Macy Byers

Supporters of the measure say greater E15 availability could boost the farm economy and give consumers cheaper options at the pump.

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley thanked the House for passing the bill, calling it a major moment for farmers and gas consumers.

For farmers, the bill could create more demand for corn.

But some Congress members have pushed back, concerned expanding ethanol would damage small oil refinery businesses.

For NPR News, I'm Macy Byers in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Constantly shifting high winds have made it difficult to control the spread of the largest wildfire in Nebraska history.

Firefighters from across the state have been pitching in since Thursday to fight it.

Volunteer Tyler Benda worked for 24 hours straight.

When asked about the first thing he'll do when he gets home, Benda said, take a shower and go to sleep.

Benda said he is thankful for the community support of firefighters and people affected.

Federal help has arrived and winds have died down, but the large fire will still take some time to control.

For NPR News, I'm Macy Byers.

Electronic benefit cards can no longer be used to buy products like sodas, energy drinks and candy in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah and West Virginia.

Product restrictions vary between states, with Iowa enacting the most restrictive changes on some prepared foods like granola bars.

Nebraska was the first state to seek USDA approval for their restrictions, which include soft drinks and energy drinks.

The restrictions align with the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative, which has sought to restrict processed foods, lower drug prices, and overturn existing vaccine recommendations.

Thirteen more states also had their waivers approved and will enact restrictions sometime in 2026.

For NPR News, I'm Macy Byers in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Electronic benefit cards can no longer be used to buy products like sodas, energy drinks and candy in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah and West Virginia.

Product restrictions vary between states, with Iowa enacting the most restrictive changes on some prepared foods like granola bars.