AGP Executive Report

Nebraska Sports: Dylan Raiola, a former Husker, led No. 20 Oregon to a 41-27 win over No. 12 USC after star QB Dante Moore was carted off with a serious head injury from a late hit; Oregon coach Dan Lanning said Moore was moving and “in recovery,” while USC’s Desman Stephens was ejected for targeting. Husker Football: Nebraska opened Big Ten play with a 31-13 road win at Michigan State, powered by the Blackshirts’ six sacks and three takeaways and a two-TD night from Anthony Colandrea as the Huskers stayed undefeated. College Football Roundup: Week 4 delivered major ranked results, including Texas beating Tennessee 20-17, Georgia rolling Oklahoma 41-13, and Florida blasting Ole Miss 52-28. Food Assistance: A new report highlights the “SNAP benefits cliff,” where small income gains can trigger larger benefit losses—leaving some Nebraska families worse off. Weather: Omaha-area conditions stay mostly cloudy and drier Sunday, with rain chances returning Tuesday.

Husker Football Big Ten Opener: Nebraska opened Big Ten play at Michigan State in East Lansing, with live updates showing the Huskers leading 14-3 early in the second quarter after a Mekhi Nelson TD run. Nebraska Softball: The Huskers kicked off the 2026-27 season with a 2-0 exhibition sweep of Kansas, winning 6-0 and 7-0 at the refurbished Bowlin Stadium/Rhonda Reveille Field. Local Health & Community: Hundreds walked at Werner Park for the Susan G. Komen “More Than Pink Walk,” including two Omaha women marking major milestones after breast cancer diagnoses. Youth Abuse Lawsuit Fight: A Flatwater Free Press report says it’s hard for families to sue Nebraska over alleged abuse by state employees at YRTC-Kearney, with lawmakers weighing changes ahead of the 2027 session. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel and premium gas prices varying across Nebraska counties in the week ending Sept. 19, with Dawson County diesel hitting $5.59 and Scotts Bluff County premium as low as $4.39. Education Data: UNL reorganized NSSE results into audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Nebraska Midwife Fight: Two Nebraska mothers lost their bid for a preliminary injunction against the state’s ban on nurse midwives assisting home births, with a federal judge saying the restriction is meant to protect health and safety. UNL Data Overhaul: UNL reorganized its NSSE survey results into four audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Omaha Weather: Spotty rain showers are possible Saturday in the Omaha area, with a drier second half of the weekend and more rain chances returning next week. Husker Volleyball: No. 1 Nebraska opened Big Ten play with a 3-0 sweep of Rutgers, led by Harper Murray and Andi Jackson, while Bergen Reilly ran the offense. Big Ten Football Preview: Nebraska begins conference play at Michigan State, with the Huskers favored in betting as both teams enter the matchup with very different offensive profiles. Immigration & Beef: A U.S. immigration crackdown in southwest Kansas disrupted beef processing, slowing plants and backing up cattle.

Weather & Agriculture: More rain is expected tonight across Nebraska, with heavy downpours possible and localized flooding risk where areas already saw 2 to 4 inches in the past 48 hours; climatologists warn the wet stretch could delay harvest for weeks, possibly months. State Government & Agriculture Relief: Gov. Jim Pillen signed executive orders giving Nebraska farmers a 90-day diesel tax pause and guidance allowing dyed diesel for qualifying agricultural vehicles during the fuel emergency, including pickups and service trucks heading to fields. Child Welfare Funding: Nebraska DHHS won nearly $1.5 million in federal grants to modernize the child welfare system, including updates to licensing procedures like fingerprinting and background checks. Local Community Support: West Omaha’s Hope Garden at Faithful Shepherd Presbyterian is feeding people through Heartland Hope Mission as part of One Omaha’s “Good Neighbor Week.” Public Safety/Justice: A Lincoln man was sentenced for a crash that killed Civic Nebraska’s director of operations, with the case tied to inattentive driving and a distracted pedestrian. Sports (Big Ten opener): Nebraska opens conference play on the road at Michigan State Saturday, with the Huskers listed as a 5.5-point favorite. UNL Research: UNL reorganized NSSE results into audience-specific brief reports for instructors and student support, highlighting strengths and improvement areas. Upcoming Treasurer Auction: Nebraska’s State Treasurer will auction abandoned safe deposit box contents online Oct. 6–13, including rare coins and jewelry.

