AGP Executive Report

Nebraska Senate Race: Cost-of-living pressures are central to Sen. Pete Ricketts’ reelection fight against independent Dan Osborn, as high fuel and fertilizer costs weigh on households and farmers. Crypto megadonors are also mobilizing to help Ricketts, while national campaign spending shifts as Republicans defend vulnerable seats. Farm Economy: Diesel prices remain a major harvest-season strain, and Nebraska farmers and lawmakers have criticized President Trump’s proposed Russian diesel deal. The state’s corn crop condition index edged up in the latest report as harvest progresses. State Policy: Federal officials approved Gov. Jim Pillen’s request to restrict TANF purchases of items including tobacco, tattoos and psychic services. Pillen also announced a multi-agency campaign to recruit transitioning military members and their families to Nebraska. Local Governance: Douglas County election officials shared voter-registration deadlines for the 2026 gubernatorial election, while Nebraska voters will decide whether to change term limits for state senators.

Midterm Stakes: Nebraska’s Senate race is drawing outside money, with a major crypto-backed PAC set to support Republican Pete Ricketts as he faces independent Dan Osborn. Secretary of State candidates Scott Petersen and Sarah Slattery also clashed over election security, while rising costs are putting Republicans on the defensive nationally. Fuel and Farms: Gov. Jim Pillen’s temporary measures offer qualifying farm haulers a state diesel-tax refund and allow heavier in-state loads without extra permits. Nebraska farmers and lawmakers, meanwhile, warn that Trump’s Russian diesel deal could aid Moscow while doing little to ease fuel costs. County Services: North Platte and Lincoln County offices are restoring systems after a cybersecurity breach; officials said no customer information was compromised, and state cybersecurity teams assisted. Campus and Jobs: UNL’s Scarlet Hotel is developing more hands-on opportunities for hospitality students, while a university-industry event brought 120 students and energy leaders together to discuss Nebraska’s workforce needs. Huskers: Nebraska volleyball extended its perfect season to 17 matches, sweeping Indiana and Wisconsin.

Lincoln Charter Fight: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is seeking nearly $19,000 from Lincoln for legal costs after the state Supreme Court ordered three charter amendments onto the Nov. 3 ballot. Cybersecurity: Gov. Jim Pillen authorized Nebraska National Guard specialists to help Lincoln County and North Platte respond to a cyber incident. Medicaid Fraud: An Omaha man faces charges in an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud conspiracy; two other suspects have not been arrested. Banking: Omaha-based Pinnacle Bancorp will buy Texas’s SouthStar Bank, expanding its central Texas footprint in a deal expected to close in January. Midterm Politics: Hillary Clinton rallied Nebraska Democrats in Omaha as campaigns turn to competitive Senate and 2nd District races. Farm Economy: High diesel prices are squeezing Nebraska farmers during harvest; Trump’s tax-relief order may defer some payments but does not automatically erase them. Workforce: More than 800 students from 34 Nebraska schools are set to explore career paths at a Kearney event, while rural health providers work to build local talent.

Cybersecurity: North Platte city and county offices plan to reopen Monday after a breach disabled computers and phones; Nebraska’s National Guard cyber team is checking systems before they come back online. Public Safety: A 17-year-old motorcyclist died in a collision in Alliance Sunday. Midterm Politics: Hillary Clinton rallied Nebraska Democrats in Omaha, while candidates Denise Powell and Brinker Harding debated for the open 2nd Congressional District seat. Farm Economy: Trump’s tax-free diesel order offers possible harvest relief, but Nebraska truckers have been warned not to use dyed fuel until tax questions are resolved. Rep. Don Bacon also questioned whether Trump’s Russian diesel deal will lower prices. Rural Health: CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz visited Nebraska as the state reported awarding more than $177 million in rural health grants. Huskers: Nebraska football fell 20-17 to No. 7 Indiana after leading late; the No. 1 volleyball team swept No. 7 Wisconsin.

Public Assistance: Gov. Jim Pillen ordered Nebraska officials to seek federal approval to limit Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash benefits to essential needs, barring purchases such as tobacco, gambling and video games. Husker Volleyball: No. 1 Nebraska swept No. 7 Wisconsin to remain undefeated. Husker Football: Indiana rallied for a 20-17 win in Lincoln, extending Nebraska’s losing streak against ranked opponents to 31. Fuel and Farming: Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon called President Trump’s Russian diesel deal a “grave error,” while farmers face near-record diesel costs. Senators from both parties say the deal may violate a ban on Russian energy imports and are pressing Trump to reverse course.

