MIAMI (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is giving final approval for a field trial releasing genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys.

The FDA said Friday in a statement that after considering thousands of public comments, its Center for Veterinary Medicine concluded the proposal from biotech firm Oxitec would not significantly affect the environment.

No mosquitoes will be released immediately. Keys officials will hold a nonbinding vote on the proposal for residents in November.

Oxitec releases nonbiting male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes modified with synthetic DNA to produce offspring that die outside a lab. The method aims to reduce mosquito populations that spread Zika and other viruses.

Brazil and the Cayman Islands are releasing Oxitec’s insects. The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District wants to test them on an island north of Key West.

News Director Scott Carlson sits down with Dalene from the NP Area Habitat for Humanity and Teri from First National Bank to discuss the “A Brush with Kindness” program to help with the beautification of NP area homes. Have a listen to learn all about it, and visit www.npahfh.org for more information.

https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/whats-your-issue-habitat-for-humanity-brush-with-kindness-august-2016

A 36-year-old North Platte man has been jailed after he allegedly sexually assaulted a child as they slept.

According to Investigator John Deal, on August 4 at around 6:41 p.m.,  officers met with a juvenile and their mother at the police department regarding an alleged sexual assault.  Deal said the alleged assault occurred at a residence in the 700 block of South Sycamore Street.

The juvenile told officers that they had been sleeping in their bedroom early on the morning of August 2, when they awoke to find Dennis Nash, their mother’s live-in boyfriend, performing oral sex on them.

Officers searched the residence where the alleged offense occurred and, according to Deal, found evidence that corroborated the victim’s account.

Officers made contact with Nash and conducted an interview.  It was determined that there was probable cause to arrest Nash and charge him with 1st-degree sexual assault.

Police did not reveal the age or sex of the alleged victim but stated that they were under 16.

Nash was jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.  He’s being held without bond.

ASHLAND, Neb. (AP) — State officials say they’re looking to improve and expand the Nebraska Advantage Act, which gives qualified businesses state incentives.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday that Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Courtney Dentlinger and other state officials are meeting with Chambers of Commerce and businesses across the state to brainstorm different ideas to keep businesses in the state and attract additional ones.

The incentives are based on the dollar amount of investment in Nebraska and number of jobs created, starting at $1 million in new investment and 10 new jobs.

Businesses are offered a wage credit and partial refund of sales taxes paid on qualified capital purchases. They can also be granted personal property exemptions for things such as ag-processing machinery and planes.