AGP Executive Report

University of Nebraska: Regents heard how UNK programs are meeting workforce needs, including aviation, health sciences and teacher education, as enrollment in health pathways has grown 30% in six years. Local Business: Box Butte Development Corporation named Kelsey Ramos executive director, with plans to connect businesses to resources and support investment across the county. Rural Health: Nebraska has spent or committed $177 million of its $218.5 million first-year federal rural health award, part of a five-year effort to expand care. Agriculture and Industry: Farmers face steep diesel costs during harvest, with a new tax break offering partial relief amid questions about its reach. Bellevue is also set to get Mattel’s first Wonder indoor water park, a 100,000-square-foot attraction planned for 2027. Huskers: Nebraska led No. 7 Indiana by 11 in the fourth quarter but lost 20-17; Indiana extended its winning streak to 22 games. State Government: Gov. Jim Pillen issued an emergency proclamation after a cybersecurity incident; details of the breach were not included in the announcement.

Business: Mattel is building a 100,000-square-foot indoor water park in Bellevue, with Barbie and Hot Wheels attractions planned for a 2027 opening. Fuel and Trade: Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon opposes President Donald Trump’s plan to bring in Russian diesel, calling it the wrong answer to high fuel costs. Farmers also face higher equipment costs and lost export markets amid tariffs and trade tensions. Huskers: No. 7 Indiana rallied to beat Nebraska 20-17 in Lincoln, extending its winning streak to 22 games and the Huskers’ losing streak against ranked teams to 31. Rural Health: Nebraska has received $218.5 million for the first year of a federal rural-health program; officials say $177 million has been deployed. Cybersecurity: Gov. Jim Pillen issued an emergency proclamation after a cybersecurity incident in Nebraska; further details were not provided.

Cybersecurity: Gov. Jim Pillen issued an emergency proclamation after a cyber incident in North Platte; details of the breach were not released. Farm Costs: Nebraska diesel averaged $5.97 a gallon this week, up from $3.36 a year ago. New federal rules allow tax-free dyed diesel on highways through year-end, but farmers are still waiting on guidance and say relief will cover only part of the cost. Trade and Jobs: Rep. Mike Flood said U.S. agricultural exports to the European Union are up 17% this year after the bloc removed tariffs on American goods. Nebraska also launched worker-training grants for key industries. State Policy: Pillen ordered restrictions on what recipients can buy with cash assistance, barring purchases including tobacco and luxury goods. Husker Football: Nebraska hosted undefeated, seventh-ranked Indiana at Memorial Stadium in a marquee Big Ten matchup.

Cyber Response: Gov. Jim Pillen authorized the Nebraska National Guard’s Cyber Protection Team to help Lincoln County and North Platte respond to a cybersecurity incident. State emergency officials are coordinating recovery efforts. Husker Football: Undefeated Nebraska hosts defending national champion Indiana at noon Saturday in a major Big Ten matchup. The Hoosiers are unbeaten and favored. Workforce: Nebraska employers can apply for grants of up to $500,000 to train new or current workers in advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, the bioeconomy and critical minerals. The $4.6 million program covers up to 80% of training costs. Agriculture: Farmers may get short-term savings from expanded tax-free red-dyed diesel use, but uncertainty remains over the rules and how much relief it will provide. Meanwhile, Sen. Pete Ricketts proposed steps to rebuild the nation’s cattle herd and expand processing competition. State Policy: Pillen signed an order directing officials to seek tighter limits on how families can spend cash assistance, including restrictions on tobacco, gambling and video games.

Campus Safety: A 32-year-old man wanted in a sexual assault near UNL was arrested in Kansas and is being held in Sedgwick County. Rural Health: McCook’s Community Hospital Association received a $75 million USDA loan for a clinic and cancer-center expansion, adding more than 70,000 square feet. Agriculture: USDA raised Nebraska’s corn-yield estimate by 11 bushels per acre to 188, helping push corn futures sharply lower. A federal order also temporarily broadens access to tax-exempt red-dyed diesel, though key details and state-federal rules remain unresolved. Consumer Protection: Nebraska joined a $2.5 million settlement with a crypto kiosk operator. Public Health: The CDC reported 4,080 U.S. measles cases through Oct. 8; Nebraska was among the jurisdictions reporting cases.

Community: Lincoln authors launched a collection of 31 immigrant and refugee stories, sharing experiences of migration, loss and finding home in Nebraska. Higher Education: University of Nebraska System enrollment fell 1.4% to 48,948. Freshman numbers rose, but international and graduate enrollment dropped; UNL, UNO and UNK all reported declines. Flood Recovery: Omaha residents are still seeking help and cleaning up a week after floodwaters hit the city. Agriculture: Nebraska farmers are heading into harvest with diesel costs in focus after a federal order temporarily allowed tax-exempt red-dyed fuel on roads. The state also offers free farm and ranch clinics this month. Manufacturing: Eight products advanced in the “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” contest, including entries from Omaha, Gering, Grand Island, Columbus and Lincoln. Business: Becton Dickinson’s planned $19 billion U.S. manufacturing investment includes more than $1 billion for Nebraska.

