U.S. regulators have approved a new drug as an initial treatment for postmenopausal women with a type of advanced breast cancer.

The drug, called Kisqali, is a pill that works to slow the spread of cancer by blocking two proteins that can stimulate growth and division of cancer cells.

It’s for women who have what’s known as HR+/HER2- breast cancer.

Developed by Swiss drugmaker Novartis, Kisqali is taken along with an older cancer drug called letrozole.

A study funded by Novartis of 668 women found that the two drugs together reduced the risk of death or the cancer worsening by 44 percent, compared to those receiving only letrozole.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts is recognizing the American Red Cross for 100 years of service in Nebraska, including its preparedness efforts and response to recent natural disasters.

Ricketts on Monday proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month during a news conference with organization officials and first lady Susanne Shore.

The American Red Cross is hosting events across the state this year to celebrate its 100-year anniversary. It’s also part of the Nebraska Impact Initiative, an effort to promote volunteerism during Nebraska’s 150th year as a state.

Ricketts says the group plays a pivotal role during disasters such as the tornado that devastated the town of Pilger in 2014.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state senators are once again in a standoff over a bill that would repeal a law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets.

Supporters of the bill sponsored by Sen. John Lowe of Kearney said Monday that motorcyclists should have the freedom to ride without helmets. They contend Nebraska’s helmet law costs the state tourism dollars because motorcyclists avoid it.

Sen. Robert Hilkemann, a retired Omaha podiatrist leading a filibuster against the bill, says helmets help protect motorcyclists from death or serious brain injuries. He and other conservatives who oppose the bill argue motorcycle accidents cost taxpayers who end up paying for disabled riders’ health care.

Nebraska is one of 19 states that require helmets for all riders.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A new report says Nebraska’s preliminary unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in January matched the revised December rate.

The Nebraska Labor Department said in a news release Monday that the state rate was a tenth of a point higher than the January 2016 rate of 3.2 percent. The preliminary state rate for December 2016 was 3.4 percent, which matched the revised November figure.

The state’s newest figure remained well below the preliminary national figure of 4.8 percent for January.

The report says Nebraska nonfarm employment also stayed above 1 million last month. The private industry segment with the most growth over the month was other services, which includes repair and maintenance, personal and laundry services and religious, civic and professional organizations.