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

A new Flatwater analysis shows the state has fallen behind its neighbors. Business leaders are diagnosing why – and hoping new efforts will reverse the troubling trend.

April 17, 2026Updated: April 17, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Regional

Wildfire sparked by lightning forces evacuation in Dawson County

LeMar Resigns from Hastings College Foundation

19th Annual Springfest to Launch Spring Planting Season

Archway introduces new audio tour app, virtual museum tours

Hastings Airport Awards Bid for Jet Hangar, Eyes Regional Status

Local volunteers invite Kearney residents to help design downtown crosswalk murals

State

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

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

Regional

Wildfire sparked by lightning forces evacuation in Dawson County

LeMar Resigns from Hastings College Foundation

19th Annual Springfest to Launch Spring Planting Season

Archway introduces new audio tour app, virtual museum tours

Hastings Airport Awards Bid for Jet Hangar, Eyes Regional Status

Local volunteers invite Kearney residents to help design downtown crosswalk murals

State

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

Motorcyclist dies after crash near Cheyenne intersection

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

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