PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Lawmakers in the South Dakota House have passed a bill that would make texting and driving a criminal offense.

 Rep. Doug Barthel said he introduced the bill after hearing the stories of people who died in accidents involving a driver who was texting. 

Current law allows a fine of $100 for highway drivers who text. 

The bill would apply the ban to all roads and anyone using mobile devices for social networking sites. 

It would increase violations to a criminal offense, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Lawmakers in the South Dakota House have passed a bill that would make texting and driving a criminal offense. Rep. Doug Barthel said he introduced the bill after hearing the stories of people who died in accidents involving a driver who was texting. Current law allows a fine of $100 for highway drivers who text. The bill would apply the ban to all roads and anyone using mobile devices for social networking sites. It would increase violations to a criminal offense, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

SD House passes tougher punishments for texting and driving

ROCK PORT, Mo. (AP) - Work crews have closed the final breach of a Missouri River levee in the far northwest corner of Missouri that broke open during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/84d773fba03f48dd8c18ec0eaa5198bc" target="_blank">massive flooding last year</a>, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Omaha District said in a news release.

The break just southwest of Rock Port was one of several along the levee section that saw thousands of acres of mostly farmland submerged and a section of Interstate 29 and other roads in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas damaged and closed to traffic for weeks.

Crews will continue finalizing repairs to restore the levee section to its pre-flood height, the Corps said. Crews have been scrambling to make repairs ahead of spring and the possibility of renewed flooding along the river.

The National Weather Service has said Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri and eastern North Dakota and South Dakota face an above-average flood risk this spring. The flood risk is close to normal in Montana and the western half of the Dakotas.

There are more than 500 miles of levees on the Missouri, Platte and Elkhorn rivers, and tributaries that experienced significant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15f799240ef84204b5e2f2f42aaa8043" target="_blank">flood damage</a>&nbsp;since March 2019.

ROCK PORT, Mo. (AP) - Work crews have closed the final breach of a Missouri River levee in the far northwest corner of Missouri that broke open during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/84d773fba03f48dd8c18ec0eaa5198bc" target="_blank">massive flooding last year</a>, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Omaha District said in a news release.The break just southwest of Rock Port was one of several along the levee section that saw thousands of acres of mostly farmland submerged and a section of Interstate 29 and other roads in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas damaged and closed to traffic for weeks.Crews will continue finalizing repairs to restore the levee section to its pre-flood height, the Corps said. Crews have been scrambling to make repairs ahead of spring and the possibility of renewed flooding along the river.The National Weather Service has said Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri and eastern North Dakota and South Dakota face an above-average flood risk this spring. The flood risk is close to normal in Montana and the western half of the Dakotas.There are more than 500 miles of levees on the Missouri, Platte and Elkhorn rivers, and tributaries that experienced significant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15f799240ef84204b5e2f2f42aaa8043" target="_blank">flood damage</a>&nbsp;since March 2019.

Corps closes Missouri River levee break near Rock Port

CODOGNO, Italy (AP) — Italian authorities say the number of people infected with the new virus from China has more than quadrupled in a day due to an emerging cluster of cases in the country's north. 

Many of the new cases represented the first infections in Italy acquired through secondary contagion and brought the country's total to 17. 

The first to fall ill in northern Italy met with someone who had returned from China in January without symptoms. 

The 38-year-old Italian man is in critical condition. 

The man's wife and a friend also tested positive for the virus. 

Three patients at the hospital where he went a few days ago and five nurses and doctors acquired the virus as well.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582307889125.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Dimitri Karastelev" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Dimitri Karastelev</figcaption>
 </figure>CODOGNO, Italy (AP) — Italian authorities say the number of people infected with the new virus from China has more than quadrupled in a day due to an emerging cluster of cases in the country's north. Many of the new cases represented the first infections in Italy acquired through secondary contagion and brought the country's total to 17. The first to fall ill in northern Italy met with someone who had returned from China in January without symptoms. The 38-year-old Italian man is in critical condition. The man's wife and a friend also tested positive for the virus. Three patients at the hospital where he went a few days ago and five nurses and doctors acquired the virus as well.&nbsp;

Italy sees virus cases quadruple in day as cluster emerges

BEIJING (AP) — Global stock markets are down after a rise in virus cases in South Korea and other countries refueled investor anxiety about the disease outbreak. 

Benchmarks in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney closed down on Friday. 

