US Educators Fight Back Against Book Bans and Censorship
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:31s - Published
US Educators Fight Back Against Book Bans and Censorship
US Educators , Fight Back Against , Book Bans and Censorship.
Last year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1557
which bans discussion of sexuality or gender in
classrooms from kindergarten through grade three.
Last year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1557
which bans discussion of sexuality or gender in
classrooms from kindergarten through grade three.
Al Jazeera reports that the legislation, which LGBTQ rights
advocates call the "Don't Say Gay" law, also allows
parents to sue if they believe a teacher has broken the law.
Al Jazeera reports that the legislation, which LGBTQ rights
advocates call the "Don't Say Gay" law, also allows
parents to sue if they believe a teacher has broken the law.
DeSantis also passed the Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids
and Employees Act, or the “Stop WOKE” Act, which bans
critical race theory from being taught in schools.
.
DeSantis also passed the Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids
and Employees Act, or the “Stop WOKE” Act, which bans
critical race theory from being taught in schools.
.
Al Jazeera reports that while the laws fall short of outright banning
books, the broad language they were written in have resulted
in schools removing books that could be in violation.
Meanwhile, teachers are only
allowed to distribute approved
books in the classroom.
In Florida, school districts have
reportedly removed 175 books
from schools across the state.
According to a report by the American Library
Association, the number of book bans surged in
2022 with 2,571 titles targeted for censorship.
Al Jazeera reports that educators and librarians
have found creative ways to skirt the new laws.
What happens when these specific books
are no longer available is, it decreases
representation remarkably, and when
you are not represented, you know
that you do not have power, Adam Tritt, a high school English teacher in Melbourne, Florida, via Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera reports that digital library cards have
also allowed more people to access ebooks
and audiobooks amid surging censorship
5 Takeaways , From the 2nd GOP Debate.
The second Republican presidential debate took place on Sept. 27. These are some of the highlights.
Haley and Ramaswamy butt heads again, Haley called out Ramaswamy's use of TikTok
and accused him of being too close with China.
She then went on to say that she feels
"a little bit dumber for what you say.".
Ramaswamy responded by saying, , "I think we would be better served as a Republican Party
if we're not sitting here hurling personal insults and
actually have a legitimate debate about policy.".
There continues to be no consensus about Ukraine, Just as in Congress, no one can seem to agree about whether we should continue to fund Ukraine's defense against Russia or divert the money elsewhere.
There continues to be no consensus about Ukraine, Just as in Congress, no one can seem to agree about whether we should continue to fund Ukraine's defense against Russia or divert the money elsewhere.
DeSantis interjected more and
continued to attack Trump, He specifically targeted Trump's decision to
skip the debates since he's leading in the polls.
DeSantis interjected more and
continued to attack Trump, He specifically targeted Trump's decision to
skip the debates since he's leading in the polls.
Donald Trump is missing an action.
He should be on this stage tonight.
He owes it to you to defend his
record where they added $7.8 trillion
to the debt. That set the stage for
the inflation that we have, Ron DeSantis, via 2nd GOP Debate.
Other hopefuls keep attempting to be heard, Lower polling candidates such as Gov. Doug Burgum,
Tim Scott and Mike Pence came out swinging.
Other hopefuls keep attempting to be heard, Lower polling candidates such as Gov. Doug Burgum,
Tim Scott and Mike Pence came out swinging.
Little time was spent on abortion, The controversial topic was brought up "about 105 minutes into the 120-minute debate," ABC News reports.
Little time was spent on abortion, The controversial topic was brought up "about 105 minutes into the 120-minute debate," ABC News reports
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
DeSantis Slams , Trump’s Abortion Comment.
DeSantis Slams , Trump’s Abortion Comment.
On Sept. 17, former President Donald Trump criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing a six-week abortion ban back in April.
On Sept. 17, former President Donald Trump criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing a six-week abortion ban back in April.
What he did is a terrible thing
and a terrible mistake, Donald Trump, via NBC's 'Meet the Press'.
Trump went on to suggest that if he was reelected
as president, he'd come up with better abortion restrictions that more people would support.
DeSantis responded by calling Trump
"a different candidate today than he was"
when he first sought the nation's highest office.
I think he's taking positions that
I think are different from what
he took in 2015 when he first
came onto the scene. , Ron DeSantis, to ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis.
And I do think he's a different candidate
today than he was back then. And I think
the one back then was probably closer
to where Republican voters want to
be than the latest iteration, Ron DeSantis, to ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis.
When asked if he thinks Trump is really against abortion, DeSantis replied, "Well, you tell me.".
I think that if you have something where you have a baby that has a detectable heartbeat, if you're pro-life, you would want to say that there should be protections there. , Ron DeSantis, to ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis.
And if he's saying, 'That's a terrible thing' -- I know most pro-life voters would think that he's wrong, Ron DeSantis, to ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
DeSantis, Florida Surgeon General , Contradict Federal COVID Booster Guidance.
On Sept. 11, the FDA approved
a new COVID booster for
anyone 6 months of age and older.
