AGP Executive Report

Fourth of July in Omaha: KETV says its July 3 lineup starts 7 p.m. with Nebraska and national 250th commemorations, plus live concert and fireworks coverage. Local Festivities: Field Club’s parade hits 10:30 a.m.; Ralston’s fireworks go Friday at 10 p.m., with a Saturday parade and foam party; Werner Park fireworks run Friday and Saturday after Storm Chasers games. Outdoor Escape: Lovewell State Park near the Kansas-Nebraska line offers primitive campsites, RV stays, nine cabins, and boating on Lovewell Reservoir. SNAP Update: A federal judge’s ruling is pushing Nebraska to drop SNAP restrictions on soda and energy drinks. Public Safety & Community: Nebraska State Patrol adds K-9s RJ (Kearney) and Phoenix (North Platte). Arts & Culture: Nebraskaland Days Frontier Revue returns for America 250 at the Fox Theatre. Media: Walnut Media brings back Omaha’s historic AM-590 WOW call letters. Wildfire Watch: Crews report Log Road Fire progress to 21% contained.

Arts & Entertainment: TimberJam returns to Garden Valley with a one-night folk-pop concert at Starlight Mountain Theatre on Sept. 12, bringing live music back to the outdoor venue. Books & Culture: A Nebraska congressional candidate is drawing attention for telling supporters to “read some fairy smut” as a coping strategy during Trump’s second-term era. Local Arts & Community: Leadership Nebraska has selected Fremont’s Rachel Sissel for Class XVIII, and Ellie Piitz of Brainard attended the Nebraska Masonic All-Star Marching Band Camp at UNK. Sports Media: Walnut Media is resurrecting the historic “WOW” AM brand in Omaha, set to carry Husker Athletics starting this autumn. Nebraska Events: The 50th Wisner Jr. Livestock Show wrapped up with record youth participation, rides, food trucks, and rodeo highlights. Weather & Safety: Severe storms are expected Friday ahead of the Fourth, and Morrill County is under a state of emergency after storm damage. Public Safety: Omaha police report a dog neglect conviction after a duct-taped-muzzle case, plus more arrests tied to ongoing child abuse investigations.

Omaha Arts & Community: Construction is set to begin this week on South Omaha’s “La Plaza de la Raza” project, turning a long-used parking lot into a new plaza with an amphitheater, playgrounds, open lawn space, and signature art—backed by a $25M state grant and designed to reshape the neighborhood’s tourism and gathering scene. Lincoln Pride: Star City Pride 2026 kicks off with Pride in the Park, then rolls into a downtown parade and the 20th annual Star City Pride Festival at Das Haus, with a “Rainbow Rewind” theme. Nebraska Sports (Husker): Nebraska baseball coach Will Bolt and his staff are getting contract extensions after the Huskers hosted an NCAA regional—Bolt’s deal runs through 2032, with raises for the head coach and assistants. Nebraska Sports (Betting): Tax Relief Nebraska has submitted signatures for an online sports betting ballot measure, aiming to let Nebraskans bet legally from their phones—while opponents gear up for pushback. Arts & Music: Beth Orton returns with “The Ground Above,” a more grounded, live-feeling follow-up that leans into expansive arrangements and new collaborators. Travel & Outdoors: Nebraska’s northeastern state parks are planning America 250-themed events in July, including Niobrara’s Fourth of July weekend and Lewis & Clark SRA’s Red, White & Blue festivities.

UW-Madison Athletics: Wisconsin has officially named Shawn Eichorst its new athletic director, bringing him back to the Big Ten after stints as Nebraska AD and Texas deputy AD—Badgers leaders say he’ll “hit the ground running,” with football expectations and program finances among early priorities. Nebraska Sports: Nebraska extended baseball coach Will Bolt and his staff, keeping the Huskers on track after three straight NCAA appearances and a regional host run. Nebraska Politics & Sports Betting: WarHorse-backed Tax Relief Nebraska submitted signatures for a November ballot push to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska, including a constitutional amendment and a tax plan tied to property tax credits. Arts & Community Calendar: Lincoln’s Zoo Bar is gearing up for ZooFest and a week of live music leading into July 10-11 celebrations. Independence Day in Nebraska: Nebraska State Historical Society sites will offer free admission on July 4, with special activities at places like the Nebraska History Museum, Chimney Rock, Fort Robinson, and the Norris House. Education: Nebraska Educators Rising members brought leadership and competition energy to the national conference in Portland. Culture & Faith: A new Morning Star American Indian Village is set to debut at Cheyenne Frontier Days, expanding the longtime community landmark with added performance and storytelling space.

Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule says the Huskers’ revamped offensive line is “absolutely” the best he’s had since arriving, pointing to a mix of returning talent and power-conference transfers as Nebraska aims to become a team opponents “fear.” Nebraska Volleyball: Nebraska adds Sean Smith as Director of Volleyball Player Performance, bringing Louisville strength-and-conditioning experience to help the program’s 2026 push. Local Arts & Culture: UNL’s International Quilt Museum opens “Material Nation: 250 Years of American Quilts” July 2, spotlighting more than 250 quilts and objects tied to America’s quilt history. Community Spotlight: Lincoln Municipal Band’s John Shildneck Young Artist Competition winner Ben Folkers, a Grand Island trombonist, will be a featured soloist July 12 at Antelope Park. Sports Recruiting (Omaha): Creighton keeps stacking its 2027 and beyond classes, including Omaha Westside’s London Dada committing to the Bluejays. Public Life/Independence Day: America 250 celebrations and fireworks plans are rolling across Nebraska, with multiple Central Nebraska events listed for the July 3–4 weekend.

Nebraska Sports & Events: Cole Swindell is set for a postgame concert at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 19, about 30 minutes after Nebraska’s Ag Day matchup with North Dakota (tickets start at $75; field passes go on sale in July). Track & Field Spotlight: The Bowerman finalists are out, with Nebraska’s Axelina Johansson named a finalist for the women’s award. Trans Rights in Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing in women’s sports; ACLU Nebraska says it will fuel gender policing and notes a push to put the Nebraska ban on the November ballot. Ballot Measure Watch: A conservative group says it has 211,000+ signatures to place a constitutional amendment limiting school sports participation by sex on Nebraska’s November ballot. Local Community & Pride: Aurora’s A’ROR’N Days brought a big America-250 vibe with parades, fireworks, and hometown reunions. Arts & Accessibility: A Golden author won a Braille Touch of Genius Prize for “Flip-pics,” a layered teaching method to help blind readers understand complex images. Public Safety: AAA’s “Tow to Go” returns for Independence Day weekend, offering free rides for impaired drivers and their vehicles within 10 miles across Nebraska and Iowa.

Nebraska Arts & Culture: West Nebraska Arts Center is gearing up for its 2026 President’s Show, “250 Years of Voices: Women Shaping Our Nation,” with a July 15 reception and a themed group exhibit open to all media, plus the YART Sale for art gifts and supplies. Music & Entertainment: Husker football fans get a big September treat—country star Cole Swindell will play a postgame concert at Memorial Stadium after Nebraska’s Ag Day home game vs. North Dakota on Sept. 19, with field passes starting in July for ticket holders. Sports Spotlight: Nebraska softball’s historic run is still resonating after a Women’s College World Series appearance and a 52-8 season, fueled by a culture of “loving, serving and caring.” Local Sports/Community: Bishop Neumann’s marching band is headed to Washington, D.C., to perform in the National Independence Day Parade for America’s 250th anniversary. Legal/Tech: A federal judge partially blocked Nebraska’s social media parental-consent/age-verification law, allowing only a parent monitoring dashboard to move forward. Horse Racing: Warhorse Casino is credited with boosting Omaha’s horse racing scene as the industry faces a national racehorse shortage.

Politics & Civic Life: A new Nebraska Working People Party is trying to qualify for the ballot, with organizers filing paperwork and aiming for a July 15 signature deadline. Courts & Rights: A federal judge blocked Nebraska’s Parental Rights on Social Media Act from fully taking effect, citing First Amendment concerns—while allowing a parent-monitoring dashboard to stand. Local Governance: Omaha and Lincoln are headed toward a showdown over minimum wage rules, with Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers suing Lincoln and Omaha facing questions about its own authority. Arts & Community: Work has started on a $25M South Omaha plaza redevelopment, Plaza de la Raza, slated to open in fall 2027 with an amphitheater, play areas, public art, and green space. Sports & Spotlight: Nebraska RB Mekhi Nelson was arrested in Florida on an alleged battery charge; separately, UNO named Michael Pacholski Employee of the Month. Health & Safety: Children’s Nebraska opened a new $114M behavioral health facility designed to balance safety with a more healing-focused environment. Entertainment: York County’s Firecracker Frenzy returns July 3 with a drone show plus fireworks.

