AGP Executive Report

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.

Nebraska Election Integrity: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers says his office is treating petition fraud as a statewide enforcement priority after investigators arrested multiple out-of-state circulators tied to thousands of possibly fraudulent signatures, including for statewide ballot measures and Lincoln charter petitions. State Courts & Parties: A Lancaster County judge ruled Nebraska Democrats don’t have to replace a dropped U.S. Senate nominee, rejecting a lawsuit from William Forbes and pointing to party discretion under state law. Big Tech & Kids: Nebraska’s AG Hilgers announced the state is part of a massive multistate Meta settlement aimed at adding child-safety protections on Instagram and Facebook, with money directed to youth mental-health programs. Public Health: Nebraska health officials urged families to stay current on measles vaccinations as cases surge nearby, amid debate over vaccine scheduling. Energy & Agriculture: Adams Land & Cattle broke ground on a $300 million renewable natural gas project using manure, aiming to turn a feedlot byproduct into pipeline-quality fuel. Defense & Families: A report highlights gaps in promised support for military families with special needs, tied to problems with the EFMP program. Infrastructure Watch: Maryland is splitting the Key Bridge rebuild into four contracts, with major awards targeted for next spring.

Petition Fraud Crackdown: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers says the state is in a “sad period” after criminal investigations into thousands of possibly fraudulent signatures across at least eight Nebraska petitions; six out-of-state circulators are already arrested, with a seventh warrant filed, and Hilgers promises enforcement “no matter who.” Democrats’ Senate Vacancy Fight: A Lancaster County judge dismissed William Forbes’ lawsuit seeking to force the Nebraska Democratic Party to replace its withdrawn U.S. Senate nominee, ruling the party has discretion under state law—clearing the way for Democrats to keep backing independent Dan Osborn. New Political Parties Certified: After a Nebraska Supreme Court ruling, the Secretary of State certified two new parties—Nebraska Working People Party and America First Party—making them official for voters. Lincoln Charter Petitions Under Pressure: Hilgers threatened legal action if Lincoln doesn’t submit three charter-election petitions by Sept. 1, arguing the city may be ignoring its constitutional duty. Meta Settlement Hits Child-Safety Terms: Meta agreed to pay up to $17–$18B in a multistate settlement and add child-safety reforms for Facebook/Instagram, with Nebraska expected to receive a share. Renewable Natural Gas Breaks Ground: Adams Land & Cattle and Neogenyx Fuels broke ground on an RNG project south of Broken Bow, turning manure into pipeline-quality gas and fertilizer. Local Government Watch: Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission fined Adams and Hall County assessors for using public resources in re-election campaigns. Energy Costs & Fuel Prices: Reports show Nebraska diesel and gas prices fluctuating week-to-week, with the Iran war cited as a driver of higher input costs for farmers.

Big Tech, Kids’ Safety: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers announced a multistate $17.1 billion Meta settlement over Instagram and Facebook teen addiction claims, with Nebraska set to receive up to about $201.1 million and Meta required to roll out sweeping child-safety reforms. State Capitol Watch: Hilgers is also set to deliver a major update Wednesday morning in a separate big-tech case, continuing his push on tech safety and security issues. AI Data Centers, Nebraska Politics: A new AP report spotlights how data-center fights in rural Nebraska (including Murdock/Cass County) are uniting conservative farmers and left-leaning environmental groups—an issue that’s cutting across party lines as midterms near. Elections & Campaigns: Gov. Jim Pillen named Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly as his running mate for reelection, setting the stage for a Nov. 3 contest against Democrat Lynne Walz and Legalize Marijuana Now candidate Rick Beard. Health Policy: Medicaid work requirements tied to federal law are set to take effect in more than 40 states, with Nebraska among the broader policy ripple effects. Local Governance: Coverage also looks at how Nebraska township government works—small boards with real day-to-day impact on rural roads and services.

