AGP Executive Report

AI in Agriculture: University of Nebraska researchers are asking farmers and future ag pros what they think about AI moving from the lab into everyday farm decisions. Manufacturing & Jobs: Glenwood manufacturers FAST Global Solutions and TC/American Crane Company teamed up on a custom overhead lifting system built for FAST’s workflow. College Sports Policy: Senators Booker and Schmitt spar over a sweeping college sports bill, with the NCAA’s power and athlete experience at the center. Carbon Markets: ADM plans to enter the voluntary carbon dioxide removal market using more than 800,000 tons a year of capture capacity at its Columbus, Nebraska, complex. Ethanol Board: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen appointed three ethanol producer voting members to the Nebraska Ethanol Board, including ADM’s Todd Good. Data Centers Debate: Rural Nebraskans and unlikely allies are pushing back on fast-moving data center development over farmland, water, and power costs. Crash Update: A Nebraska man, Loy G. Nelson of Maskell, died Sept. 17 in a crash near Wagner, South Dakota. North Omaha Food Access: Omaha broke ground on a new North Omaha grocery backed by a state grant and run as a social enterprise by Heart Ministry Center.

Diesel Crisis Hits Nebraska Truckers: Diesel jumped to about $6.25 a gallon, squeezing owner-operators who say fuel can eat 60–65% of gross earnings while freight rates lag. Nebraska Politics: Sen. Pete Ricketts hosted his annual Nebraska Steak Fry in Weeping Water with Sen. John Kennedy and other GOP leaders, while the Dan Osborn campaign fallout continues after Osborn was caught mocking rural Trump supporters. Local Community: South Omaha’s 24th Street is getting a makeover as an 82-year-old master gardener leads volunteers maintaining dozens of raised beds. Statewide Culture & Sports: Omaha was named a 2027 Women’s Volleyball World Cup host city, and Nebraska volleyball beat FGCU 3-1. Public Safety/Health: Hy-Vee will offer drive-thru flu shots in Nebraska without appointments, and the Nebraska Humane Society is pushing daily walks for better dog behavior. Business/Ag Economy: Applejack Festival in Nebraska City is drawing big crowds and boosting local vendors and tourism.

Omaha Local Government: Omaha’s City Council agenda Tuesday includes items on the city’s tax levy, its contract with the Nebraska Humane Society, and a study on pedestrian and bicycle bridges in North Omaha. Animal Welfare: The Nebraska Humane Society says daily walks can improve dog behavior and health, and it’s set to hold its annual walk-and-dog fest Sept. 27. Nebraska Politics: Democrats are pushing to flip Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, with candidates Denise Powell and Brinker Harding both centering affordability—though they differ on solutions. Health Access: Hy-Vee will offer drive-thru flu shot clinics in Nebraska (no appointment or prescription needed) on Sept. 22 and Sept. 29. State Finances: Nebraska’s combined tax revenues fell 7.4% in Q1 2026 compared with the prior quarter, totaling $1.8 billion. Public Safety Planning: Lincoln County residents got a look at a federally funded North Platte transportation study that could lead to bypasses, an I-80 interchange, and an added evacuation route. Sports & Community: Tom Osborne was inducted as the first living member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame, with a bust unveiled in the Capitol rotunda.

Flu shots on the go: Hy-Vee says all pharmacy locations in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota will run drive-thru flu shot clinics in September (no appointment or prescription needed), with shots free for Medicare and most insurance holders. Fire safety funding: Black Hills Energy’s foundation awarded $165,000 in grants to 72 volunteer and combination fire departments across seven states; Nebraska received $40,000 for 24 departments, including gear, detectors and wildland firefighting equipment. Nebraska finances: Nebraska’s combined tax revenues fell 7.4% in Q1 2026 compared with the prior quarter, totaling $1.8 billion, led by sales/gross receipts and income taxes. Tourism and local projects: Gov. Pillen and Visit Nebraska highlighted travel spending of $4.72 billion in 2025, while a separate story notes a $110 million indoor water park project approved in Bellevue, Nebraska. Native education funding pressure: A new report warns tribal colleges, including Nebraska’s Little Priest Tribal College, face worsening funding gaps from federal cuts and limited philanthropy. Nebraska Hall of Fame moment: Tom Osborne became the first living member inducted, with a bust unveiled in the Capitol rotunda.

