AGP Executive Report

Election Season: Protesters gathered at Nebraska’s State Capitol for a “No Kings” rally, urging people to make a voting plan ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The state’s election office and Sen. Pete Ricketts also received suspicious envelopes; the FBI is investigating. Nebraska Politics: Lincoln organizer Eric Underwood says he plans to pursue 15 separate ballot petitions for 2028, including proposals on property taxes, teacher pay and fuel taxes. Huskers: No. 1 Nebraska volleyball improved to 19-0 with a four-set win over No. 13 Purdue, led by Teraya Sigler’s career-high 15 kills. Football: Nebraska visits Oregon in a late-night Big Ten matchup, seeking a signature win; the Ducks are expected to start Brock Thomas at quarterback, with former Husker Dylan Raiola not starting. Campaigns: Democrats are using the Iran war and rising costs in ads against Republicans, including Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood.

Husker Football: Nebraska visits Oregon tonight in a late kickoff, with the Ducks reportedly turning to backup Brock Thomas at quarterback instead of former Husker Dylan Raiola. Election Security: The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office received a suspicious envelope, and the FBI is investigating as threats and suspicious mailings reach election offices nationwide. The state Supreme Court also upheld Nebraska’s law allowing some citizens living overseas to vote. Midterm Campaigns: Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts faces independent Dan Osborn in a closely watched race, while early in-person voting in Douglas County has nearly tripled compared with the same point in the last midterm cycle. Farm Economy: USDA farm-support payments are projected at $13.8 billion nationwide, up from $1.9 billion last year; analysts also flagged Nebraska’s October crop-yield surprise as harvest continues. Ballot Questions: Nebraska held a public hearing on initiatives that would legalize and regulate online sports wagering, which supporters say could bring in tax revenue.

Election Watch: Nebraska’s Supreme Court upheld a law allowing some U.S. citizens born abroad to vote if a parent is a registered Nebraska voter. Separately, the FBI is investigating a suspicious envelope sent to the Secretary of State’s office, and Douglas County reports early in-person voting is nearly three times the level at this point in the 2022 midterms. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined Iowa, Kansas and West Virginia in announcing a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT’s risks to children violate consumer protection laws. Husker Game Day: Nebraska visits Oregon at 10 p.m. Central, with fans traveling to Eugene for the late kickoff; Kearney bars can serve alcohol until 2 a.m. Weather: A freeze warning covers much of Nebraska through Saturday morning, with temperatures dipping into the upper 20s before a sunny, milder weekend. State Softball: Millard North and Elkhorn South are one win from the Class A title game after Friday victories.

Public Safety: Gov. Jim Pillen created a task force to review gaps in Nebraska’s emergency communications, with recommendations due in 60 days. Separately, the FBI is investigating suspicious mail sent to election offices nationwide, including Nebraska’s Secretary of State’s office. Elections: Nebraska’s 2nd District congressional candidates debated affordability, immigration and data centers as the midterms approach. AI Lawsuit: Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined other states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT’s safety failures put children at risk. Huskers: No. 1 Nebraska volleyball swept Northwestern, extending its regular-season winning streak to 49 matches. Football heads to Oregon Saturday, where quarterback Dante Moore is ruled out. State News: Nebraska’s first unclaimed-property auction since 2017 brought in $57,305; owners and heirs can still claim the proceeds. A freeze is possible across eastern Nebraska overnight.

AI Safety: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined a multistate lawsuit accusing OpenAI of deceiving consumers and exposing children to harm through ChatGPT. Election Security: Nebraska’s Secretary of State’s office isolated a suspicious envelope and turned it over to the FBI; officials say it matches mailings sent to election offices elsewhere. Farm Policy: UNL experts held a roundtable to help farmers assess new federal safety-net choices, with decisions due Dec. 11. They say ARC may suit corn and soybean growers, while PLC could benefit wheat producers. Water Infrastructure: McCook secured $5 million in state loan and loan-forgiveness assistance to replace lead service lines ahead of federal requirements taking effect in 2027. Outdoors and Weather: Pheasant counts rose 36% from last year ahead of Nebraska’s Oct. 31 season opener, though drought may limit cover. A freeze is possible across much of the state Friday night into Saturday morning. Husker Football: Nebraska heads to Oregon on Saturday with Ducks quarterback Dante Moore ruled out; former Husker Dylan Raiola is among the contenders to start for Oregon.

