McPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — A 12-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the contamination of a water cooler used by a small college baseball team in Kansas. 

The boy has been charged with endangerment and criminal damage to property for allegedly pouring paint into Kansas Wesleyan’s water cooler during a doubleheader against Bethany College in Lindsborg on April 24. 

McPherson County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt said a summons would be issued for the juvenile to appear in court.

LINDSBORG —Law enforcement authorities have determined that two juvenile boys, not college students or staff, are involved in an incident in which a foreign substance, identified as line paint, was placed in a water cooler the Bethany College baseball team provided to Kansas Wesleyan University during their doubleheader on Sunday, according to a media release from Lindsborg Police.

On April 24,&nbsp; Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) contacted the Lindsborg Police Department to file a police report regarding a foreign substance found in their baseball team’s water cooler while at Bethany College for a game. Shortly thereafter, Bethany College contacted the police department to report the same incident. A police report was filed and both colleges agreed to cooperate with the investigation.

This incident generated wide-reaching media interest after initial comments on social media claimed that a college baseball program deliberately contaminated an opponent’s water cooler. 

Allegations were made that the foreign substance found in the water of KWU’s cooler was paint thinner. Based on information obtained through the investigation, it has been determined that the foreign substance was not paint thinner, but rather line paint used on the field and to touch up bases.

The Lindsborg Police Department has conducted over 60 interviews so far, collected multiple pieces of evidence, photographed the scene, and followed various leads. Though the investigation is active and ongoing, it has been determined that no one associated with either college was responsible for tampering with the water cooler.

The Lindsborg Police Department has identified two male juveniles as being involved in this incident and are continuing to investigate this matter.

McPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — A 12-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the contamination of a water cooler used by a small college baseball team in Kansas. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Putting PAINT THINNER in our water coolers to get our baseball players sick and still getting toasted by 31 runs is WILD. Stay classy! Glad all our players are okay <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/buckfethany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#buckfethany</a> <a href="https://t.co/GqPFVqwQra">pic.twitter.com/GqPFVqwQra</a>&mdash; KWU Barstool (@BarstoolKwu) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarstoolKwu/status/1518437632090517506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The boy has been charged with endangerment and criminal damage to property for allegedly pouring paint into Kansas Wesleyan’s water cooler during a doubleheader against Bethany College in Lindsborg on April 24. McPherson County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt said a summons would be issued for the juvenile to appear in court.---------LINDSBORG —Law enforcement authorities have determined that two juvenile boys, not college students or staff, are involved in an incident in which a foreign substance, identified as line paint, was placed in a water cooler the Bethany College baseball team provided to Kansas Wesleyan University during their doubleheader on Sunday, according to a media release from Lindsborg Police.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Putting PAINT THINNER in our water coolers to get our baseball players sick and still getting toasted by 31 runs is WILD. Stay classy! Glad all our players are okay <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/buckfethany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#buckfethany</a> <a href="https://t.co/GqPFVqwQra">pic.twitter.com/GqPFVqwQra</a>&mdash; KWU Barstool (@BarstoolKwu) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarstoolKwu/status/1518437632090517506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On April 24,&nbsp; Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) contacted the Lindsborg Police Department to file a police report regarding a foreign substance found in their baseball team’s water cooler while at Bethany College for a game. Shortly thereafter, Bethany College contacted the police department to report the same incident. A police report was filed and both colleges agreed to cooperate with the investigation.This incident generated wide-reaching media interest after initial comments on social media claimed that a college baseball program deliberately contaminated an opponent’s water cooler. Allegations were made that the foreign substance found in the water of KWU’s cooler was paint thinner. Based on information obtained through the investigation, it has been determined that the foreign substance was not paint thinner, but rather line paint used on the field and to touch up bases.The Lindsborg Police Department has conducted over 60 interviews so far, collected multiple pieces of evidence, photographed the scene, and followed various leads. Though the investigation is active and ongoing, it has been determined that no one associated with either college was responsible for tampering with the water cooler.The Lindsborg Police Department has identified two male juveniles as being involved in this incident and are continuing to investigate this matter.

Kan. boy charged with contaminating opposing team's water

Eagle Radio's Derek Beck visits twice a month with the Nebraska Cattleman's Brenda Masek about happenings within the Cattleman organization and upcoming meetings and events.

&nbsp; This Podcast is sponsored by Western Nebraska Bank, Member FDIC with locations in North Platte, Curtis, Paxton and in Thedford. Visit them online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wnb.com/">https://www.westernnebraskabank.com</a>

Eagle Radio's Derek Beck visits twice a month with the Nebraska Cattleman's Brenda Masek about happenings within the Cattleman organization and upcoming meetings and events.<div><iframe title="Nebraska Cattlmen Report - May Part 1" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5fxxk-1236c49-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00"></iframe></div>&nbsp; This Podcast is sponsored by Western Nebraska Bank, Member FDIC with locations in North Platte, Curtis, Paxton and in Thedford. Visit them online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wnb.com/">https://www.westernnebraskabank.com</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634840161022.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Nebraska Cattlemen Report - May Part 1

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/05/26/texas-school-shooting-prompts-creation-of-nebraska-task-force-to-review-practices-seek-improvements/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Nebraska
 education leaders are forming a task force, in light of this week’s 
elementary school shooting in Texas, to review best practices and 
identify ways that classrooms throughout the state can have access to 
the highest standard of safety possible.

State
 Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said Thursday he expects that 
proposed legislation could come from the task force, although the scope 
of the group and its work is still being crystalized.

State
 Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont, chair of the Legislature’s Education 
Committee, instigated creation of the “School Safety Task Force,” and 
during the past two days education leaders have already convened to 
start discussing strategies for moving forward.

Walz, in a statement, called it a recommitment of efforts to keep students and educators safe.

“I know our education community is committed to our students, families and educators,” said Walz. “They will continue to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming places where every student can thrive.”

In coming months, Walz said, the state’s education leaders will ask tough questions and listen to experts.

“Every
 issue and idea are on the table for consideration because, while 
tragedies like the one in Texas can quickly become political and 
partisan, the safety of our students is a moral imperative upon which we
 can all agree,” Walz said.

She
 said Nebraska schools are committed to early intervention and cited 
existing programs, such as the new Safe2Help Nebraska, which offers a 
24-7 way to anonymously report concerning behavior. The system, piloted 
in Douglas County, was expanded statewide through recent legislative 
action.

Walz also noted that recent federal COVID relief aid sent to Nebraska schools was targeted at student welfare and support.

Blomstedt
 said that some larger districts might be more prepared or equipped than
 others across the state. Practices aren’t always the same, and 
Blomstedt said it’s important to look at how support can be made 
available to all areas of Nebraska.

“The
 reality is we know our communities have different capacities,” 
Blomstedt said. He said part of the work ahead also is in ensuring 
access to behavioral and mental health support systems that address 
“root causes” of violence.

Certain districts, he said, have made much progress in school safety, and a question is: “What can be scaled up?”

Blomstedt said the task force is to include not only educators, but community and parental perspectives as well.&nbsp;

Citing
 Tuesday’s shooting in Ulvade, Texas, Walz said such tragedies are too 
common in the United States and said the causes must be confronted. She 
said such tragic events compel Nebraska to reinforce the need to be more
 united than ever.