Husker Volleyball: No. 1 Nebraska swept No. 7 Wisconsin, improving to 17-0 and extending its home winning streak to 58 matches. Husker Football: Nebraska’s upset bid fell short in a 20-17 loss to No. 7 Indiana. The Huskers led by 11 in the fourth quarter before Indiana rallied. Cybersecurity: Gov. Jim Pillen signed an emergency proclamation after a cyber incident in North Platte; details of the breach were not disclosed. Farm Costs: Rep. Don Bacon joined a bipartisan push to block Russian fuel imports, criticizing President Trump’s diesel deal with Moscow. A tax-free diesel order may offer Nebraska farmers some harvest relief, though its impact remains uncertain. Business: Construction is underway on Mattel’s 100,000-square-foot indoor water park in Bellevue, slated to open in late 2027 with Barbie and Hot Wheels attractions. Rural Health: The Trump administration announced $160 million to recruit rural health workers, expand mobile care and modernize services across Nebraska.

Huskers: No. 7 Indiana rallied past Nebraska 20-17 in Lincoln, extending the defending champions’ winning streak to 22 games and the Huskers’ run of losses to ranked opponents to 31. Rural Health: Gov. Jim Pillen and federal health chief Mehmet Oz said Nebraska has deployed $177 million of its $218.5 million first-year rural health award to address care gaps. Cybersecurity: Pillen signed an emergency proclamation after a cyber incident; officials have not detailed its scope. Farm Costs: Diesel remains costly for Nebraska farmers at harvest. Rep. Don Bacon criticized President Trump’s plan to bring in Russian diesel, while Rep. Adrian Smith and colleagues urged the EPA to protect biofuel requirements they say support farm markets and rural jobs. Campaign Trail: Hillary Clinton visited Omaha to rally Democrats ahead of November’s elections, as Oz appeared with Pillen at the Capitol.

Cybersecurity: Gov. Jim Pillen declared an emergency after an incident affected Lincoln County and North Platte, allowing the Nebraska National Guard’s cyber team to assist local officials. Fuel and Farms: President Donald Trump says Russia will ship diesel to U.S. markets and the Treasury is lifting sanctions temporarily to allow sales. Nebraska farm advocates say earlier tax-free diesel relief is modest, with questions about how it will work. Welfare Rules: Pillen ordered new limits on purchases made with TANF cash benefits, directing state officials to seek federal approval. Workforce: Nebraska employers in key industries can apply for grants of up to $500,000 to train workers. Campaign Trail: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz heard farmers’ concerns about property taxes at a Lincoln roundtable. Huskers: No. 7 Indiana visits Nebraska today in a major test for the unbeaten Hoosiers and the Huskers.

Husker Volleyball: No. 1 Nebraska swept No. 15 Indiana on the road, extending the Huskers’ strong start. Agriculture: Corn prices slid after USDA production figures surprised markets. In North Platte, Sen. Pete Ricketts outlined a plan to rebuild the cattle herd and boost meatpacking competition as Nebraska ranchers push back against beef imports. Jobs & Business: Nebraska launched a $4.6 million workforce-training grant for employers in advanced manufacturing and other growing industries. CLAAS also opened a new research and development center in Omaha. Midterm Politics: Nebraska’s Senate and House races are drawing fresh attention as Republicans face pressure from high costs and rancher frustration. Public Safety: A suspect in a reported sexual assault near UNL was arrested in Kansas, police said.

Midterm Stakes: Nebraska’s close races are drawing national attention, but turnout remains a concern: about 20% fewer Nebraskans vote in midterms than in presidential elections. At his Grand Island rally, President Donald Trump promoted Republicans and signed an order allowing temporary highway use of tax-exempt red diesel, a move critics warn could strain farm fuel supplies during harvest. Flood Recovery: Omaha residents are still cleaning up and seeking aid a week after flooding. Groundwater: UNL researchers won federal and state grants to study lingering nitrogen underground and ways to reduce nitrate risks to drinking water, a vital resource for four out of five Nebraskans. Business Investment: CLAAS opened a $10 million research and development center in West Omaha, part of a broader $100 million North American investment. Husker Volleyball: No. 1 Nebraska swept No. 15 Indiana, extending its strong run in Big Ten play.

Business & Agriculture: Central Valley Ag is investing in RJ Feed Milling in Howells, expanding feed production as Nebraska livestock operations grow. Separately, medical-device maker BD’s $19 billion federal manufacturing agreement includes $1 billion for Nebraska. Health & Community: New Medicaid rules are affecting about 1,000 Nebraska refugees and asylum-seekers, raising concerns about coverage and added pressure on hospitals. Norfolk’s new childcare center is nearly ready to open, pending its license, with room for 71 children. State Government: A legislative staffer has sued the Nebraska Legislature over its handling of a sexual-harassment complaint involving former Sen. Dan McKeon. In Lincoln, Christian counselors are challenging a city ordinance they say restricts therapy for minors. Politics: Trump’s Grand Island rally drew renewed attention after he said Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego; he later said his remarks were misinterpreted as he defended higher gas prices as a cost of the war. Huskers: Nebraska’s undefeated football team faces No. 7 Indiana in Lincoln, a major test for its 5-0 start.

