AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak has grown to 15 states, with Nebraska among the newly added; officials report 10,468 lab-confirmed cases nationwide and note Michigan has seen deaths, while Michigan now says people can resume normal lettuce handling as cases decline. Local Agriculture & Economy: Nebraska regulators filed a complaint against Ohio grain dealer The Andersons over alleged delayed payments to a grain producer, and the PSC is urging other Nebraska sellers to report similar payment delays. Politics & Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee blocked a Farm Bill version over SNAP cost-share disputes, drawing sharp criticism from Nebraska Farm Bureau and Nebraska lawmakers. Public Health (Other Outbreaks): Taco Bell’s cyclospora-linked case count has climbed to 6,358, and Qdoba and Chipotle have removed jalapeños amid a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled peppers. Community & Culture: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska kicks off its 32nd annual powwow, celebrating tradition and honoring ancestors.

Food Safety: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina; investigators still point to Taylor Farms de Mexico lettuce, even as agencies have wrestled with confusing lab results and the case count is expected to keep rising. Salmonella Watch: A separate Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to recalled jalapeños has sickened 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations and no deaths reported; Qdoba and Chipotle have removed the ingredient as federal investigators continue tracing the supply chain. Nebraska Agriculture & Markets: Ahead of the Aug. 12 WASDE, a Nebraska-based market analyst expects a smaller U.S. corn crop and a tighter bean and wheat balance sheet, setting up what could be a key pricing moment for farmers. Local Business: Blue Ox in Pender, Nebraska, named TJ Kloster as its new creative specialist, adding design, video and drone-pilot experience to its marketing team. Cybercrime: A federal judge sentenced Ransom Cartel founder Maksim Silnikau to 16 years for running a ransomware-as-a-service operation that targeted companies including some in Nebraska.

Public Safety & Local Services: Grand Island’s Central Nebraska Humane Society says it wants to end its city contract for stray-pet care in six months, and police leaders are now weighing options for a new provider. Health: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce–linked cyclospora outbreak now involves 15 states, including Nebraska, with thousands sick and two deaths reported. Agriculture & Disaster Relief: Congress-backed changes to Nebraska’s disaster programs expand upfront help and extend deadlines for farmers and private forest owners after natural disasters. Economy & Food Safety Oversight: FDA data show Nebraska saw the most inspections in Q2 for veterinary companies, with 10 inspections statewide. Housing & Justice Reentry: Lincoln’s Bridges to Hope is nearing completion on Hope Village, a 18-tiny-home community aimed at people transitioning out of incarceration. Local Politics: Lancaster County rejected most signatures from a conservative group seeking to reshape Lincoln election rules, though supporters plan to restart. Business & Industry: Niocorp and Lockheed Martin announced a non-binding deal to supply scandium oxide for U.S. defense needs.

Food Safety: FDA recalled bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Nebraska, after salmonella was found; no illnesses reported yet. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis tied to shredded iceberg lettuce continues to widen, with Iowa added to the CDC list and Nebraska among the states now linked in the latest expansion. State Health Policy: New federal SNAP cost-sharing rules could force states with high payment error rates to cover hundreds of millions more, raising the risk of benefit cuts or even SNAP withdrawal. Medicaid & Fraud: Nebraska AG Marty Jackley joined a multi-state push for the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, aiming to expand who can be investigated and prosecuted. Local Roads: Nebraska DOT will start a two-day chip seal project Aug. 12 on US-136 and N-46 near Oxford, with traffic controlled by flaggers and a pilot car. Nebraska Economy & Industry: ADM raised its earnings outlook after strong biofuels margins and execution, while Lockheed Martin signed an MoU to buy scandium from NioCorp’s Nebraska project. Community: UNK graduate student Delaney Tracy will present new research on George W. Frank’s legacy Aug. 12 at the Kearney Public Library.