Campaign Finance Enforcement: Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission fined Hall County Assessor Kristi Wold $750 for using public resources for campaign activity, after a complaint from Commissioner Gary Quandt and a settlement admitting a violation. Local Government & Budgets: Nebraska Association of County Officials executive director Jon Cannon briefed Hall County Commissioners on property-tax impacts, county tax needs, and local demographics. Elections & Voting Rules: A Nebraska election expert says a Trump executive order targeting mail voting is unlikely to change what Nebraskans see in November, even after a Supreme Court move temporarily cleared the order. Ballot Access & Party Politics: Two new Nebraska parties—the Nebraska Working People Party and America First Party—filed constitutions and leadership with the Secretary of State, awaiting Nebraska Supreme Court action as deadlines for November candidate filings near. Public Health: North Central District Health Department adopted a regulation and resolution to conduct public swimming pool inspections after LB759 shifted permitting and routine inspections to local governments. State Government & Taxes: Nebraska collected $688.4M in selective sales and gross receipts taxes in 2024, up from 2023, according to Census Bureau data. Education & Civic Life: Gov. Pillen joined federal officials to promote healthier school meals through USDA’s “Harvest to Hallways” program. Public Safety Tech Pause: Alliance Police Chief withdrew a FY27 request for Flock Safety cameras and license plate readers, saying it’s the right time to pause amid national scrutiny. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Nebraska’s weekly averages edging up, with Cherry County regular hitting $3.81 and Otoe County premium dipping to $4.25 at a single station.

Beef Import Fight: Trump’s plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free foreign ground beef over 90 days is drawing fresh backlash from Republican ranchers and cattle groups, who warn it could undercut rebuilding America’s herd while critics question the “cheaper for families” promise. Nebraska Politics & Policy: Nebraska’s Secretary of State certified two online sports betting measures for the November ballot, setting up a vote on expanding internet wagering. School Meals Push: Gov. Jim Pillen backed a federal “Harvest to Hallways” push for healthier school meals, but a new USDA/HHS rule isn’t expected to take effect this school year. Ballot Access Legal Challenge: An objection has been filed against a proposed Nebraska constitutional amendment aimed at limiting lawmakers’ ability to change voter-approved laws, with the Secretary of State set to decide whether it meets the single-subject requirement. State Government Watch: The Nebraska state auditor reported improper payments in an aged and disabled waiver program. Local Governance: A Nebraska school district adopted new rules after censoring an anti-ICE student cartoon, tightening administrators’ power over student journalism.

Big 4 Climate Disclosure Fight: Nebraska AG Brenna Bird joined a multi-state push challenging whether Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC can require climate-related financial reporting without violating professional duties—arguing the costs get passed to small businesses and consumers. Beef Prices, Politics Collide: Sen. Pete Ricketts and Gov. Jim Pillen weighed in on Trump’s plan to lower beef prices by temporarily allowing more imports without higher tariffs, while Nebraska candidates also hit the issue from the picket line. Nebraska Ballot Measure Scrutiny: Nebraska’s Secretary of State will decide if the “Respect Nebraska Voters” measure is too broad for the November ballot, after a GOP-Dem pair argued it violates the state’s single-subject rule. Election Integrity Lawsuit: Republicans are asking the Nebraska Supreme Court to weigh a “never resident” voting law that lets some voters abroad (and even in other states) cast ballots in Nebraska. State Government Oversight: The Nebraska State Auditor flagged questionable billing in the aged and disabled waiver program, including providers billing for more hours than authorized. School Journalism Censorship: A Nebraska district censored an anti-ICE student cartoon, then adopted a policy giving administrators formal power to restrict student journalism before publication. Veterans Health IT Rollout: The VA deployed a federal electronic health record system to three Indiana hospitals, with Nebraska listed among future deployment states. Local Civic Education: Nebraska’s “Kid Governor” style civic program continues to spread as states expand youth election training.

