AGP Executive Report

AI & Kids Safety: California lawmakers advanced “Adam’s Law” (SB 1119), pushing for tougher safeguards for children using AI companion chatbots, including annual safety risk checks, independent audits, and age-assurance steps. Local Tech Policy: Westside Community Schools parents are pushing Nebraska lawmakers after the district tightened classroom tech rules—no iPads during recess, tighter YouTube access, and a ban on YouTube Shorts. State AI Services: Gov. Jim Pillen announced the “Nebraska Navigator” AI chatbot on Nebraska.gov, expanding from a DMV pilot that reportedly cut call volume and handled hundreds of thousands of questions. Education Staffing Crunch: Omaha Public Schools faces the worst student-teacher ratio in the metro and statewide, with poverty levels far higher than peer districts. Energy & Industry: KBR won FEED work for the Live Oak e-methane project in Norfolk, Nebraska, aiming for commercial operations by 2030. Agriculture Tech: Nebraska Extension launched a real-time crop scouting program. Health Policy: Rheumatologists are urging changes to looming Medicaid work rules, warning new exemption standards could disrupt care for autoimmune patients.

State AI Services: Gov. Jim Pillen says Nebraska Navigator, a resident-assistance chatbot, went live on Nebraska.gov after a DMV pilot showed a 95% success rate and cut call volume by 20%. School Tech Policy: Westside Community Schools faces pressure from the parent group Pencils Before Pixels, which wants tighter limits on iPads and YouTube—including banning Shorts and restricting use during recess/free time. Local Housing + Tech Finance: Omaha City Council is weighing new rules that tie tax-increment financing (TIF) approvals to affordable-housing requirements, including rent-roll reporting and bedroom minimums. Cyber-Safety for Families: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers’ office released “Parenting in the Digital Age,” a free guide covering screen time, grooming, sextortion, and AI risks, alongside the state’s $17.1B Meta settlement. Ag Tech + Equipment: CLAAS is pushing deeper into North America at the Farm Progress Show with new tractors and continued Omaha-based R&D and customer experience investment. Public Safety: AAA’s Tow to Go returns for Labor Day weekend, offering free rides (and vehicle transport) for impaired drivers in select states, including Nebraska.

AI in Government: Nebraska is rolling out a statewide “Resident AI Assistant” after a DMV pilot cut call volume by up to 20% and handled 88,000+ questions in three months, aiming to reduce pressure on agency staff. Energy & Tech Research: UNL researcher Jun Wang won a 3-year, $1.8M DOE grant to build high-voltage power tech to make AI data centers more energy efficient. Healthcare & Community Tech: Omaha Community Foundation becomes a governing partner of Nebraska Medicine, boosting research, recruitment, and education. Public Health Access: South Heartland District Health Department launched “CredibleMind,” a free, confidential 24/7 mental health platform for four Nebraska counties. STEM in Agriculture: UNL researchers are exploring how internal market dynamics drive 70–80% of commodity price volatility, challenging the idea that outside shocks do most of the work. Local Workforce & Training: UNK agribusiness student Ryan Arbuthnot is building his future on the family ranch, reflecting Nebraska’s push to keep talent tied to land and production.

State Tech Rollout: Nebraska is expanding its DMV “Resident AI Assistant” statewide after a pilot cut call volume by up to 20% and logged 88,000+ questions in 3 months, with support from Tyler Technologies. Public Safety & Privacy: Omaha City Council held a public hearing on school resource officer agreements with four districts amid renewed scrutiny of shock gloves used by OPD SROs. Health Access: South Heartland District Health Department launched CredibleMind, a free, confidential 24/7 mental health platform for four central Nebraska counties. Ag Research: A-State and partners landed a $2.2M NSF lead award to study drought-tolerant rice and wheat using mycorrhizal fungi. Policy Watch: The DEA’s marijuana rescheduling fight is in the spotlight, with Nebraska among the states opposing the shift. Space & STEM Events: UNK’s free planetarium shows return this fall, covering night-sky tours, planets, and solar eclipses.

