AP - After rejecting medical marijuana four years ago and struggling to pass an industrial hemp bill, voters in conservative South Dakota went all-in on the use of pot. 

South Dakota became the first state to legalize recreational and medical pot on the same ballot, after supporters of the two measures joined forces and promoted them as a package deal. 

The approval or recreational pot, which supporters referred to as the “adult marijuana” measure, had followers on Twitter wondering how South Dakota could pull it off when their states have not. 

The leader of the group opposing the measure says they attempted to separate the two measures but their campaign was outspent five-to-one.

 The two measures are set to go into effect in July.

AP - After rejecting medical marijuana four years ago and struggling to pass an industrial hemp bill, voters in conservative South Dakota went all-in on the use of pot. South Dakota became the first state to legalize recreational and medical pot on the same ballot, after supporters of the two measures joined forces and promoted them as a package deal. The approval or recreational pot, which supporters referred to as the “adult marijuana” measure, had followers on Twitter wondering how South Dakota could pull it off when their states have not. The leader of the group opposing the measure says they attempted to separate the two measures but their campaign was outspent five-to-one. The two measures are set to go into effect in July.

South Dakota? Conservative state surprises with pot passage

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Prosecutors say a judge has found a 31-year-old Nebraska man guilty of felony human trafficking following a two-day bench trial. 

The Hall County attorney’s office said in a news release that Mohamuud Gurre of Grand Island faces a potential sentence of up to 50 years in prison when he sentenced on Feb. 9.

 Tuesday's verdict follows a nearly three-year investigation by the Grand Island Police Department.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Prosecutors say a judge has found a 31-year-old Nebraska man guilty of felony human trafficking following a two-day bench trial. The Hall County attorney’s office said in a news release that Mohamuud Gurre of Grand Island faces a potential sentence of up to 50 years in prison when he sentenced on Feb. 9. Tuesday's verdict follows a nearly three-year investigation by the Grand Island Police Department.

Nebraska man convicted of felony human trafficking

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — In a first in the nation, Oregon has rejected charging drug users with criminal offenses, with voters passing a ballot measure that decriminalizes possession of heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, oxycodone and other hard drugs. 

The Drug Policy Alliance, which was behind the measure, said it is arguably the biggest blow to the war on drugs to date.

 The measure completely changes how Oregon’s justice system treats those who are found with personal-use amounts of the hard drugs. 

Instead of going to trial and facing possible jail time, a person would have the option of paying a $100 fine or attending new addiction recovery centers funded by tax revenue from Oregon’s marijuana industry.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — In a first in the nation, Oregon has rejected charging drug users with criminal offenses, with voters passing a ballot measure that decriminalizes possession of heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, oxycodone and other hard drugs. The Drug Policy Alliance, which was behind the measure, said it is arguably the biggest blow to the war on drugs to date. The measure completely changes how Oregon’s justice system treats those who are found with personal-use amounts of the hard drugs. Instead of going to trial and facing possible jail time, a person would have the option of paying a $100 fine or attending new addiction recovery centers funded by tax revenue from Oregon’s marijuana industry.

Oregon leads the way in decriminalizing hard drugs

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Gamblers could see new casinos in Omaha and Lincoln by this time next year now that voters have ended Nebraska’s longtime ban on the industry. 

Lance Morgan, the president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., says the corporation plans to spend $300 million to add casinos at existing horse-racing tracks in both cities and South Sioux City. 

The South Sioux City project could take longer. Ho-Chunk is the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. 

Morgan says casino backers and the state’s horse-racing industry want to open casinos as soon as possible and then expand them to include restaurants, hotels and other amenities. 

Roughly two-thirds of voters approved three constitutional amendments Tuesday to legalize casinos at Nebraska’s six licensed horse racing tracks.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Gamblers could see new casinos in Omaha and Lincoln by this time next year now that voters have ended Nebraska’s longtime ban on the industry. Lance Morgan, the president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., says the corporation plans to spend $300 million to add casinos at existing horse-racing tracks in both cities and South Sioux City. The South Sioux City project could take longer. Ho-Chunk is the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Morgan says casino backers and the state’s horse-racing industry want to open casinos as soon as possible and then expand them to include restaurants, hotels and other amenities. Roughly two-thirds of voters approved three constitutional amendments Tuesday to legalize casinos at Nebraska’s six licensed horse racing tracks.

Casino backer expects to open in Nebraska next year

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A former Grand Island teacher has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography in a deal with prosecutors. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that as part of the deal, 38-year-old Brian Mohr agreed to a five-year federal prison term when he's sentenced Jan. 29. 

Officials say Mohr was a teacher at Northwest High School in Grand Island and Grand Island Central Catholic when he received nude and sexually explicit photos of minors from a student. 

Police say the male student had pretended to be a female student to get the lewd photos from other teens, then blackmailed the victims for more photos. 

Police say the student more than three dozen of the nude images to Mohr in 2019.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A former Grand Island teacher has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography in a deal with prosecutors. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that as part of the deal, 38-year-old Brian Mohr agreed to a five-year federal prison term when he's sentenced Jan. 29. Officials say Mohr was a teacher at Northwest High School in Grand Island and Grand Island Central Catholic when he received nude and sexually explicit photos of minors from a student. Police say the male student had pretended to be a female student to get the lewd photos from other teens, then blackmailed the victims for more photos. Police say the student more than three dozen of the nude images to Mohr in 2019.

Ex-Grand Island teacher pleads guilty in child porn case

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A former Fremont car dealer has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for bilking lenders out of at least $500,000. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 46-year-old Jason Siemer was sentenced last week in Lincoln's federal court. 

Siemer also was ordered to pay $500,000 in restitution and serve four years of supervised release. 

Officials say Siemer has already paid $200,000 in restitution. 

He was given 90 days to surrender to federal authorities to begin serving his prison sentence. 

Siemer pleaded guilty to fraud for obtaining a line of credit from an Omaha bank after creating a false financial statement that failed to include his line of credit from another bank.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A former Fremont car dealer has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for bilking lenders out of at least $500,000. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 46-year-old Jason Siemer was sentenced last week in Lincoln's federal court. Siemer also was ordered to pay $500,000 in restitution and serve four years of supervised release. Officials say Siemer has already paid $200,000 in restitution. He was given 90 days to surrender to federal authorities to begin serving his prison sentence. Siemer pleaded guilty to fraud for obtaining a line of credit from an Omaha bank after creating a false financial statement that failed to include his line of credit from another bank.

Former Fremont car dealer sentenced to prison for fraud

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — wo more employees at Nebraska prisons have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the state Department of Correctional Services. 

The department said in a news release Tuesday that the new cases of COVID-19 were reported at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution and and the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York. 

Officials will notify anyone who had close contact with the ill staffers, who are isolating themselves at home. 

