AGP Executive Report

Farm Bill Fight: Congress is weighing a proposal that could block states from regulating livestock raising, aiming at California’s Proposition 12-style rules on space and confinement for pigs and other animals. Immigration & WWII Debate: Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon pushed back on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s D-Day remarks that tied the anniversary to today’s migration into Europe. Nebraska Sports: The Huskers landed Georgia tight end Joey Hunter, adding to their recruiting momentum in the Peach State. Native Rights vs. Drilling: Tribes including nine from South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska sued to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps. Health Policy Watch: CMS moved ahead with Medicaid community engagement/work requirements, setting up major operational changes for states by 2027. Culture & Community: Hastings’ South Central Nebraska Czech Festival marked its 50th anniversary with music, dancing, food and new royalty. Faith on the Move: Six Lincoln Diocese seminarians are walking about 375 miles across southern Nebraska toward Benkelman.

Medicaid Work Requirements Hit Nebraska: CMS issued an interim final rule for Medicaid “community engagement” (work) requirements, with states needing major system changes before a Jan. 1, 2027 start—Nebraska is already seeing enrollment drop as people assume they’ll lose coverage. Healthcare Leadership: Mary Lanning Healthcare named Shanna Stofer as its next president and CEO, starting July 13. Local Business & Groceries: Hy-Vee is selling 21 Fast & Fresh convenience stores to Nebraska-based Bosselman Enterprises, which will rebrand them as Pump & Pantry in July. Culture Spotlight: Hastings’ 50th annual South Central Nebraska Czech Festival drew crowds with music, dancing, kolaches, and Czech Heritage Week celebrations. Community & Faith: Six Lincoln Diocese seminarians are walking about 375 miles to Benkelman, aiming to reflect and connect with Nebraska parishes. State Government Moves: A Nebraska DED grant-program manager left state government to become Omaha deputy chief of staff for economic development. Travel for Nebraskans: American Airlines is adding new routes, including service returning to Lincoln after more than 20 years. Obituaries: Papillion’s Kevin Frederick Knapple and Lincoln’s Nancy L. Kujath were among recent local deaths.

Nebraska Czech Heritage Week & Hastings Czech Festival: Gov. Jim Pillen has declared June 21-27 Nebraska Czech Heritage Week, and Hastings is celebrating with its 50th annual Czech Festival Saturday (kolaches, polka and brass bands, Czech and Slovak royalty, and a full Czech meal). Community & culture: Bennington’s Public Library kicked off its summer reading theme with historian Gordon Mueller sharing 15 years of local preservation work and photo-album collections. Food & local business: Hy-Vee is selling 21 standalone Fast & Fresh stores to Nebraska-based Bosselman Enterprises, which will rebrand them as Pump & Pantry in July. Health policy hitting home: Nebraska is being watched as Medicaid work requirements roll out, with advocates warning enrollment could drop as people assume they’ll lose coverage. Healthcare leadership: Mary Lanning Healthcare named Shanna Stofer its next president and CEO, starting July 13. Immigration & daily life: A federal judge has ended in-state tuition for Nebraska’s undocumented students, while detainees nationwide allege medical neglect in lawsuits. Tech/health systems: Banner Health appointed Dr. John Rares Almasan as chief AI, data and infrastructure officer. Travel & events: American Airlines is adding Lincoln routes again after decades, and a Pride forum in Chicago focused on LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy strategies.

Nebraska Medicaid Watch: Nebraska is seeing a sharp drop in new Medicaid enrollments as stricter Medicaid work requirements roll in—health centers say people are delaying sign-ups because they fear they won’t qualify or the process will be too hard. State Leadership Move: A key manager of Nebraska’s multimillion-dollar economic development grant program is leaving the Department of Economic Development to become Omaha deputy chief of staff for economic development. Community & Culture: Hastings is hosting its 50th annual Czech Festival this Saturday, with kolaches, polka music, and Czech and Slovak royalty—part of Gov. Jim Pillen’s Nebraska Czech Heritage Week. Local History: Bennington’s Public Library kicked off its summer reading theme with a talk by longtime historian Gordon Mueller, sharing years of local preservation work and photo collections. Food & Everyday Life: Hy-Vee is selling 21 standalone Fast & Fresh stores to Nebraska-based Bosselman Enterprises, which will rebrand them as Pump & Pantry in July. Faith on the Move: Six seminarians are walking about 375 miles across southern Nebraska to reach Benkelman in under two weeks. Public Safety: Nebraska construction firms are treating safety as a financial necessity, since even small injuries can wipe out razor-thin profit margins.

