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Happy Friday, Lincoln. In today’s edition: Roca Merry Farm Festival, Jingle & Mingle holiday market, support for healthier families, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Decades-old vision revived: Local leaders renewed a push to fund Lincoln’s 13-mile east beltway, citing rising costs and regional growth benefits, as advocates eye state and federal financing to finally complete the loop — get all the details.
Support for healthier families: Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has released the sixth and final “6 Pillars for Emotional Wellbeing” video, Quieting, emphasizing calm and reflection. Partners also unveiled CredibleMind, a personalized mental wellbeing resource — get details on both resources.
Public power collaboration emerges: Three Nebraska utilities and GRDA have formed the Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium to explore 1,000 to 2,000 megawatts of nuclear in Nebraska, with feasibility underway and no construction decisions — read the full story.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.
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🫶 We got your back
Owners: Reduce infection risks: An equine influenza case was confirmed Nov. 13 in a 16-year-old Morgan gelding at a Lancaster County, Nebraska boarding facility. The horse showed signs Nov. 7 and is recovering. The report reminds owners to vaccinate and tighten barn biosecurity, as the virus spreads easily via coughs, contact, and contaminated gear. See vaccination and biosecurity guidance.
A sonic lab onstage: UNL’s Wind Ensemble hits Kimball Recital Hall on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. for a free, tech-themed program (also livestreamed). Expect Bach to steampunk and nods to Webb, Fermi, and NIST, plus a new seating setup, “The Hug,” with real-time audience feedback for Kimball’s refreshed acoustics. Get all the details.
Small-batch sips, big vibes: In the historic Grand Manse, Boiler Brewing Company pours a rotating lineup of crisp lagers, hefty stouts, and even mead and cider. Settle into the downtown taproom, and that “just one pint” plan often turns into a satisfied second debate.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.
Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.
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📆 Around town this weekend
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🚜 3rd Annual Roca Merry Farm Festival @ Roca Berry Farm | Friday (12/5) at 4:00pm – Evenings at Roca Merry Farm mean twinkle lights, cocoa, and plenty of holiday cheer. Wander through 60,000 lights, meet reindeer, ride the barrel coaster, and enjoy a family-friendly night out — with each ticket supporting the Food Bank of Lincoln.
🎻 80 Proof Alice – KS Bluegrass @ Zoo Bar | Friday (12/5) at 9:00pm – Trade the usual cover bands for 80 Proof Alice, a straight outta Kansas bluegrass trio, for 12 bucks. Expect tight harmonies, spirited flatpicking, and a state champ on banjo, plus soulful bass and vocals that pair nicely with your second round.
This weekend
🎅 Snowplow Santa Visits Eiseley Branch Library @ Loren Corey Eiseley Library | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Think the holidays are all twinkle lights and carols? In Lincoln, Santa rolls in on a snowplow, you and kids check it out up close, then pop into Eiseley or Gere for a treat and craft, weather permitting. Quality family time, minimal glitter, maximum novelty.
🛍️ Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market @ Nebraska Innovation Studio | Saturday (12/6) at 12:00pm – If your gift list includes people who ‘don’t need anything,’ bring them to Jingle & Mingle and prove them wrong. Nebraska Innovation Studio makers are slinging one-of-a-kind art and gifts, so you can shop local without crowds. Free to browse, free parking by Transformation Drive.
💧 Water and Movement Workshop @ Frank Shoemaker Marsh Room | Saturday (12/6) at 2:00pm – Grab your boots and meet at Frank Shoemaker Marsh for a free movement workshop that trades gym mirrors for saline wetlands. Expect a playful sensory seek and find, a regroup to swap discoveries, and UNL’s Mac Kelsey keeping it thoughtful, curious, and muddy.
🍳 Meal with Strangers–Sunday Brunch Series @ A Restaurant in Lincoln | Sunday (12/7) at 11:00am – If your social circle could use a refresh (or you’re just tired of eating brunch alone while pretending to read a menu you’ve already memorized), this is your moment. Enjoy good food, easy conversation, and the thrill of not knowing who you’ll end up chatting with. It’s low-pressure, warm, and just unpredictable enough to be fun—basically the perfect Sunday vibe.
🎀 Deck The Halls @ Lied Center For Performing Arts | Sunday (12/7) at 2:00pm – Skip the mall soundtrack and get the real thing at LSO’s one-night holiday blowout, an annual tradition that sells out. Guest conductor Lucas Waldin, Bell-issimo handbells, Lincoln Suzuki Studios, singers, and Dancing Beyond Limits deliver carols you know, sparkle you want, no Santa gimmicks.
🍸 Christmas Cocktail Class with Dinner @ The Post | Sunday (12/7) at 6:00pm – Upgrade from ‘wine from the garage fridge’ to three festive cocktails and a two-minute mocktail, a family-style feast by Chef Shack, recipe cards, and a bar tool to take home. You get batching tricks, garnishes, and hosting sanity. Limited seats, book early.
Next week
🇺🇸 Wreaths Across America @ Nebraska State Capitol | Monday (12/8) at 11:00am – Head to the Capitol rotunda for a solemn moment as Wyuka presents a wreath to Governor Pillen in honor of Nebraska veterans, part of Wreaths Across America. A dignified way to pay respects, worth the parking hunt, then grab coffee and warm up civic pride.
🌾 Nebraska Ag Expo @ Sandhills Global Event Center | Tuesday (12/9) at 9:00am – Skip the small talk and hit the Nebraska Ag Expo, where the biggest names and new ag toys take over. Stroll the Innovation Hub in the Livestock Market Pavilion, call it professional development, then leave plotting upgrades, pivots, and bragging rights.
🏳️🌈 Q-mmunity Craft Social @ Makit Takit: Lincoln’s Craft Studio | Tuesday (12/9) at 5:30pm – A low-key craft hang where conversation is steadier than your stitch count. Bring that half-finished scarf, the beaded fever dream, or grab a Makit Anytime project, then settle in for real talk, new ideas, and the kind of community you can actually exhale in.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
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🏠️ Price is right – Lincoln edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
Listed by: Ben Bleicher (BHHS Ambassador Real Estate)
5,000+ sq ft, 5-bed, 4-bath, 1.5-story stunner on Hillcrest Golf Course in Lincoln with no neighbors behind and fairway views for days. A floating staircase steals the show, soaring ceilings and expansive windows keep it bright. The chef’s kitchen flexes pro appliances, custom cabinetry, and an oversized island.
Upstairs, a game room spills onto a balcony with panoramic greens. Fully integrated smart tech runs cameras, lighting, and blinds by switch, phone, or tablet. A heated 6-car garage, layered living and entertaining zones, and a back patio round out a modern, luxury build in one of Lincoln’s top golf communities.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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