Good morning, Lincoln.

Helpers from TheKey distributed gift bags with blankets, sweatshirts, hygiene products, and snacks to veterans at the Aging Partners Center near 70th and O streets on Thursday as part of Ollie’s Mission to spread holiday cheer.

A similar event will take place next Monday in Omaha.

American Airlines will return to Lincoln Airport next fall with flights to Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix.

The carrier's move aims to boost travel options for local residents.

On Dec. 18, 1949, employees at Lincoln Distributing Company celebrated a holiday party at the Arrow Inn where they enjoyed Omaha brew Storz Beer (Nebraska State Historical Society photo).

Nebraska ag experts from the UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Farm Business Inc. advised farmers on key tax policy updates during a Thursday webinar.

Brad Lubben said the One Big Beautiful Bill Act extended beginning farmer incentives by adding five years to the 5-year window (making 10 years).

Husker scientist Richard Wilson, a plant pathology professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, was awarded a $769K NSF grant to study effectors that cause rice blast fungus.

His project will use innovative genetic analysis to boost rice resistance to infection and protect crops.

Lincoln’s planned multi-modal transit center won an Excellence in Unbuilt Architecture Honor Award for its design concept and presentation.

The $33M project will replace a parking lot downtown with an 18-bay bus facility — adding bike and pedestrian spaces— and construction will begin in 2026 or 2027.

Nebraska Community Blood Bank urges Lincoln donors to give blood amid seasonal shortages from holiday travel, illness and winter weather.

Donors giving from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2 can choose a pair of fuzzy socks or a winter hat.

Athletic Director Troy Dannen said Nebraska Athletics ended the season with record achievements—boosting concession revenue with new alcohol and food options while upgrading facilities.

He added that upcoming concerts at Memorial Stadium and major women’s sports announcements will boost community engagement in Lincoln.

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.