AGP Executive Report

Voter Rights Fight: A Nebraska coalition says it cleared a major hurdle to put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot, submitting more than 185,000 signatures to raise the threshold for lawmakers to change voter-approved laws from two-thirds to four-fifths. Capitol Hill: The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham has triggered tributes and a succession scramble, with attention on the Senate Budget Committee role that can shape major GOP priorities. MLB Draft: Nebraska’s Carson Jasa was picked in the third round by the Chicago Cubs, continuing a strong draft weekend for Huskers. Local Safety: Omaha police report a fatal officer-involved incident after a welfare check in the Aksarben area, and a separate northwest Omaha crash sent three people to hospitals with life-threatening injuries. Health & Community: The Nebraska Humane Society is urging pet owners to keep rabies vaccines current as wildlife contact rises, and Regional West added emergency physician Joshua Sloan, MD, to its west Nebraska trauma-focused team.

MLB Draft (Nebraska impact): Nebraska’s Ty Horn (Reds, 94th) and Carson Jasa (Cubs, 98th) both went in the third round Saturday, giving the Huskers two top-100 pitchers in the same draft year and continuing a strong run of early-round NU arms. MLB Draft (national): The White Sox opened Day 1 with UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, while other top picks included Grady Emerson, Vahn Lackey, Jackson Flora and Derek Curiel. Public health (Nebraska): Nebraska DHHS updated WIC income guidelines, expanding eligibility for more families; a family of four can now make up to $61,050 annually and still qualify. Sports (Nebraska): The Nebraska Siege beat the Eau Claire Axemen 52-28, while Nebraska’s arm wrestling scene drew about 60 competitors at the Cornhusker State Games. Community & events (Nebraska): Omaha will host the 50th Wheelchair Softball World Series in August, bringing teams from across the country. Weather (Omaha): Summer heat is sticking around into next week, with officials watching for possible extreme heat later in the week. Safety & services (statewide): Nebraska’s SEMA-style disaster briefings aren’t local, but FEMA Public Assistance rules are being explained for eligible agencies in Missouri counties hit by severe storms.

Immigration Detention in Nebraska: Nebraska ICE detainees at the McCook center described fear, wildfire smoke, and prayer inside the “Cornhusker Clink,” after the facility was converted from a state work camp under a federal contract. Weather & Heat Safety: Omaha and eastern Nebraska are bracing for patchy dense fog early, then a stretch of hot, humid days with heat index near the mid-90s and the hottest period expected Thursday through Saturday, with some areas near 100°. Private Wells: Nebraska Extension urged private well owners to test water annually—especially for nitrate and bacteria like E. coli—and to consider extra testing for naturally occurring contaminants. Maternal Health: Chadron Hospital joined the Nebraska Postpartum Alert Initiative, giving new mothers a teal wristband for six weeks to flag postpartum warning signs. Local Sports Recruiting: Nebraska-area fans got a recruiting note as Clemson landed South Pointe defensive tackle Seth Tillman, who also had Nebraska among his offers. UFC White House Plot: Federal prosecutors detailed a thwarted drone-and-sniper attack plan tied to the UFC Freedom 250 event, with Nebraska named among districts involved in the case.

Terror Case in Focus: Federal prosecutors say eight men were indicted on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges tied to a thwarted drone-and-sniper attack planned for the “UFC Freedom 250” event on the White House grounds, with investigators tracing the plot after a tip from the suspect’s parents. Local Public Safety: Nebraska issued a health alert for harmful algal blooms at Maskenthine Reservoir in Stanton County, warning people to avoid exposure and keep pets out of the water. Environment & Accountability: EPA and DOJ announced a settlement with Keystone Pipeline owner/operator South Bow over a 2022 oil spill in Washington County, Kansas, including a $26M+ civil penalty and cleanup commitments. Education Leadership: Cave Creek Unified’s new superintendent, Dr. Nicole Regan, was selected to attend a Sept. 2-4 leadership summit at UNMC. Road Work Ahead: Nebraska DOT District 3 says rumble strips and CCTV installations are underway/starting July 13 on multiple northeast highways, with lane closures and a target completion in September. Sports & Community: Nebraska’s youth and Legion baseball tournaments continue across the state, while local weather forecasts point to a hot stretch with limited rain.

