LINCOLN — A pregnant woman seeking a medication abortion in Nebraska would be required under a new bill to attend an in-person appointment with her physician before receiving the drugs and a follow-up appointment after to document any “adverse events.”
Legislative Bill 512, by State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, has proposed the Chemical Abortion Safety Protocol Act. It would apply to any “abortion-inducing drug” that has the specific intent of terminating a pregnancy. State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue. July 31, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
Other drugs, medications or substances that can be known to cause an abortion but are provided for other medical reasons, such as chemotherapy meds, would be excluded.
“The purpose of the bill [is] just to try and ensure we’re providing good health care for our women who are receiving abortions,” Holdcroft told reporters after introducing LB 512.
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Some reproductive health doctors for Nebraska women said the proposed restrictions appear aimed at making it harder to get a medication abortion in the state.
New requirements and documentation
State law already prohibits telemedicine for receiving abortion medications, but Holdcroft said his goal is to prevent physicians from flying into Nebraska just to prescribe the drug, then leave.
LB 512 would add additional steps before a physician could give a woman an abortion-inducing drug in the state:
Independently verify the woman is pregnant.
Determine whether the woman has an ectopic pregnancy.
Document the gestational age and location of the pregnancy.
Determine the woman’s blood type and, if the woman is Rh negative, offer to administer Rh immunoglobulin to prevent Rh incompatibility, complications or miscarriage in future pregnancies.
State Sens. Lou Ann Linehan, Julie Slama and Joni Albrecht join Gov. Jim Pillen at a news conference pressing passage of a bill to outlaw abortion after an ultrasound detects embryonic cardiac activity. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)
The physician also would need to schedule an in-person follow-up visit with the woman who received the drug between three and 14 days after it is given. The physician would need to confirm the woman’s pregnancy is completely terminated and document any adverse events
An “adverse event” could include shock, heavy or prolonged bleeding, hemorrhage, aspiration or allergic response, infection, sepsis, pelvic inflammatory disease or missed ectopic pregnancy.
That report would need to be sent to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, similar to current reports for non-medication abortions in the state.
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A woman who receives an attempted or successful medication abortion could not be held liable under the new law.
‘Effectively a total ban’
Dr. Elizabeth Constance, a reproductive endocrinologist in Omaha, said the bill doesn’t ban major drugs like mifepristone or misoprostol, the most common two-drug regimen for a medication abortion.
“But I do think it puts so many onerous and non-standard of care restrictions on their use that it will effectively be a total ban on medication abortions,” Constance said in a text. “Effective ban if not an outright one.” Dr. Elizabeth Constance speaks at a rally in the Nebraska State Capitol. Feb. 8, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
Constance said the bill doesn’t explicitly include an exception for the targeted drugs to be used in miscarriage management, which they often are.
She said that could complicate access to care, including in emergencies, as the drugs are more highly regulated. That includes misoprostol, routinely used to treat postpartum hemorrhage.
Mifepristone is also used to treat endometriosis, fibroids or hyperglycemia associated with Cushing’s syndrome. Misoprostol can also be used to treat ulcers. Both medications can be used to induce labor.
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Dr. Emily Patel, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Omaha, said other medications can be obtained without someone ever seeing a physician but are more dangerous, such as certain over-the-counter pain relievers or erectile-dysfunction meds that could be bought online.
Patel said the characterization that physicians are flown in to provide abortions is “overblown,” though some physicians do travel to provide general care, like she does to Hastings or Fremont.
‘Pretty slipshod operation’
Holdcroft said he didn’t know whether mifepristone could be used for other medical purposes but that his intent isn’t to ban medication abortions, just to tighten up the medical care.
He said if his bill needs amendments, he’s willing to look into any needed changes, but he thinks LB 512 has support for an issue that isn’t “that far a stretch.”
“I just want to make sure we’re providing safe procedures, and that’s not what we’re seeing,” Holdcroft said. “We’re seeing a pretty slipshod operation, in my opinion.”
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Dr. Emily Patel. (Courtesy of Emily Patel)
Patel said the assumption patients aren’t receiving standard-of-practice care is “blatantly false.”
“It is not standard practice to have mandated follow ups,” Patel said in a text, “nor is it standard to have to report how we practice medicine to the state.”