The department said it has now had 210 staff members diagnosed with COVID-19. Of that total, 174 people have recovered.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — wo more employees at Nebraska prisons have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the state Department of Correctional Services. The department said in a news release Tuesday that the new cases of COVID-19 were reported at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution and and the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York. Officials will notify anyone who had close contact with the ill staffers, who are isolating themselves at home. The department said it has now had 210 staff members diagnosed with COVID-19. Of that total, 174 people have recovered.

2 more Nebraska prison employees test positive for COVID-19

NORTH PLATTE — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) recovered an abducted child after receiving a report of an assault and kidnapping from Sedgwick County, Colorado.

At approximately 6:15 p.m. CT Tuesday, NSP received information regarding an assault and kidnapping that had occurred in Sedgwick County. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office provided information that the suspect had assaulted a woman, then drove off in the woman’s vehicle with her child still in the vehicle. The suspect was believed to be traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 in Nebraska.

At approximately 7:00 p.m. CT, troopers were able to locate the vehicle, a Mazda 3, at I-80 mile marker 177, near North Platte. Troopers and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies performed a traffic stop on the vehicle and took the suspect into custody without incident. The child was located inside the vehicle and was unharmed.

The driver, George Williamson, 31, of North Platte, was arrested on warrants for kidnapping and assault from Sedgwick County, Colorado, as well as a warrant for failure to appear from Dawson County, Nebraska. He was lodged in Lincoln County Jail. The child was reunited with family.

NORTH PLATTE — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) recovered an abducted child after receiving a report of an assault and kidnapping from Sedgwick County, Colorado.At approximately 6:15 p.m. CT Tuesday, NSP received information regarding an assault and kidnapping that had occurred in Sedgwick County. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office provided information that the suspect had assaulted a woman, then drove off in the woman’s vehicle with her child still in the vehicle. The suspect was believed to be traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 in Nebraska.At approximately 7:00 p.m. CT, troopers were able to locate the vehicle, a Mazda 3, at I-80 mile marker 177, near North Platte. Troopers and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies performed a traffic stop on the vehicle and took the suspect into custody without incident. The child was located inside the vehicle and was unharmed.The driver, George Williamson, 31, of North Platte, was arrested on warrants for kidnapping and assault from Sedgwick County, Colorado, as well as a warrant for failure to appear from Dawson County, Nebraska. He was lodged in Lincoln County Jail. The child was reunited with family.

Abducted child recovered, suspect arrested near North Platte

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson won their South Dakota races. 

But with Republicans long dominating the state’s elections, the most interesting development was the passage of separate proposals to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana. 

Election officials received a historical number of absentee ballots, raising the possibility that tallying the results could take longer than usual.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson won their South Dakota races. But with Republicans long dominating the state’s elections, the most interesting development was the passage of separate proposals to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana. Election officials received a historical number of absentee ballots, raising the possibility that tallying the results could take longer than usual.

Trump rolls in South Dakota while 2 marijuana measures pass

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Republican Rep. Don Bacon scored a third term in Congress on Tuesday despite a tough challenge from a progressive Democrat in Nebraska’s competitive 2nd Congressional District.

 Bacon defeated social worker and nonprofit executive Kara Eastman in a rematch that echoed the 2016 race, which Eastman also narrowly lost. 

Bacon's voting record mostly aligned with President Donald Trump.

 He repeatedly pitched himself as bipartisan during the campaign. 

He also secured endorsements from several centrist Nebraska Democrats, including former Rep. Brad Ashford, who lost his seat to Bacon in 2016.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Republican Rep. Don Bacon scored a third term in Congress on Tuesday despite a tough challenge from a progressive Democrat in Nebraska’s competitive 2nd Congressional District. Bacon defeated social worker and nonprofit executive Kara Eastman in a rematch that echoed the 2016 race, which Eastman also narrowly lost. Bacon's voting record mostly aligned with President Donald Trump. He repeatedly pitched himself as bipartisan during the campaign. He also secured endorsements from several centrist Nebraska Democrats, including former Rep. Brad Ashford, who lost his seat to Bacon in 2016.

GOP Rep. Don Bacon reelected in Nebraska's 2nd District

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Republican former U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis was elected to a Wyoming U.S. Senate seat while Republican Rep. Liz Cheney won a third term as Wyoming’s lone representative in the U.S. House. 

Lummis beat Democrat Merav Ben-David, a University of Wyoming ecology professor. 

Cheney beat Lynnette Grey Bull, a Northern Arapaho tribal member and Global Indigenous Council vice president.

 It was Wyoming’s first election with women as the major-party congressional candidates. 

Lummis and Cheney were both better-known and better-funded than their Democratic opponents.

 Wyoming chose President Donald Trump over former Vice President Joe Biden in the presidential race.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Republican former U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis was elected to a Wyoming U.S. Senate seat while Republican Rep. Liz Cheney won a third term as Wyoming’s lone representative in the U.S. House. Lummis beat Democrat Merav Ben-David, a University of Wyoming ecology professor. Cheney beat Lynnette Grey Bull, a Northern Arapaho tribal member and Global Indigenous Council vice president. It was Wyoming’s first election with women as the major-party congressional candidates. Lummis and Cheney were both better-known and better-funded than their Democratic opponents. Wyoming chose President Donald Trump over former Vice President Joe Biden in the presidential race.

Trump, Lummis and Cheney win in Wyoming

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds have won in South Dakota. But with Republicans long dominating the state’s elections, the most interesting questions to be resolved may be separate proposals to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana. 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds have won in South Dakota. But with Republicans long dominating the state’s elections, the most interesting questions to be resolved may be separate proposals to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana. Election officials received a historical number of absentee ballots, raising the possibility that tallying the results could take longer than usual.

Trump, Rounds, Johnson win in South Dakota

Americans went to the polls Tuesday under the shadow of a resurging pandemic, with an alarming increase in cases nationwide and the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 reaching record highs in a growing number of states.

While daily infections were rising in all but three states, the surge was most pronounced in the Midwest and Southwest.

Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and New Mexico all reported record high hospitalizations this week. Nebraska's largest hospitals started limiting elective surgeries and looked to bring in nurses from other states to cope with the surge. Hospital officials in Iowa and Missouri warned bed capacity could soon be overwhelmed.

The resurgence loomed over candidates and voters, fearful of both the virus itself and the economic toll of any new shutdowns to control its spread. The debate over how far to take economically costly measures has divided a country already sharply polarized over President Donald Trump's turbulent four years in office.

The pandemic colored who voters chose at the ballot box and how they did it. While many Americans took advantage of expanded access to mail-in voting, lines were long in many polling places, with record turnout expected and reminders of the pandemic were everywhere.