Grand Island Rally: Trump’s remarks suggesting Iran could “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego at his Nebraska rally drew backlash, then he repeated them in Texas before saying the U.S. would protect its cities. Midterm Politics: Nebraska’s Senate race is part of a tougher map for Republicans; Pete Ricketts is emphasizing experience, while independent Dan Osborn says the seat isn’t for sale. A new review also finds many Republicans in competitive races selectively distancing themselves from Trump. Farm Costs: Trump’s order temporarily allows tax-free dyed diesel on roads, a potential harvest-season break for Nebraska farmers and truckers, though analysts warn savings may be limited. Prairie Protection: Nearly $19 million in federal support will help Nebraska landowners protect grasslands from tree encroachment, supporting ranching and wildlife habitat. Lincoln Taxes: A state senator says Lincoln improperly taxed people outside city limits and plans legislation to return the money. Statewide Mapping: UNL and the U.S. Geological Survey released Nebraska’s first consistent statewide map of surface geology, a resource for water management, construction and habitat planning.

Election Watch: Nebraska voters can register or update their details online by Oct. 16; in-person registration at county election offices runs through Oct. 23. Lincoln Taxes: Sen. Beau Ballard plans a bill seeking a 20-year review and refunds for sales taxes he says were wrongly charged to residents outside city limits. Lincoln says the state, not the city, administers sales taxes. Farm and Prairie: Nebraska landowners could receive nearly $19 million for grassland conservation, targeting tree encroachment that threatens forage and wildlife habitat. Trump’s temporary dyed-diesel tax relief may offer limited help, a fuel analyst cautions, citing uncertainty over taxes, supply and state enforcement. Business and Security: Nebraska and Iowa are among four states suing router maker TP-Link, alleging it misled consumers about its China ties and security risks. Healthcare: Brodstone Healthcare named longtime operations chief Doug Wehrman interim CEO as it prepares for a leadership transition. Campaign Trail: Trump’s Grand Island rally drew national attention after he said Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego; the White House says his remarks were misunderstood.

Nebraska Politics & Campaign Trail: President Trump drew fresh backlash after remarks at a Grand Island rally that critics said suggested Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom calling him “mentally ill” and urging the 25th Amendment, while the White House insisted the comments were misread. Midterms & Voting: Early voting is underway across multiple states as the fight for House and Senate control tightens, with cost-of-living pressures and the Iran war shaping voter focus. Fuel Costs in Nebraska: Trump signed an executive order expanding access to tax-free red-dyed diesel for highway use through year-end, aiming to blunt diesel price spikes for farmers and truckers; trucking groups questioned how much it will actually help. Local Governance: Bellevue City Council is weighing zoning changes that could let private firms connect to existing CO2 infrastructure, including for carbon capture projects. Education & Rights: UNL says its nondiscrimination policy still protects students based on gender identity and sexual orientation even as federal Title IX rules were rolled back.

Middle East & Safety Fallout: President Trump, speaking at a Nebraska rally, said Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego as a “small price to pay,” drawing fast condemnation from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and mayors in both cities, while the White House pushed back that the remarks were misunderstood. Nebraska Politics & Campaign Trail: The comment landed amid Trump’s midterm push in Grand Island, where coverage also highlighted his broader strategy of rallying in red states and the political heat around fuel costs. Diesel Relief Fight: Trump’s executive order expanding access to tax-free red-dyed diesel is facing skepticism from trucking groups and an economist, with critics saying it may offer only limited relief. Local Governance (Data Centers): Cass County commissioners advanced rules for potential data centers, including a proposed 15-megawatt electricity cap, as a moratorium remains in place. National Outlook: New projections from the Cook Political Report shift key Senate races, including Kansas, toward Democrats.

Diesel Relief Order in Nebraska: President Trump signed an executive order easing limits on tax-free red-dyed diesel, letting drivers use the fuel on public roads and deferring or potentially canceling taxes—aimed at cutting costs for farmers and truckers ahead of the Nov. midterms. Iran “Take Out” Backlash: Trump’s Nebraska rally remarks suggesting Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego drew sharp condemnation from California leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and both city mayors. Press Pool Fight: The White House blocked Politico from traveling on Air Force One to Nebraska, escalating an ongoing dispute over press access. Nebraska Politics on the Ground: At a Grand Island rally, Trump pushed GOP candidates Sen. Pete Ricketts and Gov. Jim Pillen, while local coverage highlighted crowd size and early voting. State Policy Watch: Nebraska’s Economic Forecasting Board is set to meet Oct. 30, with critics questioning whether the timing could shape election-year messaging.