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Parents deserve the right to choose what’s best for their children • Nebraska Examiner

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Parents deserve the right to choose what’s best for their children • Nebraska Examiner


Every parent wants their child to succeed. That looks different for every student — whether it’s academic excellence, social growth or emotional well-being. But ultimately it’s about helping each child reach their full potential. When a child struggles in school — whether academically, socially or emotionally — parents deserve real solutions to help them thrive.

This week is National School Choice Week, and it’s a reminder of the importance of empowering parents to choose the school that best meets their child’s unique needs. Public, private or parochial — every student deserves a chance to succeed in an environment that works for them. 

During my time in the Legislature, I worked with my colleagues, Gov. Pete Ricketts, and later Gov. Jim Pillen to champion education reform that supported kids, parents, teachers, and taxpayers.

Education matters

We mandated a focus on reading in early grades and testing for learning disabilities so conditions like dyslexia are diagnosed and addressed at an early age. We invested in teacher recruitment, retention and loan forgiveness programs. And we provided a record 38% increase in state funding for public schools, the largest increase in four decades.  

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This funding included a minimum of $1,500 per student in foundation aid that provided state funding to more than 180 rural school districts that otherwise weren’t receiving state K-12 equalization aid. We also increased how much the state would cover of special education costs from 42% to 80%, doubling the state’s commitment to children with special needs.  

Despite relentless opposition from the teachers union, a bipartisan majority of the Legislature passed school choice bills in 2023 and 2024. With the adoption of the Opportunity Scholarships Act tax credit program two years ago, Nebraska became the 49th state to approve a school choice bill. Last year the Legislature replaced that program with an education scholarship program funded with a $10 million state appropriation.

Through these two scholarship programs, more than 4,000 students from across the state were given access to the best educational fit for them.  These scholarships are making a life-changing difference for families in Norfolk, Seward, Beatrice, Omaha, Nebraska City, Ogallala, South Sioux City, David City, Grand Island, Lincoln and dozens more communities across the state. For many families, this is the first time they’ve been able to choose an educational path that meets their children’s needs. 

Tragically for these families, special interests led by unions spent more than $7 million misrepresenting these programs, which resulted in their repeal in November. There is a disturbing irony in the election results.  Former teachers union president Jenni Benson gave a TV interview in which she stated their repeal efforts wouldn’t take scholarships from kids. The union’s paid advertising stated the scholarship programs took money from public schools. And petition circulators said the program benefitted the rich when the program prioritized low-income families. Regardless of the barrage of false claims, several communities, who want and need better educational options voted not to repeal Opportunity Scholarships.  

These communities stretch across Nebraska, from the economically depressed urban areas of Omaha to Scotts Bluff County and communities as diverse as Lexington and Norfolk. 

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Growing elsewhere

Meanwhile school choice is advancing across the country with new and expanded programs proposed in Texas, North Dakota, Tennessee, South Dakota, Virginia and elsewhere.  

Across the Missouri River, Iowa’s education savings account (ESA) program will be accessible to all families regardless of income beginning this fall. Nebraska families deserve the same opportunities. 

Supporters of school choice in Nebraska won’t relent because the future of our kids is too important to walk away from. This year Nebraska lawmakers will consider several proposals to empower parents to choose the school that’s the best fit for their child, including an Iowa-style ESA, vouchers, and tax credit scholarships, among others.  

With more than 4,000 Nebraska students receiving scholarships in the current school year, a new program will be needed to keep those students from losing their newfound opportunity. I simply cannot believe Nebraskans are in favor of disrupting the education of 4,000 children who finally found the right school.

We must stand together for these children and protect their scholarships. This is common sense, and it should not be controversial. As Governor Jim Pillen said in his State of the State address, “Every child deserves a chance to succeed.”  

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Lou Ann Linehan served as chair of the Nebraska Legislature’s Revenue Committee for six years before being term-limited after 2024.

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A warm-up is right around the corner across Greater Nebraska to end February

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A warm-up is right around the corner across Greater Nebraska to end February


NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – Extreme Cold Warning for across Greater Nebraska until 12:00pm Thursday. Then a very nice weather pattern for the last week of February. Wednesday mostly sunny skies and highs near 4.

High temperatures were in the single digits across Greater Nebraska for our Wednesday.(Maxuser | Justin Craft)

Thursday partly cloudy skies and highs near 12. Friday mostly sunny skies and highs near 29. Saturday sunny skies and highs near 44. Sunday sunny skies and highs near 53.

A warm up to finish February and into March.
A warm up to finish February and into March.(Maxuser | Justin Craft)

Monday mostly sunny skies and highs near 63. Tuesday mostly sunny skies highs near 63. Next Wednesday partly cloudy skies highs near 51.

A warmup coming with temperatures in the 60s by next week.
A warmup coming with temperatures in the 60s by next week.(Maxuser | Justin Craft)

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Wednesday Big Ten Preview: Nebraska at Penn State

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Wednesday Big Ten Preview: Nebraska at Penn State


The Big Ten has three games on Wednesday and two of them have serious NCAA Tournament implications. The biggest will be in Bryce Jordan Center, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers hope to lock up a bid to this year’s March Madness. It should have a significant impact for multiple bubble teams.