"It's very serious that we have 400 people gathered in one space at the height of the pandemic here in Wisconsin. So, we've tried to take every measure to limit the movement throughout the room," said Claire Woodall-Vogg, the election commission director of the city of Milwaukee, where poll workers were spread out into 12 different pods to limit contact.

Wisconsin health officials reported 5,771 new coronavirus cases Tuesday, a new record.

In Indiana, the Republican candidate for attorney general tested positive for COVID-19 after developing "some symptoms," his campaign announced Tuesday. Former U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita had been quarantining with this family after learning he was exposed to the virus, it said.

Hand sanitizer on voters' hands caused a ballot scanner to jam at a polling place in Des Moines, Iowa, secretary of state spokesman Kevin Hall said.

Hall said some voters' hands were moist when they handled the ballots and the buildup of sanitizer eventually caused the scanner to stop working. The machine was fixed in about an hour.

Meanwhile, Iowa hospital officials warned their facilities and staff could be overwhelmed without serious efforts to curtail the virus spread. The state's seven-day rolling average of positive cases reached 36.4% over the weekend, the third-highest in the nation behind South Dakota and Wyoming, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Hospitalizations reached a record 730 on Monday.

Suresh Gunasekaran, CEO of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, said Iowa is entering its third peak, one that is higher than previous ones in May and July. He said his biggest concern is that this peak comes at the beginning of the cold weather season, when the flu and other respiratory conditions typically increase hospitalizations.

"The infection rate is definitely a leading indicator for hospitalizations, and the hospitalization rate is a leading indicator of mortality," Gunasekaran said.

Health officials in Nebraska said hospitalizations have doubled in recent weeks, reaching a record 613 on Sunday.

"No doubt if this trend continues - not just at our hospitals - but every hospital in the state could be at capacity in a very short period of time," Dr. Cary Ward, chief medical officer for CHI Health's network of 14 hospitals across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa said during a video call with reporters.

In Missouri, leaders of several rural hospitals raised alarms about bed capacity during a conference call last week with Republican Gov. Mike Parson, who drew renewed fire from his Democratic election challenger for his refusal to issue a statewide mask mandate. The state health department reported 1,659 hospitalizations statewide Monday, surpassing by 10 the previous record set a day earlier. Among the five additional deaths was a 13-year-old boy, the first child under 14 to die from the virus in Missouri.

In Colorado, officials said more residents have been hospitalized with the coronavirus than at any time since a peak in April. Flags were flying at half-staff in New Mexico, where death from COVID-19 surpassed 1,000 last week and hospitalizations reached a record 380 on Monday.

Trump's insistence that the U.S. is "rounding the turn" on the virus angered many voters confronting figures that tell a different story.

The virus has killed more than 232,000 people in the country and total confirmed coronavirus cases have surpassed 9 million. As hospitalizations have climbed, so have deaths. The seven-day rolling average for deaths from COVID-19 has risen over the past two weeks from about 58,424 on Oct. 19 to 83,805 on Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers.

"The fact that he (Trump) acts like this is a fake virus that the entire world is out to get him out of office shows just how convoluted his thinking is," said Carrie Rogers, 44, a software development manager from Mount Laurel, N.J., who dropped off her ballot for former Vice President Joe Biden in one of hundreds of locked boxes set up around the state.

Of equal concern is the fear of more economic pain if the country heads into another round of lockdowns to contain the virus. While the U.S. economy grew at a record 33.1% annual rate in the July-September quarter, it has yet to fully rebound from the plunge in the spring.

Trump's message prioritizing economic recovery over virus containment resonated with voters like Jason Schanta, a business owner and father of twin 13-year-old boys from Fountain Valley, California. He said his business was doing well before the pandemic, motivating him to vote for the president.

"I don't trust Biden to get it open," Schanta said of the economy.

But there were signs of the virus' resurgence hampering economic reopening even without government shutdown orders, as a fearful public stays away from riskier activities.

Cruise Lines International Association, which represents the bulk of the cruise industry, said its members are extending the suspension of U.S. sailing operations through the end of the year, just days after the U.S. government effectively lifted its no-sail order. The cruise industry group estimates that the suspension of cruises snuffed out more than $25 billion in economic activity and 164,000 American jobs.

By ALEXANDRA OLSON-Associated Press Americans went to the polls Tuesday under the shadow of a resurging pandemic, with an alarming increase in cases nationwide and the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 reaching record highs in a growing number of states.While daily infections were rising in all but three states, the surge was most pronounced in the Midwest and Southwest.Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and New Mexico all reported record high hospitalizations this week. Nebraska's largest hospitals started limiting elective surgeries and looked to bring in nurses from other states to cope with the surge. Hospital officials in Iowa and Missouri warned bed capacity could soon be overwhelmed.The resurgence loomed over candidates and voters, fearful of both the virus itself and the economic toll of any new shutdowns to control its spread. The debate over how far to take economically costly measures has divided a country already sharply polarized over President Donald Trump's turbulent four years in office.The pandemic colored who voters chose at the ballot box and how they did it. While many Americans took advantage of expanded access to mail-in voting, lines were long in many polling places, with record turnout expected and reminders of the pandemic were everywhere."It's very serious that we have 400 people gathered in one space at the height of the pandemic here in Wisconsin. So, we've tried to take every measure to limit the movement throughout the room," said Claire Woodall-Vogg, the election commission director of the city of Milwaukee, where poll workers were spread out into 12 different pods to limit contact.Wisconsin health officials reported 5,771 new coronavirus cases Tuesday, a new record.In Indiana, the Republican candidate for attorney general tested positive for COVID-19 after developing "some symptoms," his campaign announced Tuesday. Former U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita had been quarantining with this family after learning he was exposed to the virus, it said.Hand sanitizer on voters' hands caused a ballot scanner to jam at a polling place in Des Moines, Iowa, secretary of state spokesman Kevin Hall said.Hall said some voters' hands were moist when they handled the ballots and the buildup of sanitizer eventually caused the scanner to stop working. The machine was fixed in about an hour.Meanwhile, Iowa hospital officials warned their facilities and staff could be overwhelmed without serious efforts to curtail the virus spread. The state's seven-day rolling average of positive cases reached 36.4% over the weekend, the third-highest in the nation behind South Dakota and Wyoming, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Hospitalizations reached a record 730 on Monday.Suresh Gunasekaran, CEO of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, said Iowa is entering its third peak, one that is higher than previous ones in May and July. He said his biggest concern is that this peak comes at the beginning of the cold weather season, when the flu and other respiratory conditions typically increase hospitalizations."The infection rate is definitely a leading indicator for hospitalizations, and the hospitalization rate is a leading indicator of mortality," Gunasekaran said.Health officials in Nebraska said hospitalizations have doubled in recent weeks, reaching a record 613 on Sunday."No doubt if this trend continues - not just at our hospitals - but every hospital in the state could be at capacity in a very short period of time," Dr. Cary Ward, chief medical officer for CHI Health's network of 14 hospitals across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa said during a video call with reporters.In Missouri, leaders of several rural hospitals raised alarms about bed capacity during a conference call last week with Republican Gov. Mike Parson, who drew renewed fire from his Democratic election challenger for his refusal to issue a statewide mask mandate. The state health department reported 1,659 hospitalizations statewide Monday, surpassing by 10 the previous record set a day earlier. Among the five additional deaths was a 13-year-old boy, the first child under 14 to die from the virus in Missouri.In Colorado, officials said more residents have been hospitalized with the coronavirus than at any time since a peak in April. Flags were flying at half-staff in New Mexico, where death from COVID-19 surpassed 1,000 last week and hospitalizations reached a record 380 on Monday.Trump's insistence that the U.S. is "rounding the turn" on the virus angered many voters confronting figures that tell a different story.The virus has killed more than 232,000 people in the country and total confirmed coronavirus cases have surpassed 9 million. As hospitalizations have climbed, so have deaths. The seven-day rolling average for deaths from COVID-19 has risen over the past two weeks from about 58,424 on Oct. 19 to 83,805 on Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers."The fact that he (Trump) acts like this is a fake virus that the entire world is out to get him out of office shows just how convoluted his thinking is," said Carrie Rogers, 44, a software development manager from Mount Laurel, N.J., who dropped off her ballot for former Vice President Joe Biden in one of hundreds of locked boxes set up around the state.Of equal concern is the fear of more economic pain if the country heads into another round of lockdowns to contain the virus. While the U.S. economy grew at a record 33.1% annual rate in the July-September quarter, it has yet to fully rebound from the plunge in the spring.Trump's message prioritizing economic recovery over virus containment resonated with voters like Jason Schanta, a business owner and father of twin 13-year-old boys from Fountain Valley, California. He said his business was doing well before the pandemic, motivating him to vote for the president."I don't trust Biden to get it open," Schanta said of the economy.But there were signs of the virus' resurgence hampering economic reopening even without government shutdown orders, as a fearful public stays away from riskier activities.Cruise Lines International Association, which represents the bulk of the cruise industry, said its members are extending the suspension of U.S. sailing operations through the end of the year, just days after the U.S. government effectively lifted its no-sail order. The cruise industry group estimates that the suspension of cruises snuffed out more than $25 billion in economic activity and 164,000 American jobs.

