AGP Executive Report

Volleyball in the spotlight: Nebraska’s “Spikes Under the Lights” kicks off the season with a historic exhibition at AT&T Stadium—first women’s college volleyball match inside an NFL venue—featuring Nebraska vs. Florida, then Penn State vs. SMU, with a $1 million winner’s prize and TNT broadcast. Local arts & community: Hastings’ Heartbeat Creative District is holding an online open house (Sept. 1) to preview a downtown First Street crosswalk painting project led by DRIFT Mural Co., funded by a Nebraska Arts Council grant. Sports celebrations: Papillion-La Vista retired jerseys for former players Peaches James and Jordy Frahm during alumni night. Horse racing returns: Atokad’s live meet in South Sioux City expands to two weekends, adding seating and a kids zone after last year’s crowd surge. Big entertainment investment: WarHorse South Sioux broke ground in South Sioux City—an estimated $100 million casino/hotel with slots, table games, and an outdoor concert space. Tech & safety: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers launched “Parenting in the Digital Age” after the Meta settlement, offering guidance on screen time, grooming, cyberbullying, and spotting hidden apps.

Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $18B and add stronger child-safety rules for Instagram and Facebook, including default time limits and removing features like public like counts, as states pursue youth mental-health protections. Nebraska Impact: Nebraska is expected to receive as much as $200M from the settlement, with local families weighing how to manage addictive scrolling. Volleyball at AT&T Stadium: Nebraska opens its “Spikes Under the Lights” spotlight against Florida in a national TNT/truTV event, with the winner advancing toward a championship later Thursday. Music & Arts: Nebraska Public Media’s “Big Red Wrap-Up” returns Sept. 1, previewing Matt Rhule’s team and the season ahead. Local Sports Notes: UNK’s band program gets a boost with Tyler Hawk joining director Brian Alber, keeping the “fun to be good” culture while raising expectations. Health Watch: The FDA approved a new pill for advanced pancreatic cancer, described as “life-altering.”

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Nebraska is set to receive up to about $201.1 million from a landmark $17.1B Meta settlement over teen social media addiction, with sweeping new child-safety requirements for Facebook and Instagram. Volleyball in the Spotlight: Nebraska volleyball is headed to AT&T Stadium for “Spikes Under the Lights,” an exhibition with real prize money—Huskers vs. Florida Thursday, with winners meeting later that night. Game Day Transit: Lincoln is switching Husker gameday shuttles to a private charter service (iPronto reservations), expanding routes to Omaha and other Nebraska communities. Local Politics: Lancaster County election officials verified a new petition effort tied to Good Government Lincoln after earlier fraudulent signatures led to arrests. Arts & Community: Hart Community Performing Arts Series announced its 2026-27 lineup, kicking off Oct. 9 with Lincoln’s The Wildwoods. Entertainment Buzz: Amber Ruffin announced her engagement to Kelsi Cleary-Hammarstedt, sharing the proposal story from Omaha.

College Sports Spotlight: Nebraska fans get a big national moment as SMU joins No. 1 Nebraska for “Spikes Under the Lights” at AT&T Stadium, a record-setting women’s showcase with a $1 million prize and major TV buzz. Local Food & Community: North Omaha’s food access is getting attention again as a nonprofit grocery store is planned near 25th and Lake, aiming to cut down the long drives residents make for fresh produce. Arts & Culture: The Creative Districts of Nebraska poster series is back with new 2026 designs ready for purchase, including an Alliance poster by Bailey Johnson. Campus Life: UNL students are learning the truth about the tunnel system under residence halls—built for sheltered trips to dining during winter weather. Music & Nebraska Pride: A local country artist reflects on Dolly Parton’s legacy after her death, tying her storytelling to his own return to Nebraska. Public Safety: Dodge Road in central Omaha was closed after a serious early-morning crash sent two people to the hospital.

