Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of June.
Good morning, Lincoln.
Zeus, a 24-year-old bobcat at Lincoln Children’s Zoo, was humanely euthanized Thursday after arthritis impacted his movement.
He spent over 19 years at the zoo and was the oldest AZA-accredited bobcat.
Nebraska has joined the NASA Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team to bring local farm expertise into a national digital agriculture effort.
Roric Paulman from a west-central operation will work with UNL’s Digital Farming Lab (meeting occurs July 14-16 in College Park, Maryland).
Duncan Aviation unveiled its $60M turbine engine overhaul shop expansion on Thursday, June 25, boosting repair capabilities for aircraft (a key upgrade in the company’s local operations).
The project marks a strategic investment in enhanced maintenance services.
Lincoln Public Schools is facing a bus driver shortage that makes some student rides exceed an hour and a half before and after school.
School officials say the shortage continues as demand for routes remains high.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird introduced Land Phil as Lincoln’s new waste diversion ambassador to lead the Love Your Land Phil education campaign.
The program starts in July, using print ads, radio, social media, and community events (including classes) to teach recycling and reduce waste.
On Thursday, June 25, Capitol staff, judges and elected leaders gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to form a human flag in the state’s shape as a tribute for America’s 250th birthday (the photo will be sent to the Nebraska State Historical Society).
A University of Nebraska Lincoln study (released on June 25) found that fathers' nicotine use influences teen smoking and vaping habits, which may prompt public health campaigns to engage families in prevention.
Carl Bouges, 77, lost consciousness at Cappy's while enjoying a band performance but was saved by a bystander applying CPR (retired nurse April Barker) until EMTs arrived; he recovered after five days in treatment and completed his recovery program last week.
In Lincoln, Reynold Peterson shares his grief journey and now volunteers at Mourning Hope Grief Center to help men talk about mental health.
His work includes serving meals for support groups & encouraging others to overcome stigma as fall men's groups begin.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission approved the next step for a $90 million 11-story residential project at 11th and N streets in downtown, closing the chapter on the historic Gold’s Building.
Developers will refine plans for hundreds of new units as further reviews are scheduled.
Former Nebraska forward Rienk Mast signed an Exhibit 10 (training camp) contract with the Indiana Pacers.
The deal provides a one-year non-guaranteed minimum salary that may convert to a two-way contract and comes after he helped Nebraska reach the Sweet 16 last season.
Former Nebraska guard Sam Hoiberg signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Phoenix Suns, making him the first Lincolnite to join the NBA team since Alex Stivrins in the 1992-93 season.
He confirmed his signing on social media Wednesday night.
Lincoln Summer Sizzle Craft & Vendor Market
11 a.m.-8 p.m. & 12-6 p.m. — Gateway Mall — Free entry — A vibrant market featuring local vendors with unique finds, handmade goods, and summer treats.
Sean Paul Concert
6-9 p.m. — The Ice Box — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of Sean Paul live in Lincoln.
Summer Music Series: Chris Sayre
2-4 p.m. — James Arthur Vineyards — Free admission — Enjoy live music by singer-songwriter Chris Sayre with wine ice cream available for purchase.
Summer Golf Clinic for Kids
4:30-5:30 p.m. — YMCA Youth Sports Administrative Office — $15 late fee after June 22 — Enhance your golf skills in this engaging clinic for grades K-8.
Carriker Chronicles Youth Football Camp 2026
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Lincoln Youth Football (LYF) League, Inc. — Registration fee required — Experience elite coaching from former NFL players and learn valuable football skills.
ZooFest 2026
5-11 p.m. — Zoo Bar — $35 daily or $60 weekend pass — Celebrate 53 years of The Zoo Bar with a vibrant outdoor music festival featuring an array of talented artists.
David von Kampen Choirs Performance
7-9 p.m. — Prairie Pines Nature Preserve — Free entry — Experience the enchanting jazz harmonies of award-winning composer David von Kampen and his choirs in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Youth Child Watch at Fallbrook YMCA
1-5 p.m. — Fallbrook YMCA — Registration not yet open — Reserve child watch slots for ages 12 months to 10 years at your convenience.
Dude Perfect: Squad Games Tour
7 p.m. — Pinnacle Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Dude Perfect live in a fun-filled games tour.
Boondox Band at Friday Nights Live
6:30-8:30 p.m. — SouthPointe Pavilions — Free entry — Experience an evening of diverse live music under the summer skies.
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