The US backs a South Africa project to extract rare earths despite a diplomatic clash

A U.S.-backed project in South Africa aims to extract rare earth minerals from industrial waste as part of a Trump administration priority to reduce reliance on China

April 19, 2026Updated: April 19, 2026

By MICHELLE GUMEDE

Beatrice on the Run provides supportive, free way to get kids up and running

BPD debuts two new safety programs

National Drug Take Back Day returns next Saturday

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

State

Sidney hosts multi-department fire training with Dalton, Gurley crews

19 mins ago

Fire from unattended burn spreads to debris piles near Sterling

22 mins ago

Tower work to temporarily affect 98.7 FM signal in Sidney area

28 mins ago

Potter Volunteer Fire Department honors members, reports 2025 activity

1 hr 40 mins ago

Red flag warning in effect through Monday for extremely dry, breezy conditions

11 hrs 53 mins ago

One injured in car vs truck accident

April 19th 2026, 3:09 AM UTC

Sports

Lowery, Akins lead Chadron State College to win

45 mins ago

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

47 mins ago

WNCC softball splits conference games with Lamar

11 hrs 53 mins ago

Colorado sports notes: Murray, Jokic lead Nuggets to 116-105 win over Timberwolves in physical opener to 1st-round series

April 19th 2026, 2:20 AM UTC

WNCC baseball drops doubleheader to Southeast

April 18th 2026, 1:58 PM UTC

Clutch hitting gives Columbus win over rival Norfolk

April 18th 2026, 12:42 AM UTC

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Spring shotgun turkey season opens

April 18th 2026, 6:00 AM UTC

Outdoor notes: Bighorn sheep regular lottery applications begin April 20

April 11th 2026, 6:00 AM UTC

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

April 4th 2026, 6:00 AM UTC

Outdoor notes: Work to begin soon on Smith Lake WMA Aquatic Habitat Project

March 28th 2026, 6:34 AM UTC

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks urges caution when recreating outdoors due to wildfires

March 22nd 2026, 3:26 AM UTC

Outdoor notes: Temporary closure of Clear Creek WMA for safety

March 15th 2026, 6:17 AM UTC