AGP Executive Report

SNAP Update: Nebraska is moving to lift USDA-ordered restrictions on soda and energy drinks for SNAP recipients after a federal judge struck down the limits, though retailers need time to update systems. Medical Cannabis: Gov. Jim Pillen signed Nebraska’s medical cannabis regulations, but advocates say the program is still “weak,” as rules limit cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries, and ban edibles/vaping/smoking. Public Health & Safety: Two children, ages 3 and 4, were hospitalized after a possible THC gummy overdose in Omaha; authorities are awaiting testing to confirm what was in the bottle. Workplace/Clinical Oversight: Nebraska AG Hilgers filed disciplinary action against a Lincoln orthopedic surgeon accused of sexual harassment. Food Safety: The FDA classified a nationwide recall of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips at the highest risk level due to possible Salmonella contamination. Heat Risk: A dangerous heat wave is spreading across much of the U.S., with officials opening cooling resources and warning about heat illness. Naval Incident: USS Nebraska sailors and civilians reported illness after diesel exhaust exposure; the Navy is investigating. Community Health Workforce: CAREfair Nebraska 2026 is connecting job seekers to healthcare careers statewide. Rural Health Funding: Nebraska posted rural grant applications under the Rural Health Transformation Program, including school kitchen modernization and upgrades for critical access/rural emergency hospitals.

Medical Cannabis Regulations: Gov. Jim Pillen approved permanent medical marijuana rules after Attorney General Mike Hilgers signed off, setting limits on possession and products and making the program part of Nebraska’s permanent code starting July 5. Public Health & Safety: Lincoln health officials detected Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquitoes, urging residents to prevent bites as summer mosquito activity ramps up. Behavioral Health Workforce: A national behavioral health workforce report highlights where Nebraska providers are gaining ground and where gaps remain. Rural Health Funding: DHHS opened applications for rural grants under the Rural Health Transformation Program, including support for rural hospital infrastructure and school kitchen upgrades for healthier meals. Health Care Research: UNO is moving forward on a $17.1 million Biomechanics Research Building addition, with a new cardiovascular research focus tied to an NIH-funded center. Child Health Alert: Two young children were hospitalized after an apparent THC gummy overdose; officials are awaiting test results to confirm what was in the gummies. Accountability in Medicine: Nebraska AG Hilgers filed disciplinary action against a former Lincoln orthopedic surgeon accused of sexual harassment. Community Health Response: A fire department in York is pursuing a grant to hire two community paramedics to reduce repeat hospital trips.

Medical Cannabis Rules: Gov. Jim Pillen approved Nebraska’s permanent medical marijuana regulations after Attorney General Mike Hilgers signed off, with the rules set to take effect five days after filing. Public Health Planning: The Regional Health Council launched a 2026-28 Community Health Improvement Plan for Pottawattamie and nearby metro counties, targeting social determinants, access to care, and mental health. Mosquito-Borne Virus Watch: Lincoln-Lancaster County Health detected Jamestown Canyon virus in local mosquitoes, urging residents to keep protecting themselves from bites. WIC Eligibility Expanded: Nebraska raised WIC income limits, adding more families; a family of four can now qualify with up to $61,050 annually. Heat & Homelessness Support: Omaha nonprofit outreach teams are checking on people living outside during the heatwave, sharing cooling supplies and information on resources. T1D Awareness Story: A Nebraska family shared how Type 1 diabetes was diagnosed only after a severe ER crash, highlighting the need to recognize symptoms earlier. Child Abuse Conviction: A Grand Island day care provider was found guilty of intentional child abuse resulting in death after an infant died from severe shaking/slamming injuries. Community Safety: Omaha Crime Stoppers increased its reward to $35,000 for tips in a fatal North Omaha shooting; police also reported a laser incident involving a State Patrol helicopter.

Mosquito-borne risk: Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department detected Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquitoes collected in Lincoln, urging residents to prevent bites with EPA-registered repellents and outdoor precautions as mosquito activity ramps up. Medical cannabis rules: Gov. Jim Pillen signed Nebraska’s medical cannabis regulations into the permanent state code, with Attorney General Mike Hilgers saying the rules don’t clearly violate state or federal constitutions on their face, though legal challenges remain. Public health policy watch: A federal judge struck down SNAP “unhealthy food” purchase restrictions in five states, raising questions about whether the rules improve health outcomes for families managing conditions like diabetes. Local health & safety: Investigators allege an Oakdale woman delivered fentanyl to her 6-year-old daughter, who then gave it to adults; one person died after Narcan was administered. Community health leadership: Central District Health Department named an interim director after leadership changes, while UNMC released its spring 2026 dean’s list for nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and allied health programs. Heat awareness: Millions across the Midwest and Northeast faced extreme heat alerts with dangerous overnight temperatures, increasing risk for heat illness.