Retail & Community Business: Hy-Vee is selling 21 standalone Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience stores to Omaha-area travel retailer Pump & Pantry owner Bosselman Enterprises, with rebranding set for mid-July and no layoffs expected. Education & Access: A federal judge ended Nebraska’s in-state tuition for undocumented students, siding with the DOJ that the policy violated federal law. Higher Ed & Culture: UNK campaign leaders Brian and Carey Hamilton were honored by the University of Nebraska Foundation for volunteer service, including support tied to rural health initiatives. Health Watch: Measles was detected in a Brookings County child, with health officials saying there are “no known exposures” so far. Nebraska Pride & Advocacy: Siouxland Pride Alliance kicked off Pride Weekend in Sioux City with a parade and a lineup of free events, including an interfaith service and Pride prom. Agriculture: Two Nebraska cattle leaders—Jaslyn Livingston and Jim Dinklage—were appointed to the national Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Local Lifestyle: Mary Lanning Healthcare named Shanna Stofer as its next president and CEO, starting July 13. Sports Fandom: The American Outlaws—started by Nebraska college students—are gearing up for the World Cup with big, loud U.S. fan energy.

Tuition Fight in Federal Court: A federal judge struck down Nebraska’s 2006 law letting undocumented students pay in-state tuition, ending a nearly two-decade policy and revoking related state scholarship eligibility. Healthcare Leadership: Mary Lanning Healthcare named Shanna Stofer as its new President and CEO, starting July 13. Community Pride & Culture: Siouxland Pride Alliance kicked off Pride Weekend in Sioux City with a parade and a full slate of free events. Arts & Community Events: Bloomfield’s 250th-anniversary Appreciation Dayz runs through the weekend, and Symphony at Sunset will wrap up Saturday with a D-Day remembrance concert. Education & Youth Development: UNL’s Nurture Nebraska campaign earned Prism awards for its work promoting early childhood social and emotional development. International Arts Collaboration: Kookmin University and UNL’s fine arts colleges signed an agreement to expand exchanges in design, film, and new media. Local Service & Milestones: Crofton’s principal Johnnie Ostermeyer received a distinguished service award, and West Marshall staffers Patti Edler and Tammy Keigan retired after decades. Weather Watch: Northeast Nebraska farmers are racing drought and crusted soil as extreme dryness threatens newly planted crops.

Immigration & Education: A federal judge struck down Nebraska’s in-state tuition and aid law for some undocumented students, saying it conflicts with federal rules—an abrupt shift that Gov. Jim Pillen praised. Higher Ed Culture: UNL faculty no-confidence votes are spotlighted in a new book as a sign of deeper leadership strain across American colleges. Nebraska Sports & Community: Nebraska men’s basketball starts summer practices next week as Coach Fred Hoiberg focuses on building a roster that fits the Huskers culture. Local Lifestyle & Arts: West Nebraska Arts Center hosts “Cowboy on a Fence” by Doug Michael—free June event and a month-long gallery run. Naming & Nostalgia: A list of the most popular girl names in Nebraska during the 1950s leans into classic “all-American” trends. Climate & Health: A national piece warns extreme summer weather is worsening and tied to fossil-fuel industry actions, while another story highlights the growing gap between care and affordability for doulas. Workplace Good News: Campfire earns Inc.’s 2026 Best Workplaces nod, celebrating management, perks, and culture.

Immigration & Education: A federal judge struck down Nebraska’s law that let some undocumented students qualify for in-state tuition and aid, saying it conflicts with federal rules. Community & Leadership: UNL researchers are testing a “systems” approach to leadership in Seward, embedding with local development work to build shared civic ownership. Public Safety & Outdoors: Nebraska Game and Parks will consider tighter deer permit limits for 2027 and other wildlife order changes at its June 12 meeting. Health Policy: The federal government rolled out Medicaid work requirements, setting a new 80-hours-a-month standard for many adults. Research & Business: UNL’s actuarial science research ranked No. 1 in North America and No. 12 worldwide, highlighting Nebraska’s strength in risk and insurance scholarship. Culture & Learning: UNK is dropping a widely used sexuality textbook after a review found graphic images. Local Growth: Neligh and Clearwater economic development efforts since 2018 have pulled in more than $1.47M in grants and investments, with housing and infrastructure leading the push.

