AGP Executive Report

College sports policy: Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer used Nick Saban’s Senate testimony to score a friendly jab over his record vs. Tom Osborne-era Nebraska, as Saban argued NIL shouldn’t turn into a pay-for-play bidding war driven by transfer spending. Rural leadership & workforce: UNL researchers and Nebraska Extension are testing a community-wide leadership model in Seward, embedding with local projects instead of only training individuals. Energy in Nebraska: Nebraska Public Power District is studying potential nuclear plant sites, including a Gage County location, with local support and siting backlash history in focus. Water & river recreation: The Missouri National Recreational River is coordinating a multi-agency “water trails” plan to boost paddling access and safety across Nebraska and South Dakota. Ag health watch: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in South Texas; Nebraska vets say don’t panic, but livestock wound monitoring and readiness matter. Local business growth: Neligh and Clearwater economic development efforts since 2018 have pulled in $1.47M+ for housing, downtown work, and infrastructure. Construction jobs: A national report shows construction employment rising in many states, but warns Congress must renew highway/transit funding to sustain momentum.

Water & Agriculture: Nebraska’s Republican River planning group delivered water to Kansas’ Harlan County Lake account ahead of the June 1 deadline, cutting surface-water “administration days” to 16 versus an estimated 81 by coordinating storage and releases with federal and local partners. Data Centers & Water Conservation: Google announced $17M in water stewardship grants, including $3M for Omaha’s Metropolitan Utilities District to expand leak detection across 500 miles of priority water lines. Local Energy Policy: Nebraska lawmakers and public power leaders highlighted LB 1261 as a “transformative” step for private energy help in public power and AI growth. Ag Innovation: Purdue’s DIAL Ventures Fund II held its first close, building on a $30M+ agrifood portfolio and launching new studio cycles. Public Safety: Hastings police logged 128 citations during a seat belt enforcement push funded by Nebraska DOT. Environment & Waste: North Central Nebraska RC&D and partners hosted a tire amnesty in O’Neill, aiming to keep tires out of landfills and reduce illegal burning. Health Watch: A chlorine gas exposure at Pawnee Plunge Water Park sent 12 people for emergency treatment.

Energy Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1261, clearing the way for public power districts to partner with private companies on major energy infrastructure—aimed at protecting Nebraska ratepayers as demand rises for data centers and other new loads. Ag Innovation: UNL unveiled new wheat and triticale varieties built for Nebraska weather risk, and the UNL producer-backed wheat variety tours run June 10–18 across seven locations. Livestock & Conservation: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-funded program to help farmers and ranchers protect big-game migration corridors on private land, now covering Nebraska and 16 other states. Workforce Housing: North Platte City Council approved a TIF for Newberry Village, a planned workforce park of single-wide homes tied largely to Sustainable Beef employees. Public Health: Five of 18 hantavirus-exposed cruise passengers left Omaha’s quarantine unit for home monitoring; 13 remain under Nebraska Medicine oversight. Roads & Infrastructure: NDOT crews began June 1 work on multiple Nebraska highway projects, including US-20, N-57, and I-129 lighting upgrades. Food Access: Grand Island area schools and partners are offering free summer meals for kids through USDA’s Summer Food Service Program.

Energy Policy: Nebraska lawmakers and Gov. Jim Pillen celebrated LB 1261, a “transformative” energy law meant to let private companies finance and build large generation for big industrial users—aiming to keep costs from landing on public power ratepayers. Agriculture & Wildlife: USDA rolled out a new migratory big game conservation framework across 17 states, including Nebraska, to improve landscape connectivity and forage for elk, pronghorn and mule deer while keeping working lands working. Permitting Fight: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey led a 21-state push at the U.S. Supreme Court to stop activist groups from suing to block federal permitting before states can review—arguing it could delay housing, energy and military projects. Public Safety/Health: UNMC and Nebraska Medicine continued managing hantavirus exposure from the MV Hondius; five passengers have left Omaha for home monitoring, while 13 remain under observation. Consumer Protection: The BBB warned Omaha shoppers about a fake “Thrifty Auto Sales Shop” website using stolen photos and paperwork to scam buyers. Ag Tech & Equipment Finance: DPA Auctions acquired AgIQ and expanded its fleet valuation tools with AssetManager, giving producers and dealers a continuously updated view of equipment fair market value. Workforce/Operations: Nebraska’s fertilizer-hauling waiver expands Hours of Service flexibility for drivers in 34 states, allowing up to 16 hours driving in a 24-hour period during the summer window.