State Budget Fight: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s memo ordering agencies to cut spending by at least 5% is drawing a response from University of Nebraska President Jeffery Gold, who says the university is making progress but isn’t satisfied with the cuts. Animal Cruelty Case: The Nebraska Humane Society says a man was cited after a search warrant in Elkhorn led to the seizure of 79 animals, including a zebra and an emu, with the shelter asking for help to make room. Public Safety/Weather: Omaha-area forecasts call for fog developing Friday night into Saturday morning, with highs near 90° this weekend and a hot stretch next week. Health & Community: Nebraska Community Blood Bank warns of a critical summer shortage, with O-negative at under a day’s supply. Agriculture & Prices: Beef prices keep climbing, with consumers seeing steep increases as cattle supplies tighten. Sports Spotlight: LOVB Nebraska is hosting a free Lincoln block party featuring Dani Busboom Kelly and Jordan Larson. Law Enforcement: U.S. Marshals say a missing 12-year-old Lincoln boy was found safe in Texas, and a woman was arrested while awaiting extradition.

UFC Plot Update: Federal prosecutors say eight men were indicted in Ohio over a thwarted drone-and-sniper plan targeting the White House UFC Freedom 250 event, with alleged plans to harm top officials including President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Nebraska Corrections: Nebraska Corrections is investigating an assault at the State Penitentiary where four staff members were attacked by two incarcerated individuals; one staffer needed stitches and the case will go to the Lancaster County Attorney. Energy Policy: Nebraska’s LB 1261 opens a path for privately built power plants to connect to public power district grids for large industrial users, as Nebraska Utilities and public power districts discuss efficiency and cost pressures. Health Watch: CDC reports West Nile virus is surging earlier and harder than in more than two decades, with dozens of cases across 23 states and neuroinvasive illness driving concern. Local Health Care: Nebraska ABA therapy rules for Medicaid children tightened this month, limiting school-based billing and cutting weekly hours without prior authorization, leaving families scrambling for care. Community & Science: UNL’s Morrill Hall hosts “Eight-Legged Encounters” July 12-16 as the American Arachnological Society brings researchers to Lincoln.

Public Safety: Nebraska State Penitentiary is investigating an alleged assault in which two inmates are accused of punching four staff members; one worker needed stitches and the case will go to the county attorney. Health & Environment: The state issued harmful algal bloom health alerts for Maskenthine Reservoir (Stanton County) and Rockford Lake (Gage County), with swimming beaches closed and residents urged to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out. Weather & Heat: Forecasters warn a weekend heat dome could push temperatures toward record highs in parts of the West and worsen drought and wildfire risk, while Nebraska is bracing for hot, dry conditions after scattered storms. Public Health: Nebraska Community Blood Bank says it’s facing a second summer shortage, with supply below two days on every blood type and a need for nearly 1,000 donors weekly. State Government & Infrastructure: FEMA approved more than $11.2 million for disaster recovery and mitigation across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, including Spencer sewer repairs and Rock Rapids utility meter/regulator work. Law Enforcement: Nebraska State Patrol reported 35 DUI arrests over the Independence Day weekend, along with hundreds of speeding and other traffic citations. Crime & Courts: Eight men were indicted in a thwarted drone and sniper attack plot tied to a White House UFC event, with defendants reportedly from multiple states including Nebraska.

State Budget Watch: Gov. Jim Pillen ordered Nebraska agencies to cut spending, including at least a 5% reduction in monthly allotments, tighter controls on hiring and position refills, and travel and equipment limits, with agencies due to submit compliance plans by late July. Cash App Fallout: Nebraska Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced a $45 million multistate settlement with Block over Cash App’s alleged deceptive fraud practices and weak dispute protections, with Nebraska expected to receive nearly $380,000. Immigration Court Changes: Omaha’s “mega master” hearings are moving dates up and shortening notice, raising concerns about people missing hearings and facing deportation in absentia. Weather: Storms have been winding down in Omaha, but another First Alert Weather Day is expected Thursday with a chance of strong to severe storms. Local Development: Construction has started on Plaza de la Raza in South Omaha, a $25 million community-led cultural plaza expected to finish in fall 2027. Nebraska Sports: Former Husker Max Anderson was selected for the 2026 MLB All-Star Futures Game. Agriculture & Ranching: Nebraska Ranch Practicum continues hands-on training for ranchers across the region, and UNL updates warn about Western bean cutworm scouting and treatment timing.