Medicaid Work Rules: HHS/CMS rolled out a new Medicaid eligibility rule requiring many adults to complete 80 hours a month of work, education, job training, or community service to keep coverage. University Culture Clash: UNK is dropping a widely used human sexuality textbook after an internal review found “graphic images” in the course material, and the school says it will add clearer content notices going forward. Education Workforce: Maryland joined the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists to ease a shortage, where caseloads can run far above recommended levels. Nebraska Outdoors & History: The Nebraskaland Magazine Digital Archive now lets readers search 100 years of issues for free, spotlighting the state’s outdoor heritage and culture. Community Trees: UNL experts are helping Nebraska towns diversify tree canopies to reduce losses from pests like the emerald ash borer. Public Safety (Hastings): Hastings police logged 128 citations during a seat belt enforcement push funded by a state transportation grant. Health & Community: A new national report finds “deaths of despair” fell overall, but some Midwestern states saw increases, while Nebraska’s rate stayed flat. Higher Ed Leadership: Adrienne Freng was named vice provost for faculty affairs at the University of Wyoming.

Community Grants: The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation’s Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation approved spring grants for 25 applications, backing work that helps Nebraska’s newest residents through language, job support, and health services. Local Education & Culture: East High School held its final commencement before merging into Youngstown High School this fall, with seniors celebrating big milestones and personal stories. Urban Nature & Public Health: UNL experts are helping Nebraska communities diversify tree canopies to reduce losses from pests like emerald ash borer and from drought and severe weather. Agriculture & Food Systems: UNL unveiled new hard red winter wheat and forage triticale varieties aimed at helping western Nebraska producers handle harsh conditions, with wheat variety tours set for June 10–18. Women’s Health: A retrospective study highlighted that testosterone replacement therapy in women may improve symptoms beyond sexual function, including energy, mood, and quality of life. Rural Education Support: ESU 8 says its special education work reaches far beyond one building, with staff across counties and districts supporting students’ access and growth. Workforce & Community: Practical Farmers field days are planned across the Midwest, including Nebraska, with free farmer-led events focused on soil health, water quality, and practical farm solutions. Veterinary Pipeline: UNL’s Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program selected 21 students for its newest cohort to help address the state’s food-animal vet shortage. Workplace Recognition: NAVC was named to Inc.’s 2026 Best Workplaces list, spotlighting its people-first culture and professional development.

Medicaid Work Requirements: CMS issued nationwide guidance for Medicaid work requirements starting in 2027, requiring many adults to document 80 hours a month of work, education, training, or community service—an affordability hit that could disrupt coverage for working Nebraskans. EV Costs: New data shows insuring an EV costs about 42% more than a gas car, though the gap is shrinking for newer models as repair and tech costs change. Public Health Watch: A new discussion highlights rising outbreak concerns, including hantavirus and the Ebola situation in the DRC and Uganda, with experts warning the spread is outpacing response. Nebraska Culture & Youth: Hear Nebraska’s Andy Norman and Lincoln’s The Bay are spotlighted for building youth pathways through skateboarding, alternative education, and workforce development. Local Science: UNL researchers are launching a study on how much micro- and nanoplastics people may be consuming from everyday drink containers. Community Faith: Swan Lake Christian Camp dedicated a new worship center, drawing churches across Nebraska and neighboring states. Workplace Recognition: Multiple Nebraska-area and national firms announced Inc. Best Workplaces honors, including eVero and other culture-focused companies.

UNL Research: Nebraska researchers are launching a new project to measure how much microplastics and nanoplastics people may be consuming from everyday drink containers, backed by a $1.48M federal grant. Campus Visits: UNL assistant director Lupe Perez says the goal of Husker Weekdays and group tours is to make every prospective student and family visit “count,” including training student tour guides. Public Safety: An inmate is missing from the Community Corrections Center–Lincoln after failing to return from a job-seeking furlough; her electronic monitoring device was found in Lincoln. Education & Youth: A former Gretna preschool teacher, Tammy Haberer, was charged with child abuse without physical injury, and the district says she was removed from the classroom after the incident came to light. Health Policy: CMS released Medicaid work requirements guidance for states, setting standards and exemptions as rules move toward implementation. Food Security: New data says SNAP cuts are already removing food support for millions, with more losses expected as work requirements roll out. Community & Culture: Siouxland Pride Alliance announced a week of free, family-friendly events, including a Pride parade, festival, and interfaith service. Sports: Nebraska softball’s historic 2026 run ended at the Women’s College World Series, capping a 52-8 season and a return to the national stage.

