AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Nebraska: A new report details what migrants say happened inside Nebraska’s new ICE detention center, as the Supreme Court clears the way for the Trump administration to strip Temporary Protected Status from Haitians and Syrians—raising fears of faster population decline and workforce strain in states that rely on immigrant labor, including Nebraska. SNAP & Nebraska: A federal payment-error-rate report shows SNAP errors hit 10.62% in FY2025, and Nebraska is among states receiving breach-style notices tied to SNAP program oversight and compliance pressure. Nebraska courts & data: A Nebraska voter-data case is again in the spotlight as a court ruling says the matter is moot because federal records already exist. Agriculture & jobs: American Foods Group will close its Skylark Meats Omaha plant by Aug. 25, cutting more than 200 jobs, following other recent meatpacking layoffs. Water & drought: A national look at intensifying drought and water quality concerns points to major stress on the High Plains/ Ogallala groundwater system that spans Nebraska. Nebraska politics & recruiting: Nebraska is pushing for a historic 2027 recruiting class, aiming to get back to top-15 territory.

SNAP Integrity & Costs: The national SNAP payment error rate hit 10.62% in FY 2025, well above Congress’s 6% threshold, meaning states with high error rates could face financial penalties starting as soon as Oct. 1, 2027. Nebraska Data & Courts: A Nebraska voter-data case is now moot because federal authorities already have the records, after earlier legal fights over access and release. Local Economy & Jobs: American Foods Group says it will close its Skylark Meats plant in Omaha by Aug. 25, eliminating more than 200 jobs, following other major food-industry layoffs in the metro. Agriculture Markets: Grain markets are trying to find a bottom ahead of USDA reports, with corn and other futures reacting to weather and export signals. Public Safety & Health: A nitrous oxide sales-limiting push is gaining momentum after warnings about recreational abuse and road-safety risks. Cybersecurity: AssuranceAmerica is warning that a breach may have exposed sensitive data, including Social Security information, for more than 1.1 million people across multiple states.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court expanded Trump’s immigration power, and experts warn it could accelerate population decline as legal changes hit Temporary Protected Status and asylum rules. Local Governance: Burlington, Nebraska’s regional neighbor, hired Rebecca Horner as city administrator, tapping her Nebraska ties and development leadership. SNAP & Food Policy: A federal judge blocked SNAP waivers that would have limited purchases of soda and candy in Nebraska and other states, arguing the USDA overstepped authority. Nebraska Courts: The Nebraska Supreme Court dismissed a voter-data lawsuit as moot after the DOJ already received the records. Labor & Retail: A class-action lawsuit alleges Hy-Vee failed to pay overtime to department managers, including stores across Nebraska. Ag & Energy: Cargill’s soil-health program is expanding through local partners in Nebraska, while Tenaska awarded college scholarships tied to its solar projects. Transgender Health Lawsuit: The FTC sued a major transgender health organization over claims about “gender-affirming care” for children. Business & Broadband: Arvig hit 15,500 fiber route miles in Minnesota, with network reach including Nebraska data-center co-location.

SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked USDA waivers in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia, saying the agency can’t use “demonstrations” to change what SNAP participants can buy—Congress has to do it. Nebraska Courts: Nebraska’s Supreme Court dismissed a Common Cause appeal over the release of voter registration data to the DOJ, ruling the dispute is moot because the data was already shared. Corrections Policy: State corrections leaders met lawmakers in Washington pushing for tougher interdiction of contraband drones and illicit cell phones, plus officer wellness and protection of reentry funding. Agriculture & Climate: USDA’s supply-demand outlook highlights a cotton-heavy farm program while winter wheat is forecast at its lowest since 1957, with drought pushing Nebraska wheat abandonment. Kansas Tuition Lawsuit: DOJ sued Kansas over its in-state tuition rule for undocumented students, arguing federal law should preempt the state policy. Energy Grid Delay: A controversial Sandhills power line got a new pause after a judge issued a partial injunction, reviving a long-running fight with ranchers and tribal groups. Plastics Packaging: Seventeen states led by Nebraska sued California over its packaging law, arguing it could force nationwide redesigns and reshape supply chains.