Nebraska Tech Ecosystem: Tech Nebraska launched as an independent, member-driven statewide technology association, aiming to keep policy, convening, and signature programs moving without interruption. Energy & Climate Tech: KBR was selected to deliver FEED for the Live Oak consortium’s large-scale e-methane (e-NG) project in Norfolk, targeting commercial operations by 2030 and export to Japan. Rural Connectivity: Federal delays are leaving states waiting on guidance for about $21B in rural broadband BEAD funding, slowing how quickly money can be spent. AI Regulation: The EU designated ChatGPT as a “Very Large Online Search Engine” under the Digital Services Act, putting new compliance obligations on the AI chatbot. Public Safety Tech: Omaha police say smart glasses footage from an Old Market employee is now part of the investigation into a recent shooting. Digital Kids Safety: Nebraska is set to receive up to $201M from a multistate Meta settlement tied to stronger protections for teens on Instagram and Facebook. Local Software: Lincoln’s CodeBuddy is helping small businesses replace costly SaaS with owned custom software built in weeks. Ag Innovation: Husker Harvest Days adds a new ag tech pavilion featuring startups, including first-time exhibitors.

Public Safety Tech: Omaha Police say they’re ramping up Old Market security after an Aug. 16 shooting, including more officer presence plus movable cameras and lights tied to a real-time operations center. Renewable Energy & Ag: Ameresco and Neogenyx Fuels broke ground on a renewable natural gas facility at Adams Land & Cattle in Broken Bow, aiming to turn manure into RNG. AI Regulation: The EU designated ChatGPT as a “Very Large Online Search Engine” under the Digital Services Act, putting new compliance duties on OpenAI alongside major platforms. Consumer Tech & Law: The FTC and 22 states sued Amazon over alleged “hidden surcharges” in ad pricing, arguing the company misled advertisers about how auction prices are set. Nebraska Health Policy: Nebraska DHHS issued an RFP to hire an independent firm to evaluate the state’s use of interRAI assessment tools amid concerns from disability advocates. STEM in the Field: Nebraska Extension launched ScoutNebraska for real-time crop scouting updates, using social media to share pest and crop health guidance fast. Food Safety Research: UNL and OSU will host an HPP protein workshop on high pressure processing, including work on listeria control and dark-cutting beef recovery.

Nebraska Energy & Industry: KBR was selected by the Live Oak consortium to deliver front-end engineering design for a large-scale electric natural gas (e-NG/e-methane) project in Norfolk, Nebraska—using ~250 MW of water electrolysis plus biogenic CO₂, targeting commercial operations by 2030 and exports to Japan. Ag Tech: Nebraska Extension launched ScoutNebraska, a real-time crop scouting program on Facebook, X and YouTube that lets farmers use #ScoutNebraska for fast pest and crop health updates and questions. Rural Health Policy: A KFF Health News report says a $50B rural healthcare transformation program needs more transparency to prevent fraud, track what works, and ensure oversight as states spend under tight federal deadlines. Broadband & Reliability: Starlink debuted strongly in customer satisfaction for non-fiber internet, and Nebraska users reportedly saw big gains in meeting FCC speed minimums. Education & Advising: UNO named Angie Centarri Academic Advisor of the Year for 2025-2026, highlighting student-focused support. Water & Climate Risk: Coverage of the Colorado River crisis shows growing uncertainty for cities and farmers as federal plans could cut supplies sharply.

Cancer Research Spotlight: A Rexburg-area physician-researcher is getting attention for high-tech work on cancer outcomes and health services research, presented at ASCO in Chicago. AI & Data Centers Debate: A Nebraska-focused report highlights a rare left-right coalition forming against fast-moving data center builds over farmland, water, and power costs. Colorado River Uncertainty: Cave Creek, Ariz. officials warn that federal Colorado River cuts could hit cities and farmers hard, with Nevada suing to protect basic needs. Nebraska State Fair Tech for Safety: Nebraska State Patrol and FBI partners are using mapping tools and drone-capable tech to coordinate security across the fairgrounds. Ag Tech on Deck: Husker Harvest Days will add an Ag Tech Pavilion (Sept. 15–17) featuring precision ag, robotics, AI, irrigation efficiency, and drones. Public Health Innovation: FDA approved a pancreatic cancer drug aimed at extending survival, with analysts calling it potentially blockbuster. Drones vs. Cartels: USNORTHCOM says it used a high-energy laser to shoot down three cartel drones along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Nebraska Tech & Policy: Nebraska State Fair security is leaning on tech this year, with troopers using drone support and a mapping tool that shows where responders are on the grounds to speed up help. Public Safety Tech: Omaha police agreed to stop using electric shock gloves in Omaha Public Schools after reports they were used on students, including a child in a special program. Health Tech Breakthrough: The FDA approved Rasonque, the first drug shown to substantially extend survival in advanced pancreatic cancer, nearly doubling median time versus standard chemo. AI & Agriculture: Husker Harvest Days will debut an Ag Tech Pavilion focused on precision ag, robotics, AI, irrigation efficiency, and drones—plus panel talks on putting tech to work. Energy & Healthcare Expansion: Banner Ironwood Medical Center broke ground on a major expansion in Queen Creek, adding emergency and interventional radiology capacity. Climate & Risk: A new forecast warns tornado conditions could shift farther north and east late this century, expanding beyond the traditional Tornado Alley.

