Top Journal Star photos and videos for June 2026
Midwestern African Museum of Art member Seth Riek (left) leads an African drum demonstration as Constellation Studios hosts members of the community for a grand opening for Kosmos Art on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 2055 O St. The additional 3,390 square feet of expansion space includes several artist studios, a teaching studio, an outdoor gathering space and a new gallery shop facing the street. Riek says the demo served as a teaser for some of the classes and programming the on-site branch of the museum would host in the space.
A bumblebee pollinates a snapdragon on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Lincoln Sunken Gardens in Lincoln. The Wednesday forecast called for a low of 62 degrees, with lows in the 60’s and highs in the mid-to-high 70’s through Friday.
A cyclist bikes through the garden on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Lincoln Sunken Gardens in Lincoln. The Wednesday forecast called for a low of 62 degrees, with lows in the 60’s and highs in the mid-to-high 70’s through Friday.
Nebraska’s Owen Chambliss (33) and Jacory Barney (2) model new uniforms on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Hawks Championship Center in Lincoln.
Dressed as Mae C. Jemison — the first ABlack woman to travel into space — a young Laiyana Rosas-Vargas holds her helmet as she and other preschoolers dressed as influential Black historical figures during the Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2026, hosted by the Malone Center.
Retired Lancaster County District Court Judge Jodi Nelson (left) ceremonially swears in her successor, District Court Judge Jennifer Huxoll (right) on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Lancaster County Courthouse in Lincoln.
Anna Keyzer, left, a fulltime caregiver for her 21-year-old son Simon Keyzer, told Austin Ahlman at his town hall in Lincoln on Wednesday that she is worried about Medicaid cuts. Ahlman is an independent candidate for Nebraska's 1st Congressional District seat.
LPD officer recruit Matthew Thomsen (left) shows off a double-jointed salute to LSO deputy recruit Caden Waitley (right) as the recruits stage in a hallway before the Lincoln Police Department graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Southeast Community College in Lincoln. The graduating class for this season consisted of 15 LPD officer recruits receiving badges, two LPD lateral officers being honored and one Lincoln Sheriff’s Office deputy recruit, with a graduation rate of 100% completion from day one of the academy.
Kyrus Jensen holds a rainbow parasol as he stands and talks with fellow guests as Star City Pride hosts Pride in the Park on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Woods Park in Lincoln. Free and open to the public, the festival hosted guests from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for live performances, dozens of booths, various activities and games and food for purchase from a lineup of local food trucks.
Savannah Bananas fan Maggie Sheehy waves her hands in the air as the Savannah Bananas face the Firefighters on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The teams play a fast-paced, fan-focused and entertainment-heavy variety of baseball known as Banana Ball. Firefighters beat Savannah Bananas 3-2.
Savannah Bananas owner and Banana Ball creator Jesse Cole shouts-out the fans at the conclusion of the game as the Savannah Bananas face the Firefighters on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The teams play a fast-paced, fan-focused and entertainment-heavy variety of baseball known as Banana Ball. Firefighters beat Savannah Bananas 3-2.
9-year-old Slate Martin (center) pinches the cheeks of his mother Julie Martin (right) as the Savannah Bananas host the Firefighters on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Haymarket Park in Lincoln. The teams play a fast-paced, fan-focused and entertainment-heavy variety of baseball known as Banana Ball. The pair traveled from Tulsa, Oklahoma, just to watch the team play.
Savannah Bananas' Dakota “Stilts” Albritton (14) hands down a ball to a fan after adding his signature as the Savannah Bananas face the Firefighters on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Haymarket Park in Lincoln. The teams play a fast-paced, fan-focused and entertainment-heavy variety of baseball known as Banana Ball.
