected as we take deeper dives into city operations,” he said.

Residents are reminded to move RVs and boats off city streets by October 1 and to move vehicles every 72 hours during the winter months to allow for snow removal. “When you scoop snow, don’t push it into the street,” Wilkins said. “It just creates problems for your neighbors.”

Wilkins wrapped up the update by noting that the city is ready for the colder season ahead. “Hopefully we won’t have to use that snow equipment too much this year,” he said with a laugh. “But it’s hard to believe we’re already talking about snow.”

🎙️Ogallala City Council Accepts Resignation, Recognizes Longtime Police Chief, and Reviews City Updates

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

Listen the full interview with Russ Jones on our Kubota Podcast Page.

North Platte, NE – Midwest Championship Fighting (MCF) is set to bring a night of intense MMA action and community celebration to North Platte with its upcoming “Salute to Veterans V” event at the D&amp;N Event Center.&nbsp;

Russ Jones, MCF President, says the event offers a mix of fight levels rarely seen in one night. “We start with street fights—guys literally off the streets—then move to amateur matches, amateur title fights, and finally professional bouts,” he explained. “The lower-level fights are just as important as the high-level fights because that’s how fighters get to the top.” Some street fighters even receive free training if they want to continue competing, giving local athletes an opportunity to develop skills and find a constructive outlet.

Veterans Honored
The “Salute to Veterans” program, now in its fifth year, invites over 200 veterans to attend free of charge with VIP seating. The event includes a flag salute at the start and a special parade of veterans during intermission. “We started this program to give veterans a place to gather, celebrate, and be recognized for their service,” Jones said. The initiative also creates a space where veterans of all ages can connect, fostering camaraderie and community.

Tickets remain available at <a href="https://www.midwestchampionshipfighting.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">midwestchampionshipfighting.com</a>, including a pay-per-view option for $35. Jones encouraged fans to arrive early to see the veterans parade, expected around 7:30 p.m..

He also highlighted several fights fans are eagerly anticipating, including local favorites Bristol vs. Seamann, Chris Burbine, Jareb Huerta, Oliver Nutter, and Madison McCord. 

“Bristol vs. Seamann is a heated street fight that fans have been waiting for,” he said. “And we also have a title fight that promises to be one of the standout bouts of the evening.”

Beyond entertainment, MCF provides a safe, structured environment where fighters—many on the "fringe" of society—can channel their energy positively. 

“These kids are looking for an outlet, a brotherhood,” Jones said. “Seeing fighters step into the cage is a moment you can’t put a value on.”

MCF events also draw a significant audience, boosting the local economy while providing a unique entertainment option in Western Nebraska. For North Platte residents, MCF Salute to Veterans offers a rare combination of high-level MMA action, veteran recognition, and community engagement.

🎙️Midwest Championship Fighting Returns to North Platte with “Salute to Veterans V”

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, and discussed the opening weekend of basketball and what he observed from the games. Coach Thurman also discussed how important culture is to a young team and how he sees its effects early on.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #4 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss the opening weekend of action vs Laramie County Community College and Eastern Wyoming Community College and what he saw from his team. And what transpired on the Knights' first two road games earlier this week.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #5 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

The billion-dollar Powerball® jackpot is on the rise. The jackpot has reached an estimated $1.1 billion for Monday night’s drawing, with an estimated cash value of $503.4 million, according to a statement from the Multi-State Lottery Association.

Monday’s jackpot ranks as the sixth largest in Powerball history.

“This jackpot streak is bringing people together to dream big during this festive time of year,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “Please play responsibly. Just one $2 Powerball® ticket gives you a chance to win this jackpot while also supporting good causes in your community.”

The Powerball jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 1, 28, 31, 57, 58 and red Powerball 16. The Power Play® multiplier was 2X.

Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many may still have won cash prizes.

Nationwide, seven tickets won cash prizes worth $1 million or more in last night’s Powerball® drawing. Five tickets, sold in California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and Virginia, matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes.

Two tickets, sold in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, matched all five white balls and, because the players added the Power Play® option for $1 more, the $1 million prize increased to $2 million for each ticket.

The drawing also produced 49 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 12 tickets that won $100,000 prizes.

Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets, sold in Colorado and North Carolina, each won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.

Monday’s Powerball drawing will be the 43rd in the current jackpot run, setting a game record for most consecutive drawings in a single jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.

If a player wins Monday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.1 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $503.4 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Powerball jackpot grows to 6th largest in history after Saturday drawing

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A southwestern Kansas county plans to sue the state for more than $2 million after nearly a decade of mistaken payments, mounting concern for democratic processes.

Voters in Morton County, which borders the Oklahoma panhandle and Colorado, approved a countywide sales tax in 2015 that directed funds to their local hospital. But an early administrative error that the county tried to fix resulted in the Kansas Department of Revenue sending checks to the county’s cities, which spent the money.