With March Madness looming, every game counts! Here’s a breakdown of Wednesday’s Big Ten matchups and what’s at stake.

-Nebraska Cornhuskers at Penn State Nittany Lions

  • Time/TV: 6:30 PM ET (BTN)
  • KenPom Spread: Nebraska by 1

It’s been quite a ride for the Nebraska Cornhuskers so far this season. The Huskers jumped out to an incredible 12-2 start and seemed poised to cruise to a second consecutive NCAA Tournament bid. Unfortunately, the wheels fell off in January, as the group lost six in a row, including two at home. Fans were panicking before Nebraska managed to get back on track, winning five of its last six games. The Huskers now enter Wednesday poised to lock up a bid to the field of 68.

This figures to be a crucial game for Fred Hoiberg and crew. While beating Penn State won’t boost the team’s resume all that much, it’s the downside of this one that needs to be mentioned. If Nebraska were to lose this one, it would be a blemish difficult to overcome with just weeks of the regular season remaining. It’s more about avoiding a land mine than scoring a massive win.

Standing in Nebraska’s way is a reeling Penn State team that’s lost 11 of its last 12 games, including a handful in brutal fashion. Its season is nearly over, but not quite yet, as the group still has time to secure a Big Ten Tournament bid to keep the dream alive. Winning on Wednesday would be a key piece of that process.

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On the court, the game will center around Penn State’s backcourt, which has been led by Ace Baldwin this season. Baldwin dominates the team’s possessions and has one of the nation’s better assist rates. Sam Hoiberg, Connor Essegian, and Rollie Worster will need to find a way to to slow down Baldwin in transition and when he’s feeding wings moving toward the hoop. If they can pull it off, Nebraska’s probably going to win. However, it’ll be easier said than done — Baldwin has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

One other thing to watch is how the teams battle on the boards. Neither group is a particularly great rebounding unit, but it generally presents as an area of weakness for the Huskers. If Penn State can get a big game from Yanic Konan Niederhauser down low, it could be a way to keep the game close enough to pull off an upset. However, it doesn’t seem all that likely given Penn State’s struggles as of late.

-Oregon Ducks at Iowa Hawkeyes

  • Time/TV: 8:30 PM ET (BTN)
  • KenPom Spread: Oregon by 1

This one has a similar feel to the game above, but with fewer postseason implications. Oregon is in better position for the Big Dance than Nebraska and Iowa’s resume will end up far better than Penn State’s, so there isn’t the same downsides. Still, this is a game the Ducks need to get momentum going again in Eugene.

It figures to be a fun matchup, as both sides are offensive led units that can light things up on any given night. Jackson Shelstad has been going off for the Ducks over the last few weeks and Payton Sandfort remains one of the league’s more explosive offensive players. Expect both sides to hit some big shots on Wednesday night.

The biggest question will lie upfront — can Iowa find a way to slow down Nate Bittle and Supreme Cook? Bittle has been excellent over the last two games and projects to have a serious advantage with Owen Freeman sidelined for the season. It’s why Iowa got torn apart by Maryland on Sunday and it will be the team’s biggest obstacle here.

-Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Washington Huskies

  • Time/TV: 10:30 PM ET (BTN)
  • KenPom Spread: Washington by 2

Entering this season, these teams couldn’t have been viewed more differently. Rutgers entered in the top 25, while the Huskies looked like the league’s bottom dweller. It seemed like when we got to this game in February, Washington would be going through the motions, while Rutgers was looking to put the final touches on an NCAA Tournament bid.

Unfortunately for Scarlet Knight fans, it hasn’t turned out that way.

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Washington not only enters this one with a chance, but is outright favored by KenPom and Vegas. And the projections aren’t surprising either, as Washington gets home court and has been playing better than the Scarlet Knights. The Huskies also figure to have a clear matchup advantage down low with Great Osobor against Rutgers’ group of revolving big men. Unless Rutgers gets a massive night from Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, Washington is probably going to win this one.

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Picks Record This Season: 93-28

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Which Big Ten team do you think will make the biggest statement on Wednesday? Drop your predictions below!”



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How to Watch Nebraska Men’s Basketball vs. Penn State: Preview, Breakdown, TV Channel

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How to Watch Nebraska Men’s Basketball vs. Penn State: Preview, Breakdown, TV Channel


It was a roller coaster of emotions for the Nebraska men’s basketball team against Northwestern on Sunday afternoon. 

Down by as much as 20 points in the second half, the Huskers pulled off their largest comeback in nearly 30 seasons by topping the Wildcats 68-64 in Evanston to add another quality win to their resume in a quest for a second-straight NCAA Tournament berth. 

Trailing 41-21 early in the second half, NU out-scored Northwestern 47-23 over the final 19:15 with Brice Williams sealing the win with a pair of go-ahead free throws with 1:33 remaining in the game. Nebraska’s leading scorer held up his reputation with a team-high 21 points. Juwan Gary added 17 points while big man Braxton Meah added 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench. 

