Top Journal Star photos and videos for September 2026

The city said there are "some pretty high category" saline wetlands and Salt Creek tiger beetle habitat on the 155-acre property.

Heading to Memorial Stadium on Saturday? State officials have recommended routes to help fans navigate construction near Lincoln.

Lincoln Welcoming Week will feature more than 35 events throughout September, bringing residents, newcomers and community organizations together.

A 74-year-old man is still in critical condition after crashing into a tree Sunday, police say.

Lester Electrical, a Lincoln manufacturer known for its battery chargers, last week announced the launch of Ascendrix, a new line of chargers for personal vehicles like golf carts and more.

A new $750,000 federal grant will allow Bryan Medical Center to develop a rural family medicine residence program in Crete, Bryan Health announced last week.

Author Bruce Holsinger will visit Lincoln in October to discuss the book and sign copies.

Susan La Flesche Picotte made history as the first Indigenous woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree. A number of Indigenous women are following in those footsteps.

Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley is calling for a performance audit after Lincoln Fire and Rescue paid $7.2 million in overtime in 2025.

LPS could change how algebra and geometry are taught next school year. First, teachers and students are putting a new curriculum to the test.

A Crete man has been charged with attempted murder after a 29-year-old man was found lying in a basement with stab wounds.

Sheridan Elementary School is inviting past and current families to celebrate the building's 100th birthday on Sept. 18.

The Northeast Senior Center at 6310 Platte Ave. will close until further notice for repairs after a vehicle struck the building recently.

The Lied Center for Performing Arts' $35 million expansion and renovation project won't be complete until fall 2027, but Tuesday allowed community members to celebrate progress and leave their mark.

Think you have what it takes to submit a winning documentary to C-SPAN? Students in 6-12 grades can enter the competition by Jan. 20 for a chance to win $5,000.

In a split decision, the Nebraska Supreme Court on Wednesday said Lincoln must put three charter amendment proposals before voters on the November ballot. 

A Lincoln man remained in the county jail Thursday on suspicion of delivering the fentanyl that led to a 32-year-old Waverly woman’s overdose in May.

Lancaster County will form a 13-member task force to recommend regulations for data centers by the end of the year.

BNSF filed a written offer to confess judgment of $3,750,000 through their attorney. The plaintiffs accepted a day later. 

Advocates with Free the Future Nebraska dropped off hundreds of signatures to the offices of Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts on Thursday, asking the officials to support education funding.

"Downtown Lincoln is growing, and the way people access downtown continues to evolve," said Tony Bisesi, general manager of city of Lincoln parking services.

The new privately operated Husker gameday shuttle service is making changes after riders reported issues last Saturday.

A restaurant reopens after a crash, a chicken chain opens a new spot, baked goods in Friend and more. Here’s a roundup of Lincoln business news this week.

A look at events in the Lincoln community.

The conservative college advocacy group held its weekly tabling event at the Nebraska Union. Meanwhile, a fight raged online over fliers mocking Charlie Kirk posted near campus.

A deadlocked State Board of Education vote blocked new social studies standards that drew criticism over changes to language about marginalized groups. The 2019 standards will remain in place.

John Kimmel is opening Hobby Beacon, a space for people to play tabletop games. The store had a soft opening Saturday.

Hundreds of colorful paper cranes fill Sam Butalla’s hospital room at Bryan East. He can’t see the cranes, but to his family, they represent support and healing.

Disability Rights Nebraska is asking the attorney general to investigate three corporations that own more than 20 long-term care facilities across the state.

Since March, the program — a collaboration between LPD and CenterPointe — has taken 224 co-responder calls.

A UNL student interned at the National Museum of American History as part of the Smithsonian's push to bring rural students to Washington. 

Lincoln's mayor and City Council chair proposed two charter amendments Monday to compete with proposals from Good Government Lincoln that they say could shorten the mayor's time in office.

Mid-West Slims is opening its third Slim Chickens location in Lincoln Tuesday at 2740 N. 83rd St., near North 84th and Adams streets.

This year's E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues theme is "We the People: America at 250." 

The average price of diesel rose to $5.96 per gallon in Nebraska, up $2.55 from a year ago, AAA says.

A seventh suspect has turned himself in for his alleged involvement in gathering fraudulent signatures on petitions in Lancaster County.

The Lancaster County Election Commission is holding voter registration drives at four Lincoln libraries for National Voter Registration Day.

Scotlund Adkins will face at least 16 years and up to life imprisonment at his sentencing next month.

The vintage store in downtown Lincoln started as a passion project by Jennifer Johnson during what was going to be a hiatus from college. Ruby Begonia's turns 35 in January.

A 20-year-old Lincoln man was charged after allegedly pointing a gun at another driver following a hit-and-run crash.

