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

Andrews Fire near Valentine fully contained at 570 acres

Andrews Fire near Valentine fully contained at 570 acres

Quick response keeps wildfire near Gordon under an acre

Quick response keeps wildfire near Gordon under an acre

Crookston woman sentenced to 20–30 years in foster child’s death

Crookston woman sentenced to 20–30 years in foster child’s death

No injuries in northwest Nebraska rollover accident

No injuries in northwest Nebraska rollover accident

State

Ol' Red raises more than $110,000 for St. Jude for third straight year

Three displaced after Fourth Terrace fire

Kearney nonprofit steps in to feed firefighters battling central Nebraska wildfire

New Amazon delivery station in Columbus aims to speed up deliveries across the region

Andrews Fire near Valentine fully contained at 570 acres

Will Werthimer visits Kearney High as trumpet player for Zach Bryan

Sports

Mayor recognizes wrestling champion

Doane wrestler Cristelle Rodriguez captures NAIA and U.S. championships

WNCC softball team splits contests with Lamar on Sunday

Lowery, Akins lead Chadron State College to win

Colorado sports notes: Forward Logan O'Connor caps long comeback with a Game 1 goal to help Avalanche hold off Kings 2-1

WNCC softball splits conference games with Lamar

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Spring shotgun turkey season opens

Outdoor notes: Bighorn sheep regular lottery applications begin April 20

Outdoor notes: NGPC offering pastures, hay tracts to those affected by wildfires

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