It is a weird, windy Sunday in the Star City. Honestly, if you’re looking for the latest news Lincoln NE has to offer today, January 18, 2026, you probably just want to know if you should batten down the hatches. The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory this morning that’s sticking around until 7 p.m. We're talking 50 mph gusts. That is enough to turn your neighbor's patio umbrella into a low-orbit satellite.
But there’s a lot more moving in Lincoln than just the trash cans. From a sudden halt on a major downtown renovation to some surprisingly high-tech vending machines, the city is in a strange state of flux right now.
The Project O Street Mess: Why Everything Just Stopped
If you’ve driven downtown lately, you know the "orange barrel blues" are a lifestyle. But here is the thing people are getting wrong: that massive Project O Street overhaul? It just hit a massive snag.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) folks just announced they are rebidding the whole construction contract. Basically, the initial bidding process was a total muddle. It caused enough confusion among contractors that the city decided to scrap the current solicitation and start over.
"We want to make sure we get this right the first time," is the vibe coming from City Hall.
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But for you? It means those aging water mains and resurfaced sidewalks between 9th and 16th streets might be delayed even further. The plan was to have Phase 1 (the east end) moving by late fall 2025 into 2026. Now, we're watching the calendar.
Vending Machines for... Health?
This is actually pretty cool. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) just finished installing four "HealthToGo" vending machines across town.
No, they don't sell Cheetos. They give out free health, hygiene, and safety supplies. It’s part of a push to lower barriers for people who might be struggling to get basic necessities. You'll find them scattered in high-traffic spots, and honestly, it’s the kind of practical news Lincoln usually does well.
Traffic and the 27th Street Headache
If your commute takes you down 27th Street, listen up. There is a huge open house coming on January 29. LTU wants to talk about improvements to the stretch between Nebraska Parkway and South Street. This is a $5.4 million project funded by Lincoln on the Move.
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Expect to see:
- New pavement (finally).
- Possible water main replacements.
- Better sidewalk connectivity.
If you hate how that road feels like a washboard, you should probably show up and give them a piece of your mind.
The Tragic Update on Pioneers Boulevard
It’s not all construction and wind. There’s a sadder note in the latest news Lincoln NE community is processing. The Lincoln Police Department recently confirmed that Jody Lund, a 56-year-old pedestrian hit on Christmas Eve near Pioneers and Nebraska Parkway, has passed away.
The 23-year-old driver is now facing potential Motor Vehicle Homicide charges. It’s a sobering reminder that our "growing pains" in Lincoln often lead to dangerous intersections. The LPD is still investigating, but it has reignited the conversation about pedestrian safety in South Lincoln.
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Rock Swaps and Husker Hype
Okay, let’s pivot to something a bit lighter for your Sunday. If you’re bored and want to hide from the wind, the 2026 Mid-Winter Rock Swap is happening right now (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Lincoln Firefighter’s Reception Hall on Victory Lane. It’s three bucks for adults. Kids are free. If you like fossils or jewelry, it’s a solid way to kill an afternoon.
Also, can we talk about the Huskers? Nebraska Men’s Basketball is currently ranked #8 in the country. They’re 16-0. They just took down Oregon a few days ago after being down by 16 points. The city is buzzing. It matches the highest ranking the school has had since the mid-60s.
What’s Next: Actionable Steps for Lincolnites
Lincoln is changing fast. If you want to keep your head on straight, here is what you actually need to do this week:
- Watch the Wind: Seriously, it’s going to get bitter cold by Monday. Wind chills will hit -20°F. If you have outdoor pets or exposed pipes, deal with them today.
- Avoid Eighth Street: On Tuesday, January 20, Eighth Street between O and P will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a private crane. Don't get stuck in that loop.
- Wilderness Park Warning: If you’re a hiker, parts of Wilderness Park are closed until noon daily for forestry maintenance. Don’t jump the barricades; they’re dropping trees.
- Summer Camp Prep: If you have kids, mark January 26 on your calendar. That’s when Parks and Rec opens registration for summer camps. These things fill up faster than a Starbucks on a Monday morning.
Lincoln might be a "big small town," but the pace of 2026 is already feeling pretty frantic. Keep an eye on those LTU project rebids—how we handle O Street will define downtown for the next decade.