By Paul Hamel <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/08/state-approved-use-of-pesticide-coated-seed-corn-for-ethanol-plant-a-decade-ago/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Drivers on Nebraska roads are putting the pedal to the metal and getting pinched for it.

In July, troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol stopped 118 people for speeding at 100 mph or more — the most since July 2020.

Another 505 tickets were written for lead-footed driving of between 90 and 99 mph in July.

The Patrol reported that in 2023, 85 drivers per month, on average, have been ticketed for traveling above 100 mph and 421 per month for speeds between 90 and 99 mph.

The peak in tickets came during a national “Speed Catches Up with You” campaign, from July 10-31, to deter speeding.

“The statistics are clear: Speeding plays a factor in a large percentage of serious injury or fatal crashes,” said Col. John Bolduc, the Patrol’s superintendent.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iihs.org/topics/bibliography/ref/2258">in a 2022 study in Virginia,</a>&nbsp;blamed the COVID-19 pandemic — and the emptier roads that resulted — for a 50% increase in excessive speeding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691327548724.png" alt="Traffic flows along Interstate 80 east of exit 432. (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Traffic flows along Interstate 80 east of exit 432. (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Paul Hamel <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/08/state-approved-use-of-pesticide-coated-seed-corn-for-ethanol-plant-a-decade-ago/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Drivers on Nebraska roads are putting the pedal to the metal and getting pinched for it.In July, troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol stopped 118 people for speeding at 100 mph or more — the most since July 2020.Another 505 tickets were written for lead-footed driving of between 90 and 99 mph in July.The Patrol reported that in 2023, 85 drivers per month, on average, have been ticketed for traveling above 100 mph and 421 per month for speeds between 90 and 99 mph.The peak in tickets came during a national “Speed Catches Up with You” campaign, from July 10-31, to deter speeding.“The statistics are clear: Speeding plays a factor in a large percentage of serious injury or fatal crashes,” said Col. John Bolduc, the Patrol’s superintendent.The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iihs.org/topics/bibliography/ref/2258">in a 2022 study in Virginia,</a>&nbsp;blamed the COVID-19 pandemic — and the emptier roads that resulted — for a 50% increase in excessive speeding.

Lead-footed driving over 100 mph leads to peak in State Patrol tickets

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Justice Department has asked a federal judge overseeing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-a79f2d3683c7591058635c9b3d870070">criminal case against former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;in Washington to step in after he released a post online that appeared to promise revenge on anyone who goes after him.

Prosecutors on Friday requested that U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan issue a protective order concerning evidence in the case, a day after Trump pleaded not guilty to charges of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/explain-charges-trump-indictment-jan-6-investigation-7efd7577e41f0cbf9c697fa4613f93a3">trying to overturn his 2020 election loss</a>&nbsp;and block the peaceful transition of power. The order, different from a “gag order,” would limit what information Trump and his legal team could share publicly about the case brought by special counsel Jack Smith.

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.1.0_2.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the latest indictment&nbsp;

Chutkan on Saturday gave Trump’s legal team until 5 p.m. Monday to respond to the government’s request. Trump's legal team, which has indicated he would look to slow the case down despite prosecutors’ pledge of a speedy trial, then filed a request to extend the response deadline to Thursday and to hold a hearing on the matter, saying it needed more time for discussion.

Chutkan swiftly denied that extension request Saturday evening, reaffirming that Trump must abide by Monday's deadline.

Protective orders are common in criminal cases, but prosecutors said it's “particularly important in this case” because Trump has posted on social media about "witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others associated with legal matters pending against him."

Prosecutors pointed specifically to a post on Trump's Truth Social platform from earlier Friday in which Trump wrote, in all capital letters, “If you go after me, I’m coming after you!”

Prosecutors said they are ready to hand over a "substantial" amount of evidence — “much of which includes sensitive and confidential information” — to Trump's legal team.

They told the judge that if Trump were to begin posting about grand jury transcripts or other evidence provided by the Justice Department, it could have a “harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case.”

Prosecutors' proposed protective order seeks to prevent Trump and his lawyers from disclosing materials provided by the government to anyone other than people on his legal team, possible witnesses, the witnesses' lawyers or others approved by the court. It would put stricter limits on “sensitive materials,” which would include grand jury witness testimony and materials obtained through sealed search warrants.

A Trump spokesperson said in an emailed statement that the former president's post “is the definition of political speech,” and was made in response to “dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs.”

Chutkan, a former assistant public defender nominated to the bench by President Barack Obama, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-only-on-ap-donald-trump-government-and-politics-sentencing-de394dd56b3251aac5a50014f4d6afa7">one of the toughest punishers of rioters</a>&nbsp;who stormed the Capitol in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack, fueled by Trump’s baseless claims of a stolen election.

The indictment unsealed this past week accuses Republican Trump of brazenly conspiring with allies to spread falsehoods and concoct schemes intended to overturn his election loss to Democrat Joe Biden as his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-losing-election-lawsuits-36d113484ac0946fa5f0614deb7de15e">legal challenges floundered in court.</a>

The indictment chronicles how Trump and his allies, in what Smith described as an attack on a “bedrock function of the U.S. government,” repeatedly lied about the results in the two months after he lost the election and pressured his vice president,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-jan-6-trump-indictment-ab36fd360a0850562a07d1b404f15d69">Mike Pence</a>, and state election officials to take action to help him cling to power.

Trump faces charges including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and conspiracy to obstruct Congress’ certification of Biden’s electoral victory.

It's the third criminal case brought this year against the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-presidential-candidates-who-is-running-e89fbfee94e7e7980594a9ce3994fec7">the early front-runner</a>&nbsp;in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. But it’s the first case to try to hold Trump responsible for his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-committee-final-report-trump-bcfea6162fe9cfa0d120e86d069af0e4">efforts to remain in power</a>&nbsp;during the chaotic weeks between his election loss and the attack by his supporters on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.</a>

Smith has also charged Trump in Florida federal court with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-indictment-miami-court-e9412bb71b63ab1b7cfb8e8b122e9809">illegally hoarding classified documents</a>&nbsp;at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate and thwarting government efforts to get them back.

The magistrate judge in that case agreed to a protective order in June that prohibits Trump and his legal team from publicly disclosing evidence turned over to them by prosecutors without prior approval. Prosecutors are seeking another protective order in that case with more rules about the defense team's handling of classified evidence.

After his court appearance on Thursday in the Washington case, Trump characterized the prosecution as a “persecution” designed to hurt his 2024 presidential campaign. His legal team has described it as an attack on his right to free speech and his right to challenge an election that he believed had been stolen.

On Saturday night to more than 1,000 attendees at the South Carolina Republican Party's 56th annual Silver Elephant Gala, Trump kept up his attacks on Smith, sticking to his usual caricature of the prosecutor as “deranged" for pursuing charges against him.

Smith has said prosecutors will seek a “speedy trial" against Trump in the election case. Judge Chutkan has ordered the government to file a brief by Thursday proposing a trial date. The first court hearing in front of Chutkan is scheduled for Aug. 28.

Trump is already scheduled to stand trial in March in the New York case stemming from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign</a>&nbsp;and in May in the classified documents case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691091392217.png" alt="Former Presiden Donald Trump as he arrives Thursday in Washington for the arraignment-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former Presiden Donald Trump as he arrives Thursday in Washington for the arraignment-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Justice Department has asked a federal judge overseeing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-a79f2d3683c7591058635c9b3d870070">criminal case against former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;in Washington to step in after he released a post online that appeared to promise revenge on anyone who goes after him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691329048946.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors on Friday requested that U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan issue a protective order concerning evidence in the case, a day after Trump pleaded not guilty to charges of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/explain-charges-trump-indictment-jan-6-investigation-7efd7577e41f0cbf9c697fa4613f93a3">trying to overturn his 2020 election loss</a>&nbsp;and block the peaceful transition of power. The order, different from a “gag order,” would limit what information Trump and his legal team could share publicly about the case brought by special counsel Jack Smith.<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.1.0_2.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the latest indictment&nbsp;Chutkan on Saturday gave Trump’s legal team until 5 p.m. Monday to respond to the government’s request. Trump's legal team, which has indicated he would look to slow the case down despite prosecutors’ pledge of a speedy trial, then filed a request to extend the response deadline to Thursday and to hold a hearing on the matter, saying it needed more time for discussion.Chutkan swiftly denied that extension request Saturday evening, reaffirming that Trump must abide by Monday's deadline.Protective orders are common in criminal cases, but prosecutors said it's “particularly important in this case” because Trump has posted on social media about "witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others associated with legal matters pending against him."Prosecutors pointed specifically to a post on Trump's Truth Social platform from earlier Friday in which Trump wrote, in all capital letters, “If you go after me, I’m coming after you!”Prosecutors said they are ready to hand over a "substantial" amount of evidence — “much of which includes sensitive and confidential information” — to Trump's legal team.They told the judge that if Trump were to begin posting about grand jury transcripts or other evidence provided by the Justice Department, it could have a “harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case.”Prosecutors' proposed protective order seeks to prevent Trump and his lawyers from disclosing materials provided by the government to anyone other than people on his legal team, possible witnesses, the witnesses' lawyers or others approved by the court. It would put stricter limits on “sensitive materials,” which would include grand jury witness testimony and materials obtained through sealed search warrants.A Trump spokesperson said in an emailed statement that the former president's post “is the definition of political speech,” and was made in response to “dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs.”Chutkan, a former assistant public defender nominated to the bench by President Barack Obama, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-only-on-ap-donald-trump-government-and-politics-sentencing-de394dd56b3251aac5a50014f4d6afa7">one of the toughest punishers of rioters</a>&nbsp;who stormed the Capitol in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack, fueled by Trump’s baseless claims of a stolen election.The indictment unsealed this past week accuses Republican Trump of brazenly conspiring with allies to spread falsehoods and concoct schemes intended to overturn his election loss to Democrat Joe Biden as his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-losing-election-lawsuits-36d113484ac0946fa5f0614deb7de15e">legal challenges floundered in court.</a>The indictment chronicles how Trump and his allies, in what Smith described as an attack on a “bedrock function of the U.S. government,” repeatedly lied about the results in the two months after he lost the election and pressured his vice president,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-jan-6-trump-indictment-ab36fd360a0850562a07d1b404f15d69">Mike Pence</a>, and state election officials to take action to help him cling to power.Trump faces charges including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and conspiracy to obstruct Congress’ certification of Biden’s electoral victory.It's the third criminal case brought this year against the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-presidential-candidates-who-is-running-e89fbfee94e7e7980594a9ce3994fec7">the early front-runner</a>&nbsp;in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. But it’s the first case to try to hold Trump responsible for his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-committee-final-report-trump-bcfea6162fe9cfa0d120e86d069af0e4">efforts to remain in power</a>&nbsp;during the chaotic weeks between his election loss and the attack by his supporters on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.</a>Smith has also charged Trump in Florida federal court with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-indictment-miami-court-e9412bb71b63ab1b7cfb8e8b122e9809">illegally hoarding classified documents</a>&nbsp;at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate and thwarting government efforts to get them back.The magistrate judge in that case agreed to a protective order in June that prohibits Trump and his legal team from publicly disclosing evidence turned over to them by prosecutors without prior approval. Prosecutors are seeking another protective order in that case with more rules about the defense team's handling of classified evidence.After his court appearance on Thursday in the Washington case, Trump characterized the prosecution as a “persecution” designed to hurt his 2024 presidential campaign. His legal team has described it as an attack on his right to free speech and his right to challenge an election that he believed had been stolen.On Saturday night to more than 1,000 attendees at the South Carolina Republican Party's 56th annual Silver Elephant Gala, Trump kept up his attacks on Smith, sticking to his usual caricature of the prosecutor as “deranged" for pursuing charges against him.Smith has said prosecutors will seek a “speedy trial" against Trump in the election case. Judge Chutkan has ordered the government to file a brief by Thursday proposing a trial date. The first court hearing in front of Chutkan is scheduled for Aug. 28.Trump is already scheduled to stand trial in March in the New York case stemming from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign</a>&nbsp;and in May in the classified documents case.____