LB 512 was among 96 legislative bills or constitutional amendments introduced Tuesday, including:
LB 443, by State Sen. Brad von Gillern of Omaha, would outlaw “unlawful squatting,” defined as the intent to claim ownership of someone’s land or property by refusing to leave.
LB 457, by State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, would require school districts and licensed child care facilities to design policies to prevent and respond to serious allergic reactions — anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. It would also limit the cost that an insured individual must pay for a two-pack of medically necessary epinephrine injectors to up to $60, regardless of the type of brand.
LB 463, by State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, would require school districts to develop a cardiac emergency response plan and place automated external defibrillators on school grounds. The bill would create up to $1.5 million in grants to fund the plans.
LB 475, by State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, would classify tianeptine — known as “gas station heroin” — as a controlled substance in Nebraska. The drug had previously been used to treat depression in dozens of countries, and even though it is illegal to market or sell the drug, it is not on the list of federally controlled substances.
LB 500, by State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, would create a 21-member School Financing Review Commission for an in-depth review of how K-12 schools are funded in the state.
LB 513, by State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, would increase the salaries of justices on the Nebraska Supreme Court by 4% each on July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. They would rise from $225,055.35 currently to $243,419.87 next year.
LB 523, by State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, would create a stipend program for student teachers, who could apply for stipends at $4,000 per student-teaching semester. Most student teachers are not currently paid by their districts.
Legislative Resolution 22CA, by State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, would enshrine a right to a clean and healthy natural environment and that political subdivisions serve as trustees of Nebraska’s natural resources in the Nebraska Constitution.
LR 25CA, by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, would amend the Nebraska Constitution so lawmakers are paid the state’s minimum wage, which will rise from $13.50 to $15 next year, before annual cost-of-living increases. Lawmakers would also receive health insurance. Senators currently receive a $12,000 salary, as set in the Constitution. The proposal does not set a floor or ceiling for how much lawmakers would be paid.
Ten UNK students will perform with other outstanding instrumentalists from across the state as part of the 2026 Nebraska Intercollegiate Band. Front row, from left: Olivia Kohmetscher, Kaia Johnson, Douglas Davidchik, Micah Feddersen and Avery Reitz. Back row, from left: Evan Porter, Ike Smith, Kaitlyn Obrecht, Cameron Grafel and Chloe Harms. (Courtesy UNK, Click to enlarge)
KEARNEY, Neb – Ten students will represent the University of Nebraska at Kearney as members of the 2026 Nebraska Intercollegiate Band.
They’ll perform 11:30 a.m. March 7 in Kimball Recital Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus as part of the 65th annual Nebraska State Bandmasters Association convention. The concert is free and open to the public.
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The Nebraska Intercollegiate Band includes outstanding instrumentalists from colleges and universities across the state. Students selected for the honor spend time rehearsing together in Lincoln before performing for the public. This year’s ensemble is led by guest conductor Donald McKinney, director of bands at Indiana University.
“Rehearsing and performing in the Nebraska Intercollegiate Band will be an excellent opportunity for experiential learning,” said professor Duane Bierman, director of bands at UNK. “Not only will these students get a great musical experience but they will also get a chance to expand their network and grow their interpersonal skills.”
Students representing UNK include: Broken Bow – Cameron Grafel, horn Columbus – Douglas Davidchik, clarinet Elm Creek – Chloe Harms, euphonium Grand Island – Olivia Kohmetscher, tenor saxophone Kearney – Ike Smith, trumpet Kearney – Micah Feddersen, trumpet Kearney – Avery Reitz, string bass and tuba La Vista – Kaitlyn Obrecht, piano Minden – Evan Porter, percussion Ravenna – Kaia Johnson, flute
Not even more sickness could stop the No. 12 Nebraska men’s basketball team.
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With a nasty flu strain ripping through the Huskers and the UNL campus as a whole, Nebraska needed a little more time to take care of Maryland, but freshman star Braden Frager and his team-high 21 points and eight rebounds led a late NU surge for a 74-61 victory over the Terrapins. Forward Pryce Sandfort added to the effort with 16 points and eight rebounds while both Rienk Mast (13) and Sam Hoiberg (12) also reached double figures.
