VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEBRASKA SENATORS
2 Nebraska state senators self-isolate after virus exposure
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Two Nebraska state senators who may have been exposed to the coronavirus have isolated themselves from their fellow lawmakers, taking seats in a distant upper balcony so they can still participate in legislative debate. Sens. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln and Julie Slama of Peru separated themselves from the rest of the Legislature Tuesday in an abundance of caution. Both lawmakers took seats in a balcony at the back of the legislative chamber, about 40 feet above the main floor. Neither senator has tested positive for the virus or shown any symptoms. Slama tested negative and may return to the main floor of the Legislature within a day. Senators in the rear balcony have a microphone available and are able to vote and participate in debate.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEBRASKA JAIL
Dozens of inmates at Omaha jail test positive for virus
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials say dozens of inmates at the Douglas County Jail have tested positive for the coronavirus. A news release from the county says 36 of 41 inmates in a single housing unit at the jail recently tested positive for the virus. The Douglas County Department of Corrections tested the inmates after learning last week that a contractor and two trustees at the jail had tested positive. Department director Mike Myers says most of the inmates are not showing symptoms of illness. Word of the jail infections came as Nebraska health officials reported another 281 confirmed cases in the state and one addition COVID-19 death on Monday.
UNL FRAT HOUSE DEATH
Police investigating death of UNL student in frat house
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police are looking into whether an underlying medical condition contributed to the death of a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student found dead in his fraternity house room last week. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 20-year-old Luke Weiland, of Green Oaks, Illinois, was found Friday afternoon in his room at Delta Tau Delta fraternity. UNL Police Capt. John Backer said Monday that a preliminary investigation showed Weiland had asphyxiated on his own vomit. Investigators did not find any signs of alcohol consumption or foul play. Backer says officials are looking into the possibility that Weiland may have had an underlying medical issue.
PEDESTRIAN KILLED
Person standing on Omaha sidewalk killed when autos collide
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A man standing on a south Omaha had died after being hit when two vehicles collided at an intersection. Police say the crash happened Monday afternoon when an eastbound car ran a red light and hit a southbound pickup truck. Police say the force of the crash caused the truck to spin and roll, hitting 44-year-old Edgar Badillo, of Omaha, who was standing on the southeast corner of the intersection. Badillo was declared dead at the scene. Police say none of the vehicles’ occupants were hurt in the crash. Officials say charges are pending against the 24-year-old driver of the car.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-ILLINOIS
Wisconsin among 4 states added to Chicago quarantine order
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago added Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota to the list of states where people who are traveling to the city must quarantine for two weeks. Meanwhile, Illinois learned Tuesday that its own residents must do the same when they travel to New York, New Jersey or Connecticut. Chicago officials issued the quarantine order in early July. Initially, it applied to travelers from 15 states but has been updated weekly based on increasing numbers of confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The latest expansion announced Tuesday brings the total number of affected states to 22. Illinois was one of three states that were added to the joint quarantine list maintained by New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
TRACTOR FATALITY
Authorities say Wahoo man killed when tractor overturned
YUTAN, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in eastern Nebraska say a Wahoo man was killed when the tractor he was driving rolled into a ditch. The Saunders County Sheriff’s Office says deputies and medics were called around 1 p.m. Sunday to the scene along a county road about two miles west of Yutan. Investigators say 66-year-old Jerry Ostransky had been mowing a ditch along the road, pulling a shredder behind the tractor, when he attempted to make a U-turn on the road. Investigators say the maneuver sent the wheels of the shredder went into the opposite ditch, causing the tractor to roll, pinning Ostransky underneath it. Ostransky was pronounced dead at the scene.
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