AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Overhaul: CMS rolled out a new Medicaid work requirement rule, setting a unified federal framework for states to require 80 hours a month of work, education, job training, or community service to keep coverage. Senior Workforce Snapshot: A new analysis of Census data finds 18.7% of Americans 65+ worked in 2025, with Nebraska leading at 31.3% of working seniors. UNL/UNK Education & Content: UNK will drop a widely used human sexuality textbook after an internal review found graphic images; UNL also announced free Discovery Days on East Campus this summer. Ag & Food Tech: Purdue’s DIAL Ventures Fund II held its first close, building on a $30M+ agrifood portfolio, while Nebraska Extension pushed its ACREE irrigation scheduling app for the 2026 season. Rail Safety Tech: Rail Vision says its ShuntingYard sensing tech is now integrated into Railserve’s YardGUARD railyard safety system. Public Health: A new report finds “deaths of despair” fell overall, but some Midwestern states saw increases, with Nebraska unchanged. Nebraska Outdoors Archive: Nebraskaland’s digital archive now covers 100 years of issues, fully searchable online.

Campus Policy: UNK will stop using a human sexuality textbook after complaints it included “graphic images,” and it will update course notices and materials for the fall. Telecom & Security: Nebraska’s FCC commissioner tour highlighted how communications infrastructure ties into national security, with stops at Offutt and Boys Town. Agriculture Research: UNL unveiled new wheat and triticale varieties aimed at helping western Nebraska producers handle drought and freezes, with wheat variety tours set for June 10–18. Local Housing Finance: North Platte City Council split 5–3 on TIF for Newberry Village, a planned single-wide home park tied to workforce housing needs. Veterinary STEM Pipeline: UNL selected 21 students for the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program to address food-animal vet shortages in rural communities. Public Health & Care: Hillcrest Health & Rehab ranked as Sarpy County’s largest nursing home by bed count in Q1 2026, according to CMS data. Cancer Breakthrough: A new pancreatic cancer pill, daraxonrasib, is reported to nearly double survival in late-stage trials. Veterans Protection: Rep. Don Bacon and others introduced the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to crack down on “claim sharks” charging fees for VA benefits help.

Cancer Breakthrough: A new pancreatic cancer pill, daraxonrasib, drew a near-minute standing ovation at ASCO after late-stage trial results showed it nearly doubled survival for previously treated metastatic patients. Nebraska Tech & Health Policy: The Trump administration’s CMS rule sets nationwide Medicaid work requirements starting in 2027, with states already gearing up for reporting and exemptions—raising concerns about coverage loss and added bureaucracy. AI in Healthcare: Minnesota advanced a bill that would block health insurers from denying prior authorizations based solely on AI recommendations, requiring licensed physician review. Ag Tech in Nebraska: Fremont-based DPA Auctions acquired AgIQ, adding fleet valuation tools for producers, dealers, and cooperatives. Autonomy for Agriculture: Nebraska startup ALA Engineering is developing autonomous feed trucks for cattle feedlots, aiming for commercial deployments next year. Weather & Safety: Severe storm threats are building across the Northern Plains, including parts of Nebraska, with hail, damaging winds, and a tornado risk.

Microplastics in drinks: UNL and UNMC researchers won a $1.48M grant to study how much micro- and nanoplastics people may ingest from everyday bottles and cups. Local zoning vs data centers: Lincoln County commissioners punted a proposed moratorium on data center zoning, instead directing planners to update local rules. Hantavirus update: Five of 18 U.S. cruise passengers quarantined at UNMC in Omaha were allowed to go home after symptom-free monitoring, with remaining cases continuing under strict surveillance. Medicaid work rules guidance: CMS released interim guidance spelling out exemptions and implementation steps for states rolling out Medicaid work requirements. AI IPO watch: Anthropic confidentially filed for an IPO, signaling another major AI money moment for Wall Street. Nebraska wheat quality: UNL’s hard red winter wheat line NE20620 earned a 2026 Miller’s Choice Award for milling and baking performance. STEM on campus: UNK’s internal review found no support for claims of DEI programming or political bias. Agronomy careers: UNL agronomy admin Kay McClure retires after 20 years supporting a large faculty and research/extension operation.