Virus hospitalizations surge as pandemic shadows US election

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska polling places were busy but not overwhelmed Tuesday as voters cast ballots on races from president to the state Legislature. 

At midday Sarpy County Election Commissioner Michelle Andahl told the Omaha World-Herald there appeared to be a strong turnout and few lines. 

Turnout appeared to be high in Lincoln, where voters had to wait when polls opened at 8 a.m. 

Polls will be open until 8 p.m., except for far western parts of the state, where voting began and will end an hour earlier.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska polling places were busy but not overwhelmed Tuesday as voters cast ballots on races from president to the state Legislature. At midday Sarpy County Election Commissioner Michelle Andahl told the Omaha World-Herald there appeared to be a strong turnout and few lines. Turnout appeared to be high in Lincoln, where voters had to wait when polls opened at 8 a.m. Polls will be open until 8 p.m., except for far western parts of the state, where voting began and will end an hour earlier.

Turnout heavy but manageable at Nebraska polling places

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln police say a man who broke into a house and fought with the homeowner died after suffering a medical episode shortly after officers handcuffed him. 

Police say 38-year-old Brandon Ziemelis, of Lincoln, died Monday afternoon. 

Officers were called after neighbors reported a strange man stumbling through yards. 

A homeowner restrained Ziemelis after he entered his house. 

Police say when officers arrived and handcuffed Ziemelis, he experienced a medical problem. 

He died later at a hospital. An autopsy will determine his cause of death.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln police say a man who broke into a house and fought with the homeowner died after suffering a medical episode shortly after officers handcuffed him. Police say 38-year-old Brandon Ziemelis, of Lincoln, died Monday afternoon. Officers were called after neighbors reported a strange man stumbling through yards. A homeowner restrained Ziemelis after he entered his house. Police say when officers arrived and handcuffed Ziemelis, he experienced a medical problem. He died later at a hospital. An autopsy will determine his cause of death.

Lincoln police say handcuffed man died after home break-in

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming’s governor plans to isolate himself for over a week after possibly being exposed to the coronavirus. Gov. Mark Gordon has tested negative for the coronavirus in a rapid test. 

Governor's officials say Gordon is still waiting for results of a secondary test. 

The self-isolation will last until Nov. 11, or 14 days following the possible exposure. 

Gordon might have been exposed during a meeting that included a person who tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Governor's officials say all attendees took precautions including wearing masks for the length of the meeting.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming’s governor plans to isolate himself for over a week after possibly being exposed to the coronavirus. Gov. Mark Gordon has tested negative for the coronavirus in a rapid test. Governor's officials say Gordon is still waiting for results of a secondary test. The self-isolation will last until Nov. 11, or 14 days following the possible exposure. Gordon might have been exposed during a meeting that included a person who tested positive for the coronavirus. Governor's officials say all attendees took precautions including wearing masks for the length of the meeting.

Wyoming governor to isolate after possible COVID-19 exposure

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — In strongly conservative South Dakota, the races at the top of Tuesday's ballot may seem to offer little mystery. But after voters make their choices in the presidential and Senate races, they turn to a pair of marijuana questions — one to legalize medical marijuana, and another to OK recreational pot. 

South Dakotans soundly defeated medical marijuana eight years ago, but a lot has changed since then. 

Neighboring North Dakota and Minnesota both allow it. And several states have taken the more aggressive step of saying yes to recreational marijuana.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — In strongly conservative South Dakota, the races at the top of Tuesday's ballot may seem to offer little mystery. But after voters make their choices in the presidential and Senate races, they turn to a pair of marijuana questions — one to legalize medical marijuana, and another to OK recreational pot. South Dakotans soundly defeated medical marijuana eight years ago, but a lot has changed since then. Neighboring North Dakota and Minnesota both allow it. And several states have taken the more aggressive step of saying yes to recreational marijuana.

Marijuana proposals offer South Dakota intrigue

WASHINGTON (AP) — She didn’t have to wear a black robe or even be in Washington, but Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined her new colleagues at the Supreme Court on Monday to hear arguments for the first time.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?475850-1/us-fish-game-service-v-sierra-club-inc-oral-argument">Click here&nbsp;</a>to listen to the oral arguments.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the high court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fe767ffb8833bb059f8eabfd529365a0">began hearing cases by phone in May.</a>&nbsp;That meant the public didn’t see the new justice Monday, but at the beginning of the day’s arguments Chief Justice John Roberts welcomed her publicly to her new role with the traditional greeting.

