South-Carolina

South Carolina House OKs ban on gender-affirming care for minors

Published

10 months ago

January 17, 2024

South Carolina House OKs ban on gender-affirming care for minors

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A proposed ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors was overwhelmingly approved Wednesday by the Republican-led South Carolina House.

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The measure would bar health professionals from performing gender-transition surgeries, prescribing puberty-blocking drugs and overseeing hormone treatments for patients under 18 years old.

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The 82-23 vote came as Republican-led statehouses nationwide are restricting transgender people’s access to health care, sports leagues and bathrooms that align with their identity.

The South Carolina measure will soon head to the state Senate.

Transgender South Carolina residents, their families and doctors have strenuously opposed the bill, saying gender-affirming treatment can be lifesaving.

They emphasize that people younger than 18 do not receive gender-transition surgeries in South Carolina and hormone treatments begin only after extensive consultation with health professionals.

Still, Republican lawmakers said they needed to protect children from medical practices that they consider experimental and irreversible.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina lawmakers on Wednesday debated proposed restrictions on health care for transgender youth, while a Missouri legislative committee discussed a slew of like-minded proposals.

The measures’ consideration in the two GOP strongholds highlights the continued interest among conservative lawmakers in targeting issues that impact LGBTQ residents after a wave of high-profile bills last year.

South Carolina is one of the few Southern states without a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Its Republican-dominated House began debating a bill Wednesday that would bar health professionals from performing gender-transition surgeries, prescribing puberty-blocking drugs and overseeing hormone treatments for patients under 18 years old. People under 26 years old could not use Medicaid to cover the costs for such care and school employees could not withhold knowledge of a student’s transgender identity from their legal guardians.

Doctors and parents told lawmakers last week that such treatment can be lifesaving, allowing young transgender people to live more fulfilling lives. Indeed, research has shown that transgender youth and adults are prone to stress, depression and suicidal behavior when forced to live as the sex they were assigned at birth.

Yet Republican South Carolina Rep. John McCravy, a co-sponsor of the bill, claimed Wednesday that “unpublished evidence” shows puberty blockers increase self-harm. He described transgender children as “mentally disturbed youth” in need of protection from “mutilation” — a narrative that expert panels in the nation’s major medical associations have said is false.

Democrats tried to cut the provision that blocks Medicaid coverage for children and young adults seeking gender-confirming treatments. Democratic South Carolina Rep. Marvin Pendarvis said Republicans should stick to their stated goal of protecting children and should not also limit adults’ health care access.

“Is it really about protecting minors or is it about attacking a group of people that you don’t agree with their lifestyle?” Pendarvis asked.

Republican South Carolina Rep. RJ May, the vice chair of the state’s ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus, compared public funding for any transition surgeries — regardless of the patient’s age — to public funding for “lifestyles” like drug addiction.

Some other Republicans failed to add more definite penalties. The bill allows medical licensing boards to discipline health care professionals who provide the banned treatments. It does not expose medical providers to criminal liability as in Florida or civil liability as in Georgia.

In Missouri, a House committee on Wednesday was debating a slate of anti-transgender legislation, even though Republican legislative leaders have said LGBTQ -related bills are not a top priority this session. Lawmakers last year passed a partial ban on gender-affirming health care treatments for minors and limits on what sports teams student athletes can join based on the sex they were assigned at birth.

New measures would regulate public school bathroom use and define male and female in state laws as being based on a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Another proposal would apply the ban on gender-affirming health care to all minors and repeal its 2027 expiration date.

Republican Missouri Rep. Brad Hudson, who proposed last year’s ban, said there should have never been a “sunset” in the first place.

Democratic Missouri Rep. David Tyson Smith said legislation aimed at transgender people is a campaign tactic to attract Republican votes. Smith said it’s “time we turn the page.”

“For this to dominate the airwaves over and over again, it’s too much,” Smith said.

The bills are among dozens this year in red states designed to restrict medical care for transgender youth — and in some cases, adults — or to govern the pronouns students can use at school, which sports teams they can play on, and the bathrooms they can use, along with efforts to restrict drag performances and some books and school curriculums.

At least 22 states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, and many of those states face lawsuits. Courts have issued mixed rulings. Enforcement is blocked in three states and enforcement is allowed in seven others. The Ohio Senate later this month is expected to override Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of that state’s ban.

Major medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, oppose the bans and have endorsed such care, saying it’s safe when administered properly.

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Ballentine contributed from Jefferson City, Mo. Pollard is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

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South-Carolina

How to watch Dale Earnhardt Jr. in South Carolina 400: Channel, time, schedule, live stream for 2024 Florence race | Sporting News

Published

4 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Press Room

How to watch Dale Earnhardt Jr. in South Carolina 400: Channel, time, schedule, live stream for 2024 Florence race | Sporting News

No, NASCAR fans, your eyes do not deceive you. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his famous No. 8 car are back.