Markets in Europe, including London and Frankfurt, were trading lower and Wall Street was expected to dip on the open. 

Markets had been gaining on hopes the viral outbreak that began in China might be under control. 

Stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data and interest rate cuts by Asian central banks have helped to buoy sentiment. But investors were jarred by South Korea's report of 52 new cases of the coronavirus.

BEIJING (AP) — Global stock markets are down after a rise in virus cases in South Korea and other countries refueled investor anxiety about the disease outbreak. Benchmarks in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney closed down on Friday. Markets in Europe, including London and Frankfurt, were trading lower and Wall Street was expected to dip on the open. Markets had been gaining on hopes the viral outbreak that began in China might be under control. Stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data and interest rate cuts by Asian central banks have helped to buoy sentiment. But investors were jarred by South Korea's report of 52 new cases of the coronavirus.

World markets slip on renewed fears over virus outbreak

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Thanks to citizen reports, two dogs have been rescued and one man has been charged with felony animal cruelty in Red Willow County.

On Wednesday afternoon, February 19, the Nebraska State Patrol was alerted to a severely injured dog in northwest Red Willow County. Troopers discovered that the dog had several stab wounds and transported it to the Red Willow Animal Clinic, where it underwent emergency surgery. The dog had more than 15 stab wounds.

Veterinarians at the clinic were able to save the dog during a surgery that lasted longer than two hours. Since then, an anonymous Christian donor from Colorado has covered all medical costs.

Earlier in the week, troopers had been called to a report of a transient man who was reportedly covered in blood. Upon arrival at the scene in northwest Red Willow County, troopers and Frontier County deputies located the man and observed blood on his clothes and hands.

Witnesses said the man had had two dogs with him in previous days, but only one dog was with him when troopers found him on Tuesday. Troopers determined that the dog did not belong to him and took it to the animal shelter and transported the man to a shelter in North Platte.

Following the discovery of the second dog Wednesday, the man, James Wagner, 29, was sought on a charge of animal cruelty. He was then located Thursday at the Lincoln County Jail, where he had been lodged for shoplifting. He is being held on charges of felony animal cruelty from Red Willow County.

The injured dog will remain at the Red Willow Animal Clinic and, if unclaimed, will be up for adoption after ten days. The other dog will also be up for adoption if it is not claimed. Both adoptions will be through the McCook&nbsp;Humane Society.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582299993806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Thanks to citizen reports, two dogs have been rescued and one man has been charged with felony animal cruelty in Red Willow County.On Wednesday afternoon, February 19, the Nebraska State Patrol was alerted to a severely injured dog in northwest Red Willow County. Troopers discovered that the dog had several stab wounds and transported it to the Red Willow Animal Clinic, where it underwent emergency surgery. The dog had more than 15 stab wounds.Veterinarians at the clinic were able to save the dog during a surgery that lasted longer than two hours. Since then, an anonymous Christian donor from Colorado has covered all medical costs.Earlier in the week, troopers had been called to a report of a transient man who was reportedly covered in blood. Upon arrival at the scene in northwest Red Willow County, troopers and Frontier County deputies located the man and observed blood on his clothes and hands.Witnesses said the man had had two dogs with him in previous days, but only one dog was with him when troopers found him on Tuesday. Troopers determined that the dog did not belong to him and took it to the animal shelter and transported the man to a shelter in North Platte.Following the discovery of the second dog Wednesday, the man, James Wagner, 29, was sought on a charge of animal cruelty. He was then located Thursday at the Lincoln County Jail, where he had been lodged for shoplifting. He is being held on charges of felony animal cruelty from Red Willow County.The injured dog will remain at the Red Willow Animal Clinic and, if unclaimed, will be up for adoption after ten days. The other dog will also be up for adoption if it is not claimed. Both adoptions will be through the McCook&nbsp;Humane Society.

Citizen reports lead to puppy rescue, arrest for animal cruelty

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a woman who told authorities that she intended to shoot co-workers at the Omaha veterans hospital.

 U.S. District Court records say Tina Hardin has pleaded not guilty to a charge of influencing, impeding or retaliating against a federal official by threats. 

Her attorney didn't immediately return a call Friday from The Associated Press. 

The records say Hardin had been working as a hospital shuttle bus driver.

