Katie Schubert

A monthly indicator of economic health in nine Midwest and Plains states dropped in June.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss compiles the Mid-America Business Conditions Report. The index dropped to 57.2 in June, down four-tenths of a point from the May report. It’s the second month in a row the index has dropped.

Governor Dave Heineman has declared a state of emergency due to drought conditions.

The Governor's office said Monday in a news release that the declaration makes state personnel and resources available for prevention and emergencies, Heineman says the drought conditions "are presenting an imminent threat to the ability of local governments to respond."

The National Weather Service in Omaha says the past six months have been the warmest on record.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office says 144 people were injured in 2010 by misuse of fireworks.

In the city of Omaha, residents can shoot off fireworks from 8 am to 11 pm through Wednesday. An ophthalmologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center says if you choose to do so, wear eye protection and don't let children use fireworks.

Dr. John Peters says 1,300 people suffered eye injuries nationwide last year due to misuse of fireworks. He says about half of those injuries were to people under age 19.

The American Red Cross says there’s an urgent need for donations of blood and platelets.

April Oppliger, Program Manager for the Mid-American Blood Services Division, says there have been 50,000 fewer donations in June than anticipated. She says that’s about half the blood supply the Red Cross had at this time last year.

Oppliger says a pint of whole blood has a shelf life of 42 days. Platelets have a shelf life of only five days, and Oppliger says those donations are always in high demand. She says donations of all blood types are needed.  

A Creighton University economist says the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act reduces some uncertainty for businesses.

The Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that the federal government can’t directly compel individuals to buy health insurance. Those who don’t buy health insurance will pay a tax. 

A heat advisory is in effect Friday for the KIOS listening area, along with an Air Quality Action Day.

MAPA says an Air Quality Action Day is issued when there are elevated ozone levels. That can cause respiratory difficulties in people with conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis.

A UNO political scientist says the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the so-called Affordable Care Act is a legal victory for President Obama’s administration.

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of the health care law. Chief Justice John Roberts joined in the majority supporting the law. UNO political science professor Carson Holloway says he was surprised that Chief Justice Roberts was the deciding vote.

Omaha’s high temperature reached 102 Wednesday and hot weather is expected the next few days.

Alegent Health spokeswoman Jodi Hoatson says 12 people were treated in the five hospitals’ emergency rooms for heat-related illness as of Wednesday evening. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can set in quickly during hot weather unless you take precautions.

Areas south of the Omaha metro are under a heat advisory Thursday. Lincoln’s high temperature also reached 102 Wednesday.

The Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff says the military must maintain the trust of the American people in spite of economic and security challenges.

Douglas County Commissioners are set to vote July 10 on the new fiscal year budget.

The county’s new fiscal year begins Sunday. Commissioners held a public hearing Tuesday on the $325 million budget proposal. Departments were asked to keep their budgets flat, and justify any requested increases.

Budget and Finance Director Joe Lorenz says the county won't have to dip in to its existing reserves to fund programs in the 2012-13 budget year.