Earnhardt will participate in the South Carolina 400 this weekend, marking the first time in 17 years that he will drive a car featuring the Budweiser paint scheme. He has finished ninth (2022) and eighth (2023) in the past two runnings of the South Carolina 400, so he is hoping that the old-school look will lead to a throwback performance.

“It is an incredible opportunity for me to be able to reunite with Budweiser, and the No. 8,” Earnhardt said. “Budweiser and I had some great memories with that iconic scheme and number. We’ve always supported each other over the years. It’s going to be really special for me to be able to represent that brand on the racetrack again.”

Here is everything you need to know about the South Carolina 400, including information on how to watch Earnhardt’s return in the No. 8 car.

How to watch Dale Earnhardt Jr. in South Carolina 400: TV channel, live stream

The South Carolina 400 will not air on a national TV channel. You can stream the event on FloRacing, which gives subscribers access to live streams, event replays and FloSports Originals.

South Carolina 400 schedule

Dates: Friday, Nov. 22 | Saturday, Nov. 23

The South Carolina 400 is a two-day event that will be held at Florence Motor Speedway in Timmonsville, S.C. You can see the full schedule below.

Friday, Nov. 22

Time (ET)	Event
8:30 a.m.	Pit Gates Open
9 a.m.	Tire Area Opens
11:15 a.m.	Drivers Meeting
11:45 a.m.	Practice Round One
2 p.m.	Practice Round Two
3:30 p.m.	Pre-Qualifying Tech: Limited/Super Truck
4:30 p.m.	Qualifying
6 p.m.	Pre-Race Ceremonies/Features

Saturday, Nov. 23

Time (ET)	Event
7:30 a.m.	Trailer Parking
8 a.m.	Pit Gates Open
8:30 a.m.	Late Model Tire Area Opens
11:15 a.m.	Drivers Meeting
11:45 a.m.	Practice Round One
1:40 p.m.	Practice Round Two
3:15 p.m.	Pre-Qualifying Tech: Late Model Stocks
3:30 p.m.	Grandstands Open
4:15 p.m.	Qualifying
6 p.m.	Pre-Race Ceremonies/Racing Begins

South Carolina 400 entry list

Car No.	Driver
1	Jamie York
2	Brandon Pierce
2	Ryan Wilson
4	Kade Brown
4	Jake Crum
5	Dexter Canipe III
5	Jake Vuncannon
5	Bryant Barnhill
7	Tristan McKee
8	Dale Earnhardt Jr.
13	Cody Kelley
14	Jared Fryar
14	Vicente Salas
15	Ryan Millington
15	Jonathan Shafer
16	Casey Kelley
17	Josh Berry
18	Alex Meggs
18	Truett Miranda
18	Anthony Adams
18	Max Reaves
18	David Roberts
19	Adam Congrove
22	Carson Loftin
27	Matt Gould
28	Ryan Glenski
28	Landon Rapp
28	Landon S. Huffman
29	Brent Crews
32	Zack Miracle
32	Caden Kvapil
44	Conner Jones
45	Mason Diaz
47	Ryley Music
51	Matt Cox
51	Donovan Strauss
55	Mark Wertz
55	Lanie Buice
57	Landon Huffman
61	Justin Hicks
70	Stuart Ricks
71	Aaron Donnelly
77	Treyten Lapcevich
77	Darren Krantz Jr.
88	Doug Barnes Jr.
88	Duncan Grant
92	Bradley Means
95	Jacob Heafner
95	Sam Yarbrough
97	Michael Bumgarner
99	Austin Somero
00	Chase Burrow
00	Jamie Weatherford
03	Brenden Queen
04	Ronnie Bassett Jr.
09	Riley Gentry

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South-Carolina

Thomas, Davis lead South Carolina to 84-72 victory over Mercer

Published

13 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Press Room

Thomas, Davis lead South Carolina to 84-72 victory over Mercer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Jamarii Thomas had 19 points and Zachary Davis scored 18 to lead South Carolina to an 84-72 victory over Mercer on Thursday night.

Thomas made 5 of 10 shots from the floor, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and 5 of 8 free throws for the Gamecocks (3-2). He also had three steals. Davis sank 7 of 12 shots with a pair of 3-pointers, adding five rebounds.

Collin Murray-Boyles scored 16 and finished a rebound shy of a double-double for South Carolina. Jacobi Wright scored 11.

Tyler Johnson hit four 3-pointers and led the Bears (2-3) with 15 points. Alex Holt and Angel Montas Jr. added 14 points apiece and Ahmad Robinson pitched in with 13 points and eight assists before fouling out. TJ Grant grabbed 10 rebounds off the bench.

Thomas and Davis scored seven points apiece in the first half to help South Carolina take a 36-32 lead into intermission. Cam Bryant scored all nine of his points and Johnson scored seven to keep Mercer (2-3) close. The difference in the first half was the Gamecocks made 5 of 9 free throws while the Bears did not attempt one.

South Carolina maintained a lead until Robinson buried a 3-pointer to put the Bears on top 60-59 with 10:47 left to play.

