LINCOLN, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — A California man whose attorney said his client was forced into hauling methamphetamine has been imprisoned in Nebraska. 

Jose Vazquez Rios was given 18 to 20 years at a hearing Thursday in in Lincoln. He'd pleaded guilty. 

 A deputy stopped Vazquez Rios in July for driving too close to another vehicle on Interstate 80.

 The deputy later found 22½ pounds of meth in a hidden compartment. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that his defense attorney says Vazquez Rios was forced by members of a cartel into hauling the meth because his brother got stopped with a load of drugs by law enforcement.&nbsp;

LINCOLN, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — A California man whose attorney said his client was forced into hauling methamphetamine has been imprisoned in Nebraska. Jose Vazquez Rios was given 18 to 20 years at a hearing Thursday in in Lincoln. He'd pleaded guilty. A deputy stopped Vazquez Rios in July for driving too close to another vehicle on Interstate 80. The deputy later found 22½ pounds of meth in a hidden compartment. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that his defense attorney says Vazquez Rios was forced by members of a cartel into hauling the meth because his brother got stopped with a load of drugs by law enforcement.&nbsp;

Man imprisoned in Nebraska for hauling meth

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — The Wyoming Department of Agriculture says the state has issued its first hemp processing and producing license. 

The Casper Star-Tribune reports the department announced that GF Harvest LLC and Mother’s Hemp Farms LLC received the joint license. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently approved Wyoming's industrial hemp plan and Republican Gov. Mark Gordon has signed emergency rules to allow a 2020 growing season. 

GF Harvest in Powell plans to use the license with Mother’s Hemp Farms to grow and process hemp to be used in high-protein, gluten-free food products, including a Pure Hemp Oats line.

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — The Wyoming Department of Agriculture says the state has issued its first hemp processing and producing license. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the department announced that GF Harvest LLC and Mother’s Hemp Farms LLC received the joint license. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently approved Wyoming's industrial hemp plan and Republican Gov. Mark Gordon has signed emergency rules to allow a 2020 growing season. GF Harvest in Powell plans to use the license with Mother’s Hemp Farms to grow and process hemp to be used in high-protein, gluten-free food products, including a Pure Hemp Oats line.

Wyoming issues first hemp processing and producing license

NELIGH, Neb. (AP) — An April 29 sentencing is scheduled for a northeast Nebraska man accused of injuring his 1-month-old daughter by shaking her.

 Court records say Christofer Carstens pleaded no contest to child abuse resulting in serious injury. 

A plea agreement says prosecutors will recommend no more than 20 years in prison for the 21-year-old. 

The records say a doctor at Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh has said the baby had suffered a skull fracture, broken ribs and other injuries.

 The records also say Carstens, of Oakdale, told an investigator he’d shaken his daughter in frustration because she wouldn’t stop crying.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NELIGH, Neb. (AP) — An April 29 sentencing is scheduled for a northeast Nebraska man accused of injuring his 1-month-old daughter by shaking her. Court records say Christofer Carstens pleaded no contest to child abuse resulting in serious injury. A plea agreement says prosecutors will recommend no more than 20 years in prison for the 21-year-old. The records say a doctor at Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh has said the baby had suffered a skull fracture, broken ribs and other injuries. The records also say Carstens, of Oakdale, told an investigator he’d shaken his daughter in frustration because she wouldn’t stop crying.&nbsp;&nbsp;

April sentencing for man accused of shaking baby daughter

Authorities say a man who escaped from an eastern Nebraska jail and another fugitive have been captured in western Iowa. 

The U.S. Marshals Service said in a news release Thursday that Cody Murphree and Derek Pederson were traced to an apartment in Council Bluffs and arrested without incident. 

Murphree fled the Thurston County Jail in Pender on Sunday. Authorities say Murphree was joined by Pederson in breaking into a Stanton apartment, threatening the two people who lived there and stealing a car.