Prosecutors ask judge to issue protective order after Trump post appearing to promise revenge

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/04/110-million-mental-health-center-for-kids-breaks-ground-in-omaha/">Nebraska Examiner</a> OMAHA — After a young teen attempting suicide received emergency medical attention recently at Children’s Hospital, the attending health care team knew he was still at risk.

But when they sought to have the boy transferred to a mental health facility for more intensive psychiatric care, they could find no open beds nearby.&nbsp;

He was sent to a place several hours away, Chanda Chacón, CEO of Children’s Hospital &amp; Medical Center, recalled on Friday.

“This is a burden for families, many of whom often can not accompany their children out of state,” said Chacón.&nbsp;

That availability is expected to change with the planned $110 million Behavioral Health &amp; Wellness Center at the Children’s Hospital campus at 84th Street and West Dodge Road.&nbsp;

An official groundbreaking was held Friday for the pediatric mental health center set to bring 38 in-patient beds — an amount supporters said more than doubles the area’s capacity.

Also Friday, the first architectural renderings were revealed of the 107,250-square-foot, four-story structure expected to open in early 2026.

Among features: a special “experiential” kitchen for youth and families dealing with eating disorders; 14,000 square feet of space for general outpatient therapy; and a crisis screening and stabilization assessment hub that organizers said will be the “first of its kind” regionally.

The array of services, set to rise on a seven-acre lot just west of the main hospital, will help meet what organizers described as an “urgent” need, as suicide and related mental health problems have climbed, especially since the pandemic.

Funded in part by federal dollars earmarked by the Nebraska Legislature, the center stands out also for the continuum of services, medical care and follow-up mental health services that youths will be able to get co-located at the same campus.

“Just imagine the improved access to care for families,” said Chacón.

The effort was led by the Mental Health Innovation Foundation and its president, philanthropist Ken Stinson. At the event, Stinson spoke of the “sobering trend” and “alarming” rise of suicide among young people, which he said is fueled by proliferation of social media.

Social isolation and anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental illness scares, Stinson said. Consider these statistics from the Children’s Hospital Association and Centers for Disease Control:

Stinson noted an advisory issued earlier this year by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, calling attention to a public health “crisis” and “epidemic” of loneliness, isolation and lack of social connection in the country.

Given health consequences, Murthy called for public policymakers to enact strategies encouraging social connection.

Tom Warren, chief of staff speaking for Mayor Jean Stothert, underscored the demand for services with statistics from the Omaha Police Department.

Warren said OPD in 2022 responded to 7,700 emergency calls for service from people reporting a mental health crisis.

In the first five months of this year, he said, OPD already has responded to nearly 5,000 mental health calls.

City Council members Pete Festersen, Danny Begley and Brinker Harding were present at the event, which also drew Omaha State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan and U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer.

As planned, the complex will rise on the site of the recently demolished Nebraska Methodist College. The nonprofit foundation chose Kiewit Building Group as design-builder, which is to partner with HDR.

In addition to private donors, funding sources include $16 million earmarked by the Legislature from $40 million it set aside in 2022 for mental health projects across the state.

Another $15 million is to come from Children’s, which will operate the center and hire additional mental health care practitioners of all levels, Chacón said.

The health care community has started collaborating with partners to grow that workforce — including educational institutions, many of which were represented at the groundbreaking.

”We’re confident that this facility will help us attract the best and the brightest to Omaha to be part of that compassionate connected community we all see here today,” Chacón said.

Mental health has been a focus of Stinson’s for years, officials of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development noted in a recent media release. Stinson and Rhonda Hawks were among a group that raised funds to launch Omaha’s Lasting Hope Recovery Center in 2008.

The DED said mental health often has been stigmatized and often misunderstood.

Chacón described as shocking and scary the rise of youth mental illness and suicide attempts and said the new center is “catching up to the need.”

“It cannot come soon enough,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691250255028.jpeg" alt="The planned pediatric mental health facility to rise on the Children’s Hospital campus will span 107,250 square feet. This evening rendering is a view of the front entrance of the “Behavioral Health &amp; Wellness Center” with the perspective of someone walking into the building. (Courtesy of Kiewit and HDR)" />
 <figcaption>The planned pediatric mental health facility to rise on the Children’s Hospital campus will span 107,250 square feet. This evening rendering is a view of the front entrance of the “Behavioral Health &amp; Wellness Center” with the perspective of someone walking into the building. (Courtesy of Kiewit and HDR)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/04/110-million-mental-health-center-for-kids-breaks-ground-in-omaha/">Nebraska Examiner</a> OMAHA — After a young teen attempting suicide received emergency medical attention recently at Children’s Hospital, the attending health care team knew he was still at risk.But when they sought to have the boy transferred to a mental health facility for more intensive psychiatric care, they could find no open beds nearby.&nbsp;He was sent to a place several hours away, Chanda Chacón, CEO of Children’s Hospital &amp; Medical Center, recalled on Friday.“This is a burden for families, many of whom often can not accompany their children out of state,” said Chacón.&nbsp;That availability is expected to change with the planned $110 million Behavioral Health &amp; Wellness Center at the Children’s Hospital campus at 84th Street and West Dodge Road.&nbsp;<h2>Eating disorders and other therapy</h2>An official groundbreaking was held Friday for the pediatric mental health center set to bring 38 in-patient beds — an amount supporters said more than doubles the area’s capacity.Also Friday, the first architectural renderings were revealed of the 107,250-square-foot, four-story structure expected to open in early 2026.Among features: a special “experiential” kitchen for youth and families dealing with eating disorders; 14,000 square feet of space for general outpatient therapy; and a crisis screening and stabilization assessment hub that organizers said will be the “first of its kind” regionally.The array of services, set to rise on a seven-acre lot just west of the main hospital, will help meet what organizers described as an “urgent” need, as suicide and related mental health problems have climbed, especially since the pandemic.Funded in part by federal dollars earmarked by the Nebraska Legislature, the center stands out also for the continuum of services, medical care and follow-up mental health services that youths will be able to get co-located at the same campus.“Just imagine the improved access to care for families,” said Chacón.The effort was led by the Mental Health Innovation Foundation and its president, philanthropist Ken Stinson. At the event, Stinson spoke of the “sobering trend” and “alarming” rise of suicide among young people, which he said is fueled by proliferation of social media.Social isolation and anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental illness scares, Stinson said. Consider these statistics from the Children’s Hospital Association and Centers for Disease Control:<ul>
 <li>Mental health-related emergency room visits between March and October of 2020 jumped 24% among ages 5 to 11 and 31% among those 12 to 17.</li><li>In the first three quarters of 2021, children’s hospitals across the country reported emergency room visits for self-injury and suicide attempts in kids up to 18 years at a 42% higher rate than during the same period in 2019.</li><li>Suicide was the second leading cause of death, nationally, for youths ages 10 to 14 in 2021. “Here in Nebraska our statistics are not on the right side of that trend,” added Stinson.</li>
 </ul>Stinson noted an advisory issued earlier this year by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, calling attention to a public health “crisis” and “epidemic” of loneliness, isolation and lack of social connection in the country.Given health consequences, Murthy called for public policymakers to enact strategies encouraging social connection.<h2>Rise in police calls&nbsp;</h2>Tom Warren, chief of staff speaking for Mayor Jean Stothert, underscored the demand for services with statistics from the Omaha Police Department.Warren said OPD in 2022 responded to 7,700 emergency calls for service from people reporting a mental health crisis.In the first five months of this year, he said, OPD already has responded to nearly 5,000 mental health calls.“Today is a hopeful day,” he said.City Council members Pete Festersen, Danny Begley and Brinker Harding were present at the event, which also drew Omaha State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan and U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer.As planned, the complex will rise on the site of the recently demolished Nebraska Methodist College. The nonprofit foundation chose Kiewit Building Group as design-builder, which is to partner with HDR.In addition to private donors, funding sources include $16 million earmarked by the Legislature from $40 million it set aside in 2022 for mental health projects across the state.Another $15 million is to come from Children’s, which will operate the center and hire additional mental health care practitioners of all levels, Chacón said.The health care community has started collaborating with partners to grow that workforce — including educational institutions, many of which were represented at the groundbreaking.”We’re confident that this facility will help us attract the best and the brightest to Omaha to be part of that compassionate connected community we all see here today,” Chacón said.Mental health has been a focus of Stinson’s for years, officials of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development noted in a recent media release. Stinson and Rhonda Hawks were among a group that raised funds to launch Omaha’s Lasting Hope Recovery Center in 2008.The DED said mental health often has been stigmatized and often misunderstood.Chacón described as shocking and scary the rise of youth mental illness and suicide attempts and said the new center is “catching up to the need.”“It cannot come soon enough,” she said.

