Star City Daily

Lincoln's Morning Brief

Thursday, June 11, 2026

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Good morning, Lincoln. Today we're watching a railroad safety levy recommendation, morning storms, and Banana Ball traffic around the Haymarket and Memorial Stadium. Plus, quick hits and events below.

🌦️ High near 81 F, morning storms likely, then clearing and breezy with gusts near 33 mph.

Need To Know

Railroad safety board backs a zero levy

The Lincoln/Lancaster County Railroad Transportation Safety District board voted 3-2 this week to recommend setting its property-tax levy request at zero. The board oversees railroad-crossing safety priorities, including work tied to the 33rd and Cornhusker viaduct project.

The move followed discussion of the district's cash position after the viaduct project received a large federal grant. Nebraska Public Media reported the district had more than $54 million available and had spent only a small share of its current construction budget. If the recommendation holds through the budget process, Lancaster County property taxpayers would get at least a temporary break from that levy while the district sorts out future project needs.

Morning storms, windy afternoon

Lincoln's storm window carries into Thursday morning. The National Weather Service forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms likely before late morning, a high near 81 F, and north winds that could gust near 33 mph as cooler air moves in.

Local forecasts also flagged heavy rain and isolated severe potential early Thursday, then improving conditions by afternoon. Keep a way to receive warnings during the morning commute, and plan for a noticeably windier afternoon.

Banana Ball brings campus and Haymarket traffic changes

The Savannah Bananas play at Haymarket Park today, then return Saturday for a Memorial Stadium game. UNL says event setup will close Memorial Mall parking areas A and F03/D01 starting at 5 PM today, and Stadium Drive access restrictions begin this morning and are expected to continue through June 17.

That makes the next few days bigger than a normal ballpark crowd. If you park or drive near City Campus, the stadium, or the Haymarket, leave extra time and watch posted routes.

Read more: UNL, Lincoln.org, Lincoln.org.

Quick Hits

LPS pay proposals are headed for a June 23 vote, after the school board took first reading this week on substitute and miscellaneous pay rates, plus maintenance and office-professional agreements. Proposed increases vary by employee group and contract year. Agenda

LPD is investigating a fatal crash at Nebraska Parkway and Eiger Drive, where a 19-year-old motorcyclist died late Tuesday after a collision with an SUV. Police said drugs and alcohol aren't suspected and asked anyone with information to call 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers. City notice

Nebraskans affected by GS Labs COVID-19 testing practices may be eligible for restitution, after the attorney general announced a $4.87 million multistate settlement over alleged overcharges, administrative fees, and delayed test results. GS Labs denied the allegations in local reporting. Attorney General

Nebraska shortstop Dylan Carey was named a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, which honors the nation's top college shortstop. The winner is scheduled to be announced Saturday. Huskers

Parlor Doughnuts is planning a Lincoln shop, with the layered-doughnut chain expected to open near 70th Street and Pioneers Boulevard. Journal Star

Bright Spot

Lincoln's MusicBox Artist Development Program will offer $35,000 in James Valentine Scholarships, funded by the Maroon 5 guitarist and Lincoln native, for local musicians working through the program. Details

Events

Thursday, June 11

KZUM Stransky Park Concert Series features Swaul Pop and Birthday Girl at Stransky Park. Details: lincoln.org.

Thursday, June 11

Savannah Bananas bring Banana Ball to Haymarket Park against the Firefighters. Details: lincoln.org.

Thursday, June 11

Movies in the Park is scheduled at the F Street Community Center, with weather relocation handled by Parks and Recreation. Details: lincoln.ne.gov.

Friday-Sunday, June 12-14 Jun 12

Star City Pride's Rainbow Rewind weekend includes Pride in the Park at Woods Park and the Saturday parade around the Capitol. Details: lincoln.org, lincoln.org.

Saturday, June 13

Veterans Memorial Garden Brick Dedication recognizes new Bricks of Honor at Antelope Park. Details: lincoln.ne.gov.

Saturday, June 13

East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market opens its season with vendors and family activities on UNL's East Campus. Details: lincoln.org.

On This Day

On June 11, 2010, Big Ten presidents and chancellors unanimously approved Nebraska's move into the conference. UNL officially joined on July 1, 2011, tying the Huskers' athletics move to a broader academic alliance that still shapes the university's peer network.

Star City Daily
Lincoln's Morning Brief
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Star City Daily

Rail Levy Relief, Morning Storms, Banana Ball Traffic

Star City Daily

Need To Know

Railroad safety board backs a zero levy

Morning storms, windy afternoon

Banana Ball brings campus and Haymarket traffic changes

Quick Hits

Bright Spot

Events

On This Day

Downtown Projects Move Ahead

Hotel Fire and Windy Heat

Tuition Vote and Road Closures