Good morning, Lincoln! In today’s edition: Record tax cut, Wynton Marsalis with JLCO, science of owls, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Governor’s tax reform drive: The largest tax cut in state history took effect Jan. 1, lowering the 2026 tax rate to 4.55%, with another cut planned in 2027 as well — read the full story.

Fundraiser for Jeff Stinnette & Family @ IBEW Local 265 | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – This community breakfast flips pancakes for a purpose, raising funds for Jeff Stinnette and his family. Our members are manning the griddles, you bring your appetite and a free-will donation. Eat, swap stories with neighbors, and do something that actually matters — see the event listing.

Lincoln community rallies to help: Pepe’s Bistro will support families displaced by the Apollo Apartments fire, serving breakfast burritos and cookies on the last three Sundays of January, with proceeds benefiting the residents — read the full story.

Back-to-basics wellness guidance: Lincoln fitness experts say healthy habits should take priority over weight-loss drugs. Trainer Steve Auxier urges goals, small steps, and weight training for those using medications like Ozempic or Wegovy — see practical steps and goals.

Spruce-up inspo, sorted: If your living room feels stuck on last season, Cooper & Co. Home + Gift offers a 20,000-square-foot, family-run showroom of curated decor, custom furniture, and gifty finds. Swap a throw, rethink a corner, or finally give that blank wall some personality.

Indoor rally upgrade: Swap the group chat for real dinks and drives. At Kinetic Sports Complex, you’ll find nine indoor courts, organized open play, easy online reservations, and skill clinics, no membership required, so you can log quality court time this week while the weather sits on the sidelines.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🌳 Genealogy Social Hour @ Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso | Monday (1/12) at 2:00 PM – Grab a coffee and trade family lore with fellow genealogy sleuths at this easygoing social hour. Compare DNA rabbit holes, decode great-grandpa’s handwriting, and swap theories about that mysterious “cousin.” Low stakes, high gossip, and just enough caffeine to fuel another breakthrough.

🖼 Vision Board Workshop @ Elleinad Books | Monday (1/12) at 6:00 PM – Ready to swap doomscrolling for dreaming with good company? Join a women’s vision board workshop with a guided visualization, all materials provided, and snacks and drinks, because creativity runs on carbs. You’ll leave with a personalized board, a clearer next chapter, and fewer excuses.

🖌 Intro to Watercolor Class @ LUX Center for the Arts | Monday (1/12) at 6:30 PM – This beginner watercolor class keeps it simple, with still life, landscapes, and whatever personal project you’ve been meaning to try, without turning your dining table into a craft store. They provide the paints, brushes, and the gentle nudge. Adults 16 and up.

🏀 Oregon Ducks at Nebraska Cornhuskers Men’s Basketball @ Pinnacle Bank Arena | Tuesday (1/13) at 8:00 PM – Oregon waddles into The Vault, and the Huskers are ready to remind them it’s duck season. Expect loud defense, smart ball, and plenty of red you already own. Bring your inside voice, then ignore it, and savor a proper Big Ten evening.

🎉 Grand Opening @ Maven Tile & Home Design | Thursday (1/15) at 11:00 AM – Maven Tile & Home Design is opening a bigger, prettier showroom, inviting you to touch fancy surfaces without committing to a remodel just yet. Browse handcrafted tile, stone, and design-forward materials, enjoy light bites, refreshments, and admit you’ve got a stash of paint chips.

🦉 Science of…Owls @ Online event | Thursday (1/15) at 3:00 PM – Hear hoots on trash night? This dive explores Nebraska’s owls, from Great Horneds to saw-whets, how they hunt, and clues in your yard. Register here: https://outdoornebraska.zoom.us/meeting/register/7svoIfSeSEOAbRYHDySmoA, and for details email [email protected], or visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar.

🎺 The JLCO with Wynton Marsalis @ Lied Center for Performing Arts | Friday (1/16) at 7:30 PM – The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis hits the Lied Center to dive into Duke Ellington’s Africa‑inspired swing, big band heat, and satin brass. It’s classy without being stuffy, perfect for a grown‑up night out, and your shoulders will forgive the chair dancing.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Lincoln report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 40°F – Low: 19°F – Precip: 15%

A chance of rain showers between 4pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly sunny. High near 40, with temperatures falling to around 36 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 19, with temperatures rising to around 21 overnight. Northwest wind 2 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 41°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 41. West southwest wind 2 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Most popular house this week

This two-story townhome in Wellington Greens is refreshed top to bottom and has a new HVAC system. The first and second levels feature a brand-new kitchen, modern finishes, fresh paint, and newer carpet that keep everything bright and crisp.

A cozy sunroom opens to a private back patio, while a gated front courtyard adds a second outdoor hangout with a bit of separation. Upstairs, both bedrooms are en-suite, and the primary brings a walk-in closet, dual sinks, and a beautifully tiled shower. A main-floor bedroom with its own bath adds flexibility. The lower level delivers a dedicated workout room, another bathroom, and generous storage. Easy access to the golf course and community amenities.

Take a peek inside →