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

137 million walleye eggs collected during Valentine area spawning

137 million walleye eggs collected during Valentine area spawning

Legacy Cooperative to close Hyannis convenience, feed store

Legacy Cooperative to close Hyannis convenience, feed store

Meet the aircraft, crews on standby in Ainsworth following Sandhills fires

Meet the aircraft, crews on standby in Ainsworth following Sandhills fires

Gordon man sentenced for sexually assaulting children

Gordon man sentenced for sexually assaulting children

State

Red flag warning issued for Saturday; elevated fire danger continues into early next week

Troopers Arrest 20 Impaired Drivers During Special Campaign

National Drug Take Back Day returns next Saturday

PlainsWest CASA opens doors to new look

Regents to consider $600M overhaul of Memorial Stadium

Freeze warning, watch issued as cold snap targets region

Sports

Bridgeport names Dean interim girls basketball coach after Kuhlen steps down

WNCC baseball starts slow; earns a split with Southeast

Beatrice drops tournament semifinal against Platteview; will face Ralston for third place Friday

100-Meter Sprinters, 4x400 Relay Among Bauer Open Standouts

Colorado sports notes: Avalanche coach Jared Bednar returns to the bench after taking a puck to the face last weekend

Cougar notes: WNCC's Travers earns Region IX softball player of the week

Ag & Outdoor

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

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