Said Blomstedt: “Every time one of these happens you have to ask yourself: ‘Have we done everything?’ ”

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/05/26/texas-school-shooting-prompts-creation-of-nebraska-task-force-to-review-practices-seek-improvements/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Nebraska
 education leaders are forming a task force, in light of this week’s 
elementary school shooting in Texas, to review best practices and 
identify ways that classrooms throughout the state can have access to 
the highest standard of safety possible.State
 Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said Thursday he expects that 
proposed legislation could come from the task force, although the scope 
of the group and its work is still being crystalized.State
 Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont, chair of the Legislature’s Education 
Committee, instigated creation of the “School Safety Task Force,” and 
during the past two days education leaders have already convened to 
start discussing strategies for moving forward.Walz, in a statement, called it a recommitment of efforts to keep students and educators safe.“I know our education community is committed to our students, families and educators,” said Walz. “They will continue to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming places where every student can thrive.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653658361809.jpeg" alt=" State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>In coming months, Walz said, the state’s education leaders will ask tough questions and listen to experts.“Every
 issue and idea are on the table for consideration because, while 
tragedies like the one in Texas can quickly become political and 
partisan, the safety of our students is a moral imperative upon which we
 can all agree,” Walz said.She
 said Nebraska schools are committed to early intervention and cited 
existing programs, such as the new Safe2Help Nebraska, which offers a 
24-7 way to anonymously report concerning behavior. The system, piloted 
in Douglas County, was expanded statewide through recent legislative 
action.Walz also noted that recent federal COVID relief aid sent to Nebraska schools was targeted at student welfare and support.Blomstedt
 said that some larger districts might be more prepared or equipped than
 others across the state. Practices aren’t always the same, and 
Blomstedt said it’s important to look at how support can be made 
available to all areas of Nebraska.“The
 reality is we know our communities have different capacities,” 
Blomstedt said. He said part of the work ahead also is in ensuring 
access to behavioral and mental health support systems that address 
“root causes” of violence.Certain districts, he said, have made much progress in school safety, and a question is: “What can be scaled up?”Blomstedt said the task force is to include not only educators, but community and parental perspectives as well.&nbsp;Citing
 Tuesday’s shooting in Ulvade, Texas, Walz said such tragedies are too 
common in the United States and said the causes must be confronted. She 
said such tragic events compel Nebraska to reinforce the need to be more
 united than ever.Said Blomstedt: “Every time one of these happens you have to ask yourself: ‘Have we done everything?’ ”

Nebraska task force to review practices in wake of Texas shooting

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.-A Grand Island man has been arrested after police said they found him passed out behind the wheel with two children in his vehicle.

Police said at around 4:41 p.m. on Thursday, officers responded to the 2000 block of Broadwell Ave. after it was reported that an adult male was passed out in the driver's seat of a vehicle with a child hanging out the driver's side window.

Officers made contact with the driver, Ryan Wieck, and smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.

Police said Wieck was removed from the vehicle and showed obvious signs of impairment.

Police questioned Wieck, who admitted to using Fentanyl while operating the vehicle with two small children, ages three and seven, as passengers.

After the administration of a field sobriety test, Wieck was arrested.

A search of his vehicle produced methamphetamine and marijuana.

Wieck was jailed at the Hall County Jail on suspicion of two counts of felony child abuse, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and being under the influence of drugs with persons under 16, and driving while impaired.

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostGRAND ISLAND, Neb.-A Grand Island man has been arrested after police said they found him passed out behind the wheel with two children in his vehicle.Police said at around 4:41 p.m. on Thursday, officers responded to the 2000 block of Broadwell Ave. after it was reported that an adult male was passed out in the driver's seat of a vehicle with a child hanging out the driver's side window.Officers made contact with the driver, Ryan Wieck, and smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.Police said Wieck was removed from the vehicle and showed obvious signs of impairment.Police questioned Wieck, who admitted to using Fentanyl while operating the vehicle with two small children, ages three and seven, as passengers.After the administration of a field sobriety test, Wieck was arrested.A search of his vehicle produced methamphetamine and marijuana.Wieck was jailed at the Hall County Jail on suspicion of two counts of felony child abuse, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and being under the influence of drugs with persons under 16, and driving while impaired.

Police: Grand Island man passed out behind wheel with kids in car

HOUSTON (AP) — The National Rifle Association begins its annual convention in Houston on Friday, and leaders of the powerful gun-rights lobbying group are gearing up to “reflect on” — and deflect any blame for — the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-politics-texas-shootings-56a4d01fb1cda19947db89fcb6bd85fd">deadly shooting</a>&nbsp;earlier this week of 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

Former President Donald Trump and other leading Republicans are scheduled to address the three-day firearms marketing and advocacy event, which is expected to draw protesters fed up with gun violence.

Some scheduled speakers and performers have backed out, including two Texas lawmakers and “American Pie” singer Don McLean, who said “it would be disrespectful” to go ahead with his act in the aftermath of the country’s latest mass shooting.

While President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-hinckley-biden-texas-buffalo-congress-588e9c6e02139b35043143932fe993c6">renewed calls for stricter gun laws</a>, NRA board member Phil Journey said the focus should be on better mental health care and trying to prevent gun violence. He said he wouldn’t support banning or limiting access to firearms.

The NRA said in an online statement that people attending the gun show will “reflect on” the Uvalde school shooting, “pray for the victims, recognize our patriotic members, and pledge to redouble our commitment to making our schools secure.”

People planning to attend picked up registration badges Thursday and shopped for NRA souvenirs, such as T-shirts that say “Suns Out Guns Out.” Police already had set up metal barriers across the street from the convention center, at a park where protesters are expected to gather Friday.

Gary Francis traveled with his wife and friends from Racine, Wisconsin, to attend the NRA meeting. He said he opposed any gun control regulations in response to the Uvalde shooting.

“What happened there is obviously tragic,” he said. “But the NRA had nothing to do with it. The people who come here had nothing to do with it.”

Texas has experienced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-victims-0fc46ce400c3fed9081ee5c033d2aba5">series of mass shootings in recent years</a>. During that time, the Republican-led Legislature and governor have relaxed gun laws.

There is precedent for the NRA to gather amid local mourning and controversy. The organization went ahead with a shortened version of its 1999 meeting in Denver roughly a week after the deadly shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado. Actor Charlton Heston, the NRA president at that time, told attendees that “horrible acts” shouldn’t become opportunities to limit constitutional rights and he denounced critics for casting NRA members as “villains.”

Rocky Marshall, a former NRA board member, said that although the tragedy in Uvalde “does put the meeting in a bad light,” that’s not a reason to cancel it. Marshall said gun-rights advocates and opponents can perhaps reduce gun violence if they focus on factors such as mental illness or school security.

“Throwing rocks at the NRA, that doesn’t solve the next mass shooting,” he said. “Throwing rocks at the people that hate guns, that doesn’t solve the next mass shooting.”

But country music singer Larry Gatlin, who pulled out of planned appearance at the event, said he hopes “the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions.”

“While I agree with most of the positions held by the NRA, I have come to believe that, while background checks would not stop every madman with a gun, it is at the very least a step in the right direction,” Gatlin said.

Country singers Lee Greenwood and Larry Stewart also withdrew,&nbsp;<a href="https://variety.com/2022/music/news/lee-greenwood-pulls-out-of-nra-concert-in-houston-1235279424/" target="_blank">Variety reported</a>.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that the NRA’s leaders “are contributing to the problem of gun violence and not trying to solve it.” She accused them of representing the interests of gun manufacturers, “who are marketing weapons of war to young adults.”

