Transmission & Local Roads: Antelope County commissioners heard landowner concerns over NPPD’s proposed 345kV transmission line, with disputes over Route A vs. an alternative Route B and worries about farm and irrigation impacts; no action was taken, with more discussion set for Aug. 11. Critical Minerals for Defense: Lockheed Martin signed a non-binding MOU with NioCorp for up to 15 tons per year of scandium oxide over a decade, tied to NioCorp’s Nebraska Elk Creek project—aimed at reducing reliance on China for a key defense input. Food Safety Shockwaves: The Cyclospora iceberg lettuce outbreak tied to Taylor Farms now spans 15 states, including Nebraska, with thousands of cases reported; separately, Salmonella Javiana linked to imported jalapeños has sickened hundreds across 27 states, prompting Chipotle and Qdoba to remove jalapeños. Public Health Recalls: Bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Nebraska, was recalled over possible salmonella contamination. Grid Reliability Storage: Logan County approved a special use permit for a 200-megawatt battery energy storage facility near Fleming, with construction starting as early as May 2027. Nebraska Manufacturing Spotlight: Nominations opened for the 2026 “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” competition, feeding into National Manufacturing Month events. Housing & Reentry: Lincoln’s Bridges to Hope is nearing completion of “Hope Village,” a tiny-home community for people transitioning out of incarceration. Ag Policy: Sen. Deb Fischer says bipartisan momentum is building for year-round E15 in the Senate farm bill, as USDA also rolls out producer listening sessions including at the Nebraska State Fair. Cybercrime: A federal judge sentenced the creator of Ransom Cartel to 16 years for running ransomware-as-a-service that hit companies including in Nebraska.