AGP Executive Report

Nebraska Politics: Rep. Mike Flood and challenger Chris Backemeyer faced off in Nebraska’s 1st District debate, trading sharp lines on the Iran war, immigration enforcement, and rising costs, with Flood defending ICE/CBP and Backemeyer arguing Flood’s votes drive higher premiums and hurt rural hospitals. State Government: Gov. Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency after a severe storm hit Crofton, clearing the way for state resources and emergency-fund support. Higher Education: The AAUP urged the AAU to reject UNL’s bid to rejoin, saying last fall’s faculty cuts damaged UNL’s research standing. Campus Culture & Immigration: UNL students reacted to a Turning Point USA event featuring Shane Winnings, while a separate national fight targets in-state tuition for undocumented students. Local Life: Grand Island City Council approved $35,000 in annual funding for the Clean Community System after a brief debate over whether residents use it. Health & Safety: A Nebraska mom who’s a cardiac nurse credited infant CPR training with saving her 1-month-old son. Sports: No. 1 Nebraska volleyball swept Missouri 3-0, though Teraya Sigler left injured.

Child Safety & Health: A Lincoln-area measles warning says cases are spreading across dozens of states, with unvaccinated kids facing the highest risk. Public Safety: A Lincoln man faces multiple felonies in a Hall County online child enticement case tied to alleged Snapchat messages and alleged trafficking. Local Government: Hall County commissioners approved the 2026-27 budget and a 5.31% property tax request increase. Workforce & Business: Nebraska’s labor availability and hiring needs report highlights pay, scheduling, and leadership training gaps in the Omaha metro. Agriculture & Food: Nebraska ethanol advocates point to growing global demand for higher blends like E15, while a new study estimates many farmers worldwide face pesticide poisoning and calls for banning the most hazardous products. Manufacturing & Community: Voting opened for the “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” top 16, with two Gering businesses among finalists. Consumer Watchdog: Nebraska’s AG coalition urges people to claim compensation from generic drug price-inflation settlements.

Berkshire Hathaway Leadership: Warren Buffett’s son Howard Buffett has taken over as chairman of the $1 trillion-plus company, after Buffett stepped down as CEO and recently relinquished the chair—his path included years farming in Nebraska before moving into corporate life. Nebraska Ballot & Elections: The Nebraska Secretary of State certified the 2026 general election ballot, with voters set to choose a U.S. senator and House races plus retention judges and four statewide measures. Statewide Policy & Costs: Nebraska’s disability community gets a boost as the State Treasurer highlights expanded Enable Savings Plan eligibility and protections. Flood Risk Updates: FEMA’s updated flood insurance rate map for Box Butte County is nearing completion, with a 90-day appeal period for residents to submit new data. Rural Economy Pressure: Diesel prices are spiking in Nebraska, hitting farmers and trucking with major weekly fuel-cost jumps. Child Care Push: Nebraska child care advocates are launching a statewide push for more public investment as families and providers face a shortage and rising costs. Education & Workforce: Central Community College cut the ribbon on a new automotive training facility in Hastings, expanding capacity for growing enrollment. Health & Courts: A pork antitrust class action settlement could pay Nebraska consumers who bought affected products between 2014 and 2018. Culture & Community: The Flatwater Film Festival returns for its sixth year in Seward, featuring 65 films and filmmaker panels.

Generic Drug Payouts: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is urging residents to check eligibility and file claims for compensation tied to a multistate settlement over allegedly colluded generic drug price hikes, with a March 8, 2027 deadline. Local Government Watch: Nebraska’s state auditor is challenging Douglas County’s general assistance program, citing high administrative costs and concerns about how Dollar General gift cards were distributed. Infrastructure & Transit: Omaha City Council approved a $189,500 local match to pair with $1.5M in federal funding for a pilot to reconnect neighborhoods split by the North Freeway. Transportation Upgrade: Lincoln broke ground on StarTran’s new Multi-modal Transportation Center, a $33M project funded largely by federal dollars, targeting completion in spring 2028. Cybersecurity: Nebraska is exploring a statewide cybersecurity information-sharing and advisory center to help cities, counties, and agencies respond faster to threats. Agribusiness Regulation: Nebraska regulators dismissed a grain dealer complaint against The Andersons after a stipulated agreement and an administrative fine. State Finance: Nebraska collected $510M in individual income taxes in Q1 2026, part of $1.8B in total tax revenue. Community & Education: UNL selected a record 830 students for the University Honors Program, and nearly 500 Nebraskans gathered in Kearney to tackle child care challenges.

