Property Taxes in the Spotlight: Gov. Jim Pillen launched a property tax “hotline” to collect Nebraskans’ stories and data on rising valuations and bills, as lawmakers face a tough budget outlook with tax receipts coming in below projections. Local Government & Schools: Johnson County Central Schools approved a 6% increase in its Tax Request Authority to keep budget flexibility for the 2026-27 school year, tied to state Budget Authority calculations. County Valuations: Nemaha County began mailing change-of-valuation notices, updating residential, commercial, and agricultural values to reflect market conditions and revised irrigation/well records. SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s approval of soda and candy limits for Nebraska and four other states, pushing the fight over SNAP rules into the courts again. Nebraska Agriculture & Innovation: Nebraska joined NASA’s Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team, bringing producer-focused digital agriculture support through UNL. Grazing Conference: The Nebraska Grazing Conference is set for Aug. 4-5 in Kearney, with sessions on regenerative grazing and virtual fencing. Plastics Act Lawsuit: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is leading a 17-state challenge to California’s plastics packaging mandate, arguing it’s unconstitutional and will raise costs. USPS Mail Delays: Rural South Dakota residents report worsening USPS reliability after facility downgrades, with local businesses and publishers feeling the impact. NCAA Eligibility Update: The NCAA approved a new Division I eligibility model giving athletes five seasons within five years, aiming to reduce transfer and eligibility uncertainty.