AGP Executive Report

College Sports Policy: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and others held a roundtable on the Protect College Sports Act, arguing it would set national rules for transfers, eligibility, tampering, inducements and NIL to curb chaos and litigation. UNL/State Higher Ed: Nebraska’s Board of Regents will consider a 4.25% tuition increase for the 2026-27 year, saying it’s meant to offset inflation while protecting scholarships. Public Safety & EMS: Aurora City Council voted to negotiate with EMS Unlimited to take over the city’s EMS, a move opposed by some responders over how it could affect fire cross-response and work comp coverage. Agriculture & Livestock: A review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors; separately, new concerns are rising for Nebraska livestock as the screwworm returns to North America. Wildfire Response: The Cottonwood Fire exposed communication gaps in rural terrain, with spotty radio and cellphone service complicating coordination among agencies. Local Economy/Community: Omaha’s transcontinental railroad legacy continues to be explored as the rail line reshaped the city into a hub for westward expansion. Health Care Fraud: DOJ and HHS highlighted recent False Claims Act settlements, including a lab kickback case tied to Medicare/Medicaid/Tricare testing.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS has released final guidance on Medicaid work requirements, spelling out how states will verify participation and exemptions—leaving many Nebraskans worried about losing coverage over paperwork hurdles. Energy & Public Backlash: A Nebraska utility is moving toward nuclear power options while trying to avoid the kind of community backlash that has followed wind and solar expansion. Wildfire Update: The South Fork Fire in Nebraska’s Panhandle has surged past 23,000 acres, with hazardous winds, no containment, and Highway 20 closed near Fort Robinson. Open Access for Hunters/Fishers: Nebraska Game and Parks is expanding its Open Fields and Waters program, paying landowners to allow public walk-in access for hunting and fishing. College Sports Fallout: A judge’s temporary injunction has cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play, prompting fresh debate across conferences about integrity and scheduling. Local Business: Zipline Brewing in Lincoln is shutting down its taproom and ending brewing operations, shifting to a restaurant-only model. Education & Skills: UNO’s “Flying Mavs” won a national navigation title, and a Nebraska student won a SkillsUSA gold medal in automotive refinishing.

Wildfire Response: Gov. Jim Pillen issued multiple emergency declarations as the South Fork Fire surged to nearly 9,000 acres, triggering evacuations around Fort Robinson State Park and parts of Crawford, with more fire activity expected. University of Nebraska: The NU Board of Regents will consider a 4.25% tuition increase at its June 18 meeting, alongside budget items including a proposed advanced AI institute and a UNMC chancellor recommendation. Health Care & Courts: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced a $4.87 million multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced COVID tests and delayed results, including restitution for Nebraskans. Broadband Costs: Starlink users in rural Nebraska are seeing sharp price hikes, raising concerns that limited competition lets the service raise rates. Education & Community: Elkhorn North history teacher Melissa Peterson earned a statewide DAR honor, while UNO theatre major Greta Hegarty found community through the campus program. STEM & Workforce: Women in Manufacturing Nebraska launched a first-of-its-kind girls STEM welding camp at Metro Community College, aiming to build confidence in skilled trades. Sports: Nebraska javelin standout Keyshawn Strachan won NCAA outdoor silver in Eugene. Local Business: Bish’s RV announced a major Omaha expansion and relocation to a new centralized facility near 144th & I-80. Public Safety: A tornado watch was issued for McHenry County and northern Illinois as severe storms threatened the Chicago area.

Wildfire Response: Gov. Jim Pillen issued emergency declarations as the South Fork Fire in Sioux County surged to nearly 9,000 acres, prompting National Guard deployments and evacuations at Fort Robinson State Park, with Highway 20 closed in parts of the area. Drought Help for Farmers: USDA is offering technical and financial assistance for Nebraska producers hit by drought, including a June 23 webinar for farmers and livestock owners. College Sports & Gambling: Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby was granted an injunction to play, reigniting debate over NCAA authority and gambling rules as athletic directors weigh what comes next. Local Immigration Fallout: One year after the Glenn Valley immigration raid, Omaha advocates say families still carry trauma and fear of government encounters. Health Care Watch: A new Medicaid work rule has patients worried they can’t prove they’re sick enough to keep coverage. Consumer Safety: A class action was filed over a Honda Odyssey recall alleging side airbags can deploy without a crash, including in Nebraska. Ag Economy Pressure: Nebraska Farmers Union leaders say the Iran war is worsening costs and stress for already-strained farmers. Community Tourism: Rural Nebraska communities are leaning into tourism and local history for economic hope, with examples like Central City drawing visitors.

