Nebraska Politics: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz named Humboldt farmer and ag leader Ben Steffen as her running mate, pitching him as a partner with a record of serving others and highlighting rural pressures like rising costs, healthcare, child care, and property tax concerns. State Policy & Health: Nebraska has started enforcing the federal Medicaid work requirement, joining other expansion states as a legal fight over who qualifies for exemptions heads toward court. Energy & Weather: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized emergency backup power for 17 states, including Nebraska, as a heat wave raises blackout fears until Aug. 3. Public Safety: A new investigation says a Kearney youth rehabilitation center’s culture normalized inappropriate staff behavior and contributed to sexual abuse allegations. Environment & Waste: Nebraska released its 2025 Statewide Material Characterization Study, funded with an EPA recycling grant, to guide waste diversion and recycling planning. Economy & Agriculture: The Lincoln and Omaha chambers launched the AgWorks Corridor to market eastern Nebraska and western Iowa as an agriculture and food innovation hub. Business: C&S Wholesale Grocers cut prices on thousands of items across stores in Nebraska and neighboring states. Infrastructure & Defense: The Air Force began first field construction for the Sentinel ICBM program near Kimball, Nebraska. Community & Veterans: Korean War veterans were recognized statewide with challenge coins at a Custer County event. Higher Education: UNK graduate Thomas Safago is set to represent the College of Business and Technology at commencement. Sports & Culture: Nebraska’s Big Ten presence is set for media days, while Omaha’s Fringe Festival returns Aug. 6-9 with a focus on “art for everyone.”