Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of November.
Good morning, Lincoln.
🏘️ Community
People's City Mission will run the 15th annual Starry Nights Christmas Tree Festival at Gateway Mall from Wednesday through Sunday + it is closed today on Thanksgiving.
Local businesses donate about $1,500 per tree + proceeds help fund a month's shelter for a homeless person.
The People's City Mission kicked off its annual Starry Night Christmas tree festival yesterday at Gateway Mall, with over two dozen uniquely decorated trees available for bidding to support the homeless.
The event will pause on Thanksgiving and resume Nov 28 through Nov 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. — local organizations and about 50 volunteers are helping to run the festival.
At Francie & Finch Bookshop near 13th and O, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird declared Saturday, Nov.
29 as Small Business Saturday and urged local shoppers to support Lincoln’s small businesses. City officials and business owners plan events from a Christmas tree festival on Nov. 26 to holiday markets through Dec. 20 — efforts to keep more money circulating locally.
🚧 Accidents
Lincoln man Joel Gustafson survived a motorcycle crash and is expressing deep gratitude this Thanksgiving for his helmet marked with tire tracks and the care of nurses and surgeons who helped him recover.
💼 Business
CompanyCam—a Lincoln startup—reached unicorn status after raising $415M in equity funding led by B Capital, setting its valuation at $2B.
The company plans to increase its workforce and add new AI features to its construction management platform.
Lincoln-based tech company Bulu said it will add 100 jobs—expanding its operations—after it was acquired by Canadian firm Avid Group.
🎓 Education
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will vote on Dec.
5 on a plan to cut $27.5 million from UNL's budget by eliminating four academic programs to save $6.74 million and merging two department pairs to save +$2 million, with 329 students getting transition coordinators if the plan is approved.
Nebraska education data released on Wednesday showed that science scores increased six points over last year — a gain Commissioner Maher called significant.
Lincoln Public Schools eighth graders saw a more than 12% boost in science scores while English and math scores stayed steady.
🏛️ Government
Governor Jim Pillen said Nebraska lost jobs when Tyson Foods closed the Lexington beef plant that once employed about 3,200 people, but he is in talks to repurpose the aging site into a value-added meat facility—efforts that include moving some workers to Sustainable Beef in North Platte when the plant is set to close on Jan 20th. This move could offer a new path for local employment as the state works to offset the economic hit.
More than 175 young adults aged out of foster care this fiscal year with no permanent support brought the total to 179, according to the state Foster Care Review Office.
The report shows rising challenges for these youth, including increased probation and group home use in some counties (which raises risks of homelessness, mental health issues and job instability).
🏈 Sports
Norris volleyball coach Christina Boesiger was named the AVCA High School Coach of the Year—she led the Titans to a second-straight Class B title with a 38-1 record and will be honored at the AVCA Honors Banquet on Dec.
18 in Kansas City.
🎉 Lincoln Events
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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.
Python for Scientists Training/Class
All day — National Safety Council - Nebraska Chapter — $2250 — Enhance your Python skills tailored for scientific applications with expert-led instruction.
Connecting USDA Programs to Urban & Small-Scale Farmers
4:30-7 p.m. — Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County — Free entry — Learn about USDA and NRCS programs and resources for farmers and gardeners.
Open Coffee Networking
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. — Crescent Moon Coffee — Free entry — Connect over coffee with fellow entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts.
🏠 Lincoln Real Estate
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