Nebraska Politics & Governance: Former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom filed the final petition signatures to qualify as a nonpartisan candidate for Nebraska governor, naming Omaha’s Mike Picard as his running mate for lieutenant governor. Immigration: An Omaha man on Temporary Protected Status says the future is uncertain after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end TPS for Haiti and Syria, with other countries potentially next. Public Safety: Papillion is considering updates to its dangerous-dogs ordinance, including clearer definitions, shifting dangerous-dog designation appeals to the Nebraska Humane Society, and banning leg traps. State & Federal Aid: President Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for eight Nebraska counties after mid-May tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding, with damage estimates topping $4.9 million. Agriculture Policy: A Senate Agriculture Committee markup could move a new five-year farm bill forward, as Nebraska producers face high input costs and low commodity prices. Health & Food Safety: Walmart recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states, including Nebraska, after Salmonella was found in a routine test; no illnesses reported. Energy & Industry: Nebraska Public Power District broke ground on the 694-MW Princeton Road Station near Hallam to meet rising electricity demand. Tech & Law: Nebraska AG Tim Griffin joined a multistate push for Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, expanding Medicaid fraud investigations beyond providers. AI Oversight: Nebraska is among states demanding OpenAI preserve records after an alleged AI security breach involving Hugging Face.

Medicaid Work Requirements: Montana and Nebraska are starting new federal Medicaid work rules early, requiring many expansion recipients to work, volunteer, attend school or do job training for 80 hours a month, with exemptions for disability, serious health issues, and caregivers. Hemp Policy Fight: Nebraska AG Griffin is leading a letter with 34 other attorneys general urging Congress to keep 2025 hemp reforms intact and block a return of “intoxicating hemp” loopholes. Privacy Enforcement: Sen. Ron Wyden says some businesses are “selectively ignoring” universal opt-outs by using inaccurate GeoIP location data to decide which state privacy rules apply. Food Safety Recall: Walmart-linked Bettergoods pistachio nut butter is recalled in 19 states, including Nebraska, after salmonella was found in a specific lot; no illnesses reported. Nebraska Agriculture & Industry: Scoular plans a soybean dehulling expansion in Ohio to meet growing food and beverage demand, while AGP opened a major export facility expansion at Washington’s Grays Harbor port. Local Health & Community: Hastings reports confirmed cyclosporiasis cases at Mary Lanning Healthcare, as the national outbreak continues. Public Safety: A grain bin accident story highlights how deadly these incidents remain for Nebraska-area farm families. Business Growth: Fortitude Mining says it completed a 12.5 MW Prosser, Nebraska acquisition as it expands its power portfolio.

Nebraska Politics: Former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom filed 5,735 signatures to qualify as a nonpartisan Nebraska governor candidate, naming Navy veteran Mike Picard as his running mate and releasing his “Nebraska Doctrine” platform. Food Safety: Walmart is recalling Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter in 19 states, including Nebraska, after Salmonella was found in routine testing; the FDA says affected jars are lot LB028ACP04. Ag & Trade: Gov. Jim Pillen’s trade mission is pitching U.S. ethanol to Japan and the Philippines as demand grows for lower-carbon fuels, with carbon capture a key theme. Business & Economy: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index points to continued regional manufacturing growth, but inflation and weak labor supply remain concerns. Public Safety Tech: Nebraska lawmakers and watchdogs are weighing concerns about automated license plate readers and AI-linked surveillance. Health Policy: Nebraska AG Marty Jackley backed federal action to expand states’ ability to pursue Medicaid fraud beyond provider cases.

Nebraska Agriculture & Land Values: USDA says Nebraska cropland is nearing $10,000 an acre and pasture values jumped 8%, keeping farm real estate on an upward climb even as margins stay tight. Beef Industry Pressure: Tyson Foods cut its profit forecast, warning that tight U.S. cattle supplies are squeezing its beef business—an issue that hits Nebraska communities tied to the cattle cycle. State Policy & Health: Nebraska’s Medicaid work requirements are now in effect, and advocates say confusion is already causing coverage losses and more denials may follow. Local Public Safety: Buffalo County reminded residents about rules for e-bikes, ATVs, golf carts, and other recreational vehicles, stressing that what’s legal depends on whether you’re inside a city or outside it. Community & Education: The Nebraska FFA Foundation is launching its “Blue Jackets. Bright Futures.” drive, aiming to fund official FFA jackets for students who can’t afford them. Business & Growth: Gray Dawes Group acquired Nebraska-based Executive Travel as it pushes further into global corporate travel. Sports & Culture: Nebraska’s Cortland Opry House keeps classic country and gospel alive with weekly jam sessions in a historic building.

