Top Journal Star photos for February 2023
A mostly empty Lincoln Airport terminal is pictured on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, in Lincoln.
Deb Polacek of Friend (center) gets ready to play the accordion to welcome Miloslav Stašek, the U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic, as he tours the state during a stop on Wednesday at Nebraska East Union.
Liam Rosengren endures blustery conditions while working out with a portable punching bag outside at Holmes Lake Park on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. A windy day at Holmes Lake did not deter Liam from taking his workout outside on Thursday afternoon. with a cold southerly wind making it feel like it was just over 11°F. "I'm just sort of doing it for the sake of being outside," Rosengren said. "I mean I bought this bag and it's portable, so I can take it anywhere I want.
Former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne speaks during a press conference at the Capitol in 2023 about Gov. Jim Pillen's mentoring program for young Nebraskans. TeamMates, a nonprofit founded by Osborne, has received 80% of the money from a state initiative supporting mentorship programs.
Lincoln Northeast's Doneelah Washington (back) tries to stop Lincoln Southwest's Eleanor Griffin in the second half Friday at Lincoln Northeast.
Dean Thompsen reacts after correctly spelling the word, 'affluent' correctly after believing he spelled it wrong during the second round of the annual Lincoln Public Schools Oral Spelling Bee on Saturday at Culler Middle School. "I cant believe I just got that right," Thompsen said as he went back to his seat.
Bennington assistant coach Jarod Owens (left) and head coach Craig Pokorny celebrate after Kianna Wingender won the 120-pound consolidation semifinal match at the A-3 district meet Saturday at Lincoln Southeast.
Nebraska's Axelina Johansson uncorks the second-longest throw in NCAA history — 63 feet, 4 inches — at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Jaxson Bowman, 1, holds the finger of his dad, Josh Bowman, during a deployment ceremony for the 1-134th Cavalry at the Lancaster Event Center on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. Bowman, along with other soldiers at the ceremony, did not deploy but attended out of support for his fellow soldiers.
Supporters of the Niskithe Prayer Camp block a bulldozer preparing to tear down trees at Wilderness Park on Monday.
Bellevue West's Josiah Dotzler (left) collides with Lincoln Southeast's Wade Voss in the first half Tuesday at Lincoln Southeast High School.
Wayne's Jersi Jensen (center) gets a high-five as she walks up to get her first-place medal at the Class B state bowling singles championship on Wednesday at Sun Valley Lanes.
Norfolk's Carter Jackson flips upside down in the middle of a dive Thursday in the Heartland Athletic Diving Championships at Lincoln Southeast.
Julia Kennedy (right) shares a piece of cake with her granddaughter Samara Quwa while manning a FAQ booth about the 16th president Saturday.
Wisconsin's Max Klesmit and Nebraska's Blaise Keita battle on the floor for possession on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska's Dayne Morton (left) wrestles Rutgers' Tony White in the 149-pound match Sunday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Members of the First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry -- Ron Rockenbach (from left), Gage Stermensky, Paul Hadley, David Smith and Keith Rockefeller -- guard the Abraham Lincoln statue on the west side of the Nebraska Capitol on the 214th anniversary of his birthday on Sunday.
Lincoln East's Westin Sherlock (top) wrestles Bellevue East's LaBrian Sherlock during the 152-pound final at the A-2 District meet on Saturday at Lincoln East.
Lincoln East's Carter Toomey and Lincoln North Star's William Schafer vie for a rebound under the net in the third quarter on Tuesday at Lincoln East High School.
Aven Larson, 7, throws snow into the air and tries to catch it with her tongue at Pioneers Park during a winter storm in Lincoln on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.
Shawn Fauver shovels snow outside El Chaparro on F Street on Thursday in Lincoln.
UNL student Paxtyn Dummer (from left) and Maggie Mienhueser complete work on a white board while Miles Kastl and Katelyn Petry do the same on the other side, during a tutoring session at the UNL Reading Center on East Campus. The reading center pairs teachers in training with students from the community who are reading below grade level.
Shoun Hill walks through Tower Square on Thursday in downtown Lincoln, where nearly 9 inches of snow fell overnight.
Norfolk's Jackson Bos (front) wrestles Bellevue West's Ryland Schweiss during a Class A 220-pound consolation match Friday at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023.