Arts & Culture: Crazy Horse Memorial marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Greasy Grass (Little Bighorn) with a major donation tied to Custer Survivors—historic paintings and rare interview manuscripts. Community Events: Grand Island’s annual kite festival brought in regional visitors, with wind and big crowds driving the fun after last year’s flooding cancellation. Sports (Local Spotlight): Former Nebraska heavyweight wrestler AJ Ferrari was arrested again after an alleged high-speed chase and flight from police, keeping the spotlight on Nebraska wrestling beyond the mat. Faith & Tradition: Pope Leo XIV will bestow the pallium on 32 new metropolitan archbishops, including U.S. archbishops Ronald Hicks, James Checchio, James Golka, and Mark Rivituso. Public Life: A federal ruling says Nebraska can’t restrict SNAP benefits for sugary drinks, a reminder that nutrition rules still have to follow the proper process.

Native History & Arts: Crazy Horse Memorial marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Greasy Grass (Little Bighorn) by announcing a major donation of David Humphreys Miller’s rare “Custer Survivors” painting collection and original interview manuscripts tied to veterans of the battle. Film Buzz: A TIFF traveler’s take spotlights “The Holdovers” as a standout favorite, with Alexander Payne’s holiday comedy praised for its cast and charm. Sports Spotlight (Nebraska): Former Nebraska heavyweight wrestler AJ Ferrari was arrested again after an alleged 120 mph chase and flight on foot, adding another legal headache to his wrestling career. Local Community & Education: Omaha Bridges celebrated 90 graduates, including stories of moving from poverty toward entrepreneurship and creative goals. Faith & Ceremony: Pope Leo XIV is set to bless pallia for 32 new metropolitan archbishops, including four U.S. leaders, in a major Vatican rite. Music & Events: Zach Top and Diamond Rio brought a big 90s country vibe to Viaero Summer Jam at Wild West Arena.

Nebraska Sports & Entertainment: Zach Top brought 90s country nostalgia to Omaha’s Wild West Arena during Viaero Summer Jam, mixing hits, covers, and a bluegrass moment with banjo player Owen Punches. Local Arts & Community: Omaha Bridges celebrated a milestone graduation as 90 alumni crossed the stage, highlighting how the program helps people move out of poverty with guidance, language, and community support. Nebraska Crime & Public Safety: Former Nebraska heavyweight wrestler AJ Ferrari was arrested after a high-speed chase in North Platte, accused of reaching 120 mph, crashing, and fleeing on foot; he faces charges including flight to avoid arrest and willful reckless driving. Omaha Metro: Police say two armed strangers abducted two Nebraska brothers (ages 9 and 10) off the street in an alleged revenge plot; the boys were returned physically unharmed but traumatized. Sports Business/Tech: Airlines are rapidly rolling out Starlink-based inflight Wi‑Fi, signaling the end of older “download movies before takeoff” habits. Food & Travel: Mitchell’s Corn Palace is drawing big crowds for America 250-themed murals, with the site reporting strong attendance since January.

Track & Field Spotlight: Cheyenne Central’s Tegan Krause is healthy again and already breaking his own marks, winning the 200 at the Wyoming Track Classic and taking the 400 at the Buff Blazer Invite. Accreditation Update: Morris Brown College has reinstated accreditation until 2031, restoring long-term stability for the Atlanta school. Nebraska Sports Buzz: The Lincoln Saltdogs keep rolling, beating the Chicago Dogs 8-7 in extra innings at Haymarket Park. Music & Live Events: The NEBRASKAland Days Viaero Wireless Summer Jam kicked off in North Platte with Treaty Oak Revival and 49 Winchester headlining, with night two featuring Diamond Rio and Zach Top. Arts & Community Film: Dobie West Performing Arts Theatre is hosting a free July 3 screening of the classic western “Red River,” tied to America 250 and local ranching history. Local Business/Community: A Randolph couple’s Santa Martha Cafe story highlights direct-trade coffee and community roots. Travel Tech: Airlines are phasing out in-flight movie downloads as faster Starlink Wi-Fi spreads gate-to-gate. Sports Recruiting: Nebraska five-star QB Trae Taylor was named MVP of the Elite 11 Finals after leading his squad to the semifinals.

