An Omaha man has been sentenced for smuggling marijuana to an inmate at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln. 

Court records say Robert Trelles was sentenced Monday to six months in jail. He'd pleaded no contest to conveyance of an article to an inmate. 

In 2017 Trelles went on trial for the June 5, 2015, incident, which was caught on security video during visiting hours. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that he was granted a mistrial because the prosecutor hadn't disclosed information about prison staffers being alerted that Trelles needed to be watched during the visit.

An Omaha man has been sentenced for smuggling marijuana to an inmate at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln. Court records say Robert Trelles was sentenced Monday to six months in jail. He'd pleaded no contest to conveyance of an article to an inmate. In 2017 Trelles went on trial for the June 5, 2015, incident, which was caught on security video during visiting hours. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that he was granted a mistrial because the prosecutor hadn't disclosed information about prison staffers being alerted that Trelles needed to be watched during the visit.

Man gets 6 months in jail for pot delivery to prison inmate

A Nebraska man faces federal charges after authorities say he used nude photos of a legislative candidate's wife as blackmail to try to derail the candidate's campaign. 

Dennis Sryniawski. of Bellevue, has been charged with cyberstalking and threats with intent to extort. 

An indictment alleges that Sryniawski sent threatening and sexually explicit emails to Diane Parris, who was serving as campaign manager for her husband, Jeff Parris, when he ran for the Nebraska Legislature in 2018. Diane Parris, of La Vista, received emails in October 2018 from a man with whom she had been in a relationship more than two decades ago.

A Nebraska man faces federal charges after authorities say he used nude photos of a legislative candidate's wife as blackmail to try to derail the candidate's campaign. Dennis Sryniawski. of Bellevue, has been charged with cyberstalking and threats with intent to extort. An indictment alleges that Sryniawski sent threatening and sexually explicit emails to Diane Parris, who was serving as campaign manager for her husband, Jeff Parris, when he ran for the Nebraska Legislature in 2018. Diane Parris, of La Vista, received emails in October 2018 from a man with whom she had been in a relationship more than two decades ago.

Nebraska man used nude photos for campaign blackmail

The trial of a Roman Catholic priest accused of sexually assaulting a woman in central Nebraska is underway. 

Television station KSNB reports that the trial for the Rev. John Kakkuzhiyil&nbsp; began Monday after a jury was selected. He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of forcible sexual assault. 

Kakkuzhiyil was arrested early last year following a monthlong investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol after a woman told police he sexually assaulted her in November 2018 in his Ord home. 

The woman told investigators she blacked out after having a couple of drinks with the priest.&nbsp;

The trial of a Roman Catholic priest accused of sexually assaulting a woman in central Nebraska is underway. Television station KSNB reports that the trial for the Rev. John Kakkuzhiyil&nbsp; began Monday after a jury was selected. He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of forcible sexual assault. Kakkuzhiyil was arrested early last year following a monthlong investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol after a woman told police he sexually assaulted her in November 2018 in his Ord home. The woman told investigators she blacked out after having a couple of drinks with the priest.&nbsp;

Trial begins for Nebraska priest accused of sexual assault

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has tallied the results of its sampling efforts for chronic wasting disease in deer during the November 2019 firearm season, and the results show the presence of chronic wasting disease in Howard County in central Nebraska for the first time.

Game and Parks conducted chronic wasting disease sampling at deer check stations in northwestern and northeastern Nebraska during the firearm deer season by removing lymph nodes for testing.

Deer that tested positive for the disease are listed at&nbsp;<a href="http://outdoornebraska.org/chronicwastingdisease" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.org/chronicwastingdisease</a>, and the hunters who harvested those animals are being contacted by Game and Parks.

There were 169 positives from 1,803 deer sampled in the Pine Ridge, Plains, Missouri, Elkhorn, Calamus East and Loup East management units. Only mule deer were sampled in the Pine Ridge, only whitetails were sampled in the Missouri, Calamus East, Elkhorn and Loup East units, while both whitetails and mule deer were sampled in the Plains unit.

