When I meet with hospitals and health care viders around Nebraska, both prior to and during the current pandemic, the impact of unnecessary regulations on their ability to care areas at the top of their list of concerns. Over the last four years I have appreciated working with the Trump administration on these issues because of their persistent willingness to listen to rural Americans, take these concerns seriously, and act. We cannot afford to go in the other direction.

79 years after they lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor, two young men are coming home. A moving article in the December 7 Omaha World-Herald tells the story of Fireman 1st Class Louis Tushla and Seaman 2nd Class Charles Alan Jones, two Nebraskans who were serving on the USS Oklahoma when the attack began.

I’ve written before about how, if you work at a weekly newspaper long enough, there is a natural flow to things. Each year, when Thanksgiving comes around, it’s a reminder that winter sports are soon to follow.

Now that the election is over and the dust has mostly settled, I will be turning my attention to the upcoming legislative session. The Legislature will have eight new incoming senators, six of which are new, two are senators. The two former senators were term-limited out, sat out for at least two terms, and have come back for another stint. Of course each new senator changes the dynamic of the Legislature and finding how we all work together is key to the success of the legislative session. Since the election, I have been working to build relationships with these new senators. With senators being termed out, some of the old alliances are now gone. New alliances will need to be forged in order to get things accomplished.

There is an old saying, “it’s always darkest before the dawn.” It has two meanings. The first is that, despite difficulties, there is hope on the horizon. The second meaning is that circumstances can be at their very worst right before things get we enter are reasons to hope an effective vaccine will become available soon—on a limited basis even this month. At the same time, we may be entering the toughest stretch of the pandemic this winter as people head indoors. It’s time for all of us to put our trademark Nebraska grit and determination to work as we buckle up for the coming months of the pandemic.

As a rheumatologist, I often et the question, “What do you do?” According to my kids, their mom does “something with joints.” At the conclusion of patient visits, when I propose a diagnosis such as polymyalgia rheumatica or PMR, I often hear, “What is that?” The fact is most people do not think about rheumatology until they need a rheumatologist. And then, learning the lingo about disease, medications, and lab monitoring can be a challenge.

From buying Christmas gifts for friends and family to taking advantage of Black Friday deals, the holidays are usually the busiest time of the year for retailers. The biggest single day, Black Friday, is already behind us, but eight of the 10 between December 1 and. New Year’s Day.

One glance at this page and you can tell it’s Thanksgiving. In some ways - if we’re honest with ourselves - we can find it difficult to feel very thankful right now.

A threepound baby entered the world in recent days. This precious child was born after his Mom spent seven weeks in the hospital on bedrest. At home, Dad and two siblings were working, going to school, and worrying. Surrounding the family were two sets of grandparents who ensured that the pieces all fell into place. From meals and lawn care, to virtual school, from evening shifts and overnights to early mornings, these grandparents were there every step of the way. They will continue to offer support while the baby remains hospitalized and growing, and after he comes home, because that is what grandparents do, if they are able.

It’s fitting to set aside time each year to express gratitude to God and to one another for the many blessings we enjoy. In seasons of peace and plenty, as well as in times of war and loss, Americans have faithfully carried on Thanksgiving traditions. During challenging times, it’s even more important to remember the abundant blessings we enjoy as Americans.