AGP Executive Report

Trade & Industry: Gov. Jim Pillen is leading a Nebraska trade mission to Japan and the Philippines, with farmers, ranchers, ethanol leaders and advanced manufacturing innovators in the delegation. Agriculture & Weather: A heat wave is worsening pasture conditions across major cattle states, with Nebraska pasture rated 68% poor or very poor, raising stress for producers and the risk of more herd liquidation or costly feed. Food Security: Nebraska pantry leaders warn that a proposal to require citizenship checks for TEFAP emergency food could force families to turn away from basic help. Local Land Use: Pete’s Safari owners in Grand Island are seeking a conditional use permit to keep operating a private zoo, with a city council public hearing set for July 28. State Government & Services: The University of Nebraska system is launching a systemwide assessment with Deloitte to improve alignment, coordination and long-term effectiveness. Veterans: Nebraska held a statewide initiative recognizing Korean War veterans, awarding a state recognition coin to surviving veterans. Community & Education: UNK summer commencement is set for July 31, with 182 students receiving degrees and Brooke Envick delivering the keynote. Business/Tech: Omaha-based Exodus announced it will release Q2 results Aug. 10.

Nebraska Agriculture & Weather: Nebraska crops are nearing a make-or-break stretch as drought covers nearly 94% of the state and heat threatens corn and soybeans during pollination and pod-setting, with experts warning warm nights can sap yield potential. State Security & Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Pillen and Sen. Eliot Bostar signed LB 1096, a new law aimed at shielding Nebraska’s agriculture, energy and utility grids, public records, and communications from hostile foreign threats and biological risks. Food Prices: C&S Wholesale Grocers is rolling out lower prices—6% to 15%—on thousands of grocery items at stores including Nebraska locations, starting in May. Medicaid Work Rule: A federal rule requiring many Medicaid expansion adults to complete 80 hours of work or qualifying activities is set to take effect, with CMS projecting millions could lose coverage. Local Economy & Industry: Topstep opened its first-ever in-person trader support hub in Omaha and expanded its Chicago headquarters, signaling continued growth in the Midwest. Arts & Culture: UNL’s Great Plains Art Museum will open an immersive insect-focused installation by Jennifer Angus on Aug. 7.

Nebraska Politics & Economy: Gov. Jim Pillen is weighing whether to pause incentives for big data centers under the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, with a key argument that Nebraska doesn’t need extra help to attract them. State & Community: News Channel Nebraska chief forecaster Kent Boughton has died after a battle with stage 4 cancer. Local Business: Les Schwab Tires will open a new Scottsbluff store Aug. 12, adding jobs and services to the Panhandle. Weather & Safety: A heat dome is pushing triple-digit temperatures across the central U.S., with western Nebraska among areas under extreme heat warnings. Public Health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to more states, keeping pressure on consumers and regulators. Agriculture & Trade: Nebraska’s trade mission heads to Japan and the Philippines to boost exports, including beef, pork, ethanol, and wheat. Sports & Culture: The Red Desert Roundup Rodeo drew crowds despite 100-degree heat, capped by bull riding action. Human Interest: Nebraska Humane Society highlights cats available for adoption, including “pet of the week” features.

Heat Dome Watch: A dangerous heat dome is keeping triple-digit temperatures locked in across the central U.S., with about 80 million people under heat advisories and western Nebraska forecast near 108 degrees—overnight lows won’t cool much, raising heat-illness risk. Nebraska Defense & Security: Gov. Jim Pillen and Sen. Eliot Bostar ceremonially signed LB 1096, a new law aimed at shielding Nebraska’s agriculture, critical infrastructure, and communications from hostile foreign threats and biological risks. Wildland Firefighter Loss: Pillen issued condolences for Lincoln firefighter Nathan Matthews, who died from injuries suffered while battling a wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border. School Support: Goodwill and partners handed out 750 backpacks and school supplies in North Omaha, along with lunch and health screenings. Local Events: The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition plans a Farm & Ranch Legacy workshop Sept. 9 in Broken Bow to help producers protect land and plan for transitions. Politics & Voting: A federal court blocked key parts of Trump’s election-integrity order in 23 states, keeping limits on federal citizenship lists and mail-ballot changes in place.