Wildfire Crisis: Eastern Washington wildfires near Spokane have forced evacuations of about 60,000 people and destroyed at least 600 homes and other structures, with officials warning the next few days could be “challenging” as conditions stay dry. Nebraska Outdoors: If you want a calmer lake day than Branched Oak, Pawnee State Recreation Area is being highlighted as a quieter alternative about 20 miles west of Lincoln, with a sandy swimming beach and more room to spread out. Local Health: Omaha-area vets say persistent bad breath in dogs can signal dental disease but may also point to issues in the mouth, lungs, gut, or organs—so it shouldn’t be ignored. Nebraska Politics: Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn is continuing a 93-county tour, with recent stops in Central Nebraska including Hastings, Minden, Holdrege, and Republican City. Research & Funding: The NSF is sending $108 million to six university research centers, including UNL, to develop materials for next-gen quantum computing and medical imaging.

NSF Funding Watch: The National Science Foundation is sending $108 million to six elite university research centers, including UNL, to build “quantum metamaterials” and other next-generation materials—an effort that comes as NSF’s broader budget faces proposed cuts. Natural Hazards: A new national study maps landslide exposure at the building level, estimating 6.5 million Americans live in landslide-prone areas—highlighting how risk can vary sharply block to block. Nebraska Agriculture: A Nebraska-based analyst says most corn has made it through pollination, but August weather will be decisive for grain fill and for soybean pod-setting, with tight soybean stocks and recent Chinese buying offering support. Community & Culture: Nebraska’s farmers market week (Aug. 2-8) is being celebrated as a local gathering spot for produce, crafts, and small businesses. Local Public Life: Korean War veterans were recognized at a ceremony in Creighton, with county coordinators bringing honorees together who couldn’t travel to Lincoln. Weather & Safety: A heat dome is driving dangerous temperatures across parts of the West, with major public health warnings and elevated fire danger.

Nebraska Politics: Independent US Senate candidate Dan Osborn is crisscrossing Central Nebraska on a 93-county tour, including stops in Hastings, Minden, Holdrege and Republican City, pitching a grassroots run after losing to Deb Fischer in 2024 and answering questions on soil, hemp, healthcare and public education. Public Health & Food Security: National reporting warns that federal SNAP cuts tied to the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” are hitting Black Americans hardest, with millions already losing benefits and hunger advocates saying the worst is still ahead. Weather & Safety: A dangerous heat dome is pushing extreme temperatures across the West, with tens of millions under heat alerts and cooling centers opening as record highs and major health risks loom. Wildfire & First Responders: A memorial in Grand Junction honored fallen wildland firefighter Nathan “Nate” Matthews, a Lincoln native killed in a June burnover incident, with speakers emphasizing his legacy and impact on the fire community. Trade Enforcement: The DOJ and DHS Trade Fraud Task Force topped $1 billion in recoveries and charged losses in under a year, targeting customs and trade fraud like mislabeling and false declarations.

Medicaid Work Requirements: Nebraska’s “rushed” rollout of new Medicaid work rules is drawing fire from health advocates, who say phone lines and application help are overwhelmed and the added steps are deterring enrollment. Heat & Power Reliability: A federal emergency order covers Nebraska and 16 other states as extreme heat strains the grid, raising blackout concerns. Drought Watch: Southeast Nebraska saw some relief from rain, but the Panhandle remains in dire need, with warm nights also stressing crops and potentially boosting disease risk. Nebraska Agriculture in Trade: Gov. Pillen’s Asia trade mission highlighted export opportunities for Nebraska agriculture and ethanol, as Chinese buyers reportedly purchased large volumes of U.S. soybeans. Local Governance: A Lincoln ETJ voting amendment debate is heating up, with supporters arguing residents should have a say when the city regulates development just outside city limits. Public Health & Safety: A new study links early smartphone use to worse mental health, sleep problems, and higher obesity risk. Sports Streaming: The Timberwolves announced DAZN will stream local games across Nebraska and surrounding states.

