Neal Franklin
@nealhfranklin.bsky.social
Business Reporter at the Lincoln Journal Star. Story ideas: [email protected]
Business is: restaurants, manufacturing, tech, jobs, aviation, health, vice, ag and economics
Business is: restaurants, manufacturing, tech, jobs, aviation, health, vice, ag and economics
Pinned
What's going up? Here's where construction projects stand in Lincoln
A hotel, apartments, an art studio expansion and a potential franchise restaurant are among the buildings rising up across Lincoln.
journalstar.com
I wrote a roundup of some of Lincoln's most visible construction projects for people like me who always wonder what's going up there?
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Reposted by Neal Franklin
Viola Fletcher's death leaves Lessie Randle, 110, as the last known massacre survivor.
1921 Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Viola Fletcher dies at 111
Viola Fletcher's death leaves Lessie Randle, 110, as the last known massacre survivor.
journalstar.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Viola Fletcher's death leaves Lessie Randle, 110, as the last known massacre survivor.
Reposted by Neal Franklin
A superseding indictment was unsealed Monday, adding charges against Dan Thomas and Shane Zywiec and five pages of detailed allegations.
New details emerge in strip club, Nebraska Liquor Control Commission probe
A superseding indictment was unsealed Monday, adding charges against Dan Thomas and Shane Zywiec and five pages of detailed allegations.
journalstar.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:05 AM
A superseding indictment was unsealed Monday, adding charges against Dan Thomas and Shane Zywiec and five pages of detailed allegations.
It's hard to drive more than a mile in Lincoln without seeing a bank. And that's on purpose.
Banks in Lincoln are trying to keep up with expanding areas of the city. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Banks in Lincoln are trying to keep up with expanding areas of the city. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Chase, Union Bank expanding to meet Lincoln's growth, reach new areas of city
Chase Bank opened a new Lincoln branch last week near 27th and Superior streets, while Union Bank filed a building permit for a new location in south Lincoln.
journalstar.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:32 PM
It's hard to drive more than a mile in Lincoln without seeing a bank. And that's on purpose.
Banks in Lincoln are trying to keep up with expanding areas of the city. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Banks in Lincoln are trying to keep up with expanding areas of the city. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
ICYMI: A Tyson plant is closing, causing 3,212 people to lose their jobs in a town of just over 10,000 people.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Large meatpacker Tyson Foods to close Lexington plant in western Nebraska
Tyson Foods announced Friday that it plans to close its Lexington plant as part of "network changes designed to right size its beef business and position it for long-term success."
journalstar.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:36 PM
ICYMI: A Tyson plant is closing, causing 3,212 people to lose their jobs in a town of just over 10,000 people.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Reposted by Neal Franklin
Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, has died at 111 years old. https://cnn.it/4psWqNX
November 24, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, has died at 111 years old. https://cnn.it/4psWqNX
We could talk about how Nebraska air travel is mostly back to normal. Or that gas prices are about $2.77 on average in Lincoln heading into Thanksgiving.
Or we could talk about this photo from Ken Ferriera.
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Or we could talk about this photo from Ken Ferriera.
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Nebraskans expected to travel in record numbers for Thanksgiving, AAA says
AAA is projecting that about 81.8 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving, an increase of about 1.6 million travelers from last year.
journalstar.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:54 PM
We could talk about how Nebraska air travel is mostly back to normal. Or that gas prices are about $2.77 on average in Lincoln heading into Thanksgiving.
Or we could talk about this photo from Ken Ferriera.
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Or we could talk about this photo from Ken Ferriera.
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
When SNAP benefits were put on hold, restaurants became community tables and businesses held food drives.
Muchachos, Birria Boss, Sower Books, Screamers and others helped the Lincoln community when food benefits weren't available. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Muchachos, Birria Boss, Sower Books, Screamers and others helped the Lincoln community when food benefits weren't available. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Lincoln businesses count meal programs as successes as SNAP benefits restart
As Nebraskans once again receive SNAP benefits, Lincoln restaurants and businesses are setting end dates for their meal programs and are reflecting on their efforts.
journalstar.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM
When SNAP benefits were put on hold, restaurants became community tables and businesses held food drives.