City contractors continue to work on Project O street near the 14th and O street intersection on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Downtown Lincoln. The water main underneath O street downtown is being replaced as contractors continue to work on O street. Some of the pipes are nearly a century old and have been in need of replacement. In the past couple of years, Lincoln has exceeded projections on sales tax, filling up the cities reserves. In turn, it gives the city an opportunity to spend that windfall on several major community investments: the public. Library, Project O street, the Music District, the multimodal transportation center, and replacing some aging infrastructure.
Contractors work to seal windows on the 14th floor of the Capitol on Monday. Brett Daugherty, the manager and acting administrator of the Office of the Capitol Commission, said contractors are working on a swing stage to seal the windows on the exterior after removing water-damaged plaster along the tower windows.
Outlaws members Ben Cohoon (left) and Steve Dosskey (right) react after a missed goal against Germany during a watch party for the U.S. Men's National Soccer team (USMNT) match on Saturday at Captain Jack's in downtown Lincoln.
Lincoln Airport customer service representative Valera Otte lays out refreshments during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inaugural American Airlines flight from Lincoln to Dallas on Thursday at the Lincoln Airport.
82-year-old James “Jim” Palmer, a veteran photojournalist with a career spanning more than four decades, poses for portraits with his Nikon F 35mm camera and a passport full of accordion-page addenda on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at his home in Lincoln. After working a series of blue-collar jobs (including as a soda jerk, shoe salesman and gas-station attendant), Palmer spent a short time in Hope, Idaho where he met retired photographer Charlie Heath, who helped inspire him to launch his own career. Palmer made his debut as a staffer at the Lincoln Journal and the Lincoln Star. After later becoming a staffer for AP, his work took him to major cities across the U.S. and abroad for coverage spanning world-news, sporting events, major demonstrations, unrest and coup attempts and other historical moments. Of his career, he said he felt most gratified for the variety, travel and the people. “Seeing people in various forms of jubilation and tragedy—It’s a wonderful vision of human character,” he said.
Nathan Wenz hangs from a tree as he watches the band during the first night of the annual Jazz in June program on Tuesday at Sheldon Sculpture Garden in Lincoln. “It’s awesome — we’ve been having a great time!” Wenz said of the event.
7-year-old Rhett Hespen, a Wolf Scout with Pack 223 out of Beatrice, climbs an indoor rock wall to retrieve his flag in an attempt to place it at a higher mark during a Scouting America 250 Celebration on Saturday at the Outdoor Education Center.
Nebraska's J'Shawn Unger (37) celebrates with Nebraska fans in the park after striking out the final batter to seal the Huskers' regional win against South Dakota State on Friday at Haymarket Park.
The cast performs during the Boever Backyard Plays' production of "The Lion King" on Wednesday at the Boever residence on Cross Creek Road in Lincoln. A cast of more than 60 homeschooled students and their friends are performing "The Lion King" in a south Lincoln backyard, and the public is invited to attend for free.
Lincoln Standing Bear’s Elsa Moran plays Grand Island Central Catholic’s Emily Ye (not pictured) in the No. 2 singles championship match at the Class B state meet Wednesday at Woods Tennis Center.
Megan Castor, a seasonal community science educator with the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, weighs trash hauled in during a Kayak Clean Up on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Holmes Lake in Lincoln.
Julie Koeneke, left, goes to give a ‘mom hug’ to Angela Gebhardt during the 2026 Star City Pride Parade on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Capitol.
Lexi Hartley performs on stilts as she walks in the 2026 Star City Pride Parade on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Capitol.
Phil Yoakum, dressed as President Donald Trump in a Christ-like outfit, protests a campaign event for Sen. Pete Ricketts outside the Country Club of Lincoln on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Chad Vanek waters plants at Campbell's Nurseries 40th Street location. Campbell's is closing the location Sunday. The nursery will still operate out of its location near South 56th Street and Pine Lake Road.
Ginny Landkamer, whose quilt marking the bicentennial took home the best-in-show prize at the Nebraska State Fair in 1976, still keeps the quilt at her home in east Lincoln. "I was totally surprised," Landkamer recalled about winning the prize.
