AGP Executive Report

University & Course Content: UNK will discontinue a human sexuality textbook after complaints about “graphic images,” and will add enhanced notice in course materials. Community Forestry: UNL experts are urging Nebraska towns to diversify tree plantings and manage aging street trees as disease pressures grow. Wildlife & Climate Education: A Nebraska Master Naturalist webinar set for June 15 will cover how climate change is affecting species and ecosystems. Local Conservation Planning: A June 11 Local Working Group meeting in Norfolk will shape how federal conservation dollars are targeted locally. Waste Reduction: Pierce County received a DWEE grant for a June 23 scrap tire collection (150 tons planned), limited to county residents. Big Game Migration Funding: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-backed program to support wildlife-friendly practices across 17 states, including Nebraska, to protect migration corridors. Nebraska Water & Fishing Access: Niobrara State Park Pond work is underway to improve aquatic habitat and angler access, with completion expected this fall. Agriculture Vet Pipeline: UNL selected 21 students for the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program to address food-animal vet shortages in rural communities. Wildfire Recovery: NRCS extended Nebraska EQIP wildfire recovery applications to July 31. Rail & Environment Review: The Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more details including environmental impact-related public interest questions.

EV affordability and insurance costs: New data shows used EV sales jumped 54% in March, but insuring EVs still costs about 42% more than gas cars—$3,159 a year for EVs vs. $2,218 for gas on average—though the gap shrinks for newer models. Rail and the environment: The federal Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more details (including public input) before environmental review can proceed. Wildlife migration planning: USDA unveiled a new framework for migratory big game conservation across 17 states, including Nebraska, aiming to improve landscape connectivity and forage while keeping working lands working. Nebraska wildfire recovery: USDA extended Nebraska’s EQIP wildfire recovery application deadline to July 31 for help repairing grazing infrastructure and restoring forage. Plastic pollution research in Nebraska: UNL and UNMC researchers won a nearly $1.48M grant to study how much micro- and nanoplastics people may ingest from everyday beverage containers. Agricultural recycling push: New research suggests recycling plastic mulch film could be feasible, including trials using films from Nebraska farms.

Rail Merger Pause: The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has paused the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more details (including public-interest impacts) and warning the environmental review could slow the timeline. Plastics in Your Cup: UN researchers won a nearly $1.5M grant to study how micro- and nanoplastics may leach from everyday drink containers into people. Drought and Rain Quality: Nebraska Extension says recent storms may not be enough; the key is whether rainfall soaks into the root zone, not just how much falls. Water Quality on the Ballot (Iowa): Iowa’s primary spotlights nitrate pollution and cancer risk tied to industrial farming, with candidates pitching new nutrient and manure controls. Cover Crops Incentives: A cover-crop payment program is back with $35/acre support and a new contract structure aimed at boosting adoption. Flood Storage Works: A Corps of Engineers report highlights how tributary dams reduce downstream flood damage by storing and releasing water during major storms. Health Care Access: CHI Health St. Francis will temporarily move its Grand Island inpatient substance-use unit to Kearney while it searches for a long-term site. Campus DEI Review: UNK says an internal investigation found no support for claims of DEI programming or political bias.

Water Quality & Flood Resilience: Plattsmouth’s new wastewater treatment plant is now operating after the 2019 flood damaged the old facility; the upgraded plant sits outside the floodplain and replaces a system that couldn’t treat at full capacity. Aquatic Invasive Species: Volunteers and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission teamed up for a Prairie Queen Lake cleanup in Papillion, targeting invasive species like curly-leaf pondweed, plus white perch and Eurasian watermilfoil, with a push for “clean, drain, dry” boat habits. Drought Watch: Nebraska Extension says recent rain may slow drought impacts, but the key question is whether storms deliver moisture that soaks into the root zone instead of running off. Agriculture Incentives: A cover-crop program is reopening with higher payments, offering $35/acre/year up to 2,000 acres, aiming to boost soil health and water quality. Energy & Climate Debate: A report highlights growing interest in nuclear power for Nebraska, while another story notes how severe fire season risks are rising nationwide. Local Conservation: A Sarpy County kayak cleanup focused on invasive species awareness at Prairie Queen Lake.

Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters say June’s tornado threat shifts north into Nebraska and the Central/Northern Great Plains as jet-stream patterns and daytime heating boost storm power, with another active severe-weather setup possible into mid-June. Aquatic Invasives: A Sarpy County kayak and scuba cleanup at Prairie Queen Lake highlighted invasive species like curly-leaf pondweed, plus white perch and Eurasian watermilfoil, urging boaters to clean, drain, and dry to stop spread. Water Infrastructure: Plattsmouth opened a new wastewater treatment plant outside the floodplain after the 2019 Missouri River damage, with FEMA covering 90% of the nearly $70 million project. Sustainability in Schools: Central Community College earned a STARS Gold rating for sustainability work spanning campus operations, clean energy, and student research on native plants and pollinators. Climate & Health: Nebraska mental health impacts tied to extreme cold and heat are worsening, especially for low-income residents facing “mental health desert” gaps across much of the state. Wildfire Readiness: National experts warn 2026 could bring worse wildfire conditions as drought and low mountain snowpack limit relief, while staffing and preparedness concerns linger.

Fluoride Fight: A new round of public controversy is swirling around fluoride in drinking water, with Florida and Utah restricting it and Nebraska lawmakers previously advancing bills that stalled—while a recent NIH toxicology review is cited by supporters as showing no major harm. Wildfire Readiness: Fire experts warn 2026 could be worse than last year as drought, low mountain snowpack, and staffing upheaval raise concerns for the Central Plains and beyond. Climate and Care Gaps: Nebraska researchers and advocates link climate stress to rising mental health needs, pointing to “mental health deserts” and limited access to counseling. Sustainability in Schools: Central Community College in Grand Island earned a STARS Gold rating, highlighting native plant/pollinator research, EV charging, and clean-energy progress. Local Wildlife Safety: Nebraska drivers are urged to watch for turtles during nesting season as females cross roads—often with deadly results. Severe Weather Watch: Forecast coverage flags an active severe weather setup across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming into early June. Rural Hospital Funding: The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration is set to continue for five more years, including Nebraska hospitals in the program. Data Centers and Power Bills: States are responding to the data center boom with a patchwork of incentives and new guardrails aimed at protecting grids and ratepayers. Nebraska Aviation Grants: The FAA awarded $523M to 332 airports nationwide, including Omaha for terminal and boarding bridge reconstruction. Plant Protection: A practical guide shares frost-protection steps for Nebraska gardeners, from frost cloth to mulch and cold-frame options.

Severe Weather Watch: Meteorologists are flagging a more active, potentially dangerous Central Plains pattern through early June, with Nebraska, Kansas and nearby states in the main corridor for instability and tornado risk. Rural Health Policy: The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act cleared the U.S. Senate, extending Medicare payment tests for rural hospitals for five more years; Nebraska is among the participating states. Data Centers & Power Costs: States are responding to the data-center boom in a patchwork way—some add guardrails or consider moratoriums as lawmakers weigh grid, water and household bill impacts. Nebraska Conservation Tech: Researchers are repurposing old smartphones into biodegradable, battery-free ecosystem monitors to track climate change impacts on nature, partnering with UNL and other institutions. Wildlife on Roads: Nebraska drivers are being urged to watch for turtles during nesting season, when females cross roads and many get killed. Aviation Infrastructure: The FAA awarded $523M in airport grants nationwide, including $10.5M for Omaha terminal and boarding bridge reconstruction. Local Sustainability: Central Community College earned a STARS gold rating for sustainability work, including native plant and pollinator research. Agriculture & Water Quality: A Purdue study suggests corn growers may be able to cut nitrogen without sacrificing yields, with potential air and water benefits.

Wildfire Readiness: Local, state and federal partners across the region are gearing up for a severe fire season, with officials pointing to drought and early-drying fuels as risk factors. Road Safety for Wildlife: Nebraska drivers are being urged to watch for turtles crossing roads during nesting season, a deadly trek for adult females leaving aquatic habitat. Sustainability in Higher Ed: Central Community College in Grand Island earned a STARS gold rating for sustainability work spanning academics, engagement and campus operations, including native plant and pollinator research. Food & Feed Exports: A Nebraska-hosted seminar brought Mexican feed nutritionists to learn how U.S. corn co-products like DDGS can support livestock diets and “sustainable supply chains.” Agriculture & Water Quality: A Purdue study suggests corn growers may be able to use less nitrogen without sacrificing yields—potentially cutting pollution and improving profits. Rural Vet Shortage: A Nebraska case highlights the persistent access gap for large-animal veterinarians, with states exploring incentives and training to fill the void. Energy Infrastructure: The FAA awarded $523M in airport grants nationwide, including $10.5M for Omaha terminal and boarding bridge reconstruction.

