Juniors Katie Schueths and Chris Anderson soak up the sun as they catch up on reading and sleep. Photo: Amber Johnson, NewsNetNebraska.
Students lounge by the fountain near the City Union, soaking up the afternoon sun. Some lie in the grass, studying. Others take a break with a game of Hacky Sack.
Hard to believe it's the second week of November.
Lincolnites and University of Nebraska-Lincoln students are basking in unusually pleasant November weather, a welcome change from the damp and chilly October.
So far, November temperatures are tracking about 10 degrees above normal, a turnaround from last month when the mercury logged temps 10 degrees below normal , said Mark Anderson, a meteorology professor at UNL.
Credit a shift in the Jet Stream. Anderson said a northerly flow brought Lincoln frigid air from Canada in October. This month, a south-westerly flow is bringing more tropical air from the South and the Gulf of Mexico.
Kirby Young, co-owner of Servant Cab Co., helps orchestrate the routes and destinations of about 40 taxis. Photo: Adam Templeton, NewsNetNebraska.
A free cab service designed to cut down on drunk driving by UNL students may be facing a dead end. Student government officials say too many undergraduates are misusing the service, called 475-RIDE, and handing the school an annual bill that now tops $100,000.
"If it continues at this rate, then we probably will not have this program by the end of the year," says Amanda Crook, external vice president of the Association of Students at the University of Nebraska.
The ASUN officials say the program has become far too popular. Hundreds use the service monthly and the officials suspect many are using it for everyday travel, not just when drinking. In one recent month, 10 students alone were responsible for more than $1,400 in charges to the student government group.
Lincoln residents, top left, look over the plans presented by the design team, top right. The bottom photograph shows the current state of the mall. Photos: Ivana Jackson, NewsNetNebraska
Lincoln's Centennial Mall was once a place for community festivals, lunch dates and relaxation. Today the mall crumbles and cries out for renovation.
"This should be a focal point for the city of Lincoln," Laura Christensen said. "Now it's just a real disgrace."
Christensen was one of a large group of Lincoln residents who attended the Centennial Mall Open House Tuesday at the Scottish Rite Temple. It was an informal opportunity for community members to review preliminary designs of the mall renovation.
"What we're trying to do is bring a little more storytelling to the mall," said Dennis Scheer, one member of the design team.
As people explored the room they saw mall plans from 40 years ago, current photographs of the area and potential plans for the future.
Nov. 11 is the date set aside for the American people to recognize and honor military veterans for their service to their country. While the day serves as a helpful reminder to citizens to appreciate their freedoms, people often forget how easy it can be to show admiration for those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.
For 1st Lt. Spencer Murdock, of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Army ROTC program, showing appreciation to veterans is as simple as saying "thank you."
"I would never expect someone to say it," Murdock added, "but as a veteran it always feels great to hear."
Family tradition can play a large role in one's observance of Veterans Day, and the personal connection to a loved one inspires some to share their beliefs in the importance of the day.
NewsNetNebraska explores what's going on in Lincoln. Check in every Tuesday and Thursday to learn about sports, entertainment, cultural and educational events on tap for the Capital City.
