Lincoln News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Nebraska’s DOT is set to overhaul U.S. Highway 77 through Beatrice with a new Big Blue River bridge and redesigned interchange—but don’t expect crews anytime soon. Originally planned for 2028, the project’s timeline has shifted, with bidding targeted for 2025 and construction likely starting 2026 at the earliest. After reconsidering safety and traffic flow, the state’s plan now keeps the interchan...

Downtown Lincoln transforms into a music mecca this weekend as Zoofest celebrates Zoo Bar’s 53rd anniversary with a massive street festival on 14th Street, July 9–12. The vibe peaks Friday and Saturday with top acts like The Iquanas, Vanessa Collier, the Texas Blues Guitar Summit, and headliner Sugaray Rayford. Tickets start at $10 after 10 p.m., $35 for one day, or $60 for two days—no refunds, so...

Lincoln Fire and Rescue is launching “Sound Off Saturdays” — a bold, door-to-door smoke alarm check campaign tied to America 250 — to save lives by ensuring every home has a working alarm, especially at night when fires are deadliest. With all 16 stations mobilized, firefighters and volunteers will visit single-family homes, test alarms, and hand out free 10-year lithium batteries. Residents will...

Lincoln’s family-friendly workplace movement just hit a major milestone—51 certified employers now support working parents with flexible hours, paid parental leave, and childcare aid, proving that family-first policies aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential for a thriving workforce and community. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise...

Scottsbluff’s Avenue I is getting a temporary shutdown starting Thursday, July ninth, between West 17th and West 18th Streets—due to a busted water main needing urgent repairs. Drivers, brace for detours and plan ahead; this short-term fix is for the greater good of keeping water flowing right. The city’s warning early to help you avoid the hassle. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillo...

Cash App faces a $45 million nationwide settlement after failing to protect users from fraud—many relied on it as their main bank, even for direct deposits, while scammers exploited weak security and poor customer service, with Nebraska set to receive nearly $400K as part of the 46-state agreement. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on...

Gail Chapman’s Raggedy Ann and Andy doll collection, born from a 1976 bicentennial nursery theme, has blossomed into a living history museum—complete with her own “doll hospital” for restoring vintage treasures. From Depression-era survivors to White House visitors like Caroline Kennedy, these simple ragdolls carry deep American roots. Her granddaughters helped catalog the growing trove, now worth...

Lincoln Crime Stoppers needs your help identifying two suspects: a white male in a striped orange-salmon shirt who hit and ran from a Menards parking lot on June 5th, and a woman who stole 24 pounds of tomatoes at a Walmart on April 28th—caught red-handed when the cashier stepped away. Both cases are still open, and tips could lead to arrests. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: ht...

Discover how women reshaped America’s frontier—thanks to the Homestead Act. Professor Emeritus Robert Cherny, a leading historian of Western and women’s history, reveals how single women and formerly enslaved people claimed land, gaining unprecedented independence. Join him at the Beatrice Public Library this Wednesday at 5:30 PM for an eye-opening dive into overlooked history. Seats are limited—R...

Fire at Downtown Recycling | Lincoln News

A woman in downtown Lincoln was violently attacked and robbed around 3 PM near 12th and E Streets—struck in the head and had her phone stolen. Police are urgently seeking witnesses or tips to identify and apprehend the suspect, emphasizing that even small details matter. Community safety is top priority as authorities work to resolve this alarming incident quickly. Listen in comfort: Get a discoun...

A 41-year-old man, Matthew Bishop, was found unconscious on a roadside after taking a smoke break from his D&D game—now critically injured on a ventilator. Two 23-year-olds, Jesus Reyes and Angel Vega, have been arrested and charged with first-degree assault. Authorities are urgently seeking witnesses as the case could escalate to murder if Bishop doesn’t survive. His family, already reeling, is a...

Dodge County Sheriff Dustin Weitzel has resigned after pleading guilty to wire fraud, admitting to siphoning $45,500 from a police lodge account into his personal accounts — money he later returned most of. Facing reelection this fall and running unopposed, his resignation dramatically shifts the political landscape for the office. As part of his plea deal, he’ll forfeit his law enforcement certif...

Get ready to gear up for back-to-school with Raising Cane’s and 10/11 teaming up for a supply drive—drop off new school essentials at any Lincoln location through July 31st. Your donations, from pencils and glue sticks to headphones and hygiene items, will go straight to the Lincoln Community Learning Centers to support students who need them most. Make a difference before the bell rings. Listen i...

Grand Island police arrest two suspects in brutal downtown assault that left victim in critical condition—video footage captures the attack, and charges are pending as authorities urge witnesses to come forward. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public...

Nebraska just launched a groundbreaking Workforce Pell Grant Program, starting at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha — the first of its kind nationwide. In as little as eight to fifteen weeks, eligible learners with just a high school diploma or GED can gain in-demand technical skills and land high-paying jobs. The program expands to six more community colleges and complements the state’s “Go...

The Stuhr Museum’s United We Celebrate Festival drew over 3,500 visitors, smashing attendance records since 2015—thanks to free admission after 8 PM and a lineup of lively activities like pie-eating contests and historical reenactments. Despite a weather delay that pushed back the fireworks, the dazzling 15-minute finale capped off a day that celebrated local heritage and community spirit, proving...

Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Commission faced fiery public backlash during a hearing on emergency rules—patients and advocates demanded access, not barriers, insisting the proposals ignore what voters actually approved. A new bill, LB1235, seeks to unify two voter-passed laws for clearer regulations, while cultivators prepare for their first crops this summer—hinging on whether regulators will prio...

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are flaring again over the Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump declaring any ceasefire dead and the U.S. finally acknowledging an Iranian attack — a move that’s sparked debate over who’s really escalating. Whistleblowers question the U.S. claims, suggesting Iran’s actions are retaliation for American moves. Since June, Iran has been responding to U.S. activity...

Weather’s turning wild with showers and thunderstorms brewing late today and tonight—some could be severe with large hail and damaging winds on the horizon. A front shifts winds and brings breezy conditions, with highs pushing into the 80s and 90s. Rain returns Thursday, especially in western and northern areas plus southern Nebraska, with another chance Friday. Tornado risk? Low. But officials ar...

Severe storms are barreling in tonight and into Thursday, packing 60-75 mph winds and hail the size of ping pong balls—with flooding possible. The worst hits southeast Nebraska and south of I-80, starting around 7 PM with isolated storms, escalating between 9-11 PM. Heavy rain could dump 1-2 inches south and east of the tri-cities by midnight. After a scorcher today, temps will cool—but next week’...

Twenty-four high schoolers graduated from Kearney’s Youth Citizen Police Academy after a five-week crash course in real police work—traffic stops, investigations, SWAT tactics, self-defense, K-9 units, and even pepper spray hands-on. Designed to demystify law enforcement and build trust, the program gave teens a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and grit behind the badge, sparking interest...

A massive fish kill has devastated Timber Point Wildlife Management Area near Brainard, wiping out every species in the lake — and even impacting spotted owls. Experts from Game and Parks and Hall County DNR are investigating, suspecting heavy rain and water condition shifts triggered the ecological disaster. More assessments are planned as officials work to understand the cause and restore the ec...