Heat Dome: A dangerous heat dome is baking the central U.S., with roughly 70–80 million people under heat advisories and western Nebraska forecast near 42 C, as overnight lows stay high and humidity makes it feel worse. Nebraska Community & Culture: Grand Island hosted a dedication for a new Nebraska State Historical Marker at Fonner Park, part of a countywide centennial marker project. Public Health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce is widening, with federal investigators warning the situation is nearing a “catastrophic level” as cases spread across more states. Agriculture & Prices: The USDA is lifting a yearlong ban on Mexican cattle imports in phases starting Aug. 24, a move aimed at easing supply pressure that has pushed beef prices up. Politics & Courts: A First Circuit panel blocked parts of a Trump election-integrity order in 23 states, keeping limits on federal citizenship lists and mail-ballot changes. Local Life: Mitchell’s Arts in the Park drew families despite triple-digit heat, with misting tents and heat-safety tweaks for vendors.

Public Health: The CDC and FDA say a Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled central Mexico iceberg lettuce has reached at least 1,947 cases across nine states, with 98 hospitalizations and no deaths reported so far. State & Local Governance: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1096 to boost Nebraska security by criminalizing illegal imports of dangerous pathogens or pests, aimed at protecting agriculture and critical infrastructure. Energy & Economy: President Trump expanded a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” at the EPA, seeking to prevent AI-driven data center growth from raising electricity costs; utilities and developers backed the plan while critics question it. Nebraska Community: The Nebraska Community Blood Bank marked its first anniversary at a second Omaha location amid ongoing summer shortages, urging more donations. Agriculture & Trade: The USDA lifted its ban on Mexican cattle imports after New World screwworm spread anyway, with phased reopening planned. Education: Nebraska’s new Snapshot finds AI awareness is uneven, with only 47% of Nebraskans saying they’ve heard a lot about AI, especially lower among older and lower-income residents. Local Events: Bellevue passed an ordinance tightening where off-road recreational vehicles can be used, effective Aug. 5.

Trade & Agriculture: Gov. Jim Pillen is kicking off a trade mission to Japan and the Philippines with a delegation that includes farmers, ranchers, ethanol leaders and advanced manufacturing innovators, starting in Osaka before moving to the Philippines. State Security: Pillen signed LB 1096, creating criminal penalties tied to illegal import of dangerous pathogens or pests to protect Nebraska’s agriculture and critical infrastructure. Local Safety Rules: Bellevue passed an ordinance tightening where off-road recreational vehicles can be used on public property, with citations starting Aug. 5. Food Safety Watch: The FDA and CDC widened a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, now involving nine states and nearly 2,000 reported cases. Nebraska Community Health: The Nebraska Community Blood Bank marked its first anniversary at a second Omaha location as summer shortages continue. Hunger Relief: Lincoln’s Food Bank of Lincoln held a “Canned Creations” contest where businesses built Nebraska-themed sculptures out of food that will be donated afterward. Sports & Community: Union Omaha hosts its first international friendly, welcoming FC Juárez U-21 from Liga MX.

Data Center Cost Fight: Gov. Jim Pillen joined President Trump and other governors to promote the expanded Ratepayer Protection Pledge, arguing Big Tech should pay for the power buildout needed for AI data centers so Nebraska households don’t eat higher electricity bills. SNAP Shake-Up: Retailers are adjusting to SNAP changes as enrollment and spending fall, while a federal court blocked some USDA “food choice” waivers in Nebraska and other states. Ag Relief for Storm Damage: PERC says farmers in Nebraska and other states hit by severe weather can apply for doubled compensation through its Propane Farm Research Program. Nebraska Agriculture on the Global Map: UNL’s agriculture and natural resources programs earned a top-9% worldwide ranking in new QS results. Local Food & Farming Education: Hall County Fair’s “Little Feet on the Farm” brings kids into hands-on stations to learn where food comes from. Equine Health Research: USDA’s NAHMS Equine 2026 Study will launch in August to track disease risks and trends nationwide. Sports & Community: Little League softball regionals schedule and streaming details are out, plus a Nebraska Humane Society pet spotlight on Durden.

