Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Nebraska, Utah

Much remains unknown about the omicron variant, including whether it is more contagious, as some health authorities suspect, whether it can thwart vaccines and whether it makes people as sick as the original strain.

Two New York men arrested for attempting to scam elderly Georgia couple

Brandon A. Massey, 23, of Springfield Gardens, New York, was charged with exploitation of an elder person, fleeing/attempting to elude a police officer, obstruction of an officer, and reckless driving and Jamal Clifford Davis, 28, of Queens Village, New York, was charged with exploitation of an elder person.

2 Nebraska kids found dead in home, father arrested in California

5-year-old Emily and 3-year-old Theodore had been staying with their father in Nebraska for a court-ordered visitation with him. But when their mom couldn't get a hold of her children, she repeatedly called police before a family friend found both kids dead in the home. Their father disappeared but was later arrested in California.

Nebraska launches 'beef passport' program for meat eating

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts ramped up his crusade for the meat industry on Wednesday by endorsing a new “beef passport” program to promote meat eating, a few weeks after he blasted Colorado's governor for a resolution encouraging its residents to eat less.