OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol Technical Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Bradley County (TN) Sheriff’s Department, have arrested a Tennessee man following an online enticement investigation.

The investigation began earlier this year when Dillon Summers, 54-years-old, of Cleveland, Tennessee contacted what he believed to be a 13-year-old female. The person he contacted online was actually an undercover Nebraska State Patrol investigator. In the subsequent online conversations, Summer discussed sexual acts.

NSP investigators were able to identify Summers and learn of his location in Bradley County, Tennessee. On Tuesday, Dec. 9, investigators arrested Summers for sexual assault by use of electronic communication device and enticement by electronic communication device.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) assisted with the investigation and the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the arrest. He was lodged in Bradley County Jail.

Tennessee Man Arrested in Online Enticement Investigation

Post Podcast: Kman's Concert Calendar, weekend of Dec. 12 

BROKEN BOW, Neb.&nbsp; — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have conducted alcohol compliance checks in Custer County.

During the afternoon and evening hours of Wednesday, Dec. 10, investigators conducted compliance checks at several businesses in Custer County. The businesses included convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants, bars and liquor stores.

In total, ten businesses were checked. Eight of those businesses refused to sell alcohol to a minor for a compliance rate of 80 percent. All ten businesses checked the minor’s ID.

Businesses that sell alcohol to minors are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.

Alcohol Compliance Checks Held in Custer County

CHADRON, Neb. - The Chadron Police Department is announcing their participation in the upcoming Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Crackdown event, occurring between Dec. 12, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026.

Impaired Driving is dangerous and carries with it many penalties, not the least of which could include fines, jail time and legal fees and license penalties. The Chadron Police Department encourages all members of the public to always find a sober driver and drink responsibly. According to NHTSA, every day about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes, which comes out to one person every 45 minutes. In 2020, 11,654 people in the US died from drunk driving crashes. Those deaths were all preventable, driving impaired is never permissible.

Between Dec. 12, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026, the Chadron Police Department, through grant funds provided by the NDOT, will increase the number of officers patrolling at any given time. Increasing the number of officers on patrol will allow enhanced focus on searching for drunk and impaired drivers. Remember, drive sober or get pulled over.

For more information on drunk and impaired driving statistics, please visit NHTSA’s website at <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving">https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving</a>.

If you have any questions, please contact the Chadron Police Department or Officer Christina Hanson at 308-432-0510.

Chadron PD Participating in Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Crackdown

LINCOLN, Neb. — For the fifth consecutive year, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) hosted its&nbsp;Name-a-Snowplow&nbsp;contest, inviting K-6 students and classrooms across Nebraska to submit their most creative and clever snowplow names. Winning names are proudly displayed on one of more than 600 snowplows in NDOT’s fleet—each trackable in real time on&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.b04f70AIkXepI61RSjEid4By-2BSC58l38dLb5KjBOr9XLsvJvl2FHRI5d8fYa29-2FbO5ug2WChZlXqpjUuCeEHWR90Iu8BAwO-2BK4ow6ECCzq3r7BVPFWYZGpoasyABjrAfv7eDaAKkKBVsN3XHLRNf8naQETh-2BKNqn0NuMP-2F-2BbWh9stOAm2Ck3magA9o-2Bd6MOpCQ3lJxYi-2BIlqg8BI2rM-2Fyg-3D-3DnWht_tSBk32awJfOKdX0D104nM81D-2BXugulph99B3XnDoLR8mOZuPToN2fEBVwCTZH-2FOyPhG1TMqI6e9S8KGoJbMSS-2FF4lQmv064gRlTzmG6k79oDqeGh-2FVzz4vetxundhxJ4MPBgvgOnfNGT8GH6tBIhaymFIp-2FxJgcRwX7-2BeuaOSBq9WfTbepBJotkZzWY8e6T-2BlaHrUOILR-2F-2FwOhPEmX7b0UIGEurXjmtHQ-2B2TvJnGzaRurZyH-2F6C6M-2FC5dSa5MlV7cBCe-2BfcHcnH9quvzv86TqOTTarL92ig3KKD2to7IHgURoSwyjy7zTWVb-2FRiM0D7p-2BGpoofYdtk11hhR8PO-2BDKuNNAoHlZxm-2FwQkuXhxS0lEQKxRCn0gEHdYwkBv4ph0Wi-2FiNCIm0T920QwXrIpMmWg-3D-3D" target="_blank">Nebraska 511.</a>