Medicaid & Health Care Access: Nebraska health advocates say the state’s “rushed” rollout of Medicaid work requirements is clogging help lines and deterring enrollment, with about 70,000 people affected and many unanswered questions still lingering. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for 17 states, including Nebraska, to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat by letting the Southwest Power Pool dispatch backup generation. Veterans & Trucking Jobs: Gov. Jim Pillen says Nebraska is joining the federal “Freedom Haulers” initiative, updating DMV rules so qualifying veterans can get CDL testing waivers and faster paths into commercial driving. Agriculture & Drought: Southeast Nebraska saw some relief from rain, but the Panhandle remains in dire straits, with warm nights and fast-running moisture adding stress for crops. Nebraska Politics: Nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn kicked off a statewide tour in La Vista, pitching himself as independent while targeting Pete Ricketts. Local Livestock: The 2026 Otoe County Fair is underway with youth livestock shows, contests, and a Monday auction. Research & Health Tech: UNL engineers unveiled a wearable “sticker” concept that tracks walking patterns to help detect disease earlier.

Nebraska in National Spotlight: US News’ 2026 Best States ranking puts Nebraska at No. 5 overall, with top marks in the natural environment and strong category showings alongside Utah, South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota. Rural Health & Medicaid: Nebraska is set to begin removing people from Medicaid for missing new work requirements on Aug. 1, with about 200 expected to lose coverage as federal rules roll out across 44 states. Ag Innovation: A proposed southeast Nebraska project would turn corn ethanol into bio-based polypropylene, aiming to create a major new demand stream for growers while adding rural manufacturing jobs. Livestock Policy: North Dakota’s Corby Ward was appointed to an international livestock identification board, a move that could shape enforcement and producer protections beyond the region. Community & Culture: Kearney’s Project: Constellation brings free Norwegian and Swedish music to the public library, while Gretna’s “Battle on the Bricks” wrestling event drew about 2,000 spectators.

AI & Telecom: Sen. Deb Fischer held a hearing on how AI is reshaping communications networks, with Nebraska’s Public Service Commission commissioner among witnesses. Drought Relief: USDA expanded drought disaster designations to 13 more Nebraska counties, opening emergency loan help as dry conditions persist statewide. Wildlife & Outdoors: Nebraska Game and Parks will accept Watchable Wildlife grant proposals Aug. 3–Oct. 2, with up to $6,000 per project to boost nature-based viewing. Wildfire Recovery for Ranchers: The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund topped $2.2 million from thousands of donors; donations and applications close Sept. 1. Local Quality of Life: Omaha approved grants to add tree cover in South Omaha’s Southside Terrace-Indian Hills area, targeting heat-island impacts. Courts & Consumer Safety: A Gretna woman won $3.6 million in a Costco injury case; Costco is appealing. Business in Nebraska: ADM plans to expand soybean crush capacity in Lincoln, adding storage and upgrades to boost throughput. Scams Warning: Nebraska officials urged residents to watch for phone scams, including spoofed numbers and pressure for unusual payments.

Wildfire Relief for Nebraska Ranchers: Farm Rescue says it’s been hauling donated hay to wildfire-hit producers, with nearly 900,000 acres burned statewide this year and USDA disaster help approved for 21 counties. Drought Loan Expansion: Gov. Jim Pillen announced Lancaster and Saline are now primary disaster areas, adding 11 nearby counties for USDA emergency loan eligibility for farmers. Foreign Threats Law: Pillen signed LB 1096, a sweeping measure aimed at protecting Nebraska’s agriculture, energy and utility grids, public records, and communications from hostile foreign adversaries and biological threats. Medicaid Work Rules Confusion: Nebraska’s Medicaid work requirement checks begin soon, with some people facing coverage loss and advocates warning the “medically frail” and other exemptions are creating confusion. Nebraska Ag & Markets: ADM plans to add 700,000 tonnes of U.S. oilseed crush capacity, while USDA updates on corn/soy acreage are setting the tone for grain markets. Community & Sports: Western Nebraska Pioneers will shut down after 2026, with the Nebraska Outlaws relocating to Colorado; teachers are also responding as teen boys’ sports-betting interest drives more gambling-site blocks in schools.