$110 million mental health center for youths breaks ground in Omaha

MANCHESTER, Conn. (AP) — Hospitals and clinics in several states on Friday began the time-consuming process of recovering from a cyberattack that disrupted their computer systems, forcing some emergency rooms to shut down and ambulances to be diverted.

Many primary care services at facilities run by Prospect Medical Holdings remained closed on Friday as security experts worked to determine the extent of the problem and resolve it.

John Riggi, the American Hospital Association's national advisory for cybersecurity and risk, said the recovery process can often take weeks, with hospitals in the meantime reverting to paper systems and humans to do things such as monitor equipment and run records between departments.

“These are threat-to-life crimes, which risk not only the safety of the patients within the hospital, but also risk the safety of the entire community that depends on the availability of that emergency department to be there," Riggi said.

The latest “data security incident” began Thursday at facilities operated by Prospect, which is based in California and has hospitals and clinics there and in Texas, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania.

“Upon learning of this, we took our systems offline to protect them and launched an investigation with the help of third-party cybersecurity specialists,” the company said in a statement Friday. “While our investigation continues, we are focused on addressing the pressing needs of our patients as we work diligently to return to normal operations as quickly as possible.”

In Connecticut, the emergency departments at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospital were closed for much of Thursday and patients were diverted to other nearby medical centers.

“We have a national Prospect team working and evaluating the impact of the attack on all of the organizations,” Jillian Menzel, chief operating officer for the Eastern Connecticut Health Network, said in a statement.

The FBI in Connecticut issued a statement saying it is working with “law enforcement partners and the victim entities” but could not comment further on an ongoing investigation.

Elective surgeries, outpatient appointments, blood drives and other services were suspended, and while the emergency departments reopened late Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.echn.org/patients-and-visitors/closings/">many primary care services were closed on Friday</a>, according to the Eastern Connecticut Health Network, which runs the facilities. Patients were being contacted individually, according to the network's website.

Similar disruptions also were reported at other facilities system-wide.

"Waterbury Hospital is following downtime procedures, including the use of paper records, until the situation is resolved,” spokeswoman Lauresha Xhihani, said in a statement. “We are working closely with IT security experts to resolve it as quickly as possible.”

In Pennsylvania, the attack affected services at facilities including the Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill and Springfield Hospital in Springfield,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/health/crozer-health-computer-systems-down-20230803.html">according the Philadelphia Inquirer.</a>

In California, the company has seven hospitals in Los Angeles and Orange counties including two behavioral health facilities and a 130-bed acute care hospital in Los Angeles, according to Prospect's website. Messages sent to representatives for these hospitals were not immediately returned.

Globally, the healthcare industry was the hardest-hit by cyberattacks in the year ending in March, according to IBM’s annual report on data breaches. For the 13th straight year it reported the most expensive breaches, averaging $11 million each. Next was the financial sector at $5.9 million.

Healthcare providers are a common target for criminal extortionists because they have so much sensitive patient data, including health care histories, payment information, and even critical research data, Riggi said.

Riggi, a former cybersecurity specialist with the FBI, said hospitals have been working to put in place better safeguards and more backup systems to prevent such attacks and respond to them when they occur. But he said it is almost impossible to make them completely safe, especially because the systems need to rely on Internet and network-connected technologies to share patient information among clinicians involved in a patient's care.

“Overall, that's a good thing,” he said. “But it also expands our digital attack surface.”

MANCHESTER, Conn. (AP) — Hospitals and clinics in several states on Friday began the time-consuming process of recovering from a cyberattack that disrupted their computer systems, forcing some emergency rooms to shut down and ambulances to be diverted.Many primary care services at facilities run by Prospect Medical Holdings remained closed on Friday as security experts worked to determine the extent of the problem and resolve it.John Riggi, the American Hospital Association's national advisory for cybersecurity and risk, said the recovery process can often take weeks, with hospitals in the meantime reverting to paper systems and humans to do things such as monitor equipment and run records between departments.“These are threat-to-life crimes, which risk not only the safety of the patients within the hospital, but also risk the safety of the entire community that depends on the availability of that emergency department to be there," Riggi said.The latest “data security incident” began Thursday at facilities operated by Prospect, which is based in California and has hospitals and clinics there and in Texas, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania.“Upon learning of this, we took our systems offline to protect them and launched an investigation with the help of third-party cybersecurity specialists,” the company said in a statement Friday. “While our investigation continues, we are focused on addressing the pressing needs of our patients as we work diligently to return to normal operations as quickly as possible.”In Connecticut, the emergency departments at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospital were closed for much of Thursday and patients were diverted to other nearby medical centers.“We have a national Prospect team working and evaluating the impact of the attack on all of the organizations,” Jillian Menzel, chief operating officer for the Eastern Connecticut Health Network, said in a statement.The FBI in Connecticut issued a statement saying it is working with “law enforcement partners and the victim entities” but could not comment further on an ongoing investigation.Elective surgeries, outpatient appointments, blood drives and other services were suspended, and while the emergency departments reopened late Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.echn.org/patients-and-visitors/closings/">many primary care services were closed on Friday</a>, according to the Eastern Connecticut Health Network, which runs the facilities. Patients were being contacted individually, according to the network's website.Similar disruptions also were reported at other facilities system-wide."Waterbury Hospital is following downtime procedures, including the use of paper records, until the situation is resolved,” spokeswoman Lauresha Xhihani, said in a statement. “We are working closely with IT security experts to resolve it as quickly as possible.”In Pennsylvania, the attack affected services at facilities including the Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill and Springfield Hospital in Springfield,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/health/crozer-health-computer-systems-down-20230803.html">according the Philadelphia Inquirer.</a>In California, the company has seven hospitals in Los Angeles and Orange counties including two behavioral health facilities and a 130-bed acute care hospital in Los Angeles, according to Prospect's website. Messages sent to representatives for these hospitals were not immediately returned.Globally, the healthcare industry was the hardest-hit by cyberattacks in the year ending in March, according to IBM’s annual report on data breaches. For the 13th straight year it reported the most expensive breaches, averaging $11 million each. Next was the financial sector at $5.9 million.Healthcare providers are a common target for criminal extortionists because they have so much sensitive patient data, including health care histories, payment information, and even critical research data, Riggi said.Riggi, a former cybersecurity specialist with the FBI, said hospitals have been working to put in place better safeguards and more backup systems to prevent such attacks and respond to them when they occur. But he said it is almost impossible to make them completely safe, especially because the systems need to rely on Internet and network-connected technologies to share patient information among clinicians involved in a patient's care.“Overall, that's a good thing,” he said. “But it also expands our digital attack surface.”

Cyberattack disrupted hospitals and health care in several states

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Pillen had a phone call with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week to inform him of livestock losses recently experienced by cattle producers. The combination of extreme temperatures, high humidity and lack of air movement over the course of several days impacted cattle feeders in the east central region of the state. Gov. Pillen is requesting Sec. Vilsack’s help in ensuring producers receive timely and appropriate federal support through existing disaster assistance programs such as the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

“The weather situation only lasted a few days, but some Nebraska producers were significantly impacted. Connecting affected producers with emergency resources available to them is important,” said Gov. Pillen. “I appreciate the time Sec. Vilsack took to understand what our cattle producers experienced, and I am hopeful he will be able to assist in this unique situation.”

The LIP provides financial benefits to producers who suffer excessive livestock losses due to adverse weather. All losses or injuries must be documented within 30 days, making reporting of those situations time sensitive.

Gov. Pillen urged producers to do their part and report losses to their county Farm Service Agencies (FSA).

“Those offices are the front lines for determining eligibility for federal assistance. Any producers whose herds were adversely affected by the extreme heat need to document and report their losses to FSA as soon as they can,” said Gov. Pillen.