Shortly after 3:20 p.m. on Monday, Lincoln Fire and Rescue was sent to a house near Northwest Seventh Street and West Leon Drive.

Four local entities will be present at Thursday's pink postcard hearing, which will allow area residents to share their concerns and thoughts on increases to their property tax bills.

The cat was found in a pet bed under a tree and appeared to be severely underweight, Lincoln Animal Control said.

The location for next year’s National High School Finals Rodeo has not yet been determined, but officials said it will likely move to Wyoming.

An audit found accounting and distribution errors in the Lancaster County treasurer’s office. Treasurer Rachel Garver says the errors have been corrected.

A portion of H Street will close Sept. 24 as construction continues on Lincoln’s new multi-modal transportation center.

Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Haley Huson said the pregnant woman had "a medley of injuries" identified in an exam that morning at a Lincoln hospital.

A 19-year-old Lincoln woman died after a shooting Tuesday evening in north Lincoln. Police said one person is in custody.

The judge said police had probable cause to search every part of the Civic, where drugs had been found in the front seat, including the woman's bag. But not her.

Tyler Benzel, 37, was booked on suspicion of first-degree murder after a 19-year-old Lincoln woman was fatally shot Tuesday night.

During a visit with NU leaders, Lincoln Public Schools highlighted the success of its college-readiness program that is boosting GPAs, increasing attendance rates and getting high schoolers into four-year colleges.

Tom Arnold has canceled his Thursday speaking engagement in Lincoln due to “unforeseen health circumstances.”

Campbell’s Nurseries is going out of business next July after 115 years in Lincoln.

Lincoln is now the 10th U.S. city to receive top-level certification for its sustainability efforts.

Nyandeng “Brianna” Chol, 19, died last week after she was shot in northeast Lincoln. Her family calls it their "worst nightmare."

The suit alleges Karen Kucera tripped and fell over a low-profile rail of a rowing machine that protruded into the aisle to the elliptical machines.

Lincoln and Lancaster County residents attended a public hearing Thursday to voice frustrations over increases to their property tax bills as three school districts and the city of Lincoln listened.

"Galaxy Gas" was allegedly sold at 3D Smoke Shop, Lincoln police say.

A video obtained by the Journal Star appears to show the driver of a silver SUV accelerating, spinning its tires and kicking up smoke, after it crashed into the store.

"She thought she had enough time. She didn't," the defense attorney said.

A look at events in the Lincoln community.

Lincoln Electric System proposed a 4.5% rate increase for residential customers at the utility's board meeting Friday.

A Lincoln Southeast student was arrested Friday for having a shotgun in their car.

"When a driver is looking straight ahead but failing to look at the signs of a marked crosswalk approaching, lives can instantly be shattered," the prosecutor said. 

The Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday affirmed Kashuan McCree's first-degree murder conviction for fatally shooting a teenager at a Lincoln house party in 2023. 

A pioneering athlete and academic, Louise Pound became the first woman to be honored with a bronze sculpture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as community members gathered in celebration Friday.

A century after bungalow-style homes filled Ryons Street, neighbors still gather on porches, lend a hand and welcome newcomers.

A 54-year-old Lincoln man was taken to the hospital after he was stabbed in central Lincoln, police say.

Readers weigh in on Brianna Chol’s death, youth sports opportunities, congressional term limits and President Trump’s leadership ahead of the midterm elections.

Lincoln drivers can expect street closures and traffic restrictions at four locations this week, with some work continuing into early November.

Filling up keeps getting more expensive in Lincoln. Gas prices are up 27.5 cents from a month ago and $1.39 from last year.

The International Association of Firefighters unanimously voted to censure Lincoln Fire Chief Dave Engler, saying he repeatedly subjected firefighters and paramedics to “unfair discipline.”

BasicBlock, which helps truckers get paid faster, recently purchased TrueNorth, a Silicon Valley AI company with about 15,000 users.

The judge called it a tragic situation and said Al Kadah had been traveling in reckless disregard for the community, "and in doing so, disregarded the safety of others."

Police found the victim in Williams' rear passenger seat, "beaten badly, to the point she was unrecognizable and unable to speak," police said in the affidavit for his arrest.

Two people were arrested after a “dangerous” pursuit on Interstate 80 on Tuesday morning, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

In what appears to be a new twist, rather than calling someone claiming a loved one was in jail, this scam involved someone who was in jail.

The community college based in Grand Island said 7,063 students were enrolled at the start of the fall 2026 semester, compared to 6,841 last year.

UNL was selected for a Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, which recognizes colleges and universities that integrate sustainability across their campuses.

Backswing Brewing is shutting down its operation at 500 W. South St., effective Tuesday.

A new report identifies what could be at risk in Nebraska as the federal government deregulates Head Start. Hundreds of jobs and health services could disappear across the state.

Construction of the new transit center south of the City-County building is expected to be completed in spring 2028.