This year, NDOT received nearly 4,500 entries. Two winners were selected from each of NDOT’s&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.b04f70AIkXepI61RSjEid1wcGxursQJ5tSuGL-2FYR1LBdhnajrdeigpgMHm3Q8ubR8xeq-2F2fDdXZDObnl-2Bj3Po8u988TLeD6uM-2F2SDnkr5Yo-3DpZWZ_tSBk32awJfOKdX0D104nM81D-2BXugulph99B3XnDoLR8mOZuPToN2fEBVwCTZH-2FOyPhG1TMqI6e9S8KGoJbMSS-2FF4lQmv064gRlTzmG6k79oDqeGh-2FVzz4vetxundhxJ4MPBgvgOnfNGT8GH6tBIhaymFIp-2FxJgcRwX7-2BeuaOSBq9WfTbepBJotkZzWY8e6T-2BlaHrUOILR-2F-2FwOhPEmX7b0UIGEurXjmtHQ-2B2TvJnGzaTuqTU9-2F7p1-2FpHk9fEnAhLT9hxASAQF7AlwwiUbqSd-2FgOVhlTmQxgrIDV-2BNabiYmPNx-2BYI-2B3dQDfBHprRUQodi8iD7I5FnHO955d-2FP4AOOGD8uIfDIeG66-2BRXi0azxRFfEmuM5KfmZYqDDuqj-2Bo6vZdQpIuk7-2Fx7dUIgrSPOJWCcg-3D-3D" target="_blank">eight</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.b04f70AIkXepI61RSjEid1wcGxursQJ5tSuGL-2FYR1LBdhnajrdeigpgMHm3Q8ubR8xeq-2F2fDdXZDObnl-2Bj3Po8u988TLeD6uM-2F2SDnkr5Yo-3Dddae_tSBk32awJfOKdX0D104nM81D-2BXugulph99B3XnDoLR8mOZuPToN2fEBVwCTZH-2FOyPhG1TMqI6e9S8KGoJbMSS-2FF4lQmv064gRlTzmG6k79oDqeGh-2FVzz4vetxundhxJ4MPBgvgOnfNGT8GH6tBIhaymFIp-2FxJgcRwX7-2BeuaOSBq9WfTbepBJotkZzWY8e6T-2BlaHrUOILR-2F-2FwOhPEmX7b0UIGEurXjmtHQ-2B2TvJnGzaRtIKT-2BVowHWkd3nZ-2BqSIga8UtjvGgNexBoyyEDB-2Fr73JVt5amX-2F-2FjtC-2B92JR42tFqT2nB9L89HwyJmoTA3DQaAyfgcHgvpjTjEp0EqHd39lZKiUQADd7IXrStHselMl83N9ZtKyvWCqVnFxgKiuZoLES7erFEy8bEvLfr1J6VGQA-3D-3D" target="_blank">geographical districts</a>. The 16 winners were recognized with a celebratory event at their school, which included&nbsp;a visit from NDOT maintenance employees, a presentation about snowplow operations and winter safety, recognition of the winning student or classroom and an opportunity to tour the newly branded snowplow and ask questions.

In addition, the student or classroom who submitted the winning name received a miniature snowplow branded with the name, along with commemorative&nbsp;Name-a-Snowplow&nbsp;miniature road signs for their home and school. View photos of all of our 2025 celebrations at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.b04f70AIkXepI61RSjEid79KznOTiKKVzAslNLHx9xlBe84fHfUkQrx3jJEj2m87CXf1_tSBk32awJfOKdX0D104nM81D-2BXugulph99B3XnDoLR8mOZuPToN2fEBVwCTZH-2FOyPhG1TMqI6e9S8KGoJbMSS-2FF4lQmv064gRlTzmG6k79oDqeGh-2FVzz4vetxundhxJ4MPBgvgOnfNGT8GH6tBIhaymFIp-2FxJgcRwX7-2BeuaOSBq9WfTbepBJotkZzWY8e6T-2BlaHrUOILR-2F-2FwOhPEmX7b0UIGEurXjmtHQ-2B2TvJnGzaQUcacEeC9DSujv-2BKLveFXq7uBnPXWzZVfpeBJm81PuaGIJAiz27RpbNOZhNnc4a3-2BDjm7-2BCRfzaYOqTuCQT4u2Dxj6rhVkFhIx38M18DzmPN8iLxK-2BOrzq6kdJZnOS45OP8XEpx-2FB1tOPfUC1zvT6RXkZhphuyIkVXjHXYxUNZJw-3D-3D" target="_blank">ndot.info/snowplow</a>.

