AGP Executive Report

Tourism Numbers: Gov. Jim Pillen and Visit Nebraska highlighted that travel spending in Nebraska hit $4.72 billion in 2025, up 2.6%, supporting about 42,000 jobs and generating $339.5 million in state and local tax revenue. Outdoor Getaway: Nebraska Game and Parks is set to host the 21st Annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park this weekend, with wildlife encounters, fishing, kayaking, camping skills, vendors, and family activities. Travel Safety & Tech: Lancaster County is using automated license plate readers to boost investigations, with officials saying the system helps track vehicles and time-stamped plate hits. Local Events: Special Olympics Nebraska’s Truck Convoy heads out Saturday from the Adams County Fairgrounds to Grand Island for an awards ceremony. Health & Access: Creighton University received a $549,932 NIH continuation grant to keep researching multiple sclerosis, aiming to improve understanding and treatment.

Tourism Numbers: Gov. Jim Pillen and Visit Nebraska highlighted that travel spending in Nebraska hit $4.72 billion in 2025, up 2.6%, supporting nearly 42,000 jobs and generating $339.5 million in state and local tax revenue. Outdoor Weekend Plans: Nebraska’s 21st Annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo returns to Ponca State Park with wildlife encounters, fishing, kayaking, archery, camping skills, food and vendors. Family & Community Events: A Truck Convoy for Special Olympics Nebraska is set for Saturday, starting at the Adams County Fairgrounds and ending with an awards ceremony at a Grand Island truck stop. Health & Safety Outdoors: Nebraska DHHS extended a toxic blue-green algae health alert for Big Indian Lake and Cub Creek Lake; boating and fishing are allowed with caution, but swimming beaches remain closed. Local Travel Infrastructure: Pender is moving forward with two DOT projects totaling about $9.5 million to rehabilitate key travel corridors, including a bridge replacement and major resurfacing.

Tourism Economy: Gov. Jim Pillen and Visit Nebraska highlighted new figures showing Nebraska tourism spending hit about $4.72 billion in 2025, up 2.6% from 2024, with $33.9 million in taxes. Outdoor & Family Fun: The Midwest’s largest outdoor expo returns to Ponca State Park for the 21st Missouri River Outdoor Expo, with wildlife, fishing, kayaking, camping skills, contests, and food. State Parks & Travel Safety: Nebraska DHHS extended a toxic blue-green algae health alert for Big Indian Lake (Gage County) and Cub Creek Lake (Jefferson County); swimming beaches stay closed, but boating and fishing are allowed with caution. Community Food Stops: Heartland United Way’s annual food drive topped nearly 13,700 pounds across central Nebraska, including major contributions from Husker Harvest Days FFA groups. Rural Care Tech: UNMC showcased telehealth and VR tools aimed at closing rural stroke-care gaps, including a holobox demonstration. Local Infrastructure: Pender residents saw plans for two NDOT projects to rehabilitate key travel corridors, including a Logan Creek Dredge bridge replacement and resurfacing through town. Rail Incident: A burglary tied to a moving BNSF container fire in Riverside, California, is under investigation.

Gas & Travel Costs: AAA and national fuel data show prices still climbing, with crude staying high near $100 a barrel and the national regular average around $4.44. Airport Access: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible PreCheck members request a free pass to enter gateside areas at participating airports, including Eppley Airfield (OMA), for meetups and terminal dining. Nebraska Arts & Tourism Funding: The Nebraska Cultural Endowment is urging advocates to protect state matching funds that support arts and humanities statewide, warning rural programs could be hit if the match is reduced again. Local Tourism Leadership: The Tourism Leadership Council welcomed Savannah Bananas coach Adam Vibrant as keynote, highlighting how “culture” and leadership drive fan experiences. Husker Weekend Plans: UNL and Lincoln are leaning into football-fueled community events, including a Husker Watch Party at Memorial Stadium and more tailgates and campus nightlife. Public Safety & Spending Scrutiny: A Nebraska investigation says some counties used opioid settlement money for surveillance and law-enforcement tools like Flock cameras.