“Before we commence the business of the court this morning it gives me great pleasure on behalf of myself and my colleagues to welcome Justice Barrett to the court,” he said, wishing her “a long and happy career in our common calling.”

Participating in oral arguments is among the first things Barrett has done as a justice after being confirmed a week ago in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07">52-48 virtual party-line vote, with Republicans overpowering Democrats to install President Donald Trump’s third Supreme Court nominee</a>.

The justices had a private conference Friday but Barrett didn’t participate “so that she could prepare for oral arguments” according to a statement from court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg.

She also did not participate in decisions the high court issued last week involving extended timelines for receiving and counting ballots in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-pennsylvania-amy-coney-barrett-elections-courts-57d6c7a32284071f36986006e37ee2d3">Pennsylvania&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-samuel-alito-amy-coney-barrett-north-carolina-elections-4cb4c214446bcfadbd73dafca9353701">North Carolina&nbsp;</a>because of the need for a quick resolution and “because she has not had time to fully review the parties’ filings,” Arberg said at the time. But her vote also wouldn’t have changed the outcome in either case.

On Monday, Barrett and her colleagues heard two hours of argument in two relatively low-profile cases: the first involving the Freedom of Information Act and the other involving disability benefits for railroad employees.

Like her colleagues, Barrett asked questions in both cases. Her first question had to do with a hypothetical case where a government official stamps “draft” on a document in order to try to avoid disclosing it. Barrett wanted to know “what other factors would a court consider” to determine whether the document should still be disclosed.

The pandemic upended a number of traditions that would have been part of Barrett’s first day of oral arguments had the justices been in their courtroom. Barrett would have joined her colleagues in a round of handshakes before taking the bench, a tradition every time the justices meet for argument or their private conference. The handshakes were suspended months ago because of the pandemic. Spectators would have seen her emerge from behind the court’s red curtains and take a seat on the far right hand side of the bench, the junior-most justice’s seat.

And while arguments in the courtroom are a free-for-all, with justices constantly jumping in with questions, the court’s phone-arguments are more orderly. Each justice gets to ask each lawyer questions in order of seniority. As the junior justice, Barrett asked her questions last.

If Monday’s arguments were a low-key introduction to the work of the court, that will soon change. On Tuesday, as the country finishes voting, the court’s cases include one about sentencing young people to life without parole. And on Wednesday, the day after Election Day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aed76866be42f523bec4a3651da6efeb">the court hears a case that involves a clash of LGBTQ rights and religious freedoms</a>&nbsp;in a major swing state, Pennsylvania.

Next week brings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eb725376830b13e2d6f89451d4f5191b">a case that could threaten the Affordable Care Act</a>, one that was front and center during Barrett’s confirmation hearings last month. Democrats claimed that the Obama-era health law, known as “Obamacare,” would be in jeopardy if Barrett joined the court. Trump has urged the court to overturn the law.

The justices have said they will continue to hear cases by phone through at least December. So it’s unclear when Barrett will move in to her offices at the court, taking over the space of her predecessor, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Amy Coney Barrett is expected to join her Supreme Court colleagues on Monday to hear arguments for the first time.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?475850-1/us-fish-game-service-v-sierra-club-inc-oral-argument">Click here </a>to listen to the oral arguments.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the high court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fe767ffb8833bb059f8eabfd529365a0">began hearing cases by phone in May.</a>&nbsp;That means the public won’t see the new justice, but they’ll be<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?475850-1/us-fish-game-service-v-sierra-club-inc-oral-argument"> able to hear</a> her if she asks questions, as all her colleagues have been doing. Also because of the pandemic, the court has been allowing the public to <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?475850-1/us-fish-game-service-v-sierra-club-inc-oral-argument">listen to arguments </a>in real time, a change from the past.

Participating in oral arguments will be among the first things Barrett will do after being confirmed last week in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07">52-48 virtual party-line vote, with Republicans overpowering Democrats to install President Donald Trump’s third Supreme Court nominee</a>.

She did not participate in decisions the high court issued last week involving extended timelines for receiving and counting ballots in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-pennsylvania-amy-coney-barrett-elections-courts-57d6c7a32284071f36986006e37ee2d3">Pennsylvania&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-samuel-alito-amy-coney-barrett-north-carolina-elections-4cb4c214446bcfadbd73dafca9353701">North Carolina&nbsp;</a>because of the need for a quick resolution and “because she has not had time to fully review the parties’ filings,” the court’s spokeswoman said in a statement. But her vote also wouldn’t have changed the outcome in either case.

The two cases Barrett will hear Monday are relatively low-profile, a dispute involving the Freedom of Information Act and another involving disability benefits for railroad employees. On Tuesday, however, as the country finishes voting, the court’s cases include one about sentencing young people to life without parole. And on Wednesday, the day after Election Day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aed76866be42f523bec4a3651da6efeb">the court hears a case that involves a clash of LGBTQ rights and religious freedoms</a>&nbsp;in a major swing state, Pennsylvania.

On Monday, Chief Justice John Roberts is expected to offer a traditional, short welcome, to Barrett before arguments begin, wishing her “a long and happy career in our common calling.” And the court will have a typical two hours of argument in two cases.

The pandemic has upended other traditions. If the justices were in their courtroom, Barrett would join her colleagues in a round of handshakes before taking the bench, a tradition every time the justices meet for argument or their private conference that was suspended months ago because of the pandemic. Spectators would see her emerge from behind the court’s red curtains and take a seat on the far right hand side of the bench, the junior-most justice’s seat. She would be seated next to Justice Neil Gorsuch, Trump’s first nominee to the court.

