Good morning, Grand Island.

A new giving circle for women in Hall County is set to support local nonprofits by pooling donations during one-hour quarterly meetings — its first meeting is on May 12.

The Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park opened its new exhibit (Dinosaurs Unearthed) featuring 22 animatronic dinosaurs yesterday.

Grand Island Public Schools are piloting two new math curriculum programs in four elementary schools to gather teacher feedback and choose the best option for all 13 schools.

The new program uses a hands-on approach to help kids learn basic math skills.

Grand Island Senior High is working to boost student attendance as part of a district five-year plan, seeking 90% of its students to attend at least 95% of classes.

Local water conservation groups including the Platte Basin Coalition urge residents and farmers to adopt water-saving practices amid prolonged drought; officials note even average rain may not fully recharge water supplies (soil moisture monitors and precision irrigation are recommended).

Schuler Red Angus was named the 2026 recipient of the Leopold Conservation Award for water-saving upgrades on its fourth-generation ranch — a nod to the Schuler family's dedication to conservation in the panhandle.

Old Highway 30 will be partially closed from Husker Highway to Old Potash Highway for crack sealing work, with repairs finishing by May 1.

Palace Drive will be completely closed from Knights to North Road for catch basin repairs, allowing local traffic until work concludes on May 11.

The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center has launched two interactive tools — the Cancer InFocus Data Dashboard and County Cancer Data Infographics — to help Nebraska communities track cancer trends and improve screening and prevention efforts; statewide training workshops will help community partners learn to use them.

On April 21, former Mayor Jay Vavricek and Woodsonia president Drew Snyder urged county commissioners to back the $600 million Good Life District project in Grand Island that would introduce a sports complex, aquatics center, and mixed housing.

Negotiations had stalled earlier, but renewed talks are expected on May 12.

Today, an independent arbitrator heard arguments from attorneys for 18 football players and the College Sports Commission who challenge a decision that blocked over $1 million in NIL deals — a ruling is expected within five days that may set new guidelines for college sports compensation.

Northwest High School hosted the Central Nebraska Track and Field Championships on Monday, where record-breaking performances emerged as Doniphan-Trumbull’s Jack Poppe set a new long jump record and won the 300-meter hurdles plus Central Valley’s Taylor McIntyre broke the 100 dash record to earn top honor.

University of Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg announced Tuesday that Boston College transfer Boden Kapke has signed with the Huskers for the 2026-27 season, bringing veteran conference experience to boost the team.

The 6-11 forward from Victoria, Minn. averaged 10.6 points in 31 games with Boston College last season.

Nebraska SIEGE Pro Arena Football

7:05-11:05 p.m. — Heartland Events Center — Ticket availability limited — Catch the thrilling Nebraska Siege Pro Arena Football action right in Grand Island.