Dog Days of Summer 🐶

Happy Friday Ledgers,

Two weeks of early fall-like weather lured us into a false sense of security. But this weekend will be our rude awakening. With temps in the 💯s, we’ll be lucky to make it to Monday with a single set of non-saggy trousers.

Welcome to the dead heat of the summer. Where the temps are high and the humidity is even higher. 🥵

In this week’s issue:

• Ag: Ag innovation capital of the world.

• Park Takeover: Antelope Park attracts social media influencer.

• What To Do: Dogs, zoos, and rollerblades.

• Sportz: Eye of the tiger.

• Neighborhood Watch: Split-level love.

Summer is flying by in the blink of an eye. Make the most of each weekend before the cold and dreary days return.

- Landon

AG

Ag innovation capital of the world. 🌎

Innovation ✨ is a word seldom used in earnest. The enduring buzzword of corporate America, it is largely overused and abused to the point of meaninglessness.

And yet, from time to time, there is a product, service, or project that actually earns the right to the word—and we’d argue that with the recent groundbreaking for The National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Agriculture, Nebraska Innovation Campus is a prime contender.

The new $160M research facility broke ground in May. It is expected to house up to 150 scientists, as well as their support staff. According to the Lincoln Journal Star, the facility's work will focus on advancing integrated cropping systems, technology for livestock management, and improving the resilience of wheat, sorghum, and other crops to pests and pathogens.

Growing investment… It’s all part of a growing effort to ramp up U.S. investment in ag innovation, which has been outpaced by other countries in recent years. For example, China has invested double the amount of federal funding for ag research compared to the United States.

A long time coming… The construction of the facility is an important milestone in a process that has taken over 15 years to complete.

🔢 By the numbers:

• $16M: Raised in federal funding announced this week by Senator Deb Fischer, adding to a total of approximately $83M in previously secured funding.

• 70%: The amount that food production needs to improve in order to feed the world’s expected population of 9 billion people in 2050.

• 20:1: For every $1 spent on ag research, the economy has received a $20 return on investment.

• 44,000: Number of farmers and ranchers across Nebraska.

📌 Why it matters?…
With climate change and an ever-growing population, investments in ag research now will determine whether we can feed our planet in the future. As the third largest ag producer in the United States, as measured by cash receipts, Nebraska is in a prime position to be a true innovator in one of humanity’s greatest races.

Sources:
LJS - New $160M USDA research facility breaks ground at Nebraska Innovation Campus
LJS - Fischer secures $16M more for ag research center at Nebraska Innovation Campus

TAKEOVER

Antelope Park hosts a viral pick-up basketball game. 🏀

What happens when a pickup basketball game attracts an influencer with 6 million TikTok followers and 1.5 million YouTube subscribers? Pandemonium—in the best way possible.

Last Sunday, Antelope Creek Park was the site of a pickup game featuring influencer Cam Wilder that drew over 1,000 spectators. Wilder, an AAU basketball coach and former Midland University player, joined the local scene thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Lincoln Northwest student and entrepreneur Josiah Harris. This event was the second of two “park takeovers” this summer aimed at keeping kids off the streets and engaged in positive activities.

A teen's vision… Josiah Harris organized the first takeover on June 26th at UNL City Campus on behalf of Drive for Greatness, a local AAU team. The event attracted 500 attendees and caught the eye of Wilder after NU basketball player Connor Essegian’s tweet about the event gained 175k impressions. Impressed by the buzz, Wilder reached out to join the next event with his AAU team.

The big day… On July 7th, the second "Park Takeover," partnering with the Honesty Project, drew a crowd of around 1,000. The game lasted about 30 minutes before being shut down due to crowd concerns. Despite the early end, the event was a resounding success in the eyes of its coordinators, who also commended local police for their help in managing the crowd.

