AGP Executive Report

Big Tech, Nebraska: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed a lawsuit against climate-risk firm First Street, alleging its property-specific flood/fire loss predictions are inaccurate, hide key data, and mislead homeowners—hurting the state’s real estate market. Beef Backlash: Ranchers and cattle groups are pushing back hard on Trump’s plan to allow tariff-free foreign ground beef for 90 days at below-market prices, arguing it could undercut domestic cattle prices and destabilize herd rebuilding. Affordable Housing in the Wake of Fire: Pierre’s city commission approved an MOU for a developer to redevelop the Edgewater Apartment site with a 29-unit affordable complex, aiming to secure Low Income Tax Credits. Medical Breakthrough: The FDA approved Rasonque (daraxonrasib), a first-of-its-kind pill for advanced pancreatic cancer, with trial results showing much longer survival than standard chemotherapy. Nebraska Agriculture Energy: Broken Bow broke ground on a renewable natural gas project turning manure into pipeline-quality gas, part of a broader push for value-added farm energy. Public Health & Safety: USDA set a quarterly review cycle for its New World screwworm response playbook, updating guidance as the threat evolves.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to about $18 billion and add new protections for teens on Facebook and Instagram after a multistate lawsuit over social media addiction and youth harm; Nebraska is expected to receive up to $200 million, with changes including nighttime limits and other default safety tools. Nebraska Petition Fraud: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers called the signature fraud “a sad period” as investigations tied to at least eight petitions lead to arrests of multiple out-of-state circulators, with statewide ballot measures and Lincoln charter items under scrutiny. Measles Warning: Nebraska health officials urged families to stay current on MMR vaccines as measles cases surge nearby, while debate continues over proposed changes to vaccine scheduling. Beef and Farm Pressure: Nebraska cattle producers and meat sellers are reacting to federal beef import decisions, warning about impacts on local operations and grocery prices. Renewable Energy on the Range: Ground broke south of Broken Bow on a renewable natural gas project turning manure into pipeline-quality RNG, aiming to cut emissions and create new farm-linked revenue. Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough: The FDA approved Rasonque, a first-in-class oral treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer that nearly doubled median survival in a late-stage trial. Local Governance: Lancaster County election officials verified a petition effort tied to Good Government Lincoln after earlier fraudulent signatures were uncovered.

Big Tech Accountability: Nebraska’s attorney general is among the leaders announcing a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over alleged harms to children on Facebook and Instagram, with sweeping child-safety changes tied to court approval. Statehouse & Politics: Gov. Jim Pillen filed paperwork and tapped Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly as his 2026 running mate. Public Notices: Nebraska flags will fly at half-staff for Dolly Parton, following a presidential order. Local Business: Kearney’s Chamber welcomed new President/CEO Julie Snyder at a meet-and-greet. Community & Culture: A South Omaha mural project highlights the neighborhood’s immigrant history through public art. Scams Watch: La Vista was among Nebraska cities tied for 14th in July scam reports, with phishing losses reported. Workforce & Education: Edgerton Explorit Center and partners launched “Trades on the Move,” offering free hands-on trade science demos for Nebraska students.

AI Data Centers & Local Water/Costs: A rural eastern Nebraska fight over new AI data centers is drawing an unusual coalition of conservative farmers and environmental groups, with residents warning about farmland loss, water strain, and rising electricity bills. State Oversight & Elections: Nebraska election experts say a Trump mail-voting executive order is unlikely to change how the state runs November voting, even after a Supreme Court move. Local Government Watch: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers says Lincoln must forward compliant charter amendments to the Nov. 3 ballot if signature thresholds are met. Public Safety Controversy: Omaha-area schools have faced backlash over electric-shock gloves used on students, while state investigations continue into alleged herbicide overspray damaging trees near an Elkhorn-area country club. Sports Betting Ballot: Nebraska has certified two online sports wagering measures for the Nov. 3 ballot, funded by major operators. Agriculture Economy: U.S. grain farmers are bracing for a worst crisis in decades as Iran-related disruptions push diesel and fertilizer costs higher. Humane Society Contract: Central Nebraska Humane Society leaders and Grand Island officials are in a contract dispute before county commissioners.