Two Republican Texas lawmakers who had been scheduled speak Friday — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw — are no longer attending due to what their staffs said were changes in their schedules.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who was slated to attend, will instead address the convention by prerecorded video, his spokesman told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2022/05/26/texas-gov-abbott-going-to-uvalde-not-nra-on-friday/" target="_blank">The Dallas Morning News</a>.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was listed as a speaker, and Trump said Wednesday that he still intends to attend. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, also is sticking to her plans to speak Friday at the NRA event.

Though personal firearms are allowed at the convention, the NRA said guns would not be permitted during the session featuring Trump because of Secret Service security protocols.

Several groups have said they planned to stage protests outside of the convention center.

“This is not the time or the place to have this convention,” said Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL, a Houston-based civil rights group that plans to participate in protests. “We must not just have thoughts and prayers from legislators, but rather we need action to address this public health crisis that is affecting our communities.”

Democrat Beto O’Rourke, who is challenging Abbott in the 2022 Texas governor’s race, said he would be attending a protest outside the convention Friday.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a Democrat, said the city is obligated to host the NRA event, which has been under contract for more than two years. But he urged politicians to skip it.

“You can’t pray and send condolences on one day and then be going and championing guns on the next. That’s wrong,” Turner said.

Shannon Watts, the founder of gun-control group Moms Demand Action, said she was not surprised the NRA is not canceling its meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610753925909.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSHOUSTON (AP) — The National Rifle Association begins its annual convention in Houston on Friday, and leaders of the powerful gun-rights lobbying group are gearing up to “reflect on” — and deflect any blame for — the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-politics-texas-shootings-56a4d01fb1cda19947db89fcb6bd85fd">deadly shooting</a>&nbsp;earlier this week of 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.Former President Donald Trump and other leading Republicans are scheduled to address the three-day firearms marketing and advocacy event, which is expected to draw protesters fed up with gun violence.Some scheduled speakers and performers have backed out, including two Texas lawmakers and “American Pie” singer Don McLean, who said “it would be disrespectful” to go ahead with his act in the aftermath of the country’s latest mass shooting.While President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-hinckley-biden-texas-buffalo-congress-588e9c6e02139b35043143932fe993c6">renewed calls for stricter gun laws</a>, NRA board member Phil Journey said the focus should be on better mental health care and trying to prevent gun violence. He said he wouldn’t support banning or limiting access to firearms.The NRA said in an online statement that people attending the gun show will “reflect on” the Uvalde school shooting, “pray for the victims, recognize our patriotic members, and pledge to redouble our commitment to making our schools secure.”People planning to attend picked up registration badges Thursday and shopped for NRA souvenirs, such as T-shirts that say “Suns Out Guns Out.” Police already had set up metal barriers across the street from the convention center, at a park where protesters are expected to gather Friday.Gary Francis traveled with his wife and friends from Racine, Wisconsin, to attend the NRA meeting. He said he opposed any gun control regulations in response to the Uvalde shooting.“What happened there is obviously tragic,” he said. “But the NRA had nothing to do with it. The people who come here had nothing to do with it.”Texas has experienced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-victims-0fc46ce400c3fed9081ee5c033d2aba5">series of mass shootings in recent years</a>. During that time, the Republican-led Legislature and governor have relaxed gun laws.There is precedent for the NRA to gather amid local mourning and controversy. The organization went ahead with a shortened version of its 1999 meeting in Denver roughly a week after the deadly shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado. Actor Charlton Heston, the NRA president at that time, told attendees that “horrible acts” shouldn’t become opportunities to limit constitutional rights and he denounced critics for casting NRA members as “villains.”Rocky Marshall, a former NRA board member, said that although the tragedy in Uvalde “does put the meeting in a bad light,” that’s not a reason to cancel it. Marshall said gun-rights advocates and opponents can perhaps reduce gun violence if they focus on factors such as mental illness or school security.“Throwing rocks at the NRA, that doesn’t solve the next mass shooting,” he said. “Throwing rocks at the people that hate guns, that doesn’t solve the next mass shooting.”But country music singer Larry Gatlin, who pulled out of planned appearance at the event, said he hopes “the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions.”“While I agree with most of the positions held by the NRA, I have come to believe that, while background checks would not stop every madman with a gun, it is at the very least a step in the right direction,” Gatlin said.Country singers Lee Greenwood and Larry Stewart also withdrew,&nbsp;<a href="https://variety.com/2022/music/news/lee-greenwood-pulls-out-of-nra-concert-in-houston-1235279424/" target="_blank">Variety reported</a>.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that the NRA’s leaders “are contributing to the problem of gun violence and not trying to solve it.” She accused them of representing the interests of gun manufacturers, “who are marketing weapons of war to young adults.”Two Republican Texas lawmakers who had been scheduled speak Friday — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw — are no longer attending due to what their staffs said were changes in their schedules.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who was slated to attend, will instead address the convention by prerecorded video, his spokesman told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2022/05/26/texas-gov-abbott-going-to-uvalde-not-nra-on-friday/" target="_blank">The Dallas Morning News</a>.Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was listed as a speaker, and Trump said Wednesday that he still intends to attend. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, also is sticking to her plans to speak Friday at the NRA event.Though personal firearms are allowed at the convention, the NRA said guns would not be permitted during the session featuring Trump because of Secret Service security protocols.Several groups have said they planned to stage protests outside of the convention center.“This is not the time or the place to have this convention,” said Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL, a Houston-based civil rights group that plans to participate in protests. “We must not just have thoughts and prayers from legislators, but rather we need action to address this public health crisis that is affecting our communities.”Democrat Beto O’Rourke, who is challenging Abbott in the 2022 Texas governor’s race, said he would be attending a protest outside the convention Friday.Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a Democrat, said the city is obligated to host the NRA event, which has been under contract for more than two years. But he urged politicians to skip it.“You can’t pray and send condolences on one day and then be going and championing guns on the next. That’s wrong,” Turner said.Shannon Watts, the founder of gun-control group Moms Demand Action, said she was not surprised the NRA is not canceling its meeting.

NRA opens gun convention in Texas after school massacre

NORFOLK, Neb.-As travelers hit the road to mark the start of summer, troopers will be working to keep Nebraska roads safe during Memorial Day weekend.

In northeast Nebraska, troopers will be teaming up with local law enforcement to patrol several major highways. The efforts include operations in Norfolk, Columbus, South Sioux City, Schuyler, and other areas from May 27 through May 31.

“Summer has arrived and families are gearing up to travel,” said Captain Dain Hicks, Commander of Troop B – based in Norfolk. “Our troopers and local partners will be on patrol this weekend, working to take impaired drivers off the road and keep travelers safe.”

The effort includes high-visibility enforcement operations on several major highways in the area, including Highways 81, 20, 77, 275, 30, and more in northeast Nebraska.

All motorists are encouraged to follow traffic safety laws, avoid distractions, wear your seat belt, and always drive sober. Any motorist in need of assistance can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653653138123.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NEBRASKA STATE PATROLNORFOLK, Neb.-As travelers hit the road to mark the start of summer, troopers will be working to keep Nebraska roads safe during Memorial Day weekend.In northeast Nebraska, troopers will be teaming up with local law enforcement to patrol several major highways. The efforts include operations in Norfolk, Columbus, South Sioux City, Schuyler, and other areas from May 27 through May 31.“Summer has arrived and families are gearing up to travel,” said Captain Dain Hicks, Commander of Troop B – based in Norfolk. “Our troopers and local partners will be on patrol this weekend, working to take impaired drivers off the road and keep travelers safe.”The effort includes high-visibility enforcement operations on several major highways in the area, including Highways 81, 20, 77, 275, 30, and more in northeast Nebraska.All motorists are encouraged to follow traffic safety laws, avoid distractions, wear your seat belt, and always drive sober. Any motorist in need of assistance can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555.