 The records say Hardin, who is black, said she was a victim of racism at the hospital. She also said she wanted to hurt a manager who gave her a bad appraisal.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a woman who told authorities that she intended to shoot co-workers at the Omaha veterans hospital. U.S. District Court records say Tina Hardin has pleaded not guilty to a charge of influencing, impeding or retaliating against a federal official by threats. Her attorney didn't immediately return a call Friday from The Associated Press. The records say Hardin had been working as a hospital shuttle bus driver. The records say Hardin, who is black, said she was a victim of racism at the hospital. She also said she wanted to hurt a manager who gave her a bad appraisal.

Woman told authorities she planned to shoot co-workers

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming Tribune Eagle) — A Wyoming-based fast food company is attempting to revamp its branding and expand the franchise as it adds new stores and remodels older ones. 

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports Taco John's International Inc. has launched what it calls an aggressive growth initiative. 

The restaurant chain based in Cheyenne says new stores and those undergoing remodeling will use the new branding while the company focuses on more franchising opportunities. 

Taco John’s hopes to increase the number of new stores, with plans to open between 15 and 20 this year and between 20 and 25 next year.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming Tribune Eagle) — A Wyoming-based fast food company is attempting to revamp its branding and expand the franchise as it adds new stores and remodels older ones. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports Taco John's International Inc. has launched what it calls an aggressive growth initiative. The restaurant chain based in Cheyenne says new stores and those undergoing remodeling will use the new branding while the company focuses on more franchising opportunities. Taco John’s hopes to increase the number of new stores, with plans to open between 15 and 20 this year and between 20 and 25 next year.

Taco John's launches re-branding and growth initiative

LOUISVILLE, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have filed 29 charges against an eastern Nebraska man who was injured in January after allegedly firing shots at Cass County sheriff's deputies. 

The Nebraska State Patrol says the charges were filed Tuesday against Paul Warner, 37, of rural Louisville. 

Warner was injured on the night of Jan. 22 when deputies were called to a home near Louisville. 

The state patrol says Warner  shot at the deputies, who returned fire and struck Warner. 

The charges include four counts of attempted first degree assault on an officer and 10 counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony.

LOUISVILLE, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have filed 29 charges against an eastern Nebraska man who was injured in January after allegedly firing shots at Cass County sheriff's deputies. The Nebraska State Patrol says the charges were filed Tuesday against Paul Warner, 37, of rural Louisville. Warner was injured on the night of Jan. 22 when deputies were called to a home near Louisville. The state patrol says Warner shot at the deputies, who returned fire and struck Warner. No deputies were injured. Warner remains in a hospital. The charges include four counts of attempted first degree assault on an officer and 10 counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony.

Attorney files 29 charges against man shot by Cass deputies

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





The incident reportedly took place at around 11:45 a.m. Thursday morning 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 Thursday.&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.

“The incident that took place Thursday is extremely unsettling not only to myself, but to the Topeka community,” said Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran. “I am proud of the men and women of the Topeka Police Department for their hard work on this investigation.”

Police continue to ask witnesses and those with information to please contact them with information by emailing <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 <a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com/128</a>&lt;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">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 are investigating a violent incident involving a 12-year-old girl captured on video that has gone viral on social media.



The incident reportedly took place at around 11:45 a.m. Thursday morning 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 Thursday.&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.“The incident that took place Thursday is extremely unsettling not only to myself, but to the Topeka community,” said Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran. “I am proud of the men and women of the Topeka Police Department for their hard work on this investigation.”Police continue to ask witnesses and those with information to please contact them with information by emailing <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 <a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">www.p3tips.com/128</a>&lt;<a href="http://www.p3tips.com/128" target="_blank">http://www.p3tips.com/128</a>&gt;.

Police arrest 12-year-old Kan. girl after video of attack goes viral

FREMONT, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — Administrators say some fans at a recent Fremont High School girls basketball game aimed racist remarks at the visiting Lincoln High School team, leading to a postgame scuffle among fans of the teams. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the districts issued a joint news release Wednesday in which they condemned what the described as “extreme actions by a few individuals." 

They say the schools addressed the behavior of those involved, but they didn't say whether any of the student fans were punished. 

At least one Lincoln fan threw a punch during the Feb. 7 scuffle, and a Fremont police spokesman said Thursday that an investigation remains active.

FREMONT, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — Administrators say some fans at a recent Fremont High School girls basketball game aimed racist remarks at the visiting Lincoln High School team, leading to a postgame scuffle among fans of the teams. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the districts issued a joint news release Wednesday in which they condemned what the described as “extreme actions by a few individuals." They say the schools addressed the behavior of those involved, but they didn't say whether any of the student fans were punished. At least one Lincoln fan threw a punch during the Feb. 7 scuffle, and a Fremont police spokesman said Thursday that an investigation remains active.

