America250 Celebrations: Nebraska is gearing up for the nation’s 250th with statewide events like the Outdoor Nebraska 250-Mile Challenge, the Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show at Offutt, and local Fourth of July traditions in towns such as Seward, Grand Island and Crawford. Education & Aviation: UNK is launching its new Loper Flight Academy with a ribbon-cutting and open house Thursday at Kearney Regional Airport, featuring new Tecnam aircraft and community access. School Safety Debate: Omaha parents and students are pushing back at an OPS school board meeting over electric shock gloves, raising concerns about mental health support and trauma-informed safety over police-style tools. Statehouse Watch: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers has sued Omaha over its minimum wage ordinance, arguing the city can’t override state law. STEM & Teaching: Society for Science selected 100 educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, including Nebraska-area teachers, backed by $326,000 to expand student research opportunities. Community Giving: Women Who Care – Hall County awarded a preliminary $17,500 grant to Stick Creek Kids to support early childhood care. Culture & Food: A new wave of kombucha hype is getting pushback from experts who warn benefits may be overstated and sugar levels can vary. Local Sports/Events: Husker Harvest Days will debut an Ag Tech Pavilion, and Nebraska high schoolers can apply for the 2027 United States Senate Youth Program.