AGP Executive Report

Beef Prices & Ranch Supply: Drought and wildfires are keeping U.S. cattle supplies at their lowest in 75 years, pushing beef prices higher for July 4 cookouts and squeezing budgets as some shoppers switch to cheaper proteins. Housing Finance: Nebraska lawmakers are weighing a bill to create First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts with Nebraska income-tax deductions, aiming to help young families cover down payments and closing costs. South Omaha Development: Construction is set to begin on “La Plaza de la Raza,” a $25M South Omaha plaza project supported by a $25M state grant, with new public space features designed to boost tourism and local business. Cybersecurity: A large password-spray attack tied to LSHIY LLC hit Microsoft 365 accounts, with tens of millions of login attempts and confirmed compromises across dozens of organizations. Local Public Safety & Crime: FBI and partners are investigating a Bradshaw Cornerstone Bank robbery that left an employee injured; a Grand Island man has been arrested in the case. State Grants for Communities: Nebraska’s Civic and Community Financing Fund awarded $1M total to 15 recipients, including a Howells pool renovation feasibility study. Gaming & Tourism: Lake Mac Casino in Ogallala added live table games ahead of the 2026 racing season. Agriculture Training: The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition opened registration for field-based Grazing School sessions focused on forage planning and ranch decision-making.

Medical Marijuana Enforcement: A Hall County judge fined York notary Jacy Todd $2,800 (plus fees/costs) for official misconduct and false statements tied to notarizing medical marijuana petition sheets, a case that could keep fueling ballot-initiative challenges. Local Planning & Data Centers: Custer County’s planning commission is drafting potential data center zoning rules after a six-month moratorium, aiming to set safeguards for health and safety before any formal regulations are written. Ag & Business Leadership: Central Valley Ag named Kelby Vandenberg senior vice president of feed, a Nebraska-raised executive stepping into a top role as Doug Rowse retires. Regional Economy Watch: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose to 56.0 for June, signaling manufacturing growth despite ongoing job losses and inflation pressure. Cybersecurity: A password-spray campaign targeted Microsoft Azure CLI sign-ins, with confirmed account compromises across 64 organizations—an IT risk reminder for Nebraska businesses. Sports/College Athletics: Wisconsin officially hired Shawn Eichorst as athletic director, bringing a familiar Nebraska connection back to the Big Ten. Nebraska Ballot Measure: Backers of online sports betting in Nebraska submitted signatures for a 2026 ballot push, including a plan to route 70% of revenue to property tax credits.

Omaha Economy & Jobs: American Foods Group will shutter its Skylark Meats plant in southwest Omaha after Aug. 25, ending operations at a 215,000-square-foot facility and putting 218 jobs at risk. Broadband & Rural Access: Nebraska is seeing more pushback on federal BEAD funding as some regional fiber builders opt out, citing tougher math and rising deployment costs. State Policy & Health Care: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers signed off on medical cannabis regulations, but warned that if the measure lacked required signatures for the ballot, future rules could lose legal footing. Local Government & Housing Finance: Scottsbluff voters will decide in November on a half-cent sales tax to fund a proposed $25 million aquatic and senior center, with collections targeted to start in April 2027. Workforce & Training: McCook’s growth plan is tied to workforce housing and business development through state partnerships, including EDCC support. Business & Compliance: The former owner of closed 9 South CharGrill in Lincoln was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $859,604 in restitution for failing to turn over payroll taxes. Ag & Community: Nebraska Extension released a 2026 custom rates benchmark, and the Nebraska Cooperative Council Education Foundation awarded 11 ag-focused scholarships totaling $36,500. Public Safety & Courts: A Grand Island man was charged in federal court for an April 1 robbery of a Cornerstone Bank branch in Bradshaw.

Child Care Costs: WalletHub data puts Nebraska at the top for the most expensive child care burden, with California and New York close behind—highlighting how daycare can consume a big share of household income, especially for single parents. Medicaid & SNAP Legal Fight: A coalition of 25 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rules will cut coverage for medically frail and other vulnerable people; separately, Arkansas is rolling out an app to help SNAP users navigate a new ban on buying junk food with benefits. Nebraska Competition Policy: Nebraska joined the FTC and a coalition of states in a lawsuit aimed at restoring competition in the digital advertising market, targeting alleged collusion over “brand safety” standards. Higher Ed Rules: The Trump administration finalized new federal student loan eligibility rules that tie program access to how much graduates earn after school. Local Business & Economy: Fuller Industries joined the SBA’s Freedom 250 initiative celebrating American manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Agriculture & Data: USDA is modernizing crop reporting to reduce paperwork for farmers, while FSA is piloting more streamlined acreage reporting. Sports & Jobs: UNO’s agriculture and natural resources programs were ranked in the top 9% worldwide, underscoring Nebraska’s education pipeline for the state’s biggest industries.