Racist taunts lead to fracas after Nebraska high school game

LINCOLN, Neb. (Omaha World-Herald) — A Butler County man has been sentenced for recording himself sexually abusing a child, sharing some of those images and possessing thousands of other images of child pornography.

 The Omaha World-Herald reports that Michael McCullar, of Dwight, was sentenced Wednesday to 41 years and 10 months in prison for producing and possessing child pornography.

 A federal judge in Lincoln also ordered him to pay more than $154,000 in restitution and more than $30,000 in fines and fees.

Homeland Security agents in Nebraska were tipped off to McCullar by agents in Boston who were monitoring chatrooms and websites that trade in child pornography.&nbsp;

LINCOLN, Neb. (Omaha World-Herald) — A Butler County man has been sentenced for recording himself sexually abusing a child, sharing some of those images and possessing thousands of other images of child pornography. The Omaha World-Herald reports that Michael McCullar, of Dwight, was sentenced Wednesday to 41 years and 10 months in prison for producing and possessing child pornography. A federal judge in Lincoln also ordered him to pay more than $154,000 in restitution and more than $30,000 in fines and fees.Homeland Security agents in Nebraska were tipped off to McCullar by agents in Boston who were monitoring chatrooms and websites that trade in child pornography.&nbsp;

Man who recorded self sexually abusing child is sentenced

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — Jurors in a Rapid City federal courtroom will decide whether a woman accused of fatally stabbing her boyfriend with a screwdriver was acting in self-defense or committed murder. 

Prosecutors say Doreen Brown may have been in an abusive relationship with Donald “Donnie”McMillan, but had no reason to kill him. 

The Rapid City Journal reports the defense has countered that McMillian was attacking Brown with a tree branch and that she was defending herself. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama told jurors Wednesday the couple argued and physically abused each other nearly every day when they drank alcohol. But Sazama says last June, Brown “took it too far."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582213177856.jpeg" alt="Photo by: Steve Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Photo by: Steve Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — Jurors in a Rapid City federal courtroom will decide whether a woman accused of fatally stabbing her boyfriend with a screwdriver was acting in self-defense or committed murder. Prosecutors say Doreen Brown may have been in an abusive relationship with Donald “Donnie”McMillan, but had no reason to kill him. The Rapid City Journal reports the defense has countered that McMillian was attacking Brown with a tree branch and that she was defending herself. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama told jurors Wednesday the couple argued and physically abused each other nearly every day when they drank alcohol. But Sazama says last June, Brown “took it too far."

Fatal screwdriver stabbing. Self-defense or murder?

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man in southeast Omaha. 

Officers sent Wednesday to a home in the Hanscom Park neighborhood found the wounded man. 

Police say he died later at Nebraska Medical Center. He's been identified as 32-year-old Howard Meemer. 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man in southeast Omaha. Officers sent Wednesday to a home in the Hanscom Park neighborhood found the wounded man. Police say he died later at Nebraska Medical Center. He's been identified as 32-year-old Howard Meemer. No arrests have been reported.&nbsp;

Police investigating fatal shooting in southeast Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police identified the two people killed in a crash early Tuesday on U.S. Highway 75 in Omaha. 

The crashed happened just after 2 a.m. when a car traveling the wrong way on the highway hit a minivan, killing both drivers, police said. 

Police on Wednesday identified the car driver as 24-year-old Griselda E Bugarin. The minivan was driven by 58-year-old Vadim Belyaev. 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police identified the two people killed in a crash early Tuesday on U.S. Highway 75 in Omaha. The crashed happened just after 2 a.m. when a car traveling the wrong way on the highway hit a minivan, killing both drivers, police said. Police on Wednesday identified the car driver as 24-year-old Griselda E Bugarin. The minivan was driven by 58-year-old Vadim Belyaev. Both were from Omaha.

Police identify two killed in Omaha highway crash

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The latest attempt to lower property taxes in Nebraska faces an uncertain future as lawmakers squabble over whether it would hurt K-12 public schools that rely heavily on the revenue. 

Lawmakers debated the measure for nearly three hours Wednesday but failed to reach a vote before they adjourned for the day.