Medical Cannabis Update: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers signed off on the constitutionality of the state Medical Cannabis Regulation Act rules, clearing the way for Gov. Jim Pillen’s review before temporary regulations expire July 15. Rural Health Watch: A national report warns “seismic” Medicaid changes could hit rural hospitals hard, where Medicaid dependence can mean more uncompensated care when coverage shifts. Medicaid Work Requirements: States are suing to block new Medicaid work requirement rules, arguing they’ll push sick and low-income people off coverage. Planned Parenthood Access: Planned Parenthood North Central States cut staff and consolidated Iowa in-person services, while continuing Nebraska centers and virtual care across its region. Public Health & Safety: Nebraska Medicine and Eye On July are distributing free fireworks safety glasses statewide to prevent holiday eye injuries. Substance Use & Overdose: An Antelope County affidavit details a suspected fentanyl overdose case in Oakdale, where Narcan was administered and one woman died. Community Health Needs: A Lincoln family is seeking help for wheelchair-accessible transportation after doctors predicted a short life for a child with serious medical needs. Workplace Safety: A sewer line trench collapse in northeast Lincoln sent a worker to the hospital after a complex rescue operation.

Nebraska Medicine Governance: The NU Board of Regents approved a temporary governance structure for Nebraska Medicine, giving the Omaha Community Foundation equal voting representation with the university from July 1 through Sept. 30 as Clarkson steps away. Medical Cannabis Oversight: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers approved the Medical Cannabis Commission’s regulations; they now go to Gov. Jim Pillen, though a Nebraska Supreme Court case could still affect the ballot initiative’s legal standing. Home Birth Rights: Three Nebraska mothers sued in federal court to challenge the state’s ban on nurse midwives assisting with home births, arguing it violates religious rights and constitutional protections. Public Health & Nutrition Policy: A federal judge blocked USDA authority for SNAP “junk food” waivers, raising questions for similar restrictions; meanwhile, Arkansas is moving ahead with its candy and soda SNAP ban despite the legal setback. FDA Peptides Scrutiny: FDA staff say there’s little evidence to support allowing compounding pharmacies to make seven popular peptides, ahead of an advisory committee meeting. Heat Safety: A major heat wave is putting more than 100 million Americans under heat alerts, with Independence Day events facing dangerous conditions. Poisoning Prevention: Nebraska Poison Center shared holiday safety tips for fireworks, glow sticks, DEET use, and foodborne illness. Maternal Care Access: Nebraska mothers also continue pushing back on midwife-assisted home birth limits, highlighting a statewide gap in options.

Nebraska Medicine Governance: The NU Board of Regents approved a modified governance structure that brings the Omaha Community Foundation in as an equal partner overseeing Nebraska Medicine through at least Sept. 30, with Clarkson Regional Health Services ending its longtime leadership role as the deal closes. Rural Health Funding: Creighton University’s dental school won a $4.6 million grant from the Rural Health Transformation Program to expand oral healthcare access for Nebraska’s rural and underserved communities. School Nutrition & Student Health: Nebraska’s Department of Education is accepting applications for more than $2.2 million via the Nebraska Rural Health Transformation Program to improve rural school meals, aiming to boost health and academic outcomes. SNAP & Public Health Policy: Arkansas is rolling out a mobile app to help SNAP recipients navigate a new ban on buying soda and candy with benefits, even as legal challenges continue—part of a broader national fight over what counts as “food” in SNAP. Heat Safety: Nebraska Poison Center holiday tips focus on preventing fireworks, glow-stick, and fuel-related poisonings, while the region braces for dangerous summer heat. Legal/Health Coverage: A judge blocked parts of Nebraska’s social media parental monitoring law for minors, allowing only a parent dashboard requirement to proceed.

Court Ruling: A federal judge blocked a Nebraska law that would have tightened minors’ social media rules, saying parts of the Parental Rights on Social Media Act violate the First Amendment—though a parent monitoring “dashboard” requirement was allowed to stand. Rural Health & Nutrition: Nebraska’s Department of Education is partnering with DHHS on a $2.2M-plus grant to improve rural school meals, aiming to boost student health and attendance. Heat Safety: A major U.S. heat wave is expanding across the Plains and Midwest, with Nebraska in a heat advisory zone and officials urging hydration, breaks in shade/AC, and extra care for kids and older adults. SNAP Watch: New federal SNAP payment error-rate data show Nebraska and Wyoming under the 6% threshold, while other states face potential cost-share penalties—raising pressure on program accuracy. Local Health Care Governance: NU Regents approved bylaws to bring the Omaha Community Foundation in as an equal partner in Nebraska Medicine governance as the Clarkson deal closes. Behavioral Health Facility: Children’s Nebraska highlighted its new Behavioral Health & Wellness Center design approach focused on safety and healing for youth in crisis. Public Health Policy: Final Medicaid work requirement rules are out, with states preparing systems and staffing ahead of the 2027 rollout. Injury Report: A 14-year-old was hospitalized after a rollover near Stanton, with speed and inexperience cited.