Lincoln Southeast's Bangot Dak dunks the ball against Lincoln North Star in the final minute Friday at North Star High School.
Blood covers the face of Chadron's Kenli Boeselager as she wrestles on the mat against Conestoga's Maggie Fiene during a 145 lb semifinal match on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Nebraska's Sam Hoiberg (1) scores off a steal against Maryland on Sunday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Lincoln Southeast's Eve Nelson dives during the girls state diving championships Thursday at the Devaney Sports Center.
The Lincoln Lutheran student section rushes the court to celebrate with their team after they defeated Lincoln Christian during the C1-2 subdistrict championship game on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at Lincoln Lutheran High School.
Swimmers take off from the starting blocks for the 50-yard freestyle during the girls state swimming prelims Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Lincoln High's Kiana Wiley (24) holds up the championship plaque after the Links defeated Lincoln Northeast in the A-3 district final Friday at Lincoln High.
Alexander Syniy of Lincoln (right), originally from Kherson in Ukraine, prays during a rally on the anniversary of the war in Ukraine on Saturday at the state Capitol.
Nebraska's Sam Griesel fist bumps Derrick Walker before they are introduced ahead of the Minnesota game on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Lincoln East fans roar as Lincoln Southwest's Cole Christensen (5) raises his arms to question a referee call at Lincoln East on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023.
The Flatwater Free Press sued the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy in November. The case could change how agencies go about charging for public records.
County Attorney Pat Condon said his office had filed a motion to appoint a special prosecutor in the case Friday — two days after LPD officials requested such a prosecutor.
An 18-year-old was cited on suspicion of animal abuse, neglect and littering after a puppy was abandoned in a cage along a Lancaster County road.
It's at least the third case over the same issue currently pending before the state's highest court.
The EPA is providing the city $29.9 million, largely for replacing contaminated soil, and HUD is providing $4.4 million to reduce lead paint hazards in homes and apartments.
Two premier teams in Class B boys bowling saw a lot of each other Tuesday at the state championships at Sun Valley Lanes.
Union Omaha wants to build a $100 million soccer stadium with the capacity for 10,000 people in Omaha. The facility also would host a new women's team.
Two new stores are joining the mix at Nebraska Crossing including Austin, Texas based outdoor retailer Yeti.
The bill would add language to the Automatic License Plate Reader Privacy Act allowing plate data to be used as evidence in court while adding measures to ensure police accountability.
Backers of a state child tax credit say a legislative proposal would help lift Nebraska children out of poverty and give families some financial breathing room.
A new Omaha police recruit class began Monday, but it fell short of the city's goal of training a maximum-capacity class to make up for a wave of recent departures.
Dr. Scott E. Schmidt, 55, was out of jail on bond on charges of first-degree sexual assault and second-degree sexual assault when he was found dead in his home.
A Lancaster County judge tabbed Tim Noerrlinger to serve as a special prosecutor to review the department's investigation into the break-in, reported last July.
LPS is piloting a program that allows high school seniors to work as special education paras. Some paras have voiced concerns.
A 29-year-old Omaha man was arrested Saturday after police say he crashed a stolen pickup truck into a state patrol cruiser while fleeing from officers.
Nebraska has lost 45,000 residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher since 2010, according to the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
OPPD is upgrading a high voltage line along about three miles of west Omaha, removing the trees in the path of the line.
On loan from the Descendants of DeWitty, Nebraska, organization, this traveling exhibit displays 27 photographs sharing the history of the people of DeWitty, the largest African American settlement in Nebraska.
A 38-year-old Washington County man died Friday after apparently shooting himself as sheriff's deputies conducted a welfare check.
Former Husker coach Tom Osborne urged lawmakers not to allow betting on Husker home football games and other in-state games played by Nebraska college and university teams.
Those opposing a housing development near Wilderness Park and a Native sweat lodge stood silently during a City Council public comment period to reflect how they say they've been silenced.
It's postseason time for some, and the final week of the regular season for others. Here are Nate Thomas' ratings.
An ownership group that includes the music star and Omaha businessman Danny White announced the city will have a team in the
A legislative bill addresses the perceived danger of Chinese equipment installed in cell towers near Offutt Air Force Base and missile sites in western Nebraska.