Colorado River Uncertainty: Cave Creek, Ariz. is capping growth and reviving wells, but a new federal plan could still mean deeper cuts as Nevada sues over potential 70% reductions—leaving cities, farmers, and tribes bracing for higher costs. Severe Weather Shift: A new climate model warns tornado “danger conditions” may spread beyond traditional Tornado Alley into the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast by late century. Nebraska Tech & Agriculture: Husker Harvest Days adds an Ag Tech Pavilion (Sept. 15–17) spotlighting precision ag, robotics, AI, irrigation efficiency, and drones. Public Safety Tech: Nebraska State Patrol and the Omaha FBI outline how mapping tools and drone tech will support Nebraska State Fair security. Healthcare Breakthrough: FDA approves Rasonque, the first drug shown to substantially extend survival in advanced pancreatic cancer. Education & Policy: Omaha stops using electric shock gloves in two reported school incidents, after concerns about use on students with special needs. Food Processing Politics: Trump says legal steps are coming to let farmers and ranchers process their own food, aiming to challenge big meat processors.

Ag Tech in Nebraska: Husker Harvest Days will add a new Ag Tech Pavilion Sept. 15–17 in Grand Island, spotlighting precision ag, automation/robotics, AI, irrigation efficiency, and drone scouting plus daily panel sessions. Public Safety Tech: Nebraska State Patrol and the Omaha FBI outlined how they’re using a fairgrounds mapping tool and coordinated reporting to keep the Nebraska State Fair safer. Drones & Community Concerns: Amazon Prime Air’s Papillion launch is reigniting debate over drone noise, with an air-delivery expert saying it may become “the new normal.” Cancer Breakthrough: FDA approved Rasonque (daraxonrasib), the first drug shown to substantially extend survival for advanced pancreatic cancer, nearly doubling median time vs standard chemo. Food & Policy: Trump says he’s moving to let farmers and ranchers process their own food to challenge big meat processors, while Nebraska’s AG Hilgers also targets climate-risk scorecards used by major real-estate platforms. Health & Education: Back-to-school coverage highlights foster youth struggles, and UNO students warn rising tuition could push higher education out of reach.

Cancer Breakthrough: The FDA approved Rasonque (daraxonrasib), the first pill shown to substantially extend survival for advanced pancreatic cancer, nearly doubling median time to 13.2 months vs. 6.7 with standard chemo. Food & Health Tech: Instacart data shows protein and fiber are taking bigger shares of grocery trips, with protein items surging and Nebraska among regions buying more protein-filled products. Public Safety Tech: Nebraska State Patrol and the Omaha FBI outlined how tech tools—like a fairgrounds mapping system on troopers’ phones—are being used to coordinate responses at the Nebraska State Fair. Child Welfare & School Support: Back-to-school brings extra hurdles for Nebraska foster youth, from frequent moves to missing paperwork and difficulty focusing on learning. Ag Policy & Processing: Trump says he’s pushing legal changes to let farmers and ranchers process their own food, aiming to challenge Big Four meat processors and reduce red tape. Climate Risk & Housing: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers sued First Street over climate-risk scores, saying inaccurate data harmed Nebraska homebuyers and sellers. Renewables Funding: Wind and solar tax revenue is flowing to Nebraska counties and school budgets, even as local opposition continues.

