AGP Executive Report

Public Transit & Air Quality: Lincoln broke ground on StarTran’s $33 million Multi-modal Transportation Center, funded by a $23.6 million federal grant plus a Nebraska Environmental Trust award, aiming to cut congestion and improve access with 19 covered bus bays and green space, with completion targeted for spring 2028. Cybersecurity for Nebraska: The state is exploring a statewide cybersecurity information sharing and advisory center (ISAC) to help cities, counties, schools, and public safety act on shared threat data instead of working in isolation. Carbon Removal in Nebraska: ADM plans to enter the voluntary carbon market using carbon capture at its Columbus, Nebraska ethanol facility, targeting 800,000+ tons of annual capture and carbon removal credits via Puro.earth, with initial credits expected by year’s end. Sustainability Recognition: UNL is among the first 14 universities to earn the new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, highlighting campuswide sustainability across curriculum, research, operations, and community work. Wildlife & Outdoors: Nebraska Game and Parks opened submissions for the 2026 Nebraskaland Magazine photo contest starting Oct. 1, with categories spanning flora/fauna, landscapes, and hunting and fishing. Higher Ed Governance: A faculty group is urging AAU to block UNL’s bid to rejoin over last year’s program and department cuts.

Carbon Markets in Nebraska: ADM says it will enter the voluntary carbon dioxide removal market using its Columbus, Nebraska corn processing complex, which can capture more than 800,000 tons of CO2 a year; credits are being certified and issued by Puro.earth under its Geologically Stored Carbon method, with initial credits expected by year-end and a 15-year crediting period. Weather and Farm Impacts: A sharply split pattern brought heavy Midwest rain—often 5 to 7 inches—while the South stayed in record heat and drought, raising concerns about stalk and root issues and harvest delays. Rural Health and Data Burden: A new look at the “interoperability crisis” warns that rural hospitals face growing strain from electronic health record sharing demands, with Nebraska research cited showing rural adoption and interoperability lag behind urban areas. Nebraska Sustainability Recognition: UNL is among the first 14 universities to earn Carnegie’s new Elective Classification for Sustainability, highlighting sustainability across curriculum, research, operations, and community work. Cattle Tech Update: Virtual fencing with GPS collars is spreading as a way to move herds without wire, using app-drawn boundaries and mild training cues. Outdoor Recreation: Nebraska state parks are rolling out October events, including night-sky viewing at Merritt Reservoir and naturalist-led hikes at Ponca.

Nebraska Ballot Measures: Nebraska’s Secretary of State certified the 2026 ballot, including two citizen-initiated sports betting proposals: Initiative Measure 440 would amend the state constitution to allow online sports wagering, while Initiative Measure 441 would set up the rules for online betting through regulated operators. Carbon Removal in Nebraska: ADM says it will enter the voluntary carbon dioxide removal market using more than 800,000 tons a year of removal capacity at its Columbus, Nebraska, corn processing complex, with initial credits expected by year-end. Forestry Leadership: John Erixson stepped down as Nebraska State Forester after decades leading the agency, including navigating difficult wildfire years. Soil Moisture and Harvest Timing: Nebraska Extension reports improved soil moisture heading into October, but persistent humidity and intermittent rain are still slowing fieldwork in parts of the state. Public Lands Staffing: The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands named Matthew “Matt” Lucas as district ranger for the Fall River Ranger District. Community & Elections: Interfaith Alliance is launching “The Vote is Sacred” bus tour in Omaha starting Oct. 6, with training for faith communities on election interference threats. Budget Pressure: A former state senator warns recent Nebraska budget decisions threaten long-term stability, citing unsustainable funding for tax relief and rising spending.

Soil & Freeze Outlook: Nebraska’s soil moisture is improving heading into October after recent rain, but persistent humidity and a lack of cool weather are also slowing fieldwork as farmers try to harvest. Groundwater Rules: A new look at groundwater law breaks down how state-by-state water rights systems can shape what Nebraska farmers can legally pump and when. Toxic Algae Alerts: Nebraska DHHS extended harmful algal bloom health alerts for Big Indian Lake (Gage County) and Cub Creek Lake (Jefferson County), urging people to avoid exposed water and keep pets out. Outdoor & Wildlife: Ponca State Park’s Missouri River Outdoor Expo returns for its 21st year, while Illinois confirms mountain lion sightings that DNA suggests may have dispersed from Nebraska and the Dakotas. Water Infrastructure Planning: Lincoln County unveiled a federally funded Crossroads Study that could lead to future I-80 and Highway 30 bypass options plus an added evacuation route. Ag Research: A $1.9M NSF grant will test drought-tolerance potential in microscopic soil fungi for wheat and rice, with UNL among the collaborators.

