Top Journal Star photos and videos for April 2026
Lincoln Southeast head coach Marco Sapien addresses his players on the hillside at the half on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Seacrest Field in Lincoln.
Six-year-old Roscoe Lambert (right) runs the ball under defense by 6-year-old Jack Wilson (left) during a spring-season NFL FLAG football game on Tuesday at the Lewis Ballfields in Lincoln. Hosted by Lincoln Parks and Recreation, the 5-on-5 youth league spans kindergarten through eighth grade, with a six-game season that began in mid-March.
Lincoln Southwest student Lyndee Walker, left, fishes with about 30 of her classmates during a P.E. class practicing the fundamentals of fly fishing at Holmes Lake on Tuesday. “Anytime we can get outside and not be in the gym is a good day,” P.E. teacher Lis Brenden said. Lincoln Public Schools is set to host a fishing tournament on Friday. “It is really nice to get outside and not have to sit inside a stuffy classroom or gym for the whole day,” Walker said. “Especially on a nice day like today."
Liz Shea-McCoy, project chair of the Pershing mural historic preservation committee, left, and Luke Holle, owner of Superboy Construction, place the first mosaic square of the Pershing Mural on a new massive concrete wall during a ceremony at Wyuka Cemetery on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Lincoln. “To see that little square up there, I am just beyond proud of the project and the Nebraskan’s that helped to make it happen,” Shea-McCoy said. “Sometimes it takes a village, but in this case it took the whole state to make it happen.” The mosaic, which consists of more that 763,000 individual 1-inch square tiles, is expected to take about 60 days until completion weather permitting, accord to Luke Holle.
Framed by a door leading into the hearing room, Gov. Jim Pillen, right, holds a roundtable briefing with members of his cabinet at the Capitol on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Lincoln.
Former Nebraska volleyball head coach John Cook, center, laughs with his team roping partner, Jim Brinkman, left, and 14-year-old roper Oliva Doggett on Saturday during the John Cook Team Roping Classic at the Sandhills Global Event Center. This was the second year that Cook has held the roping event featuring riders and horses. The event helped raise money for the Nebraska College Rodeo Scholarship Fund.
Scarlets junior Madi Lundy cheers on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Haymarket Park in Lincoln. Nebraska beat USC 12-2 by run rule in the seventh inning.
Nebraska infielder Case Sanderson (14) looks skyward as he trots in a homer on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Haymarket Park in Lincoln. Nebraska beat USC 12-2 by run rule in the seventh inning.
Norris’ Wyatt Fortner (9) congratulates Bryce Fountain (24) after Fountain’s homer during the EMC Conference Championship on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Lynn R. Pruess Field at in Bennington. Bennington beat Norris 10-7 to claim the title.
Bennington’s Dominic Mendicino (8, center) and Reese Malley (3, right) celebrate with their team after defeating Norris in the EMC Tournament on Friday in Bennington.
Lincoln East’s Harper Ross (13) and Elizabeth Burhoop (4) tackle each other to the ground in celebration after the game on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Seacrest Field in Lincoln. Lincoln East beat out Lincoln Southeast 2-1.
Construction worker Vincent McIntyre uses a vacuum truck arm and pressure washer to dig a hole to locate underground utilities along O Street at 14th Street on Thursday. The city will host a block party at the intersection April 30 to promote businesses during street closures.
Tracy Johnson and her husband Scott took over Alchemy, which is inside the Apothecary Building in the Haymarket, at the beginning of the year. The couple moved to Lincoln from Colorado to be closer to family.
Lincoln East’s Dele Odulate (42) gets back up from second to steal third on an error during the baseball HAC Championship on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Den Hartog Field in Lincoln. Lincoln East beat Grand Island 1-0.
Jordan Miller, 3D objects curator for the Nebraska State Historical Society, removes a life mask of Abraham Lincoln from its storage container at the Nebraska History Museum. The sculpture is from the life mask made by artist Leonard Volk in 1860. In 1886, a committee was formed to purchase the original casts and present them, along with bronze copies, to the National Museum in Washington. Additional bronze copies were presented to the committee members. This copy was a gift to General John J. Pershing in 1920 from Douglas Volk, the son of the artist.