 Court records don't list attorneys for either man.&nbsp;

Authorities say a man who escaped from an eastern Nebraska jail and another fugitive have been captured in western Iowa. The U.S. Marshals Service said in a news release Thursday that Cody Murphree and Derek Pederson were traced to an apartment in Council Bluffs and arrested without incident. Murphree fled the Thurston County Jail in Pender on Sunday. Authorities say Murphree was joined by Pederson in breaking into a Stanton apartment, threatening the two people who lived there and stealing a car. Court records don't list attorneys for either man.&nbsp;

Authorities say 2 Nebraska fugitives found in western Iowa

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — A senior airman stationed at the Ellsworth Air Force Base is charged with felony child abuse after a baby was airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

The Rapid City Journal reports James Cunningham of Rapid City is charged with abuse or cruelty to a child under age 7. 

Someone called 911 Tuesday evening to report the baby was unresponsive at a Rapid City home. 

The baby was initially taken to a hospital in Rapid City, then was taken by air to Sioux Falls. 

It was not immediately clear if Cunningham has hired an attorney.&nbsp;

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — A senior airman stationed at the Ellsworth Air Force Base is charged with felony child abuse after a baby was airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital with life-threatening injuries. The Rapid City Journal reports James Cunningham of Rapid City is charged with abuse or cruelty to a child under age 7. Someone called 911 Tuesday evening to report the baby was unresponsive at a Rapid City home. The baby was initially taken to a hospital in Rapid City, then was taken by air to Sioux Falls. It was not immediately clear if Cunningham has hired an attorney.&nbsp;

Ellsworth Air Force Airman accused of assaulting baby in Rapid City

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A Firth man died after his speeding motorcycle struck a pickup truck in Lincoln, police said.

Twenty-one-year-old Blaine Henderson died Wednesday night after being taken to a hospital, police said. He lived in Firth.

The collision occurred a little after 7 p.m. near Van Dorn Park. Witnesses told police Henderson was racing north when his motorcycle hit the right side of the pickup as it turned left.

The 27-year-old pickup driver was cited by police on suspicion of drunken driving, third offense. Court records don't show that he's been formally charged.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A Firth man died after his speeding motorcycle struck a pickup truck in Lincoln, police said.Twenty-one-year-old Blaine Henderson died Wednesday night after being taken to a hospital, police said. He lived in Firth.The collision occurred a little after 7 p.m. near Van Dorn Park. Witnesses told police Henderson was racing north when his motorcycle hit the right side of the pickup as it turned left.The 27-year-old pickup driver was cited by police on suspicion of drunken driving, third offense. Court records don't show that he's been formally charged.

Police say motorcyclist died after hitting pickup in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State authorities say yet another state prison employee has been arrested on suspicion of unauthorized communication with a prisoner, a felony under state law. 

A news release from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says 26-year-old Ashlee Yeackley, a food service worker at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, was arrested Wednesday and taken to the Lancaster County Jail. 

Officials say Yeackley has been employed by the department since February 2019. 

The release say she'll be suspended from her job. 

Last week, a counselor with the Omaha Correctional Center and a corporal at the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility in Omaha were each arrested on the same charge.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State authorities say yet another state prison employee has been arrested on suspicion of unauthorized communication with a prisoner, a felony under state law. A news release from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says 26-year-old Ashlee Yeackley, a food service worker at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, was arrested Wednesday and taken to the Lancaster County Jail. Officials say Yeackley has been employed by the department since February 2019. The release say she'll be suspended from her job. Last week, a counselor with the Omaha Correctional Center and a corporal at the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility in Omaha were each arrested on the same charge.

Another Nebraska prison system employee arrested

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A federal child pornography trial is scheduled to begin May 11 for a former Lincoln day care worker accused in state court of sexually assaulting children. 

U.S. District Court records show Titus Miller has pleaded not guilty to five counts of producing child pornography and two of distribution. 

State prosecutors have charged him with four felony counts of child sexual assault involving four children that prosecutors said occurred between July 31 and Sept. 16 last year.

