The WESTCO Zephyrs opened their 2025 summer legion season on Sunday in Cheyenne dropping a pair of games to Post 6
with both games wrapping up in five innings
In the second game it was the Z’s getting single runs in each of the first three innings to lead 3-2 after the first two and a half innings but then it was Cheyenne putting back to back six run innings to seize control
Z’s pitchers combined to walk 15 and hit two on the day
In game two the Sixers put up the 14 runs on only eight hits
Owen Latham and Oscar Felix taking the losses on the hill
Windy conditions made things tough on anything hit in the air and really the Z’s probably played better defensively than Post 6 as they committed five errors in the two games while Cheyenne was charged with eight errors on the day
Jahrell Mendez went 3-6 while driving in two runs
In game one Dawson Barrett smoked a RBI double and in game two George Schmall tripled in the first inning
WESTCO will be off until the 13th when they travel to Torrington
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Hemingford Public Schools proudly announces that Mr
Principal of Hemingford Elementary School and the district’s Assessment Coordinator
has successfully completed Nebraska’s NAESP Pre-K–3 Leadership Academy
Arneson joins 26 fellow educators from across the state who engaged in a rigorous
year-long professional learning experience designed to strengthen leadership of programs serving children ages three to eight
Nebraska’s NAESP Pre-K–3 Leadership Academy blends three face-to-face or virtual workshop days with online coursework and collaborative discussions focused on Leading Learning Communities: A Principal’s Guide to Early Learning and the Early Grades (Pre-K–3rd Grade)
participants deepen their knowledge of early childhood development
Arneson’s completion of this highly respected academy underscores his commitment to ensuring every young learner in Hemingford has the strongest foundation possible,” said Dr
Superintendent of Hemingford Public Schools
“His new insights into early childhood leadership will directly benefit our students
Hemingford Public Schools congratulates Mr
Arneson and the entire Cohort 5 for their dedication to excellence in early childhood education
The district looks forward to the positive impact Mr
Arneson’s enhanced leadership will have on instructional practices
I had the pleasure of attending Gering High School’s production of The Little Mermaid
in which my niece performed as a member of the ensemble
it got me thinking about the realities facing the graduating class of 2025
“The Little Mermaid” tells the tale of a 16-year-old mermaid who falls in love with a human prince
she trades her soul to a sea witch in exchange for legs
But every time I see this scene; I can’t help but think she’s a minor
minors can’t enter into legally binding contracts on their own
many graduating seniors will soon reach the age of majority,19 years old
That means they’ll no longer be under the legal protection of their parents
And while I sincerely hope no one from the Class of 2025 is making deals with sea witches
they are entering a world where being prepared for the unexpected is more than just wise
how can we help protect our graduating seniors as they wade into adulthood
I’d like to challenge you to consider giving them the ultimate graduation gift: an estate plan
both for your graduate and for your family
A traditional estate plan includes four key documents: a healthcare power of attorney
The healthcare power of attorney is perhaps the most critical
This document names someone to make medical decisions on behalf of your graduate if they are ever unable to do so themselves
even parents may find themselves locked out of medical decisions due to privacy laws
which outlines a person’s preferences for medical care in serious situations
It’s a compassionate way for young adults to have a say in their treatment
The financial power of attorney allows someone to manage financial affairs—paying bills
or handling leases—if the graduate is incapacitated
a will ensures that if they pass away any assets are distributed according to their wishes
While it may seem early to talk about wills and powers of attorney with someone barely out of high school
The goal isn’t to be grim—it’s to be prepared
Estate planning is often thought of as something reserved for older adults
As we celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025
An estate plan isn’t just paperwork – it’s a thoughtful gesture of love
Because protecting our kids doesn’t stop when they graduate
Communist China is our greatest external threat
Our $36 trillion national debt is our greatest domestic threat
I’ve focused on both of those issues on behalf of Nebraskans.
We discussed ways to push back on Communist China’s aggression
Xi Jinping has said he wants to be the world’s dominating power by 2049
Communist China’s dramatic military buildup and increasingly provocative actions are designed to force everyone to bend to its will
it took over an island in the West Philippine Sea
They manipulate or disregard rules to gain advantages that risk our security
That threatens our security and threatens the security of many of our allies and partners
Another focus of my trip was expanding trade opportunities for American producers
There is a lot of interest in signing new trade deals
Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao expressed an interest in buying more of our soybeans instead of from Brazil
Others expressed interest in buying more of our natural gas
They know Communist China is a bad trading partner
Last week, I also held public events in the Western
I gave an update on how I’m fighting to control our spending
I shared how I’m working with President Trump to secure the southern border
I also heard feedback and answered questions directly from Nebraskans
These conversations help me stay connected to the priorities and values of my constituents.
I spoke to the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
I gave a legislative update and answered questions about taxes
I partnered with Nebraska Farm Bureau to call for making the Trump tax cuts permanent
Americans would see a $4 trillion tax increase
The child tax credit will be cut by $1,000
The standard deduction will be cut in half
A family of four making $80,000 would pay $1,700 more in taxes. And the deduction for the Death Tax would also be cut in half
putting our Nebraska family farms and ranches at risk
Farmers and ranchers would face higher taxes when trying to pass on the family operation. I want to see Nebraskans’ taxes cut
I held several important roundtable meetings
I heard directly from local Chambers of Commerce
They shared some innovative strategies for economic development and revitalization
which is attracting events from all over the region
They shared with me the challenges facing rural communities
Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers feed the world
I’m committed to passing a comprehensive farm bill that delivers the tools they need to succeed.
I took part in a cattle branding in Sioux County
Branding is a part of the western way of life
honest work that brings families and communities together
Nebraska is the Beef State because of the grit demonstrated every day by our ranchers
I’ll always advocate for Nebraska agriculture.
Nebraskans expect leaders who travel the state
My public events are opportunities to hear from Nebraskans
My team and I will also continue hosting Mobile Office Hours in all 93 counties
And I’ll continue fighting every day to make sure Nebraskans’ voices are heard in Washington
The five-month fellowship wraps up in May and all four fellows are ready to take the next step toward commercialization — whether that be pursuing external funding or beginning the patent process
program coordinator for Nebraska Innovation Studio robotics
said this first iteration of the fellowship program exceeded expectations.