Nebraska Research & STEM: UNL awarded stipends to 129 Husker undergrads for summer research, spanning engineering, chemistry, psychology, art, architecture, and fisheries & wildlife. STEM Access: UNO research highlights what motivates female students to pursue STEM research experiences, pointing to science-fair style engagement as a key on-ramp. Severe Weather & Climate: A new forecast explains why tornado risk shifts north in June, with Northern Great Plains states facing some of the year’s most intense storm conditions. Agriculture Tech: UNL adjusted its 2026 Wheat Variety Tour after drought and freeze damage, moving some stops indoors and canceling others. Public Health & Biosecurity: Cruise passengers exposed to hantavirus can leave Nebraska quarantine after weeks of isolation and monitoring. Energy & Infrastructure: Tributary dams managed by the Omaha District are credited with reducing flood damage by coordinating storage and timed releases during major storms. Policy Watch: Nebraska AGs joined a broader push against the federal KIDS Act, arguing it could preempt state child online safety enforcement.

Undergraduate Research: UNL awarded stipends to 129 Husker undergraduates for summer research and creative projects, with students presenting posters at a campus symposium Aug. 5. Housing & Insurance Costs: Verisk reports residential roof replacement costs rose 33% in 2025 and repair costs climbed 25%, even as overall claims volume fell—driven by hail volatility and aging roofs. Severe Weather Outlook: Forecasters say June’s tornado threat shifts north toward the Central and Northern Great Plains as jet-stream patterns and high instability (CAPE) ramp up. Nuclear Energy Watch: A push for small and micro nuclear reactors aims to expand U.S. clean power, but critics warn about costs, waste, and safety/regulatory uncertainty. Medical Breakthrough: A phase 3 pancreatic cancer trial of daraxonrasib reported doubled survival versus chemo, prompting clinicians to explore next uses. Nebraska Policy: Gov. Pillen signed an executive order strengthening antisemitism protections in public schools, expanding reporting and educational access. Sustainability in Nebraska: Central Community College earned a STARS Gold rating for sustainability work, including student research on native plants and pollinators. Tech for Nature Monitoring: Repurposed old smartphones are being turned into low-cost ecosystem sensors to track climate impacts on trees and rivers.

Medical Breakthrough: A new pancreatic cancer pill, daraxonrasib, showed “unprecedented” results in a phase 3 trial—doubling average survival to 13.2 months vs. 6.7 with chemo—pushing doctors to explore other uses for the KRAS-targeting drug. Nebraska Agriculture: UNL’s 2026 Wheat Variety Tour is being reshaped by drought and freeze damage, with several field days canceled or moved indoors to keep growers getting data. Public Health Policy: States are balking at the high cost and admin burden of Medicaid work requirements as budgets tighten, with new reporting and verification demands stressing health systems. AI Safety: A new wave of “free, private” AI models is raising alarms because some won’t refuse harmful requests, renewing calls for stronger safeguards. Nebraska Tech & Governance: Lincoln City Libraries now offer free, on-site access to Nebraska court case databases (JUSTICE and SCALES), expanding public access to legal information. Sustainability in Higher Ed: Central Community College earned a STARS Gold rating for sustainability work spanning campus operations, student research, and clean-energy efforts.

Natural Hydrogen Push: An Oman pilot well in the Semail Ophiolite formation produced hydrogen bubbling to the surface, adding momentum to “white hydrogen” exploration. Nebraska Broadband Reality Check: At a Nebraska roundtable, Great Plains Communications argued BEAD won’t be the finish line—rural networks may need ongoing support as AI drives higher bandwidth demand. Judicial Tech Leadership: Sherri Dennis was named Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Nebraska Judicial Branch, with a background helping build and run the JUSTICE case management system. Cancer Treatment Watch: UNMC-linked coverage highlights new NSCLC diagnostics and a pancreatic cancer pill (daraxonrasib) targeting KRAS, with early results raising hopes. Agriculture Research: Purdue researchers report corn growers may be able to cut nitrogen without sacrificing yields, while a soybean study finds fungicide seed treatments often don’t pay off unless costs are low and prices high. Public Health & Policy: Federal medical marijuana reclassification is easing some business hurdles, but states still face a fragmented policy landscape. Local Tech & Access: Lincoln City Libraries now offers free, on-site access to Nebraska court case databases (JUSTICE and SCALES). Education & Sustainability: Central Community College earned a STARS gold rating for sustainability efforts spanning campus operations, academics, and community projects.

