AGP Executive Report

Nebraska Flooding: Record rain hit eastern Nebraska hard, with Lincoln breaking its all-time single-day rainfall record and Lancaster County declaring a local state of emergency as flooding affected roads and campus areas. Fuel Prices & Diesel Relief: States are moving fast to curb high gas and diesel costs, including steps tied to red-dyed diesel rules—an issue that matters directly to Nebraska farmers and harvest logistics. UNL Campus Safety & Voting: UNL’s crime log includes fake IDs and a reported sex offense investigation, while UNL published a practical guide for students on how to register and vote for the 2026 midterms. Rightfiber Expansion: Rightfiber completed its acquisition of Fastwyre Broadband’s Nebraska operations, expanding its fiber footprint and beginning integration for customers. UNL Data Reporting: UNL reorganized NSSE results into audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support, aiming to make survey findings more actionable. Local Culture & Community: Homecoming week events continue in Lincoln, and Grand Island’s Harvest of Harmony Parade and Field Competition set for Oct. 3 with a record number of entries.

Ag Data Privacy: Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts unveiled a federal Agricultural Data Privacy Act that would make farmers and ranchers the owners of data generated on their operations and require written consent before companies use or sell it. Flood Response: Heavy rain and flooding hit parts of Nebraska and the region, including rescues near the North Fork Little Nemaha River and ongoing storm impacts across eastern Nebraska. Local Streets: Lincoln Transportation and Utilities announced downtown street closures for UNL homecoming events and a basketball event. Courts & Public Safety: Nebraska’s former Dodge County sheriff, Dustin Weitzel, was sentenced to three years of probation in a federal wire fraud case tied to unauthorized transfers from a police lodge account. Drug Pricing Accountability: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield announced a $400 million settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition-limiting conduct, with other states involved. Politics in Nebraska: President Trump is set to campaign in Nebraska Monday, Oct. 5, as part of a broader midterm blitz. Education & Campus Feedback: UNL reorganized NSSE survey results into audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support services.

Severe Weather Disrupts Omaha: Flash flooding and mudslides closed major roads across the Omaha metro, with Omaha Public Schools warning families about blocked bus-lot access and possible morning delays/cancellations. Health Care Costs & Coverage: Nebraska is cited in a broader push around Medicaid work requirements, while the Trump administration begins sending $500 ACA “Obamacare refund” checks to nearly 1 million Americans. Generic Drug Settlement Claims: Michigan AG Dana Nessel urges consumers to check eligibility and file claims tied to a multistate settlement over inflated generic drug prices. Nebraska Politics & Elections: Democrats are clearing the field for independents in deep-red Senate races, including Nebraska, as GOP strategists warn the “bottom is dropping out” for Trump and Republicans. Nebraska Community & Local News: Auburn highlights a 16-year preschool partnership at a state early childhood conference; Auburn City Council adopted a $17.1 million budget; and Johnson County Hospital added Dr. Josiah McAllister to its family practice staff. Sports: Nebraska volleyball and softball continue Big Ten and local matchups, while Husker football turns to Maryland after a 31-13 win over Michigan State.

Severe Weather: A Weather Alert Day continues into the evening with heavy rain and a flash-flood risk across parts of southern Nebraska and northern Kansas, including the Omaha area. UNL Safety & Justice: University of Nebraska-Lincoln police opened a hazing investigation after a reported incident earlier this month, and also issued a safety alert about an alleged unwanted fondling near 16th & R streets. Public Safety Funding: Nebraska’s State Fire Marshal is proposing more than $100,000 in budget cuts for 2027-2029, raising concerns that fire training could become harder to afford for rural departments. Courts: A Lincoln woman, Sheena Miller, will go to trial in a triple-homicide case involving a Nebraska couple and their unborn child. State Politics/Policy: Nebraska’s H-1B data show 169 petitions from employers in Health Care and Social Assistance in 2025, with a 98.8% approval rate. Economy/Community: Hometap expanded its home equity investment product to six new states, including Nebraska. Sports (Nebraska): Pryce Sandfort and Braden Frager were named to represent Nebraska at Big Ten Basketball Media Days in Chicago. Local Food Aid: Ak-Sar-Ben Stock Show chickens were donated to Central Nebraska pantries and shelters, distributing 88 chickens to 12 organizations.

