Sens. Ricketts and Fisher, as well as Congressmen Flood and Smith, have all been silent as Donald Trump destroys everything that once made America safe, respected and economically strong. America's place in the world is becoming increasingly isolated as the bully-in-chief throws accusations at those who have been allies for a very long time, and has even threatened genocide in Iran.

Despite over 50 years of data linking tobacco use to multiple cancers, including lung cancer, tobacco remains a leading cause of cancer and cancer death. In Nebraska 28.4% of cancer deaths are attributable to smoking. Yet the 2026 Nebraska Legislature passed a budget that fails to invest in the protection of the health of all Nebraskans from the harmful interests of Big Tobacco.

Mike Flood wants to “give the president a long runway.” To where? This war of choice has clearly been a strategic failure that will haunt us far into the future. Iran is stronger, we are weaker, and our allies have been turned away. Mission accomplished? The silly notion that we don’t need the Strait of Hormuz, which we caused to close, ignores the spiking price of fertilizer and diesel fuel at the start of the planting season for farmers. These same farmers have markets that are crushed by Trump’s tariffs. They don’t have a long runway. Food prices are sure to rise more, and the supply chain for everything we need is disrupted again. War and rising prices were not our president's campaign promise on Day 1. We do have a coequal branch of government called the House of Representatives. They control spending, declare war and exercise oversight of the president. That is part of their oath. Currently we are accumulating a national debt that is spiraling wildly and conducting an expensive war while millions of Americans have lost their health care. And Congress does nothing. Can any of us tell our boss we would like to have our six-digit salary deposited regularly, but we plan to do nothing, and if a crisis arises we will go home? How would that end? The best Mike Flood tells us is, “I do not support genocide.” What amazing courage. During this chaos, Trump is planning to manipulate the state-run election process in our country as fear and anger grow. Republicans control every branch of the federal government, they own the results, but others own the suffering. We need new people for new results. If this oppressive corruption continues, we will be fortunate just to make it to the midterms.

North Platte School Board Ward 3 candidates traded subtle jabs during an hourlong debate Thursday at North Platte Community College’s McDonald-Belton Theater.

Scottsbluff Public Schools is planning a $1.14M budget reduction for 2026-27. Officials say enrollment shifts and a school closure are key factors.