Antisemitism Crackdown in Schools: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order requiring Nebraska’s public education system and colleges to report antisemitic incidents annually and roll out statewide professional development and supplemental curricula on Jewish history and the Holocaust. Immigration Uncertainty: Undocumented Nebraskans say legal avenues are closing fast, leaving families in limbo as policies shift and attorney waitlists grow. Pride & Reading Lists: Scholastic released its Pride Month lineup spotlighting LGBTQ+ stories across middle grade and YA, with new and returning titles. Local Education Push: Wayne State College education students are working to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Wayne County through fundraising and community partnerships. UNO Baseball Hire: UNO named Rob Fournier as its seventh baseball coach, aiming to build a championship culture after Evan Porter stepped down. Housing Deal: Berkshire Hathaway will buy Taylor Morrison for $6.8B in cash, expanding its housing footprint; Berkshire is based in Omaha. STEM Interest Study: UNO research explores what motivates female students to re-engage in science research experiences, offering ideas to strengthen STEM pathways. Outdoor Community Action: Volunteers and divers joined a Prairie Queen Lake cleanup to raise awareness about aquatic invasive species and how to prevent their spread.

Nebraska Education & Community Safety: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism in Nebraska schools, expanding reporting and prevention requirements and pushing Holocaust and Jewish history resources into classrooms. Sports & Local Pride: Nebraska softball’s run at the Women’s College World Series ended with a 3-1 loss to Texas, capping a 52-8 season and a return to the WCWS after 13 years. STEM & Student Life: UNL awarded summer stipends to 129 Huskers through UCARE, funding mentored research and creative projects across disciplines, with student posters set for an Aug. 5 symposium. Culture & Service: A Lincoln-area accounting firm, Cuentas Claras, earned “Lincoln’s Choice” Best Accounting Firm recognition, highlighting bilingual support for Spanish-speaking clients. Environment & Outdoors: Sarpy County volunteers and divers cleaned Prairie Queen Lake while raising awareness about aquatic invasive species and the “clean, drain, dry” boat-prep message. Health & Tech: A report on AI chatbots explores why some models don’t refuse harmful requests, raising new concerns for families and educators. Weather Watch: Nebraska saw showers and thunderstorms in the forecast, with overnight storms possible but not expected to be severe.

Sports: Nebraska softball’s WCWS run hits a big moment as the Huskers face Texas in an elimination game in Omaha’s backyard at Devon Park. Education & Community Safety: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order aimed at eradicating antisemitism in Nebraska schools, requiring annual reporting and adding Holocaust/Israel-focused training and curricula. Culture & Inclusion: A new CAM weekly antisemitism report says far-left and Islamist-inspired incidents are showing up at similar levels, with Jewish LGBTQ+ groups also facing “weaponized Pride” concerns. Public Health Policy: States are pushing back on Medicaid work requirements, warning budget crunches could mean cuts to health care and education. Justice & Human Rights: A Nebraska hotel sex-trafficking case landed a 10-year federal sentence for an Indian-origin hotel worker, tied to hidden monitoring and exploitation of two trafficked teens. Sustainability: Central Community College earned a STARS Gold rating for sustainability, citing student research, campus clean-energy moves, and pollinator-focused projects. Weather: Showers and thunderstorms are possible overnight, with only a low severe risk expected.

Antisemitism in Nebraska schools: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order requiring K-12 and higher-ed institutions to use the IHRA definition of antisemitism, strengthen prevention and reporting, and submit annual incident reports to the state. Local community support: Lincoln Public Schools raised $411,801 in its Extra Mile Walk to fund Food Bank of Lincoln programs, including weekend BackPack support and School Food Markets. Justice system spotlight: A federal case tied to an Omaha hotel alleges hidden cameras were used to monitor the sexual abuse of two teenage girls; another hotel worker, Kavan Kumar Patel, was sentenced to 10 years. Politics with local fallout: Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood faced heckles at a town hall over Trump-era issues, including the DOJ-backed “anti-weaponization” fund. Culture & youth sports: Creighton landed Omaha wing London Dada, while Texas’ WCWS win featured Arizona transfer Kaiah Altmeyer’s key homer. Everyday life: Nebraska drivers are urged to watch for turtles during nesting season, and gardeners are reminded to use frost cloth, mulch, and indoor moves to protect plants.