School Meals & Food Policy: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen urged shoppers to avoid ultra-processed foods and said he’ll speak privately with President Trump about tariff-free beef imports that he says are disappointing for Nebraska ranchers. USDA and HHS also promoted “Harvest to Hallways,” including cafeteria infrastructure and Farm to School grants, while a new school-meals rule is still pending for this school year. SNAP Rules: A new look at state SNAP waivers shows nearly half of states have USDA approval to restrict items like candy and soda, reviving an old debate about nutrition, definitions, and whether the limits stigmatize recipients. Nebraska Business & Community: Walmart expanded its 30-minutes-or-less delivery to Omaha and 38 markets total, while BigIron Events Center in Grand Island hired Spencer Schubert as director of sales and marketing. Public Safety & Courts: A Sioux City cold-case murder trial ended in a mistrial, restarting the family’s push for answers decades after Terri McCauley’s 1983 death. Ag Economy: Iowa’s Rural Mainstreet Index improved in August, but bankers flagged softer hiring and falling farmland prices, with livestock pressure tied to beef import moves.

School Meals & Health Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen joined federal leaders to pledge healthier options for Nebraska students through USDA’s “Harvest to Hallways,” aiming for whole-food swaps and better nutrition in school breakfast and lunch. Beef Prices & Politics: Nebraska lawmakers and economists are weighing Trump’s plan to reopen cattle access and temporarily allow tariff-free imported ground beef, with ranchers warning it could add volatility even if it lowers prices at the register. State Oversight: Nebraska’s state auditor flagged questionable billing in the aged and disabled waiver program, including providers billing for more hours than authorized. Child Care Push: A statewide campaign is calling for more investment in Nebraska’s child care industry, spotlighting low pay and rising costs that strain families and providers. Local Housing: Omaha announced four affordable housing projects, including renovations to the City View apartment building, as part of a $40 million Urban Core Housing Fund. Food Safety: A national recall and outbreak roundup highlights a major Salmonella investigation tied to imported jalapeños, with cases reported across many states including Nebraska. Elections & Rules: Nebraska’s Secretary of State will decide whether the “Respect Nebraska Voters” ballot measure is too broad for the November ballot. Public Records & Privacy: Nebraska’s auditor and other state coverage continue to focus on accountability, from program billing to compliance issues.

Nebraska Budget Crunch: After tax collections fell short, Gov. Jim Pillen told agencies to plan for leaner budgets, with proposals ranging from hiring freezes and fee hikes to cutting services and even having some traveling staff sleep in cars instead of hotels. Consumer Tech & Security: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers reached a settlement with Resideo and ADI to stop selling Dahua and Hikvision surveillance products in the state and pay $400,000 over alleged cybersecurity and marketing issues. Beef Prices & Imports: The U.S. plans to reopen a Mexico cattle crossing in Arizona as part of a Trump push to lower beef prices, but economists say it likely won’t move grocery costs much. Local Economic Development: Nebraska DED is offering free training webinars on the LocationOne Information System (LOIS) for communities and economic developers on Sept. 1 and Sept. 16. Omaha Infrastructure Watch: Nebraska’s state geologist explained how loess soil and construction-related water issues can contribute to Omaha sinkholes. State Politics: Scott Petersen for Nebraska Secretary of State picked up an endorsement from election-integrity organizer Holly Kesler. Public Safety: A national debate continues over electric-shock gloves for ICE and their use by law enforcement.

Defense & Industry: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit Omaha and Oshkosh Monday as part of the “Arsenal of Freedom” push to speed up defense manufacturing and strengthen the industrial base. Child Welfare Tech: Nebraska won a federal, three-year grant to test predictive analytics in child welfare, aiming to spot risk earlier and reduce unnecessary foster care entries. Agriculture & Food Prices: Trump’s plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free imported ground beef for 90 days sparked backlash from cattle groups and ranch-state Republicans, who question where the meat comes from and whether savings will reach consumers. Local Safety: Omaha police agreed to stop using electric-shock gloves in Omaha Public Schools after community opposition. Community & Culture: Nebraska Black Pride wrapped a weekend celebration with a family barbecue, while Afghan-American Integration Day brought Omaha residents together with food, flags, and cultural connections. Scams Watch: Callaway tied for 14th in Nebraska for July scam reports, with one reported online purchase loss. Sports Business: Nebraska’s sellout streak faces fresh scrutiny as ticket sales lag, according to a local TV report.