Toxic Algae Alert: Nebraska DHHS extended a harmful algal bloom health alert for Big Indian Lake (Gage County) and Cub Creek Lake (Jefferson County) after samples topped the microcystin threshold; officials warn residents to avoid water with scum or bad odor, keep pets out, and note boating/fishing is allowed with caution. Flood Risk & Climate: A super El Niño pattern is driving a new round of flood watches across parts of the Southwest, Intermountain West, and Midwest, with climate change cited as adding to extreme moisture and storm impacts. Wildlife Watch: Illinois officials confirmed mountain lion sightings in Union and Jackson counties, advising people to leave the animal alone and report sightings; DNA from past cats suggests possible dispersal from Nebraska and the Dakotas. Outdoor Access: Nebraska Game and Parks is hosting the 21st annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park, featuring wildlife encounters, fishing, kayaking, archery, and family activities. Chemicals & Health: The EPA is still weighing hundreds of new chemicals, while the FDA issued a Class II recall for multiple hand soaps sold in 15 states over possible bacterial contamination.

Toxic Algae Alert: Nebraska DHHS extended a harmful algal bloom health alert for Big Indian Lake (Gage County) and Cub Creek Lake (Jefferson County) after microcystin levels topped the 8 ppb threshold; officials say swimming beaches stay closed, boating and fishing are allowed with caution, and pets should not drink or enter the water. Outdoor & Wildlife: Nebraska Game and Parks hosted the 21st annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park, spotlighting wildlife encounters, fishing, kayaking, archery, and family activities. Ag Tech & Drought Resilience: UNL launched the Nebraska Digital Ag Hub to help producers develop, test, and scale digital agriculture tools, while a new NSF-backed project will study microscopic soil fungi to boost drought tolerance in wheat and rice (with UNL researchers involved). Chemicals & Safety Watch: EPA is still reviewing hundreds of new chemicals, with manufacturers warning delays can push production overseas; separately, the FDA issued a Class II hand soap recall in 15 states over possible bacterial contamination. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved more than $33 million in post-disaster aid for Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, including utility repairs and hazard mitigation projects.

Toxic Algae Alert: Nebraska DHHS extended a harmful algal bloom health alert for Big Indian Lake (Gage County) and Cub Creek Lake (Jefferson County) after samples topped the 8 ppb microcystin threshold; officials warn people to avoid scummy, discolored water and keep pets out, while boating and fishing are allowed with caution. Data Centers & Power Costs: As AI expands, Nebraska and other Republican-led states are tightening rules for data centers tied to tax breaks, aiming to prevent residents from absorbing higher electricity, water, and infrastructure burdens. Digital Agriculture: UNL launched the Nebraska Digital Ag Hub to help producers use digital ag tools better—building and testing decision-support tech with Extension, researchers, and industry partners. Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved more than $33 million for post-disaster help across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, including utility repairs and hazard mitigation projects. Wildlife Watch: Illinois confirmed mountain lion sightings in Jackson and Union counties, with DNA suggesting past cats likely dispersed from Nebraska and the Dakotas. Public Health Recall: FDA issued a Class II recall for certain hand soaps sold in 15 states due to possible bacterial contamination.

FEMA Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved more than $33 million for post-disaster Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, including over $229,000 for Western Electric Cooperative in WaKeeney, Kansas to repair utility poles and related equipment. Toxic Algae Alert (Nebraska): Nebraska DHHS extended a harmful algal bloom health alert for Big Indian Lake (Gage County) and Cub Creek Lake (Jefferson County) after samples exceeded the 8 ppb microcystin threshold; officials warn people to avoid scum and bad-odor water and keep pets out. Nebraska Water Infrastructure: NPPD scheduled a multi-week maintenance outage on the Sutherland Canal system, draining the stretch between Lake Ogallala and Lake Maloney for inspections, sediment removal, lining work, and hydro plant servicing. Digital Ag Push: UNL launched the Nebraska Digital Ag Hub to help producers use digital agriculture tools, build decision-support tech, and train the next wave of innovators. Data Centers & Power Costs: A House bill advanced to require large data centers (100+ megawatts) to cover incremental grid upgrade costs, reflecting growing pressure over electricity bills tied to the AI boom. Wildlife Safety: Illinois confirmed a mountain lion in Jackson and Union counties, advising residents to leave it alone and report sightings. Outdoor & Conservation: Nebraska Game and Parks hosts the Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park Sept. 19-20 with fishing, kayaking, wildlife encounters, and family activities.

