BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A federal energy report shows that coal production in Montana has decreased by more than 3 million tons in the last year, a result attributed to more affordable alternatives. 

The Billings Gazette reported that the U.S. Energy Information Administration has found that coal mines produced 32.8 million tons in one year through the first week of June compared to 36.1 million tons a year earlier.

 The report followed a year where two coal-fired generating units were closed and multiple furloughs were implemented across the state’s largest mines during the coronavirus pandemic.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A federal energy report shows that coal production in Montana has decreased by more than 3 million tons in the last year, a result attributed to more affordable alternatives. The Billings Gazette reported that the U.S. Energy Information Administration has found that coal mines produced 32.8 million tons in one year through the first week of June compared to 36.1 million tons a year earlier. The report followed a year where two coal-fired generating units were closed and multiple furloughs were implemented across the state’s largest mines during the coronavirus pandemic.

Montana coal production down amid declining demand

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A state health official says an increase in coronavirus cases in southwest Wyoming is connected to a public gathering where social distancing rules were not followed.

 The Casper Star-Tribune reports the addition of three cases Tuesday brings Uinta County to 80 confirmed coronavirus infections, the state’s third highest total. 

State health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist says the new cases appear to be connected to a gathering at a public location, which she declined to identify except to say it involved young people. 

Harrist says people at the gathering spread the virus to others who did not attend.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A state health official says an increase in coronavirus cases in southwest Wyoming is connected to a public gathering where social distancing rules were not followed. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the addition of three cases Tuesday brings Uinta County to 80 confirmed coronavirus infections, the state’s third highest total. State health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist says the new cases appear to be connected to a gathering at a public location, which she declined to identify except to say it involved young people. Harrist says people at the gathering spread the virus to others who did not attend.

Southwest Wyoming virus spike linked to public gathering

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A judge has sentenced a Rapid City man to 50 years in prison for repeatedly shooting at law enforcement officers during a four-hour standoff on New Year’s Day 2019. 

Judge Robert Gusinsky said Wednesday in Pennington County Court that “by the grace of God” no one died when 63 rounds were fired by Jordan Wounded Face in Rapid City.

 Guskinsky acknowledged that Wounded Face needs mental health treatment for his schizophrenia, but said he’s not confident he can be rehabilitated since he already completed or dropped out of several rounds of intensive mental health and substance abuse treatment.&nbsp;

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A judge has sentenced a Rapid City man to 50 years in prison for repeatedly shooting at law enforcement officers during a four-hour standoff on New Year’s Day 2019. Judge Robert Gusinsky said Wednesday in Pennington County Court that “by the grace of God” no one died when 63 rounds were fired by Jordan Wounded Face in Rapid City. Guskinsky acknowledged that Wounded Face needs mental health treatment for his schizophrenia, but said he’s not confident he can be rehabilitated since he already completed or dropped out of several rounds of intensive mental health and substance abuse treatment.&nbsp;

Rapid City man gets 50 years in prison for shooting 63 rounds at officers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A grand jury on Thursday indicted a Kansas City detective on involuntary manslaughter in the shooting of a black man who was killed last year in his own backyard while backing into his garage.

The Jackson County grand jury also charged Detective Eric DeValkenaere with armed criminal action in the Dec. 3 killing of Cameron Lamb outside his Kansas City home.

DeValkenaere, who had returned to duty after the shooting, is now suspended, the Kansas City Police Department said Thursday in a statement.

The indictment comes days after Lamb's death garnered renewed attention stemming from his family's meeting with President Donald Trump.

Lamb's relatives were among several families of black Americans killed in interactions with police to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b7cb4d191e8f8419be435c8a279e0eab">meet&nbsp;</a>privately this week with Trump before a Rose Garden signing ceremony for an executive order that the president said would encourage better police practices. The issue has received increased scrutiny since the May 25 death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a55d2662f200ead0da4fed9e923b60a7">George Floyd</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/758ed1eeea3d4d68abe9bfd467a1a108">December</a>, Lamb was seen chasing a car in his pickup truck. Officers in a police helicopter followed Lamb, a 26-year-old father of three, and alerted officers on the ground when he backed into a lot behind his home, police said in a statement at the time.

Two plain-clothes detectives, the statement said, went to the house and made contact with Lamb in the backyard while he was still in the truck. One officer said he fired at Lamb after he watched Lamb pull out a gun and point it at the other officer who had approached the truck. The statement said Lamb was found with his left hand hanging out of the truck’s window, a gun on the ground beneath.

An internal police inquiry is complete, and the case has been turned over to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. Her spokeswoman, Michael Mansur, said Thursday that Lamb's death remains under investigation.

A warrant has been issued and bond is set at $30,000. No court date has been set.

DeValkenaere has been with KCPD since 1999, the department said.

Before the indictment was announced Thursday, an online change.org&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/jean-peters-baker-5-months-is-too-long-for-no-charges-cameron-lamb-s-family-deserves-justice?source_location=topic_page">petition</a>&nbsp;demanding charges had collected more than 200,000 signatures.

Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney who is representing Lamb’s family, said it was a brief dispute with a girlfriend that caused the pursuit. He told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article240522561.html">The Star&nbsp;</a>earlier this year that police were on Lamb’s property illegally and recklessly pursued a nonviolent traffic offender. Merritt also questioned whether officers violated Lamb’s Second Amendment right to bear arms.

“As a constitutional lawyer, I am particularly offended when people of color are killed in their own home," Merritt said. “It’s something about the sanctity of someone’s home that should be protected.”

No lawsuit has been filed yet. Merritt wasn’t immediately available for an interview Thursday with The Associated Press.

Merritt is also representing the family of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1cb403282aeddcbc6c85bc80644cbd18">Ahmaud Arbery</a>, who was fatally shot in February when a white father and son pursued the 25-year-old black man after spotting him running in their subdivision just outside of Brunswick, Georgia.

Lamb's family and that of 47-year old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/252b29762228f5d10334041827698feb">Donnie Sanders</a>, who also was fatally shot by police, are calling for the names of the officers involved to be released. Sanders died in March after a confrontation during a traffic stop. Police said Sanders raised his arms “as though he had a weapon,” but investigators later determined that Sanders was unarmed.

The families have the support of the group One Struggle KC, which is pushing for the termination of the officers, WDAF-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/families-advocates-demanding-names-of-kansas-city-officers-involved-in-shootings-be-released/">reported</a>.

