Good morning, Lincoln.

Local UNL researchers report a steady rise in homelessness — a reversal of a decade-long decline — as a January count recorded 542 people sleeping on the streets, up from 501 in 2024, and they link the trend to cuts in rental assistance and wages that have not kept pace with a 36 percent rise in fair market rent since 2018.

The Lincoln Police Department — in partnership with First Responders Foundation Lincoln — is selling pink patches for $10 at the Hall of Justice and three team substations to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with sales continuing until the end of October. All proceeds will go to the Heartland Cancer Foundation.

Clay Anders founded the Honesty Project (a nonprofit aiding at-risk youth) after pledging to change his life following time in prison.

He now supports Lincoln youth by offering programs that create new opportunities.

Crazy Fork, a new restaurant near Southpointe, serves comfort food with a twist.

Its menu features baked potatoes—meatlover, alfredo, birria, and BBQ—as well as birria tacos, quesadillas, and chicken tenders.

Sen. Danielle Conrad announced Monday that she is running for re-election in 2026 — she represents District 46 in north Lincoln and will focus on issues affecting working families, public schools, and civil rights.

Governor Jim Pillen is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the State Racing and Gaming Commission after Tony Fulton resigned from District 1.

Applicants must have gaming experience and no personal financial interest in licensed racetracks—selected candidates will need legislative confirmation, and the deadline is Oct 15 at 5 p.m.

Jess Sundeen, a senior engineering technician with LTU, was honored on Monday with an Award of Excellence by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird after he helped a contractor injured when a semi-truck trailer struck him in the Highlands — he provided first aid, called first responders, and notified the contractor’s father after the incident on July 7.

Nebraska State Sen. Tanya Storer proposed an interim study to see if the state should take over managing the scenic Niobrara River from the National Park Service amid concerns over costs, as federal management spends $1.2 million a year — the hearing is scheduled for Friday at the State Capitol. This review will help decide if local agencies have the needed expertise to run the river program.

The Lincoln Regional Center and Whitehall facilities passed a triennial survey by The Joint Commission—showing they met state requirements and provided quality patient care, DHHS said.

Husker fans celebrated their win at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, but many had to wait at the south end when a system glitch stopped concessions from taking orders—managers had to redirect fans and some used self-service stations as screens went dark.

Nebraska Football will begin Big Ten conference play in Lincoln this weekend as Michigan comes to test the Huskers in what is expected to be their toughest challenge so far the season.

The game starts at 2:30 p.m.—and Nebraska, coming off three wins, looks to defend its unbeaten record against the ranked opponent.

At Memorial Stadium, the Huskers defeated Houston Christian 59 to 7 on Saturday afternoon as Dylan Raiola led six scoring drives to build a 38 to 0 halftime lead while TJ Lateef added key plays in the second half.

Nebraska recorded 554 total offensive yards and held Houston Christian to 160 yards—preparing to host Michigan next Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Jason Aldean Full Throttle Tour 2025

7-9 p.m. — Pinnacle Bank Arena — Tickets available — Experience the chart-topping hits of ACM Artist of the Decade, Jason Aldean.

Parents Night Out

12 AM — Cooper YMCA — Pre-registration required — Kids enjoy supervised fun with games, crafts, and snacks while parents take a well-deserved break.

Skilla Baby Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Royal Grove — Check venue for ticket pricing — Experience a lively concert featuring the electrifying beats of Skilla Baby.

Hell on the Hill

9 AM – 2 PM — Arnold Heights Park — Check website for fees — Test your endurance and teamwork on a challenging hill in Lincoln's unique race event.

Unteachables Tour Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Howler Comedy Club — $1.81 LNK tax + $0.67 ticket service fee — Enjoy laughs from ex-educators turned comedians at this lively comedy night.

Lincoln High vs. Lincoln Northwest Freshman Football Game

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Union Bank Stadium — Free entry — Catch the excitement as local freshman teams battle it out on the gridiron.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Women's Soccer vs. Michigan Wolverines

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Catch the Cornhuskers in action as they host the Wolverines on the field.

Learning to Fly - Tom Petty Tribute

8-9:30 p.m. — Bourbon Theatre — Tickets from $33.93 — Experience the timeless music of Tom Petty in a lively tribute show.

Teen Night at Northeast YMCA

10:30 p.m. — Northeast YMCA — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of basketball, swimming, and games designed for teens ages 11-15.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Women's Soccer vs. Iowa Hawkeyes

1:05-2:35 p.m. — Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement as the Cornhuskers face off against the Hawkeyes in this thrilling soccer match.