AGP Executive Report

Ag & Trade: Nebraska Corn Growers president Michael Dibbern blasted Bayer’s petition seeking duties on Chinese glyphosate, calling it a threat to farmers’ bottom lines and warning it mirrors past fertilizer duty moves that drove up costs. Disaster Response: Gov. Jim Pillen declared an emergency for Morrill County after the June 8 storm, and asked FEMA for a 30-day extension to finish damage assessments. Digital Advertising: AG Brenna Bird won a major case aimed at stopping the “Big Six” from using so-called brand-safety rules to suppress competition and free speech in digital ads. Water & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Nebraska’s dispute with Colorado over South Platte water and the Perkins County canal, a fight that could shape irrigation access for years. Health Policy: Nebraska’s medical marijuana program cleared another hurdle as Gov. Pillen approved permanent regulations. Workforce & Business: Nebraska opened applications for a Workforce Retention & Attraction Grant, and Scooter’s Coffee broke ground on a $40M Nebraska distribution facility. Community & Safety: Holiday heat and smoke pushed Lincoln to expand cooling options, while boaters got reminders ahead of the July 4 weekend.

Cybersecurity: A large password-spray campaign tied to LSHIY LLC hit Microsoft 365, with researchers reporting 81 million login attempts and at least 78 confirmed account compromises across 64 organizations. Local Infrastructure: Omaha crews begin work on a South Omaha plaza project, backed by a $25 million state grant, with new public space features and replacement parking plans. Public Safety: Seward County investigators identified two juveniles behind TikTok threat videos involving Centennial Public Schools; the account is banned and no active threat was found. Health Watch: Lincoln health officials detected the rare Jamestown Canyon virus in local mosquitoes, urging residents to keep protecting themselves from bites. Fire Update: The Log Road Fire near Harrison remains at about 1,500 acres with 0% containment; Gov. Pillen issued a disaster declaration and the National Guard is supporting water drops. Nebraska Policy: Gov. Pillen approved permanent medical marijuana regulations after AG Hilgers signed off, setting the rules for registered cannabis establishments. Community & Economy: Lake Mac Casino in Ogallala added live table games ahead of the 2026 racing weekend.

Nebraska Agriculture: UNL ag economist Brad Lubben says today’s high input costs mean farmers may need to rethink risk management, since forward pricing and “rules of thumb” fertilizer rates can break down when crop-to-input price relationships shift. Regional Economy: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose above growth-neutral for a fifth straight month, with manufacturing improving slowly even as job losses remain weak. Holiday Planning: Nebraska State Historical Society sites will offer free admission Saturday, July 4, with activities at places like Chimney Rock, the Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln, and the Norris House in McCook. Education & Youth: Nebraska Educators Rising students and leaders attended the national conference in Portland, Oregon, with thousands of participants focused on leadership and classroom advocacy. Cybersecurity: A password-spray campaign hit Microsoft Azure CLI sign-ins, compromising dozens of accounts across many organizations. Public Safety: Nebraska State Patrol checked alcohol sales at Nebraskaland Days in Lincoln County; two businesses sold to a minor, for an 83% compliance rate. Local Governance: MAPA is seeking public comment on transportation projects for federal funding, covering FY 2027–2032.

Nebraska Cannabis Rules: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers signed off that the Medical Cannabis Commission’s regulations are constitutional, clearing the way for Gov. Jim Pillen to review before temporary rules expire July 15. Trans Sports & Ballot Drive: After the U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women in sports, Nebraska’s Fairness for Girls initiative turned in 211,000 signatures—an all-time high—aiming to enshrine the policy in the state constitution. Immigration Courtroom Fallout: A Lincoln immigration lawyer said Nebraskans are celebrating the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling, while GOP leaders criticized it and warned of future legislative fights. Rural Health Watch: Rural hospitals are bracing for “seismic” Medicaid changes, with Medicaid cuts expected to hit facilities that rely on the program for a big share of revenue. Local Economy: Omaha’s Airport Business Park is landing its first major tenant: Pacific Engineering Inc., planning 150 jobs. Fire Safety: CHI Health urged Nebraskans to be careful with July 4 fireworks, noting burn injuries are common and the state’s burn unit is ready. Community Calendar: Cornhusker State Games registration deadline is Wednesday for July 9–19 events across Omaha and Lincoln.