Berkshire Hathaway Moves Fast: Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway, under new CEO Greg Abel, committed $16.8B in two days—highlighted by a $6.8B deal to buy homebuilder Taylor Morrison and a major Alphabet/Google investment tied to AI. Rail Merger Watch: The federal Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more details and public-interest input, likely slowing timelines. Nebraska Infrastructure: Lincoln is gearing up for a $5.45M 27th Street rehabilitation project, with phased work and utility, ADA, and signal upgrades. Data Center Politics: Lincoln County commissioners punted on a data center zoning moratorium, instead directing planning staff to revise zoning rules and report back. Manufacturing Pulse: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index stayed above growth neutral but slipped, with hiring weak and inflation pressures rising. Ag & Food Industry: USDA’s early crop condition read shows Nebraska corn at 42.49 (down from last week), while Concordia ag students served a sold-out McLean Beef Dinner. Public Health in Nebraska: UNMC-linked hantavirus cruise quarantines continued to ease as some passengers returned home to finish monitoring. Consumer Scam Alert: Omaha’s BBB warned of a lookalike “Thrifty Auto Sales” website scam that allegedly took $1,500 without delivering a vehicle.

Local Federal Help: Sen. Deb Fischer’s staff will hold in-person office hours in Custer and Loup Counties on June 2, with agriculture outreach director Josh Jelden available for federal casework. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A dust-storm pileup on I-80 near Ogallala left one dead and sent five others to hospital; separately, Grand Island begins a long summer stretch of State Street closures tied to curb, sidewalk, drainage, and traffic-safety work. Energy & Utilities: Storms knocked out power for hundreds across Omaha-area and parts of Nebraska/Iowa, while a new map shows electricity prices jumping sharply in some states—an issue that’s increasingly hitting household budgets. Agriculture & Environment: UNL adjusted wheat variety tours after drought and frost damage, and a cover-crop incentive program reopens with higher payments for eligible producers. Food & Business: A Nebraska farm business is rolling out a 24/7 beef vending machine, expanding local access to its products. Housing Deal Watch: Berkshire Hathaway agreed to buy Taylor Morrison for $6.8B in cash, signaling continued momentum in the housing sector. Health Update: Two cruise passengers exposed to hantavirus in Nebraska say they plan to stay the full quarantine period.

Undergrad Research Funding: UNL awarded stipends to 129 Husker undergraduates for summer research and creative projects through UCARE/UCARE-style programs, with work spanning engineering, chemistry, architecture, psychology, fisheries and wildlife, and more. Severe Weather & Construction Costs: Verisk reports roof replacement and repair costs jumped sharply in 2025 even as overall claims fell, pointing to hail volatility and aging roof stock—an issue that hits Nebraska’s insurance and building markets. Agriculture Update: UNL adjusted its 2026 Wheat Variety Tour after drought and freeze damage, canceling some stops and moving others indoors to keep growers getting usable variety performance info. Energy & Local Growth: Lincoln County commissioners will weigh a potential data center proposal tied to a Tenaska natural-gas plant, including a possible temporary moratorium and zoning review. Road Safety: Lincoln Police launches a summer traffic enforcement push starting June 1, targeting speeding and other hazardous violations with grant funding. Transportation Disruptions: Nebraska State Patrol investigated major I-80 crashes near Cozad and Brule, including a 16-vehicle pileup tied to a dust storm. Business & Housing: Berkshire Hathaway agreed to buy Omaha-based Taylor Morrison for about $6.8B, signaling continued confidence in U.S. homebuilding.

Severe Crash on I-80: A dust storm helped trigger a 16-vehicle pileup near Brule (mile marker 118), killing one driver and sending five others to Ogallala Community Hospital with serious injuries; I-80 was shut down both directions during the investigation and cleanup. Workplace Safety at Cargill: Nebraska City first responders and Cargill crews handled an ammonia leak at Cargill Value Added Meats; 10 people were treated as a precaution, levels were cleared to 0 ppm, and officials said there was no outside risk. Local Energy & Data Centers: Lincoln County commissioners will weigh a possible moratorium on data center development after Tenaska contacted residents about a natural gas-fueled plant proposal. Traffic Enforcement Push: Lincoln Police will run a summer speeding-focused enforcement campaign from June 1 through Aug. 31, funded by a Nebraska DOT Highway Safety grant. Ag Update—Wheat Tour Changes: UNL’s 2026 Wheat Variety Tour is being reshaped due to drought and freeze damage, with several field days canceled or moved indoors. Livestock Markets: USDA’s feeder and stocker cattle summary and futures updates show active trading and shifting prices across cattle and grains. Medical Cannabis Legal Fight: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers joined other Republican attorneys general challenging the federal medical marijuana rescheduling in court. Sports—WCWS Sunday Setup: Nebraska softball faces elimination Sunday vs. Texas after Saturday’s loss to Alabama, with the winner advancing in the bracket.