“The goal of this effort is to assess the spread and prevalence of the disease through periodic testing in each region of the state, which helps biologists predict when and if future effects on deer numbers may occur,” said Todd Nordeen, Game and Parks big game research and disease program manager. Testing will continue in select regions of the state in coming years.

Although present in Colorado and Wyoming for several decades prior, chronic wasting disease was first confirmed in Nebraska in 2000 in Kimball County. Since 1997, Game and Parks staff have tested nearly 55,000 deer and found 800 that tested positive. Chronic wasting disease has now been found in 43 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.

Chronic wasting disease attacks the brain of an infected deer, elk or moose, eventually causing emaciation, listlessness, excessive salivation and death. It is generally believed that chronic wasting disease is transmitted from animal to animal through exchange of body fluids, but other modes of transmission may exist.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has no reports of chronic wasting disease infecting people; however, hunters should cautiously handle and process deer and avoid consuming animals that test positive or look sick. The CDC also recommends that any deer harvested in a known chronic wasting disease endemic area should have that animal tested. Livestock and other animals not in the deer family do not appear susceptible to chronic wasting disease.

Hunters can help prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease by using proper carcass disposal methods. Learn those methods and more about chronic wasting disease at outdoorNebraska.org/chronicwastingdisease or&nbsp;<a href="http://cwd-info.org/" target="_blank">cwd-info.org</a>.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has tallied the results of its sampling efforts for chronic wasting disease in deer during the November 2019 firearm season, and the results show the presence of chronic wasting disease in Howard County in central Nebraska for the first time.Game and Parks conducted chronic wasting disease sampling at deer check stations in northwestern and northeastern Nebraska during the firearm deer season by removing lymph nodes for testing.Deer that tested positive for the disease are listed at&nbsp;<a href="http://outdoornebraska.org/chronicwastingdisease" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.org/chronicwastingdisease</a>, and the hunters who harvested those animals are being contacted by Game and Parks.There were 169 positives from 1,803 deer sampled in the Pine Ridge, Plains, Missouri, Elkhorn, Calamus East and Loup East management units. Only mule deer were sampled in the Pine Ridge, only whitetails were sampled in the Missouri, Calamus East, Elkhorn and Loup East units, while both whitetails and mule deer were sampled in the Plains unit.“The goal of this effort is to assess the spread and prevalence of the disease through periodic testing in each region of the state, which helps biologists predict when and if future effects on deer numbers may occur,” said Todd Nordeen, Game and Parks big game research and disease program manager. Testing will continue in select regions of the state in coming years.Although present in Colorado and Wyoming for several decades prior, chronic wasting disease was first confirmed in Nebraska in 2000 in Kimball County. Since 1997, Game and Parks staff have tested nearly 55,000 deer and found 800 that tested positive. Chronic wasting disease has now been found in 43 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.Chronic wasting disease attacks the brain of an infected deer, elk or moose, eventually causing emaciation, listlessness, excessive salivation and death. It is generally believed that chronic wasting disease is transmitted from animal to animal through exchange of body fluids, but other modes of transmission may exist.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has no reports of chronic wasting disease infecting people; however, hunters should cautiously handle and process deer and avoid consuming animals that test positive or look sick. The CDC also recommends that any deer harvested in a known chronic wasting disease endemic area should have that animal tested. Livestock and other animals not in the deer family do not appear susceptible to chronic wasting disease.Hunters can help prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease by using proper carcass disposal methods. Learn those methods and more about chronic wasting disease at outdoorNebraska.org/chronicwastingdisease or&nbsp;<a href="http://cwd-info.org/" target="_blank">cwd-info.org</a>.

Game and Parks Commission reports results of chronic wasting disease testing

The Utah Highway Patrol has arrested two persons of interest sought in connection to a homicide in California.