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Pillen had a phone call with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week to inform him of livestock losses recently experienced by cattle producers. The combination of extreme temperatures, high humidity and lack of air movement over the course of several days impacted cattle feeders in the east central region of the state. Gov. Pillen is requesting Sec. Vilsack’s help in ensuring producers receive timely and appropriate federal support through existing disaster assistance programs such as the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).“The weather situation only lasted a few days, but some Nebraska producers were significantly impacted. Connecting affected producers with emergency resources available to them is important,” said Gov. Pillen. “I appreciate the time Sec. Vilsack took to understand what our cattle producers experienced, and I am hopeful he will be able to assist in this unique situation.”The LIP provides financial benefits to producers who suffer excessive livestock losses due to adverse weather. All losses or injuries must be documented within 30 days, making reporting of those situations time sensitive.Gov. Pillen urged producers to do their part and report losses to their county Farm Service Agencies (FSA).“Those offices are the front lines for determining eligibility for federal assistance. Any producers whose herds were adversely affected by the extreme heat need to document and report their losses to FSA as soon as they can,” said Gov. Pillen.

Gov. Pillen Advocates for Cattle Producers Following Heat Loss Event

Protecting and serving the public by enforcing our laws is a fundamental duty of American government. The post-pandemic rise in rates of violent crime in our nation has called attention to this responsibility and the important role law enforcement officers play in fulfilling it.

House Republicans have made a&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LcAwUHwInhHqITBonRPxVWvoUyql3aWCR5a8DZ8e7vmI8ORZtIx6TNQs7LfSg00tI8oAdegVw7WY-W6LfdASJAjefnZ9_VgK94SKKq44Wkf32Vz6LrSpdRwdd_pYVNf5YCydmH6ovC1lk-naSeWRerToPTYWN4pB&amp;c=lBGKDAXVvyCZTe62Mv3gkfpK4CXC3AWBnAJUTBf1BkGi8YeW_rRm2w==&amp;ch=NpBXf3fAGTMvy-u-EE6Gj-Ug7rz4KVr0W3Zh1DdjNLH-vPDcfPzKIg==" target="_blank">Commitment to America</a>&nbsp;to ensure we have a nation that’s safe. An essential component of delivering on that commitment is reducing crime and promoting public safety through support for our law enforcement officers. Sadly, statistics from the National Fraternal Order of Police show through July, 226 officers have been shot in 2023. This is up 22 percent from the same period in 2021.

Law enforcement officers assume extreme risk each day, and we must do everything we can to ensure they have the necessary tools to jobs well and return home safely to their families. Because of this I am a cosponsor of several measures in the House to honor and reinforce support for those who safeguard our communities.

One of those measures, H. Res. 69 condemns calls to “defund,” “disband,” “dismantle,” or “abolish” the police. The resolution expresses recognition and appreciation for the brave and dedicated men and women who put their lives on the line to ensure we have safe communities, serve others, and prevent crime. Calls to cut law enforcement funding or personnel are dangerous, unproductive, and misguided. We should be working alongside law enforcement to make our communities stronger, not implementing policies that make their jobs more challenging.

I am also a cosponsor of H.R. 734, the Protect and Serve Act, which would impose criminal penalties for assaulting and causing injury to an officer in circumstances affecting interstate commerce. Each day officers do the dangerous work of ensuring those who travel and do business across state lines do not do so in fear. This bill would increase legal protection for those officers.

Additionally, those who work to secure our southern border are deserving of our thanks, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For this reason, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 412, a bill to name a post office in McAllen, TX, in honor of a U.S. Border Patrol agent who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. In December 2022, Raul Gonzalez Jr., suffered fatal injuries when his ATV crashed at high speed while in pursuit of individuals illegally crossing our southern border.

Furthermore, when action is taken by law enforcement to protect the most vulnerable among us, they should be supported, not prohibited from doing their job. H.R. 1650, the Police Officers Protecting Children Act, would codify protections for officers who are authorized to carry concealed firearms, ensuring they are not subject to the federal prohibition on possessing and use of a firearm in a school zone.

Robust support for the courageous heroes who put themselves in harm’s way to protect Americans and maintain the rule of law is critical to ensure a nation that’s safe. I will always fight for the men and women in uniform who give so much to our&nbsp;Amendment.

Adrian SmithProtecting and serving the public by enforcing our laws is a fundamental duty of American government. The post-pandemic rise in rates of violent crime in our nation has called attention to this responsibility and the important role law enforcement officers play in fulfilling it.House Republicans have made a&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LcAwUHwInhHqITBonRPxVWvoUyql3aWCR5a8DZ8e7vmI8ORZtIx6TNQs7LfSg00tI8oAdegVw7WY-W6LfdASJAjefnZ9_VgK94SKKq44Wkf32Vz6LrSpdRwdd_pYVNf5YCydmH6ovC1lk-naSeWRerToPTYWN4pB&amp;c=lBGKDAXVvyCZTe62Mv3gkfpK4CXC3AWBnAJUTBf1BkGi8YeW_rRm2w==&amp;ch=NpBXf3fAGTMvy-u-EE6Gj-Ug7rz4KVr0W3Zh1DdjNLH-vPDcfPzKIg==" target="_blank">Commitment to America</a>&nbsp;to ensure we have a nation that’s safe. An essential component of delivering on that commitment is reducing crime and promoting public safety through support for our law enforcement officers. Sadly, statistics from the National Fraternal Order of Police show through July, 226 officers have been shot in 2023. This is up 22 percent from the same period in 2021.Law enforcement officers assume extreme risk each day, and we must do everything we can to ensure they have the necessary tools to jobs well and return home safely to their families. Because of this I am a cosponsor of several measures in the House to honor and reinforce support for those who safeguard our communities.One of those measures, H. Res. 69 condemns calls to “defund,” “disband,” “dismantle,” or “abolish” the police. The resolution expresses recognition and appreciation for the brave and dedicated men and women who put their lives on the line to ensure we have safe communities, serve others, and prevent crime. Calls to cut law enforcement funding or personnel are dangerous, unproductive, and misguided. We should be working alongside law enforcement to make our communities stronger, not implementing policies that make their jobs more challenging.I am also a cosponsor of H.R. 734, the Protect and Serve Act, which would impose criminal penalties for assaulting and causing injury to an officer in circumstances affecting interstate commerce. Each day officers do the dangerous work of ensuring those who travel and do business across state lines do not do so in fear. This bill would increase legal protection for those officers.Additionally, those who work to secure our southern border are deserving of our thanks, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For this reason, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 412, a bill to name a post office in McAllen, TX, in honor of a U.S. Border Patrol agent who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. In December 2022, Raul Gonzalez Jr., suffered fatal injuries when his ATV crashed at high speed while in pursuit of individuals illegally crossing our southern border.Furthermore, when action is taken by law enforcement to protect the most vulnerable among us, they should be supported, not prohibited from doing their job. H.R. 1650, the Police Officers Protecting Children Act, would codify protections for officers who are authorized to carry concealed firearms, ensuring they are not subject to the federal prohibition on possessing and use of a firearm in a school zone.Robust support for the courageous heroes who put themselves in harm’s way to protect Americans and maintain the rule of law is critical to ensure a nation that’s safe. I will always fight for the men and women in uniform who give so much to our&nbsp;Amendment.

 Supporting Law Enforcement ﻿

FATIMA, Portugal (AP) — Pope Francis visited the Portuguese town of Fatima on Saturday to pray for peace at a shrine known for apocalyptic prophesies of hell, peace and Soviet communism that have found new relevance with Russia’s war in Ukraine.

But for the third time of his trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, Francis ditched his prepared remarks and didn’t even recite a prayer written for the occasion pleading for peace. The prayer had been expected to be a highlight of Francis’ visit to Fatima, given the shrine’s century-old affiliation with exhortations of peace and conversion in Russia.

Francis instead “prayed silently for peace, with pain,” while meditating for a long period before a statue of the Virgin Mary, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. And the Vatican later tweeted the prayer.

The unusual morning unfolded at the shrine where,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-europe-religion-prayer-communism-9df80314be754c4aa3de4403cd5ecced">according to legend,</a>&nbsp;three young peasant children in 1917 saw visions of the Madonna. The apparitions turned the small town nestled in the fields of vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards north of Lisbon into one of the most popular Marian pilgrimage sites in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year.

On Saturday, an estimated 200,000 turned out for Francis’ visit, packing the central esplanade long before the red-tinted moon set and the sun rose. Nearby wildfires turned the sky smoky black and sent ash snowing down on the crowd.

Francis’ visit marked a side trip from his main program in Lisbon to preside over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-portugal-students-economic-justice-environment-bb708ed61f35b54ddb28a04b43bcd9e1">World Youth Day Catholic festival.</a>&nbsp;The featured protagonists in Fatima were also young, including some young people with disabilities who read aloud prayers and young inmates who were allowed to attend. Babies were out in force, as parents offered them up to Francis to bless as he looped through the crowd in his popemobile.

“We are here with great joy," said Maria Florido, a 24-year-old Spaniard who also saw Francis in Lisbon. "We woke up very early to come here and see the pope ... and we’re here with great enthusiasm.”

The Fatima story dates back to 1917, when according to tradition, Portuguese siblings Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lucia said the Virgin Mary appeared to them six times and confided to them three secrets. The first two described an apocalyptic image of hell, foretold the end of World War I and the start of World War II, and portended the rise and fall of Soviet communism.

In 2000, the Vatican disclosed the long-awaited third secret, describing it as foretelling the May 13, 1981, assassination attempt against St. John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square, which fell on the anniversary of the original vision.

According to later writings by Lucia, who became a nun and died in 2005, Russia would be converted and peace would reign if the pope and all the bishops of the world consecrated Russia to the “Immaculate Heart of Mary.” Lucia later claimed that John Paul fulfilled that prophecy during a 1984 Mass, even though he never specified Russia in the prayer.

