AGP Executive Report

Fuel Tax Relief: States including Ohio are moving fast to cut or pause gas and diesel taxes as prices stay high amid the war with Iran, with AAA reporting regular at $4.43 and diesel at $6.41. Nebraska Health Policy: Human rights groups call Nebraska a “canary in the coal mine” after the state’s Medicaid work requirements rollout triggered confusion and bureaucratic chaos. Generic Drug Settlement: South Dakota and 42 other states seek court approval for a $400 million settlement over alleged Sandoz/Fougera generic drug price-fixing, with eligible buyers from 2009-2019 potentially receiving money. Campaign Trail: Trump and JD Vance are hitting heavily Republican states to boost enthusiasm ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, as polls show low approval on cost of living. Nebraska Education & Community: Fremont backed down on a firefighter hiring rule that treated homeschool credentials differently, and UNK’s one-handed woodwind program is expanding with a new saxophone. Local Business: Rightfiber acquired Fastwyre Broadband’s Nebraska operations, expanding service to dozens of communities. Ag & School Food: Nebraska’s Department of Education launches “Battle of the Beans,” turning winning recipes into school cafeteria options statewide.

Local Business Growth: New Start Cleaning, long based in Lincoln, is expanding into the Omaha metro with recurring, deep, move-in/out, and post-construction services. Property Tax Reality Check: A local debate is pushing back on the claim that rising Lincoln property tax collections are “almost exclusively” driven by assessor valuations, arguing city budgeting and levy decisions matter more. Public Safety & Justice: Hall County judge sentenced Kelli Lepler to 15 years probation and ordered $266,636 restitution tied to headstones sold but not delivered. Crime Prevention Push: A Gretna mother is backing a national violent felon registry named for her daughter, aiming to help communities know who’s nearby. Ag Fuel Relief: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins hinted at fuel relief for farmers as diesel prices stay high; South Dakota also moved to loosen dyed-diesel and hauling limits. Health Care Payments: Trump began mailing $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million people in 30 states using the federal exchange. Nebraska Economy: Nebraska reported $8 million in miscellaneous tax revenue in Q1 2026, up 14.3% from the prior quarter. Midterms Watch: Republicans are bracing for losses in several once-competitive House races, including Nebraska’s 2nd.

USDA/Ag Leadership: President Trump nominated former Nebraska Agriculture Director Greg Ibach as Agriculture undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, teeing up Senate confirmation later this fall. Diesel Relief Fight: South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden’s harvest executive order lets farmers haul up to 10% over road weight and waives an overweight permit fee, but leaders say it won’t offset $6-plus diesel costs—especially compared with Nebraska’s refund approach. Nebraska Agriculture Tech: UNL launched the Nebraska Digital Ag Hub to help producers develop, test, and scale digital agriculture tools, bringing researchers and Extension together around producer needs. Rural Quality of Life: A Nebraska Rural Poll finds trails matter to rural residents, with paved multi-use trails most used overall and off-road trails more common in smaller communities. Health & Data: A multistate settlement with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach highlights ongoing pressure on companies to secure sensitive patient data. Politics & Campaigns: A Nebraska Senate race ad features a rape survivor confronting Sen. Pete Ricketts over his 2022 pardon vote. Community & Food: Nebraska State Fair reports strong attendance and improved guest satisfaction, while Nebraska Pork Producers’ Taste of Elegance raised an estimated $250,000 for food-insecure children.

Diesel Relief & Economic Strategy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed executive orders aimed at Nebraska’s harvest costs, including a 90-day pause on diesel taxes for ag producers and a statewide economic growth working group to speed site selection and business recruitment. Agriculture & Weather: Wet conditions are stalling harvest in parts of the region, with forecasts suggesting farmers may get back into fields soon, while a major “hybrid storm” threat looms over the central U.S. Policy & Politics: Trump is set to campaign in Grand Island Oct. 5 as Nebraska’s Senate race heats up, with local officials touting the visit’s importance to agriculture and business. College Sports: Nebraska sports leaders praised the Senate’s passage of the Protect College Sports Act, seeking more stability amid NIL and transfer-portal chaos. Childcare & Community Learning: UNL’s Ruth Staples Child Development Lab is helping Nebraska childcare providers bring outdoor, nature-based learning into classrooms. Public Health & Consumer Protection: The FTC and states reached a settlement with Corteva to lower pesticide prices for farmers, and a multistate Labcorp data-breach settlement highlights ongoing vendor accountability.

