Good morning, Lincoln.

Moe’s Southwest Grill aims to open its first Nebraska location in Lincoln near 17th and Q streets next to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus (a building permit was filed in early October and is still pending approval).

Audrey Eckert (a Lincoln native) became Miss USA, making her the second Nebraskan to win the title after Sarah Summers (2018) competed for Miss Universe in Thailand.

Nearly all Nebraska school districts will face a 7.25% overall increase in premiums for medical and dental insurance for the 2026-27 school year after the Educators Health Alliance approved the new rates.

Medical coverage will rise by 7.44% and dental by 3.17% while some benefits remain unchanged (for mental health and substance abuse visits).

Faculty at UNL criticized the $27.5 million budget cuts and noted that administrative spending increased 53.1% in 10 years while instructor pay rose only 30%—they say the lack of transparency and exclusion from decision-making could harm academic programs and student support.

Faculty expressed concern that these cuts may ultimately affect both the quality of instruction and trust between staff and administration.

Nebraska colleges are preparing for SNAP benefits to end as more students book appointments and send emails for food help, according to Husker Pantry coordinator Kaitlyn Richards.

Colleges will expand support programs to assist affected students—officials say help will be available when the cuts take effect.

Drivers on Cornhusker Highway near 14th Street saw a big sign for the Greenlight Dispensary in Rock Port, Missouri even though marijuana is illegal for fun use here.

Local officers said drivers with Nebraska plates looked nervous and one deputy seized a small amount near the border—showing how different state laws cause tense moments.

At Lincoln Airport, TSA agents and air traffic controllers work to keep flights running despite not receiving a paycheck during the government shutdown—local businesses and community members have provided meals for the next two weeks.

Local restaurant Greggos delivered lunch on Wednesday to help support these workers during the federal shutdown.

Veronica Squires, a 32-year-old mom who lost her leg in a car accident and now studies cybersecurity, said she depends on SNAP benefits to feed her children as Nebraska paused the aid during the federal shutdown.

She warned that without this support, meeting basic needs will be much harder for her family — many other locals face similar struggles.

Zephyr, a nearly starved puppy rescued from a field near Nebraska City, is on the mend after intensive care by Capital Humane Society.

She was treated with IV fluids, antibiotics—and received a blood transfusion on October 3rd at Kansas State Vet Hospital—as her recovery steadily improves.

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!