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The city of Columbus partners with National Guard for enhanced community support
The city of Columbus partners with National Guard for enhanced community support

Columbus is teaming up with the National Guard to boost support for service members and veterans, enhance emergency response, and ensure community safety. This partnership aims to strengthen ties between the military and the community

School’s back in session and so is the heat

School’s back in session and so is the heat

Triple digit heat indexes are in store for most of Nebraska this weekend.

7 Walks to End Alzheimer's across Nebraska

7 Walks to End Alzheimer's across Nebraska

It's not a marathon...or a sprint. It is simply a walk to raise awareness about a disease that affects many.

4 masked menaces cause power outage

4 masked menaces cause power outage

A group of furry criminals got caught causing issues early Wednesday morning.

Strange glowing light seen in Nebraska

Strange glowing light seen in Nebraska

A lot of America saw something glowing in the night sky Tuesday.

Enable Act marks 10 years as eligibility window expands

Enable Act marks 10 years as eligibility window expands

Beginning in 2026, Nebraskans younger than 46 will be eligible for the savings plan

Teenager puts on arts fest, along with other achievements

Teenager puts on arts fest, along with other achievements

It may look like just another small town Saturday. But here in Albion the vision of a girl barely old enough to drive is coming to life.

Fremont police turned to a recovering addict to help respond to crisis calls. He has become invaluable.

Fremont police turned to a recovering addict to help respond to crisis calls. He has become invaluable.

Jon Thomsen stood in the doorway of a Fremont home, offering calming words and open ears. Moments earlier, the man inside the home had threatened to kill his family and himself. 

Newest PA announcer at Nebraska boasts iconic voice

Newest PA announcer at Nebraska boasts iconic voice

If you've been to a Nebraska high school state sporting event at any point over the last 30 years, or a UNK volleyball match over the last three plus decades, you may have heard his voice.

Federal agency investigating fatal Fremont plant explosion

Federal agency investigating fatal Fremont plant explosion

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has opened a formal investigation into the July 29 explosion and fire at the Horizon Biofuels facility in Fremont that killed three people, officials announced Thursday.

Former mayor, board member raises questions about state fair request for assistance from Grand Island

Former mayor, board member raises questions about state fair request for assistance from Grand Island

Jeremy Jensen, the former mayor of Grand Island and a former board member of the Nebraska State fair, feels uniquely qualified to publicly share his thoughts on several financial decisions made by the Nebraska State Fair.

Nebraska Congressman is shouted down by a hostile crowd at a town hall on Trump's tax cuts

Nebraska Congressman is shouted down by a hostile crowd at a town hall on Trump's tax cuts

Rep. Mike Flood has gotten an earful during a public meeting in Lincoln.

Rep. Flood set to discuss Big Beautiful Bill at third town hall of the year

Rep. Flood set to discuss Big Beautiful Bill at third town hall of the year

A Nebraska congressman who has hosted a pair of spirited town hall meetings is set to host another on Monday.

DED announces READ Nebraska awards for 2025-2026 academic year

DED announces READ Nebraska awards for 2025-2026 academic year

16 Nebraska youth mentoring organizations are receiving funding as part of the Department of Economic Development's 2025-2026 READ Nebraska Program.

Columbus woman identified as person killed by police officer after alleged knife assault

Columbus woman identified as person killed by police officer after alleged knife assault

Authorities are releasing more details on the woman killed by a police officer during a weekend incident.

Columbus officer shoots, kills woman who injured officer with knife, authorities say

Columbus officer shoots, kills woman who injured officer with knife, authorities say

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating after a Columbus police officer shot and killed a woman while conducting an investigation.

Horizon BioFuels scene now ‘stabilized’, fire marshal describes ‘accidental dust explosion’

Horizon BioFuels scene now ‘stabilized’, fire marshal describes ‘accidental dust explosion’

Emergency crews at the site of the Horizon BioFuels explosion in Fremont are reducing their presence as the area is stabilized.

Authorities recover remains of two girls killed in Fremont explosion, identify male victim

Authorities recover remains of two girls killed in Fremont explosion, identify male victim

Emergency crews have now recovered the bodies of all three people killed in a massive explosion in south Fremont.

Columbus Police Chief resigns two months after being hired

Columbus Police Chief resigns two months after being hired

Less than two months after starting as the Chief of Police in Columbus, the city announcing the immediate resignation of Al Fear.

Three missing as fire persists at site of massive Fremont explosion

Three missing as fire persists at site of massive Fremont explosion

Three people are missing and a fire continues to burn after a massive explosion Tuesday at Horizon BioFuels in Fremont.

New device helps diagnose irregular heart rhythms

New device helps diagnose irregular heart rhythms

Doctors at Columbus Community Hospital now have a high-tech new tool that can help them diagnose irregular heart rhythms that may not show up during standard testing.

