State News
Sunday, May 3, 2026 · York
2026 NFL Draft: Key Player Additions
NFL teams transition to rookie minicamps after the completion of the 2026 NFL Draft. Each franchise focuses on integrating new players into their systems. Key players like Ty Simpson draw early attention.
Beatrice Ethanol Plant Pours $150M Into Expansion
A major upgrade at the Gage County facility will boost production capacity by 30%, positioning Nebraska's biofuel sector for growth amid surging agricultural demand across the state. The investment underscores the ethanol industry's critical role in supporting rural economies and the state's renewable energy infrastructure.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Conagra's $200M Omaha Plant Expansion to Add 150 Jobs
Conagra Brands is pouring $200 million into its Omaha meat processing plant, creating 150 new jobs amid surging demand for packaged meats. The expansion underscores Nebraska's vital role in the nation's food supply chain. Local leaders hail it as a win for workers and the economy.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Lincoln's Haymarket Park Hosts Nebraska HS Track Clash
Top Class A and B high school track athletes from across Nebraska converge on Lincoln's Haymarket Park for the state championships, chasing glory in sprints and distance races. Early favorites are setting the pace amid fierce statewide rivalries. Fans pack the stands as personal bests and team titles hang in the balance.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Omaha's Creighton Secures Elite 2026 Basketball Recruits
Creighton men's basketball has locked in commitments from top regional talents Jaden Koon, Cottrell Harmon and others, fueling excitement in Omaha after a strong postseason. Coach Greg McDermott's recruiting haul promises to keep the Bluejays competitive in the Big East. Nebraska hoops fans are buzzing over the in-state pipeline.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Buettenback Powers Nebraska to Big Ten Series-Clinching Win at Iowa
Max Buettenback's clutch hits propelled the Nebraska Cornhuskers to a 6-4 victory over Iowa in Sunday's series finale at Duane Banks Field, securing the Big Ten series win. The Huskers rallied in the eighth to snap the Hawkeyes' six-game conference streak. Lincoln fans celebrate as NU bolsters its postseason push.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Exceptional Drought Hits Western Nebraska Panhandle
For the first time in over two years, exceptional drought — the worst category — has engulfed parts of Nebraska's Panhandle, threatening crops and groundwater. Cheyenne, Deuel, Garden and Morrill counties face dire conditions after scant winter snow and minimal spring rain. State officials urge immediate water conservation amid predictions of drier weather ahead.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
UNL Launches $5M Mental Health Push for Stressed Students
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is tackling surging student stress with a $5 million initiative to bolster counseling and crisis services on its Lincoln campus. Announced amid national mental health concerns, the program aims to support the Huskers' well-being as campus pressures mount. Nebraska educators hope it sets a model amid federal funding cuts.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Omaha Police Nab Suspect in Old Market Burglary Spree
Omaha authorities arrested a 28-year-old man connected to a string of break-ins that rattled retail stores in the vibrant Old Market district over the past week. The captures bring relief to business owners in this historic Nebraska hotspot, but details on stolen goods and motives remain under wraps. As investigations deepen, locals hope it signals the end of a worrisome trend.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Nebraska opts into federal school choice program after years of political tumult
Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order Monday committing Nebraska to a new federal scholarship tax credit program, marking the state's latest attempt to expand school choice after voters twice rejected state-funded initiatives. The program, set to launch in 2027, allows taxpayers to donate up to $1,700 to scholarship-granting organizations and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit.
Sunday, May 3, 2026