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Nebraska’s debate on trans health care gets personal for one lawmaker

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Nebraska’s debate on trans health care gets personal for one lawmaker


2023 Nebraska legislative session preview


LINCOLN — Midway by way of debate on a invoice that might ban gender-altering care for people below 19, one Nebraska lawmaker informed how the laws would immediately impression her household. 

State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, a vocal opponent of Legislative Invoice 574, shared that her 12-year-old son is transgender. Her son testified in opposition to the invoice at its listening to final month, arguing the restrictions threaten an already susceptible inhabitants. 

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“This invoice is such an affront to me personally,” Hunt stated Wednesday. 

Lawmakers have been debating LB 574 on the ground for the previous two days. A vote is anticipated on Thursday, when the invoice will want 33 votes to advance to the second spherical. The laws has spurred robust reactions each in assist and opposition because it was first launched by Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, with Hunt one of many loudest critics.

Individuals are additionally studying…

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Hunt hadn’t talked about her son in her arguments in opposition to the invoice till Wednesday, and stated she hadn’t been planning on mentioning him. She feared the “hateful rhetoric” expressed by a number of of LB 574’s supporters would result in her being accused of “grooming” her son to be trans, as she is a bisexual lady herself. 

Nonetheless, Hunt stated her thoughts modified whereas listening to the arguments in assist of the invoice, saying that almost all of it was inaccurate and that it reveals the supporters are uninformed. 

“I would not be capable of dwell with myself if I did not do all the things in my energy to dam this invoice,” Hunt stated. 

A number of LB 574 supporters, together with Kauth, have claimed that gender-altering care, similar to puberty blockers and hormone remedy, may be accessed simply and rapidly. They contend that such critical medical choices should not be made by somebody whose mind continues to be growing.

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However Hunt stated the truth of her son’s well being care appeared very totally different. 

Hunt stated her son underwent counseling for over a 12 months, consulting with a number of medical consultants relating to his gender identification. Even to at the present time, she stated, her son is not present process any medical intervention, as a result of Medicaid has denied their requests for gender-altering care 4 instances. Paying out of pocket for the therapy would price roughly $7,000 a month, she stated. 

“That is the truth of what trans well being care is like in Nebraska,” Hunt stated. 

Hunt’s remarks went largely unacknowledged by her fellow lawmakers Wednesday, apart from a handful of senators who thanked her for sharing her story. Most of Wednesday’s debate centered round competing analysis introduced in assist of every aspect of debate, with either side arguing that their info is official, and the opposing info is flawed. 

Lawmakers went backwards and forwards about which medical organizations ought to be trusted to weigh in on the controversy. On Tuesday, Kauth circulated an announcement from the Nebraska State Board of Well being, expressing its opposition to “irreversible surgical and hormonal manipulation of minors.”

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The assertion was referenced a number of instances on the microphone by LB 574’s supporters, however opponents argued the opinion wasn’t dependable because the board is made up of gubernatorial appointments, and a minority of its members even have experience on the topic at hand. 

Opponents have incessantly cited different medical organizations which have affirmed their assist for providing gender-altering care to younger individuals, together with the World Well being Group, the American Medical Affiliation, the Nebraska Medical Affiliation, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Affiliation.

Nonetheless, Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, a co-sponsor of LB 574, referred to as these teams into query Wednesday. He learn an announcement from two Kearney physicians that claimed the organizations are managed by “large pharma” and have monetary motivations behind supporting such therapy. 

A number of lawmakers on either side of debate have acknowledged that members of the Nebraska Legislature should not have the experience to definitively say whether or not gender-altering take care of minors is sweet or dangerous. Nonetheless, either side got here to a distinct conclusion based mostly on this remark. 

Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington, who opposes the invoice, argued lawmakers usually are not outfitted with sufficient medical data to maintain somebody from receiving well being care they are saying is important. 

