New prosecutor gives new hope for answers in teen worker’s mysterious death at Pillen Family Farms

In a reversal, the new Boone County attorney agreed to allow independent lab tests that could help explain what killed Zach Panther at a Nebraska hog farm.

January 30, 2026Updated: January 30, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

South Locust Street closure scheduled April 8 as reconstruction project continues

Guided by grace, UNK junior Abby Chambers finds purpose in social work

New Downtown Kearney passport program encourages shoppers to explore the bricks

Man convicted of child abuse in Hastings hot car death

Adams County Hosts Candidate Forum for Commissioner Race

New Family Health Center unveiled in Grand Island, opens April 6

St. Francis unveils new Family Health Center in Grand Island, opens April 6

State

High Wind Warning issued across Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming

New prosecutor gives new hope for answers in teen worker’s mysterious death at Pillen Family Farms

Regional

South Locust Street closure scheduled April 8 as reconstruction project continues

Guided by grace, UNK junior Abby Chambers finds purpose in social work

New Downtown Kearney passport program encourages shoppers to explore the bricks

Man convicted of child abuse in Hastings hot car death

Adams County Hosts Candidate Forum for Commissioner Race

New Family Health Center unveiled in Grand Island, opens April 6

State

High Wind Warning issued across Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming

New program coming to Kimball Library

104.3 KIMB to host candidate forums in advance of primary elections

Sidney High students selected for Cornhusker Girls State

Cardenas seeks hold onto sheriff’s office

Former deputy seeks sheriff’s seat

Sports

Colorado sports notes: Tyler Freeman drives in winning run in 10th as Rockies beat Blue Jays 2-1

WNCC’s Lashley ready to lead her Anguilla national team in CONCACAF qualifier

Eagles Sweep 5000 Meters at Central Nebraska Challenge

Johnston hits a 2-run homer as the Rockies rout the Blue Jays 14-5 for their 1st win of the season

Cougar notes: WNCC softball plays tough against No. 25 McCook despite falling

Sidney boys, Ogallala girls headline strong showings at Ganser Invite

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Work to begin soon on Smith Lake WMA Aquatic Habitat Project

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks urges caution when recreating outdoors due to wildfires

Outdoor notes: Temporary closure of Clear Creek WMA for safety

‘Worst-case scenario’: Fertilizer, fuel cost spikes hitting Nebraska farmers hard

Outdoor notes: Haag shares 100 years of Nebraskaland

Supplementing dryland wheat and irrigated corn with proso millet in drought years