The CDC recommended the
new shots on Sept. 12.
The vaccine is said to target Omicron subvariants that are spreading throughout the U.S.
But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo are advising the state's residents to not get the booster shot if they're under age 65, 'The Washington Post' reports. .
The two men first made the comments during a live event last week and reiterated their claims during an X livestream on Sept. 13. .
I will not stand by and let the FDA and CDC use healthy Floridians as guinea pigs for new booster shots that have not been proven to be safe or effective. No way FDA, Gov. Ron DeSantis, via X livestream.
In December, DeSantis said he was forming a panel to counter the CDC's health recommendations, implying that the public has been misled about vaccine efficacy, 'The Washington Post' reports. .
In May, he barred vaccine passports and
mask requirements in schools and businesses.
Ladapo has long been skeptical
about COVID vaccines as well.
In the past, his warnings were met with a
public letter written by the FDA and CDC, .
In the past, his warnings were met with a
public letter written by the FDA and CDC, .
saying that his comments were "incorrect, misleading
and could be harmful to the American public,"
'The Washington Post' reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Google to Require Politicians , to Disclose AI Use in Election Ads.
Beginning in November, all political advertisements on Google that use artificial intelligence and synthetic content must inform the viewer that such tools have been utilized. .
The new rule also applies to
YouTube ads, Politico reports. .
Verified advertisers must prominently reveal whether
their ads consist of "synthetic content that inauthentically
depicts real or realistic-looking people or events.".
Verified advertisers must prominently reveal whether
their ads consist of "synthetic content that inauthentically
depicts real or realistic-looking people or events.".
Political ads that don't comply will be
blocked from running and removed.
The AI disclosure requirement is the first of its kind for a tech company, Politico reports. .
However, if AI was only using for editing, such as resizing or cropping, disclosure is not required.
Politicians have already been using AI to their advantage approaching the 2024 election cycle.
For example, over the summer, a PAC supporting
Ron DeSantis' White House bid generated an AI version of Donald Trump's voice and posted the video to YouTube. .
For example, over the summer, a PAC supporting
Ron DeSantis' White House bid generated an AI version of Donald Trump's voice and posted the video to YouTube. .
The Federal Election Commission does not yet have rules in place regarding AI use in political ads. .
However, in August the commission agreed to seek public comments "on amending regulation to include deliberately deceptive Artificial Intelligence in campaign ads."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Ron DeSantis Refuses , Inflation Reduction Act Funds.
Florida is eligible for about "$350 million in energy efficiency incentives" under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Politico reports. .
But Gov. Ron DeSantis has turned down the funding and other IRA measures. .
While his refusal affects Biden's climate agenda, it also affects consumer rebates. .
Specifically, DeSantis rejected $5 million
to establish a rebate program for people
who purchase energy efficient appliances
or take steps to retrofit their homes. .
He also blocked an additional
$341 million to fund the program.
Additionally, DeSantis turned down
$3 million to help Florida combat pollution and rejected a program to help those
with low income access solar panels. .
Additionally, DeSantis turned down
$3 million to help Florida combat pollution and rejected a program to help those
with low income access solar panels. .
The Florida governor also vetoed
grants worth $24 million under the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Politico reports. .
While DeSantis is the only governor to block the energy rebates so far, other governors have rejected pollution mitigation funding.
Those governors represent
South Dakota, Iowa and Kentucky.
Those governors represent
South Dakota, Iowa and Kentucky.
Those governors represent
South Dakota, Iowa and Kentucky.
Other states that haven't applied for solar funding include Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and South Dakota.
It’s unfortunate that some officials are putting politics ahead of delivering meaningful progress
for hard working Americans, Michael Kikukawa, White House spokesman, via Politico .
Despite this, President Biden and his administration are working with cities, counties, businesses, nonprofits, and other entities in the Sunshine State to ensure Floridians benefit from the lower costs and stronger economy delivered by his agenda, Michael Kikukawa, White House spokesman, via Politico
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
A 3-year-old girl shot herself with an unattended gun in a Florida home, and the horrific incident was caught on video. The young girl, named Serenity, was.. TMZ.com
Two teens stole an SUV and went for a joyride in Florida, but they got into a wild, high-speed police chase and ended up under arrest. Sunday's dramatic pursuit.. TMZ.com
Hunter Biden , Files Lawsuit Against the IRS.
Al Jazeera reports that Hunter Biden has filed
a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
for publicly sharing his personal tax information.
Al Jazeera reports that Hunter Biden has filed
a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
for publicly sharing his personal tax information.
On September 18, he filed a lawsuit against two
IRS agents who the lawsuit claims "sought to
embarrass Mr Biden" by releasing his information. .
On September 18, he filed a lawsuit against two
IRS agents who the lawsuit claims "sought to
embarrass Mr Biden" by releasing his information. .
According to the lawsuit, the federal whistleblower
protections the agents have sought does not give them
the right to share confidential information publicly.
The lawsuit includes allegations that
specific tax years, deductions and allegations
regarding liability were all improperly disclosed.
