Star City Daily
LINCOLN’S MORNING BRIEF
Good morning, Lincoln. It's Thursday, February 26. A burglary suspect opened fire on a Lincoln police officer near 48th and Orchard overnight, a new federal agreement could finally move the needle on the East Beltway, and the Huskers shook off an ugly start to roll Maryland for win number 24, and
First time reading? Sign up here.
⛅️ Low 60s, sunny, breezy from the west. We'll take it.
NEED TO KNOW
Burglary Suspect Fires on Lincoln Officer Outside Office Depot
A Lincoln police officer returned fire on a burglary suspect near 48th and Orchard early Wednesday morning. A Northeast Team officer responding to a burglar alarm at the Office Depot just after 1:30 AM found a 49-year-old Lincoln man inside a small access door near the building's back dock. When the officer gave verbal commands, the suspect threw a metal object and then fired a handgun. The officer returned fire.
Hit in the lower extremities, the suspect underwent surgery for multiple non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Police expect him to face attempted murder and burglary charges once he's released from the hospital. The officer was not injured, and a handgun was recovered at the scene. Anyone with information can call 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.
Federal Deal Could Speed the Lincoln East Beltway
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Monday that Nebraska will assume responsibility for environmental reviews on federally funded highway projects, a move supporters say could accelerate the long-awaited Lincoln East Beltway. Under the NEPA Assignment Program, the Nebraska Department of Transportation gains full authority over environmental assessments that previously required federal sign-off.
Nebraska becomes the ninth state to take on this level of responsibility, and it also assumes full legal liability for its environmental decisions under the agreement. In practical terms, it means fewer delays waiting on Washington to approve environmental impact statements. Beyond the East Beltway, the agreement also covers the U.S. 75 corridor in Omaha and I-480 improvements. Governor Pillen credited the Trump administration for empowering state-level decisions, while critics argue reduced federal oversight could weaken environmental protections. For Lincoln commuters who've been watching the beltway inch forward since the 1970s, the planned four-lane freeway connecting NE-2 to I-80 near Waverly just got its most concrete push in years.
No. 12 Huskers Shake Off Slow Start, Beat Maryland 74-61
Nebraska missed its first six shots and trailed 5-0 before anyone at Pinnacle Bank Arena had settled into their seat. Braden Frager scored 21 points on 6-of-13 shooting and went a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. An 18-3 run in the second half broke the game open, and the Huskers cruised to a 74-61 win over Maryland. For the game, Nebraska shot 43 percent and went 10-of-29 from three, but the defense and free throw shooting more than compensated.
At 24-4 overall and 13-4 in the Big Ten, the Huskers forced 11 Maryland turnovers while committing just six of their own. Maryland drops to 11-17 and 4-13 in conference play. With the win, Nebraska is guaranteed to finish with single-digit losses for the first time since the 1990-91 team went 26-8, a number that's starting to feel less like trivia and more like a program milestone.
QUICK HITS
Kerrey exits Monolith: Former Nebraska Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey, 82, resigned as board chairman of Lincoln-area clean-energy startup Monolith after Justice Department Epstein files revealed he arranged meetings with Jeffrey Epstein in 2013. Kerrey said he left to protect the company. The Nebraska Republican Party has called on all candidates to return his contributions.
Humane Society closes canine wing: The Capital Humane Society temporarily shut down a large section of canine housing at its Admissions and Assessment Center Wednesday for HVAC system upgrades. Animals are still being accepted, but capacity is limited until the work wraps up.
Pillen named to Council of Governors: Last week, President Trump appointed Governor Pillen to the bipartisan Council of Governors, a 10-member group of state leaders focused on national security and disaster coordination. He joins four Republicans and five Democrats for a two-year term.
Missing man found safe: An Endangered Missing Advisory for an 80-year-old Lincoln man with dementia was canceled Wednesday evening after he was located in Missouri. The Nebraska State Patrol confirmed he was found unharmed.
EVENTS
Thursday, February 26 — Pecos & the Rooftops at Bourbon Theatre. Texas country with Mac Hankins & the Moonlighters opening. Details at bourbontheatre.com.
Thursday, February 26 — Lincoln Stars vs. Sioux Falls Stampede at the Ice Box. USHL hockey with the Stars hosting a late-season Thursday matchup. Details at lincolnstars.com.
Friday, February 27 — Nebraska Women's Basketball vs. Rutgers at Pinnacle Bank Arena. A late-season Big Ten matchup with March implications for the 16-10 Huskers. Check huskers.com for tip time.
On This Day
On This Day: In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Grand Canyon into a national park after a 37-year push in Congress. It took less time to protect a 277-mile canyon than it has to build the East Beltway.
Enjoy the upper 50s while they last, Lincoln. We'll be back tomorrow morning.
Star City Daily