Nebraska–Notre Dame football: The Huskers and Fighting Irish just locked in a home-and-home for 2032 and 2033—Nebraska hosts Oct. 30, 2032 in Lincoln, then travels to South Bend Oct. 29, 2033. Big Ten hoops in Lincoln: Nebraska men’s basketball released key dates for its 2026-27 Big Ten slate, starting Dec. 2 vs. Ohio State at Pinnacle Bank Arena, with major home matchups in January including Michigan State (Jan. 2) and Michigan (Jan. 5). Husker women’s schedule: Nebraska women’s basketball also unveiled its 18-game conference home dates, with Big Ten home action beginning Dec. 29 vs. Washington. Local travel logistics: Kearney will update downtown traffic control starting Sept. 22, adding all-way stops at multiple 1st Ave intersections. Outdoor safety note: While not Nebraska, Illinois confirmed mountain lion sightings in Union and Jackson counties—officials say it’s likely a wandering animal moving through. Weekend arts: The Southwest Iowa Art Tour returns Sept. 18-20, with stops stretching toward the Nebraska border.

Nebraska–Notre Dame Football: The Huskers and Fighting Irish just locked in a home-and-home for 2032 and 2033—Lincoln on Oct. 30, 2032, then South Bend on Oct. 29, 2033—bringing a major “calendar-circling” matchup back after more than 30 years. Big Ten Basketball Schedules: Nebraska men’s and women’s hoops both got their 2026-27 conference dates, with the men opening league play at home vs. Ohio State (Dec. 2) and the women starting Big Ten on the road at Iowa (Dec. 5) before a home opener vs. Washington (Dec. 29). Travel Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest local prices in the week ending Sept. 5, including midgrade at $3.72 in Otoe County and premium at $4.94 in Fillmore County—useful for road-trip planning around fall events. Husker Harvest Days Community: Heartland United Way’s annual food drive at Husker Harvest Days is underway, working with Nebraska FFA chapters and local partners to support food pantries and backpack programs. UNO Study Abroad: UNO’s annual Study Abroad Fair returned this week, with students exploring programs and scholarships despite rain moving the event indoors.

Study Abroad & Travel Planning: UNO’s annual Study Abroad Fair returned Wednesday, moving indoors due to rain and still drawing students to learn about programs, scholarships, and firsthand experiences. Big Ten Basketball Dates: The Big Ten released full 2026-27 men’s and women’s schedules, including Nebraska’s conference home slate at Pinnacle Bank Arena and key Husker matchups early in the year. Football Road-Trip Magnet: Nebraska and Notre Dame announced a home-and-home series for 2032-33—Lincoln on Oct. 30, 2032, and South Bend on Oct. 29, 2033—likely setting up a major travel draw for Husker fans. Fuel Watch for Travelers: GasBuddy reported diesel and gas price snapshots across Nebraska counties in the week ending Sept. 5, with diesel averaging about $5.44 statewide and some counties seeing lower single-station lows. Community Stops at Husker Harvest Days: Heartland United Way’s annual food drive at Husker Harvest Days continues to support local backpack programs and pantries, with thousands of pounds collected so far. Safety & Local Alerts: Lincoln County reported a late-night pursuit after a driver was clocked at 108 mph, later located and taken into custody.

Husker Harvest Days Traffic & Travel: The Nebraska State Patrol is ramping up traffic control for Husker Harvest Days (Sept. 15-17) near Grand Island, warning drivers to expect slowdowns west of town and noting Husker Highway won’t be able to cross Highway 30. Big Event Spotlight (Ponca): Ponca State Park hosts the 21st annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo this weekend, with mostly free, family-friendly activities and new historical speakers tied to Nebraska’s 250th birthday. Water & Outdoor Planning (Lake McConaughy): With Lake McConaughy reported below 22.3% capacity, managers are tightening delivery caps and adding surcharges as drought and low mountain snowpack continue. Local Governance & Visitor Impact (Gretna policing): Gretna’s city-county public safety deal is extended for three more years, keeping Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office coverage as the area grows. Arts & Learning (Anne Frank exhibit): An Anne Frank educational exhibit opened in Ley Theatre, bringing a timeline of her life and diary excerpts to Nebraska audiences. Community Sports: Nebraska’s high school volleyball and softball scenes keep rolling with multiple local wins, including Northwest and St. Cecilia headlines.