Nebraska Sports Spotlight: Nebraska volleyball kicks off the season on the road, starting with a tough early stretch and a new “Spikes Under the Lights” tournament at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Husker Football Buzz: Running back room talk is heating up—freshman Jamal Rule says his biggest jump is pass protection as Nebraska tries to replace Emmett Johnson’s production. Local Arts & Community: Wayne State College art professor Pearl Hansen returns with “Diary of an Artist,” opening Sept. 2 in the Nordstrand Visual Arts Gallery. State Fair Fun: The Nebraska State Fair is gearing up with more than 5,000 hours of free entertainment, plus extra rodeo action. Community Events: Hamburg’s Popcorn Days returns Sept. 12 with a 10K, parade, vendors, kids activities, and live entertainment. Civic/Policy Watch: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers says Lincoln must forward compliant charter amendments to the Nov. 3 ballot if signature goals are met. Safety Reminder: Back-to-school photo details can expose kids’ info over time, cybersecurity experts warn.

Nebraska Sports Betting: The Nebraska Secretary of State has certified two online sports wagering petitions for the Nov. 3 ballot, setting up a vote on expanding betting beyond the current racetrack model. Husker Football Tickets: Nebraska AD Troy Dannen says the historic Memorial Stadium sellout streak is safe, with about 1,400 tickets still left for the Sept. 5 opener vs. Ohio. Flag Football in Nebraska: Nebraska women’s flag football is moving its inaugural varsity season up to 2027, with the schedule due later this fall. Streaming & Pop Culture: HBO Max’s “Lanterns” continues to pull attention toward DC’s Green Lantern universe, and Ryan Reynolds’ 2011 “Green Lantern” is resurfacing in the streaming rankings. Local Safety: Douglas County held a free e-bike/e-scooter safety event, urging parents to set clear rules for young riders. Omaha Infrastructure: More sinkhole-like voids were found in the Blackstone area before a June foundation collapse, as the city continues investigating the Farnam Street situation. Arts & Community: UNL’s Great Plains lecture series returns this fall with a focus on Black history and Great Plains experiences, with free public events starting Sept. 1.

Beef Prices Politics: Gov. Jim Pillen met President Trump in Washington as the administration moves to lower beef prices, while Sen. Pete Ricketts and challenger Dan Osborn weighed in on the fallout for Nebraska ranchers. Student Press Crackdown: Gretna East High School removed an anti-ICE editorial cartoon from its student newspaper site, then adopted a prior-review policy after FIRE objected. Public Media Leadership: Iowa Public Radio named Peter Clowney CEO, effective Sept. 28, after his COO role at Nebraska Public Media. State Oversight: Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley reported questionable billing in the aged and disabled waiver program, including providers billing impossible hours. New Husker Sport: Nebraska women’s flag football will start in spring 2027, with the inaugural schedule coming later this fall. Arts & Pop Culture: HBO’s Lanterns keeps leaning into its Nebraska roots and DCU connections, with Episode 2 spotlighting Hal Jordan’s trip to face Sinestro. Local Safety Note: A Lincoln-area police captain was cited after leaving a toddler alone in a locked van while fishing. Ballot Watch: Nebraska certified online sports wagering petitions for the November ballot after signature thresholds were met.

State Budget Crunch: Nebraska agencies are weighing steep cuts after tax shortfalls, including hiring freezes, reduced services, higher fees—and even proposals like having some workers sleep in vehicles instead of hotels while traveling. Omaha Public Safety: Omaha police agreed to stop using electric-shock gloves in most middle and high schools after community outcry. DC on HBO Max (Nebraska-set): “Lanterns” Episode 2 digs deeper into Green Lantern lore, spotlighting Sinestro and the Manhunters as the looming threat, with fans already debating Hal Jordan’s fate. Local Arts & Entertainment: UNL’s student-run Theatrix is gearing up with multiple productions, keeping the performing-arts pipeline alive beyond graduation. Sports & Community: Husker Athletics is rolling out student-focused promotions and giveaways for fall home games, aiming to turn attendance into an experience. College Football Buzz: A USA Today-style preseason ranking roundup spotlights the sport’s top helmets and standout players heading into 2026.

