AGP Executive Report

Disaster Relief: President Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for Nebraska wildfire damage from the Morrill, Cottonwood, Ashby and Minor fires (March 12–April 2), with FEMA public-assistance funding aimed at rebuilding roads and replacing damaged public power equipment in Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln and Morrill counties. Local Recovery: Nebraska’s governor also requested a 30-day extension for June 8 storm damage assessments, after declaring an emergency for Morrill County. Community & Culture: North Omaha architectural designer Davielle Phillips says his work is built through conversations with residents, highlighting projects like the Bryant Resource Center and Urban League of Nebraska. Public Safety: An Omaha man was convicted in an animal neglect case after a dog was found with its mouth duct-taped shut. Civic Process: A coalition behind a proposed constitutional change says it turned in more than 186,500 signatures to make it harder for lawmakers to alter voter-passed initiatives. Education & Service: Eight UNL students earned Peace Corps Prep certificates, bringing the Nebraska total to 33 since the program launched in 2021.

Immigration & Detention: Men held at Nebraska’s McCook ICE detention center describe fear, wildfire smoke, and rigid rules inside the “Cornhusker Clink,” a facility converted from a state work camp under a DHS contract. Health Policy: Medicaid will again cover non-abortion care at Planned Parenthood as a GOP ban ends, raising questions about access after clinics closed or cut services nationwide. Sports & Rights: A campaign to add sex-based sports eligibility rules to Nebraska’s constitution submitted more than 211,000 signatures, aiming to bar males from teams designated for females. Local Development: Omaha’s South Omaha Plaza project is moving forward with construction starting on a new “La Plaza de la Raza” park and tourism hub backed by a $25M state grant. Agriculture & Food Prices: Drought and wildfires are keeping U.S. cattle supplies low, pushing beef prices higher for summer cookouts. Community & Culture: Buffalo County’s 250th celebration continues with a community art project made of 250 miniature barn quilts. Cybersecurity: A password-spray campaign tied to LSHIY LLC targeted Microsoft 365, with researchers reporting 81 million login attempts and dozens of confirmed compromises across dozens of organizations.

Medical Marijuana Rules: Gov. Jim Pillen has approved Nebraska’s permanent medical marijuana regulations, with AG Mike Hilgers signing off that the rules don’t clearly violate state or federal constitutions; the regulations will take effect five days after filing. Housing Pressure: Nebraskans say rent costs are a major stressor, with advocates pointing to a shortage of affordable rentals and severe cost burdens for extremely low-income renters. Nebraska Politics: Tuesday’s primary election is set to shape November showdowns, including key congressional, governor, and state board races, plus local contests like the Lancaster County public defender race. Sports Business: Nebraska baseball coach Will Bolt and his staff received contract extensions after hosting an NCAA regional, including a 30% raise for Bolt. America 250 in Lincoln: Quilts and a framed Declaration of Independence are on display at the Capitol as Nebraska marks the 250th anniversary with events statewide. Local Economy & Growth: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose in June, signaling slow manufacturing improvement despite ongoing job losses. Rural Planning: Custer County is moving toward data center zoning rules after a moratorium, focusing on safeguards for health and safety.

Broadband Oversight: House Democrats grilled NTIA chief Arielle Roth over BEAD delays, especially the promised guidance for $21B in non-deployment funds and what happens when providers opt out. Local Economy & Jobs: Scooter’s Coffee is investing $40M in a new Papillion distribution center, adding hundreds of jobs and boosting Nebraska’s homegrown brand footprint. Health Policy: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers approved medical cannabis regulations, warning legal challenges could still knock them out. Courts & Water: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Nebraska’s water-rights fight against Colorado, setting up the next round of arguments over the South Platte and Perkins County Canal. Community & Growth: Lincoln County’s new zoning for wind and solar is drawing attention as residents worry about future data center impacts. Public Health Leadership: Central District Health Department named an interim head after its director change of plans. Agriculture & Environment: NRCS and the Lower Elkhorn NRD won approval for a North Fork Elkhorn River watershed plan aimed at flood damage reduction. Business Closures: American Foods Group will close Omaha’s Skylark Meats plant by Aug. 25, putting 218 jobs at risk.

