Star City Daily
LINCOLN’S MORNING BRIEF
Good morning, Lincoln. It's Tuesday, February 24. A century-old railroad bridge collapsed over Salt Creek yesterday, the Legislature is debating whether to ban weapons inside the Capitol, and a traffic stop on I-80 turned up $2 million worth of meth.
First time reading? Sign up here.
⛅️ Upper 50s, partly sunny, breezy. February being generous.
NEED TO KNOW
Century-Old Railroad Bridge Collapses After West Lincoln Fire
A nearly century-old Union Pacific railroad bridge over Salt Creek collapsed early Monday morning after fire consumed the heavy timber structure. Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded around 3:45 AM near Westgate and Sun Valley boulevards, just southwest of Pinnacle Bank Arena. Flames had already spread to surrounding grass by the time crews arrived. By 5:30 AM, the bridge had given way. LFR spokesperson MJ Lierman called it a total loss.
No injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation, though Lierman noted the area is a known spot for tent encampments and that single-digit overnight temps may have driven fire activity nearby. Access roads couldn't support fire engine weight, which limited the response. If you use the Salt Creek Levee Trail, heads up: the paved section under the bridge is closed until further notice. Trail users should take the limestone path just to the east. Union Pacific has shut down the rail line, which had been used periodically.
Legislature Debates Weapons Ban for the State Capitol
Nebraska lawmakers brought LB 1237 to the floor Monday, a bill that would ban most weapons inside the State Capitol starting January 2027. The Executive Board advanced it 9-0 earlier this month after consulting security professionals. An amendment approved during floor debate would still let concealed carry permit holders bring firearms after passing through new metal detectors. Violations would be a Class III misdemeanor.
Right now, anyone can enter the Capitol without screening, and firearms are allowed. That puts Nebraska among a shrinking minority: nationally, 34 state capitols already prohibit firearms and 37 use security checkpoints. Sen. Megan Hunt pushed back, arguing lawmakers should address root causes of political violence rather than react with what she called incomplete policymaking. Gun-rights groups initially pushed hard against it, with the Nebraska Firearms Owners Association calling the bill's co-sponsors "oathbreakers," though NFOA has since moved to neutral after the concealed carry amendment. Supporters cite the 2025 killing of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman as proof the status quo carries real risk, and where the full body lands on this compromise will shape Capitol security for years.
QUICK HITS
$2 million in meth off I-80: Lancaster County deputies arrested a California woman Sunday after finding roughly 48 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside two spare tires during a traffic stop in north Lincoln. She told deputies she was headed to Omaha. Street value tops $2 million.
Huskers drop to No. 12 in AP poll: Nebraska fell three spots Monday, ending seven straight weeks in the top 10. The 23-4 Huskers split last week with a loss at Iowa before routing Penn State. Maryland visits Pinnacle Bank Arena tomorrow.
Nebraska baseball rolls in finale: After dropping two close ones in Texas, the Huskers blew out No. 16 Florida State on Sunday. Early returns from the 2026 season have the bats looking right.
Six indicted in ATM jackpotting scheme: A federal grand jury in Nebraska charged six people with deploying malware to steal millions from ATMs nationwide. The conspiracy involved hacking machines to force them to dispense cash on demand.
Election filing deadline passed: Last week's incumbent filing deadline brought no statewide surprises. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts is seeking his first full six-year term after winning a 2024 special election. Nonincumbents have until March 2.
Former LPS teacher seeks new trial: A former Lincoln special education teacher found guilty of child abuse is requesting a new trial, according to 1011 NOW. The case remains active in Lancaster County court.
EVENTS
Wednesday, February 25 — Nebraska vs. Maryland at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The 23-4 Huskers look to secure another Big Ten win. Tip at 6PM on Big Ten Network.
Friday, February 27 — Dirtysnatcha at The Royal Grove. Bass-heavy electronic with Mport opening. Details at theroyalgrove.com.
Saturday, February 28 — Apes of the State at Witches' Brew. Philadelphia folk-punk duo with Rent Strike opening. Details at witchesbrewlincoln.com.
Saturday, February 28 — The Muck, the Seeds, the Weeds, the Blossoming at Love Library North. Last chance to catch artist Karen Blessen's journals before the exhibit closes. Details at events.unl.edu.
On This Day
In 1868, the U.S. House voted 126-47 to impeach President Andrew Johnson, the first presidential impeachment in American history. Johnson had vetoed Nebraska's statehood just a year earlier — Congress overrode him on that one, too.
Enjoy the upper 50s while they last, Lincoln. We'll be back tomorrow morning.
Star City Daily