HBO/HBO Max Spotlight: “Lanterns” keeps rolling—Episode 2 lands Sunday, Aug. 23 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with DIRECTV offering a 5-day HBO Max free trial workaround, after the series’ huge early streaming surge. Nebraska Sports: Nebraska coach Matt Rhule named Anthony Colandrea the season-opening starter, and the Huskers’ 2026 QB race is officially over. Local Arts & Entertainment: Southeast Nebraska’s week of shows includes “Twas the Night Before Christmas: A Musical Review” at Yorkshire Playhouse every day through Saturday. Community & Health: Dozens took part in the 50 Mile March between Lincoln and Omaha to raise awareness of veteran homelessness and health needs. Legal/Pop Culture: Deion Sanders’ “Prime” logo lawsuit adds new court details as the designer claims unpaid work and Sanders counters with a competing timeline. Sports Culture: Senator Chuck Grassley shared UNI volleyball updates and a soybean “watch” post, mixing Nebraska sports and farm life.

Nebraska Sports Spotlight: Matt Rhule confirmed UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea is Nebraska’s Week 1 starting QB, praising his competitiveness and ability to extend plays with his legs. Local Arts & Community: Nebraska Black Pride kicks off with tonight’s “Black Opulence Ball” voguing event featuring Amber Ruffin, followed by a free Family BBQ Sunday in North Omaha. Health & Philanthropy: Nebraska Medicine named its new Shikhar & Kristin Saxena Health Center, a $99.3M dermatology-focused facility expanding outpatient care across the region. Science & Agriculture: UNL researchers are testing UV-glowing genetically modified soybeans that could flag disease earlier than visible leaf symptoms. Entertainment Buzz: HBO Max’s “Lanterns” is drawing major fan reaction after a controversial Hal Jordan moment in Episode 1, with viewers debating what it means for the DCU. Nebraska Football Culture: A look at the Memorial Stadium rebuild includes talk of a new “red portal” entrance for the 2028 season. Sports Media Moment: Akron’s “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” contest is under scrutiny, with the school’s business school overseeing the selection process.

Husker Football: Coach Matt Rhule says Nebraska is focused on leadership and preparation as the season opener nears, and he confirmed Anthony Colandrea as the starting QB while TJ Lateef and Danny Kaelin battle for the No. 2 spot. Memorial Stadium Upgrade: UNL alumni and Nebraska athletics are pushing ahead with a Memorial Stadium rebuild, including a “red portal” entrance designed as a Tunnel Walk for fans. Nebraska Baseball Recruiting: Nebraska landed a commitment from Lincoln North Star lefty Landon Steiger, a notable boost for the Huskers’ next class. College Sports Policy: The Protect College Sports Act is back in the spotlight as Big-time athletic directors warn Congress needs to act soon to avoid more transfer chaos. Nebraska Arts & Community: Nebraska Black Pride runs this weekend with a voguing “Black Opulence Ball” featuring Amber Ruffin and a free Family BBQ on Sunday. Sports Business/Entertainment: NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett visited Lincoln to promote the Hollywood Casino 400 and praised Nebraska’s football facilities. Court Drama: Deion Sanders is facing a federal lawsuit over claims tied to his “Prime” logo.

College Football Playoff Buzz: ESPN bowl projections are already out, mapping a 12-team CFP path from the Dec. 12 Celebration Bowl through the Jan. 25 title game in Las Vegas. Local Sports & Community: Grand Forks leaders are taking an exploratory trip to Sioux Falls to study how downtown and green space projects came together—an idea-sharing mission that’s familiar to Nebraska-area cities. Nebraska Ballot Watch: Nebraska’s Secretary of State certified two online sports betting measures for the November ballot, with public hearings scheduled across the state’s three congressional districts. Arts & Entertainment: The National Music Museum’s NMM Live! season kicks off Aug. 28 with Jack Norton’s “Old-Time Blues and Good-Time Folk,” bringing vintage sounds to Vermillion. Food & Fun: The 2026 Nebraska State Fair is gearing up with thousands of hours of free entertainment and a Pepsi Live Music Series packed with Nebraska talent. Sports Betting + Culture: Deion Sanders’ “Prime” logo lawsuit continues to ripple, with an Omaha designer suing over alleged unpaid brand work. Power & Outdoors: OPPD says a bird caused an outage affecting 1,472 customers in Louisville.