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Now with just three games remaining in the regular season, the Huskers venture west for a two-game road trip to L.A., where they start off against a USC team in the middle of a long losing skid. Here’s all you need to know for Saturday’s mid-afternoon showdown between the Huskers and Trojans.
How to Follow Along
Matchup: Nebraska (24-4, 13-4 B1G) at USC (18-10, 7-10 B1G)
When: Saturday, February 28
Where: Galen Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
Time: 3 p.m. CST
Watch: Big Ten Network
Listen: Huskers Radio Network and Affiliates
USC head coach Eric Musselman has already surpassed the wins total from his first season in charge of the Trojans. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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USC Scout
Head Coach
Eric Musselman | 2nd season at USC; 11th as HC
35-28 (.556) at USC; 256-121 (.679) College Career Record
Previous head coach at Arkansas, Nevada, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors
Previous assistant at LSU, Arizona State, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves
2024-2025 Record & Awards
Record: 17-18 (7-13 B1G, T-12th)
Finish: L, 60-59 to Villanova in CBC Quarterfinals
All-B1G: 1x Honorable Mention
All-Time Series
USC leads 6-5
Jan. 22, 2025, last matchup, 78-73 USC
Washington guard Desmond Claude (1) was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention pick last year at USC before transferring. | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Key Returners
Terrance Williams II | F | Gr. | Was off to a great start with 10.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last year before getting knocked out for the season just seven games in; has not been the same with just 2.5 PPG in 27 contests this season.
Key Departures
Desmond Claude | G | Transfer | Named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention last season for the Trojans after leading the team with 15.8 points per game, but transferred to Washington over the offseason.
Wesley Yates III | G | Transfer | Another player that transferred to Washington, the Texas native was second on the team last season in scoring (14.1) and steals (40) as a redshirt freshman.
Chibuzo Agbo | G | Graduated | Veteran guard that scored 11.8 points per contest while leading the team with 76 made three-pointers as part of his final college season.
Saint Thomas | F | Graduated | The Omaha native and Millard North graduate scored 9.5 points and grabbed 5.9 rebounds per game in his final college season.
Rashaun Agee | F | Graduated | A 6-foot-8 veteran forward who proved to be USC’s most dangerous threat off the bench by scoring over nine points per game.
Josh Cohen | F | Graduated | A 6-foot-10 post that started in 25 of his 33 appearances while adding 5.9 points per game for the Trojans.
Clark Slajchert | G | Graduated | Another key reserve for the Trojans who put up four points per game in 11 minutes across 27 games.
Kevin Patton Jr. | F | Transfer | After scoring 9.8 PPG at San Diego, the California native saw limited action for USC off the bench to prompt his transfer to New Mexico over the offseason.
Matt Knowling | F | Graduated | Played in 27 contests with an average of over 18 minutes, but added little production with three points and 2.6 rebounds.
Another standout guard for USC last season, Wesley Yates III (9) transferred to Washington ahead of his redshirt sophomore year. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Impact Transfers/Newcomers
Rodney Rice | G | Jr. | The third leading scorer from a Sweet 16 Maryland squad last season, the transfer scored over 20 points per game for the Trojans before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in December.
Chad Baker-Mazara | G/F | Gr. | A veteran transfer that aided Auburn’s run to the Final Four last season, the Dominican Republic native leads all active Trojans with 18.6 points per game and 71 total assists.
Ezra Ausar | F | Sr. | The 6-foot-9 forward transfer from Utah scores over 15 points per game and grabs over six rebounds per contest in an elevated role after the injury to Rice.
Alijah Arenas | G | Fr. | The son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, the true freshman missed the first 18 games of the season, but he’s been highly productive with a 13.9 points per game average in his first 10 college games.
Jacob Cofie | F | Soph. | A massive 6-foot-10 forward from Seattle, the Virginia transfer gives USC a weapon inside with 9.8 points and seven rebounds per game as a full-time starter.
Kam Woods | G | Gr. | A mid-season transfer from Robert Morris, where he led the program to its 10th NCAA Tournament appearance, the Alabama native has added over eight points and four rebounds in 16 contests this year.
