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

Regional

Downtown Sounds performer Kimberly Meyer earns national music award nomination

Endangered Missing Advisory issued for 18-year-old last possibly seen in Sidney

Two seriously injured in I-80 construction zone crash near Ogallala

Crash in Keith County construction zone traps two victims near Ogallala

Addressing the housing issue in the Panhandle

Ohio driver falls asleep, crashes into semi on Interstate 80 in Cheyenne County

Sterling Fire Chief 26 years of service and retired

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

Regional

Downtown Sounds performer Kimberly Meyer earns national music award nomination

Endangered Missing Advisory issued for 18-year-old last possibly seen in Sidney

Two seriously injured in I-80 construction zone crash near Ogallala

Addressing the housing issue in the Panhandle

Ohio driver falls asleep, crashes into semi on Interstate 80 in Cheyenne County

Sterling Fire Chief 26 years of service and retired

State

Downtown Sounds performer Kimberly Meyer earns national music award nomination

Endangered Missing Advisory issued for 18-year-old last possibly seen in Sidney

Wakefield Community Schools split ways with Dr. Matt Farup

Two seriously injured in I-80 construction zone crash near Ogallala

After near-record warm months, Nebraska could see top-10 hottest year

Addressing the housing issue in the Panhandle

Sports

Hertl’s late winner caps Golden Knights’ wild 5-3 rally, giving them a 3-0 series lead on Avalanche

Kearney Catholic girls track secures three-peat

Chadron State's Bynes places 5th at Outdoor Nationals

Shaydyn Rasby, Katelyn Walker win state titles as area athletes close strong in Omaha

Murray State CC, of Oklahoma, wins NJCAA Division 2 Golf Title

Barbashev, Eichel score in 2:07 span, Golden Knights stun Avs 3-1 to take 2-0 series lead

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Campers invited to take state park survey

Feed supplies tighten for Nebraska producers as drought persists

Outdoor notes: Invasive Species Awareness Week is May 24-30

Powell wins 56th Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Outdoor notes: Spring shotgun turkey season opens

Outdoor notes: Bighorn sheep regular lottery applications begin April 20