The hospital was short more than $1.8 million over those nine years, and the county took on new debt as it tried to cover the struggling hospital’s missing costs, according to the commissioners. In addition to the misappropriated payments, the county is suing the revenue department for an additional $295,000 to pay for the interest and legal fees from the new debt.

Morton County’s board of commissioners decided Monday it “will not compromise on recovering the full $2,152,421.36 and ensuring the financial future of our hospital,” the board said in a Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://mtcoks.com/" target="_blank">announcement</a>.

“The liability rests with the state of Kansas,” said the board, which comprises commissioners Ed Anderson, Jim Tucker and chairman J.W. Finn.

The revenue department declined to comment because of the involvement of litigation, said Zach Denney, a department spokesperson.

At a Dec. 2 legislative hearing in Topeka, the department’s chief counsel, Ted Smith, said the department fixed the sales tax revenue’s appropriation earlier this year, following an opinion from the Kansas Attorney General’s Office that underlined the voters’ intent to give funds to the hospital.&nbsp;

The hospital began receiving full checks after ten years of partial funds.&nbsp;

The Morton County attorney, David Thompson, tried at the hearing to make a claim against the state to recover the funds through a legislative process. But lawmakers did not immediately accept. The committee arrived at two options. Legislators said they could forward the issue to a larger group of lawmakers, who would take it up in January, or the county could take legal action.&nbsp;

The county had yet to file a lawsuit as of Thursday.

As passed, Morton County voters approved a general sales tax provision instead of one specifically for health care services because of a clerical error. The question on voters’ ballots cited the wrong subparagraph in state law. As it was voted on, Smith said, the department was bound by statute to formulaically distribute the sales tax revenue to Morton County and its three cities.

The county fixed the error within months, passing ordinances to divert the sales tax revenue to the county, which would then be passed along to the local hospital.

But the department continued to send checks as was dictated by the initial wording. The county gave the money it received to the hospital, but the cities, who have not been involved in the county’s efforts to reclaim the funds, spent their checks.&nbsp;

The board of commissioners emphasized unity over conflict between the county and its cities — Elkhart, Rolla and Richfield — which the board said “were simply the unintended recipients of checks sent monthly by the state agency.”

“The county views our municipalities as essential partners, not as adversaries,” the board said.

The department had known about the mistake a decade ago.&nbsp;

Thompson, the county attorney, said at the legislative hearing that it was staff at the state revenue department who advised the county on how to fix its initial error. But the department said it must abide by the statute to which an issue is tied, as a matter of policy.

“The result of this policy can be classified as nothing less than administrative voter nullification and is repugnant to our democratic processes,” the county commissioners said.

In hindsight, Smith said, the county should have taken the issue to court in 2015.

“If anything unfortunate happened back in 2015, (it) is when Morton County and the Department of Revenue (were) dealing with this issue after the vote,” Smith said. “I think both parties sort of just shrugged their shoulders.”

Small Kansas county to sue state for $2M meant for local hospital

<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/alexcastro/">Alexander Castro</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/janine-weisman/">Janine L. Weisman</a> <a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a>

PROVIDENCE — Two people have died and several others were wounded in a mass shooting in a Brown University engineering building late Saturday afternoon, prompting a shelter in place alert on the Ivy League campus and a massive search for a gunman that continued into the evening.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed at a press conference that began shortly after 6:30 p.m. that at least two people were killed with “a minimum of eight” more injured and in critical condition “but stable at Rhode Island Hospital.”&nbsp;

Smiley could not disclose whether the victims were Brown students.

“These numbers may change,” Smiley said. “We are still in early hours.”&nbsp;

The shooting in the Barus and Holley building on Brook Street occurred as final exams were taking place between 2 and 5 p.m. inside Barus &amp; Holley Engineering, Provost Francis J. Doyle III said.

Providence Police Cmdr. Tim O’Hara described the suspect as a man who was wearing black. The suspect left the engineering building’s Hope Street side. O’Hara said that police did not know what type of gun was used.

Forensic and witness evidence were being used to identify the suspect, and the police were primarily relying on video evidence at the moment, O’Hara said.&nbsp;

“All I can give you is a male, all dressed in black, right now,” O’Hara said of the suspect.

The suspect walked away from the area, and law enforcement were unsure where he had gone as of 6:50 p.m.&nbsp;

Smiley said the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also involved in the investigation.

Gov. Dan McKee spoke at the Saturday evening press briefing. “So, the unthinkable has happened,” McKee said.&nbsp;

Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva said the fire department was first alerted about the shooting at 4:05 p.m.&nbsp;

Brown sent out its first emergency alert at 4:22 p.m.,&nbsp;noting “an active shooter near Barus &amp; Holley Engineering.” The alert cautioned the campus community to lock doors, silence phones and “stay hidden until further notice.” The alert also advised the options of run, hide, or, “FIGHT, as a last resort.”