A shot by Lincoln Pius X’s Abby Dickinson sails past Omaha Skutt Catholic’s Grace Scheer (01) into the net on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Lincoln Pius X High School in Lincoln. Lincoln Pius X beat Omaha Skutt Catholic 2-0.
Derek Driver, 42, skates at the city's new skatepark near Seventh and N streets. It’s amazing — I love it,” he said of the park. “It’s life changing.” The park will be one of the main amenities in the park in the South Haymarket city officials intend to call Canopy Yard.
Amanda Banghart, owner of Spa De Da, right, gets help from her friends and family as she moves inventory out of Painted Tree Boutiques' SouthPointe Pavilions location. Painted Tree announced Tuesday it was closing all 61 of its locations across the U.S.
Volunteer mechanic David Schoenmaker works on the front wheel of a refurbished bike on Tuesday at the Lincoln Bike Kitchen on 308 S. 21st St. The Lincoln Bike Kitchen provides free refurbished bikes to people in need around the community. “I enjoy the hands-on work, but also I appreciate the mission,” Schoenmaker said.
Origami artist Linda Stephen (center) makes a final adjustment on a giant crane she folded with sister(s) 11-year-old Elizabeth Owens (left) and 7-year-old Mary-Kate Owens (right) during a crane-folding workshop on Saturday at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln. The free workshop, open to ages eight to 98, hosted about 20 attendees for a hands-on lesson on making origami cranes to take home (or to contribute to the public art installation “1,000 Birds of Peace,” which will be unveiled May 2 at the fifth annual Holy Trinity Arts Festival, 6001 A St.
Cynthia Mbagwu (left), a second-year English master’s student, rakes leaves in a yard alongside second-year educational studies Ph.D students Abisola Aiyeole (center) and Omolara Oni (right) during UNL’s 20th annual Big Event on Saturday in the Woods Park Neighborhood.
Grand Island’s Julian Campos (16) and Gabriel Sanchez (15) leap to head the ball against Lincoln East’s Caden Carpenter (9) off a Lincoln East corner kick on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Seacrest Field in Lincoln. Lincoln East beat Grand Island 3-0.
Wild Child Daycare students Octavia Hampson, 8, helps Imani Swindell, 2, plant blue windmills on the Lincoln Mall to raise awareness for child abuse prevention month on Friday, April 10, 2026, in Lincoln. Around 300 Blue pinwheels were planted on the Lincoln Mall by United Way of Lincoln and their community partner to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month, which recognized as April. Volunteers and community members are often invited to help plant the pinwheel garden to demonstrate support for local families. “When we think about child abuse prevention, we think about things like hotline calls, cases, but child abuse prevention is more broad than that, “Kristen Derr, community coordinator at United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County, said. “ (Child abuse prevention) is about showing up early for families and the work that goes on underneath the surface to make sure that those cases are prevented. It is hard to know how many cases have been prevented, because that is not something you show. I think this event goes a long way in the community to communicate that there is a blanket that is wrapped over the community, trying to help everyone and our children thrive.”
City Council member Sändra Washington, left, peruses a book alongside Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, right, on one of the city's new bookmobiles Tuesday outside Eiseley Branch Library Branch Library. Lincoln City Libraries rolled out two new bookmobiles, replacing an aging bus and expanding service to neighborhoods, schools and community events across the city and county.
Rep. Mike Flood presented his congressional report to the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce at the Wilderness Ridge Golf Club on Tuesday.
Members of the 2026 Super-State basketball teams include Kylee Paben (Millard West), Macie Reiner (Bennington), Halle Dolliver (Malcolm), Ani Leu (North Star), Levi Webb (Papio South), Sawyer Smith (Ogallala), Nate Kelley (Scottsbluff), Makkiah Sanders (Southwest) and Uzziah Sanders (Southwest, not pictured).