The two subjects had been in Nebraska earlier Sunday, prompting the Nebraska State Patrol to issue notice to the public to avoid contact with the men and report any sighting to law enforcement.

Two brothers, Jeremy Bailey and Chris Corbit,&nbsp; were arrested by the Utah Highway Patrol overnight.

The Utah Highway Patrol has arrested two persons of interest sought in connection to a homicide in California.The two subjects had been in Nebraska earlier Sunday, prompting the Nebraska State Patrol to issue notice to the public to avoid contact with the men and report any sighting to law enforcement.Two brothers, Jeremy Bailey and Chris Corbit,&nbsp; were arrested by the Utah Highway Patrol overnight.

 Persons Sought by NSP Arrested in Utah

Tribal and federal authorities have asked for the public's help after a homicide in Pine Ridge. 

The Oglala Sioux Department of Public Safety says someone was killed early Friday morning at a home south of the Pizza Hut in Pine Ridge. 

The department says it's an isolated incident and there's no threat to the community. 

The homicide is being investigated by tribal police, the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

The agencies asked the public to call 605-867-5111 if they have any information four persons of interest, as well as a dark, late-model, double-cab pickup.

Tribal and federal authorities have asked for the public's help after a homicide in Pine Ridge. The Oglala Sioux Department of Public Safety says someone was killed early Friday morning at a home south of the Pizza Hut in Pine Ridge. The department says it's an isolated incident and there's no threat to the community. The homicide is being investigated by tribal police, the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The agencies asked the public to call 605-867-5111 if they have any information four persons of interest, as well as a dark, late-model, double-cab pickup.

Authorities seek help from public in Pine Ridge homicide

Federal inspectors plan to review how well a Nebraska nuclear power plant handled a water service safety problem blamed on a silt buildup from the Missouri River. 

The river overwhelmed levees along its length last spring. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said in a news release Thursday that the Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville was operating Dec. 6 when employees detected that water wasn't flowing through a pipe connected to the plant.

 Nebraska Public Power District soon determined that silt had built up and blocked the pipe outfall. The district had the silt removed within a week.

Federal inspectors plan to review how well a Nebraska nuclear power plant handled a water service safety problem blamed on a silt buildup from the Missouri River. The river overwhelmed levees along its length last spring. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said in a news release Thursday that the Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville was operating Dec. 6 when employees detected that water wasn't flowing through a pipe connected to the plant. Nebraska Public Power District soon determined that silt had built up and blocked the pipe outfall. The district had the silt removed within a week.

Regulators to review handling of water problem at nuke plant

A man who confessed to police that he'd killed his wife in the Omaha suburb of Bellevue has pleaded guilty to two reduced charges in the case. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 39-year-old Brandon Norton pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder and improper disposal of a body. 

Norton had been facing trial on a first-degree murder charge for the slaying of 32-year-old Jennifer Norton. Her body was recovered from the Missouri River in June 2018. 

Norton was arrested after walking into the Sarpy County Jail to tell authorities that he had killed his wife the day before and dropped her body from a bridge into the river.

A man who confessed to police that he'd killed his wife in the Omaha suburb of Bellevue has pleaded guilty to two reduced charges in the case. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 39-year-old Brandon Norton pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder and improper disposal of a body. Norton had been facing trial on a first-degree murder charge for the slaying of 32-year-old Jennifer Norton. Her body was recovered from the Missouri River in June 2018. Norton was arrested after walking into the Sarpy County Jail to tell authorities that he had killed his wife the day before and dropped her body from a bridge into the river.

Man who confessed to strangling wife pleads guilty

A three-judge panel has been selected to determine whether a Nebraska man will be sentenced to death or life in prison for killing and dismembering a 24-year-old Lincoln woman.

 The Nebraska Supreme Court announced in a news release that Johnson County District Judge Julie Smith and Cass County District Judge Michael Smith were randomly selected to join presiding Saline County District Judge Vicky Johnson on the panel. 

