Good morning, Lincoln.

Nebraska native Audrey Eckert (23), Miss USA 2025, will be celebrated in Omaha on December 7th at The Garden Theater from 6-9 p.m. The event comes after her win as Miss Nebraska USA and her semifinal finish at Miss Universe, as announced by Vanbros and Associates Inc.

Lincoln business leaders are urging residents to shop small this holiday season—supporting local stores despite national retail projections exceeding $1 trillion.

They believe local spending will benefit community businesses during this busy season.

Many in Nebraska see playing for the Huskers as a ticket to a career in politics, with Gov. Jim Pillen and other former players noting that sports fame can boost a future in government — a trend that links the football field to political life.

Former state senators Julie Slama and Andrew La Grone started a law firm to tackle Nebraska’s rural attorney shortage after a University of Nebraska-Lincoln report found that 12 counties have no attorneys and 22 have fewer than three.

They plan to use video conferencing (to reduce travel time) for initial meetings, aiming to ease legal access and improve work-life balance.

On Tuesday, twenty Husker football players visited CHI Health St. Elizabeth hospital to meet patients in the NICU and postpartum unit ahead of Thanksgiving.

The visit gave families and staff a chance to connect with their favorite team+ a moment of community support during the holiday.

The top-ranked Nebraska volleyball team is 28-0 and aims for a perfect season after hosting Penn State on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Bob Devaney Sports Center—having clinched a third straight Big Ten title—and will play Ohio State today at 8 p.m.—with the team set to honor seniors Rebekah Allick, Maisie Boesiger, Taylor Landfair and Allie Sczech after the match.

Nebraska's football team was routed by Iowa 40-16 in the Heroes Trophy game at Memorial Stadium Friday — Iowa out-gained the Huskers 379 to 300 while limiting them to 69 passing yards.

The loss dropped Nebraska to a 7-5 regular season record and left the team awaiting its bowl game placement on Selection Sunday, Dec. 7.

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.

LA REUNION and LA FURIA Concert

8 p.m. — Diamond Palace Banquet Hall — Buy tickets now — Experience the vibrant rhythms of La Reunion Norteña and La Furia Del Bravo in an unforgettable musical journey.

Lincoln Midwest Ballet's The Nutcracker

2-3:30 p.m. — Lied Center for Performing Arts — Cost info not provided — Experience the magical ballet performance of The Nutcracker by the Lincoln Midwest Ballet.