Muchachos, Birria Boss, Sower Books, Screamers and others helped the Lincoln community when food benefits weren't available. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Muchachos, Birria Boss, Sower Books, Screamers and others helped the Lincoln community when food benefits weren't available. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
TMCO is investing in the South Salt Creek neighborhood in a new way.
The metal manufacturer bought the former Urban Trail Garden Center and is converting it to a outdoor learning space and renting greenhouse space to the parks department. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
The metal manufacturer bought the former Urban Trail Garden Center and is converting it to a outdoor learning space and renting greenhouse space to the parks department. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
TMCO expands roots in South Salt Creek area with garden center purchase
A garden center in the South Salt Creek neighborhood is entering a phase of change after being bought by a nearby manufacturer with plans to invest in the neighborhood.
journalstar.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:23 PM
TMCO is investing in the South Salt Creek neighborhood in a new way.
The metal manufacturer bought the former Urban Trail Garden Center and is converting it to a outdoor learning space and renting greenhouse space to the parks department. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
The metal manufacturer bought the former Urban Trail Garden Center and is converting it to a outdoor learning space and renting greenhouse space to the parks department. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Lincoln ranked #1 on a DoorDash "cheeseburger index" ranking.
The delivery service's new report mentioned Lincoln twice on affordability and restaurant stability rankings. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
The delivery service's new report mentioned Lincoln twice on affordability and restaurant stability rankings. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Cheeseburger in paradise! Lincoln flips competition with burger cost, study says
Lincoln topped, not one, but two rankings when DoorDash released its first ever State of Local Commerce Report which monitors the affordability of daily items and the restaurant industry.
journalstar.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Lincoln ranked #1 on a DoorDash "cheeseburger index" ranking.
The delivery service's new report mentioned Lincoln twice on affordability and restaurant stability rankings. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
The delivery service's new report mentioned Lincoln twice on affordability and restaurant stability rankings. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Ali Baba Gyros is coming to a place that has fascinated my family, who live in the Indian Village area, in Lincoln for years.
A bank that became a CBD shop is becoming a Mediterranean restaurant. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
A bank that became a CBD shop is becoming a Mediterranean restaurant. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Indian Village getting new restaurant in early 2026
Ali Baba Gyros will be opening a location near the corner of 13th and Arapahoe streets in 2026.
journalstar.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Ali Baba Gyros is coming to a place that has fascinated my family, who live in the Indian Village area, in Lincoln for years.
A bank that became a CBD shop is becoming a Mediterranean restaurant. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
A bank that became a CBD shop is becoming a Mediterranean restaurant. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
A significant part of my week has been devoted to covering empty Burger Kings and what comes next. There's more Lincoln Burger King news than you would think.
Here's the latest on the restaurants being demolished and coming back in #LNK:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Here's the latest on the restaurants being demolished and coming back in #LNK:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Another Burger King bites the dust in Lincoln. Here's what is replacing it.
A Burger King site that was located at 1448 N. 48th St. is set to become a gasoline station.
journalstar.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 PM
A significant part of my week has been devoted to covering empty Burger Kings and what comes next. There's more Lincoln Burger King news than you would think.
Here's the latest on the restaurants being demolished and coming back in #LNK:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Here's the latest on the restaurants being demolished and coming back in #LNK:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
This NYT story mentions Sower Books in Lincoln and Magic City Books in Tulsa (my hometown).
Book stores across the country set themselves up as food banks for people impacted by the government shutdown.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/b...
Book stores across the country set themselves up as food banks for people impacted by the government shutdown.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/b...
To Help SNAP Recipients, Bookstores Set Up as Food Banks
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:54 PM
This NYT story mentions Sower Books in Lincoln and Magic City Books in Tulsa (my hometown).
Book stores across the country set themselves up as food banks for people impacted by the government shutdown.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/b...
Book stores across the country set themselves up as food banks for people impacted by the government shutdown.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/b...