Nebraska Economy & Business: The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s agriculture and natural resources programs moved up in the QS World University Rankings, landing in the top 9% worldwide (up from 46th to 40th), a win for Nebraska’s research and extension pipeline. Local Development: Omaha is starting construction on the $25M “La Plaza de la Raza” project in South Omaha, turning a long-used parking area into a tourism and community hub with an amphitheater, playgrounds, open lawn space and signature art. Regulation & Courts: The U.S. DOJ sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island to block in-state tuition and aid for certain undocumented students, arguing the policies unlawfully discriminate against U.S. citizens. Consumer & State Policy: Arkansas launched an app to help SNAP recipients navigate a new ban on buying junk food with benefits, using phone scans to flag eligible items. Business Climate: Menards reached a $4.25M multistate settlement over claims it deceptively marketed a merchandise credit program and allegedly engaged in price gouging during COVID. Industry Tech: The Society of Collision Repair Specialists created an ADAS Repair Division and governing council to support the growing diagnostics and calibration repair sector.

Nebraska Courts & Tech: A federal judge blocked Nebraska’s Parental Rights on Social Media Act from fully taking effect, citing First Amendment concerns over age verification and parental consent, while allowing a narrower parent-monitoring dashboard requirement to stand. Water & Infrastructure: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Nebraska’s Perkins County Canal case against Colorado, a fight tied to South Platte River Compact rights and Nebraska’s ability to build and operate the canal. SNAP & Food Policy: A judge struck down USDA SNAP “junk food” restriction waivers, saying the agency overstepped its authority; Nebraska is among the states that sought permission for the waivers. Local Development: Construction started on a $25 million South Omaha plaza redevelopment led by Canopy South, funded by state, city, county, and private dollars, with an expected fall 2027 opening. Agriculture Costs: USDA projections point to record-high 2027 production costs for major crops, with UNL economist Brad Lubben flagging fertilizer and fuel as key pressures. Business & Finance: BOK Financial set its Q2 2026 earnings call for July 21. Regional Business Watch: American Tower withdrew plans for a New Jersey data center after local opposition, while Iowa’s Salix is weighing a potential 900-acre data center proposal.

Nebraska Politics & Transparency: Gov. Jim Pillen’s office says he has no state-issued cellphone and no call logs exist, a break from past practice that critics say is an attempt to dodge Nebraska public disclosure rules. Housing & Local Finance: A Nebraska builder-backed change (LB 1130 within LB 1114) would let cities and villages use Community Improvement Districts to spread infrastructure costs over time, aiming to lower upfront housing development costs. Public Safety & Health: Lincoln-Lancaster County remains under a heat advisory with heat indexes near 105 and overnight staying muggy; health officials urge residents to limit outdoor time, hydrate, and protect high-risk groups. Local Crime: Lincoln police say four juveniles vandalized and stole from Kelly’s Produce in northeast Lincoln early Saturday, with damage estimated above $5,200. Agribusiness & Environment: West River Dairy’s proposed expansion in Minnesota cleared an environmental review hurdle after the state Pollution Control Agency found an environmental impact study wasn’t required, shifting focus to required permits. National Business Context: WalletHub ranked Kansas 23rd for economic performance, while Nebraska placed 34th.

Nebraska Crime & Courts: Lincoln police say four juveniles vandalized and stole from Kelly’s Produce in northeast Lincoln early Saturday; damage is estimated at $5,200 and one 15-year-old was referred to juvenile court. Public Safety: A heat advisory remains in effect for Lincoln and Lancaster County through Tuesday night, with heat index values near 105 and guidance for residents, outdoor workers, and pets. Water & Agriculture: A new report warns water scarcity and quality issues are worsening nationwide, pointing to groundwater depletion pressures on the High Plains/Ogallala system that spans Nebraska and other states. Business & Retail Expansion: Bosselman Pump & Pantry agreed to buy 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience locations, including Omaha-area stores, with a planned July 2026 closing and added Starbucks/Smokey Row partnerships. Policy & Legal Risk: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, led by Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers, sued to challenge California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance. Local Economy/Infrastructure: A proposed AI data-center buildout is raising Great Plains water concerns, with projects discussed near the Ogallala Aquifer.