Nebraska Tech & Policy: Sherri Dennis was named Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Nebraska Judicial Branch, helping lead court IT systems including JUSTICE case management and eFiling/ePayment tools. Public Access to Data: Lincoln City Libraries now offers free, on-site access to Nebraska court case databases (JUSTICE and SCALES), with no remote access. Healthcare Innovation: UNMC researchers are part of a push for a more universal flu vaccine, using an Epigraph strategy to target multiple high-risk avian strains. Cancer Breakthrough: A new pancreatic cancer pill, daraxonrasib, is showing early promise in trials targeting KRAS-driven tumors. Sustainability in Nebraska: Central Community College earned a STARS gold rating for sustainability work spanning campus operations, academics, and student-led native plant research. Agriculture Research: Purdue study suggests corn growers may be able to cut nitrogen without sacrificing yields, potentially improving profits and reducing environmental harm. Broadband Reality Check: A Nebraska roundtable heard that BEAD may not end rural broadband support needs, especially as AI drives higher bandwidth demand. STEM & Education: Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation recognized 40 educators as Agriculture in the Classroom Champions, including two from Ansley Public Schools.

Judicial Tech Leadership: Sherri Dennis was named Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Nebraska Judicial Branch, bringing decades of court IT experience including work on the JUSTICE case management system. Vision Care in Omaha: Kugler Vision published a patient education piece on EVO ICL, emphasizing its removable lens design versus permanent corneal reshaping. Farm Profit + Water Quality: Purdue research suggests corn growers can cut nitrogen more than expected without sacrificing yields, aiming to reduce runoff and emissions. Public Health Watch: Nebraska’s National Quarantine Unit in Omaha is handling hantavirus quarantine logistics as exposed passengers weigh going home under strict monitoring. Medicaid Policy Pressure: Montana is set to stress-test federal Medicaid work rules, a preview of how budget strain could ripple into coverage decisions. Native Voting Rights: After a SCOTUS voting rights ruling, states including Wyoming and Montana are redrawing districts, raising concerns about Native access ahead of 2026. Agriculture Trade: Ghana and Nebraska signed a 10-year livestock modernization deal focused on dairy, traceability, and feed infrastructure. Energy + Research: UNL’s methane-powered production tractors were donated to support clean-fuel agriculture research. Crime Commission: Gov. Pillen appointed Scott Gray to lead the Nebraska Crime Commission, starting Aug. 3.

Telemedicine in Rural EMS: Southwest Minnesota EMS rolled out ambulance-based telemedicine with Avel eCare, backed by $9.9M in federal funding to connect responders with on-call doctors and nurses. Nebraska Education: The Nebraska Department of Education launched a reading-and-writing improvement plan aimed at boosting 3rd grade literacy, with thousands of teachers training in the science of reading. UNL Wheat Under Stress: UNL adjusted its 2026 Wheat Variety Tour schedule after drought and freeze damage, canceling some stops and moving others indoors. Health & Research: UNMC’s Pancreatic Cancer Center director filed a federal complaint against the University of Nebraska, alleging discrimination and retaliation. STEM Pipeline: A UNO study explores what brings female students back to science research experiences, offering ideas to strengthen STEM participation. Broadband Tech: FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty visited Nebraska to highlight national security and rural broadband priorities. Agriculture Tech & Markets: UNL researchers and Nebraska Extension specialists discussed drought impacts on wheat and new approaches for field peas in cattle diets. Policy Fight Online Kids’ Safety: Nebraska AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it weakens protections and shifts responsibility to platforms.

Nebraska STEM & research: UNO researcher Justin Andersson’s study looks at what pulls girls back into science fairs and research, offering ideas to boost STEM participation statewide. Broadband & networks: Hurricane Electric added a new PoP at Lincoln Data Centers, expanding IPv4/IPv6 backbone access for Nebraska and the Midwest. AI in healthcare: Binghamton University researchers published a method to reduce “fake info” from AI medical tools, aiming for safer diagnosis support. Energy: A state-funded feasibility study ranks Brownville among the top Nebraska sites for a next-generation small modular nuclear reactor. Agriculture under drought: Reports highlight worsening drought across the Great Plains, with Nebraska winter wheat hit hard; local farmers are also testing drought-resistant crops like sorghum. Public safety & policy: Gov. Pillen appointed OPD Executive Deputy Chief Scott Gray to lead the Nebraska Crime Commission, and Attorney General Jay Jones pushed stronger online safety guardrails for kids. Local governance: Grant’s library budget dispute continues, with the library board and city trading public letters over funding sustainability. Health & disease: The U.S. is reportedly planning to send Ebola-exposed Americans to a Kenya facility for quarantine and treatment rather than bringing them home.

