Good morning, Grand Island.

A back-to-school event held downtown Grand Island yesterday brought together local barbers and hair stylists — along with community organizations — to mark the new school year.

The Grand Island TeamMates chapter needs 25 new mentors to support local youth with guidance and training.

Program coordinator Melissa Almond said each mentor will receive a background check and complete two training sessions (each lasting one hour) before being paired with a mentee.

South Central Public Power District said less than 350 customers still do not have power after weekend storms, down from an estimated 1,500.

Crews are repairing nearly 10 miles of damaged cable — including a 4-mile stretch with all poles and lines down — as they reroute power to restore service quickly.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is operating an in-person disaster loan outreach center at 1210 North Road in Grand Island through August—helping residents and business owners affected by recent flooding—and offering low-interest loans and personalized assistance.

Today, the Grand Island City Council approved a plan to use CDBG funds totaling $348,081 for the 2026 fiscal year, allocating $65,000 to program administration + $283,081 to public facilities.

The public facilities funds will support a $199,999 wastewater upgrade along Stolley Park Road south of the Nebraska State Fairgrounds and an $83,082 curb ramp project in low to moderate income areas.

The Nebraska Community Blood Bank declared a blood emergency in Nebraska and Western Iowa after its inventory fell below a two-day supply—leaving hospitals short for patient needs.

Reduced donations during summer breaks and heat waves have worsened the shortage, and donors are urged to help replace key blood types like O-negative and O-positive.

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.

Skillet Concert

7-9 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $48 GA, $69 PIT, $85 VIP (SOLD OUT) — Experience hard-hitting rock with Skillet as they take the stage at the Nebraska State Fair.