And while arguments in the courtroom are a free-for-all, with justices constantly jumping in with questions, the court’s phone-arguments are more orderly. Each justice gets to ask each lawyer questions in order of seniority. As the junior justice, Barrett will ask her questions last.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603812401665.png" alt="During a formal ceremony Oct. 27, Chief Justice John Roberts administers the Judicial Oath to Judge Amy Coney Barrett in the East Conference Room of the Supreme Court Building as Judge Barrett's husband, Jesse M. Barrett, holds the Bible -photo courtesy Fred Schilling/Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>During a formal ceremony Oct. 27, Chief Justice John Roberts administers the Judicial Oath to Judge Amy Coney Barrett in the East Conference Room of the Supreme Court Building as Judge Barrett's husband, Jesse M. Barrett, holds the Bible -photo courtesy Fred Schilling/Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — She didn’t have to wear a black robe or even be in Washington, but Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined her new colleagues at the Supreme Court on Monday to hear arguments for the first time.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?475850-1/us-fish-game-service-v-sierra-club-inc-oral-argument">Click here&nbsp;</a>to listen to the oral arguments.Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the high court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fe767ffb8833bb059f8eabfd529365a0">began hearing cases by phone in May.</a>&nbsp;That meant the public didn’t see the new justice Monday, but at the beginning of the day’s arguments Chief Justice John Roberts welcomed her publicly to her new role with the traditional greeting.“Before we commence the business of the court this morning it gives me great pleasure on behalf of myself and my colleagues to welcome Justice Barrett to the court,” he said, wishing her “a long and happy career in our common calling.”Participating in oral arguments is among the first things Barrett has done as a justice after being confirmed a week ago in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07">52-48 virtual party-line vote, with Republicans overpowering Democrats to install President Donald Trump’s third Supreme Court nominee</a>.The justices had a private conference Friday but Barrett didn’t participate “so that she could prepare for oral arguments” according to a statement from court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg.She also did not participate in decisions the high court issued last week involving extended timelines for receiving and counting ballots in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-pennsylvania-amy-coney-barrett-elections-courts-57d6c7a32284071f36986006e37ee2d3">Pennsylvania&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-samuel-alito-amy-coney-barrett-north-carolina-elections-4cb4c214446bcfadbd73dafca9353701">North Carolina&nbsp;</a>because of the need for a quick resolution and “because she has not had time to fully review the parties’ filings,” Arberg said at the time. But her vote also wouldn’t have changed the outcome in either case.On Monday, Barrett and her colleagues heard two hours of argument in two relatively low-profile cases: the first involving the Freedom of Information Act and the other involving disability benefits for railroad employees.Like her colleagues, Barrett asked questions in both cases. Her first question had to do with a hypothetical case where a government official stamps “draft” on a document in order to try to avoid disclosing it. Barrett wanted to know “what other factors would a court consider” to determine whether the document should still be disclosed.The pandemic upended a number of traditions that would have been part of Barrett’s first day of oral arguments had the justices been in their courtroom. Barrett would have joined her colleagues in a round of handshakes before taking the bench, a tradition every time the justices meet for argument or their private conference. The handshakes were suspended months ago because of the pandemic. Spectators would have seen her emerge from behind the court’s red curtains and take a seat on the far right hand side of the bench, the junior-most justice’s seat.And while arguments in the courtroom are a free-for-all, with justices constantly jumping in with questions, the court’s phone-arguments are more orderly. Each justice gets to ask each lawyer questions in order of seniority. As the junior justice, Barrett asked her questions last.If Monday’s arguments were a low-key introduction to the work of the court, that will soon change. On Tuesday, as the country finishes voting, the court’s cases include one about sentencing young people to life without parole. And on Wednesday, the day after Election Day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aed76866be42f523bec4a3651da6efeb">the court hears a case that involves a clash of LGBTQ rights and religious freedoms</a>&nbsp;in a major swing state, Pennsylvania.Next week brings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eb725376830b13e2d6f89451d4f5191b">a case that could threaten the Affordable Care Act</a>, one that was front and center during Barrett’s confirmation hearings last month. Democrats claimed that the Obama-era health law, known as “Obamacare,” would be in jeopardy if Barrett joined the court. Trump has urged the court to overturn the law.The justices have said they will continue to hear cases by phone through at least December. So it’s unclear when Barrett will move in to her offices at the court, taking over the space of her predecessor, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.-----------WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Amy Coney Barrett is expected to join her Supreme Court colleagues on Monday to hear arguments for the first time.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?475850-1/us-fish-game-service-v-sierra-club-inc-oral-argument">Click here </a>to listen to the oral arguments.Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the high court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fe767ffb8833bb059f8eabfd529365a0">began hearing cases by phone in May.</a>&nbsp;That means the public won’t see the new justice, but they’ll be<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?475850-1/us-fish-game-service-v-sierra-club-inc-oral-argument"> able to hear</a> her if she asks questions, as all her colleagues have been doing. Also because of the pandemic, the court has been allowing the public to <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?475850-1/us-fish-game-service-v-sierra-club-inc-oral-argument">listen to arguments </a>in real time, a change from the past.Participating in oral arguments will be among the first things Barrett will do after being confirmed last week in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07">52-48 virtual party-line vote, with Republicans overpowering Democrats to install President Donald Trump’s third Supreme Court nominee</a>.She did not participate in decisions the high court issued last week involving extended timelines for receiving and counting ballots in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-pennsylvania-amy-coney-barrett-elections-courts-57d6c7a32284071f36986006e37ee2d3">Pennsylvania&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-samuel-alito-amy-coney-barrett-north-carolina-elections-4cb4c214446bcfadbd73dafca9353701">North Carolina&nbsp;</a>because of the need for a quick resolution and “because she has not had time to fully review the parties’ filings,” the court’s spokeswoman said in a statement. But her vote also wouldn’t have changed the outcome in either case.The two cases Barrett will hear Monday are relatively low-profile, a dispute involving the Freedom of Information Act and another involving disability benefits for railroad employees. On Tuesday, however, as the country finishes voting, the court’s cases include one about sentencing young people to life without parole. And on Wednesday, the day after Election Day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aed76866be42f523bec4a3651da6efeb">the court hears a case that involves a clash of LGBTQ rights and religious freedoms</a>&nbsp;in a major swing state, Pennsylvania.Next week brings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eb725376830b13e2d6f89451d4f5191b">a case that could threaten the Affordable Care Act</a>, one that was front and center during Barrett’s confirmation hearings last month. Democrats claimed that the Obama-era health law, known as “Obamacare,” would be in jeopardy if Barrett joined the court. Trump has urged the court to overturn the law.The justices have said they will continue to hear cases by phone through at least December. So it’s unclear when Barrett will move in to her offices at the court, taking over the space of her predecessor, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.On Monday, Chief Justice John Roberts is expected to offer a traditional, short welcome, to Barrett before arguments begin, wishing her “a long and happy career in our common calling.” And the court will have a typical two hours of argument in two cases.The pandemic has upended other traditions. If the justices were in their courtroom, Barrett would join her colleagues in a round of handshakes before taking the bench, a tradition every time the justices meet for argument or their private conference that was suspended months ago because of the pandemic. Spectators would see her emerge from behind the court’s red curtains and take a seat on the far right hand side of the bench, the junior-most justice’s seat. She would be seated next to Justice Neil Gorsuch, Trump’s first nominee to the court.And while arguments in the courtroom are a free-for-all, with justices constantly jumping in with questions, the court’s phone-arguments are more orderly. Each justice gets to ask each lawyer questions in order of seniority. As the junior justice, Barrett will ask her questions last.

🎤 Barrett asks first questions during Supreme Court arguments

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Five of the six states with the nation’s lowest unemployment rates are in the Midwest, have Republican governors and have almost no restrictions intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The governors say their decisions not to impose harsher restrictions are paying off with fewer business closures and more hiring reflected in the strong jobless numbers. But economists say it’s not so simple. Although businesses that are struggling during the pandemic can benefit when governors opt not to require masks or limit in-door gatherings, other factors may play an even bigger role in producing such low unemployment rates.