SNAP Court Ruling: A federal judge blocked new SNAP restrictions in multiple states, saying the USDA can’t rewrite Congress’s definition of eligible food—leaving bans on soda and candy in limbo, including Nebraska’s. SNAP Cost-Sharing Pressure: Separate federal data shows some states may face big bills if their SNAP payment error rates stay high, while low-error states get exemptions. Nebraska in the Mix: Nebraska is directly named in the SNAP soda/candy waiver fight and also appears in broader SNAP integrity and oversight hearings. Local Classroom Tech: Nebraska Extension’s “All Things Nebraska” is being used by Wayne students for Nebraska Studies projects, turning maps and data into hands-on learning. Housing Politics: Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts says he hopes Trump will sign a bipartisan housing bill after Trump canceled the signing over the stalled SAVE Act. America 250 Spotlight: The Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall, with Nebraska officials and others using the event to mark the Declaration of Independence anniversary. Ranch Resilience: Chadron State’s range management program is preparing the next generation of Nebraska ranch advisers.

Property Taxes: Gov. Jim Pillen launched a Property Tax Hotline so Nebraskans can report how rising valuations and tax bills are hitting them, aiming to feed lawmakers real-world impacts. Housing Politics: Sen. Pete Ricketts said he hopes President Trump will sign a housing bill, even as the “SAVE America Act” election measure remains stalled in the Senate. SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked West Virginia’s SNAP soda ban, and Nebraska is among states caught in the broader legal fight over restricting what people can buy with benefits. Agriculture & Innovation: Nebraska joined NASA’s Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team to use satellite data for better crop monitoring and water/soil management. Ag Policy for Disaster Aid: Sen. Deb Fischer’s wildfire relief bill is headed to the president’s desk to speed USDA recovery payments for Nebraska producers. Local Government & Community: Lincoln rolled out a “Love Your Land Phil” waste diversion campaign, and Nebraska fireworks season is underway with local rules and schedules across towns. Business: Central Valley Ag named Kelby Vandenberg senior vice president of feed. Cybersecurity: The FCC adopted cybersecurity rules for the Emergency Alert System, requiring stronger protections for equipment used to send alerts.

Property Taxes in the Spotlight: Gov. Jim Pillen launched a property tax “hotline” to collect Nebraskans’ stories and data on rising valuations and bills, as lawmakers face a tough budget outlook with tax receipts coming in below projections. Local Government & Schools: Johnson County Central Schools approved a 6% increase in its Tax Request Authority to keep budget flexibility for the 2026-27 school year, tied to state Budget Authority calculations. County Valuations: Nemaha County began mailing change-of-valuation notices, updating residential, commercial, and agricultural values to reflect market conditions and revised irrigation/well records. SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s approval of soda and candy limits for Nebraska and four other states, pushing the fight over SNAP rules into the courts again. Nebraska Agriculture & Innovation: Nebraska joined NASA’s Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team, bringing producer-focused digital agriculture support through UNL. Grazing Conference: The Nebraska Grazing Conference is set for Aug. 4-5 in Kearney, with sessions on regenerative grazing and virtual fencing. Plastics Act Lawsuit: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is leading a 17-state challenge to California’s plastics packaging mandate, arguing it’s unconstitutional and will raise costs. USPS Mail Delays: Rural South Dakota residents report worsening USPS reliability after facility downgrades, with local businesses and publishers feeling the impact. NCAA Eligibility Update: The NCAA approved a new Division I eligibility model giving athletes five seasons within five years, aiming to reduce transfer and eligibility uncertainty.

SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked USDA from approving state waivers that would let Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia limit SNAP purchases of soda and candy, saying the agency can’t change Congress’s definition of “food.” Statehouse Watch: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen launched a property tax hotline for residents facing steep valuation and bill increases, urging people to share what’s happening. Health & Research: UNL and UNMC won approval to be measured together in national rankings under a shared accreditation structure, aiming to boost Nebraska’s research profile while keeping missions separate. Medical Cannabis: Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission marked its first year as patients and growers pushed for faster access and smoother permitting. Wildfire Recovery: Pillen reissued an executive order to help ranchers haul hay and supplies after wildfires, with FEMA support and a push for a federal disaster declaration for mid-May storm damage. Local Business: The Secret Garden held a ribbon cutting for its new Broken Bow location, expanding its greenhouse-and-retail concept with food and drive-thru service. Telecom Deal: Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications plan to combine under the Rightfiber brand. Agriculture & Courts: The DOJ sued Kansas over its policy on in-state tuition for undocumented students, arguing it violates federal law.

