Good morning, Lincoln.

After record-high attendance last week, the Center for People will offer its first full-service pantry day today from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. without an appointment, giving families access to food and on-site support including Clarity and SNAP intakes.

Bridges to Hope reported 11% more people seeking support, 20% higher volunteer hours, and 17% increased donations in 2025.

The nonprofit is building a Hope Village with 18 permanent homes for people formerly incarcerated and plans to open it in October.

The 2025 Nebraska Rural Poll showed that most rural Nebraskans felt optimistic about their communities with 34% reporting improvements and only 22% expecting decline.

Results varied by region, and small towns showed stronger bonds (943 responses from 86 counties).

Grammy award-winning saxophonist Kenny G will perform live at the Lied Center on Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. Ticket sales began last Friday with prices ranging from $77 to $167.

Five small manufacturers have been selected by the Nebraska Department of Labor to share $250,000 in smart technology grants aimed at modernizing operations and creating jobs.

Bennet-based FabriPlas Metal will use its grant to add a plasma cutter and painter/welder (boosting production amid rising demand).

Plant geneticist James Schnable, the Nebraska Corn Presidential Chair at University of Nebraska–Lincoln, received the NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences for breakthroughs including mapping the corn genome and creating a digital twin of a cornfield—his research offers new ways to boost crop resilience.

Nebraska Extension invites feedlot owners, managers, employees, and allied professionals to a three-day Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series from Feb.

17 to Feb. 19 at community centers in Bridgeport, Gothenburg, and West Point. Each session runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a $20 fee (lunch provided) and features research on cattle management, health and market trends.

Lincoln city council voted 7-0 Monday night to designate every January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the higher cancer risk firefighters face due to long-term exposures.

The council’s move follows research showing firefighters have notably higher cancer rates (prompting calls for improved support).

A 12-year-old boy was flown from Lincoln to Omaha by life flight after he was admitted to a local hospital with severe malnourishment earlier in January.

The Nebraska men’s basketball team is now ranked No. 5 — the highest in program history — after moving up from last week’s poll when Purdue and Houston lost.

The Huskers remain undefeated at 20-0 and will face 3rd-ranked Michigan tonight in Ann Arbor.

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.

Acoustic Friday at Saro Cider

5:30-9 p.m. — SARO Cider — Enjoy live music — Start your weekend with local acoustic talents while sipping delicious ciders.

Lincoln Stars vs. Fargo Force

6:05-8:05 p.m. — The Ice Box — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting hockey match as the Fargo Force takes on the Lincoln Stars.

Spring Flag Football Preseason Training for Grades 1-6

6-9 p.m. — Park Centers Indoor Facility — Early registration fee applies — Get ready for the spring season with preseason training and a complimentary shirt.