Nebraska Water & Wildlife: Nebraska is set to accept Watchable Wildlife Grants, funded through the Wildlife Conservation Fund, to expand hands-on nature experiences and stewardship across the state. State Policy & Water/Power: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order ending access to ImagiNE Nebraska tax incentives for data centers, directing agencies to weigh benefits against impacts to land, water, and electricity and creating a DWEE-led task force. Community Waste Reduction: Nebraska students’ environmental posters will appear in the 2027 “Nebraska: Don’t Waste It!” calendar, spotlighting waste reduction, recycling, and litter cleanup. Air, Heat & Drought Signals: A U.S. Drought Monitor update reports very hot, dry conditions across parts of the Plains and Upper Midwest, with drought expanding in Minnesota and Wisconsin while some Mid-Atlantic areas improve after heavy rains. Food Safety & Public Health: A major national discussion continues around the Cyclospora outbreak and how public health messaging and food system oversight affect illness risk. Wildlife Management: A wildlife manager describes practical ways communities can handle nuisance Canada geese—highlighting the real-world conflict between people who want them gone and those who want them to stay. Corruption & Border Risks: An Omaha-based company, Scoular, agreed to a $10M+ FCPA resolution tied to alleged bribes to Mexican customs brokers, raising fresh concerns about cross-border enforcement and environmental spillover from illegal trade. Nebraska in National Rankings: Nebraska placed fifth overall in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best States list, with strong marks for infrastructure and natural environment.