Good morning, Lincoln.

A Florida couple was sentenced on Friday for conspiring to commit wire fraud against a Nebraska company using a spoofed email account, with one receiving nine months in prison and the other three years probation with a restitution order of $138,926.71 — authorities said the 2018 scheme led a company to make a fraudulent wire transfer of $280,646.

The U.S. Education Department is ending a COVID-era program that many after-school and summer programs rely on, and local Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures will lose key funds for paying teachers, rent and supplies.

Renee Ford said the funding cut creates a domino effect — it means fewer camps, scholarships and learning opportunities for students.

Nebraska lawmakers approved a plan to combine the Department of Natural Resources into the Department of Environment and Energy to create one agency that will handle water, energy, and the environment starting July 1.

Governor Jim Pillen will sign the law next week & state officials say the change will simplify how water is managed.

Nebraska State Patrol troopers’ survivors’ benefits may be raised from 75% to 100% as a legislative proposal by Sen. Eliot Bostar met a rare dispute in the Legislature when an amendment delayed the change by two years—costing an estimated $3.3 million annually.

Bostar said the retroactive change would support families of fallen troopers while Sen. Beau Ballard and legal counsel raised concerns over keeping current benefit levels—leading to the measure passing 45-2.

Lincoln’s general election is today with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.—Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen predicts about a 30% turnout compared to 24.5% in the primary.

Early ballots received by Saturday will be counted and their totals released after the polls close.

At a town hall meeting on Monday at Southeast Community College, Nebraskans told lawmakers that the 71% voter approval means they should ease medical marijuana regulations while testifiers such as disabled veteran Edward Williams said patients needed quick pain relief—most speakers voiced strong concerns about the new restrictions—and legislators listened before debating Legislative Bill 677.

Today state lawmakers debate Nebraska’s revised biennial budget as they aim to close a $262 million gap by May 15 with nearly $850 million in new revenue and spending cuts.

Lawmakers discuss changes to Medicaid costs and education funds and plan to vote on further amendments soon.

On May 4th, Nebraska defeated Maryland 9-1 in a six-inning game at Bowlin Stadium after Ava Kuszak hit a two-run homer in the sixth to clinch the win—drawing 2,628 fans and marking the season's record-setting attendance.

Nebraska earned a first-round bye in the Big Ten Tournament and will play on Thursday at 11 a.m. on BTN—against either Penn State or Iowa.

More than 7,000 runners competed in the 48th Lincoln Marathon on Sunday at a route starting at 14th and Vine and ending outside Memorial Stadium at Stadium Drive and T Street.

Jackson Caldwell (24) won the men’s race in 2:21:58 and Taya Skelton (24) won the women’s race in 2:54:09.

Open Coffee Networking at Crescent Moon

8-9:30 a.m. — Crescent Moon Coffee — Free coffee — Connect with local entrepreneurs and share insights in a casual atmosphere.

Acoustic Friday at Saro Cider

5:30-9 p.m. — SARO Cider — Enjoy local ciders while listening to acoustic performances from talented musicians.

Jackie Venson Live

5-8 p.m. — Zoo Bar — Ticket info TBA — Experience the complexly beautiful music of multi-instrumentalist Jackie Venson and her band as they perform from her new album, The Love Anthology.

Michigan Wolverines at Nebraska Cornhuskers Baseball

12:05 – 4:05 p.m. — Haymarket Park — Tickets available — Catch the thrilling matchup between the Wolverines and Cornhuskers in a sunny afternoon game.

Open Coffee Networking Event

8-9:30 a.m. — Crescent Moon Coffee — Free entry — Gather with local entrepreneurs over coffee and share insights in a casual setting.

Parents Night Out at YMCA

5-9 p.m. — YMCA of Lincoln — Cost varies — Kids engage in games, crafts, and activities while parents enjoy a night out.

XIII Minutes Live Performance

6:00-11:30 p.m. — Gray’s Keg — Entry fee not specified — Enjoy a night of hard rock and metal with Tulsa's own XIII Minutes.

Winnipeg Goldeyes at Lincoln Saltdogs

1:05-5:05 p.m. — Haymarket Park — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game as the Winnipeg Goldeyes take on the Lincoln Saltdogs.

iDKHOW Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Bourbon Theatre — $29 — Experience a night of lively music with iDKHOW at Bourbon Theatre.

Nikki Hill Concert

6-10 p.m. — Zoo Bar — Ticket info not provided — Experience the fiery performance of Carolina girl Nikki Hill live.