Data Center Costs: President Trump expanded the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, adding governors, utilities and tech firms to argue that AI data centers should pay for the power and grid upgrades—so households don’t eat the bill; Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is among the signers. Rural Nebraska Politics: Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn rolled out a rural platform and pledged to visit all 93 counties, pitching a farm crisis agenda and support from the Nebraska Farmers Union PAC. Medicaid Work Rules: CMS approved a temporary Medicaid hardship exemption for Dawson County tied to high unemployment, pausing work requirements for eligible expansion beneficiaries. SNAP Funding Risk: USDA says many states have high SNAP payment error rates and could lose federal funding or face benefit cuts unless they tighten oversight. Health Coverage Fight: A new push against Medicaid cuts argues the impact hits everyone, not just one party. Agriculture & Ranching: Nebraska Extension is offering landlord-tenant cash rent workshops and Panhandle producers can book confidential one-on-one financial consultations. Community & Culture: Hastings College announced its Fine Arts Hall of Fame class, and the Winnebago Tribe hosts its 160th Homecoming Powwow.

SNAP Funding Shake-Up: New Trump administration rules tied to SNAP payment accuracy could push many states to help cover benefit costs unless they improve, raising fears some may cut food assistance. Nebraska Politics: Sen. Pete Ricketts renewed his push to ban members of Congress from buying individual stocks, while also weighing immigration and foreign policy issues. Heat and Drought Watch: The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows Plains drought worsening and parts of the Plains and Upper Midwest degrading, while Texas and parts of the East saw improvements after rainfall. Data Centers and Bills: The White House expanded its “ratepayer protection” pledge for AI data centers, with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen among governors expected to join the rollout. Corrections Update: Nebraska scrapped a plan that would have released some prisoners early, after criticism and questions about whether it bypassed lawmakers. Local Economy: Gov. Pillen nominated 28 Nebraska census tracts for federal Opportunity Zones, aiming to spur investment in housing and jobs. Banking Tech: The Nebraska Bankers Association endorsed Stablecore as a digital asset technology provider for member banks. Public Safety: Omaha FBI seized more than 70 firearms and $40,000 in a money laundering and gun trafficking case.

Nebraska Hall of Fame: Tom Osborne became the first living inductee in the Nebraska Hall of Fame after lawmakers changed the long-dead requirement, with Gov. Jim Pillen praising Osborne’s championships and youth mentoring. State Budget: Nebraska’s budget outlook is getting worse, with a projected $208 million deficit for the current biennium and $864 million for the next, leaving lawmakers just months to prepare for the 2027 session. Opportunity Zones: Pillen announced 28 Nebraska census-tract nominations for Opportunity Zones 2.0, aiming to spur workforce housing and investment across communities from Omaha to Scottsbluff. Ag Tech & Markets: A new crop-monitoring system lets farmers detect disease signals in plants before symptoms show, while corn growers push for a faster Senate probe into fertilizer industry competition. Local Governance: Omaha’s City Council narrowly passed a minimum wage ordinance after a legal fight over whether cities can set wages under state law. Health & Policy: A GAO report finds more working gig and Amazon employees are relying on SNAP and Medicaid, and a multistate settlement targets Glenmark over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Weather Policy: Rep. Mike Flood and Rep. Eric Sorenson launched a bipartisan Weather Enterprise Caucus to boost forecasting, research, and resilience.

Cancer Care in Nebraska: NHO Revive says it will become the state’s only site for a Johnson & Johnson Phase 3 prostate cancer trial and is also preparing an Expanded Access Protocol for eligible stage 4 pancreatic cancer patients seeking Daraxonrasib before FDA approval. Broadband & Local Service: West Omaha residents report a prolonged Quantum Fiber outage, drawing Nebraska Public Service Commission scrutiny and calls for better local customer contact. Internet Speeds Watch: Ookla’s latest report ranks Miami last among U.S. cities for fixed download speeds, underscoring how uneven service can be city to city. Nebraska Agriculture & Policy: USDA’s acreage reporting modernization pilot is rolling into Seward County, and Sen. Deb Fischer highlights farm bill priorities tied to precision ag and rural connectivity. Property Taxes: Gov. Jim Pillen launches a Property Tax Hotline for residents to report valuation spikes and rising bills. Health & Food Safety: The cyclospora/iceberg lettuce outbreak continues to ripple as recalls and supplier pullbacks expand. Data Centers: Multiple items track Nebraska’s move to end or limit tax incentives for large data centers and the public debate over what that means for the state.