 A leading supporter, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, of Omaha, says she believes she has enough votes to pass the complex bill but cautioned that lawmakers need more time to discuss and understand everything it does.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The latest attempt to lower property taxes in Nebraska faces an uncertain future as lawmakers squabble over whether it would hurt K-12 public schools that rely heavily on the revenue. Lawmakers debated the measure for nearly three hours Wednesday but failed to reach a vote before they adjourned for the day. A leading supporter, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, of Omaha, says she believes she has enough votes to pass the complex bill but cautioned that lawmakers need more time to discuss and understand everything it does.

Property tax measure faces uncertain future in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Forecasters say up to 6 inches of snow could make travel treacherous in much of Nebraska and northwest Iowa on Wednesday and overnight. 

The highest totals are expected along the U.S. Highway 20 corridor, with lesser amounts to the south. 

A National Weather Service advisory says the snowfall is expected to end overnight, and sunny skies with temperatures hovering around 30 are expected Thursday.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Forecasters say up to 6 inches of snow could make travel treacherous in much of Nebraska and northwest Iowa on Wednesday and overnight. The highest totals are expected along the U.S. Highway 20 corridor, with lesser amounts to the south. A National Weather Service advisory says the snowfall is expected to end overnight, and sunny skies with temperatures hovering around 30 are expected Thursday.&nbsp;

Forecasters say snowfall poses hazard in much of Nebraska

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) — Three relatives of an 11-year-old girl who gave birth in the bathtub of her suburban St. Louis home are facing criminal charges.

An adult female and adult male are charged with child endangerment. A 17-year-old identified as Norvin Lopez-Cante  is charged with incest as well as statutory rape and statutory sodomy of a child younger than 12. All three live in St. Charles.

Police started investigating after the adult male brought an infant to a hospital on Feb. 11. Charging documents said the baby still had the umbilical cord and placenta attached and had a body temperature of just 90 degrees.

The man initially said someone dropped the infant off on his front porch. He later explained that he was a relative. He said he did not know the girl was pregnant or that she was being sexually assaulted until she gave birth.

During questioning, the teen told police he had sex with the girl about 100 times but did not know she was pregnant, according to charging documents.

The woman, who was charged Tuesday, is accused of failing to provide the girl medical care when she gave birth.

The man identified as Francisco Javier Gonzalez-Lopez was charged last week and bond was set at $10,000 cash only. Charging documents say he entered the country illegally and was previously deported.

Bail also was set at $10,000 for the woman and $25,000 for the teen. No attorneys are listed for them in online court records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582138988387.png" alt="Norvin Lopez-Cante -photo St. Charles Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Norvin Lopez-Cante -photo St. Charles Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) — Three relatives of an 11-year-old girl who gave birth in the bathtub of her suburban St. Louis home are facing criminal charges.An adult female and adult male are charged with child endangerment. A 17-year-old identified as Norvin Lopez-Cante is charged with incest as well as statutory rape and statutory sodomy of a child younger than 12. All three live in St. Charles.Police started investigating after the adult male brought an infant to a hospital on Feb. 11. Charging documents said the baby still had the umbilical cord and placenta attached and had a body temperature of just 90 degrees.The man initially said someone dropped the infant off on his front porch. He later explained that he was a relative. He said he did not know the girl was pregnant or that she was being sexually assaulted until she gave birth.During questioning, the teen told police he had sex with the girl about 100 times but did not know she was pregnant, according to charging documents.The woman, who was charged Tuesday, is accused of failing to provide the girl medical care when she gave birth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582139220621.png" alt="Francisco Javier Gonzalez-Lopez-photo St. Charles Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Francisco Javier Gonzalez-Lopez-photo St. Charles Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>The man identified as Francisco Javier Gonzalez-Lopez was charged last week and bond was set at $10,000 cash only. Charging documents say he entered the country illegally and was previously deported.Bail also was set at $10,000 for the woman and $25,000 for the teen. No attorneys are listed for them in online court records.&nbsp;

3 charged after 11-year-old gives birth in Missouri bathtub

LA VISTA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's liquor control agency has called a movie theater bar in suburban Omaha to account for accidentally serving two customers cocktails that contained cleaning solution.

The Alamo Drafthouse in La Vista could have its liquor license suspended, canceled or revoked at the March 10 hearing before the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. The commission also could add specific conditions to the license.

The women, ages 45 and 51,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf129e23f3b2df6fd0a481b2abc868d" target="_blank">took sips</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 28 and soon began to feel burning sensations in their throats and stomachs, authorities said.