Farmland: A 159-acre Saline County farm sold at auction for $1.3 million, averaging about $8,023 per acre. Fuel Costs: President Trump’s temporary move to allow tax-free red-dyed diesel on roads aims to ease costs for farmers and truckers, but analysts say savings may be limited. Research & Conservation: Nebraska scientists are working with the USGS on a statewide geologic map, while nearly $19 million is earmarked to protect the state’s prairie and wildlife. Investment: Medical-products company BD says more than $1 billion of its planned U.S. investment is headed to Nebraska. Politics: Trump’s Grand Island rally drew renewed attention after he described possible Iranian attacks on Los Angeles and San Diego as a “small price to pay” in the war.

Science & Land: UNL scientists and the U.S. Geological Survey have released Nebraska’s first statewide surface-geology map, a new resource for water management, wildlife habitat and construction planning. Nearly $19 million in federal funding will also help Nebraska landowners restore grasslands, protect wildlife and curb cedar encroachment that raises wildfire risks. Consumer Protection: Nebraska joined Florida, Iowa and Montana in suing router maker TP-Link, alleging it concealed ties to China and misled customers about product security. Transportation Safety: Records show federal money for upgrades at a Cass County rail crossing was available since 2023, but the contract remained unsigned when a grandfather and grandson died there in September. Jobs & Growth: Omaha-area businesses met with UNO students in an effort to keep young talent in Nebraska, while a Mid-Plains study found one-quarter of homes across 18 counties are vacant, many needing repairs or tied up by ownership issues. Agriculture: President Trump’s order temporarily allows tax-exempt dyed diesel on public roads, offering farmers possible harvest-season relief, though fuel analysts warn the savings may be limited.

Grand Island Rally: President Donald Trump’s visit drew about 5,000 people and national scrutiny after he said Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego while discussing the war’s costs. He also signed an order temporarily allowing tax-exempt dyed diesel on roads, a move farm and trucking groups say may offer limited relief. Nebraska Investment: Medical manufacturer Becton Dickinson plans $19 billion in U.S. investment, including more than $1 billion in Nebraska, though it has not disclosed where the state spending will go or how many jobs it may create. Consumer Security: Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined a lawsuit and a 21-state coalition raising concerns about TP-Link routers’ security and alleged Chinese ties; the company disputes the claims. Youth Careers: Nebraska’s second Governor’s Youth Summit in Kearney sold out, bringing more than 640 participants together, including about 500 students exploring local jobs, internships and scholarships. Harvest Conditions: Heavy September rain has delayed corn harvest in Nebraska and raised concerns about crop quality, including rot, weak stalks and mycotoxins.

Diesel Relief in Nebraska: President Trump signed an executive order expanding “red-dyed” tax-free farm diesel for highway use and deferring the federal excise tax through year-end, aiming to cut costs for farmers, ranchers, truckers and harvest operations—though trucking and fuel groups warn relief may be uneven and depends on state rules and guidance. Midterm Politics & Backlash: Trump also sparked a firestorm after telling a Nebraska rally that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, drawing sharp condemnation from California leaders and a White House pushback that framed the remarks as a comment about threats from a nuclear Iran. Local Governance: Bellevue City Council is weighing zoning changes that could let private firms connect to existing CO2 infrastructure, potentially expanding carbon capture options tied to ethanol production. Tech & Security: Nebraska and other states joined a legal push against TP-Link, alleging the company hid China ties and marketed routers as secure despite vulnerabilities. AI Jobs Anxiety: At UNL, students say AI’s impact on future work is a “huge concern,” even as the university’s new AI Institute tries to equip students with critical tools.

Diesel Relief in Nebraska and Beyond: President Trump signed an executive order at a Grand Island rally temporarily easing rules on tax-free “red-dyed” diesel for highway use, aiming to cut fuel costs for farmers and ranchers ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms; states including Iowa and Missouri followed with their own dyed-diesel waivers and penalty suspensions through early 2027. Nebraska Rally Fallout: Trump’s remarks that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego triggered a fast backlash from California leaders, while the White House insisted it was a misunderstanding tied to stopping Iran’s nuclear capability. Midterm Politics Watch: New polling shows Trump approval underwater in many Senate battleground states, feeding Democrats’ push to turn the election into a referendum on costs and the president’s popularity. Local Public Safety: UNL court filings say a suspect in an alleged sexual assault drove around campus before the incident, according to surveillance footage described in charging documents. Consumer/Legal: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers filed suit against TP-Link over alleged security and privacy risks tied to China-linked operations.

