Top 8 at 8: The top stories at Channel 8 in 2025 tell moments of tragedy to triumph
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Many stories have left their mark in southeast Nebraska throughout 2025.
From tragedies caused by domestic violence to the ICE raids that shook our community — and even significant budget cuts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln — the Channel 8 team was there for every moment.
The list starts with Channel 8 reporter Karen Lucrece’s interview with the family of domestic violence victim Jennifer McCarther.
SEE ALSO: ‘Suffering in silence’: Family members of Jennifer McCarther speak out one week after her death
“Domestic violence can happen to anyone, and that silence is deadly. We would have never envisioned anything like this, so she was suffering in silence,” said McCarther’s daughter, Deja Plater.
The following story reflects on when the search for a missing loved one came to an end.
The body of Tyler Goodrich was discovered less than 1,000 yards from his house in a wooded area along Highway 77, finally providing answers to friends and family.
SEE ALSO: ‘Remember the happy times’: Tyler Goodrich’s family and friends celebrate his life
“He will live on with all of us, and I don’t think there won’t be a memory of Tyler out there,” said Amanda Meyer, childhood friend of Goodrich.
At UNL, the Board of Regents eliminated four programs to slash its budget by $27.5 million.
The decision came after hours of testimony from faculty and staff, none of which was enough to save the programs.
SEE ALSO: NU Regents approve UNL’s plan to slash $27.5 million from its budget
“These are hard decisions, but they are guided by a commitment to our students, our faculty and the long-term strength of our institution,” said one of the Nebraska Regents.
In Omaha, the community was shaken by an ICE raid at Glenn Valley Foods on June 10th.
SEE ALSO: U.S. Attorney’s Office says raid of Omaha plant came after audit of employee records
Authorities took 74 employees into custody; days later, protesters took to the streets to voice their concerns about the College World Series.
Moving on to sports.
“Listen to this crowd, Jack Hoffman, a young man that I mentioned, has really been adopted by this football team, just scored a touchdown. Oh wow, what a moment,” said one sports commentator about one beloved Husker fan.
Jack Hoffman died from brain cancer in January. He’s remembered for his legendary touchdown during the 2013 spring game.
SEE ALSO: ‘Our favorite touchdown’: Ex-Husker Brandon Reilly recounts Jack Hoffman’s ‘incredible’ run
He will also be remembered for the legacy he left with the Team Jack Foundation, a nonprofit that helps fight pediatric brain cancer.
“He was a spectacular kid, and he’s tougher than I’ll ever be, I know that,” said former Husker wide receiver Brandon Reilly.
A second sports story that made the top 8 occurred earlier this month.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel broke the news that Dylan Raiola is leaving Nebraska after spending two years with the program.
SEE ALSO: Report: Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola to enter the transfer portal
Raiola helped lead the team to two bowl games.
In other shocking Husker news, Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook retired in January after 25 years of leading the program.
SEE ALSO: John Cook talks retirement after 25 years as Nebraska volleyball’s head coach
His successor, Dani Busboom Kelly, led the team to an undefeated regular season, and several of the team’s standout players, like Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly, earned numerous accolades.
Finally, there is the heartwarming story of Zephyr, the dog who was abandoned in a pumpkin patch near Nebraska City.
We followed Zephyr along as she received treatment, love and care at the Capital Humane Society.
SEE ALSO: Capital Humane Society rescues 9-month-old puppy found in Pumpkin Patch
She’s since been adopted by CHS’s executive director, Matt Madcharo, and is even enjoying the holiday with visits to Santa.
In addition to the top 8 stories, our team of citizen journalists was there every step of the way through our NOW local news app.
When breaking news unfolded, the community stepped up and shared real-time updates, helping us tell the stories that shaped 2025.