SNAP Costs & Accountability: USDA says most states will face higher SNAP payment-error-rate costs, with Nebraska in the mix as states prepare for new federal financial rules. Sports & Rights: Supporters of a Nebraska constitutional amendment to ban transgender athletes turned in 211,000 petition signatures after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld state sports bans. Storm Damage to Nebraska Farms: A fifth-generation farmer near Inland reports about 60% of his acres were hit by hail and high winds, with major pivot and crop losses. State Policy & Health: Nebraska AG Hilgers signed off on medical cannabis commission regulations, sending them to Gov. Pillen for final review. Local Economy: Omaha’s Airport Business Park is landing its first major tenant, Pacific Engineering Inc., with plans for 150 jobs. Ag & Water: The Bazile Groundwater Management Area will host a regenerative ag field day July 17, and LENRD directors heard updates on upcoming projects. Community & Culture: UNK partnered with the Mari Sandoz Society to preserve and expand access to the Nebraska author’s archives.

Nebraska Medicine Governance: The NU Board of Regents approved amended governance for Nebraska Medicine, creating a temporary July 1–Sept. 30 structure where the University of Nebraska and the Omaha Community Foundation each get equal voting power on the Nebraska Medicine board as Clarkson exits its governing role. Health Policy: A Nebraska-focused story on nurse midwives highlights a long-running state law barrier—Nebraska is the only state where certified nurse midwives can’t assist with home births, pushing expectant parents toward less-educated options. Courts & Food Assistance: Arkansas is moving ahead with a SNAP “junk food” ban on candy and soda starting Wednesday, despite a federal judge’s ruling against similar restrictions elsewhere; the state is also rolling out an app to help shoppers check what’s allowed. Agriculture & Economy: Nebraska’s agriculture and natural resources programs ranked in the top 9% worldwide in QS rankings, while new GDP figures show Nebraska’s economic output down 0.9% in the first quarter. Weather & Safety: A potentially record heat wave is driving dangerous heat alerts across much of the eastern U.S. ahead of July 4, with officials urging hydration and heat-safety planning.

Nebraska Medicine Governance: The NU Board of Regents unanimously approved a buyout that ends Clarkson Regional Health Services’ long-running co-leadership of Nebraska Medicine, with the Omaha Community Foundation stepping in under interim governance through at least Sept. 30. Social Media Law Blocked: A federal judge partially blocked Nebraska’s Parental Rights on Social Media Act, ruling parts of it violate the First Amendment, while allowing a parent monitoring dashboard requirement to move forward. Water Fight Heads to High Court: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers won U.S. Supreme Court permission to pursue claims that Colorado violated the 1923 South Platte River Compact and obstructed the Perkins County Canal, with a special master now set to oversee the process. DOJ Immigration Tuition Lawsuit: The U.S. Department of Justice sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island over in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented students, arguing the policies conflict with federal law. Horse Racing & Casino: Warhorse Casino is helping Nebraska’s horse racing scene as a national foal shortage continues, with Nebraska Horsemen reporting record attendance tied to the casino expansion. Local 4th of July Safety: Nebraska Forest Service urged residents to attend professional public fireworks displays and follow strict safety rules if they host their own.