The win kept the Huskers alive in the NCAA Tournament race with five games remaining before the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis. Wednesday’s game at Penn State is listed as a Quad 2 matchup, giving NU another opportunity to pad its resume. 

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Here’s all you need to know as the Huskers travel to State College for a weeknight showdown against the Nittany Lions. 

How to Follow Along 

Penn State men's basketball head coach Mike Rhoades

Penn State coach Mike Rhoades. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Penn State Scout

Head Coach: Mike Rhoades | 2nd Season at PSU; 21st as HC | 29-30 (.492) at Penn State; 402-219 (.647) Career HC Record | 3x NCAA Tournament Appearances, 4x NCAA DIII Tournament Appearances | 2x A10 regular season titles, 1x A10 Tournament titles, 4 ODAC regular season titles, 1x ODAC tournament title | 1x A10 Coach OTY (2019) | Previous head coach at VCU, Rice and Randolph-Macon | Previous assistant at VCU and Randolph-Macon.

2023-2024 Record: 16-17 (9-11 B1G, T-9th) | B1G Defensive Player OTY, 1x All-B1G Third team, 1x B1G All-Defensive team, 3x Honorable Mentions | Did not qualify for the postseason.

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All-Time Series: Penn State leads 14-13 (February 17, 2024 last matchup, 68-49 NU). 

Key Returners: Ace Baldwin Jr., G, Gr. | Nick Kern Jr., G, Sr. | Zach Hicks, F, Sr. | Puff Johnson, G/F, Gr. | D’Marco Dunn, G, Sr. 

Key Additions: Yanic Konan Niederhauser, F, Jr. (Northern Illinois) | Freddie Dilione V, G, R-Soph. (Tennessee) | Kachi Nzeh, F, Soph. (Xavier). 

Key Departures: Kanye Clary, G, Jr. (Mississippi State) | Qudus Wahab, F (Eligibility) | Jameel Brown, G, Jr. (Temple) | RayQuawndis Mitchell, G (Eligibility) | Demetrius Lilley, F, Jr. (La Salle) | Leo O’Boyle, F (Eligibility). 

Outlook: Year two of the Mike Rhoades era at Penn State is looking eerily similar to year one. Coming off a 16-17 campaign last season, the Nittany Lions look headed for a .500 record in the final stretch of the year. 

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There was turnover at key spots for the Nittany Lions over the offseason as leading scorer Kanye Clary (16.7 PPG) took his talents to the SEC and Mississippi State. Plus, fellow starter and big man Qudus Wahab (9.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG) exhausted his college eligibility. The rest of the departures were contributors off the bench, but PSU lost six of the 12 players last season to play at least 20 games. 

That forced Rhoades to replenish a roster that lost some production. What resulted was a strategy that balanced transfer portal acquisitions with a strong freshman class. Five true freshmen arrived in State College over the offseason with Dominick Stewart (19 GP) and Jahvin Carter (21 GP) leading the way. 

Penn State leading scorer Ace Baldwin Jr.

Ace Baldwin Jr., Penn State’s leading scorer, dribbles the ball against USC’s Desmond Claude earlier this month. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Seven-foot junior forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser from Northern Illinois has been the big addition through the transfer portal for the Nittany Lions. He’s third on the team in scoring and one of five players to average double figures at 12.2 PPG and 6.2 RPG. Having played 18 games for Tennessee – who reached the Elite Eight last season – Freddie Dilione V transferred from the Volunteer and has averaged 9.2 PPG in his redshirt sophomore season for PSU. Xavier transfer Kachi Nzeh hasn’t stuffed the stat sheet too much at 3.0 PPG and 2.5 RPG, but he’s played in 24 of the 26 games this season off the bench. 

Dead last in the Big Ten standings, the Nittany Lions will be motivated to get out of the cellar in order to qualify for the 15-team Big Ten tournament in March. It’s been a rough stretch for Penn State having lost seven-straight games dating back to January. Their last win came in a 80-72 victory over Rutgers on Jan. 20th.  

Offense hasn’t been an issue for PSU at 79.5 PPG which is seventh in the conference, but the Nittany Lions are bogged down by their defense with opponents scoring 73.5 PPG which is third-highest in the Big Ten. Turnovers are also an issue with PSU averaging 12.2 per contest – second highest in the conference. 

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I think being on the road for a weeknight game in what’s known as a lackluster environment at State College will hurt Nebraska. It’s a trap game of sorts, but Sunday’s comeback win may remind the Huskers they can’t let their foot off the gas no matter the opponent. Give me a Nebraska victory on the road, but this could be one that NU has to grind out. 

MORE: Nebraska Pitcher Tucker Timmerman Took a 104-mph Hit to the Face, Refused to Stay Down

MORE: What If: The 1976 College Football Season

MORE: Has Nebraska Football Done Enough in the Transfer Portal?

MORE: Nebraska Jumps Up One Spot in Latest D1Baseball Top 25

MORE: 5 Takeaways From Nebraska Softball’s Dominant Weekend in New Mexico

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.



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