Sen. Beau Ballard said his bill would protect Nebraska's top economic driver, but opponents say it would be too restrictive for small farmers and property owners.
A 15-year-old allegedly assaulted a 62-year-old neighbor with a baseball bat in an attempt to steal his vehicle. The man died about two weeks later.
The Omaha Public Schools has seen a boom in student teachers requesting to be in the district since officials created stipends in 2022. Almost 80 student teachers have signed job offers this year.
Sen. Deb Fischer says President Biden's actions demonstrate that he "doesn't fully understand the hazard posed by China."
The roster subtractions are only the first of what will eventually be double-digits as NU works back down to the 85-man scholarship limit by fall camp.
Matt Wynn, executive director of the Flatwater Free Press, called it a "huge win for the public's right to know."
A amendment to the bill would ensure all members of the Nebraska National Guard seeking tuition assistance could get help paying for college.
Twenty-nine state senators signed onto the bill as co-sponsors. Two more Republicans said they support it. That leaves LB626 two votes shy of the 33 needed to overcome a filibuster.
James "Jim" Muhlbauer, a Kansas City police officer who was born and raised in Omaha, was killed in the line of duty Wednesday.
The U.S. government fined Packers Sanitation Services $1.5 million this week for illegally employing minors, including at three meatpacking plants in Nebraska.
Nearly a year after his own blood transfusion, Nebraska guard Sam Griesel is trying to raise awareness about the national blood shortage.
A security guard at Northwest High School has been charged with sexually abusing a student at the school, according to court documents.
Larger school districts use hiring bonuses and retention stipends to attract and keep staff. But that’s not an option in places like Weeping Water, where 299 students share one building.
John Wade Burton will face 10 to 20 years in prison at his sentencing in May due to a prior conviction, United States Attorney Steven Russell said in a press release.
Despite concerns at many universities across the country, University of Nebraska-Lincoln instructors are embracing AI technology as a bridge to new frontiers in higher education.
As many as 80,000 Nebraskans could lose Medicaid coverage as the COVID public health emergency ends and the state resumes annual eligibility reviews.
XP League Omaha, at 2563 S. 171st Court, held their grand opening Saturday, inviting youth gamers, ages 8 to 17, of all skill levels to their pro-level and coach-led esports experience.
Three Lincoln teams captured first-place honors at the Nebraska State Cheer and Dance Championships in Grand Island.
A fund-raising campaign has been started for the family of a Herman, Nebraska, woman and infant who were killed Friday in a single-vehicle crash in Washington County.
Hy-Vee has suspended its employee discount program and plans to revamp it by mid-April after the company found cases of fraud and misuse.
Sen. Deb Fischer said it's time to "stop shortchanging our national defense and put forward a strong budget that accelerates the modernization" of the U.S. nuclear program.
Blake W. Miller, 19, was sentenced to four years of probation for pointing a .22 rifle at his best friend Tanner Farrell on March 12 and pulling the trigger, killing him.
A violent single-vehicle crash in northern Saunders County discovered Tuesday morning left one man dead.
Omaha is now on the hook to pay $1 million to a police captain after a judge denied the city's motion for a new trial and approved $285,000 in fees.
Erwin was a two-year starter for the Huskers in basketball from northeast Nebraska who had a two-chapter career of banking and ranching.
Rep. Don Bacon is calling for an official investigation after his and other Air Force veterans’ personnel records were released without authorization.
Last Friday, the Crane Trust estimated there were 6,400 cranes on the Platte River. That number will grow to more than 600,000 at the peak of the spring migration.
The driver in a single-vehicle crash in Omaha in January died of his injuries shortly after the wreck.
The Omaha Public Schools board has approved a new contract with the teachers union. The agreement will increase the teacher base salary by $7,200 over the next three years.
Paul Gausman is looking to unseat four board members in Sioux City, Iowa. They contend that's not possible.
Sen. Tom Brewer said the technology “shows great promise” and could serve as a reliable baseload generator that complements Nebraska’s shift into renewable energy.
High school students said a plan from Sen. Bruce Bostelman to study the economic impacts of a growing reliance on renewable energy only focused on the negative, not the positive.
