OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska’s medical school is seeking 25 people for a study of a medication derived from marijuana.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha says the study will investigate the use of cannabidiol in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who also will take anti-epileptic drugs.

Cannabidiol is extracted from the marijuana plant — Cannabis sativa — and is distinct from the component that makes people high. The study medication is called Epidiolex. It’s described as a plant-based pharmaceutical formulation of pure cannabidiol and contains only trace amounts of the psychoactive component.

The study is authorized under a legislative bill approved in 2015.

The Nebraska State Patrol conducted surprise commercial vehicle inspections today, Wednesday, June 29, in North Platte. The surprise inspections target commercial vehicles that might not travel outside the city or pass through weigh stations as part of their regular routes.

During the special enforcement effort, the Metropolitan Aggressive and Prevention Selective (MAPS) Teams conducted 60 inspections, discovered 125 violations, and took 16 vehicles out of service (not allowed to continue on the road). Vehicles are placed out of service for a variety of reasons relating to bad brakes or tires, or other problems that pose immediate safety risks. In addition, four drivers were taken out of service (not allowed to continue driving) for No Commercial Driver’s License CDL (2), and Log Book Violation (2). Officers issued a total of $2,050 in fines.

“The MAPS Team ensures truck operators who rarely leave the city limits are maintaining their vehicles and abiding by safety regulations,” said Colonel Bradley Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “While most truck owners and operators share our concern for safety, we know some think they can ignore safety standards as long as they avoid the weigh stations. The MAPS Team extends our reach into cities and towns across the state.”

This was the sixth MAPS Team event of 2016. Inspections have also been conducted in Lincoln, Sarpy County, Omaha, Grand Island and Kearney this year. Surprise inspections are planned from spring through fall in cities and towns across Nebraska.

The MAPS Team is funded largely by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Troopers check for compliance with federal safety regulations and enforce laws pertaining to weight, size, registration, dyed fuels, and permits associated with commercial vehicles. The MAPS Team was implemented in 1998 and consists of troopers from the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division. On average, 20-24 troopers work each MAPS event.

One of the constants in society is that some people find joy in the senseless act of destroying other people’s property.

The North Platte Police Department says they have investigated numerous cases of vandalism in recent days, and they want the public’s help in identifying the suspect or suspects.

According to Investigator John Deal, NPPD received eight complaints of vehicle windows being shot out, two reports of windows being shot out of businesses and residences and three reports of mailboxes being damaged.

Deal said they believe the cases involving windows being shot out occurred during the early morning hours of June 27.  He said the crimes were committed all over town, which leads investigators to believe that the suspects are traveling in a vehicle.

He said, in each case, the victims woke up to discover the damage and did not see or hear anything. Investigators believe that all of these cases are related, but they have not developed any suspects.

In another case, Deal said the department investigated three reports of mailboxes being damaged with a baseball bat or similar object in the South Willow Street, Walker and State Farm Road area.  These crimes occurred in the early morning hours of June 28.

Again, Deal says no suspects have been developed and it’s unclear if the mailbox cases are related to the BB gun cases.

Deal is asking citizens to report any suspicious vehicles or persons, regardless of what time it is.

Anyone with information can report it to police anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-933-TIPS.

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — Prosecutors are asking the Nebraska Supreme Court to overrule the Nebraska Appeals Court, which had overturned a Scottsbluff man’s conviction on child abuse.

Cody Olbricht was convicted last year of child abuse resulting in serious injury, accused of beating his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter. He was sentenced to 18 to 30 years in prison. In February the Appeals Court ruled that evidence didn’t show the girl’s injuries occurred when Olbricht was the only adult in her presence.

Prosecutors say in their appeal that the evidence was sufficient for the conviction and that the Appeals Court was overreaching in requiring that prosecutors show the girl was solely in Olbricht’s care when the injuries occurred.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Aug. 30.