SNAP Oversight: USDA says the national SNAP payment error rate hit 10.62% in FY 2025, above the 6% Congress threshold, with $10.1B in improper payments nationwide—setting up potential state financial consequences starting as soon as Oct. 1, 2027. Nebraska Jobs: American Foods Group plans to close its Skylark Meats Omaha plant by Aug. 25, eliminating 200+ jobs, after other recent meat-industry layoffs in the metro. Retail Expansion: Bosselman Pump & Pantry will buy 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations across the Midwest, including Omaha-area stores, with a July 2026 closing and new Starbucks/Smokey Row partnerships. Legal Fight on Plastics: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, led by Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers, sued to block California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance and raises costs. Workforce & Housing Pressure: A poll of Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas homeowners finds most worry about rising home insurance premiums and want elected officials to act—adding to affordability stress. Health Policy: Kansas AG Kris Kobach and others seek to restrict mifepristone, but patients and experts argue it’s safe and also used for non-abortion medical conditions. Local Community & Skills: Omaha Bridges graduated 90 participants, highlighting pathways from poverty to entrepreneurship and job readiness.

Politics & Voting Rights: Acting national intelligence chief Bill Pulte tapped Christina Norton—an RNC election “integrity” architect—for chief of staff, raising fresh alarms from voting-rights advocates about midterm interference. Higher Ed: Morris Brown College reinstated accreditation through 2031, stabilizing the Atlanta school after years of uncertainty. AI & Economic Development: A Talbot County business summit pushed leaders to adopt AI with a practical framework—while planning for power and infrastructure strain. Agriculture & Markets: Grain traders are trying to find a bottom ahead of USDA reports as weather and export signals keep futures choppy. Retail Expansion: Bosselman Pump & Pantry agreed to buy 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations, including Omaha-area stores, with a July 2026 closing. Meat Industry Jobs: American Foods Group plans to close the Skylark Meats Omaha plant by Aug. 25, cutting 200+ jobs. Housing & Costs: A poll of Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas homeowners finds most worry home insurance premiums are rising fast and want tougher accountability. Labor Watch: A proposed class action alleges Hy-Vee failed to pay overtime by using management titles to sidestep federal rules. Plastics Fight: Indiana joined a multi-state lawsuit led by Nebraska challenging California’s plastics packaging law.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court expanded Trump’s power over immigration programs, tightening rules around asylum and Temporary Protected Status—Nebraska legal advocates warn the impact will hit workers and families far beyond immigrant communities. Local Government: Burlington, Nebraska hired Rebecca Horner as city administrator, tapping experience from Bellevue and Virginia county leadership to steer development priorities. Labor & Retail: A proposed class-action lawsuit accuses Hy-Vee of failing to pay overtime to department managers, alleging the chain uses job titles to dodge federal wage rules; Hy-Vee says the claims lack merit. Energy & Infrastructure: Edged “topped out” the first building at its Council Bluffs data center as Project Lola advances, signaling continued Midwest demand for large-scale AI-ready power and space. Agriculture & Rural Economy: Cargill’s “Success From the Ground Up” soil-health program says it has reached 193,000 people and invested $3 million across Nebraska and other states through local farmer networks. Housing & Homelessness: HUD-VASH funding announced $33 million for new vouchers nationwide, with Nebraska receiving none in this round. Business Closures: Skylark Meats in Omaha plans to close Aug. 25, affecting 218 employees.

Tariff Pressure on Nebraska Agriculture: A Creighton Rural Mainstreet Survey finds nearly 42% of bankers in a 10-state region want lower global tariffs to boost farm and ranch income, citing major drops in exports to China for key products like soybeans and pork. Nebraska Court/Justice: A federal grand jury unsealed 13 indictments charging 14 defendants in Nebraska with drug and weapons offenses, including meth and fentanyl trafficking allegations. SNAP Legal Fight: Federal court rulings continue to block state efforts to restrict SNAP purchases of sugary foods and drinks, keeping food access rules in flux for states including Nebraska. Plastics Act Lawsuit: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is leading a 17-state challenge to California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully raises costs and imposes California’s preferences nationwide. Ag Business Leadership: Central Valley Ag promoted Kelby Vandenberg to senior vice president of feed, expanding oversight of sales, procurement and long-term feed strategy. Local Business Community: The Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held a networking event in Omaha with business leaders and partners, including plans for the Sept. 12 “El Grito” event. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for southeast Wyoming, with the highest risk along the Wyoming/Nebraska border into the Nebraska Panhandle.

