AGP Executive Report

Ag Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen and ag leaders celebrated passage of LB 525, Nebraska’s first-in-the-nation law setting rules to protect farmers’ and ranchers’ agricultural data. Medicaid & Health Policy: CMS issued a tougher Medicaid community engagement/work requirement rule, narrowing “medically frail” exemptions and raising the odds of coverage loss; Nebraska is already being treated as an early test case. Energy & Defense: The U.S. Energy Department says a private microreactor at Idaho National Lab hit “criticality,” a milestone aimed at electricity generation in the next few years. National Security/Environment: A coalition of 21 states and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce backed the Air Force in a Supreme Court-linked lawsuit over the Tarague Beach detonation range in Guam. Local Government & Wages: Omaha City Council is considering a minimum wage ordinance that would set a single rate for non-tipped workers and tie future increases to inflation. Nebraska Infrastructure: Lincoln Airport is moving ahead with a $100 million runway rebuild (18/36) to support both civilian travel and military missions. Ukraine: The U.S. House passed a major Ukraine aid package with bipartisan support, sending it to the Senate.

Nuclear Energy: The U.S. Energy Department says a private microreactor at Idaho National Lab hit “criticality,” a first milestone that could lead to electricity generation within a few years—part of a Trump-era push to speed advanced nuclear. Medicaid & Health Policy: CMS issued a tougher Medicaid work requirement rule, narrowing who qualifies for “medically frail” exemptions and raising the odds that sick Nebraskans and other expansion adults could lose coverage. Nebraska Courts/Immigration: A federal judge struck down Nebraska’s in-state tuition policy for undocumented students, continuing the legal fight over state benefits. Local Labor: Omaha City Council is weighing a minimum wage ordinance that would set one rate for non-tipped workers regardless of age and tie future increases to inflation. Infrastructure & Defense: Lincoln Airport is moving ahead with a $100 million runway revamp, while Offutt AFB will run a mass accident response exercise Saturday. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Douglas County’s lowest premium at $4.39 (week ending May 30) and Butler County’s lowest regular at $3.89; diesel averaged about $5.05 statewide. Ukraine: The U.S. House passed a major Ukraine aid package, with Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon among supporters, sending it to the Senate.

Medicaid Work Requirements in Nebraska: Gov. Jim Pillen directed DHHS to seek a temporary high-unemployment exemption from CMS for Dawson County after the Tyson plant closure, aiming to pause federally mandated work requirements for Medicaid expansion adults there. Local Labor Policy: Omaha City Council is weighing a minimum wage ordinance that would set a single rate for non-tipped workers and tie future increases to inflation, pushing back against the state’s age-based minimum wage schedule. State Budget/Tax Politics: A Nebraska lawmaker-focused piece argues rising property valuations can quietly raise tax collections under existing levy rates, raising questions about whether officials should adjust levies instead of letting burdens grow. Public Safety & Government Ops: Offutt AFB will hold a mass accident response exercise Saturday, with simulated emergency activity and possible entry delays. Infrastructure: Lincoln Airport’s $100 million Runway 18/36 reconstruction is underway, with officials targeting completion in fall 2027 and emphasizing both commercial and military needs. Federal Courts/Immigration: A Nebraska resident, Adam Dean Hoffman, was ordered to register as a sex offender in Nebraska after a Texas child sexual abuse plea. National Security/Tech: Federal prosecutors say California tech executive Jamshid Ghomi helped Iran obtain restricted U.S. computer equipment for more than a decade.

Medicaid Work Requirements Hit Nebraska Early: Nebraska’s community health centers say new Medicaid enrollments dropped to zero in May after the state adopted stricter federal work rules—an early warning for coverage losses heading into 2027. Federal Court on Tuition: A judge upheld a DOJ-backed settlement ending Nebraska’s in-state tuition benefit for undocumented students, rejecting the state’s attempt to treat them like residents. State Oversight of School Choice Funds: Nebraska’s neighbors are watching Arizona’s ESA vendor shakeup—Treasurer Kimberly Yee is seeking stronger auditing and fraud controls as misspending concerns grow. Nebraska in National Policy Fights: Nebraska lawmakers and officials are also tied to broader disputes over retirement proxy voting and corporate governance, as state AGs challenge major proxy advisory firms. Public Health Watch: CDC reports U.S. measles cases topped 2,000 for a second straight year, with Nebraska among the states reporting cases. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Lincoln Airport is showcasing progress on its Runway 18/36 reconstruction, aimed at modernizing safety standards while supporting the Nebraska Air National Guard. Agriculture: USDA appointed two Nebraska cattle leaders to the national beef checkoff board.