The panel will decide whether enough aggravating factors exist to sentence 53-year-old Aubrey Trail to death. Trail was convicted in July of first-degree murder in the 2017 death of Sydney Loofe.

A three-judge panel has been selected to determine whether a Nebraska man will be sentenced to death or life in prison for killing and dismembering a 24-year-old Lincoln woman. The Nebraska Supreme Court announced in a news release that Johnson County District Judge Julie Smith and Cass County District Judge Michael Smith were randomly selected to join presiding Saline County District Judge Vicky Johnson on the panel. The panel will decide whether enough aggravating factors exist to sentence 53-year-old Aubrey Trail to death. Trail was convicted in July of first-degree murder in the 2017 death of Sydney Loofe.

3-judge panel picked to weigh death penalty for Nebraska man

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=dateline:%22SYDNEY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">SYDNEY</a>&nbsp;(AP)-American pop singer Pink says she's donating $500,000 to help fight the deadly wildfires that have devastated parts of Australia.

Pink tweeted that she's “totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires.” 

She said she is donating $500,000 "directly to the local fire services that are battling so hard on the frontlines. My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz.” 

The death toll in the wildfire crisis is now up to 23 people. The fires are expected to be particularly fierce throughout the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578156774692.png" alt="Pink (Twitter Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Pink (Twitter Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=dateline:%22SYDNEY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">SYDNEY</a>&nbsp;(AP)-American pop singer Pink says she's donating $500,000 to help fight the deadly wildfires that have devastated parts of Australia. Pink tweeted that she's “totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires.” She said she is donating $500,000 "directly to the local fire services that are battling so hard on the frontlines. My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz.” The death toll in the wildfire crisis is now up to 23 people. The fires are expected to be particularly fierce throughout the weekend.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires. I am pledging a donation of $500,000 directly to the local fire services that are battling so hard on the frontlines. My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/kyjDbhoXpp">pic.twitter.com/kyjDbhoXpp</a>&mdash; P!nk (@Pink) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pink/status/1213350834672586752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

US singer Pink pledges $500K to fight Australia wildfires

YORK, Neb. (AP) - An anonymous $3 million donation will help York College renovate the oldest surviving original structure on the York campus, Hulitt Hall.

Constructed in 1903, the hall will be transformed into a focal point for visitors and a hub for student services, college officials said. Preliminary renovation plans call for construction of a new entryway and several interior features to make the building comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Hulitt Hall has served as the college's music conservatory and then as a dormitory until 1972. It's been used mostly for offices and classrooms since then. It was named for John Hulitt, who donated $5,000 toward the $15,000 cost of construction.

YORK, Neb. (AP) - An anonymous $3 million donation will help York College renovate the oldest surviving original structure on the York campus, Hulitt Hall.Constructed in 1903, the hall will be transformed into a focal point for visitors and a hub for student services, college officials said. Preliminary renovation plans call for construction of a new entryway and several interior features to make the building comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.Hulitt Hall has served as the college's music conservatory and then as a dormitory until 1972. It's been used mostly for offices and classrooms since then. It was named for John Hulitt, who donated $5,000 toward the $15,000 cost of construction.

$3M anonymous donation to help York College renovate hall

Authorities are investigating a federal agent's shooting of a suspect near Rapid City that began with a car chase on the Pine Ridge Reservation last month. 

The Rapid City Journal reported Thursday that the FBI is investigating what prompted the car pursuit and the reason for the shooting. 

Federal prosecutors will then decide if charges are warranted.

 Authorities have released few details of the shooting Dec. 19. The suspect's name, what he or she was wanted for, or the seriousness of the injuries all remain unanswered.

Authorities are investigating a federal agent's shooting of a suspect near Rapid City that began with a car chase on the Pine Ridge Reservation last month. The Rapid City Journal reported Thursday that the FBI is investigating what prompted the car pursuit and the reason for the shooting. Federal prosecutors will then decide if charges are warranted. Authorities have released few details of the shooting Dec. 19. The suspect's name, what he or she was wanted for, or the seriousness of the injuries all remain unanswered.