Nebraska celebrates with outfielder Mac Moyer (17) after his home run on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Haymarket Park in Lincoln. Nebraska beat Penn State 8-7 to win game one of the weekend series.
Jonathan Pfeiffer hangs "Wizard of Oz"-themed decor Friday at Parrish Studios as part of a promotion businesses in the Parrish Project are putting on to lure visitors during Project O Street roadwork. Pfieffer's son, Gabriel, recently moved into a studio in the building.
Holding a large wooden cross, Christ Lincoln pastor Aaron Hutton (right) leads prayer with church members April Hickox (center), 9-year-old Taylor Pickett (center-left) and Michael Hickox (left) at the base of the Nebraska State Capitol on Friday on K Street. A rotating group of members carried the 8-foot walnut cross, weighing about 60 pounds, through Lincoln in observance of Good Friday and to commemorate the crucifixion of Christ. “It’s a gentle reminder of God’s incredible grace,” Hutton said.
Justice in Action members Danielle Parrish, left, and Michael Kocher line up marshmallow Peeps during an event highlighting the cost of jail overcrowding in front of the County-City Building on Wednesday. Each Peep represented one person who could be in a diversion program but instead is in jail.
Kate Pulec, who took care of DT for a few summers, gives him a kiss during a birthday and "retirement" celebration for the 30-year old horse at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus Animal Science Complex on Tuesday. DT was donated to UNL in 2008 and became "probably the number one teacher" of riders on UNL's equestrian team.
Pius X's Lucas Newton (7) goes up to celebrates a homerun with Anthony Iburg (12) as huis other teammates gather to join in during the ninth inning at the Sandhills Global Youth Baseball Complex on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Lincoln.
Lincoln's Urban Design Committee reviewed designs for the city's new main library and encouraged the project team to try to obtain a higher environmental rating.
Balloons, playing cards, cookies and cupcakes decorated Gate 6 of Lincoln Airport, as over 100 passengers on Breeze Airways' maiden voyage to Las Vegas and Orange County prepared for takeoff.
Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh secured a surprise funding boost to help advance a plan to expand free school meals to thousands of Nebraska students.
After hours of debate, Nebraska lawmakers failed to advance a bill focused on dyslexia screening and third-grade reading benchmarks. Here’s what stalled it.
National and local experts will gather at the IBEW Local 265 Labor Union Hall Saturday to discuss Nebraska's microplastic pollution problem — and what can be done to solve it.
"At this point in time, Mr. Massa is no threat to anybody," attorney Sandy Pollack said. "I think his days of breaking the law are over."
CenterPointe official says overdose trends can come in waves tied to drug supply changes.
Eaton, a Fortune 500 firm, plans to carry out its expansion by refurbishing and retrofitting a manufacturing plant at 10601 S. 15th St. in Bellevue.
On Thursday, a 71-year-old Lincoln man reported receiving a call from a male caller who identified himself as Lincoln Police Chief Michon Morrow.
Earlier this month, a Lincoln middle school student was approached by a man with a knife, police say.
A task force search, which included the basement of a government-funded organization and a Waverly home, allegedly turned up over 2 pounds of meth and a “make-shift steroid lab.”
The Lancaster County Department of Corrections must reinstate an employee fired for speeding 27 mph over the speed limit and give him back pay, following a judge's recent ruling.
A Lincoln couple is searching for answers after their 8-month-old son suddenly died last month.
The Big Event, a day of coordinated service organized by the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska, celebrated its 20th anniversary as hundreds of volunteers cleaned up Lincoln.
A 72-year-old Wahoo woman was arrested in Lincoln after police say she assaulted her husband and another woman with a hammer inside an RV.
Senators, lobbyists and other Capitol observers said the effort to balance the state's $646 million budget deficit was the biggest achievement of the 2026 session.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
Inflation increased by 3.3% from March 2025 to March 2026, the Consumer Price Index's all items index found, with the food index increasing 2.7% over the last year.