And those same rules that could initially help the states’ economies also are blamed for their leading the nation in coronavirus infection rates, raising questions about whether their hands-off approach is sustainable. North Dakota and South Dakota have the most cases per capita in the U.S., and Nebraska and Iowa aren’t far behind.

“If hospitalization and death rates increase, then you have a motivation by politicians to close the economy down. That would be very deadly and push unemployment rates back up,” said Ernie Goss, an economist at Creighton University in Omaha.

For now, though, those Midwestern states have a lock atop the unemployment rankings, far below the national average rate for September of 7.9%. Nebraska leads the nation with a 3.5% unemployment rate, followed by South Dakota, Vermont, North Dakota, Iowa and Missouri.

Most of the Midwestern governors imposed some restrictions last spring, but they were among the first to ease them, arguing that they needed to balance efforts to slow the virus’ spread with the need for a robust economy.

“I’ve got to believe that if you shut down harder, you’re going to see a more severe impact to your industries and the longer you’re shut down, the harder it’s going to be for those industries to rebound,” Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts told the Associated Press.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who tested positive for COVID-19 last month, has touted a balanced approach to coping with the pandemic. And Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds urged residents not to let the virus dominate their lives.

In South Dakota, Gov. Kristi Noem said: “There’s consequences to what we’ve seen happen in other states — that shutting down businesses, stopping people’s way of life has some devastating impacts. We’re taking a very balanced approach.”

In contrast, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, has worked aggressively to tamp down the virus, including closing some businesses in the spring and imposing a mask mandate. Vermont now has one of the nation’s lowest COVID-19 infection rates along with the third-lowest unemployment rate.

Like the Midwestern states, Vermont is largely rural with industries that weren’t hurt as badly by the pandemic.

Economists say that’s not a coincidence, noting that states dominated by agriculture and some kinds of manufacturing were able to operate closer to normal and managed to bounce back more quickly. That contrasts with states that rely on tourism, such as California, Nevada and Hawaii, which have the nation’s highest unemployment rates.

“The economy of a rural state has a different structure, so more of the people work in industries that wouldn’t really be disrupted by a need for social distancing like agriculture,” said Eric Thompson, who leads the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The Midwestern states already had ultra-low unemployment rates before the pandemic, and they benefitted early on from a lack of population density, with plenty of wide-open spaces and few major cities where it would be harder to avoid catching the virus. More recently, though, many of those rural areas have seen some of the nation’s highest virus rates.

Even in industries like meatpacking that initially were devastated by workers catching COVID-19, the companies have managed to make changes that have allowed their operations to nearly return to normal.

Thompson said a lack of restrictions may have been most important in the spring. At the height of the shutdowns in April, Nebraska’s unemployment rate peaked at 8.7%, which was slightly more than half the national rate of 14.7% at that time.

Nathan Kauffman, Omaha branch executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, said fewer businesses closed in these states because many of them are in what are considered essential industries.

Ricketts agreed that Nebraska’s mix of industries played a significant role in helping the state’s economy.

“The kinds of things that we’re strong in are agriculture, manufacturing, finance and technology. You’ve just got industries that are not going to be as impacted by a pandemic,” Ricketts said.

But even if business has remained better in these states, that doesn’t mean they have been completely spared. Restaurants, hotels and other types of businesses are still struggling because people remain wary of resuming their normal shopping patterns, and those economic costs could rise amid spikes in virus rates.

Despite the low unemployment figures, all of the states now have fewer jobs than before the pandemic hit. Nationally, the economy has regained only about half of the 22 million jobs that were lost.

Still, many Midwestern business owners and leaders say they appreciate their governors’ lighter touch.

In Rapid City, South Dakota, Black Hills Bagels never had to close because the wholesale side of its operation continued providing products to grocery stores, and its retail store turned to drive-thru and delivery options, owner Debra Jensen said. It even had trouble hiring the workers it needed this year because unemployment remained so low.

“I’m just happy that the state and the folks in South Dakota made the right decisions to make sure our economy didn’t just bottom out,” Jensen said.

Arik Spencer, president and CEO of the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, said he doesn’t think shutting down the economy is the right approach, but every state is trying to help the economy while managing the virus.