SNAP Pressure on Nebraska Neighbors: A Kansas Reflector report shows food pantries scrambling as grocery prices rise and millions lose SNAP, with families traveling farther for help. Poultry Tech in Nebraska: Bird’s Eye Robotics says its barn-focused autonomous robot could ease labor shortages and improve flock health and feed conversion. Drought Monitor How-To: UNL-linked experts explain how Nebraskans can report conditions to the U.S. Drought Monitor, using on-the-ground observations to reflect real impacts. Local Governance Clash: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is suing Lincoln over minimum-wage changes, setting up a fight with Omaha and the Legislature. Courts vs. Social Media Law: A federal judge blocked Nebraska’s Parental Rights in Social Media Act on First Amendment grounds, while allowing a parent monitoring dashboard. Housing Infrastructure Tool: A Nebraska lawmaker highlights LB 1130’s Community Improvement District option to spread infrastructure costs over time and lower upfront housing development costs. ICE Detention Scrutiny: Migrants describe weeks of fear and uncertainty inside Nebraska’s ICE detention center.

Immigration Detention in Nebraska: Men held at the McCook ICE facility say their access to tablets and contact with family was cut off, adding to weeks of fear and uncertainty inside the center. Nebraska Medicine Governance: The NU Board of Regents meets Monday to consider amended bylaws and articles that would shift Nebraska Medicine’s governing structure, including the Omaha Community Foundation taking half of voting directors for a transition period. Local Community & Service: Quilts of Valor were presented to six Nebraska veterans in North Platte, honoring decades of service. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge blocked SNAP restrictions tied to “junk food” rules, underscoring that Congress—not the executive branch—sets the legal definitions. State Politics: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, led by Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers, sued to challenge California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance. Humanitarian Effort: Omaha’s Venezuelan community is collecting donations for earthquake victims back home.

Immigration & Nebraska: A new report details what migrants say happened inside Nebraska’s new ICE detention center, as the Supreme Court clears the way for the Trump administration to strip Temporary Protected Status from Haitians and Syrians—raising fears of faster population decline and workforce strain in states that rely on immigrant labor, including Nebraska. SNAP & Nebraska: A federal payment-error-rate report shows SNAP errors hit 10.62% in FY2025, and Nebraska is among states receiving breach-style notices tied to SNAP program oversight and compliance pressure. Nebraska courts & data: A Nebraska voter-data case is again in the spotlight as a court ruling says the matter is moot because federal records already exist. Agriculture & jobs: American Foods Group will close its Skylark Meats Omaha plant by Aug. 25, cutting more than 200 jobs, following other recent meatpacking layoffs. Water & drought: A national look at intensifying drought and water quality concerns points to major stress on the High Plains/ Ogallala groundwater system that spans Nebraska. Nebraska politics & recruiting: Nebraska is pushing for a historic 2027 recruiting class, aiming to get back to top-15 territory.

SNAP Integrity & Costs: The national SNAP payment error rate hit 10.62% in FY 2025, well above Congress’s 6% threshold, meaning states with high error rates could face financial penalties starting as soon as Oct. 1, 2027. Nebraska Data & Courts: A Nebraska voter-data case is now moot because federal authorities already have the records, after earlier legal fights over access and release. Local Economy & Jobs: American Foods Group says it will close its Skylark Meats plant in Omaha by Aug. 25, eliminating more than 200 jobs, following other major food-industry layoffs in the metro. Agriculture Markets: Grain markets are trying to find a bottom ahead of USDA reports, with corn and other futures reacting to weather and export signals. Public Safety & Health: A nitrous oxide sales-limiting push is gaining momentum after warnings about recreational abuse and road-safety risks. Cybersecurity: AssuranceAmerica is warning that a breach may have exposed sensitive data, including Social Security information, for more than 1.1 million people across multiple states.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court expanded Trump’s immigration power, and experts warn it could accelerate population decline as legal changes hit Temporary Protected Status and asylum rules. Local Governance: Burlington, Nebraska’s regional neighbor, hired Rebecca Horner as city administrator, tapping her Nebraska ties and development leadership. SNAP & Food Policy: A federal judge blocked SNAP waivers that would have limited purchases of soda and candy in Nebraska and other states, arguing the USDA overstepped authority. Nebraska Courts: The Nebraska Supreme Court dismissed a voter-data lawsuit as moot after the DOJ already received the records. Labor & Retail: A class-action lawsuit alleges Hy-Vee failed to pay overtime to department managers, including stores across Nebraska. Ag & Energy: Cargill’s soil-health program is expanding through local partners in Nebraska, while Tenaska awarded college scholarships tied to its solar projects. Transgender Health Lawsuit: The FTC sued a major transgender health organization over claims about “gender-affirming care” for children. Business & Broadband: Arvig hit 15,500 fiber route miles in Minnesota, with network reach including Nebraska data-center co-location.

SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked USDA waivers in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia, saying the agency can’t use “demonstrations” to change what SNAP participants can buy—Congress has to do it. Nebraska Courts: Nebraska’s Supreme Court dismissed a Common Cause appeal over the release of voter registration data to the DOJ, ruling the dispute is moot because the data was already shared. Corrections Policy: State corrections leaders met lawmakers in Washington pushing for tougher interdiction of contraband drones and illicit cell phones, plus officer wellness and protection of reentry funding. Agriculture & Climate: USDA’s supply-demand outlook highlights a cotton-heavy farm program while winter wheat is forecast at its lowest since 1957, with drought pushing Nebraska wheat abandonment. Kansas Tuition Lawsuit: DOJ sued Kansas over its in-state tuition rule for undocumented students, arguing federal law should preempt the state policy. Energy Grid Delay: A controversial Sandhills power line got a new pause after a judge issued a partial injunction, reviving a long-running fight with ranchers and tribal groups. Plastics Packaging: Seventeen states led by Nebraska sued California over its packaging law, arguing it could force nationwide redesigns and reshape supply chains.

SNAP Court Ruling: A federal judge blocked new SNAP restrictions in multiple states, saying the USDA can’t rewrite Congress’s definition of eligible food—leaving bans on soda and candy in limbo, including Nebraska’s. SNAP Cost-Sharing Pressure: Separate federal data shows some states may face big bills if their SNAP payment error rates stay high, while low-error states get exemptions. Nebraska in the Mix: Nebraska is directly named in the SNAP soda/candy waiver fight and also appears in broader SNAP integrity and oversight hearings. Local Classroom Tech: Nebraska Extension’s “All Things Nebraska” is being used by Wayne students for Nebraska Studies projects, turning maps and data into hands-on learning. Housing Politics: Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts says he hopes Trump will sign a bipartisan housing bill after Trump canceled the signing over the stalled SAVE Act. America 250 Spotlight: The Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall, with Nebraska officials and others using the event to mark the Declaration of Independence anniversary. Ranch Resilience: Chadron State’s range management program is preparing the next generation of Nebraska ranch advisers.

Property Taxes: Gov. Jim Pillen launched a Property Tax Hotline so Nebraskans can report how rising valuations and tax bills are hitting them, aiming to feed lawmakers real-world impacts. Housing Politics: Sen. Pete Ricketts said he hopes President Trump will sign a housing bill, even as the “SAVE America Act” election measure remains stalled in the Senate. SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked West Virginia’s SNAP soda ban, and Nebraska is among states caught in the broader legal fight over restricting what people can buy with benefits. Agriculture & Innovation: Nebraska joined NASA’s Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team to use satellite data for better crop monitoring and water/soil management. Ag Policy for Disaster Aid: Sen. Deb Fischer’s wildfire relief bill is headed to the president’s desk to speed USDA recovery payments for Nebraska producers. Local Government & Community: Lincoln rolled out a “Love Your Land Phil” waste diversion campaign, and Nebraska fireworks season is underway with local rules and schedules across towns. Business: Central Valley Ag named Kelby Vandenberg senior vice president of feed. Cybersecurity: The FCC adopted cybersecurity rules for the Emergency Alert System, requiring stronger protections for equipment used to send alerts.

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.