An update at 4:51 p.m. noted a suspect was in custody, only to be redacted in a 5:11 p.m. update that read, “Police do not have a suspect in custody and continue to search for suspect(s).” The post also advised students to continue to shelter in place.&nbsp;

Smiley said at the press conference that the individual in the 4:51 p.m. update had been mistakenly connected to the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At 5:27 p.m., another emergency alert reported shots fired near Governor Street.&nbsp;That update was also reversed at 6:10 p.m., which added that “a secondary shooting incident near Governor Street is unfounded.”&nbsp;

The erroneous update from 4:51 p.m. noting a suspect was in custody made its way to President Donald Trump, who&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115714676658999589" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on his TruthSocial site at 5:44 p.m. that he had been briefed on the shooting and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was “on the scene.”

“The suspect is in custody,” Trump wrote. “God bless the victims and the families of the victims!”

At 6:03 p.m., Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115714751735035903" target="_blank">posted again</a>: “The Brown University Police reversed their previous statement — The suspect is NOT in custody.”

“We are very sorry to share that we have confirmed reports of multiple shooting victims, but we are not able to share their condition,” the University wrote in a statement issued at 6:05 p.m. “They have been transported to local hospitals.”

The Brown emergency updates page first confirmed that there were “multiple shooting victims” at 6:05 p.m. The university could not share their conditions at the time, but noted they were “transported to local hospitals.”

Rescues and other apparatus from surrounding municipalities responded to the campus, including Bristol, Barrington, Central Falls, Cranston, Cumberland, Coventry, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Scituate, Smithfield, Warwick and Woonsocket.

At 6:17 p.m., a call cleared rescues to return to their home communities.

“Sadly, today is a day that the city of Providence, the state of Rhode Island, prayed would never come,” Smiley said. “We’ve heard about horrific acts of gun violence and active shooter situations in other places, but not here.”

Smiley, who lives in the area, told reporters he was at home watching the Providence College Friars when he saw police lights fill the surrounding neighborhood.

2 killed, eight injured in mass shooting on Brown University campus

DAMASCUS– On Saturday, two U.S. service members and one U.S. civilian were killed, and three service members were injured, as a result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The gunman was engaged and also killed.

As a matter of respect for the families and in accordance with Department of War policy, the identities of the service members will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Trump responds on Isis ambush that killed US soldiers in Syria

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

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans released a health care bill Friday evening they hope will help curb rising costs, though the measure doesn’t have the level of Democratic support needed to get through the Senate.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20251215/FILE_3948.pdf" target="_blank">111-page bill</a>&nbsp;will likely move to the House floor next week, where Speaker Mike Johnson will need nearly every one of his members to vote to pass the legislation, an uphill battle given the vastly different views among centrists and far-right members of the party on health care issues.&nbsp;

The Louisiana Republican said in a statement the bill offers “clear, responsible alternatives that will lower premium costs and increase access and health care options for all Americans.”

Democrats have been pressing for a three-year extension of the enhanced tax credits for people who purchase their insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.&nbsp;

So far, House and Senate Republican leadership hasn’t gotten on board with any extension of those subsidies, arguing they have led to a sharp rise in the cost of health insurance.&nbsp;

GOP lawmakers have instead pursued their own legislation, but without at least some backing from Democrats, no bill will make it through the Senate’s 60-vote procedural hurdles.&nbsp;

Senate Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-hits-stalemate-solution-spiraling-health-insurance-costs" target="_blank">tried to advance</a>&nbsp;a bill earlier this week from Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo but fell short of the votes needed.&nbsp;

Democrats were also unsuccessful trying to move their bill to extend the ACA marketplace tax credits for three years.&nbsp;

The House Republican bill, sponsored by Iowa Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks, is unlikely to break the logjam in Congress over the rising cost of health insurance and health care, potentially leaving the issue as one the parties can debate leading up to next year’s midterm elections.&nbsp;

Targeting ‘real drivers’ of cost increases

Johnson rebuked Democrats in his statement for enacting the Affordable Care Act during President Barack Obama’s first term, saying the law hasn’t made health care cost less.&nbsp;

House Republicans’ new legislation, Johnson said, will address “the real drivers of health care costs to provide affordable care, increase access and choice, and restore integrity to our nation’s health care system for all Americans.”

The bill would require Pharmacy Benefit Managers “to provide employers with detailed data on prescription drug spending, rebates, spread pricing, and formulary decisions—empowering plans and workers with the transparency they deserve,” according to a summary in Johnson’s release.&nbsp;

Starting in 2027, the legislation would appropriate funding for cost sharing reduction payments that the summary said would reduce health insurance premiums and stabilize the individual market.&nbsp;

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