Ebola Response: The Trump administration says Americans exposed to Ebola while abroad will be sent to a new quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya, aiming to avoid long medical evacuations to the U.S., though Kenya’s role is still unclear. AI & Public Safety: Nebraska’s severe-storm misinformation problem gets a tech angle: NCITE warns that AI-generated storm images can mislead people during emergencies, and urges viewers to slow down and verify what they’re seeing. Healthcare Tech & Diagnostics: A small real-world study suggests a blood test after CAR T therapy may flag mantle cell lymphoma relapse earlier than PET-CT in some patients, potentially improving how clinicians track minimal residual disease. Nebraska Research & STEM: Three UNL grads earned 2026 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, adding to the state’s STEM momentum. Broadband in the Cornhusker State: Nebraska is reopening BEAD bids after providers declined final agreements, leaving thousands of locations still uncommitted. Agriculture & Weather Science: New research links Corn Belt irrigation and shallow groundwater moisture to more frequent and longer-lasting thunderstorm complexes—key for Nebraska forecasting and storm risk. STEM in the Classroom: Nebraska’s Children’s Groundwater Festival brought hundreds of fifth graders into hands-on lessons about how groundwater and runoff connect.

Wildfire Readiness: A new look at the 2026 wildfire season warns the U.S. response system is stretched thin, with fewer fully staffed complex incident teams and fewer specialists available when fires surge. Water & Agriculture: A Corn Belt study links irrigation and shallow groundwater to stronger thunderstorm systems, while Nebraska educators brought groundwater science to 800 fifth graders at the Children’s Groundwater Festival. Nebraska Broadband: Sen. Deb Fischer is pushing for more fiber in Nebraska’s broadband push, even as the state reopens BEAD bids after providers declined final agreements. Online Child Safety Policy: Nebraska’s AG joins a broader fight against the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority and accountability for online harms. Public Health & Livestock: Nebraska cattle producers are on alert for tick-borne Theileria, and UNL researchers mapped a new chloroplast “assembly line” region that helps plants build photosynthesis membranes. Cost of Living: Grocery prices are expected to keep climbing, adding pressure ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

NSF Wins for Huskers: Three UNL grads just earned 2026 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, including Gracie Kerr, who’ll start a doctoral path in engineering education at Virginia Tech. Radcliffe Climate Justice: UNL law professor Jessica A. Shoemaker was named a Harvard Radcliffe Institute fellow for work on how property rules shape rural land, energy, and land-justice fights. Drought Hits the Water: Nebraska Game and Parks says 79% of the state is in severe drought and has closed some managed boat ramps, urging extra caution where launches remain open. TeleStroke Goes Rural: CH-F launched a TeleStroke program with Nebraska Medicine, bringing remote stroke specialists to rural ERs faster. Husker Hoops Staff Move: Fred Hoiberg hired Michael Chatman as Director of Strength and Conditioning. Election Season (Iowa): Iowa’s election security team held briefings ahead of the June 2 primary, stressing layered cyber and physical protections. Public Health Watch: The MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak continues to drive quarantines and hospital monitoring tied to the Andes strain.

Wildfire Warning: The U.S. wildfire season is already breaking records, with Nebraska reporting a huge share of early burned land and the Morrill Fire becoming the state’s biggest on record—scientists say fires are now spreading closer to year-round, not just mid-summer. Public Health: A deadly Andes hantavirus outbreak tied to the MV Hondius has led to quarantines and hospitalizations in Nebraska and Atlanta, while HHS moves to shield drugmakers and providers as clinicians prepare possible treatments. Broadband: Nebraska is reopening BEAD bids after some winning providers declined to sign agreements, leaving 1,735 eligible locations unfunded while seven providers have signed and cover 88% of sites. Education: A new study warns of a “reading recession,” with most states showing weak progress since 2022. Local Life: Railside’s Sculpture Walk is bringing 14 new downtown artworks this summer, and the Chambers School Board held its May meeting with standard open-meetings procedures.