Candace Walahoski, right, points out garden vegetables to Jackson Shea as they explore Ponca Health Services' new community greenhouse on Thursday at Ponca Health Services in Lincoln.
Independent candidate for U.S. Senate Dan Osborn delivers public remarks before submitting the petition signatures required for him to officially qualify for the ballot on Thursday at Cornhusker Office Plaza.
Sen. Ted Cruz embraces Sen. Pete Ricketts at a campaign event at the Country Club of Lincoln on Friday.
State Auditor Mike Foley found at least 12 public employees received WIC benefits despite relatively high incomes, citing eligibility loopholes and urging stronger oversight of Nebraska’s federally funded nutrition program.
A 6-year-old child who was in the backseat of a vehicle that was stolen Monday from outside a South Omaha daycare facility was found unharmed.
After hours of mystery, a heavy lion statue was returned to Piqued Curiosities Antiques after the store's neighbor found the creature in an unusual location.
Two brothers have been charged for allegedly selling mushrooms at a Lincoln smoke shop that may have led to a 17-year-old falling into a coma, court records show.
Hudl has booked more than 4,200 hotel nights in Lincoln as it hosts employees from around the globe.
From fan-caught foul balls counting as outs to dancing players and celebrity cameos, here's everything to know before Banana Ball comes to Haymarket Park and Memorial Stadium.
A hazardous device technician has been dispatched to the Goodwill.
On Tuesday, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and community representatives announced the creation of the James Valentine Scholarships, which will provide $35,000 to be split among three local artists.
Police say a motorcyclist was headed west on Nebraska Parkway and an SUV was going east, turning onto Eiger Drive, when the vehicles collided Tuesday night.
A 42-year-old Lincoln woman has been arrested after allegedly driving into a crowd Sunday morning, police say.
A storage unit owner contacted police Tuesday afternoon after finding a suspected methamphetamine lab in a unit in west Lincoln, police said.
Live Yes Studios in downtown Lincoln provides a space for adults with a range of intellectual and developmental disabilities to explore their creativity and connect with a community of artists.
A 56-year-old Lincoln woman has been charged after allegedly burning her roommate with an iron, court records show.
An Omaha man was sentenced to two years' probation after his 5-year-old son was shot by a gun that fell from the father's pocket as he slept.
A severe early morning storm in Lincoln caused a tree to fall on a house and trap one person, Lincoln Fire and Rescue said.
The Lincoln Electric System recently sold $299.73 million in bonds to help fund electric system upgrades and refinance existing debt at lower costs.
Organizers have suspended a statewide petition drive and are shifting focus to Lincoln.
Jayson Bach, 17, hated middle school lunches so much he taught himself to cook. Now, the Lincoln Southeast grad is working on a 100-dish concept restaurant.
In its June 18 meeting agenda, the University of Nebraska projected the need to make $8 million in cuts to balance its budget and invest in priorities next year.
Lincoln police have identified the 19-year-old motorcyclist killed in a crash Tuesday night. The investigation remains ongoing.
Looking for a place to join other World Cup fans? Here is a list of places across Lincoln.
Mardel Christian & Education, a company selling faith-based products including books, movies and gifts, will be closing their Lincoln location as part of a downsizing measure by the chain.
Goodwill, the thrift and donation center, is now open at 2920 Folkways Boulevard.
When completed, the western Lancaster County corridor following the Haines Branch of Salt Creek is expected to include 7,400 acres of prairie and a 14.5-mile multi-use trail.
A group called Advocates for All Nebraskans said Thursday it was petitioning on behalf of an ordinance that would require the city to have at least 450 police officers.
In a post on Facebook, Zipline announced it plans to "conclude its brewing operations, effective immediately."
A fatal crash near WarHorse Casino shut down part of U.S. 77 and caused major traffic delays.
Nebraska's highest court upheld Evan Mielak's conviction for first-degree sexual assault, rejecting an argument the victim had not actively expressed a lack of consent.
