Worship attendance at churches up for the first time in decades, according to new report

A new study from the Hartford Institute of Religion Research showed that the median-sized congregation in the U.S. grew from 60 people to 70 people, the first growth in average house of worship attendance in years

May 6, 2026Updated: May 6, 2026

By BOB SMIETANA

Regional

Trial Continues for Daycare Provider Charged with Child Abuse

UNK extends women's basketball coach Drew Johnson through 2029

Overnight I-80 closure planned near Odessa as bridge replacement project begins

Good Samaritan Searching for Prospective Patient to Benefit From No-Cost Joint Replacement Surgery

Hastings Police Present 2026-27 Budget to City Council

Kearney Regional Medical Center breaks ground on Oak Park Campus

Worship attendance at churches up for the first time in decades, according to new report

Regional

Trial Continues for Daycare Provider Charged with Child Abuse

UNK extends women's basketball coach Drew Johnson through 2029

Overnight I-80 closure planned near Odessa as bridge replacement project begins

Good Samaritan Searching for Prospective Patient to Benefit From No-Cost Joint Replacement Surgery

Hastings Police Present 2026-27 Budget to City Council

Kearney Regional Medical Center breaks ground on Oak Park Campus

State

South Fork Fire explodes to 800 acres in Sioux County, jumps Highway 20; evacuations ordered

City Council backs Historical Association’s fundraising effort

Second public forum yields cost estimates for new Gage County Jail and Sheriff's Department

Nebraska dignitaries host roundtable discussion with Morrill Fire victims

Flooding near Bayard caught on video after heavy storms

Local drives help statewide organization combat blood emergency

Sports

UNK extends women's basketball coach Drew Johnson through 2029

Gary Sánchez hits first homer since April 14, Brewers complete sweep of Rockies with 12-4 win

Brewers score 8 late runs, stun Rockies 9-7 in wild 10-inning victory

Nebraska coaches share ideas and build connections during Shrine Bowl week

Kearney athletes embrace hometown opportunity during Shrine Bowl week

Shrine Bowl South players reflect on hometown pride ahead of final high school game

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Rare lake sturgeon made 681-mile swim

Outdoor notes: Low water affecting Nebraska boaters this summer

Ag notes: Cattle placements rise 6% during April

NGPC still offers grazing, haying opportunities

Outdoor notes: Campers invited to take state park survey

Feed supplies tighten for Nebraska producers as drought persists