Nebraska Politics & Budget Watch: A former state senator, John Stinner, says recent Nebraska budget choices are undermining long-term stability by cutting revenue while increasing spending tied to property tax relief and income tax cuts. Big Ten Football: Nebraska opens Big Ten play with a 3-0 start, heading to Michigan State for a Saturday matchup after a dominant nonconference run under Matt Rhule. State Government Services: The Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office will auction abandoned safe deposit box contents online Oct. 6–13, with items including jewelry, rare coins, and a 1961 Roger Maris baseball card. Cost of Living & Agriculture: Diesel prices are surging nationally, and Nebraska farmers report weather stress is hitting corn yields, with some fields defoliated or blown over. Tourism & Local Economy: Nebraska travel spending reached $4.72 billion in 2025, supporting jobs and generating tax revenue. Ag & Industry: ADM plans to enter the voluntary carbon dioxide removal market using capacity at its Columbus, Nebraska, corn processing complex. Health & Community: Hy-Vee Pharmacy will host drive-thru flu vaccine clinics in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota with no appointment needed.

Voting Rights Watch: After a vote-by-mail court fight, Common Cause and Democrats are ramping up “voter protection” plans, sending thousands of volunteers to polling places in a bid to blunt intimidation fears ahead of Nebraska’s midterm season. Nebraska Politics: At the Nebraska Steak Fry, Sen. Pete Ricketts drew GOP fire and laughs as Sen. John Kennedy stumped for him while Dan Osborn’s leaked remarks about rural Trump supporters kept dominating the conversation. Local Campaign Trail: In Omaha, Ricketts’ event drew major GOP names, while other candidates skipped a separate forum—another sign the race is tightening. Energy Costs: Diesel prices jumped again, squeezing Nebraska truckers hauling cattle and raising fears of layoffs if fuel stays this high. Business & Media: Civic Media’s Cedar Basin unit is expanding radio in Iowa by buying multiple NRG stations, including signals that also reach Nebraska listeners. Sports & Community: Omaha landed as a 2027 Women’s Volleyball World Cup host city, and Tom Osborne was honored as Nebraska Hall of Fame’s first living member. Agriculture & Culture: Applejack Festival in Nebraska City is expected to bring major crowds and local spending, with a new U-bag option for apple picking.

Nebraska Politics & Economy: A new push to flip Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District is centering on affordability, with Democrat Denise Powell and Republican Brinker Harding both pitching different fixes for rising costs in the Omaha-area seat. State & Local Governance: Omaha’s City Council agenda highlights items including the city’s tax levy, a contract with the Nebraska Humane Society, and a study on pedestrian and bicycle bridges in North Omaha. Public Health & Community: Nebraska Humane Society experts say daily dog walks can reduce boredom-driven behavior and support mental health, with a “walk and dog fest” set for Sept. 27. Nebraska Sports: The Huskers closed non-conference play with a 34-7 win over North Dakota, extending their streak of straight non-conference wins. National Politics: U.S. Sen. John Kennedy told Iowa conservatives the Iran war will end within six months and that it’s driving inflation through oil prices. Business & Growth: Website Closers says it completed the sale of Disc Store, an Omaha-born e-commerce leader in disc sports.

Nebraska Sports: The Huskers closed non-conference play with a 34-7 win over North Dakota, pushing their streak to 11 straight non-conference wins since 2023, with Anthony Colandrea’s early TD run and a steady offensive march. Nebraska Volleyball: No. 1 Nebraska kept rolling, beating No. 25 North Carolina 3-1 and setting a Bob Devaney Center record with 13 aces. Local Infrastructure: Lincoln County residents got a first look at a federally funded North Platte transportation study that could lead to bypasses, an I-80 interchange, and an added evacuation route. Public Safety & Health: A federal jury convicted a Kansas City man of sex trafficking minors, including trips involving Kansas and Nebraska; and the FDA issued a Class II recall for certain hand soaps sold in 15 states over possible bacterial contamination. Politics: A Wall Street Journal report says GOP voter enthusiasm worries are spreading into red states, including Nebraska, as Election Day nears. Community Spotlight: Hastings held a United Way plane pull, with teams competing to drag a 1,600-pound aircraft.