The Gamecocks moved back in front and a Myles Stute 3-pointer gave them their biggest lead to that point at 70-62 with 7:45 remaining. A Murray-Boyles dunk pushed the lead to double digits with 3:39 to go and South Carolina was not threatened from there.

It was the first time the two schools squared off since Dec. 30, 2001 — Dave Odom’s first season as South Carolina’s coach.

South Carolina will play Xavier in the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Monday.

KEY STAT

South Carolina made a season-high 12 triples tonight, T-4^th most in the Lamont Paris era.
The Gamecocks held a 29-21 edge in bench points and a 11-3 edge in fastbreak points.

NOTABLES

South Carolina has now won four-straight over Mercer with tonight marking the first victory over the Bears since 2001.
Senior transfer Jamarii Thomas had a season-high 19 points to lead the team. He was 4-of-5 from behind the arc.
Junior Zachary Davis had a career-high 18 points off the bench. He was 7-of-12 from the floor with five rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles had 16 points and nine rebounds, just missing another double-double. He was effective and efficient per usual, going 6-of-7 from the floor with a pair of steals on the defensive end of the floor. He was 2-for-2 from deep, the first two 3s of his career in 33 games played the last two seasons.

UP NEXT

The Gamecocks head south for a two-game MTE in the program’s debut at the Fort Myers Tip-Off. Carolina opens vs. Xavier (5-0) on Monday. Tip is 8:30 p.m. (ET) on FS1 with Jeff Levering (pxp) and Donny Marshall (analyst) on the call. The team will face either Virginia Tech or Michigan Wednesday.

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South Carolina Graduation Success Rate Figures Announced

Published

22 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

South Carolina Graduation Success Rate Figures Announced

The University of South Carolina athletic program tied for third in the Southeastern Conference in the latest Graduation Success Rate, released Wednesday by the NCAA.

The Graduation Success Rate (GSR) measures the number of scholarship student-athletes that graduate within a six-year period of their initial full-time enrollment. For this report, the GSR is based on student-athletes who entered college in the fall of 2017.

South Carolina’s athletic teams had a 94 percent score, which tied with Auburn University and the University of Mississippi in the SEC behind Vanderbilt (96) and Alabama (96). South Carolina’s Football GSR score (95) ranked second among SEC schools and South Carolina schools. It tied for ninth among all Power 5 schools.

“I am so proud of the academic achievements of our student-athletes,” said Athletics Director Ray Tanner. “Our student-athletes work hard in practice and in games, and they also put in the time with their academics. We have the staff and resources to help our student-athletes reach their goal of graduation.

An outstanding nine teams scored a perfect GSR (100): Men’s Soccer, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Softball, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Tennis, Women’s Track & Field, and Volleyball.

Thirteen of South Carolina’s NCAA-sponsored teams met or exceeded the Division I national average for their sport.

“Once again our student-athletes have demonstrated a strong tradition of academic dedication and tenacity”, said Charlie Ball, Associate AD. “Student-athletes at the University of South Carolina have a competitive edge in the classroom and in their respective sports. We are excited to have the ability to offer notable academic support and provide a one-of-a-kind SEC academic experience.”

A Record of Academic Success

Gamecock Athletics has developed a proud tradition of academic success, achieving numerous honors and reaching high levels of achievement during the 2023-24 academic year.

Student-athletes at USC ended the Spring 2024 semester with a departmental grade point average (GPA) of 3.37. It was the 35th consecutive semester with a departmental GPA above 3.0. The cumulative GPA for all student-athletes in each sport since they arrived at Carolina is 3.41, which is the third highest cumulative grade point average ever for Gamecock student-athletes.
133 Gamecock student-athletes earned their degrees during the 2023-24 academic year.
South Carolina had 430 members on the SEC Academic Honor Roll (fall, winter, spring, first-year), which was third in the SEC. Since 2015-16, South Carolina leads all schools with 3,748 members of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. South Carolina led all schools in SEC Academic Honor Roll in seven of the last nine years (2nd – 2017-18; 3rd – 2023-24).
Six Gamecocks earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-America honors. It is the first time since 2021 that Gamecocks have had multiple first-team and six overall Academic All-Americans. The list includes Dylan Taggart, Men’s Track & Field (1st Team / CSC Academic All-America Track & Field Team Member of the Year), Sarah Hamner, Women’s Tennis (1^st Team), Anass Essayi , Men’s Track & Field (2^ndTeam), Cole Messina, Baseball (3^rd Team), Skylar Allen, Beach Volleyball (3^rd Team) and Louise Rydqvist, Women’s Golf (3^rd Team).
43 Gamecocks earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors and four earned conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors in their respective sports – Dylan Taggart (SEC Indoor & Outdoor Track Scholar-Athlete of the Year), Louis Rvdqvist (SEC women’s golf), Ayana Akli (SEC women’s tennis) and Skylar Allen (CCSA Beach Volleyball Scholar-Athlete of the Year).

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