Powerful winds, critical fire danger grip Panhandle and High Plains Thursday

Strong winds gusting up to 70 mph and low humidity are creating dangerous fire weather across the Panhandle and High Plains today. Red Flag Warnings and High Wind Warnings remain in effect as officials urge extreme caution.

December 18, 2025Updated: December 18, 2025

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

Norfolk-based, veteran-owned firm named Nebraska Government Contractor of the Year

Norfolk-based, veteran-owned firm named Nebraska government contractor of the year

Game and Parks talks turkey numbers, amidst spring season

Alert sent out for intersection accident in Norfolk

Alert sent out for intersection accident in Norfolk Wednesday

Rollover crash near Norfolk leaves one seriously injured

State

Aid available for Nebraska veterans impacted by wildfires

Trump says Pam Bondi, a loyalist who oversaw Justice Department upheaval, is out as attorney general

Gov. Pillen rescinds statewide burn ban as wildfire risk eases

Fairbury couple accused of child sexual assault plead not guilty to all counts in district court

Minor Fire fully contained; Ashby Fire holds at 97% as conditions begin to dry

Sidney couple facing felony forgery charges

Sports

Colorado sports notes: Tyler Freeman drives in winning run in 10th as Rockies beat Blue Jays 2-1

WNCC’s Lashley ready to lead her Anguilla national team in CONCACAF qualifier

Eagles Sweep 5000 Meters at Central Nebraska Challenge

Johnston hits a 2-run homer as the Rockies rout the Blue Jays 14-5 for their 1st win of the season

Cougar notes: WNCC softball plays tough against No. 25 McCook despite falling

Sidney boys, Ogallala girls headline strong showings at Ganser Invite

Ag & Outdoor

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

Outdoor notes: Temporary closure of Clear Creek WMA for safety

‘Worst-case scenario’: Fertilizer, fuel cost spikes hitting Nebraska farmers hard

Outdoor notes: Haag shares 100 years of Nebraskaland

Supplementing dryland wheat and irrigated corn with proso millet in drought years