AI Lawsuit: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined seven other states in suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT misled families and exposed children to harm. The states seek penalties and stronger safeguards; OpenAI says it has age-specific protections. Huskers-Ducks: Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is out for Saturday’s game against Nebraska, leaving Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas in contention to start. Nebraska safety Jamir Conn is also ruled out. Lincoln Development: Voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to authorize state-assisted financing for a proposed $17 million, eight-court youth volleyball complex. Supporters say it would expand court access without raising tax rates. Election 2026: Nebraska’s 2nd District candidates Denise Powell and Brinker Harding debated affordability and immigration as the midterm campaign heats up. Rural Health: USDA announced a $75 million investment in Community Hospital in McCook. Weather: Rain and a cold front are bringing chilly, windy conditions to Nebraska, with frost possible in parts of the state.

AI Lawsuit: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined seven other states in suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT’s safety claims misled parents and children were exposed to harmful interactions. Public Benefits: Nebraska became the second state to restrict TANF purchases after Gov. Jim Pillen’s order; federal officials have approved the request. Critical Minerals: Work near Elk Creek has uncovered niobium, scandium, titanium and rare earths, minerals officials say could reduce U.S. reliance on foreign suppliers. Local Ballot: Hall County voters will decide whether to dissolve the weed board and shift its duties to county officials; supporters say the roughly $5,000 in potential savings is not the main issue. Weather: Rain is moving across Nebraska, followed by gusty winds and a sharp chill, with frost possible in parts of the state. Husker Sports: Nebraska football heads to Oregon after a narrow loss to Indiana, while the top-ranked volleyball team looks to rebound from its first loss of the season.

North Platte Election: Ward 4 incumbent Ed Rieker faces challenger Chester Smith, a Menards manager and business owner, in a contest focused on local government and practical solutions. Property Taxes: State Auditor Mike Foley opposes two ballot measures to legalize online sports betting, disputing claims they would provide meaningful tax relief. Farm & Weather: Nebraska soybean harvest was just 9% complete as of Oct. 4, far behind average; rain midweek and a possible first frost Friday could complicate fieldwork. Diesel costs remain a strain for farmers. Huskers: Nebraska heads to Oregon on Saturday after a 20-17 loss to Indiana. The Ducks’ quarterback choice is unsettled, and coach Matt Rhule says the Huskers are preparing for three possibilities. Public Safety: A York County man was arrested after deputies found 28 juveniles at an underage party and discovered him hiding in a concealed barn room; he faces several charges, including sexual assault of a child. Lincoln Outdoors: LPS students explored the rare saline-marsh ecosystem in north Lincoln, learning about native wildlife and local preservation efforts.

Election Watch: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is seeking reelection, citing pending fights over South Platte River water rights and TikTok. Democrat Jocelyn Brasher says he has politicized the office and taken it in the wrong direction. Cybersecurity: Gov. Jim Pillen declared an emergency after a cyber incident in Lincoln County; the Nebraska National Guard’s cyber team was deployed after an outage affected North Platte and the county. Farm Costs: Diesel averaged $6.05 a gallon statewide as harvest costs mount. Nebraska is looking for ways to ease the strain, while farmers question whether the federal red-diesel order will offer real relief. Huskers: Nebraska football let a 17-6 fourth-quarter lead slip in a 20-17 loss to Indiana and now heads to Oregon for a late kickoff. The volleyball team, by contrast, swept Indiana and Wisconsin and reclaimed the No. 1 ranking. Rural Health: Federal funding is helping expand care across Nebraska, including through UNK efforts to build the rural health workforce.

Election 2026: Nebraska voters will decide next month whether state senators can serve three consecutive terms instead of two. Crypto-industry super PAC Fairshake also plans to spend to help Sen. Pete Ricketts fend off independent Dan Osborn. Cybersecurity: Lincoln County officials are restoring internet and phone service after a breach prompted Gov. Jim Pillen to declare an emergency and deploy National Guard cyber specialists. Husker Sports: Nebraska football’s 20-17 loss to No. 7 Indiana was its first defeat of the season; the 5-1 Huskers head to Oregon on Saturday. The undefeated volleyball team remains No. 1 after sweeping Wisconsin, with Harper Murray, Bergen Reilly and Manaia Ogbechie earning Big Ten honors. Health Care: Regents approved expanding UNMC’s future teaching hospital to 1.5 million square feet, adding capacity for patients, beds and specialized care. Agriculture: Rep. Mike Flood touts House passage of a new Farm Bill, including crop insurance and rural development measures, as northeast Nebraska farmers report strong soybean yields. Lincoln Legal Fight: Attorney General Mike Hilgers is seeking more than $19,000 in legal fees from the city after a court fight over ballot measures.