Immigration & Education: A federal judge permanently struck down Nebraska’s 2006 law that let undocumented students pay in-state tuition, ruling it conflicts with federal immigration rules and also ends eligibility for certain state scholarships. Federal Courts: The ruling follows a DOJ lawsuit and is part of a broader DOJ push that has already toppled similar state policies in other places. Defense & Foreign Policy: The U.S. House passed a Ukraine Support Act with bipartisan backing, including $8 billion in military financing loans and new sanctions on Russia—now headed to a Senate where prospects remain uncertain. Healthcare Leadership: Mary Lanning Healthcare named Shanna Stofer as its new President and CEO, starting July 13. Nebraska Economy & Infrastructure: Lincoln Airport celebrated new American Airlines nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth, with seasonal flights to Phoenix. Public Safety: Nebraska’s UNMC chancellor candidate H. Dele Davies wrapped up a Scottsbluff stop as part of his public vetting tour. Agriculture & Environment: Nebraska Game and Parks reported a rare 70-pound lake sturgeon caught at Gavins Point Dam, tagged years earlier and tracked over 681 miles.

Air Service Expansion: American Airlines launched new nonstop flights from Lincoln (LNK) to Chicago O’Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth, with seasonal service to Phoenix starting Dec. 17—aimed at boosting competition and connectivity for southeast Nebraska. Ukraine Funding Breakthrough: Six Republicans joined Democrats to advance the Ukraine Support Act via a discharge petition, moving $8 billion in direct loans and allowing weapons from Pentagon stockpiles. Nebraska Courts & Tuition: A federal judge struck down Nebraska’s in-state tuition law for some undocumented students, adding to the state’s ongoing legal fight over education access. Federal Health Privacy Fight: HHS is seeking broader access to Americans’ medical records to study a possible vaccine-autism link, drawing privacy and legal concerns from states and health leaders. Sanctions & Iran Tech Case: A U.S.-Iranian dual citizen CEO, Jamshid Ghomi, was charged for allegedly supplying U.S. networking and encryption equipment to Iran’s nuclear and military programs. Nebraska Energy/Policy: Gov. Pillen highlighted new energy opportunities tied to LB 1261, including support for private energy help in Nebraska’s public power system. Agriculture Watch: Nebraska lawmakers and industry voices weighed in on cattle market fairness and concerns about beef import policy.

Immigration & Education: A federal judge struck down Nebraska’s in-state tuition law for some undocumented students, ruling it’s preempted by federal law and conflicts with how residency-based benefits are handled. Energy & Local Government: Nebraska Public Power District has identified four potential sites for a new nuclear plant, including a Gage County location, with early signs that nuclear may face less backlash than past wind/solar fights. Local Elections: Three GOP-leaning petitions aim to reshape Lincoln city elections—changing election dates, allowing some non-city-limit residents to vote, and adding term limits for council members. Federal Enforcement: Jamshid Ghomi, a dual U.S.-Iranian tech CEO, was arrested on charges tied to a decade-long scheme to route restricted U.S. networking and encryption equipment to Iran’s nuclear and military sectors. State Policy & Courts: Nebraska’s tuition ruling follows DOJ’s April challenge, with Gov. Jim Pillen praising the decision. Economic Development: Neligh and Clearwater’s coordinated efforts since 2018 have pulled in more than $1.47 million in grants and investments, with housing and infrastructure still leading priorities.

Nebraska Elections: Nebraska’s GOP primary set up a new era in the secretary of state race, with Scott Petersen beating incumbent Bob Evnen and Democrats nominating Sarah Slattery to challenge him on election administration and voting-rights concerns. Energy & Utilities: Nebraska regulators approved the $800 million, 220-mile Sandhills transmission line despite landowner opposition, a major Sandhills fight that ended 3-1 at the Public Service Commission. Health Policy: The federal government rolled out new Medicaid work requirements guidance and a rule requiring many adults to complete 80 hours a month of work, training, or community service to keep coverage. Higher Ed & Culture: University of Nebraska at Kearney dropped a widely used human sexuality textbook after a complaint about pornographic images was confirmed. Public Safety & Courts: A Louisiana AG withdrew from a multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump DOJ’s medical marijuana rescheduling move, leaving Nebraska and Indiana in the fight. National Politics: Medicaid work requirements and other Trump-era policy moves are drawing backlash as states weigh costs and implementation. International/Legal: A US-Iranian tech CEO, Jamshid Ghomi, was arrested over alleged sanctions-busting sales of networking and encryption gear tied to Iran’s military and nuclear efforts.