Nebraska Medicine Governance: The NU Board of Regents will consider amended bylaws and articles of incorporation to shift Nebraska Medicine’s governance, including Clarkson Regional Health Services withdrawing and Omaha Community Foundation representatives serving as half of voting directors during a transition. Heat Safety: A heat advisory remains in effect for Lincoln and Lancaster County through Tuesday night, with heat index values near 105; health officials urge hydration, limiting outdoor time, and extra care for kids, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. Medicaid Mental Health Impact: Nebraska mental health providers report a surge in calls from Medicaid recipients after new work requirements took effect, leaving many worried about coverage and access to basic needs. Orthopedics Staffing: Regional West Physicians Clinic-Orthopaedics welcomed Kimberly Perkins, FNP-BC, expanding orthopaedic care capacity for children and adults. Long-Term Care Costs: A new analysis warns retirees in 41 states (including Nebraska) may outlive savings without planning for long-term care, citing a large lifetime funding gap. Public Health Policy Fight (SNAP): Federal court rulings continue blocking efforts to restrict what SNAP can buy, keeping soda and candy eligible while legal battles over authority and rules play out. Local Health & Wellness: Omaha health officials urged residents to prepare for an upcoming heat wave, while Nebraska’s drought and water-quality concerns continue to raise public health stakes.

Heat & Public Health: A heat advisory stays in effect for Lincoln and Lancaster County through Tuesday night, with heat index values near 105 and guidance from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department to limit outdoor time, hydrate, and check on high-risk neighbors. Nebraska Medicine Governance: NU Regents will consider amended bylaws and articles of incorporation to shift Nebraska Medicine governance, including Clarkson Regional Health Services withdrawing and Omaha Community Foundation representatives serving as half of voting directors starting July 1. Medicaid Mental Health Impact: Nebraska mental health providers report a surge in Medicaid calls as new work requirements take effect, leaving people scrambling for coverage and basic needs. SNAP Policy Fight: A federal court paused SNAP waivers that would have restricted purchases like soda and candy, with West Virginia officials disappointed as the legal challenge continues. Medical Workforce & Access: Regional West Physicians Clinic-Orthopaedics welcomed Kimberly Perkins, FNP-BC, expanding orthopaedics care locally. Health Risks Beyond Clinics: Coverage also highlights drought-driven water quality and quantity concerns and a first human West Nile virus case in Nebraska.

SNAP Legal Fight: A federal judge blocked SNAP food restriction waivers in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia, saying USDA overstepped by using demonstration authority to change what SNAP can buy—an issue Congress, not the executive branch, must set. Medicaid & Mental Health: Nebraska mental health providers report a surge in calls from Medicaid recipients after new work requirements took effect early, leaving people scrambling for coverage and meals. Heat Safety: Omaha health officials urged residents to prepare for an upcoming heat wave tied to Fourth of July plans, warning about dehydration, heat illness risks, and who’s most vulnerable. Nursing Pipeline: Bellevue University launched an accelerated RN-to-BSN program aimed at helping working nurses earn bachelor’s degrees faster amid Nebraska’s ongoing nursing shortage. Public Health & Food: Scientists say fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi may support gut health and metabolism, though researchers note more study is needed. Local Care Access: Regional West Physicians Clinic-Orthopaedics welcomed nurse practitioner Kimberly Perkins, expanding orthopaedic care capacity. Quarantine Update: A Bend doctor released from hantavirus quarantine after caring for patients on an infected cruise ship. Drug Policy Watch: A proposed nitrous oxide sales limit targets recreational misuse that can harm teens and drivers.

Medicaid Work Rules: Nebraska mental health providers say new Medicaid work requirements have triggered a surge in calls, as recipients scramble to meet 80 hours a month and fear losing coverage amid complex conditions like dual diagnosis. SNAP “Junk Food” Fight: A federal judge blocked SNAP waivers in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia that would have limited purchases of soda and candy, saying USDA overstepped authority. Heat Safety: A heat advisory covers parts of Nebraska and South Dakota with heat index values near 104; officials urge hydration, shade, and never leaving kids or pets in cars. Rural Dialysis Closures: Reporters highlight the closure of rural dialysis clinics, raising concerns about access to ongoing care. Gut Health Trend: Scientists point to fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi as potential helpers for gut health and metabolism, while noting more research is needed. Nursing Pipeline: Bellevue University launched an accelerated RN-to-BSN program to help address Nebraska’s nursing shortage while keeping working nurses in the workforce. Local Care & Wellness: Omaha students and health leaders are spotlighting practical wellbeing efforts—from memory-care room “flower medicine” to heat-illness preparedness.

