Regional 

The Best of Taste of Downtown begins Saturday morning
The Best of Taste of Downtown begins Saturday morning

The annual Taste of Downtown on the Bricks in Kearney will be pouring up drinks and serving treats this Saturday.

Cruisin' Night returns to downtown Sidney Friday

Cruisin' Night returns to downtown Sidney Friday

Annual Cruisin’ Night hits downtown Sidney Friday, June 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. with hot rides, oldies and giveaways.

'Battle of the Badges' blood drive makes final Tri-Cities stop in Hastings

'Battle of the Badges' blood drive makes final Tri-Cities stop in Hastings

An annual blood drive making its way around the state is continuing to receive donations from the public, while also holding a friendly competition between first responders.

45th anniversary for Night of the Twisters

45th anniversary for Night of the Twisters

Today marks the 45th Anniversary of the June 3, 1980 Grand Island tornadoes when seven twisters dropped from one of the largest supercell thunderstorms in our nation's history.

Battle of the Badges blood drive using rivalry to benefit community

Battle of the Badges blood drive using rivalry to benefit community

The Battle of the Badges friendly rivalry takes place Tuesday and Wednesday.

State auditor notes rise in local government illegal activity

State auditor notes rise in local government illegal activity

Nebraska’s Auditor says he’s seeing a rise in improper spending in local governments all over the state.

National Weather Service issues flood watch for Monday night

National Weather Service issues flood watch for Monday night

Several counties in Central Nebraska are likely to experience a severe weather threat from 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. tonight.

The Flying Nun: Sister Stephanie, 81, rappels down Omaha building as she keeps lifting up city’s neediest

The Flying Nun: Sister Stephanie, 81, rappels down Omaha building as she keeps lifting up city’s neediest

The people waiting their turn to rappel down the 17-story Highline Apartments building had strict instructions: Don’t come up to the roof until we come get you.

Sounds of Summer: Grand Island Parks Department Announces 2025 Concert Series

Sounds of Summer: Grand Island Parks Department Announces 2025 Concert Series

The Grand Island Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to announce its 2025 Summer Concert Series, bringing live music to the community on Thursday evenings throughout the summer. 

Umpire shares thoughts on being targeted, learning, growing

Umpire shares thoughts on being targeted, learning, growing

A central Nebraska umpire was thrown at during a 12U baseball game, and he hopes people can learn to have more patience with umpires in the future.

Hastings Aquacourt near full lifeguard strength ahead of 2025 opening weekend

Hastings Aquacourt near full lifeguard strength ahead of 2025 opening weekend

Weather permitting, the Hastings Aquacourt is set to open this weekend, and has all but two of its lifeguard positions filled. 

Tornadoes, hail, flooding and overturned semi reported across Sandhills, Central Nebraska

Tornadoes, hail, flooding and overturned semi reported across Sandhills, Central Nebraska

Authorities across the Sandhills and Central Nebraska are assessing damage after a powerful storm system swept through the region Wednesday night.

Hastings inks 25-year deal with NewCarbon to operate renewable natural gas converter in city landfill

Hastings inks 25-year deal with NewCarbon to operate renewable natural gas converter in city landfill

The city of Hastings has officially come to terms with a midwest-based carbon company to make renewable natural gas at its landfill for 25 years.

"Stuff the Bus" drive rolling out across Southeast Nebraska on May 29th

"Stuff the Bus" drive rolling out across Southeast Nebraska on May 29th

FAIRBURY, Neb -- Blue Valley Community Action is gearing up for a big day of giving on Thursday, May 29, as part of Community Action Month.

Family of Johnson Lake victims: ‘Mental illness killed them — not Jeremy’

Family of Johnson Lake victims: ‘Mental illness killed them — not Jeremy’

The family of Bailey, Hudson, Asher and Jeremy Koch is speaking out after the weekend tragedy in Johnson Lake, calling it a failure of the nation’s mental health system and urging urgent change.

Haarberg ends spring practice with new position, perspective

Haarberg ends spring practice with new position, perspective

For just about any college football player, the end goal is to make it to the next level and that includes Kearney's own Heinrich Haarberg.

