GRANT SCHULTE
Associated Press

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska’s conservative lawmakers are again expected to reject a measure calling for highly regulated medical marijuana, but that likely won’t be the end of the issue.

In fact, such a vote could have the unintended consequence of encouraging a voter-approved ballot measure that would establish one of the most unrestricted medical marijuana laws in the country. If so, Nebraska will join other conservative states with unusually easy marijuana access, all because red-state lawmakers refuse to touch the issue.

Legislators could approve a bill that requires people to get a state-issued registry card, limits the potency of marijuana, allows its use only for certain medical conditions and limits the amount of the drug people can possess.

However, the bill’s sponsor says passage is unlikely, so advocates will turn to voters.

A 21-year-old North Platte man is in jail on multiple charges after he allegedly pushed a woman out of a moving vehicle, then threw an object at her face.

On April 13, at around 3:29 p.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of East Philip Avenue on the report of an assault that had taken place the night before.

An officer met with a female victim who reported that she had been in a vehicle with Adam Sanchez at around 3:00 a.m. on April 12, when they got into a verbal argument. The woman alleged that, during the argument, Sanchez threw her purse and phone out the window, then pushed her out of the vehicle while it was still moving in the 600 block of North Poplar. Officer Beth Kerr says the victim suffered minor injuries.

The victim then told officers that, a short time later, Sanchez returned and they went to a residence in the 1300 block of North Bailey Avenue.

While they were at the residence, Sanchez allegedly threw an object at the victim’s face, causing further injury.

At this time, the woman stated that she attempted to leave the residence, but Sanchez refused to let her leave and reportedly took away all forms of communication from the victim.

The next morning, police say Sanchez left and the victim was able to leave the residence.

On April 13, Officer Kerr says Sanchez followed the victim to the police station, where he was contacted by officers and placed under arrest.

He was jailed and the Lincoln County Detention Center and is charged with 2nd-degree domestic assault (Class IIIA Felony), 3rd-degree domestic assault (Class I Misdemeanor), and 2nd-degree false imprisonment (Class I Misdemeanor).

 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska motorists could show off their military affiliation or support for U.S. troops on their license plates by 2021 under a bill advanced by lawmakers.

Lawmakers gave the measure first-round approval Monday on a 37-0 vote.

The bill by Sen. Carol Blood, of Bellevue, would require the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles to design plates honoring people who served in the armed forces or as a reservist. It also would create plates honoring those who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, the Gulf War or the global war on terrorism.

The measure creates a special fund to help recruit veterans to Nebraska.

Two additional votes are required by the legislation goes to the governor.

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier today in Rushville.

At approximately 10:20 a.m., Sheridan County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of an assault at 303 Chamberlain in Rushville. Upon arriving at the house, deputies found a victim with a broken arm.

Shortly thereafter, the suspect, Clarence Leading Fighter, 32, was located at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 606 Church Street in Rushville. At approximately 11:07 a.m. an incident occurred in which the suspect was shot by a Sheridan County Sheriff’s Deputy. The suspect has since passed away as a result of the injuries.

The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office has requested that NSP investigate the shooting. Initial investigation indicates the deputy used deadly force to protect himself and the parishioners from potentially serious harm. Nebraska State Law requires a grand jury to convene as well.