Looking for a place to join other World Cup fans? Here is a list of places across Lincoln.
The Lincoln Police Department has speed trailers to help with traffic enforcement throughout the city, and they can be requested by anyone who notices a concerning number of speeding vehicles.
Within ten minutes of Zipline Brewing Company's closure being announced Thursday, people were already lining up at The Still to pick up the brewery's beers.
The family-owned Lincoln garden center is closing its 40th Street nursery Sunday and will focus on its South 56th Street and Pine Lake Road business.
An 18-year-old Lincoln man has been charged for his alleged involvement in a masked robbery last year.
This year, Constantine Syniy is taking a whole new approach for his show as attendees are invited to venture outside of their cars and appreciate the lights up close.
Four roundabouts could be coming to West O Street if Lincoln secures a federal grant. The city says the project could prevent dozens of serious crashes.
The National Weather Service in Valley said large hail and wind gusts of up to 30 mph are the main concerns this evening.
LPD responded to an alleged assault with a baseball bat at 7:26 a.m. on Saturday. Police arrested a 48-year-old man.
A Nebraska Pick 5 ticket sold at a south Lincoln U-Stop matched all five numbers in Saturday's drawing, winning a $220,000 jackpot before taxes.
Three people have been arrested after allegedly fleeing officers following an overnight shooting that stemmed from an argument, police say.
Jayme Karash was taken to a nearby hospital after the collision, where she died from her injuries, according to the crash report.
The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas fell to $3.97 per gallon Monday in Lincoln, according to AAA.
A 21-year-old Lincoln man has been charged after allegedly threatening to stab people with a knife at a barbecue over the weekend, according to court records.
A 68-year-old Lincoln man has been charged after allegedly stabbing a woman with a fork and threatening to kill two children.
The fire started in the garage and spread into the attic, causing heavy smoke damage.
Lincoln ranks ninth according to a new study by WalletHub that compares what 148 of the largest U.S. cities deliver to residents versus what each takes via tax dollars.
An 84-year-old woman from Clarks has died of injuries she sustained in a crash May 22 in Lincoln at North 48th and R streets.
Lincoln and Lancaster County have reached a multimillion-dollar land agreement tied to two major downtown projects.
Andrew "Andy" Marr’s manner of death has been ruled an accident, with the immediate cause of death being due to acute methamphetamine toxicity.
For the first time, a federal tax credit scholarship program will allow parents to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition. The program could also benefit public schools, advocates say.
Independent congressional candidate Austin Ahlman spent nearly two hours answering questions from voters in Lincoln.
Not sure how to pick a ripe watermelon or cantalope? Experts share tips.
Omaha police are investigating three people who were killed and another person who was critically injured early Wednesday in two separate shootings.
A 34-year-old Lincoln man is set for sentencing in July after taking a plea deal for his role in a shooting outside a strip club that killed two men.
The Nebraska Lottery confirmed a winning ticket worth $70,000 was sold at Petromart in West Point, Nebraska.
Lincoln Children's Museum STEM campers visited a torn up stretch of 14th Street as part of a Project O Street field trip Wednesday with Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird.
Investigators believe the individual had forced his way through a window and into the bar before going to the ATM, which he then ripped out of the wall and stole.
Nebraska set a new record this year with 52 students earning a perfect 36 on the ACT. Eight were from Lincoln.
The Senate and House reached a deal on a bipartisan major housing reform bill after months of Republican infighting, clearing the way for Congress to move forward with the package.
Lincoln’s new central library has already surpassed its $18 million fundraising goal, with $21.3 million pledged toward the downtown project.
An 88-year-old woman was taken to a hospital after a southwest Lincoln crash on Wednesday, according to police.
DaVinci's, an Italian restaurant with four Lincoln locations is adding hot dogs to their menu.