Local Politics: Democrats see a real opening in Nebraska’s “blue dot” 2nd District as Republicans defend Don Bacon’s seat, with Dan Osborn’s Senate bid also tightening over the Epstein-files fight. Campaign Watch: Lawmakers on both sides are demanding answers about whether DHS spent $20 million on taxpayer-funded Trump ads. Weather: A flood watch stays in effect for the Omaha area into Thursday as heavy rain moves in, with flash flooding possible. State & Community: UNL reorganized NSSE results into audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support. Health & Safety: Nebraska State Patrol is selling pink patches through October to raise money for the Nebraska Hereditary Cancer Foundation. Agriculture & Economy: USDA trade leadership could shift as former Nebraska ag director Greg Ibach is nominated to lead foreign agricultural trade efforts. Education & Workforce: Nebraska DHHS is set to launch a TANF pilot program Oct. 1. Local Notes: Loup City will host a candidate forum Oct. 8, and Loup City Fire received foundation funds for equipment.

Gov. Pillen Economic Push: Pillen signed an executive order creating a statewide working group to speed business recruitment and unify site-selection info across Nebraska’s regions. Flood Watch: Heavy rain tied to Hurricane Polo’s remnants has prompted flood watches for Lincoln and eastern Nebraska, with more downpours expected through Thursday. TANF Update: DHHS will launch a redesigned Employment First/TANF pilot Oct. 1, part of a federal effort to reshape work requirements. Agriculture Relief: Pillen also issued executive orders aimed at easing harvest-season costs for farmers and ag transporters, including temporary diesel-tax and hauling relief. Water Fight: Colorado filed in U.S. Supreme Court saying it’s complied with the South Platte River Compact, while Nebraska alleges out-of-priority pumping. Public Safety: Lincoln Fire and Rescue began carrying blood on critical EMS calls; Nebraska State Patrol also conducted local truck inspections in Kearney, finding major violations. Crime & Courts: A Fargo homicide suspect, Brandon George, was arrested in Nebraska after a high-speed I-80 pursuit; Omaha’s Dorsey Funeral Home received two-year probation for illegal cremations. Sports & Schools: Nebraska volleyball’s Oct. 10 Wisconsin match starts at 6 p.m.; Walnut Middle School in Grand Island will host an Anne Frank exhibit Oct. 14-27.

Flooding & Storm Risk: A major rain setup tied to Hurricane Polo and Tropical Storm Rachel has flood watches across parts of the Plains, with Omaha-area rain chances rising Tuesday and flooding possible later in the week. Local Housing: Beatrice is converting the former Stoddard Elementary into senior apartments, using low-income housing tax credits to tackle the affordable-housing crunch. Campus Safety: UNL released its 2026 annual campus security and fire safety report, covering crime/fire stats from 2023-2025 and safety resources. Health & Work Rules: Nebraska’s early Medicaid work-rule rollout is drawing confusion as states prepare to enforce similar requirements. Elections Access: A White House proposal would restrict federal grant money for voter registration drives, raising alarms from Disability Rights Nebraska and advocates. Weather Watch (Region): KMAland reports flood watches for southwest Iowa and southeast Nebraska through Thursday evening. Consumer Protection: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson urges people to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices. UNL Data Sharing: UNL reorganized NSSE results into audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support services.

Trade & Agriculture: Nebraska ag leader Greg Ibach has been nominated to return to USDA as under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, a role focused on expanding overseas markets. Politics & Government: GOP Sen. John Thune says taxpayers shouldn’t pay for Trump TV ads, while a Douglas County judge blocks Omaha’s minimum-wage ordinance from eliminating the lower youth wage but allows cost-of-living-linked increases. Weather & Flooding: Heavy rain is expected midweek across Nebraska, with flooding possible in central areas as remnants of Hurricane Polo feed tropical moisture. Local Economy & Costs: Ralston schools are raising transportation budgets about 5% as diesel prices climb; SNAP enrollment in Nebraska is dropping sharply, with advocates warning children are a big share of those losing aid. Public Safety & Community: Omaha firefighters reunited a lost ferret with owners after it camped out at a fire station; the Nebraska State Patrol is launching its Pink Patch Project to support the Hereditary Cancer Foundation. Business & Workforce: A new family-friendly workplace certification is rolling out in Phelps County to help rural employers support childcare and retention. Sports: Nebraska’s Big Ten football game vs. Indiana is set for 11 a.m. Oct. 10 on FOX.