Minimum Wage & Courts: Nebraska’s minimum wage is set to rise to $15.26 in 2027, 29 cents below the voter-approved inflation formula—after lawmakers changed the adjustment method, and Lincoln’s rate remains tied up in court. Missing Persons Study: A new initiative backed by recently passed legislation will push the State Patrol to study how to better report, investigate, and track missing Black women and children. Weather & Flood Risk: Eastern Nebraska is in a wet stretch with rain and occasional thunderstorms through Saturday, then a brief Sunday-to-Monday break before more rain returns early next week. Gaming Revenue: Nebraska casino gaming tax receipts dipped in August, with WarHorse Casino Lincoln paying about $1.57 million to the state and host city/county. Workforce Pipeline: Despite a tight Nebraska labor market, 70% of employers say they don’t collaborate with colleges or universities to build talent pipelines. Education & Training: Central Community College opened a new $20 million automotive career training center in Hastings, expanding capacity for hands-on programs. Local Governance: Fremont is moving toward a policy change that would allow homeschooled applicants to be hired for city jobs after a hiring roadblock.

Nebraska Big Ten opener: Nebraska heads to Michigan State for its first Big Ten game, leaning on a top rushing attack led by Jamal Rule as coordinators Dana Holgorsen and Rob Aurich set expectations for a road test. State tax snapshot: Nebraska collected $1.8 billion in combined taxes in Q1 2026, up 3.9% from the same quarter last year, with sales/gross receipts and income taxes driving most of the total. Ag relief from Gov. Pillen: Pillen signed executive orders offering temporary diesel-tax relief for farmers and haulers using dyed fuel and easing weight limits for hauling seasonal crops and livestock, while also urging a federal pause on diesel exports. Chancellor search at UNL: UNL’s next chancellor search is underway, with a committee forming for listening sessions and a national search firm expected to help recruit candidates. Data breach settlement: Nebraska’s AG joined a multistate $2.3 million settlement with Labcorp tied to the 2019 AMCA data breach, with new vendor-management requirements. Fuel and weather: Rain is delaying harvest across parts of Nebraska, and GasBuddy reports show spotty low prices for regular and diesel in several counties. Local public safety: A Lincoln man convicted in a 2024 double murder is seeking a new trial and new attorney, while Grand Island police investigate a burglary at G.I. Auto Repair. Community events: Ak-Sar-Ben Stock Show runs Sept. 24-27 in Grand Island, and Save a Life Day at Central Community College Kearney offers free naloxone and overdose prevention info.

Nebraska Politics: A Republican-aligned super PAC is pouring money into Nebraska’s Senate race to stop independent Dan Osborn, signaling GOP nerves about a seat they expected to hold easily. Local Law Enforcement: Lincoln police say a 27-year-old man faces kidnapping charges after a stolen SUV led to a multi-agency pursuit, with Nebraska State Patrol aircraft tracking the vehicle into Saline County. Courts & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women in women’s sports under Title IX, leaving the laws in place where already adopted. Agriculture & Food Prices: The U.S. is reopening a major livestock inspection port on the Mexico border after a screwworm-related pause, a move that may expand cattle supply but likely won’t quickly lower beef prices. Weather: Omaha-area rain chances are rising Thursday. UNL & Community: UNL homecoming royalty finalist Carson Reznicek of Waverly was named, with voting set for Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Sports: Nebraska volleyball stayed atop national rankings in the latest Big Ten poll coverage, with the Huskers continuing strong early-season play.

Property Taxes: Gov. Jim Pillen says Nebraska must cap property tax valuations at about 1% to 2% and that the fix starts with local spending decisions. Child Welfare: Nebraska DHHS won a federal grant to modernize child-welfare licensing, including expanding fingerprinting and speeding foster placement. Farm Data Privacy: Sen. Pete Ricketts introduced a bill requiring farmers and ranchers to give written consent before their data is collected or used by others. Public Safety & Courts: A Lincoln man faces kidnapping and car theft allegations after a case that involved an AirTag and an NSP air tracking effort; in Grand Island, a Lincoln man was charged with multiple felonies tied to online child enticement. Health: A measles warning notes outbreaks across many states, including Nebraska, as vaccination rates lag. Transit: Open Plains Transit says it could be forced to shut down Sept. 30 unless a state funding dispute is resolved. Weather/Community: Rain is expected to return to the Omaha area Thursday; the Team Jack Foundation radiothon raises funds for pediatric brain cancer research.