“When you’re doing something completely new like this
there is a hold-your-breath moment of hoping that it takes off,” Strope said
and what the fellows have achieved in such a short amount of time is astonishing.”
now a surgical robotics engineer with Virtual Incision
started the fellowship with an idea he explored in a master’s degree project several years ago
That idea blossomed into an automated trocar placement device to enhance the safety and precision of laparoscopic and robotic abdominal surgeries
With the product developed during the fellowship
“I didn’t have a prototype or anything when I started,” Reynolds said
and my goal at the end of this program is to have a fully functioning device that we can test.”
a doctoral candidate in biological systems engineering
applied to the program wanting to take a design from the pages of his doctoral thesis to a working mechanical weed control system
artificial intelligence and a tilling mechanism to target and remove weeds from agricultural fields
With a prototype nearly finished and through the mentorship offered in the program
he is thinking bigger and may pursue commercialization
we got to talk to a lot of people and entrepreneurs
and I feel like this is a very good opportunity where I can take this and maybe have a business of my own,” Balabantaray said
thing I got from this program were the connections.”
and having mentors through this program and getting that network and roots planted here has been really beneficial,” he said
Balabantaray did not think he would have developed a prototype
The extended access to Nebraska Innovation Studio helped solve that problem for Balabantaray and for Brooke Bode
“What I really liked about the program is that I got extended access to the studio,” said Bode
a senior mechanical engineering major from Hershey
“I get the chance to come in here when it’s not technically open and work on things and ask a lot of questions
One of the biggest things I’ve gained is the ability to ask questions with no barriers
I previously had a membership to work on this project
but I made very little progress because I was scared to ask questions.”
Bode was able to redesign and fine-tune her prototype for the Cattle Kettle Monitor
a product she is developing to automate water management for cattle producers.
“The original prototype worked really well for about three weeks
who is also a University Honors and Raikes School student
“Cattle are probably the most difficult customer that I will ever have to work with
because if you cross an elephant with a toddler
They’re just really curious and big.”
The extra time — and the allocation of $2,500 in monetary resources for supplies — was also beneficial for Teresa Monsees
a senior mechanical engineering major from Harrisburg
Having a deaf family member inspired her to take flash card sketches into the future with an interactive robotic toy that could help deaf children and their family members learn sign language.
“It’s really hard to find toys specifically for deaf children
and I’ve had this idea for about a year,” Monsees said
I didn’t have the means or the time to work on it.”
Monsees was able to 3D print and wire a robotic hand that will be able to sign the alphabet in American Sign Language when the programming is finished.
“The end goal is to have a small doll that will be able to sign along with kids as they read to them
I want to have a minimum viable product — something I can show to people to say
“Signing incorporates pacing and even facial expression and lots of movement
When you’re looking at static imagery on cards
it’s really hard to grasp how to do the whole sign.”
Northeast Community College and Metro Community College to expand training
research and implementation of robotics and grow Nebraska’s economy
Strope said they are seeking financial support from various partners to establish funding for future cohorts
with a goal of offering the program each fall and spring semester
and the impact has been incredible,” Strope said
“We’ve received really positive feedback from everyone
I can’t wait to see where things go from here.”
according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation
The bridge will be restricted to one lane of traffic with temporary traffic signals
All other work will be performed during daytime hours with the use of lane closures with Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFAD)
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones
Wyoming State-backed grant funding to aid in landscape-scale wildfire restoration and recovery efforts is nearing deployment
will deliver nearly $50 million in legislatively-allocated funds for on-the-ground projects to prevent the spread of invasive annual grasses and restore resilient grass and rangelands
The support for the wildfire restoration grants came through Senate Enrolled Act 62
which appropriated $49,479,564 to the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resources Trust (WWNRT) account
The funds were authorized to provide grants to conservation districts
and the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission for projects that directly address restoration of habitats on both state and private lands
Funded projects must be habitat restoration-focused related to wildfire response – no funding may be used for equipment or structures.
and recovery must be approached thoughtfully and in concert with private landowners,” Governor Gordon said
“I thank the Legislature for recognizing this need and for putting resources behind a grant program that can enable land managers to get to work on rehabilitation efforts quickly.”
WWNRT solicited grant applications beginning in mid-March from eligible entities
Applications were discussed regionally with meetings held in Wheatland
Gillette and Buffalo that included project proponents; state agency and Governor’ office representatives; and legislators.
“Our grasses and natural resources are the underpinning of nearly all our state’s economic drivers
Time is of the essence – we cannot wait for these restoration projects
and we do not want to see a loss of habitat from lack of effort
We have an opportunity to treat those areas impacted by wildfire today to circumvent a less than desirable future,” Bob Budd
a multi-agency committee will convene to review proposals and make final award recommendations
Announcements are projected for mid-May.
Grant funding for wildfire recovery was one of the Governor’s top priorities during the 68th Legislature
the Legislature also made available a loan program through Senate Enrolled Act 62
Under the State Loans and Investment Board $100 million is available for state and private land for habitat restoration
other private facilities and infrastructure damaged by fire and other natural disasters.
MCCOOK – The Western Nebraska Community College softball team is two wins away from claiming a Region IX title after splitting a pair of games at the Region IX tournament on Saturday
WNCC dropped a winner’s bracket contest in a thrilling contest to McCook Community College 2-1 in eight innings
That pushed the team to a elimination game later that night and the Cougars took care of Otero College 11-3
WNCC will now face McCook on championship Sunday and will need to beat the Indians twice to punch their ticket to the NJCAA national tournament that will be played May 19-24 in Yuma
the two teams will play for the title at 1:30 p.m
The first game of the day against McCook was a barnburner as both defenses were stellar
Both teams scored a run in the third innings and the other six regulation innings were scoreless
WNCC had base runners in the first and second innings
but couldn’t get the big hit to score the runners
Randi Mitchell got a single followed by Tina Horton getting a line drive
Mitchell scored the first run of the game on a Kallie Stocking single
McCook came back to score once in the third on two singles and a sacrifice fly for the 1-1 game
The eighth inning saw the international tie-breaker put into place
McCook loaded the bases with one out and Rocio Mascorro singled in Laila Gutierrez with the winning run
WNCC finished with six hits in the contest
going the complete game in scattering eight hits with just two runs and striking out five
The elimination game with Otero was all WNCC from the start
The Cougars plated a single run in the first as Kallie Stocking had a 2-out double and scored on an Adi Duke single for the 1-0 lead
The Cougars added four more in the second frame with all the runs coming with two outs
JoLee Huffaker and Sierra Hilgner each earned walks and both scored on a 2-out double by Randi Mitchell
Mitchell came in to score to make it 4-0 on a Horton hit
Horton scored to make it 5-0 on a Stocking single
Otero battled back with three in the bottom of the second to make it a 5-3 contest
WNCC answered in the third with three runs to go up 8-3
Huffaker led off by reaching on an error and scored on the next batter as Tori Travers ripped a run-scoring double
Travers later scored to make it 7-3 and Alyssa Albaugh scored on a wild pitch to make it 8-3