Energy & Industry: WATTMORE says it has finished construction of a 3 MW / 12 MWh long-duration battery project for Lincoln Electric System, with final commissioning and commercial operations expected in the coming weeks. Public Safety & Politics: Gov. Jim Pillen says he’s been targeted by threats of violence after felony charges were announced against an Omaha man accused of threatening to shoot his grandchildren and others at their school. Local Business & Community: A Papillion/Omaha collision repair shop profile looks at how Shadow Lake Collision expanded with customer-pay work and brand certifications. Historic Preservation: North Platte’s downtown survey identified 68 properties that could be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Water Policy: Sen. Pete Ricketts advanced a water infrastructure bill and pushed an amendment aimed at speeding federal permitting for the Perkins County Canal. Food Security: A Little Free Pantry is set to open in Primghar through a partnership involving Bob and Scott’s Grocery and Black Hills Energy. Legal/Health: Nebraska is tied to a national look at gaps in state officials’ claims about ICE detention capacity, while AG Jeff Jackson announced a $29.6 million settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Civic Action: Good Government Lincoln submitted signatures for petitions that would change Lincoln city election rules and add council term limits.

Nebraska Economy: Nebraska’s June unemployment rate held at 2.9%, with nonfarm employment rising to 1,073,234 jobs as leisure and hospitality, mining and construction, and trade added the most positions. Public Safety: Omaha police are investigating a fatal house fire that killed one person and left a dog unharmed, while another Omaha man faces upgraded charges tied to a crash that killed two boys. Agriculture & Markets: USDA is seeking nominees for Nebraska cattle producers to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, and a new look at corn “sweat” explains the humidity drivers behind Midwest heat. Environment & Livestock: Neighbors and environmental groups are pushing back on a proposed 5,000-head hog confinement near the Niobrara River, warning about groundwater and river impacts. State Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order ending ImagiNE Act tax credits for new Nebraska data center projects and creating a task force focused on protecting water and electricity resources. Legal & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Nebraska’s water-rights case against Colorado to proceed.

Data Centers Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order ending new tax incentives for large-scale Nebraska data centers under the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, creating a task force to review impacts on land, water, and electricity; the move follows county moratoriums and comes as residents worry about resource strain. Local Governance: Lincoln County approved a conditional use permit for a proposed helium extraction plant near Birdwood Creek, with residents raising concerns about road wear and truck traffic. Public Safety: An Omaha man, Ean Halstead, was held on $1 million bond after alleged threats to shoot up Columbus Catholic Schools and kill Gov. Pillen’s family; prosecutors say evidence was found after a standoff. Crime & Courts: The DOJ says the Tren de Aragua gang is behind “jackpotting” ATM thefts across 26 states, with Nebraska hit hardest. Health & Regulation: The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission moved forward on updated regulations and fee requirements for registered cannabis businesses. Business & Community: Kearney’s chamber named Julie Snyder as its next president and CEO, starting Aug. 24, 2026. Agriculture & Industry: Scoular, an Omaha-based ag supply chain firm, agreed to pay more than $10 million to resolve a foreign bribery case tied to Mexico border shipments.

Nebraska Public Safety & Courts: A Nebraska man was arrested after threatening to shoot up Columbus Catholic Schools and kill Gov. Jim Pillen’s family and nuns, with the Nebraska State Patrol saying the threats came through the school website. Higher Education: UNO chancellor Joanne Li warned faculty and staff that Gov. Jim Pillen’s directive will cut UNO’s state-funded spending by 5%, or about $3.7 million, pushing the campus to reduce hiring, travel and operating costs. Weather & Preparedness: The Nebraska Mesonet network has topped 100 stations, expanding real-time data used during western Nebraska wildfire response and helping emergency managers make faster decisions. Agriculture & Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded an iceberg lettuce recall tied to a cyclospora outbreak, pulling products shipped to 27 states; Nebraska and South Dakota were not listed in the latest recall states. Economy & Cost of Living: A new analysis says Nebraska is among the most expensive states for home insurance, driven largely by hail and storm risk. Community & Culture: The Dakota Oyate Wacipi powwow returned to Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, drawing dancers and families from across the region.