FBI investigating officer's shooting of South Dakota suspect

A Feb. 3 sentencing has been scheduled for a man who took a plea deal in three central Nebraska crash deaths. 

Jessie Scarlett, of Central City, pleaded no contest last month to vehicular homicide and vehicular homicide involving an unborn child. 

Court records say prosecutors dropped other charges in exchange. 

The July 10 collision occurred at an intersection north of St. Libory. 

Authorities say Scarlett's eastbound pickup didn't halt at a stop sign and rammed into a northbound pickup. The crash killed a man, a woman and her unborn child in the northbound truck and a 19-year-old woman in Scarlett's truck.

A Feb. 3 sentencing has been scheduled for a man who took a plea deal in three central Nebraska crash deaths. Jessie Scarlett, of Central City, pleaded no contest last month to vehicular homicide and vehicular homicide involving an unborn child. Court records say prosecutors dropped other charges in exchange. The July 10 collision occurred at an intersection north of St. Libory. Authorities say Scarlett's eastbound pickup didn't halt at a stop sign and rammed into a northbound pickup. The crash killed a man, a woman and her unborn child in the northbound truck and a 19-year-old woman in Scarlett's truck.

Man takes plea deal in central Nebraska crash deaths of 3

Authorities say a driver died after his vehicle crashed off a state highway in northeast Nebraska. 

The accident occurred around 5:30 a.m. Thursday along Nebraska Highway 35, about 4 miles east of Wayne. 

Authorities say the vehicle went out of control and ran off the roadway into a ditch before rolling. 

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff's office identified him as Richard Leikhus, who lived in rural Wakefield. 

Authorities say a driver died after his vehicle crashed off a state highway in northeast Nebraska. The accident occurred around 5:30 a.m. Thursday along Nebraska Highway 35, about 4 miles east of Wayne. Authorities say the vehicle went out of control and ran off the roadway into a ditch before rolling. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff's office identified him as Richard Leikhus, who lived in rural Wakefield. The crash is being investigated.

Man dies after vehicle crashes off Nebraska highway

U-Haul has a New Year's resolution: Cut down on hiring people who smoke. 

The moving company said that it won't hire nicotine users in the 21 states where it is legal to do so. 

It says that it wants to make its work environment “healthier." 

The new policy will start Feb. 1, and won't apply to those hired before then. 

The Phoenix-based company has more than 30,000 employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

U-Haul has a New Year's resolution: Cut down on hiring people who smoke. The moving company said that it won't hire nicotine users in the 21 states where it is legal to do so. It says that it wants to make its work environment “healthier." The new policy will start Feb. 1, and won't apply to those hired before then. The Phoenix-based company has more than 30,000 employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smokers, do not apply: U-Haul won't hire some nicotine users

U.S. health officials will ban most flavored e-cigarettes popular with underage teenagers. But the plan from the Trump administration includes major exceptions that benefit companies that make and sell e-cigarettes and adults who use the nicotine-emitting devices.

 The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday the policy won't affect menthol or tobacco flavors. 

The policy also won't affect large, tank-based vaping products sold in vape shops that cater to adults. 

Those changes are a major step back from President Donald Trump's original plan announced in September, which would have banned nearly all flavors in all vaping products.

U.S. health officials will ban most flavored e-cigarettes popular with underage teenagers. But the plan from the Trump administration includes major exceptions that benefit companies that make and sell e-cigarettes and adults who use the nicotine-emitting devices. The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday the policy won't affect menthol or tobacco flavors. The policy also won't affect large, tank-based vaping products sold in vape shops that cater to adults. Those changes are a major step back from President Donald Trump's original plan announced in September, which would have banned nearly all flavors in all vaping products.

