CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. average price of regular gasoline dropped 9 cents over the past two weeks to $2.35 a gallon.

Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg said Sunday that prices have plummeted from five weeks ago as U.S. retailers and refiners slashed their profit margins even as crude oil prices rose.

She says she expects prices could drop another few cents due to ample gasoline supplies and strong consumer demand.

The national average price of diesel fell 5 cents in the past two weeks to $2.58 a gallon.

In the lower 48 states, the lowest average price of regular gasoline was $1.92 per gallon in Baton Rouge, while the highest was $3.06 per gallon in Los Angeles.

In Nebraska, the average price of a gallon of regular is $2.34, according to GasBuddy.com.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — Three Nebraska school districts will be testing out a new student data system that should make it easier to share information internally.

The North Platte, Hershey and Stapleton districts will be trying out the system for the Nebraska Department of Education.

The new Adviser software is based on online. School personnel will enter data in the system that can then be reviewed by administrators.

North Platte associate superintendent Tami Eshleman says the system is also supposed to speed up the process of sending performance reports and demographic information to the state.

HAYES CENTER, Neb. (AP) — Hayes County in southwest Nebraska has received the state’s “Livestock Friendly” designation for its support of the industry.

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced that Hayes County has become the 35th statewide to participate in the program administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

The program gives counties an extra promotional tool to encourage the expansion of current livestock operations and attract new businesses.

Counties that wish to receive the designation must hold a public hearing, and the county board must pass a resolution to apply. A completed application must be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A new coalition of Nebraska lawmakers is considering options for expanding Medicaid that could gain majority support in the Legislature, which has rejected similar measures three times in as many years.

Supporters of the effort quietly convened last week for a “listening session” to hear concerns and questions about Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act from fellow lawmakers. They also are reaching out to chambers of commerce and hospital groups for evidence of the potential business impact on Nebraska. A second listening session is scheduled for October.

Sen. John McCollister of Omaha says he is looking at expansion combined with other reforms that could lower costs, such as incentives for healthier lifestyles. Nebraska is among 19 states that hasn’t expanded Medicaid.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The number of teen suicides in Nebraska doubled to 14 last year, so counselors want to redouble their prevention efforts.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youths ages 15-24, and the third leading cause for those 10-14 years old.

Experts say suicide is a complex issue, but it is preventable.

Don Belau co-chairs the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition. He says young people have different risk factors because they are susceptible to bullying.

Belau says social media sites that teens frequent can reinforce suicidal thinking and feelings of isolation.

HOLDREGE, Neb. (AP) — Holdrege voters will be asked to decide the fate of a half-cent city sales tax via mail-in ballot in late October.

Residents learned of the upcoming renewal vote at a Friday morning coffee event at the Phelps County Development Corp. office.

The local-option sales tax has been in place since 2003 and has generated money for economic development, including construction of a local YMCA. The current tax expires in 2017, and development corporation volunteers and others are hoping voters will renew the tax to continue economic development projects for another 15 years.

Supporters say renewal of the city sales tax would generate about $8.1 million between 2017 and 2032.