Toxic Algae Alert: Nebraska DHHS extended a harmful algal bloom health alert for Big Indian Lake (Gage County) and Cub Creek Lake (Jefferson County) after samples exceeded the microcystin threshold; officials advise avoiding contact with water that looks scummy or discolored, keeping pets out, and note swimming beaches remain closed while boating and fishing are allowed with caution. Water Infrastructure: NPPD scheduled a multi-week maintenance outage on the Sutherland Canal system, draining the stretch between Lake Ogallala, Sutherland Reservoir and Lake Maloney for inspections, sediment removal, lining repairs and hydro plant servicing. Digital Agriculture: UNL launched the Nebraska Digital Ag Hub to help producers use digital agriculture tools, build decision-support tech, and train the next wave of innovators. Organic Transition Watch: UNL experts urged Nebraska farmers considering organic to plan carefully—certification can take years, costs and lease terms matter, and written agreements should spell out transition responsibilities. Outdoor & Wildlife: Nebraska Game and Parks hosts the Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park with family activities and wildlife-focused events. Climate & Flood Risk: A super El Niño-driven pattern is expected to bring life-threatening rains across parts of the U.S., with flood watches and burn-scar flooding concerns highlighted. Wildlife Note: Illinois confirmed a mountain lion in southern Illinois, with IDNR saying it likely involves the same animal moving through Union and Jackson counties.

Farm Policy: USDA pushed back ARC/PLC signup deadlines, with 2026 elections now running Sept. 16–Dec. 11 and 2027 running Nov. 2, 2026–March 15, 2027, while also adding 30 million base acres—an update Nebraska producers will want to review closely. Conservation Funding: NRCS is accepting conservation applications for Nebraska producers, with a FY2027 consideration deadline of Oct. 16, 2026, covering programs like ACEP, CSP and EQIP. Weather & Climate Outlook: NOAA forecasters discussed a possible “super El Niño,” calling for warmer and drier conditions across the Central Plains (including Nebraska) this winter, while warning cold snaps and snow are still possible. Water & Infrastructure: FEMA approved more than $33 million in disaster recovery and hazard mitigation funding for Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, including over $22.4 million for a Perry County school building. Wildlife: Illinois confirmed a mountain lion moving through Union and Jackson counties, with DNA suggesting western origins likely tied to Nebraska/Dakotas. Local Sustainability: Lincoln announced it has earned LEED Platinum certification, citing progress on energy, emissions, natural systems and community resilience.

Conservation Funding for Nebraska Farms: USDA’s NRCS is accepting conservation applications year-round, with Nebraska producers urged to apply by Oct. 16, 2026 for FY 2027 funding. Programs include ACEP (ag land and wetland easements), CSP, and EQIP, plus extra support through the Regenerative Pilot Program. City Sustainability Win: Lincoln became Nebraska’s first city to earn LEED Platinum certification, the top U.S. Green Building Council honor for cities, citing progress on energy and greenhouse gases, natural systems, and community quality-of-life measures. Public Health—Pool Operator Training: Two Rivers Public Health Department in Kearney launched a local Public Swimming Pool Operator Education & Certification Program after the state course ended, with a $40 fee and options for operators to use existing certifications until they expire. Wildlife Alert: Illinois officials confirmed a mountain lion moving through Union and Jackson counties, believed to be a rare dispersing animal likely from Nebraska/Dakotas; residents are told to leave it alone and report sightings. Food Safety—Hand Soap Recall: FDA classified an Intercon Chemical hand soap recall as Class II, affecting six products sold across 15 states including Nebraska, due to possible bacterial contamination. FEMA Disaster Money: FEMA approved $33M+ for Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska, including public assistance for disaster recovery and hazard mitigation grants.

Plastic Pollution Fight: Two lawsuits are challenging California’s SB 54, a major push to cut single-use plastic packaging and boost recycling and composting, putting the state’s producer-responsibility rules in legal limbo. Public Health Recall: The FDA has classified a Class II recall for six hand soaps sold in 15 states, including Nebraska, after potential bacterial contamination concerns. Nebraska Digital Ag: UNL launched the Nebraska Digital Ag Hub to help producers adopt and test digital agriculture tools, with researchers and Extension working directly from farm needs. Swimming Pool Safety: Two Rivers Public Health Department in central Nebraska is starting a public swimming pool operator education and certification program after the state course was discontinued. Water Quality & Fishing: Nebraska Game and Parks is beginning fall rainbow trout stocking statewide, with a published schedule for community and urban waters. Disaster Cleanup: EPA crews finished household hazardous material removal at the final accessible Spokane Complex fire-damaged properties, hauling away 195,000 pounds from 789 homes. Housing Innovation: UNL and Partners for Livable Omaha celebrated the first OurStory Small Houses in Benson—compact, energy-efficient, “aging-ready” homes meant to be replicable.