Hotel-Trafficking Sentences: A 27-year-old man from Gujarat, Kavankumar Patel, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for sex trafficking of a minor tied to an Omaha AmericInn, after Omaha police uncovered the scheme during a theft call and federal agents rescued two underage girls; Patel will face deportation after serving his time. Marijuana Policy Fight: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined Indiana and Louisiana in asking a federal appeals court to block the Trump administration’s medical cannabis rescheduling, arguing the move exceeds legal authority—while state officials warn businesses still lack clear federal guidance. Rural Hospitals Funding: The Senate passed a five-year extension of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration, keeping Medicare payment experiments alive in Nebraska and other states that rely on rural access to care. Airport Infrastructure: Eppley Airfield in Omaha is set to receive another $10.5 million for terminal and boarding-bridge upgrades as part of a broader $523 million federal airport modernization push. Local Infrastructure: Lincoln announced multiple street closures starting June 1 for utility and water main work. Public Health Watch: Two New Yorkers exposed to hantavirus tied to a cruise ship remain under monitoring in Nebraska, with quarantine expected to end soon under a home-based plan.

Public Health: Hantavirus monitoring tied to the MV Hondius continues in Omaha, but two New York passengers are expected to finish quarantine at home next week, with officials stressing no immediate public risk. Aviation & Infrastructure: The FAA is sending $10.5 million to Omaha’s Eppley Airfield for terminal and boarding-bridge reconstruction as part of a $523 million airport upgrade push across 43 states. Manufacturing Jobs: WK Kellogg is laying off the remaining ~450 workers at its Omaha plant in late July through mid-August, with severance and the facility slated for sale. Ag & Rural Workforce: A new report highlights a persistent access gap for large-animal veterinarians in rural America, including Nebraska examples where solo practices can’t keep up. Local Safety: Lincoln Police wrapped up a school-zone enforcement drive (May 1-14) with 105 stops and 117 citations, including 48 speeding tickets. Food Security: New data says SNAP access is shrinking fast, with millions losing benefits as work requirements expand. Ag Exports: U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council brought Mexican feed nutritionists to Nebraska to spotlight corn co-products like DDGS for livestock diets. Public Safety/Justice: An Omaha hotel worker, Kavan Kumar Patel, was sentenced to 10 years for sex trafficking of a minor, with deportation facing after prison.

Biofuels & Land Prices: A new study links the ethanol boom to lasting farmland appreciation, arguing it reshaped rural wealth and may have widened inequality and tightened land access for beginning farmers. Farm Profitability: Penn State research finds common fungicide-treated soybean seed often boosts yields only modestly, and costs may erase gains unless used in high-risk situations. Mental Health in Agriculture: Sen. Jerry Moran joined Sen. Deb Fischer and others to introduce a bipartisan resolution for May 29 as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day, pushing for better support for producers. Young Producers: Young cattle producers across the region are forming peer networks to share solutions on today’s toughest industry barriers. Nitrogen Use: Purdue research suggests corn growers may cut nitrogen more than expected without sacrificing yields, aiming for a “triple win” for profits and air/water quality. Trade Pressure: China’s retaliatory tariffs are estimated to have wiped out about $14.9B in U.S. ag export sales over a year, with soybeans hit hardest. Nebraska Energy: Nebraska Public Power District is studying potential new nuclear sites, including a Gage County location, as utilities weigh future power options. Local Safety & Food: Lincoln police reported 117 school-zone citations during a May enforcement push; Nebraska also begins issuing Summer EBT benefits for eligible families.

Rail Watch: The Surface Transportation Board accepted Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern’s merger filing but asked for more details, pushing the process into an Environmental Impact Statement with public input and more meetings. Ag & Drought Relief: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for Nebraska small businesses and private nonprofits hit by drought starting April 1, while USDA base acre updates could boost farm program support for producers who opt in by early summer. Food Assistance: Nebraska DHHS issued the first Summer EBT payments—$120 per eligible child—with rules that benefits can’t be used for soda or energy drinks. Construction Safety: Nebraska’s Department of Labor urged residents to avoid big upfront payments, check references, and confirm contractors are registered before work begins. Public Health: Hantavirus-exposed cruise passengers in Nebraska may be allowed to return home soon, but must keep 24/7 monitoring during the remaining quarantine period. Local Industry: Crews battled a major grain elevator fire at Heartland Co-Op in Randolph, with aerial ladder trucks brought in as the blaze spread high on the structure.