Title IX Compliance: The U.S. Education Department confirmed it violated a federal court order in Title IX cases tied to gender identity and sexual orientation, after a whistleblower complaint was backed by the Office of Special Counsel. College Sports & NIL: A federal judge is weighing whether multimedia rights companies that market athletic departments should be treated as “associated entities,” a ruling that could reshape how much money flows in NIL deals. Nebraska Elections: A petition drive aimed at property taxes and winner-take-all, hand-count ballots has been pulled back ahead of signature deadlines, with organizers saying they’ll regroup locally. Wildfire Response: Gov. Jim Pillen ordered National Guard help as a fast-moving Panhandle fire burned about 9,000 acres, while rainfall is offering some recovery relief in other burned areas. COVID Testing Settlement: Nebraska and other states reached a $4.87 million GS Labs settlement over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution and fee reimbursements for affected patients. Inflation Watch: May inflation hit 4.2% as energy costs tied to the Iran conflict pushed prices higher, complicating the Fed’s next moves. Minimum Wage: Omaha City Council is set to consider keeping a $15 minimum wage for younger workers, aligning with voter-approved state changes.

College Sports & Gambling: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play despite NCAA ineligibility for wagering, igniting backlash across the Big 12 and raising big questions about how college sports will enforce gambling rules. Wildfire Recovery: Gov. Jim Pillen requested USDA disaster designation to help wildfire-impacted Nebraska producers, and NRCS extended emergency EQIP signups for affected landowners through July 31. Ranching Hit Hard: Ranchers in western Nebraska are pushing for fence-replacement aid after wildfire losses, saying the costs are crushing and often not covered by typical disaster help. Local Land Use: Lincoln County’s planning commission is considering updates to data center zoning rules, including power/water needs, noise, setbacks, and emergency planning. Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recalls. Community & Culture: Nebraska’s Walk To The Rock app launched for Chimney Rock trail storytelling, and the Nebraska State Historical Society is inviting visitors to explore history at their own pace. Agriculture Costs: Rising diesel prices tied to the Iran war are squeezing U.S. grain and soybean growers during peak fieldwork. Immigration Aftermath: Omaha community members marked the one-year anniversary of the Glenn Valley Foods ICE raid, saying the operation hasn’t made the community safer. Education/Access: The IRS says 27 states, including Nebraska, opted into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program for K-12 scholarships. Safety Reminder: AARP Nebraska shared scam alerts focused on protecting older adults from financial abuse ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Sports (Nebraska Ties): Nebraska’s UNK women’s basketball coach Drew Johnson signed an extension through 2029. Tragedy: A train collision in Kansas involving a farm sprayer killed the driver and sent train conductors to the hospital.

Nebraska Wildfire Recovery: Gov. Jim Pillen asked USDA for a Secretarial Disaster Designation for Garden, Grant, Lincoln and Morrill counties, aiming to unlock help for producers hit by March-April fires that destroyed more than 850,000 acres and worsened feed shortages. Power & Courts: A judge blocked emergency use of a Nebraska power permit, adding friction to major energy projects. Human Trafficking Watch at CWS: Nebraska officials urged fans heading to the Men’s College World Series to watch for trafficking warning signs, citing increased tips and planning added surveillance. Local Government & Permitting: County board members met in Lincoln for a NACO workshop focused on land-use permitting, wildfire response, and labor/HR issues. Elder Scam Prevention: AARP Nebraska pushed June Scam Watch Alerts, reminding older Nebraskans to use trusted contacts and credit freezes to reduce fraud risk. Chimney Rock Tech: The Walk To The Rock app launched for Chimney Rock, offering self-guided tours with stories, photos and audio. Healthcare Pay Scrutiny: A Norfolk nonprofit hospital’s top doctor pay drew criticism after reports of nearly $5 million in 2024 compensation. Agriculture Costs: Rising fuel prices tied to the Iran war are squeezing grain and soybean growers across the Midwest. Dairy Growth: Nebraska leaders highlighted new processing capacity and investment as dairy month spotlights future expansion. Public Safety Debate: A letter to the editor questioned privatizing 911/EMS, arguing profit motives can undermine life-safety priorities. Sports & Community: North Platte school board approved a pay agreement for teachers’ aides and added paid holiday coverage.

College Sports & Gambling Fallout: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play despite NCAA ineligibility for sports betting, sparking backlash from athletics leaders and talk of conference self-governance. Nebraska Health & Fraud: A federal judge ordered Nebraska pharmacist Joan Kicken to pay $3.4M for Medicare fraud tied to Campbell Drug billing. Public Safety at CWS: Nebraska officials warned Omaha’s College World Series crowds about human trafficking risks and urged spectators to report suspicious behavior. Ag & Science: UNL researchers mapped a “missing link” in plant growth by identifying where photosynthetic membrane assembly happens in chloroplasts. Energy & Infrastructure: Gov. Pillen signed LB1261 to let large private energy projects build generation facilities if they secure power purchase deals with local utilities and get approval from the Nebraska Power Review Board. Business Watch: Titan Machinery reported weaker revenue in its fiscal first quarter, while Summit Carbon Solutions heads toward trial over a $15M pipe contract dispute. Ethanol Policy: A year-round E15 ethanol blend bill passed the U.S. House, but its Senate path remains uncertain. Elections: Nebraska’s Board of State Canvassers certified the 2026 primary results.