“Why not let us know who killed these people?” said One Struggle KC spokesperson Nikki Smith said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592565445204.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation in Dec. 2019 photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation in Dec. 2019 photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A grand jury on Thursday indicted a Kansas City detective on involuntary manslaughter in the shooting of a black man who was killed last year in his own backyard while backing into his garage.The Jackson County grand jury also charged Detective Eric DeValkenaere with armed criminal action in the Dec. 3 killing of Cameron Lamb outside his Kansas City home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592565520517.png" alt="Charging Document courtesy Jackson County prosecutor's office" />
 <figcaption>Charging Document courtesy Jackson County prosecutor's office</figcaption>
 </figure>DeValkenaere, who had returned to duty after the shooting, is now suspended, the Kansas City Police Department said Thursday in a statement.The indictment comes days after Lamb's death garnered renewed attention stemming from his family's meeting with President Donald Trump.Lamb's relatives were among several families of black Americans killed in interactions with police to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b7cb4d191e8f8419be435c8a279e0eab">meet&nbsp;</a>privately this week with Trump before a Rose Garden signing ceremony for an executive order that the president said would encourage better police practices. The issue has received increased scrutiny since the May 25 death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a55d2662f200ead0da4fed9e923b60a7">George Floyd</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/758ed1eeea3d4d68abe9bfd467a1a108">December</a>, Lamb was seen chasing a car in his pickup truck. Officers in a police helicopter followed Lamb, a 26-year-old father of three, and alerted officers on the ground when he backed into a lot behind his home, police said in a statement at the time.Two plain-clothes detectives, the statement said, went to the house and made contact with Lamb in the backyard while he was still in the truck. One officer said he fired at Lamb after he watched Lamb pull out a gun and point it at the other officer who had approached the truck. The statement said Lamb was found with his left hand hanging out of the truck’s window, a gun on the ground beneath.An internal police inquiry is complete, and the case has been turned over to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. Her spokeswoman, Michael Mansur, said Thursday that Lamb's death remains under investigation.A warrant has been issued and bond is set at $30,000. No court date has been set.DeValkenaere has been with KCPD since 1999, the department said.Before the indictment was announced Thursday, an online change.org&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/jean-peters-baker-5-months-is-too-long-for-no-charges-cameron-lamb-s-family-deserves-justice?source_location=topic_page">petition</a>&nbsp;demanding charges had collected more than 200,000 signatures.Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney who is representing Lamb’s family, said it was a brief dispute with a girlfriend that caused the pursuit. He told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article240522561.html">The Star&nbsp;</a>earlier this year that police were on Lamb’s property illegally and recklessly pursued a nonviolent traffic offender. Merritt also questioned whether officers violated Lamb’s Second Amendment right to bear arms.“As a constitutional lawyer, I am particularly offended when people of color are killed in their own home," Merritt said. “It’s something about the sanctity of someone’s home that should be protected.”No lawsuit has been filed yet. Merritt wasn’t immediately available for an interview Thursday with The Associated Press.Merritt is also representing the family of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1cb403282aeddcbc6c85bc80644cbd18">Ahmaud Arbery</a>, who was fatally shot in February when a white father and son pursued the 25-year-old black man after spotting him running in their subdivision just outside of Brunswick, Georgia.Lamb's family and that of 47-year old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/252b29762228f5d10334041827698feb">Donnie Sanders</a>, who also was fatally shot by police, are calling for the names of the officers involved to be released. Sanders died in March after a confrontation during a traffic stop. Police said Sanders raised his arms “as though he had a weapon,” but investigators later determined that Sanders was unarmed.The families have the support of the group One Struggle KC, which is pushing for the termination of the officers, WDAF-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/families-advocates-demanding-names-of-kansas-city-officers-involved-in-shootings-be-released/">reported</a>.“Why not let us know who killed these people?” said One Struggle KC spokesperson Nikki Smith said.

Kansas City officer charged in fatal shooting of black man

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A registered Nebraska sex offender has been sentenced to at least 145 years behind bars for what prosecutors say was a scheme to abduct and sexually assault a child. 

KETV-TV reports that Douglas County Judge John Huber on Thursday sentenced 35-year-old Robert Williams to life in prison for kidnapping, lewd conduct and attempted sexual assault charges. 

Police say Williams and another man tried to kidnap three 5- to 15-year-old girls on separate occasions in May 2019. 

Police say Williams told investigators he was “on the hunt” for children to sexually assault.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A registered Nebraska sex offender has been sentenced to at least 145 years behind bars for what prosecutors say was a scheme to abduct and sexually assault a child. KETV-TV reports that Douglas County Judge John Huber on Thursday sentenced 35-year-old Robert Williams to life in prison for kidnapping, lewd conduct and attempted sexual assault charges. Police say Williams and another man tried to kidnap three 5- to 15-year-old girls on separate occasions in May 2019. All three girls managed to escape. Police say Williams told investigators he was “on the hunt” for children to sexually assault.

Sex offender sentenced to 145 years in child kidnapping case

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states suggests the economy remains weak in those areas as the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect the region.

 The overall economic index for the region more than doubled to 37.9 in June from May’s 12.5, but it remained at a weak level. 

Survey organizers say any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy, while a score above 50 suggests a growing economy. 

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said crop prices remain low, and more than one-third of the bankers survey expect that to be a significant challenge over the next year.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states suggests the economy remains weak in those areas as the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect the region. The overall economic index for the region more than doubled to 37.9 in June from May’s 12.5, but it remained at a weak level. Survey organizers say any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy, while a score above 50 suggests a growing economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said crop prices remain low, and more than one-third of the bankers survey expect that to be a significant challenge over the next year.&nbsp;

Bankers say economy remains weak in rural parts of 10 states

BLACK HAWK, S.D. (AP) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency said several South Dakota residents who evacuated from their homes after a sinkhole collapsed and exposed an abandoned mine in April are not eligible to receive federal aid.

 FEMA told Sen. Mike Rounds in a June 12 letter that the agency had discussions about whether any of its programs can assist Meade County residents. 

The letter said that “FEMA, unfortunately, will not be a source of assistance.”

 The Rapid City Journal reports that the gypsum mine that emerged displaced 12 families in a Black Hawk neighborhood after breaking water and sewer lines.

BLACK HAWK, S.D. (AP) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency said several South Dakota residents who evacuated from their homes after a sinkhole collapsed and exposed an abandoned mine in April are not eligible to receive federal aid. FEMA told Sen. Mike Rounds in a June 12 letter that the agency had discussions about whether any of its programs can assist Meade County residents. The letter said that “FEMA, unfortunately, will not be a source of assistance.” The Rapid City Journal reports that the gypsum mine that emerged displaced 12 families in a Black Hawk neighborhood after breaking water and sewer lines.

FEMA: Families will not receive aid after SD sinkhole collapse

PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison for his role in a suburban Omaha slaying. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 47-year-old Christopher Reagan was sentenced Wednesday in Sarpy County District Court to 100 years to life after pleading guilty earlier this year to second-degree murder, use of a weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery. 

Reagan and three other people were charged after an attempted robbery and the stabbing death of Brent Quigley on June 29, 2018. 

Officers found Quigley lying near the front door of his Bellevue home with at least 20 stab wounds.

PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison for his role in a suburban Omaha slaying. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 47-year-old Christopher Reagan was sentenced Wednesday in Sarpy County District Court to 100 years to life after pleading guilty earlier this year to second-degree murder, use of a weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery. Reagan and three other people were charged after an attempted robbery and the stabbing death of Brent Quigley on June 29, 2018. Officers found Quigley lying near the front door of his Bellevue home with at least 20 stab wounds.

