FACT FOCUS: Is inflation a red state vs. blue state issue? It's increasing no matter how you cut it

Inflation is rising again, squeezing budgets and making essentials harder to afford

June 5, 2026Updated: June 5, 2026

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER

Regional

Farm animal welfare rules might be rolled back by Congress

Farm animal welfare rules might be rolled back by Congress

The last country school in Scottsbluff shuts its doors

The last country school in Scottsbluff shuts its doors

Researchers study microfossils at Toadstool Geologic Park

Researchers study microfossils at Toadstool Geologic Park

Impacts of state’s new minimum wage? Sen. Storer voices opinion in weekly column

Initiative 433 mandated an increase in the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with future increases tied to inflation.

State

Grand Island man sentenced to up to 118 years for sexual assault

Cruisin’ Night returns to downtown Sidney Friday with new car show addition

Applications open for new Cheyenne County Economic Development Corporation board

South Sioux City receives $40M federal loan for wastewater expansion

New Fire and Rescue Station opens in Verdigre

Norfolk nonprofit hospital paid a doctor nearly $5 million. Is it a symptom of a flawed system?

Sports

Kearney athletes embrace hometown opportunity during Shrine Bowl week

Shrine Bowl South players reflect on hometown pride ahead of final high school game

North team building chemistry ahead of Saturday's Shrine Bowl

UNK top running back Isaiah Harris granted waiver to play in 2026

More than football: Shrine Bowl week begins in Kearney

Willy Adames hits grand slam and Giants get 25 hits in 19-6 win over Rockies at Coors Field

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Low water affecting Nebraska boaters this summer

Ag notes: Cattle placements rise 6% during April

NGPC still offers grazing, haying opportunities

Outdoor notes: Campers invited to take state park survey

Feed supplies tighten for Nebraska producers as drought persists

Outdoor notes: Invasive Species Awareness Week is May 24-30