 That case remains on hold pending the federal trial.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A federal child pornography trial is scheduled to begin May 11 for a former Lincoln day care worker accused in state court of sexually assaulting children. U.S. District Court records show Titus Miller has pleaded not guilty to five counts of producing child pornography and two of distribution. State prosecutors have charged him with four felony counts of child sexual assault involving four children that prosecutors said occurred between July 31 and Sept. 16 last year. That case remains on hold pending the federal trial.

Porn trial set for man accused of child care sex assaults

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved a bill to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. 

Lawmakers say the bill will stem a vaping epidemic among young people.

 The bill would place new restrictions on the marketing of e-cigarettes and ban flavors in tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. 

It also would place a new excise tax on nicotine. 

The House approved the bill Friday, sending it to the Senate, where approval is considered unlikely. 

The Trump administration opposes the bill. 

Supporters say the bill provides a comprehensive strategy to reverse a growing teen vaping epidemic. 

Manufacturer Juul Labs said in November it was halting U.S. sales of its best-selling, mint-flavored e-cigarettes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved a bill to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. Lawmakers say the bill will stem a vaping epidemic among young people. The bill would place new restrictions on the marketing of e-cigarettes and ban flavors in tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. It also would place a new excise tax on nicotine. The House approved the bill Friday, sending it to the Senate, where approval is considered unlikely. The Trump administration opposes the bill. Supporters say the bill provides a comprehensive strategy to reverse a growing teen vaping epidemic. Manufacturer Juul Labs said in November it was halting U.S. sales of its best-selling, mint-flavored e-cigarettes.

House approves bill to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes

NELIGH, Neb. (AP) — An April 1 sentencing has been scheduled for a county commissioner in northeast Nebraska accused of stealing an item from the county. 

Antelope County Court records say 66-year-old Eli Jacob has pleaded no contest to official misconduct. 

Prosecutors dropped a misdemeanor theft charge. 

Jacob, of Clearwater, was accused of taking a heater of some sort from a county shed on Jan. 1, 2019. 

A prosecutor has said Jacob returned the item.&nbsp;

NELIGH, Neb. (AP) — An April 1 sentencing has been scheduled for a county commissioner in northeast Nebraska accused of stealing an item from the county. Antelope County Court records say 66-year-old Eli Jacob has pleaded no contest to official misconduct. Prosecutors dropped a misdemeanor theft charge. Jacob, of Clearwater, was accused of taking a heater of some sort from a county shed on Jan. 1, 2019. A prosecutor has said Jacob returned the item.&nbsp;

Sentencing set for county commissioner accused of theft

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - A Lawrence man recently charged with a child sex crime provided massage services to some&nbsp;University of Kansas&nbsp;women’s athletic teams since 2015, the school’s chancellor and athletics director said Thursday.

Chancellor Doug Girod and Athletic Director Jeff Long said in a statement that they were “deeply troubled” by initial findings of an internal inquiry into massage therapist Shawn O’Brien, 48.

O’Brien was charged Feb. 21 with one count of indecent liberties with a child connected to incidents that allegedly happened seven or eight years ago with one girl. O’Brien’s contract was nullified and he hasn’t worked with student-athletes since he was charged, according to the statement.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - A Lawrence man recently charged with a child sex crime provided massage services to some&nbsp;University of Kansas&nbsp;women’s athletic teams since 2015, the school’s chancellor and athletics director said Thursday.Chancellor Doug Girod and Athletic Director Jeff Long said in a statement that they were “deeply troubled” by initial findings of an internal inquiry into massage therapist Shawn O’Brien, 48.O’Brien was charged Feb. 21 with one count of indecent liberties with a child connected to incidents that allegedly happened seven or eight years ago with one girl. O’Brien’s contract was nullified and he hasn’t worked with student-athletes since he was charged, according to the statement.

KU investigating massage therapist for female athletes

SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a violent incident involving a 12-year-old girl captured on video that has gone viral on social media.

