United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that James W. Youngblood, 38, formerly of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 66 months in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for possession of child pornography.  After his release from prison, Youngblood will serve an additional 7 years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.

In March of 2015, investigators with the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office observed an IP address making known child pornography files available for sharing.  Further investigation by law enforcement determined the physical location of the internet service to be at Youngblood’s residence in North Platte.  A search warrant was executed at the residence and an on-scene preview of Youngblood’s computer confirmed the presence of the child pornography.  Youngblood admitted to officers that he had in fact downloaded and viewed child pornography.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The estimated Mega Millions jackpot has risen to $454 million, making it potentially the 7th largest lottery jackpot in the U.S.

The prize increased slightly Tuesday from $449 million previously. The jackpot will be the largest since a $429.6 million Powerball prize won by a New Jersey family May 7. The highest jackpot drawn in the country was a $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot won in January by players in three states.

The odds of picking the correct numbers in the Mega Millions game are one in 259 million. For Powerball, the odds are one in roughly 292 million.

The drawing will take place at 10 p.m. Central time Tuesday.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska government officials are touting their commitment to state employees who serve in military reserve units.

Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a statement of support on Tuesday pledging to provide managers and supervisors with the tools they need to oversee workers who serve in the Nebraska National Guard and Reserve. Ricketts says current serve members and veterans benefit the state because of their leadership skills and work ethic.

Ricketts also approved a proclamation recognizing National Guard Sgt. Calvin Koziol, who finished first in his category in the National Guard’s three-day Best Warrior competition in Massachusetts. Koziol is the first Nebraska National Guard member to win.

NEW YORK (AP) — It turns out the bombs bursting in air over Washington for PBS’ presentation of “A Capitol Fourth” were, at least in part, reruns.

The public broadcasting service said Tuesday that it should have informed viewers that footage from previous years’ fireworks displays were used on its ostensibly live program. On a cloudy, misty night in Washington where it was hard to fully see the display, the Capital Concerts production company cut in with some fireworks from a clear night.

Viewers quickly noticed the difference and took to social media to criticize PBS.

A pair of North Platte cousins are facing charges after they were allegedly involved in a confrontation with a group of teenagers.

At around 1:57 a.m., on July 5, officers responded to the report of a disturbance in the 900 block of East 14th Street.

Officers arrived and learned that a group of teens had been outside a residence when 32-year-old Amanda Hoven drove by in a “reckless manner.”

Witnesses stated that one of the teens yelled at Hoven to slow down as she drove by.

According to Officer Jeremiah Johnson, Hoven parked her vehicle at her residence, just down the street, and got out.

A short time later, Hoven allegedly returned to the scene with 20-year-old Tyler Andracki, who was armed with what was described as a large stick, to confront the teens about yelling at her.

A verbal argument ensued, and police allege that Hoven hit a 16-year-old male across the face, causing visible injury.  At the same time, investigators allege that Andracki began striking a car that was parked in front of the residence with the stick.

The teens attempted to stop Andracki, according to Johnson, but he threatened to strike them with the stick.

After one of the teens was able to get the stick away from Andracki, police say he produced a knife and stood in an “aggressive fighting stance.”  One of the teens then struck him in the head and shoulder with the stick and he was subdued.

Additionally, investigators found a .177 caliber pellet in Andracki’s arm.  Johnson said it is unknown who shot Andracki, or when it happened.

In the end, Andracki was transported to Great Plains Health for medical treatment before being jailed and charged with felony terroristic threats and use of a weapon to commit a felony.  Hoven was also jailed and charged with felony child abuse, disturbing the peace and criminal mischief.

No charges were filed against the teens.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Forecasters are warning about extreme heat and the possibility of severe thunderstorms across much of Nebraska and Iowa on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for southeast Nebraska and western Iowa Tuesday because temperatures are expected to soar into the 90s and combine with humidity.

Then later in the day there is a potential for severe weather to develop across both states.

Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are possible with the storms.