The annual contest kicks off each fall and gives NDOT a fun and engaging way to partner with educators to teach students about snowplow operations and the vital work that is done to keep Nebraska roads and drivers safe during the winter months.

NDOT Celebrates Winners of 2025 Name-a-Snowplow Contest

Alliance City Council Meeting Agenda, Dec. 16

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office (NDOT HSO) announced 30 law enforcement agencies received grant funding for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign from Dec. 10, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign emphasizes the importance of sober driving and is backed by increased law enforcement presence on roadways.

“Law enforcement agencies will be expanding their efforts to crack down on impaired driving with this high-visibility enforcement campaign,” said Ryley Egger, NDOT HSO Administrator. “The holiday season brings people together to celebrate and enjoy time with family and friends. If you plan to drink, planning a safe ride home is the best gift you can give yourself and those who care about you.”

During the 2024 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, participating Nebraska law enforcement agencies wrote 253 citations for impaired driving. Overall, NDOT HSO records show 6,318 DUI offenses occurred in Nebraska last year. Additionally, the state recorded 203 alcohol involved crashes, with 44 fatal or serious injuries happening in those crashes, according to NDOT HSO data.

If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver or use a rideshare to get home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, call 911 or the Nebraska State Patrol’s *55.

Below is a full list of grantees from the NDOT HSO.

NDOT Announces Grantees for DEC. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign

BEVERAGES OF THE DAMNED: The Radio Legend Strikes Again!

ALLIANCE, Neb. - Alliance Public Library will be celebrating the holidays from 10-11:30 a.m. in the community room.

It is open to all ages with a special invitation to families to attend with their children.

This intergeneration Christmas event - Celebrating Christmas Across the World- will feature ways different cultures celebrate at Christmas time. A special feature will include an opportunity for those in attendance to share their family’s heritage Christmas traditions passed down through the generations.

We look forward to sharing Christmas traditions in this entertaining holiday program featuring community and culture through fun presentations, songs and cookies. Refreshments will be provided.

Christmas Around the World at Alliance Public Library

By&nbsp;Shelby Westighouse, Chadron State College

CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State College junior Samantha Hill of Gillette, Wyoming, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for December 2025.

Hill is a double major in criminal justice and psychology, and minoring in art. After graduating, she intends to provide counseling for juveniles in the correctional system, or for juveniles who may be related to somebody in the correctional system.

Working at the Boys and Girls Club of Campbell County during high school ignited her passion for helping others.&nbsp;

“I grew to love being able to help the kids there. I learned so much about myself and I loved being able to be there for the kids and teach them new things,” Hill said.

Her choice to pursue a minor in art was motivated by a longstanding love for the subject.

“I had an art teacher who saw the passion I had for art and would always give me extra tasks to do after school when I was waiting for my mom or anything like that. That’s kind of where that love for art came from,” Hill said.

Along with serving as a creative outlet, Hill’s art experience could open potential career opportunities. With the skills she is learning, she will have the ability to provide criminal sketches in the future.

“I want to continue learning. If I want to do art for fun in the future, then I know some more techniques,” she said.

Hill is involved on campus and with her peers. Currently, she is the Nebraska State College System Board Student Trustee for CSC and an Admissions Ambassador on campus. She is also a member of various clubs including Cardinal Key and Project Strive.

For fun, Hill enjoys attending campus events. Some of her favorites over the years include the Silent Disco and volunteering at events such as the tie blanket night.

“Sam exemplifies the very best of our Project Strive community. She is a kind, thoughtful leader who uplifts others, represents our college with integrity, and approaches challenges with grit and resilience,”&nbsp;said Sonja Dressel, Project Strive student counselor.&nbsp;

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first-generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low-income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csc.edu/projectstrive" target="_blank">https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/</a>.