Lincoln Lutheran board members asked city officials to add a left-turn signal to the intersection of North 56th and Holdrege streets, citing safety concerns for students and families.
A Lincoln woman accused of kicking in her ex-boyfriend's door and shooting him at his home last year has been brought back to Nebraska from Florida to face charges.
The funds will repair Interstate 180 bridges spanning Interstate 80 both northbound and southbound, and will replace the Adams Street bridge over I-180 and U.S. 6 over I-180.
Holocaust scholars from across the U.S. will gather at UNL this week to explore how digital tools, including AI, are shaping research and remembrance.
A long-awaited plan to revive University Place is moving ahead, with streetscape upgrades, facade work and public spaces planned along North 48th Street.
LPS board members are set to vote on pay increases for administrators and technicians later this month.
Two new docks and improved access are coming to Holmes Lake as part of a long-running effort to boost fishing.
Two Nebraska men serving time at the Nebraska State Pen have filed a lawsuit challenging a ban on certain Indigenous faith practices that went into effect in February.
Kinkaider Brewing Co. started selling pizzas out of a blue caboose car with a stone oven.
Customers could see about $15 returned to them.
A man allegedly killed a dog after tying it to his truck bumper and dragging it, according to Lincoln Animal Control.
The attorney for a Lincoln man accused of killing his half-brother and his pregnant wife in January has asked a judge to find sections of Nebraska's death penalty statutes unconstitutional.
At Lincoln's SouthPointe Pavilions, several vendors could be seen Tuesday removing their merchandise from the store.
A Lincoln man has been sentenced to 31- to 61-years in prison for putting his hand around a 14-year-old girl's neck and punching her mom in an incident last July.
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird also broke the news that the still under construction 8.5-acre park that encompasses the skatepark will be called Canopy Yard.
A new Federal Election Commission complaint filed Tuesday alleges a PAC affiliated with independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn illegally paid 23 individuals working on his campaign.
Police responded to an early Wednesday alarm at Romantix at 3247 S. 10th St.
A Palmer woman is in critical condition after her husband accidentally ran her over with a trailer on Interstate 80 south of Waverly, deputies say.
Jon Hendricks, who prosecutes revocations as a special assistant attorney general, said an internal affairs investigation began in September after an officer reported unwanted touching by Jonathan Sears.
Police are searching for a possible suspect after a Lincoln construction shop reported a piece of equipment worth $21,000 missing.
Gov. Jim Pillen said the 33-vote rule to overcome a filibuster in the Legislature is too steep and that bringing it down to 30 votes "would be more representative."
The Nebraska State Employee Insurance Program, which covers as many as 28,000 people total, saw its fund balance drop from $83 million in 2022 to $7 million last year.
The jury of seven men and five women got the case just before 10 a.m. Wednesday and returned with not guilty verdicts just after 3 p.m.
Michel Mikaya, 35, could get up to 50 years in prison at his sentencing in the case involving the death of 27-year-old Jimmy Saka.
A 43-year-old Lincoln man has been charged after allegedly strangling a 41-year-old woman until she lost consciousness.
Equality Before the Law said it would speak out against federal overreach, political pressure, and a lack of accountability among agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
A federal lawsuit led Nebraska prison officials to lift a 60-day ban on Indigenous religious practices just before a court hearing was set to begin.
As Project O Street kicks into gear, the city is taking steps to help support local businesses.
A 44-year-old Lincoln man is facing two felony charges after allegedly threatening his neighbor with a gun Wednesday morning.
A Lincoln man faces 10 felonies after deputies found a gun and nearly a pound of meth during a traffic stop — and say he tried to bribe his way out.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen allowed a bill increasing security measures at the Capitol to pass without his signature and issued five vetoes Thursday.
The crash occurred around 11:35 p.m. at the intersection of North 17th Street and Antelope Valley Parkway.
“While disappointing, we now have clarity from our state’s highest court on when the state is required to bargain,” said Justin Hubly, executive director of NAPE.
