Rural economic index falls again in March

The latest Rural Mainstreet Index shows continued economic weakness across agriculture-dependent communities. According to Creighton University’s monthly survey of rural bank CEOs, the overall index for a 10-state region dropped to 40.9 in March, down from 47.9
Hampton City Council to hold goal-setting session

The Hampton City Council will hold a goal-setting session on Thursday, March 19. Council members will begin with an overview of the goal-setting process before reviewing city accomplishments from the past two years and discussing current issues,
Trump Administration temporarily lifts shipping rules to tackle rising fuel costs

The Trump Administration has approved a 60-day suspension of the Jones Act, aiming to ease pressure on fuel prices and stabilize supply chains disrupted by escalating tensions involving Iran. The century-old law typically requires that goods transported
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard faces questioning on Capitol Hill

Senior U.S. intelligence officials faced sharp questioning on Capitol Hill during a high-stakes Senate hearing on global threats, with lawmakers zeroing in on the ongoing conflict with Iran, domestic security concerns, and the integrity of upcoming U.S.
Ellsworth Hoops topples DMACC in NJCAA Tournament Elite Eight

The Ellsworth Community College men’s basketball team defeated DMACC 86-69 Wednesday in the Elite Eight round of the NJCAA Division II Tournament in Danville, Illinois. The Panthers raced out to a 33-25 halftime advantage and never looked
West Fork girls track prepares for season with strong returning core

Despite recent weather limiting outdoor training, the 2025-26 West Fork girls track and field team is making early-season gains inside the community wellness center. Head Coach Ashley Sears says the focus so far has been on building
Louisville standout Mikel Brown Jr. sidelined for opening game of NCAA tournament due to back injury

Louisville will begin its NCAA Tournament run without one of its most important players, as freshman standout Mikel Brown Jr. has been ruled out for both the first round and a potential second-round matchup due to a
Warhawk Girls Hoops looking to return to prominence through offseason work

The West Fork girls basketball team went 11-12 during the 2025-2026 season, snapping a streak of five straight winning seasons. With a brand new starting five, the Warhawks experienced highs and lows, but struggled most with turnovers,
North Iowa Bulls announce move to Houston

The North Iowa Bulls, members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), announced Wednesday that the organization will relocate to the Houston metropolitan area beginning with the 2026–27 season. The team will compete as the Houston Bulls
WNBA, players close in on landmark labor deal ahead of 30th season

After more than a year of tense negotiations, the WNBA and its players’ union have reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, marking a major step forward for the league just weeks before the