AGP Executive Report

LGBTQ+ Rights & Campus Debate: NYU Law is set to host Jim Campbell of Alliance Defending Freedom to argue for keeping transgender athletes out of girls’ sports, drawing criticism from LGBTQ+ student groups. Religious Freedom vs. Worker Protections: Archangels Catholic High School in Nebraska asked a Platte County judge to dismiss a former employee’s lawsuit, arguing religious schools have broad control over ministerial staff. Reproductive Health: A ProPublica analysis says ectopic pregnancy deaths nearly doubled from 2020–2025, with abortion bans and delays in care worsening outcomes. 9/11 Remembered in Nebraska: Nebraska first responders and a Reuters reporter reflect on the day’s chaos and the long aftermath, including search-and-rescue deployments tied to the Pentagon. Education & Sports Policy: A Lancaster County judge dismissed objections to a Nebraska ballot measure enshrining sex-separate school sports in the state constitution; the challenge is headed to appeal. Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Pillen is backing an ICE crackdown, while reporting raises questions about his company’s use of undocumented workers. Community & Belonging: Grand Island’s Welcoming Week runs Sept. 10–18 with events built around food, storytelling, and neighbor-to-neighbor connection. Arts & Culture: The Lied Center’s expansion hits a major milestone with a “topping off” ceremony, signaling more opportunities for performers and audiences.

Education & Sports Policy: A Lancaster County judge dismissed objections to Nebraska’s K-12 and collegiate sports ballot measure that would enshrine sex-separate athletics in the state constitution; the petitioner plans to appeal. Domestic Safety: A Dodge County nonprofit is using Nebraska’s domestic abuse death review data to push awareness after 89 domestic abuse-related deaths were identified statewide from 2022–2025, including more intimate partner murder-suicides in 2025. Higher Ed Numbers: UNK reports first-time freshman enrollment up to 824 (+3.6%) even as overall enrollment fell; across the NU System, first-time freshmen also rose while total enrollment dipped. Community & Culture: The Lied Center marked a major milestone in its expansion and renovation with the “topping off” of the new structure, aiming for completion in fall 2027. Health Care Access: Bryan Medical Center won a $750,000 federal grant to plan a rural family medicine residency program in Crete, targeting first residents in 2029. Local Business & Wellness: Gov. Pillen honored 31 Nebraska employers with the 2026 Governor’s Wellness Awards for workplace wellness programs. Arts & Events: The Viaero Center in Kearney is partnering with The Music Trust to bring in-house talent buying and expand live entertainment programming.

Nebraska Politics: An independent Senate candidate in Nebraska, Dan Osborn, is facing fresh scrutiny after leaked audio shows he once backed Trump’s border wall but later called it “a symbol of racism,” a sharp pivot that could shape the race for Senate control. Healthcare & Immigration: The Justice Department is challenging states’ in-state tuition policies for illegal immigrants, arguing they violate federal law—while Nebraska families also feel the squeeze as an “algorithm” cuts vital Medicaid funding. Workforce & Local Economy: Construction demand is surging, driven by data center builds, but Nebraska and the wider U.S. are short hundreds of thousands of workers—pushing more automation onto job sites. Rural Health: Bryan Health won a $750,000 federal grant to plan a rural family medicine residency program in Crete, aiming to expand primary care access. Community & Culture: Omaha’s Omahawks RC Air Club hosted a free Labor Day remote-control plane show at Standing Bear Lake, raising more than $100,000 for Make-A-Wish Nebraska. Education & Belonging: Nebraska’s State Fair drew strong crowds, with 4-H/FFA and competitive exhibits up, and the state continues to spotlight welcoming efforts for growing immigrant communities.