The women also had trouble breathing. They were taken to a hospital for treatment and then released. A server experienced similar symptoms after tasting the drinks and was treated as well.

A bottle that had contained a liqueur was being used to store cleaning solution for lines that connect beer kegs to taps. The bottle had been placed near the bar, police said.

Tyler Calabrese, a partner in the franchise location, described what happened as "a truly awful situation." He said the company's health and safety procedures were not followed and that the employee responsible was fired and other staffers were retrained.

LA VISTA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's liquor control agency has called a movie theater bar in suburban Omaha to account for accidentally serving two customers cocktails that contained cleaning solution.The Alamo Drafthouse in La Vista could have its liquor license suspended, canceled or revoked at the March 10 hearing before the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. The commission also could add specific conditions to the license.The women, ages 45 and 51,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf129e23f3b2df6fd0a481b2abc868d" target="_blank">took sips</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 28 and soon began to feel burning sensations in their throats and stomachs, authorities said.The women also had trouble breathing. They were taken to a hospital for treatment and then released. A server experienced similar symptoms after tasting the drinks and was treated as well.A bottle that had contained a liqueur was being used to store cleaning solution for lines that connect beer kegs to taps. The bottle had been placed near the bar, police said.Tyler Calabrese, a partner in the franchise location, described what happened as "a truly awful situation." He said the company's health and safety procedures were not followed and that the employee responsible was fired and other staffers were retrained.

Theater bar could lose license for serving tainted drinks

Major U.S. stock indexes closed mostly lower Tuesday, as the market gave up some of its gains from the past two weeks. 

The selling, which lost some of its momentum in the final hour of trading, came as investors weighed the impact of the virus outbreak in China on Apple and other major companies. 

Tech companies and banks led the selling. Utilities and communication services stocks held up well. 

The S&amp;P 500 index fell 0.3% to 3,370. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 165 points, or 0.6%, to 29,232. 

The Nasdaq inched up less than 0.1%. Bond yields fell.

Major U.S. stock indexes closed mostly lower Tuesday, as the market gave up some of its gains from the past two weeks. The selling, which lost some of its momentum in the final hour of trading, came as investors weighed the impact of the virus outbreak in China on Apple and other major companies. Tech companies and banks led the selling. Utilities and communication services stocks held up well. The S&amp;P 500 index fell 0.3% to 3,370. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 165 points, or 0.6%, to 29,232. The Nasdaq inched up less than 0.1%. Bond yields fell.

Stocks fall on Apple revenue warning; Dow drops 165

Omaha, Neb&nbsp;–&nbsp;Thirteen&nbsp;Americans who have been on a cruise ship docked off the coast of Japan for two weeks have arrived in Omaha, Nebraska, for further monitoring and treatment if needed. Some of these citizens have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease that was first discovered in late 2019 and is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China.&nbsp;Those who have&nbsp;tested positive for this novel coronavirus, are only showing mild symptoms of the disease.

The recently opened National Quarantine Unit, on the UNMC/Nebraska Medicine campus, was designed for this very purpose – to safely monitor Americans after exposure to an infectious disease. The unit, which has a 20-bed capacity, is strategically located in close proximity to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, should a higher level of care be needed. After the passengers arrived, it was determined one person needed to be taken to the Biocontainment Unit for additional care. Our Nebraska Biocontainment Unit team cared for three patients with Ebola in late 2014.

“We were there for Ebola, we were there for the rescued Americans now being monitored at Camp Ashland and we’re going to be there for these American citizens as well,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “Because we are one of the world leaders in this arena, we were asked by our federal partners, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to rise to the challenge when our nation once more critically needs our expertise. Clearly, this is again, one of those times.”

The Americans coming to Omaha from the cruise ship will be closely monitored for and then will be tested for the coronavirus before leaving the Quarantine Unit.

Like the Americans staying at Camp Ashland, the Americans from the cruise ship arrived at a remote and isolated aircraft parking area at Eppley Airfield and did not enter the terminal.&nbsp;They boarded a bus and were driven straight to the National Quarantine Unit.&nbsp;Flight operations at Eppley Airfield will remain normal and unaffected.

“We understand the significance of providing effective quarantine and isolation, and are grateful that we can help fellow Americans at a time of need,” said James Linder, MD, CEO of Nebraska Medicine. “I want to assure everyone that our Nebraska Medicine/UNMC colleagues are among the best in the world at handling situations like these. In many instances, they’ve written the book on the most effective methods of quarantine and treatment. The Nebraska method is the tested standard.”