Nebraska Politics & Accountability: A Flatwater Free Press report raises fresh questions about Gov. Jim Pillen’s use of a $2.5 million no-bid consulting contract, citing emails that suggest state officials had concerns about favoritism and the role of a key lobbyist. Local Economy & Growth: A data-center developer has acquired options for about 1,280 acres of Lincoln County pastureland near Hershey, signaling continued pressure for large power-hungry projects in rural Nebraska. Weather & Safety: Omaha gets a mostly dry Monday break, but a major rain-and-thunderstorm system is expected to hit Nebraska Tuesday through Thursday, with flash-flood risk and 2–4 inches possible. Environment: The Sandhills Weed Management Area is using a helicopter spraying project to target invasive plants along central and north-central river systems, funded by a Nebraska Environmental Trust grant. Sports (Nebraska): Nebraska football remains undefeated and opens Big Ten play with a big win over Michigan State, while Husker volleyball keeps rolling—sweeping Ohio State and extending its strong start. Education: UNL reorganized NSSE results into audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Nebraska Sports: The Huskers are 4-0 after a 31-13 Big Ten opener at Michigan State, with Anthony Colandrea throwing two first-half TDs and Nebraska’s defense piling up six sacks and three forced turnovers. Next up: home vs. Maryland. Nebraska Soccer: Reese Borer’s late goal lifted Nebraska to a 1-0 win over No. 20 Michigan—its first ranked win since 2022 and first road win over a ranked opponent since 2018. Omaha Weather: After several rainy days, Omaha gets a drier stretch through Monday, but rain chances return Tuesday and linger midweek. Rain/Flood Watch: Forecasters warn of a wetter pattern across Nebraska late Monday into Thursday, with 2–4 inches possible and flooding concerns for some rivers and streams. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports Nebraska regular averaging $4.19 for the week ending Sept. 19, with local lows like $4.09 in Gage County. State Politics/Ag: Gov. Jim Pillen says sales-tax changes for farm equipment aren’t planned, as Nebraska Farm Bureau pushes back on removing exemptions for ag inputs. Homeschool Firefighter Case: Nebraska’s governor says his office will investigate after a Fremont volunteer firefighter was denied a full-time job over homeschool education credentials. National College Football: Oregon’s Dante Moore suffered a concussion vs. USC; the Ducks still won 41-27, and Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola stepped in.

Nebraska Sports: Dylan Raiola, a former Husker, led No. 20 Oregon to a 41-27 win over No. 12 USC after star QB Dante Moore was carted off with a serious head injury from a late hit; Oregon coach Dan Lanning said Moore was moving and “in recovery,” while USC’s Desman Stephens was ejected for targeting. Husker Football: Nebraska opened Big Ten play with a 31-13 road win at Michigan State, powered by the Blackshirts’ six sacks and three takeaways and a two-TD night from Anthony Colandrea as the Huskers stayed undefeated. College Football Roundup: Week 4 delivered major ranked results, including Texas beating Tennessee 20-17, Georgia rolling Oklahoma 41-13, and Florida blasting Ole Miss 52-28. Food Assistance: A new report highlights the “SNAP benefits cliff,” where small income gains can trigger larger benefit losses—leaving some Nebraska families worse off. Weather: Omaha-area conditions stay mostly cloudy and drier Sunday, with rain chances returning Tuesday.

Husker Football Big Ten Opener: Nebraska opened Big Ten play at Michigan State in East Lansing, with live updates showing the Huskers leading 14-3 early in the second quarter after a Mekhi Nelson TD run. Nebraska Softball: The Huskers kicked off the 2026-27 season with a 2-0 exhibition sweep of Kansas, winning 6-0 and 7-0 at the refurbished Bowlin Stadium/Rhonda Reveille Field. Local Health & Community: Hundreds walked at Werner Park for the Susan G. Komen “More Than Pink Walk,” including two Omaha women marking major milestones after breast cancer diagnoses. Youth Abuse Lawsuit Fight: A Flatwater Free Press report says it’s hard for families to sue Nebraska over alleged abuse by state employees at YRTC-Kearney, with lawmakers weighing changes ahead of the 2027 session. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel and premium gas prices varying across Nebraska counties in the week ending Sept. 19, with Dawson County diesel hitting $5.59 and Scotts Bluff County premium as low as $4.39. Education Data: UNL reorganized NSSE results into audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Nebraska Midwife Fight: Two Nebraska mothers lost their bid for a preliminary injunction against the state’s ban on nurse midwives assisting home births, with a federal judge saying the restriction is meant to protect health and safety. UNL Data Overhaul: UNL reorganized its NSSE survey results into four audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Omaha Weather: Spotty rain showers are possible Saturday in the Omaha area, with a drier second half of the weekend and more rain chances returning next week. Husker Volleyball: No. 1 Nebraska opened Big Ten play with a 3-0 sweep of Rutgers, led by Harper Murray and Andi Jackson, while Bergen Reilly ran the offense. Big Ten Football Preview: Nebraska begins conference play at Michigan State, with the Huskers favored in betting as both teams enter the matchup with very different offensive profiles. Immigration & Beef: A U.S. immigration crackdown in southwest Kansas disrupted beef processing, slowing plants and backing up cattle.

