Politics
Nebraska Supreme Court Upholds Law Restricting Abortion and Transgender Youth Medical Care
The Nebraska Supreme Court upheld a law on Friday that combines restrictions on abortion with measures limiting gender-affirming health care for minors. The court ruled that the law does not breach the state constitutional amendment requiring bills to address only a single subject.
While acknowledging that abortion and gender-affirming care are distinct, the majority opinion determined that both fall under the broader category of medical care. Chief Justice Mike Heavican, writing for the court, referenced a passage from a 1895 ruling to support the finding that a bill with a single general object, even if broad, adheres to the state constitution’s single-subject rule as long as it is clearly expressed.
The case was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. The ACLU argued that the combined law violated Nebraska’s single-subject rule. However, the court rejected this argument, upholding the law.
The law, combining a 12-week abortion ban with restrictions on gender-affirming care, emerged from the Nebraska Legislature’s 2023 session. Initially, separate bills were proposed: one for an abortion ban at around six weeks and another to restrict gender-affirming treatments for minors. After the six-week ban faced a filibuster, the Legislature incorporated it into the gender-affirming care bill.
The law faced significant controversy, including a prolonged filibuster by a few lawmakers trying to block its passage. A district judge had previously dismissed the lawsuit challenging the law, leading to the ACLU’s appeal.
During arguments before the high court, the state’s attorney argued that the combined measures fell under the subject of health care, while Planned Parenthood contended that the Legislature treated abortion and transgender care as separate subjects initially.
Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman’s dissent criticized the majority for applying different standards to legislative bills compared to voter referendums, citing a 2020 case that blocked a medical marijuana initiative for violating the single-subject rule. She accused the majority of favoring legislative flexibility over constitutional adherence.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade, many Republican-controlled states have enacted various abortion bans. Currently, fourteen states ban abortion at all stages with some exceptions, and three others impose bans after about six weeks. Nebraska and North Carolina have introduced bans at 12 weeks.
Additionally, many GOP-controlled states have enacted restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, with twenty-two states currently enforcing such measures. In contrast, several Democratic-controlled states have worked to safeguard access to both abortion and gender-affirming care.
In Nebraska, voters may ultimately decide the future of abortion access, with two questions likely to appear on the November ballot: one to add a right to abortion to the state constitution and another to enshrine the current 12-week ban.
The emergence of Chinese AI app DeepSeek has triggered shockwaves across the US tech industry, leading to a significant drop in stock prices for major companies. AI chipmaker Nvidia saw its value plummet by 16%, losing $500 billion in market capitalization. Rival Broadcom also suffered a sharp decline, with shares falling 17.8%, while other tech giants like Microsoft and Meta experienced notable losses.
DeepSeek has quickly risen to become the most downloaded free app in the United States, overtaking popular rivals like ChatGPT. Its reported development cost of just $6 million has sent ripples through the industry, challenging the traditional notion that groundbreaking AI technology requires multibillion-dollar investments.
In stark contrast, companies like Microsoft and Meta have committed vast sums to AI development, with investments of $80 billion and $60–65 billion, respectively. DeepSeek’s meteoric rise suggests that a lower-cost, open-source approach may disrupt existing business models and redefine what is possible in AI.
The sudden market turmoil underscores concerns about America’s dominance in artificial intelligence. Investors are now questioning whether US tech companies can maintain their competitive edge against cheaper, innovative alternatives like DeepSeek.
Nvidia, a key player in AI chip manufacturing, experienced the most significant blow, as the app’s success has called into question the scalability and profitability of existing AI strategies reliant on expensive infrastructure.
DeepSeek’s rise highlights the potential for more cost-effective, innovative solutions in AI development. While its reported $6 million development budget remains disputed by some industry experts, it has already shifted perceptions of what achieving AI breakthroughs might cost.
This development could pave the way for smaller companies and governments to explore AI without the need for massive financial resources. In the UK, where the government is banking on AI to drive economic growth and reduce public service costs, such advancements could serve as inspiration for future projects.
Despite its success, DeepSeek’s rapid rise also raises questions about its long-term sustainability, data privacy, and the technology underpinning its platform. As researchers and analysts delve deeper into its model, the app’s low-cost development claims may face scrutiny.
The DeepSeek phenomenon has upended the AI market, challenging entrenched economic assumptions and sparking uncertainty for US tech giants.
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed an array of executive actions aimed at swiftly implementing his administration’s priorities. These measures reflect his campaign promises and address a wide range of domestic and international issues.
Key Executive Actions
1. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement
The U.S. has officially begun the process of exiting the global accord, which aims to combat climate change through collective international efforts.
2. Initiating Exit from WHO
Trump has directed steps to formally withdraw from the World Health Organization, citing concerns about its handling of global health crises.
3. Border National Emergency
A national emergency has been declared at the southern border, signaling heightened measures to address immigration and security concerns.
4. Gender and Federal Policy
The administration enacted measures to “defend women from gender ideology” and promote what Trump referred to as “biological truth” in federal governance.
5. Pardons for January 6 Participants
Individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots have been pardoned, a move Trump framed as addressing what he called injustices in their prosecution.
6. Election Accountability
An order was signed to investigate and hold “former government officials accountable for election interference.”
7. Free Speech Protections
Trump ordered federal agencies to “restore freedom of speech” and prevent government censorship, emphasizing a commitment to First Amendment rights.
8. Establishment of Department of Government Efficiency (Doge)
An advisory board was created to streamline government operations, although it does not hold the status of a formal department.
9. Regulatory Freeze
A temporary freeze on the issuance of new regulations has been implemented, giving the administration time to assert control over federal rule-making processes.
10. Addressing Cost-of-Living Crisis
All federal departments and agencies were directed to prioritize measures addressing inflation and economic strain on Americans.
11. TikTok Ban Suspension
An action was signed to halt the implementation of a potential ban on TikTok, citing further review requirements.
On the eve of his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump pledged a flurry of executive actions to set his administration’s agenda in motion immediately after taking office. Speaking to a packed “Victory Rally” in Washington, D.C., Trump vowed to move with “historic speed and strength” to reverse policies from the previous administration and implement his own vision for the nation.
A Sweeping Agenda
Trump announced plans to sign over 200 executive actions on his first day, including:
- Mass Deportations: Initiating large-scale operations targeting undocumented immigrants.
- Environmental Rollbacks: Slashing regulations to boost industrial growth.
- AI Advancements: Expanding federal artificial intelligence programs.
- Iron Dome Defense: Directing the military to develop a missile defense system akin to Israel’s Iron Dome.
- DEI Elimination: Removing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies from the military.
- Transgender Sports Restrictions: Prohibiting transgender women from competing in female sports categories.
- Education Reform: Returning control of education to state governments.
- Government Efficiency: Establishing a Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
He also pledged to release records related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Trump emphasized his intention to swiftly dismantle executive orders from the Biden administration, framing his actions as a course correction for the country. “Every radical and foolish executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of when I take the oath of office,” he declared.
While executive orders allow presidents to bypass Congress on certain issues, the sheer volume and breadth of Trump’s planned actions are expected to face significant legal scrutiny. Many could be challenged in court, potentially delaying their implementation.
Trump’s rally speech drew cheers from supporters eager to see immediate changes. “You’re going to have a lot of fun watching television tomorrow,” he promised the crowd, signaling a dramatic and controversial start to his presidency.
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