Data Center Backlash: Nehawka residents are pushing back on nearby data center plans over water, heat/light, and noise concerns, while Ord, Nebraska’s Flock camera fight shows how privacy fears can turn into countywide standoffs. Surveillance Tech Scrutiny: Bernalillo County, N.M., is ending Flock contracts amid privacy worries, and Nebraska reporting continues to spotlight how license-plate readers spread. Workforce & Energy Tech: Digital Realty says the data center labor shortage is forcing broader hiring and training pipelines, and Husker Harvest Days is spotlighting propane-powered irrigation efficiency. Public Health: The cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has now reached 20 states, including Nebraska, with thousands sickened. Big Tech Child-Safety: Nebraska is set to receive up to about $201M from a Meta settlement, with new limits and nighttime blocks for teen accounts. Nebraska Research & Campus: UNL researchers keep uncovering Ashfall Fossil Beds’ prehistoric mysteries, and UNK reports record private fundraising of $11.5M.

Meta Settlement for Kids: Nebraska is set to receive up to $201.1M from a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta deal, with required changes to Instagram and Facebook aimed at limiting addictive features for children and teens. Public Health Watch: The FDA says the cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has now spread to three more states, bringing the total to 20 states and 11,458 reported illnesses. Cancer Breakthrough: The FDA approved Rasonque, a pancreatic cancer drug from Revolution Medicines, with trial results showing nearly double the median survival time for eligible patients. Law & Tech Oversight: 22 state AGs are challenging taxpayer funding of the National Academies’ climate review, calling it a “sham” and setting up a legal fight tied to a major climate lawsuit. Nebraska Agriculture Innovation: Broken Bow broke ground on a renewable natural gas project turning manure into pipeline-quality fuel, part of a broader push for value-added ag. Safety Tech Debate: ICE moved forward with a $16.7M contract for electric shock gloves, while Nebraska-related backlash continues over use in schools and policing.

FDA Breakthrough: The FDA approved Rasonque (daraxonrasib), a once-daily pill for advanced pancreatic cancer that targets RAS mutations and nearly doubles median survival (13.2 vs. 6.7 months in trials), with a reported month cost around $39,800. Nebraska Tech & Health Policy: Nebraska is set to receive up to about $200M from Meta’s child-safety settlement over Instagram/Facebook design features; the deal also requires stronger protections like nighttime blocking for teens. Rural Tech & Energy: Adams Land & Cattle and Neogenyx Fuels broke ground on a renewable natural gas project near Broken Bow, using manure digesters to produce pipeline-quality RNG and cut emissions. AI & Agriculture Research: A University of Idaho-led NSF project will use AI and sensing tech to breed stronger, less lodging-prone wheat and other cereal crops, with UNMC among collaborators. Blockchain in Banking: 39 state bankers associations formed the BankChain Alliance, aiming for a 2027 bank-owned blockchain network for tokenized deposits, stablecoins, and automated settlement. Community Tech/Training: Nebraska’s NCFF won nearly $10M to expand early reading programs, studying impacts across 120+ sites.

Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough: The FDA has approved Rasonque (daraxonrasib), a once-daily pill that targets KRAS-driven tumors, nearly doubling median survival for advanced pancreatic cancer patients to 13.2 months (vs. 6.7 with chemotherapy). Nebraska Health & Early Learning: The Nebraska Children and Families Foundation won a nearly $10M federal grant to expand Nebraska Growing Readers and study how to boost preschool literacy statewide. Meta Settlement Hits Nebraska: Nebraska will receive about $201M from Meta’s landmark teen social media addiction settlement, with new child-safety steps including nighttime blocking for users 17 and under. Renewable Energy in Central Nebraska: Ground was broken south of Broken Bow on a renewable natural gas project that will turn manure into pipeline-quality RNG using anaerobic digesters. Public Accountability: Nebraska’s Accountability and Disclosure Commission fined Adams and Hall County assessors for using public office resources in re-election campaigns. AI for Crops: A Nebraska-linked research effort is set to use AI and sensing tech to breed stronger, less lodging-prone cereal crops. Tech Policy & Safety: An AI Pact signed by Nebraska’s Dan Osborn calls for AI model safety reviews and legal remedies for AI harms.