Weather & Agriculture: More rain is expected tonight across Nebraska, with heavy downpours possible and localized flooding risk where areas already saw 2 to 4 inches in the past 48 hours; climatologists warn the wet stretch could delay harvest for weeks, possibly months. State Government & Agriculture Relief: Gov. Jim Pillen signed executive orders giving Nebraska farmers a 90-day diesel tax pause and guidance allowing dyed diesel for qualifying agricultural vehicles during the fuel emergency, including pickups and service trucks heading to fields. Child Welfare Funding: Nebraska DHHS won nearly $1.5 million in federal grants to modernize the child welfare system, including updates to licensing procedures like fingerprinting and background checks. Local Community Support: West Omaha’s Hope Garden at Faithful Shepherd Presbyterian is feeding people through Heartland Hope Mission as part of One Omaha’s “Good Neighbor Week.” Public Safety/Justice: A Lincoln man was sentenced for a crash that killed Civic Nebraska’s director of operations, with the case tied to inattentive driving and a distracted pedestrian. Sports (Big Ten opener): Nebraska opens conference play on the road at Michigan State Saturday, with the Huskers listed as a 5.5-point favorite. UNL Research: UNL reorganized NSSE results into audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support, highlighting strengths and improvement areas. Upcoming Treasurer Auction: Nebraska’s State Treasurer will auction abandoned safe deposit box contents online Oct. 6–13, including rare coins and jewelry.

Minimum Wage & Courts: Nebraska’s minimum wage is set to rise to $15.26 in 2027, 29 cents below the voter-approved inflation formula—after lawmakers changed the adjustment method, and Lincoln’s rate remains tied up in court. Missing Persons Study: A new initiative backed by recently passed legislation will push the State Patrol to study how to better report, investigate, and track missing Black women and children. Weather & Flood Risk: Eastern Nebraska is in a wet stretch with rain and occasional thunderstorms through Saturday, then a brief Sunday-to-Monday break before more rain returns early next week. Gaming Revenue: Nebraska casino gaming tax receipts dipped in August, with WarHorse Casino Lincoln paying about $1.57 million to the state and host city/county. Workforce Pipeline: Despite a tight Nebraska labor market, 70% of employers say they don’t collaborate with colleges or universities to build talent pipelines. Education & Training: Central Community College opened a new $20 million automotive career training center in Hastings, expanding capacity for hands-on programs. Local Governance: Fremont is moving toward a policy change that would allow homeschooled applicants to be hired for city jobs after a hiring roadblock.

Nebraska Big Ten opener: Nebraska heads to Michigan State for its first Big Ten game, leaning on a top rushing attack led by Jamal Rule as coordinators Dana Holgorsen and Rob Aurich set expectations for a road test. State tax snapshot: Nebraska collected $1.8 billion in combined taxes in Q1 2026, up 3.9% from the same quarter last year, with sales/gross receipts and income taxes driving most of the total. Ag relief from Gov. Pillen: Pillen signed executive orders offering temporary diesel-tax relief for farmers and haulers using dyed fuel and easing weight limits for hauling seasonal crops and livestock, while also urging a federal pause on diesel exports. Chancellor search at UNL: UNL’s next chancellor search is underway, with a committee forming for listening sessions and a national search firm expected to help recruit candidates. Data breach settlement: Nebraska’s AG joined a multistate $2.3 million settlement with Labcorp tied to the 2019 AMCA data breach, with new vendor-management requirements. Fuel and weather: Rain is delaying harvest across parts of Nebraska, and GasBuddy reports show spotty low prices for regular and diesel in several counties. Local public safety: A Lincoln man convicted in a 2024 double murder is seeking a new trial and new attorney, while Grand Island police investigate a burglary at G.I. Auto Repair. Community events: Ak-Sar-Ben Stock Show runs Sept. 24-27 in Grand Island, and Save a Life Day at Central Community College Kearney offers free naloxone and overdose prevention info.