I wrote a roundup of some of Lincoln's most visible construction projects for people like me who always wonder what's going up there?
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
What's going up? Here's where construction projects stand in Lincoln
A hotel, apartments, an art studio expansion and a potential franchise restaurant are among the buildings rising up across Lincoln.
journalstar.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:07 PM
I wrote a roundup of some of Lincoln's most visible construction projects for people like me who always wonder what's going up there?
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
I'm working to track canceled flights to and from Nebraska airports. They include:
* United 1778, Friday 8:50 a.m., Chicago (ORD) to Omaha
* American 3673, Friday 9:21 a.m., Omaha to Chicago (ORD)
* United 5831, Friday 9:40 a.m., Denver to Lincoln
* United 1778, Friday 8:50 a.m., Chicago (ORD) to Omaha
* American 3673, Friday 9:21 a.m., Omaha to Chicago (ORD)
* United 5831, Friday 9:40 a.m., Denver to Lincoln
November 7, 2025 at 6:01 PM
I'm working to track canceled flights to and from Nebraska airports. They include:
* United 1778, Friday 8:50 a.m., Chicago (ORD) to Omaha
* American 3673, Friday 9:21 a.m., Omaha to Chicago (ORD)
* United 5831, Friday 9:40 a.m., Denver to Lincoln
* United 1778, Friday 8:50 a.m., Chicago (ORD) to Omaha
* American 3673, Friday 9:21 a.m., Omaha to Chicago (ORD)
* United 5831, Friday 9:40 a.m., Denver to Lincoln
Two openings and three closings:
Sakura Japanese Restaurant is opening where in South Lincoln.
The site used to be home to Tavern 180 which closed earlier this year. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Sakura Japanese Restaurant is opening where in South Lincoln.
The site used to be home to Tavern 180 which closed earlier this year. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Japanese restaurant at former Tavern 180 spot: Keep it simple and good
Garlands of cherry blossom flowers and banners hanging over the bar showcase the location’s new focus on Japanese food.
journalstar.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Two openings and three closings:
Sakura Japanese Restaurant is opening where in South Lincoln.
The site used to be home to Tavern 180 which closed earlier this year. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Sakura Japanese Restaurant is opening where in South Lincoln.
The site used to be home to Tavern 180 which closed earlier this year. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
The Lincoln Airport and Breeze Airways are adding flights to Las Vegas and Orange County after bookings to Orlando came back better than expected. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
November 4, 2025 at 6:59 PM
The Lincoln Airport and Breeze Airways are adding flights to Las Vegas and Orange County after bookings to Orlando came back better than expected. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Halted SNAP benefits and missed paychecks for federal workers have put people's next meals at risk.
These businesses and organizations in Lincoln are trying to help out during the government shutdown:
#LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
These businesses and organizations in Lincoln are trying to help out during the government shutdown:
#LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Food crisis looms: These restaurants, businesses helping to feed Lincoln
With federal food aid expected to run dry, Lincoln restaurants, organizations and businesses are providing free food to the community. Here's where Nebraskans can go to find a warm meal.
journalstar.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Halted SNAP benefits and missed paychecks for federal workers have put people's next meals at risk.
These businesses and organizations in Lincoln are trying to help out during the government shutdown:
#LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
These businesses and organizations in Lincoln are trying to help out during the government shutdown:
#LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Attracting a new airline takes patience... and money. The Lincoln Airport approved some final incentives to round out the package it offered Breeze Airways. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Lincoln Airport finalizes Breeze Airways incentives
journalstar.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Attracting a new airline takes patience... and money. The Lincoln Airport approved some final incentives to round out the package it offered Breeze Airways. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Madonna reopened a research institute on it's Lincoln campus and added new VR tech designed to help work on patients' balance and walking issues. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Madonna levels up Lincoln campus with renovated research center, VR tech
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals helps people heal in many ways. New virtual reality technology at its Lincoln campus is the latest way the hospital is helping patients.
journalstar.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Madonna reopened a research institute on it's Lincoln campus and added new VR tech designed to help work on patients' balance and walking issues. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
NPPD is building a new natural gas power station near Hallam to meet growing energy demand and requirements from the Southwest Power Pool. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Nebraska Public Power District building $1.5 billion power station near Hallam
The Nebraska Public Power District is planning a $1.5 billion natural gas station in southern Lancaster County to meet growing power needs.
journalstar.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:25 PM
NPPD is building a new natural gas power station near Hallam to meet growing energy demand and requirements from the Southwest Power Pool. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Because of the government shutdown, the Nebraska Department of Labor won't release it's
September unemployment report tomorrow.