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 workers sleep in cars instead of hotels. Consumer Protection: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers secured 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 deceptive marketing concerns. Child Welfare Tech Grant: Nebraska was selected for a federal three-year predictive analytics grant to improve child welfare decision-making and reduce unnecessary foster care entries. Midterm Politics: Nebraska parties held weekend events to court metro voters; Democrats also voted not to fill a Senate vacancy tied to Cindy Burbank’s exit, keeping the field clear for nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn. Election Integrity Fight: Nebraska’s Legal Marijuana NOW Party and Dan Osborn’s campaign are again in the spotlight after records say Osborn staffers joined efforts that could help shape party nominations. Defense Industry Visit: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to speak Monday at Oshkosh Corp. as part of the “Arsenal of Freedom” push for faster, commercial-first defense manufacturing. Beef Tariff Fallout: Trump’s temporary easing of ground beef tariffs drew pushback from ranch-state Republicans, including Kansas lawmakers warning it could hurt cattle producers.

Child Welfare Tech Grant: Nebraska was picked for a three-year federal Children’s Bureau grant to test predictive analytics in child welfare, with DHHS aiming to spot risk earlier, connect families to prevention services, and reduce unnecessary foster-care entries. Midterm Politics in Nebraska: Nebraska Democrats voted not to fill Cindy Burbank’s Senate vacancy, keeping the party’s strategy clear for nonpartisan Dan Osborn; meanwhile, both parties are courting metro voters ahead of November. U.S. House-White House Outreach: A report says Jared Kushner met privately with House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, signaling White House efforts to work with Democrats if Republicans lose control. Beef Tariff Fight: Trump’s 90-day plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of foreign ground beef in tariff-free has triggered backlash from ranchers and GOP lawmakers, who say the details are murky and the move could undercut U.S. cattle producers. Defense Industrial Base Tour: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit Omaha and Oshkosh as part of the “Arsenal of Freedom” push to speed up defense manufacturing and contracts. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Nebraska’s diesel average at $4.98 for the week ending Aug. 15, with multiple counties seeing single-station “lowest” deals.

Immigration & Deportations: Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is pushing back on Trump administration deportation tactics after an Omaha woman, Mariana Juarez, was ordered removed despite no criminal record and deep community ties—Bacon calls it “overreach” and says Congress needs to fix the laws. Congressional Politics: Nebraska’s 2nd District is shaping up as a national watch race: retiring Rep. Don Bacon’s seat pits GOP Omaha City Councilmember Brinker Harding against Democrat Denise Powell, in a district that backed Harris for president but still elects Republicans to Congress. Beef Tariffs & Rural Fallout: Trump’s 90-day plan to allow tariff-free foreign ground beef imports at “25% below market” is drawing GOP blowback from Nebraska’s Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts, who warn it undercuts Nebraska producers and hurts the domestic cattle industry. Education & Public Safety: Omaha police’s use of electric shock gloves on students is under renewed scrutiny after the district asked police to stop using them in schools, raising questions about what school leaders knew and when. State Ballot Access: Nebraska’s Secretary of State certified online sports wagering petitions, moving the measure toward the ballot. Local Governance: Grand Island’s animal shelter contract fight continues, with the Central Nebraska Humane Society insisting it wants a fair, sustainable deal with the city.

Immigration Clash: Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, criticized the Trump administration’s deportation push as “overreach,” pointing to an Omaha woman scheduled for removal despite having no criminal record. School Safety Backlash: Omaha police’s use of electric shock gloves on students sparked outrage; the district asked police to stop using them in schools, and questions remain about when administrators knew. Sports Betting Ballot: Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen certified two online sports wagering measures for the November ballot, setting up public hearings across the state’s congressional districts. Beef Tariff Fallout: Nebraska GOP Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts joined national backlash against Trump’s 90-day ground beef import plan, warning it could undercut Nebraska ranchers. Energy & Politics: Trump’s talk of reviving Keystone XL drew mixed reactions from Nebraskans, with supporters citing reliability and opponents recalling years of legal and environmental fights. Health Policy: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited UNMC, praising Nebraska’s nutrition and rural health preparedness efforts. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports show Dakota County’s lowest E85 price at $2.27 for the week ending Aug. 15.