Agriculture & Energy: Rural Nebraskans are looking at agrivoltaics—dual-use solar that can grow crops, graze livestock, and add pollinator habitat—so solar development doesn’t have to mean taking land out of production. State Courts & Health Care: Three Nebraska mothers are challenging the state’s ban on nurse midwives assisting in home births, arguing it violates constitutional protections for religious freedom and personal childbirth decisions. Local Economy: Omaha’s airport business park cleared a major milestone with Pacific Engineering landing as the first major tenant, targeting 150 jobs over five years. Higher Education Policy: The Trump administration finalized new federal student-loan rules that tie colleges’ eligibility to how much graduates earn after school. Nebraska Medicine Governance: UNL Regents approved a temporary governance setup for Nebraska Medicine starting July 1, with equal voting representation from UNL and the Omaha Community Foundation. Public Safety: AAA is launching its “Tow to Go” program for Independence Day, offering a free ride for impaired drivers and their vehicles across Nebraska and nearby areas. Weather: A dangerous heat wave is building across much of the Heartland ahead of July 4, with officials urging precautions.

Nebraska Medicine Governance: The NU Board of Regents approved a multimillion-dollar Nebraska Medicine buyout, ending Clarkson Regional Health Services’ leadership role and shifting interim oversight to the Omaha Community Foundation starting July 1. Local Development: Construction is set to begin on South Omaha’s $25M “La Plaza de la Raza” project, turning a long-used parking area into a new park and tourism hub. Courts & Nebraska Water: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Nebraska’s South Platte River Compact and Perkins County Canal claims against Colorado, with a special master now set to manage the case. State Politics: A petition effort to create a new Nebraska political party—the Nebraska Working People Party—has sparked backlash from Democrats, while Secretary of State Bob Evnen outlined the signature requirements and July 15 deadline. Property Taxes: Nebraska’s property tax debate continues as Gov. Jim Pillen pushes for caps on valuation growth and local spending, drawing pushback from county assessors. Federal SNAP Fight: Arkansas moved ahead with a SNAP junk-food ban despite court challenges elsewhere, while Nebraska’s own social-media age-verification law was partially blocked by a federal judge. Infrastructure: Lincoln’s I-80 bridge repairs and replacements are underway, funded largely by a federal grant.

Water Rights at SCOTUS: Nebraska won a major procedural step at the U.S. Supreme Court, getting permission to sue Colorado over alleged South Platte River Compact violations and interference with the Perkins County Canal—Nebraska says Colorado’s actions have deprived it of more than 1 million acre-feet. Local Development: Work has started on a $25 million South Omaha plaza redevelopment, Plaza de la Raza, led by Canopy South, with an expected fall 2027 opening and features like an amphitheater, play areas, public art, and green space. Health Care Governance: NU Regents approved bylaws bringing the Omaha Community Foundation in as an equal partner on Nebraska Medicine governance, tied to the closing of the Clarkson deal. Agriculture Costs: A USDA forecast projects rising production costs for corn, soybeans, sorghum and wheat into 2027, with fertilizer and fuel pressures still top concerns for Nebraska producers. SNAP Policy Watch: Even with a relatively low SNAP payment error rate, a new federal threshold could force states like Nevada to pay more—raising broader questions for states monitoring compliance. Business & Jobs: American Foods Group announced it will close its Skylark Meats Omaha facility by Aug. 25, affecting 218 employees. Education Research: UNK’s Summer Student Research Program is underway with 12 student projects across disciplines, including biology and astrophysics.

Nebraska Politics & Transparency: Gov. Jim Pillen’s office says he doesn’t have a state-issued cellphone, after a public records request for call logs—sparking fresh criticism that the move sidesteps Nebraska disclosure rules. Housing & Local Finance: Lawmakers are pushing LB 1130’s Community Improvement District tool, letting property owners finance infrastructure over time to lower upfront costs for housing development. Immigration & Nebraska ICE: Migrants at Nebraska’s ICE detention center describe weeks of fear and uncertainty, including claims about blocked access to tablets. Public Safety: Lincoln-Lancaster is under a heat advisory through Tuesday, with heat indexes near 105 and health officials urging precautions for kids, seniors, outdoor workers, and pets. Crime & Courts: Two Venezuelan nationals tied to Tren de Aragua were sentenced to 78 months each for ATM “jackpotting” malware that stole millions. Retirement Watch: A new analysis warns retirees in 41 states (including Nebraska) may outlive savings due to long-term care costs.