Fatima has long captivated Catholics, because of its blending of mystical, Marian apparitions, apocalyptic prophesies about the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the death of a pope. While Saturday’s wildfires and related ashfall were easily explained, they also harked back to another element of the Fatima phenomenon, an unusual weather phenomenon known as the “Miracle of the Sun.”

According to legend, on Oct. 13, 1917, the Fatima “seers” predicted that the Virgin would perform a miracle that day, and tens of thousands of people flocked to Fatima. They saw what witnesses reported was a vision of the sun “spinning” in the sky and zigzagging toward Earth.

Francis’ visit to Fatima fell on the anniversary of another odd weather phenomenon at a Marian church closely related to Fatima: According to that church legend, on Aug. 5, 1655, it actually snowed outside St. Mary Major basilica in Rome, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6aff551d2b3346aba439decd43ee8b44">Francis always goes to pray</a>&nbsp;before an icon of Mary at the end of each trip.

Vatican Media had said before the trip that Francis would pray for peace in Ukraine and the world while in Fatima. It seemed logical, given Francis had already consecrated both Russia and Ukraine to Mary in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-pope-francis-prayer-europe-portugal-723d6b846d4c3e535cbb321de79304b8">a prayer for peace</a>&nbsp;following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, essentially fulfilling Sr. Lucia's exhortation.

In the prayer tweeted by the @Pontifex account but not read aloud, Francis didn’t name either country but consecrated the church and world, “especially those countries at war,” to Mary. “Open paths where it seems that none exist,” he wrote. “Loosen the tangles of self-centeredness and the snares of power.”

Fatima Bishop Jose Ornelas made a prayer for Ukraine explicit in his remarks. “We associate ourselves to Your Holiness’ prayer for peace, for which this sanctuary is profoundly identified, thinking in particular of the war in Ukraine and so many other conflicts in the world,” he said.

In explaining the changes, Vatican spokesman Bruni said Francis “always addresses firstly the people he meets, as a shepherd, and speaks accordingly.” The 86-year-old Francis often deviates from his prepared remarks, even more when speaking in his native Spanish. Bruni denied the changes had any other serious reason, including with his eyesight.

Francis has been hospitalized twice this year, including in June when he spent nine days in the hospital recovering from abdominal surgery to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-health-758c3d7b07e6d6f242c4a5ea6f2de154">repair a hernia and remove scar tissue</a>&nbsp;on his intestine. Saturday was perhaps the most grueling day of his five-day visit to Portugal, given the round-trip helicopter ride to Fatima and a planned prayer vigil that wasn’t expected to begin until his usual bedtime in Rome.

To give him more rest before the vigil, the Vatican planned to move up an afternoon encounter with his fellow Jesuits, Bruni said.

On Sunday morning, Francis is to preside over a final, outdoor Mass – on a day when temperatures in Lisbon are expected to top 40 degrees C (104F) – before returning to the Vatican.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691249361207.png" alt="Pope Francis arrives surrounded by bodyguards at Our Lady of Fatima shrine in Fatima, central Portugal Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. Pope Francis is in Portugal through the weekend into Sunday's 37th World Youth Day to preside over the jamboree that St. John Paul II launched in the 1980s to encourage young Catholics in their faith. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis arrives surrounded by bodyguards at Our Lady of Fatima shrine in Fatima, central Portugal Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. Pope Francis is in Portugal through the weekend into Sunday's 37th World Youth Day to preside over the jamboree that St. John Paul II launched in the 1980s to encourage young Catholics in their faith. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)</figcaption>
 </figure>FATIMA, Portugal (AP) — Pope Francis visited the Portuguese town of Fatima on Saturday to pray for peace at a shrine known for apocalyptic prophesies of hell, peace and Soviet communism that have found new relevance with Russia’s war in Ukraine.But for the third time of his trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, Francis ditched his prepared remarks and didn’t even recite a prayer written for the occasion pleading for peace. The prayer had been expected to be a highlight of Francis’ visit to Fatima, given the shrine’s century-old affiliation with exhortations of peace and conversion in Russia.Francis instead “prayed silently for peace, with pain,” while meditating for a long period before a statue of the Virgin Mary, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. And the Vatican later tweeted the prayer.The unusual morning unfolded at the shrine where,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-europe-religion-prayer-communism-9df80314be754c4aa3de4403cd5ecced">according to legend,</a>&nbsp;three young peasant children in 1917 saw visions of the Madonna. The apparitions turned the small town nestled in the fields of vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards north of Lisbon into one of the most popular Marian pilgrimage sites in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year.On Saturday, an estimated 200,000 turned out for Francis’ visit, packing the central esplanade long before the red-tinted moon set and the sun rose. Nearby wildfires turned the sky smoky black and sent ash snowing down on the crowd.Francis’ visit marked a side trip from his main program in Lisbon to preside over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-portugal-students-economic-justice-environment-bb708ed61f35b54ddb28a04b43bcd9e1">World Youth Day Catholic festival.</a>&nbsp;The featured protagonists in Fatima were also young, including some young people with disabilities who read aloud prayers and young inmates who were allowed to attend. Babies were out in force, as parents offered them up to Francis to bless as he looped through the crowd in his popemobile.“We are here with great joy," said Maria Florido, a 24-year-old Spaniard who also saw Francis in Lisbon. "We woke up very early to come here and see the pope ... and we’re here with great enthusiasm.”The Fatima story dates back to 1917, when according to tradition, Portuguese siblings Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lucia said the Virgin Mary appeared to them six times and confided to them three secrets. The first two described an apocalyptic image of hell, foretold the end of World War I and the start of World War II, and portended the rise and fall of Soviet communism.In 2000, the Vatican disclosed the long-awaited third secret, describing it as foretelling the May 13, 1981, assassination attempt against St. John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square, which fell on the anniversary of the original vision.According to later writings by Lucia, who became a nun and died in 2005, Russia would be converted and peace would reign if the pope and all the bishops of the world consecrated Russia to the “Immaculate Heart of Mary.” Lucia later claimed that John Paul fulfilled that prophecy during a 1984 Mass, even though he never specified Russia in the prayer.Fatima has long captivated Catholics, because of its blending of mystical, Marian apparitions, apocalyptic prophesies about the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the death of a pope. While Saturday’s wildfires and related ashfall were easily explained, they also harked back to another element of the Fatima phenomenon, an unusual weather phenomenon known as the “Miracle of the Sun.”According to legend, on Oct. 13, 1917, the Fatima “seers” predicted that the Virgin would perform a miracle that day, and tens of thousands of people flocked to Fatima. They saw what witnesses reported was a vision of the sun “spinning” in the sky and zigzagging toward Earth.Francis’ visit to Fatima fell on the anniversary of another odd weather phenomenon at a Marian church closely related to Fatima: According to that church legend, on Aug. 5, 1655, it actually snowed outside St. Mary Major basilica in Rome, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6aff551d2b3346aba439decd43ee8b44">Francis always goes to pray</a>&nbsp;before an icon of Mary at the end of each trip.Vatican Media had said before the trip that Francis would pray for peace in Ukraine and the world while in Fatima. It seemed logical, given Francis had already consecrated both Russia and Ukraine to Mary in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-pope-francis-prayer-europe-portugal-723d6b846d4c3e535cbb321de79304b8">a prayer for peace</a>&nbsp;following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, essentially fulfilling Sr. Lucia's exhortation.In the prayer tweeted by the @Pontifex account but not read aloud, Francis didn’t name either country but consecrated the church and world, “especially those countries at war,” to Mary. “Open paths where it seems that none exist,” he wrote. “Loosen the tangles of self-centeredness and the snares of power.”Fatima Bishop Jose Ornelas made a prayer for Ukraine explicit in his remarks. “We associate ourselves to Your Holiness’ prayer for peace, for which this sanctuary is profoundly identified, thinking in particular of the war in Ukraine and so many other conflicts in the world,” he said.In explaining the changes, Vatican spokesman Bruni said Francis “always addresses firstly the people he meets, as a shepherd, and speaks accordingly.” The 86-year-old Francis often deviates from his prepared remarks, even more when speaking in his native Spanish. Bruni denied the changes had any other serious reason, including with his eyesight.Francis has been hospitalized twice this year, including in June when he spent nine days in the hospital recovering from abdominal surgery to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-health-758c3d7b07e6d6f242c4a5ea6f2de154">repair a hernia and remove scar tissue</a>&nbsp;on his intestine. Saturday was perhaps the most grueling day of his five-day visit to Portugal, given the round-trip helicopter ride to Fatima and a planned prayer vigil that wasn’t expected to begin until his usual bedtime in Rome.To give him more rest before the vigil, the Vatican planned to move up an afternoon encounter with his fellow Jesuits, Bruni said.On Sunday morning, Francis is to preside over a final, outdoor Mass – on a day when temperatures in Lisbon are expected to top 40 degrees C (104F) – before returning to the Vatican.

Pope visits shrine known for apocalyptic prophesy 

Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Lindsey Ann Rokahr, 40, of Ewing, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha&nbsp;for her participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief United States District Judge&nbsp;Robert F. Rossiter, Jr.&nbsp;sentenced&nbsp;Rokahr to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After her release from prison, she will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.&nbsp;

In May 2020,&nbsp;<a>the Holt County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and United States Postal Inspection Service&nbsp;</a>began investigating Rokahr and Dallas Rhinehart for their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Norfolk area.&nbsp; As a result of the investigation, it was determined that Katherine Marie Tacheira would mail multi-ounce packages from California to different recipients in Nebraska.&nbsp; The USPS was able to determine that three packages of methamphetamine were sent by Tacheira to Rokahr in July, August, and September of 2020.&nbsp; The September package from Tacheira to Rokahr was intercepted and contained three ounces of methamphetamine.&nbsp; Rokahr was found responsible for receiving at least 13 ounces in the mail.

