AGP Executive Report

Nebraska Supreme Court: The court unanimously upheld Nebraska’s voter-approved medical marijuana laws, rejecting a challenge that alleged petition fraud and “notarial malfeasance,” with the justices saying the plaintiffs failed to show enough signatures were invalid to derail the 2024 initiatives. Election Integrity & Ballot Petitions: The ruling keeps the focus on how Nebraska handles initiative signatures and notarization rules, after earlier lower-court findings that the petitions had enough valid signatures. Housing Snapshot (HUD): HUD’s Picture of Subsidized Households showed several Nebraska cities with stable public housing counts in 2025 versus 2024, including Creighton (33), Hooper (25), Blair (100), Auburn (49), McCook (30), and Genoa (20), while Terrytown fell by one unit (63). Public Safety & Policy: A new TSA program, Gateside by TSA PreCheck, lets eligible travelers pass through security without a flight ticket at 13 airports, including Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Agriculture & Politics: An opinion piece highlights growing rural frustration over costs and trade pressures, while another argues new rules give farmers more self-reliance.

Ballot Petition Fight: Gov. Jim Pillen and Sec. of State Bob Evnen are pushing Nebraska lawmakers to tighten petition rules after suspected signature fraud, including calls to ban pay-per-signature collection, require circulators to be U.S. citizens, bar felons, and add training. Election Integrity: Evnen says county election officials and the state’s signature checks helped catch fraud, with investigations tied to Lincoln charter petitions and other 2026 ballot efforts. State Budget Clash: University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold used his State of the University address to argue for more funding as lawmakers weigh deficits and Pillen urges spending cuts; Gold says NU returns far more economic impact than it receives. Local Governance: York City Council approved allowing UTVs on streets but not golf carts, while York County handled staffing changes after a zoning administrator resigned to become Hamilton County attorney. Public Safety & Courts: Nebraska Court of Appeals will hold oral arguments on Constitution Day at UNL, inviting students and the public. Immigration/Crime: Nebraska officials say an ICE arrest in Omaha followed information shared through the Nebraska Information Analysis Center. Other Nebraska Notes: A recall effort in Gage County failed to qualify by deadline, and York High School announced Hall of Fame inductees.

Beef Tariffs Backlash: Nebraska and other beef-heavy states’ Republicans are warning President Trump that lifting tariffs on foreign ground beef is “hurting” the very voters who backed him, with Sen. Mike Rounds saying ranchers and farmers feel the administration “pulled the rug right out from underneath.” Rural Economic Pressure: A new American Farm Bureau Federation outlook projects about $31 billion in 2026 farm losses tied to weak markets plus higher fuel and fertilizer costs linked to the Iran war’s disruption of shipping routes. Nebraska Senate Race Spotlight: U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn faced off at the Nebraska State Fair, trading barbs on spending, health care, and outside money, with Ricketts defending his “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and Osborn accusing him of corruption. State Budget & Incentives: Nebraska lawmakers discussed whether economic development tax incentives still make sense as the state faces a 2027-session deficit, focusing on return on investment and risk. Medicaid Rule Concerns: Health groups warn a CMS Medicaid “community engagement” exemption approach could unfairly restrict access for people with autoimmune and rheumatologic conditions ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 deadline.

U.S. Senate Showdown: Incumbent Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent challenger Dan Osborn traded sharp lines at the Nebraska State Fair debate, with Ricketts repeatedly labeling Osborn “Democrat Dan” and both sides focusing on tariffs, affordability, and the war with Iran while agreeing expanded foreign beef imports won’t fix Nebraska’s rancher problems. State Government Tech: Gov. Jim Pillen says Nebraska.gov’s new “Nebraska Navigator” AI chatbot is live statewide after a DMV pilot, aiming to cut call volume and help residents 24/7 in multiple languages. Federal Disaster Aid (Neighboring State): FEMA approved Kansas public assistance for June 4-15 storm damage, listing dozens of affected counties and naming Willie G. Nunn as federal coordinating officer. Agriculture Policy: USDA rolled out a “Ranchers First” cattle herd plan, including a two-year Livestock Risk Protection endorsement for breeding heifers—though one analyst questioned how a government can price value that far out. Nebraska Elections: Nebraska’s Secretary of State certified two new political parties, opening registration ahead of the Nov. 3 ballot. Economy Watch: The Fed’s Beige Book reports modest economic growth, slightly higher employment, and moderate price increases, leaving rate decisions in play. Energy Prices: GasBuddy spotlights Nebraska’s week-to-week volatility, with some counties seeing single-station “lowest” prices for regular, midgrade, diesel, and E85.

