Good morning, Lincoln.

Charles Alexander, 64, pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter for the fatal stabbing of neighbor Jasimin Champion on Sept.

20, 2022—he was originally charged with second-degree murder and faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing scheduled for July 2—.

Nebraska farmers faced high loan interest rates yesterday as federal policies made relief harder, according to economist Abygail Streff from the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

She explained that local rates followed the Federal Reserve's range of 4.25%—4.5% and noted that only one rate cut is likely this year if inflation and deficits persist.

On Tuesday, the Lancaster County Board approved the turnback tax application for Lincoln’s convention center — clearing the way for state approval before site acquisition, design, and construction are set to begin in 2026 and finish by the third quarter.

The tax revenue will pay off bonds to fund the project.

Gov. Jim Pillen said he is 100% confident that by early June Nebraskans will have a balanced budget and extra property tax relief despite a large gap in state funds caused by higher Medicaid costs—lawmakers must balance the budget by May 15 while discussing tax changes to help cover the shortfall. The governor stressed that new proposals aim to adjust sales and income taxes while keeping property taxes flat for local governments.

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved the Garfield public/private site near South 13th and M streets for a downtown convention center on Tuesday—submitting the county's application for state financing assistance under the Conventional Center Facility Financing Assistance Act. The project is expected to boost local economic growth by generating more than $18.5 million in annual output.

Lincoln voters approved a change to city ordinance Tuesday that bans housing discrimination based on income sources like housing vouchers, with 25,450 votes for and 13,216 against.

Officials will count 7,700 early ballots on Friday, May 9 and 220 provisional ballots on Wednesday, May 14—confirming the measure led by Lincoln for Fair Housing.

Jason Witmer cast his first vote in Lincoln after a Nebraska Supreme Court decision allowed a bill passed by the legislature to restore his voting rights; he had been barred from voting due to a past felony conviction (he faced challenges finding a job and stable housing after his release).

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.