Northeast Neb. troopers prepare for Memorial Day weekend

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — About 400 workers at Planned Parenthood offices in five Midwestern states plan to unionize. 

The move comes as their employer deals with the potential loss of business in states where abortions may become illegal if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Ashley Schmidt is a training and development specialist for Nebraska and western Iowa. She says workers at Planned Parenthood North Central States in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota formally filed for a union election with a National Labor Relations Board on Thursday. 

The workers plan to join SEIU Healthcare Minnesota &amp; Iowa, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, which represents Planned Parenthood workers in other states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653650883075.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — About 400 workers at Planned Parenthood offices in five Midwestern states plan to unionize. The move comes as their employer deals with the potential loss of business in states where abortions may become illegal if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Ashley Schmidt is a training and development specialist for Nebraska and western Iowa. She says workers at Planned Parenthood North Central States in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota formally filed for a union election with a National Labor Relations Board on Thursday. The workers plan to join SEIU Healthcare Minnesota &amp; Iowa, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, which represents Planned Parenthood workers in other states.

Planned Parenthood workers in 5 Midwest states seek union

Still missing your federal tax refund? The Internal Revenue Service offers a way to track where your cash is at.

Click <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">HERE</a> to access the Where's My Refund tool.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Still missing your federal tax refund? The Internal Revenue Service offers a way to track where your cash is at.Click <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">HERE</a> to access the Where's My Refund tool.

Still missing your federal tax refund? Track it here

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Food and Drug Administration faced bipartisan fury from House lawmakers Wednesday over months of delays investigating problems at the nation’s largest baby formula plant that prompted an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baby-formula-shortage-what-to-know-735cef06e68ed9c5a46233bdfcf0573d">ongoing shortage</a>.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?520252-1/baby-formula-manufacturers-fda-commissioner-testify-shortage&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here to watch</a> a replay of the hearing

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf laid out a series of setbacks in congressional testimony that slowed his agency’s response, including a COVID-19 outbreak at the plant and a whistleblower complaint that didn’t reach FDA leadership because it was apparently lost in the mail.

Califf testified before a House subcommittee investigating the shortage, which has snowballed into a national political controversy and forced the U.S. military to begin airlifting supplies from Europe.

The shortage largely stems from Abbott’s Michigan plant, which the FDA shut down in February due to contamination issues. Under fire from Congress, parents and the media, Califf gave the first detailed account Wednesday of why his agency took months to inspect and shutter the plant despite learning of potential problems as early as September.

The FDA’s response was: “Too slow and there were decisions that were suboptimal along the way,” Califf told lawmakers.

The FDA and President Joe Biden face mounting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-politics-science-e4aef87dfb74039f1612ca5279e85227">political pressure</a>&nbsp;to explain why they didn’t intervene sooner to head off the supply crisis.

“Why did it take an onslaught of national media attention for the Biden administration to act with a sense of urgency required to address an infant formula shortage?” asked Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Virginia, the committee’s ranking Republican.

Califf said the agency had been trying to monitor formula supplies since 2020 when COVID-related disruptions first emerged, but regulators have limited visibility into company supply chains.

The House panel also heard from three formula manufacturers, including a top Abbott Nutrition executive who apologized to parents for the shortage.

“We let you down,” said Abbott vice president Christopher Calamari. “We are deeply sorry.”

Calamari repeatedly sidestepped questions about whether any employees were disciplined or fired over the problems at the plant, which included standing water, a leaky roof and damaged equipment.

FDA staff began honing in on Abbott’s plant last fall while tracking several bacterial infections in infants who had consumed formula from the facility. The four cases occurred between September and January, causing hospitalizations and two deaths.

The FDA planned to begin inspecting the Sturgis, Michigan, plant on Dec. 30, according to Califf’s testimony. But Abbott warned that about a dozen plant employees had tested positive for COVID-19 and requested a delay. As a result, the FDA didn’t begin its inspection until Jan. 31.

After detecting positive samples of a rare-but-dangerous bacteria in multiple parts of the plant, the FDA closed the facility and Abbott announced a massive recall of its formula on Feb. 17.

“We knew that ceasing plant operations would create supply problems but we had no choice given the insanitary conditions,” said Califf, calling the problems “shocking” and “unacceptable.”

Abbott and the FDA have reached an agreement to reopen the plant next week, under which the company must regularly undergo outside safety audits.

Califf also struggled to explain delays in following up on a whistleblower complaint alleging numerous safety violations at Abbott’s plant, including employees falsifying records and failing to test formula before shipment.

Several FDA staffers reviewed the complaint in late October when it was sent to a regional FDA office, but an interview didn’t take place until two months later, in part due to the whistleblower’s scheduling conflicts.

Senior FDA officials eventually received the complaint via email, but not until February due to “an isolated failure in FDA’s mailroom, likely due to COVID-19 staffing issues,” according to the FDA testimony. A mailed copy addressed to then-acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock has still not been located.

Political outrage over the shortage has landed squarely on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-politics-science-e4aef87dfb74039f1612ca5279e85227">the FDA and Califf</a>, who was confirmed to the FDA role for a second time in February. The problems have escalated into a political firestorm for the White House, which has invoked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-df586c2e52b5e5865ea9f8091d4d1f80">the Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;and emergency import measures.

The FDA contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Feb. 11. about a potential shortage, just days before Abbott’s recall, according to FDA’s timeline.

Califf said the FDA requested new authorities, funding and staff to track supply chain data that could have helped get ahead of the problem, but noted Congress has not provided them.

Several lawmakers raised longstanding concerns that the FDA’s food program — which oversees most U.S. foods except meat, poultry and eggs — is underfunded and needs restructuring.

The program has a convoluted leadership structure in which there is a director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and a separate deputy commissioner for “food policy and response.” The deputy commissioner has more of a safety focus, but has no direct authority over food center staff nor field staff who inspect company plants.

Both officials testified Wednesday, along with Califf.

When Rep. Nanette Diaz-Barragan, D-Calif., asked who is in charge of food safety, Califf and food center director Susan Mayne gave extended answers, describing different roles and responsibilities.

“I don’t think there’s one person that is responsible,” Diaz-Barragan responded. “I just think it goes to show there needs to be restructuring and it needs to be more clear who’s ultimately responsible.”

Later Wednesday afternoon, Abbott’s Calamari told lawmakers his company plans to build extra capacity and redundancies into its supply chain to avoid future disruptions. He reiterated the company’s point that the FDA has not drawn a direct link between the illnesses reported in infants and bacteria samples collected from its plant.

After the company restarts production next month it will be able to produce more formula than before the recall, he noted.

“We’re going to learn from this. We’re going to get better as a result of this,” Calamari said.