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However Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair argued that for the reason that info on gender-altering care is not conclusive, the most secure choice is to carry off on providing such therapy. Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of the Omaha space shared an analogous sentiment on Tuesday. 

“I do not know sufficient to say it is OK,” Linehan stated. 

To this point, opponents have succeeded at stopping any amendments to LB 574 from being thought of, with an modification from Kauth ready within the wings that might drastically restrict the invoice’s impacts. The modification would take away restrictions on puberty blockers and hormone remedy, and would solely ban gender-altering surgical procedures for individuals below 19.

Although a number of of the invoice’s proponents have indicated their curiosity within the modification as a compromise, the invoice’s opponents have rebuked these makes an attempt. A number of critics have expressed that no quantity of amendments would earn their assist. 

“You can not amend this piece of crap,” stated Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue. 

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ebamer@owh.com Twitter @ErinBamer

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Nebraska

Amazon Prime packages fall out after semi crashes with train in Nebraska

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Amazon Prime packages fall out after semi crashes with train in Nebraska


An Amazon Prime semitrailer after a crash with a maintenance train in Dawson, Nebraska.
Courtesy: Richardson County Sheriff’s Office

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — An Amazon Prime semitrailer collided with a train Friday morning in southeast Nebraska, spilling packages on the side of the road.

It happened about 8:30 a.m. on Highway 75 in Dawson, which is 20 miles northwest of Falls City, according to the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said the semi collided with a maintenance train, causing the trailer to hit a vehicle that was waiting for the train to pass.

The driver of that vehicle was taken to a hospital, then released.

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Authorities said no other injuries were reported.

The semi driver was ticketed for multiple offenses, according to the sheriff’s office.

A photo posted on social media showed damage to the trailer and boxes strewn on the ground.

Highway 75 was closed for several hours during the investigation and cleanup.

Categories: Nebraska News, News





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New Nebraska bill proposes reimbursement for teachers paying out of pocket for school supplies

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New Nebraska bill proposes reimbursement for teachers paying out of pocket for school supplies


OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – ShoShann Smith and Diane Moore have invested years educating Omaha’s children.

“I would show up for free. I am so passionate about teaching,” Smith said.

Often what isn’t free, getting the supplies they need to teach.

“Yearly, I would spend at least $2,000, $3,000 out of pocket,” said Moore.

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“You have so many educators that work second jobs just because what we get paid doesn’t cover the things that they wanted to do.”

As private school teachers, both women get stipends for their supplies. It is something they didn’t get when they taught public school.

They told First Alert 6 they were given basics like paper, pencils and items for the curriculum – but any extras, they bought themselves.

They believe it takes a level of creativity in decorating their rooms and going the extra mile to keep students engaged.

“Valentine’s Day I would go get helium balloons and decorate the classroom because, of course, I want my children to know that I love them. And when you love someone you go all out for them,” Smith said.

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They also give to children who come to school without their basic needs.

A bill introduced in the Nebraska legislature by Senator Jason Prokop wants teachers to be reimbursed up to $300 for what they spend on supplies.

LB282 proposes teachers working at an accredited K-12 public, private, denominational or parochial school may apply. The reimbursement would come from the State Department of Education for items they say qualify. Teachers would need to show a receipt to get their money back.

“It would be so appreciative just to have this bill passed. To have a starting point,” said Moore.

Education leaders in state also believe it will be a good first step.

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“At the end of the day we want to take care of our kids when we need to. So if we can take this step and help cover those costs, I think that will be a good show of faith that the state acknowledges that this is a reality for our teachers,” said Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Educators Association.

First Alert 6 is working to learn how the reimbursement would be funded.



