Good morning, Lincoln.

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska will open cookie booths Friday, Feb.

13 across the state, offering a new Exploremores cookie flavor inspired by Rocky Road. The cookie season runs until March 15 and proceeds support local Girl Scouts programs.

Country-rock singer Brantley Gilbert will perform at Pinewood Bowl Theater on Saturday, May 23 (with special guest Aaron Lewin and the Stateliners).

Tickets will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

Lincoln's Lied Center broke ground Tuesday on a $35 million, donation-funded renovation project called Building the Future—this plan will update the entire facility floor by floor and add a new studio theater for performances, with construction to finish fall.

The University of Nebraska announced Monday, Feb.

9 the launch of its new Artificial Intelligence Institute to boost research and workforce development for human-centered AI. The initiative will impact health care, agriculture and business — setting up Nebraska as a national leader in responsible innovation.

Lincoln Public Schools celebrated Tuesday morning with its 13th annual African American Read-In for Black History Month at the district office.

Community members read from influential works, including Langston Hughes, as the event was broadcast on LNK-TV.

The Nebraska Legislature is considering LB 1112 (aimed at fair grade comparisons) to have the Education Department set a standardized grading scale for third grade through high school.

Some say the change may cost time and money (limiting teacher flexibility).

A new bill (LB1192) in the Legislature would remove the seating cap at Pinnacle Bank Arena, allowing officials to plan for extra seats beyond 16,000 and host larger events in the future.

Arena staff say the change could boost the game-day experience for fans.

Gov. Pillen joined Turning Point USA leaders Tuesday to announce a partnership that will bring TPUSA Club America chapters to Nebraska high schools (aimed at boosting civic engagement, leadership and free speech) as new clubs are expected to launch in phases.

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities inspected a hole from a century-old stormwater pipe + closed one lane on 40th Street near Normal Boulevard until repairs complete Friday, Feb.

20.

Last year, Nebraskans set a record for organ donations — 121 donors saved 314 lives while more than 1,200 donations helped an estimated 53,000 people.

Live On Nebraska released the stats days before National Donor Day on Feb. 14.

Dr. Curtis Tomasevicz, a UNL BSE alumnus, is in Italy today as director of sport performance for USA Bobsled and Skeleton at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics—he guides athlete selection, training schedules, and equipment choices using engineering tools like the 1080 Sprint and MATLAB.

The No. 7 Huskers lost to No. 13 Purdue 80-77 in overtime Tuesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena after a 29-11 run in the second half forced the extra period.

Nebraska will look to rebound against Northwestern on Saturday.

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.