Rhinehart was sentenced on March 13, 2023, to 130 months’ imprisonment.&nbsp; Tacheira was sentenced on May 16, 2023, to 120 months’ imprisonment.

This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Holt County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and United States Postal Inspection Service.

Department of JusticeActing United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Lindsey Ann Rokahr, 40, of Ewing, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha&nbsp;for her participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief United States District Judge&nbsp;Robert F. Rossiter, Jr.&nbsp;sentenced&nbsp;Rokahr to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; After her release from prison, she will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.&nbsp;In May 2020,&nbsp;<a>the Holt County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and United States Postal Inspection Service&nbsp;</a>began investigating Rokahr and Dallas Rhinehart for their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Norfolk area.&nbsp; As a result of the investigation, it was determined that Katherine Marie Tacheira would mail multi-ounce packages from California to different recipients in Nebraska.&nbsp; The USPS was able to determine that three packages of methamphetamine were sent by Tacheira to Rokahr in July, August, and September of 2020.&nbsp; The September package from Tacheira to Rokahr was intercepted and contained three ounces of methamphetamine.&nbsp; Rokahr was found responsible for receiving at least 13 ounces in the mail.Rhinehart was sentenced on March 13, 2023, to 130 months’ imprisonment.&nbsp; Tacheira was sentenced on May 16, 2023, to 120 months’ imprisonment.This case was investigated by&nbsp;the Holt County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and United States Postal Inspection Service.

Ewing, Nebraska Woman Sentenced in Methamphetamine Conspiracy

KANSAS CITY —The FBI, working with its state and local partners, identified and located 200 victims of sex trafficking during a nationwide enforcement campaign, called "Operation Cross Country," according to a media release from the agency this week.

 The operation also led to identification or arrest of 126 suspects of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking offenses and 68 suspects of trafficking were identified or arrested.&nbsp;

FBI agents from the Kansas City Field Office worked with law enforcement partners from Wichita Police, Overland Park, Kansas Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Sedgwick County, Kansas Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, KCMO Police and many other regional law enforcement agencies.

Through targeted operations and collaborative efforts, Operation Cross Country achieved significant milestones in recovering victims, apprehending offenders, and raising public awareness about these heinous crimes. The FBI and its partners located 59 minor victims of child sex trafficking and child sexual exploitation offenses and located 59 actively missing children during its 2-week operation in July.

"Sex traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "This operation, which located 59 actively missing children, builds on the tremendous work the FBI has undertaken over many years to rescue minor victims and arrest those responsible for these unspeakable crimes. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across the country to prevent human trafficking; increase detection, investigation, and prosecution of human trafficking crimes; and expand support and services to protect and empower survivors."

The FBI-led nationwide initiative, in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), focused on identifying and locating victims of sex trafficking and investigating and arresting individuals and criminal enterprises involved in both child sex and human trafficking. Law enforcement agencies conducted targeted operations to identify and apprehend offenders, dismantling criminal networks and preventing further harm to victims. Those suspects identified will be subject to additional investigation for potential charges.

"Human traffickers prey on the most vulnerable members of our society, and their crimes scar victims—many of them children—for life. The FBI's commitment to combatting this threat will never waver, and we will continue to send our message that these atrocities will not be tolerated," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "This operation would not be possible without the commitment and collaboration from our state and local law enforcement partners, and it demonstrates our continued focus on actively pursuing the criminals responsible for these heinous violations and connecting those impacted with dedicated victim services and resources."

A multidisciplinary team (MDT), to include victim specialists, child/adolescent forensic interviewers, and other victim service personnel, in addition to special agents, ensures a victim-centered, culturally responsive, trauma-informed investigative response. The FBI MDT works with state and local partners to make resources available to meet the unique needs of trafficking victims.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Victim specialists provide services based on the individual needs of human trafficking victims, to include crisis intervention, emergency food and clothing, transportation to receive emergency services, and locating shelter or housing. The victim specialists also serve as conduit between the victims and the investigative team to help ensure they are receiving case updates, as appropriate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Behind every statistic, there is a person with dreams, aspirations, and the right to live a life free from child sex trafficking and exploitation. As a society we must work together to ensure the protection, support, and empowerment of those impacted by this heinous crime." said Michelle DeLaune, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children. "We applaud the FBI and their partner law enforcement agencies for their unwavering dedication to protecting children. Their tireless efforts in combatting crimes against children sends a powerful message that child sexual exploitation will not be tolerated."

The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to combatting child exploitation and human trafficking. Operation Cross Country is just one facet of the Bureau's ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society and hold offenders accountable. The FBI encourages continued vigilance, cooperation, and reporting from the public to help identify and recover victims and bring perpetrators to justice.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691101172618.png" alt="Image from video footage of Operation Cross Country 13, an FBI-led nationwide law enforcement initiative—now in its 13th year. The coordinated operation, which included other federal agencies, state and local police, and social services agencies across the country, aims to find and assist victims of human trafficking, particularly child victims." />
 <figcaption>Image from video footage of Operation Cross Country 13, an FBI-led nationwide law enforcement initiative—now in its 13th year. The coordinated operation, which included other federal agencies, state and local police, and social services agencies across the country, aims to find and assist victims of human trafficking, particularly child victims.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The FBI, working with its state and local partners, identified and located 200 victims of sex trafficking during a nationwide enforcement campaign, called "Operation Cross Country," according to a media release from the agency this week. The operation also led to identification or arrest of 126 suspects of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking offenses and 68 suspects of trafficking were identified or arrested.&nbsp;FBI agents from the Kansas City Field Office worked with law enforcement partners from Wichita Police, Overland Park, Kansas Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Sedgwick County, Kansas Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, KCMO Police and many other regional law enforcement agencies.Through targeted operations and collaborative efforts, Operation Cross Country achieved significant milestones in recovering victims, apprehending offenders, and raising public awareness about these heinous crimes. The FBI and its partners located 59 minor victims of child sex trafficking and child sexual exploitation offenses and located 59 actively missing children during its 2-week operation in July."Sex traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "This operation, which located 59 actively missing children, builds on the tremendous work the FBI has undertaken over many years to rescue minor victims and arrest those responsible for these unspeakable crimes. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across the country to prevent human trafficking; increase detection, investigation, and prosecution of human trafficking crimes; and expand support and services to protect and empower survivors."The FBI-led nationwide initiative, in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), focused on identifying and locating victims of sex trafficking and investigating and arresting individuals and criminal enterprises involved in both child sex and human trafficking. Law enforcement agencies conducted targeted operations to identify and apprehend offenders, dismantling criminal networks and preventing further harm to victims. Those suspects identified will be subject to additional investigation for potential charges."Human traffickers prey on the most vulnerable members of our society, and their crimes scar victims—many of them children—for life. The FBI's commitment to combatting this threat will never waver, and we will continue to send our message that these atrocities will not be tolerated," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "This operation would not be possible without the commitment and collaboration from our state and local law enforcement partners, and it demonstrates our continued focus on actively pursuing the criminals responsible for these heinous violations and connecting those impacted with dedicated victim services and resources."A multidisciplinary team (MDT), to include victim specialists, child/adolescent forensic interviewers, and other victim service personnel, in addition to special agents, ensures a victim-centered, culturally responsive, trauma-informed investigative response. The FBI MDT works with state and local partners to make resources available to meet the unique needs of trafficking victims.&nbsp;&nbsp;Victim specialists provide services based on the individual needs of human trafficking victims, to include crisis intervention, emergency food and clothing, transportation to receive emergency services, and locating shelter or housing. The victim specialists also serve as conduit between the victims and the investigative team to help ensure they are receiving case updates, as appropriate.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Behind every statistic, there is a person with dreams, aspirations, and the right to live a life free from child sex trafficking and exploitation. As a society we must work together to ensure the protection, support, and empowerment of those impacted by this heinous crime." said Michelle DeLaune, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children. "We applaud the FBI and their partner law enforcement agencies for their unwavering dedication to protecting children. Their tireless efforts in combatting crimes against children sends a powerful message that child sexual exploitation will not be tolerated."The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to combatting child exploitation and human trafficking. Operation Cross Country is just one facet of the Bureau's ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society and hold offenders accountable. The FBI encourages continued vigilance, cooperation, and reporting from the public to help identify and recover victims and bring perpetrators to justice.&nbsp;

FBI sweep targets sex traffickers, recovers dozens of minor victims

Des Moines (AP) —Another Mega Millions drawing, another night without a jackpot winner.

The numbers drawn Friday night were: 11, 30, 45, 52, 56 and the gold ball 20.

Because no one matched all six numbers and won the estimated $1.35 billion jackpot, the top prize increased to $1.55 billion for the next drawing Tuesday night.

There now have been 31 straight drawings without a jackpot winner. The last time someone won the Mega Millions jackpot was April 18.

The $1.55 billion prize would be for a sole winner who chooses the annuity option with payment stretched over 30 years. Most winners opt for a lump-sum payment, which would be an estimated $757.2 million on Tuesday.

A big slice of those winnings would go toward federal taxes, while many states also tax lottery payouts.

The jackpot is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">so hard to win</a>&nbsp;because of the 1 in 302.6 million odds of matching the numbers on five white balls and a separate mega ball. The odds are better to win smaller prizes, which start at $2.