Charity Aviation: Dozens of pilots flew remote-controlled aircraft at Standing Bear Lake on Labor Day, raising more than $100,000 over four decades for Make-A-Wish Nebraska. Rural Health: Bryan Health won a $750,000 federal grant to plan a rural family medicine residency program in Crete, aiming to start training residents in 2029. Immigration & College Access: A report says undocumented students at Mesa may face increased barriers to higher education. Education Outcomes: New data show Nebraska’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Asian students (2018 entrants) was 66.8% by 2024, while Lancaster County’s Hispanic/Latino rate was 54.6% and Wayne County’s white rate was 57.3%. Community Spotlight: Softley is still giving back in Grant after nearly five decades, serving as longtime fire chief. Public Health Watch: Nebraska DHHS detected Heartland and Bourbon viruses in tick surveillance, with no human cases reported yet. Culture & Learning: The Durham Museum is stepping in to teach the next generation about 9/11, with a Museum LIVE! broadcast Sept. 9. Arts for Kids: Scholastic Graphix will publish a middle-grade 9/11 comic adaptation of Alan Gratz’s Ground Zero in September 2027. Tick Precautions: DHHS urges Nebraskans to use repellents, wear protective clothing, and treat gear to reduce tick bites.

Cross-Party Campaigning: In tight-margin states, candidates are leaning on endorsements from the other side—Georgia’s Ossoff touts Republican mayors, while GOP nominee Rick Jackson highlights Democratic sheriffs—aiming at independents who don’t want pure party politics. Food & Health Costs: A new look at older Americans shows many can’t afford enough to eat, with AARP and USDA data pointing to rising food prices and credit-card debt pushing tough tradeoffs. Immigration & Work Visas: USCIS says it found H-1B wage manipulation and job misclassification in multiple cases, including Nebraska listings where workers were doing higher-paid engineering work. Local Learning & Faith: Omaha’s Durham Museum is stepping in to teach the next generation about 9/11, while a “two-by-two” youth mission model is bringing young Catholics to parishes nationwide. Nebraska Culture Abroad: At the Nebraska State Fair, UNL Fulbright ambassadors and scholars brought interactive global culture booths—music, crafts, and hands-on displays—to Fonner Park. Public Health Watch: Nebraska DHHS reports tick surveillance detections of Heartland and Bourbon viruses, with no human cases yet. Rural Healthcare Funding: At the Legislature, lawmakers highlighted unlocked funds for rural hospitals via Medicaid reimbursement changes. Agriculture Politics: Nebraska Farm Bureau announced its Legislature endorsements, backing specific candidates and incumbents tied to rural and ag priorities. Community Safety Training: Sarpy County smoke from a live fire drill came from a former motel tied to a 2025 sex trafficking raid.

Fulbright & Culture at the Fair: Nebraska State Fairgoers at Fonner Park got a taste of the world as UNL Fulbright ambassadors shared music, dance, and hands-on booths from 19 countries. Community Faith Calendar: Multiple Nebraska regions posted Catholic gathering schedules for Sept. 6–12, including adoration and confession times across the Panhandle, East Central, Northeast, and Southeast. Housing Snapshot: Valley County public housing occupancy slipped to 92% in 2025 (about 126 units filled), while Webster County hit 97% and Jefferson County fell to 93%—all with rent levels and HUD-assisted categories tracked by county. Food Safety Tech (Nebraska tie-in): The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa won a $2M NSF award to build AI tools to spot threats to food production systems, partnering with UNL. Local Business: Smith Pauley opened a third Nebraska office in Grand Island, led by litigation attorney Tanya Hansen. Public Safety Training: Sarpy County held a live fire drill at a former Super 8 motel tied to a 2025 sex trafficking raid, with nearby residents warned in advance. Sports & Culture: Nebraska’s Labor Day weekend in the Omaha metro includes family-friendly events like monarch tagging at Lauritzen Gardens and first-responder night at Werner Park.

