Good morning, Lincoln.

Orphan Grain Train opened an upgraded food-packing facility in Lincoln as Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird cut the ribbon on Wednesday and toured the site.

Manager Jim Carter said the $45,000 renovation made with volunteer help and donations will reduce the time and number of volunteers needed to pack Mercy Meals for local nonprofits and international shipments.

On Oct. 11, over 600 walkers joined the 23rd annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk at Antelope Park (Lincoln) as the Milford High School football team wore purple to honor senior manager Joshua Brinkmeyer who has Down syndrome.

The event, which featured live entertainment, food and family activities, raised funds for the Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (DSAF).

Phillip Wagoner created an interactive online map listing nearly 75 local homes with spooky Halloween displays, expanding his original Christmas lights project to include entries in four cash prize categories.

Public voting starts Friday, October 17th—helping Lincoln residents explore neighborhood traditions.

Garner Industries CEO Scott A.

McLain is stepping down after more than 33 years and will stay on as chairman of the board, shareholder, and strategic advisor while Scott Hudson is promoted to president. The local manufacturer recovered from a tornado in April and grew its product lines under McLain’s leadership.

Hidden Battles: Destigmatizing Mental Illness was screened at 7:15 p.m. on Oct 14 at the Mary Riepma Ross Theatre on the UNL campus where it featured four individuals living with severe mental health conditions and won national awards for Best Featured Documentary.

The film challenged biases about mental illness and aimed to spark change in how families and the community view mental health.

UNL used a data analysis process to decide which programs to cut—faculty from the Statistics Department say the process was flawed—raising concerns about the program's future.

Nebraska students earned the highest composite ACT score among states that test all students on the exam — they averaged 19.2 compared with 18.2 in other states — and all juniors take the test as part of the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System.

The higher score marks a small improvement from last year.

Valentina Ita began her role as the new survey hydrogeologist on Aug.

20 at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte — she will study the High Plains Aquifer to provide valuable groundwater data for agriculture, industry and communities.

Yesterday, the Nebraska Public Service Commission opened formal hearings on Black Hills Energy's proposal for a $23.9 million rate increase—this proposal could raise fixed customer charges and distribution rates by 3% to 6.2% seasonally, with a decision expected by January 1, 2026.

Patients, caregivers and advocates gathered outside the Nebraska State Office Building on Wednesday to protest the proposed medical cannabis regulations—saying the rules conflict with the voter law—and called for better patient access.

Commissioners will meet with the public on Nov. 3 to review these concerns.

District A-3 cross country results showed Lincoln East earned 38 points for boys while Papillion-La Vista South earned 60 points for girls—both teams qualifying for state.

In District C-5, Holdrege won the boys race with 28 points and Chase County led the girls with 35 points, securing state-bound tickets.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule increased practice crowd noise to prepare the Huskers for Friday night in Minneapolis as they seek their first win over the Golden Gophers since 2018.

He said Husker Nation is expected to help match the volume—creating an elite environment that could turn the series around.

Bruce Katz Performance

5-8 p.m. — Zoo Bar — Call for prices — Enjoy soulful tunes from an award-nominated pianist in a beloved local venue.

Half Rox HYROX Event at BFT Lincoln

7 a.m.–2 p.m. — BFT Lincoln — $40 per person — Experience a fast-paced HYROX-style race simulation designed for individuals or teams.

9th Annual Bark at the Moon Doggie Trick or Treating Event

12-4 p.m. — Paws 4 Fun — Free entry for people, $5 for doggie goodie bags — A howling good time awaits with costume contests, trick-or-treating, and fun activities for dogs and their humans.

Nebraska Storytelling Festival

7-9 p.m. — The Scottish Rite Ballroom — $10 cash — Experience true personal stories from across Nebraska on this year's theme, 'Lost and Found'.

Mount Marty Lancers vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Women's Basketball Exhibition

1-4 p.m. — Pinnacle Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch an exciting exhibition match featuring local college basketball teams.

NSBA State Marching Festival

8:00 AM - 10:30 PM — Seacrest Field — Admission varies — Experience the rhythm and passion of Nebraska's top marching bands as they compete for the title.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Women's Soccer vs. Michigan State Spartans

12:05-2:05 p.m. — Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium — Tickets required — Catch the Cornhuskers in action against the Spartans in this exciting soccer showdown.

Hazzium Live Show

8-9:30 p.m. — Bourbon Theatre — Tickets starting at $10 — Enjoy an electrifying night with Hazzium and friends in a vibrant atmosphere.

Acoustic Friday at Saro Cider

5:30-9 p.m. — Saro Cider — Free entry — Enjoy live acoustic tunes while savoring Lincoln's best locally-made ciders.

Ada Lea Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Reactor — Free entry — Experience the shapely and intuitive songs of Ada Lea in an inviting coffee shop setting.