Good morning, Lincoln.

HOPE Esperanza, a local non-profit, received a $35,000 donation from Spectrum to expand services for area families.

The gift will help the organization enhance support and resources needed in the community.

Lincoln vegan eatery Rutabagas Comfort Food will close its Meadowlane Shopping Center location on Jan.

4 — it plans to focus on pop-up events, catering, brunches and cooking classes. Customers can expect smaller, curated menus when new pop-ups launch soon.

The Lincoln Children’s Museum will host Storytime with Santa on Saturday, Dec.

20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families can enjoy story readings (10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.), photo sessions with Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer meetups, and hands-on holiday activities free for members and included with admission.

Santa visited 20 NICU patients at Bryan Medical Center on Wednesday to spread holiday cheer, with nurses decorating rooms and giving gift bags to families (a cherished tradition for over a decade).

Nebraska DHHS said it will cut caregiver hours from 112 to 40 for disabled residents, causing worry among families.

Public comment is open until January 5 (changes would take effect July 1, 2026).

North Star rallied behind a decisive 16-7 run in the third quarter to beat Lincoln Northeast 52-42 in Tuesday night's boys basketball game at The Swamp — junior guard Jordan Castor scored 22 points to help secure the win.

Lincoln LPS graduates Mallorie Meyer and Natalie Wardlow are in the NCAA Volleyball Final Four, with Meyer playing for Pitt and Wardlow representing Wisconsin in Kansas City.

Pitt faces Texas A&M at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN as both teams aim for a spot in the national championship.

Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule said QB Dylan Raiola will enter the transfer portal on Jan.

2. He praised Raiola’s contributions and noted freshman TJ Lateef shows promise as a leader while additional transfer moves are expected.

On Wednesday, four Husker volleyball players earned All-America honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

Jackson, Murray and Reilly received first-team picks while Allick earned a second-team honor and Reilly is a finalist for player of the year.

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.

Snowflake Ball - The Raw Nerve New Year's Eve 2025

7 AM - 12:30 AM — Graduate by Hilton Lincoln — Ticketed event — Celebrate the new year with dinner, dancing, and dessert at the Snowflake Ball.

Acoustic Friday at Saro Cider

5:30-9 p.m. — SARO Cider — Free entry — Enjoy live acoustic music and great cider with friends in downtown Lincoln.

Weekday Silent Book Club

5:30-7 p.m. — The Mill Coffee & Bistro — Free entry — Engage in a peaceful reading session with fellow book lovers in a cozy cafe setting.

Friends of Christ Retreat

Friday 7 p.m. — Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House — Registration required — A weekend of spiritual renewal and reflection led by Bishop Robert Finn.

Banda V.S. Norteñas with DJ Mickey

9:00 PM – 2:00 AM — The Royal Grove — Entry from $7 — Enjoy a night of Latin music as Banda and Norteñas battle it out on the dance floor.