Trump's plan to curb teen vaping exempts some flavors

BROWNVILLE, Neb. (AP) - Federal inspectors plan to review how well a Nebraska utility handled a water service safety problem blamed on a silt buildup from the Missouri River, which overwhelmed or broke through levees last spring.

The Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville was operating on full power Dec. 6 when employees detected that water wasn't flowing through a pipe connected to one of the plant's two safety generators, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said in a news release Thursday. The generators weren't running because they are designed to kick in and provide power for the plant's cooling systems only when all five lines that power the plant are knocked out. If needed, the other generator was available, the NRC said.

The plant generated power throughout the problem. The plant owner and operator, the Nebraska Public Power District, soon determined that silt had built up and blocked the pipe outfall, the NRC said. The district had the silt removed within a week.

The plant's water intake site was normal and there had been no indication of any problem at the discharge site, said power district spokesman Mark Becker.

"We've never had that happen before," Becker said. Officials were still trying to determine where the silt came from because the river water taken in for cooling is heavily filtered before it begins its work inside the plant, Becker said. No issues have been found in a check of water systems inside the plant, he said.

The Missouri River is already known as "The Big Muddy" - a nickname made even more apt by the flooding, Becker said.

"Just think how much flooding there was and how much runoff there was from fields," he said.

The Missouri remained high since spring flooding caused by heavy rain and snowmelt flowing into the river and its tributaries was near record levels this year. The Missouri River gauge at Brownville was at or above flood stage for 272 days, the National Weather Service said.

Floodwater threatened the plant in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2961a586741d4f3c83cfab7d91997be7" target="_blank">March</a>, but it never stopped generating power, Becker said at the time. The rising river water stopped 4 inches (10 centimeters) short of the level at which the reactor had to be shut down as a safety precaution.

BROWNVILLE, Neb. (AP) - Federal inspectors plan to review how well a Nebraska utility handled a water service safety problem blamed on a silt buildup from the Missouri River, which overwhelmed or broke through levees last spring.The Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville was operating on full power Dec. 6 when employees detected that water wasn't flowing through a pipe connected to one of the plant's two safety generators, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said in a news release Thursday. The generators weren't running because they are designed to kick in and provide power for the plant's cooling systems only when all five lines that power the plant are knocked out. If needed, the other generator was available, the NRC said.The plant generated power throughout the problem. The plant owner and operator, the Nebraska Public Power District, soon determined that silt had built up and blocked the pipe outfall, the NRC said. The district had the silt removed within a week.The plant's water intake site was normal and there had been no indication of any problem at the discharge site, said power district spokesman Mark Becker."We've never had that happen before," Becker said. Officials were still trying to determine where the silt came from because the river water taken in for cooling is heavily filtered before it begins its work inside the plant, Becker said. No issues have been found in a check of water systems inside the plant, he said.The Missouri River is already known as "The Big Muddy" - a nickname made even more apt by the flooding, Becker said."Just think how much flooding there was and how much runoff there was from fields," he said.The Missouri remained high since spring flooding caused by heavy rain and snowmelt flowing into the river and its tributaries was near record levels this year. The Missouri River gauge at Brownville was at or above flood stage for 272 days, the National Weather Service said.Floodwater threatened the plant in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2961a586741d4f3c83cfab7d91997be7" target="_blank">March</a>, but it never stopped generating power, Becker said at the time. The rising river water stopped 4 inches (10 centimeters) short of the level at which the reactor had to be shut down as a safety precaution.

A survey report suggests the economy is growing slowly in nine Midwest and Plains states as the U.S.-China trade war continues. 

The Mid-America Business Conditions index rebounded to 50.6 in December from 48.6 in November. 

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the trade war and the global economic slowdown will be drags on the overall Mid-America economy for the first half of 2020. But he expects overall regional growth to remain soft but positive. 

Survey organizers say any index score above 50 suggests growth. A score below that suggests decline.