USDA & Trade: President Trump nominated Greg Ibach, a fifth-generation Nebraska farmer, to lead USDA’s Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, aiming to expand export markets and cut trade barriers. State Politics & Growth: Gov. Jim Pillen is set to announce a coordinated strategy to strengthen Nebraska’s economic growth and competitiveness, including an executive order. Campaign Trail: Trump will campaign in Grand Island Oct. 5 to energize support for Sen. Pete Ricketts amid a tight race against Dan Osborn. Water Fight: Colorado accused Nebraska of stealing water in the escalating South Platte River Compact dispute, arguing Nebraska’s canal and well plans deprive Colorado. Agriculture Courts: In Hansen-Mueller’s Chapter 11 case, a Nebraska bankruptcy court order says bond companies can’t claim rights to grain funds tied to producers’ claims. Public Safety: Lincoln Fire and Rescue and the Nebraska Community Blood Bank launched a program to carry packed red blood cells on EMS units so transfusions can start at the scene. Health & Voting Access: A ProPublica report says an OMB proposal could block federal grant money from being used for voter registration drives, threatening disability and elder advocacy work in Nebraska.

Diesel and gas relief push: States moved to blunt high fuel prices as President Trump predicted costs would drop after the Iran war ends, while AAA pegged regular gas at $4.48 and diesel at $6.45. Nebraska water upgrades: Gov. Jim Pillen highlighted Gibbon’s $15 million water infrastructure package, targeting manganese in drinking water through state revolving fund loans and forgiveness. Harvest stress from rain: Southeast Nebraska farmers say recent downpours are helping crops but making harvest harder, with mud and hauling delays. Ag trade and soybeans: The U.S.-China tariff talks reportedly left out commodity soybeans, keeping pressure on Nebraska and the broader Midwest. SNAP drop hits kids: Nebraska’s SNAP enrollment fell sharply, and advocates warn many of those losing aid are children. Omaha minimum wage fight: A judge blocked Omaha from enforcing part of its $15 minimum wage plan for younger workers, while allowing other increases tied to the cost of living. Public safety and health: Lincoln Fire and Rescue will start carrying packed red blood cells on EMS for trauma care, and Nebraska’s SNAP and cybercrime stories underscore growing pressure on families and local systems.

Pesticide costs for Nebraska farmers: The FTC and states including Washington reached a proposed settlement with Corteva that would curb alleged anticompetitive “loyalty” practices, aiming to open the door for cheaper generics and lower prices. Diesel relief for harvest: Gov. Jim Pillen signed 90-day executive orders letting qualifying ag haulers use untaxed dyed diesel in highway-registered vehicles without Nebraska penalties and raising weight limits up to 25% for seasonal livestock and crop transport. Wildfire recovery help: USDA’s Farm Service Agency extended Emergency Conservation Program deadlines in multiple Nebraska wildfire-impacted counties, pushing the new application cutoff to Oct. 26. Water and data-center fight: The Winnebago Tribe is opposing a proposed Google data center near Salix, Iowa, warning it could strain water tied to tribal rights. Weather readiness: UNL and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers celebrated 35 new mesonet stations to improve local monitoring across Nebraska. Trade and agriculture ties: A South Korean corn buyers delegation toured Nebraska grain production and supply-chain operations, underscoring continued demand and price sensitivity. Nebraska politics and courts: Nebraska’s diesel-tax and harvest-cost relief comes as broader national debates over inflation, tariffs, and midterms intensify.

Nebraska Politics: In Nebraska’s 1st District race, Rep. Mike Flood touts his legislative experience and federal dollars, while challenger Chris Backemeyer argues for lower costs, ending the “trade war” and criticizing Congress’s Iran decisions. Healthcare & Health Costs: The Trump administration canceled ACA marketplace coverage for 760,000 people, and a new analysis warns federal rules could cut Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals by more than $50 billion, risking fewer providers for Medicaid patients. Local Community: Omaha’s Nebraska Humane Society drew hundreds of dogs to its annual Walk & Dog Fest to support animal care. Public Safety: Fremont volunteer firefighter Andrew Coates was denied a full-time job over his homeschool education, and Gov. Jim Pillen says the state will investigate. Elections Watch: Democrats and legal scholars are preparing for possible midterm voting interference, including plans for mass protests and guidance for judges. Agriculture & Economy: Nebraska’s Q1 2026 tax revenues totaled $1.8 billion, with sales and income taxes driving most of the haul.