Explosion rocks south Fremont, destroys Horizon BioFuels facility

Explosion rocks south Fremont, destroys Horizon BioFuels facility

Emergency crews are on the scene of an enormous explosion in south Fremont.

'Unintended consequence': E-Verify aimed to stop unauthorized workers. It might be fueling more fraud.

'Unintended consequence': E-Verify aimed to stop unauthorized workers. It might be fueling more fraud.

The federal raid at a Nebraska meatpacking plant highlighted the flaws in the national worker verification system — and the long-simmering disagreement over how to fix it.

Pillen signs lab-grown meat ban in O'Neill, ATV deregulation bill in Columbus

Pillen signs lab-grown meat ban in O'Neill, ATV deregulation bill in Columbus

Nebraska’s governor is celebrating the ceremonial signing of two bills he supported during the recent legislative session.

State Legislature address spending cuts

State Legislature address spending cuts

The Nebraska state legislature deficit is on the minds of voters. While meeting at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Senator Mike Moser talked with locals about concerns over the state budget and related cuts. The Unicameral entered the previous session w

More severe weather to hit Nebraska

More severe weather to hit Nebraska

Severe Weather likely to hit communities across Nebraska on Tuesday evening.

Grand Island unveils new Veterans Cemetery in ceremony highlighting statewide collaboration

Grand Island unveils new Veterans Cemetery in ceremony highlighting statewide collaboration

A new chapter is being written for Nebraska's veterans following this weekend's unveiling and dedication of the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island.

Storms soak Northeast Nebraska with heavy rain, hail, high winds

Storms soak Northeast Nebraska with heavy rain, hail, high winds

A turbulent week of weather continued Thursday night as powerful storms swept across northeast Nebraska.

Air Methods receives award for excellent pediatric care

Air Methods receives award for excellent pediatric care

Air Methods is being recognized for their excellent pediatric readiness

Teenager swept under by current, drowns in Cedar River

Teenager swept under by current, drowns in Cedar River

A teenager is dead after getting caught in the Cedar River current, authorities say.

Severe weather likely Thursday into Friday

Severe weather likely Thursday into Friday

An intense weather system may be moving through Thursday evening and into Friday.

Arizona, Nebraska, chooses Liquid Death as their official iced tea

Arizona, Nebraska, chooses Liquid Death as their official iced tea

A small town with a population of around 14, has surprisingly chosen Liquid Death as its official iced tea.

State lawmaker from Seward to seek another term

State lawmaker from Seward to seek another term

Jana Hughes announces run for a second term

Columbus festival promotes BBQ, music, and charities

Columbus festival promotes BBQ, music, and charities

A charity event in Columbus drew in people from across Nebraska to across the globe. The Platte Valley BBQ and music festival included barbecue vendors, concerts, and dances.

Eric Church to headline NEBRASKAland Days after Luke Bryan cancels due to illness

Eric Church to headline NEBRASKAland Days after Luke Bryan cancels due to illness

Country music superstar Luke Bryan has canceled his performance at NEBRASKAland Days this Friday due to illness, but a start-studded friend is stepping up to take his place.

Columbus hires Jhonny Beltran as new boys soccer coach

Columbus hires Jhonny Beltran as new boys soccer coach

Columbus High’s Director of Athletics and Activities has announced the hiring of the Columbus High boys soccer program for the upcoming year.

Nebraska Economic Development director resigns amid workforce tour

Nebraska Economic Development director resigns amid workforce tour

K.C. Belitz, Nebraska's Economic Development Director, resigned after a year in the role, right after starting a workforce development tour.

Norfolk set to rock as annual band camp returns

Norfolk set to rock as annual band camp returns

Norfolks Midwest Music Center is bringing together young musicians from across Northeast Nebraska for a week of musical mayhem.

Charges filed against man accused of fatally shooting stepfather in Columbus

Charges filed against man accused of fatally shooting stepfather in Columbus

Charges have been filed against the man accused of shooting and killing his stepfather outside a Columbus Walmart last month.

Gov. Pillen Appoints Norfolk Attorney Doele to District Court Bench

Gov. Pillen Appoints Norfolk Attorney Doele to District Court Bench

Gov. Pillen has appointed Jason S. Doele of Norfolk as the new district court judge for Nebraska's Fifth Judicial District, which includes multiple counties. Doele, a partner at Stratton, DeLay, Doele, Carlson, Stover & Stratton since 2010.

No Kings day protest draws a crowd in Norfolk

No Kings day protest draws a crowd in Norfolk

In Norfolk, Nebraska, a "No Kings Day" protest drew participants from across the state, advocating for equality, justice, and community empowerment.

A nationwide protest will come to 12 Nebraska communities on Saturday

A nationwide protest will come to 12 Nebraska communities on Saturday

Saturday is an event filled day for the United States with protests, birthdays, anniversaries, and more.

Nance County supervisor named Nebraska county board member of the year

Nance County supervisor named Nebraska county board member of the year

Nance County supervisor is being recognized for his support for the community.

