LINCOLN — One service provider billed the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for 32 hours of work she supposedly performed in a 24-hour day.

In another situation, the agency reportedly authorized a provider of “personal assistance services” to be paid for 118 hours of service in a typical 40-hour work week.

Yet another provider billed DHHS for client care allegedly provided on nine days when Facebook postings showed her to be traveling during that time to Indianapolis, Dallas and Phoenix.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi blocked a bill from passing Wednesday that would have preserved access to in vitro fertilization nationwide, stalling a push by Democrats following a landmark Alabama state Supreme Court decision.

The court ruled earlier this month that frozen embryos counted as children under state law and that parents could collect damages for their destruction, putting IVF programs in the state on hold.

Americans generally believe that voting is an effective way to bring about positive change in the country. But in recent years, there have been contentious debates in a number of states over the rules around voting and elections.