Omaha man gets 100 years to life for Sarpy County slaying

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an incident that occurred this afternoon on Interstate 80 near Cozad.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., troopers responded to mile marker 223, where a female was found on the side of the road with a pickup and a trailer. A deceased male was found in the passenger seat of the pickup. Two children were also located in the vehicle and are safe.

There is no threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing. Interstate 80 is now open in both directions of travel in the area.

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an incident that occurred this afternoon on Interstate 80 near Cozad.At approximately 3:15 p.m., troopers responded to mile marker 223, where a female was found on the side of the road with a pickup and a trailer. A deceased male was found in the passenger seat of the pickup. Two children were also located in the vehicle and are safe.There is no threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing. Interstate 80 is now open in both directions of travel in the area.

NSP investigating a death on Interstate 80 near Cozad

MINNEAPOLIS (FBI)-United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22, charging him with aiding and abetting arson at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct. ROBINSON, who was arrested on June, 14, 2020, in Breckenridge, Colorado, made his initial appearance earlier today, before Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter in U.S. District Court in Denver.

According to the allegations in the complaint, on the night of May 28, 2020, the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct was overrun and heavily damaged due to vandalism and arson. Investigators identified multiple separate fires had been started in the building. Surveillance video footage from the Third Precinct shows two individuals light a Molotov cocktail and throw it at the Third Precinct building. One of the individuals can be seen throwing a second Molotov cocktail at the Third Precinct building. Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were able to identify ROBINSON in the surveillance video.

According to the allegations in the complaint, ATF investigators reviewed a video posted on ROBINSON’s Snapchat account that shows at least one individual appearing to make a Molotov cocktail while multiple unidentified voices provide directions on how to make the device. During the video, ROBINSON typed several comments, including “These guys have never made a Molotov… Rookies,” and “We need gasoline.” Investigators reviewed another Snapchat video in which ROBINSON can be seen setting a fire in a stairwell inside the Third Precinct. On the evening of June 12, 2020, investigators located ROBINSON in the Denver, Colorado area. ROBINSON was arrested on June, 14, 2020, in Breckenridge, Colorado.

The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to the Third Precinct fire or other business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ATFTips@atf.gov/">ATFTips@atf.gov</a>&nbsp;or submit information anonymously via&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reportit.com/">ReportIt.com</a>. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/violence">FBI.gov/violence</a>.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul and Denver Field Divisions, the FBI Minneapolis and Denver Field Offices, the United States Forest Service, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, the Breckenridge Police Department, the Dillon Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys&nbsp;Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MINNEAPOLIS (FBI)-United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22, charging him with aiding and abetting arson at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct. ROBINSON, who was arrested on June, 14, 2020, in Breckenridge, Colorado, made his initial appearance earlier today, before Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter in U.S. District Court in Denver.According to the allegations in the complaint, on the night of May 28, 2020, the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct was overrun and heavily damaged due to vandalism and arson. Investigators identified multiple separate fires had been started in the building. Surveillance video footage from the Third Precinct shows two individuals light a Molotov cocktail and throw it at the Third Precinct building. One of the individuals can be seen throwing a second Molotov cocktail at the Third Precinct building. Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were able to identify ROBINSON in the surveillance video.According to the allegations in the complaint, ATF investigators reviewed a video posted on ROBINSON’s Snapchat account that shows at least one individual appearing to make a Molotov cocktail while multiple unidentified voices provide directions on how to make the device. During the video, ROBINSON typed several comments, including “These guys have never made a Molotov… Rookies,” and “We need gasoline.” Investigators reviewed another Snapchat video in which ROBINSON can be seen setting a fire in a stairwell inside the Third Precinct. On the evening of June 12, 2020, investigators located ROBINSON in the Denver, Colorado area. ROBINSON was arrested on June, 14, 2020, in Breckenridge, Colorado.The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to the Third Precinct fire or other business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ATFTips@atf.gov/">ATFTips@atf.gov</a>&nbsp;or submit information anonymously via&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reportit.com/">ReportIt.com</a>. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/violence">FBI.gov/violence</a>.This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul and Denver Field Divisions, the FBI Minneapolis and Denver Field Offices, the United States Forest Service, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, the Breckenridge Police Department, the Dillon Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys&nbsp;Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Defendant Information:DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22Brainerd, Minn.Charges:<ul>
 <li>Aiding and abetting arson, 1 count</li>
 </ul>

Man charged in arson of Minneapolis' 3rd Police Precinct 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans unveiled proposed changes to police procedures and accountability Wednesday, countering Democratic policing legislation with a bill that stays clear of federal mandates.

The “Justice Act” is the most ambitious GOP policing proposal in years, a direct response to the massive public protests over the death of George Floyd and other black Americans. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he believes America is not a racist country but “the stain is not totally gone” from slavery and the Civil War.

He said the chamber will move swiftly to floor debate next week.

The GOP proposal includes an enhanced use-of-force database, restrictions on chokeholds and new commissions to study law enforcement and race. The Senate’s lone black Republican, Tim Scott of South Carolina, led a task force of GOP senators compiling the package.

Scott spoke of his own experiences being stopped by police — including once this year — and urged colleagues to understand it’s “not a binary choice” between supporting law enforcement or people of color.

“We hear you,” Scott said, addressing himself to the families of those Americans killed by police. “I think this package speaks very clearly to the young person and his concern when he stopped by law enforcement officers.”

McConnell said Republicans are “serious about making a law” and challenged Democrats to support it. But Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer immediately criticized the legislation, saying it was clear that the GOP bill “does not rise to the moment” and would provide less accountability than House Democrats’ version.

The 106-page bill is not as sweeping as that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bfecabf098454168138ef548cac5b985">Democratic proposal</a>, which the House Judiciary Committee is considering on Wednesday before an expected House vote next week. But it shows how swiftly the national debate has been transformed as Republicans embrace a new priority in an election year.

The GOP legislation would beef up requirements for law enforcement to compile use-of-force reports under a new George Floyd and Walter Scott Notification Act, named for the Minnesota man whose May 25 death sparked worldwide protests over police violence, and Scott, a South Carolina man shot by police after a traffic stop in 2015. Scott is not related to the senator.

It would also establish the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/BreonnaTaylor">Breonna Taylor&nbsp;</a>Notification Act to track “no-knock” warrants. The 26-year-old was killed this year after police in McConnell’s home state of Kentucky used a no-knock warrant to enter her Louisville home.

Focusing on ending chokeholds, the legislation encourages agencies to do away with the practice or risk losing federal funds — but does not require them to do so. Many big city departments have long stopped the use. The legislation also provides funding for training to “de-escalate” situations and establish a “duty to intervene” protocol to prevent excessive force.

