Good Day
Lincoln
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Lincoln. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lincoln businesses gathered Thursday night at a free block party on O Street as the city supported ongoing construction with live music and vendors. The project, now ahead of schedule, will complete in fall and boost community spirit + local pride. Nebraska Now
- ➤ Cortland neighbors have raised concerns over odor as a local poultry facility expands operations, pushing for a tree barrier to reduce smells and protect property values. The expansion includes adding eight new barns and has sparked debate over natural buffers and water use. Nebraska Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern filed an amended merger application with the Surface Transportation Board on Thursday to include 300 job projections and updated traffic data for a transcontinental rail plan. Nebraska Governor Pillen and local leaders praise the proposal for its potential to boost rail efficiency + help farmers. KOLN
- ➤ Runza Restaurants launches a limited-release Runza-flavored ice cream today at 14 locations in Lincoln, developed by UNL’s April Johnson at the Food Processing Center, which used cabbage powder and dough pieces to recreate the sandwich’s spices + texture for a unique twist on the state favorite. KNOP
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Public Art Lincoln is hosting its inaugural Public Art Lincoln Stroll next month. The free one-mile sculpture walk takes place on May 16 at Union Plaza (maps will be available at the Jayne Snyder Trails Center) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. KOLN
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ National projections show summer cooling bills will rise to $778, with Midwestern households, including those in Lincoln, expecting a $30 increase due to warmer temperatures and higher electric prices. Energy assistance directors say families may need more help coping with rising energy costs+ budgets are squeezed. Nebraska Examiner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska Task Force 1 conducted a large-scale training exercise on Thursday in Lincoln to practice stabilizing structures and reaching trapped victims in potential disasters. The team, joined by Colorado Task Force 1, used concrete breakers & saws to improve emergency rescue techniques. KNOP
- ➤ Effective today, Nebraska's new Medicaid work rules require 80 hours of work, school or volunteering, and up to 40,000 residents risk losing coverage if they do not meet the quota unless medically frail. The state mailed notices and updated its website to help people understand the change. KNOP
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, Lincoln health officials highlighted free naloxone through HealthToGo vending machines after wastewater testing+data showed a slight uptick in fentanyl detections despite a decline in fatal overdoses. Officials urged residents to remain cautious of illicit opioids to help prevent overdoses. KFOR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After 27 years with the Lincoln Saltdogs, President Charlie Meyer announced his retirement effective immediately on Thursday, April 30 — his leadership saw the team reach two Wolff Cup Finals and capture a championship in 2009. The team will host its season home opener on Friday, May 15 at 7:05 p.m. Nebraska Now
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Spineshank Live Concert
6-8 p.m. — Bourbon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying sounds of the iconic industrial rock band Spineshank.
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Deorro's Cinco de Mayo Celebration
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM — The Royal Grove — GA from $10 — Dance the night away with Deorro's high-energy set blending electronic and Latin influences.
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Gospel Brunch with The Waymaker Trio
12-2 p.m. — James Arthur Vineyards — Free admission — Enjoy uplifting gospel music by The Waymaker Trio on the outdoor stage with food available on-site.
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Engage FLEX Lincoln: Strategic Partnership Intensive
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Lux Center For the Arts — Free entry — Enhance your arts organization’s capacity with expert-led strategic partnership workshops.
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Parents Night Out at Copple Family YMCA
6-10 p.m. — Copple Family YMCA — Cost info not provided — Kids enjoy supervised activities while parents take a break for dinner or relaxation.
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DAME MAS GAS Lincoln
8:00-11:59 PM — The Royal Grove — Limited capacity — Experience a fusion of Reggaeton and Electronic Music with an Old School vs. New School showdown.
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Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Lied Center for Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience a night of classic hits with the legendary Peter Noone.
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Brantley Gilbert Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Pinewood Bowl Theater — Tickets from $70 — Enjoy an evening with Brantley Gilbert in Lincoln's scenic outdoor venue.
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2026 Nonprofit Games
6-9 p.m. — Talon Room — $50,000 goal for a silent auction — Engage in fun competitions while supporting local nonprofits at this energetic fundraising event.
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Karaoke Night
9 p.m. — Bourbon Theatre — Free for 21+, $5 for under 21 — Come sing and be merry with secret prizes throughout the night.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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