Husker Harvest Days Traffic & Weather: Rain didn’t slow the start of Husker Harvest Days near Grand Island, where cool temps, paved roads, and lots of golf carts/ATVs kept the world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show moving; Nebraska State Patrol troopers are directing traffic at key intersections as the event runs Sept. 15-17. Water Watch: Lake McConaughy is sitting under 23% capacity, and Central has approved an 18-inch water cap as drought pressures continue across western Nebraska. Rural Travel Costs: GasBuddy reports show diesel and flex-fuel prices staying volatile across Nebraska counties in the week ending Sept. 5, with several low-price spots noted for drivers planning road trips. Local Tourism & Events: The National High School Finals Rodeo won’t return to Lincoln in 2027 because the Sandhills Global Event Center and Lincoln’s hosting setup have outgrown the event’s needs. Community Spotlight: A food drive at Husker Harvest Days is collecting thousands of pounds for local pantries, with FFA students earning free entry through donations. Business & Hospitality: Wahoo’s Fariner Wine Bar is bringing a European-style wine-and-bakery vibe to small-town Nebraska.

Nebraska Travel & Tourism Watch: Outdoor Fun: The Missouri River Outdoor Expo returns to Ponca State Park Sept. 19-20 with 100+ activities, camping skills, kayaking, fishing, and Nebraska history speakers tied to the state’s 250th anniversary. Road & Travel Disruptions: I-80 near North Platte is under construction with lane closures and an 11-foot width limit through late fall (work expected to finish in December, weather permitting). Local Costs That Hit Visitors: Nebraska diesel hit a record average around $5.96, raising fuel pressure for truckers and ripple effects for the Food Bank of Lincoln. Statewide Accountability: A new audit found nearly $1 billion in accounting errors in Lancaster County Treasurer’s Office distributions—something that can affect local services and planning. Public Safety: Nebraska State Patrol says it seized nearly 20,000 pounds of drugs in early September, including a major I-80 interdiction near North Platte. Community & Events: Grand Island tickets go on sale Friday for Nebraska vs. Kansas State men’s basketball exhibition Oct. 26 at BigIron Events Center.

Road & Safety: Two crashes in the region sent two people to the hospital—one in Raymond (Hyundai vs. Jeep) and another near Clarkfield (a rollover on Highway 59). Travel Disruptions: McGhee Tyson Airport warned of longer TSA security lines after equipment problems, urging travelers to arrive earlier. Highway Updates: NDOT crews began installing new roadway cameras in southwest Nebraska for winter maintenance, and construction started on a 4-mile stretch of I-80 near North Platte plus a separate 4-mile I-80 project in Lincoln County with lane closures. Outdoor Recreation Safety: Nebraska issued toxic blue-green algae health alerts for Big Indian Lake and extended an alert for Cub Creek Lake, closing swimming areas while keeping boating and fishing allowed with precautions. Local Tourism & Events: North Omaha Visitors Center highlighted the area as a tourist destination, and Grand Island announced ticket sales for a Nebraska vs. Kansas State men’s basketball exhibition. Sports Spotlight: Nebraska stayed No. 1 in the AVCA women’s volleyball poll, and UNK volleyball swept its fall classic. Community & Culture: The Land Institute celebrated 50 years at Prairie Festival 2026, a Sept. 25-27 event on its prairie campus.

Nebraska Travel & Tourism: Airport access upgrade: TSA’s new “Gateside” program lets some trusted, non-ticketed travelers reach airport gate areas at 13 airports, including Salt Lake City—aimed at easier reunions and layover meetups. Local roads & events: Lincoln traffic advisory: multiple street closures are planned the week of Sept. 14, including South 48th St (Cotner to Sumner) through winter 2026, Van Dorn St (Normal to 70th) until Sept. 25, plus short closures around Nelnet and Nebraska volleyball at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Sports travel buzz: Game-day flights: airlines are leaning into sports travel with special routes, including a rare nonstop from Indianapolis to Lincoln for an Indiana–Nebraska matchup. Community & history: Patriot Tour stop: the Nation of Patriots’ motorcycle Patriot Tour continued through South Dakota after entering from Nebraska, raising funds for disabled veterans. Outdoor/learning: Buffalo story: a feature traces William Temple Hornaday’s work documenting the near-extinction of American buffalo and helping drive conservation.