UNK Textbook Overhaul: University of Nebraska at Kearney will discontinue a required human sexuality textbook after a student complaint triggered an internal review finding “graphic images,” with officials promising a replacement that meets course and accreditation standards and adding clearer syllabus notice. Energy Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1261 to let Nebraska public power districts use public-private partnerships for new infrastructure, aiming to reduce ratepayer cost risk as demand grows for data centers and other power-hungry users. Election Politics: Tuesday’s primaries sharpened the map, including Iowa Democrats rallying behind Josh Turek in a marquee Senate race and California’s governor contest drawing major attention despite fewer traditional star candidates. Public Safety & Health: UNMC reported five hantavirus-exposed cruise passengers have left the National Quarantine Unit, with remaining travelers still monitored in Omaha. Local Government: Omaha City Council rejected a proposal to revive firefighters’ “Fill the Boot” fundraiser, citing state limits on using city resources for private entities. Community Funding: The Goldstein Supporting Foundation approved spring grants for 25 applications, highlighting work by the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA). Military & Communications: Sen. Deb Fischer highlighted “Keeping Nebraska Connected and Protected” after hosting FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty for a Nebraska tour focused on communications, including national security at Offutt. Sports Leadership: Nebraska softball pitching coach Lori Sippel announced her retirement after 41 years with the program.

Hantavirus Response in Omaha: UNMC says five cruise passengers exposed to hantavirus have left the National Quarantine Unit after completing the first three weeks of monitoring; Gov. Jim Pillen called the coordinated departures a “positive development,” with remaining passengers still under watch. Nebraska Energy Policy: Gov. Pillen signed LB 1261 to let public power districts use public-private partnerships for new infrastructure without eminent-domain takeovers, aiming to ease costs as demand rises for data centers and other users. Rail Merger Pause: The federal Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more details and more public input before it can move forward. Election Security Stakes: Nebraska’s GOP secretary of state primary set up a new race focused on election security, with Scott Petersen beating incumbent Bob Evnen and Democrat Sarah Slattery positioning herself against “drastic” changes. Consumer Scam Alert: BBB warned Nebraskans about a fake Omaha car sales website using stolen photos and fabricated paperwork, with at least one reported $1,500 loss. Legal/Permitting Fight: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey leads a 21-state push at the Supreme Court to limit activist groups from suing to halt federal permitting before states act.

Marijuana Legal Fight: Nebraska Attorney General joins a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s cannabis rescheduling, arguing the federal move was mishandled and could disrupt state medical programs. Rail Oversight: The Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more details and signaling a slower path to environmental review. Medicaid Work Rules: CMS guidance spells out who can be exempt from Medicaid work requirements, including people deemed medically frail—Nebraska’s program already relies on a large list of qualifying medical codes. Local Government & Growth: Lincoln County commissioners backed away from a data-center zoning moratorium for now, instead directing updates to zoning rules. Public Health in Nebraska: Some hantavirus-exposed patients at UNMC’s quarantine unit are now eligible to leave, though others must complete monitoring under strict 24/7 oversight. Elections & Civic Life: Voters head to the polls Tuesday for primaries in multiple states, while Nebraska’s own political focus remains on statewide races and final appeals. Road Safety: A dust-storm-linked 16-vehicle crash in western Nebraska killed a man and injured five others.

Nebraska Cannabis Fight in Federal Court: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is among the attorneys general challenging the Trump administration’s medical marijuana rescheduling, arguing the move was procedurally improper; Louisiana later withdrew from the case, leaving the dispute alive with other states still in. NIL Rules and Nebraska Athletes: A Nebraska-related NCAA NIL arbitration story highlights how the College Sports Commission can review denied NIL deals and let athletes resubmit or seek arbitration. Omaha Ordinance Pardons Clinic: The ACLU of Nebraska held a mayoral pardons clinic in Omaha, with attorneys reviewing residents’ records and finding many people were confused about which past offenses qualify. Consumer Scam Alert: The BBB warned Nebraskans about a fake Omaha car-sales website using a stolen address and photos, after at least one victim lost $1,500-plus. Nebraska Politics Under Scrutiny: Complaints filed with the Nebraska AG allege two Senate candidates aren’t serious about serving if elected, claiming they could be “plants” to shape the race. Energy Watch: A report says Nebraska Public Power District is studying potential new nuclear sites, including a Gage County location.