Food & Tech Grant: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa won a $2 million NSF award to build AI tools—partnering with University of Nebraska–Lincoln—to spot environmental threats to aquaculture, livestock, and agriculture before outbreaks hit. Public Power Spotlight: Detroit Lakes Public Utilities GM Vernell Roberts earned a national leadership award, praised for modernizing the system while keeping electric rates among the cheapest in Minnesota. Sports & Community: Volleyball Day in Nebraska is credited with inspiring outdoor volleyball “volcanoes” nationwide, with a Nebraska standout reflecting on the stadium flyover moment. First Responders Remember: Lincoln firefighters marked the Sept. 11 anniversary by recalling the rubble, remains, and resilience of responding that day. AI Backlash: Across the U.S., residents are pushing back on AI data centers—especially over power-grid strain and rising electricity costs. Immigration & Work Rules: USCIS says H-1B petitions in Nebraska misclassified workers as “computer programmers” even when they were doing higher-paid engineering work, triggering a crackdown. Local Business: Smith Pauley opened a third Nebraska office in Grand Island, led by litigation attorney Tanya Hansen. Education: Bennington teacher Lindsey Wilson was selected as a Society for Science Advocate to expand STEM research opportunities for students. Health Alerts: Nebraska DHHS detected Heartland and Bourbon tickborne viruses in tick surveillance, with no human cases reported yet.

Local Business Expansion: Smith Pauley opened its third Nebraska office in Grand Island on Sept. 1, led by litigation attorney Tanya Hansen, expanding services across corporate law, M&A, estate planning, real estate and litigation. State Fair & Youth Development: 4-H entries at the Nebraska State Fair topped 7,000 exhibits, with non-livestock projects judged by 100 judges and supported by hundreds of volunteers. Education & STEM Growth: Bennington science teacher Lindsey Wilson was named a Society for Science Advocate, joining a year-long program to expand authentic STEM research opportunities for students. Infrastructure & Mobility: Gov. Jim Pillen highlighted new federal transportation funding—$5.15 million total—aimed at speeding delivery of projects across seven Nebraska counties. Community & Culture: Omaha’s Labor Day weekend lineup includes family-friendly events like monarch tagging at Lauritzen Gardens and first responders night at Werner Park. Public Safety & Privacy: Ord’s fight over Flock surveillance cameras is spilling into county-level decisions, raising new questions about who gets a say in automated monitoring. Health Watch: Nebraska DHHS reported tick surveillance detections of Heartland and Bourbon viruses, with no human cases yet reported.

Surveillance & Local Control: After Ord voted to remove Flock license-plate cameras, Valley County says it will keep the tech outside city limits, even as residents question who gets access and why. Higher Ed & Nebraska’s Future: A University of Nebraska regents op-ed argues the system is a long-term investment—and warns that underfunding forces painful cuts. College Access in Nebraska: EducationQuest awarded 24 Nebraska high schools $187,500 over four years to build college-going programs, including York High School. College Savings Month: Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg spotlights NEST 529 plans as costs rise, urging families to start saving early. School Sports Ballot Fight: A Lincoln voter refiled a challenge to a measure that would tie school sports participation to sex at birth after the state Supreme Court declined review. Community Culture: Omaha Public Library announced free fall events connecting readers with authors and local writing workshops. Agriculture Water Planning: Central Platte NRD approved switching nitrogen management testing to V-TAPS, aiming for more hands-on producer education. Tech & Kids Online Safety: A new look at child online safety laws follows Meta’s $17B settlement and renewed calls for stronger protections. Arts & Heritage: Nebraska’s Quazy band is set for induction into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