Nebraska Tourism: Gov. Jim Pillen and Visit Nebraska highlighted that travel spending in Nebraska hit $4.72 billion in 2025, up 2.6%, supporting about 42,000 jobs and $339.5 million in state and local tax revenue. Hall of Fame: Tom Osborne was inducted as the first living member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame, with Gov. Pillen praising Osborne’s discipline-first legacy and youth mentoring through TeamMates. Workplace Wellness: Pillen honored 31 Nebraska businesses with the 2026 Governor’s Wellness Award for programs supporting employees’ physical, mental, emotional, social and financial well-being. Tribal Colleges: A new report warns Nebraska tribal colleges face mounting pressure from federal cutbacks and limited philanthropy, threatening long-term progress in Indian Country. Health Policy & AI: Connecticut moved to restrict insurers from using AI as the sole basis for denying claims for state workers and retirees, a sign of broader state action on AI in health decisions. Public Safety/Local Gov: Hamilton County board reviewed a $300 million solar proposal and sought more funding for the ambulance service.

Nebraska Politics & Governance: Nebraska lawmakers and UNO professor Victor Winter are pushing for more AI safety scrutiny as Rep. Mike Flood calls for a fact-finding mission before Congress acts. State & Local Tech/Infrastructure: Lancaster County is using automated license plate readers to track vehicles by plate and time, with Sheriff Terry Wagner saying it boosts investigations. Health & Research: Creighton University won a $549,932 continuation grant from the NIH to study multiple sclerosis, aiming to get closer to causes and better treatments. Sports & Community: Tom Osborne was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame as its first living member, with a bust unveiled at the Capitol. Education & Culture: “Education Day” brought Indigenous history and dance to students, featuring a Nebraska delegation traveling for the powwow. Agriculture & Food Safety: Nebraska joined 19 states urging stronger federal action against counterfeit GLP-1 drugs tied to dangerous supply chains. Business & Consumer Watch: Abbott baby formula is facing major settlements over alleged safety failures.

Berkshire Hathaway Leadership: Warren Buffett stepped down as chairman and will become chairman emeritus, with his son Howard Buffett taking over the top role at the Omaha-based $1 trillion-plus conglomerate. Nebraska Agriculture & Energy: Nebraska farmers are bracing for harvest with diesel costs squeezing margins, while UNL launched a Nebraska Digital Ag Hub to help producers build and adopt digital tools. Consumer Protection: Nebraska is among 30 states getting $500 Obamacare refunds tied to federal “user fees,” and Nebraska AGs joined a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance over loans alleged to set buyers up to fail. Public Safety & Health: A measles tracker update shows cases rising nationwide, including in Nebraska, as schools reopen. Local Government & Infrastructure: Mitchell Mayor Paul Murrell pleaded no contest in a theft and audit-hindering case that triggers removal from office, and NPPD scheduled a multi-week Sutherland Canal maintenance outage.

Nebraska SNAP update: Nebraska’s SNAP rolls kept sliding, with about 7,600 fewer people enrolled in July than June and roughly 33,000 fewer than a year earlier—an Appleseed advocate warned the drop doesn’t mean hunger is solved. Election access and protections: With a vote-by-mail court fight settled, voting-rights groups and Democrats are ramping up volunteer efforts to protect polling places ahead of the midterms. Governor’s race: A new Public Policy Polling survey finds a statistical dead heat between Jim Pillen (32%) and Lynne Walz (31%), with 17% undecided. Local tax process: Cuming County property owners are set to get notices for a Sept. 21 joint “truth in taxation” hearing on proposed property-tax requests. Digital inclusion: UNL’s Accessibility Ambassadors program is expanding peer support to help departments improve digital accessibility. Agriculture conservation: NRCS is accepting Nebraska conservation applications for fiscal year 2027 funding, with an Oct. 16 deadline. Predatory lending settlement: Nebraska is part of a multistate $694 million Credit Acceptance settlement aimed at cash and debt relief for consumers.