The GOP effort seeks to reach across the aisle to Democrats in several ways. It includes one long-sought bill to make lynching a federal hate crime and another to launch a study of the social status of black men and boys that has been touted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The Republican package — dubbed the “Just and Unifying Solutions To Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act of 2020” — also includes a bipartisan Senate proposal to establish a National Criminal Justice Commission Act and extends funding streams for various federal law enforcement programs, including the COPS program important to states.

The package includes a mix of other proposals, including tapping the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture to create a law enforcement training curriculum on “the history of racism in the United States.” Another closes a loophole to prohibit federal law enforcement officers from engaging in sexual acts with those being arrested or in custody.

Expenditures for the bill would be considered on an emergency basis, so as not to count against federal deficits.

The GOP proposal comes amid a crush of activity from Washington as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/77871ed6e38c0416a67f03345a0a853e">President Donald Trump announced executive actions Tuesday&nbsp;</a>to create a database of police misconduct.

At a Rose Garden event, he declared himself “committed to working with Congress on additional measures.”

Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Colleen Long contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans unveiled proposed changes to police procedures and accountability Wednesday, countering Democratic policing legislation with a bill that stays clear of federal mandates.The “Justice Act” is the most ambitious GOP policing proposal in years, a direct response to the massive public protests over the death of George Floyd and other black Americans. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he believes America is not a racist country but “the stain is not totally gone” from slavery and the Civil War.He said the chamber will move swiftly to floor debate next week.The GOP proposal includes an enhanced use-of-force database, restrictions on chokeholds and new commissions to study law enforcement and race. The Senate’s lone black Republican, Tim Scott of South Carolina, led a task force of GOP senators compiling the package.Scott spoke of his own experiences being stopped by police — including once this year — and urged colleagues to understand it’s “not a binary choice” between supporting law enforcement or people of color.“We hear you,” Scott said, addressing himself to the families of those Americans killed by police. “I think this package speaks very clearly to the young person and his concern when he stopped by law enforcement officers.”McConnell said Republicans are “serious about making a law” and challenged Democrats to support it. But Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer immediately criticized the legislation, saying it was clear that the GOP bill “does not rise to the moment” and would provide less accountability than House Democrats’ version.The 106-page bill is not as sweeping as that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bfecabf098454168138ef548cac5b985">Democratic proposal</a>, which the House Judiciary Committee is considering on Wednesday before an expected House vote next week. But it shows how swiftly the national debate has been transformed as Republicans embrace a new priority in an election year.The GOP legislation would beef up requirements for law enforcement to compile use-of-force reports under a new George Floyd and Walter Scott Notification Act, named for the Minnesota man whose May 25 death sparked worldwide protests over police violence, and Scott, a South Carolina man shot by police after a traffic stop in 2015. Scott is not related to the senator.It would also establish the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/BreonnaTaylor">Breonna Taylor&nbsp;</a>Notification Act to track “no-knock” warrants. The 26-year-old was killed this year after police in McConnell’s home state of Kentucky used a no-knock warrant to enter her Louisville home.Focusing on ending chokeholds, the legislation encourages agencies to do away with the practice or risk losing federal funds — but does not require them to do so. Many big city departments have long stopped the use. The legislation also provides funding for training to “de-escalate” situations and establish a “duty to intervene” protocol to prevent excessive force.The GOP effort seeks to reach across the aisle to Democrats in several ways. It includes one long-sought bill to make lynching a federal hate crime and another to launch a study of the social status of black men and boys that has been touted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.The Republican package — dubbed the “Just and Unifying Solutions To Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act of 2020” — also includes a bipartisan Senate proposal to establish a National Criminal Justice Commission Act and extends funding streams for various federal law enforcement programs, including the COPS program important to states.The package includes a mix of other proposals, including tapping the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture to create a law enforcement training curriculum on “the history of racism in the United States.” Another closes a loophole to prohibit federal law enforcement officers from engaging in sexual acts with those being arrested or in custody.Expenditures for the bill would be considered on an emergency basis, so as not to count against federal deficits.The GOP proposal comes amid a crush of activity from Washington as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/77871ed6e38c0416a67f03345a0a853e">President Donald Trump announced executive actions Tuesday&nbsp;</a>to create a database of police misconduct.At a Rose Garden event, he declared himself “committed to working with Congress on additional measures.”___Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Colleen Long contributed to this report.

Senate GOP proposes policing changes in 'Justice Act'

LINCOLN, Neb. –&nbsp;A third confirmed case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The child from Douglas County was recently hospitalized and later released -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news" target="_blank">https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news&nbsp;</a>. MIS-C is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.

Two cases of MIS-C were reported earlier in June - one in Dawson County and one in Douglas County. Both children were hospitalized and later released.

Experts don't know exactly what causes this syndrome, but they do know that many children diagnosed with it had COVID-19 or had been around someone with COVID-19. The syndrome appears to be an uncommon manifestation potentially tied to COVID-19. It can be very serious, but most children diagnosed with the condition have gotten better with medical care.

DHHS shared information on recognizing, managing and reporting potential cases of MIS-C with health care providers and local health departments across the state in a May 18 Health Alert Network advisory.

There is still a lot to learn about MIS-C and more study is needed. State and local health departments nationwide are working with federal partners to investigate cases and possible causes.

Fast facts about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children:

More information on MIS-C can be found on the CDC's website -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/mis-c.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/mis-c.html&nbsp;</a>.

For more information on COVID-19, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

From Douglas County Health Department

Health Department Confirms Second MIS-C Case in Douglas County - June 16, 2020 <a href="https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/images/Spanish_FINAL_PR_Tuesday_6-16_-_Second_MIS-C_Case.pdf" target="_blank">El Departamento de Salud confirma el Segundo caso de MIS-C</a>

There is a second confirmed case of Multisystem Inflammatory&nbsp;Syndrome (MIS-C) in Douglas County. The Douglas County Health Department reports a teenage boy with a brief history of a fever, sore throat and fatigue was hospitalized for several days in late May and tested positive for COVID-19.

The patient lives with several family members, including adults, at least one of whom has tested positive for COVID-19.

MIS-C is a condition believed to be related to COVID-19 and individuals who contract the syndrome have symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease, which may include a rash, fever, fatigue and abdominal pain.&nbsp;

“If you see any of these symptoms in your child, please seek immediate emergency care,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “While MIS-C appears to be similar to Kawasaki disease, we have much to learn.”

This syndrome can lead to multiple organ inflammation and can be deadly. However, most children recover with medical treatment. Many children who acquire MIS-C have been around a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. As in other cases, the young person in this case also tested positive for the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says doctors may provide medicines or fluids to make the patient feel better and others to treat inflammation. Most children who become ill can be treated in the hospital, but some will need to go to the pediatric intensive care unit.

“Your child will look sick if they have MIS-C,” Dr. Pour said. “Please don’t hesitate to seek care.”

The Mosquito Watch is Back! - June 16, 2020

Mosquito-borne illnesses affect 100 million people per year around the globe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are in that time of year when mosquitoes make their seasonal return, and some may carry the West Nile virus.

The Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) is working to protect the public by placing mosquito larvicide in potential breeding sites or stagnant waterways, That helps prevent the spread of the West Nile virus and reduces mosquito populations. Using CDC funding, DCHD will trap mosquitoes every other week to survey their populations and variety in Douglas County. Trapped mosquitoes are counted and tested for Zika, West Nile virus and Chikungunya at the Nebraska State Public Health Lab.

“The West Nile virus is well established in Douglas County,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour stated. “We can expect more cases.”

Various species of Culex mosquito can carry the virus that causes West Nile disease. Those mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn. Certain varieties of the Aedes mosquito can carry the Zika virus and DCHD traps for them as well. Aedes mosquitos are more active during the daytime hours.

Here’s how you can help protect yourself from mosquito bites:

Since its arrival in Nebraska, the number of West Nile virus cases in Douglas County has ranged from a record number of 71 human cases in 2018 to a low of three cases in 2009 and 2015.

It Only Takes 20 Seconds - June 15, 2020 <a href="https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/images/June_15_COVID-19_Spanish_PR.pdf" target="_blank">Solo Toma 20 Minutos</a>

It’s so easy to take for granted and take a short cut when you’re in a hurry but a few extra seconds is really all it takes.

Handwashing is more important now than ever, but make sure to do it for 20 seconds. Warm water with soap and 20 seconds is an excellent tool in fighting the spread of COVID-19.

If you want an idea of how long that is, just sing the “Happy Birthday” song to yourself twice. That’s it, but it really can make a difference.

Do that, wear a mask to protect other people, and you are doing two things that really make a difference.

On Monday, June 15, the Health Department reported 68 new cases of COVID-19. That brings the total number of cases in Douglas County to 5,848 from this outbreak.&nbsp;

There are two new deaths to report today in Douglas County, a man and a woman both of whom were more than 70 years old. The total number of lives lost to COVID-19 in the county now is 59. DCHD has confirmed 1,818 county residents have recovered from the illness.

As of this morning, metro area hospitals reported 360 medical and surgical beds were available for a 73 percent occupancy rate and 125 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19. Of the 367 ventilators available to area hospitals, 124 were in use, including 29 for confirmed COVID-19 patients.

LINCOLN, Neb. –&nbsp;A third confirmed case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The child from Douglas County was recently hospitalized and later released -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news" target="_blank">https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news&nbsp;</a>. MIS-C is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.Two cases of MIS-C were reported earlier in June - one in Dawson County and one in Douglas County. Both children were hospitalized and later released.Experts don't know exactly what causes this syndrome, but they do know that many children diagnosed with it had COVID-19 or had been around someone with COVID-19. The syndrome appears to be an uncommon manifestation potentially tied to COVID-19. It can be very serious, but most children diagnosed with the condition have gotten better with medical care.DHHS shared information on recognizing, managing and reporting potential cases of MIS-C with health care providers and local health departments across the state in a May 18 Health Alert Network advisory.There is still a lot to learn about MIS-C and more study is needed. State and local health departments nationwide are working with federal partners to investigate cases and possible causes.Fast facts about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children:<ul>
 <li>MIS-C is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.</li><li>Experts are working to determine the exact cause of MIS-C.</li><li>Many children with MIS-C had the virus that causes COVID-19 or had been around someone with COVID-19.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Symptoms of MIS-C include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, feeling extra tired.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>If parents see potential symptoms of MIS-C in their child, they should contact their health care provider immediately.&nbsp;</li><li>MIS-C can be serious and there have been deaths associated with the syndrome, but most children diagnosed with MIS-C have gotten better with medical care according to the CDC.</li><li>Based on what is known about MIS-C, the best way to protect your child is by taking everyday actions to prevent your child and other household members from getting COVID-19 -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/protect-children.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/protect-children.html&nbsp;</a></li><li>Parents or caregivers who have concerns about their child's health, including concerns about COVID-19 or MIS-C,&nbsp;should call a pediatrician or other healthcare provider right away. </li>
 </ul>More information on MIS-C can be found on the CDC's website -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/mis-c.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/mis-c.html&nbsp;</a>.For more information on COVID-19, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.From Douglas County Health DepartmentHealth Department Confirms Second MIS-C Case in Douglas County - June 16, 2020 <a href="https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/images/Spanish_FINAL_PR_Tuesday_6-16_-_Second_MIS-C_Case.pdf" target="_blank">El Departamento de Salud confirma el Segundo caso de MIS-C</a> There is a second confirmed case of Multisystem Inflammatory&nbsp;Syndrome (MIS-C) in Douglas County. The Douglas County Health Department reports a teenage boy with a brief history of a fever, sore throat and fatigue was hospitalized for several days in late May and tested positive for COVID-19.The patient lives with several family members, including adults, at least one of whom has tested positive for COVID-19.MIS-C is a condition believed to be related to COVID-19 and individuals who contract the syndrome have symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease, which may include a rash, fever, fatigue and abdominal pain.&nbsp;“If you see any of these symptoms in your child, please seek immediate emergency care,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “While MIS-C appears to be similar to Kawasaki disease, we have much to learn.”This syndrome can lead to multiple organ inflammation and can be deadly. However, most children recover with medical treatment. Many children who acquire MIS-C have been around a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. As in other cases, the young person in this case also tested positive for the disease.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says doctors may provide medicines or fluids to make the patient feel better and others to treat inflammation. Most children who become ill can be treated in the hospital, but some will need to go to the pediatric intensive care unit.“Your child will look sick if they have MIS-C,” Dr. Pour said. “Please don’t hesitate to seek care.”The Mosquito Watch is Back! - June 16, 2020 Mosquito-borne illnesses affect 100 million people per year around the globe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are in that time of year when mosquitoes make their seasonal return, and some may carry the West Nile virus.The Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) is working to protect the public by placing mosquito larvicide in potential breeding sites or stagnant waterways, That helps prevent the spread of the West Nile virus and reduces mosquito populations. Using CDC funding, DCHD will trap mosquitoes every other week to survey their populations and variety in Douglas County. Trapped mosquitoes are counted and tested for Zika, West Nile virus and Chikungunya at the Nebraska State Public Health Lab.“The West Nile virus is well established in Douglas County,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour stated. “We can expect more cases.”Various species of Culex mosquito can carry the virus that causes West Nile disease. Those mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn. Certain varieties of the Aedes mosquito can carry the Zika virus and DCHD traps for them as well. Aedes mosquitos are more active during the daytime hours.Here’s how you can help protect yourself from mosquito bites:<ul>
 <li>You can apply a mosquito repellent that includes DEET, and the CDC also has approved picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.</li><li>When using sunscreen the CDC recommends applying sunscreen before repellant and avoid using combined products.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts, plus pants, shoes and socks when outdoors.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Avoid outdoor activity around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.</li><li>Remove standing water or report it to the Health Department for treatment.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>While some viruses can be spread to people who are bitten by mosquitoes, only a small percentage of mosquitoes carry a virus.</li>
 </ul>Since its arrival in Nebraska, the number of West Nile virus cases in Douglas County has ranged from a record number of 71 human cases in 2018 to a low of three cases in 2009 and 2015.It Only Takes 20 Seconds - June 15, 2020 <a href="https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/images/June_15_COVID-19_Spanish_PR.pdf" target="_blank">Solo Toma 20 Minutos</a> It’s so easy to take for granted and take a short cut when you’re in a hurry but a few extra seconds is really all it takes.Handwashing is more important now than ever, but make sure to do it for 20 seconds. Warm water with soap and 20 seconds is an excellent tool in fighting the spread of COVID-19.If you want an idea of how long that is, just sing the “Happy Birthday” song to yourself twice. That’s it, but it really can make a difference.Do that, wear a mask to protect other people, and you are doing two things that really make a difference.On Monday, June 15, the Health Department reported 68 new cases of COVID-19. That brings the total number of cases in Douglas County to 5,848 from this outbreak.&nbsp;There are two new deaths to report today in Douglas County, a man and a woman both of whom were more than 70 years old. The total number of lives lost to COVID-19 in the county now is 59. DCHD has confirmed 1,818 county residents have recovered from the illness.As of this morning, metro area hospitals reported 360 medical and surgical beds were available for a 73 percent occupancy rate and 125 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19. Of the 367 ventilators available to area hospitals, 124 were in use, including 29 for confirmed COVID-19 patients.