Hastings College hires former MLB broadcaster as new baseball Head Coach

Hastings College hires former MLB broadcaster as new baseball Head Coach

The Hastings College Baseball team is turning to a former MLB broadcaster and collegiate coach to lead its program.

Car crashes into building on 2nd Avenue

Car crashes into building on 2nd Avenue

A car crashing into a building on 2nd Avenue in Kearney Sunday afternoon sends one to the hospital.

Hastings College to dedicate newly renovated Jack Osborne Track Complex, host GPAC Championships

Hastings College to dedicate newly renovated Jack Osborne Track Complex, host GPAC Championships

The Jack Osborne Track Complex is fully renovated and is ready to once again host outdoor track and field events. 

2025 Give Hastings Day raises over $900,000 for Adams County non-profits

2025 Give Hastings Day raises over $900,000 for Adams County non-profits

113 Adams County non-profits are receiving much needed funding from over 5,000 generous donors during Give Hastings Day. 

Country Legends Shenandoah to Headline “Last Call for Summer” Concert in Fairbury

Country Legends Shenandoah to Headline “Last Call for Summer” Concert in Fairbury

Ol’ Red 99-5 is proud to present “Last Call for Summer,” an end-of-the-season celebration featuring Grammy Award-winning group Shenandoah.

Gov. Pillen extends burn ban to May 10 for most of Nebraska

Gov. Pillen extends burn ban to May 10 for most of Nebraska

Gov. Jim Pillen is keeping the central and western part of the state in a burn ban, largely due to consistent dry conditions. 

Hastings City Council approves ordinance to add 'In God We Trust' signs to several public spaces

Hastings City Council approves ordinance to add 'In God We Trust' signs to several public spaces

The city of Hastings may start displaying the country's national motto in public places following a vote from the city council.

Central Nebraska organizations promoting awareness for Child Abuse Prevention month

Central Nebraska organizations promoting awareness for Child Abuse Prevention month

April is Child Abuse Prevention month, and two Central Nebraska organizations want the public to know about the free resources they offer for families or people in need of guidance.

Cavenee shoots way to champion status

Cavenee shoots way to champion status

An 11-year-old from Nebraska becomes the 12th in state history to win at the Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals.

'Astro Clay' shares story of faith and science after unlikely astronaut career

'Astro Clay' shares story of faith and science after unlikely astronaut career

Clayton Anderson is the first and still only astronaut from Nebraska. But he almost wasn’t, more than a dozen times.

Gordon teen sentenced for murdering newborn son

Gordon teen sentenced for murdering newborn son

An 18-year-old from Gordon has been sentenced to decades in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the death of her newborn son.

Essink waives arraignment, case headed to jury trial after 'not guilty' plea

Essink waives arraignment, case headed to jury trial after 'not guilty' plea

The case against a Hastings daycare provider accused of negligent child abuse is headed to a jury trial in September.

Hastings named 2025 Nebraska 'Showcase Community' by Dept. of Economic Development

Hastings named 2025 Nebraska 'Showcase Community' by Dept. of Economic Development

Hastings is this year’s Nebraska Showcase Community for the second time since 2017, since this annual award was created in the year 2000.

Extreme hail, winds cause major damage in Fremont

Extreme hail, winds cause major damage in Fremont

Many in Fremont are assessing damage on Friday following a severe storm.

Early giving open for 2025 Give Hastings Day

Early giving open for 2025 Give Hastings Day

The opportunity to give monetary donations to 113 Adams County non-profits and organizations is now underway.

Four Hastings Firefighters honored with 'lifesaving' awards for saving two people in house fire

Four Hastings Firefighters honored with 'lifesaving' awards for saving two people in house fire

Chance Bronson, Jonas Marshall, Colby Jensen, and Tom Treffer are receiving 'Lifesaving Awards' for their efforts in saving the lives of two people.