Diesel Relief Push: President Donald Trump signed an executive order in Grand Island easing restrictions on tax-free red-dyed diesel, saying it will save farmers and truckers “millions” and lower costs for goods and groceries ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Local Transportation Funding: Nebraska DOT opened applications for the Section 5310 transit program for seniors and people with disabilities, with vehicle purchases as the focus and a Nov. 30, 2026 deadline. UNL-UNMC Collaboration: The inaugural UNL-UNMC Summit brought together faculty and staff to streamline cross-campus pathways, research, and shared data systems after joint accreditation. Healthcare Manufacturing: Reuters reports Becton Dickinson will invest $3 billion, including more than $1 billion in Nebraska, to expand U.S. production of medical products. Rally Politics & Safety: At Trump’s Grand Island rally, Sen. Pete Ricketts referenced a fatal Omaha-area crash tied to an “illegal immigrant” claim, while the broader GOP message leaned on crime and border themes. Community Support: A new Yankton-area diaper bank nonprofit, Delivering Hope of Yankton, began monthly distributions to families in need across southeast South Dakota and northeast Nebraska.

Food Safety: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak is expanding again, now pulling additional Walmart and Trader Joe’s frozen blueberry products across more than two dozen states; the FDA says 17 people in two states have been sickened, with six hospitalized, and shoppers are urged to check lot codes or return the items. Politics & Rural Costs: President Trump is set to campaign Monday in Grand Island with Sen. Pete Ricketts as diesel prices and a plan to expand access to tax-exempt “red-dyed” diesel and waive fuel taxes become central to the midterm fight; ranchers and farmers say the fuel crunch is hitting harvest hard. Local Governance & Education: The University of Nebraska Board of Regents meets Oct. 9 in Kearney, including updates on UNK health sciences and a revised program statement for Project Health. Community Spotlight: The Phelps County Development Corporation’s 2026 Hall of Fame banquet is Oct. 29 in Holdrege, featuring former UNL athlete and Ninja Warrior star Maggi Thorne. Business: Scoular elected three new board members, adding Omaha and industry leadership experience.

Trump’s Nebraska rally logistics: Grand Island is gearing up for President Donald Trump’s Oct. 5 midterm rally at Fonner Park, with ticket entry starting at 1:30 p.m. and doors/program details set for later in the afternoon; organizers also laid out which entrances will be open and traffic limits around the expo center. State politics & tourism: At the Legislature, Sen. Lou Jacobson discussed an interim study on LR 320 about the Nebraska Tourism Commission’s structure, arguing rural Nebraska could lose focus if tourism were folded back into a broader department. Childcare subsidy delays: Nebraskans are still dealing with state processing delays for childcare subsidies, leaving some families facing sudden out-of-pocket costs or risking their spots. Nebraska football momentum: Nebraska’s 48-23 win over Maryland is being framed as a second-half turnaround that has the Huskers off to a rare 5-0 start. Business pulse: The Nebraska Chamber’s Road Show is heading to the Panhandle this week, bringing policy and business updates to communities across the region.

Childcare crunch in Nebraska: Nebraskans say Trump-era eligibility changes and added verification are slowing DHHS childcare subsidy approvals, leaving families scrambling to keep spots or pay out of pocket. Nebraska politics on the move: Trump is set to rally in Nebraska Monday as the midterm sprint tightens, with attention on the competitive Senate race involving Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn. H-1B filings in Nebraska: New federal data show Nebraska employers filed approved H-1B petitions in 2025, including four in the administrative/support and waste management sector. Food safety alert: A Chilean E. coli recall has expanded to additional lots of Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend and Walmart’s Great Value frozen organic berries sold in Nebraska. Nebraska football rebound: After a shaky start, Nebraska beat Maryland 48-23, outscoring the Terps 41-7 after the first quarter to reach 5-0. Southeast Nebraska flooding: Gov. Pillen declared an emergency after heavy rain and severe flooding.

Nebraska Politics & Courts: A Nebraska youth abuse case is hitting a legal wall, with families saying state law and a narrow assault/battery exception make suing the state nearly impossible. Midterms & Campaign Trail: President Trump is set to rally in Nebraska Monday ahead of the midterms, campaigning for Sen. Pete Ricketts and Gov. Jim Pillen. Local Public Safety: Charles Herbster of Falls City says he’ll donate to Grand Island to cover public safety overtime tied to Trump’s Oct. 5 visit. Agriculture & Fuel Costs: Nebraska’s diesel squeeze stays in focus as states push relief steps and the G7 agrees to release large fuel reserves, including diesel. Food & Health: A frozen-berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, with Nebraska included among affected states. Community & Privacy: Norfolk’s Flock camera program is drawing fresh debate as residents question privacy and police use of automatic license plate readers. Sports (Nebraska): Nebraska rebounded after a disastrous first quarter to reach 5-0 with a 48-23 win over Maryland, setting up a big matchup next week.