The Pluto Files

LAS VEGAS — The highly decorated Army soldier inside a Tesla Cybertruck packed with fireworks that exploded outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas shot himself in the head just before detonation, authorities said Thursday. The explosion caused minor injuries to seven people but virtually no damage to the hotel. Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Matthew Livelsberger, a Green Beret, likely planned a more damaging attack but the steel-sided vehicle absorbed much of the force from the crudely built explosive. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Damage from the blast was mostly limited to the interior of the truck because the explosion “vented out and up” and didn’t hit the Trump hotel doors just a few feet away, the sheriff said. “The level of sophistication is not what we would expect from an individual with this type of military experience,” said Kenny Cooper, a special agent in charge for the the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities are still working to determine a motive. “It’s not lost on us that it’s in front of the Trump building, that it’s a Tesla vehicle, but we don’t have information at this point that definitively tells us or suggests it was because of this particular ideology,” said Spencer Evans, the Las Vegas FBI’s special agent in charge. A handgun was found at the feet of the man in the driver’s seat, who officials believe is Livelsberger, 37, of Colorado, McMahill said.

This article is part of The D. C. Brief, TIME’s politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox. When Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at the Capitol on Friday to swear-in the new class of Senators, many of the smiling politicians handing her their family Bibles will be the same ones who for months have been telling crowds that she was a threat to the American way of life.

Pat Surtain II isn’t just a Pro Bowl starter for the second time in his carer. Thursday he also was named the Demaryius Thomas Team MVP by the Denver chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association. Surtain is no stranger to PFWA recognition. He’s made the Pro Bowl three straight times, and he’s won the team MVP from local reporters who cover the team on a daily basis three straight times, as well. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, like Surtain a starter for the AFC in this year’s Pro Bowl Games, also received consideration from reporters for team MVP. Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, meanwhile, earned the Darrent Williams Good Guy Award from local reporters.

Parking lot exit stations at Denver International Airport will accept only credit and debit cards for payment – part of an airport streamlining initiative. Four new payment kiosks set up on Level Five inside the main terminal, however, will be available to accept cash, along with debit and credit cards. Related Articles Colorado News | FAA “will not fund any portion” of widening to reduce jams on DIA’s overloaded Peña Boulevard Colorado News | DIA’s surge in international travel continues with new nonstop flights to cities in Mexico, Canada and Italy Colorado News | United unveils DIA’s first nonstop flight from Denver to Rome Colorado News | CDOT braces for holiday surge in traffic — and winter storms — on I-70 and other highways Colorado News | TSA braces for more than 1 million holiday travelers at DIA Travelers who scan their parking entrance ticket and insert cash into one of the kiosks will be issued paper receipts that can be used to exit the parking lot in their vehicles. The receipts give travelers parked in lots reached by shuttle bus 60 minutes to exit.

Which hex dumbbell sets are best? There are more options than ever when it comes to working out and being able to get in your workout at home is becoming increasingly popular because it’s so convenient. You don’t need a home gym or even expensive equipment to get started. It’s easy to get a solid workout with a set of dumbbells, and hex dumbbells are a great option because the dumbbell heads have six sides, which gives you the ability to do a variety of exercises you couldn’t with regular dumbbells. Choices may vary depending on your needs and fitness level, but Papababe Hex Dumbbell Set is a sure bet due to their cast iron handles and rubber coating to protect floors. What to know before you buy a hex dumbbell set Weight range Knowing what weight range you need for your current workout plan and to achieve your future goals is imperative when selecting a weight set.

Denver Post Broncos beat reporter Parker Gabriel and Ryan McFadden are joined by columnist Troy Renck to set up the final week of the regular season. The Broncos most likely need a win Sunday afternoon against Kansas City — featuring backups at several positions — to make the AFC playoff field.