“We are deeply honored to be named Nebraska’s Small Business Persons of the Year."
"Ms. Johnson, you were a bus driver. You had children on that bus, you consumed alcohol and you blew a .221," the judge said.
From exploring state parks to displaying historical art pieces, the state will be honoring the Great Plains' history long before Nebraska was officially on the map.
Twenty-six Lincoln organizations recently earned certification through a program that recognizes employers who implement family-friendly workplace practices and policies.
Attorney Greg Lake called his lack of candor with the Supreme Court justices a "grave error in judgment," crediting it to his embarrassment upon questioning from the court.
Commissioner Rick Vest said he grouped the requesters into three categories — family, sports and arts — and his proposal had about the same amount of money going toward each.
Teams of high school students from across Nebraska raced their hand-built go-karts around the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's tractor testing track Saturday.
Shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday, crews with Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded to a fire that had fully engulfed a mobile home at North 60th Street.
Julie Ann Mruz and Jessica Murphy, both of Lincoln; Jennifer Huxoll of Palmyra; and Jenniffer Panko-Rahe, of Syracuse, all have applied.
Federal prosecutors said Bryon Greco had spent years grooming a girl online through Minecraft and the two exchanged sexually explicit images and videos.
Two Las Vegas men have pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Nebraska to an investment fraud that conned more than 10,000 investors out of at least $45 million.
The university announced Monday it is adding two new restaurants this fall — Sossy, which will serve slow-cooked barbecue, and Choolaah, which will be the union's first Indian restaurant.
Lincoln’s City Council voted 5-1 to approve a small dementia care home on Cotner Boulevard, despite neighbor concerns about parking and safety.
A Lincoln teenager has been sentenced to 48- to 50-years in prison for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old young woman at Wilderness Park in the summer of 2024.
A Lincoln native now helps feed thousands of children daily through a nonprofit she co-founded in Southeast Asia.
A Lincoln woman, a tax protester, is facing four felony charges after allegedly evading income taxes for the past four years.
A Nebraska State Patrol trooper said the brown pickup had allegedly lost a wheelbarrow from the trailer, causing a crash between a black sport utility vehicle and two semitrucks.
Parts of a former employee's lawsuit against Southeast Community College, which levels allegations of discrimination, can go forward, following a federal judge's recent ruling. Some claims were dismissed.
The proposed consent decree comes hours after a complaint filed against Nebraska in a federal court in Omaha on Tuesday seeking to permanently enjoin the state from providing the benefit.
While the wait is finally over for two Lincoln restaurants, one bar is still keeping people waiting.
The Beatrice Police Department said a suspect in Tuesday morning's fatal shooting was arrested in Lincoln.
Beatrice Police say the victim, 37-year-old Joshua May, named Justis Barnhouse as the shooter before he died.
Lincoln leaders say 76% of climate plan actions are underway or complete, with emissions down 30% so far. Here’s what they highlighted on Earth Day.
Lincoln Crime Stoppers is looking for a suspect accused of assaulting children near the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in March.
And just like it does with Husker football, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will lock down many areas of campus.
Elleinad Books is moving to a new spot near 48th Street and Prescott Avenue. A grand opening is planned for Saturday.
Nebraska will move to restrict candy purchases for food assistance recipients, the state Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday.
A Lincoln police officer has resigned after an investigation into an alleged sexual assault.
Officials say electric cruisers could pay for themselves in under four years.
A Lincoln councilman wants to restore parts of a voter-approved minimum wage law changed by the Legislature.
A novel microorganism discovered by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers was revealed in a scientific journal. Karrie Weber was one of the researchers who helped name it.
Ninety high school seniors from across Nebraska and Iowa were celebrated for their decision to pursue military careers upon graduation.
Nebraska regents backed a $600M Memorial Stadium renovation Friday. The project aims to modernize fan amenities and boost revenue, with upgrades targeted for the 2028 season.
A Palmer woman has died after her husband accidentally ran her over with a trailer on Interstate 80 south of Waverly, deputies say.
