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Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
History from News Journal archives, June 1-7: Delaware Bible law, plans for nuclear plant
"Pages of history" features excerpts from The News Journal archives including The Morning News and The Evening Journal. See the archives at June 1, 1925, The Evening Journal A legal test of the Delaware law providing compulsory reading of the Bible 'without comment' in public schools and colleges is being sought by the American Civil Liberties Union, according to Prof. Clarence R. Skinner of Tuft's College, chairman of the Union's Committee on Academic Freedom. Prof. Skinner states that 'the Delaware law, like the Tennessee anti-evolution law, which the Civil Liberties Union is fighting, strikes so serious a blow at academic freedom that we cannot let the issue rest until it has been passed upon by the courts.' The Delaware Bible law, which was first passed by the Legislature in March 1923, has recently been amended to impose a fine upon any teacher who shall fail to obey this act, and providing that such teacher shall forfeit his or her certificates. ... The law provides that 'no religious service or exercise except the reading of the Bible and the repeating of the Lord's prayer shall be held in any school receiving any portion of the moneys appropriated for the support of public schools.' It is believed that the Bible law and its amendments violate the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom and the Delaware Bill of Rights, according to the Civil Liberties Union…. Recent school news: DE state rep working with expired teaching license removed from House Education Committee June 5, 1975, The Morning News Delmarva Power & Light Co. already has awarded the construction contract for its proposed nuclear power plant near Summit, the General Assembly learned yesterday. DP&L confirmed last night that parts of the contract – worth an estimated $1.1 billion – were awarded in 1972 and last year to United Engineers and Contractors Inc. of Philadelphia. A spokesman said no announcements were made because 'we didn't think it was news.' Gov. Sherman W. Tribbitt told a meeting of legislative leaders he had learned that the general contract had been awarded and was unhappy because none of the subcontractors were from Delaware. ... Rep. Joseph P. (Jody) Ambrosino Jr., R - Edgemoor Terrace, took to the House floor to criticize DP&L for advancing to this stage without all the required government permits. In response, DP&L said the contract was awarded because it takes awhile to do all the preliminary work necessary before construction can begin. Ambrosino said he would introduce a bill today that would impose a two-year moratorium on construction. He said questions about the plant's safety, efficiency, cost and disposal of radioactive waste haven't been answered adequately. The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved the construction of this power plant in February, although it said more information would be necessary before construction permits were issued. The two 766-megawatt nuclear generators will be built on the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, just north of Summit, and are scheduled for completion in 1984…. There have been several public hearings and there is strong opposition to the project on the grounds that safety standards are inadequate both for construction and operation. DP&L says the plant is needed to meet the rising demand for electricity. It also says the project would boost Delaware's economy by providing hundreds of construction jobs…. Recent Delmarva Power news: How lawmakers are trying to reduce energy bills, protect ratepayers in Delaware June 7, 2000, The News Journal By Adam Taylor, staff reporter The Rev. Jesse Jackson vowed Tuesday to push MBNA Corp. to put minorities on its all-white board of directors. Jackson said he would organize protests against the credit card company and would research its record on hiring and promoting minorities. ... MBNA – the state's second-largest private employer with 10,000 workers – has faced criticism about the lack of diversity on its board before. Bank shareholders in April voted down a proposal from a religious group for MBNA to consider adding women and minorities to the board. Jackson was in Wilmington on Tuesday to attend General Motors' annual stockholders meeting at the Hotel du Pont. He said he wants the automaker to increase its diversity efforts. Jackson's Rainbow/PUSH Coalition owns GM stock. He was meeting with about 30 city political and religious leaders at the Wyndham Garden Hotel when someone handed him a newspaper article about the MBNA shareholders vote. Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: History from News Journal, June 1-7: Bible law, nuclear plant plans
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Springfield Pride Parade steps off this year in support of city's LGBTQIA+ youth
SPRINGFIELD — Show up, stand proud and let's make history together. That's the message of the fourth annual Springfield Pride Parade, which steps off next weekend amid a time that is tense and uncertain for the LGBTQIA+ community. 'Being a Black man of the community, those are two things that are truly under attack, people of color and the LGBTQ community,' Taurean Bethea, who is executive director and founder of the Springfield Pride Parade Organization, said. 'Springfield has just an array of different backgrounds and all types of people. We want to make sure that our youth feel seen and supported, especially in this time.' President Trump's second administration has set forth a flurry of executive orders, largely aimed at the LGBTQIA+ population, including the restriction of gender-affirming care and the removal of federal funding from organizations that support 'gender ideology.' The American Civil Liberties Union has reported a total of 588 anti-LGBTQ bills in the United States as of May. While Massachusetts only accounts for five of those bills, the political atmosphere has many in the LGBTQIA+ community feeling tense and uncertain about the future. 