Football Recruiting: Nebraska five-star QB commit Trae Taylor was named MVP of the Elite 11 Finals after leading his Midwest squad to the semifinals, putting up 646 yards and nine TDs in the best-on-best event. Arts & Entertainment: North Platte’s NEBRASKAland Days Viaero Wireless Summer Jam kicked off with thousands packing Wild West Arena for Treaty Oak Revival and 49 Winchester, with night two featuring Diamond Rio and Zach Top. Sports (Local Fun): Banana Ball debuted in North Dakota with more than 4,600 fans at Newman Outdoor Field as the Indianapolis Clowns beat The Firefighters 5-2; the teams play again Saturday. Community & Sports: A local Special Olympics flag football team returned home with a bronze medal from the 2026 USA Games after a win over Pennsylvania in medal play. TV & Film: A winter TV guide rounds up must-watch streaming and series picks as new July/August releases roll in. Nebraska Life: Bellevue University launched an accelerated RN-to-BSN program aimed at helping working nurses advance amid the state’s ongoing nursing shortage.

Nebraska Arts & Culture: The National Geographic Museum of Exploration opens Friday in Washington, D.C., with life-size wildlife sculptures, a 270-degree panoramic theater, a permanent photography gallery, and hands-on surprises like a moon rock display and a Titanic artifact replica. Local Community & Health: In North Omaha, the Black Family Health and Wellness Association hosted a community night to connect underinsured and uninsured residents with healthcare options, while also recruiting volunteers for CPR and first aid. Nebraska Sports (Baseball): Nebraska’s J’Shawn Unger earned an invite to the 2026 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp, with exhibition games June 27-29 and the Stars vs. Stripes series starting June 30 in Fayetteville, N.C. Nebraska Outdoors & Fire Safety: A weeklong series highlights how Nebraska’s volunteer fire departments are dealing with year-round fire pressure, fewer available volunteers, and growing reliance on mutual aid. Nebraska Business & Networking: The Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held a networking event for Omaha business leaders at the Consulate of Mexico, with plans for this year’s El Grito event at Gene Leahy Mall on Sept. 12. Entertainment: Pluto TV announced 250 free new movies for July 2026, including major classics like The Godfather and Top Gun, plus Americana 2026 programming.

Nebraska Arts & Community: Omaha’s Writes of Passage is giving local poets a monthly stage at UNO’s Criss Library, with June’s featured performer Tim Moore (“The Clarity Doctor”) drawing a crowd for stories on identity, mental health, and resilience. Music: Ella Langley keeps the momentum going, extending her sold-out “Dandelion Tour” with 21 new dates through late October, including major stops like Red Rocks and the Greek Theatre. Local Entertainment & Events: NEBRASKAland Days is leaning into its beer-and-music tradition with Taps and Tunes, bringing about 15 Nebraska breweries together for tastings ahead of the festival concerts. Sports & Youth: Matt Rhule brought Husker players to Omaha for a youth football camp with FlexWork Sports, giving hundreds of kids hands-on drills and a chance to meet the coach. Public Life & Safety: A UNL student is working in Knox County through the Rural Fellows Program, focusing on improving emergency communication and gathering resident feedback. Health & Heart: A Lincoln man survived sudden cardiac arrest after a bystander started CPR, highlighting how quickly action can save lives.

Nebraska Sports Buzz: Former Husker forward Rienk Mast signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Indiana Pacers, keeping him in the NBA training-camp mix after a knee-recovery season that helped Nebraska reach the Sweet 16. NBA Move: Former Nebraska guard Sam Hoiberg is also set to sign with the Phoenix Suns as an undrafted free agent, after earning Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors. Volleyball Coaching: Fernando Morales was named head coach of LOVB Madison for 2026-27; he previously served as an assistant with LOVB Nebraska and brings international national-team experience. Local Arts & Entertainment: Omaha-area indie label Good Life Records is bringing an all-ages music festival to Falconwood Park on Aug. 1, featuring 20+ bands plus food, camping, and an Emo Night after-party. Community Calendar: Aurora’s Fourth of July fireworks return July 2 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, with the show starting at 10 p.m. Public Safety Spotlight: Gering High School’s drunk-driving PSA earned 3rd place at a National State Patrol convention.