The 25th annual Pumpkin Run is back Sunday as thousands of young Lincoln runners are expected to take to Lincoln's Historic Haymarket streets and complete a 1-mile race.

The school district is piloting a new teacher evaluation process, which will move away from a rigid rubric and include more face-to-face conversations with leaders in school buildings.

A 23-year-old Lincoln man has been charged with forgery after allegedly enrolling people in college without their knowledge and then collecting their financial aid.

“The Lives of Immigrants and Refugees: Tales of Migration, Hope, Grief, and Finding Home in Nebraska,” a compilation of 31 personal essays, is now available for purchase in paperback.

The $586.4 million budget will guide the work of Lincoln Public Schools for the next year.

Lincoln Public Schools will use engineering firm Clark & Enersen to design parking lot expansions at Standing Bear High School and UBT Stadium near Northwest High School.

In a 4-3 vote, the Lincoln Board of Education approved a consulting agreement with Gallagher to identify an alternative health insurance plan that could save Lincoln Public Schools money.

The Lincoln Police Department has received four reports in the last six weeks of fuel tanks having holes drilled into them or gas siphoned from them.

Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong this week acquitted Daren Dey, 57, of terroristic threats, resisting arrest with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief and disturbing the peace.

A Colorado cannabis distributor about 20 miles from the border has filed a petition challenging a civil investigative demand issued by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers.

There are six competitive Lancaster County races on the November ballot: sheriff, county attorney, District 3 commissioner, clerk of the district, treasurer and assessor/register of deeds.

Police say a 14-year-old reported that a vehicle had driven through an alley near the house and someone fired a shot at his bedroom window.

In a brief but contentious hearing, a Lincoln man found guilty of a double murder outside a strip club asked the judge to appoint yet another attorney to represent him. 

A 77-year-old man serving lengthy prison terms for kidnapping, robbery, rape and a daring 2004 escape from prison died Thursday at a local hospital. 

A look at events in the Lincoln community.

The prosecutor said the victim told police on the day of the shooting Lucretia Bryson was demanding more money from him over a "drug and/or money dispute."

Haley Inness remembers how much it mattered when adults listened to her as a child. Now she gets to offer that same welcome to others.

"It's about a life ended in an instant, and it's about a family that has had to continue to live after that incident," the prosecutor said.

As College View Academy and Union Adventist University prepare to trade spaces, the private K-12 school celebrated a groundbreaking for its future building on Friday.

Brett Powers, 22 of Beatrice, who previously worked for the Husker football department as a video intern, made his first court appearance by videoconference Thursday from the county jail.

The state auditor's report raised 14 concerns, including that it appeared the state was underpaid by $1.3 million from 2023 to 2025 due to a failure on the part of the treasurer's offices.

Two men ended up facing drug charges following a stop Thursday afternoon on Interstate 80 near Lincoln that turned up 1-½ pounds of methamphetamine.

A Lincoln woman admitted she saw the gas pump glitch as a quick way to make money. A judge says she’s now on the right path.

Mary Wolfe is the only runner to have participated in every single Buffalo Run since its inception in 1976. The five-mile course is rather challenging as runners cross the hilly roads of Pioneers Park.

A 44-year-old Lincoln man to more than 11 years in federal prison Thursday in connection with a search that turned up nearly 6 pounds of methamphetamine.

A 41-year-old Lincoln man was robbed of his vehicle at knifepoint early Saturday in a parking lot at North 56th and Holdrege streets. 

Parts of southwest Lincoln went dark Monday after a power outage.

Lincoln Police say they arrested the parents of a 2-year-old girl found wondering alone in an apartment parking lot Friday evening. 

The county has about 208,000 registered voters, and the election commission has received and processed more than 34,000 early vote ballot requests for the general election.

Michael Hughes, 48, is set for sentencing in November on the misdemeanor for unintentionally causing the death of Joan Meyer of Avoca. 

Responding agencies recovered the individual from the water, and the individual was taken to the Douglas County Crime Laboratory for an autopsy.

Ben Houchin’s ex-wife has accused the Lancaster County sheriff candidate of physical and emotional abuse. Houchin denies the allegations.

In a search warrant, Lincoln Police said Jackson had confronted the 41-year-old man believing he had been working with law enforcement.

The ACLU of Nebraska is taking up the case of a man who says his rights were violated after he received a misconduct report at Community Corrections Center-Lincoln.

Lincoln Public School parents say they're being deprived of important postgame moments under the district's current policy for athletes to go immediately to their locker rooms after games.

A 26-year-old man went to jail early Sunday after allegedly coming at a Lincoln police officer with a hammer.

The cat's owner told officers she had gotten a call from her boyfriend who said Rea had bit him and he "blacked out" and threw her against the wall. 

Lincoln is giving away 200 trees for residents to replace those damaged by storms and the Emerald Ash Borer. 