Public Health Watch: Omaha health officials are using wastewater surveillance to spot emerging pathogens during the College World Series, with samples sent to the Nebraska Public Health Lab for rapid testing. Nebraska Politics: The Nebraska Board of State Canvassers certified the 2026 primary results, with no automatic recounts for statewide races. Agriculture & Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen and ag leaders celebrated LB 525, a new law setting rules to protect farmers’ and ranchers’ agricultural data. Energy & Water: EPA approved a $40 million WIFIA loan for South Sioux City’s wastewater expansion, aiming to boost local treatment capacity and protect the Missouri River. Healthcare Accountability: A federal default judgment ordered $3.42M from a Nebraska pharmacist tied to alleged Medicare/Medicaid False Claims Act violations. Food Costs: SNAP restrictions are expanding, and Nebraska is among states moving to limit certain non-nutritious purchases. Business Moves: Bosselman Pump & Pantry will buy 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh stores, including two in Nebraska, with rebranding planned after a July close. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports Nebraska average gas prices down 11.2 cents to $3.97/g.

Catholic Dating Culture: A new report highlights how some young Catholics say they’re being “evaluated” on a “secret wife test,” with men and women describing mismatched expectations that leave fewer second dates. USDA Conservation Input: Nebraska residents can weigh in June 11 on local priorities for USDA conservation programs at an NRCS-led meeting in Norfolk, shaping how federal dollars are targeted. Water, Data Centers, and Power: As Heartland communities debate data center growth, Nebraska lawmakers and local officials consider moratoriums and new rules amid concerns about water and electricity demands. Nebraska Retirement System: After an 18-month delay, the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Board is set to recommend Thomas Pfeifle as its next executive director, pending governor and Legislature approval. World Cup Health Watch: Public health teams plan to monitor wastewater and online chatter for disease threats during the World Cup, aiming to spot outbreaks early across host cities. Fuel Prices Hit Summer Plans: Higher gas and diesel costs are changing how boaters plan trips this summer, with ethanol-free fuel often costing more. Nebraska Ag Water Worry: Farmers are sounding alarms as major groundwater supplies decline, raising questions about what comes next for irrigation. DMV Facility in North Platte: Chief Industries won a contract to build a new DMV testing center, with a 20-year lease arrangement for the state. Transcontinental Railroad at 250: Coverage marks how the First Transcontinental Railroad’s completion in 1869 reshaped travel, trade, and communication across the U.S.

Nebraska Politics: UNO grad student Nate Ostdiek says his “not a typical campaign” is built on relentless door-knocking—over 14,000 doors so far—and a push to turn a primary win into momentum for the Nebraska Legislature. Ag Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen and ag leaders celebrated LB 525, a first-in-the-nation law setting rules to protect the privacy of farmers’ and ranchers’ agricultural data. Local Government: Lincoln County commissioners will again consider a temporary moratorium on data centers, citing worries about whether zoning can protect water, electricity, and public safety. Health Coverage: Patient advocates warn new Medicaid work rules could leave chronically ill Nebraskans and others uninsured when their ability to work fluctuates. Community & Culture: A new “Walk To The Rock” smartphone app launches for Chimney Rock, adding self-guided audio and story tours for visitors and locals. National Politics (Nebraska lawmaker): Rep. Don Bacon criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s D-Day remarks linking the anniversary to migration.

Ag Data Privacy: Gov. Jim Pillen and ag leaders celebrated passage of LB 525, the first-in-the-nation Nebraska law setting rules for collecting and using agricultural data to protect farmers and ranchers. AI + Power + Water: As the AI data-center boom accelerates, Google says it will replenish more water than its U.S. sites consume by 2030, while new reporting highlights how fast data centers are ramping up electricity demand. Livestock + Prices: A border closure tied to screwworm control is squeezing U.S. cattle supply, with ripple effects for processors, jobs, and beef prices. Medicaid Work Rules: CMS issued a tougher interpretation of who qualifies for medical exemptions under Medicaid work requirements, raising fears that sick Nebraskans and others could lose coverage. Nebraska Courts: A federal court order ends Nebraska’s practice of giving resident tuition benefits to some undocumented students while charging out-of-state rates to others. Public Lands + Wildlife: The Trump administration is moving to renew use of cyanide “bombs” on public lands, drawing backlash. Local Life: Home Instead, founded in Omaha, is expanding in-home senior care options. Sports: South held off a late North surge to win the 68th Nebraska Shrine Bowl 14-7.