Nebraska Politics & Voting Tech: A conservative group is pushing for secure digital signatures to replace handwritten ones for citizen ballot initiatives, arguing it could cut costs and reduce fraud—while critics warn it could add new risks to the process. State Finances: Nebraska collected $1.8 billion in total tax revenue in Q1 2026, with sales/gross receipts and income taxes driving most of the haul. Economy & Health Policy: Six states plan to require medical documentation for Medicaid work exemptions starting in January, limiting “self-attestation” for people claiming they can’t work due to health. Immigration & Labor: Nebraska recorded 1,163 H-2B worker approvals tied to Nebraska worksites in fiscal 2026 through June 30, with a 97.5% approval rate. Public Safety & Accountability: An Omaha funeral home was placed on two years of state probation after regulators said it cremated three unclaimed bodies without a license. Sports (Nebraska): The Huskers opened Big Ten play with a 31-13 road win over Michigan State, moving to 4-0 for the first time in a decade.

Home Birth Fight: Nebraska mothers Emily Tvrdy and Amanda Musilek are appealing a federal judge’s denial of a preliminary injunction against the state’s ban on nurse midwives assisting home births, arguing it violates religious rights and freedom of choice while the court said the restriction is a health-and-safety measure. Beef Prices & Immigration: A Trump immigration enforcement operation in southwest Kansas is reportedly disrupting beef processing by keeping workers away, backing up cattle, and adding pressure to already high beef prices. USDA Staffing Strain: A USDA staffing shakeup is leaving farmers and ranchers—especially in North Dakota—waiting longer for help as local farm-country offices lose on-the-ground staff. Nebraska Range Judging: The South Platte NRD’s Area 1 Range Judging contest named top junior and senior teams, with Sidney taking first in the senior division. College Football Spotlight: Wisconsin rallied from 17 down to beat No. 13 Penn State 24-20, with key fourth-quarter defense and late scoring. Nebraska in the News Cycle: A map of state income tax rates shows Nebraska’s top marginal individual rate at 4.55%, while eight states levy no income tax.

Beef Politics: New polling shows President Donald Trump’s net approval slipping in 10 major beef-producing states, including Nebraska, as he tries to balance lower grocery prices with protecting cattle producers. Immigration & Processing: A U.S. immigration crackdown in southwest Kansas is reportedly disrupting beef processing by keeping workers away, adding pressure to already tight cattle supplies. Midwife Home Birth Lawsuit: Nebraska mothers are appealing a federal judge’s denial of a preliminary injunction against the state’s ban on nurse midwives assisting home births. Energy Infrastructure: Kansas regulators scheduled public hearings on a proposed 180-mile, 345 kV transmission line that would run toward western Nebraska. Ag Education: South Platte NRD results were released for Nebraska range judging, with top teams from Chadron, Sidney, Hay Springs and others. Tech & Health: Nebraska Medicine’s board governance expanded as UNL Regents approved four new members to serve on the Nebraska Medicine board. Local Economy: A Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City report highlighted above-average savings in Nebraska, pointing to economic resilience.

Health & Courts: Nebraska mothers Emily Tvrdy and Amanda Musilek are appealing a federal judge’s denial of a preliminary injunction against the state’s ban on nurse midwives assisting home births, arguing it violates religious rights and freedom of choice while the judge said the restriction is a health-and-safety measure. Ag Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed/clarified relief for Nebraska agriculture as diesel stays costly, including guidance allowing dyed “red” diesel for qualifying farm vehicles during a 90-day emergency and trailer weight flexibility for hauling. Infrastructure: Norfolk is set to receive a major boost through Nebraska’s ONE RED effort, with a $38 million federal match for wastewater anaerobic digestion upgrades. Public Health: Omaha-area parvovirus cases are dropping, with local rescues and the Nebraska Humane Society reporting fewer cases and ongoing vaccination efforts. State Government: The Nebraska Board of Regents approved four new members to represent the university system on the Nebraska Medicine board. Economy: A Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City report highlighted above-average savings among Nebraskans, pointing to resilience amid higher costs. Child Welfare Funding: Nebraska DHHS was selected for nearly $1.5 million in federal grants to modernize the child welfare system, including licensing and background-check upgrades.

