Help is pouring out from Omaha to Lexington.

Kearney firefighters, city leaders and residents gathered Tuesday to honor the life of longtime firefighter Terry Eirich, who died earlier this month following a cancer diagnosis.

Heartwell Renewables and United Way of South Central Nebraska collected more than 1,000 toys to support Hastings families through the Adopt-a-Family program.

The top baby names have been released from Avera for 2025.

Give Big Minden is gaining momentum as donations continue rolling in for local nonprofits across the community.

Police are searching for a local woman who is accused of assaulting a 14-month-old baby

Heartwell Park Luminary Night is returning for its 6th year on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Project Snowflake, a yearly giving drive among CHI Health Good Samaritan’s employees, is donating over $11,000 this year to those in need during the Christmas season.

A piece of South Locust Street in Grand Island will be opening on Monday for winter, ahead of the 2026 construction phase.

A federal court has returned a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Hornady Manufacturing and three related companies to Hall County District Court.

Former state senator Lynne Walz met with residents at the Kearney Public Library during her statewide listening tour as she considers a run for Nebraska governor.

An Indiana man was arraigned in Kearney County court Thursday, and is charged with motor vehicle homicide following a fatal Monday crash.

A Hastings man who was already a registered sex offender is now facing federal charges related to possessing child porn.

Nebraska agencies and local organizations continued their coordinated support Thursday as Lexington hosted the second day of Rapid Response events for workers affected by Tyson’s upcoming plant closure.

The expectation-breaking numbers are in for the annual Give Where You Live event. 

Hastings man sentenced in federal court to 180 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl.

Kearney’s Holiday Light Festival is lighting up Yanney Park with more than 50 community-built displays and themed nights.

Over 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese from major retailers are being recalled nationwide.

YWCA Grand Island is accelerating the initial phase of its “Building Brighter Futures” campaign due to the need for safe and reliable childcare.

Central Community College in Hastings will be advancing their automotive careers training center after receiving a $20,000 donation. 

Saturday, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash about three miles east of Hershey.

Minden is spreading holiday cheer with the return of Christmas on the Prairie at Harold Warp Pioneer Village.

NRG Media is selling all of its stations in the Tri-Cities, transferring some of the region’s biggest brands to a new Nebraska-based owner.

A local politician is holding ten listening sessions across the state before officially deciding if she is running for governor. 

Disabled veterans in Nebraska will be able to receive an exception for their vehicle taxes and fees.

Children can once again send their wishes straight to the North Pole, thanks to the return of the “Letters to Santa” mailboxes at CHI Health.

City Council President Derrick Clevenger became mayor during Monday night’s city council meeting.

Nebraska state agencies are partnering with Lexington nonprofits and other groups to help connect Tyson Foods workers and their families with support as 3,200 people lose their jobs with the closure of the town’s longtime beef plant.

Lincoln will now be the hub for the central region of the Office of the Assistant Chiefs with the USDA.

A Lexington woman was arrested Tuesday after committing a spree of crimes including stealing a car, hitting pedestrians, fleeing the scene and then lighting the car on fire, police say.

Tyson Foods’ decision to close a beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, could devastate the small city and undermine the profits of ranchers nationwide.

Adams County District Court has sentenced Anthony Mattison for the murder of Jasmine Garnett in 2022.

Leon Stall is resigning as the mayor of Gibbon following a recall effort. 

One year after losing in the state title game, Bishop Newman can say they are the best in class. The Cavaliers defeated Grand Island Central Catholic 37-15 to win the 2025 NSAA C2 football state championship.

The Lexington community Tuesday afternoon to coordinate job, financial, and family support resources for workers affected by the upcoming Tyson plant closure.

The Museum of Nebraska Art is being recognized by the American Institute of Architects after completed expansion, renovation and restoration.

The now second-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team is in the NCAA Tournament for a 26th straight season and will host the Central Regional Dec. 4-6 at the Health & Sports Center.

Hastings St. Cecilia’s high school football team will be transitioning from 11-man to 8-man for the next two-year cycle.

The upcoming closure of the Tyson Foods meat-processing plant marks a major change for Lexington, but community leaders say it won’t define the city.

The only thing better than getting your first state title, is getting the second one - and for Sandy Creek, they did that in as many years. 

Tyson Foods will close its Lexington, Nebraska beef plant in January 2026, and the community is grappling with the impact.

North Platte’s Dr. Melissa Mosel appeared on Friday evening’s episode of ‘Wheel of Fortune.’

NPPD is replacing a bridge over the Kearney Canal on Evergreen Road starting November 24.

The biggest employer in Lexington is shutting down its plant.

Downtown Hastings welcomed large crowds for the annual Celebration of Lights, featuring a new Christmas tree display, family activities, vendors and holiday festivities to kick off the season.

The Archway, Stuhr Museum and Hastings Museum are competing in the annual Tri-City Food Fight, collecting food donations through Dec. 31 to support local families and restock area pantries.

News Channel Nebraska is putting one of the state’s premier holiday celebrations in the spotlight.

Ogallala alum and North Platte pediatrician Dr. Melissa (Zimmerman) Mosel will appear on “Wheel of Fortune” this Friday evening.

The 56th Gateway Farm Show at Buffalo County Fairgrounds highlights the latest in agricultural technology.

ZZ Top and Dwight Yoakam are scheduled to hit the Heartland Events Center stage in 2026.

A Central Nebraska city is gearing up for one of its biggest holiday traditions with the annual “Celebration of Lights’ event returning Thursday to Hastings.

Authorities discovered a deceased driver inside a burned vehicle early Sunday, Nov. 16, after it crashed into a tree near the Lake Maloney outlet on North Lake Road, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers led a writing workshop at the Kearney Public Library, sharing her approach to poetry, creativity and collaboration while encouraging new writers to explore storytelling in fresh ways.

Kearney Police say two teens are behind a string of business burglaries reported on the south side of town over the weekend.

Emergency crews near Hastings are on the scene of a large anhydrous ammonia leak at a fertilizer plant.

Minden residents are being asked to weigh in on the future of the historic courthouse dome.

Nebraska State Patrol announced today a Colorado attempted homicide suspect was arrested in North Platte Thursday,. Troopers also found drugs, a handgun and stolen financial documents during the search.

A major expansion of cancer services is coming to central Nebraska as Kearney prepares to open a new comprehensive cancer center.

The Kearney Area Community Foundation launched the Community Critical Needs Fund, backed by a $75,000 challenge gift, to support local nonprofits helping families with essential needs.

Grand Island crews transported a Colorado Blue Spruce to Amur Plaza Thursday, setting up the centerpiece for the city’s Railside Christmas celebration on November 21.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s fifth annual One Day for UNK fundraiser set new records with 2,170 gifts totaling nearly $390,000, supporting scholarships, student programs and more.

UNK’s 24-hour giving day aims to strengthen opportunities for students across campus

Direct Chicago flights will return to Kearney for the first time since 2022 under a new SkyWest agreement.

There's a new graduate from the Central Nebraska Veterans Treatment Court — a program helping veterans rebuild.