Nebraska U.S. Senate Showdown: Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn traded barbs at the Nebraska State Fair debate, fighting over tariffs, the war with Iran, immigration enforcement, and whether Osborn is secretly aligned with Democrats. State Fair Politics & Money: Both candidates also went after each other’s ties to donors and outside influence, with Ricketts repeatedly branding Osborn “Democrat Dan.” Courts & Ballot Access: Nebraska’s “Respect Nebraska Voters” petition fight continues as the state Supreme Court and election officials weigh whether the initiative can appear on the 2026 ballot. Child Safety Online: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers released a new “Parenting in the Digital Age” guide tied to the multistate Meta settlement, with Nebraska set to receive up to $201.1 million. Public Safety Case Update: Alliance police filed additional CSAM-related charges against Daniel Cortinas after investigators found a separate phone tied to alleged abuse. Rural Lawsuit: A Sandhills ranch family is suing over a prescribed burn that killed 46 cattle and is seeking $272,000 in damages. Energy & Growth Debate: Nebraska’s data-center push remains politically charged as Trump warns communities rejecting them could fall behind economically. Local Government: Sutton, Nebraska, faces a mayoral vacancy scenario with no candidate filed, setting up City Council President Michael Newman to assume the role.

Nebraska Senate showdown at the State Fair: Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn traded sharp lines on health care, immigration enforcement, and Trump’s beef import/tariff moves, with Osborn arguing Medicaid cuts and higher ICE spending are hurting Nebraskans while Ricketts defended his record and work requirements. Ag and trade pressure on cattle country: Both candidates focused on the temporary tariff waiver and increased ground-beef imports, with Osborn warning it could undercut ranchers rebuilding after drought and Ricketts saying uncertainty makes it harder to expand herds. Working People Party grows the field: Robin Richards filed to run for U.S. Senate under the newly qualified Nebraska Working People Party, adding another option to a race already featuring Ricketts and Osborn. DHHS interRAI reversal: Nebraska DHHS backed away from using Alvarez & Marsal to review interRAI assessments for disability waiver recipients and will instead seek bids via a public RFP. DMV goes statewide with AI: Nebraska will expand its “Ask the DMV” AI assistant statewide after a pilot cut call volume and boosted online service referrals. Federal truck school crackdown lands in Nebraska: Nebraska DMV says it’s not aware of any local schools affected by a federal order targeting truck driving schools over English proficiency testing. Public safety tech controversy: A Nebraska school district’s use of shock gloves is part of a wider backlash as lawmakers push to restrict the devices.

Nebraska Elections: Former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom has refiled for Nebraska governor, this time as the America First Party candidate, after earlier ballot-signature problems. Statehouse Ballot Fight: Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen ruled the “Respect Nebraska Voters” initiative is too broad under the single-subject rule; the campaign says it will challenge the decision at the Nebraska Supreme Court. AG in Court: Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced a federal court win striking down New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act as unenforceable. Campaign & Governance: Lincoln County Commissioner Chris Bruns returned to his seat after a DUI arrest, apologizing publicly and saying he won’t discuss case details. Energy & Agriculture: A manure-to-renewable natural gas project broke ground near Broken Bow, aiming to cut emissions and turn feedlot waste into pipeline-quality gas. Tech & Policy: Tech Nebraska is transitioning to an independent, member-driven organization, and KBR was selected for front-end engineering on a large-scale e-methane project in Norfolk. Digital Safety: Hilgers’ office highlighted a multistate settlement requiring Meta to make changes to Instagram and Facebook protections for children. SNAP Legal Update: Federal court action put SNAP junk-food restrictions on hold in two states, while others remain affected.

Nebraska Ballot Fight: Sec. of State Bob Evnen says the “Respect Nebraska Voters” initiative violates the state’s single-subject rule, and the campaign says it will challenge the ruling in Nebraska Supreme Court. Amazon Ad Lawsuit: Nebraska is among 22 states plus the FTC suing Amazon over alleged “hidden surcharges” that inflated ad prices by more than $20 billion. Elections Under Pressure: A federal court battle over Trump’s mail-voting restrictions continues, with a judge blocking USPS from carrying out new rules and a separate report showing more late-arriving mail ballots being rejected, including in Nebraska. Air Pollution Court Battle: GOP attorneys general, including Nebraska’s, ask the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a decision upholding tighter soot limits from the Biden-era EPA. Beef Policy Clash: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins touts a beef plan aimed at producer confidence and price-risk tools, while Nebraska cattle producers warn Trump’s beef import moves could undercut the domestic market. Meta Settlement: Nebraska is set to receive up to $201 million from a multistate Meta child-safety settlement tied to changes for Instagram and Facebook. Energy & Agriculture Growth: A renewable natural gas facility is breaking ground in Broken Bow, Nebraska, turning feedlot manure into RNG.