Statehouse & Public Safety: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 936 limiting nitrous oxide sales to specific industry uses, aiming to curb youth abuse and driving-related harm. Nebraska Economy: Nebraska’s combined tax revenues fell 7.4% in Q1 2026 versus the prior quarter, totaling $1.8 billion, with sales and income taxes driving most of the drop. Local Government & Education: A Nebraska volunteer firefighter’s bid for a paid role was rejected after his high school diploma showed he was homeschooled, prompting an appeal to the Civil Service Commission. Health & Consumer Watch: The FDA issued a Class II recall for certain hand soaps sold in 15 states over possible bacterial contamination, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Nebraska Sports & Culture: Tom Osborne’s bust was unveiled at the Capitol as he became the first living member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame. Politics & Agriculture: Nebraska Senate candidate Dan Osborn is ramping up attacks on Republicans with a beef-pricing message tied to Trump’s tariff plan, while Sen. Pete Ricketts dismisses it as scripted. Health Policy Tech: Connecticut moved to restrict AI from being the sole basis for health insurance payment cuts for state workers, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

Nebraska Sports: No. 1 Nebraska volleyball stayed perfect, beating No. 25 North Carolina 3-1 at the Devaney Center, highlighted by a season-high 13 aces and a record-setting night for the program. State Sports Schedule: Nebraska men’s basketball released its 2026-27 slate, starting Nov. 2 vs. Le Moyne and opening Big Ten play Dec. 2 vs. Ohio State, with key matchups including Creighton, Michigan, and UCLA. Nebraska Hall of Fame: Gov. Jim Pillen joined the induction of legendary Husker coach Tom Osborne as the first living member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame, unveiling a bust and issuing a proclamation. Tourism & Economy: Pillen and Visit Nebraska touted 2025 travel spending hitting $4.72 billion, supporting about 42,000 jobs and boosting state and local tax revenue. Public Safety Tech: Lancaster County highlighted how automated license plate readers help track suspects, including a case tied to a Wisconsin homicide investigation. Health & Research: Creighton University received an NIH continuation grant to expand multiple sclerosis research, aiming to better understand causes and improve treatment.

AI Power Costs: The U.S. House overwhelmingly passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, aiming to stop families and small businesses from footing the bill for big AI data-center power upgrades, with large sites (100 megawatts+) covering incremental costs. Counterfeit GLP-1 Crackdown: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined 19 states urging stronger federal action against counterfeit GLP-1 drugs, citing dangerous supply-chain links. Nebraska Ag & Research: A $1.9M NSF grant will fund KU-led work (with UNL among partners) testing soil fungi to boost drought tolerance in wheat and rice. Fraud Prevention: Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg signed a federal-state fraud-fighting agreement to better detect and stop scams targeting taxpayer programs. Local Governance: Mitchell Mayor Paul Murrell pleaded no contest to theft and hindering an audit, triggering removal from office. Tourism: Visit Nebraska says spending hit $4.7B in 2025, up 2.6% from 2024. Health & Public Safety: Police investigated illegal nitrous oxide sales at a Lincoln smoke shop, warning about serious risks. Markets & Food: USDA reported U.S. cattle placements fell to the lowest August level on record.

Health Care & Cost Relief: The White House says it will issue $500 Obamacare refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Nebraska, after claiming Biden-era “user fees” overcharged consumers. Consumer Protection & Housing: Omaha-area investigators warn of fake rental listings using real home photos and addresses, pushing victims to pay deposits for properties that aren’t for rent. Education & Community: UNL says a record 830 students were selected for its Honors Program this fall, a 12% jump from the prior record. Agriculture & Conservation: USDA NRCS is accepting Nebraska conservation applications for fiscal year 2027 funding, with deadlines set for Oct. 16, including programs like EQIP and ACEP. Public Safety: Douglas County is sharing cold-case updates tied to National Cold Case Awareness Month, including a decades-old “John Doe” investigation. Local Politics & Schools: A Lincoln County school tax hearing drew residents warning a proposed increase is unaffordable as enrollment declines and test scores lag. Business & Law: Nebraska is among states named in a multistate settlement with auto lender Credit Acceptance over alleged predatory lending, with required consumer-protection changes.