Executives from Reckitt and Gerber also testified on their efforts to boost production.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503720164.png" alt="Califf testified before a House subcommittee investigating the shortage, which has snowballed into a national political controversy and forced the U.S. military to begin airlifting supplies from Europe-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Califf testified before a House subcommittee investigating the shortage, which has snowballed into a national political controversy and forced the U.S. military to begin airlifting supplies from Europe-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Food and Drug Administration faced bipartisan fury from House lawmakers Wednesday over months of delays investigating problems at the nation’s largest baby formula plant that prompted an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baby-formula-shortage-what-to-know-735cef06e68ed9c5a46233bdfcf0573d">ongoing shortage</a>.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?520252-1/baby-formula-manufacturers-fda-commissioner-testify-shortage&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here to watch</a> a replay of the hearingFDA Commissioner Robert Califf laid out a series of setbacks in congressional testimony that slowed his agency’s response, including a COVID-19 outbreak at the plant and a whistleblower complaint that didn’t reach FDA leadership because it was apparently lost in the mail.Califf testified before a House subcommittee investigating the shortage, which has snowballed into a national political controversy and forced the U.S. military to begin airlifting supplies from Europe.The shortage largely stems from Abbott’s Michigan plant, which the FDA shut down in February due to contamination issues. Under fire from Congress, parents and the media, Califf gave the first detailed account Wednesday of why his agency took months to inspect and shutter the plant despite learning of potential problems as early as September.The FDA’s response was: “Too slow and there were decisions that were suboptimal along the way,” Califf told lawmakers.The FDA and President Joe Biden face mounting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-politics-science-e4aef87dfb74039f1612ca5279e85227">political pressure</a>&nbsp;to explain why they didn’t intervene sooner to head off the supply crisis.“Why did it take an onslaught of national media attention for the Biden administration to act with a sense of urgency required to address an infant formula shortage?” asked Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Virginia, the committee’s ranking Republican.Califf said the agency had been trying to monitor formula supplies since 2020 when COVID-related disruptions first emerged, but regulators have limited visibility into company supply chains.The House panel also heard from three formula manufacturers, including a top Abbott Nutrition executive who apologized to parents for the shortage.“We let you down,” said Abbott vice president Christopher Calamari. “We are deeply sorry.”Calamari repeatedly sidestepped questions about whether any employees were disciplined or fired over the problems at the plant, which included standing water, a leaky roof and damaged equipment.FDA staff began honing in on Abbott’s plant last fall while tracking several bacterial infections in infants who had consumed formula from the facility. The four cases occurred between September and January, causing hospitalizations and two deaths.The FDA planned to begin inspecting the Sturgis, Michigan, plant on Dec. 30, according to Califf’s testimony. But Abbott warned that about a dozen plant employees had tested positive for COVID-19 and requested a delay. As a result, the FDA didn’t begin its inspection until Jan. 31.After detecting positive samples of a rare-but-dangerous bacteria in multiple parts of the plant, the FDA closed the facility and Abbott announced a massive recall of its formula on Feb. 17.“We knew that ceasing plant operations would create supply problems but we had no choice given the insanitary conditions,” said Califf, calling the problems “shocking” and “unacceptable.”Abbott and the FDA have reached an agreement to reopen the plant next week, under which the company must regularly undergo outside safety audits.Califf also struggled to explain delays in following up on a whistleblower complaint alleging numerous safety violations at Abbott’s plant, including employees falsifying records and failing to test formula before shipment.Several FDA staffers reviewed the complaint in late October when it was sent to a regional FDA office, but an interview didn’t take place until two months later, in part due to the whistleblower’s scheduling conflicts.Senior FDA officials eventually received the complaint via email, but not until February due to “an isolated failure in FDA’s mailroom, likely due to COVID-19 staffing issues,” according to the FDA testimony. A mailed copy addressed to then-acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock has still not been located.Political outrage over the shortage has landed squarely on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-politics-science-e4aef87dfb74039f1612ca5279e85227">the FDA and Califf</a>, who was confirmed to the FDA role for a second time in February. The problems have escalated into a political firestorm for the White House, which has invoked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-df586c2e52b5e5865ea9f8091d4d1f80">the Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;and emergency import measures.The FDA contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Feb. 11. about a potential shortage, just days before Abbott’s recall, according to FDA’s timeline.Califf said the FDA requested new authorities, funding and staff to track supply chain data that could have helped get ahead of the problem, but noted Congress has not provided them.Several lawmakers raised longstanding concerns that the FDA’s food program — which oversees most U.S. foods except meat, poultry and eggs — is underfunded and needs restructuring.The program has a convoluted leadership structure in which there is a director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and a separate deputy commissioner for “food policy and response.” The deputy commissioner has more of a safety focus, but has no direct authority over food center staff nor field staff who inspect company plants.Both officials testified Wednesday, along with Califf.When Rep. Nanette Diaz-Barragan, D-Calif., asked who is in charge of food safety, Califf and food center director Susan Mayne gave extended answers, describing different roles and responsibilities.“I don’t think there’s one person that is responsible,” Diaz-Barragan responded. “I just think it goes to show there needs to be restructuring and it needs to be more clear who’s ultimately responsible.”Later Wednesday afternoon, Abbott’s Calamari told lawmakers his company plans to build extra capacity and redundancies into its supply chain to avoid future disruptions. He reiterated the company’s point that the FDA has not drawn a direct link between the illnesses reported in infants and bacteria samples collected from its plant.After the company restarts production next month it will be able to produce more formula than before the recall, he noted.“We’re going to learn from this. We’re going to get better as a result of this,” Calamari said.Executives from Reckitt and Gerber also testified on their efforts to boost production.

🎥 FDA chief struggles to explain slow response on baby formula

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/eleven-indicted-in-scheme-to-defraud-federal-covid-19-aid-programs/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Eleven
 people were indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury in Nebraska in a
 scheme to fraudulently claim $7.6 million in benefits from the federal 
Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans program.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Omaha said in a press release that one of those indicted, Ramel Thompson, had coached the others on how to file fraudulent applications on behalf of 14 businesses.

None
 of the businesses had the employees claimed on the applications, the 
indictment alleged, and none of the money was used for expenses allowed 
under the programs, such as payroll, rent, utilities and mortgage 
interest.

The 11 were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“We
 will not tolerate PPP funds being fraudulently used to line someone’s 
pockets while citizens of our country were battling a pandemic,” said 
Eugene Kowel, the FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge.

Jan
 Sharp, U.S. attorney for the District of Nebraska, said the indictments
 grew out of a special task force set up by the Department of Justice to
 investigate and prosecute COVID-related fraud schemes.

The
 FBI’s Omaha field office was assisted in the arrests by the Omaha 
Police Department and the FBI field offices in Atlanta, Las Vegas and 
Minneapolis. In addition, searches conducted resulted in the seizure of 
$64,000 in cash, $196,000 in seized bank accounts, seven handguns and 
one shotgun.

In
 addition to Thompson, those indicted were: Carl Estwick, Jackie Harper,
 Tarysh G. Hogue, Richard L. Kelly, Lenfield Kendrick, Henry T. Lewis, 
Trevor A. McNeil, Michael A. Perkins, Michael A. Perkins Jr. and Shawn 
Prater.

Most were taken into custody in Omaha. McNeil was arrested in Atlanta, and&nbsp; Kendrick was arrested in Las Vegas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653586912648.jpg" alt="Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/eleven-indicted-in-scheme-to-defraud-federal-covid-19-aid-programs/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Eleven
 people were indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury in Nebraska in a
 scheme to fraudulently claim $7.6 million in benefits from the federal 
Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans program.The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Omaha said in a press release that one of those indicted, Ramel Thompson, had coached the others on how to file fraudulent applications on behalf of 14 businesses.None
 of the businesses had the employees claimed on the applications, the 
indictment alleged, and none of the money was used for expenses allowed 
under the programs, such as payroll, rent, utilities and mortgage 
interest.The 11 were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We
 will not tolerate PPP funds being fraudulently used to line someone’s 
pockets while citizens of our country were battling a pandemic,” said 
Eugene Kowel, the FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge.Jan
 Sharp, U.S. attorney for the District of Nebraska, said the indictments
 grew out of a special task force set up by the Department of Justice to
 investigate and prosecute COVID-related fraud schemes.The
 FBI’s Omaha field office was assisted in the arrests by the Omaha 
Police Department and the FBI field offices in Atlanta, Las Vegas and 
Minneapolis. In addition, searches conducted resulted in the seizure of 
$64,000 in cash, $196,000 in seized bank accounts, seven handguns and 
one shotgun.In
 addition to Thompson, those indicted were: Carl Estwick, Jackie Harper,
 Tarysh G. Hogue, Richard L. Kelly, Lenfield Kendrick, Henry T. Lewis, 
Trevor A. McNeil, Michael A. Perkins, Michael A. Perkins Jr. and Shawn 
Prater.Most were taken into custody in Omaha. McNeil was arrested in Atlanta, and&nbsp; Kendrick was arrested in Las Vegas.

