Nebraska is the latest state to ban transgender students from girls’ sports

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signed into law Wednesday a measure banning transgender students from girls’ sports, making the state the latest to keep transgender athletes from competing on women’s and girls’ teams. Pillen signed the law flanked by dozens of lawmakers, women athletes and other advocates — including former collegiate swimmer Riley…

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What is Fusarium graminearum, the fungus US authorities say was smuggled in from China?

NEW YORK — Federal prosecutors charged two Chinese researchers on Tuesday with smuggling a crop-killing fungus into the U.S. last summer — charges that come amid heightened political tensions between the two countries and as the Trump administration moves to revoke visas from visiting Chinese students. Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu are charged with conspiracy,…

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Former Biden White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says she is leaving the Democratic Party

WASHINGTON — Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, a prominent fixture in Democratic politics and the face of the Biden administration for years, is leaving the party and registering as an independent, according to a press release about her upcoming book. Jean-Pierre “didn’t come to her decision to be an Independent lightly,” said the…

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‘Dance Moms’ star Abby Lee Miller says catheter was left in her abdomen for years, sues hospital

“Dance Moms” star Abby Lee Miller sued a prominent Los Angeles hospital on Tuesday, alleging that doctors left a foreign object in her body after performing surgery. Miller, known for her starring role on the hit reality TV show, is suing Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and two doctors for medical malpractice, professional negligence and medical battery….

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Scientists say a record amount of seaweed hit the Caribbean and nearby areas in May

“It’s the million-dollar question,” he said. “I don’t have a supremely satisfying answer.” Three different types of sargassum exist in the Caribbean and nearby areas, reproducing asexually as they remain afloat thanks to tiny air sacs. They thrive in different ways depending on sunlight, nutrients and water temperature, factors that scientists are currently studying, Barnes…

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‘State of Firsts’ documentary explores Sarah McBride’s historic first months in Congress

When Rep. Sarah McBride, the nation’s first openly transgender member of Congress, said in November that she would comply with a policy from House Republicans that banned her from using public women’s restrooms in the House, many in the transgender community were disappointed — and some even furious. Some people expected McBride, as the only…

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