WNCC added two runs in the sixth as Mykah Klumpp got a 2-out double followed by Huffaker earning a walk
Klumpp scored on a Travers single and then Hilgner scored Huffaker with a single to make it 10-3
The final run came in the seventh as Mitchell had a double followed by Horton reaching on an error
Duke followed by scoring Mitchell with a sacrifice fly for the final run
Four players had two hits each with Mitchell
WNCC ripped off five doubles in the win with Mitchell getting two
Mitchell also had two RBIs and two runs scored
going all seven innings in scattering four hits
Sunday’s championship game will be between two teams that have faced each other a number of times in the title game
McCook won their only Region IX title in 2022
while the Cougars have seven Region IX titles to their credit
the first in 2008 and the last one in 2019
This will be the two teams’ third time meeting for a Region IX title
The first time was in 2015 when the Cougars defeated McCook 10-1 at the tournament in Sterling
The last time was 2019 when WNCC defeated the Indians 14-5 in the championship game at Volunteer Field
Game 1WNCC 001 000 00 – 1 6 0McCook 001 000 01 – 2 8 1LP – Kayli Cooper.2B – Tina Horton
Game 2WNCC 143 002 1 – 11 11 3Otero 030 000 0 – 3 4 5WP – Kayli Cooper.2B – Randi Mitchell 2
SCOTTSBLUFF- The Scottsbluff boys golf team shot a combined 44 over par to finish four strokes ahead of Gering at Scotts Bluff Country Club Friday
The Bearcats were paced by Noah Shaddick and Gavin Carrizales who each shot 81
While Tyce Spady (83) and Dagan Cranmore (87) rounded out the four best scores for Scottsbluff
who finished third overall on the day while the team finished second
Deakon Tuttle (88) and Reece Knight/Kelen Dunn (89) rounded out the team score for Gering
HERE ARE THE FULL RESULTS FROM FRIDAY
GALLERY (IMAGES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT: https://tharimon.picfair.com/)
MCCOOK – The Western Nebraska Community College softball team opened the Region IX tournament in McCook with an 11-5 win over No
will face McCook Community College in the winner’s bracket final at 1:30 p.m
The winner of that game advances to the championship game slated for 11 a.m
McCook defeated Trinidad State 10-3 on Friday in the other first-round game
Trinidad and Otero will play an elimination game Saturday morning
The winner of that game will then play another elimination game against the loser of the WNCC/McCook contest Saturday evening with the winner of that game going to the championship on Sunday
Friday’s win was one where the Cougars took control early with three runs in the first inning after Lydia Tibbals blasted a 3-0 home run
The Cougars went up 9-0 with a 6-run third inning
JoLee Huffaker had a double and Mykah Klumpp earned a walk
Randi Mitchell singled to score two more runs
Albaugh made it 8-0 after tagging up on a sacrifice fly and Mitchell closed out the scoring
Otero came back with two in the fourth to make it 9-2
WNCC responded with one in the fifth when Tina Horton double in Mitchell
The Rattlers plated three in the fifth to slice the deficit in half at 10-5
Huffaker led off with a triple and scored on a Klumpp sacrifice fly
WNCC then got the Otero hitters to go 1-2-3 in the final inning as starting pitcher Kayli Cooper got the last batter to strikeout
It was Cooper’s seventh strikeout of the game
Cooper scattered eight hits in the contest and walked just one
Huffaker led the way with a 3-for-3 ocntest with two runs scored with a double and triple
Mitchell had a double with two runs scored and two RBIS
while Tibbals had a home run with three RBIs and two runs scored
The win moves the Cougars to 26-23 on the season
WNCC 306 011 0 – 11 11 2Otero 000 230 0 – 5 5 4WP – Kayli Cooper.2B – Randi Mitchell
JoLee Huffaker.3B – JoLee Huffaker.HR – Lydia Tibbals
Here’s a brief rundown on what’s going with games
and events for the region for high school teams and the Cougars
If you visit Old Dominion‘s new bar in midtown Nashville
you’ll actually be hanging out where the guys did before they hit it big
“When we started hanging at places like the Blue Bar where we played for no one
and decided on our name — Losers and Rebar — too
these weren’t hot spots,” lead singer Matthew Ramsey remembers
“These were places for songwriters to knock off after a day of maybe not getting a song
to sit with your publisher celebrating a cut
and the people who were working up and down Music Row were creating songs they hoped would say something or create a feeling that an artist was looking for.”
So when OD got the chance to create their own spot
“We wanted to make a place where if you’re a musician and artist
you can come here and play here — welcome home!” Matthew said from the stage during an impromptu opening weekend concert
you love a vibe and want somewhere to hang out — welcome home!” he added
including you guys just by showing up tonight.”
like the 12-seat pontoon boat bar that evokes “I Was on a Boat That Day,” as well as a spot where you can leave your “Hotel Key,” just like their hit says
Odie’s is located at 1919 Division on the site of the former Rebar
Governor Jim Pillen has revised a burn ban to allow fire chiefs discretion in granting burn permits to irrigation districts so that they can continue to clear vegetation from ditches
burning remains off limits in central and western Nebraska until midnight on May 10
Under the requirements of the new executive order
Burning is still prohibited across a wide swath of the state to help mitigate risks associated with potential grassland fires
Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92
Highway 281 and runs south to the Kansas border
Under no circumstances are burns to be authorized when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a red flag warning
Toby Keith‘s set to realize a long-held goal: having a horse in the Kentucky Derby
Toby’s Dream Walkin’ Farms is co-owner of Render Judgment
who’s set to take part in Saturday’s Run for the Roses
“The derby is the one you want to win,” Toby told the Kentucky Derby’s Connections in 2019
“That’s the one that everybody wants to hang on their wall
saying ‘I won the Kentucky Derby.’ But
The “Shoulda Been a Cowboy” hitmaker ran the 330-acre Dream Walkin’ Farms in Pauls Valley
His family’s taken over since his death in February 2024
You can watch the 151st Kentucky Derby Saturday starting at approximately 6:57 p.m
(OCEAN COUNTY, N.J.) — A second teenager has been arrested for arson in connection with a massive New Jersey wildfire as prosecutors reveal more details about how the fire allegedly began
The second suspect — an unidentified 17-year-old boy — was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with arson and aggravated arson for allegedly helping set wooden pallets on fire and leaving the area when the fire wasn’t fully extinguished
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said
The 17-year-old was also charged with hindering apprehension for allegedly giving “misinformation to law enforcement about how the fire started,” Billhimer said in a statement
The first suspect, 19-year-old Joseph Kling
was arrested on April 23 in connection with the Jones Road Wildfire
which ignited in Ocean Township on April 22
Kling picked up his friends and then took multiple wooden pallets
prosecutors said at Kling’s detention hearing Friday
Kling allegedly lit multiple wooden pallets on fire
using gasoline in a pit to create a bonfire
Kling’s friend was involved in a dirt bike accident
and the prosecutor said in Kling’s haste to leave and meet his friend
he allegedly disposed of the remaining pallets on the fire and left the blaze burning
The fire — which began due to the “improperly extinguished bonfire,” according to Billhimer — destroyed a commercial building
shut down a major highway and forced thousands of people to evacuate
the Jones Road Wildfire had burned about 15,300 acres
The blaze was 75% contained as of Thursday
aggravated arson and hindering apprehension
appeared in court Friday to determine if he will continue to be held in custody before his trial
Kling’s attorney argued that his client is a lifelong resident of Ocean County
is six weeks from finishing his vocational school program and does not have a Real ID
The judge continued the detention hearing until Monday
saying there’s significant concern to the community
but would consider releasing Kling ahead of trial if he had a higher monitoring level
The 17-year-old is being held at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center
(WASHINGTON) — The CIA is stepping up its recruiting efforts in China
releasing two Mandarin-language videos that appeal to government officials who might be open to partnering with the American spy agency
published on the CIA’s YouTube and X accounts
follow fictional men who presumably belong to the Chinese Communist Party
one a senior official and the other a junior staffer
as they work daily with classified information
Their Mandarin voiceovers say they have seen colleagues and friends “disappear.”