Currently, there have been 15 documented cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and zero deaths. While this disease has been more infectious than the SARS outbreak in 2003, it has been far less lethal. Our experts estimate a fatality rate between one and two percent for COVID-19, with the majority of the fatalities being in people with other medical conditions.

The list of initiatives involving biopreparedness on the med center campus is extensive. The Global Center for Health Security features the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit which serves as the Region VII Special Pathogen Treatment Center. The Global Center also includes the National Ebola Training and Education Center (NETEC, National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) training and the recently opened National Quarantine Unit, just to name a few. In addition to providing quarantine for Americans exposed to infectious diseases, the Training, Simulation and Quarantine Center is also designed to train federal personnel to treat highly infectious diseases. It was made possible via a contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Omaha, Neb&nbsp;–&nbsp;Thirteen&nbsp;Americans who have been on a cruise ship docked off the coast of Japan for two weeks have arrived in Omaha, Nebraska, for further monitoring and treatment if needed. Some of these citizens have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease that was first discovered in late 2019 and is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China.&nbsp;Those who have&nbsp;tested positive for this novel coronavirus, are only showing mild symptoms of the disease.The recently opened National Quarantine Unit, on the UNMC/Nebraska Medicine campus, was designed for this very purpose – to safely monitor Americans after exposure to an infectious disease. The unit, which has a 20-bed capacity, is strategically located in close proximity to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, should a higher level of care be needed. After the passengers arrived, it was determined one person needed to be taken to the Biocontainment Unit for additional care. Our Nebraska Biocontainment Unit team cared for three patients with Ebola in late 2014.“We were there for Ebola, we were there for the rescued Americans now being monitored at Camp Ashland and we’re going to be there for these American citizens as well,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “Because we are one of the world leaders in this arena, we were asked by our federal partners, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to rise to the challenge when our nation once more critically needs our expertise. Clearly, this is again, one of those times.”The Americans coming to Omaha from the cruise ship will be closely monitored for and then will be tested for the coronavirus before leaving the Quarantine Unit.Like the Americans staying at Camp Ashland, the Americans from the cruise ship arrived at a remote and isolated aircraft parking area at Eppley Airfield and did not enter the terminal.&nbsp;They boarded a bus and were driven straight to the National Quarantine Unit.&nbsp;Flight operations at Eppley Airfield will remain normal and unaffected.“We understand the significance of providing effective quarantine and isolation, and are grateful that we can help fellow Americans at a time of need,” said James Linder, MD, CEO of Nebraska Medicine. “I want to assure everyone that our Nebraska Medicine/UNMC colleagues are among the best in the world at handling situations like these. In many instances, they’ve written the book on the most effective methods of quarantine and treatment. The Nebraska method is the tested standard.”Currently, there have been 15 documented cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and zero deaths. While this disease has been more infectious than the SARS outbreak in 2003, it has been far less lethal. Our experts estimate a fatality rate between one and two percent for COVID-19, with the majority of the fatalities being in people with other medical conditions.The list of initiatives involving biopreparedness on the med center campus is extensive. The Global Center for Health Security features the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit which serves as the Region VII Special Pathogen Treatment Center. The Global Center also includes the National Ebola Training and Education Center (NETEC, National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) training and the recently opened National Quarantine Unit, just to name a few. In addition to providing quarantine for Americans exposed to infectious diseases, the Training, Simulation and Quarantine Center is also designed to train federal personnel to treat highly infectious diseases. It was made possible via a contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

National Quarantine Unit at UNMC to be used to monitor Americans from ship

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials say they're looking to build new prison space to ease chronic overcrowding that's expected to worsen over time. 

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Scott Frakes said Tuesday he plans to seek more information about possible new construction projects. 

One idea is a facility built by a private developer and leased to Nebraska until the state eventually owns it. 

Frakes faced questions earlier this month from lawmakers who voiced concern that Nebraska's inmate population will continue growing and outpace the state's efforts to add more space.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials say they're looking to build new prison space to ease chronic overcrowding that's expected to worsen over time. Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Scott Frakes said Tuesday he plans to seek more information about possible new construction projects. One idea is a facility built by a private developer and leased to Nebraska until the state eventually owns it. Frakes faced questions earlier this month from lawmakers who voiced concern that Nebraska's inmate population will continue growing and outpace the state's efforts to add more space.