Nebraska Water & Wildlife: Game and Parks is starting fall rainbow trout stockings, with 12-inch fish headed to community waters statewide and a published schedule that runs from the week of Sept. 21 through early October (dates can shift with weather). Outdoor Recreation Grants: Nebraska Game and Parks is taking applications for 2026 Land and Water Conservation Fund grants from cities, villages, natural resources districts and other local entities; letters of intent are due Sept. 18 and applications close Oct. 30, with projects ranging from outdoor recreation upgrades to wildlife observation areas. Wildfire Preparedness: The Nebraska Forest Service is launching the state’s first Wildland Fire Engine Academy, aimed at helping volunteer firefighters learn basic engine maintenance and operation, reflecting the heavy role volunteers play in Nebraska wildfire suppression. Public Health (Recall): FDA classified a hand soap recall as Class II after Intercon Chemical Co. reported potential bacterial contamination; products were distributed across 15 states including Nebraska. Child Welfare Prevention Funding: Nebraska DHHS was selected for a federal Title IV-E Prevention Accelerator Grant to expand evidence-based prevention services, including Motivational Interviewing training, provider capacity and referral pathways.

Air Quality & Health: A new national ranking highlights Wyoming’s cleanest-air cities, with Casper and Cheyenne topping particle pollution measures, while Nebraska also appears among the clean-air states. Water & Pollution Watch: Norfolk warned of a likely fish kill and possible Elkhorn River contamination after its wastewater treatment plant saw reduced biological treatment capacity tied to toxic influent; officials say the public should avoid contact downstream of the outfall. Outdoor Recreation Funding: Nebraska Game and Parks is taking applications for 2026 Land and Water Conservation Fund grants, including outdoor recreation projects with a 50% match, with deadlines set for late September. Wildlife & Habitat: Nebraska’s grasslands face pressure as cedar trees spread, threatening forage and wildlife habitat, and the Sandhills Weed Management Area received a Nebraska Environmental Trust grant for multi-year control work. Food & Farm Environment: Husker Harvest Days debuts an Ag Tech Pavilion focused on precision and automation, while a new hybrid wheat launch is planned for 2027 after multi-state trials including Nebraska. Public Health Reminder: The FDA classified a hand soap recall as Class II over potential bacterial contamination, with products shipped to Nebraska and other states.

Wastewater & Wildlife Risk: Norfolk warned of a possible fish kill and river contamination after its wastewater treatment plant saw a reduction in biological treatment capacity, believed linked to toxic influent; officials say disinfection systems remain active and urge people to avoid contact with Elkhorn River water downstream of the outfall. Food Safety: The FDA classified a hand soap recall as Class II for possible bacterial contamination, affecting multiple Intercon-branded soaps shipped to 15 states including Nebraska; households are urged to check lot codes and avoid use of affected products. Ag Tech at Husker Harvest Days: A Husker Harvest Days panel weighed the pros and cons of farm technology, with speakers urging farmers to start small, test on limited acres, and focus on practical returns. Nonprofit Capacity Building: The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation and UNL’s Nonprofit Management Institute will host an in-person financial management workshop for nonprofit leaders Oct. 8. Ag Policy & Community Resilience: Husker Harvest Days programming highlighted farm support resources and how federal policies are shaping day-to-day decisions. Water & Climate Context: Colorado River managers warned of shrinking reservoirs and the push to prevent Lake Powell from reaching “dead pool.” Wildlife Notes: Reports of armadillos expanding northward continued, with a new Ohio finding described as likely natural migration.

Harmful Algae Alert: Nebraska health officials issued a toxic blue-green algae warning for Big Indian Lake (Gage County) and extended an alert for Cub Creek Lake (Jefferson County), after water samples topped the state microcystin threshold; swimming beaches are closed and people are urged to avoid contact and keep pets out. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of a late-Monday severe storm risk across southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa, with damaging winds, large hail, and a tornado possibility depending on how quickly skies clear. Late-Season Rain Reality Check: A Central Corn Belt deluge is arriving “two months too late,” with heavy rain focused across Nebraska and nearby states—helpful in theory, but now raising concerns about rot and how quickly fields will dry for harvest. Water Infrastructure Maintenance: The Sutherland Canal will be lowered next week for 5–7 weeks of maintenance and inspections, including sediment removal and repairs tied to cooling-water and hydroelectric reliability. Industrial Agriculture Push: A company is planning the nation’s largest single-site cattle feedlot in Nebraska near Hagler, spotlighting major water and land-use questions. Policy & Preparedness: Federal and state leaders met in Omaha to discuss changes to disaster response and to meet with the family of Sarah Root, as Nebraska has received more than $120 million in FEMA support since 2016.