Diesel Relief for Ag: Gov. Jim Pillen signed two executive orders giving Nebraska farmers, ranchers and ag haulers 90-day relief—allowing untaxed dyed diesel use on highways with refunds via Form 84AG, and easing weight limits for seasonal livestock and crop transport. Local Government Watch: Lancaster County Commissioner Matt Schulte will hold a livestreamed press conference on State Auditor Mike Foley’s audit of the Treasurer’s Office, including claims of nearly $1 billion in accounting errors and the Treasurer’s response that no property taxes were lost. Rural Transit Funding: Nebraska’s NDOT says Open Plains Transit can’t receive new federal transit money until outstanding single audits for 2024 and 2025 are resolved, warning continued funding without audits could jeopardize broader allocations. Public Safety & Health: A Nebraska-related measles update shows cases rising nationwide, with Nebraska among the reporting jurisdictions. Community & Culture: The Ak-Sar-Ben Stock Show is underway at Fonner Park with new additions like a rabbit show and Purple Banner Night. Higher Ed & Workforce: UNK highlights international student support, while Nebraska’s education pipeline continues to expand statewide. Data Centers Debate: A developer is seeking to advance a potential data center on more than 560 acres northwest of Lincoln, as local rules and concerns grow.

Agriculture Relief: Gov. Jim Pillen signed two executive orders giving Nebraska producers 90-day relief from high diesel costs and hauling limits—allowing refunds on state diesel taxes (Form 84AG) and raising weight allowances up to 25% for seasonal crop and livestock transport, while also asking President Trump to pause U.S. diesel exports for 90 days. Local Business Growth: Heartland Communities acquired the 108-site Suburban Estates manufactured home community in Vermillion, pledging long-term ownership plus planned playground and road/curb improvements and additional homes. Immigration & Data: A new report says Nebraska employers in the Public Administration industry filed nine H-1B petitions in 2025, all approved. Campus & Culture: UNL hosted Czech President Petr Pavel for talks on diplomacy and Nebraska’s Czech roots, and UNL homecoming week is set to feature “Husker Games,” a “Beast Games”-style competition. Community Events: Ak-Sar-Ben Stock Show runs Sept. 24-27 at Fonner Park, highlighting youth livestock competition across multiple species. Politics & National: The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a resolution demanding Trump end the Iran war or seek authorization, with gas and food prices cited as key midterm pressure points.

Consumer Protection: New York AG Letitia James helped lead a multistate deal with Labcorp after a 2019 data breach tied to its debt collector, AMCA, potentially exposing info for 27.5 million people; Labcorp will overhaul data security and pay about $2.3 million to states. Nebraska Agriculture & Policy: Sen. Pete Ricketts introduced a federal Agricultural Data Privacy Act to give producers control over agronomic, climate, weather, land, livestock and sustainability data, requiring clear written consent before any sale or use. Local Tech & Mental Health: Norfolk-area psychologists say social media and AI are showing up in students’ mental health and relationships, with a panel discussion hosted by the Clarkson Institute. Health Care Costs: A new analysis says federal rules will force about three dozen states to cut Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals by more than $50 billion, raising fears of fewer providers for Medicaid patients. Agriculture & Energy: Nebraska’s mesonet is adding 35 weather stations to improve forecasting for farmers and emergency response, while record diesel prices keep squeezing farm budgets. Data Centers: A free Omaha forum Thursday will address energy and water impacts as Nebraska’s data center demand grows.

Trade & Agriculture: Sen. Pete Ricketts urged the Trump administration to press China for reliable soybean and beef access during Xi’s U.S. visit, warning Beijing hasn’t met purchase commitments and leaving Nebraska producers facing uncertainty. State Policy: Ricketts also introduced a bill to protect farmers’ and ranchers’ agricultural data, requiring written consent before implement dealers or others can use it. Property Taxes: Gov. Jim Pillen told callers high valuations must be handled locally, saying he wants caps on valuations and pushing back on the idea the state can simply eliminate the bill. Rural Innovation: A Panhandle family used virtual fencing to keep cattle grazing during drought, avoiding selling off the herd. Health & Safety: A Nebraska cardiac nurse credited infant CPR training with saving her 1-month-old son after he stopped breathing. Housing/Local Economy: Heartland Communities bought the 108-site Suburban Estates manufactured home community in Vermillion, planning upgrades and long-term operation. Manufacturing Spotlight: Nebraska’s “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” named its top 16 products, with voting running through Oct. 4. Campus Culture: UNL students debated Turning Point USA speaker Shane Winnings, with students pushing back on his views on LGBTQ issues and feminism.