Good morning, Lincoln.

Lincoln Bike Kitchen is calling for donations of children’s bicycles as the holiday season nears after Everett Elementary requested 145 bikes and nearly 2,000 bikes have already been donated this year + the shop in the Telegraph District will accept bikes that work or need minor repairs.

At Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, food pantry users rose 500% in early November due to a government shutdown that left many SNAP recipients unsure about their meals—dinner meals increased by 34% and lunch meals by 24%.

The nonprofit expects a second wave of food insecurity from new SNAP changes and will depend on community support in the coming weeks.

Local organizations are providing free Thanksgiving meals for Lincoln residents—whether for a single person or a family—to make sure no one goes hungry.

Residents in need should contact these groups for details on times and locations.

The Lincoln Police Department shared holiday tips to help residents prevent package theft as police data shows December usually sees the most thefts and Public Information Officer Erika Thomas urged tracking packages, bringing them indoors quickly, choosing secure delivery spots, using porch lights and cameras, and not sharing new purchases online.

In 2026, the Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program will celebrate 50 years of training Nebraskans in horticulture and community service — over 4,000 volunteers have completed a hybrid program that combines 40 hours of classroom instruction with 40 hours of community service in their first year.

Dr. Matt Gotschall, president of Central Community College and a 2003 graduate, received the Impact Award from UNL College of Education and Human Sciences in October for his work boosting student success through recruitment, retention, early college programs and workforce-aligned curriculum — his college has consistently ranked No. 1 among Nebraska community colleges.

Nebraska state senators will vote on extending child care subsidies—set to expire in October—at their session starting Jan.

7. Without an extension, families may pay up to 65% of their income for child care—a change that experts say could hit the local economy hard.

Lancaster County Rural Water District No. 1 lifted the boil water order on Wednesday for customers in Bennet, Panama + Roca after 20 water samples tested negative for E. coli.

Residents no longer need to boil or use bottled water.

A new Commonwealth report warns that Nebraska may lose nearly 30% of its rural primary care doctors by 2037 due to burnout, older age, and money problems at small clinics—this could lead to longer wait times and drives for care.

The report asks lawmakers to add more funds, training, and help to bring new health workers as rural hospitals already face strain today.

Dayton Raiola, the brother of Nebraska's starting quarterback Dylan Raiola, decommitted from the football program and announced his decision on Instagram—just two weeks before signing day.

He had committed in September 2024 and currently plays for Buford High School.

Parents Night Out

12 AM — Cooper YMCA — Cost varies — A fun evening for kids with activities while parents enjoy a night out.

Nebraska Jiu-Jitsu Championship Fall Open 2025

9 AM – 11 PM — Lincoln Christian School — Registration required — Watch intense Jiu-Jitsu competitions featuring top local athletes.

Lincoln Stars vs. Tri-City Storm

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Ice Box — Ticket prices vary — Catch the Lincoln Stars take on the Tri-City Storm in an exciting live hockey match.

Live Music at Saro Cider

5:30-7:30 p.m. — SARO Cider — Free entry — Enjoy a chic atmosphere with casual music and craft drinks.

Lincoln Stars vs. Omaha Lancers

6:05-7:35 p.m. — The Ice Box — Ticket prices vary — Watch a thrilling USHL matchup as the Lincoln Stars take on the Omaha Lancers.

Backhand Blue, Jiblets, Chasing Supernovas

6-8:30 p.m. — Bourbon Theatre — Tickets from $13.86 — Enjoy a night of live music featuring Backhand Blue, Jiblets, and Chasing Supernovas.

Open Coffee Networking

8-9:30 a.m. — Crescent Moon Coffee — Free entry — Connect over coffee and share insights with fellow entrepreneurs in Lincoln's startup community.

Acoustic Friday at Saro Cider

5:30-9 p.m. — SARO Cider — Free entry — Enjoy live acoustic music from local artists while sipping on delicious locally-made ciders.

ATLiens Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — The Royal Grove — General Admission: $25, VIP Admission: $50 — Experience a mind-bending night of bass and atmospheric sound with the mysterious duo ATLiens.

Santa Fun Run and Walk

10 AM – 4 PM — Fleet Feet — Registration details vary — Celebrate the season by dressing up like Santa and enjoying a fun, casual run or walk.