College Savings Month: Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg is urging families to plan ahead for rising education costs, highlighting the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST 529) as a tax-advantaged way to save for everything from tuition to trade school and other recognized credentials. Local Water & Farming: The Central Platte Natural Resources District approved switching from UNL’s nitrogen management test to V-TAPS, requiring producers to attend an in-person V-TAPS session once every four years, plus it set its 2026/27 property tax request and levy. Education Policy: Nebraska’s education board deadlocked on new social studies standards, with debate over wording like “marginalized” and whether the changes will be properly measured. Catholic Community Life: Lincoln’s School Sisters of Christ the King unveiled major renovations to Villa Regina to help aging sisters stay in community longer, and the Diocese of Lincoln marked Blue, White and Red Masses honoring first responders, legal professionals and medical workers. Health & Family Rights: A national legal fight over parental rights and school policy continues, while a Nebraska-related “No Shock Act” targets ICE “shock gloves” tied to deportation enforcement. Community & Belonging: Welcoming Week is being promoted as a chance to bring neighbors together, especially in growing immigrant communities. Higher Ed Costs: Nebraska’s public four-year institutions reported an enrollment-weighted in-state tuition and fees total of $9,366 for 2024-25.

Local Education Wins: Nebraska FBLA brought home 70-plus top awards at the national leadership conference, with York High and Heartland Community High earning “Champion Chapter” honors. Community College Momentum: Southeast Community College reported a record fall enrollment of nearly 11,600 students, marking seven straight years of growth. Campus & Workforce Pathways: UNL’s Boots & Cats marked 15 years with a new album, “Bittersweet,” while UNL Honors and UNMC hosted “Healing Nebraska: Talent Meets Need” to spotlight behavioral health careers. Makerspace Spotlight: Michael Burton was named director of the Nebraska Innovation Studio, taking over leadership of the community makerspace. Ag & STEM in the Classroom: A David City teacher completed an Animal Health and Veterinary Science training to bring hands-on STEM lessons to students. Privacy vs. Surveillance: A Nebraska City voted to remove Flock license plate reader cameras inside city limits, while the county wants to keep broader surveillance running. Arts & Community: Kearney’s Destination Downtown returned with music, food, and a night market for local creatives. Public Pulse: Readers weighed in on immigration reform and whether Nebraska state government is due for change.

Sports & Identity Ballot: Nebraska voters will decide in November whether “Fairness for Girls” should require school sports teams to be designated by biological sex, a move supporters frame as protecting fairness and safety. Higher Ed & Local Economy: UN System President Jeffrey Gold used his State of the University Address to argue continued investment is critical, citing joint accreditation, a new Nebraska Medicine governance structure, and major fundraising momentum. Public Health & Outdoors: DHHS reports tick surveillance found Heartland and Bourbon viruses in Nebraska tick pools, with no human cases yet—plus reminders on repellents, protective clothing, and permethrin-treated gear. What Public Health Means: A new explainer breaks down public health as prevention in everyday life, not just vaccines and infectious disease. Community & Faith: Beemer is saying farewell to Pastor Lewis Miller and his wife Norma after more than 20 years of service. Education in the Real World: Chimney Rock’s new free K-5 Junior Pathfinder program brings hands-on Nebraska history and science learning to classrooms. Culture & Conversation: Omaha’s “Bishop & Brews” returns for an AI-and-human-dignity panel at the German American Society. Learning Support: UNK will host a free Sept. 24 professional learning event for special education teachers and paraeducators focused on stronger classroom partnerships. Local Life & Safety: A rural Osmond-area double shooting is under investigation, with community leaders urging support and mourning for the two victims.

Omaha Public Schools Staffing Crunch: A Flatwater Free Press analysis says Omaha Public Schools has the worst student-teacher ratio in the metro and the state, with class sizes rising even as poverty rates are far higher than neighboring districts. LGBTQ+ Nightlife in Lincoln: Das Haus reopened after closing when owners voted to sell, but the community says more LGBTQ+ spaces are still at risk—especially after Dame announced it will close Sept. 26. Campus Rights & Activism: Students for Justice in Palestine hosted a “Know Your Rights” event at the Nebraska Union, focusing on free speech, protest rules, and how international students can navigate campus policy. School Tech Pushback: Westside parents behind “Pencils Before Pixels” say they’re gaining momentum to limit classroom screen time, citing new district iPad and YouTube restrictions. Health Care Policy Watch: Rheumatology groups warn new Medicaid “community engagement” exemption rules could unfairly disrupt care for people with autoimmune conditions. Community & Culture: Grand Island’s library is bringing back bilingual Prime Time Family Reading, and Heartland United Way’s Scoops at the Nebraska State Fair is raising money through volunteer-run ice cream sales.

