The Trump administration says it is cutting student loan interest. Here are some facts and context

The Department of Education has announced a reduction in interest rates for federal student loans, describing it as part of a plan to make higher education more affordable

June 18, 2026Updated: June 18, 2026
AP nullBy ALIA WONG and COLLIN BINKLEY

Regional

Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack to launch live table games in July

Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack announced that live table games are coming soon. The casino will offer Blackjack and Ultimate Texas Hold’em to start. The games will enhance the existing electronic table games offering and add new excitement to the gaming floor.

Gold Rush Days celebrates history, community

The Sidney Gold Rush celebration wrapped up its 22nd year Sunday afternoon. The event commemorates the area's history from panning for gold to Native American dancers.

Scottsbluff's Seth Dvorak graduates from Nebraska State Patrol academy, earns marksmanship award

Scottsbluff native Seth Dvorak has officially become a Nebraska State Trooper after graduating Thursday from the Nebraska State Patrol's 73rd Basic Recruit Class.

Sidney City Council to discuss fireworks ahead of Fourth of July

The future of fireworks in Sidney will be up for discussion next week as city officials prepare to consider the issue amid ongoing concerns about drought conditions and wildfire danger across western Nebraska.

Man sentenced to life in Winner killing, later commuted by Governor Noem, now charged in 14-year-old’s death

A 51-year-old Sioux Falls man who was sentenced to life in prison for a 1994 killing in Winner is now facing federal charges in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl.

Fire personnel begin leaving South Fork Fire near Crawford as containment reaches 80%

Fire personnel are beginning to scale back operations on the South Fork Fire near Crawford as containment reaches 80%, according to a Thursday morning update from Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2.