Good morning, Lincoln.

Lincoln Coin & Bullion faces record demand as rising gold and silver prices prompt more locals to buy or sell precious metals amid economic uncertainty; the business is handling up to 70 voicemails a day and extended hours to meet customer needs in Lincoln.

Former 10/11 meteorologist Ken Siemek will be inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame on Aug.

11 in Lincoln during the NBA Annual Convention (recognizing his 44 years of advancing weather reporting technology).

Due to a 20% decline since 2019 and rising prices, Nebraska’s cattle herd is at its lowest in 64 years as a deal was signed last week to import $800 million in beef from Argentina — local farmers and senators say the move may ease shortages or hurt competitiveness.

The University of Nebraska System will open an AI Institute on four campuses pending Board of Regents approval in June.

Professors Adrian Wisnicki and Santosh Pitla will lead the effort to boost human-centered research, workforce development, and critical thinking about AI.

NU launched its search for a new UNMC chancellor last week by forming a committee led by David Jackson to draft a candidate profile after an $800 million Clarkson deal.

The committee plans to invite nominations and expects a permanent appointment later this year (internal candidates prioritized).

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana announced a statewide town hall tour to explain Nebraska's medical cannabis program changes.

Town halls are set on Wednesday, Feb. 11 in Scottsbluff; Thursday, Feb. 12 in North Platte; Friday, Feb. 13 in Grand Island; Saturday, Feb. 14 in Aurora; and Monday, Feb. 16 in Lincoln.

Nebraska health officials warned that declining vaccination rates among schoolchildren are raising the risk of measles and other diseases, as kindergarteners' immunization rates now fall below the 95% target and recent Lincoln wastewater tests detected the virus.

Local experts urge providers to speak with parents about vaccinations.

Lincoln City Council approved an 87-unit apartment complex at 18th and N Streets on Monday to connect downtown with the Telegraph District.

Construction will begin later this year at a total cost of $25 million, with completion expected by 2028.

Curt Tomasevicz, a Shelby native and former Husker football player with two Olympic medals, leads sport performance for USA Bobsledding while competing at the Winter Olympics in Italy and working at UNL as a research analyst + professor.

After beating Rutgers 80-68 on Saturday, Nebraska men’s basketball rose to No. 7 in the latest AP Top 25 poll and will face No. 13 Purdue today at 6 p.m. at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

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.

Ricky Chilton with Steady Wells

9 p.m. — Duffy's Tavern — $12 ADV | $15 DOS — Country rock with a wry smile from a unique artist born in a Ford Bronco.

Time to Paddy 5k/10k & Lucky 13.1

8-11 a.m. — Holmes Lake Park — Registration fees apply — Kick off the day with a festive run to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Lincoln.