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Wrestling Preview: No. 1 Penn State at No. 6 Nebraska

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Wrestling Preview: No. 1 Penn State at No. 6 Nebraska


Penn State wrestling is coming fresh off a record-tying utter domination of Michigan State, albeit with nearly half of the latter’s starting lineup not taking the mat. This week, they face a far more formidable opponent – the always tough Nebraska Cornhuskers, who are entering this matchup after a season-building win over then-#6 Minnesota (21-13). That win vaulted the Huskers back up the rankings, as they were the #9 ranked team after their first (and only) loss at the hands of Northern Iowa (24-9).

Nebraska is one of the few squads who, like Penn State, feature a ranked wrestler at every weight – but half of the Husker lineup is in the top ten, versus nine out of ten for PSU. Rankings aren’t everything, though, as the underdogs feature a number of bonafide studs who’ve had some impressive bouts in their NE careers.

It’s been five years since Penn State has wrestled in the Devaney Center, with none of the current roster having wrestled there before; the last time, a few weeks after the Lions lodged a narrow 20-18 win, the world shut down to a global pandemic. Let’s hope this year’s outcome doesn’t trigger similarly catastrophic consequences.

How To Watch

What: #1 Penn State vs #6 Nebraska*

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Where: Devaney Center, Lincoln, NE

When: Friday, January 17, 9 PM EST

Audio: Free (via GoPSUSports)

Video: BTN

Lineup

#1 Penn State WT #6 Nebraska
#1 Penn State WT #6 Nebraska
#12 – Luke Lilledahl (Fr., St Charles, MO) 125 #6 – Caleb Smith (Gr.,, HIgh Point, NC)
#5 – Braeden Davis (So., Belleville, MI) 133 #16 – Jacob Van Dee (So., Union City, PA)
#3 – Beau Bartlett (Gr., Tempe, AZ) 141 #6 – Brock Hardy (Jr., Brigham City, UT)
#2 – Shayne Van Ness (So., Somerville, NJ) 149 #4 – Ridge Lovett (Sr., Post Falls, ID)
#3 – Tyler Kasak (So., Doylestown, PA) OR
Alex Facundo (So., Essexville, MI)
157 #5 – Antrell Taylor (So., Millard, NE)
#1 – Mitchell Mesenbrink (So., Hartland, WI) 165 Christopher Minto (Fr., Cape Coral, FL) OR
#7 – Bubba Wilson (Sr., Manhattan, KS)
#2 – Levi Haines (Jr., Arendtsville, PA) 174 #15 – Lenny Pinto (Jr., Stroudsburg, PA)
#1 – Carter Starocci (Gr., Erie, PA) 184 # 17 – Silas Allred (Jr., Anderson, IN)
#4 – Josh Barr (Fr, Davison, MI) OR
Lucas Cochran (Jr., Perry UT)
197 #22 – Camden McDaniel (Fr., Circleville, OH)
#2 – Greg Kerkvliet (Gr., Grove Heights, MN) 285 #24 – Harley Andrews (So., Tuttle, OK)

125 – Match of the Meet #1

I see Lightning Luke on the same trajectory as Mitchell Mesenbrink last year, with each week having him climb up the rankings after starting off the season far too low. This week will be a big test for Lilledahl, and he’s more than up to the task; Smith is a veteran wrestler and 2024 All-American, coming into this dual having split his last two bouts (a loss to #30 Anderson of UNI, and a win over #7 Flynn of Minnesota). All the pressure is on Smith, and Luke’s got the chance to show out.

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Prediction: Lilledahl by decision

Score: PSU 3, UN 0

133 LBS

Davis isn’t coming out of nowhere this season – the reigning B1G champ at 125 is on everyone’s radar. He gets his third top ranked bout this year against the Nebraska grappler that teammate Aaron Nagao pinned in the conference tournament last year – but Van Dee is confident, coming off an upset over Minnesota’s Tyler Wells. I expect one takedown to make the difference here, and that three will be Braeden’s.