Eleven indicted in Neb. in scheme to defraud COVID-19 aid programs

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) —Ray Liotta, the actor best known for playing mobster Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” and baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams,” has died. He was 67.

An official at the Dominican Republic’s National Forensic Science Institute who was not authorized to speak to the media confirmed the death of Ray Liotta and said his body was taken to the Cristo Redentor morgue. The Hollywood Reporter and NBC News cited representatives for Liotta who said he died in his sleep Wednesday night. He was in the Dominican Republic to film a new movie.

Lorraine Bracco, who played Karen Hill in “Goodfellas” tweeted Thursday that she was, “Utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray. I can be anywhere in the world &amp; people will come up &amp; tell me their favorite movie is Goodfellas. Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.”

Alessandro Nivola, who recently appeared with Liotta in “The Sopranos” prequel film “The Many Saints of Newark” wrote, “I feel so lucky to have squared off against this legend in one of his final roles. The scenes we did together were among the all time highlights of my acting career. He was dangerous, unpredictable, hilarious, and generous with his praise for other actors. Too soon.”

The Newark, New Jersey, native was born in 1954 and adopted at age six months out of an orphanage by a township clerk and an auto parts owner. Though he mostly grew up playing sports, including baseball, during his senior year of high school, the drama teacher at the school asked him if he wanted to be in a play, which he agreed to on a lark. And it stuck: He’d go on to study acting at the University of Miami. After graduation, he got his first big break on the soap opera “Another World.”

Liotta’s first big film role was in Jonathan Demme’s “Something Wild” as Melanie Griffith’s character’s hotheaded ex-convict husband Ray. The turn earned him a Golden Globe nomination. A few years later, he would get the memorable role of the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams.”

His most iconic role, as real life mobster Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” came shortly after. He, and Scorsese, had to fight for it though, with multiple auditions and pleas to the studio to cast the still relative unknown.

“The thing about that movie, you know, Henry Hill isn’t that edgy of a character,” Liotta said in an interview in 2012. “It’s really the other guys who are doing all the actual killings. The one physical thing he does do, when he goes after the guy who went after Karen — you know, most audiences, they actually like him for that.”

In the same interview, he marveled at how “Goodfellas” had a “life of its own” and has only grown over time.

“People watch it over and over, and still respond to it, and different ages come up, even today, teenagers come up to me and they really emotionally connect to it,” he said.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) —Ray Liotta, the actor best known for playing mobster Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” and baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams,” has died. He was 67.An official at the Dominican Republic’s National Forensic Science Institute who was not authorized to speak to the media confirmed the death of Ray Liotta and said his body was taken to the Cristo Redentor morgue. The Hollywood Reporter and NBC News cited representatives for Liotta who said he died in his sleep Wednesday night. He was in the Dominican Republic to film a new movie.Lorraine Bracco, who played Karen Hill in “Goodfellas” tweeted Thursday that she was, “Utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray. I can be anywhere in the world &amp; people will come up &amp; tell me their favorite movie is Goodfellas. Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.”Alessandro Nivola, who recently appeared with Liotta in “The Sopranos” prequel film “The Many Saints of Newark” wrote, “I feel so lucky to have squared off against this legend in one of his final roles. The scenes we did together were among the all time highlights of my acting career. He was dangerous, unpredictable, hilarious, and generous with his praise for other actors. Too soon.”The Newark, New Jersey, native was born in 1954 and adopted at age six months out of an orphanage by a township clerk and an auto parts owner. Though he mostly grew up playing sports, including baseball, during his senior year of high school, the drama teacher at the school asked him if he wanted to be in a play, which he agreed to on a lark. And it stuck: He’d go on to study acting at the University of Miami. After graduation, he got his first big break on the soap opera “Another World.”Liotta’s first big film role was in Jonathan Demme’s “Something Wild” as Melanie Griffith’s character’s hotheaded ex-convict husband Ray. The turn earned him a Golden Globe nomination. A few years later, he would get the memorable role of the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams.”His most iconic role, as real life mobster Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” came shortly after. He, and Scorsese, had to fight for it though, with multiple auditions and pleas to the studio to cast the still relative unknown.“The thing about that movie, you know, Henry Hill isn’t that edgy of a character,” Liotta said in an interview in 2012. “It’s really the other guys who are doing all the actual killings. The one physical thing he does do, when he goes after the guy who went after Karen — you know, most audiences, they actually like him for that.”In the same interview, he marveled at how “Goodfellas” had a “life of its own” and has only grown over time.“People watch it over and over, and still respond to it, and different ages come up, even today, teenagers come up to me and they really emotionally connect to it,” he said.

Ray Liotta, 'Goodfellas' and 'Field of Dreams' star, dies

WASHINGTON (AP) — Twitter will pay a $150 million penalty and put in new safeguards to settle federal regulators’ allegations that the social platform failed to protect the privacy of users’ data over a six-year span.

The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission announced the settlement with Twitter on Wednesday. The regulators allege Twitter violated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-federal-trade-commission-fd528c1bb9264ebb950d2e14928f251f">a 2011 FTC order</a>&nbsp;by deceiving users about how well it maintained and protected the privacy and security of their nonpublic contact information.

From May 2013 to September 2019, Twitter told users that it was collecting their phone numbers and email addresses for purposes of account security. But it failed to disclose that it also would use the information to enable companies to send targeted online ads to users on the platform, the government alleged.

The regulators also alleged, in a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday, that Twitter falsely claimed that it complied with U.S. privacy agreements with the European Union and Switzerland, which prohibit companies from processing user information in ways that are at odds with purposes authorized by users.

“Twitter obtained data from users on the pretext of harnessing it for security purposes but then ended up also using the data to target users with ads,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement. “This practice affected more than 140 million Twitter users, while boosting Twitter’s primary source of revenue.”

The San Francisco-based company has more than 229 million users around the world.

The $150 million penalty and the required new compliance measures under the settlement must be approved by a federal court in California.

The FTC’s 2011 order had alleged serious lapses in Twitter’s data security that allowed hackers to gain unauthorized administrative control of Twitter, including access to nonpublic user information.

“Keeping data secure and respecting privacy is something we take extremely seriously, and we have cooperated with the FTC every step of the way,” Twitter’s chief privacy officer, Damien Kieran, said in a blog post Wednesday. He said the company has taken steps in accord with the FTC on updating operations and making other improvements “to ensure that people’s personal data remains secure and their privacy protected.”

Twitter announced in November the formation of a new data governance committee within the company.

