Good morning, Lincoln.

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird signed a proclamation last week designating November 29 as Small Business Saturday to encourage local shopping.

The Uni Place neighborhood creative district board held an event along 48th street—showing strong community support during the holiday season.

On Friday, November 28, 12-year-old Jayce Koob from Granville was honored as an Iowa Pioneer Hero at the Heroes Game in Lincoln after he escaped a house fire on September 1 by running more than a mile to a neighbor’s home for help—he acted on his own without a phone to summon emergency aid.

Nebraska startup CompanyCam is now valued at $2 billion, making it the state's first unicorn—drawing attention from Lincoln and Silicon Valley tech circles.

Lincoln will host several Christmas events this holiday season — residents can expect festive parades, markets, and light displays.

Organizers will release details on schedules and locations soon.

Lincoln Public Schools will receive nearly $9 million in state aid next school year after the Nebraska Department of Education underpaid the district in the current budget cycle—district officials say the funds will ease budget gaps for essential programs.

Lincoln received its first snow last Saturday as a storm swept eastern Nebraska, with the National Weather Service estimating 2.5 inches of snow fell by noon.

On Saturday, Lincoln’s winter operations crews plowed arterial streets as snowfall tapered and light snow with freezing fog created slick conditions—drivers were urged to use caution as a Winter Weather Advisory remained in effect until 11:59 p.m.

Nebraska Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg announced that senior guard Connor Essegian, who injured his right ankle in Tuesday's 80-73 win over Winthrop, will be sidelined for the rest of the season as he files for a medical hardship (tests show a recovery time of two to three months).

On Saturday night, Nebraska’s No. 1 volleyball team capped an unbeaten regular season with a 25-16, 25-13, 25-20 sweep at John Cook Arena—earning honors on Senior Night in front of 8,461 fans.

The Huskers now prepare for the NCAA Tournament Selection Show airing today at 5 p.m. CT as they build on their historic 30-0 record.

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.