“I must have a backup plan,” one protagonist says
the officials are shown reaching out to the CIA via the dark web
following Mandarin instructions handed out by the CIA to do so securely
“[We’re] ensuring that folks know that CIA is open for business,” a CIA official told ABC News
“Here’s where to reach us.”
CIA Director John Ratcliffe said in a statement that the approach represents the agency’s “creativity” in its China espionage strategy
“No adversary in the history of our Nation has presented a more formidable challenge or capable strategic competitor than the Chinese Communist Party,” he added
The videos follow a similar effort undertaken by the CIA in Russia in 2023
when it released Russian-language productions in which characters decide to spy on the CIA’s behalf
The CIA official told ABC News the agency is continuing the effort after its Russia series yielded positive results
but the official could not provide details about partnerships that might have developed from the outreach in Russia
which leads human intelligence efforts in the U.S
said the videos are a modern approach to its mission of gathering intelligence from spies around the globe
we can’t recruit sources the same way that we did 20 years ago
probably the same way you did 10 years ago,” the CIA official said
referring to the acronym for universal technical surveillance
we have to go where the people go — that’s online,” the official added
National Security and Technology Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies
said the CIA may find success by appealing to people in China disaffected by political or economic conditions
“The gains of our collective efforts are indulged by a select few,” the junior CCP member says in his Mandarin voiceover
“One of the main reasons that people do spy against their country is [the] ideology piece,” Harding noted
conceding that “China is a particularly hard target.”
“They have a robust surveillance state that makes it very
very hard to maintain contact with an asset,” she said
The CIA’s online gambit wouldn’t broadly affect international relations
since the United States and China are known to spy on each other — and recruit spies
government layoffs began under President Donald Trump earlier this year
China was “very aggressively reaching out to places online … to put out feelers like
One of the two CIA productions ends with the Mandarin text of a Chinese proverb that translates roughly in English to “Fortune favors the bold.”
it reads as “Heaven helps those who help themselves.”
(WASHINGTON) — On the same day that the Trump administration is proposing billions of dollars in cuts to renewable energy
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a significant reorganization of his agency
“EPA is creating the first-of-its-kind Office of State Air Partnerships within the Office of Air and Radiation
This office will be focused on working with
local and tribal air permitting agencies to improve processing of State Implementation Plans and resolving air permitting concerns,” Zeldin said in a video posted to YouTube
Zeldin said the EPA is also creating an Office of Clean Air program that “will align statutory obligations and mission essential functions based on centers of expertise to ensure more transparency and harmony in regulatory development.”
the agency is making changes to its Office of Water and creating a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions
which Zeldin says will “prioritize research and put science at the forefront of the agency’s rule makings and technical assistance to states.”
Zeldin says the EPA will add more than 130 new employees to address the backlog of new chemicals and pesticides waiting for a review and “elevate” the issues of emergency response
the agency announced a new initiative to address contamination by PFAS
Zeldin said the new EPA structure would help the agency better understand how the chemicals impact human health and the environment
The restructuring moves come on the same day the Trump administration released its 2026 fiscal year budget
The administration’s budget cuts $15 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
a Biden administration initiative that provided funds for carbon capture and renewable energy projects
The budget also calls for slashing $6 billion for EV chargers
The budget proposal also calls for cutting grants to environmental organizations and eliminating the EPA’s Environmental Justice Program
a division that enforced civil rights laws and ensured that all people received the same level of environmental protection
Sierra Club legislative director Melinda Pierce wrote in a statement
“This budget outline would dangerously slash funding to protect our air and water
disinvest in the clean energy manufacturing boom that has powered our economic recovery
and raise costs for working families who are already struggling to get by amidst the chaos and uncertainty that this administration has created in just three short months.”
Zeldin said the reorganization would save more than $300 million a year and that the agency’s goal is to reduce staffing to match the level of Ronald Reagan’s presidency
“EPA will strive to accomplish all this while fulfilling our commitment to the rule of law
and being good stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars,” Zeldin said in his remarks
Alliance hosted their boys golf invite with Scottsbluff winning the team title and Kimball’s Kyler Lusche coming out on top on the individual leaderboard
Lusche went out in 37 and then shot 39 on the back nine to finish with a round of 76
which was good for a two shot win over Scottsbluff’s Noah Shaddick
Scottsbluff got the team title with combined round of 317 for a comfortable win
Chadron was second with a 343 and Sidney finished in third place shooting 349
A Scottsbluff man has been cited for his role in causing a three vehicle crash Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 26 and 20th Street
Police say 49-year-old Brian Livingston of Scottsbluff was at the stop sign at the intersection
and failed to yield to an eastbound Ford Expedition
with the two vehicles colliding in the eastbound lanes and causing the Expedition to veer south and strike the stop sign and a Cadillac that was that had been travelling behind Livingston’s vehicle
Scottsbluff Police say one occupant was transported by Regional West Ambulance Services for treatment of a minor neck injury
All three vehicles were towed from the scene
Estimated damages were $7,000 to the Expedition
Livingston was issued a citation for Failure to Yield
The intersection was closed for approximately 45 minutes
Scottsbluff Fire Department and RWMC Ambulance Services assisted in the response
Catch those stories and a whole lot more- right now on KNEB.tv News:
(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Thursday’s sports events:
Pistons 113 (Knicks win series 4-2)Nuggets 105
Senators 2 (Maple Leafs win series 4-2)Golden Nights 3
Wild 2 (Golden Knights win series 4-2)Stars 4
The upcoming Little House on the Prairie remake has found its stars
Netflix has announced that Alice Halsey has been cast as Laura Ingalls in its adaptation of the beloved books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Also cast in the series are Luke Bracey as patriarch Charles Ingalls
Crosby Fitzgerald as loving mother Caroline Ingalls and Skywalker Hughes as Mary Ingalls
the older sister and polar opposite to sister Laura
Wilder’s books were previously adapted into a TV series that premiered in 1974 and ran for nearly a decade
This new adaptation transforms Wilder’s semi-autobiographical books into a show that is “part family drama
and part origin story of the American West,” according to Netflix
It will offer “a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier.”