Hill Named Project Strive Student of the Month

The 84th Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Western Cooperative Company (WESTCO) took place Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Westside Event Center in Alliance, with over 100 people attending the meeting.

CFO Josh Foster presented the financial reports for the 2025 fiscal year, showing the cooperative had $162 million in sales and generated net savings of $1.3 million. WESTCO has a very strong balance sheet with $21 million working capital and $86 million total equity.

In the Annual Board Report, Chairman Joe Thompson informed the members that the Board approved Equity Redemption for all members age 70 and older for a total of $700,000.

President &amp; CEO David Briggs, reviewed the six divisions that serve the members and encouraged members to know their cost of production by contracting fertilizer and fuel during the next month.

In other business, Scott Schoeneman (Alliance), Lynden Smith (Hay Springs), and Mario Pitts (Lyman), were re-elected to serve another term on the WESTCO Board of Directors.

WESTCO Hosts 84th Annual Stockholders' Meeting in Alliance

Randy Burghardt to perform in Bridgeport 

Jessi Laine to play in Scottsbluff

ALLIANCE, Neb. – The City of Alliance Landfill’s loose fill pit and construction/demolition area will be closed Dec. 9 due to dangerous wind speed. This is for safety measures to ensure no one is injured.

For any questions, please contact the City of Alliance Landfill at (308) 762-2705.

Specific Landfill Operations Closed Due to Wind Speed in Alliance

Chris Brenning will play at Scott Free Brewing Company in Gering on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5pm - 7pm.&nbsp;

Gabriel the Brute will perform on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 4pm - 6pm.&nbsp;

Chris Brenning, Gabriel the Brute to play in Gering 

Avid to perform in Scottsbluff

UPDATED 12/3/25:&nbsp;Northwest Rural Public Power District, along with Nebraska Public Power District, have rescheduled their power outage in Hay Springs for next week, Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10pm - 12 midnight MT.

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

COLUMBUS, Neb. – A planned outage is scheduled for electric customers in Hay Springs Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. MT, to allow for work at a substation in the area.

The outage is being conducted so crews can conduct needed maintenance at the substation. “We know outages are not convenient, and we appreciate the patience of the impacted customers while the work is completed,” said NPPD Account Manager Jennifer Branson. “The work will help ensure reliable service to area customers, and crews will be working hard to complete the work in a safe and efficient manner.” 

NPPD works closely with impacted communities to schedule any planned outages. NPPD will notify impacted customers prior to the planned outage, and customers can call 1-877-ASK-NPPD if they have any questions. 

UPDATE: Planned Outage for Customers in Hay Springs Dec. 10

Box Butte County Commissioner's Meeting Agenda, Dec. 3

Roger Dodger to perform in Kimball

The Brothers Duo to play in Scottsbluff

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

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

Upcoming Christmas Party at Chadron Public Library

<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;

The House Rules Committee is scheduled to prepare the bill for floor debate on Tuesday by considering whether to allow any amendments to be considered on the floor.&nbsp;

The full House will then debate the legislation later in the week before departing for the two-week holiday break.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office shortly after the bill was released, reiterated his preference that the federal government send payments directly to Americans.

“We want to give the money to the people and let the people buy their own great health care, and they’ll save a lot of money, and it’ll be great,” he said.

But Trump also appeared to signal he is going to stay out of negotiations in Congress, saying, “I leave it to them and hopefully they’re going to put great legislation on this desk right here.”

US House GOP preps health care bill for vote before new year

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday night that aims to preempt states from enacting rules governing artificial intelligence, a major departure from the typical federalist structure of American government that Trump said was necessary because of the issue’s high stakes.

In an early evening signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/eliminating-state-law-obstruction-of-national-artificial-intelligence-policy/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;would position the United States to win a competition with China to dominate the burgeoning AI industry. Coordinating policy among 50 different states would put the U.S. at a disadvantage, Trump said, adding that Chinese President Xi Jinping did not have similar restraints.

“This will not be successful unless they have one source of approval or disapproval,” he said. “It’s got to be one source. They can’t go to 50 different sources.”

The order creates a task force to monitor state laws on AI and to challenge them in court, and directs the Commerce secretary to complete a review of state laws within three months.