"He ran a red light, and he drove through one of the busiest intersections in Lincoln at an estimated speed of 60 to 100 mph," the prosecutor said.
Lorex's attorney said the company appears to be caught up in Attorney General Mike Hilgers' "unhappiness with Dahua, a Chinese entity completely unrelated to Lorex."
Das Haus announced Wednesday night it will close after receiving an offer to sell the business. Its last day will be Sunday.
The attorney fabricated an email from a judge's bailiff, created a fake ruling and even an "Opinion" from the Court of Appeals "relating to the entirely fabricated case."
The high court said Ryan Schmuecker's own statements "supported findings that he understood the warrants’ commands to arrest the two individuals and ... chose not to execute the warrants."
In the 2026-27 fiscal year, the city of Lincoln will offer the police and fire unions, as well as non-union department leadership, $60,000 pension enhancements, which will go into effect in September.
A Lincoln man jailed for allegedly strangling a woman with a charger cord now is facing four more felonies after allegedly trying to arrange a man's beating from the jail.
A Pennsylvania man found guilty of child enticement for messaging a 14-year-old girl who turned out to be an officer has been sentenced to 45 to 50 years in prison.
Team Nebraska will have 33 athletes competing to take home the gold at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. The tournament runs from June 20-26 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
A woman says abuse by a Lincoln seminarian in 1993 shaped decades of her life. A renewed diocesan investigation ended with a $75,000 settlement.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department found West Nile virus in mosquitoes within the City of Lincoln. No human cases have been reported, but residents are advised to take precaution.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center named its next chancellor Thursday, as the NU Board of Regents formally elevated its pick of Dr. H. Dele Davies.
Lincoln Journal Star reporter Livia Ziskey took home top honors at the Hearst National Journalism Championship in San Francisco earlier this month.
The bill aims to make the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program more efficient and reduce application backlogs by allowing state agencies to hire contractors to handle application intake under certain conditions.
A north Lincoln intersection was closed following a car crash, police said.
A Seward mother-daughter duo has taken their home renovation skills to HGTV.
An 18-year-old Omaha man is due in court Tuesday after police say he fatally shot a 17-year-old and critically injured another person.
A 59-year-old Lincoln man was arrested after three vehicles were damaged by fire Monday morning, police said.
This article, the third in a series on the mayor's budget proposal for the two-year period beginning Sept. 1, will explore the proposed budgets for three infrastructure-related city departments.
After initially investigating a possible robbery at a south Lincoln gas station, police now believe the report was fabricated.
Lincoln's next budget is on the table. Now City Council members and residents have a chance to weigh in.
Here's where petition drives stand ahead of Nebraska's Thursday deadline to turn in signatures.
A rare little brown bat was captured in Cass County, marking eastern Nebraska’s first live sighting of the species since 2016.
Just after 12:15 p.m., officers with the Lincoln Police Department were sent to an injury crash at South 62nd Street and Normal Boulevard.
A political advocacy group has put billboards up in Nebraska as part of a $15 million campaign focused on how the Trump administration's policies are making life more expensive.
The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas fell to $3.76 per gallon Monday in Lincoln, according to AAA. That number is down 21 cents from a week ago and 66 cents lower than a month ago.
The budget proposal would increase the district's spending by nearly 5% but keep the property tax levy at $1.02 per $100 of valuation.
In the most recent reporting period, spanning from April 28 through June 16, Democratic nominee Lynne Walz raised just over $292,000 while Republican Gov. Jim Pillen raised roughly $167,000.
Four Lincoln East High School recent graduates placed as finalists at the National Speech and Debate Tournament last week, a competition that brings together more than 7,000 students.
Around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, the Lincoln Police Department said the 42-year-old had been located safely.
A 500-unit apartment building is coming to a 24-acre plot of land on Lincoln's east side.
In alignment with state law, Lincoln Public Schools is considering changing its policy to allow for suspensions of students in pre-kindergarten through second grade who engage in violent behavior.
