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McCook Police corral escaped cow, end school lockdown
McCook Police corral escaped cow, end school lockdown

The McCook Police Department responded to reports of a loose cow on West B Street near 10th Street on Wednesday, initiating a precautionary security lockdown at local schools.

Hastings ethanol plant set for major efficiency upgrade through new partnership

Hastings ethanol plant set for major efficiency upgrade through new partnership

Chief Ethanol is partnering with two companies to modernize its Hastings facility.

Nebraska Athletics to provide additional scholarships

Nebraska Athletics to provide additional scholarships

Nebraska Athletics plans to increase its total number of scholarships over the next three years.

Kearney Area Storytelling Festival brings tales to life for all ages

Kearney Area Storytelling Festival brings tales to life for all ages

The Kearney Area Storytelling Festival brings professional storytellers to Nebraska, with Paul Strickland performing Tuesday.

Landmark Implement hosts 2026 spring equipment and technology clinic

Landmark Implement hosts 2026 spring equipment and technology clinic

The three-day event combines planter and sprayer training while expanding the focus to precision agriculture and emerging technology.

Investigation continues after man found dead in Adams County

Investigation continues after man found dead in Adams County

Authorities investigate he death of a man found in rural Adams County last week.

Third day of abortion bill debate delays other Nebraska legislation

Third day of abortion bill debate delays other Nebraska legislation

Debate over a single bill has slowed proceedings at the Capitol.

Bill to require study of Black missing women and children

Bill to require study of Black missing women and children

Legislative Bill 751 would authorize a study to improve the reporting and investigation of these cases.

Bringing the world of wine to Kearney

Bringing the world of wine to Kearney

From Chile to Argentina, France and Italy, there are around 25 different wines on the menu as of now.

Historic Alma Auditorium set to reopen after community-backed renovation

Historic Alma Auditorium set to reopen after community-backed renovation

Renovations on a more than 100-year-old building are nearing completion after a multi-year effort.

Nebraska companies, including Grain Weevil and Sentinel Ag, win top engineering awards in a show of momentum for the agtech ecosystem

Nebraska companies, including Grain Weevil and Sentinel Ag, win top engineering awards in a show of momentum for the agtech ecosystem

Six of the 33 companies that won 2026 AE50 awards are from Nebraska, signaling how far the state’s agtech ecosystem has come in under a decade.

Icy roads cause single-vehicle crash in Merrick County

Icy roads cause single-vehicle crash in Merrick County

A driver suffered minor injuries after losing control of a vehicle on icy roads in central Nebraska over the weekend.

Mary Lanning Healthcare hopes to have new CEO within six months

Mary Lanning Healthcare hopes to have new CEO within six months

Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings is ramping up their search for a new CEO

Kearney High announces new assistant principal for college and career readiness

Kearney High announces new assistant principal for college and career readiness

Trent Steele has accepted the position of assistant principal for college and career readiness at Kearney High School. He will begin the role in fall 2026.

ATM burglarized in Axtell

ATM burglarized in Axtell

Authorities are investigating after a pickup truck was used to rip an ATM from its foundation early Sunday morning in Kearney County.

Child care licensing help eases process, provides financial help

Child care licensing help eases process, provides financial help

Central Child Care Champion project will help simplify the process for those seeking a license, while lightening the load on parents who may not have a child-care option.

Platte River SCI hosts annual convention in Kearney to support hunting and conservation

Platte River SCI hosts annual convention in Kearney to support hunting and conservation

Hunters and conservation supporters gathered in Kearney for the Platte River Safari Club International annual convention.

Politicians react after SUV struck a student during an anti-ICE protest in Fremont

Politicians react after SUV struck a student during an anti-ICE protest in Fremont

Nebraska elected officials are responding after a high school student was struck by an SUV during an anti-ICE protest at Fremont High School.

Kearney launches 2026 Downtown Rehabilitation Grant Program

Kearney launches 2026 Downtown Rehabilitation Grant Program

Kearney property owners can apply for the 2026 Downtown Rehabilitation Grant to help cover costs for renovations. Applications are due March 31, 2026.

Nebraska jobless claims surge after Tyson plant closure

Nebraska jobless claims surge after Tyson plant closure

Nebraska was one of only seven states to see an increase in jobless claims during that period.

Hours-long hearing held on bathroom bill

Hours-long hearing held on bathroom bill

Who should be allowed to use communal bathrooms and locker rooms?

Marquette woman found not guilty in death of baby

Marquette woman found not guilty in death of baby

The state did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt Tiffany Cure murdered a 4-month old baby, nor was she responsible for potential abuse resulting in the toddler's death, according to court records.

How new SNAP rules are being handled in local stores

How new SNAP rules are being handled in local stores

If you walked into a grocery store here in Nebraska and try to buy a quick drink using your EBT card, you might not be able to anymore.