Election Turmoil: Trump’s push to reshape federal election rules hit repeated setbacks as courts blocked key parts and GOP senators resisted, leaving states scrambling with early voting just four months out. Nebraska Health & Weather: A heat advisory stays in effect for Lincoln and Lancaster County through Tuesday, with heat indexes near 105 degrees; the local health department urges residents to limit outdoor time, hydrate, and protect kids, seniors, and outdoor workers. Legal Fight Over Tuition: The DOJ sued Kansas over in-state tuition for undocumented students, with Gov. Laura Kelly moving to intervene—another sign of widening state-federal clashes on immigration policy. Nebraska Medicine Governance: NU Regents will consider amended bylaws and articles to shift Nebraska Medicine governance, including Clarkson Regional Health Services stepping back and the Omaha Community Foundation taking half of voting directors temporarily. Local Crime: Lincoln police say four juveniles vandalized and stole from a produce stand near 48th and Cleveland, causing $5,200+ in damage. Water Watch: A new look at AI data centers raises concerns about water use near the Ogallala Aquifer, putting Great Plains groundwater and big tech growth in the same spotlight. Politics & Courts: A Nebraska-led coalition of 17 GOP attorneys general sued California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance. Sports Recruiting: Nebraska is aiming for a “historic” 2027 recruiting class, now with 21 commits and ranked 21st nationally as of June 27.

Nebraska Politics & Courts: A federal court fight over Nebraska voter data is back in the spotlight after a ruling said the case is moot because federal records already exist, underscoring how election-data access disputes keep shifting. SNAP & Food Policy: The national SNAP payment error rate hit 10.62% in FY 2025, and Nebraska is among states tied to legal challenges over proposed restrictions on what beneficiaries can buy. Agriculture & Jobs: Omaha’s Skylark Meats plans to close its plant by Aug. 25, threatening 200+ jobs, while grain markets remain cautious ahead of USDA reports. State & Regional Economy: Nebraska’s property tax hotline push continues as lawmakers look for solutions after tax receipts fall short of projections. Sports & Recruiting: Nebraska is aiming to sign a historic 2027 recruiting class, already sitting near the top of Rivals’ national rankings as commitments roll in. Business Growth: Bosselman Pump & Pantry is buying 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations, including Omaha-area stores, as it expands across the Midwest.

Nebraska Courts & Voting: The Nebraska Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit over voter data sharing to the U.S. Department of Justice, ruling the case is moot because the list was already released. SNAP Food Rules: A federal judge blocked SNAP waivers that would have restricted soda and candy purchases, and Nebraska is among the states caught in the fallout. State Politics & Governance: Burlington, Nebraska-area news: the city council unanimously confirmed Rebecca Horner as Burlington’s new city administrator. Agriculture & Jobs: Omaha’s Skylark Meats plans to close by Aug. 25, cutting 200+ jobs, adding to recent meat-processing layoffs. Energy & Growth: Bosselman Pump & Pantry says it will buy 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations, including Omaha-area stores, with Starbucks and Smokey Row coffee partnerships. National Policy With Local Impact: The Supreme Court cleared President Trump’s broad power to end Temporary Protected Status, raising new concerns about faster U.S. population decline. Public Safety & Health: The FTC sued WPATH affiliates over claims about “gender-affirming care” for children, seeking to stop alleged misleading practices. Wildfire Relief: Sen. Deb Fischer backs a bill to speed federal wildfire disaster assistance for Nebraska producers.

Nebraska Courts & Voting Rights: The Nebraska Supreme Court dismissed a challenge over voter data sharing with the U.S. Department of Justice, saying the matter is moot because the list was already released. SNAP Food Rules: A federal judge blocked SNAP waivers that would have restricted purchases of soda and energy drinks (and similar junk-food limits) in Nebraska and other states, a win for SNAP participants and a blow to USDA’s waiver approach. Power & Infrastructure: A major transmission line through the Sandhills was paused again after a judge’s injunction, keeping pressure on the Nebraska Public Power District’s long-running “R-Project.” Local Economy & Jobs: Omaha’s Skylark Meats says it will close its plant Aug. 25, affecting 218 workers. Agriculture & Markets: Cattle futures slipped as traders worry prices are too high, even as supplies tighten. Housing & Homelessness: HUD-VASH funding announced $33 million for homeless veterans nationwide, with no Nebraska grants in the latest round. Agribusiness & Policy: Senate Farm Bill 2.0 discussion draft released by Chairman John Boozman, drawing early support from ag leaders.