“We hope that with the thoughtful approach of decisionmakers here in North Dakota, we’re poised to recover quickly. But if there was a silver bullet for recovery, every state in the country would be utilizing that right now,” Spencer said.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Five of the six states with the nation’s lowest unemployment rates are in the Midwest, have Republican governors and have almost no restrictions intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus.The governors say their decisions not to impose harsher restrictions are paying off with fewer business closures and more hiring reflected in the strong jobless numbers. But economists say it’s not so simple. Although businesses that are struggling during the pandemic can benefit when governors opt not to require masks or limit in-door gatherings, other factors may play an even bigger role in producing such low unemployment rates.And those same rules that could initially help the states’ economies also are blamed for their leading the nation in coronavirus infection rates, raising questions about whether their hands-off approach is sustainable. North Dakota and South Dakota have the most cases per capita in the U.S., and Nebraska and Iowa aren’t far behind.“If hospitalization and death rates increase, then you have a motivation by politicians to close the economy down. That would be very deadly and push unemployment rates back up,” said Ernie Goss, an economist at Creighton University in Omaha.For now, though, those Midwestern states have a lock atop the unemployment rankings, far below the national average rate for September of 7.9%. Nebraska leads the nation with a 3.5% unemployment rate, followed by South Dakota, Vermont, North Dakota, Iowa and Missouri.Most of the Midwestern governors imposed some restrictions last spring, but they were among the first to ease them, arguing that they needed to balance efforts to slow the virus’ spread with the need for a robust economy.“I’ve got to believe that if you shut down harder, you’re going to see a more severe impact to your industries and the longer you’re shut down, the harder it’s going to be for those industries to rebound,” Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts told the Associated Press.Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who tested positive for COVID-19 last month, has touted a balanced approach to coping with the pandemic. And Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds urged residents not to let the virus dominate their lives.In South Dakota, Gov. Kristi Noem said: “There’s consequences to what we’ve seen happen in other states — that shutting down businesses, stopping people’s way of life has some devastating impacts. We’re taking a very balanced approach.”In contrast, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, has worked aggressively to tamp down the virus, including closing some businesses in the spring and imposing a mask mandate. Vermont now has one of the nation’s lowest COVID-19 infection rates along with the third-lowest unemployment rate.Like the Midwestern states, Vermont is largely rural with industries that weren’t hurt as badly by the pandemic.Economists say that’s not a coincidence, noting that states dominated by agriculture and some kinds of manufacturing were able to operate closer to normal and managed to bounce back more quickly. That contrasts with states that rely on tourism, such as California, Nevada and Hawaii, which have the nation’s highest unemployment rates.“The economy of a rural state has a different structure, so more of the people work in industries that wouldn’t really be disrupted by a need for social distancing like agriculture,” said Eric Thompson, who leads the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.The Midwestern states already had ultra-low unemployment rates before the pandemic, and they benefitted early on from a lack of population density, with plenty of wide-open spaces and few major cities where it would be harder to avoid catching the virus. More recently, though, many of those rural areas have seen some of the nation’s highest virus rates.Even in industries like meatpacking that initially were devastated by workers catching COVID-19, the companies have managed to make changes that have allowed their operations to nearly return to normal.Thompson said a lack of restrictions may have been most important in the spring. At the height of the shutdowns in April, Nebraska’s unemployment rate peaked at 8.7%, which was slightly more than half the national rate of 14.7% at that time.Nathan Kauffman, Omaha branch executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, said fewer businesses closed in these states because many of them are in what are considered essential industries.Ricketts agreed that Nebraska’s mix of industries played a significant role in helping the state’s economy.“The kinds of things that we’re strong in are agriculture, manufacturing, finance and technology. You’ve just got industries that are not going to be as impacted by a pandemic,” Ricketts said.But even if business has remained better in these states, that doesn’t mean they have been completely spared. Restaurants, hotels and other types of businesses are still struggling because people remain wary of resuming their normal shopping patterns, and those economic costs could rise amid spikes in virus rates.Despite the low unemployment figures, all of the states now have fewer jobs than before the pandemic hit. Nationally, the economy has regained only about half of the 22 million jobs that were lost.Still, many Midwestern business owners and leaders say they appreciate their governors’ lighter touch.In Rapid City, South Dakota, Black Hills Bagels never had to close because the wholesale side of its operation continued providing products to grocery stores, and its retail store turned to drive-thru and delivery options, owner Debra Jensen said. It even had trouble hiring the workers it needed this year because unemployment remained so low.“I’m just happy that the state and the folks in South Dakota made the right decisions to make sure our economy didn’t just bottom out,” Jensen said.Arik Spencer, president and CEO of the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, said he doesn’t think shutting down the economy is the right approach, but every state is trying to help the economy while managing the virus.“We hope that with the thoughtful approach of decisionmakers here in North Dakota, we’re poised to recover quickly. But if there was a silver bullet for recovery, every state in the country would be utilizing that right now,” Spencer said.___

Midwest states with few virus rules have low unemployment

KEARNEY&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a California man after finding nearly 50 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Kearney.

At approximately 5:40 p.m. Saturday, a trooper observed a Dodge Grand Caravan make an unsafe pass of a semi-tractor/truck trailer. The trooper performed a traffic stop on the van.

During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana. A search of the vehicle revealed 49 pounds of marijuana contained inside suitcases in the rear of the van.

The driver, David Powell, 42, of Sonora, California, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Powell was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

KEARNEY&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a California man after finding nearly 50 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Kearney.At approximately 5:40 p.m. Saturday, a trooper observed a Dodge Grand Caravan make an unsafe pass of a semi-tractor/truck trailer. The trooper performed a traffic stop on the van.During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana. A search of the vehicle revealed 49 pounds of marijuana contained inside suitcases in the rear of the van.The driver, David Powell, 42, of Sonora, California, was arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Powell was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

Troopers find 49 LBs of marijuana in I-80 traffic stop

GRAND ISLAND&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people following a pursuit in York and Seward Counties. Deputies from the York and Seward County Sheriff’s Offices assisted in this effort.

At approximately 10:35 p.m. Sunday, a trooper observed a Chevrolet Blazer driving with a headlight out on Road 9 near Highway 81, south of the Interstate 80 interchange near York. The trooper and a York County Sheriff’s Deputy, who was also in the area, attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle fled westbound on Road 9. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The suspect vehicle turned north on the Hampton spur and entered I-80, traveling eastbound at mile marker 338. Troopers continued pursuing the vehicle as it fled at a high rate of speed eastbound on I-80. Near mile marker 366, Seward County Sheriff’s Deputies were able to successfully deploy stop sticks, bringing the vehicle to a stop. At that point, troopers and deputies were able to take both occupants into custody without further incident.

The driver, Jessie Shafer, 31, of Lincoln, was arrested for felony flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana – less than an ounce, and numerous traffic violations. The passenger, Derrick Phipps, 36, of Lincoln, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession drug paraphernalia. Both were lodged in York County Jail.

GRAND ISLAND&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people following a pursuit in York and Seward Counties. Deputies from the York and Seward County Sheriff’s Offices assisted in this effort.At approximately 10:35 p.m. Sunday, a trooper observed a Chevrolet Blazer driving with a headlight out on Road 9 near Highway 81, south of the Interstate 80 interchange near York. The trooper and a York County Sheriff’s Deputy, who was also in the area, attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle fled westbound on Road 9. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The suspect vehicle turned north on the Hampton spur and entered I-80, traveling eastbound at mile marker 338. Troopers continued pursuing the vehicle as it fled at a high rate of speed eastbound on I-80. Near mile marker 366, Seward County Sheriff’s Deputies were able to successfully deploy stop sticks, bringing the vehicle to a stop. At that point, troopers and deputies were able to take both occupants into custody without further incident.The driver, Jessie Shafer, 31, of Lincoln, was arrested for felony flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana – less than an ounce, and numerous traffic violations. The passenger, Derrick Phipps, 36, of Lincoln, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession drug paraphernalia. Both were lodged in York County Jail.

Two arrested after multi-county pursuit

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials are reporting a fifth straight day of more than 1,000 cases of the coronavirus, lifting the total number of positive tests to more than 45,000. 

The Sunday update showed 1,332 new infections of the 2,638 people tested. 

Twelve deaths were reported in the last day, increasing the total fatalities due to complications from COVID-19 to 437. 

There are 421 people hospitalized, including 79 in intensive care units. 

The state has confirmed 45,437 cases since the start of the pandemic.

 State officials say there were 21,827 new infections in October, following 8,880 in September. 

The number of people being treated in medical facilities across the state doubled in October.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials are reporting a fifth straight day of more than 1,000 cases of the coronavirus, lifting the total number of positive tests to more than 45,000. The Sunday update showed 1,332 new infections of the 2,638 people tested. Twelve deaths were reported in the last day, increasing the total fatalities due to complications from COVID-19 to 437. There are 421 people hospitalized, including 79 in intensive care units. The state has confirmed 45,437 cases since the start of the pandemic. State officials say there were 21,827 new infections in October, following 8,880 in September. The number of people being treated in medical facilities across the state doubled in October.