Still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, court systems in many states are working to clear their case backlogs.

Some court systems have moved cases faster using virtual court proceedings, court data dashboards and online jury selection. In other states, lawmakers are stepping in.

The pandemic worsened problems that already had caused state and local court delays, legal experts say. The hurdles include insufficient funding, judicial vacancies, lawyer shortages and delays processing digital and physical evidence.

LINCOLN — A record-high 19 Nebraskans lost their lives in distracted driving crashes in 2020, and a state legislative committee was urged Tuesday to do something about it.

But judging from the response from members of the Legislature’s Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, one step to do that — making texting while driving a primary offense — faces a tough road ahead, as in past years.

The sound of a helicopter cut through the brisk fall air as police surrounded Annette Harris’ red brick home. Around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, Omaha police arrived looking for a carjacking suspect who had abandoned a vehicle near her house, according to police and tow truck records.

Sen. Terrell McKinney has the right idea with LB919, a bill he introduced recently that would require the state to demolish the Nebraska State Penitentiary once a new prison north of Lincoln opens in 2027.