Amazon Antitrust: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general, including Nebraska, sued Amazon over alleged manipulation of ad auctions that they say inflated costs by tens of billions, with claims that “invented” bidding drove up prices for advertisers and small sellers. Immigration Enforcement Contract: Lawmakers are pushing DHS to cancel a $16.7 million contract for electric shock gloves, raising questions about oversight and accountability as the federal government expands tools used by ICE agents. Beef, Tariffs, and Farm Economics: At the Nebraska State Fair, Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent challenger Dan Osborn clashed over Trump’s temporary ground beef import quota and tariff changes, with the ag secretary arguing the move underscores the need to keep more food production on-shore. Food Security: The Food Bank for the Heartland received a 33,000-pound donation aimed at thousands of meals as hunger need rises. State Policy for Harvest: The Nebraska Public Service Commission issued 2026 harvest reminders, including timely payment rules for grain dealers and requirements for emergency ground storage. Regional Business Climate: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose to 57.1 in August, signaling continued slow manufacturing growth across Nebraska and neighboring states. Local Economy & Services: Hall County corrected its 2026-2027 valuation growth number, adjusting tax impacts; and Lexington Regional Health Center marked 50 years of service. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported a lowest midgrade price of $3.99 in Boyd County and $3.69 for E15 in Lincoln County for the week ending Aug. 22. Entrepreneurship: A 17-year-old Omaha founder launched a design business with $600 and now sells in multiple locations.