Nebraska Energy & Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen is backing LB 1261, a “transformative” energy law that makes it easier for private entities to build large power plants for their own use and limits public power districts’ ability to take them via eminent domain—while still keeping AI and national defense in the pitch. Water & Data Centers: Google is funding water conservation around its Nebraska data centers, including a $3 million grant to Omaha’s Metropolitan Utilities District to expand leak detection across 500 miles of priority water lines. Grid Fight: Nebraska regulators approved NPPD’s controversial 220-mile Sandhills transmission line project (R-Project) despite landowner concerns about impacts to the fragile ecosystem and protected species. Agrifood Venture Capital: Purdue’s DIAL Ventures Fund II has its first close, building on a $30M+ portfolio and six prior studio cycles aimed at agrifood startups moving to paying customers. Insurance Watch: AM Best revised FMNE Insurance Company’s outlook to stable and affirmed strong ratings for the Lincoln-based insurer. Public Notice Rules: A push to end mandatory newspaper legal ads is gaining traction in Massachusetts, raising alarms for journalism and local transparency. Medicaid Work Requirement: CMS rolled out a new Medicaid work requirement framework, setting a unified 80-hours-per-month standard for states. Sanctions & Tech: A US-Iranian tech CEO, Jamshid Ghomi, was arrested over alleged long-running procurement of restricted encryption and networking gear routed through US and Nebraska suppliers.