Rebecca Sonnenshine will serve as showrunner and executive producer on the new series
Sonnenshine says she is a lifelong fan of the books
“I fell deeply in love with these books when I was 5 years old,” Sonnenshine said
“They inspired me to become a writer and a filmmaker
and I am honored and thrilled to be adapting these stories for a new audience.”
Netflix’s vice president of drama series
says the streamer is excited to take on this classic story
“Little House on the Prairie has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many fans around the world
and we’re excited to share its enduring themes of hope and optimism with a fresh take on this iconic story,” Howe said
“Rebecca’s vision threads the needle with an emotional depth that will delight both new and existing fans of this beloved classic.”
Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks are celebrating 37 years together
shared Instagram tributes to one another on Wednesday
“Happy 37th Anniversary my love!!!” Wilson captioned a photo of her and her husband bundled up in hats and jackets
Hanks, meanwhile, shared a warm-weather selfie his wife took of them while out for a swim
capitalizing the first two letters in “thanks” as a play on his own initials
Back in 2013, Hanks opened up about his marriage to Wilson in a CNN interview
calling “every day” with her a “blast” and “fun.”
this is what it’s supposed to be like when you are married to somebody,” Hanks said
“It’s supposed to be this carefree and easy and
Over the years, Wilson has expressed her gratitude for Hanks as well, writing in a 2019 Instagram post that her song “The Spark” was inspired by her relationship with her husband
that beautiful glimmer that ignites into a lasting love,” Wilson wrote in part
As long as there is a spark you’ll always have a fire
and share a blended family: their sons Chester “Chet” Marlon Hanks
and Tom’s son Colin Hanks and daughter Elizabeth Hanks
whom he shares with ex-wife Samantha Lewes
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new 4K restoration and slate of special events
The cult-classic 1975 film has been newly restored and remastered on Blu-ray in 4K Ultra HD by the Walt Disney Studios Restoration team
and included a digital scan and preservation process that made sure every frame of the film was presented in a new way with unprecedented clarity and vibrancy
the new restoration includes a newly mixed Dolby Atmos audio track to enhance the iconic soundtrack with further depth and dimension
The original mono audio has also been restored
allowing fans to experience the film just as it was when it premiered 50 years ago
The Rocky Horror Picture Show was directed by Jim Sharman and stars Barry Bostwick
It follows a newly engaged couple after their car breaks down on a rainy night
Frank-N-Furter for an adventure like they’ve never experienced before
While theatrical dates for this new restoration have yet to be announced
a press release promises future announcements coming soon
“It’s a privilege to help preserve the legacy of a film that has meant so much to so many,” Kevin Schaeffer
the director of restoration & library management
“Bringing The Rocky Horror Picture Show to life in 4K allows us to honor its bold
genre-defying spirit and ensure that audiences – both longtime fans and first-time viewers – can experience it as it was originally intended
(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Wednesday’s sports events:
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONWarriors 116
The official teaser trailer for season 3 of The Gilded Age has arrived
HBO released the teaser for the new season on Thursday
The eight-episode third season of the period drama arrives June 22 on HBO and will also be available to stream on Max
“Happiness is a byproduct of a well-ordered life
Our children will be among the highest-ranking people on Earth,” Carrie Coon‘s Bertha Russell says in the trailer
when you set your mind on a thing no one can stop you,” her husband George Russell
Bertha responds: “I take that as a compliment.”
The Gilded Age follows the period of immense economic and social change in America when empires were built
where “the old guard is weakened and the Russells stand poised to take their place at the head of society,” according to its official logline
“Bertha sets her sights on a prize that would elevate the family to unimaginable heights while George risks everything on a gambit that could revolutionize the railroad industry — if it doesn’t ruin him first.”
Denée Benton and Taissa Farmiga also star in the third season
We now know who some of Jelly Roll‘s friends are
Dasha and Ashley Cooke are definitely on board to join him for his Tuesday
show at Billy Bob’s Texas at the Fort Worth Stockyards
The Jelly Roll & Friends show is one of the big lead-up events to the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards
Both Lainey and Dasha played Jelly’s benefit for ACM’s charitable arm
Bruce Springsteen is sharing another song from his upcoming box set
The latest is “Faithless,” the title track from a previously unreleased film soundtrack for a movie that never got made
The 11-song album was recorded between Springsteen’s Devils & Dust tour in November 2005 and the April 2006 release of We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
his album dedicated to the music of folk singer Pete Seeger
“‘Faithless’ was a piece of work I took (on commission) for a spiritual Western film that was preparing to be made around 2004,” The Boss shared on Instagram about the album
you can disappear into ‘development’ for long periods of time
so I thought I would release these now and let you hear my results of this interesting project.”
Songs on the album were mostly recorded by Springsteen on his own
although touring members of The E Street Band — Soozie Tyrell
Michelle Moore and Ada Dyer — appear on the album
as does Springsteen’s wife Patti Scialfa and his kids Evan and Sam Springsteen
“Faithless” is now available via digital outlets
Tracks II: The Lost Albums, will be released June 27, and is available for preorder now
It features seven previously unheard Springsteen records
all of which were originally recorded between 1983 and 2018
82 have never been released before and 74 have never been heard before
Did you miss the chance to watch Sinners on an Imax screen
The Warner Bros. Pictures film has been brought back to Imax 70mm screens by popular demand
Imax has invited the picture to play a limited rerelease in nine cinemas across North America from May 15 to May 21
citing “overwhelming popular and critical response.”