Five juveniles arrested near Gothenburg after reported missing from juvenile facility

Five juveniles arrested near Gothenburg after reported missing from juvenile facility

Five juveniles who were reported missing from a juvenile facility in Wyoming were arrested early Sunday morning after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through central Nebraska, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Kearney boasts candidacy to have Good Life District

Kearney boasts candidacy to have Good Life District

The city of Kearney is vying to become the fifth Good Life District in Nebraska and they're using the Sportsplex as a center piece of it.

York sheriff warns of texting scams requesting payments for tolls

York sheriff warns of texting scams requesting payments for tolls

Citizens and drivers should be on the lookout for a scam text operation that requests payment for unpaid road tolls.

Sunday crash spills contents of semi-trailer onto I80 near York

Sunday crash spills contents of semi-trailer onto I80 near York

A Sunday afternoon crash just east of York caused some of the contents of a semitrailer to spill onto the surface of I80, shutting down traffic for nearly three hours.

Hastings middle schooler reunites with life-flight crew who assisted in saving his life

Hastings middle schooler reunites with life-flight crew who assisted in saving his life

Axel Barahona might not be telling his harrowing story today, had it not been for a central Nebraska life-flight helicopter crew that played a huge part in saving his life. 

Wacky finish helps Beatrice pull off 4-3 win over Hastings in nine innings

Wacky finish helps Beatrice pull off 4-3 win over Hastings in nine innings

A strange finish to the game including two controversial missed tags at third base helped Beatrice pull off a wacky 4-3 win over Hastings in the bottom of the ninth.

Roe Automotive to end partnership with Buick at Grand Island location

Roe Automotive to end partnership with Buick at Grand Island location

A Central Nebraska automotive company is dropping the retailer at one of its locations due to the future of the brand's vehicles.

Adams County Emergency Management, other local agencies help rescue 100+ train passengers stranded in blizzard

Adams County Emergency Management, other local agencies help rescue 100+ train passengers stranded in blizzard

A scary situation during Wednesday's blizzard in Central Nebraska could've taken a turn for the worst, but the coordinated response from local emergency management played a big part in rescuing more than 100 stranded train passengers.

Snow totals vary as winter storm hits Nebraska

Snow totals vary as winter storm hits Nebraska

Winter weather spread across the state Wednesday with snow and high winds making travel difficult for those braving the storms. Snow totals varied across Nebraska.

A highway pileup in western Kansas shows how dust storms can turn deadly

A highway pileup in western Kansas shows how dust storms can turn deadly

Dust storms have proven deadly to motorists across the U.S. for years.

Sherman County investigating numerous fires 'likely intentionally started'

Sherman County investigating numerous fires 'likely intentionally started'

The Sherman County Sheriff's Office has strong reason to believe wildfires are likely being set intentionally in his jurisdiction.

Archbishop Bergan bests Cross County, captures C2 state title as an #8-seed

Archbishop Bergan bests Cross County, captures C2 state title as an #8-seed

Archbishop Bergan completed a perfect run through the bracket by beating Cross County in the title game to become the first #8-seed to win a boys basketball state title since 2009.

DOGE impacts on Nebraska Department of Education, other agencies

DOGE impacts on Nebraska Department of Education, other agencies

News Channel Nebraska reached out to the Nebraska Department of Education to see if it has been affected by cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency.

Hastings Kiwanis launches fundraiser to upgrade city skatepark

Hastings Kiwanis launches fundraiser to upgrade city skatepark

A Hastings service organization is looking to raise six figures of donations to provide area skaters with an upgraded facility in the near future.

Hastings Mayor delivers State of the City Address

Hastings Mayor delivers State of the City Address

Hastings Mayor Jay Beckby addressed the city council and public Monday night by delivering a 12-and-a-half minute speech covering his first 80 days in office, and his vision for the future.