2025 Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic rosters announced

2025 Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic rosters announced

The rosters for the 48th annual Sertoma 8-man football All-Star Classic have been revealed. 

Nebraska tractor relay raising money for veterans

Nebraska tractor relay raising money for veterans

The Nebraska Antique Tractor Association is raising money for veterans this week during their annual Tracker Relay Across Nebraska.

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.

Celebrating 50 Years: Nebraska's American Indian Youth School Honored with Dedication Service and Historical Marker

Celebrating 50 Years: Nebraska's American Indian Youth School Honored with Dedication Service and Historical Marker

The Genoa Indian School Foundation offers a message of hope and awareness, preserving the school's history for future generations and encouraging healing through acknowledgment of the past.

UPDATE: Columbus Man Fatally Shot in Walmart Parking Lot; Stepson in Custody

UPDATE: Columbus Man Fatally Shot in Walmart Parking Lot; Stepson in Custody

A Columbus man was shot dead after a shooting in a Walmart parking lot on Tuesday 

Desperate for teachers, Nebraska schools turn abroad — to the Philippines

Desperate for teachers, Nebraska schools turn abroad — to the Philippines

Nine months ago, 13 teachers left their lives in the Philippines to teach at Schuyler Community Schools, joining the growing number of Filipino teachers across the state.

Nebraska GOP decides not to appeal verdict in defamatory GOP mailers case

Nebraska GOP decides not to appeal verdict in defamatory GOP mailers case

The Nebraska Republican Party has decided not to pursue any post-trial motions or appeals of a civil defamation case that awarded a former GOP legislative candidate $500,000 in damages.

New chief takes the helm at Columbus police department

New chief takes the helm at Columbus police department

Columbus Welcomes New Police Chief Fear and Officer Velazquez to their department

Rep. Mike Flood to host town hall in Seward on May 27

Rep. Mike Flood to host town hall in Seward on May 27

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood will host his second town hall in a two-month span later in May.

Firefighters encounter heavy smoke, high heat before extinguishing Columbus house fire

Firefighters encounter heavy smoke, high heat before extinguishing Columbus house fire

Nobody is injured but a house is damaged after an overnight fire in Columbus.

Columbus appoints new police chief with broad experience across Colorado and Iowa

Columbus appoints new police chief with broad experience across Colorado and Iowa

The City of Columbus appears poised to turn to a law enforcement leader with experience in Colorado and Iowa to lead its police department.

Hilgers, 15 state sheriffs send letter to state lawmakers opposing LB677

Hilgers, 15 state sheriffs send letter to state lawmakers opposing LB677

Nebraska's Attorney General is leading an effort with state law enforcement to oppose a bill aiming to roll out medical marijuana regulation in Nebraska.

Kearney Chief of Police named state patrol superintendent

Kearney Chief of Police named state patrol superintendent

The city of Kearney is searching for a new Chief of Police, because Bryan Waugh was named the next superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.

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. 

Wayne State hires Briar Cliff coach to helm women's program

Wayne State hires Briar Cliff coach to helm women's program

Brian Ortmeier was announced as the Wildcats' coach on Wednesday

Vanishing $100 Million: Nebraska health officials decry federal cuts

Vanishing $100 Million: Nebraska health officials decry federal cuts

Nearly $100 million in funding already disbursed to Nebraska is being clawed back, according to a list of canceled grants published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Nebraska governor enacts burn ban as Plum Creek Fire exposes drought crisis

Nebraska governor enacts burn ban as Plum Creek Fire exposes drought crisis

With an unprecedented drought compared to recent years, the Governor felt it was necessary to enforce a statewide initiative. burn ban.

South Dakota panel rejects permit for an $8.9 billion carbon capture Midwest pipeline

South Dakota panel rejects permit for an $8.9 billion carbon capture Midwest pipeline

The massive carbon capture pipeline in the Midwest was thrown into uncertainty Tuesday after South Dakota’s Public Utility Commission denied its route permit application.

Community support propels York girl to Elks nationals

Community support propels York girl to Elks nationals

From educators to Elks, friends and family,  it’s all hands on deck in the Duke community helping a 9-year-old hone in on her shooting.

Revamping Sertomaland: A new inclusive playground for Columbus

Revamping Sertomaland: A new inclusive playground for Columbus

1% sales tax and $215K Grant to help fund all-inclusive playground at East Pawnee Park

Columbus residents Invited to lunch and Learn: special election on sales tax reauthorization

Columbus residents Invited to lunch and Learn: special election on sales tax reauthorization

City council members will host a luncheon April 10th and discuss 1% Local Option Sales Tax with Columbus residents

Nebraska awaiting second efficiency report

Nebraska awaiting second efficiency report

UNDATED - Efficiency. It’s become a bit of a buzz-word this year, thanks in no small part to Elon Musk’s DOGE and their drastic cuts to federal spending. But high-ranking officials in Nebraska are awaiting a report they say will create more ef