Nebraska State Fair: The 2026 Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island returns Aug. 28–Sept. 7 with 5,000+ hours of free entertainment, including the Flying Royals, Rock-It the Robot, Jurassic Bark Dog Show, and a World Record Balloon Stunt Show—plus a Pepsi Live Music Series featuring 60+ Nebraska acts across three stages. Local Arts & Community: Hastings is rolling out 19 painted crosswalks in its Creative District, funded by a Nebraska Arts Council grant, with public input gathered at an open house. Sports Betting Ballot: Nebraska voters will decide in November on two qualified measures to legalize and regulate online sports wagering, with hearings set across the state’s three congressional districts. Food & Fun: Hy-Vee is hosting a weekend food drive at all locations, matching customer donations up to $100,000. Micromobility Safety: A Bennington-focused report highlights rising calls and injuries tied to e-bikes and scooters, pushing for stronger helmet rules and clearer local regulations. Music/Streaming Buzz: HBO Max’s DC series “Lanterns” is off to a big start, drawing millions of viewers in its first days.

Streaming & Pop Culture: HBO Max’s DCU hit “Lanterns” debuted bigger than “The Penguin,” pulling 9.3 million viewers in its first three days, with showrunner Chris Mundy already pushing for season two. Local Gaming Community: Omaha’s annual Tecmo Bowl National Championship keeps growing, blending competition with community for players and families across the metro. Sports on the Horizon (Volleyball): The 2026 college volleyball season kicks off Friday, and USA TODAY spotlights 15 players to watch, including Wisconsin’s Jaela Auguste and Pitt’s Olivia Babcock. Nebraska Tech & Safety: Roblox is rolling out updated AI child-safety tools aimed at spotting grooming behavior on the platform used by 123 million daily users. Nebraska Health & Privacy: A Nebraska Orthopaedic Center breach tied to a third-party vendor is under investigation, with exposed data including names, DOBs, and Social Security numbers. Arts & Entertainment (Live): Midwest Theater in Scottsbluff announces its 2026-27 performing arts season, including a Nebraska composer candlelight concert and a local trio’s holiday show.

Health & Science: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited UNMC and praised its hantavirus response, highlighting the National Quarantine Unit’s work after 18 cruise passengers were exposed earlier this year. Arts & Entertainment: HBO’s “Lanterns” is drawing major buzz after a strong premiere, with DCU fans and critics debating its bold Green Lantern take and that Episode 1 shock twist. Local Arts: The Midwest Theater in Scottsbluff announced its 2026-27 performing arts season, spotlighting national touring acts plus Nebraska talent. Tech & Public Life: The FCC is weighing cuts to E-Rate support that helps schools and libraries pay for internet, raising concerns about access for students. Community & Sports: Cloud County Community College volleyball opens its season with a North Platte tournament this weekend, starting under first-year coach Maria Aikins. Civic News: Lincoln launched a Youth Climate Action Fund offering grants up to $5,000 for ages 15-24 to lead sustainability projects. Media/Policy: Cox customers are beginning a transition to Spectrum after the acquisition, with new options rolling out in September.

Nebraska Sports & Community: Nebraska’s fall sports season kicks off with local coverage spotlighting the start of the area softball slate, plus schedules for girls tennis and golf as teams get ready for Thursday action. Husker Football Buzz: Nebraska fans get a fresh storyline in fall camp as true freshman Jamal Rule pushes for carries, with coaches hinting he’ll play and veterans feeling the pressure. Local Arts & Entertainment: Netflix’s new six-part adaptation My Brilliant Career lands as a bright, music-threaded period drama worth clearing your schedule for. Poetry & Culture: Poets on the Plains shares “Of All the Rain, Summer is Most Like a Child,” a tender, nature-forward poem that reads like a conversation between parent and child. Nebraska Outdoors & Conservation: The Nebraska Chapter of the Soil & Water Conservation Society honors Stephen Kennedy for decades of conservation work using federal grants and local partnerships. Business & Growth: Omaha-based Stevens Capital Partners tops $800M in assets under management after acquiring a Dallas tax practice, expanding its Nebraska footprint. Ballot Integrity Watch: Lancaster County’s petition-signature fraud probe expands statewide to cover all four citizen-led initiatives.