Nebraska Weather & Crops: Corn harvest has started but is still behind normal, with dry conditions leaving much of the state’s topsoil and subsoil “short” and pasture in poor shape. Big Ten Football: Nebraska is set for its Big Ten opener at Michigan State, with kickoff details and what to watch as conference play ramps up. UNL Campus Updates: Students are dealing with tighter parking as construction projects, including the “Big Red Rebuild,” reduce capacity. State Policy & Services: Nebraska’s treasurer highlighted the Enable ABLE Savings Plan’s expanded eligibility for people with disabilities. Agriculture Policy: A Nebraska cattle and livestock producer is cautiously upbeat after the “Save Our Bacon Act” was left out of a Senate farm bill committee draft, but says the bill’s future is still uncertain. Education: Alliance Public Schools reported a major chronic absenteeism drop over four years. Local Health & Community: Jenna Hesse was named Nebraska Nurses Association’s Nurse of the Year, and a suicide prevention awareness walk/ride event drew community support. Flood Risk Planning: FEMA’s updated flood insurance rate map process is moving forward in Box Butte County, with a 90-day appeal period ahead.

Health & Safety: Nebraska extended a health alert for harmful algal blooms at Big Indian Lake in Gage County and Cub Creek Lake in Jefferson County. Public Finance: The Nebraska State Treasurer will auction abandoned safe-deposit box contents online Oct. 6–13, including rare items like jewelry and coins. Courts & Consumer Impact: A pork antitrust class action settlement totals $117 million across 24 states, including Nebraska; eligible consumers can file claims by Oct. 29, 2026. Local Government: Omaha City Council approved a $189,500 local match for a federal Reconnecting Communities pilot tied to North Freeway area improvements. Health Policy: Northeast Community College director Tina Mazuch was appointed to Nebraska’s Health Information Technology Board. Crime & Justice: A Lincoln man, Christopher Moses, faces 16 felony charges tied to alleged electronic-device sexual assault and human trafficking involving a teen he believed was 15. Sports & Education: UNK earned a No. 7 ranking in U.S. News “Best Colleges” regional categories, and Central Community College Hastings held a ribbon cutting for a new Gosper Automotive training building.

Douglas County Assistance Audit: Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley is calling for reforms to Douglas County’s General Assistance program after finding heavy administrative costs, plus gift card spending that included unallowable items like cigarettes and alcohol; auditors also say records weren’t properly retained and hundreds of thousands of dollars may be at risk. Midterm Politics & Gas Prices: With six weeks to go, Republicans are privately warning they could be “crushed” as gas and diesel costs strain voters, while national campaign money ramps up. Petition Fraud Scrutiny: Nebraska’s ballot petition system is under fresh scrutiny after allegations of the biggest petition fraud in state history, including claims of out-of-state circulators and networks that obscured who did the work. Health Care in Rural Nebraska: A new look at the “interoperability crisis” says rural hospitals are struggling with electronic record demands, with Nebraska research cited on gaps between rural and urban adoption. UNL & Lincoln Community: UNL students are pitching climate solutions for a youth grant fund, while UNL’s Higher Learning Commission visit is set for Oct. 5-7 and UNL earned a new Carnegie sustainability classification. Local Calendar: Lincoln’s alumni homecoming parade watch party is Sept. 24, and UNL’s Celebration of Service runs Oct. 2.

Husker Football: No. 6 North Dakota fell 34-7 at Memorial Stadium as Nebraska rolled with 277 rushing yards and a 14-0 first-quarter lead, pushing the Huskers into Big Ten play at 3-0. Omaha Schools: Parents say Omaha Public Schools classrooms have been too hot for weeks, with an OPS official pointing to thousands of AC units and maintenance priorities. Local Sports (Golf): Nebraska men’s golf rebounded at the Gopher Invitational in Minnesota, with junior Jackson Benge leading after a rough start to the season. Higher Ed (Region): Northern State University in South Dakota hit its highest enrollment in school history, including a 28% jump in first-time freshmen. Housing Market: Gage County’s typical home value rose 0.6% to $203,152 in August, while Nebraska’s statewide typical value was $280,673. City Planning: Kearney City Council will weigh a one- and six-year street improvement plan totaling about $5.51 million for the near-term projects. Public Safety: Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office is set to auction abandoned safe deposit box contents online Oct. 6-13.