David Sacks, the chair of a White House board on technology, said there were more than 1,000 pending AI bills in state legislatures.

White House staff secretary Will Scharf said during the Oval Office event that the order would “ensure that AI can operate within a single national framework in this country, as opposed to being subject to state level regulation that could potentially cripple the industry.”

“The big picture is that we’re taking steps to ensure that AI operates under a single national standard so that we can reap the benefits that will come from it.”

The order, a major assertion of presidential power over state governments and Congress, is likely to see court challenges, including from environmental groups that oppose AI expansion because of the energy resources the technology requires.

“Congress has repeatedly rejected attempts to undermine states’ and local communities’ efforts to protect themselves from the unchecked spread of AI, which is driving a wave of dangerous data center development,” Mitch Jones, the chief of policy and litigation at the advocacy group Food and Water Watch, said in a statement.&nbsp;

“We’ll be following the administration’s attempts to implement this farcical order, and we’ll fight it in Congress, in the states, in the courts, and with communities across this country.”

President Trump signs order intended to block states from regulating AI

By:<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/author/tdavies/">Tom Davies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/author/casey-smith/">Casey Smith</a> <a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/">Indiana Capital Chronicle</a>

The Republican-dominated Indiana Senate spurned months of demands from President Donald Trump as it voted 31-19 on Thursday to reject a redrawing of the state’s congressional maps.

The final outcome remained uncertain until 21 Republicans joined all 10 Democratic senators in blocking the redistricting plan. The proposal didn’t even win support from a majority of the 40 Republican senators.

With that tally, Indiana became the first Republican-led state Legislature to vote down Trump’s wish to&nbsp;<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/10/10/indiana-leaders-hint-at-early-redistricting-resolution-following-third-meeting-with-vp/">squeeze out more GOP-friendly congressional seats</a>&nbsp;in hopes of improving the party’s chances of keeping its slim U.S. House majority after the 2026 midterm elections.

“This is an extremely important issue that we’ve taken very seriously,” Bray told reporters after the bill’s defeat.

Bray downplayed the prospect of retribution from the White House after Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized him and other Republican senators.

“It’s their prerogative to have opinions about what we’re doing here. So, that’s fair,” he said.

Asked whether he was concerned about possible loss of federal funding or other consequences, Bray appeared unmoved.&nbsp;

“I’ve had lots of conversations with folks in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “Indiana will continue to function.”

A bill needs 26 votes for passage or defeat. Because a constitutional majority — 25 votes or more — voted against the measure, it can’t be taken up by state lawmakers again until the 2027 session.

Trump was calling individual senators this week seeking support and took to social media Wednesday night to seethe over Bray and other Indiana Republicans who weren’t following his demands.

A crowd of about 100 protesters outside the Senate chamber echoed throughout the three-hour debate, chanting, “Fair maps now!” and “Vote no!” and “Cheaters!” and “Liars!” and “Just vote no!”

Brooke Isaac of Columbus and other protesters cheered the outcome, saying she was “very surprised and so very thankful.”

Isaac said she believed Trump was trying to use Indiana as a “pawn” to acquire power.

“I’m just really relieved that the Republicans and our government have decided to show integrity and to stand up for what the people in our state care about,” Isaac said.

Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, was among the senators voting against the new maps and said she believed the pressure and threats from Washington backfired.&nbsp;

“You have to know Hoosiers, we can’t be bullied,” Glick said. “We don’t want that. And the instant reaction is we dig in our heels and say, why?”

Indiana House Republicans pushed the proposed maps through that chamber last week by a 57-41 margin, with 12 GOP members joining Democrats in voting “no.”

Several Republican senators against the redistricting plan cited what they described as overwhelming public opposition. Others said they didn’t believe it was proper to overhaul the Republican-drawn maps approved in 2021 for such blatant political purposes, with some objecting to the overt gerrymandering of Indianapolis among four districts spanning as far away as the Ohio River.