The August report had the state's unemployment rate at 3%.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
September unemployment report tomorrow.
The August report had the state's unemployment rate at 3%.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Government shutdown delays Nebraska unemployment report
The Nebraska Department of Labor would have released a report detailing September’s unemployment numbers on Tuesday, but the report has been delayed because of the government shutdown.
journalstar.com
October 20, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Because of the government shutdown, the Nebraska Department of Labor won't release it's
September unemployment report tomorrow.
The August report had the state's unemployment rate at 3%.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
September unemployment report tomorrow.
The August report had the state's unemployment rate at 3%.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
A car crashed into Bodhi Imports, a metaphysical gift shop on 17th Street, Friday afternoon. #LNK
One of the drivers involved in the crash was taken to a hospital.
From @ajohnsonljs.bsky.social:
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
One of the drivers involved in the crash was taken to a hospital.
From @ajohnsonljs.bsky.social:
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Lincoln business picking up pieces after car crashes into building
Beatrix Mather, who purchased the metaphysical gift shop in January, is left picking up the pieces of her shop with hopes to return to business soon.
journalstar.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:21 PM
A car crashed into Bodhi Imports, a metaphysical gift shop on 17th Street, Friday afternoon. #LNK
One of the drivers involved in the crash was taken to a hospital.
From @ajohnsonljs.bsky.social:
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
One of the drivers involved in the crash was taken to a hospital.
From @ajohnsonljs.bsky.social:
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
The Gold's Building downtown opened after transforming into a hotel. #LNK
The building doesn't look like the mall it once was, but it also doesn't look like your average hotel. See what the new hotel looks like:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
The building doesn't look like the mall it once was, but it also doesn't look like your average hotel. See what the new hotel looks like:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Historic downtown Lincoln landmark reopens with familiar walls, 'wow' factor
The Gold’s Building in downtown Lincoln reopened, starting a new phase of life for the historic building. What was once a department store is now a Hampton Inn hotel.
journalstar.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The Gold's Building downtown opened after transforming into a hotel. #LNK
The building doesn't look like the mall it once was, but it also doesn't look like your average hotel. See what the new hotel looks like:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
The building doesn't look like the mall it once was, but it also doesn't look like your average hotel. See what the new hotel looks like:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Reposted by Neal Franklin
Snowplows, check! Salt, check! Brine, check!: Lincoln officials detail winter prep @journalstar.com journalstar.com/news/local/g...
Snowplows, check! Salt, check! Brine, check!: Lincoln officials detail winter prep
To counter the 27 inches of snowfall Lincoln averages per year, the city has 60 snowplows on hand to clear 2,600 lane miles of streets.
journalstar.com
October 16, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Snowplows, check! Salt, check! Brine, check!: Lincoln officials detail winter prep @journalstar.com journalstar.com/news/local/g...
Trade-A-Tape Comic Center is celebrating 50 years this October.
Reader's favorite superhero sagas, along with other comic book genres still line the store's walls. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Reader's favorite superhero sagas, along with other comic book genres still line the store's walls. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Downtown Lincoln store marks 50 years of heroic storytelling
Trade-A-Tape Comic Center carries superhero comics along with other comics and graphic novels. The store is celebrating 50 years of business in October.
journalstar.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Trade-A-Tape Comic Center is celebrating 50 years this October.
Reader's favorite superhero sagas, along with other comic book genres still line the store's walls. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Reader's favorite superhero sagas, along with other comic book genres still line the store's walls. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...