Veterans Welcome Home: Gov. Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs hosted the annual Welcome Home Dinner for Nebraska’s newest veterans and their families, with about 65 attendees and resource booths from VA and state agencies. Animal Welfare Contract Fight: Central Nebraska Humane Society says it wants to keep working with Grand Island, but warns the current shelter contract is “unsustainable” and rejects euthanasia as the default for unclaimed animals. Public Safety & Policing: Omaha and Bellevue have used electric shock gloves, mainly with school resource officers; Omaha schools asked police to stop using them on students, while national scrutiny grows over potential misuse. Ballot Access: Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen certified two online sports betting measures for the Nov. 3 ballot after signature thresholds were met. Health Policy Push: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited UNMC, praising Nebraska’s nutrition and rural health efforts and its hantavirus quarantine work. Trade & Groceries: Trump’s 90-day plan to allow tariff-free ground beef imports drew immediate backlash from Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer and other cattle-state Republicans. Local Mobility Rules: Cities are grappling with e-bikes and e-scooters, with calls for clearer safety rules as injuries mount.

Keystone XL Revival Sparks Nebraska Debate: Trump floated bringing back the Keystone XL pipeline as part of trade talks with Canada, reopening old fights over energy reliability versus environmental and indigenous concerns. Beef Tariff Relief Meets GOP Backlash: Trump’s 90-day plan to remove tariffs on up to 300,000 metric tons of imported beef to lower prices is drawing pushback from Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer and other Republicans, who warn it undercuts ranchers and muddies consumer choice. Public Lands Rule Pushback: After criticism over the roadless rule, the Forest Service is moving ahead with changes to the Travel Management Rule that would expand access for motorized vehicles and e-bikes, drawing “gut the rules” claims from conservation groups. Ballot Access for Online Sports Betting: Two Nebraska measures to legalize and regulate online sports wagering qualified for the Nov. 3 ballot after meeting signature and county thresholds. Data Center Tensions: The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska approved a resolution opposing hyperscale data centers near its reservation, as local and state-level data center planning continues. Marijuana Politics Shift: Legal Marijuana NOW U.S. Senate candidate Mike Marvin dropped out due to health issues and endorsed Dan Osborn. Micromobility Safety Pressure: Nebraska communities are grappling with e-bike and scooter rules as advocates push for stronger safety measures, including helmet requirements.

Nebraska Supreme Court Fight Over New Parties: Nebraska’s GOP and Democrats both filed appeals asking the state Supreme Court to block two newly formed parties—America First and the Nebraska Working People Party—from the November ballot, after a Lancaster County judge rejected the parties’ challenges and an emergency injunction was lifted. DOJ Targets In-State Tuition for Noncitizens: The U.S. Justice Department sued New York, Connecticut and Vermont over laws allowing immigrants without permanent legal status to pay in-state college tuition, continuing a broader Trump-era push that has already seen courts strike down similar Nebraska and other state policies. AI Data Centers Spark Recall Politics: Across the country, voters are turning to recalls to fight AI data centers, citing higher bills, water and power demands, and promised jobs that don’t materialize—an issue that’s likely to keep hitting Nebraska’s local and state political agenda. UNMC Hantavirus Tour: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited UNMC’s quarantine unit with Gov. Jim Pillen, praising the response to the May hantavirus exposure and highlighting federal health preparedness and nutrition initiatives. University Aviation Expansion: UNK launched the Loper Flight Academy with a ribbon cutting after Chancellor Neal Schnoor arrived on a new Tecnam aircraft, marking UNK’s move to fully run its own flight training. Rural Health Funding Scrutiny: A $50B rural healthcare program is facing calls for more transparency, with critics warning that slow public records and limited proactive reporting make oversight and fraud detection harder. Marijuana Rescheduling Transcript Fixes: A DEA judge ordered corrections to the official transcript of the marijuana rescheduling hearing, including both minor fixes and a few substantive wording changes. Omaha Police Shock Gloves Backlash: Omaha’s police chief met with Omaha Public Schools leaders after OPS asked SROs to stop using shock gloves, with the chief saying the meeting underscored the importance of SROs. Local Infrastructure: Gov. Pillen announced $7.5 million in State Revolving Fund support for Ogallala wastewater upgrades, including loan forgiveness and low-interest financing.