The incident reportedly took place on February 20 in the 1200 block of SW Washburn Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

The incident was reported to the Topeka Police Department shortly after noon that day.&nbsp; A 14-year-old girl was injured during the incident.

Police took the 12-year-old into custody. Following questioning and further investigation, they arrested the girl and booked her in the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections for a felony Aggravated Battery charge.

Authorities this week initiated legal proceedings involving a total of 5 juvenile girls related to this and a similar attack in Topeka in February, according to the Shawnee County Attorney's office.&nbsp; They released no additional details.

Police continue to ask witnesses and those with information to please contact them with information by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&lt;mailto:<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&gt; or by calling the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128">www.p3tips.com/128</a>&lt;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128">http://www.p3tips.com/128</a>&gt;.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582284152723.png" alt="Image from the viral video courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Image from the viral video courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a violent incident involving a 12-year-old girl captured on video that has gone viral on social media.The incident reportedly took place on February 20 in the 1200 block of SW Washburn Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.The incident was reported to the Topeka Police Department shortly after noon that day.&nbsp; A 14-year-old girl was injured during the incident.Police took the 12-year-old into custody. Following questioning and further investigation, they arrested the girl and booked her in the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections for a felony Aggravated Battery charge.Authorities this week initiated legal proceedings involving a total of 5 juvenile girls related to this and a similar attack in Topeka in February, according to the Shawnee County Attorney's office.&nbsp; They released no additional details.Police continue to ask witnesses and those with information to please contact them with information by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&lt;mailto:<a href="mailto:telltpd@topeka.org">telltpd@topeka.org</a>&gt; or by calling the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128">www.p3tips.com/128</a>&lt;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128">http://www.p3tips.com/128</a>&gt;.

Charges filed against 5 Kansas girls after video of attack went viral

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have advanced a bill to shield people from prosecution if they break into a locked car to save a child's life. 

The measure won first-round approval Wednesday on a 38-0 vote in response to cases where children have died because their parents unintentionally left them in a hot car. 

The measure by Sen. Bruce Bostelman, of Brainard, would extend criminal and civil immunity to anyone who saves a child from a locked vehicle.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have advanced a bill to shield people from prosecution if they break into a locked car to save a child's life. The measure won first-round approval Wednesday on a 38-0 vote in response to cases where children have died because their parents unintentionally left them in a hot car. The measure by Sen. Bruce Bostelman, of Brainard, would extend criminal and civil immunity to anyone who saves a child from a locked vehicle.

Nebraska could OK breaking into a car to save a child

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — One more American who was exposed to a new virus on a cruise ship has been released from quarantine at an Omaha hospital. 

The University of Nebraska Medical Center said Wednesday that one more patient had been cleared to leave quarantine by testing negative for COVID-19. 

Five other people have left quarantine at the Omaha hospital earlier this week. 

Nine more people who were evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan earlier this month remain at the Omaha hospital. 

All of those patients must test negative for COVID-19 three times, 24 hours apart, before they can be released.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — One more American who was exposed to a new virus on a cruise ship has been released from quarantine at an Omaha hospital. The University of Nebraska Medical Center said Wednesday that one more patient had been cleared to leave quarantine by testing negative for COVID-19. Five other people have left quarantine at the Omaha hospital earlier this week. Nine more people who were evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan earlier this month remain at the Omaha hospital. All of those patients must test negative for COVID-19 three times, 24 hours apart, before they can be released.

1 person exposed to virus on cruise ship leaves quarantine

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The release of the James Bond film “No Time To Die” has been pushed back several months because of concerns about coronavirus and its impact on the global theatrical marketplace. 

MGM, Universal and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli say Wednesday that the film would be pushed back from its April release to November 2020.

 Publicity plans for the film in China, Japan and South Korea were previously canceled. 

Hollywood film release and production schedules have already been affected by the outbreak. 