Trump started the national redistricting fight by pushing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/12/04/texas-redistricting-map-us-supreme-court-2026-midterms/" target="_blank">Texas Republicans to redraw</a>&nbsp;its congressional map this summer, followed by Republican redistricting moves in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/national-republicans-gear-up-to-fight-referendum-on-missouri-congressional-map/" target="_blank">Missouri</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/10/31/ohio-redistricting-commission-unanimously-passes-congressional-map-further-gop-advantage/" target="_blank">Ohio</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://ncnewsline.com/briefs/federal-judges-in-nc-will-consider-bid-to-block-newly-gerrymandered-district/" target="_blank">North Carolina</a>. An attempt by&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/08/kansas-legislative-leadership-wobbly-on-redistricting-as-january-session-draws-near/" target="_blank">Kansas Republicans</a>&nbsp;for a special session on redistricting stalled this fall.

Democrats responded with their own redistricting in&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/11/california-proposition-50-takeaways/" target="_blank">California</a>&nbsp;and possible moves in&nbsp;<a href="https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/u-s-house-minority-leader-jeffries-accelerates-illinois-redistricting-push/" target="_blank">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://virginiamercury.com/2025/11/07/judges-cool-to-legal-challenges-as-democrats-move-to-redraw-virginias-maps/" target="_blank">Virginia</a>.

Bill sponsor called for Republicans to ‘fight’

Redistricting bill sponsor Sen. Mike Gaskill, R-Pendleton, used all of his 30-minute speaking time to argue in support of it after all 10 Democratic senators and three Republicans spoke in opposition.

“They want you to play by a different set of rules,” Gaskill said, referring to Democrats.

He called on his colleagues “to step up and do the right thing.”

“I want to see us on the Republican side fight as hard for our side as they do,” Gaskill said.

Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus —&nbsp;<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/08/testimony-begins-with-initial-senate-redistricting-vote-expected-today/" target="_blank">who has been outspoken against midcycle redistricting</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;called the bill “on its face, is unconstitutional.”

“I cannot, myself, support the bill for which there must be a legal injunction in order for it to be found constitutional,” he said.

Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, had not announced a position before Thursday’s vote but told the chamber that “overwhelming feedback” from his constituents — “regardless of political leaning, or party affiliation” — influenced his decision. He ultimately voted no on the bill.&nbsp;

“I’ve done my very best to quietly and respectfully listen to the people I represent,” Goode said, “and I’m confident that my vote reflects the will of my constituents.”

At least a dozen legislators, many Senate Republicans — including Goode — have publicly disclosed being targeted in&nbsp;<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/11/20/two-more-indiana-gop-senators-report-swatting-attempts-as-redistricting-pressure-rages/">swatting attempts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/briefs/senate-republican-reports-business-bomb-threat/">bomb threats</a>&nbsp;and more. The incidents have prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/08/as-indiana-senate-begins-redistricting-turn-republicans-keep-mum/">an ongoing investigation</a>&nbsp;now led by the Indiana State Police.

“Whether we realize it or not — whether we accept it or not — the forces that define these vitriolic political affairs in places outside of Indiana have gradually, and now very blatantly, infiltrated the political affairs in Indiana,” Goode said. “Misinformation, cruel social media posts, over-the-top pressure from within the Statehouse and outside. Threats of primaries. Threats of violence. Acts of violence. Friends, we’re better than this, are we not?”

Three Republicans —&nbsp;Sens. Liz Brown, Tyler Johnson and Chris Garten —&nbsp;all spoke in staunch support.

“The vote we are about to take is not just about lines on a map — it’s a vote of critical, epic proportion,” Garten said in his passionate remarks. “We’re not here to be neutral arbiters of decline. We’re here to be active agents of American greats.”

Indiana Republicans reject Trump’s plea for gerrymandered maps

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate in long-anticipated votes failed to advance legislation Thursday that would have addressed the rising cost of health insurance, leaving lawmakers deadlocked on how to curb a surge in premiums expected next year.&nbsp;

Senators voted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00643.htm" target="_blank">51-48</a>&nbsp;on a Republican bill co-sponsored by Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo that would have provided funding through Health Savings Accounts for some ACA marketplace enrollees during 2026 and 2027.&nbsp;

They then voted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00644.htm" target="_blank">51-48&nbsp;</a>on a measure from Democrats that would have extended enhanced tax credits for people who purchase their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act Marketplace for three years. A group of Senate Democrats in November&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-advances-bill-end-record-breaking-government-shutdown" target="_blank">agreed</a>&nbsp;to end a government shutdown of historic length in exchange for a commitment by Republicans to hold a vote on extending the enhanced subsidies.

Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Rand Paul of Kentucky voted for the Democrats’ bill. Paul also voted against the GOP bill.&nbsp;

Neither bill received the 60 votes needed to advance under the Senate’s legislative filibuster rule.&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., criticized the ACA marketplace and the subsidies for leading to large increases in the costs of health insurance.&nbsp;

“Under Democrats’ plan insurance premiums will continue to spiral, American taxpayers will find themselves on the hook for ever-increasing subsidy payments,” Thune said. “And don’t think that all those payments are going to go to vulnerable Americans.”

Thune argued Democrats’ bill was only an extension of the “status quo” of a “failed, flawed, fraud program that is increasing costs at three times the rate of inflation.&nbsp;

Thune said the Republican bill from Cassidy and Crapo would “help individuals to meet their out-of-pocket costs and for many individuals who don’t use their insurance or who barely use it, it would allow them to save for health care expenses down the road.”

Schumer calls GOP plan ‘mean and cruel’

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the three-year extension bill was the only option to avoid a spike in costs for people enrolled in ACA marketplace plans.&nbsp;

“By my last count, Republicans are now at nine different health care proposals and counting. And none of them give the American people the one thing they most want — a clean, simple extension of these health care tax credits,” Schumer said. “But our bill does extend these credits cleanly and simply and it’s time for Republicans to join us.”

Schumer referred to the Cassidy-Crapo proposals as “stingy” as well as “mean and cruel.”

“Under the Republican plan, the big idea is essentially to hand people about $80 a month and wish them good luck,” Schumer said. “And even to qualify for that check, listen to how bad this is, Americans would be forced onto bare-bones bronze plans with sky-high deductibles; $7,000 or $10,000 for an individual, tens of thousands for a couple.”

After the votes failed, Schumer outlined some of the guardrails Democrats would put in place regarding negotiations with GOP colleagues.

“They want to talk about health care in general and how to improve it — we’re always open to that, but we do not want what they want — favoring the insurance companies, favoring the drug companies, favoring the special interests and turning their back on the American people,” he said.&nbsp;

The Cassidy-Crapo bill would have the Department of Health and Human Services deposit money into Health Savings Accounts for people enrolled in bronze or catastrophic health insurance plans purchased on the ACA marketplace in 2026 or 2027, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act_one-pager.pdf" target="_blank">a summary</a>&nbsp;of the bill.&nbsp;

Health Savings Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts that consumers can use to pay for medical expenses that are not otherwise reimbursed. They are not health insurance products.

ACA marketplace enrollees who select a bronze or catastrophic plan and make up to 700% of the federal poverty level would receive $1,000 annually if they are between the ages of 18 and 49 and $1,500 per year if they are between the ages of 50 and 64.&nbsp;

That would set a threshold of $109,550 in annual income for one person, or $225,050 for a family of four, according to the 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dd73d4f00d8a819d10b2fdb70d254f7b/detailed-guidelines-2025.pdf" target="_blank">federal poverty guidelines</a>. The numbers are somewhat higher for residents of Alaska and Hawaii.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The funding could not go toward abortion access or gender transitions, according to the Republican bill summary.&nbsp;

Members of Congress have introduced several other health care proposals, including two bipartisan bills in the House that would extend the enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits for at least another year with some modifications.&nbsp;

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has been reluctant to bring either bipartisan bill up for a floor vote, though he may not have the option if&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/DischargePetition/2025121012?Page=2" target="_blank">a discharge petition</a>&nbsp;filed earlier this week garners the 218 signatures needed.&nbsp;

Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick wrote in a statement the legislation represents a “solution that can actually pass—not a political messaging exercise.”

“This bill delivers the urgent help families need now, while giving Congress the runway to keep improving our healthcare system for the long term,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “Responsible governance means securing 80 percent of what families need today, rather than risking 100 percent of nothing tomorrow.”

But Johnson said Wednesday that he will&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-promises-vote-reducing-health-care-premiums-few-specifics-disclosed" target="_blank">put a package of bills on the House floor</a>&nbsp;next week that he believes “​​will actually reduce premiums for 100% of Americans who are on health insurance.” Details of those bills have not been disclosed.

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