Latest news with #Let'sTalkAboutIt
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Yahoo
Athens-Limestone County Public Library Board of Trustees releases statement on ‘age-appropriate material' concerns
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Athens-Limestone County Public Library Board of Trustees released a statement Saturday to clear up reports of inappropriate material shown in the youth sections of the library. According to the Board of Trustees for the library, there is a report going around that there are non-age-appropriate materials in the youth sections of the Athens-Limestone County Public Library. Authorities responded to high-speed chase leading to overheated vehicle, field fire off Pulaski Pike The statement released Saturday states that, before the tenure of Vicki Hereford on the board, a parent reached out and emailed 'unsolicited graphic images' from a book called 'Let's Talk About It.' The board said this book is a graphic novel format marketed to teens and said, in the email to Hereford, that the parent acknowledged that the library did not own a copy of the book. The board of trustees said other news articles said the parent mentioned another book called 'It's Perfectly Normal,' but the board said the email to Hereford did not mention that book. The board did acknowledge that the library had a copy of this book but that it was shelved in the adult collection because of its purchase in 2010. 'While the book advertises on its cover that it is for age 10 and up, because of the images and material in the book, the library believed it was inappropriate for that age level and placed it in the adult section,' the Board of Trustees said. Authorities respond to early morning house fire on Ryland Pike You can read the full statement released Saturday by the board below. 'Athens-Limestone County Public Library Board of Trustees The Athens-Limestone County Public Library and its board of trustees are committed to the common-sense proposition, shared by the vast majority of citizens in Limestone County, that only age-appropriate materials be located in the youth sections of our library. Any reports that suggest otherwise are dead wrong. The ALCPL Board of Trustees is and always has been made up of Athens and Limestone County citizens appointed by the local governments. All the board members meet this qualification. Newly appointed board member Vicki Hereford's qualifications also include an extensive, professional background in finance and academia, and she is known across our community as a conservative mother of three now-grown sons. She is a welcome addition to the board and we look forward to her championing a conservative approach to decisions concerning library operations and materials purchased for children. Before Ms. Hereford's tenure as a board member began, a concerned parent emailed unsolicited graphic images from a book called 'Let's Talk About It', a book in graphic novel format marketed to teens. The parent's email acknowledged that Athens-Limestone County Public Library does not own a copy of this book. That is correct, and there are no plans for our library to ever have a copy of this book. The images sent to Ms. Hereford were very sexually graphic. Ms. Hereford was disturbed by opening an email to see these unsolicited graphic images and she replied by insisting that the parent not send her those kinds of images. Some news articles have mentioned another book called 'It's Perfectly Normal'. The parent's emails to Ms. Hereford never mentioned that book and never sent images from that book. The library owns a copy of 'It's Perfectly Normal', and it has been shelved in the adult collection since it was purchased in 2010. While the book advertises on its cover that it is for age 10 and up, because of the images and material in the book, the library believed it was inappropriate for that age level and placed it in the adult section. The selection of materials for the library is an on-going process guided by the principle that the collection reflects our community's beliefs, standards, growth and diversity. The library has clear policies and procedures to help guide purchasing and placement decisions, and it takes positive action to continually review and evaluate its Children's and Young Adult collection to ensure the collection aligns with current guidelines set by the Alabama Public Library Service.' Craig BeasleyChairman In the ALCPL materials selection process information guide, page 16 is titled 'Materials Selection Reconsideration Procedures.' Here's what to know about cryptocurrency and your taxes GOP heads into key stretch for ambitious Trump tax cut plan Auburn University names new head coach for women's basketball team Police: 2 arrested in New Mexico shooting that killed 3, injured 15 How long would $1.5M in retirement savings last in each state? You can read the full ALCPL Materials Selection Process guide below. 3-Materials-Selection-Reconsideration-Process-ALCPLDownload In this section, the library says it supports the principles of intellectual freedom in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. 'The Board of Trustees has endorsed the policy that while any one individual is free toreject any books or materials that don't meet their individual approval, this right ofindividual censorship cannot be used to restrict the freedom of other individuals to readthe materials they choose. The Library will make efforts to properly categorize materialsin such a way that certain materials as stated herein are not placed in Juvenile or YoungAdult sections, however, the responsibility for the choice of library material for minorsrests with their parents or legal guardians,' the section reads. The section then says that those who are in 'good standing' with the library can request that materials be withdrawn or reconsidered. The section says that pieces of work will then be evaluated as a whole, not by 'excerpts taken out of context.' LOOKING FOR THE EXTENDED FORECAST? Click here to learn how to download the Live Alert 19 app The ALCPL materials selection process information guide also said that something will not be removed or relocated without proof that the item violates the ALCPL Material Selection Policy. 'An item in the collection will not be removed or relocated at the request of anyone whodisagrees with the content or format unless it can be proved that the item is in violationof the Athens-Limestone County Public Library Material Selection Policy or by finaljudgments or rulings by a court of competent jurisdiction,' the guidelines say. To request that material be reconsidered by the library, a member can fill out a 'citizen's request for reconsideration of library material' form found below. 3-Materials-Selection-Reconsideration-Process-FORMDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Preston Spire's New Campaign Stars Room-Destroying Elephant to Encourage People to Talk about Problem Gambling