Nebraska U.S. Senate: At the Nebraska State Fair debate in Grand Island, Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn traded sharp lines on immigration enforcement, health care, beef imports, and tariffs—Ricketts repeatedly framed Osborn as “Democrat Dan” backed by out-of-state liberals. School Tech & Parenting: Westside Community Schools is tightening iPad and YouTube rules after parents formed Pencils Before Pixels, pushing for more intentional screen time. Sentencing: Charles Dean Massie was sentenced in Nebraska to 30–40 years for sexual assault and 19–20 years for incest with a minor, with parole eligibility not until 2040. Local Culture & Faith: Wayne State College will host a free, public Sept. 10 performance by pianist Philip Daniel, while a Spiritual Life Center event in Bel Aire on Sept. 22 brings four bishops for “A Pilgrimage of Sacred Beauty.” Community Life: Longs Creek Village marks National Assisted Living Week (Sept. 13–19) with resident-focused events and celebrations. Banking Growth: FNBO agreed to buy Denver’s InBank in a deal valued up to about $204 million, expanding its Colorado footprint.

Nebraska Politics: At the Nebraska State Fair, Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn faced off in a rare, high-stakes debate, trading barbs on tariffs, health care, immigration enforcement, and beef imports—setting up a tight, working-class-focused Senate race. Education & Community: Nebraska’s school funding debate is getting messier after lawmakers boosted money outside the TEEOSA formula, creating two competing aid models and raising the question of whether they can be merged fairly. Higher Ed: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s tenure ban is already hurting rural university hiring, a cautionary tale for Nebraska’s own education leaders. Health & Safety: A new study compares antiplatelet therapy vs. thrombolysis for spontaneous spinal cord infarction, finding lower all-cause mortality with antiplatelets. Food Insecurity: The Food Bank for the Heartland received a major donation from the Omaha Millard Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Hunger Action Month ramps up. Culture & Belonging: Lincoln’s People’s City Mission highlighted how student volunteers help deliver food, shelter, and health services—while the annual All Are Welcome reception returned to build campus community. State Fair Fun: Zombie Walk came back to Lincoln after a 10-year break, and the fair also featured kids’ academic contests and a big-cat “Tiger Encounter” show. Ag & Livestock: Husker Harvest Days’ BEEF Building lineup spotlights cattle handling, stewardship, and chute-tech demos.

Nebraska Agriculture Watch: The Nebraska Public Service Commission is reminding grain producers, dealers, and warehouse operators to review 2026 harvest rules, including a new Grain Dealer Act payment timeline and requirements for emergency ground storage. Local Business & Community: A 17-year-old Omaha entrepreneur, Zariah Champlin, turned $600 into Z RiseDesignsCo., now selling art products at seven Omaha locations while balancing school and community service. Politics & Rights: A Nebraska Democratic House candidate, Denise Powell, is facing renewed scrutiny after past posts opposing a measure that would block minors from sex-change surgery. Culture & Learning: UNK is hosting free fall planetarium shows, including talks on constellations, a planets tour, and solar eclipses. Agriculture Research: UNL is part of a major NSF-funded effort led by A-State to study drought-tolerant rice and wheat using mycorrhizal inoculants. Faith & Community Events: Concordia University is partnering with the Lincoln Saltdogs for Faith Night, bringing students and local faith leaders into the ballpark. Sports & Youth: Nebraska State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitors say the shows build real-world skills through hundreds of hours of care and practice.