Houchin said Justin Ladig, who was wanted for fleeing a deputy the previous night, had barricaded himself in the attic and was thought possibly to be armed.
The store manager thought it seemed odd when an Uber driver delivered a box to be sent out, opened it and found $30,000 cash inside.
The Zach Bryan concert is one of three major non-football events at the stadium this year to bring in additional revenue now that UNL has to pay its athletes.
Students were placed into secure status at a Lincoln high school following a threatening phone call Friday afternoon, police said.
The first-time bar owners are drawing on their roots as local Lincoln musicians to shape a broader vision for 1867.
Police said Hannah Osterhoudt, 14, is safe Friday after she had been missing since Wednesday.
The troop will install boxes at Edenton South, Cripple Creek and Village Meadows parks, and the Parks and Recreation Department will receive three backup boxes.
Amy Grant, Michael Smith and CeCe Winans announced their upcoming tour, “Christmas Together,” will expand into arenas nationwide, including a stop in Lincoln on Dec. 5.
"I think that's exactly what we have here. There's someone who doesn't like the passage of the statute, alleges it's unconstitutional and then brings suit," Omaha attorney Jason Grams said.
"This office did receive complete investigatory reports from the Nebraska State Patrol and it was determined not to file charges," Buffalo County Attorney Shawn Eatherton said.
One change is allowing sidewalk cafes to be approved by the director of the Planning and Development Services Department, shortening the amount of time it takes to open a cafe.
Some of the highest-paid employees within Lincoln Public Schools could see 4.26% salary increases if the Lincoln Board of Education approves two-year contracts in May.
"It is time for his adult conduct to have adult consequences," the prosecutor said. "When you shoot a firearm at people, you go to prison."
An email with a link to a video about creating an inclusive classroom for trans students was removed after Gov. Jim Pillen, called it "irrelevant and destructive" to UNK's mission.
Lincoln’s mayor is standing by Fire Chief Dave Engler after a union vote of no confidence and ongoing HR investigations.
A Lincoln man will serve 15 to 20 years after assaulting a severely disabled child. The case included prior injury concerns and a judge’s rebuke during sentencing.
"The only way ... to make sure that Mr. Beaudette is kept away from other children ... is to sentence him to a long term of imprisonment," the prosecutor said.
Former NU President Ted Carter sent Krisanthe Vlachos' resume to two organizations affiliated with the university in 2023. He resigned at Ohio State over his relationship with the podcast host.
According to a Beatrice Police Department news release, nothing was found during a search of the area and the incident appeared to be a swatting call.
A substitute teacher was cited after making disturbing comments to sixth graders at Raymond Central. Twenty-five students were interviewed as part of the investigation.
In a letter after his conviction, Christopher Johnson told District Judge Christina Marroquin he wants to raise ineffectiveness of trial counsel in a motion for a new trial.
A Lincoln man has been cited for his alleged involvement in a November crash that killed 86-year-old Fernando Ortiz.
Runza Restaurants is partnering with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Store on a Runza Sandwich-flavored ice cream.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission unanimously paved the way for Bryan Health to relocate the 1901 country mansion of William Jennings Bryan Wednesday.
A 13-year-old Lincoln boy is accused of pointing a gun at a man after trying to steal his 10-year-old nephew's bikes.
The Nebraska Legislature failed to override four of Gov. Jim Pillen's vetoes Friday on the final day of session.
Floyd Parrott, 64, had been set for court later this week.
A 50-year-old Lincoln man spent the weekend in jail after allegedly knocking a 21-year-old man off his minibike and driving away near Holmes Lake Park.
A substitute teacher allegedly told students he would “kill them” at Raymond Central last week, but the sheriff’s office said they couldn’t cite him with terroristic threats.
A 27-year-old is in jail after allegedly running a not-so-secret party spot that ignored fire codes and red tags.
After years of sharing the stories of the Holocaust with his peers in Taylor, Nebraska, Hector Estrada was surprised to learn that he earned a national award for his efforts.