Antelope Creek Park will never be the same, and that’s a slam dunk for Lincoln. ⛹️‍♀️

Sources:
LJS - How a local AAU basketball team brought a social media star to Lincoln

WHAT TO DO

Dogs, zoos, and rollerblades. 🛼

🐶 Dog Days of Summer
Let’s make it up to our good boys and girls after last weekend’s suburban pyromania. Get outside and head to Holmes Lake with your doggo. Once there, pick your path:

• Holmes Lake Loop: This classic favorite is perfect for leash dogs who need a structured playtime. The 2.3-mile loop is sure to tire out even the most energetic pups.

• Rickman’s Run: Right next to Holmes Lake, this top-rated public dog park offers off-leash fun, water play, and plenty of spots for humans to relax while their dogs have a blast.

• Off-Leash Dog Bar: Have an indoorsy dog that requires air conditioning? Love a respectable day drink? Take your pack to Off-Leash and hang with friends.

🦁 Brews at the Zoo (Part Two)
Saturday, you’ll enjoy a beer in the company of wildlife. The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is hosting Brews at the Zoo from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Supporting a great cause has never been easier—all you have to do is raise your glass. Tickets are $39 and include three drink tickets.

🛼 2024 USA Roller Sports National Championships 
Ever wondered what really good rollerblading looks like? And no, we’re not talking about you and your 6th-grade squad at the roller rink listening to Chingy and slurping down 80-oz Icees.

If you said yes, you’ll have your chance this weekend while the USA Roller Sports National Championships are going on at Speedway Sports Complex. If you said no, you’re both wrong and missing out on the opportunity to watch the roller equivalent of Olympic speed skating.

SPORTZ

Sporting headlines from around the capital.

• 🏈 Football: Legendary defensive coordinator and former Husker coach and player, Monte Kiffin, passed away at 84.

• 🏈 More Football: Sexy Rexy (Rex Burkhead) was named to the 2024 Husker Hall of Fame Class.

• 🏈 Even More Football: Huskers hire new defensive backs coach John Butler.

• 🏀 Basketball: NU to play in Hawaii nonconference tournament over the holiday season.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

2701 Calvert St, Lincoln, NE 68502

Split-level lover. ❤️

We’ve been on a summer spending spree (sorry, Dave Ramsey). From million-dollar homes to high-priced condos, the TLL team has (mentally) bought them all. But this week, we’re on the lookout for a bargain that punches above its weight class. And we think we’ve found it.

This 60’s split-level home offers 3,500 square feet of space, a sprawling backyard, and loads of natural light. The only potential downside? Its location. Straddling the edge of 27th Street and Calvert, you’ll need to be brave with the traffic. But don’t worry; the horseshoe driveway allows for quick exits onto either street & you can keep your Country Club status.

Plus, there's plenty of private outdoor and patio space to stretch out and soak up the sun this summer. Whether you're looking for a comfy place to settle down or a project to make your own, this home has renovation potential that could skyrocket its value.

The Details:

• 4 beds, 3 baths

• 3,519 sq/ft

• Built in 1961

❤️ KEEP: The beautiful backyard, the balcony above the garage, the brick entry pathway, the massive walk-in primary closet, the wood panel ceiling in the bonus room, and the parquet wooden floors in the yellow bedroom.

🗑️ TOSS: The multi-colored floor tiles, the bathroom wallpaper, and the carpet in the living rooms (but keep the bedroom carpet).

CHECKLIST

An over-ambitious weekend to-do list.

• Clean out your grill’s grease trap.

• Fertilize your house plants.

• Toss any expired condiments hiding in your fridge door.

• Clear out your beer fridge with those expired brews your friends didn’t have the heart to touch last weekend.

• Call an old friend.

HEADLINES

More news from around the capital.

• Oof: The Waverly assisted living home that sent a living woman to the morgue has a spotty record.

• Convention Center: Locations for the newly proposed Lincoln Convention Center have been narrowed down to three.

• Skimmer: Card skimmers were found at several Lincoln gas stations.

🐯 Weekly Wildcard:
One headline (or post) we never saw coming.

• Kia boys: Hide your Kias, hide your wives. There has been a spike in overnight Kia and Hyundai theft.