Airport Access for Families: TSA’s new “Gateside” program lets some non-ticketed TSA PreCheck members (with known traveler numbers) enter gate areas at 13 airports, changing how travelers can meet and send off loved ones—an update many families are already comparing to “mission homecoming” moments. Nebraska Road & Event Detours: Lincoln is scheduling multiple street closures the week of Sept. 14, including South 48th St. for improvements, Van Dorn St. for pavement repairs, and short closures tied to Nelnet events and Nebraska volleyball at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Fuel Watch (Nebraska): GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel deals in Buffalo County ($5.14) and Dawson County ($4.99) for the week ending Sept. 5, with Nebraska diesel averaging $5.44 statewide. Sports Travel Boost: Airlines are leaning into big games with special routes and flights for sports fans, including rare nonstop options aimed at major college matchups. Rail Return for Midwest Trips: Amtrak service is set to resume between Chicago and the Quad Cities for the first time in nearly 50 years, adding two daily round trips.

Travel & Tourism: Nebraska’s Husker Harvest Days food drive is making a real local dent in hunger, with Heartland United Way saying last year’s event drew 110 FFA chapters and collected 16,241 pounds of food for pantries, backpack programs, churches, and shelters across Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties. Road Trips & Traffic: Lincoln Transportation and Utilities is urging drivers to plan ahead for Saturday sports crowds, including a temporary I-180 Exit 401A opening for westbound traffic starting 10 a.m. that closes at halftime, plus parking options via parkandgo.org and the Passport Parking app. Sports Tourism: Nebraska Wesleyan’s Ag Bowl trip is a reminder of the region’s travel pull—Dakota State routed NWU 52-0 in the 11th annual Ag Bowl in South Dakota. Local Safety: A crash near Bennington Road and 204th Street shut down 204th Street between Rainwood Road and Highway 26 after a dump truck hit a passenger vehicle, killing one and critically injuring another.

Community Food Drive: Husker Harvest Days’ food drive is making a measurable dent in central Nebraska hunger, with Heartland United Way reporting thousands of pounds collected last year and proceeds supporting pantries, backpack programs, churches, and shelters across Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties. Road-Trip Planning: Lincoln officials are urging fans to plan ahead for Saturday sports traffic, including a temporary I-180 exit opening and guidance on parking options and alternate routes. Safety on the Road: A fatal crash near Bennington closed 204th Street between Rainwood Road and Highway 26, with one person killed and another critically injured. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the cheapest premium gas in Cuming County hit $4.64 for the week ending Sept. 5, with Nebraska’s statewide premium average at $4.67. Outdoor Caution: The state issued a harmful algal bloom health alert for Big Indian Lake (11A) and extended it for Cub Creek Lake, advising swimming-beach closures and extra care around water exposure. Local Cycling: Bennington students are gearing up for the Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League’s season, with the first event set at Swanson Park.

Road-Trip Planning for Husker Weekend: Lincoln Transportation and Utilities is urging drivers to plan ahead for Sept. 12 events, including UNL volleyball at 2 p.m. and football at 6 p.m. Visitors should add 30 minutes to 1 hour, check 511.nebraska.gov, and consider alternate routes. Traffic & Parking Tips: NDOT will temporarily open Exit 401A on I-180 south for westbound I-80 traffic at 10 a.m., closing at halftime and reopening for future pregame traffic. City parking options include reserving pre-paid football parking via parkandgo.org and using Zone 90 in the Passport Parking app for all-day metered stalls. Family-Friendly Outdoors: Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League kicks off its seventh season with a Sept. 6 time trial “soft opening” at Swanson Park in Bellevue, followed by the first official race Sept. 13 with 300+ student-athletes expected. Local 9/11 Remembrance in Nebraska: Bennington’s fire department is hosting an open house around a permanent World Trade Center steel beam display, with 343 firefighter flags on the lawn for the names of those lost. Health & Water Safety: The state extended harmful algal bloom health alerts for Big Indian Lake (11A) and Cub Creek Lake, advising caution and closing swimming beaches while allowing boating and fishing with precautions.