Husker Football: Nebraska let an 11-point lead slip in the fourth quarter, losing 20-17 to No. 7 Indiana. The Huskers now face Oregon in a late kickoff. Volleyball: The No. 1 Huskers swept No. 7 Wisconsin at home, staying unbeaten and making a statement in their toughest conference test yet. Midterm Campaign: Hillary Clinton rallied Nebraska Democrats in Omaha, while President Trump’s recent visit to central Nebraska highlighted the state’s high-stakes races. Rural Health: Dr. Mehmet Oz returned to Nebraska to discuss the state’s rural health program and its $177 million in federal funding. At the Pump: Nebraska’s reported average regular-gas price was $4.28 a gallon and diesel averaged $6.05 for the week ending Oct. 3; both were down from the prior week.

Husker Sports: Nebraska football let an 11-point fourth-quarter lead slip in a 20-17 loss to No. 7 Indiana; the Huskers visit Oregon Saturday, with kickoff set for 10 p.m. Volleyball: No. 1 Nebraska swept No. 7 Wisconsin at home, extending its unbeaten run with a statement win. Public Safety: A 17-year-old motorcyclist died in a collision in Alliance; authorities are investigating. A separate crash minutes later sent a vehicle into a local furniture store, injuring its driver. State Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an order restricting Nebraska cash assistance funds from certain purchases. Separately, the Trump administration announced $160 million to recruit rural health workers and expand mobile care and services in the state. Agriculture: Nebraska ranchers say steep costs for diesel, fertilizer and building supplies, along with policy uncertainty, are straining operations. Made in Nebraska: Two Gering businesses—Modular Housing and Grand Milling Company—are among eight finalists in the state’s Coolest Thing Made contest.

Husker Football: Nebraska let a 17-3 lead slip away as No. 7 Indiana scored twice in the fourth quarter to win 20-17 in Lincoln, extending the Huskers’ losing streak against ranked teams to 31. Volleyball: No. 1 Nebraska swept No. 7 Wisconsin at home, staying undefeated after one of its toughest tests of the season. Cybersecurity: Gov. Jim Pillen declared an emergency after a cyber incident, and the Nebraska National Guard’s cyber team was deployed as an internet outage affected North Platte and Lincoln County. State Policy: Pillen signed an order restricting how families can spend Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash benefits. Courts: The Nebraska Supreme Court upheld the manslaughter conviction of an Omaha doctor in a fatal Dodge Street crash. Midterms: Hillary Clinton campaigned in Omaha for Democratic candidates Lynne Walz and Denise Powell as Nebraska’s congressional races draw national attention.

Husker Football: Nebraska let an 11-point fourth-quarter lead slip away, losing 20-17 to No. 7 Indiana in Lincoln. Josh Hoover’s two touchdown passes to Nick Marsh powered the comeback, extending Nebraska’s losing streak against ranked opponents to 31 games. Cybersecurity: Gov. Jim Pillen issued an emergency proclamation after a cyber incident disrupted internet service in North Platte and Lincoln County; the Nebraska National Guard deployed its cyber team. Rural Health: The Trump administration announced $160 million for Nebraska programs to recruit rural health workers, expand mobile care and modernize services. Courts: The Nebraska Supreme Court upheld the manslaughter conviction of an Omaha doctor in a deadly Dodge Street crash. Midterms: Hillary Clinton campaigned in Nebraska for Democratic candidates Lynne Walz and Denise Powell.

Husker Football: Undefeated Nebraska hosts No. 7 Indiana at Memorial Stadium today, with the noon kickoff drawing national attention. State Response: Gov. Jim Pillen declared an emergency after a cybersecurity incident, as the Nebraska National Guard deployed a cyber team following an internet outage affecting North Platte and Lincoln County. Cash Assistance: Pillen signed an order barring TANF funds from purchases including tobacco, alcohol and gambling. Fuel and Farming: Diesel averaged $6.05 a gallon statewide for the week ending Oct. 3. Trump’s expanded access to tax-free dyed diesel aims to ease costs for farmers and truckers; he also announced a deal to import Russian diesel. Volleyball: Nebraska swept No. 15 Indiana on the road, extending its winning streak and improving to 16-0.

Cybersecurity Response: Gov. Jim Pillen deployed the Nebraska National Guard’s cyber team after an internet outage disrupted North Platte and Lincoln County offices. Officials say 911 remains operational and no sensitive information has been compromised. Public Assistance: Pillen signed an order directing state officials to seek tighter limits on TANF cash benefits, barring purchases such as tobacco, gambling and video games. Husker Football: Undefeated Nebraska hosts No. 7 Indiana today in a clash of 5-0 teams; gusts up to 40 mph and temperatures near 90 could complicate play. Public Safety: Two drivers died in a Thursday crash on Highway 30 in Merrick County. Kearney’s fire chief also issued a burn ban amid dry, hot conditions. Housing: Hope Harbor broke ground in Grand Island on 20 permanent supportive apartments, with completion expected in 12 to 18 months.