A survey report suggests the economy is growing slowly in nine Midwest and Plains states as the U.S.-China trade war continues. The Mid-America Business Conditions index rebounded to 50.6 in December from 48.6 in November. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the trade war and the global economic slowdown will be drags on the overall Mid-America economy for the first half of 2020. But he expects overall regional growth to remain soft but positive. Survey organizers say any index score above 50 suggests growth. A score below that suggests decline.

Survey suggests economy growing in 9 Midwest, Plains states

Police in Nebraska have fatally shot a suspect after the man approached officers with his gun raised and yelling “kill me." 

Officers then found a woman fatally shot inside the apartment where the domestic disturbance occurred that prompted the call to police. 

Police say three officers knocked on the apartment door and heard a woman screaming. After officers kicked in the door, police say 57-year-old Terry Hudson emerged with a raised handgun. Two officers shot at Hudson, killing him. 

Fifty-eight-year-old Dana Wells was found dead inside the apartment. Police believe Hudson shot her.

Police in Nebraska have fatally shot a suspect after the man approached officers with his gun raised and yelling “kill me." Officers then found a woman fatally shot inside the apartment where the domestic disturbance occurred that prompted the call to police. The shooting happened Tuesday night. Police say three officers knocked on the apartment door and heard a woman screaming. After officers kicked in the door, police say 57-year-old Terry Hudson emerged with a raised handgun. Two officers shot at Hudson, killing him. Fifty-eight-year-old Dana Wells was found dead inside the apartment. Police believe Hudson shot her.

Armed man yelling 'kill me' fatally shot by Omaha officers

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — An actress who had a small role in the movie “Captain America: The First Avenger" is accused of fatally stabbing her mother inside a suburban Kansas City home.

38-year-old Mollie Fitzgerald was arrested Tuesday by police in Olathe, Kansas.

She's charged with second-degree murder in the death of 68-year-old Patricia “Tee” Fitzgerald.

Authorities say she was found dead on Dec. 20 inside her Olathe home.

A relative says Patricia Fitzgerald was in the process of moving back to the Kansas City area after living in the Houston area for several decades.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577905527787.png" alt="Fitzgerald photo Johnson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Fitzgerald photo Johnson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — An actress who had a small role in the movie “Captain America: The First Avenger" is accused of fatally stabbing her mother inside a suburban Kansas City home.38-year-old Mollie Fitzgerald was arrested Tuesday by police in Olathe, Kansas.She's charged with second-degree murder in the death of 68-year-old Patricia “Tee” Fitzgerald.Authorities say she was found dead on Dec. 20 inside her Olathe home.A relative says Patricia Fitzgerald was in the process of moving back to the Kansas City area after living in the Houston area for several decades.

`Captain America' actress charged with killing mom in Kansas

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Electronic cigarette use is now prohibited in places of employment and indoor public places in Lincoln.

The ordinance change approved by the City Council Dec. 16 went into effect Wednesday with the start of the new year, the L<a href="https://www.klkntv.com/story/41508557/lincoln-ecig-ban-goes-into-effect-wednesday" target="_blank">incoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reported.

Violation is a misdemeanor, but police and the county health department will not immediately issue citations. For the first few months of 2020, the health department will instead respond to complaints of e-cigarette violations by providing educational materials.

The counciil also amended the municipal code to coincide with a state law that changed the age to legally purchase tobacco products, e-cigarette and vapor products to age 19. The minimum age was previously 18. That change also was effective Wednesday.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Electronic cigarette use is now prohibited in places of employment and indoor public places in Lincoln.The ordinance change approved by the City Council Dec. 16 went into effect Wednesday with the start of the new year, the L<a href="https://www.klkntv.com/story/41508557/lincoln-ecig-ban-goes-into-effect-wednesday" target="_blank">incoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reported.Violation is a misdemeanor, but police and the county health department will not immediately issue citations. For the first few months of 2020, the health department will instead respond to complaints of e-cigarette violations by providing educational materials.The counciil also amended the municipal code to coincide with a state law that changed the age to legally purchase tobacco products, e-cigarette and vapor products to age 19. The minimum age was previously 18. That change also was effective Wednesday.