Cash App Fallout: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced the state’s share of a $45 million multistate settlement with Block over alleged fraud-protection failures on Cash App, including $379,619.99 for Nebraska, as regulators say the app was marketed as “bank-like” while scammers exploited weak identity checks and limited phone support. Robocall Crackdown Push: Nebraska and other attorneys general also urged the FCC to tighten rules further, arguing scammers now buy real phone numbers to dodge anti-spam efforts. Rural Schools & Nutrition: The Nebraska Department of Education is accepting applications for a $2.2M+ grant to help rural schools improve school meals through the Nebraska Rural Health Transformation Program. Wildfire Relief Loans: Gov. Jim Pillen says USDA approved a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for March-April wildfires, opening Farm Service Agency emergency loan assistance for qualifying Nebraska counties, with applications due within eight months. Public Safety Tech: Kearney and Buffalo County are expanding use of drones and Flock license plate readers, with Lt. Derek Luke outlining capabilities and privacy concerns. Road Work: Nebraska DOT plans July 15 start on I-80 eastbound repairs near Overton, with lane closures and a 12-foot width limit through Oct. 2026. Local Health: Central Nebraska Children & Adolescent Clinic opened a new Hastings space July 1, moving closer to Mary Lanning Healthcare. Weather & Crops: Heat is slowing tar spot development, but Nebraska farmers are urged to keep scouting as the disease has been confirmed in multiple states including Nebraska.

Workforce & Health Care: Nebraska is rolling out a Workforce Pell Grant program through Mid-Plains Community College, aiming to expand short-term job training and boost access to higher-paying careers. Public Safety & Courts: A Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office investigation led to charges against Alyssa Parkins in the death of a 9-month-old, including intentional child abuse resulting in death and strangulation resulting in death. State Government: Nebraska’s State Fire Marshal hired Troy Shoemaker as assistant state fire marshal, starting Oct. 1. Disability Services: A KETV investigation raises concerns that a new DHHS assessment tool (inteRAI) may reduce funding for some Nebraskans with developmental disabilities, with families saying care levels could drop. Elections & Voting Access: Lincoln’s 3rd District nonpartisan candidate Macey Budke says she’ll run a write-in campaign after missing the signature threshold, citing logistics without a party infrastructure. Local Law Enforcement: Douglas County deputies arrested former UNL wrestler A.J. Ferrari on Lancaster County warrants tied to alleged assault by strangulation/suffocation on a pregnant woman, domestic violence assault, and false imprisonment. Infrastructure & Travel: In Washington, D.C., power-line “undergrounding” work is set to close lanes on Nebraska Avenue NW, creating a traffic bottleneck through Aug. 7.

Nebraska Justice: The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office says Lincoln massage therapist Victor Zweerink’s license is revoked for at least two years after a settlement over alleged professional misconduct, including boundary issues and failure to report a termination; he also must pay a $20,000 civil penalty. Local Courts & Public Safety: Former Nebraska wrestler AJ Ferrari was arrested in Douglas County on a Lancaster County warrant tied to allegations including assault by strangulation of a pregnant woman, domestic violence assault, and false imprisonment. Health & Community: A Hastings man, Joseph Whitlock, faces a felony charge after investigators allege repeated sexual assault of a child over several years; he’s held on $150,000 bond. Environment: Nebraska Game and Parks reports a fish kill at Timber Point Lake in Butler County caused by extremely low dissolved oxygen, likely triggered by a late-June algal bloom. State Politics & Voting: Early ballot applications for Nebraska’s 2026 gubernatorial election will be mailed late July, with ballots going out in late July/early August for those who request by-mail voting. Economy & Growth: Bellevue officials say a defense-tech campus anchor, the REACH facility, is moving forward with a planned $50 million state contribution and up to $300 million total investment. Weather Watch: Central Nebraska faces a Wednesday severe weather risk, with officials warning of possible storms.

Nebraska Wildfire Recovery: President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for spring wildfires that burned more than 821,000 acres, with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen saying nearly $9.7 million will help repair roads and electrical infrastructure in Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln and Morrill counties. Power Line Court Fight: Despite a federal judge’s preliminary injunction, NPPD began initial construction on the R-project transmission line near Sutherland, including drilling for a first pier, after months of surveying and staging. Ballot Measure Push: The Respect Nebraska Voters campaign submitted more than 186,000 signatures for a constitutional change that would raise the vote threshold to four-fifths to amend or repeal voter-approved initiatives and tighten how initiative changes would be approved. Recruiting Spotlight: Nebraska landed 4-star WR Khalil Taylor, adding another top-100 pledge to its 2027 class as the Huskers continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail. Public Safety & Courts: Two men were sentenced in federal court in an Omaha sex trafficking case involving two minors, with one receiving 17½ years and another 15 years. Weather Watch: Omaha and eastern Nebraska are heading into more 90s with storm chances midweek and heat building into next week.