Nebraska Workforce & State Agencies: A new survey of Nebraska Department of Economic Development staff shows about half of respondents with low confidence in agency leadership, with workers citing downsizing and budget-cut focus amid a sharp drop in staffing. North Omaha Revitalization: Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. helped kick off plans for a new North Omaha grocery—funded partly by a state grant and run as a social enterprise—to expand fresh food access and jobs. Health & Birth Choices: A Nebraska mother in northeast Nebraska describes choosing “free birth” and points to the legal and practical barriers she says limited local midwife options. Weather Watch: Omaha-area residents may see mist and drizzle Monday. Public Safety: Nebraska-related court and arrest updates include a Kansas extradition case tied to a felony theft probation matter and another case after a traffic stop led to controlled-substance charges. Local Culture: UNL students assembled 700+ hygiene kits for Lincoln’s Project Connect. Sports: Nebraska football rolled past North Dakota 34-7 to stay unbeaten heading into Big Ten play; Nebraska volleyball also kept winning, including a 3-0 sweep of Florida Gulf Coast.

Nebraska Sports: The No. 1 Huskers kept rolling in volleyball, beating Florida Gulf Coast 3-1 at Devaney/John Cook Arena, with Teraya Sigler’s 13 kills and a big defensive blocking edge as Nebraska stayed unbeaten and now turns to Missouri. Husker Football Momentum: Nebraska finished nonconference play 3-0 with a 34-7 win over North Dakota, earning high marks for a disruptive defense and a strong ground game behind Anthony Colandrea and Jamal Rule. Soccer Results: Nebraska soccer battled No. 11 Washington to a 2-2 draw, with a late equalizer by Maya Loudd for Washington after Nebraska’s quick second-half surge. Local Events: Nebraska City’s Applejack Festival drew more than 100,000 visitors over two weekends, boosting local businesses with vendors, orchard activities, and food. Weather: Omaha and much of Nebraska stay cool and cloudy into the evening, with a few showers possible and more rain chances later in the week. Housing Watch: Zillow reports Keya Paha County’s typical home value rose 3.7% to $308,313 in August 2026. Public Safety: A teen was arrested after a high-speed motorcycle pursuit in northeast Nebraska.

Nebraska Football: The Huskers closed non-conference play with a 34-7 win over North Dakota, finishing 3-0 and setting up Big Ten opener at Michigan State next Saturday; Nebraska’s defense posted five sacks and held UND to 205 total yards while Jamal Rule powered the ground game with two rushing TDs. Local Sports: Omaha’s Anthony Scheglowski and Noah Greni stayed undefeated in singles as the Mavericks swept much of the Washburn Invite, and Nebraska-Kearney rolled past Washburn in straight sets. Volleyball: No. 1 Nebraska swept No. 20 Creighton at Pinnacle Bank Arena in front of a record crowd for the program. Health & Community: Hy-Vee will offer drive-thru flu shot clinics in September across Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, with no appointment needed. Local Planning: Lincoln County got a look at a federally funded Crossroads Study for North Platte-area transportation options, including potential I-80 and Highway 30 changes. Upcoming Event: The Sundance Farm Horse Trials return to Plymouth Sept. 25-27 with free admission and competitions across dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping.

Nebraska Sports: No. 11 Washington heads to Lincoln to face Nebraska Sunday at Hibner Field, with the Huskers entering at 2-2-4 and led by forwards Carson Bohonek and Nathalie Lewis. Husker Football Live: Nebraska hosted North Dakota in its final non-conference game, with live updates from Memorial Stadium as the Huskers looked to close out the slate strong. Weather: Cooler fall air is settling in across Nebraska after a warm Friday, with drizzly, showery conditions and on-and-off storms possible through the weekend, especially in parts of western Nebraska. Public Safety: Nebraska State Patrol Captain Luke Splattstoesser graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, marking a major leadership milestone for the agency. Health & Community: UNO rolled out its first crisis therapy K-9, Ares, to provide comfort for students and staff during emotional and mental health crises. Housing Watch: Zillow data shows Cedar County’s typical home value rose to $245,991 in August 2026, up 11.8% from a year earlier.