Mike James noticed bright red water in Antelope Creek and the pungent smell of rotten eggs during a Saturday walk.

Families can ring in the fall with a night of s'mores and pumpkin carving at the Pioneers Park Nature Center.

One number is all that separated one Nebraska Powerball player from winning $389 million in Monday night’s drawing.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police issued a safety message with a photo of a suspect in connection to an unwanted fondling and kissing on campus early Tuesday.

More than 20 new comics are joining the Journal Star, along with additional puzzles, columns and four more pages of Sunday comics.

Lincoln Police responded to a robbery early Wednesday that left a man with cuts to his arms and back.

Lincoln community leaders are asking how domestic violence allegations are investigated, particularly when the accused works in law enforcement.

A newborn has been placed in the temporary custody of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services after his mother left the hospital after giving birth against medical advice.

Fargo police credited license plate readers and Nebraska State Patrol troopers for the quick arrest Tuesday of a North Dakota man suspected of killing his mother. 

The department identified the source of the discoloration as wastewater from hydrostatic testing of a natural gas pipeline owned by Black Hills Energy.

"It posed a tremendous threat of harm to everyone involved and to a lot of people who weren't involved. People just in the community, in their houses," the judge said.

Lincoln Police believe a 24-inch sword-like weapon was used in a Wednesday morning robbery.

Students were temporarily evacuated Thursday morning after a fire broke out in Lincoln High School’s woodshop.

The Nebraska Department of Education announced Thursday it is hosting a bean recipe contest, and the winners could see their recipes implemented into school lunches across the state.

It's homecoming weekend for UNL students. And there's a Husker basketball event that will mean roads are closing.

The musical follows a group of friends whose weekend at an isolated cabin becomes a fight for survival against supernatural forces. 

Asked if he wished to waive extradition and return voluntarily to North Dakota, Brandon George said no. And his case was continued to hire an attorney. 

An LPD captain accused of leaving her 2-year-old child in a locked van while fishing has pleaded not guilty.

Brooke Hay was previously assistant director of operations at Lincoln Public Schools and assistant vice president for facilities, planning and capital programs at the University of Nebraska system..

Competitive bowling is not new to Wayne State, but the student-run club has gone dormant. Athletic Director John Schwarte said growing popularity led to its revival at Wayne.

Speedway Properties said a faulty plumbing system caused damage at its building at 151 N. Eighth St., where Bierhaus, The Rooftop and Sideshow Speakeasy are located. 

This fall, deputies will be equipped with new body-worn cameras that also function as a radio after receiving a $1.2 million federal grant.

Twenty-one county vehicles were uninsured, and FEMA questioned Lancaster County property values. The county’s new risk director is working on fixes.

A 22-year-old Lincoln man Friday pleaded no contest to manslaughter for his part in a 2024 fatal shooting in the West A neighborhood in a drug deal gone wrong. 

A look at events in the Lincoln community.

Officials want to build a hallway between the Hall of Justice and County-City Building, and funnel visitors to both buildings through a secure entrance.

Diesel prices have nearly doubled from a year ago, forcing Lincoln-area school districts to watch every gallon as they keep thousands of students moving.

Nebraska students once flocked to North Bottoms parties before football games. Now they gather at the university-sanctioned student tailgate on campus.

Lincoln police responded to the crash around 10 a.m. at Vine Street and North Antelope Valley Parkway, where a bicyclist was hit by a car. 

Brooke and Gabriel Anderson could have moved their award-winning design studio from New York to anywhere. They chose Lincoln, and now they're sharing their world-class expertise with Nebraska's budding artists. 

In last year's address, Gaylor Baird pointed to a 25-year low in crime and an all-time high in residential building permits, casting Lincoln as the "quality of life capital of the country."

Investigators believe a 16-year-old was driving about 70 mph in a 55 mph zone before a fatal crash near Roca.

A young Lincoln mom has been charged with felony child abuse after bringing her 24-day-old child to a Lincoln hospital with bleeding on the brain.

Brandon George, 42, of Wahpeton, North Dakota, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and other charges after allegedly driving toward a trooper attempting to deploy stop sticks.

The historic settlements are intended to address the opioid crisis by preventing further harm and providing services to people who are impacted by opioid use. 

Lincoln native Tristan Williams was honored during Nebraska’s football game against North Dakota after he became a "Jeopardy!" super champion. 

Skyler Starr is among the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital patients using ARC-EX, a new non-invasive spinal cord stimulation technology.

"This is a case of Mr. Pester continuously ignoring boundaries that any reasonable teacher would have recognized and abided by," the prosecutor said. 

The state Department of Health and Human Services says it has detected the Heartland and Bourbon viruses in tick pools this year.

Two men were arrested Saturday morning after allegedly assaulting a man in northeast Lincoln, police say.