DHHS reports 3rd case of inflammatory syndrome in Douglas County child

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Tourism officials say more than 125,000 tickets were requested for the 7,500 spots available for the Fourth of July fireworks at Mount Rushmore, which President Donald Trump plans to attend. 

The National Park Service held a lottery for the tickets last week. 

The winners were chosen at random and have been notified.

 South Dakotans submitted the most applications for tickets at 40,575. 

The Argus Leader reports the South Dakota Department of Tourism says that unlike Trump’s upcoming rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, tickets for the Mount Rushmore fireworks don’t include a liability waiver if attendees become ill with COVID-19.&nbsp;

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Tourism officials say more than 125,000 tickets were requested for the 7,500 spots available for the Fourth of July fireworks at Mount Rushmore, which President Donald Trump plans to attend. The National Park Service held a lottery for the tickets last week. The winners were chosen at random and have been notified. South Dakotans submitted the most applications for tickets at 40,575. The Argus Leader reports the South Dakota Department of Tourism says that unlike Trump’s upcoming rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, tickets for the Mount Rushmore fireworks don’t include a liability waiver if attendees become ill with COVID-19.&nbsp;

125,000 tickets requested for Mount Rushmore fireworks

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal prosecutors have announced fraud charges against six Nigerian men accused of scamming two Nebraska businesses and two Nebraska residents and attempting to steal more than $6 million. 

The U.S. Attorney General for Nebraska said in a news release Tuesday that the men, who are not in custody, were indicted at different times in 2016 and 2019, but that the indictments were under seal until Tuesday. 

Investigators say the men are accused of scams that included posing as company executives to order company employees to wire company money for a business purpose. 

Another scam involved starting online romances with victims, who were then asked to wire money to the scammers’ bank accounts.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal prosecutors have announced fraud charges against six Nigerian men accused of scamming two Nebraska businesses and two Nebraska residents and attempting to steal more than $6 million. The U.S. Attorney General for Nebraska said in a news release Tuesday that the men, who are not in custody, were indicted at different times in 2016 and 2019, but that the indictments were under seal until Tuesday. Investigators say the men are accused of scams that included posing as company executives to order company employees to wire company money for a business purpose. Another scam involved starting online romances with victims, who were then asked to wire money to the scammers’ bank accounts.

Six Nigerians indicted on fraud charges over Nebraska scams

NEW YORK (AP) — Pepsico is changing the name and marketing image of its Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup.

<a href="http://www.auntjemima.com/our-history">Click here to read</a> the history of Aunt Jemima

A spokeswoman for Pepsico-owned Quaker Oats Company said it recognized Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype and that the 131-year-old name and image would be replaced on products and advertising by the fourth quarter of 2020. 

Quaker did not say what the name would be changed to. Earlier this spring, Land O’Lakes announced that it would no longer use the Native American woman who had graced its packages of butter other products since the late 1920s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592400249557.png" alt="Image courtesy Pepsico" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pepsico</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Pepsico is changing the name and marketing image of its Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup.<a href="http://www.auntjemima.com/our-history">Click here to read</a> the history of Aunt JemimaA spokeswoman for Pepsico-owned Quaker Oats Company said it recognized Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype and that the 131-year-old name and image would be replaced on products and advertising by the fourth quarter of 2020. Quaker did not say what the name would be changed to. Earlier this spring, Land O’Lakes announced that it would no longer use the Native American woman who had graced its packages of butter other products since the late 1920s.

Aunt Jemima brand acknowledging racist past, will be retired

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats controlling the House have slated a vote next week to make the District of Columbia the 51st state, an issue that they say has become far more important in the aftermath of protests for racial justice in both Washington and across the nation.

Next Friday’s vote, if successful, would pass a D.C. statehood bill for the first time in the House, but the legislation faces insurmountable opposition in the GOP-controlled Senate. It comes even as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19 pandemic</a>&nbsp;has forced delays in the consideration of most other legislation. More than enough lawmakers are officially backing the bill for it to pass. In 1993, the Democratic-controlled Congress defeated a D.C. statehood bill by an almost 2-1 margin.

But the much-criticized administration move to use federal forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15be4e293cdebe72c10304fe0ec668e4">to clear Lafayette Square near the White House of peaceful protesters&nbsp;</a>to enable President Donald Trump to trumpet his law and order credentials in a photo op two weeks ago prompted Democratic leaders to schedule the vote. “We both agreed this was an appropriate time to bring a bill forward to show respect for the citizens of the District of Columbia,” said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

“There shouldn’t be troops from other states in Washington, D.C.,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser, who presented Hoyer on Tuesday with a U.S. Flag bearing 51 stars. “There shouldn’t be federal forces advancing against Americans, and there very definitely shouldn’t be soldiers stationed around our city waiting for the go to attack Americans in a local policing matter.”

A plurality of the District of Columbia is African American and the city is overwhelmingly Democratic. Trump said last month that “D.C. will never be a state” because it would likely mean two more Democratic senators. “No, thank you. That’ll never happen,” he told the New York Post.

But Hoyer said the rights of D.C. residents should transcend political calculations.

“This is not about politics. If it is, then we demean our democracy,” he said. “This is about who we are as a country.”

Bowser pointed out that D.C. taxpayers get no voting representatives in Congress despite contributing more in federal taxes on a per person basis than many states. The nation’s capital, with just over 700,000 residents, has a larger population than Vermont and Wyoming.

Bowser said recent events have focused national attention on the plight of Washington, D.C. Earlier this year, when Congress passed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">CARES Act</a>&nbsp;stimulus package, Washington, D.C., was classified as a territory rather than a state — a distinction that cost Washington more than $700 million in federal coronavirus relief funding.