Nebraska Ballot Watch: Voters in November will weigh major election administration, abortion access, and sex-eligibility rules for school sports, with Nebraska among states that rejected abortion-protection measures in past votes. Nebraska Courts & Elections: Nebraska Supreme Court action is forcing Lincoln to certify petitions for the Nov. 3 ballot or explain a refusal, keeping petition fights front and center. Sports Eligibility on the Ballot: A recurring national theme is requiring sex verification for athletes, with Nebraska tied to the broader debate over sex-based K-12 and collegiate sports restrictions. Ag & Federal Policy: Trump’s beef import plan (up to 300,000 metric tons) is drawing heavy pushback from cattle producers, with farm-state Republicans warning it could hurt GOP Senate prospects. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices remain a hot topic locally, with multiple Nebraska counties reporting week-ending Aug. 22 lows for diesel and midgrade fuel. State Fair & Service: The Nebraska State Fair unveiled a permanent statue honoring America’s 250th birthday and Nebraska military service members. National Guard Partnerships: Nebraska National Guard leaders signed a State Partnership Program agreement with the Marshall Islands, alongside Guam, aimed at disaster preparedness and emergency response.

Medicaid Spending Watch: New federal Medicaid billing data show sharp local spikes in Nebraska health costs, including Papillion’s Medicaid “Surgery” bills jumping to $198 in 2024 (+6,500%), Lincoln’s “Hearing Services” rising to $62,605 (+3,374%), and Kearney’s “Coronavirus Diagnostic Panel” climbing to $8,138 (+166.6%). Veterans Care: The Nebraska VA wrapped up its fourth annual Veterans Mission of Mercy dental event in Yutan, delivering free care to hundreds of veterans and families, with organizers citing a major dental coverage gap. Energy & Prices: GasBuddy reports point to mixed fuel pricing across Nebraska—Franklin County regular hitting $3.85 (lowest in the county), while diesel lows include Keith County at $5.07. Federal Power Planning: The U.S. Department of Energy halted a proposed Tribal Energy Access Corridor that would have helped bring reservation power to market across parts of the northern Plains, including Nebraska. Agriculture & Trade: Nebraska ag leaders are pushing back on Trump’s beef import plan, arguing it won’t fix grocery prices and could undercut producers.

Election Staffing: Douglas County Election Commission is hiring temporary customer service workers for the 2026 midterm, with 8:15 a.m.-5 p.m. shifts starting the week of Sept. 14 for seven weeks at $18.50/hour; applicants must be Nebraska-registered voters (or eligible), hit 40 wpm typing, and pass a drug test and criminal record check. Courts & Ballot Access: Nebraska Supreme Court orders Lincoln to certify Fairness for Girls petitions for the Nov. 3 ballot or explain a refusal, keeping the petition fight in play. State Government & Data Centers: Nebraska AG Hilgers escalates the Lincoln charter petition dispute to the Nebraska Supreme Court, while a separate national debate shows data center opposition in rural Nebraska is cutting across party lines. Federal Immigration Legal Fight: The Trump administration’s DOJ expands lawsuits challenging states’ in-state tuition for immigrants, adding Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington to the list. Local Health Spending: Medicaid billing trends show rising local costs in Nebraska communities, including anesthesia in Fremont, ambulance/transport in South Sioux City and Crete, and surgery in Ogallala.

Nebraska Supreme Court & Lincoln Charter Fight: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers asked the state Supreme Court to force Lincoln to put three Good Government Lincoln charter petitions on the Nov. 3 ballot (or explain why not), arguing the city missed its constitutional duty; the court ordered certification or an answer by Monday. Ballot Access—Fairness for Girls: The Fairness for Girls constitutional amendment qualified for Nebraska’s November ballot after collecting 138,613 valid signatures, setting up a vote on sex-based rules for public K-12 and college sports. Election Staffing: Douglas County Election Commission is hiring temporary customer service workers for the final stretch to the 2026 election, with applications due Sept. 1. Federal Immigration Tuition Lawsuit: The Trump DOJ sued Arizona (and previously New Mexico, Oregon, Washington) over voter-approved in-state tuition for students without lawful status, saying it violates federal supremacy. National Guard Partnership: Nebraska National Guard signed a tri-lateral security partnership with Guam and the Republic of the Marshall Islands focused on emergency management, cyber defense, and regional cooperation. Public Safety & Health: Omaha police are investigating after a newborn was found in an alley and surrendered under Nebraska’s Safe Haven law; meanwhile, a lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak continues expanding into more states.