E-cigarette ban now in place in Lincoln

A man accused in a fatal shooting on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation will remain in jail until he goes to trial. 

A federal magistrate ordered Colton Bagola detained without bond after determining he would be a flight risk and a danger to the community. 

The 26-year-old Bagola was arrested Dec. 20 following a brief standoff with law enforcement in Rapid City. He's accused of killing 30-year-old Sloane Bull Bear in Pine Ridge on Dec. 17. 

Bagola has pleaded not guilty in federal court to second-degree murder. Family members tipped law enforcement on Bagola's whereabouts, resulting in his arrest.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A man accused in a fatal shooting on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation will remain in jail until he goes to trial. A federal magistrate ordered Colton Bagola detained without bond after determining he would be a flight risk and a danger to the community. The 26-year-old Bagola was arrested Dec. 20 following a brief standoff with law enforcement in Rapid City. He's accused of killing 30-year-old Sloane Bull Bear in Pine Ridge on Dec. 17. Bagola has pleaded not guilty in federal court to second-degree murder. Family members tipped law enforcement on Bagola's whereabouts, resulting in his arrest.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Man accused in fatal Pine Ridge reservation shooting held without bail

Recall election ballots have been sent to registered voters in Broken Bow regarding their mayor, who's awaiting trial on two charges. 

Mayor Jonathon Berghorst has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a trial date of Jan. 29 on allegations that he threatened the job of a police officer investigating a fight outside a bar for which the mayor also has been charged. 

The recall petitions say, among other things, that Berghorst has created a hostile work environment for city employees and showed no respect for the employees or members of the city's volunteer boards. He denies the allegations.&nbsp;

Recall election ballots have been sent to registered voters in Broken Bow regarding their mayor, who's awaiting trial on two charges. Mayor Jonathon Berghorst has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a trial date of Jan. 29 on allegations that he threatened the job of a police officer investigating a fight outside a bar for which the mayor also has been charged. The recall petitions say, among other things, that Berghorst has created a hostile work environment for city employees and showed no respect for the employees or members of the city's volunteer boards. He denies the allegations.&nbsp;

Ballots for Broken Bow mayor recall mailed to voters

Investigators are still trying to determine who provided alcohol to four high school girls killed in earlier this year when the car there were in ran off a county road south of Omaha and crashed in flames. 

Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis said Monday that investigators think two school-age people may be the culprits, but authorities have been unable to prove so without a witness coming forward. 

Authorities say the car the girls were in June 17 was traveling 90 mph before it hit a guardrail and burst into flames just over 3 miles west of Springfield.

Investigators are still trying to determine who provided alcohol to four high school girls killed in earlier this year when the car there were in ran off a county road south of Omaha and crashed in flames. Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis said Monday that investigators think two school-age people may be the culprits, but authorities have been unable to prove so without a witness coming forward. Authorities say the car the girls were in June 17 was traveling 90 mph before it hit a guardrail and burst into flames just over 3 miles west of Springfield.

Authorities seek whoever gave booze to teens killed in crash

Authorities say man took his 4-year-old daughter to an Omaha police station after she was wounded when someone shot at his van. 

Police said Monday that she and her father arrived at the Northeast Precinct station around 7:35 p.m. Sunday told officers that the van had been shot at about a mile north of the station. 

The girl was taken to Nebraska Medical Center. Her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. 

Her name and her father's haven't been released. 

Authorities say man took his 4-year-old daughter to an Omaha police station after she was wounded when someone shot at his van. Police said Monday that she and her father arrived at the Northeast Precinct station around 7:35 p.m. Sunday told officers that the van had been shot at about a mile north of the station. The girl was taken to Nebraska Medical Center. Her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Her name and her father's haven't been released. Police have reported no arrests.