Consumer Fraud Watch: Sutherland logged one scam report in July and tied for 14th among 41 Nebraska cities tracked by the BBB Scam Tracker, where Omaha led with 38 and Lincoln had 12. Drone Delivery Expansion: Amazon says its Prime Air lightweight drone deliveries could reach nearly 500 U.S. cities and suburbs by year’s end, with some drops in as fast as 30 minutes. Defense Manufacturing: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit Oshkosh Corp. in Omaha and Oshkosh, highlighting efforts to strengthen the defense industrial base. Schools & Public Safety: Omaha police agreed to stop using electric-shock gloves in Omaha Public Schools after backlash from students and families. Immigration & Nebraska: Rep. Don Bacon criticized deportation efforts after an Omaha woman’s removal order, saying the administration has “overreached.” Beef Tariffs: Nebraska GOP senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts criticized Trump’s plan to allow tariff-free foreign ground beef, warning it could hurt Nebraska ranchers and farmers.

USDA Funding for UNL: Sen. Deb Fischer hailed $37M for a USDA-ARS facility at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Innovation Campus, calling it a big win for Nebraska agriculture research. UNL System Growth: The University of Nebraska Foundation topped $500M in private support for the first time, with $532.8M committed in FY 2026. Beef Tariff Backlash: Nebraska GOP lawmakers and cattle groups criticized Trump’s 90-day ground beef import plan, warning it could flood markets and hurt ranchers even as the administration promises lower prices. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, said the Trump deportation push has “overreached,” citing an Omaha woman’s scheduled removal despite no criminal record. School Shock Gloves: Omaha police faced renewed outrage after using electric shock gloves on students; the district asked police to stop in schools. Nebraska Politics: A key Omaha-area House race is drawing national attention as Trump tries to shape the midterms and local voters weigh candidates. Local Safety & Fraud: Norfolk logged one scam report in July, tied for 14th among Nebraska cities, as fraud losses keep climbing nationwide. Sports & Courts: Deion Sanders fired back in a Nebraska federal case over claims he and his team used a designer’s “Prime” logo without proper compensation.

Postal Service Pressure: U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds says slow mail delivery has hurt veterans and rural Nebraska-area publishers, pushing him to back a Postal Service investigation, propose cutting executive bonuses, and place holds on executive-board confirmations. Scam Watch: Norfolk tied for 14th among Nebraska cities in July BBB Scam Tracker reports, with one reported scam and a $36.20 online purchase loss. Beef Tariff Backlash: Trump’s 90-day plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef imports tariff-free drew immediate GOP and Nebraska producer pushback, warning it could flood the market and delay herd rebuilding. Veterans Welcome Home: Gov. Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs hosted the annual Welcome Home Dinner for newly discharged veterans and families, with state and VA resources on hand. Local Animal Welfare: Central Nebraska Humane Society says it wants to keep working with Grand Island, but argues the current contract is unsustainable and not “equivalent to commercial boarding.” Education & Health: UN Foundation fundraising hit a record $532.8 million, while HHS Secretary RFK Jr. praised Nebraska’s nutrition and rural health preparedness efforts at UNMC.

University & Health: The University of Nebraska Foundation hit a record $532.8 million in private support, while HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited UNMC to praise Nebraska’s nutrition, rural health, and hantavirus preparedness. Agriculture & Trade: Nebraska beef producers and Sen. Deb Fischer are pushing back on Trump’s 90-day plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef tariff-free, warning it could undercut producers during a herd rebuild. Local Governance: Knox County supervisors set a special meeting Wednesday to review the proposed 2026-27 budget and levy authority for the Ag Society. Public Safety & Courts: Nebraska’s AG reached a settlement over home camera products tied to security concerns. Community & Culture: NMM Live! kicks off its season in Vermillion with Jack Norton, and UNK honored faculty and staff for teaching, service, and scholarship. Environment & Industry: Nebraska approved a permit for a controversial Cherry County hog operation near the Niobrara River, despite resident opposition.