“Welcome back to Club Juke. Starting May 15, #SinnersMovie returns to IMAX 70mm locations for one week only. Tickets on sale now!” IMAX shared on Instagram
The cities showing the Imax rerelease are Dallas
Sinners has had the best debut for an original film since 2019
having grossed $122.5 million domestically as of April 27
Last year, Kenny Chesney took Megan Moroney on tour with him. Now they’re collaborating on a new song, a post on Megan’s Instagram reveals
The collection of photos accompanying the post starts with a cartoon version of Megan and Kenny looking out at an arena crowd
along with the song’s title at the top
“You Had To Be There.” From there
Megan also includes a screenshot of her 2018 ticket to Kenny’s Trip Around the Sun Tour at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium
“’7 years later got a different point of view,’” she captioned the post
which also mentions that the song will be out May 9
“As far as I know this is the first song anyone has written for me,” Kenny responded
Megan’s “Am I Okay?” is in country’s top 10
while Kenny recently charted with “Just to Say We Did.” Stay tuned to hear their new collab
The upcoming 40th anniversary of Live Aid will be celebrated with a new docuseries
Live Aid: When Rock ’n’ Roll Took On the World is a four-part series set to premiere July 13 at 9 p.m
40 years to the day that the all-star charity concerts were held in London and Philadelphia
The docuseries will feature interviews with Live Aid organizer Bob Geldof
along with what’s being described as “rare archival footage” of Live Aid performances and backstage
There will also be interviews with President George Bush
former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Nigerian President Obasanjo and former U.K
took place at London’s Wembley Stadium and Philly’s John F
which raised more than $150 million for Ethiopian famine relief
were watched by about 2 billion people in more than 100 countries
Elton John and Paul McCartney were among the performers at the London show
while Philly’s show included a reunion of Led Zeppelin
flying in from London to make it to the Philly show
MORRILL- The Hemingford boys and girls track teams both finished well ahead of the field to bring home both Panhandle Athletic Conference titles Friday
The lady Bobcats racked up 157 points on the day and finished 60 points ahead of runner-ups Morrill
Hemingford racked up five gold medals on the day
The Bobcat boys also finished well ahead of the crowd with a team score of 246
Hemingford’s team tally put them 97 points ahead of runner-ups Hyannis
12 The Bobcats racked up a staggering 12 first place finishes in 17 possible events as they bring home the first place team finish
GALLERY (images available for purchase here: https://tharimon.picfair.com/):
100m Hurdles – 33″ Varsity – Finals
300m Hurdles – 30″ Varsity – Finals
Shot Put – 4kg Varsity – Finals
110m Hurdles – 39″ Varsity – Finals
300m Hurdles – 36″ Varsity – Finals
Shot Put – 12lb Varsity – Finals
Discus – 1.6kg Varsity – Finals
Registration for the 2025-2026 season for the Western Nebraska Football Club are now open
The window to register opened on May 1st and will run through July 15th
The WNFC is open to boys and girls ages 4-18 and will feature both recreational and competitive programs
For more information, including a description of available programs you can visit www.westernnebraskafc.com or contact Nate Rock at 308-631-9003 or by email at (function(){var ml=".t%4lcre0ngimbswoafk",mi="?7>176997=6A>CAB5238:*protected email*
Catch those stories and more-right now on KNEB.tv News:
a crew began demolition of the fire-damaged structure and its also-compromised neighbor
preceded only by a discreet city announcement that a contractor would be closing the 100 block of East First Street and the 200 block of Second Avenue East for one to two days to allow for work in the area
The first in a series of fires struck the property in 2010
The structure was condemned for habitation
Ringsred and a small group of local preservationists calling themselves Respect Starts Here have battled to prevent the building from being demolished
could not be reached for comment by the News Tribune Tuesday afternoon
The Pastoret Terrace has been recognized as a contributing structure
adding value to the city’s commercial historic district
but the building itself is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places
the parties entered into a round of third-party negotiations that produced an agreement under attorney and mediator Steve Reyelts
DEDA and the city will be expected to pay a combined $2.13 million
will be directed for repairs and improvements to three other properties also controlled by the plaintiffs in the historic district: the Wabasha at 114 E
First St.; and the Eagles Wings Building at 110 E
The remaining $1.43 million will come from city coffers
$30,000 will be used to pay off the plaintiff’s delinquent taxes in the district
the vast majority of the settlement — $1.4 million — will be set aside for a fund that will be used to assist with improvements to buildings throughout the historic district
with structures located along the East First Street corridor receiving special consideration
A joint statement from the mediator issued with input from both parties in the case
said: "This settlement demonstrates the city and DEDA’s commitment to the vitality of and reinvestment in historic downtown Duluth
"Although the Pastoret Terrace itself will be lost to demolition
the settlement will allow the site of the Pastoret Terrace to be a catalyst for reinvestment in the neighborhood."
Mayor Roger Reinert praised the settlement
expressing optimism that it will provide the city with a useful tool to support the preservation and redevelopment of historical structures throughout the district
Reinert said the whole community has been attuned to the future of the Pastoret property since the original 2010 fire rendered the structure uninhabitable
in terms of the vision we have for downtown,” he said
That future will include more residential development
“We desperately need our downtown to offer more residential space to meet our current housing demand,” he said
adding that more housing also is a must if the city is to achieve its population goal of 90,000 residents by 2030
Reinert called Duluth’s First Street corridor “a prime example of what could be a bustling residential stretch of blocks downtown,” especially as the Essentia and Aspirus health systems continue to invest in their downtown medical campuses
“I’m bullish on that end of First Street because of all the assets that are there,” Reinert said
And our leadership in planning and economic development really understands that as well,” he said
The first phase of the demolition will be handled by Twin Ports Environmental Construction for $43,000
City staff have yet to bid out the second phase involving greater cleanup of the site
11 with comments from Mayor Roger Reinert and additional details. It was originally posted at 1:29 p.m
Van Morrison has released another track off his upcoming album
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has shared the new single, “Cutting Corners,” the second track released from the record following “Down to Joy.”
“Cutting Corners” is available now via digital outlets
Remembering Now is made up of 14 original tracks and is Morrison’s first album of all new material since 2022’s What’s It Gonna Take? The album will be released June 13 digitally and on black double vinyl, orange double vinyl, CD and cassette. It is available for preorder now
Morrison has several European dates on his schedule this summer
The next shows are June 4 and June 5 in Madrid
He’s also set to open for Neil Young at his BST Hyde Park show in London on July 11 and will wrap his tour with two 80th birthday shows in his hometown of Belfast
A complete list of dates can be found at VanMorrison.com
Eric Church will set out on a 22-city arena this fall to promote his new album
these shows will be different than anything you’ve ever seen or heard from us before,” Eric promised in a video to his Church Choir members
“I cannot wait to see you on the road for this tour.”