Nebraska Politics & Courts: The Nebraska Supreme Court tossed a voter-data lawsuit as moot after the state already turned over the requested registration list to the U.S. Department of Justice, leaving Common Cause’s challenge without a path forward. Multi-state Legal Fight: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, led by Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers, sued California to block its Plastics Act, arguing it will raise costs and unlawfully impose California rules nationwide. Public Safety: Lincoln police reported Memorial Day weekend enforcement on O Street produced 241 traffic stops, 238 citations, and 20 criminal charges. Agriculture Business: Central Valley Ag in York promoted Kelby Vandenberg to senior vice president of feed, aiming to guide sales, procurement, and growth as export reliability stays volatile. Community & Culture: Omaha’s Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement highlights a new mural meant to make newcomers feel seen. Food Assistance Watch: A federal judge blocked SNAP “junk food” limits in five states, keeping benefits usable for soda and candy while other states move ahead.

Housing Policy: President Trump canceled the signing of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, tying it to stalled passage of the SAVE America Act; Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts urged him to “take the win,” arguing the bill would help lower home costs by boosting supply. SNAP Oversight: A federal judge struck down West Virginia’s SNAP soda ban, and lawmakers are also pressing for tighter SNAP integrity after reports of waste and fraud; separate reporting warns several states could face major costs if payment error rates don’t improve. Nebraska Courts & Immigration: The DOJ sued Kansas over its in-state tuition rule for students without lawful immigration status, with Nebraska cited among prior wins in similar fights. Environment & Energy: Snow Fox Discovery says it has enough acres leased to study natural hydrogen data in Audubon County for about nine months, aiming to drill a first well in 2027. Local Life: Crews finished a key phase of Bellevue’s long-awaited indoor water park, with an end-of-next-year opening target. Nebraska in the News: UNL’s College of Education and Human Sciences dean Jeff Reese will resign Aug. 3; former Husker broadcaster Warren Swain died June 18.

SNAP Fight in Nebraska: A federal judge paused USDA-approved SNAP waivers that would have blocked people in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia from buying soda and candy with EBT, saying the USDA overstepped its authority and skipped required notice steps—so the Aug. 1 restriction won’t take effect. SNAP Cost-Sharing Pressure: USDA also released SNAP payment error rates tied to a new cost-sharing rule; most states face potential 5% to 15% state payments, while low-error states get exemptions—Nebraska’s numbers will matter for future budgets. Housing Push in Nebraska: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1114 in Blair, creating a Community Improvement District tool to help local infrastructure financing and speed affordable housing development. Marijuana Rescheduling: A DEA judge set the schedule for a new marijuana rescheduling hearing starting June 29, with Nebraska listed among the states participating. Agriculture & Data: Pillen signed Nebraska’s Agricultural Data Privacy Act (LB 525), setting protections for farmer-generated data. Business & Local Economy: Omaha-based SEi was acquired by Pennsylvania’s Zeus Fire and Security, expanding its Nebraska footprint. Dairy Industry Watch: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is urging Senate action on the farm bill discussion draft, focusing on dairy program reauthorizations and pricing provisions.

DOJ vs. Kansas Tuition: The Trump administration’s Justice Department sued Kansas to block a 2004 law that lets students without lawful immigration status pay in-state tuition, arguing it discriminates against U.S. citizens and encourages illegal immigration; Kansas AG Kris Kobach joined the case. Nebraska Budget Pressure: Nebraska lawmakers are bracing for a bigger shortfall as May tax receipts came in below projections, with refunds and credits cited as key drivers. Property Taxes: Gov. Jim Pillen launched a Property Tax Hotline for Nebraskans to report rising valuations and bills as lawmakers debate fixes. SNAP Rules in Court: A federal judge blocked SNAP limits on soda and candy in multiple states, saying USDA exceeded its authority—an issue that could affect Nebraska’s food-aid landscape. Hantavirus Update: CDC says U.S. monitoring tied to the MV Hondius outbreak is complete with no new cases. Nebraska Sports: Huskers will send Justin Evans, Luke Lindenmeyer and Andrew Marshall to Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. Local Life: The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls bring trick riding and roping to the Burke Stampede Rodeo, and Nebraska’s 500 Mile Sculpture Garden gets new 3D online renderings for America’s 250th.