Jordan Marsh | G | Jr. | The 2025 Big South Conference Newcomer of the Year last season at UNC-Ashville, Marsh acts as the sixth man for the Trojans with 6.7 PPG to lead all reserves.
Jaden Brownell | F | Gr. | A 6-foot-10 bench forward, the USC big man was a 14-point scorer at Samford last season before making his way to L.A.
Jerry Easter II | G | Fr. | An Ohio native who went to the heralded Link Academy in Missouri, Easter II has earned six starts in his 26 appearances by scoring 4.4 points per game.
Gabe Dynes | C | Jr. | The 7-foot-5 center led the country in blocks (104) last season at Youngstown State before transferring to USC, where he’s putting up three points per game, but has collected 30 blocks while only averaging 12 minutes per appearance.
Outlook
A veteran head coach at both the college and NBA levels, Eric Musselman was at the center of one of college basketball’s wildest coaching carousel moves following the 2023–24 season, leaving Arkansas for USC and paving the way for the legendary John Calipari to take over the Razorbacks program.
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While Calipari marched his team to a Sweet 16 appearance in his first season, Musselman’s debut season in L.A. ended with a quarterfinal loss in the CBC for an underwhelming year. What followed was an exodus from the program, with top-two scorers Desmond Claude (15.8) and Wesley Yates III (14.1) both transferring to Washington despite standout seasons. Six others graduated, including Omaha native Saint Thomas (9.5) as well as Chibuzo Agbo, a veteran guard who scored 11.8 points per game in his final college season.
That resulted in a whole new crop of transfers to join the team, including the crown jewel of the haul in Rodney Rice, who played a big part in helping Maryland reach the Sweet 16 last season. The junior started out hot for the Trojans, logging over 20 points per game, but a devastating shoulder injury ended his season just seven games in, which immediately lowered the ceiling for a USC team with decent talent. Chad Baker-Mazara has stepped up in the place of Rice with 18.6 points per game and a team-high 71 assists after transferring from Auburn, where he helped the Tigers reach the Final Four.
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Rodney Rice (1) was scoring over 20 points per game for USC before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in December. | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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Utah transfer Ezra Ausar has produced at a high level with over 15 points and six rebounds per contest. Despite missing the first 18 games of the season, true freshman Alijah Arenas has averaged 13.9 points per game as a starter. Sophomore and Virginia transfer Jacob Cofie is the muscle in the post, scoring 9.8 points per game and grabbing a team-high seven rebounds per contest. Similar to Arenas, Robert Morris transfer Kam Woods has been a big mid-season addition with over eight points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Plus, Jordan Marsh (6.7), Jaden Brownell (5.3), and 7-foot-5 center Gabe Dynes give Musselman the opportunity to mix-and-match his lineup off the bench depending on the matchup.
The Rice injury is massive, and could end up being one of the primary reasons for the Trojans missing the NCAA Tournament, for which they are a bubble team in the latest projections. It’s crunch time for USC, which is in the midst of a four-game losing streak after dropping contests to Ohio State, No. 10 Illinois, Oregon, and UCLA. Three of those four were winnable for the Trojans and games that could really haunt them as they search for key wins down the stretch to lock up a spot in March Madness.
Against a Trojan team that doesn’t defend well, but ranks as one of the top rebounding teams in the conference, USC is an interesting matchup for Nebraska. Being on the road and dealing with more sickness isn’t helpful, but I’m riding the Huskers for this one to reach 25 wins on the year.
LEXINGTON, Neb. (KOLN) – Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds of cocaine during a commercial vehicle inspection.
On Tuesday afternoon, an NSP Carrier Enforcement trooper conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on a semi tractor/trailer driven by Arwinderjit Singh, 30, of California, near mile marker 254 on Interstate 80.
Arwinderjit Singh mugshot(Dawson County Jail)
During the inspection, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. An NSP K-9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the cab of the semi, troopers said.
After searching the cab, troopers located 242 pounds of cocaine concealed underneath the sleeper bed, NSP said.
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Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds of cocaine during a commercial vehicle inspection.(Nebraska State Patrol)
Singh was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of an open alcohol container, no drug tax stamp and displaying a fictitious license plate.
Singh was lodged in Dawson County Jail, and his bond was set at 10% of $2 million. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 12.
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