Nebraska Tuition Fight: Gov. Jim Pillen is applauding a federal court order ending Nebraska’s 2006-era practice that let some undocumented residents pay in-state tuition while out-of-state citizens pay more, saying the ruling aligns state law with federal requirements. Medicaid Work Rules: A new CMS rule tightens how states grant exemptions for Medicaid work mandates, making it harder for medically frail adults to keep coverage. Energy & Jobs: The U.S. Energy Department says an advanced microreactor at Idaho National Lab reached “criticality,” a milestone aimed at bringing private advanced nuclear closer to power generation. Beef Supply Shock: A screwworm-driven border closure is squeezing U.S. beef supplies, pushing prices to record highs and reshaping jobs and profits across the cattle pipeline. Nebraska Airport Upgrade: Lincoln Airport is moving ahead with a $100 million runway reconstruction project, designed to support both commercial travel and a wide range of military aircraft. Local Economy: Omaha City Council is considering a minimum-wage ordinance for non-tipped workers, including tying future increases to inflation.

Ukraine Aid Vote: The U.S. House passed a new Ukraine Support Act with bipartisan backing, 226-195, despite Republican leadership concerns—sending $1.3 billion in direct military aid and $8 billion in military sales, plus fresh sanctions on Russia, with the bill now headed to the Senate. Nebraska Politics & Privacy: Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon framed support for Ukraine as a “Churchill vs. Chamberlain” choice, while across the country RFK Jr. is pushing for access to Americans’ medical records tied to autism and vaccines, raising privacy alarms. Campaign Corruption Theme: Candidates are increasingly running on banning stock trading by lawmakers and their families, including in Nebraska’s 2nd District. Medicaid Work Requirements: Gov. Jim Pillen directed DHHS to seek a temporary Medicaid work-requirement waiver for Dawson County after the Tyson plant closure drove unemployment up. Local Economy & Wages: Omaha City Council is considering raising the minimum wage for non-tipped workers and tying future increases to inflation. Infrastructure: A $100 million Lincoln Airport runway project is underway, and South Sioux City won a $40 million EPA loan to expand its wastewater treatment plant. Business Moves: Hy-Vee is selling 21 Fast & Fresh stores to Nebraska-based Bosselman Pump & Pantry, expanding the brand into Iowa.

Medicaid Work Requirements: Gov. Jim Pillen directed DHHS to seek a CMS waiver that would temporarily exempt Dawson County Medicaid expansion recipients from Nebraska’s new work rules, citing the Tyson Foods closure and high unemployment. State Policy Watch: A separate report shows Nebraska’s Medicaid work requirement rollout is already chilling new enrollments, with community health centers seeing an unusual drop-off. Local Government: Lancaster County commissioners approved a slate of public safety and court-related contracts, plus reviewed road right-of-way changes near Wait Avenue. Omaha City Hall: Omaha City Council debated development items and a proposed ordinance on employee fundraising during work hours, with key motions failing on tight votes. Retail & Jobs: Bosselman Pump & Pantry will buy 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience stores across Iowa, Omaha-area Nebraska, and Minnesota, rebranding them starting mid-July. Agriculture & Drought: USDA data highlights severe pasture stress, with Nebraska among the worst states, adding pressure to cattle supplies and feed. Health & Community: Nebraska Humane Society is at 100% dog capacity and is urging adoptions over the weekend. Culture: Hastings hosts its 50th annual Czech Festival Saturday, with kolaches, polkas, and heritage week momentum.

Ukraine Aid Vote: The U.S. House passed the Ukraine Support Act (226-195), sending a new $8 billion military-loan package and tighter Russia sanctions to the Senate, where GOP support is uncertain. Nebraska Courts: A federal judge struck down Nebraska’s in-state tuition law for undocumented students, saying it conflicts with federal rules. Cattle Watch: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in a Texas calf for the first time in 60 years; Nebraska officials urge vigilance, not panic, as containment steps begin. Gas Prices: An economics professor says Nebraska households could be paying about $150 more per month for gas after the Iran-related spike. Healthcare Leadership: Mary Lanning Healthcare named Shanna Stofer as its new president and CEO, starting July 13. Local Economy & Travel: Lincoln Airport celebrated American Airlines nonstop service to Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth, with Phoenix starting in December. UNL & Beyond: Kookmin University will expand design exchanges with UNL’s Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. Water & Parks: A Crofton open house will share details on the Weigand Marina improvement project at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area.