Housing & Seniors: Housing Opportunities, Inc. won Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for Magnolia Estates in Hays, Kansas—20 accessible senior duplex units with rents set at $725–$775. Nebraska Politics & Taxes: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Lynne Walz is pushing universal homestead exemptions, a gas tax holiday, and a school-supply sales tax holiday as part of her plan to stabilize Nebraska’s budget and property-tax burden. Jobs & Economy: Nebraska’s unemployment rate held steady at 2.9% in July, while construction employment hit another record high, adding hundreds of jobs statewide. AI Data Center Backlash: A DOJ push to challenge in-state tuition for some immigrants is expanding, while across the country voters are increasingly turning to recalls and lawsuits to block data centers—an issue Nebraska communities are watching closely. Agriculture Markets: Corn futures jumped above $5 a bushel after Pro Farmer Crop Tour findings pointed to disappointing yields in parts of the Corn Belt, including Nebraska. Health & Safety: RFK Jr. visited UNMC to praise its hantavirus response as Nebraska continues to monitor infectious-disease outbreaks.

Health & Safety: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited UNMC in Omaha to praise the university’s hantavirus response and its National Quarantine Unit, after 18 cruise-ship passengers were monitored with “zero detected cases.” Cybersecurity: Edelson Lechtzin LLP says it’s investigating claims tied to a Nebraska Orthopaedic Center data breach involving protected health information potentially exposed through a vendor incident. Agriculture & Jobs: Tyson Foods is shutting down beef plants in Joslin, Illinois, and Eagle Mountain, Utah, cutting more than 3,200 jobs, with ripple effects for cattle producers and markets. Local Housing: Housing Opportunities, Inc. won Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for Magnolia Estates, a new affordable senior community in Hays. Tech & Infrastructure: Amazon plans to expand Prime Air drone delivery to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by year-end, with Omaha already listed among current sites. Public Services: FCC is reviewing E-Rate support for schools and libraries, raising fears of higher costs and reduced connectivity. Community & Education: Applications open Aug. 24 for the Big Idea Grand Island pitch competition, offering up to $10,000 for winners.

Nebraska & National Politics: Nebraska-based Nelnet agreed to pay a $25,000 penalty in Connecticut after collecting payments on more than 1,100 small loans without the required state license, with the company neither admitting nor denying wrongdoing. Tech & Local Economy: Amazon says its Prime Air drone delivery will expand from 11 sites to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by year-end, including Omaha-area coverage already in the mix, with deliveries aimed at small, lightweight items and requiring local approvals. Public Health: A jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak has now reached 32 states and 431 illnesses, including Nebraska, with 57 hospitalizations; separate recalls continue for peppers and products containing them. Food Safety Watch: The cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms lettuce keeps widening, with federal and state health officials tracking thousands of cases nationwide. Community & Culture: Omaha’s Original Greek Festival and Dundee Day/Waterloo Days are among the weekend highlights in the metro, plus Hastings is moving ahead with a public-input crosswalk art project. Agriculture & Conservation: A $3.1 million grant backs work to keep Great Plains grasslands intact, helping ranchers maintain working land while protecting wildlife and water.

Election Integrity: A Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office probe into possibly fraudulent petition signatures has expanded to all four 2026 statewide ballot initiatives, with “thousands and thousands” of signatures under review, and it’s also looking at allegations tied to former Sen. Brett Lindstrom’s governor bid. State Politics: A judge dismissed objections to two new Nebraska political parties, clearing the way for them to appear on the fall ballot. Disability & Medicaid: Nebraska families are pushing Gov. Jim Pillen to pause funding impacts tied to the interRAI assessment tool, even as the state brings in a third-party contractor to review how the system is working. Budget Fight: Nebraska lawmakers will decide whether to apply Pillen’s 5% agency spending cuts during the 2027 session. Agriculture & Trade: USDA trade leadership says Iowa farmers want a more balanced deal with Mexico and Canada as tariff threats and pauses continue. Tech & Retail: Amazon says Prime Air drone delivery will expand to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by year-end, including Omaha. Consumer Safety: The FDA highlights major 2026 food recalls, including Taylor Farms lettuce tied to cyclospora and other nationwide withdrawals. Scams: Nebraska seniors are warned about false YouTube claims of federal property tax relief forms.