Nebraska Education: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order expanding protections against antisemitism in Nebraska public schools, using the IHRA definition and requiring annual reporting by districts and higher-ed institutions. Nebraska Courts & Public Safety: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers joined a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s medical marijuana rescheduling, arguing the move exceeds authority and should be blocked. Nebraska Agriculture: UNL adjusted its 2026 Wheat Variety Tour after drought and freeze damage, canceling some field days and moving others indoors to keep growers connected with research. Nebraska Research: UNL awarded stipends to 129 Husker undergraduates for summer research through UCARE, with projects spanning multiple disciplines and a campus symposium in August. National Politics: Mike Pence condemned the proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund as “deeply offensive,” while Senate Republicans weigh whether to back it amid party splits. National Policy & Health: States are grappling with the high cost and strain of Medicaid work requirements, with budget crunches forcing cuts elsewhere. National Economy: A new report finds many major home insurers pay out on less than half of resolved claims, leaving homeowners to absorb more repair costs. Energy & Tech: The DOE is pushing small modular nuclear reactors, pitching them as a path to more clean power—while critics warn about costs, waste, and safety questions.

Marijuana Policy: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers joined Indiana and Louisiana in suing to block the Trump administration’s medical cannabis rescheduling, arguing the move exceeds federal authority and skips required procedures—while states still wait for clearer federal guidance on what changes for businesses. Federal Courts & Health: A bipartisan rural hospital bill extending Medicare’s Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years passed the Senate, keeping Nebraska among the states eligible for the program. Education & Hate Protections: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order expanding Nebraska’s antisemitism protections in public schools, folding in the IHRA definition and requiring annual reporting by districts and higher-ed institutions. Public Safety & National Security: A Scottish university student pleaded guilty in the U.S. for unauthorized photos at Offutt Air Force Base, including reconnaissance aircraft and the “Doomsday plane,” facing up to a year in prison. Agriculture: UNL adjusted its 2026 Wheat Variety Tour after drought and freeze damage, canceling some field days and moving others indoors. State Government Watch: Nebraska’s Board of State Canvassers moved toward certifying primary results, as election administration continues to draw attention heading into the next political cycle.

Senate GOP infighting: Nebraska’s political world is getting pulled into a national fight over Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, with nearly half of Senate Republicans reportedly balking and leadership pausing a broader $72 billion immigration package while DOJ is pushed for “guardrails.” Local politics: Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood faced a chaotic town hall in Norfolk, with voters heckling him over Trump’s “slush fund” and Iran war questions. Marijuana policy: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers joined Indiana and Louisiana in asking a federal appeals court to block Trump’s medical cannabis rescheduling, arguing the administration exceeded its authority. Education & hate reporting: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order requiring Nebraska schools and universities to track and report antisemitism using the IHRA definition, plus new prevention and training resources. Courts & access: Lincoln City Libraries now offer free, on-site access to Nebraska court case databases (JUSTICE and SCALES). Public safety & justice: A federal case tied to a Nebraska hotel sex-trafficking operation led to a 10-year sentence for Kavan Kumar Patel. Infrastructure: Eppley Airfield received another $10.5 million for terminal and boarding-bridge upgrades.

Education & Hate-Prevention: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order requiring Nebraska public schools and universities to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, provide prevention/education resources, and file annual incident reports to the Governor’s Office. Elections & Voting Rights: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let states purge voter rolls for noncitizens close to elections, a move critics say could disenfranchise eligible voters. Public Safety & Health: After a hantavirus outbreak tied to the MV Hondius, two New Yorkers will finish quarantine at home in New York next week, while one remains in Nebraska to complete monitoring. Justice & Privacy: Nebraska AG Tim Griffin led a multistate amicus brief challenging the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail, arguing it’s an unlawful surveillance tool that threatens financial data privacy and security. Courts & Access to Justice: Lincoln City Libraries now offer free, on-site access to Nebraska court case databases (JUSTICE and SCALES) for the public. State Policy & Cannabis: Nebraska is among AGs suing to block Trump’s marijuana rescheduling order, arguing the action exceeded federal authority. Infrastructure: Eppley Airfield received an additional $10.5 million for terminal and boarding-bridge reconstruction as part of a broader federal airport modernization push. Higher Ed Review: UNK says an internal review found no evidence of political bias after allegations tied to conservative complaints; it also dropped a textbook and referred a faculty member for action.