SNAP Legal Fight: A federal judge blocked USDA SNAP waivers in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia that would have limited purchases of soda and candy, saying the agency overstepped its authority. Local Health Preparedness: Omaha health officials urged residents to get ready for a coming heat wave, warning about dehydration and heat illness risk for seniors, kids, and people without air conditioning. Nursing Pipeline: Bellevue University launched a reduced-credit, fully online RN-to-BSN program aimed at helping working nurses advance amid Nebraska’s ongoing staffing shortage. Student Housing Overhaul: UNL’s Board of Regents approved a $386 million redevelopment of Selleck Quadrangle, replacing aging residence halls and adding housing for up to 1,800 students. Corrections & Wellness: Correctional leaders met on Capitol Hill pushing for stronger drone and cell phone contraband interdiction, officer wellness, and reentry funding. Health Equity Spotlight: A Nebraska-linked profile highlighted Daniel Dawes’ work on the political determinants of health and health disparities. Public Safety: Emergency physicians reminded Nebraskans to use extra caution with Fourth of July fireworks, citing common ER injuries to hands, faces and eyes.

SNAP Court Fight: A federal judge blocked USDA waivers that would have limited Nebraska and other states from restricting what people can buy with SNAP, saying the agency overstepped its authority—leaving soda and candy limits in limbo while states watch for appeals. SNAP Cost-Sharing Watch: New USDA data shows Nebraska’s SNAP payment error rate at 5.9%, just under the 6% threshold that could trigger state cost-sharing starting in 2027, a reminder that administrative accuracy could affect budgets and services. Volunteer Firefighting Strain in Nebraska: Nebraska’s volunteer fire departments are under year-round pressure as fires grow and fewer people can serve; the state relies on thousands of unpaid firefighters and mutual aid to keep up. Community Health Access in Omaha: The Black Family Health and Wellness Association held a North Omaha community night to connect underinsured and uninsured residents with healthcare options, while seeking volunteers for CPR and first aid. Medical Research in Nebraska: UNMC-linked research highlights how pathogen virulence can better predict outcomes in post-procedure endophthalmitis than visual acuity alone. Public Health Education: A Nebraska nursing program news item points to strong NCLEX first-time pass rates, underscoring workforce readiness for RN licensure.

SNAP Health Fight in Nebraska: A federal judge blocked West Virginia’s SNAP waiver that would have barred soda purchases, and the ruling also halts similar soda-and-candy restrictions in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia—leaving the bans in limbo while USDA decides next steps. SNAP Integrity Costs: New USDA data shows many states face payment error rates that could trigger major cost-sharing penalties starting in 2027, with Nebraska listed among states near the threshold. Local Care Access: Omaha’s new Blueprint Access Center in North Omaha is part of a statewide push to connect families to direct services, not “Band-Aid” fixes. Cardiac Arrest Survival: A Lincoln man credited a bystander’s CPR with saving his life after sudden cardiac arrest, highlighting the impact of immediate action. Public Health Watch: CDC ended its hantavirus response after Americans quarantined following a cruise outbreak completed monitoring without symptoms. Nebraska Research: UNL researchers report fathers may play an outsized role in teen vaping and smoking habits, pointing to family-focused prevention.

SNAP Rules in Nebraska: A federal judge blocked West Virginia’s waiver that would have barred SNAP purchases of soda, and the ruling also halts similar USDA-approved restrictions in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia—meaning the Aug. 1 soda ban in Nebraska won’t take effect. SNAP Integrity Watch: A House hearing spotlighted waste, fraud and abuse in SNAP, including concerns about EBT skimming and retailer misuse. State Budget Pressure: New USDA data on SNAP payment error rates shows many states may face 5% to 15% cost-sharing starting in 2027, raising stakes for eligibility accuracy. Health Tech & Privacy: MCNA Dental reached a multimillion-dollar settlement tied to a 2023 LockBit ransomware attack that exposed nearly 9 million people. Care at Home: Lincoln families can turn to Comfort Keepers for help with daily living tasks like bathing, meals and light housekeeping. Public Health: The Nebraska Poison Center urged summer safety tips, from fireworks burns to carbon monoxide risks from grills and generators. Marijuana Policy: A DEA judge set a schedule for a cannabis rescheduling hearing, with Nebraska listed among participating states.