Severe Weather Watch: A high-tornado-risk setup is building across Nebraska and Kansas this weekend, with forecasts pointing to a focused corridor for rotating storms Saturday and continued danger Sunday. Water & Wildlife Recreation: Niobrara State Park is drawing visitors for its quiet camping and river access, with the park noting it moved to its current spot after flooding and is adding yurts for more lodging. Farm Inputs & Pollution: A Purdue-led study says corn growers may be able to cut nitrogen without sacrificing yields, aiming to reduce runoff and air impacts while protecting profits. Clean Water Rules in Court: Idaho and other states are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to tighten how the Clean Water Act applies to wetlands after the Sackett decision, arguing lower courts have stretched federal reach. Rail & Public Review: Regulators accepted Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific’s merger application but paused progress pending more details and an environmental review with public meetings. Nebraska Policy: Nebraska enacted a state mini-WARN law requiring 90 days’ notice for certain mass layoffs and business closings, effective July 17, 2026. Energy & Community: Nebraska Public Power District is studying potential new nuclear sites, including a Gage County city, as local interest grows. Wildfire Preparedness: Wyoming officials say fire danger is higher than usual due to drought and early-drying fuels, with agencies preparing for an active season.

Nebraska WARN Update: Nebraska enacted a state “mini-WARN” law requiring 90 days’ advance notice for certain business closings or mass layoffs, with the new rules taking effect July 17, 2026 and differing from the federal WARN trigger and notice requirements. Drought Pressure on Crops: Reports highlight worsening drought stress across Nebraska, including concerns for winter wheat heading into harvest and growing interest in drought-resistant crops like sorghum. Wildflower Week in Nebraska: PlantNebraska is hosting free events June 1-7 across western Nebraska, including plant sales, talks, and guided hikes at Scotts Bluff National Monument. Open Fields and Waters Access: The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is expanding walk-in hunting and fishing access on private lands through its Open Fields and Waters program, offering per-acre payments and liability protections. Rail Merger Review: The Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger review to request more information and move toward an environmental impact statement with public input. Farm Finance Help: UNL and Nebraska Extension hired David Haupt to provide free one-on-one farm financial analysis for producers managing debt and budgeting decisions. Wildfire Preparedness: A broader wildfire outlook story points to heightened fire danger across the West, with agencies preparing for an active season.

Rail Merger Review: The federal Surface Transportation Board paused and then accepted key parts of Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern’s transcontinental railroad merger filing, asking for more detail by July 27 and more public input before environmental review moves forward. Drought & Wheat Risk: Nebraska producers are bracing for harvest stress as drought deepens across the Great Plains; Perkins County farmers say low soil moisture and warmer conditions are shrinking winter wheat prospects, with much of the crop rated very poor to poor. Heat-Resilient Crops: UNL-area researchers are pushing sorghum as a drought- and heat-tough alternative to corn, noting it can outperform corn when moisture stays very low. Tech & Connectivity: Hurricane Electric added a new Lincoln PoP at a downtown data center, expanding high-capacity IPv4/IPv6 backbone access for Nebraska and the Midwest. Local Water Infrastructure: Auburn’s Longs Creek Water Supply project is nearing completion after state inspections and equipment deliveries. Health & Outdoors: Tick-bite ER visits are up in the Omaha region since 2017, and Nebraska Game and Parks is gearing up for Nebraskaland’s 100th anniversary celebration. Community Care: UNO’s long-running Child Care Center permanently closed May 22 amid an ongoing dispute over the decision and bargaining.

Wildfire Risk in the Great Plains: Nebraska is in the crosshairs of an already record-breaking wildfire start, with the Morrill Fire burning 642,000 acres and setting a state record—part of a broader U.S. pattern driven by drought, low snowpack, heat, and stretched response capacity. Corn Belt Weather & Water: A new study links Corn Belt farming and shallow groundwater to more frequent and longer-lasting thunderstorm complexes, raising both flood/hail risks and forecasting stakes for Nebraska and neighbors. Tick Threats for People and Livestock: CDC data show ER visits for tick bites are highest for this time of year since 2017, while Nebraska vets warn cattle producers after Theileria was detected in multiple counties, urging aggressive tick control. Nebraska Water Education: The Children’s Groundwater Festival brought about 800 fifth graders to hands-on lessons on groundwater, runoff, and conservation. Agriculture & Drought Outlook: Crop reports point to warmer, drier conditions ahead, with soil moisture still tight. Local Conservation Events: Lewis & Clark NRD’s Bow Creek Field Day (June 17) will focus on rotation changes for water and nutrient efficiency, and PlantNebraska’s Wildflower Week runs June 1-7. Food Costs Pressure: National reporting warns another inflation wave is headed for grocery stores, tied to weather, tariffs, and cattle herd trends.