Marcus King Band and Charles Wesley Godwin will join him on the trek
before tickets become available to the general public on Friday
and Ukrainian governments touted the signing of a controversial minerals sharing deal as a launchpad for expansive bilateral economic cooperation — and as a signal of America’s long-term investment in a free Ukraine
American and Ukrainian representatives signed the accord in Washington
on Wednesday after months of tense negotiations
President Donald Trump long having framed the proposal as means to recoup more than $100 billion worth of aid given to Kyiv since Russia launched its invasion three years ago
“This partnership allows the United States to invest alongside Ukraine to unlock Ukraine’s growth assets
capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraine’s investment climate and accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a video announcing the deal
Details of the agreement were later shared online by some members of Ukraine’s parliament
with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expected to present the deal to the body — known as the Rada — on Thursday
Shmyhal this week previewed some parts of the agreement
saying it would not undermine Ukraine’s potential for accession to the European Union
The draft published by lawmakers does not include any explicit U.S
security guarantees — long one of Kyiv’s primary demands
the agreement “guarantees new deliveries of American weapons
including air defense systems — their cost will be credited to a joint fund,” according to Mykhailo Podolyak
an advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Thursday that the deal “marks an important milestone in Ukraine-U.S
strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s economy and security.”
Podolyak said the deal meant “Moscow has lost: Putin’s attempt to offer the U.S
a stake in the occupied Donbas’ mineral wealth has failed
securing resources to continue our resistance and forcing the world to see Ukraine as an equal player.”
the key outcome of this agreement is that the world’s leading power has become a co-investor in Ukraine,” Podolyak wrote
The deal will need to be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament
members of which suggested on Thursday it was too early to fully evaluate the agreement
“Judging by the statement of the prime minister
it is better than the initial version,” Oleksandr Merezhko
a lawmaker representing Zelenskyy’s party and the chair of the parliament’s foreign affairs committee
“It seems like we have managed to dodge Trump’s idea to turn the previously-provided U.S
military and material aid into Ukrainian debts,” he added
The lawmaker suggested it was too early to say whether the deal represented a win for both Kyiv and Washington
“It seems like Trump put pressure on us in an attempt to get a victory in his first 100 days in office,” Merezhko said
we have improved relations with Trump for whom it’s a win.”
Other members of parliament suggested that ratification would not be immediate
“I would really like to see the final document of the agreement,” lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko wrote on Telegram
suggested it may take until mid-May for the parliament to vote on the minerals agreement — “and that’s only if everything is submitted to the Rada on time,” he wrote on Telegram
Dmitry Medvedev — the former president and prime minister now serving as the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council — framed the deal as a defeat for Kyiv
“Trump has broken the Kyiv regime into paying for American aid with minerals,” Medvedev — who through Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has become known for his hawkish statements — wrote on Telegram
“Now they will have to pay for military supplies with the national wealth of a disappearing country,” he wrote
Bessent said the agreement “clearly to Russian leadership that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free
sovereign and prosperous Ukraine over the long term
it’s time for this cruel and senseless war to end the killing must stop.”
Bessent also said this deal was because of “President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace.”
Nataliia Popova and Michelle Stoddart contributed to this report
Lincoln-Nebraska softball junior, Jordyn Bahl earned three national honors for her performance last weekend at Washington
along with the D1 Softball Player of the Week and a Softball America Star of the Week
Bahl was also recognized as the Big Ten Player of the Week on Monday
her fifth weekly conference honor of the season.
Bahl notched a team-high .625 batting average across the Huskers’ three games against Washington last weekend
She reached base in seven of her eight trips to the plate
She knocked three home runs – one in the 12-8 win on Friday and two in the 6-0 win on Sunday
Sunday marked the second multi-homer game of her career
Bahl now has 34 extra-base hits on the season
which is one shy of tying the school record
which is tied for the seventh-highest total in school history.
Bahl became the first player in Nebraska history to notch 15 doubles and 15 home runs in the same season
She also brought her RBI total above 50 for the season
making her the first Husker since Billie Andrews in 2022 to have 50+ runs
Nebraska will take on the Maryland Terrapins from May 2-4
The weekend will mark NU’s fan appreciation weekend
Blair 2 vs Elkhorn 4Crete 2 vs Northwest 0Elkhorn North 4 @ Norris 0Gretna East 2 vs Bennington 4Lincoln East 3 vs Fremont 0Lincoln Northeast 0 vs Lincoln High 2Lincoln Northwest 0 vs Gretna 1Lincoln Southeast 3 @ Columbus 0Lincoln Standing Bear 0 vs Hastings 5Mount Michael Benedictine 3 @ Omaha Roncalli Catholic 2North Platte 0 @ Scottsbluff 2Schuyler 4 vs Scotus Central Catholic 1Seward @ Columbus LakeviewSouth Sioux City 2 vs Omaha Skutt Catholic 0The Platte 5 vs Ralston 0York @ Aurora
Dierks Bentley will headline Music City’s 2025 Independence Day celebration
Niko Moon and Grace Bowers will also take the stage at First and Broadway in Downtown Nashville to celebrate America’s freedom
the action will move to nearby Ascend Amphitheater
where the Nashville Symphony will play a half-hour set that’s synchronized to the fireworks and drone show
You can find out more at VisitMusicCity.com
nice to meet you!” He’s here putting his best paw forward
ready to find a home that can accommodate his very active energy
He’s ready to go for walks with you in the mountains
or accompany you on just about any outdoor activity he can because this boy was definitely a wanderer in a past life(and a little bit in this life too) so he’s ready for any adventure
Koda is very well mannered and just ready to settle in with a family that’s gonna love him unconditionally and give him all the attention he requires
(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Tuesday’s sports events:
2025 at 8:15pm the Scottsbluff Police Department was notified of a two-vehicle motor vehicle collision with suspected injuries at the intersection of Avenue B and South Beltline Highway West
Investigation discovered a Lincoln SUV was Westbound on South Belt Highway West occupied by five and a Ford SUV occupied by two was Southbound on Avenue B
The Ford SUV failed to stop at the Stop signed and entered the intersection
striking the Lincoln in the passenger side of the vehicle
This caused the Lincoln to spin and strike a sign in the median of South Beltline then came to rest in the Eastbound lanes
The driver of the Lincoln was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained an injury to the head
Three juvenile passengers in the back of the Lincoln SUV reported injuries to abdomen and pelvis as well as neck injury
One of the passengers injured was not wearing a seatbelt
The driver and juvenile passengers were transported by Regional West Ambulance to Regional West Medical Center for treatment
The driver and passenger of the Ford SUV reported no injuries
was cited for Stop Sign Violation and No Valid Registration
Both vehicles were towed from the scene due to disabling damages
The intersection of Avenue B and South Beltline Highway West was closed for about one hour for the investigation and clearing the roadway of debris
Scottsbluff Police Department were assisted by Scottsbluff Fire Department and Regional West Ambulance
Brian Kelley‘s ready to bring his Sunshine State of Mind to fans all over the country this summer
The Florida half of Florida Georgia Line will lunch his Sunshine State of Mind Tour July 24 in Savannah
He’ll wrap the 19-date run September 7 in Raleigh
Presales are underway now via the Brian Kelley Fan Club mobile app
before tickets become available to the public on Friday
The tour takes its name from Brian’s 2021 Sunshine State of Mind, Season One album. He’s just released the first piece of Season Two, Chapter One with his new song, “Palm Tree Country.”