The Tavern on the Square is removing its three courtyard trees, which have weakened over the years and could pose a safety hazard, the bar's owner said.
After Congress overwhelmingly passed the largest housing reform bill in decades, President Donald Trump said he will not sign it into law until lawmakers pass the SAVE America Act.
More than half of Lincoln's proposed biennial budget would go to police, fire and pension costs under Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird’s plan.
Bailey Zimmerman is still scheduled to headline Thursday at the Country Drive Music Fest despite facing charges tied to alleged hotel room damage.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen encouraged Nebraskans to call the property tax hotline and share information about increasing assessment values and property tax bills.
The ongoing driver shortage means some LPS students could be riding the bus for more than an hour and a half before and after school.
Three major crashes in a week, including one fatal, have prompted concerns about safety at a southwest Lincoln construction zone intersection.
The city of Lincoln is going after a businessman for not having permits for storage units on three properties in west Lincoln.
A 26-year-old Lincoln man has been charged after allegedly sending inappropriate messages to at least three children and having sexual contact with a 13-year-old.
A 25-year-old Lincoln man has been charged with felony theft by shoplifting after allegedly taking off with a $5,550 white gold and diamond bracelet at a downtown jewelry store Tuesday.
Lincoln's proposed budget includes trail upgrades, a new inclusive playground, library funding and public health investments. Here's what stands out.
A 20-year-old Lincoln man pleaded guilty to two charges for disposing of the knife used in the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in 2024 and lying to police.
Duncan Aviation unveiled their $60 million turbine engine overhaul shop expansion Thursday.
Here's a look at proposed budgets for the city's law, finance, human resources and information services departments.
The Nebraska Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal over the release of the state's sensitive voter registration data to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The Lincoln Police Department released results from a high-visibility traffic enforcement project conducted during the evenings of May 22-24 along O Street between 17th and 84th streets. Officers targeted dangerous driving, trespassing on private property and closed business lots, littering, excessive noise and alcohol-related violations.
The Nebraska Supreme Court dismissed an appeal filed by an enrolled student and prospective student at Southeast Community College's Lincoln campus seeking to challenge its proof of COVID-19 vaccination policy.
Tanja Gilbertson and Tanja's Tots had just gotten off a year of probation following a disciplinary action prompted by the death of a 5-month-old boy in her care in 2024.
A 33-year-old Bennington man will serve one year in jail after he crashed into and killed a 16-year-old Millard West High School student last year.
Local access to homes and businesses in the area will be maintained, but LTU does have a recommended detour.
A grand jury has found no criminal wrongdoing in its review of the deaths of six men in Lincoln last year.
It’s not immediately clear how many employees will be affected by the closure of the plant near 110th and I Streets in southwest Omaha.
A Lincoln man who was stabbed Friday afternoon was arrested over the weekend for allegedly strangling another person, police said.
A group seeking to place a new political party on Nebraska's 2026 ballot started gathering signatures in recent days to start the "Nebraska Working People Party." The move could impact close races.
LFR crews responded around 1 p.m. to a house fire at 858 S. 34th St. When they arrived, smoke could be seen billowing from a detached garage.
An 18-year-old Lincoln woman was injured after colliding with a deputy in southwest Lincoln last week.
Local retailers may take a big hit from Zipline Brewing Company's closure. Others think the craft brewing industry in Nebraska has never been stronger.
The winning ticket was bought at a Casey's.
Donate blood this week in Bennet to honor Alexis Calfee's legacy of helping others. Appointments are available through Nebraska Community Blood Bank.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Nebraska's Attorney General from enforcing sections of the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, set to go into effect July 1.
Republican Rep. Mike Flood said he expects the bipartisan housing reform bill to become law despite President Donald Trump's refusal to sign it into law until lawmakers pass election reform.
A fire ripped through a north Lincoln hotel Monday evening, destroying the building and displacing numerous guests, many of whom were making brief stays in Nebraska.