Predatory Auto Lending Crackdown: Nebraska joined a multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance Corporation, securing $694 million in cash and debt relief for consumers nationwide; Nebraska’s share is $124,236.18, with the deal also requiring stronger loan-risk disclosures and limits on dealer add-ons like GAP and vehicle service contracts. Local Sustainability Win: Lincoln became the first Nebraska city to earn LEED Platinum certification, a top U.S. Green Building Council mark for community-wide sustainability efforts. Ag Policy at Husker Harvest Days: Gov. Jim Pillen pushed back on claims that Nebraska would tax farm inputs, calling it “hogwash,” while noting possible changes he’s considering for exemptions like animal antibiotics. Big Nebraska Sports Spotlight: Omaha was named a host city for the 2027 Women’s Volleyball World Cup at CHI Health Center Arena, with pool play and the round of 16. Community & Education: Papillion La Vista Band teacher Zac Konrad was named Nebraska Teacher of the Year, and the African American Leadership Conference returns Oct. 1-2 in Omaha focused on careers and business growth.

AI Anxiety in Nebraska: A new UNL survey finds nearly three in four Nebraskans rate AI risks to society as high or very high, while fewer than one in five see benefits that way. Budget Politics: Gov. Jim Pillen reshuffled Nebraska’s tax-revenue forecasting board, replacing three members at once with two former GOP allies and an Omaha accountant, drawing concerns about October budget assumptions. Ag Tech at Husker Harvest Days: Pillen told crowds Nebraska’s ethanol future hinges on workplace culture and relationships as much as technology, while the show’s Ag Tech Pavilion spotlights startups and farm-focused tools. Diesel Pressure: Sen. Pete Ricketts says record diesel prices are squeezing Nebraska farmers and ranchers heading into harvest. Farm Bill Advance: The Senate Ag Committee narrowly moved the 2026 farm bill forward, setting up a full-Senate fight. Health Alert: The FDA recalled multiple hand soaps sold in 15 states due to possible bacterial contamination. Online Sports Betting Push: Gambling groups are targeting Nebraska to legalize online sports betting, arguing for ballot measures backed by major sportsbooks. Consumer Watch: Amazon faces a multi-state lawsuit alleging hidden surcharges inflated ad costs.

Health & Safety: The FDA classified an ongoing recall of six hand soaps from Intercon Chemical as Class II, warning of possible bacterial contamination; Nebraska is among the affected states, and consumers are urged to check specific brands and lot codes. Public Safety: Nebraska State Patrol announced a record drug seizure—nearly 20,000 pounds of marijuana, THC products and psilocybin—after a traffic stop and commercial inspection on I-80 near Dawson County. Ag Tech & Rural Economy: Husker Harvest Days debuted an Ag Tech Pavilion connecting Nebraska startups with farmers, with sessions focused on practical tools for crops, cattle, water and labor-saving tech. Preparedness: Gov. Jim Pillen signed a proclamation for National Preparedness Month, urging Nebraskans to plan for hazards like wildfires. Community & Culture: UNO’s MENA Student Association kicked off the semester with a cultural picnic, aiming to educate students on Middle East and North Africa traditions. Agriculture Workforce: Nebraska’s USDA Farm Service Agency highlighted resources for young producers returning to rural areas, including financing, mentorship and technical support.

Lancaster County Accountability: Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley says his audit found nearly $1 billion in accounting “blunders” in the Lancaster County Treasurer’s office, calling it sloppy practices rather than theft, while Treasurer Rachel Garver insists no taxpayer money was lost. Local Public Safety: Gretna will keep relying on the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office for at least three more years under a new contract that costs the city more than $100,000 a month. Water & Flood Planning: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with local governments to study upgrades to the Big Sioux River flood-control plan, including lessons from the 2024 McCook Lake disaster. Wildfire Relief for Farmers: Gov. Jim Pillen reissued an order easing rules for commercial motor carriers so feed and supplies can reach wildfire-impacted areas. Ag Economy & Technology: At Husker Harvest Days, panels tackled farm bill progress, record-high diesel costs, and the real-world pros and cons of new ag tech and data centers. Health Policy: A new Urban Institute simulation warns Medicaid work rules could leave up to 2.3 million young adults nationwide without coverage, with paperwork and state verification as the main risk. Consumer Safety: The FDA upgraded a recall of six foaming hand soaps shipped to 15 states due to possible bacterial contamination.