Drought Watch: ABC News reports more than 60% of the U.S. is in moderate drought or worse, with winter wheat hit hard; USDA data shows Nebraska at the top for poor-to-very-poor winter wheat ratings (82%), as dry March–May conditions limit growth. Local Agriculture Impact: High Plains News highlights Perkins County producers facing worsening winter wheat stress and declining pasture/rangeland as dryland acres depend on limited rainfall. Ag Risk Management: Nebraska Extension outlines how some CRP acres may be opened for emergency grazing/haying during drought, with producers needing FSA approval and NRCS plan updates. Rail & Logistics: Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern say the Surface Transportation Board accepted their amended merger application—an important step toward a more competitive rail network. Nebraska Energy: Nebraska Public Service Commission approved the Black Hills/NorthWestern natural gas utility merger with customer protections, including a freeze on base rate increases through May 1, 2028. Tech & Infrastructure: Hurricane Electric added a new Lincoln PoP at Lincoln Data Centers to expand IPv4/IPv6 backbone access for the Midwest. STEM Pipeline: UNO research explores what draws girls back into science fairs and research experiences—aimed at boosting STEM participation. Gaming Economy: Nebraska casinos posted $27.1M in April gross gaming revenue, up 28.3% year over year. Public Safety: Norfolk Fire and Rescue responded to a vehicle crash that broke a natural gas meter and triggered evacuations until the leak was stopped.

Highway & Construction: Nebraska DOT says work starts June 1 on US-20 from Laurel to N-116, with concrete patching, bridge work and asphalt paving; completion is targeted for late spring 2027. Ag Logistics: DOT temporarily loosened hours-of-service rules for fertilizer haulers in 30+ states, including Nebraska, letting drivers run up to 16 hours per day through Aug. 26 to keep product moving during planting and fill. Food Prices: A new inflation push is building for groceries, with bad weather, tariffs and a smaller cattle herd already lifting costs, and Iran plus possible El Niño risks adding pressure into 2027. Farm Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee is moving farm bill talks forward while the year-round E15 fight heats up, with corn-state lawmakers pushing for permanent sales. Local Education & Workforce: Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation named 40 “Ag in the Classroom” champions, and UNL grads earned NSF Graduate Research Fellowships in engineering education and structural engineering. Cattle Health: Nebraska cattle herds have reported theileria detections, adding another watch item for producers. Regional Health Services: LIFENET 1-4 launched in Siouxland, already transporting 90+ patients since opening in Nov. 2025.

Corn Belt Weather & Ag: A new study links Corn Belt irrigation and shallow groundwater to more frequent and longer-lasting thunderstorm complexes, boosting severe-weather risk from Ohio to Nebraska. Food Prices: Grocery inflation is expected to keep climbing into 2027 as bad weather, tariffs, and a smaller cattle herd squeeze supply, with consumers feeling it before the next midterms. Nebraska Broadband: Nebraska is reopening its BEAD portal after some providers didn’t sign final agreements, leaving 12% of eligible locations uncommitted; rural access gaps remain a live issue. Energy Grid Rules: A national report card grades state interconnection policies for solar and storage, highlighting how permitting and process quality can slow projects. Cattle Health Watch: Nebraska authorities are flagging the risk of tick-borne theileria after detections tied to imported cattle. Drought & Ranch Decisions: Nebraska Extension is set to host a drought management webinar for beef producers, focusing on herd and forage options. Local Business & Jobs: PrideStaff expands into Omaha (West) with a new office aimed at matching employers and candidates across industries. Public Safety: Police in Scottsbluff say a dog accidentally triggered a loaded shotgun inside a parked truck, injuring a woman. Ag Policy: Sen. Pete Ricketts pushes legislation to reduce U.S. farm reliance on China by targeting alternative export markets. Research Spotlight: UNL researchers mapped a chloroplast “assembly line” region tied to building and maintaining photosynthesis membranes.

STEM & Campus Momentum: Three UNL grads just won 2026 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, and UNL law professor Jessica Shoemaker landed a Harvard Radcliffe Institute fellowship focused on climate justice and property law. Nebraska Agriculture Health: The Nebraska Department of Agriculture says Theileria has been detected in cattle herds statewide after imported animals tested positive—no vaccine, so tick control and fast vet reporting are the play. Energy & Courts: Georgia AG Chris Carr urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a Boulder, Colorado lawsuit that would let one city effectively set national energy policy. Infrastructure on the Ground: Lincoln County approved permits for a major NPPD transmission project, with construction expected to start in June. Policy Watch: A bipartisan college sports bill is expected soon, aiming to limit player movement and eligibility rules via a limited antitrust exemption. Public Safety: Nebraska’s “move over” law is generating more citations than in prior years, and separate reports include a dog-triggered shotgun incident injuring a woman in Scottsbluff. Sports Spotlight: Nebraska softball is headed to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. Tech & Kids Online: Connecticut launched an investigation into Roblox over child exploitation concerns.