Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 31st of July.
Good morning, Grand Island.
🏘️ Community
Celine Swan, Brenda Halm, and Ray Hayman each marked 25 years of service at the Grand Island Public Library and were honored for their long work by community leaders.
Celine Swan was recognized by the city council on July 22 and the library has grown into a hub—helping residents of all ages with books and community programs.
📰 Economy
Nebraska’s preliminary unemployment rate for June was 3.0 percent — unchanged from last month but up from 2.8 percent last June.
The state recorded a record high labor force with nearly 1,054,000 employed workers and nonfarm employment reaching 1,076,683 jobs.
🏛️ Government
Nebraska leaders—Governor Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers—filed a case in the U.S. Supreme Court to force Colorado to honor a 1923 water compact that guarantees water for farmers and communities.
They argue that Colorado’s water use has cut summer flows and blocked the Perkins County Canal project meant to secure extra winter water.
The Grand Island Public Library has proposed a budget for fiscal year 2026 that includes a 10% increase to cover rising costs and growing patron attendance—plans also call for hiring two new full-time employees to extend Saturday hours.
The library will also purchase a kiosk to offer more convenient access for visitors.
🎉 Grand Island Events
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2025 Nebraska Small Business Conference
1-7 p.m. — College Park, Grand Island — Free admission — Discover tools and strategies to grow your small business and network with other entrepreneurs.
Liederkranz Craft Brew & Sausage Fest
4-7 p.m. — Liederkranz — Ticket required — Indulge in craft beers and sausages while enjoying live music in a festive atmosphere.
Jarana Concert
7-9 p.m. — Stuhr Museum — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of energetic, danceable music blending South American and Mexican folk styles while relaxing outdoors.
Northwest vs. Hastings Softball Game
6:30-8:15 p.m. — Northwest High School — Free entry — Catch the exciting non-conference matchup between the Northwest varsity softball team and Hastings.
One Day Carnival Wristband at Nebraska State Fair
12:10 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $31 — Enjoy unlimited rides for one day at the carnival during the Nebraska State Fair.
Ultimate Bullfighters
7-8:30 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $29-$72 — Experience the thrill of bullfighting with VIP options and exclusive perks at this exciting event.
Birthing Pavilion VIP Experience
8-9 a.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $15.75 — Discover the birthing process with exclusive access and interact with the animals.
Brian Regan Live
7:30-9 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $51, $62, $78 Reserved Seating — Enjoy the laughs of one of America's top comedians, Brian Regan, at a must-see performance.
The Marshall Tucker Band Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $42 reserved seating — Experience legendary Southern rock tunes from The Marshall Tucker Band and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Worley.
Sawyer Brown Free Concert
7:30-10 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — Free with gate admission — Enjoy a night filled with legendary country hits from Sawyer Brown.
🏠 Grand Island Real Estate
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💼 Grand Island Job Board
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📣 Grand Island Announcements
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