Sen. Ricketts Addresses ICE Investigation, Government Shutdown, and Second Amendment

Sen. Ricketts Addresses ICE Investigation, Government Shutdown, and Second Amendment

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts addressed a wide range of national issues Wednesday during a press conference, touching on the federal investigation into a Minnesota ICE custody death, a potential government shutdown, and Second Amendment rights.

Holdrege teacher competes on survival show after cancer fight

Holdrege teacher competes on survival show after cancer fight

A Holdrege math teacher is competing on Fox’s reality survival series Extracted, drawing strong support from her local community.

Man found dead in Adams County ditch

Man found dead in Adams County ditch

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a death after a body was found along a road in rural Adams County.

Nebraska population rises slightly, as international growth reverses

Nebraska population rises slightly, as international growth reverses

Data released Tuesday reveals a 0.6% annual population bump, or about 12,500 more residents overall from July 2024 through June 2025.

DHHS won’t seek to cap Medicaid waiver caregiver hours for Nebraskans with disabilities, elderly

DHHS won’t seek to cap Medicaid waiver caregiver hours for Nebraskans with disabilities, elderly

Latest version of Medicaid waiver changes heads to second public comment period ending March 4

Huskers’ 2026 Football Schedule Revealed

Huskers’ 2026 Football Schedule Revealed

The Big Ten announced its 2026 football schedule on Tuesday, providing all 18 schools with dates for their nine conference games.

Hastings City Council rejects proposal to abolish Utility Advisory Board

Hastings City Council rejects proposal to abolish Utility Advisory Board

The Hastings City Council rejected a proposal Monday to dismantle a key advisory board.

Pillen signs executive order on THC industry in Nebraska

Pillen signs executive order on THC industry in Nebraska

Nebraska’s governor is making a move to crack down on what he calls a dangerous THC market.

State audit says Hall County overcharged on College Park lease

State audit says Hall County overcharged on College Park lease

Nebraska Auditors say that Hall county was overcharged tens of thousands of dollars on a lease for the Extension office in Grand Island.

Kearney County residents voice concerns over potential wind turbines at public meeting

Kearney County residents voice concerns over potential wind turbines at public meeting

Over 150 residents attended a Kearney County planning meeting to discuss potential wind turbines.

Aurora schools placed on lockdown after reported threat

Aurora schools placed on lockdown after reported threat

Aurora High School and Aurora Middle school were placed on lockdown after threats on Monday.

Authorities quell SUV fire at Memorial Field in Kearney

Authorities quell SUV fire at Memorial Field in Kearney

On Monday, Kearney Fire fighters battled a car fire near a local baseball field.

Gov. Pillen officially running for reelection

Gov. Pillen officially running for reelection

Gov. Jim Pillen officially filled to run for re-election as Governor of Nebraska.

Kearney man sentenced to decades in prison for firing stolen gun, breaking into county employees’ vehicles

Kearney man sentenced to decades in prison for firing stolen gun, breaking into county employees’ vehicles

Anthony Adams has been sentenced to 25 - 45 years for firing a stolen gun and breaking into county employees’ vehicles.

Arcadia/ Loup City Wrestler Rylee Kursave named ESPN Tri-Cities Female Athlete of the Month

Arcadia/ Loup City Wrestler Rylee Kursave named ESPN Tri-Cities Female Athlete of the Month

Arcadia/Loup City senior Rylee Kursave, the No. 1 ranked Class B wrestler at 170 pounds and defending state champion, is ESPN Tri-Cities Female Athlete of the Month.

A Blair animal shelter cancels fundraiser after alleged disrespect toward staff and volunteers

A Blair animal shelter cancels fundraiser after alleged disrespect toward staff and volunteers

After issues with Jordan's Way's founder, the Blair Animal shelter was forced to cancel a fundraiser before it even started.

State planning to move boys from troubled Kearney youth center to Omaha

State planning to move boys from troubled Kearney youth center to Omaha

State leaders plan to move all boys out of Kearney’s state-run youth treatment center months after multiple allegations of sexual abuse there. 

NWS advises ahead of dangerous cold and snow potential

NWS advises ahead of dangerous cold and snow potential

The National Weather service says that very cold temperatures and strong winds are producing life-threatening wind chills ranging from -20 to -35 degrees this morning.

Born with a less than a 4% chance of survival, Nebraska’s ‘miracle’ quadruplets ready for 18th birthday

Born with a less than a 4% chance of survival, Nebraska’s ‘miracle’ quadruplets ready for 18th birthday

When Rachel Woollen gave birth to quadruplets 17 weeks early, they had a less than 4% chance of all surviving. They’re about to celebrate their 18th birthday.

Minden seeks public input on potential community wellness center

Minden seeks public input on potential community wellness center

Minden is asking residents to complete a survey to help determine whether a community wellness center is feasible and what form it could take.