Health & Consumer Protection: Nebraska is among 30 states getting refunds tied to Obamacare “user fees,” with President Trump ordering about $500 per person for nearly 1 million Americans in federal-exchange states, including Nebraska. Legal Accountability: Nebraska’s attorney general coalition also secured a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, requiring cash/debt relief and new rules to curb risky lending and dealer add-ons. Food Security in Nebraska: Lawmakers held interim hearings on SNAP benefit losses, WIC access, and diaper shortages, with testimony saying more than 30,000 Nebraskans lost SNAP this summer, including thousands of children. Agriculture & Markets: Cattle futures slid ahead of USDA’s Cattle on Feed report, while Nebraska cash dressed deals were steady at $350. Local Impact: Hickory Villa Assisted Living residents face an October 15 relocation deadline after the facility announced a sale. Sports & Community: Omaha was named a 2027 women’s volleyball World Cup host city, with matches at CHI Health Center.

Nebraska Politics & Governance: Gov. Jim Pillen reshuffled the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board, replacing three members with allies and appointees tied to the Legislature—sparking worries the October tax outlook could be steered for budget writers. Higher Education: UNL launched national searches for new deans of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and the College of Arts and Sciences, with committees now set to find top leadership. Economy & Cost Pressure: Nebraskans are increasingly wary of AI’s risks, with most survey respondents rating societal risk as high or very high, while benefits lag. Agriculture: Nebraska Farm Bureau predicts major profit hits as diesel and fertilizer costs surge, estimating $759M in corn losses and $266M in soybeans. Consumer & Business Watch: The FTC and multiple states sued Amazon over alleged hidden surcharges in ad auctions, saying costs were passed to families. Sports (Nebraska): No. 1 Nebraska volleyball stayed perfect, sweeping No. 20 Creighton in front of a program-record 15,405 fans. Community & Events: Husker Harvest Days coverage highlights Pillen’s focus on ethanol and ag tech, plus a Heartland United Way food drive supporting local pantries.

Husker Harvest Days & Ag Tech: Grand Island’s Husker Harvest Days kicked off with a big push on farm technology, including an expanded beef-focused showcase and the Ag Tech Pavilion highlighting startups and on-farm demos. Food Insecurity: Heartland United Way ran its annual Husker Harvest Days food drive with Nebraska FFA chapters, reporting 8,408 lbs collected so far—down from last year—while warning families still need help. Nebraska Politics: U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn apologized after leaked audio mocked rural Trump voters, escalating a tight Nebraska race. Farm Costs: Sen. Pete Ricketts warned record diesel prices are squeezing Nebraska farmers and ranchers ahead of harvest, with higher fuel costs also hitting transportation; Nebraska Farm Bureau economists say input costs are eroding gains from higher crop prices. State Budget Watch: Gov. Jim Pillen said Nebraska’s General Fund receipts are on track after August collections beat forecasts, though more spending cuts are still needed. Health Funding: Sen. Deb Fischer secured $18 million for Nebraska health facility upgrades, including projects at UNMC and Avera St. Anthony’s. Federal Policy: The Senate Ag Committee narrowly advanced the 2026 farm bill toward full consideration as the current extension runs out Sept. 30.

Lancaster County Accountability: Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley says nearly $1 billion in accounting “blunders” stemmed from sloppy practices in the Lancaster County Treasurer’s office, with specific overpayments and underpayments flagged—while the treasurer insists no taxpayer money was lost. Local Law Enforcement: Gretna will keep relying on the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office under a new 3-year deal starting Oct. 1, with costs rising as the city grows. State Budget Watch: Nebraska’s August tax receipts came in above projections for the first time in months, driven largely by stronger sales and use tax collections. Husker Harvest Days Logistics: The Nebraska State Patrol is urging drivers to plan for heavy traffic and slower travel around the Sept. 15-17 event. Ag Costs and Policy: At Husker Harvest Days, farmers and ranchers focused on diesel prices near record highs and what a new farm bill could mean. UNL and Community: UNL’s Czech Studies ties get a spotlight with Czech President Petr Pavel visiting Sept. 24, and UNL/Grand Island partners are offering nonprofit leadership training. Fraud Alert: Gretna warned vendors about an AI-generated Facebook scam asking for banking info and gift cards.