Election Law Fight: The RNC is suing Nebraska over overseas voting rules that let some U.S. citizens vote using a parent’s Nebraska residency, arguing the law violates the state constitution. Wildfire Recovery: President Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for Nebraska’s spring wildfires, covering Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln and Morrill counties, with nearly $9.7 million aimed at rebuilding roads and restoring electrical infrastructure. Court/Politics Watch: C-SPAN is sending young multimedia journalists to battleground states including Nebraska to boost local video coverage ahead of the midterms. Lottery Dollars: Nebraska’s latest Scratch and Lotto payout totals $9.6 million, including $4.28 million each to the Environmental Trust Fund and education-related programs, plus support for the State Fair and problem gamblers. Public Safety: The Log Road Fire is now 100% contained after burning about 1,525 acres, and incident command is shifting back to local departments. Weather & Agriculture: Omaha starts warm with rain chances midweek; an ag meteorologist says a mid-July heat dome should have limited impact on pollinating corn, though rain may be spotty. Local Notes: Nebraska State Patrol Camp 74 is underway in Grand Island, and authorities are investigating a fatal bicycle crash near Loup City.

Election Law Fight: Nebraska’s outgoing Secretary of State Bob Evnen says he’s “baffled” by an RNC lawsuit challenging a state provision that lets certain U.S. citizens living abroad vote in Nebraska elections, arguing the number of users is “almost nonexistent.” Agriculture Data Privacy: Nebraska passed and Gov. Jim Pillen signed the Agricultural Data Privacy Act, making farmers the owners of data generated on their farms and limiting companies from selling it without written consent. Water Court Battle: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear Nebraska’s case against Colorado over the South Platte River Compact, with Nebraska arguing Colorado isn’t restricting junior water users as required. Wildfire Update: The Log Road Fire is now 100% contained after burning more than 1,500 acres in Sioux County, with no structures lost reported. Community & Weather: Omaha’s Riverfront moved a postponed July 4 country concert back to Sunday night after weather disrupted the original plan, while Nebraska forecasts point to hot, humid days and storm chances midweek.

Hooper 150th Anniversary: Hooper marked July 4 with a full day of family events, including an afternoon parade featuring fire trucks, farm equipment and a visit from a four-time U.S. Olympian. Foster Care Closet expands in Lincoln: The nonprofit is moving its Lincoln operations to the Center for People building, with the new site expected to open Sept. 9 and services continuing by appointment and mobile closet events during the transition. Crime—AJ Ferrari charged: Former Nebraska wrestler AJ Ferrari is wanted by Lancaster County authorities on allegations he assaulted a pregnant woman, facing three felonies including false imprisonment and assault by strangling. Public safety—ATV crash: A 16-year-old boy died after an ATV collided with a car in North Omaha near Florence Boulevard and Locust Street; he was not wearing a helmet. Local health—mosquito warning for pets: The Nebraska Humane Society urged pet owners to protect animals from mosquitoes that can transmit heartworm, noting prevention is far easier than treatment. Community—America 250 fireworks: Buffalo County held its America 250 celebration at the fairgrounds, ending with a choreographed fireworks show. Weather watch: A severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect for parts of central and south-central Nebraska as storms moved east.

Severe Weather & July 4 Disruptions: Thunderstorms pushed back the 10 p.m. July 4 fireworks at Stuhr Museum in Grand Island, with officials delaying the start until conditions improved; the show ultimately launched at 10:45 p.m. after storms weakened. Heat Wave Toll: Across the U.S., record-breaking heat is linked to at least 25 deaths, with millions under heat alerts and some major Independence Day events affected. Local Fire Update: The Log Road Fire near Harrison is at about 81% containment, with burned acreage reported at 1,526; officials say command is shifting back to local departments and urge people to stay clear of the area. Nebraska Sports: Creighton and Nebraska were represented on the USA Volleyball U21 Pan American Cup roster, including three Huskers and one Bluejay making the U.S. team. Community Celebrations: Grand Island’s Stuhr Museum hosted a major “United We Celebrate” festival for America’s 250th, bringing performances, history activities, and a community fireworks show together. Weather Watch for Lincoln Area: A severe thunderstorm warning for parts of northeast Lincoln County and nearby areas was set to expire at 8:15 p.m., though a watch remained in effect for other parts of Nebraska.