All District laws are subject to review by a congressional committee, which can veto them or alter them by attaching riders to federal appropriations bills. During GOP control of Congress, conservatives have sought, mostly unsuccessfully, to restrict some of the city’s liberal initiatives such as needle exchanges for drug users and abortions under its Medicaid program.

Most recently, a 2014 ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana use passed overwhelmingly. But Congress stepped in and essentially vetoed the initiative by prohibiting the District government from spending any funds or resources on developing a regulatory or taxation system for marijuana sales.

Bowser said Trump’s actions during the protests “violated our principles of Americans being able to peacefully protest and it violated our principles of local autonomy.”

As a result, Bowser said her office is now fielding unprecedented interest in the issue from around the country. She was recently interviewed on “The Late Late Show” where host James Cordon said he had only just learned that the district has no senators and only one non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives.

“A lot of Americans are in that place,” Bowser said. “When Americans know about the issue of D.C. statehood, they support D.C. statehood.”

Hoyer acknowledged that the bill faces stiff opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate and called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY., to take the measure seriously.

“I hope that Senator McConnell cares enough about our democracy to allow a vote on this bill in the United States Senate,” Hoyer said. “Politics is not the issue. It’s democracy that’s the issue.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592342593996.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Tuesday news conference-photo courtesy&nbsp; DC Mayor Muriel Bowser" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Tuesday news conference-photo courtesy&nbsp; DC Mayor Muriel Bowser</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats controlling the House have slated a vote next week to make the District of Columbia the 51st state, an issue that they say has become far more important in the aftermath of protests for racial justice in both Washington and across the nation.Next Friday’s vote, if successful, would pass a D.C. statehood bill for the first time in the House, but the legislation faces insurmountable opposition in the GOP-controlled Senate. It comes even as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19 pandemic</a>&nbsp;has forced delays in the consideration of most other legislation. More than enough lawmakers are officially backing the bill for it to pass. In 1993, the Democratic-controlled Congress defeated a D.C. statehood bill by an almost 2-1 margin.But the much-criticized administration move to use federal forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15be4e293cdebe72c10304fe0ec668e4">to clear Lafayette Square near the White House of peaceful protesters&nbsp;</a>to enable President Donald Trump to trumpet his law and order credentials in a photo op two weeks ago prompted Democratic leaders to schedule the vote. “We both agreed this was an appropriate time to bring a bill forward to show respect for the citizens of the District of Columbia,” said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.“There shouldn’t be troops from other states in Washington, D.C.,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser, who presented Hoyer on Tuesday with a U.S. Flag bearing 51 stars. “There shouldn’t be federal forces advancing against Americans, and there very definitely shouldn’t be soldiers stationed around our city waiting for the go to attack Americans in a local policing matter.”A plurality of the District of Columbia is African American and the city is overwhelmingly Democratic. Trump said last month that “D.C. will never be a state” because it would likely mean two more Democratic senators. “No, thank you. That’ll never happen,” he told the New York Post.But Hoyer said the rights of D.C. residents should transcend political calculations.“This is not about politics. If it is, then we demean our democracy,” he said. “This is about who we are as a country.”Bowser pointed out that D.C. taxpayers get no voting representatives in Congress despite contributing more in federal taxes on a per person basis than many states. The nation’s capital, with just over 700,000 residents, has a larger population than Vermont and Wyoming.Bowser said recent events have focused national attention on the plight of Washington, D.C. Earlier this year, when Congress passed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">CARES Act</a>&nbsp;stimulus package, Washington, D.C., was classified as a territory rather than a state — a distinction that cost Washington more than $700 million in federal coronavirus relief funding.All District laws are subject to review by a congressional committee, which can veto them or alter them by attaching riders to federal appropriations bills. During GOP control of Congress, conservatives have sought, mostly unsuccessfully, to restrict some of the city’s liberal initiatives such as needle exchanges for drug users and abortions under its Medicaid program.Most recently, a 2014 ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana use passed overwhelmingly. But Congress stepped in and essentially vetoed the initiative by prohibiting the District government from spending any funds or resources on developing a regulatory or taxation system for marijuana sales.Bowser said Trump’s actions during the protests “violated our principles of Americans being able to peacefully protest and it violated our principles of local autonomy.”As a result, Bowser said her office is now fielding unprecedented interest in the issue from around the country. She was recently interviewed on “The Late Late Show” where host James Cordon said he had only just learned that the district has no senators and only one non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives.“A lot of Americans are in that place,” Bowser said. “When Americans know about the issue of D.C. statehood, they support D.C. statehood.”Hoyer acknowledged that the bill faces stiff opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate and called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY., to take the measure seriously.“I hope that Senator McConnell cares enough about our democracy to allow a vote on this bill in the United States Senate,” Hoyer said. “Politics is not the issue. It’s democracy that’s the issue.”

Washington DC faces House vote to become the 51st state

Lincoln police searching for missing 12-year-old boy

LINCOLN — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two people following a pursuit that began with the report of a dangerous driver near Lincoln.

At approximately 7:40 p.m. Monday, NSP received a report of an eastbound Infiniti G37 driving recklessly near mile marker 388 on Interstate 80, west of Lincoln. A trooper was able to locate the vehicle near mile marker 394 and observed it speeding. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled, exiting I-80 and continuing eastbound on West O Street at a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The vehicle turned north on NW 27th&nbsp;street and eventually traveled toward the Air Park area. As the vehicle continued at a high rate of speed, the trooper discontinued the pursuit out of concern for the public.

Additional troopers continued to search the area for the vehicle, which was located on Highway 34 near NW 105th&nbsp;street a short time later. The vehicle again fled, and troopers initiated another pursuit. The vehicle traveled to the area of Holdrege and County Road 210, where the driver lost control. The vehicle came to rest in a field and the two occupants fled on foot.

After a short search of the area, both subjects were apprehended without further incident. The driver, Mohammed Al-Kazahy, 19, of Lincoln, was arrested for willful reckless driving, felony flight to avoid arrest, and possession of marijuana – less than an ounce. The passenger, an 18-year-old male, was arrested for resisting arrest. Both were lodged in Lancaster County Jail.

LINCOLN — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two people following a pursuit that began with the report of a dangerous driver near Lincoln.At approximately 7:40 p.m. Monday, NSP received a report of an eastbound Infiniti G37 driving recklessly near mile marker 388 on Interstate 80, west of Lincoln. A trooper was able to locate the vehicle near mile marker 394 and observed it speeding. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled, exiting I-80 and continuing eastbound on West O Street at a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The vehicle turned north on NW 27th&nbsp;street and eventually traveled toward the Air Park area. As the vehicle continued at a high rate of speed, the trooper discontinued the pursuit out of concern for the public.Additional troopers continued to search the area for the vehicle, which was located on Highway 34 near NW 105th&nbsp;street a short time later. The vehicle again fled, and troopers initiated another pursuit. The vehicle traveled to the area of Holdrege and County Road 210, where the driver lost control. The vehicle came to rest in a field and the two occupants fled on foot.After a short search of the area, both subjects were apprehended without further incident. The driver, Mohammed Al-Kazahy, 19, of Lincoln, was arrested for willful reckless driving, felony flight to avoid arrest, and possession of marijuana – less than an ounce. The passenger, an 18-year-old male, was arrested for resisting arrest. Both were lodged in Lancaster County Jail.