Mega Millions is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-alabama-alaska-lotteries-business-86424cf8e2b7cccf8ae9d06f6652d559">played in 45 states</a>, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Des Moines (AP) —Another Mega Millions drawing, another night without a jackpot winner.The numbers drawn Friday night were: 11, 30, 45, 52, 56 and the gold ball 20.Because no one matched all six numbers and won the estimated $1.35 billion jackpot, the top prize increased to $1.55 billion for the next drawing Tuesday night.There now have been 31 straight drawings without a jackpot winner. The last time someone won the Mega Millions jackpot was April 18.The $1.55 billion prize would be for a sole winner who chooses the annuity option with payment stretched over 30 years. Most winners opt for a lump-sum payment, which would be an estimated $757.2 million on Tuesday.A big slice of those winnings would go toward federal taxes, while many states also tax lottery payouts.The jackpot is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">so hard to win</a>&nbsp;because of the 1 in 302.6 million odds of matching the numbers on five white balls and a separate mega ball. The odds are better to win smaller prizes, which start at $2.Mega Millions is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-alabama-alaska-lotteries-business-86424cf8e2b7cccf8ae9d06f6652d559">played in 45 states</a>, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Mega Millions players spurned again as jackpot climbs to $1.55 billion

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/court-allows-biden-rule-limiting-asylum-at-the-border-to-be-kept-in-place-for-now/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court on Thursday decided to allow the Biden administration to keep in place a temporary two-year rule that restricts asylum at the U.S. border, while the legal challenges to a lower court’s ruling play out.

The decision from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals aids the Biden administration, which argued that the rule is needed as an immigration enforcement policy after the end of Title 42. That pandemic-era tool was used by the administration to bar migrants from claiming asylum and to quickly expel them.

Thursday’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclu.org/documents/east-bay-sanctuary-covenant-v-biden-ca9-stay-order">order</a>&nbsp;was a 2-1 decision by Judges William Fletcher and Richard Paez, who ruled in favor of the stay — both appointed by President Bill Clinton — and Judge Lawrence VanDyke, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, dissenting.

The order also expedites a hearing on the Biden administration rule, with both sides expected to send their arguments to the court by Sept. 14. A date for the hearing has not been scheduled yet.

Fletcher and Paez did not give any reasoning for their decision, but VanDyke in his dissent argued that the rule seemed similar to a Trump-era rule that was also struck down by the same appeals court.

“The Biden administration’s ‘Pathways Rule’ before us in this appeal is not meaningfully different from the prior administration’s rules that were backhanded by my two colleagues,” he wrote. “This new rule looks like the Trump administration’s Port of Entry Rule and Transit Rule got together, had a baby, and then dolled it up in a stylish modern outfit, complete with a phone app.”

Under the Biden administration’s rule, in order for migrants to claim asylum in the U.S., they would first have to schedule an appointment at a U.S. port of entry and apply for a legal pathway in the country they traveled through.

The number of asylum cases is at a historic high, with more than 1.5 million pending, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://trac.syr.edu/whatsnew/email.221222.html">the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.</a>

Once the rule went in place, it was quickly challenged by civil rights groups and immigration advocates, who argued that it mirrored a Trump-era immigration policy that was a near-total ban on asylum.

In late July,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/07/25/federal-judge-blocks-biden-rule-that-limits-asylum-for-migrants-at-the-border/">a federal judge blocked the Biden rule</a>&nbsp;on the grounds that it violated federal law that allows for anyone to claim asylum on U.S. soil. That same judge also struck down the Trump-era rule that banned asylum.

Katrina Eiland, deputy director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, who argued the case, praised the decision from the appeals court.

“The stay ruling doesn’t say anything about the legality of the ban, and we are confident that we will prevail when the court has a full opportunity to consider the claims,” Eiland said.

“We are pleased the court placed the appeal on an expedited schedule so that it can be decided quickly, because each day the Biden administration prolongs its efforts to preserve its illegal ban, people fleeing grave danger are put in harm’s way.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691172843618.jpeg" alt="Migrants wait throughout the night on May 10, 2023, in a dust storm at Gate 42, on land between the Rio Grande and the border wall, hoping they will be processed by immigration authorities before the expiration of Title 42. (Corrie Boudreaux for Source NM)" />
 <figcaption>Migrants wait throughout the night on May 10, 2023, in a dust storm at Gate 42, on land between the Rio Grande and the border wall, hoping they will be processed by immigration authorities before the expiration of Title 42. (Corrie Boudreaux for Source NM)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Ariana Figueroa<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/court-allows-biden-rule-limiting-asylum-at-the-border-to-be-kept-in-place-for-now/">Nebraska Examiner</a>WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court on Thursday decided to allow the Biden administration to keep in place a temporary two-year rule that restricts asylum at the U.S. border, while the legal challenges to a lower court’s ruling play out.The decision from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals aids the Biden administration, which argued that the rule is needed as an immigration enforcement policy after the end of Title 42. That pandemic-era tool was used by the administration to bar migrants from claiming asylum and to quickly expel them.Thursday’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclu.org/documents/east-bay-sanctuary-covenant-v-biden-ca9-stay-order">order</a>&nbsp;was a 2-1 decision by Judges William Fletcher and Richard Paez, who ruled in favor of the stay — both appointed by President Bill Clinton — and Judge Lawrence VanDyke, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, dissenting.The order also expedites a hearing on the Biden administration rule, with both sides expected to send their arguments to the court by Sept. 14. A date for the hearing has not been scheduled yet.Fletcher and Paez did not give any reasoning for their decision, but VanDyke in his dissent argued that the rule seemed similar to a Trump-era rule that was also struck down by the same appeals court.“The Biden administration’s ‘Pathways Rule’ before us in this appeal is not meaningfully different from the prior administration’s rules that were backhanded by my two colleagues,” he wrote. “This new rule looks like the Trump administration’s Port of Entry Rule and Transit Rule got together, had a baby, and then dolled it up in a stylish modern outfit, complete with a phone app.”Under the Biden administration’s rule, in order for migrants to claim asylum in the U.S., they would first have to schedule an appointment at a U.S. port of entry and apply for a legal pathway in the country they traveled through.The number of asylum cases is at a historic high, with more than 1.5 million pending, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://trac.syr.edu/whatsnew/email.221222.html">the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.</a>Once the rule went in place, it was quickly challenged by civil rights groups and immigration advocates, who argued that it mirrored a Trump-era immigration policy that was a near-total ban on asylum.In late July,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/07/25/federal-judge-blocks-biden-rule-that-limits-asylum-for-migrants-at-the-border/">a federal judge blocked the Biden rule</a>&nbsp;on the grounds that it violated federal law that allows for anyone to claim asylum on U.S. soil. That same judge also struck down the Trump-era rule that banned asylum.Katrina Eiland, deputy director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, who argued the case, praised the decision from the appeals court.“The stay ruling doesn’t say anything about the legality of the ban, and we are confident that we will prevail when the court has a full opportunity to consider the claims,” Eiland said.“We are pleased the court placed the appeal on an expedited schedule so that it can be decided quickly, because each day the Biden administration prolongs its efforts to preserve its illegal ban, people fleeing grave danger are put in harm’s way.”

Court allows Biden rule limiting asylum at the border to be kept in place for now

AUGUST 4, 2023 (OMAHA, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Omaha Police Department, have arrested one person after a multi-county pursuit.

At approximately 1:00 a.m. Friday, NSP received a report of a motorcycle driving recklessly on Interstate 80 near Lincoln. A trooper was able to locate the motorcycle and observed it driving eastbound at 95 miles per hour on I-80 near mile marker 417. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the motorcycle rider refused to yield and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

As the motorcycle continued eastbound toward Omaha, the Omaha Police Department’s Able 1 helicopter took over the pursuit and the trooper discontinued. As the motorcycle reached the Omaha city limits, troopers attempted another traffic stop, but the motorcycle rider fled a second time. Troopers did not pursue as Able 1 continued the pursuit from the air.

Able 1 pilots directed troopers and Omaha police officers to an area near 105th&nbsp;and Q streets where the motorcycle came to a stop. The rider was then taken into custody.

The rider, Robert Long, 32, of Bellevue, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under the influence – 3rd&nbsp;offense, no motorcycle endorsement, and traffic violations. He was lodged in Cass County Jail.

Cody Thomas - Nebraska State PatrolAUGUST 4, 2023 (OMAHA, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Omaha Police Department, have arrested one person after a multi-county pursuit.At approximately 1:00 a.m. Friday, NSP received a report of a motorcycle driving recklessly on Interstate 80 near Lincoln. A trooper was able to locate the motorcycle and observed it driving eastbound at 95 miles per hour on I-80 near mile marker 417. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the motorcycle rider refused to yield and accelerated. The trooper initiated a pursuit.As the motorcycle continued eastbound toward Omaha, the Omaha Police Department’s Able 1 helicopter took over the pursuit and the trooper discontinued. As the motorcycle reached the Omaha city limits, troopers attempted another traffic stop, but the motorcycle rider fled a second time. Troopers did not pursue as Able 1 continued the pursuit from the air.Able 1 pilots directed troopers and Omaha police officers to an area near 105th&nbsp;and Q streets where the motorcycle came to a stop. The rider was then taken into custody.The rider, Robert Long, 32, of Bellevue, was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under the influence – 3rd&nbsp;offense, no motorcycle endorsement, and traffic violations. He was lodged in Cass County Jail.

Multi-County Pursuit Leads to Arrest in Omaha

Lincoln, NE – August 4, 2023 – Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions® Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Friday, August 4 drawing to $1.35 billion or $659.5 million with the cash option selected. This is the 2nd largest jackpot in the history of the game.

The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 30 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since April 21 without a jackpot winner.

The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one ticket was sold in South Carolina for a $1.537 billion jackpot.

Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=vO6EBHxkBWuJBNyAXsok8lanxZTLSIUtoqiCqDUXCtE5cxf-2BQZLCrDZWRG-2BD-2BdnZky_S_fuR9JFio7W6cp4kNiRkGh1k-2FmpsIhZUxxJbweMbS6t4o4OCzKG6D2YgDDSADf1JlAufEvAhfjtutwOcM3h9YuPYeB6oYtEnbFR-2FEv-2BWm47arHlp1VG0slG8mXCSNU51I9knBH71p73W03bYEjd7ZqWY9NnhTxPsarAQsR1g1fijhjYHMcQpTKAYK7wRbbaI6maQUxkiEX5PzK6lDIW9JmNLsHndsCXsyhQ7MRtIZvSXj7SXt0X7QNLuhRkaCk5v5bDn63HGemzLKNdmK-2BKuizQE4iU5gj3w-2F2gSRGuFigTzkoxIISkK3kZ0KhEI-2FX28Rg9MEwILdsA5jALNrVkzKLddR-2Blvz0DSje1hXdfknUlhkHAMt1PvmBnjfDnpIkMKa4-2BSEi7ux4dKuRHiYh9hTsw-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.

Because of the high Mega Millions jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the jackpot is, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://problemgambling.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $936 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Niel Watson - Nebraska LotteryLincoln, NE – August 4, 2023 – Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions® Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Friday, August 4 drawing to $1.35 billion or $659.5 million with the cash option selected. This is the 2nd largest jackpot in the history of the game.The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 30 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since April 21 without a jackpot winner.The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one ticket was sold in South Carolina for a $1.537 billion jackpot.Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=vO6EBHxkBWuJBNyAXsok8lanxZTLSIUtoqiCqDUXCtE5cxf-2BQZLCrDZWRG-2BD-2BdnZky_S_fuR9JFio7W6cp4kNiRkGh1k-2FmpsIhZUxxJbweMbS6t4o4OCzKG6D2YgDDSADf1JlAufEvAhfjtutwOcM3h9YuPYeB6oYtEnbFR-2FEv-2BWm47arHlp1VG0slG8mXCSNU51I9knBH71p73W03bYEjd7ZqWY9NnhTxPsarAQsR1g1fijhjYHMcQpTKAYK7wRbbaI6maQUxkiEX5PzK6lDIW9JmNLsHndsCXsyhQ7MRtIZvSXj7SXt0X7QNLuhRkaCk5v5bDn63HGemzLKNdmK-2BKuizQE4iU5gj3w-2F2gSRGuFigTzkoxIISkK3kZ0KhEI-2FX28Rg9MEwILdsA5jALNrVkzKLddR-2Blvz0DSje1hXdfknUlhkHAMt1PvmBnjfDnpIkMKa4-2BSEi7ux4dKuRHiYh9hTsw-3D-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.Play ResponsiblyBecause of the high Mega Millions jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the jackpot is, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, free help is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://problemgambling.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">problemgambling.nebraska.gov</a>.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $936 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Mega Millions® Jackpot Increased for Friday Drawing

ST. JOSEPH —A fan who died at Chiefs Training Camp died of natural causes,
according to the Buchanan County Medical Examiner’s Office.

County Medical Examiner, Dr. Adam Wineinger, has ruled that
Jessica Tangen died of natural causes Sunday while attending the
Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri Western State University campus
in St. Joseph.

The family of Tangen, who was from Riverside, says she was a
life-long Chiefs fan. Tangen was 43.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691176069142.jpeg" alt="Jessica Tangen pictured with (l-r) daughter Kyla and mother, Lee/Photo provided by Mosaic Life Care" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Tangen pictured with (l-r) daughter Kyla and mother, Lee/Photo provided by Mosaic Life Care</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostST. JOSEPH —A fan who died at Chiefs Training Camp died of natural causes,
according to the Buchanan County Medical Examiner’s Office.County Medical Examiner, Dr. Adam Wineinger, has ruled that
Jessica Tangen died of natural causes Sunday while attending the
Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri Western State University campus
in St. Joseph.The family of Tangen, who was from Riverside, says she was a
life-long Chiefs fan. Tangen was 43.

Medical examiner on cause of fan's death at Chiefs training camp

SPATA, Greece (AP) — At first sight, Tiembe studies his frozen breakfast with hesitation: Chunks of red meat and bone packed in a foot-long block of ice.

The 15-year-old Angolan lion eventually licks the ice before gnawing free pieces of meat.

Animals at the Attica Zoological Park outside the Greek capital were being fed frozen meals Friday as temperatures around the country reached 40 C (107.5 F) and were set to rise further, in the fourth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heat-wave-deadly-climate-change-europe-america-4c361736afa70766049acdb189ccfd64">heat wave</a>&nbsp;in less than a month.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-greece-italy-portugal-croatia-turkey-heatwave-176d9372d87b2f6a38f56722d3dc1bf2">extreme temperatures and wildfires</a>&nbsp;— a growing concern for biodiversity in southern Europe — have had an impact on Greek wildlife.

A fire on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-photos-heat-wave-wildfires-7a643426fd41aee39c2369327968749e">the island of Rhodes</a>&nbsp;burned for 11 successive days, triggering the evacuation of 20,000 people, mostly tourists.

The island’s animals were less fortunate.

As the fire tore through mountain forests and a nature reserve, an estimated 2,500 animals and beehives were burned, along with 50,000 olive trees, according to Agriculture Ministry officials. Fallow deer, a symbol of Rhodes, were found lying dead on the roadside.

The zoo, which is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of Athens, is looking after an injured deer and several turtles — some fitted with wheels prized from toys to help with their mobility — which suffered burns and other injuries during the Rhodes fire.

Zoo curator Antonis Balas urged pet owners to be more mindful of their animals at times of extreme heat, noting that many of the popular breeds of pets are from native cooler climates in Northern and Central Europe.

“In general, heat affects animals in the same way that it affects humans,” Balas said, after feeding fruit popsicles to ring-tailed lemurs, some clambering onto his shoulders to get served first.

“The iced treats are a supplement to their meals … they lick the ice and breathe in the cool air. That’s in contrast to people who sweat as a way of controling their body temperature.

Ten major wildfires struck Greece in July, and included major blazes outside Athens. More than 450 pet dogs and cats were rescued from fires, many left in their homes as the owners fled, according to a charity that works with a state animal agency. About half have been reunited with their owners, the others placed in temporary adoption.

In the wake of the Greek fires, the international animal charity PETA urged animal owners not to abandon their pets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691161549177.jpeg" alt="A ring-tailed lemur licks a fruit popsicle, at the Attica Zoological Park in Spata suburb, eastern Athens, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. A large number of animals being fed frozen meals at the Attica Zoological Park outside the Greek capital Friday, as temperatures around the country touched 40C (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and were set to rise further, in the fourth heat wave in less than a month. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)" />
 <figcaption>A ring-tailed lemur licks a fruit popsicle, at the Attica Zoological Park in Spata suburb, eastern Athens, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. A large number of animals being fed frozen meals at the Attica Zoological Park outside the Greek capital Friday, as temperatures around the country touched 40C (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and were set to rise further, in the fourth heat wave in less than a month. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)</figcaption>
 </figure>SPATA, Greece (AP) — At first sight, Tiembe studies his frozen breakfast with hesitation: Chunks of red meat and bone packed in a foot-long block of ice.The 15-year-old Angolan lion eventually licks the ice before gnawing free pieces of meat.Animals at the Attica Zoological Park outside the Greek capital were being fed frozen meals Friday as temperatures around the country reached 40 C (107.5 F) and were set to rise further, in the fourth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heat-wave-deadly-climate-change-europe-america-4c361736afa70766049acdb189ccfd64">heat wave</a>&nbsp;in less than a month.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-greece-italy-portugal-croatia-turkey-heatwave-176d9372d87b2f6a38f56722d3dc1bf2">extreme temperatures and wildfires</a>&nbsp;— a growing concern for biodiversity in southern Europe — have had an impact on Greek wildlife.A fire on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-photos-heat-wave-wildfires-7a643426fd41aee39c2369327968749e">the island of Rhodes</a>&nbsp;burned for 11 successive days, triggering the evacuation of 20,000 people, mostly tourists.The island’s animals were less fortunate.As the fire tore through mountain forests and a nature reserve, an estimated 2,500 animals and beehives were burned, along with 50,000 olive trees, according to Agriculture Ministry officials. Fallow deer, a symbol of Rhodes, were found lying dead on the roadside.The zoo, which is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of Athens, is looking after an injured deer and several turtles — some fitted with wheels prized from toys to help with their mobility — which suffered burns and other injuries during the Rhodes fire.Zoo curator Antonis Balas urged pet owners to be more mindful of their animals at times of extreme heat, noting that many of the popular breeds of pets are from native cooler climates in Northern and Central Europe.“In general, heat affects animals in the same way that it affects humans,” Balas said, after feeding fruit popsicles to ring-tailed lemurs, some clambering onto his shoulders to get served first.“The iced treats are a supplement to their meals … they lick the ice and breathe in the cool air. That’s in contrast to people who sweat as a way of controling their body temperature.Ten major wildfires struck Greece in July, and included major blazes outside Athens. More than 450 pet dogs and cats were rescued from fires, many left in their homes as the owners fled, according to a charity that works with a state animal agency. About half have been reunited with their owners, the others placed in temporary adoption.In the wake of the Greek fires, the international animal charity PETA urged animal owners not to abandon their pets.Elisa Allen, the group’s vice president for programs, said the fires also served as a reminder that the animal farming industry is a major global contributor to climate change.“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire and in this case, no one should ignore how animal agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions fuel the climate catastrophe and create the conditions that let wildfires spread,” Allen told The Associated Press.Temperatures are expected to reach 42 C (107.6 F) in parts of central Greece on Saturday before easing early next week.