SNAP Court Ruling: A federal judge struck down state rules that limited what people can buy with SNAP, hitting pilots in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia and likely forcing changes elsewhere. Housing Policy: The bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act is stalled after President Trump canceled the signing, tying it to passage of the SAVE Act; Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts says the bill would help lower home prices by boosting supply. Nebraska Agriculture & Food Policy: The White House is seeking $11 billion in ag assistance and year-round E15, while dairy groups are pushing for farm-bill certainty as Senate Ag releases a 2026 discussion draft. Energy & Rural Economy: Snow Fox Discovery says it has enough acres leased to study natural hydrogen data for about nine months, aiming to drill a first well in 2027. Local Business & Growth: Bellevue crews completed a key phase of an indoor water park project expected to open by end of next year, with city leaders calling it an economic engine. Statewide Business Regulation: The Nebraska Brand Committee approved fee changes effective Aug. 1, including higher inspection and renewal fees, plus a major cut tied to dairy heifer developments and feedlots. Public Safety & Community: UNL Rural Fellows student Brandon Jurgens is working in Knox County on improving emergency communications based on resident feedback.

Nebraska Politics: Gov. Jim Pillen and Democratic nominee Lynne Walz both updated fundraising totals in the Nebraska governor race, with Pillen citing $9.5 million cash on hand and Walz saying she outraised him since the May primary. Housing & Local Finance: Pillen signed LB 1114 in Blair, including a Community Improvement District Act meant to help communities fund infrastructure tied to housing development. Ag Policy & Disaster Relief: Sen. Deb Fischer’s Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act is headed to the president to speed wildfire recovery payments to Nebraska producers. SNAP Oversight: A federal hearing focused on SNAP waste, fraud and abuse, with testimony highlighting EBT skimming and retailer misuse risks. Marijuana Rescheduling: A DEA judge set a schedule for a June 29 hearing on moving marijuana to Schedule III, with Nebraska listed among the states participating. Energy & Economy: New GDP data shows most states grew in Q1, but Nebraska’s real GDP fell 0.9%. Legal Fight Over Plastics: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is leading a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Workforce Watch: A report says Nebraska teen unemployment nearly tripled after the minimum wage initiative passed, fueling a legal fight involving Lincoln’s $15 ordinance.

Property Taxes & State Budget: Gov. Jim Pillen launched a property tax “hotline” to pressure Nebraska lawmakers as tax receipts keep coming in below projections, adding to a growing budget shortfall. Healthcare & Medicaid: Nebraska is among the first states to start enforcing new Medicaid work requirements, raising concerns about coverage losses driven by paperwork and verification confusion. SNAP Food Rules: Federal courts continue blocking Trump-era SNAP restrictions on soda and candy, with Nebraska specifically cited in rulings that could affect millions of recipients. Ag & Markets: Soybeans showed modest gains as crop conditions stayed steady, with Nebraska improving in ratings; lawmakers and producers are watching how policy and market signals land. Business & Growth: Nebraska’s Bloom Trail Passport is pushing agritourism, while Fonner Park’s new GI Expo Events and Livestock unit is ramping up national livestock shows. Energy & Infrastructure: A global pact backed by mayors aims to shape data center development, reflecting growing pressure on local power and water resources. Legal/Regulatory: Attorney General Chris Carr joined a multi-state fight against California’s plastics packaging rules, arguing they’ll raise costs for everyday goods.

SNAP Ruling in Nebraska: A federal judge blocked USDA SNAP waivers that would restrict purchases of soda and candy, saying the agency exceeded its authority—an outcome that could protect Nebraska shoppers and limit sales pressure on targeted food categories. Plastics Fight: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers joined a 17-state coalition and industry groups suing California over its Plastics Act, arguing the rules will raise costs for everyday goods nationwide. Housing Watch in the Midwest: President Trump canceled a housing bill signing, tying it to passage of the SAVE America Act; local builders in Siouxland say the stalled bill could still affect homebuilding costs and supply. Telecom Deal: Grain Management plans to combine Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications into Rightfiber, aiming to scale digital infrastructure and communications services. Local Economy & Community: Fonner Park’s GI Expo Events and Livestock unit is in a busy summer run of national livestock shows, while Nebraska Extension educator Ron Seymour is set to retire into emeritus status after 40 years. Energy Planning: Colorado Springs Utilities outlined a long-term path that could add nuclear power around 2038, including possible collaboration with Nebraska utilities.