Good morning, Lincoln.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signed two bills on Tuesday, May 20 that protect children online — one bans cellphone use on school property except for emergencies or approved academic use and the other requires social media companies to verify ages and obtain parental consent for users under 18 while updating child pornography laws to include AI-generated content.

State senators on Monday night rejected LB170—a measure that would tax sugary drinks, raise nicotine product taxes, and end sales tax exemptions on 18 services—by three votes, so supporters will likely wait until next year to try funding property tax relief.

Gov. Jim Pillen announced a plan that shifts medical cannabis regulation to the executive branch without providing extra money for rulemaking—meaning the commission has no funds until it collects fees, and lawmakers debated a bill Tuesday to change its funding rules.

Gov. Pillen’s plan to let the executive branch manage medical cannabis regulations left Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission without extra funds for setting rules.

Lawmakers debated Bill 677 on Tuesday and the state budget provided only limited new money, so the commission must later rely on revenue from registration fees (officials noted).

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed Nebraska’s first waiver to remove soda and energy drinks from SNAP on May 19—Governor Jim Pillen was present at the meeting.

The waiver will take effect on January 1, 2026 and aims to ensure SNAP funds support healthier food options.

Diane Simard, a Nebraska native, is traveling across the country to boost mental health support for cancer patients after her Stage 3c breast cancer diagnosis.

She has written three books and co-created a University of Denver course that 300 graduate students have taken—helping to improve care during cancer treatment.

On Monday, Lincoln Southwest won its second consecutive state championship in girls’ soccer with a 2-1 win over Omaha Marian in Class A while Lincoln Pius X finished runner-up in Class B; Lincoln Southeast also won the A-2 district title in boys’ golf with Thomas Bryson as individual champion and Lincoln East stayed perfect with a walk-off win in state baseball. In other sports news, Nebraska softball pitcher Jordyn Bahl became a top-3 finalist for USA Softball/ESPN Collegiate Player of the Year—former NU volleyball star Merritt Beason was chosen to train with USA Volleyball’s U23 national team.

Nebraska won a dramatic 5-4 game over Michigan State when Robby Bolin delivered a 10th inning walk-off RBI single that scored Dylan Carey, keeping the Huskers’ hopes to repeat as tournament champions alive.

The team will play top-seeded Oregon on Friday at 6:00 p.m.—Charles Schwab Field.

Open Coffee Networking at Crescent Moon

8-9:30 a.m. — Crescent Moon Coffee — Free coffee — Connect with Lincoln's startup community over a morning brew and casual conversations.

Acoustic Friday @ Saro Cider

5:30-9 p.m. — SARO Cider — Free entry — Kick off the weekend with local acoustic tunes and delicious ciders in downtown Lincoln.

Irreverent Warriors Silkies Sand Volleyball Tournament

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Spikes Beach Bar & Grille — $120 per team — Participate in a fun-filled volleyball tournament to support veterans and win cash prizes!

Destined Rivals Pre-Release

Time TBA — HobbyTown — $35 entry — Compete in a Sealed Deck Format event with a Build and Battle Pack to create your own Pokémon deck.

Lake Country DockHounds vs. Lincoln Saltdogs

7:05-11:05 p.m. — Haymarket Park — Check for ticket pricing — A thrilling baseball match between local teams keeps the summer nights alive.

Lake Country DockHounds at Lincoln Saltdogs

7:05-10:05 PM — Haymarket Park — Free entry — Watch the Lake Country DockHounds take on the Lincoln Saltdogs in an exciting baseball matchup.

Open Coffee at Crescent Moon

8-9:30 a.m. — Crescent Moon Coffee — Free coffee — Connect with Lincoln's startup community over coffee and casual conversations.

The Outsiders Screening with C. Thomas Howell

7-10:30 p.m. — The Royal Grove — General Admission $25, VIP $40, Meet & Greet options available — Enjoy a nostalgic screening of The Outsiders with live commentary and a Q&A session with Ponyboy himself.

Horsemanship Clinic with Lori Jaixen

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Sandhills Global Event Center — $25 fee to ride — Master riding techniques and improve your horsemanship skills under expert coaching.

Wiz Khalifa Concert

8 PM — Bourbon Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience a night with the man known for his laid-back vibes and catchy tunes.