The judge gave the Department of Environment and Energy a seven-day deadline to provide Flatwater with a new estimate of the expected cost as he directed.
Grand Island police said the man they arrested had ... "damaged crosses and drew symbols of hate on the walls."
“Our hair, our regalia, it's who we are. It's who our ancestors were. It's our identity,” one mother told state senators recently.
According to LPS, a fifth grader flashed a gun inside a backpack and threatened another fifth grader in a Prescott Elementary School hallway Friday.
According to professionals in the industry, the local car wash surge doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Two decades after his family fled South Sudan as war refugees, Tut Kailech has become a pillar of the Lincoln community.
The Phelps County Development Corporation has focused on creating vitality in Phelps County downtowns over the past five years with its GO! DREAM grants.
On Jan. 6, the buses serving Madison County stopped operations. The transit system’s general manager, Jeff Stewart, had allegedly stolen up to $1 million from the transit nonprofit.
A Firth man who fired shots at a Beatrice residence last year was ordered to serve a probation term.
A Saturday two-vehicle crash on U.S. 281 in Hall County left one woman dead.
A Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services employee died Sunday in a utility vehicle crash at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Hastings.
Southeast Community College will be building an Ag Career Center on the Beatrice Campus. In approximately two years, the community will have an indoor arena and an education center.
A student tipped off LPS through its "Safe to Say" online reporting system that another student planned to bring a BB gun to Southwest.
A search and recovery dive team has arrived in central Nebraska to look for the Aurora couple who have been missing since Jan. 11.
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska on Monday debuted a new mobile clinic and updated plans for a $100 million tribal administration and health center project in Ralston.
An 18-year-old Omaha man was sentenced Monday to five to 40 years in prison for use of a firearm in connection with the 2020 shooting death of a Bellevue teen during a robbery.
The Omaha woman marked the milestone by retiring after 41 years at Scoular, a world-wide, privately-owned agricultural trading company.
Fourth graders joined Gov. Jim Pillen on Wednesday in naming the metal pig in the governor's office.
A man who skipped bail after he was charged with rape of a minor in Omaha six years ago was taken into custody last week in Houston, according to jail records.
The lone occupant and driver of the vehicle, Michael L. Swalley of Kearney, was transported to a local hospital and later died from injuries suffered in the crash.
Area residents can take steps at home to improve indoor air quality, regardless of what type of industrial, rural or urban pollution may be circulating outside their homes.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Thursday banned state broadband grants from going to contractors using equipment and services from Chinese companies on a federal list, citing concerns about security.
Nebraska led a lawsuit at the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday seeking to end a student loan forgiveness program launched by the Biden administration last year.
Schools across Nebraska were the target of fake shooting calls to law enforcement Thursday. There was no credibility to calls that targeted schools in Lincoln, Omaha, Columbus, Gering and elsewhere.
With an updated, expanded and dramatically brighter airport terminal taking shape, Lincoln is looking ahead toward the potential expansion of air service.
In just over a decade, what was an ambitious construction startup has grown into one of the city's most recognizable construction companies, helping reshape downtown Lincoln.
More than 70 years after it was founded, the family-owned Lincoln Industries will continue its legacy in the hands of a new generation — two Nebraska sisters.
An EPA attorney told area residents the agency believes the seed companies that sent AltEn their unused products are ultimately responsible for the cleanup, not the government.
Two Nebraska sheriffs and a sheriff's captain have been fined $1,000 each for appearing in uniform in an ad for former gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster's campaign.
Married, bestselling authors James Patterson and Susan Solie Patterson will speak at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in April.
Hours after Flatwater Free Press published a story on the bus system’s woes – a story involving its former director allegedly stealing up to $1M – a donor pledged the amount needed to restart operations.
The Nebraska State Board of Education repealed the state rule that requires new teachers to pass a basic skills test before they get their certificate.
Education officials said the apparent communication slipup did not impede responses to a wave of hoax calls that involved at least 10 schools across the state Thursday.
Beginning June 15, passengers will be able to fly nonstop between Omaha and Austin, Texas, via Allegiant.
Applying the same passion as he does to Husker volleyball, John Cook dove head first into the world of horses.
"It is only by chance that you're not here on an even more serious charge," Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong told Antonio Guzman.