'This is not the time for us to cower or be victims,' Bethea said. 'We need to stand up and be loud and proud and really hold our elected officials to account and make sure that they're taking care of our needs.' Bethea is a gay man. The idea for the first Springfield Pride Parade came from a hate comment that was posted his social media in 2017 about his sexual orientation. At the time, he was closeted. Now, he's loud and proud about who he is, and he wants to spread that message and encourage everyone to live who they are unapologetically. And this weekend in Springfield, there will only be joy, acceptance and above all, pride. The Springfield Pride Parade is not just a one-day event, but a weekend-long celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community in the region. It begins on Thursday, June 5, with a flag raising ceremony at Springfield City Hall at 10:30 a.m. and a youth community panel at Springfield Technical Community College from 1-3 p.m., featuring Springfield Pride Parade DJ Kenneth Kyrell. The You Ball gala will be held in MGM Springfield's Aria Ballroom the following night, June 6, starting at 6 p.m. The gala's theme is inspired by Studio 54, a former nightclub in Manhattan, and true to its name, the night will be full of sparkles, sequins and all things disco. General admission tickets are $200 and can be purchased on Springfield Pride Parade's website. Funds raised from the You Ball gala will support the Pride Parade organization's Safe Space program, an afterschool initiative to empower and provide a safe community for LGBTQIA+ youth in grades 6 to 12 in Springfield schools. 'It almost feels like we have to shield them to make sure that they still have their head held high and are confident, even in these very trying times,' Bethea explained. 'We really want to make sure that they know that they are our next generation, because there is going to be a lot of work to do.' The Safe Space program offers a combination of both summer and after-school programs year-round for LGBTQIA+ youth, including guest speakers, internships and leadership opportunities, advocacy workshops and more. Pride weekend culminates with the Pride Parade and downtown block party on Saturday, June 7. This is the fourth parade – the first parade was expected to have a turnout of 'around 500 people,' Bethea said, and they ended up welcoming more than 6,000 people into the city in that first year. The number has only grown since then, he said. 'This year is a little different because we are actually trying to take our messaging more national, so we're reaching out and expanding our reach overall,' Bethea said. 'So, we're reaching into Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut and really just trying to gather everybody within the region to come and celebrate and support.' The result of which, Bethea hopes, will be an even bigger celebration this year. The parade steps off from Springfield Technical Community College at noon sharp, but if you're participating in the parade, plan to be there by 10 a.m. 'I'm very adamant about the 12 o'clock [step-off],' Bethea said with a laugh. Those interested in marching in the Springfield Pride Parade can register on the organization's website, Students interested in marching can reach out directly to their schools and programs. Everyone is encouraged to line the streets to Stearns Square and be 'loud and proud,' Bethea said. 'Everyone is welcome to march with us,' he said. 'We need as many people as possible because we have to make a statement this year.' Following the parade, a free block party will be held in Stearns Square from 1:30 to 6 p.m. The party will include food, vendors, live music by DJ Kenneth, and special guest Dawn Richards of Danity Kane, a 2000's R&B/pop group best known for songs like 'Damaged,' 'Show Stopper' and 'Ride for You.' 'Come out and let's make our pride loud a-f,' Bethea said. 'That's our theme this year. It's a pretty edgy kind of hashtag we're using, but I think now is the time for us to be loud.' For more information about Springfield Pride Parade events, visit Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
ACLU sues over Kansas law banning gender-affirming care for minors
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the ACLU of Kansas on Wednesday that was passed – blocking gender-affirming care for minors. The lawsuit was filed in Douglas County on behalf of two transgender adolescents and their parents, who say the new law violates the Kansas Constitution's guarantees of equal protection and fundamental rights. Missouri Supreme Court temporarily reinstates abortion ban In February, Kansas became the 27th state to ban or restrict such care when GOP lawmakers reversed Gov. Laura Kelly's veto after President Donald Trump issued an order barring federal support for gender-affirming care for youth under 19. Gov. Kelly vetoed the bill on Feb. 11, saying it's inappropriate for politicians to infringe on parental rights. One week later, on Feb. 18, the veto was reversed. The ACLU lawsuit was filed on behalf of a 16-year-old and his mother, as well as a 13-year-old and her mother. 'Our clients and every Kansan should have the freedom to make their own private medical decisions and consult with their doctors without the intrusion of Kansas politicians,' said D.C. Hiegert, Civil Liberties Legal Fellow for the ACLU of Kansas. Supporters of such bans argue that they protect vulnerable children from what they see as 'radical' ideology about gender – and from making irreversible medical decisions too young. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV The Kansas law prohibits puberty blockers, hormone therapies and/or surgery for minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria who are trying to transition away from the gender assigned to them at birth. State employees caring for children are not allowed to provide or encourage such treatment—nor are they allowed to encourage 'social transitioning.' The law allows these same treatments to be provided to cisgender youth for any other reason. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach released a statement in response to the lawsuit: 'I look forward to meeting the ACLU in court and defending our Kansas law. Once again, the ACLU is attempting to twist the meaning of the Kansas Constitution into something unrecognizable. The Kansas Legislature was well within its authority when it acted to protect Kansas children from these harmful surgeries.' The Associated Press contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Transgender teens challenge Kansas law banning gender-affirming care for minors
Two transgender teenagers and their parents are challenging a Kansas law banning gender-affirming care for minors, arguing the measure violates the state constitution and 'is actively harming Kansas families' in a lawsuit filed Wednesday in a state district court. Kansas's Senate Bill 63 prohibits health care providers from administering treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries to minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria, characterized by a severe psychological distress that stems from a mismatch between a person's gender identity and sex at birth. The bill, passed by the state Legislature in January, includes exceptions for minors born with 'a medically verifiable disorder of sex development.' Health care providers who break the law, which also targets social transition, face civil penalties and may be stripped of their license. The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Kansas filed Wednesday's challenge in Douglas County District Court pseudonymously on behalf of plaintiffs Lily Loe, 13, Ryan Roe, 16, and their mothers, Lisa Loe and Rebecca Roe. The two children 'have been thriving since they started receiving puberty blockers and hormone therapy,' the lawsuit states, 'but now their trusted doctors in Kansas can no longer help them, and they are at risk of unimaginable suffering.' For their parents, Senate Bill 63 'impermissibly infringes on the fundamental right to the care, custody, and control of their children,' the lawsuit says, 'by displacing their medical decision-making authority with a government mandate, even when they, their adolescent children, and medical providers are all aligned.' Republican state Attorney General Kris Kobach, who is named in the lawsuit, did not immediately return a request for comment. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the bill in February for the third time in as many years, though her veto ultimately did not stand. 'It is disappointing that the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans' private medical decisions instead of focusing on issues that improve all Kansans' lives,' Kelly said in a statement at the time. 'Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value. As I've said before, it is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind.' The state's Republican-led Legislature overrode Kelly's veto the following week. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson (R) and House Speaker Dan Hawkins (R) said they voted to override the governor's action 'in honor of the children Governor Kelly failed to protect with her repeated vetoes of this sensible legislation.' The ACLU and the ACLU of Kansas are seeking an injunction to block enforcement of the law while the case moves forward. 'Our clients and every Kansan should have the freedom to make their own private medical decisions and consult with their doctors without the intrusion of Kansas politicians,' said D.C. Hiegert, civil liberties legal fellow for the ACLU of Kansas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
What you post…
A long time ago, a guy named Ravi Srinivasan had only 16 followers on Twitter (called X now). He posted something against a politician's son. The police noticed and even arrested him, which was surprising. Since then, many students like Ravi have been punished for what they post online. One student in Maharashtra, India, made a mistake when she shared a post that seemed to support Pakistan during a special operation called Op Sindoor. Even though she deleted the post and said sorry, her college kicked her out, and the police arrested her for hurting India's feelings and breaking the law. She spent 18 days in jail and missed two exams just for that. In 2015, India's Supreme Court said that people have the right to express their opinions, even if those opinions are unpopular. They explained that talking or sharing ideas is okay, but trying to make people fight (incitement) is not. Recently, a higher court in Mumbai said the same thing. They asked, 'Does the government want students to stop speaking and turn them into criminals?' The court said the girl's mistake was just a small one, not something serious enough to punish so harshly. Far away in the United States, the government is also trying to watch what foreign students post on social media before giving them visas to study there. They might check your social media profiles closely, and if you like or share posts about certain topics, like children suffering in Gaza, it could cause problems. The American Civil Liberties Union says this kind of government watching makes people scared to speak freely. People move to the U.S. because of freedom, but if free speech is limited, it's not good for any country, whether in the East or West. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
