Good morning, Grand Island.

1 Million Cups Grand Island celebrated six months of weekly gatherings on May 1 at 8:30 a.m. at the Central Community College—Entrepreneurship Center.

The event featured 1,450 cups of coffee shared as local entrepreneurs and supporters looked ahead to future growth.

The Grand Island Independent won eight awards in a Nebraska Press Association contest — photographer Josh Salmon earned a first-place honor along with several second and third placements.

The 2025 Nebraska Passport program began May 1 and will run until Sept.

30, 2025. The program has 70 stops, including 12 central Nebraska towns, and visitors can get a booklet or use a phone app for digital stamps—each bonus stop gives a unique sticker that does not combine with other stamps for prize entries.

At a Tribute to Our Vietnam Veterans ceremony held Wednesday outside the Hall County Courthouse, about 180 locals and National Guard soldiers honored service members as Vietnam veteran Jim Seim shared his personal war memories and described how unprepared soldiers felt—his remarks recalled the local veteran Richard Gillham, whose flag was claimed by family members.

The 12th annual Go Big Give 24-hour fundraiser began at midnight on May 1 to support nonprofits in Hall+Hamilton+Howard+Merrick Counties by awarding prizes based on donations and funds raised.

Grand Island hosted several in-person events at local venues as organizers continued tallying contributions to benefit community groups.

After nearly two years without a full-service movie theater, Grand Island now welcomes B&B Theatres Grand Island 7.

The new venue opened Thursday at the former AMC site — it now shows movies, offers an arcade and bowling area, and movies begin today at noon with Thunderbolts.

CHI Health St. Francis earned an A Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group — one of only three in the state — showing that the hospital delivered safe, high-quality care to our community.

Fonner Park drama continues as the trainer title remains in dispute with Isai Gonzalez holding 38 wins and Mark Hibdon close behind with 36 ahead of the final two days of racing this weekend—while jockey Kevin Roman has clinched his fourth straight title.

Flat Out Time is set to run today on the Kentucky Oaks undercard—adding extra excitement to the meet.

Young Professionals May Luncheon

12-1 p.m. — Olive Garden Italian Restaurant — Lunch cost not specified — Network and enjoy a delicious meal with fellow Young Professionals.