The lawsuit includes allegations that
specific tax years, deductions and allegations
regarding liability were all improperly disclosed.
The lawsuit reportedly looks to "force compliance
with federal tax and privacy laws" and prevent
the spread of "unsubstantiated allegations.".
The lawsuit reportedly looks to "force compliance
with federal tax and privacy laws" and prevent
the spread of "unsubstantiated allegations.".
The news comes amid a long-running investigation
into Hunter, and an impeachment inquiry leveled
at his father, United States President Joe Biden.
The news comes amid a long-running investigation
into Hunter, and an impeachment inquiry leveled
at his father, United States President Joe Biden.
Last week, Hunter was indicted on federal
firearm charges accusing him of lying about his
drug use in order to purchase a firearm in 2018.
Last week, Hunter was indicted on federal
firearm charges accusing him of lying about his
drug use in order to purchase a firearm in 2018.
The case against Hunter sets the stage
for a potential high-profile trial heading
into the 2024 presidential election.
Al Jazeera reports that Hunter was expected to make a
plea deal with prosecutors on misdemeanor charges for
failing to pay taxes on time and the gun charge against him.
Al Jazeera reports that Hunter was expected to make a
plea deal with prosecutors on misdemeanor charges for
failing to pay taxes on time and the gun charge against him.
However, the deal which Republicans had
decried as a "sweetheart deal," fell apart after
being questioned by the judge overseeing the case. .
However, the deal which Republicans had
decried as a "sweetheart deal," fell apart after
being questioned by the judge overseeing the case.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
China's Restrictions , on iPhones Send , Apple Shares Tumbling.
Al Jazeera reports that shares in Apple plummeted
for the second straight session following the
announcement of strict Chinese restrictions on iPhones. .
The restrictions, which ban iPhones from government
offices and state-backed entities, come amid rising
tensions between the United States and China.
Following the release of a 'Wall Street Journal' report
on the new Chinese policy, shares in the world's biggest
publicly-traded company fell 3.5% on September 6. .
On September 7, shares in Apple
fell an additional 2.8% to reach
$177.79 by late morning trading.
Al Jazeera reports that China has been pushing
locally-made tech products, with technology at the
center of major national security issues with the U.S.
In 2020, 'The Economic Observer' reported that some Chinese government agencies had already implemented a ban on officials using iPhones, citing Apple's strict privacy rules. .
China generates nearly one fifth
of the tech giant's revenue,
making it one of Apple's largest markets. .
This could provide an additional
challenge for the company, as its
revenues from China have already
been negatively impacted by
a challenging macroeconomic
environment in that country, Tom Forte, D.A. Davidson analyst, via Al Jazeera.
According to Patrick O'Hare, a Briefing.com
analyst, China's ban on Apple could have
implications that extend to other tech companies. .
The worry for the market is that, if China
purposely chooses to make business difficult
for a company like Apple, which has a good
and important working relationship in
China, then it can do so for a lot of other
U.S. companies doing business in China, Patrick O'Hare, Briefing.com analyst, via Al Jazeera.
The worry for the market is that, if China
purposely chooses to make business difficult
for a company like Apple, which has a good
and important working relationship in
China, then it can do so for a lot of other
U.S. companies doing business in China, Patrick O'Hare, Briefing.com analyst, via Al Jazeera
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
California Must Provide , Gender-Neutral Bathrooms
in Schools by 2026.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 760 into law on Sept. 23, CNN reports.
All K-12 schools in the state must now be equipped with gender-neutral restrooms by July 2026.
California is proud to have some
of the most robust laws in the nation when it comes to protecting and supporting our LGBTQ+ community, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.
Sen. Josh Newman applauded the new law, saying it's "only fair that everybody has access to a restroom without fear of outing, bullying, or stigmatization," CNN reports.
Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, said the new law sends a "clear message" that the state will protect the LGBTQ community. .
Hate-filled attacks will not be tolerated and we will continue protecting and ensuring the safety of all members of the LGBTQ+ community, Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, via statement.
The new law comes one day after Gov. Newsom vetoed a bill which would have called on California judges to weigh "whether a parent affirms their child's gender identity when granting custody and visitation," CNN reports. .
A court, under existing law, is required to consider a child's health, safety and welfare when determining the best interests of a child in these proceedings, including the parent's affirmation of the child's gender identity, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.
I urge caution when the Executive and Legislative branches of state government attempt to dictate - in prescriptive terms that single out on characteristic - legal standards for the Judicial branch to apply, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.
Other-minded election officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
LGBT asylum seekers in the UK have condemned Suella Braverman as "inhuman" after she said "simply being gay, or a woman" was not enough to gain refugee status. Sky News
Louise Redknapp has been accused of throwing her Eternal bandmates "under the bus" following a row over performing at LGBTQ festivals and Pride events. Sky News
Louise Redknapp has pulled out of an Eternal reunion tour, after claims two of the girl band's members refused to play LGBTQ festivals and Pride events. Sky News
Surveillance and the threat of imprisonment: Euronews spoke to Russian queer activists who have chosen to stay in the country, despite increasing hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 02:10Published
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