Husker Harvest Days Traffic & Ag Tech: The Nebraska State Patrol is ramping up enforcement and traffic control around Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island (Sept. 15-17), warning drivers about slowdowns west of town and noting Husker Highway can’t cross Highway 30. Organizers also say the show is leaning into new ag technology, including a startup-focused Ag Tech area and hands-on equipment demos. Wheat Innovation: Corteva’s Vylor says its hybrid wheat platform will roll out in North America in 2027, with Xpedite trials including sites in Oklahoma and across Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Insurance Transparency: A Public Citizen push urges state insurance regulators to make homeowners insurance “data call” results public, arguing the home insurance crisis is also an information crisis. Midterms & Election Interference: National reporting highlights concerns that Trump is treating the midterms like a referendum on his presidency, while Democrats plan to fight back if election rules are interfered with. Lancaster County Audit: Nebraska’s state auditor says Lancaster County treasurer accounting errors totaled nearly $1 billion, including major misstatements affecting revenue distributions. Public Health Recall: The FDA upgraded a recall of contaminated hand soaps sold in 15 states to Class II, citing bacterial contamination. Healthcare Business: HeartSciences reported progress on its MyoVista ECG platform and a planned merger with Fortitude, with Zcash mining expansion tied to the deal.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump announced $500 refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Nebraska, after Biden-era “user fees” allegedly drove up premiums. Workforce Training: The U.S. Department of Education approved Nebraska’s Workforce Pell programs, expanding short-term training at Metropolitan Community College in IT support, pharmacy tech, and phlebotomy. Public Safety: Nebraska State Patrol leaders praised two Dawson County traffic-stop busts totaling nearly 20,000 pounds of drugs and a semi-trailer of stolen electronics, with officials calling it the agency’s biggest haul. Immigration & Disaster Response: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin visited Omaha, meeting with state leaders and discussing FEMA disaster aid streamlining and immigration enforcement. Local Politics: Lincoln City Council advanced competing charter amendments for the Nov. 3 ballot, while a separate petition-fraud case added another suspect who turned himself in. Agriculture & Business: Husker Harvest Days returns to Grand Island with 115 new exhibitors and an expanded ag tech focus, and Nebraska Farm Bureau students got hands-on ag lessons at Northeast Community College.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Nebraska, will get $500 refunds tied to alleged overcharges from the Biden-era federal Obamacare exchange. Local Education: Grand Island Senior High student Angie De Orta will serve as the district’s 2026-27 student representative on the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education, bringing student concerns to board discussions. Nebraska Weather Alert: Forecasters warn of a slight severe weather risk Monday for eastern Nebraska into western Iowa, with damaging winds, large hail, and a small tornado chance. Water & Growth: Omaha’s “World O Water” event also highlights fresh concerns from the Sierra Club about data center water use and potential long-term impacts on Nebraska’s water supply. Military Milestone: Nebraska Air National Guard marked 80 years of service, tracing its roots to the 173rd Fighter Squadron activation in 1946. Pets & Health: Nebraska Humane Society urges gradual weight loss for overweight pets, warning against crash diets and recommending vet-led plans. Ag Economy: A Federal Reserve survey says Corn Belt agriculture conditions improved slightly, though many areas remain strained.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Nebraska, will get $500 refunds for alleged Obamacare “overcharges” tied to Biden-era exchange “user fees.” Nebraska Water Watch: Omaha’s long-running World O Water event added a new worry: Sierra Club Nebraska is raising concerns that data center water use could strain local supplies, including the Ogallala Aquifer. VA Home Loan Rankings: New data from the VA Home Loans Index shows Nebraska’s VA home loan average sits mid-pack nationally for Q2 2026, while several states rank much higher. Humane Society Pet Health: Nebraska Humane Society urges gradual weight loss for overweight pets—start with a vet, cut table scraps, and add exercise—warning against crash diets. Kids’ Health Tip: A Nebraska pediatrician highlights vitamin D as a key fall/winter concern for kids who get little sun. Kansas Tuition Ruling: A federal judge ended Kansas’ in-state tuition for undocumented students, saying federal law preempts the state benefit. Sports & Travel: Airlines are leaning into big games with special routes for fan travel, including a rare Indianapolis-to-Lincoln option for an Indiana-Nebraska matchup.