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

Massive Commercial fire draws multi-agency response in Columbus

NCN providing live Nebraska primary election coverage May 12

NCN to provide live Nebraska primary election coverage May 12

Iowa hospital accused of harvesting patient’s organs without authorization

Murder trial for Wisner man charged in father’s 2022 killing delayed again

Norfolk to host 33rd annual Tour Nebraska

Columbus man sentenced for killing stepfather in Walmart parking lot

State

WNCC expanding Construction Trades

Cardenas defeats Trevino in Primary Election

Newcomer Ohri, incumbent Buschkoetter lead Kearney city council primary vote

Scott Petersen wins GOP primary race for Nebraska secretary of state against incumbent Bob Evnen

Waddling Into Town? Valentine Council to Consider Allowing Ducks Into City Limits, Possible Water Study, Wellness Center Funding Application and Subdivision Plans

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

Massive Commercial fire draws multi-agency response in Columbus

NCN providing live Nebraska primary election coverage May 12

Iowa hospital accused of harvesting patient’s organs without authorization

Murder trial for Wisner man charged in father’s 2022 killing delayed again

Norfolk to host 33rd annual Tour Nebraska

Columbus man sentenced for killing stepfather in Walmart parking lot

State

WNCC expanding Construction Trades

Cardenas defeats Trevino in Primary Election

Newcomer Ohri, incumbent Buschkoetter lead Kearney city council primary vote

Scott Petersen wins GOP primary race for Nebraska secretary of state against incumbent Bob Evnen

Waddling Into Town? Valentine Council to Consider Allowing Ducks Into City Limits, Possible Water Study, Wellness Center Funding Application and Subdivision Plans

Amid Harsh National Political Rhetoric, a Different Kind of Message in Cherry County Sheriff’s Race

Sports

Paul Skenes takes a no-hitter into the 7th, strikes out 10 as Pirates topple Rockies 3-1

Sidney piles up state qualifiers at B-6 district meet in Alliance

Two Peru State College Men's Basketball Players Earn NAIA Scholar-Athlete Honors

Avalanche bounce back to beat the Wild 5-2 and take a 3-1 lead in the series

Doane hosting 2026 NAIA baseball opening round in Lincoln

WNCC baseball ends season with loss to Southeast at regionals

Ag & Outdoor

Powell wins 56th Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Outdoor notes: Spring shotgun turkey season opens

Outdoor notes: Bighorn sheep regular lottery applications begin April 20

Outdoor notes: NGPC offering pastures, hay tracts to those affected by wildfires

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