Good morning, Lincoln.

Tickets for Zoo Lights are nearly sold out at Lincoln Children’s Zoo with only a few for next weekend as this weekend’s event is sold out; the display features a fountain show and the Cathedral of Lights — a record-breaking event planned for the holiday season.

The UNL Regents voted to enact $27.5 million in cuts & program eliminations during a Friday meeting.

Great Plains Health warned residents about a Medicare phone scam and stressed it would never call to offer sales.

Nebraska Department of Economic Development reduced its full-time workforce by roughly 22 positions between September and November & the cuts are part of winding down pandemic-era programs with officials confirming the reductions were voluntary.

Chancellor Rodney Bennett addressed the Board of Regents on Friday, discussing proposed program cuts and department mergers.

Board members were set to vote on the changes during the meeting, which could reshape campus programs.

Great Plains Health warned Lincoln residents about a Medicare phone scam where callers falsely claim to be from the hospital and try to sell insurance plans.

The provider stressed it will never call to sell these products.

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson declared for the NFL Draft after being named Big Ten Running Back of the Year.

His strong junior season saw him run for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns, a performance that ranked him among the nation's top all-purpose performers.

Nebraska star running back Emmett Johnson declared for the 2026 NFL draft on Friday — posting his announcement on X and thanking coaches, teammates and fans after a season with 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

He became the first Husker with 100 rushing and receiving yards in a single game.

Nebraska volleyball won the first set 25-11 against Long Island at the Bob Devaney Center on Friday, Dec.

5 as Andi Jackson logged five kills and Harper Murray added four. The team continued its NCAA tournament run into set two.

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.

Open Coffee at Crescent Moon

8-9:30 a.m. — Crescent Moon Coffee — Free entry — Connect with Lincoln's startup community over coffee and casual conversations.

Parents Night Out at Cooper YMCA

12 a.m. — Cooper YMCA — Registration required — Kids enjoy fun activities while parents have a night off.

Riot Ten: House Party 360 Tour

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Royal Grove — $10 - $30 — Experience an electrifying 360° set with Riot Ten, renowned for his explosive bass music.

Comedy Night with James Lindsey

8:00-10:30 p.m. — Bourbon Theatre — Tickets from $10 — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian James Lindsey.