Star City Daily
LINCOLN’S MORNING BRIEF
Good morning, Lincoln. It's Wednesday, February 25. We know what started that bridge fire, the Capitol weapons ban is picking up speed, and the Huskers are back at PBA tonight.
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⛅️ Low 50s, partly sunny, slim chance of rain. Not bad for late February.
NEED TO KNOW
Unattended Campfire Caused Monday's Railroad Bridge Collapse
After Monday's early-morning fire in west Lincoln, investigators have a cause: an unattended campfire. Lincoln Fire and Rescue said the area near Westgate and Sun Valley boulevards, just west of Pinnacle Bank Arena, is a known spot for tent encampments. Several organizations serving people experiencing homelessness are located nearby, and spokesperson MJ Lierman said fire activity from people sheltering in the area was likely responsible after overnight temperatures dipped into the single digits. No arrests have been made and the investigation remains open.
The century-old Union Pacific timber bridge is a total loss. Hazmat crews are working to contain contamination from firefighting foam and water runoff into Salt Creek, and rail traffic through the corridor is halted for both Union Pacific and BNSF with no repair timeline in sight. Parks and Rec also closed the paved section of the Salt Creek Levee Trail under the bridges. If you run or bike that stretch near Breslow Hockey Center, use the limestone path just east of the paved route to get around it. Detour signage is posted.
Capitol Weapons Ban Clears First Round, 37-4
After three days of floor debate, Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB 1237 to its second round Tuesday with a decisive 37-4 vote. The bill would ban firearms, knives, pepper spray, tasers, and other weapons from the State Capitol and direct the Nebraska State Patrol to implement security screening by January 1, 2027. It was introduced and prioritized by the Legislature's 10-member Executive Board.
The breakthrough came through compromise. A concealed carry amendment, adopted 36-6, gave permit holders an exemption and pulled enough votes to clear the first hurdle comfortably. On-duty and retired law enforcement are also exempt. Sen. Danielle Conrad also secured an amendment, adopted 30-8, that stripped criminal penalties from the bill entirely. LB 1237 still needs two more rounds of floor debate before reaching the governor's desk, and the bill's opponents haven't signaled they're done pushing back.
QUICK HITS
Husker softball's Hannah Camenzind threw the 42nd no-hitter in program history against Hawaii as the Huskers went 5-0 at the Mary Nutter Classic in California, earning Big Ten Pitcher of the Week. She was 3-for-3 at the plate during the no-hitter, and Malia Thoms added a three-run homer.
No. 12 Nebraska hosts Maryland tonight at PBA, 6 PM on BTN. The Huskers (23-4) need a bounce-back after a rough February dropped them from fifth to 12th in the AP poll. Pryce Sandfort is coming off a career-high 33 against Penn State. Maryland (11-16) has won three straight in the series, so don't sleep on the Terps.
LPS named Jennie Anderson as the next principal at Moore Middle School, effective this July. Anderson is currently associate principal at Lincoln East. She succeeds Gary Czapla, who's moving to lead Northwest High School.
A Lincoln teen was arrested after leading police on two separate chases, allegedly driving without headlights and flashing fake red and blue lights before being caught at home.
EVENTS
Wednesday, February 25 — Nebraska vs. Maryland at Pinnacle Bank Arena. No. 12 Huskers close out February at home against a Maryland team that's won three straight in the series. Details at huskers.com.
Thursday, February 26 — Lincoln Stars vs. Sioux Falls Stampede at The Ice Box. USHL hockey on home ice, a night before the weekend. Details at lincolnstars.com.
Saturday, February 28 — Boston Pops: Star Wars at Lied Center. Keith Lockhart and the orchestra perform the full nine-episode saga live, with screen-accurate characters roaming the lobby before the show. Details at liedcenter.org.
On This Day
In 1885, the Nebraska Legislature carved Sheridan County out of the state's northwest corner, naming it after Civil War General Philip Sheridan. The county seat fight that followed got so ugly it went to the state Supreme Court before Rushville finally won out in 1888.
Enjoy the warm-up and we'll see you tomorrow morning.
Star City Daily