Wildfire readiness: A new look at the 2026 wildfire season warns the West is heading into extreme fire conditions with a weakened response system, citing staffing gaps and fewer specialized teams. Severe storms & farming: A Corn Belt study links irrigation and shallow groundwater to more frequent, longer-lasting thunderstorm complexes—good for rain, but also a recipe for hail, flooding, and tornado risk. Nebraska water education: Nebraska fifth graders got hands-on groundwater lessons at the Children’s Groundwater Festival in Grand Island, with activities showing how runoff and pollution can reach the water people rely on. Groundwater concerns beyond Nebraska: A Colorado aquifer study is raising new questions for the Arkansas Valley about how much underground water remains and what happens if it declines. Livestock health: Nebraska officials are urging vigilance after tick-borne Theileria was detected in multiple counties. Mental health & climate: Nebraska researchers say extreme weather is worsening mental health stress, with many residents already facing “mental health desert” shortages. Soil & water protection: Nebraska’s Buffer Strip Program is offering up to $250/acre for filter strips and grass buffers to cut runoff into streams and wetlands. Ranch research: UNL is documenting how Nebraska ranchers make long-term grazing decisions, including tools aimed at measuring carbon benefits while keeping rancher input central.

Nebraska Environmental Trust Fight: A new Lancaster County lawsuit challenges Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration over alleged misuse of Nebraska Environmental Trust funds, arguing money meant for conservation can’t be diverted outside the grant process. Online Child Safety: Connecticut AG William Tong opened an investigation into Roblox after reports of child exploitation, with Nebraska AG Nick Brown joining a broader push against the KIDS Act that would limit states’ ability to protect kids online. Broadband in the Cornhusker State: Nebraska is reopening BEAD bidding after some providers wouldn’t sign contracts, publishing a new map for remaining eligible locations and aiming to boost competition and service quality. Public Health Watch: A deadly Andes-strain hantavirus outbreak tied to the MV Hondius has led to quarantines and hospitalizations in U.S. cities, raising questions about preparedness for rare travel-linked threats. Weather & Water Context: Omaha is forecast to see more sunshine Wednesday, while drought conditions remain severe across much of the country, including parts of Nebraska.

Wildfire Season Jumps the Gun: U.S. wildfire data is already flashing red for 2026, with burned acreage running well above normal and Nebraska standing out—scientists say the Morrill Fire became the largest in state history as extreme winds and dry vegetation helped fires spread almost year-round. Supreme Court Energy Fight: Georgia AG Chris Carr is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a Boulder County bid to hold oil and gas producers liable for “global climate change,” arguing one locality can’t set national energy policy—Nebraska is among the AGs backing the push. Hantavirus in the Spotlight: A cruise-linked Andes hantavirus outbreak has led to quarantines and monitoring in multiple U.S. cities, including Nebraska, while the WHO says the situation is “stable for now.” Nebraska Water/Industry Accountability: Nebraska secured a $1.25 million civil penalty against Swift Beef/JBS in Grand Island for wastewater discharge violations tied to fish-killing releases into the Wood River. Local Action on Data Centers: Otoe County voted to pause new data center permits for up to a year amid worries about water and power demands.

Water & Power Pressure: Otoe County, Nebraska, voted to pause new data-center permits for up to a year as residents push back over water use, electricity costs, and heat impacts—an echo of a broader national wave of moratoriums. Pollution Accountability: Nebraska’s state and water agencies won a $1.25 million civil penalty against JBS/Swift Beef in Grand Island for wastewater discharge violations tied to lagoon failures that killed fish in the Wood River. Public Health Watch: WHO says hantavirus is “stable for now” after a cruise-ship outbreak, with U.S. passengers under monitoring in Nebraska and elsewhere. Drought & Fire Risk: A brutal spring wildfire season—nearly 30,000 fires and over 2 million acres burned—sets up a dangerous summer backdrop for the Plains and West. Community & Learning: Ponca State Park’s Junior Bluebird program kicks off in June, and Nebraska’s NCAA baseball regional returns to Lincoln for the first time since 2008.