Stuck in Neutral: Nebraska used to be a leader in creating jobs and spurring growth. Not anymore.

Nebraska's economic growth has stalled, missing Site Selection magazine's top 10 development states for the second year

April 17, 2026Updated: April 17, 2026

By HENRY J. CORDES/Flatwater Free Press

Regional

Mother of murder suspect appears in Sheridan County Court on drug charge

The mother of an Alliance woman accused of murder appeared in Sheridan County Court this week on a separate drug charge.

Murder suspect’s case moved from Sheridan to Box Butte County

The murder case against an Alliance woman accused of killing her ex-boyfriend and disposing of his body will now be prosecuted in Box Butte County.

Gordon city council declines fireworks ban amid elevated fire risk

Despite ongoing concerns about wildfire risk, fireworks will be allowed within Gordon city limits this Independence Day after the city council did not approve a temporary ban.

Stuck in Neutral: Nebraska used to be a leader in creating jobs and spurring growth. Not anymore.

Regional

Mother of murder suspect appears in Sheridan County Court on drug charge

Murder suspect’s case moved from Sheridan to Box Butte County

Gordon city council declines fireworks ban amid elevated fire risk

Drowning death under investigation at Johnson Lake

State

Tobias candidate forum unites candidates with statewide aspirations with voices of local voters

Hospital CEO proposes hospital district

Driver cited for careless driving following semi accident

Pillen creates property tax ‘hotline’ to solicit Nebraskans’ anger on rising taxes, valuations

Clearwater prepares for annual rodeo weekend with expected crowd of five thousand visitors

State girls wrestling duals coming to Kearney

Sports

Husker great runs team's volleyball clinic

A goal to spread soccer lands Omaha kids on the World Cup field

4-H nationals bring thousands to Grand Island

Oklahoma dominates UNC, wins first College World Series since 1994

Hundreds of hoopers compete at growing UNK basketball camp

UNC takes game two of CWS finals, forces winner-take-all Monday night

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Birding Bowl inspires generous next step

Outdoor notes: Tips for enjoying water safely this summer

Outdoor notes: Rare lake sturgeon made 681-mile swim

Outdoor notes: Low water affecting Nebraska boaters this summer

Ag notes: Cattle placements rise 6% during April

NGPC still offers grazing, haying opportunities