Organization files suit over DOJ request for Nebraska voter data

Organization files suit over DOJ request for Nebraska voter data

A U.S. Department of Justice request for voter data is facing some pushback in Nebraska.

Nebraska planning to move boys from troubled Kearney youth center to Omaha

Nebraska planning to move boys from troubled Kearney youth center to Omaha

State leaders in Nebraska plan to move boys from Kearney’s youth treatment center to a youth prison in Omaha after allegations of sexual abuse.

Pleasanton senior Brennan Lindner named ESPN Tri-Cities Male Athlete of the Month

Pleasanton senior Brennan Lindner named ESPN Tri-Cities Male Athlete of the Month

Pleasanton senior Brennan Lindner is ESPN Tri-Cities Male Athlete of the Month of December 2025.

Grass fire rages for hours in Hall County

Grass fire rages for hours in Hall County

A grass fire broke out near the west exit of Grand Island along Interstate 80 on Wednesday afternoon, creating flames and smoke visible from miles away and prompting a multi-agency response. 

Pillen has meeting with Tyson, pushing for answers on future of Lexington plant

Pillen has meeting with Tyson, pushing for answers on future of Lexington plant

Nebraska's governor is pushing Tyson to make decisions about the future of its facility as the corporation shuts down its operations.

Vehicle Fire breaks out at cattle feed yard Northeast of Kearney

Vehicle Fire breaks out at cattle feed yard Northeast of Kearney

A vehicle fire at a livestock operation northeast of Kearney prompting a large response from local crews Wednesday.

Ohio man charged in Grand Island murder case remains unfit for trial

Ohio man charged in Grand Island murder case remains unfit for trial

An Ohio man accused of killing a Missouri resident at a rest stop near Grand Island has again been ruled unfit to stand trial.

Lynne Walz enters race for governor

Lynne Walz enters race for governor

Former state senator Lynne Walz announced Wednesday morning that she is going to seek the Democratic nomination for governor in the May primary.

Texas-based Buc-ee’s likely headed to Gretna

Texas-based Buc-ee’s likely headed to Gretna

Mayor foresees mega convenience store with 100 gas pumps as catalyst for city’s ‘good life district’

Troopers find 169 LBs of cocaine after suspect abandons vehicle

Troopers find 169 LBs of cocaine after suspect abandons vehicle

A California man was taken into custody by Nebraska State Patrol following a January 13 incident in Aurora, Neb.

Kearney Area Animal Shelter partners with Jordan’s Way for fundraising event

Kearney Area Animal Shelter partners with Jordan’s Way for fundraising event

Kearney animal shelters partnered with national fundraising organization "Jordan’s Way" to raise money and awareness through a live, interactive donation event.

Grand Island woman found incompetent for trial again in headstone fraud case

Grand Island woman found incompetent for trial again in headstone fraud case

A Grand Island woman charged with 46 counts of theft has been deemed incompetent for trial again.

Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO to step down

Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO to step down

President and CEO of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce announced he is stepping down after eight years. 

Former Hastings College wrestler charged of recording roommate in shower

Former Hastings College wrestler charged of recording roommate in shower

A former wrestler at Hastings College is being accused of recording his roommate while she was in the shower. 

Grand Island man arrested related to several burglary investigations

Grand Island man arrested related to several burglary investigations

A 39-year-old was arrested in connection with multiple burglary investigations in Grand Island.

Nebraska bill would require civics test for lawmakers

Nebraska bill would require civics test for lawmakers

A bill would require Nebraska lawmakers to complete a civics knowledge test within 90 days of taking their oath in office.

The Lodge closes after 55 years in Kearney

The Lodge closes after 55 years in Kearney

A longtime Kearney restaurant is closing its doors for good.

American Automobile Experience now open 7 days a week

American Automobile Experience now open 7 days a week

American Automobile Experience expands hours to seven days a week in Kearney.

Bill would require Nebraska students to learn about communism

Bill would require Nebraska students to learn about communism

A Nebraska senator wants schools to teach students the dangers of communism. State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, proposed LB 1024 last week.

Rep. Flood says Nebraskans can expect larger tax refunds

Rep. Flood says Nebraskans can expect larger tax refunds

Tax season is about to begin as 1099s and W-2s arrive in mailboxes across Nebraska. 

U.S. Education Department pauses wage garnishment

U.S. Education Department pauses wage garnishment

The U.S. Department of Education announced it is pausing plans to garnish wages of student loan borrowers in default. The seizure of tax refunds and other federal benefits from borrowers with student loan debt are also being delayed.

Kearney home lost in Saturday night blaze

Kearney home lost in Saturday night blaze

A mobile home in Kearney is unlivable after fire ripped through the back half of the residence on Saturday night.