Last week, Paramount Pictures halted production on the seventh “Mission: Impossible” film, which had been scheduled to shoot in Italy and postponed the Chinese release of “Sonic the Hedgehog.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The release of the James Bond film “No Time To Die” has been pushed back several months because of concerns about coronavirus and its impact on the global theatrical marketplace. MGM, Universal and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli say Wednesday that the film would be pushed back from its April release to November 2020. Publicity plans for the film in China, Japan and South Korea were previously canceled. Hollywood film release and production schedules have already been affected by the outbreak. Last week, Paramount Pictures halted production on the seventh “Mission: Impossible” film, which had been scheduled to shoot in Italy and postponed the Chinese release of “Sonic the Hedgehog.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

James Bond film release pushed back 7 months due to virus

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Tecumseh prison inmate has died at a Lincoln hospital. 

State officials say 83-year-old James Malina died a little before 7 p.m. Monday. 

The cause of his death hasn't been determined yet, but he was being treated for a medical condition. 

The officials say he'd been serving a sentence of 89 years to 170 years for several counts of sexual assault and two counts of child abuse in Dodge County. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Tecumseh prison inmate has died at a Lincoln hospital. State officials say 83-year-old James Malina died a little before 7 p.m. Monday. The cause of his death hasn't been determined yet, but he was being treated for a medical condition. The officials say he'd been serving a sentence of 89 years to 170 years for several counts of sexual assault and two counts of child abuse in Dodge County. He started serving the sentence in 1996.

Officials say Tecumseh inmate died at Lincoln hospital

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota voters will decide in November on whether to allow sports betting in Deadwood. 

The House has passed a proposal that puts it up to voters whether to change the state's constitution to allow for sports betting in Deadwood. 

Tribal casinos would also be allowed to offer sports betting if the measure passes. 

Neighboring states like Iowa have rolled out sports betting after the Supreme Court paved the way for legal wagering two years ago. 

South Dakota lawmakers in favor of the proposal argued that it was time to get in on the action. Others have been cautious about expanding gambling in the state.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota voters will decide in November on whether to allow sports betting in Deadwood. The House has passed a proposal that puts it up to voters whether to change the state's constitution to allow for sports betting in Deadwood. Tribal casinos would also be allowed to offer sports betting if the measure passes. Neighboring states like Iowa have rolled out sports betting after the Supreme Court paved the way for legal wagering two years ago. South Dakota lawmakers in favor of the proposal argued that it was time to get in on the action. Others have been cautious about expanding gambling in the state.

South Dakota voters to decide on Deadwood sports betting

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - A trial has been scheduled for a Utah truck driver accused in the Nebraska crash death of a Wisconsin woman.

Hall County District Court records say Peterson Black, 37, of Taylorsville, Utah, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to vehicular homicide while under the influence alcohol, refusal to take a breath test and to making in improper U-turn. Jury selection is set to begin June 15 for a trial in Grand Island.

Court records say Black was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bc181b429ac39cc0043097f10abf4457" target="_blank">under the influence</a>&nbsp;of alcohol on Jan. 5 while driving his big rig west on Interstate 80, about 4 miles southwest of Grand Island. Black lost control of his truck and it ran across the median into the eastbound lanes, where an oncoming small sport utility vehicle went under the tank trailer he was hauling, the Hall County Sheriff's Department said.

The SUV driver, William Niedermeier, 72, of Madison, Wisconsin, was taken to a Grand Island hospital. His wife, 72-year-old Mary Niedermeier, died at the scene, the department said.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - A trial has been scheduled for a Utah truck driver accused in the Nebraska crash death of a Wisconsin woman.Hall County District Court records say Peterson Black, 37, of Taylorsville, Utah, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to vehicular homicide while under the influence alcohol, refusal to take a breath test and to making in improper U-turn. Jury selection is set to begin June 15 for a trial in Grand Island.Court records say Black was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bc181b429ac39cc0043097f10abf4457" target="_blank">under the influence</a>&nbsp;of alcohol on Jan. 5 while driving his big rig west on Interstate 80, about 4 miles southwest of Grand Island. Black lost control of his truck and it ran across the median into the eastbound lanes, where an oncoming small sport utility vehicle went under the tank trailer he was hauling, the Hall County Sheriff's Department said.The SUV driver, William Niedermeier, 72, of Madison, Wisconsin, was taken to a Grand Island hospital. His wife, 72-year-old Mary Niedermeier, died at the scene, the department said.

