The Lincoln Journal Star is Lincoln, Nebraska’s leading daily newspaper and the second-largest in the state. A pillar of midwestern journalism, it delivers in-depth coverage of local news, politics, education, events, and sports. Serving the capital Lincoln Journal Star city and surrounding communities, the Journal Star plays an essential role in informing and connecting residents.
A Storied History
Origins and Evolution
The roots of the Journal Star trace back to the Nebraska Commonwealth, launched on September 7, 1867, by Charles H. Gere—just months after Nebraska’s admission as the 37th U.S. state. It was renamed the Nebraska State Journal in 1869 and became a daily publication by 1870.
In 1902, D.E. Thompson founded the Lincoln Daily Star, later shortened to the Lincoln Star in 1921 The two papers—Journal and Star—established a joint operating agreement in 1950, combining Sunday editions.
Merger into the Journal Star
On August 7, 1995, the Lincoln Journal and Lincoln Star formally merged to create the Lincoln Journal Star under Lee Enterprises Since then, it has remained Lincoln’s primary source of daily news.
Readership & Reach
The Journal Star is the most widely read daily in Lincoln. As of 2023, it had a daily circulation of ~24,985 and ~36,977 on Sundays—second only to Omaha World‑Herald in Nebraska.
It maintains a strong digital footprint through journalstar.com, which provides breaking local news, opinion columns, sports coverage, and multimedia features.
Editorial Integrity & Community Role
Balanced & Credible Reporting
Evaluations by Media Bias/Fact Check rate the Journal Star as “least biased” with high factual reporting, commending its balance of local and national coverage.
Pulitzer‑Winning Journalists
The paper has a heritage of journalistic excellence. Lincoln Journal Star Notably, Gilbert M. Savery, managing editor from 1941–1985, earned a Pulitzer Prize in 1949 for public service . Another legacy voice, sportswriter Cy Sherman, working at the Nebraska State Journal and later the Lincoln Star, famously coined “Cornhuskers” in 1900 and was honored as the “Dean of American Sportswriters”
Headquarters & Modern Facilities
Since the late 19th century—and particularly from 1952—the Journal Star operated from its headquarters at 926 P Street In December 2021, the building began being cleared; the newsroom moved to the growing Telegraph District at 200 N. 21st Street, outfitted with modern audio‑visual studios and designed for digital-first news delivery.
Their historic 110,000‑sq‑ft printing press was opened in 2000, but printing operations shifted to the Omaha World‑Herald in April 2019.
Archival Access & Research Value
The Journal Star’s archives are a rich resource for historians, journalists, genealogists, and the public:
- Newspapers.com: Millions of pages from 1867 onward
- Lincoln City Libraries NewsBank collection: Full‑text coverage from June 1996 to present, plus image editions (2021+) and online-only articles (post‑2003).
- NewspaperArchive.com spans 1923–1977.
These resources include obituaries, local business news, school events, civic issues, and cultural milestones.
Digital Transformation & Community Engagement
Website & App
JournalStar.com offers a modern user experience with live updates, paywall‑protected premium content, multimedia stories, podcasts, and interactive features.
Local Events & Partnerships
The paper actively sponsors local initiatives. For example, in 2025 it partnered with LincolnHR and Woods Aitken to conduct the Best Places to Work in Lincoln awards, showcasing top employers in June 2025.
Multimedia & Social Presence
Under current leadership—including Publisher Ava Thomas—the newsroom invests in video, photo, and live‑streaming, engaging readers across platforms and supporting community storytelling.
Why It Matters
- Local Focus — A go-to source for Lincoln-area news: city council, schools, arts, sports (including Nebraska Huskers coverage).
- Historical Record — Chronicles Lincoln’s evolution from 19th‑century town to thriving urban center.
- Credible Voice — Accredited for balanced reporting and journalistic ethics.
- Digital Innovation — Integrates print, online, video, and archives for 360° news coverage.
SEO-Focused Keyword Strategy
To optimize search performance, incorporate these phrases naturally:
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Sample SEO‑Rich Headings and Phrases
- History of Lincoln Journal Star newspaper
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Conclusion
The Lincoln Journal Star stands out as a historic yet forward‑thinking news institution:
- Peaceably reporting fair, credible stories as documented by media‑bias studies
- Preserving Nebraska’s legacy through archives spanning over 150 years
- Engaging digitally through web, video, events, and interactive platforms
- Continually evolving, from 926 P Street roots to a modern newsroom hub
For residents, historians, professionals, and students alike, the Journal Star remains a trusted, invaluable source—reflecting the city’s heart, heritage, and future.
