Star City Daily
Lincoln's Morning Brief
Monday, May 18, 2026
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Good morning, Lincoln. Today we're watching the start of the downtown O Street closure, a rainy Monday forecast, and Nebraska softball's next postseason step at Bowlin Stadium. Plus, quick hits and events below.
🌧️ High near 73 F, cloudy with showers and thunderstorms, northeast gusts near 20 mph.
Need To Know
Downtown O Street closure starts today
O Street between 13th and 16th streets is scheduled to close today for water main replacement and Black Hills Energy utility work, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities announced. The closure is part of Project O Street and is expected to stay in place until fall 2026, weather permitting.
LTU lists recommended detours using Antelope Valley Parkway, L Street, K Street, P Street, Q Street, Ninth Street, and 10th Street. South Lincoln also gets new work today: 17th Street from Sumner to Garfield streets closes for lead service line replacement, and Van Dorn Street from SW 27th Street to Fairview Lane has an eastbound lane closure with flagging. Build in extra time downtown and around south Lincoln work zones this week.
Read more: City of Lincoln, street closure notice.
Rain and thunderstorms stay in Monday's forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for Lincoln calls for showers and thunderstorms today, with an 80% precipitation chance and a high near 73 F. The forecast keeps rain and storms around tonight, when some storms could produce heavy rain and new rainfall amounts may reach 1 to 2 inches.
The day looks cooler than last week's heat, but it is still a weather-planning day for school pickup, evening errands, and low-lying streets that collect water quickly. Keep an eye on updated forecasts if you're out after work.
Read more: National Weather Service.
Nebraska softball moves on to Super Regionals
Nebraska softball beat Grand Canyon 1-0 Sunday at Bowlin Stadium to advance to the NCAA Super Regionals for the second straight season, Nebraska Athletics said. Alexis Jensen and Jordy Frahm combined on a one-hit shutout, and the Huskers improved to 49-6.
The bigger local note is what's next: Nebraska will host its first Super Regional in program history next weekend against No. 13 seed Oklahoma State. Dates, times, and TV information were still pending after Sunday's game, so fans should watch for updated Bowlin Stadium details this week.
Read more: Huskers.
Quick Hits
Pioneers Park's north entrance closes today from West Van Dorn Street for utility maintenance through Thursday, with visitors directed to the east entrance on South Coddington Avenue. Details
Plan Forward has a Tuesday open house at the Lincoln Commercial Club as the city and county update the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, Long Range Transportation Plan, and Lincoln Mobility Plan. A virtual open house runs through June 7. Details
Aging Partners is collecting new electric fans for older adults in Lincoln and nearby counties as summer heat approaches. The city says new boxed fans and financial contributions are accepted at Aging Partners. More
Public Works Week runs through Friday with LTU highlighting the crews that maintain streets, sidewalks, transit, water, wastewater, stormwater, and landfill services. More
Nebraska baseball earned the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, which runs Tuesday-Sunday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. The Huskers open Friday against an opponent to be decided Thursday. Details
Give to Lincoln Day giving is open ahead of the May 28 community giving day, with Lincoln Community Foundation listing a $650,000 challenge match fund for participating nonprofits. Details
Events
Monday, May 18
City Council meets in regular session at the County/City Building, with the meeting scheduled for the evening slot. Details: lincoln.ne.gov.
Tuesday, May 19
Plan Forward holds an in-person public open house at the Lincoln Commercial Club for the 2050 comprehensive planning update. Details: lincoln.ne.gov.
Wednesday, May 20
Rain Barrel Class at SCC Continuing Education Center covers rainwater harvesting and rain barrel setup for yards and gardens. Details: lincoln.ne.gov.
Wednesday, May 20
Southeast District Townhall meets at Gere Library Meeting Room for residents who want a district-level council touchpoint. Details: lincoln.ne.gov.
Saturday, May 23
Haymarket Farmers' Market continues its spring season with produce, baked goods, honey, flowers, plants, herbs, and handmade items near 7th and P streets. Details: downtownlincoln.org.
On This Day
On May 18, 1938, Nebraska was preparing for National Air Mail Week, a statewide effort that ultimately sent special airmail through hub cities including Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and North Platte. History Nebraska says the May 1938 flights carried 3,937 pounds of letters across the state.
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