Utah driver faces Nebraska trial in Wisconsin woman's death

SNYDER, Neb. (AP) - A driver died after his car was struck by an oncoming pickup truck in eastern Nebraska, authorities said.

The collision occurred a little before 6 a.m. Tuesday on Nebraska Highway 91, east of Snyder. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office said Isaac Wilson was killed after his car crossed the center line into the path of a pickup driven by Brian Steffensmeier, 28, of Clarkson.

Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff's office said. The 26-year-old lived in Oakland.

Steffensmeier and his passenger were not injured, the sheriff's office said.

SNYDER, Neb. (AP) - A driver died after his car was struck by an oncoming pickup truck in eastern Nebraska, authorities said.The collision occurred a little before 6 a.m. Tuesday on Nebraska Highway 91, east of Snyder. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office said Isaac Wilson was killed after his car crossed the center line into the path of a pickup driven by Brian Steffensmeier, 28, of Clarkson.Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff's office said. The 26-year-old lived in Oakland.Steffensmeier and his passenger were not injured, the sheriff's office said.The crash is being investigated.

Authorities say car driver died in collision with pickup

SEATTLE (AP) — The death toll from the coronavirus in the U.S. has climbed to nine, with tensions rising over how to contain the outbreak. 

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are expressing doubts about the government's ability to ramp up testing fast enough to deal with the crisis. 

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has announced the biggest interest-rate cut in over a decade to try to fend off damage to the economy and health officials are trying to ease shortages of face masks by giving the OK to medical workers to use industrial-grade ones.

 The number of infections in the U.S. overall climbed past 100, scattered across at least 15 states.

SEATTLE (AP) — The death toll from the coronavirus in the U.S. has climbed to nine, with tensions rising over how to contain the outbreak. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are expressing doubts about the government's ability to ramp up testing fast enough to deal with the crisis. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has announced the biggest interest-rate cut in over a decade to try to fend off damage to the economy and health officials are trying to ease shortages of face masks by giving the OK to medical workers to use industrial-grade ones. The number of infections in the U.S. overall climbed past 100, scattered across at least 15 states.

Tensions rise as US death toll from coronavirus reaches 9

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Another one of the Americans who were exposed to a new virus on a Japanese cruise ship and were being monitored at an Omaha hospital has been released from quarantine. 

The University of Nebraska Medical Center said Tuesday that another patient had been cleared to leave quarantine by testing negative for COVID-19 three times. 

Earlier this week, four other people left quarantine at the Omaha hospital. 

Ten more people who were evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship earlier this month remain at the Omaha hospital. One of those 10 developed more severe symptoms and was being treated in the hospital's Nebraska Biocontainment Unit Tuesday.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Another one of the Americans who were exposed to a new virus on a Japanese cruise ship and were being monitored at an Omaha hospital has been released from quarantine. The University of Nebraska Medical Center said Tuesday that another patient had been cleared to leave quarantine by testing negative for COVID-19 three times. Earlier this week, four other people left quarantine at the Omaha hospital. Ten more people who were evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship earlier this month remain at the Omaha hospital. One of those 10 developed more severe symptoms and was being treated in the hospital's Nebraska Biocontainment Unit Tuesday.&nbsp;

American exposed to virus on cruise ship leaves quarantine

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — During the afternoon and evening hours of Friday, February 28, Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol conducted alcohol inspections in Keith County.

This project was supported in whole or part by grant #93.959 under the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Region II Human Services, and the Nebraska DHHS Division of Behavioral Health.

In total, 14 businesses were inspected, with one selling alcohol to a minor for a non-compliance rate of 7 percent. All 14 businesses checked the minor’s ID.