SNAP Fight: A federal judge ruled Nebraska can’t restrict SNAP purchases of soda and energy drinks, saying the USDA overstepped and violated SNAP’s legal definition of “food,” a decision that also hits similar bans in four other states. State Government Transparency: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s office says he doesn’t carry a state-issued phone, after a records request found no call logs—critics call it an abuse of disclosure rules. Wildfire Update: The South Fork Fire is now estimated at 92% contained, with crews focusing on repairs, patrolling tricky uncontained areas, and managing lightning-driven spot starts. Local Governance: Hartington City Council approved permits, street closures for Hartington Dayz, and transfer-station upgrades, including a sifting bucket to reduce fire risk after burning. Housing & Cost Pressure: First-time homebuyers face higher rates and prices, even as a new federal housing bill heads to the House after Senate approval. Public Health: Nebraska’s hantavirus quarantine for the last American cruise passengers has ended. Business & Growth: Nebraska’s five land-based casinos posted 12% higher May gaming revenue, reaching $27.1 million.

SNAP Fight in Nebraska: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s waivers that let Nebraska (along with Iowa, Colorado, Tennessee and West Virginia) restrict SNAP purchases of soda and energy drinks, saying USDA overstepped its authority and bypassed required procedures—meaning Nebraskans can use benefits for those items again. Wildfire Aftermath & Water Testing: UNMC is partnering with Central Nebraska health departments to survey residents and offer free water quality testing after March wildfires, including checks for nitrates, bacteria, and “forever chemicals” in some wells. Wildfire Relief Deadline: USDA’s Emergency Conservation Program application deadline in wildfire-impacted Nebraska counties has been extended to Aug. 25, with cost-share help for debris removal, fence repair and water structure restoration. Boating Access Update: Nebraska Game and Parks will remove sand at two Lake McConaughy boat ramps June 30–July 2, with timed closures to keep ramps usable for the Fourth of July. Plastics Lawsuit: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers helped lead a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it drives up costs and violates state sovereignty. Economy Watch: Nebraska’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.0% in May, with job growth led by leisure and hospitality, mining and construction, and other services. Heartland Veterans Outdoors: Servicemen of the Heartland Outdoors honored 32 veterans and first responders at Sherman Reservoir with guided fishing, golf, and a banquet.

SNAP Fight in Court: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s effort to restrict SNAP purchases of sugary foods and drinks in five states, including Nebraska, saying USDA lacked authority to approve the waivers. Nebraska Labor Rules: Nebraska is among states that eased child labor protections ahead of summer hiring, including lowering the minimum wage for 14- and 15-year-olds. Plastics Lawsuit: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined a 17-state challenge to California’s single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it’s overreach that could raise costs nationwide. UFC White House Plot: FBI arrests added to a multi-state conspiracy tied to an alleged drone-and-sniper attack targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, with Nebraska named in the alleged funding chain. Marijuana Rollout: Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission cleared the first state-licensed cultivator to plant marijuana in Raymond, while another company fights a zoning setback. UNL/UNMC Research Boost: Federal approval lets UNL and UNMC report together in national rankings, potentially lifting Nebraska’s research visibility.

Housing affordability push: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1114 in Blair, creating a new Community Improvement District tool to help cities finance infrastructure for projects like Bear Creek’s 137 homes starting around $320,000. University costs: The NU Board of Regents approved about a 4% tuition increase for 2026-27, with $8 million in spending cuts also planned. Public safety & accountability: A report says Pillen didn’t use a state-issued cellphone and that no call logs exist after a records request—critics argue it dodges disclosure rules. Marijuana rollout: Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission cleared the first licensed cultivator to plant, while another operator challenges a zoning decision. Statewide infrastructure: Nebraska DOT begins work on Highway 92 in Tryon and Stapleton, including resurfacing and accessibility upgrades. Politics & policing: The Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Sen. Pete Ricketts for reelection. Cyber defense: Cyber Tatanka 2026 wrapped up at UNL, bringing together 243 participants to test defenses for critical infrastructure. Legal fight with California: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers joined a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully reaches beyond the state.