Nebraska Supreme Court & Lincoln Charter Fight: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers asked the state Supreme Court to force Lincoln to certify three Good Government Lincoln charter petitions for the Nov. 3 ballot, arguing the city missed its constitutional duty; the court ordered Lincoln to certify or explain by Monday, keeping the term-limits, election-year timing, and 3-mile voting-area proposals in play. Ballot Access—Fairness for Girls: The Secretary of State certified the Fairness for Girls constitutional amendment for the November ballot, with 138,613 valid signatures, setting up a vote on sex-separate athletics in public K-12 and colleges. Statewide Politics: Nebraska’s ballot also faces other petition work as officials process additional initiative/referendum proposals ahead of the Sept. 11 certification deadline. Agriculture & Federal Policy: Trump’s beef-import and processing-rights push is drawing fresh backlash from cattle ranchers and farm groups, who warn it could undercut U.S. producers and blur labeling. Public Safety: Omaha police are searching for a mother after an infant was found in an alley and surrendered under Nebraska’s Safe Haven law. Health Watch: A lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak continues expanding nationwide, with Nebraska urged to stay alert as cases surge nearby.

Ballot Access Fight: Nebraska Supreme Court ordered Lincoln to certify three Good Government Lincoln charter petitions for the Nov. 3 ballot or explain by Monday night, escalating a dispute with Attorney General Mike Hilgers over whether the city missed required steps. Sports Rights on the Ballot: The Fairness for Girls constitutional amendment qualified for November after collecting 138,613 valid signatures, setting up a vote on sex-separate athletics in public K-12 and colleges. State Politics & Governance: Nebraska’s Secretary of State also reported other petition work is still underway, with ballot certification due Sept. 11. Public Health: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled lettuce has spread to three more states, with the CDC reporting thousands of lab-confirmed cases nationwide. Immigration & Enforcement: U.S. military says it used a laser to shoot down three suspected cartel drones along the southern border. Ag & Food Policy: Trump says he’s directing legal steps to let farmers and ranchers “process their own food,” aiming to challenge big meat processors. Local Human Services: Omaha police are investigating a newborn found in an alley, while Nebraska CASA highlights back-to-school hurdles for foster youth. Community & Military: Nebraska National Guard joined a new tri-lateral state partnership with Guam and the Marshall Islands under the State Partnership Program.

Lincoln Charter Fight: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers sued Lincoln over the city attorney’s decision to miss the Nov. 3 deadline for Good Government Lincoln’s charter amendments, pushing two measures to May 2027; the dispute centers on whether the city can delay after signatures were verified. Election Administration & Access: A separate report highlights how Nebraska’s new political parties cleared the path after the Nebraska Supreme Court, adding options for voters as the state heads toward November. SNAP Restrictions: South Carolina and North Dakota begin new SNAP “junk food” purchase limits Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, joining a growing list of states—while Nebraska and others had plans paused after a federal court vacated USDA approval. Surveillance Cameras: In Valley County, residents are pushing to remove Flock license-plate reader cameras from the county, arguing privacy harms while the sheriff defends the tool. Immigration Tuition Lawsuits: DOJ added four more state challenges over in-state tuition for undocumented students, including Nebraska, as the administration ramps up legal pressure on residency-based benefits. Meta Settlement Fallout: The multistate Meta teen-safety deal is moving forward, with automatic protections for ages 13–17 and parent-controlled adjustments. Public Health: FDA expanded the cyclospora-linked lettuce outbreak to 20 states, including Nebraska, after recalled Taylor Farms products.

Nebraska Elections & Parties: The Nebraska Supreme Court cleared the way for two new political parties, bringing the state to six total, and voters can now officially register with the Nebraska Working People Party and the America First Party. Local Government: Lincoln city charter amendments missed the Nov. 3 ballot deadline after the city attorney ruled the process couldn’t be completed in time, setting up a court fight involving the Nebraska Attorney General’s office. State Legal Action: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers sued climate risk data company First Street, alleging misleading risk scores that could depress Nebraska homeowners’ property values. Federal Immigration & Higher Ed: The U.S. Justice Department sued New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon and Washington over in-state tuition for undocumented students, expanding a broader Trump-era legal push that already includes Nebraska. Meta Settlement: Nebraska is set to receive up to about $201.1 million from a multistate Meta child-safety settlement tied to changes for Instagram and Facebook. Public Health: The FDA said the cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has spread to 20 states, including Nebraska. Rural Economy & Development: WarHorse South Sioux City broke ground on a $100 million casino and hotel project, aiming to add hundreds of jobs. Gun Politics: The NRA launched a 13-state bus tour for the 2026 midterms that includes stops in Nebraska.