Post Malone‘s Big A** Stadium Tour is already expanding
The trek kicked off Tuesday with a sold-out show in Salt Lake City featuring Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll’s set included his hits “I Am Not OK,” “Liar” and “Save Me.” He also returned during Posty’s set to do “Losers.”
Post Malone performed “Circles,” “Congratulations,” “I Had Some Help,” “Texas Tea,” “Pour Me a Drink” and more
The Big A** Stadium Tour sets up shop at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday
(LONDON) — Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned Wednesday that “a whole series of nuances” needs to be addressed before Russia will agree to any U.S.-brokered peace deal to end Moscow’s 3-year-old invasion of Ukraine
Peskov appeared to downplay hopes of a quick peace agreement — which President Donald Trump said this weekend he wants to secure within two weeks
“said that he supports this initiative — the establishment of a ceasefire
a whole series of questions need to be answered and a whole series of nuances need to be resolved,” as quoted by the state-run Tass news agency
Peskov was responding to suggestions — including from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — that Putin is not genuine about his professed desire to agree a peace deal
Zelenskyy again urged greater international pressure on the Kremlin on Wednesday
citing the latest round of drone strikes in which 45 people were injured in Kharkiv — including two children — and one person was killed in Dnipro
“Russian drones continue flying over Ukrainian skies all morning,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram
That’s why pressure on Russia is needed — strong
Not just words or attempts at persuasion — only pressure can force Russia to agree to a ceasefire and end the war.”
Europe and everyone in the world who believes war has no place on Earth,” the president wrote
Zelenskyy said that more than 100 Russian attack drones were launched at Ukrainian targets overnight into Wednesday
with a total of 375 drones launched so far this week
Ukraine’s air force said its forces shot down 50 of the 108 drones launched
with another 22 lost in flight without causing damage
said its forces downed 35 Ukrainian drones overnight into Wednesday morning
ABC News Guy Davies and Oleksiy Pshemyskiy contributed to this report
who was involved in security for an underground nightclub that was the site of a federal raid over the weekend
A federal complaint alleges Orona-Rodriguez sold cocaine to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent last month near the soldier’s home in Colorado Springs
His text messages also allegedly revealed “months of suspected cocaine trafficking,” according to the complaint
He faces federal charges related to the distribution of cocaine
Orona-Rodriguez was one of 17 active-duty service members present during a federal raid of an “afterhours
unlawful nightclub” in Colorado Springs over the weekend
He “appears to hold a leadership/ownership role in a business called Immortal Security LLC,” a company that “provides armed security at ‘nightclubs,'” including the underground club that was the site of the DEA raid
DEA agents “believe employees of Immortal Security are involved in drug distribution,” the complaint alleged
Immortal Security employs some active duty and former service members
The complaint stated Orona-Rodriguez’s commanding officer informed him in March that Immortal Security “is off limits to members of the Armed Forces” and he is “prohibited in engaging in off-duty employment” without battalion commander approval
the soldier is “suspected of unlawfully trafficking firearms
including those with high-capacity magazines
to illegal aliens,” the complaint stated
ABC News was unable to reach Immortal Security for comment
Orona-Rodriguez was taken into custody with the assistance of the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division
the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and Fort Carson officials
“We will continue to cooperate with all agencies involved,” a Fort Carson official said in a statement on Thursday
The DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division said it is conducting a joint investigation with the FBI and Army Criminal Investigation Division
Orona-Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in court at 2 p.m
Online court records do not list any attorney information for him
He does not appear to have any prior felony convictions
Fort Carson is located south of Colorado Springs
A Fort Carson spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that 17 service members
were identified at the scene during the nightclub raid over the weekend and were allowed to leave on their own
The DEA said it detained more than 200 people — including members of the military — at the unlicensed nightclub
114 illegal migrants were taken into custody
Drugs and weapons were also seized at this nightclub
ABC News’ Anne Flaherty contributed to this report
(CHICAGO) — An Illinois man has been sentenced to 53 years in prison for the 2023 fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy
Wadee Alfayoumi was stabbed 26 times and his mother more than a dozen in the Oct
attack inside their home in the Chicago suburb of Plainfield
was convicted in February on multiple murder charges
A Will County jury found Czuba guilty of all counts after deliberating for less than two hours
Prior to the sentencing on Friday in Joliet
the judge denied a motion from the defense team to overturn the jury verdict that claimed he did not receive a fair trial
The defense has filed a motion to reconsider the sentencing
with a court appearance scheduled for May 7
Czuba faced a mandatory prison sentence of 20 to 60 years up to a possible life sentence
Authorities said he targeted his tenants because they were Muslim and in response to the war between Israel and Hamas that had just ignited after Hamas’ Oct
addressed the sentencing outside the courthouse
“It doesn’t matter what numbers are
The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations
the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization
“No sentence can restore what was taken
but today’s outcome delivers a necessary measure of justice,” Ahmed Rehab
He was targeted because of who he was — Muslim
Our work now is to ensure that no other child suffers from the deadly consequences of hate.”
was the first to take the stand in the weeklong trial
She said Czuba attacked her first with a knife
She testified that she called 911 from the bathroom when he appeared to leave
but then she started to hear her son screaming
Jurors also listened to the mother’s 911 call from the bathroom
in which she was heard telling the dispatcher
“He’s killing my baby,” WLS reported
Jurors additionally heard remarks Czuba made in a law enforcement vehicle following the attack
“I thought they were going to do jihad on me,” Czuba said
He also said he was “afraid for my life” and his wife and said the family was “just like infested rats,” according to WLS
Czuba and his wife rented part of their Plainfield home to the mother and son for two years
His now-ex-wife testified for prosecutors that Czuba became withdrawn in the days after the war and wanted the family to move out immediately
while she wanted to give them 30 days’ notice
This past weekend the WESTCO BOMBSQUAD 10u youth team earned a championship at the Flatrock Classic Baseball Tournament in North Platte
The BOMBSQUAD went 4-0-1 on the weekend to claim the title in a division that included 11 other teams
That division included teams from Nebraska
Members of the team include Ryder Bauerkemper
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