Prediction: Davis by decision

Score: PSU 6, UN 0

141 LBS

Beau says he’s having the most fun wrestling this year, and who am I to discount that? This week, he takes on last year’s #3 finisher at this weight. Hardy, like Smith, has split his last two bouts (losing to #5 Happel of UNI and beating #8 Vombaur of Minnesota); it doesn’t come easier for him. The best bet on this one is a tie late into the third, if not extra wrestling, with Bartlett snagging a last-second TD and the victory.

Prediction: Bartlett by decision

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Score: PSU 9, UN 0

149 LBS

Ridge Lovett was the internet’s favorite wrestler a few years ago, an exciting athlete with a high-scoring style that even the most cursory of wrestling fans would find exciting, culminating in an NCAA finals appearance as a true sophomore in 2022. We’re all used to his on-mat theatrics now, and he’s not taking anyone by surprise; neither is Shayne Van Ness, who seems better than ever coming back after last year’s medical redshirt. This one starts out close but some swipes in the third give the Nittany Lion enough points to be just shy of bonus.

Prediction: Van Ness by decision

Score: PSU 12, UN 0

157 LBS

Antrell Taylor’s another Husker who split his last two outings, losing to UNI’s #4 Downey and beating MInnesota’s #9 Askey. He’ll be a tough outing for Tyler Kasak, and the Nittany Lion’s first major test since the All-Star Classic. I’ve got a feeling that Nebraska pulls off one big upset this week, and though this one might not be big, it would definitely be an upset – one Tyler gets back in the postseason.

Prediction: Taylor by decision

Score: PSU 12, UN 3

165 LBS

Even though this is listed as an “or” in Penn State’s official match preview, that doesn’t mean one Nebraska wrestler will be decidedly easier for Mesenbrink than the other – if it weren’t for returning NCAA qualifier Wilson, MInto would likely be highly ranked as well. But this is Mitchell Mesenbrink we’re talking about, and even top ten guys will likely be fodder for him on his quest for a title this year.

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Prediction: Mesenbrink by tech fall

Score: PSU 17, UN 3

174 LBS

Lenny Pinto is one of the few Huskers who is on a winning streak, beating back to back ranked wrestlers – but he’s never had to wrestle Levi Haines. This week, Levi’ll get a turn that us fans will call a pin but the refs won’t; he will get bonus, though.

Prediction: Levi by major decision

Score: PSU 21, UN 3

184 LBS

I was originally going to pick this one to be close, but then I saw the results from the last two weeks – Allred’s top ten, but he was pinned by Parker Keckeisen and majored by Minnesota’s McEnelly. Carter is the heel of college wrestling right now, and I wouldn’t be a fan of his if I didn’t recognize he’d take those results as a distinct challenge. I don’t think he’ll get quite the angle he’ll need to take Silas Allred to his back, but he’ll get enough swipes to be thisclose to a tech.

Prediction: Carter by major decision

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Score: PSU 25, UN 3

197 LBS

Josh Barr had his best test in the Nittany Lions’ last road trip, and passed with flying colors. His ranking reflects that, though, and his might be the second best bet this week. He’s facing a fellow freshman, but one who’s fresh off a pair of losses. This could get bad pretty quickly.

Prediction: Barr by pin

Score: PSU 31, UN 3

285 LBS

Kerkvliet went first last week against the Spartans, and isn’t used to having to leave the anklets on the mat so accidentally left to go to the locker room with them on after his first-minute pin. That has nothing to do with this bout, but just makes me happy – and there’s not much I can say that will make this bout any closer. Andrews was tech falled by Steveson last week, and I expect similar this week, putting a capper on a successful business trip for the Lions.

Prediction: Kerk by tech fall

Score: PSU 36, UN 3

Overall score prediction: Penn State 36, Nebraska 3


*The Penn State athletic department, in its official capacity, uses Intermat’s Tournament Power Index in all its match literature; I’m using Intermat’s Dual Meet Rankings because this happens to be a dual. Penn State is #1 in both rankings; Nebraska is #6 in the dual rankings, and #4 in the tournament rankings.

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