The business which failed the inspections was:

Paxton Pit Stop – Paxton (Checked ID, Sold to Minor)

The businesses included liquor stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and bars. Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — During the afternoon and evening hours of Friday, February 28, Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol conducted alcohol inspections in Keith County.This project was supported in whole or part by grant #93.959 under the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Region II Human Services, and the Nebraska DHHS Division of Behavioral Health.In total, 14 businesses were inspected, with one selling alcohol to a minor for a non-compliance rate of 7 percent. All 14 businesses checked the minor’s ID.The business which failed the inspections was:Paxton Pit Stop – Paxton (Checked ID, Sold to Minor)The businesses included liquor stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and bars. Businesses that sell alcohol to a minor are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Clerks who sell alcohol to a minor are cited for procuring alcohol for a minor.

Alcohol inspections conducted in Keith County

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Police say an autopsy is pending after a woman was found deceased in a pond.

According to North Platte police, officers and North Platte Fire and Rescue were dispatched to a possible drowning in the 3000 block of East State Farm Road.

Upon arrival, first responders located a deceased female in a pond.

The victim was recovered by the Lincoln County Dive team and authorities say an autopsy is pending.

Authorities are withholding the woman's identity pending the notification of family.&nbsp;

This is a developing story. We will have more information when it's available.&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Police say an autopsy is pending after a woman was found deceased in a pond.According to North Platte police, officers and North Platte Fire and Rescue were dispatched to a possible drowning in the 3000 block of East State Farm Road.Upon arrival, first responders located a deceased female in a pond.The victim was recovered by the Lincoln County Dive team and authorities say an autopsy is pending.Authorities are withholding the woman's identity pending the notification of family.&nbsp;Police say the investigation is ongoing.This is a developing story. We will have more information when it's available.&nbsp;

Woman found deceased in western Nebraska pond

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tornadoes have ripped across Tennessee overnight, shredding at least 40 buildings and killing at least 19 people. 

One of the twisters caused severe damage across downtown Nashville on Tuesday, leaving blown-down walls and roofs, snapped power lines, huge broken trees, and city streets in gridlock.

 Schools, courts, transit lines, an airport and the state Capitol are closed. 

A historic church lost its bell tower and stained glass window.

 Some polling stations were moved and others opened an hour late as Super Tuesday voting began. 

Nashville Mayor John Cooper says “last night was a reminder about how fragile life is.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tornadoes have ripped across Tennessee overnight, shredding at least 40 buildings and killing at least 19 people. One of the twisters caused severe damage across downtown Nashville on Tuesday, leaving blown-down walls and roofs, snapped power lines, huge broken trees, and city streets in gridlock. Schools, courts, transit lines, an airport and the state Capitol are closed. A historic church lost its bell tower and stained glass window. Some polling stations were moved and others opened an hour late as Super Tuesday voting began. Nashville Mayor John Cooper says “last night was a reminder about how fragile life is.”

Tornadoes hit Nashville, killing at least 19 people

OMAHA, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — A former Occupational Safety and Health Administration employee has been sentenced in Omaha for faking workplace inspection reports. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 38-year-old Ricardo Peacock on Monday was given three years of probation and ordered to pay nearly $6,000 in restitution. 

He'd pleaded guilty to making false statements as an OSHA compliance safety and health officer from Jan. 14, 2015, to March 3, 2016. 

Prosecutors say Peacock faked 10 inspection reports, including four in Lincoln. One was at a U.S. Postal Service facility.

OMAHA, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — A former Occupational Safety and Health Administration employee has been sentenced in Omaha for faking workplace inspection reports. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 38-year-old Ricardo Peacock on Monday was given three years of probation and ordered to pay nearly $6,000 in restitution. He'd pleaded guilty to making false statements as an OSHA compliance safety and health officer from Jan. 14, 2015, to March 3, 2016. Prosecutors say Peacock faked 10 inspection reports, including four in Lincoln. One was at a U.S. Postal Service facility.