Denver homicide suspect captured near Gothenburg; passenger found dead

Denver homicide suspect captured near Gothenburg; passenger found dead

A Denver homicide suspect who was considered armed and dangerous was located near Gothenburg on Sunday, while the passenger of the vehicle was found dead, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Two killed in Tuesday crash near Grand Island

Two killed in Tuesday crash near Grand Island

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - The Nebraska State Patrol is announcing that two Lexington residents were killed on I-80 after crossing the median and hitting a semi head-on. Around 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, a Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling west on I-80 near mile mark

Central Platte NRD Director resigns after 25 years of service

Central Platte NRD Director resigns after 25 years of service

The Central Platte Natural Resources District Director is stepping down after 25 years of service to the NRD.

Longtime Fairbury Banker, Mayor, and Community leader Homer Ward passes away at 92

Longtime Fairbury Banker, Mayor, and Community leader Homer Ward passes away at 92

FAIRBURY, Neb. — The Fairbury community is mourning the loss of a man whose leadership and service spanned more than five decades. Homer Leroy Ward, a longtime banker, three-term mayor, and devoted civic leader, passed away on February 14, 2025, at

Hastings close to breaking ground on Highway 6 roundabout project

Hastings close to breaking ground on Highway 6 roundabout project

The City of Hastings is just one step away from beginning visible work on a multi-million dollar development on the southeast side of town. 

Hastings Public Library appoints new Library Director

Hastings Public Library appoints new Library Director

The Hastings Public Library is transitioning to a new Library Director for the first time in 16 years.

HFR Asst. Fire Chief Vorderstrasse takes over Fire Chief position

HFR Asst. Fire Chief Vorderstrasse takes over Fire Chief position

The newest Hastings Fire and Rescue Fire Chief is being promoted from within. 

Museum of Nebraska Art to reopen in May after being closed for nearly four years

Museum of Nebraska Art to reopen in May after being closed for nearly four years

The Museum of Nebraska Art announced Monday that the brand-new 23,000-square-foot expansion includes new exhibition spaces, enlarged areas for public programming, enhanced amenities, and improved accessibility. 

Drunk driver crashes into Heartland Events Center building

Drunk driver crashes into Heartland Events Center building

Police say alcohol is a factor in a teenager crashing their vehicle into the Heartland Events Center early Thursday morning.

Hastings Public Schools names Prososki as next district Superintendent

Hastings Public Schools names Prososki as next district Superintendent

Hastings Public Schools has named its new district Superintendent just one day after conducting final interviews. 

Hastings College to host state collegiate speech tournament.

Hastings College to host state collegiate speech tournament.

On Saturday, Hastings will be the center of the Nebraska Forensics world, as Hastings College is hosting the 140th annual state collegiate speech tournament.

Hastings Community Foundation Awards $115,000 to Adams County non-profits

Hastings Community Foundation Awards $115,000 to Adams County non-profits

The Hastings Community Foundation is giving out six-figures worth of grants to over two dozen non-profits in Adams County.

Hastings Public Schools reveals four finalists for district superintendent position

Hastings Public Schools reveals four finalists for district superintendent position

The search for the new Hastings Public Schools Superintendent has been narrowed down to four finalists. 

Top-ranked Norris Titans live up to the billing in conference sweep of Hastings

Top-ranked Norris Titans live up to the billing in conference sweep of Hastings

Both Norris basketball teams lived up to the billing as top teams in Class B by earning wire-to-wire wins in a Tuesday evening sweep of conference opponents Hastings.  

Doctors dispute Hastings daycare provider’s story on infant’s severe head injuries

Doctors dispute Hastings daycare provider’s story on infant’s severe head injuries

Doctors say a Hastings daycare provider's story about how an infant child suffered severe head injuries doesn't add up.

Hastings city councilman apologizes for insensitive comments made during recent meeting

Hastings city councilman apologizes for insensitive comments made during recent meeting

A Hastings city councilman is apologizing after making racially insensitive comments about Hispanic people during a recent meeting.

Victims searching for help in assault investigation

Victims searching for help in assault investigation

An investigative report filed to the Kearney Police Department is seeking information on a potential assault in Kearney over the weekend.

Nebraska federal land sales possible under revised BLM Plan

Nebraska federal land sales possible under revised BLM Plan

Public land in Nebraska could soon be up for sale. In Nebraska, the Bureau of Land Management oversees around 5,100 acres of public land.