Word of the settlement came on the day of Twitter’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-inc-technology-7b9c0d3b83179d7ee2560e9b98ad8ea9">annual shareholders meeting</a>. The drama of Tesla billionaire Elon Musk’s proposed $44 billion purchase of Twitter has swirled around the company for weeks. Musk, who is one of Twitter’s largest shareholders, on Wednesday revised the financing plan for his proposed takeover, raising investor hopes that he still intends to pull off the deal.

Twitter yields unrivaled influence on news, politics, and society thanks to its public nature, simple interface and of-the-moment immediacy. Some experts fear that Musk would relax content-moderation rules that offer some protection against white supremacy, hate speech and threats of violence. The platform famously banned former President Donald Trump following the assault on the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Twitter will pay a $150 million penalty and put in new safeguards to settle federal regulators’ allegations that the social platform failed to protect the privacy of users’ data over a six-year span.The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission announced the settlement with Twitter on Wednesday. The regulators allege Twitter violated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-federal-trade-commission-fd528c1bb9264ebb950d2e14928f251f">a 2011 FTC order</a>&nbsp;by deceiving users about how well it maintained and protected the privacy and security of their nonpublic contact information.From May 2013 to September 2019, Twitter told users that it was collecting their phone numbers and email addresses for purposes of account security. But it failed to disclose that it also would use the information to enable companies to send targeted online ads to users on the platform, the government alleged.The regulators also alleged, in a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday, that Twitter falsely claimed that it complied with U.S. privacy agreements with the European Union and Switzerland, which prohibit companies from processing user information in ways that are at odds with purposes authorized by users.“Twitter obtained data from users on the pretext of harnessing it for security purposes but then ended up also using the data to target users with ads,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement. “This practice affected more than 140 million Twitter users, while boosting Twitter’s primary source of revenue.”The San Francisco-based company has more than 229 million users around the world.The $150 million penalty and the required new compliance measures under the settlement must be approved by a federal court in California.The FTC’s 2011 order had alleged serious lapses in Twitter’s data security that allowed hackers to gain unauthorized administrative control of Twitter, including access to nonpublic user information.“Keeping data secure and respecting privacy is something we take extremely seriously, and we have cooperated with the FTC every step of the way,” Twitter’s chief privacy officer, Damien Kieran, said in a blog post Wednesday. He said the company has taken steps in accord with the FTC on updating operations and making other improvements “to ensure that people’s personal data remains secure and their privacy protected.”Twitter announced in November the formation of a new data governance committee within the company.Word of the settlement came on the day of Twitter’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-inc-technology-7b9c0d3b83179d7ee2560e9b98ad8ea9">annual shareholders meeting</a>. The drama of Tesla billionaire Elon Musk’s proposed $44 billion purchase of Twitter has swirled around the company for weeks. Musk, who is one of Twitter’s largest shareholders, on Wednesday revised the financing plan for his proposed takeover, raising investor hopes that he still intends to pull off the deal.Twitter yields unrivaled influence on news, politics, and society thanks to its public nature, simple interface and of-the-moment immediacy. Some experts fear that Musk would relax content-moderation rules that offer some protection against white supremacy, hate speech and threats of violence. The platform famously banned former President Donald Trump following the assault on the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.

Twitter to pay $150M penalty over use of your personal information

LINCOLN, Neb.-Police in Lincoln say a 15-year-old has been arrested after another teen was shot.

Police said on Wednesday at around 7:30 p.m., a 17-year-old male arrived at a Lincoln hospital with a grazing gunshot wound to his left side.&nbsp;

Further investigation revealed the teen and some friends had met up with a group of individuals at Seacrest Field, 7300 A St., flowing a feud on social media between the groups.

At some point, police said a male wearing a black ski mask exited a vehicle, produced a handgun, and began firing at another vehicle, striking the victim.

Police said a 15-year-old male was determined to be the perpetrator and he was taken into custody without incident on suspicion of 2nd-degree assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm into a vehicle, all felonies.

He is currently being held at the Lancaster County Youth Services Center.

The victim's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648608202824.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostLINCOLN, Neb.-Police in Lincoln say a 15-year-old has been arrested after another teen was shot.Police said on Wednesday at around 7:30 p.m., a 17-year-old male arrived at a Lincoln hospital with a grazing gunshot wound to his left side.&nbsp;Further investigation revealed the teen and some friends had met up with a group of individuals at Seacrest Field, 7300 A St., flowing a feud on social media between the groups.At some point, police said a male wearing a black ski mask exited a vehicle, produced a handgun, and began firing at another vehicle, striking the victim.Police said a 15-year-old male was determined to be the perpetrator and he was taken into custody without incident on suspicion of 2nd-degree assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm into a vehicle, all felonies.He is currently being held at the Lancaster County Youth Services Center.The victim's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

15-year-old arrested in shooting at Lincoln's Seacrest Field

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed an <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/25/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-sign-historic-executive-order-to-advance-effective-accountable-policing-and-strengthen-public-safety/?fbclid=IwAR1DtlNkKGamb2bBlscgFLRzJQKhhbQKvT8xW1gJ9dVyGLrusw7xQn5lp0w">executive order</a> Wednesday to improve accountability in policing —a meaningful but limited action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">second anniversary of George Floyd’s death</a>&nbsp;that reflected the challenges in addressing racism, excessive use of force and public safety when Congress is deadlocked on stronger measures.

During the ceremony, the President made comments on the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a day after the&nbsp;mass shooting at a Texas elementary school&nbsp;that killed 19 children and two teachers.&nbsp;

(Click below to watch the President's comments)

In addition, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made remarks that tried to comfort those affected by the shooting as well those who have suffered from police brutality, promising them that change could come eventually despite the partisan divides on Capitol Hill.

“I know progress can be slow and frustrating,” Biden said. “Today we’re acting. We’re showing that speaking out matters. Being engaged matters. That the work of our time, healing the soul of this nation, is ongoing and unfinished and requires all of us never to give up.”

Floyd’s family was in the audience at the White House as the president declared that “what we do in their memory matters.” With lawmakers unable to reach agreement on how to reform police policies or on efforts to reduce mass shootings, the president has limited avenues for advancing his campaign promises. And as he tries to build consensus, Biden is also attempting to strike a balance between police and civil rights groups at a time when rising concerns about crime are eclipsing calls for reform.

Most of Biden’s order is focused on federal law enforcement agencies — for example, requiring them to review and revise policies on use of force. It will also create a database to help track officer misconduct, according to the White House.

Although the administration cannot require local police departments to participate in the database, which is intended to prevent problem officers from hopping from job to job, officials are looking for ways to use federal funding to encourage their cooperation.

In addition, the order is designed to restrict the flow of surplus military equipment to local police.

Many organizations and lawmakers said the order was an important but incomplete step forward.

“While this action does not have the long-term impact that we had hoped for,” Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump said in a statement, “it does represent incremental progress, and we need to commit ourselves to making progress every day.”

The International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police both engaged with the Biden administration on the order. They said that they “see many components of the order as a blueprint for future congressional action.”

“President Biden’s executive order is a poor excuse for the transformation of public safety that he promised the Black voters who put him in office,” the Movement for Black Lives, a civil rights group, said in a statement.

Floyd’s killing by Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests two years ago. It was the largest series of demonstrations in American history, occurring in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">midst of coronavirus lockdowns</a>&nbsp;and President Donald Trump’s divisive reelection campaign.

However, transforming the initial outcry into political change has proven difficult.

When four officers were convicted last year for killing Floyd, Biden urged Congress to pass legislation to reform police by the anniversary of his death.

The guilty verdict was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-harris-floyd-chauvin-systemic-racism-32a9117ee3d36e051e424ef4b4888bee">“not enough,”</a>&nbsp;he said, and “we can’t stop here.”

