Good morning, Lincoln.

Community Connections raised awareness of the link between mental health and substance abuse during Men's Mental Health Awareness Month — the initiative focused on informing local residents about these related issues.

A recent study by Civic Nebraska shows that 40.3% of residents volunteered, placing Nebraska 3rd in the nation, while donations dropped by 22% in rural areas and 13% in urban areas—nonprofit leaders say this shift stresses the growing importance of time over money in community support.

An early Wednesday accident in downtown Lincoln near 13th and O Street left a 40-year-old pedestrian critically injured after she was struck at about 12:30 a.m. by a white 2017 BMW driven by a 20-year-old local man—police said the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk when traffic signals were green and the case remains under investigation.

Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol are asking the public for help with two unsolved cases—one involving Linda Dillard, seen on June 16 in rural Table Rock, and the other involving Hai Nguyen, whose homicide near Beaver Crossing remains open since his body was found on June 25, 2014.

Lincoln's prison system still uses double bunking to handle overcrowding, a practice linked to several inmate deaths such as Kevin Carter’s in 2020.

Lawmaker Ashlei Spivey introduced LB99 to let inmates choose cell sharing—yet the bill remains stuck in committee.

On Wednesday, Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley reported that state-owned vehicles were misused for personal errands — including trips to retail outlets, family locations, and for side business purposes — as a test sample showed nearly one-third of the vehicles had incomplete or unauthorized travel logs. Foley said violators of the law could face misdemeanor charges and agencies plan to tighten oversight of vehicle usage.

The Lincoln Sports Foundation announced plans for a $1.2 million upgrade to its indoor athletic facility’s south half—adding six new hardwood basketball courts, ceiling-suspended systems, and court divider curtains while reconfiguring the space to boost volleyball capacity from six to 10. Construction will begin in early August and finish by Nov. 1—during which the courts will remain closed to the public.

Lincoln Men's & Senior City Amateur Golf Tournament

54-hole stroke play event — Fri, Jun 27 – Sun, Jun 29 — Holmes Lake Park Golf Course — U.S.G.A. handicap required for entry — Compete for local honors in a spirited golf tournament.

Teen Night at Northeast YMCA

10:30 p.m. — Northeast YMCA — Free entry — Enjoy a night of basketball, swimming, and games with friends and community resources.

YOUTH Child Watch at Cooper YMCA

June 30 – July 5 — Cooper YMCA — Reservations required — Child Watch service for ages 18 months to 10 years available for the week.

Open Coffee at Crescent Moon

8-9:30 a.m. — Crescent Moon Coffee — Free entry — Connect over coffee with local entrepreneurs and share insights in a casual setting.

Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

8-10 p.m. — Ashland Football Field — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, parachute jumping, and fun for the whole family.

Pickle Party at The Royal Grove

8 PM – 2 AM — The Royal Grove — General Admission: $25, VIP Admission: $40 — Experience bold beats and deep bass at a night built for the dance floor.

Acoustic Friday at Saro Cider

5:30-7:30 p.m. — SARO Cider — Happy hour specials — Enjoy live music in a cozy atmosphere perfect for date night or gathering with friends.

Lincoln Saltdogs vs. Sioux City Explorers

7:05-11:05 p.m. — Haymarket Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling baseball matchup between Lincoln Saltdogs and Sioux City Explorers at home.

Present Future

6-11 p.m. — Bourbon Theatre — Tickets starting at $27.24 — Engage in an evening filled with entertainment at this all-ages event.

Summer Camp Volleyball for Grades 2-4

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM — YMCA Youth Sports Administrative Office — Registration required — Perfect way for young athletes to learn volleyball skills in a fun environment.