Good morning, Lincoln.

Nonprofits in Lincoln prepared for the cold stretch as the Salvation Army distributed hundreds of pairs of shoes on Thursday afternoon while People’s City Mission expanded its shelter to house 450 residents.

The organizations continue to ask for donations of clothing and food to help meet increasing needs.

The Belmont Community Center is set to host the MLK breakfast for the first time since COVID, partnering with Bryan College of Health Sciences + the Rev.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Rally. The event will bring community members together across Lincoln.

A new STEM grant will restore hands-on science learning at Jefferson Elementary after a gap left last year; first-grade teacher Robyn Younghans said the classroom missed interactive lessons.

Students will soon experience practical activities in science + math.

Children’s Circle Montessori School in Lincoln reopened today after DHHS concluded an investigation into a brief incident where a child was left unsupervised in a cold garage, and the center is now operating under one-year probation with a civil penalty ($125).

A Lincoln child care center (previously suspended after reportedly leaving a child in a cold garage last month) will reopen after state officials reversed its license suspension.

The Nebraska Board of Regents will review an $800M proposal on Thursday to let NU acquire full control of Nebraska Medicine; if approved, NU will pay $500M for Clarkson Regional Health Services’ stake plus $300M for land and buildings, ending a nearly 30-year partnership amid concerns raised by former officials.

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has installed four HealthToGo vending machines offering free health, hygiene, and safety supplies at locations like O Street and F Street Community Center; officials said a fifth machine will be added soon to meet community needs.

The men’s basketball team boasts a historic 17-0 record with an eighth-place ranking in this week’s AP Top 25.

Head coach Fred Hoiberg credited strong work ethic and team chemistry for the success as they return to play Saturday at Northwestern.

Banda V.S. Norteñas with DJ Mickey

9:00 PM – 2:00 AM — The Royal Grove — Entry from $7 — Enjoy a night of Latin music as Banda and Norteñas battle it out on the dance floor.

46th Annual Concrete Paving Workshop

7 AM – 12 PM — The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel — Registration fee applies — Explore innovative concrete paving practices with industry experts at Nebraska's premier workshop.

LDCCW Winter Symposium 2026

6 p.m. — Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House — Registration required — Engage in thoughtful discussions and fellowship centered on faith and community service.

Open Coffee Gathering at Crescent Moon

8-9:30 a.m. — Crescent Moon Coffee — Free entry — Network with local entrepreneurs over coffee and share stories, insights, and connections.

The Hafnicks Live Performance

9 PM — Zoo Bar — $10.00 — Experience the dynamic Blues/Rock cover band, The Hafnicks, bringing infectious energy to Lincoln's live music scene.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Wrestling vs. Northwestern Wildcats

1-3 p.m. — Bob Devaney Sports Center — Ticket info available — Experience the thrill of collegiate wrestling as the Cornhuskers take on the Wildcats.

Sell/Buy Cattle Marketing School

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Country Inn & Suites by Radisson — $89 room rate — Learn the ins and outs of cattle marketing strategies during this comprehensive school.

2nd Annual Sweetheart Dance

8-11:30 p.m. — Apothecary Lofts & Ridnour Room — Tickets required — Celebrate community spirit with a joyful evening of dancing, desserts, and a silent auction for NAMI Nebraska.

HYROX Strength Challenge: Nebraska's First Strength-Only Competition

7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — BFT Lincoln — $40 per person — Experience Nebraska's inaugural strength-only HYROX event with no running, just pure strength challenges.