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

Arnold students receive helmets, school grant through Small Towns Matter program

Arnold students receive helmets, school grant through Small Towns Matter program

Kids Korner children donate to Sidney firefighters

Kids Korner children donate to Sidney firefighters

Zane Hall returning to Sidney as Youth and Connections Pastor at Evangelical Free Church

Zane Hall returning to Sidney as Youth and Connections Pastor at Evangelical Free Church

Nebraska man walking across state to raise awareness about increase in suicides

Nebraska man walking across state to raise awareness about increase in suicides

Have a 'cheeseburger in paradise' while its '5 o'clock somewhere'

Have a 'cheeseburger in paradise' while its '5 o'clock somewhere'

Authorities clear Alliance High School

Authorities clear Alliance High School

State

Arnold students receive helmets, school grant through Small Towns Matter program

Nebraska legislative races to watch for 2026 primary as fundraising exceeds $4.1 million

Omaha man sentenced in Federal Court

2026 Primary Election Guide: Southeast Nebraska

Kids Korner children donate to Sidney firefighters

Woman charged in Kearney YRTC sexual assault case reaches plea agreement

Sports

Doane hosting 2026 NAIA baseball opening round in Lincoln

WNCC baseball ends season with loss to Southeast at regionals

Field set for Colorado 1A state tournament semifinals

Colorado sports notes: Schwarber homers twice, Phillies beat Rockies 6-0 and improve to 10-3 under Mattingly

WNCC baseball stays alive with 16-7 win over Otero

WNCC softball season ends after dropping two at regionals Friday

Ag & Outdoor

Powell wins 56th Cornhusker Trap Shoot

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