Two arrested following pursuit west of Lincoln

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State officials say another employee in Nebraska’s prison system has tested positive for COVID-19, and health officials in eastern Nebraska say a second child in the Omaha area has been diagnosed with a rare and serious inflammatory condition that’s linked to the new coronavirus. 

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said late Monday that the latest prison staffer to be infected works at the Omaha Correctional Center and is self-isolating at home.

 The latest case brings the number of prison employee infected statewide to 20. 

Meanwhile, the Douglas County Health Department announced Tuesday that a teenage boy was briefly hospitalized in late May with the inflammatory condition and tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp; &nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State officials say another employee in Nebraska’s prison system has tested positive for COVID-19, and health officials in eastern Nebraska say a second child in the Omaha area has been diagnosed with a rare and serious inflammatory condition that’s linked to the new coronavirus. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said late Monday that the latest prison staffer to be infected works at the Omaha Correctional Center and is self-isolating at home. The latest case brings the number of prison employee infected statewide to 20. Meanwhile, the Douglas County Health Department announced Tuesday that a teenage boy was briefly hospitalized in late May with the inflammatory condition and tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Another Nebraska prison staffer tests positive for COVID-19

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A man who was shot and killed by Kansas law enforcement was wanted in a Nebraska killing.

Omaha, Nebraska, police identified the man killed Monday in Lawrence, Kansas, as 31-year-old Nicholas Hirsh, a white man who faced a first-degree murder arrest warrant for the shooting death Thursday of John Miles, 41, of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Craig Beam, chief deputy for the Kansas division of the U.S. Marshals Service, said it appeared that the suspect had been in Kansas since Friday, when a car was stolen from Clay Center. He said the Marshals Service was helping to look for the vehicle when the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted it near Perry Lake in northeast Kansas. Beam said it was possible that the suspect had been camping there.

“Obviously he knew he was wanted,” Beam said. “He got spooked and took off”″

Troopers pursued the vehicle into Lawrence, where they eventually were able to stop it using tactical maneuvers that caused it to spin and come to a halt, the patrol said. The patrol said the man got out of his vehicle and pointed a gun in the direction of two troopers and an officer with a local law enforcement agency, and they exchanged gunfire. It’s not clear how many of the officers fired their weapons or which officer shot and killed the suspect.

Beam said a woman who also was in the vehicle was taken into custody for questioning.

No officers were hurt. The Johnson County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office, which wasn’t involved in the chase or shooting, will investigate. The troopers involved will be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which is standard practice.

DOUGLAS COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lawrence.

Just after 3p.m. Monday, the Kansas Highway Patrol was assisting the US Marshal's service around Perry Lake, according to a media release.

The subject was located and initiated a pursuit with KHP.

A State Trooper intervened with the vehicle and caused it to become disabled in the area of 19th and Massachusetts in Lawrence.

The suspect exited the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with troopers and an officer from a local agency. The suspect, a white male, was shot and died at the scene, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Officers were not injured. A female passenger in the vehicle was also taken into custody.

As is standard practice, the trooper has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. The Johnson County Sheriff's office is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; The name of the suspect has not been release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592324285312.png" alt="Hirsh photo Omaha Police" />
 <figcaption>Hirsh photo Omaha Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A man who was shot and killed by Kansas law enforcement was wanted in a Nebraska killing.Omaha, Nebraska, police identified the man killed Monday in Lawrence, Kansas, as 31-year-old Nicholas Hirsh, a white man who faced a first-degree murder arrest warrant for the shooting death Thursday of John Miles, 41, of Council Bluffs, Iowa.Craig Beam, chief deputy for the Kansas division of the U.S. Marshals Service, said it appeared that the suspect had been in Kansas since Friday, when a car was stolen from Clay Center. He said the Marshals Service was helping to look for the vehicle when the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted it near Perry Lake in northeast Kansas. Beam said it was possible that the suspect had been camping there.“Obviously he knew he was wanted,” Beam said. “He got spooked and took off”″<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592303854218.png" alt="Law enforcement near the shooting&nbsp; at 19TH and Mass Street in Lawrence Monday afternoon -photo courtesy KCTV&nbsp;&nbsp; " />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement near the shooting&nbsp; at 19TH and Mass Street in Lawrence Monday afternoon -photo courtesy KCTV&nbsp;&nbsp; </figcaption>
 </figure>Troopers pursued the vehicle into Lawrence, where they eventually were able to stop it using tactical maneuvers that caused it to spin and come to a halt, the patrol said. The patrol said the man got out of his vehicle and pointed a gun in the direction of two troopers and an officer with a local law enforcement agency, and they exchanged gunfire. It’s not clear how many of the officers fired their weapons or which officer shot and killed the suspect.Beam said a woman who also was in the vehicle was taken into custody for questioning.No officers were hurt. The Johnson County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office, which wasn’t involved in the chase or shooting, will investigate. The troopers involved will be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which is standard practice.-------DOUGLAS COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lawrence.Just after 3p.m. Monday, the Kansas Highway Patrol was assisting the US Marshal's service around Perry Lake, according to a media release.The subject was located and initiated a pursuit with KHP.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592304347537.png" alt="Vehicle involved in the pursuit -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Vehicle involved in the pursuit -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>A State Trooper intervened with the vehicle and caused it to become disabled in the area of 19th and Massachusetts in Lawrence.The suspect exited the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with troopers and an officer from a local agency. The suspect, a white male, was shot and died at the scene, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;Officers were not injured. A female passenger in the vehicle was also taken into custody.As is standard practice, the trooper has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. The Johnson County Sheriff's office is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; The name of the suspect has not been release.

Update: Man killed by Kansas officers wanted in Nebraska killing

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — People who’ve had to rescue imperiled treasure seekers in the Rocky Mountains say they're glad to hear that the legendary Fenn treasure is found. 

Retired Santa Fe art and antiquities dealer Forrest Fenn announced June 6 that a man who doesn't want to be named recently found the estimated $2 million chest containing coins, gold nuggets and other valuables. 

Fenn wrote a cryptic poem he said led to the chest he hid in 2010. 

Fenn isn't saying where the treasure was hidden but several people seeking it have been rescued in Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado-Utah state line.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — People who’ve had to rescue imperiled treasure seekers in the Rocky Mountains say they're glad to hear that the legendary Fenn treasure is found. Retired Santa Fe art and antiquities dealer Forrest Fenn announced June 6 that a man who doesn't want to be named recently found the estimated $2 million chest containing coins, gold nuggets and other valuables. Fenn wrote a cryptic poem he said led to the chest he hid in 2010. Fenn isn't saying where the treasure was hidden but several people seeking it have been rescued in Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado-Utah state line.