However,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-bills-police-af435d319d8083aa50c5d4aff50f8067">no legislation was passed</a>, and bipartisan talks dragged on, and later broke down.

The White House eventually decided to move forward with executive actions rather than wait for Congress.

Sen. Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat who helped lead the talks, said the order will enhance transparency, accountability and policing standards. But he noted that additional efforts will be needed for the police to improve relationships with the people they are to protect and serve.

“Across the United States, there is a deficit of trust between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect – particularly Black and Brown communities,” Booker said.

In September, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-george-floyd-united-states-breonna-taylor-0f4fe5a44589b09d9616af3dabcd418c">Justice Department curtailed federal agents’ use of no-knock warrants</a>&nbsp;— which allow law enforcement agents to enter a home without announcing their presence — and updated its policy to prohibit agents from using chokeholds in most circumstances.

But extending such rules to local police is more challenging, and White House officials have spent months in negotiations with civil rights groups and police organizations.

The resulting set of policies is less extensive than originally sought, not to mention delayed by a year.

“We know full well that an executive order cannot address America’s policing crisis the same way Congress has the ability to, but we’ve got to do everything we can,” said a statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson.

The order goes beyond issues involving misconduct and use of force. It also assesses the impact of facial recognition software on civil liberties, looks for ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in federal correctional facilities and suggests better ways to collect data on police practices.

Biden is only the latest president to sign an executive order on police reform. His predecessor, Trump, signed a similar order less than a month after Floyd’s death in 2020 aimed at curbing police brutality. It provided federal dollars to departments that met certain credentialing standards on the use of force. One of the elements of the order called for the establishment of a database tracking terminations, criminal convictions and civil judgments against law enforcement officers for excessive use of force.

Former President Barack Obama also tried to push for police reform through a task force he formed in 2014. One of that task force’s recommendations was an expansion of an already existing database of officers who had been decertified.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed an <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/25/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-sign-historic-executive-order-to-advance-effective-accountable-policing-and-strengthen-public-safety/?fbclid=IwAR1DtlNkKGamb2bBlscgFLRzJQKhhbQKvT8xW1gJ9dVyGLrusw7xQn5lp0w">executive order</a> Wednesday to improve accountability in policing —a meaningful but limited action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">second anniversary of George Floyd’s death</a>&nbsp;that reflected the challenges in addressing racism, excessive use of force and public safety when Congress is deadlocked on stronger measures.During the ceremony, the President made comments on the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a day after the&nbsp;mass shooting at a Texas elementary school&nbsp;that killed 19 children and two teachers.&nbsp;(Click below to watch the President's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F967976427229599%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=673" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>In addition, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made remarks that tried to comfort those affected by the shooting as well those who have suffered from police brutality, promising them that change could come eventually despite the partisan divides on Capitol Hill.“I know progress can be slow and frustrating,” Biden said. “Today we’re acting. We’re showing that speaking out matters. Being engaged matters. That the work of our time, healing the soul of this nation, is ongoing and unfinished and requires all of us never to give up.”Floyd’s family was in the audience at the White House as the president declared that “what we do in their memory matters.” With lawmakers unable to reach agreement on how to reform police policies or on efforts to reduce mass shootings, the president has limited avenues for advancing his campaign promises. And as he tries to build consensus, Biden is also attempting to strike a balance between police and civil rights groups at a time when rising concerns about crime are eclipsing calls for reform.Most of Biden’s order is focused on federal law enforcement agencies — for example, requiring them to review and revise policies on use of force. It will also create a database to help track officer misconduct, according to the White House.Although the administration cannot require local police departments to participate in the database, which is intended to prevent problem officers from hopping from job to job, officials are looking for ways to use federal funding to encourage their cooperation.In addition, the order is designed to restrict the flow of surplus military equipment to local police.Many organizations and lawmakers said the order was an important but incomplete step forward.“While this action does not have the long-term impact that we had hoped for,” Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump said in a statement, “it does represent incremental progress, and we need to commit ourselves to making progress every day.”The International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police both engaged with the Biden administration on the order. They said that they “see many components of the order as a blueprint for future congressional action.”Yet not everyone was satisfied.“President Biden’s executive order is a poor excuse for the transformation of public safety that he promised the Black voters who put him in office,” the Movement for Black Lives, a civil rights group, said in a statement.Floyd’s killing by Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests two years ago. It was the largest series of demonstrations in American history, occurring in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">midst of coronavirus lockdowns</a>&nbsp;and President Donald Trump’s divisive reelection campaign.However, transforming the initial outcry into political change has proven difficult.When four officers were convicted last year for killing Floyd, Biden urged Congress to pass legislation to reform police by the anniversary of his death.The guilty verdict was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-harris-floyd-chauvin-systemic-racism-32a9117ee3d36e051e424ef4b4888bee">“not enough,”</a>&nbsp;he said, and “we can’t stop here.”However,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-floyd-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-bills-police-af435d319d8083aa50c5d4aff50f8067">no legislation was passed</a>, and bipartisan talks dragged on, and later broke down.The White House eventually decided to move forward with executive actions rather than wait for Congress.Sen. Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat who helped lead the talks, said the order will enhance transparency, accountability and policing standards. But he noted that additional efforts will be needed for the police to improve relationships with the people they are to protect and serve.“Across the United States, there is a deficit of trust between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect – particularly Black and Brown communities,” Booker said.In September, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-george-floyd-united-states-breonna-taylor-0f4fe5a44589b09d9616af3dabcd418c">Justice Department curtailed federal agents’ use of no-knock warrants</a>&nbsp;— which allow law enforcement agents to enter a home without announcing their presence — and updated its policy to prohibit agents from using chokeholds in most circumstances.But extending such rules to local police is more challenging, and White House officials have spent months in negotiations with civil rights groups and police organizations.The resulting set of policies is less extensive than originally sought, not to mention delayed by a year.“We know full well that an executive order cannot address America’s policing crisis the same way Congress has the ability to, but we’ve got to do everything we can,” said a statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson.The order goes beyond issues involving misconduct and use of force. It also assesses the impact of facial recognition software on civil liberties, looks for ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in federal correctional facilities and suggests better ways to collect data on police practices.Biden is only the latest president to sign an executive order on police reform. His predecessor, Trump, signed a similar order less than a month after Floyd’s death in 2020 aimed at curbing police brutality. It provided federal dollars to departments that met certain credentialing standards on the use of force. One of the elements of the order called for the establishment of a database tracking terminations, criminal convictions and civil judgments against law enforcement officers for excessive use of force.Former President Barack Obama also tried to push for police reform through a task force he formed in 2014. One of that task force’s recommendations was an expansion of an already existing database of officers who had been decertified.___

🎥 President Biden: 2nd Amendment on guns 'not absolute'

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a gunfight and have two suspects in custody.&nbsp;

Just after 2 a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of SE Indiana in Topeka on a report of a two vehicle accident that involved shots being fired, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a gunfight and have two suspects in custody.&nbsp;Just after 2 a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of SE Indiana in Topeka on a report of a two vehicle accident that involved shots being fired, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz.Upon arrival, officers located both vehicles involved in the accident and both vehicles had been abandoned. Officers spoke with several witnesses who provided very detailed description of two individuals. Officers were able to locate both of the individuals near the accident scene.As a result of the investigation, two juveniles were taken into custody and transported to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated Assault, Possession of Stolen Property and Discharge of a Firearm within the city limits. Police reported two injuries.