The new work created for the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling encourages people to talk about the family-destroying "elephant in the room" MINNEAPOLIS, March 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For two million Minnesotans, there is an elephant in the room that is destroying those failing to address the growing issue of problem gambling. With an estimated 250,000 problem gamblers in the state, and each of those affecting up to 10 others in their lives, Minneapolis advertising agency Preston Spire has produced a new campaign for the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) timed with National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March. The new campaign, "Let's Talk About It," is running across digital platforms in Minnesota to get people talking about problem gambling, a topic that is too often left unaddressed — the proverbial "elephant in the room." The PSA visuals are centered in a darkened and destructed American family room with tables overturned, busted lamps, "past due" bills strewn upon the floor and smashed family photo picture frames. Coupled with the visuals is a voiceover that charts the stark statistics of problem gambling, which closes with the message: "If you suspect someone you love has gambling addiction, it's time to talk about the elephant in the room" — with the closing shot revealing the metaphoric elephant among the ruin in the room. The new work is a follow-up to Preston Spire's first PSA for MNAPG, the gripping, award-winning "Just As Real." "An African Elephant weighs 13,000 pounds. But it's still lighter than the burden of a gambling addiction on Minnesota families," says Brett Essman, Creative Director, Preston Spire. "We wanted to do something bold and memorable to counter the hundreds of millions being spent on gambling marketing and let people know that pretending not to see the problem won't make it go away." Those who are concerned a loved one may have a gambling problem can find tips and information at The new campaign launches during Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March and is part of MNAPG's efforts to raise awareness that gambling treatment is free in Minnesota. The timing is especially relevant given the frenzy of betting action surrounding the NCAA's March Madness basketball tournament, coupled with the Minnesota Legislature again debating to legalize sports betting. "Problem gambling is a serious issue that requires serious discussions among families and loved ones, but unfortunately, it's far too often left ignored, and as a result, ultimately tears families apart," says Susan Sheridan Tucker, Executive Director, MNAPG. "Our hope is this message educates and encourages Minnesotans to start the conversation and seek out resources to address a loved one's gambling problem so they can find the treatment they need." Sheridan Tucker encourages those seeking help to call the Minnesota Helpline at 1-800-333-4673. For more information about MNAPG and tools for increasing awareness of problem gambling, visit About Preston SpirePreston Spire is a fiercely independent, full-service, employee-owned creative agency known for delivering Good Wins to ambitious marketers ready to create sustainable business growth. This approach has earned Preston Spire recognition as one of Ad Age's 2024 & 2025 Best Places to Work, 2024 Ad Age Small Agency Campaign of the Year, Ad Age Midwest Small Agency of the Year, and a spot among the Top 25 Independent Agencies on the Effie Effectiveness Index. Learn more: visit and follow on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. View source version on Contacts Nathan Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Yahoo
Interview with ODU police after recent shooting
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — 10 On Your Side Karina Garcia is speaking with ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton after the Wednesday shooting incident. NPD: 2 dead following shooting at ODU's campus Two people were killed after being shot in a parking lot on West 49th Street in the area of Broderick Dining Commons on the Old Dominion University campus, Norfolk and ODU police said. ODU President Hemphill released the following statement after the shooting: Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:Late yesterday, there was a campus incident that resulted in life-threatening injuries to two individuals. An immediate alert was sent with subsequent updates in the hours following the incident. As the City of Norfolk Police Department continues its investigation, additional information will be shared once available. The University is aware of misinformation being shared both on campus and in the community. Individuals are encouraged to rely on official information issued by the City of Norfolk Police Department, as well as formal University no Old Dominion University students, faculty, or staff were injured, this incident certainly impacts our community. Please keep those impacted in your thoughts and prayers. Also, please accept our sincere appreciation for your patience and understanding during this evolving situation. To support our campus community, walk-in counseling is available throughout the day in the Student Recreation and Well-Being Center. For students, the Office of Counseling Services is hosting a Let's Talk About It virtual support group from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM today with registration available on MonarchGroups. For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program is available and accessible at the safety of our campus is a top priority, the Old Dominion University Police Department is deeply committed to protecting all Monarchs and ensuring a safe learning, living, and working environment at all times. We take this responsibility very seriously in close collaboration with local authorities and other critical partners. Without question, we remain committed and vigilant in our daily work and overall efforts both now and well into the O. Hemphill, More updates will be provided throughout the day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Yahoo
Midday Interview: Resource fair for ‘Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month'
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — Hope Harbour and the Department of Juvenile Justice are partnering up to hold a resource fair and assembly for 'Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.' 'Let's Talk About It' is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20 at the Carver High School Auditorium from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The assembly is aiming to shine a spotlight on the issue of dating violence in teens. According to Hope Harbour, Columbus holds the highest numbers in the state of Georgia for juvenile probation. The organization says many of those cases stem from dating-related violence. Youth, parents, teachers, community leaders, and concerned citizens are all encouraged to attend. Hope Harbour Resource Development and Marketing Manager Monica Luker stopped by the studio on Thursday to tell us about the event. You can watch the interview in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
