Good morning, Lincoln.

A Lincoln bookstore is collecting food and personal care donations to help those in need during the government shutdown.

The drive runs every day except Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and it will continue until November 21 if the shutdown persists.

CHI Health Good Samaritan urged the community to take extra safety measures on Halloween night — when research shows a 43% rise in pedestrian fatalities and children ages four to eight face a tenfold risk of being hit by vehicles—so drivers must slow down and pedestrians should use bright costumes, flashlights, and travel in groups.

Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy submitted a joint application on Monday to the Nebraska Public Service Commission seeking approval to merge into one regulated utility that will serve 2.1 million customers in eight states.

The companies said rates and services will remain unchanged and the merger is expected to conclude 12 to 15 months from the August announcement — with NorthWestern Energy’s president set to lead the new firm.

Aerie, a popular clothing store owned by American Eagle Outfitters, will open its first Lincoln location at Gateway Mall on Nov 7 — occupying a 3,900-square-foot space between Torrid and Rue21.

The store will feature promotions to mark its grand opening.

Lincoln native James Valentine—Maroon 5’s lead guitarist—returned with his band to perform last night at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

He also connected with local fans in the Haymarket after giving two free concert tickets to a local attendee.

UNL will explore combining its journalism and broadcast majors to boost enrollment amid recent faculty departures and to streamline its curriculum.

The journalism dean (Shari Veil) said the new plan is still being finalized and more details will come later.

Nebraska geoscientist Mohamed Khalil developed a new irrigation canal method using non-invasive time-lapse analysis (513 electrodes measured electrical resistance along the Sutherland Supply Canal managed by Nebraska Public Power District) that now detects canal seepage and structural settlement. The $53,184 grant-funded work is being used by NPPD and may apply to groundwater and dam monitoring in the future.

In 2024, Nebraska voters approved two ballot initiatives to legalize medical cannabis—establishing a commission to regulate it, though legal challenges over signatures and resignations have raised concerns.

Gov. Pillen supports emergency rules that allow one dispensary per judicial district while a Capitol hearing will review the implementation on Friday.

Lincoln honored Maroon 5’s lead guitarist James Valentine by temporarily renaming a street to 'James Valentine Blvd.' at the intersection of Canopy and R in the Railyard after his concert on Tuesday—paying tribute to the Lincoln native and Lincoln Southeast graduate.

The commemorative signs remained posted until today.

Today, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said SNAP benefits will be paused because of a federal government shutdown as directed by the USDA—families can still use any funds left on their EBT cards while staff works to resume payments when the shutdown ends.

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.

Winter Indoor Golf Clinic for K-6th Graders

6:00-6:50 p.m. — YMCA Youth Sports Administrative Office — Registration fee required — Learn golf fundamentals from PGA professionals in a fun indoor setting.

Lincoln Stars vs. Fargo Force

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Ice Box — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting live hockey matchup with the Lincoln Stars taking on the Fargo Force.

Joslyne DeBonis Standup Comedy Night

8-9:30 p.m. — Backswing Brewing Co. — $15 tickets — Enjoy a night of laughter with local comedian Joslyne DeBonis sharing relatable stories from her life.

Open Coffee at Crescent Moon

8:00-9:30 a.m. — Crescent Moon Coffee — Free entry — Connect with the local startup community over coffee and shared stories.

Manic Focus with The Widdler

9:00 PM — The Royal Grove — GA 1: $30.00, GA 2: $35.00 — Experience a night of deep grooves and heavy bass from leading electronic artists.

Lady Faith Concert

9 PM – 2 AM — The Royal Grove — $10-$20 — Experience electrifying Hardstyle beats from America’s #1 DJ and a lineup of talented support.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire

2:30-4:00 p.m. — Pinnacle Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks come to life in an exciting show for all ages.

Shop the Blocks 2025

4:30-9 p.m. — The Rococo Theatre — Silver tickets $5, Gold tickets $10 — Enjoy a festive shopping spree with discounts, giveaways, and an exciting after party!