Nebraska eyes new prison projects to ease crowding

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's pardons board has refused to pardon the murder conviction of the ex-girlfriend of Charles Starkweather, the infamous killer who went on a rampage in the 1950s. 

The board voted 3-0 Tuesday to deny the application from Caril Ann Clair, even though some relatives of Starkweather's victims lobbied in her favor. 

Clair, who was known as Caril Ann Fugate at the time, currently lives in Michigan. She was 14 when Starkweather, then 19, went on a killing spree in 1957-58 that left 11 people dead in Nebraska and Wyoming, including her mother, stepfather and baby half-sister. 

Clair's sentence was commuted and she was paroled from prison in 1976. She has since married and goes by the name Caril Ann Clair.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's pardons board has refused to pardon the murder conviction of the ex-girlfriend of Charles Starkweather, the infamous killer who went on a rampage in the 1950s. The board voted 3-0 Tuesday to deny the application from Caril Ann Clair, even though some relatives of Starkweather's victims lobbied in her favor. Clair, who was known as Caril Ann Fugate at the time, currently lives in Michigan. She was 14 when Starkweather, then 19, went on a killing spree in 1957-58 that left 11 people dead in Nebraska and Wyoming, including her mother, stepfather and baby half-sister. Clair's sentence was commuted and she was paroled from prison in 1976. She has since married and goes by the name Caril Ann Clair.

Nebraska denies pardon for notorious killer's ex-girlfriend

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An 18-year-old died Tuesday after the car she was driving went out of control and rolled in northeast Omaha. 

The crash occurred around 1:25 a.m. when the car ran off the roadway, rolled and then struck a tree. 

Police say the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. She's been identified as Alexis McCormick, who lived in Omaha. 

Her passenger was taken to a hospital for treatment of a shoulder injury. He's been identified as an 18-year-old Omaha resident, Jason Parrott. Police say alcohol use is being investigated as a contributing crash factor.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An 18-year-old died Tuesday after the car she was driving went out of control and rolled in northeast Omaha. The crash occurred around 1:25 a.m. when the car ran off the roadway, rolled and then struck a tree. Police say the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. She's been identified as Alexis McCormick, who lived in Omaha. Her passenger was taken to a hospital for treatment of a shoulder injury. He's been identified as an 18-year-old Omaha resident, Jason Parrott. Police say alcohol use is being investigated as a contributing crash factor.

Driver dies when car goes out of control, rolls, hits tree

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An official says results from new tests for the COVID-19 disease on 13 people evacuated to an Omaha hospital from a cruise ship in Japan await confirmation from federal experts. 

Taylor Wilson with Nebraska Medicine said Tuesday that the results aren't expected for several days. 

The 13 were part of a larger group of American citizens who'd arrived back in the U.S. Monday. 

One of the 13 was placed in a biocontainment unit at Nebraska Medical Center to receive a higher level of care because he had a cough and other symptoms in addition to a chronic illness.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An official says results from new tests for the COVID-19 disease on 13 people evacuated to an Omaha hospital from a cruise ship in Japan await confirmation from federal experts. Taylor Wilson with Nebraska Medicine said Tuesday that the results aren't expected for several days. The 13 were part of a larger group of American citizens who'd arrived back in the U.S. Monday. One of the 13 was placed in a biocontainment unit at Nebraska Medical Center to receive a higher level of care because he had a cough and other symptoms in addition to a chronic illness.&nbsp;

Medical tests for 13 from cruise ship await federal review

Mainland China reported 1,886 new virus cases and 98 more deaths for a total of 1,868, following a report that 80% of cases have been mild, prompting guarded optimism from health officials. 

The latest figures come after health officials in China published the first details on nearly 45,000 cases, saying more than 80% have been mild and new ones seem to be falling since early this month.

 A total of 72,436 cases have been reported in mainland China as of Tuesday. 

A recent spike was due to a broader definition in the hardest-hit region based on doctors' diagnoses before laboratory tests were completed.

Mainland China reported 1,886 new virus cases and 98 more deaths for a total of 1,868, following a report that 80% of cases have been mild, prompting guarded optimism from health officials. The latest figures come after health officials in China published the first details on nearly 45,000 cases, saying more than 80% have been mild and new ones seem to be falling since early this month. A total of 72,436 cases have been reported in mainland China as of Tuesday. A recent spike was due to a broader definition in the hardest-hit region based on doctors' diagnoses before laboratory tests were completed.