Opportunity Zones 2.0: Gov. Jim Pillen and Nebraska mayors announced 28 new federal Opportunity Zone nominations, including 10 in Omaha and five in Lincoln, aiming to steer private investment toward affordable workforce housing as designations are expected to take effect Jan. 1, 2027. State Budget Pressure: Nebraska’s projected deficits are widening, with a $208 million shortfall for the current biennium and an $864 million gap for 2027-29, leaving lawmakers facing tough choices with less than five months until the next session. Antitrust & Drug Prices: Nebraska Attorney General Derek Brown joined a multistate $29.6 million settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price inflation and competition restraints, with cooperation promised for ongoing litigation. Housing & Public Safety: Grand Island launched a Residential Knox Box Loaner Program to speed emergency entry and reduce forced entry, while Omaha’s City Council narrowly advanced a minimum wage ordinance after a legal authority debate. Ag & Rural Economy: Corn growers urged a faster Senate Judiciary probe into fertilizer industry competition as prices stay elevated; a Rural Response Hotline update says calls tied to farm financial stress are rising. Labor & Benefits: A GAO report found a surge in gig and Amazon workers using SNAP and Medicaid, raising new scrutiny of “corporate welfare” claims. Business Growth: Cheba Hut announced its first Lincoln location, and Birdcall is expanding with a five-unit Indianapolis deal that includes Nebraska in its Midwest pipeline.