Nebraska Politics: Nebraska is seeing a surge of independent candidates in a mostly partisan midterm cycle, with several people gathering signatures to get on the November ballot and former state senators Brett Lindstrom and Bob Krist weighing nonpartisan bids. Recruiting & Sports: Nebraska offered 2028 four-star East Coast edge rusher Cam Toomey, a top New York prospect with an offer list that includes Penn State, Syracuse, Rutgers, Alabama and Notre Dame. Agriculture & Safety: A grain bin death story from Illinois highlights how quickly accidents can turn fatal, with the family describing frantic neighbor rescues after a semi was found overflowing and the father was later discovered trapped inside the bin. Environment & Federal Funding: A report says Nebraska lost 15% of USDA staff in the first half of 2025, and warns proposed cuts could sharply reduce NRCS staffing statewide. Public Health: Hantavirus quarantine for 18 American cruise passengers held in Nebraska has ended after weeks of isolation, with no new U.S. cases linked to the outbreak reported.

Nebraska Football: Husker Athletics and adidas unveiled updated home and away uniforms for the 2026 season, bringing back two stripes across the shoulders and moving player numbers to the sleeves, with the number font inspired by steel anvil markings and Nebraska crop rows. Public Health: A hantavirus quarantine for 18 Americans exposed on a cruise ship ended Sunday after weeks at a federal quarantine site in Nebraska, with no new U.S. cases linked to the outbreak reported. Agriculture Markets: USDA’s cattle-on-feed report pointed to bullish cattle signals while grains tried to recover as traders watched improving conditions and renewed interest tied to soybeans. Weather & Safety: Severe thunderstorms and flooding risk is expected to keep rolling across the central and eastern U.S. State Services: Nebraska’s Homestead Exemption applications are due June 30, with forms filed through county assessors. Community & Culture: Lincoln’s LGBTQ+ lounge Das Haus announced it will close June 21, with a GoFundMe launched to help buy back or reopen.

Husker Football: Nebraska Athletics and adidas unveiled updated home and away uniforms for the 2026 season, bringing back two stripes across the shoulders and moving player numbers to the sleeves; the number font is inspired by steel-anvil engravings and crop-row lines tied to Nebraska’s ag heritage. Wildfire Recovery: Fort Robinson State Park has partially reopened after the South Fork Fire risk shifted north, with the lodge, cabins, activity center, store, museum sites, and tours back open while horse rides, stagecoach rides, jeep rides, tube rides, and hiking trails remain closed. Medicaid Policy: Final federal rules on Medicaid work requirements are out, spelling out what millions of enrollees must do to prove they’re working or in approved activities, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of the January 1, 2027 rollout. Ag & Markets: The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book says farm conditions were mostly steady but cost pressures are rising, especially from fuel and fertilizer spikes; meanwhile, USDA crop progress and range updates are set to guide near-term Nebraska and Plains watchers. Nebraska Hemp: Nebraska hemp retailers and businesses pushed back hard against proposed state rules that would ban food and beverages with any amount of THC, arguing the plan goes beyond federal limits.

Nebraska Agriculture & Markets: The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book says farm conditions in the Corn Belt are mostly unchanged or down, but costs are still biting—especially fertilizer and fuel, with some buyers going “hand to mouth” for diesel. Agri Markets: Commodity strategists say corn’s recent selloff may be overdone after spec traders cut positions hard, but they warn supply risks haven’t vanished. Nebraska Hemp Policy: Nebraska hemp retailers and consumers packed a public hearing to fight proposed state rules that would effectively ban edible hemp products with any THC, arguing the plan goes beyond federal limits and could wipe shelves. Livestock Research: UNL researchers unveiled a low-cost swine influenza vaccine approach using DNA in lipid nanoparticles, aiming to strengthen protection for Nebraska’s major swine sector. Health Care Spending (Nebraska): Medicaid billing data shows rising local spending—Grand Island paid $260,313 for pathology/lab services in 2024, while Papillion and Lincoln also saw notable increases in specific categories. Community & Culture: The Bishop Neumann marching band will represent Nebraska in America250’s Independence Day parade in Washington, D.C., with stops tied to Nebraska’s state exhibit and the Great American State Fair.